jimmie50

Article 3 of the Constitution established life tenure for Supreme Court Justices. Founding fathers, and specifically Alexander Hamilton, felt this was important to ensure judicial independence from the political branches of government. The fact that the justices are nominated by a politician (president) and approved by another group of politicians (senators) seems to have escaped their thinking completely?!? It simply boggles the mind. In fact, it has had the opposite effect. While other democracies around the world have opted to adopt tenure rules that actually connect the courts to the political process in a more regulated and predictable way, the US system entrenched within the constitution allows one party to lock in a politically one-sided Supreme Court that favors their views and interests. Had the founders of this country been more thoughtful and careful in establishing the court system, they would have realized that regular and predictable turnover of justices increases the likelihood that political change in both the legislative and executive branches would also be reflected in Supreme Court appointments and then would prevent what we have now...a long-lasting, systemically biased court. This is the unfortunate situation we find ourselves in now, not just with their interpretation of the second amendment, but the broader question now before us of executive branch over-reaching. My fear is that our system of checks and balances the founding fathers established is almost broken to a point of no return.

The process for adding, repealing or changing an Amendment is outlined in Article V of the Constitution, and basically requires at least 2/3 of both Houses of Congress to agree on the change, which must then be ratified (approved) by no less than 3/4 of all the states. The Twenty-First Amendment, which repealed the Eighteenth Amendment banning alcohol manufacturing and sales, was ratified on December 5, 1933. This decision to repeal a constitutional amendment was unprecedented and the only time it has happened. Unfortunately, politics in the US has become so partisan it no longer is what is best for the country as a whole, but the only thing that matters to today's politicians is party ideology. I dare say the founding fathers would be shocked and disappointed to see what has happened over time. I don't believe what we have today truly represents the vision they had for the US.

Are you ever able to off the waiters? Curious to know in case I do decide to visit one of the clubs next month. Where do you get these 'garlands' that are given to the boys? Is that very common?

I will be staying there during the first week of my upcoming trip. Hope that 'special' is still available when I am there. lol.

Thanks for the update. Will be there in approximately five weeks and plan to visit this shop. Is it difficult to locate? Near BTS?

Like many of you, it is so difficult to pick just one. Probably the most memorable was a young man I met at a Starbucks in Taipei. I had taken a one year sabbatical from teaching and was living in Taiwan during that time. I was teaching English at a private school, as well as studying Mandarin at a local university. The Starbucks was near the campus and I would usually hang out there for a period of time several days each week. We made eye contact one day, then started a casual conversation. Before you know it, we were back at my apartment and it was some of the best sex I have ever experienced. After that, we would get together at least once a week for some play time during my stay. Remember that time fondly.

I look at the second amendment with an eye to history. When the US was established and the second amendment written, the world was a very different place. I don't believe the founding fathers could ever had predicted or remotely considered how guns or society as a whole would change over time. They could not have anticipated all of the technological advances. 250 years ago the founding fathers were in the midst of a war for independence and much of that fight was done by local militias. We had no developed and organized military as we do today. Militias, for the most part, are things of the past. Much of the land was undeveloped and a vast wilderness, most of which was still to be explored. People survived more off the land and needed guns for hunting as well as some form of protection. Law and order certainly wasn't as developed as it is today. Times and circumstances change. I do not believe in a literal interpretation of the constitution. It is an important document, yes, but it needs to relate to contemporary times. I personally have never owned, nor would I own any type of firearm. My father enjoyed hunting and fishing, so he owned a hunting rifle. I would go fishing with him, but always refused to go hunting. I had no desire to participate. Once my father passed away, his hunting rifle was disposed of to local law enforcement. I am definitely a proponent of gun control. It is frustrating that politicians only pay 'lip service' to the issue, and only briefly when there is some type of shooting incident that makes national news. I simply do not understand the need for people to possess multiple guns, assault rifles, or other weapons that have the ability to cause massive destruction. What has happened to our world?!?

Perhaps because of my age, but I never have understood what the fascination or draw is for burning man. Not something that appeals to me, nor do I think it would have when I was younger.

Haven't received a LINE update from GBeat since August 5, but this morning received two messages with a new name...STAR Massage. Not sure if it is a name change or ownership change. That seems to happen a lot in Thailand. Anyone else notice this? When this happens, do the therapists remain the same or they change as well?

Sorry if I sound like a broken record. I have mentioned before in other posts that I am a retired educator. I worked in a high school setting with special education students. While they were high school age, their function level was usually that of a 7 or 8 year old. All of my students received special services: behavior specialists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, etc. Something that we stressed with the students was the importance of our body language when interacting with other people. This was not only learning about how to read the body language of others, but also our own body language. Text messages are great for quick and easy communication, but they just don’t work for longer, in-depth conversations. You do not get to see the other persons physical behavior, expressions and mannerisms, nor they yours. You cannot really comprehend the tone of the text message. In face to face conversations, we are constantly giving off and receiving nonverbal cues…gestures we make, posture, tone of voice, eye contact…these all send important messages which are impossible to convey via text. Often times, it isn’t our words but our body language that speaks the loudest during a conversation. That simply isn’t possible via text. Even when we are silent, our body language is still communicating for us. When we text, silence is interpreted as being disinterested or ghosting, which may not be the case at all. The way we look, move, react, etc. all tell the person we are talking with whether or not we care, we are being truthful, how well we are listening. I have noticed when we try to engage in serious conversations via text, more often than not it generates tension, mistrust and confusion because it lacks these very important visual cues. Over the years, the speech therapists created a short, simple checklist for my students to help them better understand the importance of body language in communication: Eye contact – Is the person making eye contact? Facial expression – What is their face showing? Tone of voice – Does the person’s voice project interest? Posture – Is their body relaxed or tense? Timing – Is there an easy flow of information back and forth? From my perspective, these things are impossible to ascertain in a text message. While not necessarily easy to do via a phone conversation, it is possible to pick up on some cues via phone call; whereas almost impossible to pick up on any of the nonverbal cues via text with any accuracy. That is why I primarily use text for short, simple messages, i.e. at the supermarket, do you need anything?; what time is dinner?; let’s meet at Starbucks for coffee; etc.

I, too, have worked with a number of people from India over the years and never experienced any unpleasant body odor. However, even though I taught in a high school setting, my field was special education and my students were the moderate to severe population. Occasionally I would need to do a series of lessons on the importance of personal hygiene...especially changing clothes every day including underwear and taking a daily shower. My nose would always let me know when it was time for that series of lessons.

I would be happy to provide him with transport...directly back to my place! LOL. 😍

I couldn't agree more with this statement. As a retired educator from a high school setting, it always amazed me that the students would sit across from each other during brunch and lunch while texting each other rather than have a simple, verbal conversation face to face. lol. And we wonder why the younger generation has a difficult time communication?!?

Yes, please do share your experiences. Would love to hear since I will be visiting Chiang Mai in late October/early November.

I have heard that crows are afraid of owls. You might try putting a fake (plastic, wood, etc.) owl on the balcony and see if that will scare them away. I also recall growing up my grandfather would put shiny aluminum pie pans on strings in the garden to scare the crows away. It was a combination of the shiny material and the noise that the crows did not like.

I haven't read anything online here about Yahoo discontinuing 'Search' feature anywhere, but I don't believe Yahoo actually operates an independent search engine anymore. I think they actually use 'Bing'.

My friends and family often refer to me as 'old school'. I much prefer talking on the phone or having a face to face conversation versus using an app. I have never been a huge fan of social media. As a retired educator, I have seen too many new, inexperienced teachers get into difficult situations because of social media and failing to establish clear boundaries. Some have even lost their jobs as a result. Personally, I have never had an account on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. I have two apps on my phone...WhatsApp and LINE. I use WhatsApp as a way to chat with some of my friends in other countries, and have LINE for the massage shops. I do text frequently, but mostly with family and close friends. If I stop at the supermarket, I might text my sister to see if she needs anything. If I am stopping somewhere to pick up lunch, I might text home to see if anyone would like me to get them anything. I text friends if I am running a few minutes late for a planned get-together. I don't use it as a means of having deep, meaningful conversations. I have never used any of the hook up apps...Grinder, Hornet, Jack'd, etc.

I usually respond within the hour. If I am busy and it is something that requires a longer response, I will at least respond that I am currently busy but get back to them later that day. Personally, I find it extremely annoying when people don't respond or acknowledge text messages in a prompt manner. I sometimes wonder if it is a generational thing. My sister and brother-in-law will usually respond to me within the hour, as will most friends my age. However, my nephews (late 20's) may get around to responding in a couple of days...if at all.

My first visit to Pattaya was probably 2017 while visiting some friends. During that trip they took me to the Walking Street. I noticed quite a few men from Arab countries, but not so much India or Russia. We went to the beach one day in Pattaya on my last trip, but it was a more isolated area away from the city and tourist areas, so mostly just Thai in that area. I seem to recall one of the girl clubs on that street featured caucasians...perhaps from Russia. No idea what it is like nowadays. Not on my schedule to visit Pattaya on my upcoming trip.

I personally have never given it a thought or really care about it. Guess their entrepreneurship should be applauded, but not a service I would ever pay for.

Would this be the point you are referring to? "Neither of you must be judged mentally unfit or incompetent by a relevant authority." LOL

In real life I am usually more quiet and reserved, but I am looking forward to stepping outside my comfort zone when I visit in October/November and experience all that gay Thailand has to offer. I am probably going to be like the kid visiting a candy store for the very first time. lol. As for varying tastes, that is what makes life interesting I suppose. Just like we all have different likes when it comes to food, clothes, art, music, etc., we also have different likes when it comes to our men. I know many people here seem to like Arena and it sounds like it is always a sure thing, but I am not sure it is my cup of tea. I am more into the twinks or some say twunks, but not so much into the muscular or very athletic type of guys. Atlas probably wouldn't be the best go-go bar for me, either. However, I need to explore and perhaps expand my tastes!

I have found this website to be useful in the past. It has some sort of connection or arrangement with the Thai Embassies in multiple countries. The page gives information about who can legally marry in Thailand, as well as what the requirements are and documents needed. Perhaps this will help you. https://www.siam-legal.com/Thailand_Service/thailand-marriage-laws.php

I know I am very appreciative of the responses to my questions regarding my upcoming trip to Thailand in October. On previous trips, other than flight reservations, my travel plans have been arranged by my straight friends so I really consider myself somewhat of a novice...especially when it comes to the gay scene. I was finally able to venture out a little on my own last October and now am ready to 'fly solo' and make my own arrangements with the help of members here. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences here as well.

I thoroughly enjoy reading shamelessmack's travel blog. I did read all of the posts about Chiang Mai as well as many others. Unfortunately, he hasn't updated his site since May and I haven't seen any posts by him on this site recently, either. Hope he is ok.