Lookin

I’d say the problem is mixing human drivers with computer drivers. Once every car is driven by a computer then I’ll be ok they’re safer than the current arrangement. Until then I’ll worry about how the interaction is managed. I expect that road traffic accidents will reduce once humans are no longer driving. Computers don’t do drink, drugs, road rage, fall asleep at the wheel, speed, lose concentration etc…

At least one won't have to wonder whether to tip the driver.

I bet it comes with a different charger to my iPhone, and my iPad, and my iMac 🙄

OP note: getting rid of my car a few years ago was one of my best choices, I'm aware not everyone in this country can live without driving though. 

For starters, it isn’t an allegation. I was there. 
To answer your question, yes. When I first hired him, we talked about the release. We talked about it when he used his hand. We talked about it when he offered to use his mouth.  There was NEVER a discussion about him fucking me.  I consented to a hand job and a blow job. I even trusted him because we discussed those things and for years the session didn’t stray.
What happened the last time was different, unexpected, non consensual and violating. just because I agreed to be naked in a room with him didn’t mean I agreed to be penetrated during a massage. 

Thanks for the kind words! 🤗 
It's been really busy the past few months and I haven't had as much posting time as I'd like.  Things are slowing down though and, as soon as I get a few notes in order, I'll be churning out the usual drivel.  

The more positivity in the world, the better.

This thread reminds me of sitting at the Thanksgiving table and having someone ask each of us at the table to say for what we are grateful.  The usual responses are the food, the company, good health or gratitude for many blessings in life without specification.  Soon enough, someone is stumped as to what to say or more likely how to say it and  that ends the chain as the guests start to clamor to get to the food.  
I always felt awkward at such times and I was always most grateful if the chain did not get around to me.  That was usually because I was fortunate enough to be one of those who truly have had so much for which to be grateful. I do not have an acquisitive nature.  I  set my expectations of my life in a way that I want for little and I get by with what I have.  That has always been the case.  
When I was younger, I had little and got by quite contentedly with cans or tomato soup and rice. Dinner was either a can a soup, a bowl of rice or a bowl of tomato rice soup.   I do recall being surprised  and disheartened when the price of a can of tomato soup went from ten cents a can to eleven cents a can.  I asked one of the employees of the store why that happened, and he explained to me that things change and not usually for the better, so I should get used to spending more, getting less and hoping for the best.  I decided that he was probably right and that rather than wishing it was not so, I should work hard and make sure that I was prepared no matter where life would take me,  I have found that this has served me well and for this lesson I am very grateful.    
I now am comfortable in my life.  This Thanksgiving, if I should be asked for what I am grateful, I will be able to say I am grateful to be free from the fear of hunger, and lack of shelter and for the good company I have on my travels through this life.  I am grateful for the great good fortune to have led a basically healthy life,  In addition, rather than to be stumped there, I will also be able to say I am grateful to have led a life a compassion and service.   I am grateful that I am able to help many around me who are in need and for whom a small increase in the price of every day staples is a battle rather than an inconvenience.  I am grateful that I have led a life I can look back upon with minimal regret and maximum delight.  I am grateful to have learned to look forward to the big picture rather than focusing on any temporary difficulty.  I am grateful to recognize how lucky I have been , for how well my life has worked out and for the opportunity to express my gratitude to any and all who wish to listen.  
I am grateful to The Rolling Stones, who perhaps express  it as well as any when they sing:   If you try some time, you just might find, you get what you need.  
 

I’m grateful that I’m  enjoying a fulfilling retirement. I remind myself every day how lucky I am to be  a 70 year old who lives a very nice, happy life. So many gay men of my generation died way too young; many before they were even 30 years old. I’m grateful I avoided an early death. I’m also thankful for my friend's whether we have been friends for sixty years or six months. Finally , I’m thankful for this website. 

Lovely post and tribute. Thank you.

My wife and I used to celebrate thanksgiving alone.  I worked while she prepared dinner and then when I arrived at home from the office,  I was ready to spend time with the person for whom I was the most thankful.  We even got married on Thanksgiving weekend.  Now, this time, being the 24th year since her passing, I will be having dinner at home.  Usually I am alone and thankful for the solitude and for the fact that I make a great turkey dinner.  I do not leave the country, rather I celebrate the concept of being thankful even if it is being thankful for what once was.  
Of all the holidays, I would say I am most thankful for Thanksgiving.  

Thanks for the kind words! 🤗 
It's been really busy the past few months and I haven't had as much posting time as I'd like.  Things are slowing down though and, as soon as I get a few notes in order, I'll be churning out the usual drivel.  

Thanks for the kind words! 🤗 
It's been really busy the past few months and I haven't had as much posting time as I'd like.  Things are slowing down though and, as soon as I get a few notes in order, I'll be churning out the usual drivel.  

Thanks for the kind words! 🤗 
It's been really busy the past few months and I haven't had as much posting time as I'd like.  Things are slowing down though and, as soon as I get a few notes in order, I'll be churning out the usual drivel.  

Thanks for the kind words! 🤗 
It's been really busy the past few months and I haven't had as much posting time as I'd like.  Things are slowing down though and, as soon as I get a few notes in order, I'll be churning out the usual drivel.  

Thanks for the kind words! 🤗 
It's been really busy the past few months and I haven't had as much posting time as I'd like.  Things are slowing down though and, as soon as I get a few notes in order, I'll be churning out the usual drivel.  

I've been here for over 20 years, on and off. When I left it was for a number of reasons but I never cancelled my account. I just stepped back and pursued other interests.
A few years ago I just logged in and lo and behold my account and password were still active and here I am still. Life goes on.😀

Until just a few days ago, this thread served as a special place where we could set aside our personal differences and come together, united by our shared humanity, our common fear of loss, and our collective anxiety about endings.
I kindly urge those who wish to criticize or belittle someone that others in this group hold dear to please redirect your efforts to another thread. Let's preserve this space as a refuge where we can continue to connect on a deeper level. Please, please, please. 

I am extremely glad to report that @Lookinis well enough to post in Gayguides. 

THANK YOU for that! Some of the posters with plenty of time should recompile an anthology of his posts. So many were borderline with geniality!
As a side note, now I am also missing Adam Smith, but I do know he passed during the pandemic. 🥲

@Lookin's poem based on Rockhard's desperate search for underwear was a classic
read all of Rockhard's posts from the beginning before getting to the poem.....
https://www.companyofmen.org/topic/14096-somebody-please-help-me-with-my-underwear/

The first time I was asked if I wanted the Senior Discount, I asked how much it was.  When the cashier told me it was three bucks, I jumped on it.  If it had been a dollar, I told her I'd have paid full price and kept the illusion alive.  

I look it up in the encyclopedia.  I wear gloves so no one can track my fingerprints to the pages I was turning.

Haven't been able to get this question out of my mind.  I keep wondering why the person who doesn't welcome me would want to live near me.  Isn't he also free to move somewhere else?  Are his ties to the community stronger than mine?  Does he have more furniture than I do?

If I were to look for a sign of an unhealthy society, I don't know that I'd look much further than people having to uproot their lives to get away from people they don't like or who don't like them.  The success of our species is based in large part on our ability and desire to work together to do things we couldn't do alone.  When did it become a great thing about the US to tell others to 'Just go.'?  
No doubt I'm overlooking something.  One of these days I may wake up and decide to move away from everybody who doesn't welcome me.  I may even leave a note saying I'm sorry for bothering them.
But that day is not today and, if someone chooses to leave to get away from me, I sure hope the door doesn't hit him in the ass.  
 

click your heels together 3 times...
He’s back to being the mane attraction.
Fifteen-year-old lion Ruben has finally returned to his natural habitat after five years trapped in a concrete cell — growing so lonely in the process that he lost his roar, per SWNS.
The lion was left behind at an abandoned zoo in Armenia after its owner passed away, and the other animals were relocated — except for him, according to Animal Defenders International.
Now, Ruben has been offered a second chance at life after making the 5,200-mile journey from Armenia to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in Free State, South Africa.
ADI President Jan Creamer said seeing Ruben take his first steps brought them all “to tears.”
“Lions are the most sociable of the big cats, living in family prides in the wild,” Creamer explained. “So it must have been devastating for Ruben to have no contact or communication with other lions.”
“Seeing him walk on grass for the first time, hearing the voices of his own kind, with the African sun on his back, brought us all to tears,” Creamer continued.
The amazing journey was aided by Qatar Airways Cargo, which stepped in with its “WeQare” charity initiative.
Qatar provided an aircraft with hold doors big enough for Ruben’s crate.
When Ruben arrived, his legs wobbled as he suffered from malnutrition and lack of exercise — but just being at the sanctuary for a short time has already had an impact on his behavior.
“His whole demeanor has transformed, his face is relaxed and no longer fearful,” Creamer said. “His determination to walk is inspiring.”
“If he stumbles or falls, he just picks himself up and keeps going,” she added. “He is nothing short of heroic.”
Ruben exhibited this amazing resilience as soon as he stepped out of his travel crate.
Immediately, he started playing with what’s being called his first toy — a giant catnip punching bag.

And, he has even started to get his roar back, as he is now surrounded by other lions.