HauteHippie

I disagree. If we were merely talking about a single country, I might believe you. But this is a pattern. How do you explain that? And, as I've said, scriptures can be interpreted many different ways. How do you draw any conclusions from that? Do you believe the peaceful parts of the Koran, or the violent parts? Indeterminate. So, the true principles of Islam must be indicated by how Muslims behave. Actions speak louder than words. Currently, the "news" is covering thousands of Muslims marching in the street, demanding the beheading of a nice white lady who meant no harm. Am I supposed to believe there is a silent majority who wants her to be released? Where are they? You say they exist, but don't make exciting news. Hmm, OK. Well why aren't they protesting? When the defeatist liberals in America hold an anti-war protest, red-blooded patriots come out in droves to hold an anti-anti-war protest. Why doesn't that happen in Muslim countries? Clearly, as you've indicated, it's not for lack of rights. And yet, the only viewpoint ever espoused is pro-violence. Go figure.

Huckabee, for all his faults, doesn't profess a belief in stoning people to death, killing off entire cities, etc. Today's extreme-right Christians have relatively moderate demands with regard to incorporating their faith into the law. They want "In God We Trust" to remain on the US national currency. They believe "one nation under God" should remain in the Pledge Of Allegiance, which should remain in public schools. They advocate "intelligent" design. They believe the 10 Commandments should be displayed prominently in court houses. Etc. By contrast, Muslims around the world, by and large, believe in and execute the most violent parts of the Koran. Many Islamic sermons end with the chant "DEATH TO AMERICA, DEATH TO ISRAEL." And Islam itself, as practiced by the majority today, is at odds with the notion of a secular government. There are very few examples of majority Muslim countries that do not mix the two. I'm sure you see the difference.

Is it really that unfair to judge a religion based on the actions of its clerics and followers? That's a tough sell, and I for one am not buying it. Besides, with thousands of conflicting statements in every religion's holy books, how do you discern the 'true message'? There's all sorts of nasty stuff in the Koran, and the old testament of the Bible is a little questionable too. If Christians and Jews took all the violent parts literally like the Muslims do, do you think they would not be condemned for it? I will, however, concede that there are small factions of so-called 'moderate' Muslims, most likely concentrated in civilized nations, who disagree with the extremist approach. I'm sure also that probably more than a few Muslim women in uncivilized nations envy the western lifestyle and wish they had the same rights where they live.

Yea, but let's be realistic... If they stopped teaching science altogether in places like the southern US, would anybody really notice? The net effect of Christianity on western civilization today is positive, and nobody is getting killed over it.

Doubtful. And modern day Islam simply does not jive with the modern day. Christianity, on the other hand, has changed with the times. Christianity is no threat to anyone. Whether or not you agree with Christian beliefs, you don't have to worry about getting beheaded or blown up in the name of Jesus.

Well, I see a pattern here. Sudanese law says she should have gotten 6 months + lashings for this teddy bear stunt. And this kind of garbage seems to be enshrined into law in (almost?) every single majority muslim country. The only possible exception I was able to find was Turkey, but they've got their issues too. So are you telling me that all these laws are written by an 'extremist fringe' minority? Everywhere??? It just doesn't add up. And the reality is that in countries with a large islamic population, infidels are often second-class citizens under the law. Proselytizing is often forbidden. Polygamy is legal. Human rights are poor... So a more plausible explanation says that most of the muslims in these countries agree that using the false prophet's name in vain should be punished harshly. When large populations of muslims gather in one place, they tend to want to live under something that resembles sharia law. In fact the muslims up in Toronto were trying to get the government to set up sharia courts for them. So where exactly is this moderation you speak of?

Heh, thanks. But AR is the easy part... The Zigmeister did all the work.

I'm sure more than a few of the family members in the UK knew. Would these guys go blow themselves up without having some sort of plan for the well-being of their household? Or is violence just integral to Islam? It's a valid question, and when the Pope raised it, Muslims proved him wrong by..... threatening to cut off his head. Message: Don't call us intolerant or we'll kill you. Oh and here's another recent headline coming from these "moderates" : Teddy Bear Protestors Don't Represent Us. (http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3940765&page=1) So thousands marching in the streets is 'fringe extremism'? Strange. When I think of 'fringe extremism' I picture the klan rallies where 5-10 people show up from their side. Actions speak louder than words.

Ken, let me bring you up to speed, and break it down for you like this.... Many people, if not most people, are concerned about size before buying their first PAM. After finally sacking up, taking the plunge, biting the bullet, etc, they obtain their first PAM... usually a 44mm model. They wear it the first day and feel self conscious. They get through that day with nobody pointing at them and laughing or even just giving them weird looks, and things start to settle down. They then wear the PAM for an entire week, sometimes two and like it. Then after browsing the wrist check post they see someone else wearing their previously favorite watch, and decide to go back and give it some wrist time.... And then, low and behold, their previous favorite watch is just.... TOO SMALL. It looks silly. It doesn't feel right. It just isn't a PAM. Ohhh, and now the obsession has now begun. See, what you should be asking is this: how likely is it that my first Panerai is going to ruin me for all the other watches I think I love. And the answer is: Very.

If there was an "allah", he would still be creaming his pants over the WTC. I wonder if god intentionally acts in ways that give him plausible deniability.... Intelligent design, weather manipulation...

Was God ever really around much? Does President Bush really talk to Jesus, or is that something the alcohol and drugs did to his brain?

Guilt-ridden white liberals (especially women) love going to Africa to pretend they're making a difference. And these brainwashed Westerners often have to find out the hard way that there are very good reasons why Africa is in the shape it's in. Hint: They're not backwards because of colonialism, they're backwards in spite of it. And coming to the realization that their belief system is actually backwards, as opposed to "different than but just as good as" our own belief systems, is key. I do hope she gets out OK, and learns a valuable lesson about dealing with savages.

Or the titanium version

Rolli, I may have to talk with you about your PVD coater... I think it looks fantastic. Expect a PM from me soon. Fantastic watch. Maybe it's just me, but that Davidsen dial is the best I've seen from him yet.

Kinda like that Seiko.

Definitely gen (the pic). Not a 45mm case, though. Phony description. As for the thin crown, I can believe it. It's probably an E series.

You asked for honesty.... so.... if I'm being honest, the rubber strap sucks. Stick with the bracelet.

Somehow I'm just seeing this now, but better late than never. Good stuff, Stephane. Does anyone know if the WM9 bracelets are available in the general marketplace yet? I want to replace my Noob bracelet with one of those...

Depends where you are. In Vegas, it's probably more like 4:10AM for example. :-)

Might want to talk to Tootall about making a Pilot strap. Turn around time would be much better than 3 months I am sure. I love the strap he made for me.

I think it's good and proper to have all the info out in the open. There's no reason to stop nitpicking.

I'm going with sssurfer's response, then.

No meaning... Just a good place to position the hands for a photograph such that the dial print, date window, and most details of the watch are visible. My guess.

So, for the IWC dunces like me, what's bad about the 3717 factory? If it's just the AR, I'd want to put my own on anyhow.

Nice. These 3717s are really nagging me to buy one. Previously I had thought the only IWC I'd ever own was the Ingenieur, but after having AR'd many of these and seen the results I think I must have one of my own. So what are all the potential mods for this watch? - AR the crystal - Replace the DWs with Valjoux (or replace the whole movement?) - Lacquer the dial (saw someone do this, but why?) - Lume the dial and hands Anything else? That all seems pretty straight forward.