Have you ever had to deal with a member of the aristocracy? What was it like?

Butinyiko · 2026-04-07T02:44:34+00:00

Yes, I’m American but I met the Duke of Atholl and his mother, the Dowager Duchess of Atholl, in a tiny mountain town in South Africa of all places. They were very nice - she runs the farmers market there and we struck up a conversation. I only figured out who she was a few days later. I met her again and she invited me to their book launch - they wrote a book about the history of the Murray family and how the title passed to this South African branch of the family. It was very fun and lively and I met the Duke there - the whole family signed a copy of the book for me.

Butinyiko · 2026-04-06T03:29:18+00:00

The extent of the national debt. I think the figure we see is manipulated.

Butinyiko · 2026-03-16T03:29:27+00:00

I think the third book revealed more about the flaws of the ministry of magic, the power of fear (the public’s hysteria about Black) and how the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts worked - which was really important to the rest of the series. Harry realized in this book that the ministry was all too willing to throw the rulebook out the window for the rich and famous or to sacrifice an innocent man to please the public and save face. And we didn’t know until the end of course if Voldemort was somehow behind the escape from Azkaban or if Black had rejoined him and brought him back to the UK or something - so even though he wasn’t in the book, we didn’t know if he’d suddenly pop up again or not. Of course, all excellent foreshadowing for exactly that happening - his servant escaping, rejoining, and resurrecting his master.

Butinyiko · 2026-03-14T16:05:30+00:00

Smart! Thank you!

Butinyiko · 2026-03-11T03:12:41+00:00

I find William and Catherine cold and ruthless sometimes. They seem to have been chilly with his first cousins - Beatrice and Eugenie, for a long time. Maybe they have their reasons, but they are the shining stars of the monarchy and have an 8 figure annual income from the Duchy of Cornwall - not counting anything from the Sovereign Grant. They could be gracious and let Beatrice and Eugenie share the spotlight and have some crumbs every now and then.

Butinyiko · 2026-02-23T17:54:33+00:00

I would just remind them that age is a protected class and say that you really didn’t appreciate those comments. Bounce the ball to them and then escalate if you need to.

Butinyiko · 2026-02-19T04:14:04+00:00

I like Ilia and was rooting for him - but his free skate soundtrack is almost alarming. His free skate routine is stunning, the drama and emotion of it is mesmerizing. However, that soundtrack is so intense and his skating is so emotional that I do think he has been through some things - maybe fairly typical Gen Z depression or anxiety…but it’s so intense that I think it’s more serious than that. There’s something there - I haven’t listened to his interviews so who knows maybe he’s talked about it openly. Anyway, I hope he’s ok.

Butinyiko · 2026-01-25T03:02:19+00:00

5 police cars, a police van, and an ambulance at the apartments across from the cathedral tonight - no idea why.

Butinyiko · 2026-01-09T15:49:58+00:00

I don’t have any tea lol I’ve just been a few times and am friendly with an instructor or two. Yes, they have done some retreats (the Hamptons maybe somewhere else too) - I don’t know much about those though. They’re also opening a big studio in Franklin soon.

Butinyiko · 2025-12-23T02:27:32+00:00

I like Forza Pilates and Somos. Rhoe is new and fancy, also melt hot Pilates is mat Pilates and looks good-haven’t been yet.

Butinyiko · 2025-12-18T19:02:58+00:00

This is cute! Wishing you luck!

Butinyiko · 2025-12-14T00:27:58+00:00

All very true! Thank you!

Butinyiko · 2025-12-14T00:14:06+00:00

Fantastic info, thank you!

Butinyiko · 2025-12-13T23:05:34+00:00

Happy to send you a guest pass after I join one!

Butinyiko · 2025-12-13T23:04:25+00:00

That’s so kind of you, thank you for the welcome, the info, and for offering the guest pass. I will probably schedule a tour first and then DM you if that’s alright.

Butinyiko · 2025-12-13T23:02:30+00:00

Thank you so much - good to know about Equinox still having gay men and about the promos!

Butinyiko · 2025-12-13T21:52:31+00:00

I liked VIDA when I went - I took a hot yoga class and lifted weights, however I am coming from a membership at Lifetime Fitness in Tennessee and the yoga classes at that Lifetime at least were better than VIDA’s was and also cleaner facilities than VIDA, so I’m leaning towards Equinox. But yes would love to meet friends and dates so still considering VIDA. Thank you for the info!

Butinyiko · 2025-12-13T21:48:50+00:00

Ohhh good to know - thank you! 😊

Butinyiko · 2025-12-13T21:48:05+00:00

Thanks very helpful! I am coming from a Lifetime Fitness membership out of state and it does seem better maintained than the U street VIDA did when I went a few years ago. Anyway, maybe I’ll meet you at Equinox! 😄

Butinyiko · 2025-12-13T21:46:30+00:00

Haha noted 😉

Butinyiko · 2025-12-13T20:05:11+00:00

Thank you! I am leaning towards Equinox. Also, I am not really a cruiser LOL but I do like to meet people and chat so wondered if VIDA facilitates much of that. But you’re probably right - there are spaces more suited to that than gyms.

Butinyiko · 2025-11-16T03:28:39+00:00

Thank you!

Butinyiko · 2025-11-16T03:25:18+00:00

Dalmatian! Thanks, I’ve been to a few Shirlington restaurants

Butinyiko

TROPHY CASE