Posts by Tech49

18

Hi!! What are you doing/drinking/thinking this fine eve and weekend?

by Jon Preston in

jw
friends

forgive me europe for i know you have all commenced and ended your night but what are you all drinking this evening?

what are your thoughts?

what arenyour plans since you may not be out in service tomorrow?

Has anyone compared hotel prices from the WT with those on the web?

by mynameislame in

just wondering if anyone here has compared the prices of the wt approved hotels with the same hotel on hotwire, hotels dot com or some other such site?.

i know my dad used to call the hotel and use his mastercard perks to get a better rate than the wt was offering.

this was well before the internet age.

Tech49

Here are my thoughts, and what Victoria and I have done in the past.

1. I will NEVER stay in a budget, cheapo, fleabag motel, regardless of the cost. No way I am staying at an Econolodge, Super8, or LaQuinta with a bunch of sweaty, grumpy, cheap-ass JW's. Rather than go cheap, I would rather stay home.

2. I dont care if I stay in an "approved" hotel or not. I stay where I want to stay. I'm pushing 50, I am an adult, come-on already, go badger someone else, and get out of my face.

3. I can go get a room at an upper-end motel, business suite, or similar, with either a business discount, points, or something, and meet or beat the WT rates, every time.

4. MOST IMPORTANTLY, I try NOT to stay at a hotel where other WT attendees are staying. VERY SIMPLE REASON. They make fools of themselves, they are embarrassing, and are just a nightmare to deal with in the morning at breakfast, and at check in/out. They are loud, obnoxious, and all the while with their "badge cards" on. I have seen too many embarrassing displays of greediness and foolishness. From the "free" cocktail and cheese bars, where the "brothers" are lined up like schoolkids at the Wine and Beer counter, or the bar, with their suits and badges...... idiots.......

Few years ago, saw a group at the TGI Fridays at a convention hotel, these gals all had their "badges" on, and were dressed like absolute hookers. They werent even good looking, regardless. Booze flowing freely., Cheap polyester tank tops, nightgown dresses, Boobs hanging, yes hanging out everywhere, It was sad sad sad. No, scratch that.... hookers dress better.

Then there is the MOB that always goes to the pool in the evening. Poor sobs that happen to be at the hotel on a real vacation get to see the gobs of "witness" children and their parents behaving like lunatics. Whenever the JW.org attendees take over, its usually painful to watch. NO THANK YOU.

IF we go at all, we do our own thing, and we don't worry about wearing our badges outside of the convention site. We behave like adult, business professionals, and that's that. We just sit back and watch the show!

Jack Harper, Tech49

PS. just thought of something else. Went back to JW.Org headquarters a little over a year ago. Stayed in the hotels on their "list" in Connecticut and New Jersey I think. The rates were nothing special, I could get the same rate or better with my frequent guest card. Lame. You know they have to be getting kickbacks from those hotels for sure.

22

Modern Day Governing Body Members Do Not Go "Door To Door" or Informal Witnessing! Why?

by RottenRiley in

what sorrow awaits you!

for you say that it means nothing to swear by gods temple, but that it is binding to swear by the gold in the temple.

20when you swear by the altar, you are swearing by it and by everything on it.

Tech49

It's photoshopped, guaranteed. When I first saw this photo in print, I had to laugh...In addition to DATA-DOG's original analysis, here is what I noticed right away:

The colors on Sam are too rich, and pure. Colors on his LEFT hand, holding the brown briefcase, are too rich and highlighted. The bag itself is rich, brown, and bright. With the sun coming from the left of the photo ( shadow of fence on ground, and shadows in brother's clothing), his hand and bag would be very dark, and in shadow. Brother on left is blotchy with sun spots, and washed out with the brightness. Sam has ZERO rays of sunshine on his dark blue suit. He is being lit up from front and our right. Big giveaway. Note, too, that Sam is actually IN FRONT of the other brother. They cannot be side-by-side, as they would be touching, or even stumbling over each other. Sam would be about 1 pace, maybe arms-length ahead of other brother. So brother on left, in turning his head to his left, is NOT in fact looking at Sam, but would rather be looking BEHIND Sam. (side note: There is no hidden, flopping shoulder belt on his briefcase... it would be attached to the loop at the front of the bag, plainly visible). Green "grassy shrub" at foreground, front right is added to hide photoshop removal of unknown original person. This photo would be ALL in focus, and the foreground bush would NOT be fuzzy. I noticed too, as did DATA-DOG, the messed up background BEHIND Sam, that happens when you try to remove and replace someone else, then try and blend the tree leaves back together.

I am not an expert in any way, but I think it's obvious that this a pretty feeble attempt to show that the Pope-lets are just as busy in the D2D work as the Rank & File!

Now move along, nothing to see here......

Jack Harper, Tech49

126

What Was Your Greatest "Privilege" In The Organization?

by minimus in

jw
friends

was it being able to join the theocratic ministry school?

being a regular pioneer?

"handling microphones"?

Tech49

I'll play.

I have mentioned most of this before, but I will put it all in one spot:

ME: ALL of the little stuff (microphones, sound booth, school, etc), plus MS for 8 years or so, Elder for 10. School overseer, Secretary, WT Conductor, Book Study Overseer (Book Study in our home for 10+ years), FS Group Overseer, Accounts, Circuit Assembly Parts, RBC (probably 20 years, projects in US and Canada, worked up to Department Overseer), Outgoing Speaker, Memorial Speaker...

I think thats about it. Probably more that I have forgotten.

My greatest privilege? Waking up, Stopping to smell the roses and realizing that it was all for other people. Now I can spend time raising my family, enjoying my kids, and being the husband I never had the time to be.

Jack Harper, Tech49

25

Qualifications for Elders & MS

by snakeface in

we all know that elders and ministerials are appointed by holy spirit.

i was in the organization for about 25 years and was in 4 different congregations over the years.. in one congregration there was a sister in her mid-50's with an unbelieving husband.

he did not attend meetings.

Tech49

I have served as an elder in 4 different congregations. All of the previous comments are true...I have seen them in action. Some might seem extreme or unbelievable, but not to worry, they ALL exist.

Towards the end of my "tenure", and one integral part of my decision to turn in my badge, I noticed several very disturbing trends. In order for a brother to be recommended, the following "extra" qualifications were required.

1. Field Service (as previously mentioned) time had to be "noticeable". The other elders had to see you out, with your assigned group, on Saturday, or no appointment. Period. You spent extra time on RBC programs?, sorry. Not enough actual time in FS with your group. Try again later. Your young kids sucked the life out of you and your wife and your averages fluctuated? Sorry, denied. Your wife was in the hospital for a week, or had a baby along the way? Sorry, she could have "witnessed" in the hospital. Poor hour count, Denied.

2. You had to explain what your Family Study Program was, what nite you held it on, and how often you missed, and what your plans were if your family missed it for the week. No joke there. Saw several not recommended on this facet alone. This was also something that was expected of current serving elders, that they go over what their program was, every time the CO came around. Big group discussion, person to person confessional. It was painful, and downright humiliating for those who didnt keep up, many lied through their teeth, like the "shepherding program" conversations....What business is it of yours what I do with my family, and since when did a Family Study Program become a qualification?

3. Kiss ass until your lips bleed. Its all in who you know. Holy Spirit has nothing to do with appointments. Several examples that come right to mind to illustrate:

One brother I knew was a great speaker, averaged 25 hrs/month in FS, lots of HONEST placements, was very outgoing, gregarious, and liked by all, but never appointed as an MS. After a few CO visits, I asked why not??? He certainly met the qualifications. Answer: We dont like him too much, and besides, he did get a divorce 10 years ago, and his df'd then reinstated ex in another state doesnt think he should ever be appointed. Yep, that's it. (facepalm)

Another brother, son of the COBE, fast tracked as an MS, then BAM, recommended as an elder. Several of us didnt think he qualified (he was a pompous ass, and his wife was just as snooty, and couldnt even be bothered to be on the Ministry School), but that didnt seem to matter, as soon as the CO came around, there were lots of "private" conversations, and the next thing you know, his name is on the letter that the CO sends to the Branch. Didnt matter what half the body of elders said.

Another brother, currently an elder. Mid 30's. Wife is mid 20's. She is the most obnoxious, immature moron I have ever met. Lazy, fat, and just plain DUMB. No seriously. NO ONE respects her, and I have absolutely NO idea how any body of elders ever appointed him, based on her "contributions" to the marriage. (no wait, I do know. Her daddy is a "heavy elder" in her hometown). Stereotypical elder's wife she is NOT. He is a nice enough guy, but straight from flippin burgers to an elder??? Come on already, this fellow couldnt find his ass with both hands, if he had a helper!

Lastly, another brother I know worked for the COBE. He was a low-hour publisher, so was his wife, his kids were monsters. He accompanied the COBE to RBC projects frequently, probably to get away from his raging family life. Sure enough, next CO visit, BAM, straight on thru. Low hours??? Oh, no worries brothers, he is a fine example to the congregation, as he puts so much effort into RBC projects, and besides, he is a GREAT worker! Yes, his family is a trainwreck, but I am sure he will get them in line soon!

I have many more experiences I could tell, but you get the point.

IDIOTS, all.

Jack Harper, Tech49

40

Tech49 has the CO over for lunch

by Tech49 in

so awhile back, during our last circuit overseer visit, vic and i decided to bite the bullet.... there seemed to be very little support for the mid-week lunch plans for the co and his wife, so we signed up to host.

we definitely didnt want it to be awkward, so we invited a few others along, as a nice little group affair.

they were excited, and offered to do the cooking, so i said i would play along.. just some background.... this particular co is kind of a tool (big surprise right?

Tech49

I tend to agree with most of the comments so far. Yes, probably a little painful reminder that most of them are ungrateful leeches that EXPECT to be treated as royalty, and then leave nothing in return. It's even more sad that they have forgotten the basic tenets of being appreciative, thankful, and humble.

I knew what I was getting into, and after reflection, so did Victoria. We asked for it, we fully got what we expected. We were just hoping for an exception, a different outcome, one where we recieved a little "encouragement" for putting forth the effort, blah blah blah, etc etc.

Maybe some words of wisdom and kindness, more so for the young couples there at the table who had went out of their way for the bum, for the almost-grown kids that had their entire future in front of them. Maybe a personal interaction that they wouldnt get at the KH. Nope, just a quick lesson in how to be a WT nitwit for the rest of your life, taking advantage of the friends, sucking up to the "richies" and ending up a miserable excuse for a "shepherd", a shallow lifeless company-man.

It was a great lesson for all in attendance. And no, no more invitations to my home and to be a part of my family's private lives if you are emotionally and physically draining, and can't contribute anything to the general well-being of people. I dont need to be belittled for my choices and for what we have.

Brother C.O., you missed a grand opportunity to make a difference. Sorry, we don't have time for you, I dont care what your title is.

Jack Harper, Tech49

40

Tech49 has the CO over for lunch

by Tech49 in

so awhile back, during our last circuit overseer visit, vic and i decided to bite the bullet.... there seemed to be very little support for the mid-week lunch plans for the co and his wife, so we signed up to host.

we definitely didnt want it to be awkward, so we invited a few others along, as a nice little group affair.

they were excited, and offered to do the cooking, so i said i would play along.. just some background.... this particular co is kind of a tool (big surprise right?

Tech49

Outlaw.... Love it, exactly my thoughts.

40

Tech49 has the CO over for lunch

by Tech49 in

so awhile back, during our last circuit overseer visit, vic and i decided to bite the bullet.... there seemed to be very little support for the mid-week lunch plans for the co and his wife, so we signed up to host.

we definitely didnt want it to be awkward, so we invited a few others along, as a nice little group affair.

they were excited, and offered to do the cooking, so i said i would play along.. just some background.... this particular co is kind of a tool (big surprise right?

Tech49

So awhile back, during our last Circuit Overseer visit, Vic and I decided to bite the bullet.... there seemed to be very little support for the mid-week lunch plans for the CO and his wife, so we signed up to host. We definitely didnt want it to be awkward, so we invited a few others along, as a nice little group affair. They were excited, and offered to do the cooking, so I said I would play along.

Just some background.... this particular CO is kind of a tool (big surprise right?), and hasnt even given me the time of day in his last 3 visits. I don't even know if he knows my name. And all along, at every visit, during the first meeting, he has made it abundantly clear that him and his wife are gluten free, so DONT EVEN think about putting anything in front of us that doesnt meet OUR STANDARDS. Anyways, I digress...back to our program...

Friends arrive early, bring food, we get it all set up, nice little array of soups, breads, salads, drinks, the works. Some gluten free, some not (not everyone is anti-gluten). CO arrives with another brother from the group, wife is sickly, and so wont be joining us. They saunter in... I come from the kitchen with Vic, he greets her (she was out midweek, I was not as I actually have a company to run and all)... and I dont even get so much as a hello. Whatever, no worries. He wanders to the buffet of food at the table..... and literally GASPS !! "You know I cant have breads and such, right!?"

(facepalm).... "Yes brother, I know... which is why we all have taken the opportunity to provide several choices, both gluten free and "regular" food." "Oh, I see, well, that's good then." (at this point, my temperature is rising, but not enough to be noticed, except by Vic)

So we all sit down and go through the motions of lunch, and I have to say that this is the most BORING lunchtime affair I have had in a long while. Mr. SuperDuper CO doesnt give a rats ass about anyone else at the table... he spends the ENTIRE time talking about himself.

This goes on for about 20 minutes.

Turns out he is a lifer, born in, raised in, straight to Bethel, met his wife (same story), eventually straight into Circuit Work. No extracurricular job, No kids, no other life at all. Late-50's.

So at this point, I am bored to death, as any conversation other than about himself, is when either Vic or I or someone else at the table ask him a direct question. So I ask him, directly..."Brother C.O., since you and the Ms. have no kids, what kind of jobs have you held in the last 30 years that will be of use to you when you eventually have to "retire" from Circuit Work?"

He gives us all this blank stare, and then jumps right into the usual tyrade of "Jehovah provides for us".... he NEVER has held a job outside of "pioneering". Oh, the "odd" job, washing windows, digging ditches, packing lumber for any brother who needs a little extra help. "I'm a REAL hard worker, ya know!!" But REAL WORLD experience? None, Nada, Zippo. No skills, no education, nothing.

I say "so how are you going to provide for yourselves when you can no longer travel as C.O.'s ?"

Again... blank stare, kind of incredulously, as if I should even dare ask such a foolish question... "Well, I am sure that Jehovah will provide for us, and it wont be too long until we can collect SSI, and the brothers in the congregations are always giving us money and stuff too... its such a Blessing!"

oh brother.....

The friends at the table all kind of looked at each other with disgust. All of them are hardworking families, just barely getting by, and struggle even to keep food on the table, literally, sometimes.

As he pushed his chair back, belly full of someone elses Gluten Free food, wiping the dribbles from his fatty chin..he looked around at our home, our teen-age kids (whom he never once even acknowledged or noticed they were there), our property, our vehicles in the driveway, shop in the background, cattle grazing in the front pasture..... and said this:

"Wow, you guys sure have alot to distract you. Ya'know, that's exactly why the Ms and I do what we do. So we can serve Jehovah with FULL hearts, and not be divided in our attentions. You all need to be careful not to get so distracted by the world, there is nothing here for you, its all unimportant and will be gone soon."

OK, lunch over.

We took note of the time, assured him that he need to "hurry along now" so that he could make the afternoon FS meeting, and promptly swept him out the door.

Besides, if he stayed any longer, he may very well get backed into a corner and receive a sound beating from Vic....As he was exiting, he never thanked us, never even shook my hand.

I took some dishes to the kitchen, turned around, and he was pulling out of the driveway, in his leather-bound Buick. What a tool.

The remainder of his visit was just as fun... never said another word to us.

And the lady of the house was PISSED !!! Vic was boiling mad, how dare a man that is supposed to be a "shepherd" of the flock come to her home and disrespect her, her husband, her house, her hospitality, and then have the odacity to call our lives a "distraction"!!!?

It took her a few days to calm down, I just giggled and went about my merry way.... after all, I had to make sure I was keeping our company's payroll up.... as soon there will be another MOOCHER on SSI for us all to carry.

36

Does anyone know the curent understanding on Chess for JWs?

by BU2B in

jw
friends

i seem to remember chess was frowned upon by some jws.

is this like the oral/anal sex policy?

just ignore it and hope it goes away...

Tech49

Ahhhh, the game of chess. Truly a very unique game, one that I learned early in my youth, played frequently, and continue to cherish.

Later on in life, I began to really appreciate the way that the game teaches you to think ahead, anticipate your oponent's moves, and to understand the consequences of your own moves...how every action has a reaction that forces another reaction, and so on and so on.

I dont play much anymore, but the ornate glass set that lives on my coffee table is a constant reminder of critical thinking.

And the 2 Kings are sporting ENORMOUS crosses. I have had many a JW admire them......And nobody says a word..... just sayin...

23

bassackwards

by stuckinamovement in

am i the only one that finds it funny that the organization's campaign this month is to offer a printed magazine that is simply an ad for a website?

what's more is they have printed close to 50 mil copies which will be delivered by an army of volunteers who drive minivans and knock on the doors of empty houses repeatedly until they find someone at home...... can you imagine facebook going door to door to spread the word about how awesome their site is?.

Tech49

Yes, snare&Racket, its for real. When I saw the magazine in question, I thought to myself...."no way, just no way I'm going to push that". Its getting so beyond stupid, that's why it just doesnt sound real. The JW.ORG website and WT is transforming into one big advertisement for itself. I like the "Inception" reference, fits perfectly.

But alas, they are serious.