d.anders

Just finished Episode 2 in Season 3. Holy shit! I am still trying to find the words. Here is a miracle, this show has been around since 2019. All of my friends have seen it, and they know my hate for Apple. Not one spoiler has come to my attention in all this time. I have even seen some brief interviews with some of the stars, the last of which was Jon Hamm. Lots of tempting build-up, but no details. Everything I have seen has been a complete surprise. This roller-coaster ride is top shelf. It seems every other episode, my stomach is my throat. It's so nice to see that quality can be found on TV.

Some of the trending posts lead me to reading in the Deli. @CuriousByNature and @Keenan, your posts on this thread are eye openers. On second thought, I couldn't do the job. The scrutiny that guys endure here would kill me. I wonder who among us customers could tolerate being publicly naked and so openly judged? It was difficult enough dealing with criticism in the workplace, which was mostly kept private. I've never had to endure a customer rant on the internet, let alone a vile pile-on.

I had my share of gay friends from game night who were waiters and salespeople. One guy worked at Bloomingdales for 40+ years before he retired. The horror stories they shared were not pleasant to sit through. NYC is infamous for its asshole customers. Sometimes the more money people have, the worse they are. In our culture, there seem to be a subset of customers who like to abuse service people. They think it's their right. Waiters learn this quickly. In my 30's, I grew to love massage so much, I thought about going to school for it. I tried it a few times on friends, but my hands tired out pretty quickly. I knew they weren't strong enough. I decided if I can't be as good as the experts I loved, then I didn't want to do it. I admitted I did not have the gift. Before health problems after 50, I had always been a gym goer. You get to see a large cross section of society, naked in the locker rooms. I like to think of myself as a person with humanity, but since I never had a strong libido, it takes a certain something to turn me on. I never had an issue with surrendering my body to another man, but reciprocation was always an issue. My sex partners didn't need to be pro models, but there had to be something that sparked a flame. These obstacles are not qualities for good escort work. However, if I had the right stuff, I imagine I could enjoy a lot of it. I have always loved the concept of being independent, and when I'm attracted to someone, I fully enjoy pleasing him.

I once saw an interview with the movie's creators. They had felt the book was a hit piece, a vendetta against Anna Wintour, and they were clear about not wanting that. It seems Hollywood wasn't much interested in getting on Anna's wrong side, which could hurt a lot of stars. Considering they took a different approach, it worked for them. The movie made Emily Blunt a star, and fed Meryl plenty of scenery and actors to chew on. Given the state of fashion (NYC has less stores now than ever in modern history), I'm surprised anyone is interested in a 2. I guess if you throw enough money at Meryl, she'll do just about anything (if she's even doing it). There does seem to be some interest in fancy clothing that only the wealthy can afford, since people are watching Emily in Paris and And Just Like That, in spite of the critics. Who knows with Hollywood. I'll believe it when I see it.

I am head-over-heels in love with this show. I'm halfway through Season 2, and I have so much to say. I need to find time to write. Season 1 knocked me clear off my LazyBoy.

I loved Vicious with Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi. The writing was so sharp and funny, and their love seemed so real. I don't have much faith that Hollywood can do that, especially this writing team.

I don't know what "central" means. Is it 40%, 50%, or 60% of my identity? Even if I live to 100, I'm in the last 1/4 of my life. So if my math skills are worth anything, I'm 75% old, and that seems a hell of a lot more than "central" to me. There was a time when I had hair, could stand up straight, and no one could guess my age. Soon after 50 that changed. Now, it's impossible to hide or pretend, no matter how rested or energetic I am. Way too many strangers offer me their seat, and considering I live in NYC, it's very touching to me. I don't want to be one of those narcissists who lives in denial. Old now is the majority of my identity, and when I solicit provider help, I want to be upfront and truthful about it. (Edit) Gay guys don't like being tricked or left to guess.

No need to apologize to me. My social media skills are pitiful. Without clear and correct information, I can easily get lost and confused. I have a very dear friend who endured several brain surgeries due to cancer. He is now wheelchair bound. The guy was a very talented, much loved professor, so to witness the effect that cancer has had on him is very traumatizing and painful. I don't have cancer, but in my elder years, I now consider myself a special needs customer. The days of being handsome, lean, and muscle defined are over for me. I no longer have hair on my head, and I hate being bald. My health issues are serious, but they are not obvious to strangers. I must explain to providers before a service begins to avoid disaster. I require a patient guy who is caring and understanding. Not easy to find. Most guys in this business are not prepared to service special needs customers. Most guys don't want us. I find it is very unfair to expect special consideration without giving someone a chance to absorb the challenges, and come to term with those challenges in their own way. I don't want to identify as an old man, but ignoring the reality does me no good. It's now a part of who I am. That is why I send a nude photo to providers I am interested in. I appreciate the ones who say "no thanks," but most never respond to my queries. Luckily for me, there are enough who do respond. Life can still be good and pleasurable, and those feelings are important to me.

Some tattoos are very sexy. My dad had one from his days in the military. Some guys definitely go too far these days, but many don't. Uncircumcised can be so sexy. Not a negative for me. Unless the foreskin is too tight, it is very easy and fun to clean an uncircumcised dick. I've been with many uncut cocks that smelled and tasted divine. The French love their cheese. Since many lazy men ignore foot grooming, I love knowing whether a guy takes care of his feet. I don't have a sexual foot fetish, but I love discovering a man who cares about his feet. Seeing that care in an ad is a plus for me, because it speaks about self-respect. Nope, not only. Even at my age I prefer natural beauty over anything fake. This boy is unique. He's very lean and defined, and not too short. He has some Greek statue beauty working on his behalf. I don't like the emojis on this board. I don't understand why they have to be so small. Even with special glasses for the computer, I cannot see the emoji details, and I have no idea what any of them mean.

It was not my intention to insult you, and I'm sorry you felt that I did. Not insult you. Not educate on cancer. Only share my experience living with health care changes to appearance. I don't know anyone here. I simply read what is on the screen and respond. I was not speaking with ridicule, and nor was that my intent. I'm very sorry you felt that I did. I'm also sorry to hear you have brain damage.

The syntax was nearly impossible for me to follow. Is English not your first language? Do the medications affect your writing? If there was a name change, why would you do that? I'm quite familiar with the physical changes caused by serious health care issues. I survived the ordeal of my parents, and now I deal with my own. In fact, the movie A Different Man touches on the issue of being rejected because of health care changes to physical appearance. Beauty is a complicated subject, and it affects people in unique ways. I've never met a physically beautiful person in the sex work industry who had a ton of compassion for less beautiful people, especially if you hire non-professionals. HE massage therapists are not registered nurses. If your appearance is not the norm, and you want to hire someone selling himself as "handsome," there are certain things that need to be done before seeing the person. The most important thing is sending photos of yourself with an explanation of what happened. With that, you need to ask directly, "Are you OK with working with me?" If the provider says no, or hesitates in any way, then you must accept that and move on. You can test mankind on its humanity all you want, but I can assure you, you will end up drowning in deep disappointment. If you desire better treatment from strangers, learn how to properly handle things.

I can't disagree with that. I actually don't mind the silent panning images. They are far more beautiful than the dialogue, or anyone in this cast. So true. Haven't flown since 2019. Can no longer lie in the sun. Unless the pool is heated, I'm a shaking chill-fest. So depressing for someone who once cherished his sexy tan line. White Lotus is a fun escape, for sure. But I am so missing the energy and wondrous, chaotic spirit of Tanya, and of course, all the previous hot boys. Mike White's decision to go spiritual is not working for me. I need and want the sex.

It was mostly another head-scratching dud. Warning: mild spoilers ahead. The writing seems really off to me. What the hell is Gary/Greg doing with that size boat? He's got Google headlines in Italy "wanted for questioning" from a previous White Lotus stay, that Belinda found with no effort, and in Thailand, at another White Lotus, he's entertaining complete strangers on a look-at-me-yacht. WTF. Who writes this shit? On top of that, the character has about as much charm and charisma as a dump of fresh, steaming cow dung. None of it makes any sense to me. Why would any of these characters end up on that boat, with that guy? Gaitok has to be the dumbest, most incompetent luxury hotel security guard I've ever seen. He treats his woody for Mook like a sex addict who needs a fix, while all the blood drains from his real brain. It's way too unbelievable, and silly. I have no idea why Valentin recommended Motel 6 to the three bitches, but it was fun to watch Michelle Monaghan melt down at the site of jiggling arm fat. I really dislike the way Timothy Ratliff's character is behaving. I feel sorry for the acting that is required of Jason Isaacs to make it believable. Not sure how a mega-wealthy businessman would behave on vacation with his family, if he found out his life is over during the vacation. It's a fascinating premise, but not the way its unfolding in this show. I think Mike White may be tired and needs a vacation from White Lotus.

I often wondered if that's a byproduct to acquire financial backing in Hollywood. Inevitably, some of the money probably has to come from straight investors.

It seems a strong assumption on this board that everyone has a price and can be purchased, gay or not. IMO, it's a fantasy.

LOL. That was just one word that no one could spell. Wicked is an entire 3-plus hour script.

I'm not holding my breath on another gay comedy by Will & Grace alumns Max Mutchnick and David Kohan. Hollywood gay-funny is almost always in its in own lane, and alien to the rest of gay America. The pairing of Nathan Lane and Matt Bomer is interesting. And then there's the Black gay. I guess on paper it makes sense to roll out tried and true Linda Lavin, but really, was there no one else willing or able? Another reason to not hold breath is Ryan Murphy, whose version of gay life is the most distorted and cliche as ever. At least they're all trying, and doing so in Palm Springs. A gay Golden Girls perhaps?

Not sure about this one, but in the entire film they did weird things with words, attempting to possibly create their own language. I actually found this a bit annoying, and a great way to fuck with a child's vocabulary. Perhaps a bit too bah-humbug on my part.

In a professional setting, a 60-minute massage is almost always 40-50 minutes on the table, especially for first-time appointments. That has always been my experience. I can barely tie my shoes in 60 minutes, so how could I ever expect much from any other 60-minute service? The days of 2-minute hand jobs are long gone. Even when my doctor is running on time, I still end up being in the office far longer than I ever anticipate. Ancillary stuff happens, depending on the people involved. There is no such thing as a perfect clock in any service business. On the other hand, to be stuck on a table during a bad massage for 90 minutes is a unique torture one needs to experience to decide what is the best option. For me, the general rule is, when you discover a good thing, make sure to allow enough time to truly savor the pleasure.

When I think of all the money I spent on theater tickets for shows I ended up not enjoying, I think about all the movies I hated, and get depressed even further. Entertainment almost always offers no refunds, especially the illegal kind. I suppose if a provider stupidly blamed a bad performance on drugs, he deserves a sharp confrontation from his customer. Luckily for drug-using providers, most people, especially closeted gay men, will do anything to avoid confrontation. Is a confrontation ever worth the financial loss, especially if the risk of bodily harm is a possibility? How much is risk worth? There certainly are times when being cheap or insisting on financial retribution could cause you more harm than good. In situations like these, it's far better to think fast and hard about your decisions, and not play the fool. I know I can no longer defend myself in a physical fight. Until I can legally carry a gun, no amount of cash loss is going to justify the risk of bodily harm to me. I will always choose the safe path, bite the bullet and never hire the guy again. My life and health is too precious to me to think otherwise.

I was gifted with Apple TV yesterday, and I started to watch The Morning Show. I was blown away by the first two episodes of Season 1. Smart writing, good acting, great angst and tension, and terrific chemistry between Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. Can't wait to see more. I'm surprised Aaron Sorkin wasn't part of the creative team. Seems like something he would have jumped on.

I finally saw the movie last night, and I managed to stay awake for the whole thing, but barely. It is an overly long movie with a simple, dragged-out plot. The visuals are a spectacle to look at, especially the last 10 minutes, but it's still a traditional musical, and not a very good one. I was pretty surprised by how slow the movie moved, and how lame and unmemorable much of the music was. I once loved the score from Godspell. "Popular" reminds me of a cheaper version of Annie's "It's a Hard Knock Life." Annie has much better songs. "Defying Gravity" is the only other memorable song, and it's mostly memorable for its vocal screaming. I was reminded what I didn't like about what I had heard about the Broadway score, songs designed to be sung by amateur screamers on American Idol. I have to say the whole movie thing is way over-hyped. Seeing this film did not change my life, and I have no desire to see it again. It's a lot of colorful cotton candy with very little substance. The concept is interesting. I could see why creators wanted to play in the background of the Oz story. But the whole endless school theme seemed like a borrowed attempt to capture Harry Potter mystique. There were a few moments, very few, when I felt the spirit of Judy Garland, and my heart jolted. But in the end, I was mostly bored, and the actors look and sound like they are lip-syncing in an over-bloated, old-fashioned, movie-musical production. The original Munchkin Land in Judy's Oz felt far more clever and creative. Even the dance numbers in Wicked seemed out of place and superfluous. The background characters mostly looked way too normal to be in Oz. I had forgotten there's a second movie to come. Good grief. I guess I'm glad the performers are employed.

I love a good horror flick, but they are seriously hard to come by. Not sure what to say about this one, other than ridiculous and preposterous. The acting is fine, but let's get real with these absurd stories. Hugh Grant is more creepy than ever. I hear the two young actresses are former Mormons? I get that a lot of people in Hollywood are atheists, but this crap is over-the-top silly, and completely unbelievable.

For as long as I can remember, I didn't take more money than needed. Never carried credit or debit cards to any appointment. Sometimes, I didn't take I.D., but I always told a friend where I would be. Some of those Craigslist appointments were a bit sketchy. There were a few times I thought about buying a gun and learning how to use it. I never hired while traveling. I never had the guts for that. This has always been a business that attracts shady characters. Always best to hire with extreme caution.

What do you mean? I'm always on the lookout for a mechanic who can provide me love. LOL.