CuriousByNature

I was only saying that the term 'classic handsomeness' can be taken back to the Greek notions of what they considered to be beautiful - and that was a very narrow definition that is not broad enough to include what many of us today would consider to be beautiful. It isn't that the subject of a Greek statue should be considered unattractive, but rather, that the ancient measure of classic handsomeness is but one, fairly narrow definition.

When I think of beauty or handsomeness in a 'classical' sense I immediately associate that with what I personally consider to be the unrealistic and narrow standards put forward by sculptors working during the Classical period of Ancient Greece, and the copies of Greek sculpture later created by Roman artists. It's all very mathematical and balanced, but I find these pieces to lack necessary elements that would make them approachable if they were living beings. To me, this is where beauty and handsomeness diverge from attractiveness. Not to mention, the classical standard did not include non-Greek races and ethnicities, so this narrowed the definition of classic beauty and handsomeness even further. Thankfully the standard is not set in stone (pun intended) - and probably for most people, attractiveness is not dependent on some global ideal of physical perfection, but rather, a mix of elements which foster connection and relationship.

Calling @Simon Suraci, calling @Simon Suraci... please pick up, @Simon Suraci

You may have missed some opportunities, but your approach sounds very respectful towards the providers - which is far more important in my opinion.

I never had a doctor that was an ant, but I did have an aunt who was a doctor.

This guy is literally the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)

Again, I'll just have to take your word for that... *sigh* LOL

I guess I could kiss a raspberry. That might be somewhat more realistic than my pillow.

It seems that he valued you a lot, for you as a person and not as a wallet. But for whatever reason he may be unable to maintain healthy, functional relationships. Functional in that the relationship seemed to be working for both of you, even if some might view it as unconventional.

A quick look online shows that a first edition set, depending on the condition, may be worth several hundred or even several thousand dollars. It may be wise to have an expert take a look and then possibly consider getting separate insurance for them. And yes, I do watch the Antiques Roadshow....

If I read carefully between the lines, I think I can tell you're not a fan. I'm not a fan either. I have definitely heard her say funny things, but I find that the vulgarity she relies on gets in the way of any meaningful humour. I'm not some Pollyanna - I do enjoy humour that can be dark and even vulgar, if it is done well. Some of the grotesque and vulgar skits in Little Britain would have me rolling on the floor. But rather than creating laughable vulgarity - which is not easy - she aims low and goes for shock value and offensiveness. It's sort of lazy in my opinion. I almost think of her as the female version of Andrew Dice Clay, minus the biker persona.

100% agree. Any time I have a peaty single malt it hits so many senses at once and somehow transports me to the beautiful island of Islay. And like you say, it's not something to get drunk on. But sadly and pathetically, I'll have to take your word about it being great when sharing kisses!

I wondered about that too, but the same make of card worked fine about 5 months ago. Maybe things changed since then...

I've never met with anyone, nor have I had the confidence to explore my curiosity with anyone. But I could see myself getting into a similar situation as the one you have unfortunately found yourself in. He's the only one who really knows why he became colder and more distant, and why he turned on you the way he did. It doesn't sound like a hustle to me, and I'm wondering if it even has anything to do with you? It could be that other things in his life are coming to a head, and he feels his only way to deal with it is to put up walls. Financial gain did not seem to be a motivating factor for him with respect to your friendship, so it seems odd he would suddenly monetize your past time together and try to make you feel somehow responsible. Or maybe there are some underlying mental health issues that cause him to sabotage healthy relationships. My hope is that you can move past the shock of this happening, and that you can appropriately grieve the loss of this friend. And, that he will be alright too.

I imagine she, like many people of colour, has likely encountered 'racial animus' throughout her life. It is incredibly sad and totally unjustifiable that anyone should be racially discriminated against. But to spin her resignation to make it seem as if she's stepping down due to the racism she is encountering, is rubbing salt in the wounds of those who were harmed by her earlier words. That said, we don't know what kind of racist vitriol she may be encountering since everything blew up after her antisemitic comments. But I am surprised that someone who has likely faced many instances of discrimination in her own life, is willing to double-down and change the narrative so that she is the one being victimized. Genocide can never be justified, no matter what the context. Slavery can never be justified, no matter what the context. The destruction of Indigenous cultures can never be justified, no matter what the context. And rather than acknowledging the real reason why she is unsuitable for leading a university, she seeks sympathy for herself. To me, this is more than delusional - it sounds completely narcissistic and perhaps even sociopathic. Very sad, and very disappointing.

I think you should send me the gift card and I can let you know if it works.

That certainly puts a spin on the board game... Professor Plum and Colonel Mustard in the study with a candlestick... poor Lumiere 😮

Here he is with his pet rooster

Is that the Scottish island just off the coast of Saudi Arabia? Part of the Extremely Outer Hebrides?

Amen

Sorry, I'm confused about the 'dream come true' part of him being positive. Maybe I'm missing something?

It was apparently planted by Keith Richards

Happy Holiday Season to everyone I received some pre-paid Visa/Mastercard gift cards as presents from Santa this year, and I thought I could use one to upgrade my RentMasseur membership from free to premium. I have used a gift card in the past to sample the membership for a few months, but for some reason the site is declining it now. I checked online and the card is activated and the balance is sufficient, but still no luck. Does anyone have an idea why this might not be working? I thought it was worth asking, but I may have posted this in the wrong forum. If so, could the moderators please move it? Thanks and Happy New Year to all!