Victoria

Soccer will definitely take off in the US. Too much money behind it. Most popular sport in the world, and the money to be made with US leagues is tremendous. What is truly ironic is that soccer is among the most popular sports for youth in the US who go to summer camp--and grade school. But for whatever reason, it never seemed to go beyond high school interest. No question it will be big. Bringing B to the US was a genius move IMO.

Being a veteran of many sport forums, I just have to disagree with regret, Kollektor.

The time for soccer to have taken off in the US was in the 1930s, after the USA came in third in the very first World Cup ever (winning the "bronze" if you will, after perennial powerhouses, Uruguay and Argentina!).

It didn't. It remained a niche sport, which oddly until recently was always seen as either a "daggum foreigner" sport, as it was also seen in Canada and Australia, or a sport played by the upper-class elite in prep schools and ivy league, private Universities.

Highly ironic, given soccer's universal working-class status. But there we are.

There were two other occasions when soccer could've REALLY taken off in the US (in the 1950s, as the US transitioned from baseball to gridiron football), and perhaps in the 1970s (with the NASL and Pele-mania).

WC 1994 really helped, but even so, it comes a distant...7th? behind:

NFL

MLB

NBA

NASCAR

College Ball (football, basketball, sometimes baseball)

NHL

...MLS??

Add to the equation the number of South American immigrants in the US; football is very popular in Mexico & Latin America.

The problem with this is that people have been predicting this "immigrant" impetus for soccer's growth since the 1920s.

And it's always the case that the immigrants EVENTUALLY adapt to the cultural environment, how ever slowly it may seem these days.

This is why third-generation Greeks in Australia love Aussie Rules over soccer, whereas their parents may not have as much (debateable).

It is said that my hero, Lou Gehrig, could play some mean soccer which his German parents still found discomfitting (they wanted him to become an engineer, like his uncle, that's why he went to Columbia), but at least they understood the impulse better than playing that bizarre baseball of his.

So, with regret, I don't think soccer will ever be the national obsession it is in England, or Brazil.

I think the rest of the world likes that a lot, because when Americans put their whole mind, spirit, and body into ANYTHING, you might as well go home. Like the US women, they'd probably win a World Cup like THAT.

Let me ask my wife....oh wait, I don't have one anymore.

That's why you didn't say anything after I caressed your wrist in the Wrist-check! You're ex soured you on us.

I guess it's beer and pizza

Mangia bene.

Me, I'm going out for Cuban. Feel like ropa vieja tonight.

Today is a strap-swap day. I swapped the straps from my 127 and 187 over and I like it.

Psst!, Mr. Pugwash!

Like the hint of Josephine Baker/Florence Mills "La revue Negre" background in the shot!

I dunno about ceramics,but I do have a strap made with some tightly woven textile (cotton with manmade stiching threads ),fitted to a LOCMAN Mare.

Hmm, sounds like a NATO or military strap? I am wearing one here with the Radiomir base, 210.

It feels great,and for the hot days

is a breather.I cannot stand leather straps for about half a year(too warm for my wrist). So I do it with rubber,mostly.

Ahh. I've heard the same from other men. Dad wears only SS bracelets for the sweat reason too.

But then you guys have hairier arms than me!

...I think.

As for my Pan,It's an Arktos 2005 model ,for the time being,and leather straps are a little bit of non fitters to it. But come the fall, I might try some black matt straps to it,since it is brushed steel,and shiny ones could make it kitchy.

The Arktos is a monster! I hope you will feature it one day in the Wrist-Checks.

(I hear you about kitschy though)

Get a fully modded 111 with all the fixes, I have a 111f (currently with Vac for movement service) that is fully modded out and it has that gen feel to it. To be honest I am absolutely not satisfied with "out of the box" Pams anymore things like recessed cannon pins drive me nuts. So to truly be satisfied narrow down what your top favorite Pam's are, and then have them modded out, you'll never look at your "ordinary" Pams the same way again.

ACTUALLY! It's funny you should say that, as the recessed cannon pin now drives me insane.

There's no way I am going to fix 15 watches, and counting, so I'm just going to have to choose one or two to mod. I've been on Vaccum's tail for a while, even though he may not know it , so since the recent events have narrowed my choices, and The Zigmeister is in Canada, Vaclume here I come!

P.S.: Even funnier than that, is now I am sorry I spent all that money on these basically highly inaccurate models. I really really should've bought the most accurate-to-gen PAMs, but I know my personality too.

I like LOTS of stuff, not just one really turbo watch, completely modded with Jimmy this CGs, and DSN that crystals, like many guys here have.

One good thing about having spent $$$ on all these reps is that my taste has surprised me.

I used to think the white-faced PAMs were hideous. No longer. Au contraire, in fact.

I used to think Radiomirs were "un-Panerai" (oh the irony, if you know the history!). NO LONGER. My third fave watch is the Black Seal, 183.

So after the gen 112, I think I'll get a 183. A Radiomir for sure, though. They are so choice!

You need a PVD model Vic

I did see a PVD with a way-cool MF orange stap on RWI, today.

However, I think the strap is what impressed me more than the watch.

Sorry, Dluddy. PVD = too masculine. Same with chronos (for me! Not in general for other women).

WOW Victoria

That is Powermax buying if I ever

Very nice taste in straps and Pam's

You have caught up to me (on Pams) and I've been at this for 4 years

Dluddy...not sure if you remember this...but remember that very first photoshoot of my two PAMs I posted? "PAM at the Beach".

Well, I had to that point just received that very day my wonderful GeF Marrone strap, which I was fit to burst with pride over. Put that on my first true worthy PAM, the Andrew 111h.

But on the stupid fantasy Mini-Fiddy by Paul, I had on a crappy strap by a vendor on the *bay. It was a black mock-croc, so thin and untasty that Wonderbread would laugh at it.

So you replied something like. "Great shots, Vic. Definitely gotta get a better strap on that Mini Fiddy, though. ".

WELL!

I didn't say anything at the time, but women often internalise those things, and though you meant NOTHING bad by it all, don't get me wrong -- I took it as a challenge.

LOOK AT ME BOY! Just look at me now!

Edit: Correction! It was Deltatahoe, not you! Drat. Women remember, but sometimes we remember what we want, not the truth.

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=280144

How about one made of textile , synthetic or natural ?

Hehe.

Actually, if my credit card company would ever get my cheque, and thus I would be free to spend more money on reps...I am indeed buying one in ceramic soon!

The white HBB.

Yahoo!

YOUTUBE! I mean, YOU ROCK!

No really, thanks, Admin. That's awesome. To think I've been flashing my legs all these years, and all I had to do was to tug my forelock instead!

I have never seen the custom for processing message before. I have recieved 40+ reps with no problems. Should I be concerned?

My gut feeling is absolutely no need to worry.

It could be that the database language has been updated, and you're just seeing this now.

Another famous collector sent me 3 watches once, and I was about to add one more. I hesitated, emailing him, "Do you think it'll be stopped by US Customs? I mean, 4 watches, that's a lot."

He emailed right back, "No worries to the US/Canada".

So, take heart, dear Jawo!

There just isn't any way to ever get the movement right. Panerai spends too much time and money on embellishments. There are some pictures of mine floating around on the forum and the finishing is just lightyears beyond the reps. But we all know this, right? You will never, ever, ever fool any 'Risti with a display back PAM, not even the 036.

I will say, though, that the engraving on this E movement is a step forward.

E=2002, just in case newbies PM me (yeah, I get a lot of PMs! Maybe because I'm a woman and approachable. And I love this).

Thanks to you, TK471, MK08 -- I feel like I'm in Q Branch -- and to all who have replied thus far! Keep on, please! Your replies make me feel more grounded, more realistic about my rep watches, even the famed Davidsen.

If I could ask you, I'm thinking of buying a gen PAM 112 next year. But I heard the 112 was one of his most accurate models.

Any ideas which other DSN I should go for next?

If THAT one doesn't turn out well, or I feel I am not getting my money's worth, then I'll be at the point all serious rep Paneristi get to, sooner or later: modding.

By the way, here's a list of the models I have, as your suggestion guide:

PAM 076, PAM 111h (x2, my fave), PAM 113, PAM 118, PAM 127, PAM 154, PAM 177h, PAM 183h, PAM 190, PAM 199, PAM 210, PAM 217h, Fantasy Mini-Fiddy, PAM 005 (being modded by TWP, on its way).

Harvey Nicks.....is that a rehab centre.....do tell....!

Absolutely. It's where I go to detox. Oops, sorry. That's botox. Carry on.

Surley not....why we've hardly gotten to know each other.....and besides you've not ordered anything from me......( altho' I won't tell about some of the lovely items that Reg has been enquiring about on your behalf )....!

Don't kiss and tell now, TTK!

Good things come to those who wait. And wait. And perhaps wait a little more, like men do when their wives go to Harvey Nick's, capiche?

I don't think he can do anything about this. Plus the lume on the dial is not up to par with superlume.

I was told DSN's Fiddies are not really moddable. And frankly, at those prices, they shouldn't have to be.

And you got one of the other reasons, already. The lume lasts VERY little time...whether from sunlight or more importantly, when charged by a lamp.

On the other hand, do real PAM watches (especially the Fiddy) glow like light-sabres, or is this just a Canal St. conceit, similar to that "fat crown" idea that the fatter the more gen?

You're gonna have to buy a replacement dial from someone else and relume it with superlume C3.

Hmm.

Thanks, though!

This is the Risti link to photos of the gen:

hxxp://www.paneristi.com/reference/vendome/images/pam_121_140/pam_127_images.html

Back

(The back's PANERAI engraving looks very crisp, all over. Mine is almost smudged)

Front

(I've seen cream white sandwich dials, and more greeny ones. Since I genuinely don't know, is this just a question of "lume" transition when the photo was taken?)

I'll list the inaccuracies.

The Officine Panerai Firenze is not painted in.

Bingo. You have a KEEN eye, Evildee!

Crystal profile is wrong?

Dunno.

The 1 at 12 is wrong.

Interesting.

Matte dial

Yes.

Thin dial

Crystal AR

Not sure if I can tell him this, since wouldn't everyone else get the same? Please let me know, since there's time until Monday.

The engraving on the bridges looks like a great step forward but why is the screw on the swans neck so short, it looks like it is fully screwed in and has only moved the aduster one marker from centers, the case shape and size looks far better than my 0581 case.

In fact, all the screws look a bit too embedded, or is it my untrained eye? They just look off somehow.

Any other inaccuracies?

Look, I'll put my cards on the table. I want this watch to be as close to gen as possible. Yes, I know I know. It's a rep, and they'll never be perfect. But, even so, I want the best copy at least. So what could give it away to a real knowledgeable Panerista, like say, our AWOL Sssurfer?

(Happy Ferragosto, by the way!)

I have heard of a lot of ristis calling out reps due to our instance on AR so we get the very blue hint in the saphire, the gen apparently does not have it, AR yes but not that blue.

Oh yes. That is the number 1 "tell" apparently, to the naked eye. The gen Fiddy AR, if it has any "tint" at all (and it's argued that it doesn't), is yellowish not bluey-purple.

Looks great though V, shame you cant be wearing it now but im sure you will enjoy it when it is back.

Thanks, FxrAndy!

I will give an RWG cookie to the first person who can pick out ONE of the reasons this is being sent back. Hint: as I said earlier, it's cosmetic.

So, long story short, my beloved Davidsen Fiddy/PAM 127 is going back to his Gepetto in Hong Kong. Sniff. (Will explain later, in detail)

But first, a few photos for those of you who just pulled the trigger on this pricey, but very sexy watch.

This may be as close as you can get, until you get it on your wrists!

Strap: Tootall (RWI), "B2", 125/75

Case: Panatime.com (*bay)

NOTE: Comments about the watch, how accurate/inaccurate it is, are very much welcome.

Chicken head sandwich with steaming pear sauce followed up by a big bowl of liver and pesto ice cream. mmmm

Uh, yum?

BTW, I once read that the Blairs, ex-denizens of Number 10, put pesto on everything. Well of course they did. They're such nouveaux riches.

But definitely copyright infringement, since isn't Radiomir trademarked by Panerai?

Presenting, The Alpha Radiomir!

- BIG 45MM ALPHA RADIOMIR MIYOTA 21JEWELS AUTOMATIC MANS WATCH WITH PALE YELLOW DIAL

- Movement : 8215 MIYOTA 21 JEWELS Automatic movement (MADE IN JAPAN )

- ( ALL 316L STAINLESS STEEL FOR CASE & BACK )

- Case : 316L Stainless Steel Case With Synthetic Arch Crystal & See Through Back

- ( EVERY WATCH HAVE INDIVIDUAL SERIAL CODE. LIMITED EDITION FOR ONLY 400PCS )

Starting bid: US $65.99

Buy It Now price: US $80.99

Link here

Obviously, also comes in white dial with stunning red markers:

Guess I chose the wrong week to quit rep watches...

me... nah, I've hardly ever even been outside of New York... Google my man...

Ahh, your man Jeeves? Stout fellow.

Regards,

Victoria

@Arn555: CONGRATS! The moment I read it, I knew it was right, despite the fact that I am clueless about Thai cookery. *g*

Gai yang noy is BBQ chicken, and that is missing

Aroy tee sud is Tea with sugar, and that is missing

Prik haa met is the chilies

Som Tam Thai is the salad on the right

Khow nieow duai is a sticky desert, and that is missing

pak jaan nung is some kind of noodles with pork and vegetables

Hey, no fair if Thai people are responding to this (not saying you mudfish, but in general!).

I'd have that watch on my sweet dainty wrists if it were a question about Bedfordshire clangers and bubble-and-squeak!!

@Narikaa: MALE?? Man, if Miss Playboy Thai is a male, then I've got balls the size of Idaho! (I'm not sure how big Idaho is exactly, but it sounds bigger than Oxfordshire). And whew, okay. I think we may have time!

OK cant sleep

I am off to Guangzhou soon

Aww, man. Suppose we won't finish our transaction before you leave after all, then, Narikaa.

2) What is wrong with the main dish

That it's not this Thai dish, instead?

Come on! You know I deserve a Mont Blanc pen just for that.

Yes, the trulli houses are something you might want to check out. I bel;ieve the main town where they're located is alberobello. Lecce also has some beautiful baroque architecture and a serie b soccer team. I nothing else, you can always count on the the old standbys - the beach and partying!

YAY! He responded after all.

I believe thats the only avatar of Cannavaro on the internet with his shirt on.

And that doesn't look like twink porn! Eww.

Suggest everyone has a chat to their own personal god, and offer a word for Ken.

Let's all hope that nothing more is detected.

A novena on his behalf, the big lug. I'm sure he'll be well, God willing, in no time. TAKE CARE KEN!