Comments by AnotherThought

Regardless of public opinion, objectively, Trump will inherit a strong economy. Inflation is back down, wages are up, and job growth is good. Stock prices are strong. Rates are creeping back down. But, inflation did take a big bite. And those higher prices are unlikely to drop — and if they did the economic results would be catastrophic (See Japan’s lost decade). Inflation was the price for a soft landing and strong rebound from COVID. That wasn’t a guarantee— and a fair bit of the economic response occurred during both the Trump and Biden administrations. Compare the economic recovery coming out of both the housing recession and COVID. We were staring into the abyss on the housing recession— action by Bush literally saved us from another depression. OTOH, more robust might have dampened that recession and allowed a quicker recovery. Also some policies of his administration helped set the table for the crisis. That is a balance — depth of the recession vs setting the stage for inflation. But, tariffs. These can be a reasonable tool for certain markets and for certain governmental actions. That isn’t the approach Trump is advocating. Broad tariffs will most likely result in retaliatory responses. The result will be inflation. Likely coupled with slowing or negative economic growth. Ideally, someone blinks first.

Thanks for the update. That was the club that I heard was going to go first but all I heard was very soon.

FunOnTheSide: Not that kind of place. During the day/transition, stage tipping is not the norm. But having dancers begin to ask you for a dance within one minute of entering would be the norm.

To answer techman: No, I had virtually no interactions with the dancers. Given prior visits, I would expect $40 for regular (Occasionally you get the odd $30 or $50 being the ask).

One of the issues is that the adjudicators aren’t very familiar with local clubs. Most of the people reading the reviews are. So, let me help. In Washington, there is no club that serves alcohol. This goes way back to issues from the 1970s (see Mel Journey, George Janovich, Carbone, etc). Drinks are all sodas or water or the odd energy drink. Drinks are essentially an extension of the cover charge. No club has valet parking where you hand over your keys. The most often mentioned clubs all have parking lots. Sugars does not. My guess is that the true downtown clubs have nearby lots.

I don’t think Mark’s original post beginning this thread is accurate. Every state regulates abortions at least to some extent. This ruling allows states to implement a complete ban on abortions. Some states will go there (or already have), some states will greatly restrict but not eliminate access in all cases, and some won’t change their regulatory framework.

Two observations. First, certain holidays are typically poor weekends to visit. Mother’s Day is definitely one. Second, number of dancers per club seems all over the place. Day to day. One weekday a month plus ago, day, Pandora’s had at least 20. Sugars had one. Yet, last daytime I went to sugar’s one customer and at least five or six dancers.

Yes, dancers decline dances. It is almost never blunt. I am getting off shift. I have a customer I have already promised dances to. My food just got here.

How dancers feel about customers varies. The vast vast majority view customers as a mark — the means to an end. Some can barely hide their disdain. Others are extremely skilled at creating a fantasy that aligns with whatever a customer is seeking. Some keep their shtick the same and try to find customers that align with that. Others try and read customers and adjust their approach. Some are so mired in whatever personal challenges they face, dancing is just another part of the chaos. Others are extremely shrewd financially and this is simply a high paying job. Depending on the club, many dancers (and customers) have diagnosable behavioral health disorders. Many truly loathe their customers. A not insignificant number of customers loathe dancers. But every once in a while you find a dancer that genuinely connects with a customer and truly cares. And every once a while, a customer does the same thing. But because there is rapid and artificial intimacy, instances of genuine mutual affection are very very unusual. The most enjoyable interactions I have had are when dancers are using work as an outlet for their own sexual gratification. Yes, there to make money but…

I know one who went on to be an attorney. Another a teacher. One who died of diabetic keto acidosis.

If what she said was true, many things could have happened. She could have decided to go virtual only. She could have decided that, despite the money, this isn’t what she wanted. She could have decided to dance elsewhere (driving 100 miles isn’t uncommon nor is flying to places like Vegas). She might have died or gotten ill. Or had a customer she knows irl recognize her. You will never know. Let it go. I have had some amazing conversations with some dancers. Some have shared deeply personal information while others haven’t. Some have their shit together while others don’t. Some have shared contact info while others haven’t. The point is: this is all voluntary. If she doesn’t show up, she doesn’t show up. You didn’t have a personal connection with her.

And this review is by someone not very observant. There are two stages, not one (second is typically dark during day and swing). It isn’t attached to a defunct Joes Restaurant. It is attached to an active bar (that serves food). Taxis do serve the location but rarely park there. There are also numerous instances where comments are a bit internally inconsistent. Talks about corporate club restrictions not being a thing but visits only a non corporate club. Talks about prices come way down if you wait them out but was there only an hour and got enough dances to where he needed to change clothes.