The weird part of being joined at the hip with a bird is: it has normalized.
Nothing astonishes me any longer.
Why, me--Oh Lord? Who knows?
Perhaps birdbrains of a feather are fated to flock together...
TerryWalstrom
JoinedPosts by TerryWalstrom
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8
Edgar (the Crow) Colludes with the *Russians*
by TerryWalstrom ina couple of years ago, sitting at starbucks outside patio, i became "aware" of a feathered mafioso i eventually named edgar.so weird and varied have been our adventures, i began writing about them.this is only the latest installment in what i like to call: the edgar chronicles_______edgar colludes with the rooskiesi sit carefully selecting which words to use--there are pitfalls to my tale.2 chinese ladies are problematic for a writer who is an olde white male.what if i accidentally stereotype?
i dare not!with your kind permission, i will change the sex and country of origin of my 2 characters to avoid going off the rails.instead, this story is transformed into 2 *russian* guys!
that you crow.
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TerryWalstrom
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8
Edgar (the Crow) Colludes with the *Russians*
by TerryWalstrom ina couple of years ago, sitting at starbucks outside patio, i became "aware" of a feathered mafioso i eventually named edgar.so weird and varied have been our adventures, i began writing about them.this is only the latest installment in what i like to call: the edgar chronicles_______edgar colludes with the rooskiesi sit carefully selecting which words to use--there are pitfalls to my tale.2 chinese ladies are problematic for a writer who is an olde white male.what if i accidentally stereotype?
i dare not!with your kind permission, i will change the sex and country of origin of my 2 characters to avoid going off the rails.instead, this story is transformed into 2 *russian* guys!
that you crow.
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TerryWalstrom
A couple of years ago, sitting at Starbucks outside patio, I became "aware" of a feathered Mafioso I eventually named EDGAR.
So weird and varied have been our adventures, I began writing about them.
This is only the latest installment in what I like to call: THE EDGAR CHRONICLES
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EDGAR COLLUDES with the ROOSKIES
I sit carefully selecting which words to use--there are pitfalls to my tale.
2 Chinese ladies are problematic for a writer who is an Olde White Male.
What if I accidentally stereotype? I dare not!
With your kind permission, I will change the sex and country of origin of my 2 characters to avoid going off the rails.
Instead, this story is transformed into 2 *Russian* guys!
Ha! I can’t possibly go wrong...can I?
________The Setting: Starbucks (of course.)
I’m seated close to the window with a full view of my bicycle, the sidewalk and alfresco tables and chairs. It's a patio.
Munitio 9mm earbuds are stuck inside my ears like bolts in Frankenstein’s neck.
My latest “mixtape” fires up and waves of serenity soothe my interior.
Now--this much you need to know before I continue...1. Edgar will arrive and I’ll catch him messing with my bike.
2. A middle-aged *Russian guy* wearing a body-hugging cheongsam is sitting at the next table in a loud cell phone conversation.Okay? Got that?
We begin.My black-feathered Nemesis sees that I have him under surveillance.
Lately, since it’s too hot for me outside, I’ve neglected to feed Edgar his favorite cashews
(or anything else) a few times.
What can I say?--it’s a tough world.
He’s pissed.
Naturally, this requires teaching me a lesson.
Edgar has been ruining my genuine leather bike seat with his weapon of choice: bird beak. When I catch him--he stops, nonchalantly gazing about, the very picture of innocence.
Off to my right, the loud and strange (to my ears) accent of the excited *Russian guy* penetrates my consciousness. My sleeve is tugged.
*The Russian guy* is standing next to me with *his* phone extended toward my face.“You help me--no?”
“Um, I help you--yes.”“My friend lost. Can’t find me. Need directions. You help--no?”
“I help--yes.”
_____Next thing you know, I’m pressing the *Russian guy's* smartphone against my dumb ear trying to sort out the *Russian* voice on the other end. Believe me: NOT easy.
“Can you tell me exactly where you are right now?” I yelled into the phone.
(Note: studies have shown the best way to make yourself understood to a foreign-born person is to speak louder.)“I lost.” (The voice on the phone.)
“That’s not very helpful. Are you in an automobile?”
“No. I’m driving car. I lost.”
“Right. You’re lost. Okay. Describe things around you and I can help.”
“Steering wheel. Clock. Seat covers…”
“No-no-no, OUTSIDE the car. What do you see OUTSIDE?”
“Traffic. Too much. Building. Street…”
“Hold on--read the signs on the buildings for me.”
_____At this point, progress is made.
I quickly determine the lost *Russian fella* is only two blocks from Starbucks.
Carefully, I dictate extremely detailed directions again and again.
Finally, I hand the phone back to the *Russian guy* in the tight fitting skirt.
The expression on *his* face is alarmed.
What have I done wrong?“Look, Crow on bicycle!” (*He* is pointing excitedly and quite upset.)
“Yes, I know. That’s Edgar and he’s a real pain in my ...well, he’s up to no good.”
“Crow bad luck before business meeting! Go--chase him away! Chase him now!”
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The *Russian guy* is ordering me around like I’m being paid for such services.Rather than argue, (or get myself in deeper doo-doo with the feathered Nemesis) I buy a snack and deliver outside.
Edgar looks very pleased with the quick results of his malicious mischief.
As he gobbles his muffin, I examine the cracked rip in my seat. Infuriating!Presently, I returned inside just as the "lost" companion arrives safe and sound.
I know what you're thinking.The 2 *Russian guys* will probably want to thank me for making their lives easier--right?
Think again!“You crazy feed Crow! One Crow bad luck. Only Crow with baby Good Luck.”
I ignore this ingratitude.“You’re welcome. I see you got here okay following my instructions.”
“No. I see cop and ask him--he tell me right way. You direction stink. I stay lost forever.”
____At this juncture, all I can do is give up.
I ignore the 2 of them and get back to my mixtape.
Ten minutes later, both *Russian guys* are now asking where is a good place to go for lunch.I decided to let Siri make the suggestion.
I punch "Nearby Restaurants" into my iPhone map and up pops a Chinese Buffet for my 2 *Russians*.Oh, the look of disgust!
____“That’s racist!” the 2 *Russians* snorted indignantly.
They huffed and puffed, gathered up their things and departed.I stood there like the loser I am scratching my head.
I watch them walking out to a car. The car has a Crow sitting on the hood--like an ornament.
It is Edgar, of course.
Now the crazy antics commence!
Imagine in your mind's eye:2 crazed *Russians* are waving their arms about screaming at Edgar in garbled English in high-pitched voice--practically hysterical.
Our beloved Crow stays put ignoring them.
This continues.
I watched for ten minutes. Strangely satisfying, though.Finally, they gave up and CAME BACK inside Starbucks and sat down next to me once more.
I groaned. My intuition is whispering to me. Sure enough…
“You make Crow go away! That YOU CROW. You responsible!”
Can you believe this?
I didn’t argue. I’m not that stupid.
I got ANOTHER snack and sat outside next to my bicycle.
His Majesty flies over and I feed him.The 2 indignant *Russian guys* quickly scurried to the car and drove off practically peeling rubber.
I stared into those scheming yellow eyes of his as Edgar munched his second muffin.
I growled indignantly at him:"THIS YOU FAULT. YOU BAD LUCK!"
I used a racist *Russian* accent.So, sue me!
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40
Upcoming Tidal Wave of Media Onslaught targeting Jehovah's Witnesses ahead...
by TerryWalstrom inat least three media venues have undertaken the daunting task of unpacking the insidious dark side of jehovah's witnesses' organization.1.
douglas quenqua is a writer based in new york.
his work has appeared in the new york times, wired, redbook, and cnbc.
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TerryWalstrom
It goes without saying (ha!) A &E network has lawyers intent on preventing any statements from airing which are not backed by evidence. This should help filter out the tinfoil hat wearing witnesses and push forward those who can cite names, places, dates, and instances of malfeasance on the part of the GB and Org.
Those who can pass muster may not be beloved personalities but if the facts bear them out--we can hold our collective nostrils together and smile. -
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Upcoming Tidal Wave of Media Onslaught targeting Jehovah's Witnesses ahead...
by TerryWalstrom inat least three media venues have undertaken the daunting task of unpacking the insidious dark side of jehovah's witnesses' organization.1.
douglas quenqua is a writer based in new york.
his work has appeared in the new york times, wired, redbook, and cnbc.
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TerryWalstrom
My "fear" is that the so-called "Apostate community" will bristle and turn on itself
if and when unpopular spokespersons are interviewed to expose this vile religion.
Personally, as long as the chosen few are articulate and knowledgeable, all other considerations are secondary.
I'd compare the situation with the case Joe Valachi who publicly exposed the MAFIA for the very first time. Valachi himself was a terrible person guilty of extraordinary evil. However...he made for a great witness against the mob.
So too, the "Apostates" will be reviled and vilified both by the Org itself and critics within the body of Ex-JW's. A credible witness, ironically, may be a less credible ex-witness :) -
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Upcoming Tidal Wave of Media Onslaught targeting Jehovah's Witnesses ahead...
by TerryWalstrom inat least three media venues have undertaken the daunting task of unpacking the insidious dark side of jehovah's witnesses' organization.1.
douglas quenqua is a writer based in new york.
his work has appeared in the new york times, wired, redbook, and cnbc.
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TerryWalstrom
"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubIpoPjBUds -
24
Can someone please explain James 5:14 for me
by preymanchis ini cant seem to understand this text actually, can someone please explain it to me.
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TerryWalstrom
There is a word I encountered early in my attempts at Philosophy studies.
INSTANTIATION and the instantiation principle. Consider what it states and apply it to the scripture under examination.
Unless and until there is an actual instance of a thing--it doesn't exist.
The concept of a chair did not exist until a chair was first built.
Once there has been an instance of something, even if all further instances are destroyed, that thing has reality and will continue to do so.
What usually happens--AFTER the fact--is a thing becomes poetic or metaphorical or literary as a transformation because the actual instance of those things has become extinct.
Meaning?
Philosophically, SICKNESS continues to exist in exactly the way it did in Roman times and in the way it was back there known. If all sickness had been extinguished from our planet--we'd be free to "spiritualize" it or poeticize it.
Otherwise, it is illogical to do so. -
40
Upcoming Tidal Wave of Media Onslaught targeting Jehovah's Witnesses ahead...
by TerryWalstrom inat least three media venues have undertaken the daunting task of unpacking the insidious dark side of jehovah's witnesses' organization.1.
douglas quenqua is a writer based in new york.
his work has appeared in the new york times, wired, redbook, and cnbc.
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TerryWalstrom
At least three media venues have undertaken the daunting task of unpacking the insidious dark side of Jehovah's Witnesses' Organization.
1. Douglas Quenqua is a writer based in New York. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, Redbook, and CNBC. As part of a Pennsylvania television (possible) documentary, this journalist is asking intelligent questions of seasoned activist Ex-Dubs
as to Organizational culpability in ruining former members' lives through insidious policies, lies, and cover-ups.
2. *Elizabeth Vargas, the Journalist, interviewed our own Barbara Anderson and A&E network are about to air the child molesting scandal issue delving into background machinations and ongoing lawsuits. (A recent legal filing in NY by Anderson to the Attorney General is no laughing matter.)
3. As I write these words, Leah Remini (expose' of Scientology) and A&E are taping a new series presentation on Jehovah's Witnesses with a broadside aimed at the corruption of Organization and its practices and victim impact due to child abuse mishandling.
_____*Journalist Elizabeth Vargas has announced:
Nine 60-minute episode series, two-night premiere on Monday, May 28 and Tuesday, May 29 at 10 pm ET/PTOrganizations that will be explored in Season 1 include (not in broadcast order):
- NXIVM (Series Premiere)
- Twelve Tribes
- Sanctuary Church
- United Nation of Islam
- Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
- Jehovah’s Witnesses
_______Leah Remini is at this moment heading up a new unscripted special at A&E in the works that will tackle the intricacies of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The star has a previous first-look production deal with the network to produce unscripted series following the success of her Emmy-winning show “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, Remini will produce a special for the network during the break following Season 3 of the acclaimed docuseries.
It notes that Jehovah’s Witnesses, while based on Biblical teachings, have come under fire over the years for similar practices to the Church Remini left years ago. For example, practices of ousting or shunning members who have dissenting views, a blanket refusal to participate in politics and government as well as not celebrating Christmas or birthdays are all things that the special will reportedly cover. Additionally, the religion has predicted the literal end of the world several times, obviously to no avail.
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http://deadline.com/2018/05/cults-extreme-belief-ae-investigates-nxivm-series-premiere-elizabeth-vargas-1202382812/
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Watchtower Spin archives: Hayden C. Covington, J.F. Rutherford, and Muhammed Ali
by TerryWalstrom inthere are a number of salient facts concerning this man who possessed a big reputation.. 1. covington and rutherford were pretty much the type a personalities who got along famously.
in fact, rutherford wanted covington to be the next gb executive of the watchtower corporation.. 2. fred franz and nathan knorr were the polar opposites to the (above) dynamic duo.
these two would conspire to drive covington out.
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TerryWalstrom
There are a number of salient facts concerning this man who possessed a BIG REPUTATION.
1. Covington and Rutherford were pretty much the Type A personalities who got along famously. In fact, Rutherford wanted Covington to be the next GB executive of the Watchtower corporation.
2. Fred Franz and Nathan Knorr were the polar opposites to the (above) dynamic duo. These two would conspire to drive Covington out. Knorr hated Covington. Knorr was anti-intellectual and Covington disdained his lack of education.
3. Both Rutherford and Covington were hard drinkers. Eventually, the drinking and bullying of Knorr would get Covington sideways with Franz and Knorr and the excuse would be given that Covington would "step down" from the Vice-President position because he wasn't of the heavenly class. This is bullshit for an obvious reason: he never claimed to be anointed in the first place, and this was never an obstacle before.
4. Having an 80%win record with the Supreme Court, Covington was sought out by wealthy Jehovah's Witness families to represent their sons who had refused Alternate Service before the courts. For a retainer of $10,000 dollars, Covington would agree.
A friend of mine who ended up in the same Federal Prison told me Covington botched his trial and cut short his presentation. Why? During his trial, Covington was offered a quarter of a million dollars if he could get Cassius Clay / Muhammed Ali out of his Draft refusal case.
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Here is the B.S. public relations spin on Covington:
"Declaring the Good News Without Letup (1942-1975)", Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, page 91, "In September 1945, Brother Covington graciously declined to serve further as vice president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (of Pennsylvania), explaining that he wished to comply with what was then understood to be Jehovah's will for all members of the directorate and officers—that they be spirit-anointed Christians, whereas he professed to be one of the 'other sheep.'"
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5. Covington racked up 37 Supreme Court victories representing the Watchtower's interests. This gave him tremendous clout.
6. Covington had replaced Olin Moyle, who had had a huge confrontation and blow up with Rutherford. (Moyle sued Rutherford and won, but his monetary settlement was stretched out over many decades spitefully by the Society.)
__________________
During and after the trial, Covington made ridiculous statements to the press such as this:
"I take exception to remarks that this man is under the influence of the Muslims in any way."
_________________
Lawyer Hayden Covington took the lazy way out and suggested Ali should accept a guilty sentence and seek to make a deal with the prosecutor, Morton Susman, United States Attorney. In fact, he talked Ali into requesting that the Judge sentence him immediately!
It was this tactic which frustrated and upset Ali's first-hired attorney, Quinnan A. Hodges of Houston. It is also the reason Ali's handlers refused to pay Covington.
(Attorney M.W. Plummer andAttorney Chauncey Eskridge are the real 'heroes' of the Ali story).But first:
How was Covington's plan supposed to work?Federal District Judge Joe E. Ingraham sentenced Clay to five years in prison and fined him $10,000. This was the maximum penalty for the offense, which is a felony.
The judge's sentence was pronounced immediately at Clay's request.
"I'd appreciate it," the 25-year-old boxer said, "if the court will do it now, give me my sentence now, instead of waiting and stalling for time."
Prosecutor Morton Susman and Hayden Covington had worked out a deal, but IT WAS NOT BINDING on the Judge!
New York Time news article: "Both Mr. Covington and Mr. Hodges asked Judge Ingraham to put Clay on probation. Failing that, said Mr. Covington, the former champion should not be given a sentence more severe than those given in similar cases. "That's 18 months," he said."
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How then, did Muhammed Ali avoid serving a moment of incarceration?
The appeals process allowed his competent attorney's M.W. Plummer andAttorney Chauncey Eskridge
to pursue the real problem in the case:1.Ali's Draft Board didn't consider him to be sincere as a real minister
2. Ali failed the Army's intelligence test and did not qualify to serve
The Supreme Court in Clay v. United States reversed his conviction in 1971. (Ali’s birth name was Cassius Clay.) “[T]he Department [of Justice] was simply wrong as a matter of law in advising that the petitioner’s beliefs were not religiously based and were not sincerely held,” the opinion said. Even though Ali prevailed 8-0 before the high court, Bob Woodward and Scott Armstrong later reported in The Brethren that the justices initially voted against him, finding that he wasn’t really a conscientious objector and that he should go to jail. Apparently, one of Justice John Marshall Harlan’s law clerks loaned the justice a copy of The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Harlan read the book and changed his views on Black Muslims.
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Bottom line of all of this:
There was bad blood between Knorr and Covington, but Hayden C. Covington was a legend. The
Watchtowr Organization NEEDED HIM for publicity purposes. He was reinstated before his death.
My encounters with the Draft Board and my subsequent trial and imprisonment took place in October of 1967, after Cassius Clay / Muhammed Ali had his highly publicized clash with authorities.
I cover this in some detail in my book
I WEPT BY THE RIVERS OF BABYLON
(A Prisoner of Conscience in a Time of War.) -
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Another Hollywood Memory
by TerryWalstrom inanother hollywood memory____________________“thanks for the pink chablis, marta.
who’s that singing?
sounds familiar.”.
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TerryWalstrom
Thanks. (Big smile).
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Another Hollywood Memory
by TerryWalstrom inanother hollywood memory____________________“thanks for the pink chablis, marta.
who’s that singing?
sounds familiar.”.
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TerryWalstrom
This morning a coda!
5:30AM
Terry, this Christie Adams in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Marta Boutel was one of my dear friends. We met here in Honolulu in the sixties when Marta and her family vacationed here in the summer. I just found your article about Marta on the Internet.
When Marta was about 19 she had a skin cancer removed from her back. Years later, according to her brother, Jeff, Marta developed melanoma and, very tragically, died of it. Jeff later recounted to me that he flew in to see her and that she died in his arms.
He said her body turned gray. I'm so sorry to tell you of Marta's very sad ending on this earth. She was such a beautiful and bright spirit, and no doubt still is--wherever she is somewhere out there in our vast Universe.
Aloha, ChristieYou accepted Christie's request.Thank you ever so much, Christie.
As sad as this information is, there is comfort in knowing facts rather than speculation. My own Mom died of cancer. She too turned ashen grey. Three times she'd fought it and won. I don't think she thought she'd lose the final time.
As a writer, I can explore the landscape of my life and the remarkable people I've met and known by spilling it all out in black and white. Ironically, memories are never black and white. People and places have the truest colors of all. It is so good to know Marta had genuine friends such as yourself, Christie.
I firmly hold this to be true. As long as someone who loves us carries us in their heart and continues to remember who we really were--we never die.
Once again, much obliged.
All the best and Cheers! Terry
