Victoria

Send Tina over here, we're having the same conversation with our 16 yo every friday....

But seriously, lately we're having a lot of trouble with "Girl Gangs", f**ked up girls (age 14-17) with absolutely no self esteem, picking up good looking girls for fight. And these bitches are really nasty...

They're called Ladettes in Britain. They act like men, swear, drink to excess, go around picking fights, yell at the top of their voices.

(Wait, no. Let me rephrase that. They act like CERTAIN men. Men in my family don't act like that)

It's a big problem in the UK. And prison only exacerbates those tendencies, not solves them.

Tina looks sweet. I don't think she could hurt a fly, actually. Nice hat too.

Jimmy Choo, huh?

Glad there ain't no good replicas of those or my girlfriend would be all over them.

That would mean a LOT less watches for me...

I don't want to give the impression I'm a shoe girl. I have oh maybe 10-12 pairs, including 2 sets of trainers. I have hundreds of handbags though. Seriously.

But SD4000, don't you want to pamper your girlfriend? My boyfriend does with me! Humph.

General Question for Bergies: DO they have rep shoes of Manolos etc? They must not fit as nicely, but there's a fortune to be made if there are.

UPDATE: Okay, I did a search. NOT what I had in mind.

OMG! No way. The Colibri sold for only USD7000 to benefit the Alzheimer's Foundation

Had I known, I would've cashed in a bond and bought it...

P4GTR, this is AWESOME. Plus we might get some tips for Fitmic's Watches in Movies thread.

Don't tell me you have matching Manolo Blahniks......

Heh, Scoobs.

I'm not a Manolo gal. I love me some Jimmy Choos!

@Corgi: Is this is the best box & rep watch shot EVER or what?

MONDAY

Sex and the City with DSN 113 and Savage Albion strap...?

TUESDAY

...or Silix TT Datejust and Live Free or Die Hard?

I'll dim the lights, and you get the popcorn.

Not sure I understand what you mean about the WU thing. Does he just repay it to me as I paid to him?

I've never had to get a refund from David, but COINCIDENTALLY, I was at the Cheque Cashing place just Saturday where I send those Moneygrammes. I just happened to ask what happens in this situation.

The lady behind the window said that you call a 1-800 WU number, and speak to them about the refund. They then emit a cheque under the name you sent it under. Since I didn't have an pending issue, I didn't explore the topic further.

Sorry, Chad.

Yes, it sucks very much when these things happen. He's always worked with me -- getting me a new watch. But why they can't do that the first time, I'll never know.

Can I trust he will refund my money if I send the watch back?

Sure. First, make sure Western Union can refund you the money -- the agency from where you sent the moneygramme is not where you will be getting the money. You have to present ID, etc. IIRC. I'm sorry, Chad. This sucks for you.

Good news is I don't think you have to worry about Davidsen cheating you. Just make sure you send it back registered airmail (it was $20.25 for me in Florida).

The best performance of the year!!

Unlike Javier Bardem, she didn't dedicate her win to her country -- France. And she was VERY nervous. But she ended with the most beautiful line of the night:

"This is really a city full of angels"

@Ken: Yes, Ken. She won for Best Actress. It's the only spoiler I'll risk, since in an international forum, some people will have recorded it.

Toad, guys, did you catch that guy just behind Frances McDormand, in I swear a shot that lasted 1 second, wearing a Big Bang in RG??

That's QUINCY FREAKING JONES!

Actually you know what -- I think he was wearing a fake.

That's not an HBB in RG, but the one I have in YG!

I mean Quincy Jones owns Motown, and is an absolute legend. WTF, he buys from Abay??

Answer here.

@Storm: Not me! Anyway, I like Pizza Hut.

Speaking of actors that Ian Fleming actually recommended to be the movie version of Bond, there were three:

David Niven did indeed play the role of "Sir James Bond" in the earlier (funner) Casino Royale.

David Niven -- one of the best blokes to walk this earth. Scottish elegance personified.

HAH HAH...I was going to watch the Oscars for JUST that reason.

Toad, guys, did you catch that guy just behind Frances McDormand, in I swear a shot that lasted 1 second, wearing a Big Bang in RG??

Made an impossibly boring Oscars ceremony, a little less boring...

(Screenshot coming)

she just used it as an opportunity to add some more books and take advantage of the free shipping.

I like her.

I'm doing this right now during the Oscars. On the phone with my boyfriend as we each watch in our countries, I keep mentioning:

"He's wearing a Breitling!" (Travolta)

"That was a Datejust" (some guy leaning over to congratulate the people from "Once", the Irish film)

"RADO! WTF"

I am very lucky, Anton. Unlike your wife, it doesn't drive my bf crazy. Bless him.

as every anglo-saxon countries are different from each other, not only in their way to use english language, but also in their way to face life.

I think Marion Cotillard disagrees tonight.

Actually, a pretty good idea to clean the strap is to immerse it in lighter fluid or methylated spirit or rubbing alcohol. It's a form of dry cleaning that will not harm the leather but will leach all the crud from it.

If I go up in flames, it'll be your faults!

Tootall, V, Madasboot, guys -- thanks for all your help.

Yes, I've tried rolling it up and burying it with baking soda, the lot. Nothing works so far. Let's see what I can do, and will report back.

So far today, I've watched Juno, No Country for Old Men, and I'm watching There will Be Blood as I type this...

Just came from having watched There Will be Blood.

WOW.

What a tour-de-force by DDL. It was like a cross between Citizen Kane, Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and von Stroheim's Greed. I'm overwhelmed.

Nova Scotia's own could play spoiler, actually. I mean, Audrey Hepburn won for her first real leading role...why not!

Of all the main Oscar nominated films, I haven't seen these yet:

There Will Be Blood

Going to watch it in a few moments. FINALLY! Hours before the Oscars.

Rxus, I'm wearing my Cartier Tank, so if you see me, wave.

Me thinks you might have to be a little light in the slippers to like or want that.

Funny you should say that...

I was searching for new watches just now, and liking Chopard (I have the Happy Sport in gen), I saw this and remembered UB7's thread.

Chopard Orange Chronograph

For the fifth consecutive year, Chopard was alongside Elton John at the famous White Tie & Tiara Ball, which he organises in the early part of each summer at his Windsor property.

At the event, Chopard unveiled the latest edition to the Elton John collection: the “Orange” chronograph. Dazzling and fresh, the orange hue of this chronograph alternates with the silver grey of the hour-circle and the three auxiliary counters. Available with a matching crocodile wristlet and a polished steel clasp, it combines brightness and elegance. Produced in a limited edition of 2,000 pieces, it bears the Elton John signature. A large share of the profits made from the sale of these watches is paid to the foundation, which for twelve years has been active in the fight against AIDS.

(Well, at least moneys are going to a worthy cause)

I wonder if he had on an orange tiara?

UPDATE: Photo from the event in 2007.

That answers that...

Best strap for diving (and one of the best straps value for money) is DON's carbon fiber. Same material as the OEM (SAME) with rubber backing and historic look and sewn-in buckle for 50$ something... Can't beat that!!!

Thanks so much. I will either use the OEM coramid or the Don carbon, which I also have.

You saved me a bundle!

Nope.. because it is not the upper leather that it isnt waterproof. It is the lining that it is normal leather and not so good one tbo..

Wow, I think this applies to the Toscana one too, then. It's got leather backing.

You can go though diving with the A or B series carbon strap with the rubber lining

Just to be clear, since I'm a little unsure as yet about these things:

You mean the Coramid A-series carbon you have, which you showed on the Sardinia beach?

'Cause I have that.

Let's make it easier for the true experts. Last week's shots (the best you've ever posted, IMHO):

Can't see it. I am still no where close to having your eyes' for detail.

I get more comments from "regular" folks about the simple beauty of the Panerai bracelet than anything else!

My little rep combo of PAM 111h and DSN bracelet gets the most second-looks, "wow!"s, and "Nice watch!" of ANY of my watches, gen and rep alike.

I know precisely how this person feels.

Why does everybody have to trot out a "New Coke" idea every few years with no other purpose than to try to remain up-to-date and ahead of the curve?!! Panerai's explanation in the PAM 299 press release just reeks of corporate double-speak as well....

The natives are restless...

There is no way... stop now, nothing will work.

I have an OEM carbon that I unfortunately went diving with...

Wait, one can't go diving or swimming with the OEM carbon?? Swidivad, wow, if true that saved me big money, thanks!

What a waste of a nice strap

I'm so sorry. This stinkiness makes me stay far far away from Strap Culture. I can't afford to get a second bad strap from them.

If the strap is not waterproof then Water and Leather should never EVER be together. Strap will shrunk and deform and probably rot

I know. I'm surprised at Capice for suggesting that.

Vic can you find the following? :

Ooh Dettol! I'm homesick now. That's still the best disinfectant I've EVER used.

But no, the US doesn't have that specific one here, but there are variations of it. Let me buy one -- I'll report back.

EDIT: Found this. Nearly identical.

THANKS, Mr. V!

Well I got my watch.

It is garbage.

Crooked dial off to the right and DOA

YIKES! That is depressing considering all the work you went through, and reassurances that it would be all right. I'm sad now, Chad, sorry.

@Chad: That is bad. I'm sure he'll take care of you, but really, we shouldn't have to be taken care of TIME after TIME. I'm not just talking of DSN. He's a nice guy, they all are.

But this is a bad business practise, endemic to the Far East.