SouthOfTheBorder

these people have a vested interest in making everything negative. it suits their political agenda and preferred narratives. fear is the easiest tool in the political playbook to manipulate people - a constant stream of negative spin creates fear & uncertainty. lots of people buy the propaganda, even when statistical analysis shows otherwise. and this fits neatly into a broader effort to delegitimize education, science & experts in favor of those who “feel” something. It’s that perception thing - meaning the feeling is something different than proven factually. Perception really isn’t a thing when actual critical thinking skills are zero to none. And these days - people believe what they want to believe and select news sources that will confirm exactly that. They no longer consume news to be educated or have an open-mind to change opinion based on new information. It’s not a good trajectory and it’s not sustainable - nobody cares about that though. As usual, they have not considered the long term effects of a society that celebrates ignorance.

San Francisco is a unique situation & nowhere else in the US comes close to the myriad of problems that have all come together there at one time. I happen to agree with you that many areas are appalling & I would not want to live there now. It really depends on how you’re quantifying the various problems in SF. The homeless crisis is the worst in the nation - mainly because SF itself is a very small city both in terms of population & geographic area. The city population is about 800,000 vs NYC at 8.5million (these are the city populations, not broader metro populations). So with thousands of homeless there it has an outsize impact. SF is still safe in terms of violent crime. Property crime is another matter altogether. And then there’s the unquantifiable damage the homeless crisis is doing to the quality of life and desirability of the city. Nonetheless - the devil is in the details and the big cities that some with an agenda like to talk about as crime-ridden aren’t crime-ridden at all compared to other less obvious cities. But, that doesn’t fit the narrative. There is perception and then there is the truth. Statistically speaking you’re far more likely to be crime victim in Cleveland, Memphis or Baton Rouge than SF. And you’re safer in NYC than almost anywhere else in the US.

notice any pattern here ???

the press reports the problems in the big cities because they know people will watch/read/click. NYC, LA, Chicago & SF are the favorite targets. Yet, none of these cities are in Top US cities for violent or property crime on a per capita basis. In fact, NYC is among Top 5 safest cities. Of course - that doesn't fit the preferred narrative of many who are rooting for the big cities to fail Interesting that those with the strongest opinions don't live in any of the big cities & their opinions are from what they read/see on Facebook or similar- which makes money by providing information that you already agree with so they can keep you engaged longer. I have family members that routinely assail me with stories about NYC crime & they've visited exactly one time years ago, while I live there. These folks live in an alternate reality and are so certain of their beliefs without any actual experience. Not sure the exact appropriate word - feels like ignorant would do with absolutely no critical thinking skills to separate fact & fiction. Meanwhile, they live in suburban area with much higher violent & property crime. As people select their own facts these day's & subsequent reality, belittle education & deny science - it's no wonder the US is in decline. Countries do not prosper while celebrating ignorance & stupidity. FYI - many of the most dangerous places in the US aren't in cities at all, but rather rural counties. You'll never see reporting on this because nobody will pay attention. Violent & property crime on a per capita basis have very little to do with population in the geographic area & even less to do with which political party is running the area . As usual, cherry-picking data to broadcast a narrative that will capture attention is the game - and for now that means giving the folks who want the big cities to fail all the stories & data that confirms their existing beliefs. Welcome to the echo chamber

agree this is where things go sideways on the client end. He’s a professional & may capitalize on a work trip for more money & contacts. It’s smart. While RM is public information, I feel like this is a bit like looking at someone’s phone - just don’t do it.

It’s not high speed compared to European or Japanese bullet trains. As others have mentioned, it’s because of the dozens & dozens of roads that cross the existing tracks. There have been many deaths because of those trains. It’s better than nothing tho. Yes, impossible to build real high-speed rail in the US now - mainly because of over-regulation, litigation & political cronyism. Just look at the high speed rail project between LA & SF. Billions spent & nowhere near complete. Ive been on Brightline several times between Miami & Ft Lauderdale. I always wonder how they make money because I’ve never seen it anywhere close to being crowded, weekdays when commuters would be expected.

the Axel BCN isn't exactly elegant. It's dated & filled with attitude queens. Literally stay anywhere else in Barcelona - if you must, visit the rooftop for the overpriced drinks and non-stop influencer crowd....and lots of American voices The Axel brand overall is subpar. Gay guys will accept less-than accommodation at more-than reasonable prices for the hookup potential in-house. That's what it's about. Nobody stays there because it's a nice hotel - bc it's not

at this point - Grindr & similar are well known for all of the bad behavior & general waste of time. Yet, hundreds of thousands still use them every day. And seemingly go right back after being burned multiple times. Hard to square why that happens. Ive noticed a huge drop-off in men using apps after 60. Either they're lying about their age, have actually learned from their mistakes or have just outgrown them. I suppose some may quit if they don't feel they get attention any longer. I much prefer socializing in-person & am lucky I live in places that allows me those options. On the few times, I have used apps in the past, I always felt pressure to perform & sometimes it's just not that way. Chemistry is required and that's not a thing that translates online Full disclosure - I met my husband online (before apps), so it can happen. A random hookup turned into 15 wonderful years.

I have the same feeling - and it makes me question the entire series. in the earlier seasons - it was easier to absorb the information as historically factual. The final season is so recent and the people are known (or the public thinks they know them), I found myself being much more skeptical about how they tell the story & corresponding dialogues. And it would be the exact same for earlier seasons. They took some historical events with known personal relationships and fabricated an entire drama around it. In some cases, there may be real letters referenced, speeches or something else that gives it some credibility. It’s entertainment after all.

always like to hear about good outcomes. based on others experiences & my own - it seems like you got lucky. YMMV - as in all things. I just think it’s important to provide somewhat accurate expectations to those seeking provider services. And Japan, in general is complicated & not an easy setup like cities NYC, London, São Paulo or Madrid as comparable. Just be prepared to work for it. You might get lucky - but the odds are not in your favor. Otherwise, Tokyo would be a major draw for those seeking providers services - which it is not.

Adan is long gone & it was a dump - but had the basics. I hear there are occasionally providers at some of the other Madrid saunas that cater to more mature crowd, but it’s not the business model and more like they are tolerated at certain times. It would be hit & miss if you happen to be there when some discreet men are working - no schedule & impossible to predict. Thermas BCN is still the sauna by which I compare all the others. I think it’s way better than the Rio & SP saunas - the men are reliable & something for everyone, no overcharging by the house & it’s totally safe and in a safe neighborhood . They do a decent job of keeping it clean. Almost open 24/7 and there are typically 1-2 guys there even at off hours. The attendant at front desk will give you an idea of how many guys are inside if any doubts - before you pay & enter.

they seem to exist - whether or not they all welcome foreigners is another question entirely. trying to connect with any paid provider services in Japan was a waste of time, imo. between the very busy schedules days in advance, lack of returned inquires & language barrier - I just gave up after a couple days considering it felt like it would be underwhelming anyway. very strange - never had that difficulty anywhere else in the world. I loved Japan, but would never consider it a destination if seeking provider services on vacation. Way too much work.

LOL - dildos end up in the craziest places I remember traveling with one in Europe several years ago & totally forgot it was in my carry-on luggage. I got stopped at security and the very hunky/handsome/hairy military looking guy pulled it partially out of my bag and asked me what it was for ? I don’t remember the exact answer, but it was an extremely quick release

I’m making provisions to stay in my own home when the time comes, no matter what. I’d rather have a shorter life than the quality of life in assisted-living, even in a very good facility. The most important thing is to have a home where aging in place considerations/modifications are ready before needed. fyi - the business model for any sort of assisted-living care is built upon an average stay of between 18-24 months and almost always less than 36 months. In other words, you will die there quick. One of the problems we have is we try to keep people alive way too long when the quality of life isn’t good & it just looks like prolonged suffering in a slow & inevitable decline. Death isn’t something to fight or be afraid of. It’s the natural progression & ideally in old age, the end of a life well-lived.

I think overall, this is a numbers game. play long enough & there will be a less than desirable experience. it’s statistically almost inevitable, even doing everything right all the time as a client. Chalk it up to this was your one less-than experience for the years of exceptional or better-than. the insults would hurt for sure. very doubtful this was about you tho - he clearly has other things going on & you were convenient. get back in the saddle as soon as possible

Federal immigration reform is the solution. Yet, when each party has had full control of Congress & White House, they have failed to act. Lobbyists pay the politicians to do nothing on immigration. the dirty secret is big business (agriculture, construction, etc) depends on cheap undocumented labor to keep prices low. This is what happens when there are no checks on dark money controlling political outcomes. Yes, there are real problems at the border and overall immigration. But, it’s all about the money and not what’s best for the American people. Nothing will change. and it’s not just an issue in the cities - that’s just the obvious part of a much bigger national problem. California is particularly hard hit due to the mild climate & relative compassionate policies that no longer make sense given the scale of the national crisis. The current situation in SF is complicated, but a perfect storm of a city with a concentration of tech workers that no longer goes to offices, illegal immigration, a global pandemic, an overwhelming fentanyl crisis, no affordable housing, political incompetence and no care for the mentally ill.

true. and where real estate is concerned - location, location, location Wilton Manors is the perfect place for it. Hard to duplicate elsewhere w same elements that make it work.

that makes sense given the different demographics of the two cities. the typical crowd at Johnson’s FTL is many regulars that spend a lot (older guys) and a steady influx of gay tourists visiting FTL. It’s busy every night they are open. FTL has been Floridas gay destination for decades. The other two clubs in FTL aren’t really completion for Johnson’s imo. Johnson’s Tampa will have to survive more as a novelty because the gay money is just not there. I’d bet that there is some investor that backed the Tampa club - the owner in FTL is way too smart to put his own money there. Johsnons FTL is like a never ending ATM. Johnsons Tampa is like someone bleeding out.

I wouldn't want to live in SF now, under current conditions. but, I have many fond memories from living there years ago. historically SF has extreme boom & bust cycles - this is just another one with a different twist. It always comes back. It's still the most beautiful American city in a region rich with natural abundance & the best universities in the world. I think it's very strange time in the US when many Americans are wishing for the big cities to fail. As cities are the economic drivers for the nation - be very careful what you wish for. As is typical, people don't understand the consequences. Kind of like Brexit - all sounded great as a taking point until the reality hit them in the face.

this assumes the pics & profiles are real - which they are not I’m over 60 and get hit on all the time & usually by younger guys into Daddys, altho closer to my age too. tbh - I just don’t have that much interest anymore & sex with strangers is a lot of work. I have zero interest in going through the motions just to have sex with random people. the exception is when I hire or go to rentboy saunas I think it’s way more about energy & attitude vs physical appearance. a little self-confidence goes a long way too.

I really can’t believe they opened Johnson’s in Tampa & I don’t see how it can be viable there. Johnson’s FTL works because of the large affluent retired gay community in close proximity to the club - Tampa doesn’t have that. Also, Johnson’s FTL draws customers from a much bigger metropolitan area including W Palm & Miami - the club is about equal distance from those two cities - Johnson’s FTL doesn’t have similar positioning. And the overall gay community in S Florida is huge with Johnson’s FTL is located in the epicenter. Tampa/St Pete/Clearwater gay community is much smaller. Plus, the dancers all have to be incentivized to go to Tampa given they won’t make the money as they do in FTL. None of them will want to live in Tampa - it’s not comparable to living in S Florida in any way.

well - you got one thing right. yes, smaller portions & noticeably fewer fat people in Europe. which means significantly less health issues related to obesity & another reason Europeans live longer. Social Security doesn’t mean much when the life-expectancy continues to plunge. Covid, fentanyl, suicides, etc - the reasons don’t really matter because it’s not happening in other rich developed countries. https://www.forbes.com/sites/omerawan/2023/01/25/has-the-obesity-epidemic-gotten-out-of-hand-in-america/

not really - entrepreneurs will flourish no matter where they are. I’ve used European health care - it’s just fine & haven’t experience any waits. It was actually easier to see a doctor than the US. and prescriptions are a fraction of the price. the people live longer & healthier too because there aren’t all the additives & preservatives in the food. you’ve bought way too much of the propaganda and evidently haven’t experienced any of these things yourself.

In NYC - always a real tree. Because whomever is selling them in the street is likely to be French Canadian & they will deliver to your home. Let’s just say they have been extremely friendly & open to hospitality