FrankR

Tough question. I would be suspicious if: 1) the provider has someone that pulls the strings (communicates for him, collects a percentage etc) 2) the provider is living with the employer when you go to a massage parlour/spa (big red flag) 3) provider is too submissive and fearful of disappointing the customer or employer 4) provider does not have ID (younger than I thought and so I asked to check age) 5) the provider appears to be living under the poverty line (clothing/shoes show age and wear, malnourished) 6) the provider shows obvious signs of physical abuse 7) the provider shows obvious signs of drug abuse (needle marks) If you encounter 1 of these it may not necessarily mean anything, but when you observe more than one and your gut tells you so…you may be facing a case of human trafficking even if it is rather subjective. There is no way to be sure, other than asking personal and invasive questions. Best advice is to hire a known provider with reviews and a good reputation.🤓

Exactly right - people fall in love with a property but fail to take into account the financial condition of the HOA/Co-op. Most of these managing bodies fail to establish proper reserves for maintenance and expensive upgrades, even when they know they are coming. If the realtor doesnt point this out to you…you need a new realtor imho.

So I am going to be “Mr Obvious” be pointing out that there is a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Ukraine in effect. You may have a hard time getting travel insurance etc. There used to be a sauna calles Blindage that was fun. Lift was the popular bar and beach cruising was also fun.

What was your friend doing on Rentmen? 🤔 Offer him a discount, maybe that way he will be more supportive!

Not MBAs in general, rather Harvard MBAs.

You brought up Dodd-Frank and said the failure was due to bad loans (quote below). Now you are saying it was bad investments by holding long term securities like treasuries and has nothing to do with Dodd-Frank? Which is it? 🤓 Or do you just enjoy a good rant?

You are missing my point. The regulators had the information and enforcement tools. They did not have the willingness to use those tools for enforcement. They did not act because Washington told then to back off, and so they did.

Actually no. Dodd-Frank came under fire in 2018 by Congress, the Senate and the Executive branch - which weakened oversight. They told the regulators to back off…and they did. So why are you surprised? https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/the-regulatory-breakdown-behind-the-collapse-of-silicon-valley-bank “When Congress writes a law and gives direction, even if it’s broad direction, to the entities it has created, we want those entities to follow that general instruction. For this reason, it is very appropriate to blame the legislative sponsors of the 2018 law for sending a not-very-subtle message to the Fed to pull back. Congress sent that message, and the Fed heard it.”

At least the argument can be made that it saved thousands of small businesses that would have been devastated and lost their operating cashflow. What is really shocking is other forms of waste like the billions in subsidies big oil receive every year. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/15/climate/tax-breaks-oil-gas-us.html

We should all be warned. This is happening on Grindr too. Usually I am approached by a profile with pictures of muscular Asian men. The conversation is always awkward. They quickly shift the conversation to ask what you do for a living. At this point I usually say, I am not interested in crypto and report the profile, since I know what is coming.

'Who knows himself a braggart, let him fear this, for it will come to pass that every braggart shall be found an ass.'

True. But if you are going to be ridiculous, I say go all the way!! 😆😆

Does it include a Scrooge McDuck style vault? If not, I am not impressed! 😋

Finding alternative investments is always an option. May I suggest vintage porn?? 😆

I’d say we are flogging a dead horse, but it is more like…

This from today’s Miami Herald: Local sea level has risen about a foot in the last 80 years, with 8 inches of that total in the last 30 years, the Herald reported in May. The second foot will take only 30 years; the next foot, 20 years, according to estimates by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The average elevation in Miami is only 3 feet. Most cities in Florida are in big trouble and not prepared. If you are looking for a 2nd residence or a retirement place - think twice.

Your comment makes it clear you have not spent time with those that are homeless. I have spent a great deal of time volunteering and the “choices” available to the homeless isnt as many as what you seem to believe. That includes entry level jobs (i think that is what you meant to say) Getting back to the topic at hand - the path less traveled may not be for you, but it may be perfectly suited for someone else.

I believe that is correct, a Fico score above 740 is considered excellent.

The only problem is that her wardrobe is getting worse with every episode and hurting my eyes! 😆

Are you trying to be insulting? You are making an assumption about @ICTJOCK’s profession - clearly you know nothing about him. How about you think it through next time. 🤔

Nice guy but wouldnt repeat. Over promise, under deliver.

Not going to name any names, but much like you there are a number of men I had spent time with over the years who retired or relocated or got married. Most I still keep in touch with and they know my door is open to them.

Think I disagree. Blackmail is extortion (demanding money). Hush money is more like a bribe (offering money).

You make it sound like Pride is (or was) supposed to be an organized church event where all the faithful would show up in their sunday best for a nice parade with candy apples and singing of hymns. Pride is exactly not that. It has always been a thumb in the eye of prudes and bigots. We are here. We are queer. If you don’t like it, get the f_ck out of here. I agree that it may go too far at times. Sure, it will rub some people the wrong way. But we are doing that already by simply existing. The message should be one welcoming of diversity and inclusion. Does it annoy me when retailers take advantage by selling Pride merch. Sure, but I also enjoy it when the prudes and bigots freak out about it. We should be aware that there are some that truly mean us harm. So take care of yourself and those around you. In the iconic words of Sister Sledge: We are family. (Even when we disagree).

This type of thing never happens to the rich and famous as they can afford the best attorneys who can file motions and most judges will consult with advisory committees before accepting an appointment to avoid this being used on appeal. I am concerned about due process for those who cannot afford the best legal defense. No public defender has time for a comprehensive review of a 55 page jury instruction document that go into great detail as to how evidence should be considered.