Hugs and random non-sex chat aka Our Court aka Hoes and Bros who empower each other

[DeeDeeX2]

Halloooo to the Court!

*Alchemist pokes her head in to say hi during her break*

Anyone who works a M-F and is really glad it's Friday-Eve?? I know I am!

Thursday night is the best night of the week to go out bar hoping. No matter what happens, you can limp through work on Friday...maybe show up late and make up for that by leaving work early.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Halloooo to the Court!

*Alchemist pokes her head in to say hi during her break*

Anyone who works a M-F and is really glad it's Friday-Eve?? I know I am!

I'm delighted for you, but I work weekends. I hope you have a grand time with your weekend, though!

 

[Boat1]

Thursday night is the best night of the week to go out bar hoping. No matter what happens, you can limp through work on Friday...maybe show up late and make up for that by leaving work early.

I LOVE your way of thinking!

 

[Boat1]

Top of the morning to any other restless Courtiers...down at 1, up before 4....
It's a bit early for me to have a severe case of "channel fever" as I'm still a week from home, so hopefully this is just a "one off."
I hope all of you are well rested and headed into a great weekend, including Whiskeyjack, despite him having to work weekends.

 

[MiaBabe23]

I'm delighted for you, but I work weekends. I hope you have a grand time with your weekend, though!

That’s just unfair! What days do you have off? We should have an event of your choice in the Court that evening

 

[MiaBabe23]

Top of the morning to any other restless Courtiers...down at 1, up before 4....
It's a bit early for me to have a severe case of "channel fever" as I'm still a week from home, so hopefully this is just a "one off."
I hope all of you are well rested and headed into a great weekend, including Whiskeyjack, despite him having to work weekends.

Morning Boat and everyone,
That’s harsh, maybe it’s the anticipation of being so close to home. Hope you have a relaxed day
And under the longstanding rule of Usurper Absentius, I’m still sitting on the bean-throne at this time, but I’ve expanded it out so that the whole Court might sit in it at the same time if so desired
Just don’t leave half-full coffee mugs, squashed Halloween candy, beer cans or underwear on it!

 

[Whiskeyjack]

That’s just unfair! What days do you have off? We should have an event of your choice in the Court that evening

I usually try to take either Monday or Tuesday off. But it doesn't always happen.

 

[Boat1]

Morning Boat and everyone,
That’s harsh, maybe it’s the anticipation of being so close to home. Hope you have a relaxed day
And under the longstanding rule of Usurper Absentius, I’m still sitting on the bean-throne at this time, but I’ve expanded it out so that the whole Court might sit in it at the same time if so desired
Just don’t leave half-full coffee mugs, squashed Halloween candy, beer cans or underwear on it!

Good morning and thank you, Your Highness!... Yes, that anticipation of being home is what we mariners affectionately refer to as "channel fever."

I'm elated that you're retaining the Throne and I sincerely appreciate your offer to share it, but I'll have to decline my turn on it, as I'm waaaaay more comfortable sitting on the floor beside it.

Most of my adult life, I've found myself in leadership roles, which I've never desired. That probably explains a lot about my "submissive" nature.

 

[MiaBabe23]

And I realize I still haven’t added any expert tip!
So to correct that with something that may seem completely obvious, but is linked to ideas from my thesis, and is something most of us have probably been guilty of doing the opposite:
When you hear or see hate speech, dog whistle racism and other bigotry - resist the urge to belittle, talk down to and berate the person as a racist/ sexist/ etc idiot
While calling them racist/ whatever it may be may be a statement of fact, this won’t always be the case. Having the nature of what they regarded as a “joke” pointed out leads too often to a sense of resentment that the world is changing too fast, that they’re not allowed to express themselves, etc and the risk is they then seek places where such behavior is acceptable or even encouraged. Often they are looking for a reaction, or even to feel included
If you’re talking to someone at risk of extremism, you risk entrenching the ‘them and us’ mentality
Instead, if you’re confident and comfortable doing so, find some common ground - eg where you’re from, a sport or band, etc if any of that is apparent; if not, simply acknowledging things are unfair can work - and offer your own experience, a genuine one, about why you disagree, (the lovely guy who helps your whoever, always has a smile, didn’t even realize he was Jewish/ Muslim/ etc etc). If you get pushback, roll with it, or let it pass
The key to challenging this kinda hate speech is often the drip drip effect or normalizing normality again - so not leaving it unchallenged, but avoiding turning it into a conflict

 

[MiaBabe23]

Good morning and thank you, Your Highness!... Yes, that anticipation of being home is what we mariners affectionately refer to as "channel fever."

I'm elated that you're retaining the Throne and I sincerely appreciate your offer to share it, but I'll have to decline my turn on it, as I'm waaaaay more comfortable sitting on the floor beside it.

Most of my adult life, I've found myself in leadership roles, which I've never desired. That probably explains a lot about my "submissive" nature.

Each hour that passes gets you closer at least!

And understood - you can polish our lovely Wench’s shoes when it’s your turn instead, if that would feel better

 

[Boat1]

And I realize I still haven’t added any expert tip!
So to correct that with something that may seem completely obvious, but is linked to ideas from my thesis, and is something most of us have probably been guilty of doing the opposite:
When you hear or see hate speech, dog whistle racism and other bigotry - resist the urge to belittle, talk down to and berate the person as a racist/ sexist/ etc idiot
While calling them racist/ whatever it may be may be a statement of fact, this won’t always be the case. Having the nature of what they regarded as a “joke” leads too often to a sense of resentment that the world is changing too fast, that they’re not allowed to express themselves, etc and the risk is they then seek places where such behavior is acceptable or even encouraged. Often they are looking for a reaction, or even to feel included
If you’re talking to someone at risk of extremism, you risk entrenching the ‘them and us’ mentality
Instead, if you’re confident and comfortable doing so, find some common ground - eg where you’re from, a sport or band, etc if any of that is apparent; if not, simply acknowledging things are unfair can work - and offer your own experience, a genuine one, about why you disagree, (the lovely guy who helps your whoever, always has a smile, didn’t even realize he was Jewish/ Muslim/ etc etc). If you get pushback, roll with it, or let it pass
The key to challenging this kinda hate speech is often the drip drip effect or normalizing normality again - so not leaving it unchallenged, but avoiding turning it into a conflict

That is BEAUTIFUL, Your Highness... and definitely bookmarked as well!

 

[Boat1]

Each hour that passes gets you closer at least!

And understood - you can polish our lovely Wench’s shoes when it’s your turn instead, if that would feel better

Thank you, Your Highness!
You obviously understand me well!

 

[DeeDeeX2]

Each hour that passes gets you closer at least!

And understood - you can polish our lovely Wench’s shoes when it’s your turn instead, if that would feel better

A sensual foot massage would also be welcome

 

[Boat1]

Each hour that passes gets you closer at least!

And understood - you can polish our lovely Wench’s shoes when it’s your turn instead, if that would feel better

...and where is our Lovely Wench, @DeeDeeMeyers ? I'll bring her a morning cup of coffee for a change...

 

[Boat1]

A sensual foot massage would also be welcome

Good morning!
Ooooh, I do feet!

 

[DeeDeeX2]

Good morning to all of you this beautiful morning. I'll be traveling to of parts the realm today in search of food and beverage worthy of my tastes, and that of the Court's. Beverages of my liking may be acquired in case lots (discounts apply) and transported down a mountainside in the trunk of my motorized carriage to my humble cottage in the valley for storage.

 

[DeeDeeX2]

...and where is our Lovely Wench, @DeeDeeMeyers ? I'll bring her a morning cup of coffee for a change...

I am here, kind Sir. Enjoy ️

 

[MiaBabe23]

And I realize I still haven’t added any expert tip!
So to correct that with something that may seem completely obvious, but is linked to ideas from my thesis, and is something most of us have probably been guilty of doing the opposite:
When you hear or see hate speech, dog whistle racism and other bigotry - resist the urge to belittle, talk down to and berate the person as a racist/ sexist/ etc idiot
While calling them racist/ whatever it may be may be a statement of fact, this won’t always be the case. Having the nature of what they regarded as a “joke” pointed out leads too often to a sense of resentment that the world is changing too fast, that they’re not allowed to express themselves, etc and the risk is they then seek places where such behavior is acceptable or even encouraged. Often they are looking for a reaction, or even to feel included
If you’re talking to someone at risk of extremism, you risk entrenching the ‘them and us’ mentality
Instead, if you’re confident and comfortable doing so, find some common ground - eg where you’re from, a sport or band, etc if any of that is apparent; if not, simply acknowledging things are unfair can work - and offer your own experience, a genuine one, about why you disagree, (the lovely guy who helps your whoever, always has a smile, didn’t even realize he was Jewish/ Muslim/ etc etc). If you get pushback, roll with it, or let it pass
The key to challenging this kinda hate speech is often the drip drip effect or normalizing normality again - so not leaving it unchallenged, but avoiding turning it into a conflict

Seen your shocked reaction, DeeDee - I realize what I wrote was incomplete. I should have included in there that reference to facts where possible and relevant is invaluable as well, since conspiracy theories and disinformation often reinforce bigotry

 

[Boat1]

Good morning to all of you this beautiful morning. I'll be traveling to of parts the realm today in search of food and beverage worthy of my tastes, and that of the Court's. Beverages of my liking may be acquired in case lots (discounts apply) and transported down a mountainside in the trunk of my motorized carriage to my humble cottage in the valley for storage.

I bid you safe travels and sincerely thanks!

 

[DeeDeeX2]

Seen your shocked reaction, DeeDee - I realize what I wrote was it incomplete. I should have included in there that reference to facts where possible and relevant is invaluable as well, since conspiracy theories and disinformation often reinforce bigotry

It is certainly a complex topic, Mia, and I applaud you for your reasoned analysis. I'm not so much shocked as I am astounded by the comprehensiveness of your words.

I see the American political spectrum more like a classic bell curve. Most of us (about 95%) are in the large group clustered around the center (within two standard deviations of the mean). Our election rules and changes in mass media since the dawn of cable TV and the internet allow those on the fringes (beyond the .05 level of statistical significance) to dominate political participation beyond voting by the masses and the polarizing political rhetoric the rest of us are constantly bombarded with. Polarization is the natural outcome of our present structure of two political parties fueled by partisan news outlets.

Those two factors IMHO need to be addressed before any meaningful change will take place.

One solution, ranked voting in primary elections as California has established for most elected offices, might break the stranglehold the political party structures have on us. There are NO provisions in the Constitution of the US for political parties.

The only thing that comes to mind about our partisan mass media problem is avoid watching it and/or boycott the corporations that fuel those networks through their advertisements.

OK...I'll climb off my soapbox now.

 

[MiaBabe23]

It is certainly a complex topic, Mia, and I applaud you for your reasoned analysis. I'm not so much shocked as I am astounded by the comprehensiveness of your words.

I see the American political spectrum more like a classic bell curve. Most of us (about 95%) are in the large group clustered around the center (within two standard deviations of the mean). Our election rules and changes in mass media since the dawn of cable TV and the internet allow those on the fringes (beyond the .05 level of statistical significance) to dominate political participation beyond voting by the masses and the polarizing political rhetoric the rest of us are constantly bombarded with. Polarization is the natural outcome of our present structure of two political parties fueled by partisan news outlets.

Those two factors IMHO need to be addressed before any meaningful change will take place.

One solution, ranked voting in primary elections as California has established for most elected offices, might break the stranglehold the political party structures have on us. There are NO provisions in the Constitution of the US for political parties.

The only thing that comes to mind about our partisan mass media problem is avoid watching it and/or boycott the corporations that fuel those networks through their advertisements.

OK...I'll climb off my soapbox now.

Very well said, DeeDee, yes. Ranked voting is fair, effective and popular

And yeah, mass media bias is a challenging one, though I think it’s niche sites and social media that are the greater problem
I think it comes down to media literacy - the more people are encouraged to think critically, to recognize bias, to question and verify, the less of a problem it becomes. It’s a very gradual solution, but definitely vital
Though of course, a significant proportion of conspiracy theorists are actually using the right instincts, by questioning - the problem being they then put their trust in the wrong sources. So a degree of training is needed too, perhaps

 

[Boat1]

It is certainly a complex topic, Mia, and I applaud you for your reasoned analysis. I'm not so much shocked as I am astounded by the comprehensiveness of your words.

I see the American political spectrum more like a classic bell curve. Most of us (about 95%) are in the large group clustered around the center (within two standard deviations of the mean). Our election rules and changes in mass media since the dawn of cable TV and the internet allow those on the fringes (beyond the .05 level of statistical significance) to dominate political participation beyond voting by the masses and the polarizing political rhetoric the rest of us are constantly bombarded with. Polarization is the natural outcome of our present structure of two political parties fueled by partisan news outlets.

Those two factors IMHO need to be addressed before any meaningful change will take place.

One solution, ranked voting in primary elections as California has established for most elected offices, might break the stranglehold the political party structures have on us. There are NO provisions in the Constitution of the US for political parties.

The only thing that comes to mind about our partisan mass media problem is avoid watching it and/or boycott the corporations that fuel those networks through their advertisements.

OK...I'll climb off my soapbox now.

OK, I'll climb onto that soapbox... Having been analyzing it most of my life, from my "simpleton" POV, I've boiled it down to two, personal conclusions....
1. Follow the money. It will lead you to the root cause of virtually everything...

2. END Fiat money ($$ created out of thin air, by private banks and backed by absolutely nothing) and 95% of the stupid chit we endure will stop "overnight!"

 

[MiaBabe23]

OK, I'll climb onto that soapbox... Having been analyzing it most of my life, from my "simpleton" POV, I've boiled it down to two, personal conclusions....
1. Follow the money. It will lead you to the root cause of virtually everything...

2. END Fiat money ($$ created out of thin air, by private banks and backed by absolutely nothing) and 95% of the stupid chit we endure will stop "overnight!"

Certainly money and power can corrupt

But get rid of fiat money - so, return to a barter economy?

 

[Boat1]

Certainly money and power can corrupt

But get rid of fiat money - so, return to a barter economy?

Not a barter economy as an "Economic System" but I do STRONGLY support barter between individuals, including "labor swaps"...
Our $$ used to be backed by gold and silver, printed right on the paper, " Redeemable to the bearer on demand"
IOW, "real money" is backed by a tangible and rather finite commodity...
The Federal Reserve, which was given a "Charter' to control our nation's monetary supply is a private bank. It's no more "Federal" than any random thing we could name....

 

[MiaBabe23]

Not a barter economy as an "Economic System" but I do STRONGLY support barter between individuals, including "labor swaps"...
Our $$ used to be backed by gold and silver, print right on the paper, " Redeemable to the bearer on demand"

But given those resources are so finite, that would be inherently inflationary
So those unable to afford such notes would be reduced to bartering - will I have to try and sell copies of my thesis is exchange for my regal soup and shoes lol?