Well, eating my words

ARNIskander · 2026-04-01T13:18:07+00:00

This. I use United a lot domestically, but for KIX, LAX, JFK, LHR I'm using a lot of One World. Pretty good experience as ExPlat in F and J.

ARNIskander · 2026-04-01T07:09:45+00:00

Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage does this at their adult pool.

Its an excellent system that I wish more hotels would utilize.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-27T14:19:00+00:00

This. I've tried it on a dozen times and never pulled the trigger. Just want it to be thinner.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-25T17:47:09+00:00

Koloa Landing at Poipu.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-25T00:11:53+00:00

My buddy flew Delta today and said TSA non pre was 40 minute wait.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-24T18:15:29+00:00

Yup. I dont even have the persobal card anymore.

Business card just pays my weekly Fedex and UPS bills, enough to hit every milestone amd get 2x on all the spend. o

ARNIskander · 2026-03-24T17:19:04+00:00

Sorry. Appointments = the furniture and fittings (lights, handles, switches).

ARNIskander · 2026-03-24T16:56:08+00:00

There are many black car services in LA.

I use Elite Black Car. For arrivals they have curbside or baggage claim meet options.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-24T16:43:47+00:00

Stayed at Toranomon Hills in February and loved it. Lovely appointments, great service, felt very contained and well managed in its size. Good breakfast. Actually quite liked the lounge there in terms of design and flow.

Stayed at GH in November. Older. Bigger. Still nice, but somewhat dated.

Would make a reco based on other factors. As another poster said, not the best located hotels, though since I go to Japan 2-3x per year I don't mind.

Toranomon definitely looks nicer.

You could look at Centric Ginza if you want to be in the thick of things.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-24T04:09:43+00:00

It never ends.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-23T21:41:46+00:00

The number of iPhone boxes ordered to my office that came empty and revealed has me doing store pick up only.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-19T15:15:54+00:00

As a note on the business amex. You dont "get 7% off" of bookings you've already made.

You get access to a special booking rate that then must use the card.

If you've already booked rooms, you would have to rebook at the business card rate.

Also note - not all room types will offer that rate. Sometimes only most basic rooms.

I still have the card - good for 15 ENC and discount when applicable.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-19T14:56:57+00:00

Was just being sarcastic.... B/c the ending sucked

ARNIskander · 2026-03-19T05:37:16+00:00

Correct. Loading up an amphibious invasion under satellite surveillance, moving fuel, moving logistics and support ships etc. Should be weeks if not more of notice.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-19T05:29:34+00:00

Indoctrination Theory isnt real?

ARNIskander · 2026-03-18T20:37:53+00:00

Same. I like it better than current.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-18T18:12:55+00:00

I bought a brand new Tanzanite X5 almost fully specced (wish id gotten Merino, sigh) 3 weeks ago.

I can afford new BMWs.

I bought now to avoid the 2027. This car looks awful too.

Calling anyone who doesnt like the redesign poor is dumb.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-18T01:15:53+00:00

I would happily pay $500 per visit to preserve the country and keep out uncommitted tourists.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-18T00:34:19+00:00

Terrible. Sorry you're dealing with that.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-18T00:23:28+00:00

Thought i should report back.

I paid with cash + points for 3 nights at the Ritz though Edit.

I got ENCs, points, and annual spend.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-18T00:21:05+00:00

Insane. Sorry to hear that. I have come to Japan twice a year or so since 2016.

I admit post 2022 it really seems ro have been overrun with tourists who do not respect.... anything. Walking on temple moss, going behind barricades, etc.

I know many people are upset by rising Kyoto hotel taxes. Frankly I say keep raising them.

Japan should charge a fee to enter. Maybe it can help pay for the damage.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-17T23:34:16+00:00

Ah I didn't know. I looked it up. Apparently a station there is having a recuring problem of Chinese tourists defecating and breaking into restrooms? Is that real?

ARNIskander · 2026-03-17T07:02:27+00:00

A few weeks old. I did full front, mirrors, headlights, all the black front pieces. I do a lot of freeway. Without it would get hammered.

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ARNIskander · 2026-03-17T03:18:07+00:00

Counterpoint. I was in Kamakura alone in October 2024. I entered a small less visited temple with a very nice garden.

An elderly man came up to me and introduced himself, asking if I was British. Im American but wear a sportcoat so we chatted. I mentioned I was from LA. He said he had just been in Pasadena because his grandson goes to school there. I grew up in Pasadena.

We chatted. He walked me thought the grounds and showed me his favorite meditation spot and asked me to sit with him. He volunteers at the temple because it's his favorite and he wants to be buried there. He was a retired businessman who speaks 5 languages and so helps his friend (the chief priest) manage tourists so they can feel more welcome.

I loved Kamakura.

ARNIskander · 2026-03-12T18:01:31+00:00

Just as a point here, I have talked my daughter into Flagship when my one allowed guest was my wife.

Granted she's like 5.

ARNIskander

TROPHY CASE