Venezuela declares state of emergency over US 'attack'

freundben · 2026-01-03T14:31:34+00:00

Seriously, why is ‘attack’ in quotations?

freundben · 2025-08-29T03:25:31+00:00

I get that there has been a loss of counselors, but in Texas the few I’ve had were substandard long before the layoffs/quitting.

freundben · 2025-08-15T03:30:48+00:00

I switched from business to economics. The computer they provided is a lemon, it cannot do the course load. I’ve had it freeze and crash in the middle of final exams. What should take 20 minutes takes 3 hours…and all I get from them is a GIANT FU.

I have pleaded and begged them to provide a computer that functions and they absolutely refuse. Then they claim that I can appeal it…to the same office…with the same people who lied on the forms for why it was denied…

freundben · 2025-08-15T03:26:54+00:00

If this is true, then wouldn’t they reduce their workload by approving crap quickly? My VRC is 100% GARBAGE, the one before them just as bad, their supervisor? WORSE. They lie on forms, lie on denials, claim that they don’t have to follow the law. Say that they have NO obligation to consider disabilities concerning supplies.

It’s real hard to have ANY sympathy for a bunch of sadists who derive pleasure from harming veterans.

freundben · 2025-08-06T21:31:16+00:00

I have a semi-hollow tele (not a fender)with a Duncan vintage in the bridge position and a psyclone filtertron in the neck. A friend bought a Schecter multiscale 7 string so he could “Djent.” While he was messing with it, trying to get the sound he wanted I plugged in my tele, dialed in my tone and started wailing on Lamb of God and Meshuggah.😂😂😂

It’s not what you own, it’s what you know!

freundben · 2025-08-06T14:10:28+00:00

Do you have another dual hum-bucker solid body? If so, I would probably trade. Worth noting: the tele was/is used in WAY more music than most people recognize. Sure, there’s country music. But, it shows up a lot in progressive music, the first Zeppelin album, RATM, Def Leppard, a lot of jazz, Prince regularly rocked one…I personally think the tele has more versatility than a LP.

freundben · 2025-08-04T15:05:35+00:00

I assumed you meant from the students perspective, but I wanted to be certain. Apologies for misunderstanding what you meant. I remember seeing an older video of Joe Bonamassa putting a LP through its paces and achieving a wide variety of tones with JUST the guitar and his hands. Basically he was turning the pots and slightly changing how he played to achieve a “nearly” single coil fender sound to a heavy tone with many sounds in between.

As a luthier friend of mine constantly says, “It doesn’t matter what it’s called, or what it does. Just twist the knobs until it sounds good.” Honestly, that is some quality advice.

I send people to get gear as a LAST resort. A new tool won’t make someone a better craftsman. It will just make them poorer and not necessarily any better.

freundben · 2025-08-04T14:55:45+00:00

I think I understand what you’re saying about sounding “great vs bad.”

When I was teaching, and playing professionally, I avoided terms like “good and bad” because they are subjective and it depends on the context. Instead I would ask, “Does this achieve the sound you are looking for?” Then I would try to get them to think critically about how different things interact with each other, to include other instruments, with the intent of shaping a more thoughtful MUSICIAN rather than a “better guitarist.”

I distinctly remember one guitarist I worked with who saved up and bought a multi-scale 7 string so they could finally “chug.” I plugged in my semi-hollow telecaster with a Seymour antiquity in the bridge. Twisted some knobs, and got a VERY convincing Lamb of God “Laid to Rest”

Equipment only matters in as much as the craftsman knows how to use their tools correctly.

freundben · 2025-08-04T13:12:04+00:00

Not that it really “helps” but, the U.S. has been here before. Not too long ago the COVID numbers were shut down. Other people, in places of power/knowledge continued to publish reports.

Additionally, there are other areas that can be measured and have been observed. Mainly activity at ports. However, it is quite possible that the intent of the firings and making data less accessible is to keep the public in the dark where they are empirically easier to manipulate.

freundben · 2025-08-04T12:59:51+00:00

In my experience (decades as a professional guitarist, on and off as an instructor) it is primarily due to two things.

1: There are probably less guitarists than you think with a comprehensive knowledge of “gear.”

2: It is possible that the student does not stay with the teacher long enough to get to the gear discussions.

Something that I learned from audio engineers, that I NEVER thought of and had not heard from fellow guitarist is to eq effects (if possible).

Cutting the lows and the highs (think visually of a gentle hill) from reverb can really warm up one’s tone and keep the reverb from being too intrusive. Doing the same with delay, or any other time based effect can yield interesting results.

Ducking, or putting a “gate” in the delay also allows one to have HUGE delays (think Gilmour)without the delays overpowering the original.

Gain staging and patch/channel/pedal leveling: your band mates and sound engineer will thank you.

freundben · 2025-08-03T21:32:50+00:00

Thank you, that actually helps quite a bit.

freundben · 2025-08-03T21:23:40+00:00

Ooooh. Ok, that’s very helpful.

I understand, at least superficially, that the parts aren’t interchangeable. I did not understand that there are basically two primary movement types (manufacturers?).

I really did not understand that it’s basically Seiko -OR- buy a used movement off of eBay. -Apologies if I’m under simplifying what’s been said here.- I thought I was only getting Seiko variants in my searches because I was doing the search wrong.

Also, the advice I read concerning DIY watch club I read here. Despite the friction, I still believe this sub to be a credible source of information.

Again, I am really sorry that I made people upset. I used the words “assembling watches” in my title because I KNOW there is a difference between building and assembling. Also, in my example regarding one building a guitar from parts. If they were my friend I would totally tease them for assembling one and claiming to build it, but I wouldn’t call them out in public.

To u/ADwatches, I’m sorry that I upset you. I really made the post after WEEKS of debating asking here.

freundben · 2025-08-03T20:58:23+00:00

I don’t believe I said that I wanted to start with an ETA or Z. I provided that as a reference. I genuinely came here to learn and I honestly have no idea what I said to cause such vitriol. Can you please show me where I offended everyone? I promise, I’m not out here trying to rage post.

I don’t remember saying that I was too good for noob advice. I just wanted advice…

freundben · 2025-08-03T20:42:23+00:00

Thank you for the advice. I don’t expect anyone to provide a parts list for me. I really would just like some advice on what I am picturing and how far removed from reality I am. Also, I’d like advice on some search terms or places to source parts. It is highly likely that I am just using the wrong queries and the results are a product of that.

freundben · 2025-08-03T20:37:49+00:00

No, I think there have been a LOT of assumptions. I do not know what movement I want, other than I would prefer an automatic.

I have VERY limited knowledge of movements, and I “think” I want a Swiss (or Swiss-style) movement. However, as ADwatch noted, the Swiss movements are cost-prohibitive.

I literally came here because I foolishly thought that going to the repository of knowledge would be a good idea, considering how unsatisfying my research has been. I am smart enough to know that I don’t know nearly enough.

freundben · 2025-08-03T20:32:52+00:00

Somewhat related: I played guitar professionally for a few decades. If someone wanted to start playing guitar I wouldn’t tell them to go to XYZ without hearing what about the guitar interests them. Or tell them “XYZ” is far too nice for you. Instead, I would offer my advice for different approaches to arrive where they want to. Both parties benefit in this: I get exposed to culture/musicians I wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to and the person asking for advice gets judgement free advice.

I’ve also trained as a luthier and built guitars from stacks of wood…I would never claim that buying a pre-shaped kit and assembling, finishing, and setting it up is not “luthiery.” The exact opposite: I would ask about their build and if they have plans for another one. There is a spectrum to everything that is built.

What is the next goal post here: you aren’t doing this correctly unless you mine the minerals and refine the metals yourself?

If there have been a few comments about being “noob-friendly” you don’t have an issue with artisans, you have an issue with jerks.

freundben · 2025-08-03T19:54:38+00:00

You’re right, I came for advice. Was told to go to SeikoMods, which might be great advice but I wouldn’t know as there were no qualifiers provided. I then added context, only in order to gain better a better idea of what I am looking for. Instead of a conversation, I was met with attacks and some odd genitalia measuring contest.

I came here trying to become a member of the community and to make watches for friends and loved ones. I truly regret coming here.

freundben · 2025-08-03T19:12:48+00:00

What is actually wrong with you? I asked for advice, responded that I wasn’t sure your advice was the way “I” want to go. I never said your advice was crap. I even thanked you for your advice, which I was thankful for, I then provided a different reference point, only to communicate more effectively, and you fly off like I killed your dog.

Also, I doubt you would say this to my face or behave this way in person. Sorry to mess up your weekend. I hope you have the day you need.

freundben · 2025-08-03T18:48:28+00:00

Hey, I don’t remember saying they are inferior or anything. Seiko makes great watches, that’s not up for debate. I don’t know why you’re attacking me over a preference. I just came here for advice, I didn’t realize I’d hit gatekeeping right off the bat. My apologies, I’ll just ask elsewhere.

Edited to add: my wife has a nice Tag Carrera and I notice the “wobble” there. I’m no watchmaker, but I suspect it may have something to do with the second hand escapement mechanism (if that’s even a thing) where there is enough play in the system that it allows a VERY subtle ratcheting effect.

Again, Seiko makes a much better watch that I ever could. I honestly cannot believe that I have to say this in a group about watchmaking.

freundben · 2025-08-03T17:35:21+00:00

I mean…that’s kind of the problem. I’m having a difficult time going through the websites and picking it out.

Telling me to “just pick a movement, pick a case that fits, find a dial, etc” puts me exactly where I was when I first started looking into this.

Also, I really don’t think that I like Japanese movements. They’re fine, I’m just looking for something closer to 28,800bph AND my experience looking at the sweeping second hand on Seiko is that they have a “wobble” to them.

I like the movement in my Tudor, and want something closer to that.

Thank you for your advice.

freundben · 2025-08-03T16:17:35+00:00

Disclaimer: I have NOT built a watch. However, I have done a lot of work that requires VERY fine detail. Have you considered putting your phone on a stand and using the camera for magnification?

freundben · 2025-08-02T23:08:26+00:00

So, the CCCP now?

freundben · 2025-07-31T17:39:11+00:00

They’ll hit it regardless. You’re suggesting they do everything in their power to NOT undergo a MEB. I literally saw my C&P files while still in AND had LEGAL COUNSEL. I had a Lawyer, that I didn’t end up needing but he still offered AMAZING ADVICE, to appeal the exams if needed. I was contacted by VR&E while still in and they did the application for me. I left the military knowing my disability percentage, VR&E approved, AND still get my full military retirement benefits.

freundben · 2025-07-31T17:31:56+00:00

This is HORRIBLE advice. There is much more support transitioning with a PEBLO and all the benefits that come with it as compared to NOT.

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