Posts by Juan Viejo2

52

Entertainment for International Delegates

by Listener in

bibl3thumper has posted a youtube of the celebrations that took place for german delegates.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvs6_q7rqps&feature=em-subs_digest.

it's hard to believe that they are now using the kingdom hall to sing pop songs and for dancing.

Juan Viejo2

When I was young back in the 1950s-60s we would often have special movie nights when a missionary or a visiting servant would bring his semi-pro movie projector and show us films made in trips to Africa or the Middle East. What was particularly enjoyable was when they would show some of the African brothers singing and dancing - they were seriously entertaining. One traveling missionary had so much good stuff that they rented the downtown municipal auditorium for one night and even invited the public. I think there were about 800 - 1000 JWs from surrounding congregations that came to see the presentation. I remember how happy those African and Pacific Islander JWs seemed, all dressed up with flowers in their hair and singing local versions of Kingdom songs.

I made two comments on the YouTube video mentioned above and both disappeared almost immediately - in spite of being quite positive. They just weren't positive enough. Here they are:

_______________________________________________

"I was prepared to dislike this video:

[video link]

"...because of all the negative issues connected with Jehovah's Witnesses. But I suggest that you watch it while you can (I expect it to have a very short shelf life) and judge for yourself. Yes, JWs can have fun and be a good group to be around. You're not likely to be bothered by drunks, get in a fight, or even see an argument as you would at a "worldly party." But you know, you can have the same party and good times with a bunch of ex-JWs at a meetup. I just wonder if the Governing Body approved this little get together and its being shown to the public. I was a bit surprised to see them include "worldly songs" in their repertoire, but those songs are what made the party fun. When the stop and sing the "Kingdom Songs" (which I'm sure they felt they had to do to avoid being reproved), the party becomes dudsville and boring. The real fun begins at the 30:00 mark, so don't leave (or better - jump ahead) and see them do their version of Pharrell Williams' "Happy" dance. Too bad they had such a limited space, because I bet some of those African-American sisters could have really shown us some moves. I'm glad that everyone seems to have had fun - and I hope they do more of this in the future. Too bad they all had to go back to the Detroit Stadium to sit through a few more sessions of boring talks and overdubbed stage plays. I was glad to see them choose several worldly songs to play - "Stand by Me" was an excellent choice (have you seen that song played by musicians literally around the world? Will make you cry...). Let's hope the organizers are given a pat on the back and a "good on ya!" from their leaders. By the way, as much as liked the "Happy Dance" - it can't hold a candle to the one done by a worldwide contingent of ex Jehovah's Witnesses. [by John Cedars and company] I hope this comment doesn't get taken down before you have a chance to see it. Very enjoyable..."

The above comment (posted under my real name) disappeared within an hour.

About three hours later I posted the following comment (as Juan Viejo):

________

"Pleased to see JWs having a good time. Their song selection was interesting (see 30:00) and everyone gave their best performance. It would be informative to the public at large to see JWs being happy. Now let's see them playing football or in a baseball game. Let's see them graduating from college and showing off their diplomas. Viewers of this video may not realize what a rare occurrence this type of thing is among JWs - so enjoy! You may never see this type of thing on YouTube ever again. Too bad it was scheduled for the benefit of foreign missionaries and branch representatives - and not for all JWs."

I think this one had an even shorter shelf life...

______________

BTW - this video may have a rather short life on YouTube, but it will live forever on my hard drive. I am building a collection of videos that JWs put up that will probably bite them in the ass later - and I want to be able to share them. Eventually they may decide to get with the program and let their history live on the Internet machine, rather than selectively editing their own history as it changes. I love the videos that show 5 year olds getting baptized (do they even understand the qualifying questions?) and then read some JW apologist comment "we don't encourage small children to get baptized - that's just apostate propaganda..."

JV

20

Venus Williams ESPN Nude Religious Controversy

by ChuckFire in

venus williams espn nude religious controversy.

by mike tuttle.

june 24, 2014. article source: http://www.webpronews.com/venus-williams-espn-nude-religious-controversy-2014-06?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed%3a+webpronews%2fall+(webpronews%3a+index+feed).

Juan Viejo2

Editorial...

http://jehovahswitnessreport.com/blog/venus-williams-watchtower-hypocrisy-on-display

5

Anyone Attend a Spanish RC yet this Year ???

by RubaDub in

jw
friends

we have 2 scheduled here in south florida in spanish but they are at the end of july and first week of august.. just wondering if they have gb tie-ins with translators or just the standard talks.. i can't wait to go ... lol.. rub a dub.

Juan Viejo2

I got a message from someone who attended a Spanish convention. Apparently they are not releasing a Spanish version of the Silver Bible, but they are releasing some of the introductory and index material associated with it. They are also releasing a rather wierd DVD that shows a young woman dying and then coming back (in the body she had when she died) sometime when the New World is established. The contributor stated that everyone was in tears.

Very short and brief, but basically said the whole thing was "a bit wierd and off-putting. Much of it seemed very illogical, like they were trying to get us to really believe a fairy tale."

I'd say they've been doing that for over 100 years - and have been somewhat successful at it.

JV

7

Convention releases 2014

by sove in

anyone who has pdf versions of the 2014 dc releases?.

Juan Viejo2

In just a few weeks they will be on JW.org. A few weeks later they will be "old light."

JV

87

How is the org really run? What goes on behind the scenes?

by Magnum in

how is the org really run?

what goes on behind the scenes?.

i just read an older post on this site that was recently bumped (http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/6600/1/don-adams-biography) the post mentioned the adams brothers don, karl, & joel and how influential they are/were at headquarters.

Juan Viejo2

DoChange - You are definitely right on the money in your observations about those who make it to the top of the organizational pinnacle. They begin to believe their own bullshit.

Talesin - Same for you. It is true that most large organizations like the WT are really run by one man or a very small group of men (usually not more than 5) who make all of the major decisions. They are often not visible outside of their own little group and are known to subordinates only by their initials on documents approving or denying an inquiry, request, or proposal.

I worked for a couple of very large US corporations - one a public utility, the other a very large national retailer. In both cases I ended up in higher level staff positions directly reporting to an AVP or VP level manager/director. Being an intermediary between the highest staff levels and the field operating teams and retailers I was often just a messenger delivering the mail. When the news was bad - or clearly damaging to field operations - I would be the one asked, "Who the **** made this decision?" All I could see on the original document were initials. While I could guess who that person was, I was not at liberty to reveal my opinion to the field managers. I would be the one who had to endure their wrath and hatred. In most cases, I agreed with the field managers and would have supported them if it would have made any difference. The only difference made would have been my being out of a job.

I think that is the way it is with the Watchtower corporation(s). I think Russell, Rutherford and Knorr were pretty much in overall charge, but since the promotion of the 7-19 holy underlings known collectively as the Governing Body in the late 1960s, I believe the real decision makers are completely hidden. Most of those familiar with the 1970-2000 period would guess that Ted Jaracz was the real power behind the throne, but I've communicated with high level Bethelites serving during that period who say that was only partially true - there was still someone higher than him pulling the big strings. Don Adams? Doubtful, but a possibility.

I don't think we'll ever know exactly who makes the real decisions for the WT, but my guess is that it is someone on the financial side. It might even be someone who is not even a Jehovah's Witness and may not even believe any of their BS teachings. All of this construction work and property acquisitions - the new pseudo-"tithing" donation arrangement, the actual switch from printing presses to digitial delivery of literature - all indicate that someone watching over the Society's balance sheet is the real "chairman of the board." Everything, from convention locations to minor doctrinal changes probably passes by that person or small group of men (not the Governing Body) for final approval.

My heart, my head, and my contacts all agree that someone completely off-screen is pulling the strings and is personally profiting from what happens in the Watchtower organization. And my intellect tells me it is not Jehovah or Jesus Christ.

Just my 2p...

JV

70

How do you shut your mind down so you can get a good night sleep???

by jam in

jw
friends

the more i learn about jw's the harder it is.

to sleep at night.

the wife hit the pillow and within 5 min.. she is snoring.

Juan Viejo2

Seriously, here is a quality answer to your question about what you should take when you can't go to sleep at night...

I am 70 years old. I've had a heart attack and quintuple bypass heart surgery. Last year I had a defibrelator / pacemaker installed. I take a half dozen pills each night that include aspirin, and three different heart medications. So needless to say, I must be very careful about what I eat and drink. A half grapefruit can kill me - seriously.

For several months I had been having a very rough time going to sleep at night. Being involved with AAWA and being the focus of a lot of criticism over that association, being slandered by Randy Watters after spending money and hundreds of hours setting up Freeminds2.org for him, and being abused by the Menlo Park elders and their spokesman, "John Steel," after supporting them for nearly two years and publicizing their case - I was pretty stressed out. Cap that off by being told by another well-known ex-JW spokesperson that I had befriended, spent time with, and even provided with funds for special purposes that I should not call or email ever again. All of that tends to take the wind out of your sails and make you lose both your enthusiasm for the cause but also a lot of sleep.

Even going to bed at 3 AM after a full day of mental and physical exercise could not defeat all of the demons in my head and let me get some sleep. I would toss and turn, doze off and then wake up again within minutes and then my mind would start working all over again.

I had to find a solution to find a way to go to sleep.

One day while at my cardiologist for a regular checkup, he asked if I was having any pain, cramps, etc. I told him that I could not go to sleep at night and it was wearing me down. Without a moment's hesitation he turned to his assistant and said, write him a prescription for Melatonin. Then he told me that I didn't need the prescription because it was available over-the-counter. The prescription was just a tool for me to remember what to look for. He assured me that even with all of my health problems that I could take 5mg of Melatonin every night 30 minutes to an hour before going to bed and I would sleep like a baby. And there would be no negative side effects, even with my other medications and advanced health problems.

I went to my pharmacy and bought some rather expensive 3mg capsules that worked. But then I went to my local Safeway store and found some 5mg capsules that were very cheap, about $8 per bottle of 70 (NatureMade). I later found an even better deal on Amazon for that same brand with 103 capsules per bottle and 3 bottles for less than $25 (shipped free with Prime).

Beyond the minimal expense - they work - boy do they work! Not only that, but even on nights when I don't take a pill I find sleep comes on quicker (some residual effect because some of the medication remains in the blood stream.

Although my cardiologist assures me that there is nothing in Melatonin at over-the-counter dosages that can harm me, you, of course - should you be on special medications or have an unusual medical condition - should confirm with your own physician that Melatonin would be a safe solution to your sleeplessness.

Very few OTC medications other than Melatonin and Loratidine (for allergy) really work for me - but they both do and amazingly well.

That's my story and my suggestion. You may now resume slinging arrows in my direction and call me nasty names. I'll just crawl into bed and pull up the covers...

JV

29

Arrogant Titles for Elders and Company Men

by punkofnice in

i was thinking of the arrogant titles jw's give up the pecking order.

teachers.

glorious ones.

Juan Viejo2

Tiki,

You just beat me to the punch - good on you!

When my family became JWs in the early 1950s my parents both thought it odd that the congregation was not called a "church," but rather a "company." The servants were known as "Company Servant," "Asst. Company Servant," Literature Servant, Territory Servant, Accounts Servant, Theocratic Ministry School and Watchtower Study Conductors. Bible Study Conductors managed the Tuesday night meetings that were spread all over town.

We referred to each other as Publishers and members of the Company, never congregation.

The roots of Joseph Rutherford still ran deep. I think the change took place in 1953 about the time of the International Convention in New York.

JV

112

All appointed men are being told they have to pioneer now!

by stuckinarut2 in

yes, you read correctly..... all appointed men have been told in a new letter that they have to pioneer to "set the lead" whenever there is a "special" campaign month.

they use some scripture saying that these ones have to show by example.... so for any of us who are appointed and have learned ttatt, it is going to be very hard to fade during this time!.

.

Juan Viejo2

There may be provision to count hours for meetings when an elder participates in some meaningful way - like greeter or parking lot guard. I know that some elders count time "preparing for their meeting assignments." Pretty well known that all elders count BOE meetings and JCs in their counted hours. Any elder can manufacture enough hours to make 30 or even 50 per month with some creative accounting. What they should do is share their insider secrets with the rest of the congregation and boost the total hours for the congregation's monthly report.

JV

52

How evil are lawyers?

by LogCon in

give me some examples of just how evil attorneys are.. please..

Juan Viejo2

I've been on both sides of this question on several occasions. Like other human beings, lawyers can range from dedicated to deluded, from gifted to gutless, from caring to careless.

I've served on juries where attorneys on both sides were so incompetent (and the judge too) that I could never decide until the last minute which way to vote. In one case the side that was clearly winning - and I mean without any doubt whatsoever - had their attorney talk them into a low-end settlement. All of us on the jury wondered if the guy had been paid off by the other side.

I've been represented by attorneys in a few situations and challenged by a couple. One divorce attorney called me at work in the middle of the day while I was in a meeting with higher management and threatened me. I turned on the speaker phone and let him rant. "Give your ex-wife $$$$$ or you'll never see your kids again!!! (The amount he was asking per month was twice my take-home pay.)" One of my guests reached in his pocket and pulled out a card from his own personal attorney. "Just tell the jerk on the phone that you will be represented by this fellow." When I mentioned the other lawyers name - there was silence at the other end. "I'll get back to you..." was his very softly-spoken response." And in fact, I got custody of my kids and my wife ended up paying me some ridiculously low child support - only because I didn't want to do any more damage to her than her attorney had already done.

Some criminal attorneys are lazy - especially in domestic violence cases. They always seem to want the accused to plea - even when the plea will involve jail time. One private attorney shared with me his opinion of most Public Defenders: "They are so overworked, understaffed, and usually the newest kids on the block, that 90% of them won't even remember your name when addressing the judge. They will confuse the details of your case with those of ten others they are working on. Their only real goal in life is to get out of the PD's office on on their own or moved to the District Attorney's office as soon as possible."

JV

34

WOW gotta check out this Charles Sinutko talk "Is It Proper to have doubts?"

by BU2B in

jw
friends

so manipulaitve.

.

http://www.printcentralandsigns.com/jwtalks/covisits/sinutko%20charles%20-%20is%20it%20proper%20to%20have%20doubts.mp3.

Juan Viejo2

Ciro Aucilino was the speaker that described the horrific sites and smells after Armageddon. His speech is on Centralpointe too.

JV