LaffingBear

Hmmm... interesting thread My answer is, "not really anything that serious." Dealt with some threats, some belligerence. Most of these are at least 15 years ago... one happened 2018-9. I had a guy verbally threaten me in my hotel room... I picked up the phone and asked for security, and he split. "Never mind " I had a guy I stupidly picked up for an appointment, 2 minutes after he got in my car, I wanted him gone. He refused to leave my car. I pulled into a parking lot, got out, remembering to take my keys, went to the passenger door and yanked him out. I violated my own rules and let a never-met into my home, and paid up front. Realized I was being scammed... somehow got most of my money back and got him out of the door. All of the above, I was nervous.. much more than I let on. But in the years on this board I've read again and again about encounters where people allow themselves to be victims. I'm no big brave guy. My mind was racing, fear of 'what if he....." I never felt like I was in tangible physical danger; If a weapon had appeared, or even threatening physical contact had occurred, I'd have complied. But I've become aware that the bad guys rely on fear and intimidation, and rely on people conceding very quickly. So I took a deep breath and responded. Twenty or more years ago I was at an LAX hotel, with an appointment scheduled with some guy. He was late, I called him, he said he was on the way. Played that game at least three cycles over the next few hours. Finally, I called and said forget it, he tried to shame me into keeping the appointment. I declined. A few days later I read, either on this board's predecessor or MSS or Atkol that he was arrested that same date for violence... gun or knife, I can't recall. That's the closest I've ever come to danger - or felt I dodged a bullet.

Anyone I've seen on Instagram or TikTok, who looks like they'd have potential.... if you look a little deeper, they have an OnlyFans. Either to sell access to nude or sexual content, or legit fitness content. Some OF hosts have started offering basic, minimally "exciting" content for $3 subscription. Their goal being upsell to specialized content. However, I believe they'll respond to DMs from paid OF subscribers, because that's also how fans order custom vids, etc. So.... if someone really really interests you, and you have any indication they'll meet for more, consider subscribing if inexpensive and sending DMs. And, no, I havent tried it. I subscribed to one OF once, and it was disappointing. Never again.

Everything that comes to mind relates to childhood safety. At six years old, 10 yo brother,,parents went out, no baby sitter. I could ride my bike anywhere. Could take public transit from suburbs to Wrigley Field at 10. I walked half a mile to school starting at first grade. They'd pile a ton of kids, unsecured, into an old firetruck and drive them to the local amusement park for birthday parties -youd never do that with today's insurance regs.

Tube of sunscreen... it was 4 Oz or 6 Oz. Had made it back and forth several trips, before one agent confiscated. Same drill as others... I told them to just keep it

Planning/considering for Las Vegas. Haven't hired since pandemic. Considering a massage as re-entry, Found this https://rentmasseur.com/Antonylatino. I texted to confirm that he's based in LV. polite reply.... future date, so I didn't bug him with details, questions, etc. Now I've found this https://rentmen.eu/LatinoTopAntony And then this https://rentmen.eu/LATINOTOPXXX I see there's mention of a duo in ads. They've even got same picture in both profiles. Reviews are new for one, several years old for other. In some ways, it triggers my "too good to be true" skepticism. Also notice advertised screenname changes on RM... which is concerning. So wondering if any intelligence here regarding one or both.

I went often in the 90s. Not quite monthly, but if there was a headliner that interested me, I might go twice that weekend. Spend the whole day. The headliners appeared at 1, 5 8, 11... and I'd go to all shows. Stick around for house dancers I liked, leave for several hours if the upcoming schedule didn't appeal. I recall it going through phases. Reported owner and manager changes. Remodeling... and different "types" of dancers. I remember when they stopped paying dancers - told them work for tips, and they all quit. There was a manager, Todd, who kept the place amazingly clean considering what went on there.... sadly, he was murdered. The very first night I walked in, Mike Nichols was performing. He was so new there, his portrait was a polaroid. I used to hang out on Bush Street with the performers. One day, as Marco Rossi was leaving, I offered him a ride... he was looking for Golds Gym... and did a session with him later that night. I hired a couple of other guys from there too. I was infatuated with a young muscle guy who drove in from Sacramento to dance... The busiest night was when Ryan Idol appeared... only time I saw every seat full. A stripper group called Chicago MeatPackers put on a crazy show. Marco Rossi appeared in one of those Ronny Larsen plays in SF...(Peep show? ).. and after the final perfor⁶mance, the after party was at nobhill. And chi chi LaRue with entourage was there too I remember hanging out with young Peter Latz on the street out front of the theater... he appeared fairly regularly. There was a wall of fame... pictures of all headliners... Nicest guy I ever met was Eric Stone... after he died, his picture was in a place of honor on that wall. He was a fan favorite. Soooo many memories. But eventually, they had dancers that didn't appeal to me. Sparse schedules. Had fewer and fewer headliners. Tried building business with Bachelorette parties... the straight dancers loved those, but the regular gay patrons hated it. So I went less and less and finally stopped going.

Good advice above. Grand Canyon -yes its not Grand Canyon National Park - by helicopter. The tour is pricey, but a nice experience. Two hours, includes landing in the Canyon for 30 minutes for snacks and champagne. Hoover Dam The recommendation for Neon Museum is a good one... go at night and see the Brilliant show. The Mob Museum is excellent... add on an experience. Consider the speakeasy in the basement. The Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates Absinthe at Caesars is probably the hottest show. All of the Cirque shows are good... a new one opens soon at NYNY. Dining depends on cuisine preference and budget. My opinion, everything at The Cosmopolitan is excellent... buffet, nice restaurants, moderate restaurants and their food hall. If you want to overindulge at a buffet, Bacchanal at Caesars. Many many other dining options on the Strip, and great local stuff away from The Strip. I visit LV frequently - happy to answer any specific questions.

Marco Rossi, who got massive for awhile Ridge Mike Gaite was pretty shredded Robert Gonzalez Marc Dylan Jon Vincent Jason H from Chicago A dancer from NobHill in SF whose name I don't recall FitnFun from Orange County Pan Different style, more fitness model: Dr. Mike Dillon in LV

Just got gas at my neighborhood Costco this morning. $0.24 higher than that.

Already gone

Slightly different question. I go to Vegas alot. Have alot of credits. Various resorts. Any recommendations for a Strip resort massage? A specific masseur? I'm not expecting anything but a legit, therapeutic massage... just don't want to waste $250-$300 in credits. OK, a little eye candy would be nice, but I expect nothing remotely erotic.

I've heard of two or three guys, without renown, who were gone a few years after hiring. From long ago... the type of arrangement made through ads in the back of local gay newspapers. B.A.R. Jon Vincent, also a porn actor, was one of my earliest. And so nice. I wasn't very experienced... he actually slowed down the session, was giving lessons in technique, etc. Hired him again 2-3 years later, he looked like hell, had lost a ton of weight. Was gone not long after that.

1. Use common sense. If something seems to good to be true, it is. If that inner warning light is flashing,abort. If I think back on my bad experiences, I can attribute most to my own determination to override that inner voice that told me "this is a bad idea". 2. If starting to feel victimized, have some fortitude. I've never been physically threatened, but I've had guys try to use intimidation to cheat me. I'm no big brave guy... but I've taken a deep breath and -pulled the car over, gone to the passenger side and yanked out a scammer who wouldn't leave -picked up the phone in a hotel room and asked for security to rid myself of a problem. -stood my ground demanding my money back after I paid upon his arrival at my place, then refusal to do anything -just gotten up and left when at their place, and it's clear they were dishonest. I'm always surprised when I read reports by guys who conceded defeat very quickly, not want to make a fuss, avoiding confrontation, even following through after arriving to a dishonest description. The bad guys exploit that. Every situation is different... I'm not advocating placing oneself in danger. Just don't be a wimp.

CA dept of public health also has official site... load your vaccine record onto phone. https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/ Vaccination proof increasingly prevalent. Common throughout State of CA... some entire industries, like healthcare, government, many giant employers. Facebook, Google, Disney, United Air, etc some businesses using https://www.clearme.com/vaccine-validation

Vegas gay rodeo is in September and Pride is in Oct.

No Atlantis experience. I did a gay group cruise. 1999, so long ago. About 50 gay guys on a mainstream cruise. I went solo, had an excellent time with other solos and couples. Other gays, not in our group, found us, particularly ship's staff. Zero issues that I encountered with the non-group passengers onboard, never felt uncomfortable or conspicuous; so it validated that entire-ship wasn't necessary. That was 20+ years ago... I knew then I wasn't wired for the floating bathhouse potential of an all-gay ship... and certainly not now. But I've been researching groups, or smaller ships.

I met him several times. 1 hour a few times, one overnight, one 24-hour. There are pros and cons with anyone; he was, perhaps, the best I ever met at reading his customer. A little too careless for his own good with respect to his identity; over the course of our times together, he unintentionally revealed real name, home city, legit job, etc. I remember thinking "you're lucky I'm not a stalker or blackmailer." Fun. And, for me, an example of someone who did well, and moved on in a respectable manner. I don't know what specifically happened to him, and never encountered anyone since with his particular attributes and skills.

Might be al little better now. June 15 was statewide elimination of most mask restrictions. Agree with comments above, particularly about calacademy at night. Remains a great dining city... If you've never been, a few tourist traps are worth visiting. Like Alcatraz. Walking around Ferry Building, particularly Saturday morning Farmers Market. View from Twin Peaks. Palace of Fine Arts. Taking a ride across GG Bridge for Muir Woods

I go to Las Vegas solo quite often. Its a great place for solos. There are online forums/groups like this one about LV solo, dining solo, shows, etc. They also post coinciding travel dates and get-togethers. It's a great "starter" city for solos. Tons of business travelers. Couples where only one partner goes to gamble while other stays home. A guy gets a steak while his wife is in the spa. No one makes any judgments... The Strip is safe. Anywhere in daylight and after dark while the crowds are out. There was some craziness last summer, but its diminished and security has tightened.. Like any urban area, things happen 3-4 am, or perhaps in response to foolish behavior; I don't recommend stepping out of the sun, into the shade under one of the escalators, to count a remaining bankroll. In the better-managed places, safety measures are enforced. Masks, distance between restaurant tables, Plexiglas on gaming tables, fewer machines operating, etc. A few shows are re-opening with very limited attendance. There are currently some excellent deals in Vegas... luxurious accommodations deeply discounted. Things are starting to pick up.... that pricing will disappear as things recover.

Wouldn't make a difference to me. A test result is meaningless to me unless he took the test in my presence and existed in an isolation bubble or my immediate space between test and session. My test shouldnt give a provider absolute comfort. I could test Monday, come in contact, convert to carrier Tuesday, and receive negative report results Wed. I suppose one could find some comfort in the lowered likelihood indicated by a recent test. For the record, I'm not hiring at present because my head's simply not in the right place to enjoy it. But fear of contracting Covid-19 is only a secondary factor in my rentguy-abstinence.

Binge watched Upload in three days... Amazon Prime. Recommended! Started Hunters on Amazon Prime 4 days ago. Two episodes remain. I am enjoying, but with reservations. It's often uneven, feels amateurish. I cringe a bit at the comic book or graphic novel styling used on a topic like Nazis, the Holocaust, etc.

I agree to cancel. Outing? I wouldn't. That's an emotional reaction, and no one really knows the therapist's every motivation. Maybe its a genuine belief that clients need their sessions. Maybe he's scared about income. Keeping things going. Maybe he's just mistaken in beliefs. Or just plain wrong, making a bad decision under pressure. What's it help to out the person? To add stress? Potentially wreck their career, or initiate online torture? We're too quick to blame and cause others unanticipated harm in the digital age. Just cancel and stay safe.

One of the similarities for me: There was a segment of the population in the 80s that raged against early suggestions to abstain, or for safe practices. Today, there seems to be a segment of the population refusing to practice social distancing. California has had to close many state, county and local parks because they were overwhelmed last weekend as the first week of shelter-in-place came to a close. Record attendance. Perhaps its a human need for control, to adhere to a routine, as normalcy feels like control. I found myself recalling a scene or two from HBO's Normal Heart, with characters inspired by Kramer arguing about closing bathhouses, as, this week, I watched locals angered by the packed parking lots and shoulder-to-shoulder visitors at parks and beaches.

There are many threads on here about activity during the pandemic, changed behavior, etc. Apologies if this topic is covered elsewhere. Given the threads about hiring, etc., I wondered, "are people smart enough to forgo random hookups from Grindr, et al, in the current environment?" And so, I logged in, something I rarely do from home. I use the apps when I travel. I see Grindr has added a chat feature. They're also messaging to stay safe, practice social distancing. I wonder if it will be effective. I started updating my profile. Something in the theme of "be safe, don't risk it. Think with your head, not your crotch." As I was editing my profile, I got three message notifications. One was from Grindr. Two were from wannabes... I decided that my profile is not the place to lecture, to admonish. In all likelihood, I'd get more snide or attack responses than anything else. So I abandoned my editing, and simply logged out. But I wonder if Grindr type hookups are declining. I hope so, but I recognize how powerful the urges, that sex drive can overrule all else, and people do thoughtless things when horny.

I shop a variety of places. Across the spectrum, including some pricier local stores, big chains, and some lower end bargain stores - stores we labeled "dented-can stores" when I was young. Whole Foods 1.5 weeks ago was packed. Carts overflowing. Long lines. One woman said to me "stocking my pantry feels like the only thing I can control." Two days later, Safeway seemed fully stocked, was not unusually busy. Surprisingly, some of those discount stores carry items, brands I can't get elsewhere. I have a theory that its where unsuccessful product introductions go to die. Mixed in among typical, and low-end, offerings, I've found frozen gourmet canape, incredible small batch ice cream, restauranteur efforts at retailing their house salad dressing, artisinal butter, etc. Many don't realize that food delivery systems rotate/ration food. Only when demand for an item fails, does it make its way to the discount outlets. I went to my local discount store 1 week ago. Some items were missing, but it was mostly stocked. I returned there yesterday... shelf after shelf empty. No poultry or beef. No packaged foods like Oscar Mayer, etc that are a big part of such stores inventory. Almost no cheese. The aisle with paper towels, TP, etc wiped out. It was eerie. It was unsettling, because it occurred to me.... these discount stores are at the end of the grocery supply food chain . They're unable to restock, because of demand upstream at the bigger chains. And it made me wonder... are the discount stores early indicators of what is coming? Or, as the bigger chains survive over time, will the discounters go under because there are fewer "leftovers" in the supply ststem?