JayCeeKy

I also have noticed that Biden does indeed use "Look" at the beginning of many answers, esp when he doesn't like the question. I have tried to analyze why so many politicians use this useless word ("Omit needless words." says Strunk & White, The Elements of Style, page 12).
 
It seems to be a rhetorical device, similar to "Listen" for gaining and holding attention and for asserting authority in advance of emphasizing a point. It's like saying "Listen, I am going to say something very important, so pay attention!" As you noted, it is a viral crutch that seems to be spreading throughout media.

Yes, I stayed at a Marriott in ATL a couple of weeks ago and no pen/pad. I had a pen in my shave kit but no pad - had to tear off a piece of my Confirmation printout.
I worked at the Front Desk of a large moderately priced hotel chain back in the late 70s - Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians orchestra (anybody remember them?) stayed overnight. Guy was super friendly and graciously penned a note to my mom who was a fan. I'm guessing Guy was about 5'4" tall.
We didn't really care if you brought escorts into the hotel - I mean, who's going to go up to a guest and say "Are you a hooker?". The only sexual event I remember during my brief employment  was when the Security Guard caught two hot teenage boys who did odd jobs around the hotel  doing the "69" on a metal table in the basement laundry.  Of course, I pumped the Security Guard for all the details.

Yes, I stayed at a Marriott in ATL a couple of weeks ago and no pen/pad. I had a pen in my shave kit but no pad - had to tear off a piece of my Confirmation printout.
I worked at the Front Desk of a large moderately priced hotel chain back in the late 70s - Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians orchestra (anybody remember them?) stayed overnight. Guy was super friendly and graciously penned a note to my mom who was a fan. I'm guessing Guy was about 5'4" tall.
We didn't really care if you brought escorts into the hotel - I mean, who's going to go up to a guest and say "Are you a hooker?". The only sexual event I remember during my brief employment  was when the Security Guard caught two hot teenage boys who did odd jobs around the hotel  doing the "69" on a metal table in the basement laundry.  Of course, I pumped the Security Guard for all the details.

"Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in."   -- Robert Frost

I have a pic of my mum sitting on a stoop in Brooklyn with a mini-flag on Decoration Day in 1927. Must have been a big deal back in the 1920s?

Was watching ABC News the other night when James Longman did a report from the Middle East. Discovered James is openly gay and is called "the Beirut Beefcake" by some. Thought he should be added to our "sexiest news anchors/reporters" list.
 

I think James' tattoo is a Horace paraphrase:
 
Qui metuens vivet, liber mihi non erit umquam. = (If you live your life in fear, you will never be free)
 
BTW, I emailed James - he was quick to respond, but fee was over my budget. Hot, though.

I have lots of relatives who are are docs/dentists/vets. Medical School debts are usually huge and normal - don't get overwhelmed - banks love ya cause you're a good risk b/c med students are normally pretty stable and not spendthrifts. On the other side of graduation I would suggest asking other docs/residents for a referral to a fiduciary financial advisor who can set you up on a long-term plan for savings/investment so that you can live a life of hard work and above-average social-economic status (i.e. you and your family will be comfortable for the rest of your life). Normally, I would suggest Vanguard/Fidelity for investment strategies, but the income of docs are so spectacular that you probably need a personal financial advisor.
 
Just remember: the hardest part of medical school is getting in - and don't get upset if it doesn't happen on the first attempt - and there are other options such of Schools of Osteopathic Medicine and medical schools in the Caribbean and elsewhere. And, don't feel less of a doc if your degree comes from one of those schools - cause it's more than smarts that determine which school you get in.

A Single Man (2010). With terrific acting from Colin Firth - and beautiful Nicholas Hoult as every gay man's dream college groupie. Based on a novel by Christopher Isherwood it portrays one day (November 30, 1962) in the life of a college professor (George) who has recently lost his longtime partner and is contemplating suicide. And whenever I'm having one of those crappy days I remind myself of what George tells himself on November 30, 1962: "Just get through the goddamn day."

Joan Rivers used to say "Whoever says money can't buy happiness doesn't know where to shop." Having said that, I've known a few folks in my lifetime who believe that being "rich" is more than just a question of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. I had a roommate in college, a brilliant young man, good-looking, great personality. For most of the last half-century he sold snacks at a major sports venue and made subsistence wages. For entertainment he goes to free concerts, socializes with friends, visits parks, museums, and other low-cost attractions. He rarely watches TV as he considers it a waste of time and spends most evenings reading books he has borrowed from the public library. For most of the past 50 years he has immersed himself in various organizations and movements that attempt to make life better for the less fortunate. I can attest that he is one of the happiest, best adjusted, most contented individuals I know. Epictetus, a stoic philosopher said that “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”

Good Pope John.
When Pope John XXIII was asked, “How many people work in the Vatican?” his response was, “About half.”

“A man can be ruined in one of three ways. Wine, women and farming. Of the three my father chose the most boring.”
 
Pope John XX111

Joan Rivers used to say "Whoever says money can't buy happiness doesn't know where to shop." Having said that, I've known a few folks in my lifetime who believe that being "rich" is more than just a question of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. I had a roommate in college, a brilliant young man, good-looking, great personality. For most of the last half-century he sold snacks at a major sports venue and made subsistence wages. For entertainment he goes to free concerts, socializes with friends, visits parks, museums, and other low-cost attractions. He rarely watches TV as he considers it a waste of time and spends most evenings reading books he has borrowed from the public library. For most of the past 50 years he has immersed himself in various organizations and movements that attempt to make life better for the less fortunate. I can attest that he is one of the happiest, best adjusted, most contented individuals I know. Epictetus, a stoic philosopher said that “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”

Joan Rivers used to say "Whoever says money can't buy happiness doesn't know where to shop." Having said that, I've known a few folks in my lifetime who believe that being "rich" is more than just a question of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. I had a roommate in college, a brilliant young man, good-looking, great personality. For most of the last half-century he sold snacks at a major sports venue and made subsistence wages. For entertainment he goes to free concerts, socializes with friends, visits parks, museums, and other low-cost attractions. He rarely watches TV as he considers it a waste of time and spends most evenings reading books he has borrowed from the public library. For most of the past 50 years he has immersed himself in various organizations and movements that attempt to make life better for the less fortunate. I can attest that he is one of the happiest, best adjusted, most contented individuals I know. Epictetus, a stoic philosopher said that “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”

Joan Rivers used to say "Whoever says money can't buy happiness doesn't know where to shop." Having said that, I've known a few folks in my lifetime who believe that being "rich" is more than just a question of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. I had a roommate in college, a brilliant young man, good-looking, great personality. For most of the last half-century he sold snacks at a major sports venue and made subsistence wages. For entertainment he goes to free concerts, socializes with friends, visits parks, museums, and other low-cost attractions. He rarely watches TV as he considers it a waste of time and spends most evenings reading books he has borrowed from the public library. For most of the past 50 years he has immersed himself in various organizations and movements that attempt to make life better for the less fortunate. I can attest that he is one of the happiest, best adjusted, most contented individuals I know. Epictetus, a stoic philosopher said that “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”

Joan Rivers used to say "Whoever says money can't buy happiness doesn't know where to shop." Having said that, I've known a few folks in my lifetime who believe that being "rich" is more than just a question of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. I had a roommate in college, a brilliant young man, good-looking, great personality. For most of the last half-century he sold snacks at a major sports venue and made subsistence wages. For entertainment he goes to free concerts, socializes with friends, visits parks, museums, and other low-cost attractions. He rarely watches TV as he considers it a waste of time and spends most evenings reading books he has borrowed from the public library. For most of the past 50 years he has immersed himself in various organizations and movements that attempt to make life better for the less fortunate. I can attest that he is one of the happiest, best adjusted, most contented individuals I know. Epictetus, a stoic philosopher said that “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”

Isolated and distraught through the pandemic, this forum became my refuge. Although I do not know anyone in person, just reading through comments, discussions gave me a feeling of being connected with a community. When the site disappeared for a day, I missed a heartbeat. Like I lost someone to the pandemic. So glad we are back now. Heartfelt thanks to those who made it happen.

I just got back from nine days in Puerto Vallarta. There is a new club, Pervert, which operates above a barber shop just a few doors down from Wet Dreams and Sixty Nine.
This is in the space where the old DeBraye club use to be.
There were lots of male strippers (more dancers than customers). Drinks were cheaper than the competing clubs and they accepted credit cards.
 
I went two different nights. One night had few dancers that appealed to me so I left after one drink.
 
The second night I hit the jackpot. I had three gorgeous dancers (two muscle hunks and a young but not too thin twink) on my lap for nearly an hour, tipping them each about 50 pesos per song ($2.50 usd) while a waiter kept bringing me drinks and I kept buying round for the dancers.
I had a fun 10 minutes in a private room with one dancer, charged on my credit card. The room could have easily handled all 4 of us if I wanted, and the dancers were willing. Total night came to 4000 pesos ($200 usd) for all my drinks and drinks to the dancers and room charges for the private dances. I probably dropped an additional 2000 pesos tipping the dancers.
 
Pervert does not have the crowd pleasing ambiance of 69 or Wet Dreams next door. But it's not too be missed. You may find your type and have a fun night.
 
I would have stayed longer that night, but I had a party cruise booked the next morning

Yes, prostitution is indeed frowned upon in the Hebrew Scriptures and Leviticus (20:13) says I'll pay for my sins. I already do, Escorts, strippers, and alcohol don't come free.

“Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit.” -- The Aeneid by Virgil. What Aeneas tells his men during a time of hardship.
 
“Maybe we’ll be laughing about even these things some day in the future.” (a modern interpretation)
 
Ever hear ex-service guys who had been together during war when they get together many years later and laugh about their time together? Virgil's quote helps me to put things into perspective when I'm having a rough time. I remember the quote and remind myself that maybe some day I'll look back and have a good laugh about all this crap.

That's interesting since the diamond emoji has traditionally meant meth - I wonder if that gets confusing?
 
Emojis that represent drugs:
 
Cocaine — Slang terms for this drug include coke, snow, dust, powder, nose candy, coco, blow, pearl, yeyo. Often represented as the following emojis:
 
❄⛄??????
 
(Snow, Snowman, Key, Raining cloud, Rice, Sneezing Face, Eightball, coconut)
 
Marijuana — People usually smoke marijuana but it can be used in a variety of ways. Dispensaries sell brownie and candy infused weed, you can purchase lotions and balms that contain CBD as well as brewing it and drinking it in a form of tea. People who use marijuana for medical purposes use it for conditions like chronic pain, muscle spasticity, anorexia, nausea, and insomnia. Often represented by the following emojis:
 
????????
 
(Maple Leaf, Four Leaf Clover, Palm Tree, Tree, Pine Tree, Kissy Face, Smoke, Face With Steam From Nose)
 
Cough syrup — The concoction is made by mixing the prescription medication with Sprite Soda and Jolly Rancher candies. Often represented by the following emojis:
 
????
 
(Grapes, Baby Bottle, Crystal Ball, Purple Heart)
 
Methamphetamine — It is a popular party drug that is usually smoked with a small glass pipe, but can also be swallowed, snorted, or injected into a vein. It comes in clear crystal chunks or shiny blue-white rocks. Commonly known as; ice, glass, rocks crystal, crank, chalk, tweak, tina, Walter white, speed. Often represented by the following emojis:
 
?❄???
 
(Diamond, Snow, Snowy Mountain, Eight Ball, Rice)
 
Heroin — Pure heroin is a white powder that can be snorted or smoked. “Black Tar” heroin has a very sticky texture. Black tar heroin is dark, a result from crude processing methods that leave behind impurities. Impure heroin is normally dissolved and diluted with water and injected into the veins. Commonly referred to as; H, smack, tar, junk, black, dragon, white horse, skag. Often represented by the following emojis:
 
????
 
(Syringe, Direct Hit, Dragon, Horse)
 
MDMA — MDMA is normally sold in pill form and can contain additives. These factors can contribute to serious and sometimes fatal health effects. MDMA can also be addictive and research suggests long-term cognitive problems may develop in some users. This drug is most popular among teens and young adults, especially at nightclubs or raves. The drug comes in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors often are stamped or imprinted with unique logos (Smiley faces, Superman logo, Skull shapes, legos, hearts, stars, children’s cartoons dominoes). Street names include; X, Superman, XTC, Adam, Beans, Love Drug, Happy Pill, Scooby Snacks, Smarties, Skittles, Vitamin E or X. Often represented by the following emojis:
 
?❤⚡☣??
 
(Pill, Heart with Lightning Bolt, Biohazard Sign, Exploding Head, Candy)
 
Magic Mushrooms — This drug is most commonly chewed but can also be made into a tea. Mushrooms may be consumed raw and dried but cannot be smoked or cooked as this destroys the main ingredient, psilocybin. There are more than 180 species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin. Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in Mesoamerica in spiritual and religious rituals and are currently one of the most popular recreational psychedelics in the U.S. and Europe. Popular street names for magic mushrooms include; shrooms, liberty caps, Alice, boomers, simple Simon. Often represented by the following emojis:
 
?
 
Here are some other emoji codes that you might want to be aware if you are thinking about looking through your teen’s phone:
 
?
 
The spaceship emoji is used to indicate how high the potency of a drug is.
 
?
 
The plug emoji is used to refer to a drug dealer, a ‘connect’ or supplier who is going to be able to provide you with drugs.
 
?
 
The pie emoji can be used to describe the punny expression of cookies pies, making a large amount of drugs to distribute.
 
⛽
 
The fuel pump emoji is used to describe being ‘gassed,’ drunk or intoxicated. This emoji can also mean gas, a high-grade marijuana.

I've done well by living below my means for many, many years. Working for the federal government has been great for me. I'm paid well, have a good work-life balance, and between my federal pension, retirement account (TSP which is basically the government's 401(k) program) and lots of saving over the years I should be in good shape to retire early in a few years with more than enough money for the rest of my life. Having a financial planner has been very helpful as well.
 
Also, not everyone here hires pricey escorts several times a year as the premise of this thread indicates. Frankly I can't even remember the last time I hired an escort. I have enjoyed many trips to Asia over the last 15 years or so with lots of visits to massage places and gogo bars.

“Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit.” -- The Aeneid by Virgil. What Aeneas tells his men during a time of hardship.
 
“Maybe we’ll be laughing about even these things some day in the future.” (a modern interpretation)
 
Ever hear ex-service guys who had been together during war when they get together many years later and laugh about their time together? Virgil's quote helps me to put things into perspective when I'm having a rough time. I remember the quote and remind myself that maybe some day I'll look back and have a good laugh about all this crap.

“Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit.” -- The Aeneid by Virgil. What Aeneas tells his men during a time of hardship.
 
“Maybe we’ll be laughing about even these things some day in the future.” (a modern interpretation)
 
Ever hear ex-service guys who had been together during war when they get together many years later and laugh about their time together? Virgil's quote helps me to put things into perspective when I'm having a rough time. I remember the quote and remind myself that maybe some day I'll look back and have a good laugh about all this crap.

Black lab? Pepper. Too obvious & overused?