ChasUFarley

Bliss -- I worked for a Fortune 100 for a couple of years before the kids came along, and they considered your TOTAL income to be whatever benefits you had, like if they matched your 401K or paid for a percentage of your medical insurance, PLUS your wages... So, let's add it up.... $60,000 WAGES AS A BOT $9,600 MORTGAGE/RENT (@ $800/MONTH) $4,000 FOOD (@ $100/WEEK) $2,400 UTILITIES (ELECTRIC, WATER/SEWAGE, PHONE, HEATING/COOLING, CABLE - @ $200/MONTH) ====== $76,000 ANNUAL INCOME NOT INCLUDING: HEALTHCARE DENTAL CARE TRANSPORTATION (GAS, REPAIRS, NEW VEHICLE EXPENSES) DOMESTIC AND/OR SECRETARIAL ASSISTANCE GIFTS AND SO ON.... These turkeys could be making close to $100,000! It wouldn't be hard to see it happening - would it? AND FOR WHAT?!

Okay. Me, too. I owe you a coffee or a beer, I'm sure. :) ============================ Now, I didn't mean to derail this, sorry, but no one has answered this yet - I'm curious as hell why they think they need 3 VPs.... Any explainations? (Good ones?)

Drudge Report ran a story on this yesterday: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews...nt/14261056.htm I can't imagine living that close to Ground Zero... never mind reliving it again in a movie...

My comments in CAPS AND BRACKETS (not because I'm yelling, but because I don't want it confused with your orig. 2nd post.) Again, I'm NOT yelling with the caps - please don't misinterpret it. My mouse is ailing and won't highlight for bolding or whatever, so I've had to resort to this.... sorry. Peace.

Accounts Receivable could include money collected from: land they have rented to farmers Bookstore profits the sales of assets maturity of investments etc. A/R could be many things. As Goey said, I think ABS would be considered "donations" - we all know what a joke that is! =============================== I think the climb in money for medical costs is to care for the staffers better, but keep in mind that many of the former BOT, etc., are starting to get older and healthcare costs have skyrocketed - especially prescriptions. Maybe that money is for Rosie's Princess Retirement Criuse ship!

MARKOMALLEY wrote: One thing that was a speciality up there was a particular kind of wine called Fragolino. It was flavored with strawberry essence...you might be thinking Boone's Farm, but you'd be wrong. Just like Merlot has a little bit of a plum-like flavor, Fragolino has a very delicate flavor that isn't exactly like Strawberry, but alters the grapes ever so slightly. (The problem is that there were no legal producers of it, so you had to know a local who knew how to make it...to get the good stuff) I've had Fragolino - it's divine! I had a salesman I worked with bring me some when he came to the US from Florance. I've seen it in our liquor stores here - in NH you can buy some wines in the grocery stores (and beer, of course), but the liquor stores carry much more wine (but no beer). They also had something that was made from wine (with a real high alcohol content) but went down like 80 proof Southern Comfort - painful! But quickly made you forget your worries!

We've bought two guitars and one amp over the internet now and have been very pleased (or just lucky) with the results. I gotta admit, it's a bit scarey to do, but when you're looking at used instruments, you don't have two or three to play, like you would in a music store with a bunch of new stock sitting around. We've only had one guitar with any problems - the Epiphone has a Bigsby trem that had a really loose arm - and the action was a little high. So, we had to put a little money into it when it arrived... (less than $100...) I don't know about where you guys live, but we only have about five good music stores in the state - only one carries a good amount of stock - Guitar Center - which is kind of a Wal-Mart of music stores. The others are privite owned, a little pricey, but we prefer them for service because they have good techs there. =========================== Bluezman - Leslie speakers - those are just plain cool! I didn't know what it was until last summer when we saw Vanilla Fudge - we were in like the 6th row or something. Anyhow, the moment I saw the spinning speaker in the amp and heard the sound, I knew what that was, it was like, "So, THAT'S how they make that effect! Cool!" I just didn't know what it was called - now I'm more edumacated.... (Steppenwolf used it, too - perfect for that late 60's psychadellic sound)....

When I was on staff, anyone could get reimbursed for medical expenses - you just had to present your bill to your department head and fill out a form. You were also supposed to get permission - or council - whatever - to go to the doctor or dentist in the first place. They were actually quite good about it because they knew that any condition left to "fester" would only end up costing more money for treatment and down time for the workers in the long run. They wanted people to get things done - teeth cleanings, annual exams, screenings (age appropriate), etc. The one thing that bothered me about this system is that we were to tell doctors we were paying cash - we were self-pay. We were fiercely told NOT to tell the doctors we were being reimbursed - only that we were self-pay. Here's a problem with being self-pay vs. having medical insurance coverage: Well, in most medical billing situations, self-pay does not mean that you are billed less than someone with insurance - BUT - insurance companies have contracts with hospitals to pay a percent of the bill. Insurance companies pay LESS than what they are billed, in otherwords - sometimes as little as 25% or 33% on the dollar. HOWEVER, Joe Self-Pay, who is paying out of pocket, pays 100%. Usually doctors will not charge for every little thing they do or they will charge for a lower level visit just out of pity for the self-pay patient, but reality is a difference of as much as 75% MORE that the self-pay patient is paying than what the medical insurance company is paying. In addition, insurance companies very often hire a third-party audit company who will review the patient's itemized bill along with a copy of the patient's medical record to look for discripencies. The audit company will get reimbursements from the hospital for any mistakes or overpayments that the insurance company made. If Joe Self-Pay gets over changed, he has to discover that overcharge himself or hire an auditor himself to find the error. In other words, they could be getting overcharged and not be wise to it. (My day job is working on the hospital side of the audit process - it's actually quite interesting - I love saving my hospital money!) I would have thought that TWI would have shopped around and bought into a co-op medical insurance program. It seems that with all the staffers they have that this would be a viable, cost-effective option for them, with the right program.... even if it was just for prescriptions....

Allen - Yes, TWI's teaching about how God answers prayer - even about the most trivial things - was set up for big let downs. It always struck me as greedy to hit Father up for everything from a parking place (when you really need to be walking that parkin' lot, baby!) to red drapes. Yeah, God can make things "Eph. 3:20", but I sometimes think that in TWI we were expecting that to be the norm - or perhaps it "just happened" (gasp!). Part of what has really struck me about TWI, now that I've had a few years to put some distance between IT and ME, is that they didn't really w-o-r-s-h-i-p God, did they? We stood and clapped for Rev. Dropshispants all the time, but had less respect for God than the man on the stage. Meetings were so scripted that no one could act on inspiration - or seldom dared to - God was in His neat little box all the time, wasn't he? We were even told what to pray about: "Krista, please lift the Board of Trustees and the Way Corps...." It was vain repition, week after week. In starting this thread, part of me is also curious if TWI and the whole experience just didn't kill any spiritual interest or desires that someone may have had - even the most tepid believing could have gone stone cold in that situation - like a woman swearing off men after she's burned in a bad romance....

I can't get the link to play, but I know that New Line is the company that distributed it, and Wingnut is Jackson's company... I think the special effects company he has (or works with) is Weta.... (I've only watched LOTR a few dozen times.... love Jackson's stuff - always good!)

My Big, Fat Greek Wedding (gawd... I swear.... I married into that family!)

Thrash.... hummm.... I've only heard it at the gym, and the closest thing I actually listen to that's like it is some Metallica or Godsmack.... I'm thinking an Overdrive pedal or Distortion pedal... for not much more money, you can get a Multi Effects pedal and just let junior figgure out his sound....

Bramble - Don't apologize for your belief or point of view. This thread isn't to tear anyone down or try to change anyone - just more to get information, really. I respect others beliefs - even if it's not in any diety or higher power at all. Question for you: Do you feel your life is better without God or just without The Way, religion, etc.? ======================================= George - Interesting posts - I especially like your commment: Everyday happenings and the odd coincidence took on the attributes of divine intervention. Parking spaces at the front door of the mall, a child recovering from a cold, a promotion at work, and such like all became fodder for the "looky what God did for me" testimonies. I have never believed that God was into something as mundane as a parking place or whatever. The Word says that our time on this earth is like next to nothing to him - a small thing. I used to think he must get sick of us just asking for crap all the time - why did we deserve it or need it or whatever.... Yes, I still believe in God, and I still pray - but not like I did in TWI (and certainly not for the BOT! LOL!). ======================================= Sudo - You asked some questions that are hard to explain. We've asked them too. Please don't laugh... but we went through this when we lost a cat (yes... a cat.... okay?... yes, you can laugh....) but he was a special cat - just the coolest that ever lived. He was that one in a million pet you get to have in life. He died rather suddenly, but not of an accident or anything. We had prayed for him when he was sick, but it seemed like God didn't hear our prayer - he shouldn't have died. Hubby is still somewhat "mad" at God for that - it rattled him a bit - but he still believes. He just wonders "Why did he have to go? Why couldn't or didn't God heal the cat or save him?" I guess when you get down to it, it's like - where's God's credibility or integrity in this area? (I'm sure I'll get some hate mail for that one, but oh well....) ======================================= LG - Question: Why do you lump agnostics in with athiests? Do you consider them to be the same thing? I found your comments about how you just stopped pretending to believe to be interesting - there was a thread a few years ago about people who faked SIT. It was amazing how many people spoke up on that one - came out of the closet. ======================================= Okay, would an agnostic also belive in the "BIG BANG" theory? Or could an agnostic person believe in Creationism or a form of it? (As in, a higher power pulling everything together....)

Safari - Sounds like your little one and Kristopher would get along just great - Kristopher loves telling jokes, but his favorite is the knock-knock joke about bananas and then ends with the orange being at the door and, "Orange you glad I didn't say banana?!" Then, he also starts making them up... that can be weird and funny all at once... you never know what they're going to say! ================================ Lindy - "hit the wall up in the sky." - I love it! What's funny is that stuff like this makes perfect sence when you think about - but it's just not the way we actually say things. I love seeing a child's logic at work with the limited vocabulary they have - they just "make it work"... it's so sweet!

Bluzeman -- Congrats on the latest editions to your family! That's a sweet little combo amp - it should work great for your sound with the tubes and all - warm, analog sound. Hubby has something like it by Fender Custom Shop - it's a Prosonic 2 x 10 (in surf green - I thought amps only came in black until then...). I love the retro tweed cab of your amp - we have a tough time keeping the cats away from stuff like that, I'm afraid. They also like the grill cloths - so we keep everything covered - little demons! When you get ready to re-tube the thing, or want to get a better sound, check out this guy: http://www.eurotubes.com/index.htm We've emailed him for advice, etc. and he's a great resource - he really knows his stuff!

My dad was sealed to his first wife. After she passed away, and he married my mom, he pestered her to get sealed in the church with him, so they could be together in the afterlife.... Her response.... "There won't be room enough in heaven for the two of us!" (In otherwords - she can have you and you'll have enough trouble with one woman!) =================== Additionally.... now that's I'm home 90% of the time with the kids, I think about how good hubby has it - the house is clean, the kids are cared for, supper is on the table by 6PM (usually), and the laundry is done (usually) and I say to him, "Man, I need a wife!" Another woman in the house wouldn't be bad... especially if she'll change Dre's diapers! LOL! =================== And Mo - Why are Elders always so CUTE! ?? I used to love it when they'd come to visit too!

Does anyone else find it ironic that Sprawled Out's post, that berates another poster for his grammatical errors, doesn't even have proper capitolization at the beginning of sentences? There's missing punctuation, and certainly no love. Tsk. Tsk. Personally, I'll take typos with a dose of love over perfectly executed text any day. Thank you. By the way - my reference to the verses was in jest - not making fun or harassing. Year2027 understands that. I posted the cutsie faces just so he'd know :) - they're aids in communication when you can't see or hear a speaker. I don't think Year2027 has bulleted his posts before - personally, I like reading them - think of it as long-distance manifestations - something I haven't done in over six years... sorta miss that sometimes... Holy air smooches back at cha'all

When you write something really blunt like this: Why do you think that people wouldn't respond in a similarly blunt fashion? Maybe you didn't mean it like it was here (above) in b&w, but it comes across rather, er.... rude. No, I'm not the etiquette police, but I don't think I'm the only one who felt this way based on another posters response. As you know, I can hear your voice, see your face, etc. when you write a post. I can only interpret your meaning by the words in front of me. Your second post certainly clarified and softened things. But can you understand how it was easy to misunderstand you? Especially with some of the narrow-mindedness that several new posters around here exhibiting. My apologies for lumping you in with them. Maybe we care because we have friends or family still in. Maybe we care because we funded these twerps for so long. Maybe we care because it's something really different than what we were used to when we were in and we're trying to understand it. Maybe we care because ________________________ . (fill in your version). Really, topoftheworld had a good post about it.... ============================================= Still... the questions are not answered....

Okay, what are you guys playing? (ie songs) Learning any new ones? What's some of your favorite licks or riffs of all times? I've been working on Sunshine of Your Love (Cream) - great bass riff - so much fun to play. Also learned Fire On The Mountian (Marshall Tucker Band) - pretty easy, but fun jamming with hubby. I like playing old rock and roll - maybe I'll branch out into some heavier stuff as time goes on...

I have trouble relating to people on a spiritual level who claim they are agnostic. Now, before you prepare to jump down my cyber throat on this one - hear me out, okay? The people I'm referring to are people who were in TWI. They spoke in tongues. They probably went WOW. They probably even saw God or some supernatural being work in their lives at some point - something amazing had to have happened.... sometime, somewhere.... So, how does one becomic agnostic? Do you just wake up and go "gee, what God?" or did you think it ove slowly and gradually say, "nope, no such thing!" These are honest questions - not narrow minded - just wondering... how? And what are the scriptures you use for your belief? (Just kidding!)

Why does the President of a ministry with less than 4,000 members (including children) need three Vice Presidents, when the President of the United States only has one Vice President? Isn't the purpose of the Cabinate for the President to surround himself/herself with people who operate in various capasities and carry expertise in many different fields (as in, advisory positions)? Finally, what happens should the President punt out tomorrow? Would all three Vice Presidents step up to the plate as Predient and we suddenly have (gasp!) a TRINIY running TWI? :unsure: All this wonderment.... and from someone with her "eyes closed" ================================================================ Just for that, you troll, I would! (And just because I know you don't have a REAL Biblical Reason - don't tell me it's because of what the number three represents in the Word - completeness - that's TWI's bad use of numbers in scripture, which bordes on numerology (a pretend science) - number in scripture is for SCRIPTURE - not the psudo-religion dogma you spout!) No, you'd rather come in here, spout off a bunch of crap about people with their eyes closed than try to explain anything - and then complain how OUR eyes are closed some more... Get a grip! I bet you go in public restrooms in your off time so you can complain about the smell! I'm usually a peace-maker. I'm usually pretty nice and all to new posters, but don't come in this forum with insults and no facts or meat to your post. Why not answer the question - isn't TWI a teaching ministry anymore? Do you have a logical answer worth presenting?.... tap.... tap....tap....

Pot should be legal - look at how much a pound costs on the street? Can you imagine what our government could do with that, with a bunch of taxes slapped on it? The National Debt would be gone in a week! (But I bet unemployment would be up! LOL!)

BROWNIES... You are adventurous, love new ideas, and a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempers flare up, you whip out your saber. You are always the oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction. You tend to be very loyal. Yup... that be me....

dmiller - we also like the stuff in the box - we call them "juice boxes" in our house... The Chablis isn't bad, the Zin is okay, but I think the House Blush is well... I'd give it a C-. Satori-- Ah, a man after my heart! For a good table wine, try Gabbiano Chianti - it's about $10-11 per bottle and is a good, crisp Chianti, with a little fruity/woody tone to it. It's usually in the Italian wine section of the store - it's an import. It was recommended to me from someone who has his own vinyard in Florance, Italy. It also gives a pot-like buzz. (Sorry, I've got few vices these days - if I can batch a cuzz off a couple of glasses of wine, what-the-hey!) We also like anything by Laurel Glenn - especially if you're looking for a domestic wine. If you're interested in beer, we highly recommend Sam Adams new Double Bock - excellent. I like wine and beer - usually prefer wine - but this is a beer that's just superb! Since you like the sweet stuff - you mentioned Boon's Farm - pick up a bottle of Lambic sometime. It's a hops beverage, but sparkling like a chanpagne or brute, and mixed with a fruit wine - raspberry is my favorite - stay away from apricot or cherry (bitter). The raspberry lambic is good if you mix with (about a shot of it) with a tall glass of a double chocolate malt stout - dessert! But lambic can just be sipped from a chapagne flute - nice flavor.

Why, the Book of Roy, of course! :) Now, get crackin' on those retemories!