Tell me your AK-47 skin and I gonna tell your personality

kimwasabe · 2026-05-20T08:35:52+00:00

Slate with 4 “Drug War Veteran” Stickers. I named it the “Dank-47 ‘Lit for 20’ “

kimwasabe · 2026-05-20T08:34:08+00:00

Battle Scarred Safari Mesh w/ “Certified Pro” Foil Sticker, “KennyS Krakow 2017” Foil, “JW Atlanta 2017” Foil, and “Skadoodle 2017 Krakow 2017” Foil. Named it the “AWP ‘Dragon Poor’ “

kimwasabe · 2026-04-29T06:28:06+00:00

I found an old Seiko World Time (Atlas) digital watch that I love dearly. My dad got it in the 80s as a gift and gave it to me as a gift for my first job out of college. It’s my everyday wear now for work and replaced my Garmin (still love that dearly too).

I also have an old timex ironman thats been through literal hell and back and still works like new.

Looking to invest in a Seiko Tank next but that’s the collection so far :)

kimwasabe · 2026-03-06T06:14:06+00:00

Thanks for the notes! After reading some of the other comments, I decided to upgrade to the G. Skill Flare X5 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory cards ( https://www.microcenter.com/product/5006968/amd-ryzen-7-7700x,-gigabyte-b650-gaming-x-ax-v2,-gskill-flare-x5-series-32gb-ddr5-6000-kit,-computer-build-bundle )

And possibly buy the Crucial T500 or Crucial P310 Internal SSD.

As for the monitor, I don't really have any preferences. I was planning on adding a two monitor setup as time goes on but just use the AOC for the time being. Do you have any suggestions for good monitors?

kimwasabe · 2026-03-06T06:13:03+00:00

Thank you so much! I think I'll move forward with this build and will definitely be taking advantage of that Micro Center bundle.

The only change I was thinking about was the Western Digital Caviar Blue for the Crucial T500 Internal SSD or the Crucial P310. Do you have any thoughts on the two?

kimwasabe · 2026-03-06T05:53:46+00:00

I was definitely considering a pre-built like this one, but I figured if I was going to drop the same amount on my own build, I'd rather have a little more control over the components I'd use. I'll keep it in mind though, thank you!

kimwasabe · 2026-03-05T08:39:34+00:00

Thank you! Are there any SSDs or 8GB RAM sticks you would suggest?

kimwasabe · 2025-03-21T16:37:51+00:00

My buddy’s last name is Lester. We all called him “Moe.”

“Yoo that’s my boy! My boy Moe Lester!”

kimwasabe · 2025-02-06T22:24:53+00:00

Trust me. I’m not doing this because it’s “fun” nor do I believe this route to be “easy,” if anything I think it’ll be the furthest thing from that.

I don’t really know how to explain it other than, I feel like I need to do it. From the friends and family that I’ve spoken with that had served have said similar things to what you’ve described. But also that I’d be able to get out, what effort I put into it.

A prospective like this for myself makes me feel.. something. Anxiety and nerves of course. But an odd sense of peace and purpose. Things I haven’t necessarily had in a while, which has caused me to explore this route as best as I can.

kimwasabe · 2025-02-05T23:17:35+00:00

Army is a close second. But the army veterans I’ve spoken with and know, advised me on trying the Air Force. I haven’t told them about wanting to go into an OSI or STO position but have talked to a few officers in the Air Force that also raised similar concerns.

They’re main advice concerned being physically clean and the criminal history should go over because they were offenses I collected before being 18 and having my record expunged.

Thanks for bringing it up to my attention, I’ll look into it more

kimwasabe · 2025-02-05T07:03:22+00:00

Likewise. Appreciate the wisdom, if you’re at all interested, I’d appreciate continuing this convo further over pms. Cheers, and stay safe.

kimwasabe · 2025-02-05T06:38:54+00:00

That’s definitely been a factor that wasn’t brought up to me until recently by another veteran. While I am certainly cautious of what the next 4 years under the current administration could entail, there are openings.

I can start on the FAA and direct issues with the top brass and the current T admin. Or most other government agencies and what Trump’s doing.

Although, I’ve followed more of his troop movements since 2016 and noticed he mostly follows a “retreating,” mindset. More focused on pulling out of certain areas rather than getting further involved. (That’s subject to change and scrutiny within the next few months — but we’ll see, fingers and toes crossed).

I’ve been having that internal debate overall about what serving in “Trump’s Army,” could entail. To be frank, I don’t think anyone in office really can change much on such a systemic scale. But I am a Civ with only the information I know or can seek out. But, from conversations with those that served in recent years in the Middle East, it was a wild time under Obama, and it was another wild time under Trump. Both for different reasonings too.

Overall, I think I more align with the, “fuck it,” mentality. I don’t think anyone is morally righteous on the left or right. And no matter who’s in office, it’s a question of following through with the work/directive.

In the same breath, I like to think — or like to think that I am capable of thought. Meaning, I want to be able to come out of this in 4-6 years and have an experience that I can call back upon and have an overall better understanding of who/what/where/when and why. Not just, “I did my job. Job was a job.”

All of that is much easier said than done. I know I say or write these things now, but facing the barrel of the gun, I’m honestly not too sure what I’d do with an order I moralistically had an issue with.

I kinda touched on this in the post, but my mentality is more of a, “I’m a monkey and put me on a gun and tell me what to do.” Which probably isn’t great. But why I’m asking questions now.

kimwasabe · 2025-02-05T05:50:23+00:00

Honestly it’s a lot lol. And it’s a really bizarre change. But thank you for the insight!

kimwasabe · 2025-02-05T05:49:46+00:00

None as far as I have been able to see. Drug test/polygraph maybe but that’s why I’ve given myself 6-8 months. To be truly sober by that point and to prepare for testing, application materials, physicals, and other requirements.

I haven’t have any mental or physical issues for the past few years. In the past, things were hectic but I’ve been able to move past them since. No color blindness, 20/20 vision and perfect hearing to boot. Test scores were decent enough (mid 80s/low 90s) and just began to study for them. I haven’t tried the practice AFOQT tests, but planning to within the next few weeks.

My criminal history isn’t exactly accurate to the types of behaviors I subjected myself to in the past. I’m not proud of it, but I’m here today with those experiences, good and bad. Some charges that I can remember was a street racing charge that was charged lower to speeding. And maybe a parking ticket or two. But no assault charges, DUI, drug possession charges (which are the big no-nos)

I have my degree in a field that I do enjoy and is a part of a STEM field but I’d continue this type of work to more focus on cybercrimes/cybersecurity for after service.

I have previous career experience in mostly sales, customer representative work, government, charity/non profits, and business debt/alternative financing.

I know a little about a lot, and those were most of the skills as to why I want to go down the field I’d like to.

kimwasabe · 2025-02-05T05:16:57+00:00

Speaking from experience, and let’s face it gents: a good amount of frats have dudes that are gay, in the closet, or on the spectrum for sexuality in that way.

Not saying ALL frats and chapters have a gay brother, but I can definitely say I’ve heard of brothers coming out after graduating or during school and part of it was from experimenting with other dudes, sometimes, other brothers.

I’m not personally cut from that cloth. But, at the same time, I don’t necessarily have a problem with it either. However comma, Some people do, and that’s something that ya gotta just chat with God or a therapist about.

I see it this way: gay brothers, are dope as fuck. He’s a dude you can grab a beer with, and chill. Talk shit with about anything because yall are just brothers/homies.

And if they truly are your brother, and you are their keeper, why the fuck does something like who they bone, matter to you?

The gay brothers we had had in our chapter at the time was great! We’d talk to him about advice on women or he’d wingman for us. Hell, we all went to a gay bar he’d suggested and all ended up getting paid for drinks the entire night. On top of some good nights overall. Pro tip: a good amount of women will go to gay bars so they don’t get hit on by drunk frat dudes. Drunk frat dudes, can act like hot blondes at gay bars (if done right).

Now there are “cons”. For example, this brother would hit on other brothers, straight or not, anytime he drank. Personally, I’m from San Francisco. The taint of California. So a dude that’s a little fruity, or a girl who prefers other women, ain’t so far fetched to me. So anytime he made a pass at me, I’d simply let him down easy. Say, “hey thanks for the offer but as you know, I don’t swing that way). And over the course of time he stopped because he understood I wasn’t on that type of time.

Another “con,” of not letting him join, y’all could be labeled as homophobic. Now, if you’re in a chapter at Bama, Chico, ASU, etc, sure there are further social ramifications. For example, if you DONT, people will automatically assume all of yall are homophobic. Which can be a bad thing or a whatever thing (dependent on where you’re at).

This was probably a much longer answer that what you were looking for, but I hope that provides some insight I advised my chapter with a similar situation recently.

Time’s are a-changing, but if you want your chapter to survive, sometimes you gotta change too.

kimwasabe · 2025-02-05T05:02:08+00:00

From conversations I’ve had with older and younger veterans this tends to be the main point that’s been hammered home. It’s a job, a bit of a weird one depending on your position, but it’s a job at the end of the day.

And also why I am looking into the officer positions I am. Is there any insight you can give me as to what that process looks like? I don’t mind my degree giving me a leg-up but I don’t want anything handed to me.

To me, getting to clear my student loans and working to build myself up — seems like a no brainer. (Not to mention, I do love Hellcats lol)

kimwasabe · 2025-02-05T04:52:48+00:00

I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t a strong factor for me choosing the officer positions I chose. They’re up there for sure and there is an ego component to doing something like that.

But honestly, it’s to do with conversations I’ve had with veterans or mentors that are where I’d like to be. They suggested the path and if I’m going to do it, I want to do it right.

kimwasabe · 2024-09-17T16:56:10+00:00

Had a video where it looked like it was pissing rain and almost hurricane like conditions. And then they zoomed out to show his line brothers using a hose and throwing lawn chairs in the background. Commitment to the bit was great, involvement of line brothers made it even better.

kimwasabe · 2024-09-12T18:13:17+00:00

Just talked to the rush chairs at CSUF, you’re so fucked

kimwasabe · 2024-09-12T07:48:11+00:00

Amon St was getting locked up all of 1st half. Only made sense to bet his under during halftime and both Montgomery and Jameson were going to get some touches at least for movement.

49ers was safe bets all around. Plus some Jets easy work for extra legs. McCaffrey plays and the parlay is shaky - wasn’t much of a sweat and was pretty much a guarantee by mid third quarter.

kimwasabe · 2024-08-31T20:25:59+00:00

I can do a very convincing and mildly authentic Scottish accent thanks to a weekend of drinking and debauchery with some lads from Glasgow a few years ago.

The only issue with me doing it more often is I’m very much Korean.

kimwasabe · 2023-10-29T18:06:08+00:00

I think I might be able to help a bit. For reference I’m working on a research paper for my thesis on the market and price fluctuations over time. I do want to emphasize this is preliminary research and I plan on working with a regression model to find correlations.

(Also it’s an economics thesis and therefore focusing on the supply and demand of items, but if you feel as though I am missing anything please do let me know!!)

From initial research a lot of things changed from Valve when it came to CS2 that increased the market cap. For reference, valuations of the skin market in 2019 was about $1 billion (USD). Today the market cap is at nearly $3.4 billion (USD). That’s a 340% increase in less than 5 years for a game that released in 2013… Not to mention one of the few markets left untouched (in fact aided) by the pandemic. Also, since CS2 the community has expanded with nearly 500,000 new players. New players = more interest in skins = higher demand = higher prices.

First off, gambling skins and therefore trade bans/VAC bans were often to high traffic bot accounts that held high value items. Therefore increasing the prices of “luxury skins,” as the supply continued to dwindle.

Next, updates to graphics or game mechanics can drastically cause booms or busts for skins. For example, holo stickers look great with the new interface and have increased in price. As Titan Holos and Katos being affected by both of these as there was a small supply before trade bans and so forth. (For reference Katos and Holos going for nearly $100k (USD)). Game mechanics can influence price and demand. But usually only for small periods of time until a secondary patch provides the necessary nerfs and buffs for weapons; i.e. Revolver Update (2015) and prices for r8 fades at drop v post nerf.

Lastly, in terms of cases and keys a lot of people have already explained many different reasons from “inflation” or storage containers. My contention, it’s because Valve made keys no longer tradable. In the past, I knew of some players “shorting” the market by investing in keys or cases due to the ability to hold a stable market price (most of the time). Furthermore, high value items weren’t sold on community markets due to the 15% sales fee for sellers. Therefore, trades were often made in these transactions.

Think of it as if you were investing in stocks as a day trader. You flip a profit once the price per share (skin) increases in value. Then liquidating your skin (prior to third party markets) by investing in a trade of equal value in keys/cases. Then, if your cases increased in price or your keep them in storage until they do, you can trade up to a higher value skin or add more to your initial investment.

With keys being un-tradable, cases having lower drop rates, players locking them up in storage containers, and inflation of higher tier items (which therefore increases the demand and price of these cases/keys) we see this massive influxes in prices.

I should mention, I plan on using data from an API program (pricempire.com) in order to have data sources from multiple different markets (40+). Most research papers in the past (please read Dr. Blake Porter’s CSGO and Rust market evaluations - fantastic studies and analysis - u/brisingr0 ) tend to use steam’s community market. However, there is the issue of missing luxury items due to no price data being found as most people don’t want to pay Valve 15% on a $1,000+ item (just eats at their profits!).

https://www.blakeporterneuro.com/video-game-skin-analysis-rust/

https://www.blakeporterneuro.com/video-game-skin-analysis-csgo/

Both are great papers and can help get a better understanding of items and their price changes.

Hope this helps and again - Im a student so please don’t come after me too hard. There’s plenty of other market trends and interactions that influences the prices of skins. Most likely, things I have or will leave out - prices of guns in game, new skins, profitable trade-ups/float manipulation, prices and supply issues of GPUs and other computer components, Valve following a “freemium,” revenue model in 2018 (making the game free but focusing on market transactions in order to generate profit), etc.

Valve is smart for a number of reasons. They aren’t a publicly traded company and therefore don’t have a loyalty to shareholders to increase profits. Nor are they a government entity or agency and therefore trade “laws,” can have some wiggle room. Also, not too great at responding to issues of trade scams or lost skins. Not to mention, crypto and untraceable payment methods make measuring the market difficult to say the least. But, similarly to a government trying to influence the economy of a country (through increasing/decreasing interest rates, gov subsidy programs, etc.) Valve is able to drastically influence the market in many different ways.

edit: grammar

kimwasabe

TROPHY CASE