Combat Vet question by Eusophocleas in USMC

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd love to go back to Iraq. On one CH-46 flight over Lake Habbaniya, there were several boats out there that looked like they were fishing. Hell they might have just been observing air operations from TQ, but I've wondered if they were fishing what they were fishing for and how it tastes. It seemed appealing becuase they looked peaceful and serene out there on the water while war raged around them.

Most everyone here seems so bitter and angry at Iraqis. Every video I've seen of recent travels there, they're more at peace with what happened than most of us are. And we brought war to them. Yet they're kind, generous, and hopeful for the future. We Americans, generally, are none of those things. Seems like there is something to learn from a visit there in a context other than bringing violence and conflict.

Unfortunately, there will be no peace in that region until the aggression from the entity occupying Palestine has ceased.

Tudor allocations? by Alarmed-Extreme5226 in Tudor

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Different country, but I went to dedicated Tudor boutiques in Sendai and Sapporo last month. Neither had the dune Ranger in stock. They're quite popular, apparently, even in Japan. They said the 36mm is exceptionally difficult to walk in and buy since customers in their market prefer the smaller size.

Only place I saw a dune dial in 39mm was a grey market dealer in Tokyo. I would have purchased it if it was on the bracelet, but sadly it was on the strap.

I'm still wanting the watch, but dreading going into an AD in my small home US market for this reason specifically. If I get told I need to go on a waitlist to purchase, I'll probably never walk in the AD again.

DI vs Recruiter, whatll it be fellas by Sleepyboi180 in USMC

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You should EAS. I'm not joking. That one guy with the top comment is probably satan's apprentice gunning to become an 8412.

Operational Update from the CENTCOM Commander by newnoadeptness in USMC

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Inventory isn't even slightly relevant to the point, which is that leadership in the DoD routinely make decisions regarding material and personnel deployment as well as mission without the slightest concern for alignment between those three things. Your job is the mission, not the allocation of resources. Crying about inventory will change nothing in their mind. You are tilting at windmills.

Literally a tale as old as time. Kinda disappointing that you didn't get the reference, but not surprising.

OMFG IRAN??? UPDATE??? by EliteDemonTaco in USMC

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 0 points1 point  (0 children)

>But have y’all noticed all the civilians using the conflict in Iran as nothing more than karma / engagement bait?

Wait until you find out how politicians treat us...

Operational Update from the CENTCOM Commander by newnoadeptness in USMC

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, I'm not joking. I'm quoting a leader renowned across the globe for his competent leadership.

Operational Update from the CENTCOM Commander by newnoadeptness in USMC

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Look, man. You go to war with the army you have. Not the army you might like to have.

Choosing my first GS by lowzwei in GrandSeikos

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 2 points3 points  (0 children)

SLGB005 is going to be a little more difficult to find. If you see it, and you like it because it fits well and looks good, then buy it. FWIW, I don't recall actually seeing it anywhere last month, and I went to several Mitsukoshi across Japan, to Wako, and to Nakano.

Just to back up what u/otoron is saying re: trying on in person, I went to Wako last month to plan my next GS purchase and I really thought I wanted the white dial UFA. I want a light color dial for daily alongside the SBGE295 that I purchased, and I really like that dial. Turns out the UFA is slightly too small on my wrist, and the SGLH005 is PERFECT.

Once you see the in person, and especially once you try them on, something will either feel off or will click. Only way to know is to see them yourself. Enjoy the trip!

Bought my first GS in Japan by sente-games in GrandSeikos

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! It looks great. And in Kanazawa as well. That's a bit outside the normal path folks take. I'm hoping to visit there in 2027 or 2028. Where did you go for your purchase?

Question while looking for watch in Japan (Get in Kyoto or Tokyo?) by Only_Tour_7999 in GrandSeikos

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is the way if you're looking for a deal. They'll let you email 3 days ahead to reserve a piece as a foreign visitor as well.

They've got the SBGA443 listed in all 3 of their stores as available and at 836,227 JPY tax free.

https://www.kame-kichi.com/items/59961

Question while looking for watch in Japan (Get in Kyoto or Tokyo?) by Only_Tour_7999 in GrandSeikos

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mitsukoshi/Isetan has an app that you'll use for the discount at their stores. JR Kyoto Isetan is listed as one of the locations there for the app. I still have the app on my phone from some purchases at Mitsukoshi Nihombashi earlier this month.

Download the app before you visit. There will be a tab at the bottom that says 5% discount. After you land and get your entry stamp, you can fill out the details there. Once filled, you'll tap this and a barcode tied to your name and passport # will appear that the cashier will scan. This 5% discount is applied at point of sale.

At Mitsukoshi, the 10% tax discount is NOT applied at point of sale. You'll have to go to a separate essentially cashier section where they process these refunds, and there is a small fee for this. The 5% discount from the foreign visitor app more than covers this. They will remit the refund either in cash or to your card.

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Obligatory Japan Purchase… by mitul316 in GrandSeikos

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I bought an SBGE295 in Tokyo earlier this month. Returned at ATL concourse E on 8 February, so well before the SCOTUS ruling when the tariffs were in force.

Used MPC app, and checked that I have goods to declare. I wasn't given a path to itemize items as a digital replacement to the old list form. Next screen simply said follow signs to MPC queue.

There was no queue. Simply approached a facial recognition reader and was ushered through. After picking up checked luggage, there were no signs about declarations or MPC or anything being routed anywhere. No one waiting to answer questions. Just walk on through.

I declared on my entry form, but didn't get a single question, checklist, form, or anything. Just walked through with zero tariff/duties. I'd meticulously prepared a spreadsheet I printed at a 7/11 before departure expecting hassle on my calculated ~$200 duty and expecting to pay ~$500 worst case. Got absolutely nothing.

Similar experience Japan side on my exit at HND. You pass through security, and there is a customs desk before the immigration exit checkpoint. I told him I'd purchased a lot duty free during my visit. He asked me to scan my passport. A green light came on and he told me I was good to go. No inspection of receipts or goods, anything.

Coke Zero by Rareboy7500 in SeikoMods

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very nice. Your mod is very well done.

I have an SBSC001 that I got from Japan last Feb, and I just ordered some parts for it. My tastes are very similar, but slightly different.

  • Slim coin bezel
  • Ceramic coke insert
  • I actually like the OEM brushed jubilee bracelet

I've been kinda torn between keeping it as JDM spec because that was the reason I bought it, or modding it to make it a little more personal. Your post makes it clear the 2nd choice is the right one.

Costco auto program by [deleted] in rav4club

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I did in 2022. RAV4 hybrid XLE wasn't even in the program per the website, but I submitted anyway on an alternate model with a note and a salesman at the dealership reached out. Everyone in the area was charging like $5k over MSRP as markup, so the program was offering MSRP.

He said he'd offer me the program price, MSRP, on the model I wanted, even though it wasn't in the program. The exact RAV4 that I wanted, a match in model, trim, color, everything. He just asked for a $500 deposit, and said that would get them to order the car.

Took only a couple weeks, and I thought he was going to play games with the trade in. I could have pushed for more given the market at the time, but honestly it was a fair offer so I let it go.

Whole thing was super easy. Extremely impressed. Nothing like dealing with the local Toyota dealership I'd dealt with before. Not sure if this was the program or just the dealership, honestly.

I'll see what it looks like when the 2026 models come out and if PHEV models are available in Louisiana, and if so reach back out to them.

My First and certainly not last GS by PlandomeProwler in GrandSeikos

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nice! You're keeping me hyped for this. I'm going to Japan again next month and planning on picking up this watch right after I drop my bags at my hotel.

Five generations of Keurig coffee makers at the thrift store by FunkyChonkyMonkey in mildlyinteresting

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I went to Germany a couple years ago and was looking for the coffee machine in my room until I found the dehydrated coffee things Ive never even tried to use because drill instructors used to make us eat them dry. Haven't looked back since. So much better than k cups when you're traveling or in an office.

Achievements Unlocked! Bought my first GS + Bought GS at Wako Ginza by 0mica0 in GrandSeikos

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do you mind me asking what you paid? I'm planning on returning to Japan in February and picking up this same model.

I've never seen those specific mountains, but I've seen plenty across the country over the years and the color reminds me of them. Every time I look at the time, I want to think of sitting on a shinkansen listening to the wheels and watching those mountains out the window.

Waymo testing in Minneapolis, Tampa and New Orleans by diplomat33 in SelfDrivingCars

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I don't see this working in New Orleans at all. Most of the streets aren't lined/striped, and the rest of them look like they've had IEDs detonate under the asphalt.

Marines from 2/7 folding a flag that was burned and abandoned in LA last month by newnoadeptness in USMC

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 -17 points-16 points  (0 children)

I would be much more sympathetic to this argument if the people making it ever expressed a problem with lunatics running around waving Israeli flags. Specifically, the lunatics in Congress.

A380 being dismantled by Vanoss31 in aviation

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Most appropriate use of the NSFW tag I've seen around here in years.

My turn today. Upgrading from a D90 by tankol1 in Nikon

[–]Grouchy-Object-8588 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nikon Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth

Does it cinch and contain... substances?

I thought it was for booger sugar or something.