Victoria

Yes. It's interesting that though no doubt people around the world are speaking about this, they are speaking about this ENTIRE situation with less interest and ongoing attention than say, Vietnam (1968) v. Afghanistan (1980). The pass that Russia has gotten from certain people since 1917 is disheartening...

This thread is about 9/11. Let's stick to the off-topic programme, or create yet another thread about Iraq.

Without me getting political (which as you know, FasTTaP, I hate), that sometimes is a cop out, I feel. America under Bush 1, Reagan, Carter, Nixon, LBJ, Kennedy, Eisenhower, even Roosevelt was never popular with the French. Excepting 42, you'd have to go as far back as Wilson before you got to a President which the French approved of, when he was greeted as the Saviour of Europe by them in the Versailles Conference. It went to his head, and maybe the French became wary of America's growing legitimacy after that -- which ironically, they had a part in "bestowing", if you will. So honestly, I think using the political administration of today is really a red-herring. Of course, I'm not saying no. It does play a role. But De Gaulle would've hated him too, and they're both Conservatives...(hello, M. Chirac...). Besides, this documentary doesn't come from the official powers that be. It comes from the French media elite, who are all Sciences Po grads and ENArques...right? And moreover, the feelings come from your average French people, which doesn't hurt Americans, save the ones there like Ryyannon, but does ruin the possible feelings of respect these two nations (so similar in so many ways), should have for each other. Yes, I think most people saw that, unfortunately. This is way beyond Freedom Fries territory. And I say this as an unrepetant Francophile, who loves speaking French, and loves everything French. It was un mal go

Wait, wait. This is a good one. I read this in one of those "News of the Weird" sections on Reuters. APRIL 19--Meet Philip Winikoff. The 76-year-old Florida man was arrested this morning and charged with sexual battery after he posed as a doctor and went door-to-door--black doctor's bag in hand--offering women free breast exams. According to a Broward County Sheriff's Office report, two women--ages 33 and 36--fell for the scam, which Winikoff allegedly ran in Lauderdale Lakes. Charged with several felonies, Winikoff was booked into the sheriff's lockup, where the below mug shot was snapped. Police are now investigating whether other women may have been tricked into impromptu examinations. http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0419062doc1.html The head reels thinking of this. Only guys think of doing something this weird. Sorry fellas, you know it's true. Like putting mirrors on your shoes to look up women's skirts. WTF! Men and women are just wired differently. And WHO on earth would allow a total strange old dude to give them a "free breast exam", when he knocked on your door saying he's a doctor?? I remember reading a followup where a boyfriend of one of the victims' watched as this guy felt up his gf's boobs. I love it! And why am I posting this story at almost 4 AM?? Ah, well, night night.

Yeah, I actually agree with that, I'm afraid. And I have personal reasons why 9/11 was very relevant to my family, but I'll leave it at that. For the rest of the world, it's not that it's not important -- it's just not "lasting", as Narikaa put it. However, I think everyone will agree that if the French and others don't "commemorate" 9/11 maybe it's understandable. It's not their mental ordeal, even if their citizens were lost in the Towers too. But at least, Jesus H. Christ, don't choose 9/11 of ALL days to post a blatantly anti-American documentary. Can we all at least agree that was in awful poor taste, and move on?

Nono, Magagne is the geezer what got stroppy about porn avatars at work. This bird is some Latina whose name ain't known, but she's well fit! /Estuary English

Hey, Narikaa and I have something in common other than his watches! We both hate Political Correctness -- which as everyone knows, is a poor substitute for the age-old man trait of just being polite, g-ddammit! However, just because you have a job doesn't mean you should be hunted down and clubbed like a baby seal, which is actually playing at my local IMAX, as an aside. I'm sure that since we can alter our settings to "no avatars", it's all good. Let's stay on course, people! Back to the clubbing of baby seals.

Yes, but you live in Franz. It's different to living in a city where it's 90F in the shade, and where 20 minutes by bike gets you, oh, 15 blocks from where you started and maybe a concussion by getting knocked off the bike. And that's Miami Beach, which is bike-friendly. Well, Vespa-friendly for sure. Here I am on my own from of transport (Magagne will kill me!): P.S.: No Einsteins, that's not really me. I would kill to get that tan though.

Thanks Ryyannon! And Smilingbear especially, since that's the first time I've think s/he's seen the Caper series. *curtseys* The reason I think the series is turning out well is that I do it (1) with love for RWG (2) with OCDness for straps (3) I can write a bit (4) and most importantly, I want to save you guys money. I may not be a working woman, so to speak, but I've earned my living too. Whatever we can save, is that much more useful for more important stuff -- like our families.

Wellll, isn't that you all over, Ryyannon?? I rather think one strap buckle will win, but I ain't sayin' which. Thanks, love. Hope you are feeling better now, calmer, happier, perhaps a little amorous. Oops, did I say amorous? I meant generous. Where's my 50%, mac daddy??

WEDNESDAY Have I told you how much I love my DSN 112? Well, twice as much when I wear it on the Mario Paci Senape! I look awesome with this white combo. Yes, I'm vain, sue me. I'm telling you. Like Hambone said, Iron Eyes Cody gave his body to strapmakers to make the Senape. Look at that grain. THURSDAY Caution! Hublot Big Bang Danger ahead! All those who enter, fall in love! The Aspen's cute buckle. The strap itself is neither comfortable, nor uncomfortable. It's a heavy watch, though. Raymond dubbed Narikaa's HBB Aspen "White Magic". EXACTLY. EDIT: Wow. What happened to the aspect ratio? I just put my hand on the screen, on top of the first photo, and it's twice as large! Now I know how Angelina Jolie feels when she sees her 30 foot face on the screen. I have less tats though.

Not to add fuel to the fire, but when you guys are at home in the company of your wife and kids, shouldn't men avoid porn sites altogether? *g* I mean, if we're getting philosophical and practical at the same time. There are many ways of looking at an issue which comprises a certain amount of adult content. Personally, I like Ajoesmith's and other avatars. I don't look at them, but I'm reminded I am in the company of men whenever I do. Plus, I once had a risqu

PHOTO COMPARISON SHOTS Strap Culture's Skull-n-Swords Gr

Holy guacamole, it's not been my day on RWG! First, as you read in the note, I had trouble with the photos, then trouble composing the post. Seconds after clicking Add Post my INTERNET WENT DOWN FOR HOURS...now, RWG is crapping out. I thought it was my internet again, but others have expressed similar troubles...boo. I really wanted to give you something special with this Part 4 too. Oh well. Sorry.

I'm getting the exact same sequence of error codes; the same utter slowness; and worse, all the fonts are outsized, which always happens when there is a glitch in the system. However, it's just not been my day these past 4 hours since posting the Strap Caper! My internet fried, and the IT guys said it would take a few hours to come back online. But before that, my own computer was acting up, and I actually composed the Strap Caper TWICE (I stupidly forgot to save it, because unless I'm mistaken...Admin...Ken...someone...there is no "save post for later use" function?). Ah well. Let's hope this goes through when I press Add Reply.

Let me let you into a secret. I shoot these Caper straps outside near my pool, lugging the suits, jackets, overcoats, and other tschokes downstairs with me. I do this because I like to show you straps in natural light, unlike the posed studio photos usually seen elsewhere. But I had to reshoot these again today, because sadly, the chosen articles got wrinkled. They included finally a brown contrasting fabric, but it just didn't look presentable. So to make up for the wait, I decided to review not 2 straps, but 3 -- adding a second Strap Culture strap, a red-toned Radiomir one, against 4 different clothes background than previous weeks. I hope you like them! Without further ado, I give you the Great Panerai Strap Caper, Part 4. STRAP NUMBER 1 - "StrapCulture's Historic Brown #2 w/ Beige Stitch AND Legend Special Brown w/ Beige Stitch" LEATHER MAKERS: Strap Culture of Hong Kong MERCHANTS: StrapCulture.com COST: SC Rad Legend SCLG-R970 = $108, SC Rad Legend SCLG-R972 = U$108 BANG FOR BUCK VALUE: Overpriced RESALE VALUE: $80-90 at 95% condition SALE AVAILABILITY: Frequently found on accessory sections in forums. One gen forum has a standing 15% off discount simply by mentioning their name. DESCRIPTION: I don't know of a single more covetted strap than the Strap Culture ones, especially amongst male Paneristi. Who can resist that coolest of all buckles with either the Skull-n-Swords, or the hatchets in relief? Only Gregoire's anchor buckles rival it for wow factor. There are a lot of positives about the Strap Culture straps. They are durable and yet sporty-chic. They come in a handy leatherette pouch with a limited edition credit card, denoting your name and item number. Most importantly, Customer Service is fantastic, and will try to help you quickly and efficiently any time you contact them. But there is one glaring negative that cannot be ignored -- the leather of these straps is awful. The brown one I review below smells as if its been stuck in a brine combination of creosote and turpentine for a month. The red one is as tough as concrete, with no "give" to the hide. Paneristi have come to expect more of their strap quality for the $100+ price they pay, and I'm afraid the Hong Kong merchants just don't offer that quality (yet). If I could give you a piece of advice, it would be to buy an used strap on the forums, and try it out. Or even yet, buy the buckle separately, and mount it on your other straps. I wish I could rate this better than "Overpriced" but I have to calls 'em like I sees 'em. SIZE RANGE: Radiomir only sizes, 135/80 mm in 27/26mm. Others vary. BUCKLE: Included. Either polished SS screw-in buckle in Skull-n-Sword logo or "SC" hatchet buckle (must specify). Extra buckles sold separately. DRESS COLOURS: Rugged, macho heavy fabrics like wools and denims were tailor-made for these straps. This is an ass-kicking strap which would look awesome on a motorcycle or wearing Doc Martens. The darker the tones the better, with blacks, browns, navy blues all working seemlessly together. Definitely do not counsel professionals or office workers to wear these straps, save the Legend black version. And even then, not with the Skull buckle. Prison inmates and Hells' Angels, on the other hand, knock yourselves out. BEST PANERAI WATCH MATCH: PAM 183, PAM 232, PAM 190. Too tight on PAM 127. PHOTO COMPARISON #1 (Barbour Jacket - Sage) PHOTO COMPARISON #2 (Barbour Jacket - Blue) PHOTO COMPARISON #3 (Shirt/Blouse - White) PHOTO COMPARISON #4 (Shirt/Blouse - Black) LEATHER DETAIL BUCKLE DETAIL STRAP NUMBER 2 - "Toscana Arruginito...a Whisky colored vintage strap with a Natural Pre-V Logo buckle" LEATHER MAKERS: Cuoierie Meccaniche Brelli di Ciampi MERCHANTS: Timeconnection.biz COST: U$169.00 BANG FOR BUCK VALUE: Very Good RESALE VALUE: $70-90 at 95% condition SALE AVAILABILITY: Infrequently offered in Daily Specials. Sometimes offered alongside the Fiero in other forums' specials. DESCRIPTION: The merchant put it best -- this is a Jim Beam whisky reddish strap which grows and grows on you, the more you look at it. Is it a showstopper like the Toscana Fiero? No. But it shares the same kaleidescope effect of turning a dozen different colours as you turn your wrist around. Now brown, now red, is that honey gold? And do I see black in there too, somehow?? Yes! For all you guys who think a reddish strap is too feminine, or just never considered it before, try the Arruginito -- the name means "rusty/rouged" and it's the PERFECT shade for all your Vintage Marina PAM lovers. You'll love it. Ladies, you too! SIZE RANGE: 115/75 to 130/85 in 24/24 to 125/80 in 26/24 BUCKLE: Included. Sewn-in brushed Pre-V natural buckle with "Toscana" logo on watch side DRESS COLOURS: If the first strap is for the tough boys amongst you, this strap is for the jocks. Take it to the football game, or to the soccer match, and you'll stand out at the same time as blending in. It can do that because it's versatile, always a big consideration for me in choosing straps to review. Throw any colour at it, save purple, and it'll work. I've even seen someone wearing a Hawaiian shirt with this strap on, on another forum, and it looked good. Is it work-friendly? Why not. Just make sure you match your tie with it, and it'll make the other guys look less confident around you. BEST PANERAI WATCH MATCH: PAM 111, PAM 113, PAM 127/217, Tailor-made for VINTAGE PAMs PHOTO COMPARISON #1 (Barbour Jacket - Sage) PHOTO COMPARISON #2 (Barbour Jacket - Blue) PHOTO COMPARISON #3 (Shirt/Blouse - White) PHOTO COMPARISON #4 (Shirt/Blouse - Black) LEATHER DETAIL BUCKLE DETAIL NEXT WEEK, PART FIVE: - Tootall's "Moroccan Sunset" - Savage's Chisel Cut "Albion" NOTE: I composed and lost this post 2 times...there is a glitch in my Firefox with scrolling down to choose photos on Image Shack, etc. If you have a clue what is going on, please post a reply or PM me. The browser just "quits" on me.

Remember that scene in Casino Royale, when Bond is in the Bahamas playing poker? The slimey baddie is losing badly, not having enough to cover the ante, so he says, "See this? This is my Aston Martin", and throws his cute little DB5 token keyring on the pot. Wellllllllll, lookie here, lookie here! ...I especially loved how Craig asked for the valet stub.

Lucky is when Silix sends you the wrong watch, you email him and he says, "Hey keep it! I'm sending you another watch in the post". You'll be lucky to get crabs from these gals up top.

Can't say, Steve (not that I'm an expert). But your url doesn't link. I've noticed this happen many times here, and someone once posted a fix. If that person or someone who knows could post how to link to *bay urls, we'd appreciate it. EDIT: I see mods moved the topic and took out the url, anyway. So that answers my question. I'll just put the ID in future.

It's sleek, elegant, and eye-catching. I think that pretty much covers both sexes, don't you think? P.S.: I have a Louis Vuitton too, but not this one. Enjoy!

Yeah, well, I told you not to go dressed as Betsy Ross, but did you listen?? Did you cocoa! P.S.: I'm so sorry, Ryyannon. If there's one consolation in this world, is that idiots are universal. @Ryyannon below: Continued "sorries" from me. And ethernet hugs. I'm off to start writing the Caper. Talk to you later.

You may sit down. Your bunions must be killing you.

Great idea! WMP: mms://204.13.1.19/WLRNStream NPR's affiliate in South Florida, WLRN. Their general culture programming is excellent. I love their Saturday broadcasts the best: Car Talk Wait Wait Don't Tell Me This American Life (awesome!) Prairie Home Companion ...just first-rate. Reminds me of Radio 4 back home.

God bless too. But this is the 9/11 thread, for a specific purpose. We're not remembering the atrocities at Pearl Harbour either, which also seared American hearts for a long time. @FxrAndy: Thanks for your (pl.) and your families' sacrifice. I had a cousin in Afghanistan until last year, having been posted there immediately after Sandhurst.

One can really tell we're dealing with Americans, when they think 6 years is too much time, or partly a wasted effort on something of such enormity as this rebuilding. The Italians have been trying to deal with the Venice sinking problem intensively for at least 100 years, and still the committees only argue... Anyway, this is not meant as a diss for any people. But patience, my friends, yes? Rome wasn't built on a molehill.