shazdancer

LOL, I can still do that move, but I don't look nearly as cute! In the words of my grandmother when she'd see scantily-clad young ladies, "I think she must feel cold...." Michelle Kwan is trying to position herself as an underdog, and take some of the pressure off of herself. She's coming back from a groin pull, and still hasn't run full programs full-out. So anything could happen, and probably will. Rock on, Olympians! Shaz

Okay, Shell, I try not to see Lyme disease in every sniffle, but yeah, pond, your post made me think of Bell's palsy, too, which is caused by the facial nerve being affected by injury or infection. Lyme disease is one infection that can cause this. Lyme bacteria can hang out in the teeth and cause big problems. I hear a lot of people have to have teeth pulled (me, too). Other bacteria that get trapped under fillings and root canals can mess you up the same way. So yeah, Dot, it sounds like that tooth is at the root ( ;) ) of your troubles. But if you have a LOT of weird symptoms in different categories that can't easily be explained, I'd look at Lyme disease. And think about taking antibiotics while you are having that tooth pulled. Take care, good to "hear" from you, Shaz

I agree, Belle, about how awkward the wording sounds. Funny thing is, I DID originally get into TWI out of an interest in understanding apparent Bible contradictions, but that paragraph from TWI's website just leaves me cold. I never would have gotten involved based on reading that. And yeah, the Christian church was doing the charismatic renewal thing while TWI was in its heyday. Most churches have lots of programs where people can get as involved as they want -- Bible studies, prayer groups, service to the church or to the community. But with TWI, you aren't spiritual enough unless you take on the whole megillah. Regards, Shaz

Aw, c'mon! It's Sunday morning. These kids weren't being invited to a free breakfast. They weren't just going to be loved and appreciated and sent home. The point in picking them up was to make Christians out of them. Loving and food added. In Morgan's scenario, I could just see some 10-year-old deciding he'd like a free donut, going in the house and forging a "permission slip." My area has a large influx of Somalis, who are mostly Muslim. There is a self-appointed MOG here who waits with a sound system just outside the border of the public school property, playing hymns and contemporary Christian music and inviting kids inside for the "Jesus Party" coffee house. He doesn't do this in the white, middle-class neighborhood; he does it in the black, poor, Muslim neighborhood. To the children walking home. Without their parents' permission. I am a Christian. And it offends me. Regards, Shaz

VPW said... That sounds to me like the most made-up, after-the fact reason! He thought the teenagers would get the adults into it?? This guy who said he just wanted 50 MEN to believe?I'm thinking more that it was about control with him, right from the beginning. He couldn't get the adults behind him, so he went to the kids -- much less threatening. Much more malleable. And note that they were females. Why, left alone with a few of those sweet young things for a bit, and I bet ol' Vic could convince them to do a lot of things. Given what we now know about Wierwille, this situation makes my skin crawl.Regards, Shaz

TWI-1, under Wierwille, amassed millions, which went into investments in gold, maybe silver, and the stock market. Even with various bad investments over the years, I would guess that TWI is doing just fine financially. So they don't need all the income they had in the 1970's and 80's. They're probably doing just fine on the interest, plus whatever the current followers are sending in. At least enough to keep the current BOD happy, and they probably don't care much what happens to TWI after that. Remember, LCM was an egomaniac, but RFR, Donna, and others let him rant and drive people away. They could have stopped him from driving people away much earlier if it wasn't in their best interest. A simple majority vote by the BOD, and he would have been out. What they DO need is a few followers, preferably low-maintenance ones, to provide a reason for them to stay in business. And they need a few services that they provide these followers. Otherwise, the IRS would shut them down as a 501 (C )(3) non-profit organization, which would force them to give up their nest egg to some other non-profit. Frankly, I'm surprised that the IRS hasn't already done so, based on the low numbers versus the big carry-over balance. It may be that their numbers of late have gotten just a little TOO low to keep the IRS at bay, so that they have now instituted their "kinder, gentler TWI" policy. But they don't want you -- you who think independently: you questioners, artists, gays, leaders. (They already got your money.) And they don't want you either, you physically sick or mentally ill who might take up too much time and TWI resources. Hey, sonofagun! that's just who Hitler got rid of, too. They just want peaceful followers who take their classes at a high percentage (nice stats to show the IRS), and give up 15% of their income regularly (keeps the nest egg for another day). Regards, Shaz

You are going to be in one of my favorite parts of Maine, doojable. Bethel is a tourist town, but it's also right at the base of the mountains, so there are a lot of outdoorsy things to do, but be prepared to drive a little bit for most things. However, there are some real nice craft shops right in Bethel, definitely take an afternoon to explore the local things. If you are staying in Bethel, just ask the front desk for ideas. If you're adventurous, try a whitewater rafting tour, or rent a few canoes and go slower. Just driving into the mountains is a treat by itself -- ya never know what you might bump into (an elk farm south of Bethel, bought pie from a lady who just left them at the end of her driveway, with a box to leave the money). A few sites to get you some ideas: Bumpus Mine Tour -- this one is just opening up this summer, so call early for reservations, I think. There's also gold panning in Mexico, ask OnionEater about that. This whole district in Maine is big on minerals and gemstones, so explore the rock shops. Maine Attractions -- seems to be more touristy stuff along the coast, but you get the idea. The Wildlife Park was cool enough for my teen -- still the only moose I've seen since I've been here in the park -- not my son!). Mount Washington in New Hampshire -- the views made even my teenager say, "Whoa!" You might want a jacket or sweater, even in July. Big Adventure, entertainment park in Bethel Mini-golf, waterslide, etc. just outside of downtown Bethel. Enjoy your stay! Shaz (only been heah 1 1/2 years -- I'll always be considered to be "from away.")

Hah, if we'd "gotten honest" back then, we would've spoken up when we were slighted or sick, and would've told off those sick perverts a long time ago. TWI counted on us to NOT "get honest." Honestly! Shaz

Huh, so there are a few of us out there! I don't know about them, but I don't talk much about where my final classes came from. (Most of my courses were regular NYU classes, at any rate.) On my transcript, they are just labeled, "Independent Study." Hey ex10, can you imagine trying to negotiate those assignments with Waybrain... Client: "I'd like to incorporate my record collection into the decor..." Wayfer: "Sorry, don't you know those things give off devil spirits? Here, give them to me, I'll burn them for you." Client: "You'll make CD's out of them? How kind of you! And I have a limited print by Jackson Pollack that must go in the den." Wayfer: "Modern art! Are you possessed? Wait, let me just reach up into Daddy's cookie jar.... Okay, you're alright. But let me hang this beautiful poster of The Teacher for you instead, it will give your home the right spiritual balance." Client: "Oh, balance, thank you! I wanted to use the feng shui principles when decorating." (Sound of a door slamming and Wayfer screaming as she runs to her car and drives away.) :D Shaz

Oak, I totally LOVE your explanation of the difference between citing a source, and what Wierwille did, name-dropping but setting himself up as better than all of them. Priceless! Regards, Shaz

It's an interesting point, exy and free soul. Depression has been described as "anger turned inward." Since disagreeing with leadership was not allowed, and respect for leadership was paramount, I was often squelching little slights and disagreements, and not "dealing with issues" as they came up. That was easy for me, as it was the family dynamic when I was growing up, and was reinforced by the work ethic of the dance studio, where if you just shut up and work harder, you can change things. Did it translate into a tendency toward supressing emotion and staying in bad relationships too long as an adult? Yes it did! Regards, Shaz

Interesting topic, ex10. I've been a dancer, dance teacher, choreographer, and gymnastics coach/choreographer since 1980. That was the year I graduated as Recognized Way Corps, and the year I was given a BA in Dance and Biblical Studies from New York University's Gallatin Division (an independent study college at the university). Most of my degree credits were earned at NYU's School of the Arts (now Tisch School of the Arts), where I was studying for my BFA. I transferred to the Gallatin Division because my then-husband wanted to go Corps, so I could finish my last few degree credits by shipping my Corps paperwork to my NYU advisor, who would then find a University professor who could verify that the work was applicable toward my degree. So I am one of the very few people (if not the only one) to apply Corps courses toward an accredited university degree. On my college transcript, those courses are listed only as "independent study," along with other courses that I took as part of the Gallatin program. So I would have to admit that the Corps courses helped me get my degree. However, the content of those courses did little to enhance my career. Discipline? Heck, I'd learned discipline on the dance floor, working day after day with chronic aches and injuries, focusing my mind on the daily task of honing my body and mind for performance. And I'd attended a first-rate high school even before I got into NYU, so I was academically prepared. At NYU, I'd written a paper on the parallelisms of the book of Ephesians before I went Corps -- it would have stood up to any senior Corps paper, I'm sure. Memory pegs? Nah, I read the book Remember the Word by Harry Lorayne and Jerry Lucas, before I learned it in what's-his-name's public speaking class. Truth is, I can barely remember anything that we were taught in the Corps. The coursework that stands out in my mind -- that helped me in my chosen profession -- all comes from classes I took at NYU, or independent study that I did outside of the university, and outside of TWI. Did the teachings hurt me professionally? I don't think so; as I said, I hardly remember them. And I wasn't allowed to join Way Productions (I'd applied for it), so I don't know if working there would have added anything. Perhaps Socks can speak to that aspect. Regards, Shaz

Yeah, but if the guy hasn't been "speaking your language" for months or years, then suddenly does something right ;) , you're probably not goint to trust it at first. But it might be fair to tell him he's on the right track! Regards, Shaz

Aw, I love the stories and pictures! Back when my first child was young (20 years ago, oy!), the NYC PBS station had an art contest. My daughter entered, and was one of the runners-up. We got to go to a BIG rally in Central Park, see all the Mister Rogers and Sesame Street characters (she was already getting a little old for those, but her little sister was just the right age). She got an autograph from the guy who did the landscape painting show, and he was very sweet to talk to her and encourage her to continue in art. Sonuvagun, she DID continue and is an interior designer today. They say her picture would be kept in their archives, and to let us know if we ever wanted to visit. D'ya think they would pull it out and display it, kinda like getting out the mother-in-law photo when mom-in-law's in town? That would be a hoot! Regards, Shaz

Hey, it was your cut-and-paste that spelled it "quandry," I just went with that. Just call me a play-jurist, er, plagerist, er, plagiarist.... :D Shaz

Hi, "Quandry," a coupla thoughts... One is that it's all right to say, "I was wrong" to your kids. This came up when parents who had done drugs asked how they could possibly tell their kids not to do them. I think it teaches a huge lesson to tell them you got involved in an organization without knowing everything, but that when you found out enough to convince you, you got out. I think it teaches that you do not have to feel trapped in a bad situation. God wouldn't want you to honor a commitment when the other party (TWI) never intended to honor theirs. I also think you could speak to what you DO honor and believe. TWI is a not-for-profit corporation, not the Body of Christ, and not the only individuals worthy of your kindness. What do you believe, and how do you live your life? The kids need to see that you have left an organization, but that the important parts about being a good and godly person are still a part of you. As young adults, they will adopt as much of your lifestyle as they think is relevant in theirs, but you will be surprised at how much of the essence of what you are about will show up in them. Regards, Shaz

That is so incredibly sad, WW. There is a woman here, a university professor, who had been in the prison camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau and Hessisch-Lichtenau. She wrote a book about it, and spoke publically for many years. She spoke one more time at a traveling exhibit on the Holocaust that had come here.I thought it was important to bring my teenage son to hear her. I wanted him to meet someone who had been there. (That generation will not be with us much longer.) She did not sensationalize, in fact did not want to dwell on the horrors, because they were still so upsetting. We were both very moved by her talk. Regards, Shaz

Heck, the terse bs letter isn't peculiar to Rosalie. I had written a letter to "The Teacher" asking why he had let me down, after 10 years of faithful ministry service, WOW, Corps, and briefly Staff. I think it was 2 pages long, very heartfelt, and very respectful. He blew me off, called me bitter, did not speak at all to my questions. As to John's concerns, let's see what happened to his points since they kicked him out: It seems like fewer are forced out these days. Hmm, maybe they were listening, John. People are hearing reports of a "kinder, gentler" ministry. Does that mean they no longer insist you have wingchairs in the fellowship room? John's suggestions adopted, again. The current technique seems to be to extend a welcome back to some of the old believers who left (not the "marked and avoided" ones, though). "C'mon back -- we won't admit the ministry sucked before, but it's better now." Uh, whatever happened to godly repentance? WAP is out now. For awhile, they were offering live teachers -- how about that, John? I guess they're now letting some people take out a mortgage, but not Advanced Class candidates, is that right? I still don't get that -- either it's sin or it isn't. Maybe they just don't want their inner circle of believers making big payments to THEMSELVES instead of the ministry. It seems that the Internet is not the devil's plaything after all, since now TWI has its own website, and vehemently reserves the right to its own domain name. Maybe Patrick has you to thank for that lawsuit, John! Well, they got LCM off of grounds, but no telling how much they continue to support him. The wife is still very much at HQ, still married as far as we can see. As a spouse who was kicked off of Staff merely for being married to someone who messed up, I take offense to that maneuver.So it's easy to see that most of what John talked about has been addressed to some extent. But here's the slimy underbelly: I betcha no one has written to John and Hope to say, "Thank you, you were right. Come on back." Regards, Shaz

Aw, satori, cut it out. Abigail is not in the kitchen -- she and Sushi are on their honeymoon, they call for take-out! :D Shaz ...and I second Abi's motion, but I'm up for talking if you ever feel like it, Geo.

Two thumbs up -- way, way UP! Congrats, Shaz

Yes, we women do tend to "drop hints," when what we should be doing is making it plain as day what is on our minds. We say things like, "If you don't know why I'm mad at you, I'm not going to tell you -- you should know!" The poor schlubs aren't mind readers. I think the guy -- and the relationship, if it is important (and isn't abusive) -- deserves at least one shot at counseling before calling it quits. If nothing else, at least the guy gets to find out why she is mad at him. Regards, Shaz

Socks, that's gotta be the most succinct statement about the marriage commitment I've ever heard. Nice! Heck, just when I was ready to slink off with Aar and swear off committing forever.... But ya know, it's nice to hear from those for whom it DOES work. Regards, Shaz (single again, and enjoying it!)

If TWI has really changed... ...can I go to a Sunday service, and not be escorted out? ...can I go to a Corps meeting -- after all, I was told I would be Recognized Corps (so says my diploma), and didn't have to take any assignments. ...can I stay over at the Corps chalet, which is what the Corps built it for??? Regards, Shaz

Hi, Gillian, Try thinking about it this way... Are you still in TWI? No? Why not? Didn't you make a commitment? Think about it. Regards, Shaz

I get a couple of these a day, too. It's real simple. PayPal will never ask you to "click here" in an email. They will ask you to log onto their website, http://www.paypal.com . You should simply go to their website by typing their email address in your browser, and from there you can find out any news they want you to know. regards, Shaz