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Or as inmate 4036545

Trust me, they laugh at people like you.

When I wai-ed the VIP, suffice to say she did not wai me back - nor did she return my bow. If she had, it would have been front page news in Thailand. Was she being impolite or disrespecting me? Was she disrespecting the crowd to whom she also did not wai or bow? Of course not. Let the bar guys wai to us, as for them that is perfectly natural according to their culture. We can return the greeting with a smile and a nod. BTW, when a bar boy turns up for work, have you ever seen those already on stage wai to him, or vice versa? But as I said in my post above, no harm done if you wai. Up to you.

“Below” in this case should mean “younger”. You do not wai first to anyone younger (unless it’s a monk, royalty, etc.). You may return wai to a younger person (at a chest level) but you don’t have to - a nod and/or smile would suffice.

I dont believe anyone anywhere is "below" me.

No need for racist slurs.

I beg to differ. A Wai is a sign of respect and manners. Locals do it according to their traditional habits. Farangs may do it under the wrong circumstances, but EVERYONE involved knows he is doing it in order to show respect. I Wai bar boys and almost anyone else I come in contact with. It's a polite greeting / farewell. And if it makes anyone laugh, so b it.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Speaking to a packed meeting of Pattaya City Expat Club, Thomas Carden advised worried expats living here on cash already taxed in the home country not to panic. The managing director of the Bangkok-based AITaxAdvisers said the Thai authorities had no intention to punish typical retirees or foreigners married to Thais or bringing up families. Moreover, the double-taxation agreements between Thailand and 61 countries – which included all those represented at the club meeting including the US and the UK – were an added safeguard. However, Mr Carden did stress that the Thai revenue authority would need to ascertain who had taxable income in Thailand and who didn’t. Therefore, it was likely at some future date that all foreign tax residents – those living in Thailand for more than 180 days in any one year – would need a Thai revenue TIN (tax identification number) and be required to fill in an annual tax return. He speculated that the tax number might become part of the immigration application process for one-year extensions of stay. This was the obvious way to separate the foreign sheep (who had no taxable income here) from the foreign goats (who did). The managing director explained that the idea of taxing foreign income in Thailand was nothing new. The only difference with the latest Thai revenue rule was that income transferred in any future tax year from January 1 2024 would be liable for tax, whereas the old clause restricted any due tax to cash brought in specifically during the same tax year it was earned. Thus the main idea will be to capture untaxed cash in future which might have been lying for ages in banks abroad or in offshore havens. Mr Carden pointed out that the scheme could even be delayed until January 2025 because no new law had been passed. Rather, the revenue authority had updated its own regulation. Mr Carden doubted that anything significant would happen before or during January 2024. He suggested that the new Thai government loved the idea of raising mega-cash by proactive taxation, but had significantly underestimated the problems inherent in complex financial data. Thus clarification about details would likely be delayed several months, of course assuming there is a revenue intention to issue any sort of fact sheet. His advice to worried expats is to do absolutely nothing until told clearly to take some action. “Even if tax is due on some income in 2024, the tax form to collect it won’t be due for completion until 2025.” Following the presentation, Robert Chadwick from Business Class Asia gave a secondary talk about buying property abroad, mainly mortgages for American purchases.

Hello Everyone I'm devastated to have just returned home from a trip to BKK. I hadn't been since 2019 and definitely made up for lost time. It was sad to see Soi Twilight gone since I was last there, but also exciting to see new (and old) bars sprouting up across the street. I don't do massage places, so this is just some notes on the bars I visited Dreamboys Dreamboys (original) was the first bar I ever visited in BKK, and we've made a tradition of always visiting here on our first night. I always remember this place more for its crazy shows - like where the big inflatable cock squirted water over everyone. That seems gone now sadly. New venue is a good size. Boys are of mixed type. I'm concious from other threads that the owner fired non-Thai boys. I met one Viet working in Fresh Boys who said he had been let go from Dreamboys recently, but didn't elaborate, so this might be related. Jupiter Probably the bar that excites me the most and frustates me the most in all of Bangkok. Most of the guys here are undoubtely gorgeous - straight looking, athletic, confident types - some very good looking. This bar has a slightly cooler atmosphere to it. Some members complain about perhaps the boys being too... modelly. I get that. But they work for me. I have to say that their shows are the sexiest. I find most bars don't use best looking boys for the shows (maybe the best looking boys are not the best performers) but in Jupiter, the guys performing are great. The guys are all shirtless and will do 3 or 4 parades around the bar - sometimes in pants, and sometimes in jeans. Always seemed to be busy. We visited 3 times - even early in the week at 10, and could barely get a seat! But I find this place frustrating because the best looking guys almost always seemed to be taken quickly (or reserved) by high-rollers, VIPs, or rowdy tables of young women. Only on the last night, did one of the mamasans show any interest in asking us if we we wanted anything. He took me "shopping" backstage to find boy I liked. Worked out in the end... On a side note, a couple of guys I was interested were performers, but did not wear numbers on their jeans on the final "walk" of the night. Could not tell if they were simply non-offable performers, or perhaps if they were already taken. Does anyone know why they walk without numbers? On a second side note - some v cute, young-looking waiters - with numbers. Strange mix. I would imagine that the people coming to see the guys at Jupiter, would not be interested in this type. Moonlight I like the atmosphere in this bar. Even on a late weekday night, the place was busy with all kinds of customers, and everyone excited to see the performers. I have to admit, I had grown tired of seeing all the usual "superstars" in pics and videos online. But they still put on a great show. And seeing Babe perform again in person - he is beautiful. That smile! The selection of boys is good looking - feel like they have a similar vibe to Jupiter - the kind of guys young female tourists want to drink with. Most wore jeans & t-shirts. Tawan Only visited here once. Only ever visit here once on any trip. I take a notion to see these big guys out of curiosity, but ultimately bodybuilders are not my type, and the show is too rough for me - it had whipping, cigarettes, wax etc. As some members have pointed out, I did see one twink here - but he seemed to be the bottom for the muscle boys. He got carrieed around the room, table to table, for tips, while being f*cked. Fresh Boys Really liked the selction of guys here. Almost totally twinks (some twunks). All shirtless. They did a big cock show where they whack their dicks against a metal pole. Ouch. Hot Male Only visited here once, briefly, after midnight. The guys were attractive and nice bodies. I didn't see much of interest for myself, but I don't want to say its indicative of the bar, given how late I visited. Screw Boy First revalation of the trip. I don't know why I didn't visit here on previous trips. I sometimes got a sense from this forum that this bar was seedy or low class or something, so I was never really inclined to go. We ended up here somewhat accidentally when, after leaving a last minute, post-midnight trip to Fresh Boys, empty-handed, a hawker grabbed us surreptitiously on the staircase. "Show at 1!" So we went in. Really liked this place. I was delighted, not just to find a bar that opened later than the others on this street (they do shows at 1 am), but it had lots of really cute young guys, a fun atmostphere (opposite of cool atmosphere of Jupiter), 2 fun, friendly mamasans, good music and also a young male performer who looked like he could be an idol or something (later discovered he is a male performer on the Ladyboys of Bangkok tour). The guys all wore matching white baseketball outfits. Visited here 3 times. Banana Bar Second revalation of the trip. I was not going to go to this bar because there was nothing written about it in the forums that made it particularly stand out to me. But I was left alone by my friend one night of the trip because of a business meeting. After a drink alone at Connections Bar on Soi 4, I decided to wander in and had a great night. Beautiful ladyboys and performers, who had toured the UK as part of "The Ladyboys of Bangkok". Main performer very handsome. Waiters were friendly. And also I was startled to meet the mamasan here who used to work in X-Boys. I spoke to her about some of the changes since I had last been here. Of course a lot of money was spent. Amateur. Went back second night, but attention was on a VIP table. Mamasan told us same customer had spent 100k tips on a previous night. Wow. Had the same big cock pole whacking show as Fresh Boys. G's Third revelation of the trip. Sorry, I know this isn't about a bar - but I had never been to G's restaurant before on Soi 4. My friend and I went one night and got German/Thai fusion dishes which were delicious. Fully intended to go here again, but didn't due to other commitments, but this will definitely be a stop for dinner on the next trip. Recommended! Did not get to visit Sol or New Twilight unfortunately. Frustations with "Line" - had line contact for one of the Moonlight stars but when I logged into a very old account, it wouldn't let me add new contacts. So I tried to sign out and back in again, but said my account was blocked for 58 days. End of that adventure. Very sad and exhausted to be home now. But hope you enjoy my notes.

For those of us of a certain age, pre-internet, our porn mostly came in the form of top-shelf magazines from our local corner shops. Like others I used to have quite a little collection built up during the 1970s and 1980s when a more liberal view was then being taken on what could or could not be published and sold over (or occasionally under) the counter. Most of my 'porn mags' were disposed of years ago, much to my regret now. I found a copy or two of my then favourite 'Vulcan' for sale on ebay recently and managed to buy them - they were not cheap! But now I am immersed in a wave of nostalgia. Mostly it was 'soft porn' as they say, flaccid cocks only, occasionally one a little thicker, but non erect, and certainly no active sex. Sometimes the pics were a bit grainy, almost armature looking, but some of the guys were hot. Very few proper twink boys; mostly 'men' in various form of hunkiness or not. So I just wondered, which were your favourite 'gay mags' back in the day. I post below a few pictures of some that have recently been on ebay to trigger memories. First my favourite, Vulcan Mister Magazine Him Magazine Zipper The above I was familiar with but the following two are new to me The above were available in the UK, and there were probably others, and no doubt other countries had their own publications. What do you remember and what were your favourites?

My fiance and I were listening to a comedian not long ago, and he was joking at how incomprehensibly Sir Elton John sings his lyrics. For instance, he misheard "Hold me closer, tiny dancer," as "Hold me closer, Tony Danza." I can think of some more recent songs I've gotten the lyrics wrong on. In Doechii's What's Up? song, for example, I thought she was singing "every black boy needs a little love," when in fact she's singing "every block boy needs a little love": In SZA's Kill Bill song, I was wondering why she was explaining why she was getting the sensitive SalonPas, when my beau explained that she was singing "I get the sense that it's a lost cause." 😄 Any songs you've had trouble figuring out the lyrics? 😁

It's so funny that you get excited -- and even orgasmic -- by reading polls a year before the 2024 election. 🤡 Keep going, if it makes you so enthusiastic. You'll be wiping all the egg of your face AFTER the election. 😁

Funerals?? Just how many Bidens do you think Trump's cult will kill?

He’s not alone:

Since you asked your Taiwanese friends about the proportion of gay top/bottom ratio. May I suggest that you ask your friend on the issue of Jade Cabbage? Or you can spend more time on google to figure it out. Again I am not going to do your home work for you. It’s the last thing I’m prepared to do to show up your ignorance!

Lot's of cultural appropriation going on here.

A similar point. I visited Japan a lot in business. It is not expected, that, as a gaijin, you should get involved in the somewhat intricate Japanese bowing system. Just as well, as my attempt to bow in the Japanese way would look silly! As said above, a nod of the head is fine.

They fact that Thais believe that older people should show less respect to younger ones, doesnt mean that I must do the same. I m not judgemental about their tradition, and I dont care if they laugh at my attitude.

I'm not sure how fancy a hotel you are looking for but I recommend the Hotel Massis. It used to call itself the Massis 5 Star which was laughable but it is a solid 3-4star. Clean, quiet and well located just off Paulista and easy walking distance to Lagoa.

My Thai bf told me not to wai; I have followed his advice.

For several years Chakran has been almost exclusively Thai-for-Thai or Thai-for-Asian. When it opened more than 20 years ago it was a fabulous place for all nationalities and was the first sauna to introduce nude nights. Not much chance of action now for farang unless you are relatively young and in good shape.

You really are quite ridiculous if you believe a story which may or may not have been printed long ago in the long dead News of the World rag, famous for its frequent fake stories and many lost libel actions. Indeed with no link, it appears just to be one of that rag’s quite frequent fraud stories. As for your comment yesterday at 11:03 am, IF it refers to my posting no link for the front of the catalogue of the National Museum, it’s a photo of the catalogue in my possession. But as I am in Taipei now, if @scott456 does not believe it is an original photo and does not believe the dozens of sites that include photos of the cover of that catalogue, I could go again and purchase another. But since he provided zero link for his false story about the Cabbage (in which he wrongly tried to mask his ignorance by calling it Bak Choi), it’s the last thing I’m prepared to do to show up his ignorance!

Hot weather gives more reasons for Brazilian guys to walk around shirtless on the streets. Mild weather gives more reason for Thai guys to keep shirts on.

Chakran has a deep pool in the center court yard, I almost drawn there. LOL. They used to have weekly foam parties, it's a lot of fun, Thais always know how to have fun. They have a website, the next special event is LOYKRATONG.

I did that with a straight face, btw 😆

You're probably the least racist person I know.....

I don't wai, but I bow, smile and nod my head. I think I am showing the same degree of respect and gratitude by doing so. I did wai a few times before, but it always came out awkward.

West Side Story was a modern (at the time) take on Romeo and Juliette. It also tackled issues like race, immigration and the role of women in society. Oh!!!!! The horror!!!!!!! Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I saw this version of Oklahoma and I thought that its’ biggest crime was that it was boring.

What would happen if I brought with me a sheet or a huge towel? Would I b thrown out? Laughed at?

The link you provided has a firewall so it cannot be seen. However, based on the headline, it did not say that Obama was trailing, and trailing outside of the polls margin of error like the current NYTimes/Siena poll states. It merely says his support is eroding. HUGE difference between the two.

From Pattaya Mail proposal to tax foreign income next year could end up in court By Barry Kenyon A former chairman of Baker McKenzie, the influential legal services firm based in Bangkok, has suggested that the controversial Thai Revenue announcement could be contested in court. Kitipong Urapeepattanapong, as reported in Thai Examiner, said that the Revenue was reinterpreting an existing code which has been in operation for 38 years. It is neither a law nor an administrative or ministerial regulation and could well be challenged in court with a good chance of success. He argued that a new law or a royal decree was necessary in these circumstances. The Revenue last September issued a decree that, starting in January 2024, tax must be paid on income brought in from abroad from another jurisdiction no matter when the cash was generated. This changed the 1985 regulation that arriving income was only taxable if transferred in the same year it was earned. Many expats, probably most, are worried that the Revenue will start taxing them on income already taxed in the home country, mainly pensions and social security payments. If they live in Thailand for more than 180 days in a year, they are regarded as residents liable for taxation. Kitipong said that his standpoint was shared by other notables, including a former supreme court judge, although the Revenue would presumably argue that its recent statement is simply an enforcement decree which does not require parliamentary intervention. The whole issue joins many other doubts and ambiguities which continue to plague the whole subject. There is no doubt that the Revenue means to target principally Thais or foreigners who enjoy business profits abroad, are currency speculators or have funds in offshore accounts including Hong Kong. But the Revenue has remained silent for the past two months and claims to be collecting information from stakeholders. Law firm commentators in Bangkok divide into two groups. Some believe that typical expats have nothing to fear if living here on cash already taxed in the home country. They often quote double-taxation treaties which Thailand has made with around 60 countries. Others, however, point out that double-taxation treaties are all different and don’t necessarily reassure on points of concern currently spotlighted in Thailand. Not to mention the potential paperwork which expats might have to fill in annually to convince the Revenue of their exempted status. Some are suggesting that large sums should be transmitted to Thailand before the end of 2023. Meanwhile the waiting game for clear information drags on and on. The real answer, of course, is for Thailand to follow the example of Singapore and Hong Kong where the only income tax levied is on cash specifically earned in their own specific territories.

Your focus is interesting when Psychopath Putin is killing or maiming a generation of Russian and Ukrainian youth and many thousands of civilians.

That reminds me of the news clip I remember seeing some 4 years or so ago. They interviewed some idiot who admitted she voted for Trump in 2016. Her foreign-born husband found himself deported to his native country (I believe it was Mexico) due to Trump's hard-nosed immigration policies (her husband got a DUI). Then it was, wah, wah, wah. I should have known I was voting for an asshole. For those with short memories, it was Trump who set up a Muslim immigration ban. The Republican party is not the party for religious diversity. It's the party for the religiously narrow-minded. If Palestinian-Americans, or even Muslims in general, assist Trump in winning, they'll deserve everything they have coming to them. What preposterously short memories! Unfortunately, a lot of other people will suffer in addition to themselves.

I rest my case. I can't help both of you ignorant people. I am not your mother.

I am shocked that the asylum seekers would choose to leave Mother Russia for a bourgeois western country! 😳

Most of the US officials at the table were also looking at President Joseph Biden intently. Nobody is horrified or terrified. You got that talking point from your puppeteers and clown masters! 🤡🤡🤡 The entire meeting was extremely formal and controlled. Nobody wanted to be seen smiling, nodding their head, shaking their head, or doing anything except listen intently. If you think this is "the face of terror" on Secretary Blinken's face, what do you call this -- when he's looking at the Chinese side of the table? That's just how he listens at serious meetings. And here's Secretary Blinken from a photo published back in June 2023. It's the same serious expression -- exactly the same as when he was listening to President Biden yesterday.

Aside from the geopolitical issues, the move would be a morale killer for Thai cops who—in my personal experience—do an effective job of patrolling the tourist hotspots. From Thai Enquirer The recent announcement by the government of new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin that it is considering inviting Chinese police officers to help patrol tourist hotspots in Thailand has sparked a wave of concern and debate. The plan, ostensibly aimed at bolstering security and fostering a sense of safety among the large number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, raises significant questions about sovereignty, the effectiveness of such measures, and the broader implications for Thailand’s foreign policy, particularly its long-standing ‘bamboo diplomacy’. At the heart of this issue lies the question of sovereignty. Sovereignty, in its most basic sense, is the absolute right of a country to govern itself, free from external interference or control. By inviting foreign law enforcement officers to operate on Thai soil, Thailand risks eroding this fundamental principle. The presence of Chinese police in tourist areas, even if well-intentioned, symbolizes a troubling concession of Thailand’s authority to a foreign power. This move could set a dangerous precedent, where the line between assistance and interference becomes blurred, potentially inviting future compromises on national sovereignty. Moreover, the presence of Chinese police raises practical concerns about the dynamics of law enforcement in Thailand. Policing is not just a matter of maintaining order; it is deeply intertwined with cultural understanding, language, and legal frameworks. Thai police officers are trained to operate within the specific context of Thai society and law. Introducing foreign officers, who may not have the same level of cultural and linguistic proficiency, or understanding of Thai law and norms, could lead to misunderstandings, ineffective policing, and even conflicts with local communities. This scenario is particularly worrying in tourist hotspots, where the interaction between locals, international visitors, and law enforcement is already complex. The plan also stands in stark contrast to Thailand’s traditional approach to foreign policy, often likened to ‘bamboo diplomacy’. This approach, much like the bamboo plant, emphasizes flexibility and resilience, bending with the winds of global change without breaking. It involves skillfully navigating the complex terrain of international relations, maintaining balanced relationships with major powers while fiercely guarding national independence and interests. Inviting Chinese police to operate in Thailand, however, leans too heavily towards one side, potentially compromising the delicate balance Thailand has maintained in its foreign relations. This shift could be perceived as a tilt towards China, potentially alienating other international partners and affecting Thailand’s reputation as an independent and neutral actor on the world stage. Furthermore, this move raises concerns about Thailand’s commitment to human rights and democratic principles. China’s policing methods and its approach to civil liberties are markedly different from those in Thailand. Allowing Chinese police to operate in Thailand could inadvertently endorse these methods, which often involve stringent controls and limited freedoms. This is especially concerning given Thailand’s own journey towards greater democracy and respect for human rights. The presence of Chinese police could undermine these efforts, sending a conflicting message to both the Thai people and the international community. The argument that the presence of Chinese police will make Chinese tourists feel safer is also questionable. Tourist safety is undoubtedly crucial, but it should not come at the cost of national sovereignty or the principles of effective and culturally sensitive policing. There are alternative methods to ensure the safety of tourists, such as increasing the presence of Thai police in these areas, providing them with additional language training, or establishing special tourist police units with expertise in dealing with international visitors. The plan risks exacerbating existing tensions within Thai society. Thailand is a diverse country, with a rich tapestry of cultures and opinions. The presence of foreign police, especially from a country with which Thailand has complex historical and cultural relationships, could be seen as favoritism or external influence, potentially leading to social unrest or a backlash against both the government and Chinese tourists. This initiative could have broader geopolitical implications. In an era where global politics is increasingly characterized by competition and rivalry, particularly between the United States and China, Thailand’s move could be interpreted as taking sides. This perception could affect Thailand’s relations with other countries and its role in regional and global affairs. As a country that has historically prided itself on its diplomatic agility, Thailand risks losing this edge by aligning too closely with one global power. While the intention behind the Thai government’s plan to bring in Chinese police to patrol tourist hotspots may be to enhance security and reassure visitors, the potential costs are too high. This move risks infringing on Thai sovereignty, compromising the effectiveness of law enforcement, contradicting the principles of bamboo diplomacy, and sending mixed messages about Thailand’s commitment to human rights and democratic values. Thailand must find alternative ways to ensure the safety of its visitors while maintaining its sovereignty, respecting its cultural and legal norms, and upholding its proud tradition of balanced and independent foreign policy. The integrity and independence of a nation are its most valuable assets; they must be protected at all costs.

hopefully law enforcement will provide the same treatment to offending senior student. alternatively castration will do

On a slight side-track, I have several dozen photos of Mt. Fuji both from early evening southbound flights out of Narita and from one of the great viewing spots in the city - the restaurant on the top floor of the Garden Wing of the New Otani Hotel in Akasaka. But I got my best pic only a few years ago. I was on a daytime Cathay Pacific flight from Haneda to Hong Kong and then back to Bangkok. I knew it would pass to the east of Mt. Fuji and so had my camera at the ready - just in case we broke through the cloud cover and it came into view. It did. Magnificent views. You can easily make out the trails for walking to the top. Aicraft was an Airbus A330.

perhaps disbanding those schools would solve such persisting and yet nonsensical problem

Haven’t posted a feel good animal story in a while but I think this fits the bill. ========== From The Thaiger / Khaosod English The tale of Kanya, the lost wild elephant calf, has come to a joyful conclusion.Found wandering in a rice field in the Bueng Kan province, she has now joined a new family in Chiang Mai. The journey of Kanya, from Bueng Kan to Chiang Mai, is one worth revisiting. Kanya’s story began on the morning of September 12, when villagers found her alone in a rice field near the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary in Bueng Kan province. Local officials, alongside the central inspection officers of the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, located a two-month-old female elephant calf, with no signs of her mother nearby. They set up a temporary enclosure for Kanya, named after the month she was found, and monitored her in hopes her mother would return. However, by the morning of September 13, her mother had not returned. Officials coordinated with veterinarians from the 10th Animal Hospital to examine Kanya and decide on a course of action. Health checks revealed that Kanya was relatively weak, suffering from diarrhoea, battlewounds, and inflammation of the eye tissue. Despite her condition, she was observed calling out for her mother periodically. Around-the-clock care was provided by the team of veterinarians, with her health gradually improving. In early November, Teerapat Trangprakarn, owner of the Patara Elephant Conservation in Chiang Mai, offered to let Kanya live with a mother elephant who had recently given birth. This was coordinated through Kanjana Silpa-archa, allowing Kanya to drink the mother elephant’s milk and consume her dung, crucial for a calf’s immune system development and learning to live independently. Before her relocation, Kanya was closely monitored by a team of veterinarians to ensure she was healthy and ready for the journey. The transfer from Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary in Bueng Kan to the Patara Elephant Conservation in Chiang Mai was meticulously planned, with a vet accompanying her throughout the journey and regular stops every three hours to check her condition. Kanya was prepared for her journey to the elephant farm in Chiang Mai yesterday at 3pm. She swiftly entered the transport vehicle within a minute, accompanied by a convoy of five vehicles, including the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary head, the Phu Luang Wildlife Research Station, the vehicle carrying Kanya, a team of vets, and the director of the Wildlife Conservation Division. Today, Kanya arrived at the Patara Elephant Conservation farm. She was greeted with milk and six caregivers to prevent attachment to any particular individual. Once she’s familiar with her new surroundings, she will be introduced to her adoptive mother, reported KhaoSod.

You missed the start? Huh? The start was many decades ago! Now it's virtually elections all year, every year. Or if not elections then raising the massive amounts of money essential to get elected in this paragon of democracy! A two-year cycle for members of Congress, a four-year cycle for Presidents and a six-year cycle for Senators - and that's before the elections for governors, state legislatures, mayors, states' attorneys-general, sheriffs, school boards - and probably also the managers of MacDonalds. And it all comes down to cash! No, not from politicians' own pockets. It's the mega-donors who influence policy, give a dodgy Supreme Court Justice or two all manner of luxury perks which he then hides instead of declaring them without any sanctions whatsoever, and those who hide behind fancy Foundations. People like the Koch Brothers - or perhaps I should just say Koch since one recently died but both actually gave mega-bucks under at least two different entities, George Soros, the gambling king Sheldon Adelson who has made a gazillion from his casinos in Las Vegas and Macao, Michael Bloomberg, and then the hedge funds run by largely unknown names like Tom Steyer and Kat Taylor, or by crooks like Sam Bankman-Fried. Did I mention lobbyists? On top of that lot there are the Super PACS which continue their fund-raising ways thanks to court rulings in 2010. Eliminate them? The largest political fund raising machines ever thought of? That has to be a joke. Freedom rules. Freedom to donate. Freedom to influence policy. After all, who came up with the list of potential justices for Trump? The right-wing Federalist Society and the similar Heritage Foundation, allied to the right-wing evangelical movement. Funny, though, how many of those evangelical pastors live in luxury (Kenneth Copeland is estimated to be worth US$760 million and all seem to own private jets), yet more than a few seem to have a habit of disobeying God's laws and then either crying for forgiveness on their mega-rich television enterprises (Jimmy Swaggart etc.) or end up in jail (Jim Bakker etc.) or in bed with another man (Ted Haggard). The list of 'abominations' - oops transgressions - is actually in the many dozens! Funny, too, how these "churches" ,"ministries" "cash cows", call them what you will, make tens of millions of fat profits annually yet are not subject to any taxes! Money rules! Don't worry @Kostik. The show is well and truly on the road. Indeed, it has never left it. Careful, though! All that popcorn may severely damage your health.

Democrats, liberals, progressives -- all had great success in the elections on Tuesday, 8 November. 😃 The Biggest Loser was Drumpf himself, as the causes and candidates he supported went down to ignominious defeat. Before I start discussing all of the big wins, let me just post the following report from my favorite columnist. (For those of you who are non-native speakers of English or are simply confused, the following report is SATIRE.) OHIO (The Borowitz Report) Irate Republican officials in Ohio have been crying foul over Tuesday night’s election results, claiming that there were “widespread cases” of women voting across the state. Harland Dorrinson, a G.O.P. operative in Lake County, said that he had “eyewitness accounts” of “swarms of women” standing in long lines outside of polling places. “Many of our poll workers spotted women going into voting booths and literally casting votes,” he said. “These were not isolated incidents.” Dorrinson said the “nightmare scenario” that unfolded on Tuesday has dire implications for both Ohio and the nation. “There is every indication that women meddled in this election,” he said. “What’s to stop them from doing it again in 2024?”

One thing I've learned traveling in a country like Brasil...nothing good happens after midnight, like Gremlins. Any issues I've had all happened after midnight.....If I find someone I like in the Sauna, I take them back to my room and we continue drinking there or go to dinner and back to my place. Since I've adopted that strategy, zero problems 😉 Only 1 sauna in SP worth going to with rent guys, Lagoa...I used to stay in Republica area but the Airbnb's have gottel too strict not allowing guests that aren't pre-registered. I know Totally Oz stayed at the Intercontinental, which isn't cheap, but they treated his guys just the same as a guest. Heritage hotel seems not to say anything if you enter with someone as long as they don't look like a homeless person. Splitting the trip would depend on where you're flying into/out of SP has better restaurants as well....

Lol Portuguese! I was rushing when I wrote this and mixed it up with Colombia where I visited last... I don't speak Portuguese is what I meant to write!

You're going to Brazii and you don't speak Spanish? Horrors! But then, Brazilians speak Portuguese.Some can get by in Spanish.

Thanx for posting, good news... ♂️ Actually, can't wait returning September to cum - after those bullshit covid years... Sweet memories are coming back... yummmm!

This is one of the most disheartening reports of bullying I’ve read about in Thailand. A 15-year-old is suffering from a severe infection after a senior student forcibly injected a chemical into his penis at their school in Nakhon Si Thammarat. His penis is said to be permanently disfigured. From the Bangkok Post https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2685109/boy-suffers-nerve-damage-in-school-penis-assault