jimmie50

If I am aware of the hate and intolerance, in general I will avoid doing business with them. I avoid Chick-Fil-A and Hobby Lobby. I recently have cut back on the amount of shopping I do at places like Target and Lowes that have basically caved in to the pressure from the current regime in Washington regarding DEI. Same thing for Pepsi and Anheuser-Busch products. Because of backing down to pressure from the conservatives, they no longer sponsor Pride events. Why should I give these businesses my hard earned money!

Many years ago I was in Taipei, Taiwan during a typhoon. That was the first time I had ever experienced such a powerful storm. We had earthquakes in California, but SF Bay Area never had typhoons/hurricanes. I do recall what you mentioned about the windows blowing out, flood waters rising, and furniture floating down the street. Certainly would not care for a repeat of that.

I think I will cancel my subscription when it comes up for renewal. When I was teaching full time, I ordered items for my classroom quite often. It was very convenient and usually cheaper. However, now that I am retired I do not really order that much. It wasn't necessary that what I have ordered recently arrives in the next day or two. I certainly was able to wait without any issue. I cannot even remember the last time I watched anything on Prime Video. I do not spend a lot of time watching television to begin with, so Prime Video isn't something I would miss at all. I, too, am of the mind that I don't want to support Bezos, his politics, and his censorship at the Washington Post, especially in recent years. I also prefer to shop local these days.

Wonder what the difference is between Mr. International and Mr. Global? Mr. International is currently taking place in Bangkok through September 25.

Perhaps I will get adventurous and try a motor taxi. Never been on one before. 30 minutes doesn't seem like all that long of a walk, even at my advanced age. lol. I think I can still manage that...especially when quality time with a handsome young man is involved. 😉

Yes, I really don't understand why people not just in the US but around the world are so afraid of him. From my perspective, he is nothing more than the old schoolyard bully. The way to deal with a bully is to not react. The reaction is what they are going for. Bullies thrive on getting a reaction. They often want to see the impact of their actions. Remaining calm and not reacting will disarm or take away the power of a bully. Why people choose to engage with him is beyond me. Why should Macron even care what he or his cronies think or say. Simply ignore it.

I have heard of Prince, but wasn't quite sure where it was located in relationship to where I will be staying. I am staying at Ibis Styles Silom...are S'sense and Prince easy walking distance from there?

I was very surprised that she didn't run for governor of California. That was really what I expected her next move to be, but she may be wanting to make another run for president. As you said, if that is her plan she may truly regret writing the book. I have always been a big fan of Pete Buttigieg, and suspect he will be making a run for president in the next election. He is probably working behind the scenes now to lay the groundwork for such a campaign. Personally, I think a gay male has a better chance of getting elected as president in this country than a female...any female. That threshold just seems too high given the current overall political and social climate in the US. It is pretty obvious already that the current governor of California plans to throw his hat in the ring.

Glad you were able to find a solution. Certainly would keep me from wanting to sit on the railing! LOL.

ok, this is the first I have heard of S'sense. It has not been on my radar until now. Where is it located? Based upon comments here, I am assuming extra services are available?!? Is it more on the pricey side, like Prestige, Klover and History of Massage? Sounds like I may need to add it to my list of establishments to visit next month. I have way too many places on my list now and not enough days. lol. Guess I need to strategize and prioritize before I get to Bangkok!

While I am certainly no fashion expert, having lived and worked in the SF Bay Area most of my adult life where you will find a large Asian population, Asian street fashion is certainly very innovative and diverse. It draws inspiration from many cultural influences. Student population at the high school where I taught was 80% Asian, and both males and females considered their fashion style to be a celebration of their individuality and self-expression. My guess is those of us who are older and from a more western culture have more of an issue with their fashion sense...they probably believe they look very stylish and appropriate. Perhaps if taking a young man along as a traveling companion, you might want to consider taking him on a shopping outing to purchase one or two outfits. That would afford you the opportunity to make suggestions or comments about certain items of clothing without offending the person. It also might be they are unable to afford nicer clothes or are accustomed to wearing hand-me-downs and don't give much thought to their attire.

Yes, the 17th Mister International competition is taking place in Bangkok and Khon Kaen, Thailand. This year there are 42 contestants from various countries around the world. The show includes national costumes and swimwear competitions. In some locations, the finale is broadcast live. However, you can find daily summaries as well as full videos of the competition online at Youtube. Just got to Youtube and search for Mr. International 2025. The competition started on September 12 and runs until the finale on September 25.

I am also in agreement with you. Such a terrible thing to do. I have never heard of such thing as a parental competency test. My goodness would the world be in trouble if all the parents were given a competency test. What percentage would fail?!? Don't know anything about Danish law, but I would be looking for a good lawyer and fighting it. Certainly does seem like over-reach to me as well.

When going out with family or friends to a local restaurant, I will often go online to see if they have an online menu I can view before going for dinner. This is usually because of dietary restrictions, so I like to try and plan in advance so I know if I need to plan on eating a little something before going as there won't be much on the menu I am allowed. However, if they don't have one...I don't stay home or worry about it obsessively. When traveling, I don't usually look in advance and am not as careful regarding my diet. I just try to enjoy my travels...including the food. If I am walking by a restaurant that looks interesting and they have a menu on display, I might check it out before making a final decision to try it, but not always.

I was reading a news article this evening that stated his mother is the person who actually first recognized the images as her son and then asked the father what he thought. Father agreed with her. It also mentioned that family members feel his political thinking changed over the last year and very different from the rest of the family. His parents especially are strong MAGA and Trump supporters. Certainly does seem like the situation is like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Forget the arguments for and against the 2nd amendment. Now they are going after the 1st amendment rights of free speech. Disagree with them and be charged with a hate crime. Never, ever thought this day would come in the US. What in the world is happening to us?!?

I am exhausted just reading about your adventures! So much fun in such a short period of time.

15M and 27M share the same website as well as the same therapists. https://www.mmassagebkk.com

I imagine the Myanmar military receives a substantial kickback from these crime syndicates as a major source of funding and wouldn't want to do anything that would impact the flow of much needed cash. Sorry for all of the people who have been taken advantage of by these scams. They definitely target older people. One of the reasons why I don't do social media, never answer calls that do not come from someone on my contact list, and never respond to texts or emails from people who are not on my friends or family lists. If the call is important, they will leave a voice mail. I can then look up the contact number myself and call them back directly. I simply 'delete and report' any text or email, and never click on any links in messages. You can never be too safe these days.

Haven't heard much about him in recent years. Curious to know more about who he follows and his posts?!? Several years ago it seems like he was everywhere, but not so much these days.

Personally, it is my belief that we have become too easily offended and are overly sensitive to words as well as ideas. In many ways I think it has the opposite effect and limits dialogue. Why do we always feel the rest of the world must conform to western ideas? I agree whole heartedly with @daydreamer...let Thailand be Thailand.

My oldest nephew is 30 and married, the younger one is 29. I often find myself referring to them as 'the kids' when talking about them to family and friends.

OMG! And I just read in a post on here about someone who gave out four of these garlands in one night at a club!!! That could certainly get expensive in a hurry. Think I would rather tip the individual to join me for a drink, then pay the off fee and tip the young man directly (see...I didn't use the word 'boy'...lol) than to present the garlands. How many 1000 notes are on one garland?

Had to think about this one for a bit. I always referred to my students as boys and girls. However, they were at a function level of 7 or 8 years old, so that was appropriate for them and something they could easily understand. In working with the general student population, I would always say 'ladies' or 'gentlemen'. I never referred to them as girls or boys, even though they had not yet turned 18. I am guilty of using the word boys when referring to myself and a group of friends getting together, even now, and we are all well into our golden years. On here, I have probably referred to the young men who work in the massage shops as boys without giving it too much thought. To be honest, I can't recall. It certainly is not a term I would use in conversation with them directly. I think it all comes down to the context in which it is used. As @PeterRS said, I think most people on here are sensible enough to understand the context and would be quick to correct any of us using the term to specifically refer to young men under the age of 18.

I am fair-skinned and can sunburn very easily. I have always gone for a very high factor number when purchasing sun screen...at least 50, but usually more like 70. However, that isn't to say I have not been somewhat skeptical of those numbers. Most things like that I tend to only believe their claims partially. After all, it is a business and the ultimate goal is to increase profits. Truth in advertising is very low for most products like that. Look at all of the anti-aging creams and weight loss pills that have been peddled to the consumer over many years. I started losing my hair when I was 17, and by the time I was 30...pretty much bald. Yeah, it's genetic. Runs in my family. I always either wear a hat if I am going to be out in the sun, or load up on the sun screen. Never have been one to just lay out and get a tan.

Agreed. It is appalling. And I don't understand the lack of backbone and unwillingness of Republican elected officials to stand up to him. It just blows my mind.