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MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 19 (view)

Subjective/Objective Posted: 5/27/2009 10:15:31 PM
There's another aspect to consider; that there is a difference between what we acknowledge to be attractive, and what we personally are attracted to. I can notice that some particular woman happens to be flat stunning, and yet not be ATTRACTED to her. I think a lot of the time we are more attracted to (or likely to respond to) people in the plain to moderately attractive level. Possibly this is because we feel ourselves to be at around this level and can appreciate the "I'm only human too" aspect we share in common.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 1 (view)

responding to kids Posted: 5/27/2009 9:37:00 PM
I've noticed that there are a ton of women on here who mention their kids in their profile (not just checking "yes" in the "has children" box). So I'm wondering what kind of reaction do/would you get should a guy mention about your kids in a message, especially an introductory message?

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 17 (view)

A clue please Posted: 12/26/2008 11:41:20 PM
Question for the OP: did you meet him on THIS site? POF is large and has apparently no problem finding/keeping members. Other sites are not like that, especially the smaller ones. The people who run the site create beautiful FAKE profiles, and send out lots of messages from them. The people who get these messages think they've got something on the line from someone really great so they continue to stay on the site and check back everyday. The site then gets to charge more for their advertising because they get more daily "hits" plus the paying members continue to pay. And the type of mail you're getting is the ultimate arch-type of this kind. Just food for thought.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 41 (view)

HE BLOWS HIS LOAD IN MY MOUTH WITH NO ORGASM ALERT! Posted: 7/12/2008 11:58:06 PM
Heck yeah! I give props to Mr. No-Warning. I do the same thing. Except I lie and make a point of telling the girl, "Don't worry, I'll give you fair warning." And I get a kick out of watching her suddenly choke on liquid nastiness. Why? To be mean. Because I get off bigtime on the whole domination thing. Same reason I call women names that would probably get auto-deleted if I listed them here. Because I don't want to be Mr. Nice Guy ALL the time. 'Cause I'm just a kinky freak like that. - - - - - But seriously, though. Maybe the guy's never been with anyone who asked for warning. He's probably never had anyone blow their load in HIS mouth, and has no idea what it's like for you. Heck I've never had a dude blow his load in MY mouth; if I did it would probably cure my bad habit. That's one area where I'd rather not learn the "hard" way, though, tyvm. Sometimes it just kinda hits you (from the guy's point of view), and there IS no fair warning. By the time you can say "I'm gonna..."... oops. Too late. Sometimes we get spooge scares, where we THINK we're gonna pop just any second, but then after a minute it goes away. (Those are kinda nice, actually.) So, @ OP - I think you just need to get over it. Support him in his need to feel manly and powerful, even if he manifests this by "being a jerk". BTW, learn to massage his dangle-sacks: when they suddenly tighten you've got about a 1/2 second, or maybe a few seconds, before the gland finale. piece

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 98 (view)

11th man theory ... what is your opinion?? Posted: 7/5/2008 3:11:23 PM
There is a difference between what people WANT and what GRABS OUR ATTENTION. Nearly all of us can take a pen and paper and write down the qualities we think would make for a prime partner. Then think about the people you end up directing your attention towards, or liking. Us guys may want a girl with lots of intelligence, only to find ourselves focusing our attention on the ditzes. Likewise women may logically want some degreed professional, suit-and-tie kinda guy, only to find that they get intimidated when they see this and focus their attention towards the bluer end of the collar. With women, there is no secret golden rule as to how to attract them. Some of them will want Mr. Bad Boy. Others the Nice Guy. Some go for well dressed. Some would consider "nice clothes" to be pretentious and go for the jeans-and-a-teeshirt guy. Given the original question, a woman at a bar getting hit on by ten guys but not by the 11th, her attention will be drawn towards... who knows? What will most likely get it is the "leader of the pack". She's not looking towards how much a particular fella pays attention to HER or not, she's most likely looking at how much interaction he has with EVERYBODY. A guy who focuses ALL his time on her is "creepy" (usually). The guy who sits off quietly in the corner, well, he's kinda creepy too. A guy who's basically friendly and is there talking with friends meets the criteria for "normal" and thus has the POTENTIAL to be likeable. The guy who goes in and seems to know everybody, talks to everybody, introduces people to each other, and shows some beneign machismo... well he just became the instantly likeable one. Even if she's interested in some other guy, she'll want Mr. Know-Everyone to make the introduction. Also he's assumed to be the one with the largest penis, so, there ya go.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 22 (view)

Best way to open a conversation online Posted: 7/5/2008 1:26:30 AM
@ flyingiguana / FlyOnTheWall: perhaps it would be better to ask "How are THEY hangin'..."

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 76 (view)

Help anybody? I am dating a Scorpio Guy Posted: 7/5/2008 1:11:16 AM
First, I notice that the OP hasn't been back since the 1st post. 2nd, there seems to be a stereotype going on here: that if a woman has concerns about a relationship, there must be something wrong. And if something's wrong, by virtue of her gender she's automatically the sweet and innocent one, and everything's the guy's fault because he's a man and therefore a turd. And women always have concerns about their relationships. - - - - - Sounds to me like what you're dealing with is nothing more than a normal relationship. Every relationship has it's ups and downs. This notion that "if you love someone" you'll be happy and positive and sweet and kind and... it's all just fantasy fairy tale BS. One of MY biggest peeves is having to tell someone the same thing over and over. Yeah, I'm a scorpio too, but I really think it's just part of being a man... check that being a human. Sometimes I'm moody. Sometimes it's easier to take my stress out on people that I know, love or am just more familiar with - because I know that the forgiveness is waiting. Not that this is the right thing to do, but it's human. And as for being "tested" -- are you sure? How do we know that you (since you're a scorpio too...) aren't the one reading way too much into this? I don't say this to be critical, just wanting to help you be introspective if you need to be. I do wish y'all well. My only advice is this: us men CAN "talk about our feelings", it just helps if we have fair warning. IF you decide you two need to set boundaries and "talk about your relationship" let him know AHEAD of time. Scedule it in advance. Let him prepare a speech, instead of just blurting things out on a whim.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 28 (view)

The shock factor? Posted: 6/30/2008 9:23:39 PM
Evidentially men still believe this is the way to go instead of being polite, totally shock the woman by saying something in their reply like how they hate games, don't have time for 'em, when for goodness sakes. All you did was reach out to them, make initial contact, isn't that what we're supposed to do here on POF ? Hunh, I must be misinterpreting this. It reads as though you send a man a message, and somewhere in his response he says something along the lines of how he "doesn't like head games, and/or doesn't have time for them." I don't know that I've said this in any of my e-mails, but I wouldn't be surprised or upset at myself if I did. There are so many women on here who put in their profile those very words, it kinda seems like a "right" thing to say. So, with all due respect, could I ask you to either clarify (did your sentence come out the way you intended?), or give us an example of some mail/response situations you've had? (assuming this doesn't breach any POF mail-related confidentiality rules). - - - - - As for my response to the OP: 1) The people who use the forums on this site are usually the ones more prone to taking this site seriously. The jokers and bung-holes who send mean/innappropriate return mail aren't likely to come to the forums and explain their actions. Which leaves it up to us grown-ups to try to figure out their intent. 2) In the event that I should receive an initial contact which I don't like, I'd just ignore it. Yes I know I theoretically could hurt someone's feelings by ignoring them. They're probably blasting out mail, they probably get ignored by all kinds of people, may they send their obnoxious mail to someone as immature as they, and live happily never after. 2-b) In the event that I initiate contact, and receive a reply which I find offensive, I remember that the best way to spite one's enemies is through kindness. So, I will send them a copy of a very beautiful poem, which often inspires and delights even the most vile and base of humankind: You are the pus Which Infects the slime That sickens the mold Which slowly rots And poisons the maggots Now chowing down On the diareahhea That your mother licked From a dead rat's anus.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 73 (view)

rejection... Posted: 3/20/2008 8:37:19 PM
For me, it's a matter of WHAT is being rejected. It doesn't matter if I'm getting rejected when asking a girl out, for a second date, or getting broken up with. I'm not hurt if someone rejects PLANS. That just simply means that my figurative flashlight is now illuminating a different path. What hurts is getting rejected AS A PERSON. It's ok if I'm not suited to someone's tastes; but it's bitter when she says/implies that I'm not good enough or no good at all, unnerving/creepy/weird/boring, universally unattractive, etc.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 13 (view)

Love verses reason - which one wins? Posted: 2/25/2008 9:59:48 PM
To shed some light on this, I had a situation that worked in the reverse. I broke up with a girl, and we maintained a "friends with benefits" situation. Know what? Things got BETTER. There were no strings attached, no feelings of obligations etc. We were free to be the best of friends, the physical intimacy got better (it felt more taboo), all without that lingering feeling of worrying if every little thing might affect the relationship. Now, a question. If you move into a relationship, what will you then have that you don't have now? I suggest offering to be open about each other's feelings. Ask him to accept the fact that your mutual feelings for each other are not the same, and then just keep going with what you've got until (IF) something changes. Also I can wager vital organs his wants are not going to change. If he's turned down a relationship already, he will likely forevermore continue to decline. Wouldn't get too hung up on it -- no offense. If continuing as you are means probably getting more attached, and therefore more heartbroken, easy out while it's relatively easier.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 29 (view)

What is your mentality towards a relationship? Posted: 2/4/2008 8:48:40 PM
So many aspects to this... I think the term "spiritual bonding" is the biggest aspect. I operate under the assumption that the next person I'm with isn't my future spouse. When two people get to know each other on a deep level I think this special bond should be given the opportunity to become permanent, even if they decide a romantic relationship isn't the best for them. I agree with the above post that a great relationship is where two people are each others' biggest fans. I want to get to know people and look for the best in them, and share the best I have. Then take it from there if it seems appropriate.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 79 (view)

When a woman says she's attractive in her profile... Posted: 1/27/2008 12:14:03 PM
Judging an entire profile/person based on the presence of one work seems like overkill. The profile is a recipe, and that one word is just an ingredient. Oregano is great on pizza, lousy in cake. Depends on context. People tend to judge others based on looks. Therefore people get treated differently based on how they look. In turn people's personalities are affected by how they are treated by others. Knowing what someone thinks of themself is useful. There's a lot to be said about someone bold enough to say "I am attractive." Perhaps they spend a great deal of time making themselves so, and would like to be appreciated for their hard work at physical self-improvement. Maybe they tend to be objectified for their looks and would like to be appreciated for who they are. Maybe they just want to assert that they meet the basic requirements for chemistry and attraction. I think 99% of us here on POF have a hard time when it comes to "what do I put in my profile?". Filling out forms is easy. Putting something into an empty box labelled "about me" can be a stumper. I reserve the right to create a lousy profile, and so can you as far as I'm concerned.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 47 (view)

Guys I Need Your Perspective Posted: 1/23/2008 10:53:45 PM
Absolutely, always speak your mind! I understand that there can be a lot to consider sometimes when debating HOW to communicate in certain situations -- tact is a learned skill -- but the question of "SHOULD I communicate" is almost always YES. I've been in the same boat. I've known guys who were total players. One of the main reasons they latched on to me is because I was the shy, quiet, softspoken polite guy who wouldn't divulge their rotten secrets. All this did was enable and empower them to be the full-blooded scumbags they were. I did eventually break the silence. Usually when I'd warn a woman that my buddy was a douche, I got misinterpreted and they'd be mad at me. Still, it was a HUGE relief. It suddenly felt good to look in the mirror again. By keeping silent, one becomes a key factor in allowing a problem to escalate. Being afraid that our attempts to be part of a solution might not work out 100% is no excuse to continue letting something happen when we know it's wrong. * * * Losing friends is hard. As part of growing, and growing up, we're going to make friends with some of the wrong people. It's just human and part of life; you're not a bad person just because you got duped into being friends with someone who has serious issues. DON'T KEEP FRIENDS IF THEY IMPAIR YOUR ABILITY TO FUNCTION. Better to have a "bummed out" feeling from splitting with a "friend" than to go for years with a feeling in your gut that something's wrong. And TELL THE GUY. He may not like you for saying it. Your "friend" may not like you. Their opinions of you are not as important as your opinion of yourself, and YOU need to be the one to know you're the kind of person who does the right thing.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 1 (view)

The Foundations Posted: 1/21/2008 11:22:41 PM
There are a number of foundations to look at when asking "Am I (or this person) ready for a relationship" or "Is this person right for me?". In short, these consist of personal foundations, relationship skills, and matching. The basic foundations are time, money, transportation, and one's home. Most of these things are fairly beyond our control, at least in the immediate sense. TIME - It's hard to maintain any personal relationships (friendship, romantic or otherwise) if you don't have the time to invest. Are you working more than one job? Working and going to school? Going full time with a long commute? Taking care of children or other family? Are you limited to only nights and/or weekends? Do you work odd hours, or a varying schedule? Are you forced to travel frequently? MONEY - You don't have to be wealthy, but there is a certain "break" point between financially stressed and comfortable. If there's always a few bucks available for a nice meal or some entertainment activity (bowling, golf, sports event etc.) you have the basic financial resources for a good relationship. If you can afford to take a date for fast food, at least that's something although it may not make for a great impression. If doling out a few bucks just to stay home and rent a movie is a strain, you might not be in the best position to start a romantic endeavor right now. TRANSPORTATION - This varies by situation. Many places, especially large cities, force one to need a personal vehicle. Kinda hard to go see someone or meet them somewhere if you can't get there. Are they close enough to walk, and/or is there good public transportation where you live? Are you unashamed to say "I like you, but in order to see you you'll have to pick me up every time"? Do you have to shovel out 47 lbs of junk off the passenger seat before letting someone in? Do you use the passenger seat for an ashtray? Are you likely to get pulled over at any moment because your ol' clunker's a ticket magnet (expired stickers, major damage/polluting problems)? Is it really your Mom's car? About to get repo'ed? Just plain uuuuugly? HOME - Is your's "the place to go"? Do you stay with family/roommates that you wouldn't want to bring someone home to? Is it clean? Do you have pets that others might be allergic to or offended by? Is there stuff to do at your home; e.g. is there a pool or gym, a TV (maybe a game system), movies... some wine in the fridge and fresh sheets on the bed? * * * Then there are relationship skills. I could probably list 50 pages if given long enough, and because they're opinions there's no way to make an official list. These include things like: Are you humble - can you acknowledge times when you do things less than perfectly, and deal with them in a mature, positive manner? Or are you concerned with your image to the point that finger-pointing has become instinct? Or do always pretend that nothing's wrong and bottle everything up inside? Are you positive - can you work with someone so that both of you uplift and support each other? Are you prone to smiling and laughing, looking on the bright side; or is there a storm cloud over your head most of the time? Do you have good listening skills - if they really need to talk for an extended period of time, uninterrupted, can you listen patiently? Or is your concept of conversation "they say something, so that I have a subject upon which to keep my motormouth running for as long as possible?" Are you driven - do you wish to make things happen, and experiece life? Would someone be blessed to be your partner and co-pilot? Or are you a sedentary couch-potato type? Would your significant other be bored with you in a couple decades (or weeks) at the rate you're going? Do you have a sense of ambition and motivation? Dreams and hopes even? Are you honest - Can you deal with speaking the truth? Do you pay mind to never take what's not yours? There's any number of ways to be devoid of honesty, from lying to stealing or even playing hurtful games. * * * Then there's "matching". This idea is purely personal, and subjective. It's based mostly on your personality, and what jives best with it. What you're looking for when it comes to having others match your needs won't be the same as the qualities they're looking for when it comes to matching theirs. For example, the idea of being "open minded" has become rather cliche. Truth is, you don't have to be. Not wanting to try something new every day doesn't even begin to make you a bad person. You're allowed to have your comfort zone and personal favorites. If there's a core set of things you're dedicated to, you'll likely want to find someone with similar values. Even if you and the other person are very solid on both "personal foundations" and "relationship skills" there's still a big factor in how much you click. Opposites don't always attract. This idea only works when both parties are the type to be intrigued by their "opposite". If the two of you are both unwavering in something major - such as political, religious or lifestyle beliefs - but enjoy learning about what else is out there, then there's the chance for a harmonious handshake across the fence. If EITHER of you can't stand the idea that someone would believe other than how you do on some issue, then sharpen your fork and prepare for a big bite of disaster pie. What can the two of you DO together? Do you have similar interests or hobbies, and can you have a blast pursuing them together? After all, there is not only the factor of "can we have fun BEING together" but also of "can we have fun DOING things together." Also, when it comes to the long-term, are y'all on the same page? Can you agree with how to decorate a house or raise kids, etc? * * * All thoughts and responses welcome.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 38 (view)

The male paradox Posted: 1/21/2008 7:06:03 PM
Perhaps the issue is not so much that "men are taught not to express their emotions", but simply that we express ourselves in DIFFERENT ways. I think there is simply a different set of processes which occur between brain (thoughts/emotions) and mouth. Us guys are generally more "problem-solution" oriented, compared to stereotypically femalistic "I need to vent my feelings so that I can understand them and deal with things" mindset. Let's say we have a couple living together, and on the same day both of them got chewed out by their boss because their respective XYZ reports are full of errors. He's concerned about the issue of how he can increase his accuracy in his XYZ reports at work. His sweetie can't help him at work because she works somewhere else. He doesn't want to come home and whine about his work day because he assumes this is just bringing home a negative attitude. He doesn't want to take his work stress home, and likewise he doesn't want to take home-stress to work -- that only diminishes his work accuracy, giving him more work stress, leading to more take-home stress and creating a vicious cycle. He's likely not going to say anything. He'll feel better when he gets his issue resolved, and "talking about his feelings" doesn't strike him as helping any. She, on the other hand, will likely be the first to open up. She'll say "my boss chewed me out today over my XYZ reports and it hurt my feelings." So he'll say that yeah, his boss said the same thing too. End of story as far as he's concerned. He gets the feeling that she's about to start ranting again, and is busy deciding whether to sit and listen or try to get logical and share his expertise on XYZ reports... except he's not feeling too confident that he's all too great with them. His silence gets misconstrued as apathy. He CARES, he just can't see where he can be Mr. Fix-It Man and doesn't want to feel useless. Let's say she continues. She says that the lady in the next cubicle talks on the phone - loudly - all day, it distracts her and it's SO irritating. Well, he can't immediately think of a way to help her with that, but maybe if she keeps talking she'll mention something that he CAN help her with, so he listens carefully. The vending machine took her dollar, the coffee was burnt, her shoes are uncomfortable, so-and-so got a horrid new haircut, and her co-worker is lazy so the boss dumps extra work on her. She feels like she's underappreciated because she got chewed out over the XYZ reports and is worried that she'll get chewed out even more often as her work load increases. Truth is, the vending machine takes his dollar twice a week, someone switched the coffee to decaf, his shoes are uncomfortable, Bob in accounting just made his comb-over even worse, and he gets extra work dumped on him all the time because of lazy co-workers. Perhaps she's expecting him to be "sensitive" and talk about his feelings, and thus share these things. What he wants to do is HELP her. Play Mr. Fix-It Man. That would show that he's listening and concerned, and therefore "sensitive", right? Well, he has no power or control over vending machines, coffee pots or other's hair. The fact that she gets others' work dumped on her is a testament that she's valued as a more productive employee. So he tells her not to worry about all that. If her work load gets so large that her accuracy goes down, that hurts the company so she should get assertive with her boss. By telling her not to worry about things, she thinks he's just discounted her feelings. Telling her to get assertive with her boss strikes her more as cold-hearted logic than sympathy or empathy. He tells her that when they get another paycheck maybe they can go shopping and maybe get some new shoes. Hey, chicks like shopping, right? And to his surprised dismay, she says "I don't know why I even bother talking to you." She thinks he's an insensitive jerk, and he thinks she's whiney and impossible to please. Truth is it's neither, merely another instance of two people of opposite genders who communicate in different ways.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 31 (view)

The 22 towns with the worst names... Posted: 6/3/2007 10:13:17 PM
I guess it's too old to be funny anymore, but I still give credit to (ironically) the prostitute capital of the world... Bangkok

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 26 (view)

Do all guys bike, run, workout, ski, rollerblade, slay dragons... Posted: 11/22/2006 11:34:07 PM
Starting in my preteens up through my early 20's I routinely put 100+ miles a week on a bicycle. I make no bones about the fact that I rarely ride anymore, but I've still got the bike, do hit the trails here and there, and going 20-something miles in one afternoon doesn't scare me. I'd like to find someone into or interested in cycling so I'll have a riding partner and can get back into something I have a lifelong passion for. In my early 20's I worked at Smoothie King and my boss got everybody a free gym membership. We had nearly unlimited access to supplements at work, if we played our cards right. We all got EXTREMELY competitive about working out, and I literally spent 15-20 hours a week at the gym. I still have a gym membership, but only go on occation. Don't know about slaying dragons, but I do sometimes find myself chocking a chicken or spanking the occational monkey. :o I'm not lying, I do in fact work out and ride a bike. I'm not a super-athlete, or even a true "athlete" at all, but I don't think my profile reflects anything untrue or exaggerated. I would like to find someone who has interest in something physically active, rather than someone to be a co-potato with.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 1 (view)

Self-fulfilling prophecy? Posted: 11/20/2006 8:06:31 PM
When browsing through a thread on astrology some time ago, I read a remark that astrology becomes "self-fulfilling prophecy" for some -- e.g. people read that their personality is supposed to be like something, then act that way thinking that it's their "true" personality. But, could this be a good thing? We all start off as pretty much blank slates. We may have certain natural predispositions to certain behaviours, but nearly all of that can be overcome. Those parts of our personality that we deliberately CHOOSE to develop are largely based on what we think we are in fact "supposed" to act like. We can use any generalization ("predjudice"? "stereotype"?) -- be it birthday, hair color, birth year, nationality, income ad nauseum. But might this help? If you go through life experimenting with different personality traits and behaviour only to come to the conclusion that "I don't know who I am", might it have been easier to start off with a sense of direction? Wouldn't someone get farther in developing their personality if they start off with something specific to focus on?

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 229 (view)

Do you believe in Astrology? Posted: 11/16/2006 7:52:49 PM
COP: All right, Son, where were you born? CHEECH: Huh? COP: I said, where were ya born? CHEECH: Hey, are you one o' them astronomer dudes... yeah, I'm like a cancer with a bad moon rising.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 10 (view)

Best Signs.... Posted: 10/1/2006 2:27:07 PM
Sign outside a local vet's office: "The best things in life are furry" ... ahh the innuendo :P

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 3733 (view)

Hey....I'm a Barnacle Posted: 9/25/2006 8:49:05 PM
MONDAY Monday, Monday, sucking balls But hey, it's Monday... the usual Hit snooze, grumble, go to work Expect the boss to be a jerk Thirsty Thursday, the only perk ... for a weekday. Stupid Monday, I'm still hungover Where WAS I Saturday? I'll always wonder And never care Come next weekend I'll go back there Tomorrow's Tuesday and that's just great because Tuesday I'll ... ...um... ... whatever, The End.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 31 (view)

How many posters does it take to ......... Posted: 9/23/2006 2:27:51 PM
1 person to slip in an ad for their long-life, high-efficiency light bulb 1 person to expose the above poster 1 person to whine about patriotism, and why must everyone get bend on exposing one another 1 simple-minded elderly woman who posts "why can't all you f--king turdbrained loser lunatic wack-job imbeciles feel the love?" 1 person to hijack the thread 1 person to get hung up on flaming the old lady 1 person to tell the flamer to shut up, and end up getting accidentally caught in a flame war 1 person to post a link to some site about light bulbs, which contains 417 characters and makes the page impossible to read because you now have a long horizontal scrollbar at the bottom 1 person who tries in vain to keep the discussion on topic 1 person to start "one time at band camp..." jokes 1 person to start Ray Charles jokes 1 Ray Charles fan to get defensive 1 person to note that light bulbs are usually white and turn the thread into a racial issue 1 idiot who tries to explain that Ray Charles wasn't a racist 1 to make a "how many dead babies does it take to change a light bulb" joke 238 people who follow suit with dead-babies, Ray Charles and Band Camp jokes 1 person tell a tearful story about how her heart got broken by a light bulb 1 person to write a sappy poem about the good in all light bulbs, to cheer up the above poster 1 person to follow suit with a sappy story about some talking light bulbs Another flamer A creative jokester: "Roses are red, light bulbs are made of glass, One time at band camp Ray Charles shoved a light bulb up a dead baby's ___" 1 person who quotes the above poster without adding content 1 person to ask "how do you do the quoty thingy" 1 person who uses only emoticons, and no words 1 person who asks how do you get the emoticons 1 person to start a word-association thread on light bulbs 627 guys who claim to have the biggest light bulb 627 girls who claim all those guys are liars 2 people who say it's not the size of the light bulb, it's how you use it 1 slut to say that light bulbs turn her on ...and then comes MasterBart, with a mini-novel of a post, and then the thread dies

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 4 (view)

Random thoughts to ponder.. Posted: 9/23/2006 1:42:40 PM
Sign outside a local veterinary office: "The best things in life are furry"

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 43 (view)

Cars and Women Posted: 9/14/2006 7:59:33 PM
There is a correlation between a girl and her car. Just make sure your image is correct. Jeep, or 4x4 something Adventurous. Would love to go mudding or off-roading. Sociable and outgoing. Men with muscles may apply. Pickup (A) Husband/boyfriend bought it for her, or (B) probably a country girl. Prefers a gentleman in a plaid shirt and/or dark hat. Listens to crappy music. That or she has a control issue, what with the sitting up high and all. SUV BEWARE of this woman. Why? Because she's on the ing phone. And has kids. May be a good choice if a guy gets turned on by having his wallet drained. Large car* ...with a big back seat. She's promiscuous enough, it'll do. Party wagon ...for example, a minivan but with padded walls instead of seats. Bonus if it's got bondage hooks. Mmmmm... sluuuuuts. What was I talking about? Non-party wagon Hey, soccer moms need love too. Just don't let Mr. Soccer Mom find out. Regular 'ol car I get to drive. And I'm gonna dog yer oldsmobile out lady. Luxury car Rich pssy tastes good. Stupid pssy tastes better, see below. Lemon/clunker/hooptie/80's econobox Poor. Easily influenced. I've got a shiny newish Saturn, wanna go for a ride (or two)? ... but the absolutely most incredibly sexy of all... CHICK ON A SPORTS BIKE Yeah, you're riding along, falsely assuming that anyone on a crotch rocket is a guy. Hey, that guy's got long hair. And a girly butt. And a thin waist. And... heeeey, that's not a guy. Uh-huh, no doors, no windows, nothing to prevent me from checking you out. Loooove it.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 5 (view)

Why dont guys want to talk on the phone? Posted: 9/14/2006 7:17:10 PM
Hold the phone, kids. Why should I be put on the defensive for simply having a preference? I didn't know I'd be speaking on anyone else's behalf, much less "men" in general, but I just plain don't care to talk on the phone. I see my cell as an electronic leash, straight up. The home phone is like an alarm or siren, just to alert me that someone wishes to interrupt whatever I'm doing just to make conversation. I don't know if it's my buddy, a solicitor or a bill collector, and I don't feel like racing downstairs to check the caller ID everytime. I never take calls from numbers I don't recognize on my cell. I find it unprofessional to take social calls at work, and I work long hours. It's dangerous to talk on the phone while driving. When I'm at home, I have just a few hours to take care of critical, functional-type things. Taking a long phone call is a treat, not a constant necessity. Did I mention how much I hate people who talk on the phone while driving? Not to be sexist, but women really do seem to be phone junkies. I happen to resent that. If I want to be with someone, it's in person. So many women I've dated or been friends with end up calling like 5 or 10 times a day, and I think it's royally immature. So, I put my foot down right from the start; I don't give out my number until I trust someone with it.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 42 (view)

Cruiser or Sports Bike? Posted: 9/2/2006 2:17:47 PM
So then is there some truth in a previous statement on this thread, "there's no replacement for displacement"? Most street bikes ("sports bikes", or whatever one calls 'em) seem to have fairly small engines, designed I'm guessing more for high rpm and horsepower with less torque. Even the Hayabusa ("the fastest production bike in the world") is around 1200 cc, if I'm not mistaken. Yet I see cruisers with engine sizes like 1600 and 1800. SO... will a good-sized cruiser actually outrun a sportsbike in straight drag? And what type tends to suck up the most gas?

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 39 (view)

Cruiser or Sports Bike? Posted: 8/27/2006 9:19:15 AM
Something tells me my vocabulary is about to take a big leap up. "Wine burner"... "Hondabego"... oh, it's killin' me. Man, my original post was just... off. I'm not into pretention, and normally couldn't care less what others think. If I want to ride something cool-looking, it's only for my pleasure. Come to think of it, I don't anticipate having any passengers, least not any time soon. I've been to upteen gazillion dealerships this weekend. I sit on them, lean over, imagine doing 140... make that 90... okay maybe just keeping up with traffic will really be OK. I can see the possibility of being a bit intimidated by the bike, at first. Won't know 'till I'm on it. Nobody allows for test rides, especially since I don't have the M-class licence (but I can still buy one! :) ). I find that the Katanas are more comfy than the Gixxers, because I can sit up more. Had my heart and mind set on the sports bike. Still do. I didn't even sit on a cruiser until I was visiting the last dealer for the day, and right at closing time. Oh man, that was just the seat I was looking to sit on. So, maybe there's a change of mind coming on. I'm still liking the Katanas. Whatever. peace

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 18 (view)

Cruiser or Sports Bike? Posted: 8/14/2006 9:43:00 PM
After continuing my shopping I'm getting ever more impressed with the Katana -- albeit probably a 650 (or so) in my case. I don't plan on any cross-country trips, least not 'til I get some paid vacation time which won't be for a good year I estimate. I'll be working soon in the next city over, and can plan on having a half-hour highway trip to work a couple days a week for a couple months. That isn't frequent or grueling enough to demand a more comfy cruiser. I have a slight preference of four cylinders to two. I refuse to have just one, which is what I'm looking at with anything less expensive than the Katana. No Honda Rebel for me thanks. That being said, does anyone have specific feelings/advice on the Katanas?

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 30 (view)

why do guys not just speak their minds? Posted: 8/12/2006 11:51:55 PM
WARNING: TECHNICAL ANSWER The brain comes in two halves (lobes). Where conscious thought is concerned, there is a "logic" half and an "emotion" half. There is a bundle of nerves which runs between them (the corpus collosum). In women this bundle of nerves is very thick, and in men it's very thin. Scientific fact. Us guys are as perfectly capable of emotions as you gals. The act of talking is a logical function for us -- so it's much easier to discuss rational things. We CAN talk about our emotions, but don't expect us to pull forth an impromptu eruption of verbiage on our emotions by asking, especially if you're asking a simple and logical question. - - - - - - - I for one think the topic of this thread is garbage, actually. LADIES: note the TIMING of this question. You gals do NOT do this to each other, and don't try to pretend that you do. The whole "what's that supposed to mean? what are you trying to really say? how do you feel?" garbage is a cop-out question reserved for manipulating your boyfriend. Without fail, every time I've been asked something like this it's been at a time when either (A) I didn't tell her what she wanted to hear, or (B) she wants answers where none yet exist.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 54 (view)

Blond or dark hair? Posted: 8/6/2006 6:38:39 PM
Aww, come on ladies, be nice. Lie if you have to. Just someone please say that blondes are the sexy ones. Say that we taste better, or something.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 1 (view)

Am I off the market? Posted: 7/19/2006 10:24:53 PM
I've been using POF for a long time, and only for the forums because I know I've really been off the market. I'm trying to decide at what point I'm ready to start sending lotsa mail and step back into the dating scene. THE HISTORY My parents, when married, both worked; my Dad was an ample breadwinner and my Mom worked, but only for mediocre wages. Thanks to that and several large inheritances we had plenty of money. I lived at home and went to college, and partied plenty. I moved out on my own at 25, and rarely asked the folks for $$ because I was responsible and worked. Moved back in for a couple months, and back out again for a good while. My Dad made numerous bad investments and turned good finances into a 5-digit debt. They divorced, and I had to move back in w/ Mom b/c she needed financial help. That was nearly 3 years ago, and the finances aren't much better. So here I am, 30 years old and living at home w/ my Mother. She and I share a car, in her name. House is in her name. I work 40 hrs/wk, and all my money gets deposited in her account. She's a lousy housekeeper, and our 4 cats aren't housebroken -- I'm totally embarrassed to have company. Her health is mediocre, so when I leave work I spend most evenings doing things for her, and haven't much time for even close friends, much less a relationship. PROS AND CONS - I'm responsible; I know the meaning of holding a good job, and budgeting skillfully - I was raised well; I have a great family and I'm dedicated to always having a great family - I KNOW I have fantastic skills in the areas of relationships; if anyone has tremendous potential as a spouse and parent I'm the cream of the crop -- my confidence in this is 110%. - GQ no, but I'm attractive. I have a solid IQ and several years at the city's top University. I have a spiritual side that runs very deep. I won't be so vain as to think I can please everybody, buy I KNOW most will find me phemoninal in bed. - I have a strong talent for business. I WILL be sucessful. - My sense of humor is 2nd to none. Just gotta have the right audience. - I'm a great listener, plus a good teacher and motivator. My Mom worked for THE psychologist in Houston for many years, and has imparted her wisdom onto me. I can read most people like a book, disect thoughts and situations. I CAN talk about my feelings, and yours too, and surprise you with how well you like it. - I'm mechanically inclined. Good w/ my hands. 'Nuff said. - I've got street smarts, AND a professional polish. - ... and the list goes on THE QUESTION... How, or rather WHEN do I make the break? I'd hate to drop a bomb on my Mom, but I REALLY hate feeling like an overgrown Mama's boy. I want more than anything to have my own family, wife and kids. More than any job or house or car. I value this MORE than helping my Mom, albeit I feel ruthlessly, mercilessly frozenhearted for saying so. My time, funds and transportation are limited -- for a while. Can a good woman see past my situation? Can I be seen for the responsible, family-oriented, dedicated person I am? Or will I just look like a loser anyway?

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 45 (view)

Be Gentle But Honest Posted: 7/19/2006 8:50:51 PM
You must have been a poet in another life. Hey baby I can be a poet in this life too! :) ..it's nice to look at the pictures and gawk but I would never want a man like that rats pooie :)

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 12 (view)

Is it cool to contact you guys first? Posted: 7/18/2006 10:49:14 PM
Like what ice cubes think of liquid nitrogen: supremely cool. This is a dating site -- it's here so that people can contact each other, and maybe hook up. It's a social network. It's not here so that women can be passively available, whilst us men do all the work. It's almost a given that getting mail will brighten a guys day. I sometimes get random mail from women, like maybe once every few months. Most often it's from people with whom hooking up isn't an option; across the country/state, vast age (or some kind of large) difference. But I always write a thank-you note, with a sincere invitation to write back. Exceptions for form letters ("I like ur profile if you like me rite back"). So yeah, mail at will. The world becomes a better place every time you hit the "send" button. Quoteth Clint Eastwood: "Go ahead, make my day."

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 1 (view)

Package Deals, a theory on gender difference Posted: 7/18/2006 9:50:20 PM
Here's a theory on a difference between the genders, which may explain some relationship problems. In short, there's 3 aspects to the human, hence 3 areas in which people can have a sense of intimacy. There's a rational/logical mind, the emotional/spiritual side, and our physical bodies. LOGIC Let's say you have a college class, and sometimes you get to hang out with the professor after class. This old guy's brilliantly smart, and y'all talk at length on whatever subject it is. You're not talking to him so much for the emotional benefit of the conversation, but for the additional knowledge you gain. You don't really care about him, or know about him personally; i.e. it's a purely academic thing. Same situation could apply to a speaker at a seminar, a supervisor with years of experience at work, etc. What you have is an INTELLECTUAL INTIMACY. EMOTIONALLY Do you know anyone who makes you feel great just to be around them? Maybe they're royally unattractive, and not really smart, or on your wavelength intellectually. They just make you feel good. This is SPIRITUAL INTIMACY. PHYSICALLY I think this speaks for itself. Perhaps more benefits than friends; just F* buddies and nothin' else. Great bod, no brains or charisma. Duh, a purely PHYSICAL INTIMACY. ===== ===== ===== Now, I believe that most women want a complete package. You want your man to be a perfect 10 on all 3 accounts. You want his body to be your favorite. You want him to consider your body the only one on his list of desireable bods. You want him to be your best friend emotionally; his the first, perhaps only, shoulder you'd ever want to cry on. His is the top-ranking opinion to make or break your daily dose of smiles and laughter. And when it comes to needing someone intelligent, you want your man to be #1. Fixing the car and/or sink, explaining your homework, a situation at work, whatever -- he's the smart one, and he's yours. Men, I think, can separate these. They might know that you're really bright. You might be the one they want for a business partner. But they still think the Professor is smarter than you, and it doesn't dawn on them that they make you feel like 2nd best to think so. Once the two of you have lived together for a while, they get used to you and feel a closer emotional bond with their buddies, or someone else.. Not to say they don't still love you. And they don't realize that you need to be #1 on their "emotionally-bonded" list. We don't realize how offensive the phrase "Bros before ho's" is. And physically... well, we still would love to have a rendezvous with some model-looking chick, whether you're a 1 or a 10 physically. Even if you're still the most beautiful woman in the world to them, they still appreciate other girls. Does all this seem accurate?

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 9 (view)

Why are men afraid to break up with you Posted: 7/18/2006 9:22:36 PM
"...face it, most men don't finish anything they start." ^^^ That's an example of what I would call a negative attitude. Let's say I'm with someone who has a negative attitude like this. I'm already considered inferior, incapable, lazy, stupid whatever because I'm a man. I wouldn't feel like I OWE anything, communication included. I exist therefore I lose. Announcing that I'm leaving is just asking for trouble. Better to slip away easy than to create another battle. But, I don't know your situation and won't judge your personality based on one simple statement. I know that a lot of guys are timid to speak -- even simple, necessary communication -- when they're afraid of saying something that might break your heart. Kinda like, if they're going to leave you broken hearted, at least they can slip away without having to see the tears, debate their emotions etc. Mostly we don't want to be barraged with a bunch of questions asking us to "say what's really on our minds", "tell you how we really feel", etc. I feel for ya, though. MasterBart knows rejection and confusion all to well. Keep yer chin up, and happy fishing. peace

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 9 (view)

What does it mean when...? Posted: 7/17/2006 11:13:18 PM
You're asking us to determine where there's a difference between the situation he's in and what he says, but you won't tell us the situation. Can't answer the question if you don't ask. Is he married? Living long-distance? At home with mom and dad? Has a disease/disability/medical condition? Military? Truck driver? Amputee / schizophrenic / epileptic / leper / has AIDS? Voodoo curse? Yeah, I remember doing the same. Didn't love my g/f most of the time when we're just hanging out because she was always emotionally eaten with "why do people say these things", why this, why that, does anyone really like me? But daggone she sure seemed more likeable when in the sack, and for a while afterwards. Heat of the afterburners I guess. Just relax. Tell him to make up his mind whether he loves you or not. If he can go for 3 days straight without demoting from love to lust or apathy or whatever, THEN he's earned the priveledge of saying he loves you -- not just on the spur of the moment when it sounds good. He may well be head over heels for you, even if he's not technically allowed to. Emotions don't follow rules sometimes. Good luck, peace

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 42 (view)

Be Gentle But Honest Posted: 7/17/2006 10:57:07 PM
I'll give you honesty. Being gentle is so NOT my forte, so just take everything I say with a grain of salt. My ex girlfriend from high school is one of my best friends, just long distance. She's far from supermodel slim, but the degree to which she gets self-conscious and beats herself up over her looks is vastly disproportionate to her "shortcomings". I put that in quotes because she's still a knockout, even with padding. So I'll pass along to you the advice I give her. What you've got is a learned response to hate the mirror, and it has nothing to do with what you actually look like. Go to that mirror. Look at it, and don't peel your eyes away. Say "I'm beautiful." You don't even have to feel like you mean it. You can feel like an actress reciting a script -- just get the words out. Do it every day. The things you say/do when you first wake up in the morning -- like 1st few seconds first -- have a profound impact on the rest of the day. If complimenting yourself seems too difficult, ASK FOR HELP. Try getting a friend to record a tape with empowering words ("I'm pretty, attractive, smart, healthy, beautiful, confident, etc.") and play that tape as soon as you turn the alarm off. Learn to talk along with it. ===== ===== ===== A few extra adipose cells don't turn a guy off. Grandma was a plump ol' lady and we loved her to death. Aunt Jeanie was a smidge pudgy, and one our favorite people to hang out with. Our buddy Brian is huge and he's still tops on our friends list, and well as Shawna, even if she does have a rump the size of a small car. Very few people have supermodel-types for friends, and no one limits their friends to a certain "size" category. You haven't been left out of anything sweetie. What does fumble things up a bit is having a self-esteem the size and smell of a flea dropping. If this is you, know that feeling bad about yourself does not make you a bad person. It's a learned response, not an active mistake. So, don't get down on yourself BECAUSE you get down on yourself -- that's beating yourself up with a club in both fists. ===== ===== ===== Yeah, I know, I talk too much... but one more thing. There is a difference between what is "attractive" to the eyes and what's "attractive" to the hands (etc.). Think of it this way. If you're going to have a poster of a cute hunk, you want a fireman or cowboy or whatever. No shirt. Somewhere between athletic and just plain buff. Yet, if you saw him live and in person you might rather date someone who looks completely different, even if you had a free pick between the two. You'd rather snuggle with someone who has a soft belly, not abs of iron. You want to be held by someone with a certain build; you wish to caress a certain type of face. And that build and face aren't the same as what you see on Mr. Fireman poster. Same with guys. We'd like to have a poster of some toned, skinny, tan woman with fake boobs and the face of a high schooler. Sure, we might sell vital organs for the chance to have a one-night stand, but she's not at all what we WANT for a relationship. Long-term, we'd RATHER have the soft belly, the wise eyes and the good kissin' lips. We know we're not perfect and we'd feel second-best having some trophy girl. We want a human. ------------ And as for the pics, get something up-close. Both face and body. If you don't like it, then just use it as motivation; "I'm gonna keep improving until I like the pictures I post of my self on the 'net." But don't think you look ugly now; you're quite the opposite. Bye!

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 15 (view)

Why can't Posted: 7/17/2006 9:54:47 PM
Jeesus lady, what DO you want? Are you talking about life in general or just here on POF? A stranger in public can only see what you look like. If you don't say much about yourself in your profile, then ditto for POF. You want him to compliment you on "who you are, the REAL you", but then you're a private person and you don't let people know who you "are". You don't want guys to hit on you, meaning that you don't want them to say anything to you, but you're pizzed because you don't get the attention you want. Tell you what, you want a solution, trying writing back to one of the guys who talks/writes to you. Let him take you out to a dinner or movie. Then you can show him who you are, and open yourself up to being appreciated... for YOU. It's something along the lines of not being a hippocrit too... these guys want people to appreciate them for themselves too, and have opened themselves up. If you wish to receive appreciation, you gotta start by being willing to do the appreciating. Rejecting them because they don't say the exact right thing is just cruel, especially when there is no "right thing". Pardon the blunt approach, just lighten up a tad. Good luck fishing. peace

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 5 (view)

Why are men afraid to break up with you Posted: 7/17/2006 9:28:50 PM
Are you SURE that he hasn't broken up with you, discussed what's on his mind, "talked about his feelings" or whatever? I can only speak from my own personal experience, which probably isn't typical (humans can be jerks). I've had two "relationships", and in both cases I've spend the ENTIRE time repeating "I'm not in love with you, there's no romantic feelings on my part, never have been or will be; we're not a couple, I'm not your boyfriend and you're not my girlfriend", etc. And, every time, she just keeps on talking about how great it will be when we move in together ("My mom and I went apartment shopping this weekend..."), about how many kids we're going to have, how awesome the wedding is going to be, ad nauseum. I've had other close encounters. When I see things headed this direction, I just run. Not off the bat; I'll speak my mind, and all I ask in return is that a girl's response indicates that she's heard what I've said. I'm NOT playing head games. Rather, when the games have solidly begun I simply walk off the field. That's probably why I have a hard time feeling sorry for people when they complain about how bad us guys are for walking out, or not talking about our feelings etc.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 14 (view)

Cruiser or Sports Bike? Posted: 7/17/2006 8:49:56 PM
To answer one person's question... nothing yet. Still drooling, and the longer I wait it seems the longer I'm gonna have to wait. Already 6 months behind on the rent (you think I'm kidding?), so moving's a soon-to-be and a pickup is just more necessary than a two-wheeler now. I repeat: fuggit. Hadn't factored in frames, but I'd have to do practically university-style research to figure what all the parts on all the bikes are made of and compare the stats. On bicycles the steel frames create a much smoother ride but they're obnoxiously heavy and tiresome to pedal. Guess it's different considering 'cycles weigh 10-15 pounds, and motorcycles... what, 800 or so? Yeah, and one you don't have to pedal, 'cuz it gots a engine. But thx for the responses everybody... keep it coming, it's everyone's thread! :) peace

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 14 (view)

I'm super shy - what can I do? Posted: 7/16/2006 8:14:03 PM
You've got at least one of two things to work on: either (A) You want to learn how to be less shy; or (B) You want to learn how to make your shyness work for you The advice the guy a few posts above offered is fantastic. Try a job where you're working with the general public; I'm one of the most freakishly shy people you'll ever meet, but boy did I make some progress after I got a job waiting tables. Find an environment which plunges you into positive interaction; church groups, activity groups/ hobbies etc. Some AWESOME advice: work out. (No I'm not insinuating you need improvement... you're super-cute !!). When you get to the point where you're aware that guys, yeah even those gorgeous guys you thought would never give you a second glance, do in fact frequently stop to check you out... confidence goes through the roof. Plus, when you're really healthy your body chemistry changes and those "confidence" hormones are there in levels that used to be practically non-existent. I've roller coastered from very athletic to seriously overweight and out of shape, so I speak from great experience here. Otherwise, use shyness to your advantage. Have a girlfriend go to a guy you like and tell him "my friend thinks you're cute." OK that's a sorta childish game, but it usually shouldn't offend people. Make yourself a sign at work that says "I'm shy." Use it as an opening line when you meet guys "Hi, I'm really shy and I'd like someone to help me feel good." For conversation starters, prepare questions. I dealt with a bully in gym class by doing nothing more than asking questions. Ask where he got those shoes. What hairstyle he had back in high school. Does he like rainstorms. His thoughts on the sociological ramifications of vegetarian lesbians. Whatever. Great luck to ya... peace

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 100 (view)

helmet laws Posted: 7/14/2006 11:16:45 PM
Let's take a step back and ask a more general question: where do you draw the line between what things should or should not be introduced as law? The answer: you should be able to do anything you want, so long as you don't harm anyone else. I want to put a pinata in my back yard, groovy. I want to wear a blindfold and swing a stick around in the public library... no. I'll harm others. Helmet laws, seatbelt, ad nauseum come under the category of "victimless crimes." In essence, laws designed to "protect people from themselves." But that's never 100%, or even 50%. Neither helmets nor seat belts prevent accidents, or even really affect their likelyhood. Except that an unhelmeted rider, as already stated, has better attunement to his/her surroundings and is therefore LESS likely to cause or be in an accident. There is no noun or verb in this world which is safe. Once we set a precedence of "reducing people's risk to XXX" by allowing laws against things or situations where only the user/posessor is hurt, there is no limit. Asinine and extreme examples are already a common norm. Children who run in the hallways are given tickets and taken to courtrooms, often right there on school grounds. Can you say "brainwashing" boys and girls? Mind control, desensitization to a police state, something like that? What's next? Jail time for unprotected sex? Drinking permits? I've already heard of some cities requiring pet-walking permits. As for helmets, forget about the "it costs us taxpayers money" argument. Money is fiat -- it's created out of thin air and backed by nothing -- so we're arguing about the value of something inherently worthless anyway. I've heard of State and Federal income taxes, property taxes, school etc... but never a "do you live near a hospital" tax. I find the idea of a "drivers' licence" quite unsavory as it is (and I believe it's not quite the thing the public would believe, but that's a different can of worms), as well as mandatory insurance. Nonetheless, insurance is mandatory and it's those companies who bear the brunt of the medical costs. And if our actions were screwing them over, they wouldn't be thriving. I don't feel sorry for the insurance companies. Frankly even if it did cost me more directly as a taxpayer, honest to God I would be willing to pay more. I'd gladly fork over extra dollars to keep a guy on life support or have expensive surgery, when a simple helmet might have prevented it. Overall, we'd pay less for this than the unhelmeted riders would pay in tickets... which would go to the courts and not the hospitals. I plan on gettin a bike, and don't plan on going farther than my driveway without a helmet. It's my choice. I've ridden bicycles since who-knows, and I average about one low-hanging tree branch for every 20 miles. That's about 3 times every 2 rides. No helmet: go home with a screaming migrane, a bloody forehead and swelled-shut eye. With helmet: sharp banging noise and an unpleasant adrenaline rush. I can only imagine on a motorcycle... hence my choice to always wear a helmet. Notice that all the people in favor of helmet laws are really just in favor of wearing helmets. Those who read the question fully can't help but be pro-choice in the matter. Some people think that "laws" are simply the guidelines that everyone should abide by. I think that wearing safety devices in dangerous situations is indeed a guideline that everyone should go by. But "LAWS" are more than that. They are a way for the courts to make money. They are a way to oppress people and invade into their lives. They are no longer the guidelines they once were and should be; they are tools for control. But enough of my soapbox... peace.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 11 (view)

Fashion for girls right now! Posted: 7/11/2006 9:11:52 PM
Look at the big picture. We don't run around naked; we wear clothes. We have to buy them and someone has to sell them. Also, someone has to design them. There are people called clothing designers who go to work designing clothes, just like how the rest of us repair cars or build houses or perform our corporate employers' accounting. Their job is partially as an artist. Creativity is the foundation of their job description. So they do creative things. Then other people who work a legitimate job called "marketing" come in to encourage us to wear the funky cr*p the clothing designers come up with. We're all human, we all have our insecurities, and all want recognition for our work. Bruno wants his name on the "garbageman of the month" plaque at BFI; Diane in accounting might like to see her name in the monthly newsletter; Oswald the weird nerdy guy who does God-knows-what in his cubicle just wants the pretty receptionist to return his shy smile, and Jean Pierre the fashion designer wants to see his ripply uber-blouse worn down some runway at a fashion show. In fact, that fashion show is how a group of people banded together in a certain profession create an outlet for themselves to receive the recognition that we as humans all want. ===== ===== ===== And I hope that we can look past people who are slaves to fashion. Some people just HAVE to have the latest and greatest... the "in" everything. It's simply a byproduct of insecurities, and that's as human as you get. Instead of whining about how shallow and pretentious they are, let's seek them out, get to know them and let them know that they can be accepted for who they are and that they don't need to impress people with fashion sense or material things. ----- ----- ----- Also, ladies, know that fashion has practically zilcho effect on guys. Most likely we're wondering what your boobs look like, and we won't remember what you were wearing as soon as we look the other way. Cold but true. Shop for fashion that gives clues to your personality: are you a casual jeans-and-T-shirt type, colorful, a rocker, or just kinda average? Wear things that accent your face and body (if you want), but don't worry if it's this weeks fashion or last year's, or never was. Or if your friends wear the same thing. Just... you be you. peace

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 60 (view)

Do you find this unattractive? Posted: 7/11/2006 8:36:01 PM
This answer may sound like it's beating around the bush, but it's not... It's one of the main psychological (er, physiological) differences between men and women. The brain comes in two "halves" one being more logical and the other more emotional. There is a nerve bundle running between the two (the corpus collosum, for you technicality-minded people). In women this is a huge nerve bundle; in men it's the size of a thread. Us guys have our emotions one one side, which we're well aware of, and our logical thoughts on the other. Converting one to the other takes a long time (hence our bad rep for "talking about our feelings"). Likewise we respond to conversation -- a rational act -- with rational thought. If a girl ("lady", "woman", whatever) says she's interested in us, we're thinking "ok what do I do now, what do I say". We're not debating whether having a girl beating us to the punch on speaking her mind threatens our obligations to chauvenistic social standards. We're not psychoanalyzing you and wondering if you just ruined a good game. We don't think "hey I was supposed to tell you that." ----- ----- ----- Another thing; we as adults just want honest answers. Those start with honest questions. If you want to avoid relationships based on playing games, don't seek relationships by means of playing games. ----- ----- ----- As to the proper method? Compliment on something sincere. Avoid telling him something that indicates you think he's your knight in shining armor if you hardly know him. Just say "I think you're cute", or "I like your shirt / smile / voice / sense of humor." Also take a relaxed persistency. If a guy walks off when you start talking to him, it's 99.9% likely that his guts have turned to mush and he just needs a minute. We don't walk around looking to take instant dislikes to people.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 91 (view)

short hair vs long hair Posted: 7/7/2006 11:00:48 PM
I love hair, but not in the "more the merrier" sense. It's a win-win situation. I check out it's functionality from my point of view. I remember when I used to have super-long hair, and I loved every second of it. I'd take my shirt off just to feel it down my back. I'd love to have a girl back up to me and flip her hair over my back. Girls melt like hot butter when you kiss em on the neck, and kissing a girl on the neck is even better when unaccompanied by saying "pthah-thugh" as you attempt to avoid chewing on hair as much as possible. Which isn't to say I don't like chewing on hair... I just want to have a choice. That being the case, I suppose I like hair between chin-and-shoulder length best. Just enough to provide a handle on those rare nights when I want to do it caveman-style. Short enough that I can see the rest of her body unenhairenated. Too, short hair has a bit of sass 'n spunk to it. I love a look of confidence. Let your image express your personality. You be you -- I'll just appreciate you for yourself. I think mohawks are awesome. I'd be skeptical about a lady with a buzzcut or shorter, only because that most frequently means she's a butch male-hating lesbian... but I'll give a chance. Cut it how you want it. peace

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 27 (view)

Funniest Typos Posted: 7/5/2006 11:29:10 PM
One of my all time favorites, from a POF profile Near Houston is Galveston Island, and there's a ferryboat (ahem, "ferry") one can ride for free over to... Bolivar, or Crystal Beach or whatever it is. And in this woman's profile she said she likes "riding the Galveston fairy".

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 54 (view)

CELL PHONES ARE THE NEW CIGARETTES!! Posted: 7/5/2006 10:55:44 PM
I used to despise cells until I finally had one, now I find it invaluable. For one thing, my job involves being a courier/delivery driver. I use it every day at my job. I am aware that my driving isn't as good when I'm on the phone. I always try to be off the road and parked if I must make/take a call, if possible. I still get irked at the vast number of people who seem to think that their phone is a car part like their steering wheel. I say buckle up, hang up, shut up. Earpieces mess with my head. At least when I see someone's hand by their head I know they're on the phone. Nowdays I see people all over the place having these conversations when no-one else is there. I've always thought that talking to one's self is for homeless crazy people. Now half the people I see are talking to themselves. I like having free long distance. I use my cell to talk to my friends in Atlanta, Charlotte and Dallas. I like being able to walk around freely. And yes I'll freely pee when talking on the phone, depending on who it is. If it's someone I've previously gotten drunk with and whizzed on a bush or fence, why not? It's guy humor, I guess. I've also taken a poop and even a bath when on the phone. Fuggit. - - - - - - - - - - Some funny stories for my fellow cell haters. One time I'm at the grocery store by myself late one night. I walk in right behind these two friggin gorgeous women, I'm talkin HO-to-a-T HOT. And danged if they're not both on the phone. So I walk RIGHT BEHIND them and I used my phone. I call my friend... "Heeey, what's up there dude? Yeah, anyway, so I'm a the store, right. And like, there's these two hot chicks, and they're all on the phone you know. So I'm thinking hey, maybe it's like the new "in" thing or something. Like, some newfangled status-type thing, or something. You know, like, all the cool people walk around talking to someone that nobody else can see. 'Look at me, I'm popular and stuff, check it I'm on the phone...'. So anyway, I just wanted to look cool. In fact, tell ya what, go ahead and hang up. I'll just pretend you're still there, and I can walk around talking to myself and instead of looking like some crazy homeless bum I'll actually look cool. All without running my battery down, or using precious minutes." You should have seen the look on one girl's face. Classic. - - - - - - Another time I'm going for a bike ride. Lady in an SUV gets to the end of the neighborhood street, ready to turn onto the main road. There's no traffic, you can go now lady. I'm on the sidewalk of said main road, waiting for her to go so I won't get run over. Except she's too wrapped up in her conversation to go. Finally I start to cross the road in front of her, and she creeps forward. Some kind of subconscious herding instinct I guess; she saw movement and thus started to move. So I walk my bicycle backwards to the intersection and again wait for her to go. Nope. We do this waiting dance time and again, for probably over ten minutes. Finally I put it in 1st, bolt off, lift up my front tire and whack it into her front quarterpanel right behind her front bumper. I "fall" to the ground and start screaming like I'm in horrible pain. She gets out and she's talking to me... and still on the phone. I demand to use her phone. She offers to hang up with the person on the other end of the line and call 9-1-1, I keep telling her I want to use it myself. When she hands it to me I calmly stand up, take her battery off, toss both the phone and the battery onto separate rear seats. I told her not to ever drive while talking on the phone again, or I'd toss her precious phone down a sewer. ----- ----- ----- And the moral of the story is that MasterBart is a jerk. But hey at least I'm a fun jerk. Peace

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 8 (view)

Clay Balls... Posted: 7/3/2006 9:38:02 PM
It sure sounds inspirational, goodness knows I could sure use some of that positive thinking stuff. Probably because I'm full of pessimism. Example follows. So what about the clay itself? Do you mean to say that it's only the jewel inside that should be valued? Some folks out there are huge jewels with only a marring of "clay" -- it's easy to see the wonderful person inside. Others are 500 pounds of clay, mixed with rotten fish and a couple of stray cigarette butts, with at best a slight smattering of microscopic bits of semi-precious jewel powder somewhere within. Still, when we meet people it's this figurative clay we see, and therefore must deal with. Pathetic as it is, we must provide for our own personal safety and security, which means we have to judge others -- the negative side effect being prejudice. Seriously, we can't just universally treat everybody as pure jewel and ignore the clay. Heck, who's to say that good clay can't be appreciated. Frankly, I don't think that the "jewel" some have inside is all that valuable. In fact, some people that you'd think have diamonds inside actually in fact have a heart of glass. Shiny, yes, but cheap, mass produced and easily broken. Still others I think are inside-out according to this analogy. A big shiny jewel-like veneer on the outside, and everything on the inside is actually dirt. They just appear big and precious and valuable. =========================== Like I was thinking the other day. I'm skeptical of friendliness. If a guy walks up to you at the gas station being super-friendly, you can usually expect that he's wanting a handout. Got change? Sure the clerk's friendly -- it's company policy. Salespeople are friendly: whereas you see a smile, they see ka-ching-ching. Your boss is friendly; he wants you to stay in a positive mood so that you'll be productive and make his productivity reports reflect well upon him. Corporate told him to encourage happy employees; they're healthier and thus the company has to dole out less for annual insurance coverage. So yeah, when you get to really know somebody, do dig for that jewel. Don't spend your life dwelling on anger and fear and past resentments. But beware of the people who paint a jewel on their clay and demand you revere their false preciousness.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 24 (view)

can you be friends after dating.... Posted: 6/15/2006 8:19:23 PM
Hey my ex is one of my best friends. I can't say it's the universal ingredient, but what worked for us is taking a break from each other. She lived out of town when we were together, so it was a long distance relationship. When we broke up, we stayed as "friends with benefits", and that worked way better than the relationship actually. She moved off and got married and I didn't hear from her for a long time. We finally got back in touch, and even though we live halfway across the country we still talk regularly. I can tell her that her ex-husband is a jerk, sometimes I defend him when she complains of him too much. We can talk about her dangers of juggling multiple boyfriends (or girlfriends ;) ), and we're free to discuss our sex lives in way too much detail and laugh about it. As far as other females go, I would have to be in a relationship for a very long time for someone to know me as well as she, and to have a similar "bond". So yes, sometimes staying friends with your ex can be wonderful. If there as still lingering feelings, just be upfront about your goals. "I want to be just friends, but I still like you too much. Let's not talk at all for a long time, but please don't forget about me." In my case I went 3 years without hearing from her, and that's what it took. Those 3 years weren't as bad as they sound. When you have that intimate bond with someone, it's a shame to waste it, sometimes you just gotta let it mature.

MasterBart

Joined: 6/20/2004

Msg: 1 (view)

Is ESP real? [Locked - Redundant] Posted: 6/7/2006 9:45:01 PM
Is ESP real? Any personal stories on this Extra Sensory Perception, "psychic experiences" and the like? Especially as related to love/dating? Forum Posting Guidelines

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