Posts by talesin

13

Cuban Cigars

by OnTheWayOut in

so mrs. otwo and i see something on television about cuban cigars.

she asks me if they are allowed into the united states.

i told her that i believe there is a softening of the rules, but they are still difficult to get.

Tobacco and alcohol must be purchased at the duty-free shop, and will be given to you on the plane. It is illegal to buy your own, and transport it across the border. You are allowed "X" ounces of spirits, and "X" number of cigars or cigarettes, and must make a Customs Declaration.

Congratulations on your new-found freedom to travel. : P

34

The Jehovah's Witnesses' Governing Body are Elitists (Here is why)

by Terry in

an "elite" group is one which has special privileges not granted to others.. and obscurantist elite, is a group which hides information by virtue of its own claim to be special and a sole source in dispensing necessary truths.. to wit:.

the gb's elitism shines through in articles such as this:.

“thus the bible is an organizational book and belongs to the christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals , regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the bible .

talesin

All religions try to get their members to adhere to their purpose and goal. I run a couple of small companies. I have a business vision. Is it wrong to ask my employees to adhere to my vision and not deviate too far from it?
What about a franchise? A franchisor has to develop rules and regulations down to the finest detail. A franchisee is not allowed to deviate one iota from the written plan. Imagine if McDonalds franchises went astray. What would happen? The brand would be damaged. Similar, any organized religion must have certain stipulations or the brand, or religion, will be damaged or altered. Consistency must be maintained, or as we know it, unity.

It's good to see you recognize that the WTBTS is run on a business model (and a very successful one at that), and is far from being a 'faith-based organization'. Actually, it is more akin to the old American plantation system, complete with slaves, overseers, and a ruling class who rarely get their hands dirty.

The rich and famous are excused their transgressions by virtue of their donations cheques and the good publicity they bring to the table.

Now that the WTBTS is switching blatantly, from being a publishing company to in-your-face real estate speculation, it's easier to understand why the corporation is so successful. And they pay no taxes.

Talk about 'made in the shade'. Yowza!

52

Does the WT attract needy dysfunctional type of people?

by William Penwell in

in your personal experience, do you think that the wt attracts needy types of people?

over the years, my experience is that they do attract very needy, insecure, dysfunctional, types.

i had an acquaintance that i just basically cut off.

talesin

That sounds very tasty. And ha, I can see how 1 litre would have that effect, combined with the sugar high. I am remember a line from an old song "It was a cool, cool evening in Chile, when things got hot." jajaja!

52

Does the WT attract needy dysfunctional type of people?

by William Penwell in

in your personal experience, do you think that the wt attracts needy types of people?

over the years, my experience is that they do attract very needy, insecure, dysfunctional, types.

i had an acquaintance that i just basically cut off.

talesin

I get mentally unbalanced after about 8 cold beers👍

Or 5 Canadian.

52

Does the WT attract needy dysfunctional type of people?

by William Penwell in

in your personal experience, do you think that the wt attracts needy types of people?

over the years, my experience is that they do attract very needy, insecure, dysfunctional, types.

i had an acquaintance that i just basically cut off.

talesin

I remember an ex-JW (James Penton?) writing once that if you didn't have a problem when you came in to the religion then they would give you one.

Agreed.

Most of the JWS I grew up with were born in. I would guess that at least 50% have either faded or were DF long ago (from what I've learned over the years, here and there, it's a small city). The more neurotic, and narcissistic ones, stayed 'in'. Others stayed for family. Some still seeking approval of the sky daddy g-d, others just hanging on to the only life they know.

90

Where are the EXJW Feminist Philosophers?

by Luther bertrand in

i am working, more in the planning stages, where i am going to offer a commentary on the caleb and sophia cartoons that the org puts out.

i noticed a heavily patriarchal bent to the narrative that these cartoons offer.

i would really enjoy working with someone who has an academic background in feminist philosophy, or at least someone knowledgeable.

talesin

Oops. This:

“Now seriously,

This demonstrates a specific technique of being critical and deprecating, then softening the blow with a disclaimer. It's called patronization. (and yes, that is the tone - slightly superior, and passive-aggressive, but I ddn't really mean it .. hahaha)

It's akin to saying, 'you girls are ruled by your emotions, and inferior, BUT, I don't really mean it. How could I be like that (even though I'm a self-described, albeit sarcastically, 'chauvinist monster') when my wife adores me, and look at how accomplished she is.' And his wife may buy into it. She may be one of the very real women that Slim was talking about earlier, who enjoys the protection of a powerful, perhaps older (or perhaps not) man, and is happy with the status quo of man as protector / provider.

We could easily go from here, into a discussion of male and female archetypes, and how by understanding them, we can get a deeper insight into why we think and feel the way we do. It's important to address the issues of gender inequality (and bias) across the spectrum.

Edited to add: he also mentions his reputation ... hmmm. Perhaps he just has chronic 'foot-in-mouth disease' and is totally harmless. We shall never know for sure.

90

Where are the EXJW Feminist Philosophers?

by Luther bertrand in

i am working, more in the planning stages, where i am going to offer a commentary on the caleb and sophia cartoons that the org puts out.

i noticed a heavily patriarchal bent to the narrative that these cartoons offer.

i would really enjoy working with someone who has an academic background in feminist philosophy, or at least someone knowledgeable.

talesin

Bohm, thank you. I was curious, and shall read with interest, and an open mind.

Edited to add: considering the source, I will seek unbiased confirmation of the details of the story.

Since 1945, COMMENTARY has been, as our founder and first editor Elliot Cohen wrote at that time, “an act of affirmation.” It remains an expression of belief in the United States, perhaps most of all in America’s central role in the preservation and advance of Western civilization and, most immediately, the continuing existence of the Jewish people. COMMENTARY, in the words of Cohen, “is an act of faith in our possibilities in America.”

90

Where are the EXJW Feminist Philosophers?

by Luther bertrand in

i am working, more in the planning stages, where i am going to offer a commentary on the caleb and sophia cartoons that the org puts out.

i noticed a heavily patriarchal bent to the narrative that these cartoons offer.

i would really enjoy working with someone who has an academic background in feminist philosophy, or at least someone knowledgeable.

talesin

LoveUni, that does sound extreme, but, knowing the reputation of uni professors, I am reminded of the old expression, 'where there's smoke, there's fire'. I would venture to guess that the devil is in the details (and context of the political climate of that particular institution, at that particular time).

The academic environment has abuses on both sides. One of the local universities was run by the Sisters of Charity. The Motherhouse is still on the campus, if I am not mistaken. My bestie got his degree there in the early 80s, and he was one of the first men to be admitted into a degree program at said university. (I was taking 1st year Maths there at the same time, but we didn't meet until the late 90s.)

It was a hotbed of fringe feminism. Their Women's Studies program was filled with academics who seemed to revel in their quest to humiliate and abuse male students (or any male that was available - you know the type). He suffered a great deal, and his university life was hell. We were friends a long time, before he told me why he hated the "F" word. A lot of that element is to be found in academia.

PS. My friend achieved his BA with Honours in American History. He made the Dean's List for 3 years (that is because he completed the 4-year program in 3, with a 4.0 GPA. His background was tough, and he did it all on scholarship. I'm so proud of him!

26

only 90

by pepperheart in

shucks only 90 teaching books trashed last week still there is a new week starting lol

talesin

It's not my choice, but I understand. It's a worthwhile effort, because you are doing something concrete. When I was in my 'anger' stage, I'm sure I would be taking a few copies home and tearing out leaves, for the sheer physical release.

It must feel quite satisfying. No harm, no foul. You are hurting no one, and providing a valuable public service by recycling the litter-a-trash. haha!

52

Does the WT attract needy dysfunctional type of people?

by William Penwell in

in your personal experience, do you think that the wt attracts needy types of people?

over the years, my experience is that they do attract very needy, insecure, dysfunctional, types.

i had an acquaintance that i just basically cut off.

talesin

Yes, and I would add that needy people are often narcissistic, and always passive-aggressive. *

.

* see "Holier Than Thou, subpara. Shunning"