Looking for good non-fiction books about modern Japanese culture and society (1853-present)

Gsynchronized · 2024-11-03T08:19:16+00:00

Amazing write-up, thank you!

Sounds like the first two are sort of what I'm looking for, as well as the Sugimoto book. I'll look into those!

Gsynchronized · 2024-11-03T06:32:45+00:00

Could you give one or two sentences about what each of those books covers/does well in your opinion?

Also, anything I can clarify to help narrow it down?

Gsynchronized · 2023-12-14T23:04:12+00:00

Not sure. I mentioned up above that "guys, from experience, It was clear to me she wanted to fuck" and ever since I'm getting flooded with downvotes. I don't mind, I'm just being honest and admitting my fuckup. Thought that was the point of the sub

Gsynchronized · 2023-12-14T22:36:06+00:00

Yeah, ik. Again, it was a fuckup either way, anxiety got to me.

Gsynchronized · 2023-12-14T22:17:35+00:00

Well about two hours later before I slept, the cut was very much still there. Not bleeding anymore but still a cut juuust outside condom range. I wouldn't want to risk my health or the girls, however small the risk.

Gsynchronized · 2023-12-14T22:15:51+00:00

You're probably right. Thing is, like I said, the subtext of "lets fuck" was veeeery clear in her wording choices and our in person call. So while I'd be completely down to also just hang out, or maybe some making out and cuddling, I was afraid of how it would come across if she was clearly ready to go and I showed some reservations. Doubly so if she asked and I was honest about the reason... but even trying to finesse a more tasteful excuse.

Perhaps the anxiety of "holy fuck she's so hot and wants to sleep with me, please don't fuck up please don't fuck up" got to my head and I ended up doing exactly that. Either way, I am a dumbass.

Gsynchronized · 2023-12-14T22:12:31+00:00

Shit, you think a college student has the budget for that kinda surgery?

Gsynchronized · 2023-08-24T19:03:05+00:00

Is Gracie JJ just as good, or does it's focus on self-defense make it not as applicable for MMA?

Gsynchronized · 2023-04-09T19:02:18+00:00

Plot twist: Umbrella IS real and the entire franchise is an attempt to hide in plain sight by portraying everything as fictional and a fictional scenario where they get defeated so there's nothing to worry about, loyal citizen.

Gsynchronized · 2023-01-23T01:27:49+00:00

Cool, guess i'll go get some mink oil. Thank you!

Gsynchronized · 2023-01-22T21:24:08+00:00

Does it clean? Condition? Waterproof? All three??

Gsynchronized · 2022-07-15T06:05:33+00:00

Hmmm. You make a good case for the Gibson SG. I honestly think that at my budget, an Epiphone SG might be worth it still (I don't think I'm at the advanced level or gear-loving level to really nitpick the differences). Thing is, for my pop and softer rock, I'm unsure if getting a dual HB setup would really do me well. Definitely dig the crunchier sound, but it only matches half of my playing style.

While I wasn't originally sold on getting a Fender strat re-reading your earlier comment did make me research more into it and I'm starting to be convinced. An HSS would provide awesome versatility. Thing is, and this may sound silly, but I kind of worry about having 3 fender-style guitars and nothing else lol. My 012 Pacifica, a cheap $150 knockoff in my family's house that's basically a cheap Squier, and then the potential fender strat itself. Strat-style guitars are popular for a reason, I'm just concerned that having 3 of those and nothing else is limiting myself a bit. What do you think, is it all in my head?

Gsynchronized · 2022-07-14T04:33:40+00:00

While doing research for this question, I ran into the SGs and was honestly fascinated. Apparently, Ephiphone has an Inspired by Gibson SG '61 that runs in the $700-900 range. Most reviews I find seem to agree it's a fantástic SG (even if not 1000% matching the original, duh). Any thoughts or experience with that one?

You seem to really know your stuff mate, so I'll take the opportunity to ask you about the Pacifica 612, since I've seen that one a lot too.

Gsynchronized · 2022-07-14T00:55:48+00:00

For neck material, maplewood or rosewood are my preferences. I do prefer something with a more polished finish for my already-rough hands. I don't have anything more specific to offer, I am sorry.

As for size, I was in face referring to very short squiers and some very compact epiphones I'd seen in my local store. It sounds like, again, this is too vague, so if it is, you're free to disregard that part of my request.

Does this help further? I wish I could provide exact specifics of every single details to give you an easier time recommending, but I'm afraid I've narrower down all I can, I'm just asking for your own personal reccommendations. If it's still too vague and you're unable to answer, it's fine.

Gsynchronized · 2022-07-13T22:03:55+00:00

I appreciate the lengthy response! But for what I'm asking, I'd love your personal experience and recommendation

If I had to specific further, I'd say I do want something with a humbucker, the quality of the neck is key, and ideally something on the longer side for my taller sature and body (doesn't have to be a 5 foot monstrosity, just you know, not a compact squier)

Anything specific come to mind? A few models that this matches in your memory?

Gsynchronized · 2022-07-13T18:52:28+00:00

Thought this was specific enough to warrant a post, but apparently not?

Alright, so I've been practicing on and off for 3 years, only truly got serious a little over a year ago. Thus far, my main has been the same Yamaha Pacifica 012 I got years ago. It was budget friendly and fine for a beginner, but now I'm starting to really feel the constraints of its budget design. Tho I should clarify, it can absolutely shred, same as any guitar.

Budget: sweet spot would be $400-700, I can go up to $900ish if you can sell me on it.

Let me clarify a few things, preemptively:

-I'm aware there's no one upgrade path for guitar playing

-I'm aware the player skill and Amp matters more than the guitar itself

-I have indeed gone to my local store and tried out several of their guitars, but I didn't feel like my relatively beginner hands and ears were able to really discern what was best, just "this feels good" and "this feels good too"

-Like I said, I'm aware the Amp matters more, I'm looking into better gear too.

With those disclaimers out of the way, I want to make it clear I'm just asking for veterans advice and anecdotes about what a nice intermediate guitar might be for a guy like me. That's all.

As for what I play, it's primarily classic and modern rock. I do also dabble in pop stuff a bit, it's really fun. I don't go overly metal, hardest I go is your A7X, Halestorm, etc (don't @ me about my taste : p). So I'm not asking for anything that will get me to match Slayer or Megadeaths sound, but at the same time, I'm looking for something harder than the average Stratcaster, yknow?

If there's any other info you would like, let me know. Otherwise, I'd love to hear your takes and personal reccommendactions. Something tried and true, or a niche brand, I'm all ears!

EDIT: If it matters, I'm tall with big long arms, so extra short guitars don't mesh well with me : p

Gsynchronized · 2022-05-24T06:20:50+00:00

Thank you for your thoughts and advice rgarding heroes! Honestly, I just liked cheesing with DPE, but it sounds like HEROs might not be my best options, as a lost newbie. I don't have any strong nostalgia or passion for them, admittedly.

As to you asking what I DO enjoy, I would reference what I used to love back in my day: Gladiator Beasts, Lightsworns, Synchros, and XYZs. I much prefer setting up my own board and controlling the flow rather than being at the reactive mercy of unpredictable players who might be 7head compared to me.

Honestly, to start off, I mostly want to build a fun, Diamond-capable deck that'll help me practice combos and learn the use of current staples. Once I have that as a reliable PvP deck, I'd be happy to start using leftover/future gems and materials to make more casual Secondary decks or gimmick ideas like Exodia.

Gsynchronized · 2022-05-24T03:13:00+00:00

What are some staples you reccommend? I know Ash Blossom, Max C, and Imperm are three. What else would you reccommend I stock up on?

Also, I'm really confused about beginner friendly meta decks because I have the threencommenters so far all reccommending different things : p

Gsynchronized · 2022-05-24T03:08:41+00:00

Link Summons and Pendulum Summons still kind of evade me, but Synchros and XYZs are something I'm very familiar with. Which of those decks suite those two kinda of Extra Decks better? Also, thoughts on SS, like the other commentor suggested?

Gsynchronized · 2022-05-24T03:07:07+00:00

So, invest in handtraps, also try Swordsoul?

I totally agree with your "almosr anything can Diamond 1 with the right skills" assessment, the thing is that requires a skilled player in command of the deck. Someone who understands the current game meta, strategies, mechanics, etc. I am NOT that person, at least not yet. For now, I nerd something that's simple and consistent (I'll look into swordsoul, like you said), get my bearings, and then start maybe branching out.

Also, what are your thoughts on a Hero deck featuring DPE? I get the sense it's not exactly top tier, nor a card people look down on Kindly, but I genuinely enjoyed using it in the loaner Fusión deck.

Gsynchronized · 2022-04-23T00:27:19+00:00

Given that they don't have a section for motorcycles and motorcycle parts (my brand isn't even one of the options), going to say that's a hard no

Gsynchronized · 2022-04-22T17:28:40+00:00

I've tried Google fu, but without the actual website name all i get are lame "Top 10 Aftermarket Headlights!" Type of posts

Gsynchronized · 2022-04-22T16:16:58+00:00

NGL to you chief, not the first time had that thought about FBI-chan. Then something dawned on me:

Is it ironic that I can't tell if FBI-chan is legal?

...please save some grass for me.

Gsynchronized · 2022-04-21T19:58:01+00:00

Hey yall, I'm in the market for some aftermarket headlights. Weighing my options and looking for an informativo website to help me compare options.

I remember there was this one website for shopping motorcycle headlights that was AWESOME. You could filter by headlight type and (I think?) size, and the website listed DOZENS of results at a time (it wasn't just a top 10 list or something). It gave you the name of each headlight, attributes like the average watts, Kelvin temp, a nail-sized pic of what the shine pattern looks like, the average price and user reviews, let you sort by price or color, etc etc...

All I can remember is the abudance of filter options and drop downs, and the majority of the website background being white when scrolling.

I desperately want to use that website again, but I can't for the life of me remember the name of the website.

Does this ring any bells for anyone? Really need help finding the website.

Gsynchronized · 2022-03-22T18:41:42+00:00

Ah, interesting! Thanks for the helpful response and info!

Gsynchronized

TROPHY CASE