scribbles

I've had many lizards, snakes (venomous and otherwise) and various critters over the years. I've currently got a bearded dragon, and he's juat coming out of his first hibernation as well. He's definitely been less active, eats less and doesn't show as much excitement at crickets as he did last summer. Could be just a rough spring? If you try the mealworms, be sure to squish their heads with the tweezers (as gross as that sounds). The little buggers can be risky for a weakened lizard. You might want to try crickets with the tweezers first.

I was struck by how similar a lot of the things he said seemed to be with the things said by convicted serial killers who started with or had prostitutes as their preferred prey. There is a common element: middle class or better, thrilled by trolling for street workers. It's definitely a different motivation that drives them than consumers of indy service providers. It's about risk and class differences, not sex, companionship or a social connection.

Why revisit the rules? When the laws are rewritten, whatever is deemed illegal will still be outside of what can be discussed here, and if what is illegal today isn't illegal at that point, it won't go against CERB rules to discuss it anymore, as it will no longer be illegal.

Count me in. I'm curious.

I *am* and english major. It was dismissive, at least of the relevance of the opinion if not the value.

I have been to strip clubs here in Ottawa and in Portland, Oregon, both cities where I have lived. I was previously married, and while living in Portland my now ex-wife took up dancing. Portland was interesting in that they had a tremendous number of strip clubs for a relatively small city, a thriving alternative community, yet very conservative rules around obscenity. As a result, any form of contact was strictly forbidden and carefully monitored. Dancers there made most of their money off their stage sets. Many of the dancers pulled in more than $300 a night, sometimes without a single private dance. They ranged from tall and curvy to short and small, some with tons of body art, others with none. There was a flavour, so to speak, for every appetite. Ottawa isn't much different, except that we are a lot more lax with our rules. I *do* think this has generally detracted from the entertainment aspect of the experience, and perhaps created an environment where competition is driven by "extras inflation"; how far you are willing to go determines how busy you'll be. I don't think clubs are any worse today than they were in the past. I don't find the dancers any less attractive, and would even venture that I find them generally better looking. My tastes tend towards the spinner variety, though, so maybe there just tend to be more that fit that pattern now than in the past. I *do* miss the entertainment of a good stage show, but, really, how many of us go to a club to be at a distance from the lady we are admiring? I doubt the idea of a brothel at the Fax will ever happen. As others have mentioned, there are too many licensing and regulatory hurdles to vault before that could ever happen. It's just too high profile. But, saying the ladies look too much like sex workers? Really? That's not being honest or calling it like you see it, that's being carelessly crude. You can't really expect people to respond well to that.

I wasn't going to say anything. I probably shouldn't, as I am not a provider, and as such have already been shouted down as having no relevance in this discussion. But, after having that particular slant on marginalization thrown out in so many posts, my baser nature overcame my better judgment. So, here goes. I have never sold a sexual service to another. I don't know what that is like, outside of academic study in the area and many, many conversations and friendships I have had with workers in different segments of the market. I think that the experience of that exchange is different for each person, in part due to the fact that sex has different meaning and significance for everyone. To say that one person's experience is prototypical of all others is myopic and dangerous, and inherently feeds marginalization of those who fall on either side of that model within the spectrum of experiences. To say that clients can be categorized neatly into market segments is also myopic, and fairly insulting. It's an oversimplification. Men have different motivations for their consumption of sexual services, and they can be motivated to choose service providers and services provided differently in different circumstances. Sometimes it's price, sometimes availability, level of risk aversion, satisfaction of a particular type or fetish, etc. Some days the client might be motivated by a need for an intimate dinner and bedroom date, a sophisticated experience, and will be willing to pay $500 for it. Other days, they might be motivated to have a massage from that hot little brunette with the tight ass. Yet others, maybe they need a physical release, but can't spare $200 for it. Same client, different motivation. Talking about "types" of clients is insultingly classist towards clients, just as it is insultingly elitist towards providers. *Nobody* should be allowed to dictate prices for services to a provider. A client is rude to haggle, so how is it any less rude for another provider to dictate? The simple economics of it is that a provider "selling themselves short" at $100 an hour, a claim I find spurious without reference, probably won't be able to maintain that price for the same level of service as someone charging double that. This is because of the physical operating costs of the business, the increased volume needed to ensure a reasonable margin, and the physical toll the additional volume would take on the provider. The services, quality and level of service you provide will *always* determine the price you can charge, and the market will decide whether it can tolerate that price. But let's not, for a moment, forget that there are many relevant voices that need to be heard in this discussion from *both* sides of the transaction, and different market segments. The self-sainted few patronizingly dictating terms to all others, and casting out whomever they feel doesn't have a right to speak... that sounds pretty revolting.

Is this the same Mila that works the Fax as well?

As a Habs fan, it's heartwarming to see Leafs and Sens fans consoling each other on an early golfing season, arguing only which team had the most disastrous year. Was it the one that was never very good from the start, or the one that gave their fans hope, only to collapse tremendously and thoroughly at year's end? All kidding aside, I applaud those who set petty rivalry aside long enough to cheer for the only team representing Canada this year. We're not going to win the cup, but let's give em hell, at least. ;)

I don't think we'll ever know any different than we do today. I read a book about Cobain's life, the rise of Nirvana, his relationship with Courtney Love, and the different perspectives on his death. The book leaned heavily in the direction of a conspiracy by Love herself, and a lot of the points that were raised were thought provoking. But 20 years has passed, and I don't think the speculation and theorizing will ever become more than just that, or be completelt disproven. It's just all part of his legend now.

Looks like the Fax will be short one employee: Brazeau was arrested last night for a bunch of infractions, including cocaine possession and uttering death threats. Class act.

I think the certificate is really about therapeutic massage and insurance billing, more than skill. A relaxation massage or massage that *isn't* intended to be paid for by an insurance provider would be all about the skill of the person giving the massage and creating the experience. That wouldn't be diminished by a HE. A registered masseuse offering therapeutic massage and the possibility of a receipt for insurance would be a different story. While the client probably wouldn't argue with a HE (I know I wouldn't!,) it would be contrary to the ethics of the regulatory body and could lead to problems. Just my thoughts. ;)

I'm always playing devil's advocate, so why not one more time? 15 is too young. Some have alluded to life experience, which is a little problematic as some have lived more life by 15 than others by 20. Simply put, an age of majority has been set, and this girl doesn't meet that requirement. I have to ask, though, how any woman can make an informed decision/choice to work in this industry? It's not like there are "take your kid to work" days, career shadowing, job fairs or somesuch where someone outside the industry can really learn what it means to do this kind of work. How, then, does someone become informed of the pros and cons in order to choose? Don't say this board; part of the problem is how a person would figure out what resources there actually are, in order to make use of them. Sorry for the hijack. I just feel this question is overlooked when we talk about girls, like this 15 year old, and their capacity to "choose."

Well, Asdr, what can I say? While I haven't read every single reply here, I find it interesting that they are almost universally well thought out, considerate of the original post, and without pettiness and anger. That seems to mostly discredit what you're saying, *except* that I have seen some of the childishness you are talking about. What's most interesting is that you're the only one here, up to this point, perpetuating it in this thread, which makes me wonder if this was all just a platform you wanted to make for yourself to get a little vengeance against those you now feel superior to. No community is perfect, and every community has its assholes. Maybe there's a skewed ratio online because we see each other across a screen, through text, and that makes the smallest of us bold. But perpetuating the cycle doesn't make you insightful or introspective, it makes you one of them. Probably better if we all just learn to live and let live.

Asdr, I'm mostly a lurker here. I find people's views and attitudes towards human sexuality interesting, so some of the topics that pop up here interest me on an intellectual level. Also, some of these chicks are hella hot. ;) (if that's construed as sucking up, it would more accurately be seen as levity.) You raise an interesting point, but awkwardly. I don't think that the motives and motivation for consumers of sexual services have been adequately explored. More often, the research focused on what could lead these "broken women" to do what they do. I think understanding the impulse to purchase sex, and how purchasing sex changes the consumer, is more valuable. Just some rambling thoughts, but likely the circumstance or trait that leads a dude to pay for sex is the same or similar motivation for why they would comment prolifically and/or superficially on this forum. As you point out, some men are here because of self-esteem or confidence issues. It would seem pretty easy to see that if self-esteem and confidence leads them to pay for sex, they are also the things driving the same guy to post (mostly anonymously) in a forum where they gain validation for their opinion, particularly from the women they admire. Is that wrong? Is that sycophantic? I'm not sure. But, you also seem to project a lot of anger or disdain for the people you're speaking of, while putting the disclaimer on it that "you mean well." If men are posting here because of real issues they have with their self-confidence and self-esteem, or if that's what drives them to pay for companionship, the solution isn't as simple as "just get a real life." In fact, confrontation of that sort is usually part of the problem in the first place. Just my opinion.

Already posted http://www.cerb.ca/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=170407 here. The more accurate slant is the CRTC is trying to get rid of three porn channels.

I've been looking into self publishing ebooks for a little bit now. I've always had an interest in writing, and have several projects I've been considering ranging from erotica to non-fiction. Self publishing ebooks allows you the ability to write and say what you want without marketing-minded publishers deciding whether your work fits within the calendar and demographic they are aiming for. You retain considerably more control over your product. The downside is that you may publish something that doesn't sell, or sell very much, and the marketing and promotion of your work is something you have to work at yourself. If you are just looking to have the work published for the sake of it being read, those downsides aren't necessarily onerous. And, there's the possibility that you far exceed your earning potential as a self - publisher instead of as a traditionally published author. The how to is a little longer to explain, and I'm by no means an expert. First step is finding someone willing to read and offer editing notes. For that, I'm willing to volunteer.

Ever considered self publishing, or ebook publishing?

Interesting. It doesn't really say what the new direction is. I used to love the Bear, but lately I've been boycotting it because of some of the small-minded, intolerant attitudes of their on air hosts. CHEZ has always been a good alternative.

I lived in Portland, Oregon for 4 years. There were an absolutely ridiculous number of clubs, but they're all non-contact. Girls make a ton of money from guys tipping their stage shows. Private dances are 20 bucks, and the dancer is usually at arm's length and, again, there is no contact. Lots of girls make good money, so I guess you can say supply dictates and drives demand, in this case (ie you take what you can get.)

Not enough Canadian content to meet regulatory requirements, says the CRTC. The licenses for three Toronto based porn channels may not be renewed because they do not broadcast the required minimum of 35% Canadian produced content. The article misses the point, making it sound more like the CRTC is advocating more Canadian porn. In fact, this smells a lot like the CRTC trying to clear the airwaves a little. Come to think of it, though, I rarely find any Canadian produced porn anywhere. Does anyone care to share their knowledge? http://www.smh.com.au/world/not-enough-canadian-porn-on-tv-regulator-20140307-hvgi6.html

I'll admit I read most of but not all of the preceding posts, so take this statement as my disclaimer in case I repeat something someone else already said. I've seen a lot of mention of religion, patriarchy and control. I think those things definitely play a role in the stigma, but I think chalking it up to those things entirely is an oversimplification, as it would be to say it's about spousal jealousy or fear of infidelity. The physical act of sex is supposed to, according to very old cultural norms, carry a certain gravitas or depth of meaning. Our culture (and not all cultures are like this) see sex as necessarily emotional and personally intimate, so we reserve it for certain relationships that are expected to be founded on a similar emotional depth. Simply fucking because you're horny and you think someone has a nice ass devalues the sex act, according to these values. And, while men are definitely regarded differently from women in this respect, I don't think men who do this with one or multiple partners are held in a positive light except by like minded individuals. Women who sell sex are thought of poorly because they further devalue sex by commercializing it. By doing so, they are thought to have some deep moral lack or defect, because only in lacking those morals could they reduce something so emotionally intimate and reserved to something so physical as to be a commodity to exchange for money. I don't really care what a sex worker calls themselves, the title is just window dressing on the same thing: you sell sex. And, our culture has habituated itself to seeing that sale as morally defective because it goes against the principle of emotionality and intimacy that sex is connected with in people's beliefs. I personally think the thing that would help dispell this most would be less examination of the provider side of the equation, and more examination of the motives that drive men to purchase sex commercially in the first place.

May I be so coarse as to ask what seems to me to be the obvious question: if you had such deep and abiding feelings for this "perfect girl" who is a dancer, how were you marrying someone else, and what are your feelings for them?

A miscalculated play by the Fax that will likely bring media attention, and greater LE scrutiny with it. Hell, the article shows the exact kind of bias that his presence will bleed onto the club ("perverts' row".) And, beautiful view of Parliament from the front door?? Hardly, unless you can see through the Chateau...

Wonder if that'll bring more media (and therefor more LE) attention.