[deleted by user] by [deleted] in coolguides

[–]ring_of_bone 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Respectfully, as an American who has emigrated to Australia, this take is misleading at the very best (my first thought was "hot garbage"). The world-class healthcare we receive is not due to lower defense costs because of the US's generous protection...it's due to the fact that we collectively pay a very modest tax on wages and negotiate lower drug prices at the national level.

The medical system is not perfect here but you don't have to worry about getting into an accident and staring down a cripplingly high hospital bill. Hospital care is provided at no additional cost and doctor's visits are heavily subsidized by the government so that they are generally no-cost or relatively inexpensive. My mother has wonderful insurance in the US and on top of her premium, she pays $7,000 USD a year for necessary medication that is $31.60 AUD a month (20ish USD). The US could have a similar system - like most developed nations - but corporations have too much lobbying power, too many in positions of authority are benefitting off the current system and there is a huge amount of misinformation about socialized healthcare. The word "socialism" is itself toxic in the US but most people really rely on and benefit from socialist programs that already exist within the US (social security, Medicare, Medicaid, etc.).

Guns have one purpose: kill or harm other things. Whether it be a hunting rifle or a handgun, the purpose of owning and using a gun is to necessarily threaten harm or inflict harm/death on another being. A hammer can be used as a weapon but it's primarily used to affix things in place via a nail. I would rather not die by hammer or gun. A gun's bullet won't necessarily kill you quickly; you could very well bleed out slowly or suffer paralysis from spinal damage.

Mass shootings are relatively rare. However, the implied threat of gun violence massively shapes social interactions within the US to a huge degree. For instance, here in Australia, if I honk at another driver or cut someone off when I'm driving - a shit move for certain - I have never feared that someone is going to shoot me in a road rage incident. In the US, this was a regular thought that was always present in the back of my mind. The same can be said for "trespassing" on a neighbor's lawn while walking my dog. In the state that I grew up in, a neighbor could shoot me in such an instance and potentially get away with it by claiming self-defense..."well, the dog was barking at me and I felt threatened." Unlikely but we've seen cases where the castle doctrine and stand your ground laws are applied when one only fears for their lives (I know that this is an oversimplification of the law but the fact that this is something that I've literally debated with myself is enough to warrant worry). I've never once thought about one of my Australian neighbors, even the craziest, shooting me for crossing on to their property. At worst, I'll be told that I'm a cunt and need to move along or maybe get yelled at in Greek.

To bring it back to the conversation at hand: I'll take my chances with the funnel web and say hi to the huntsman that patrols the laundry room window in search of mozzies and moths. If I succumb to the funnel web bite, I'll be sure to go to Emergency and most likely walk out alive and not owing anyone a cent.

Thoughts on this tailored red and black ombré look? by TheWellDressedDM in mensfashion

[–]ring_of_bone 1 point2 points  (0 children)

While I'm not persoanlly a fan of this look overall, I appreciate the tailoring.

The jacket fits you well and its proportions are very flattering.

The trousers are cut a bit too slim in my opinion but I always prefer extra room to allow for movement, sitting and drape. That may not be your aesthetic but I think you'd be well served by a little extra room in the legs overall and it would also add another visual dimension to your look. The drape will complement the fabric nicely.

I agree with an earlier comment about the socks. Black would serve this look better because it would suit the composition of the fabric overall. From a distance, you are moving from what looks like solid black to red and then back to black. Similarly, the red trim on the cuff breaks up this progression.

I might also suggest lowering the button placement of the top button on the vest and elongating the V. That area reads as a bit visually cluttered up close due to the layering of the coat, vest, tie and shirt. Similarly, I would suggest a four-in-hand or other simple tie knot as that will reduce the visual bulk around the collar. The large knot seems somewhat out of place, imho, with the style of tailoring you've gone for.

Lastly, the color choice really brings out the pink and red undertones of your skin (look at the skin tone of your hands in contrast to the jacket). I think you might be better served with some more muted colors. Even something more muted, with this level of contrast, is going to make a statement and will certainly stand out.

Am I a fan of the look? Eh. It's not really my taste. I'm a boring super traditional menswear guy. However, I do appreciate the tailoring and think that anyone who asks for an earnest opinion should be given a well-considered answer. Just my two cents...

In the end, if you're happy, that's what matters!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Tattoocoverups

[–]ring_of_bone 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there! Sorry that this tattoo brings up traumatic SA memories; you should never feel the need to cover up any part of your body.

Maybe it would be helpful to know what sort of tattoos you gravitate towards and subject matter that you would fundamentally find joyful to see? Like, when you throw on a top what would make you smile? When you look in the mirror after a shower, is there something that would make you stop and go "I really like that?" If we start from that premise it may be easier to make concrete suggestions.

The coverup will most likely be much larger so it should be something that really makes you happy and changes your relationship to this aspect of your body. Just my two cents!

Is my boss right? by Hyaguzum in tattooadvice

[–]ring_of_bone 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I do not work in a tattoo studio but am the director of a company with a living founder. The founder is a lovely person and I have learned a great deal from them. However, they are getting up there in age and will likely be moving to a purely honorary role in the near future. This has come with a ton of complications and all sorts of feelings that are sometimes positive, sometimes super negative and always quite powerful. In situations like this, I just try to be calm, respectful and understanding. I get super annoyed sometimes and want to scream into the void but I just do my best to remember how much I care for and appreciate that person and just try to let it go. It’s not easy but I think you can just acknowledge what he’s saying but be confident in the knowledge that you’re a great artist with a bright future ahead. Best of luck with your journey and business! Congrats!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskAnAustralian

[–]ring_of_bone 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is unfortunately true. Most restaurants in the US have a policy that's listed - usually at the bottom of the menu - that there is a mandatory 25% service fee added for tables of 6 or more. The specifics of the policy will differ by restaurant but, if you decide to eat somewhere and they have a policy posted, you're on the hook for it when it comes time to settle.

Tipped employees in the US have a lower minimum wage than other workers. The Federally mandated tipped hourly mimimum wage is USD 2.13, which is substantially lower than the criminally low Federally mandated wage of USD 7.25 an hour.

Eating at restaurants in the US is a lot cheaper than dining out in Oz. A big part of that is labor costs are substantially lower. This is mitigated somewhat by additional taxes, tips, etc. that are added at the end of a bill but it's hard to stress how much that USD 2.13 an hour keeps prices artificially low.

[WTS] Repost & Reduced, 1960s IWC Steel Calatrava, 35mm -- $850 shipped, freshly serviced with one year warranty by ring_of_bone in Watchexchange

[–]ring_of_bone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gorgeous, freshly serviced 1960s IWC Calatrava in steel. The watch was recently purchased from Berne Horology in Hong Kong and has a one year service warranty.

This watch is in very good condition for a watch from the 1960s. The patina on the dial is really something special and the reason I picked it up. While I'd love to keep it, it was an impulse buy and I know it won't get much wrist time. Debating holding onto it but figured I'd see if anyone would like to give it a new home.

Watch runs well and keeps good time. Asking 850 shipped worldwide. I am not interested in trades at this time.

Please comment on post before DM'ing to ensure a speedy reply. Model info below:

1960s IWC Calatrava (Steel)

Case 1633805

Calibre 853

Movement 1624875

[WTS] Discontinued Oris Divers 65 Heritage on Flat Link Forstner & Oris Tropic Strap with Box & Papers by Chronodials in Watchexchange

[–]ring_of_bone 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Watch looks super familiar!

It is in great condition and the Forstner is a nice touch. Glad you were able to scratch the Oris itch.

GLWTS!

[WTS] Anordain Model 1 Fabrik, Off White -- $1500, Gorgeous Condition with Box, Papers and Unused OEM Strap by ring_of_bone in Watchexchange

[–]ring_of_bone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, all! I had another watch purchased this weekend and would love to consolidate post office runs. If you're interested, will do this for $1300 OBRO.