Lit blog

[Tzara]

.
.

Oh oh — guess I'm going straight to hell — whatever the hell that is.

1. Nontheist (100%)
2. Secular Humanism (100%)
3. Neo-Pagan (50%)
4. Bahá'í Faith (0%)
5. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (0%)
6. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (0%)
7. Eastern Orthodox (0%)
8. Hinduism (0%)
9. Islam (0%)
10. Jainism (0%)
11. Jehovah's Witness (0%)
12. Liberal Quakers (0%)
13. Mahayana Buddhism (0%)
14. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (0%)
15. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (0%)
16. New Age (0%)
17. New Thought (0%)
18. Orthodox Judaism (0%)
19. Orthodox Quaker (0%)
20. Reform Judaism (0%)
21. Roman Catholic (0%)
22. Scientology (0%)
23. Seventh Day Adventist (0%)
24. Sikhism (0%)
25. Taoism (0%)
26. Theravada Buddhism (0%)
27. Unitarian Universalism (0%)

Nontheist - okay. But that one - a half-assed neo-pagan?

.
.

Leon! You're embarrassing me, man. That should be my profile. (Well, except for the Neo-Pagan thing, but then I'm sweet on BJ and that probably skews the scale. Note that I was way higher than you on that.)

You must have answered all the values questions as "not applicable." Cheater.

What's most curious to me is how I, tousled old agnostic, rate higher on Jehovah's Witnesses than, say, Angie, Champ, or NJ. Not that I think they're wanting to sell me The Watchtower, but I can't understand why I would line up more with the JWs based on my responses. I've having that feeling Homburg mentioned about seeing his Buddhist and Taoist ratings low.

The quiz does pass the Internet attention test, though. It was kind of fun and I completed it.

I just hope I'm not on yet another mailing list.

 

[LeBroz]

Leon! You're embarrassing me, man. That should be my profile. (Well, except for the Neo-Pagan thing, but then I'm sweet on BJ and that probably skews the scale. Note that I was way higher than you on that.)

You must have answered all the values questions as "not applicable." Cheater.

What's most curious to me is how I, tousled old agnostic, rate higher on Jehovah's Witnesses than, say, Angie, Champ, or NJ. Not that I think they're wanting to sell me The Watchtower, but I can't understand why I would line up more with the JWs based on my responses. I've having that feeling Homburg mentioned about seeing his Buddhist and Taoist ratings low.

The quiz does pass the Internet attention test, though. It was kind of fun and I completed it.

I just hope I'm not on yet another mailing list.

Yep. "None of the above" and "Not applicable" were my picks. On the first few the choice above "None of the above" started out okay, then went wishy-washy with "Not sure". Yuck. And then 13-20 started off with a religion test, so they had to be N/A. So I guess that makes me a little

But since I view the formative years of monotheism in a societal context where one people would defeat another people and make them their slaves, that religions formed in such an environment would view as normal such a relationship between people and the imagined ghosts. So a god would be the master and the self appointed priest the overseer; the overseer would then tell all the slaves how they must act to appease the master.

Don't tell me you asked for an emailing of your profile! I copied my results and pasted 'em here. Don't want a Jehovah's Witness email to pop up one day trying to save my immortal soul.

.
.

 

[UnderYourSpell]

neither do I! nor do I know what a stilton is. ( i'm Googling right now...)

okay, here is a def for it-

NeoPaganism


Shall we call our church the Cult de M'elon?

I know plenty of men who already worship nice firm melons

we wouldn't have much trouble getting some followers rounded up




Google says-

stilton define =Stilton n. A rich waxy cheese with a blue-green mold and a wrinkled rind. [After Stilton , a village of east-central.

eeewwww, I would eat it, but I don;t think I could worship it, I probably couldnt even think of anything nice to say without sounding, cheesy?

I vote we don't use the Ouija board though I remember dabbling with that in my youth and scaring ourselves witless!

.
.

Oh oh — guess I'm going straight to hell — whatever the hell that is.

1. Nontheist (100%)
2. Secular Humanism (100%)
3. Neo-Pagan (50%)
4. Bahá'í Faith (0%)
5. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (0%)
6. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (0%)
7. Eastern Orthodox (0%)
8. Hinduism (0%)
9. Islam (0%)
10. Jainism (0%)
11. Jehovah's Witness (0%)
12. Liberal Quakers (0%)
13. Mahayana Buddhism (0%)
14. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (0%)
15. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (0%)
16. New Age (0%)
17. New Thought (0%)
18. Orthodox Judaism (0%)
19. Orthodox Quaker (0%)
20. Reform Judaism (0%)
21. Roman Catholic (0%)
22. Scientology (0%)
23. Seventh Day Adventist (0%)
24. Sikhism (0%)
25. Taoism (0%)
26. Theravada Buddhism (0%)
27. Unitarian Universalism (0%)

Nontheist - okay. But that one - a half-assed neo-pagan?

.
.

You the only one without any bits of this and that ... does that mean you are the only one sure of where you are going and stick rigidly to your goals?

 

[normal jean]

...........

 

[Safe_Bet]

Don't want a Jehovah's Witness email to pop up one day trying to save my immortal soul.

No sweat LeB! Just do the male version of what Amy did a few years ago - We had some very persistent live ones who wouldn't take no for an answer. She finally told them that we were lesbians and that we REALLY, REALLY wanted to join up! Then she asked them if they have any daughters = Mormons run REALLY fast, but they didn't have anything on the JWs!

We must now be on some JW & LDS 'black list" cuz they never visit any more

 

[LeBroz]

You the only one without any bits of this and that ... does that mean you are the only one sure of where you are going and stick rigidly to your goals?

Me? Rigid? Only when it counts!

Coming from a Roman Catholic background, I didn't like the guilt trip. Even thinking is sinful? Give me a break!!!

.
.

 

[Angeline]

Me? Rigid? Only when it counts!

Coming from a Roman Catholic background, I didn't like the guilt trip. Even thinking is sinful? Give me a break!!!

.
.

It's interesting what drives us to answer the way we do on that quiz. I have virtually no religious upbringing. My family was very strongly culturally Jewish, but we never (and I do mean never) went to temple. The only times I can even remember being around a rabbi were cousins' bar mitzvahs, weddings, family funerals. So I have nothing but whatever beliefs I've cobbled together on my own to influence my choices. And I actually consider myself pretty spiritual, but not in ways any traditional religions present it. I've gone to church on occasion with ee (who was raised Catholic like you). He doesn't go regularly, but once in a while it appeals to him. We've gone to temple up here, too, just so he could see what a Jewish service is like. I feel very comfortable with the whole concept of religion because it's not something anyone ever pushed on me.

 

[champagne1982]

It's interesting what drives us to answer the way we do on that quiz. I have virtually no religious upbringing. My family was very strongly culturally Jewish, but we never (and I do mean never) went to temple. The only times I can even remember being around a rabbi were cousins' bar mitzvahs, weddings, family funerals. So I have nothing but whatever beliefs I've cobbled together on my own to influence my choices. And I actually consider myself pretty spiritual, but not in ways any traditional religions present it. I've gone to church on occasion with ee (who was raised Catholic like you). He doesn't go regularly, but once in a while it appeals to him. We've gone to temple up here, too, just so he could see what a Jewish service is like. I feel very comfortable with the whole concept of religion because it's not something anyone ever pushed on me.

I live a prayer
each step, each breath
a psalm of praise
to existence in this sphere

My passage bends a blade
of grass beneath my feet
in a dance of glory
that today I live

and breathe in supplication
to the need for oxygen
I drink in acceptance
that my thirst must slake
with elements tied together

and arranged for my use
that moves me
amongst the life
gravity holds to this sphere

this earth, my life, a prayer.

 

[Angeline]

I live a prayer
each step, each breath
a psalm of praise
to existence in this sphere

My passage bends a blade
of grass beneath my feet
in a dance of glory
that today I live

and breathe in supplication
to the need for oxygen
I drink in acceptance
that my thirst must slake
with elements tied together

and arranged for my use
that moves me
amongst the life
gravity holds to this sphere

this earth, my life, a prayer.

 

[Anschul]

Okay, I'm only going to make this offer once. Since AA and I have been practicing Unitarian Universalism for about ten years now (I haven't given Judaism up completely, but for me now it's a cultural thing, not a faith thing), I just want to say that having read the scores posted here already, including more people listing UU at the top or near the top of the list (usually first or second), we're hosting a UU meeting here at the house next Sunday. All those who wish to join up (now that you've officially seen the light--not so fast, Leon), bring a dish.

 

[UnderYourSpell]

Me? Rigid? Only when it counts!

Coming from a Roman Catholic background, I didn't like the guilt trip. Even thinking is sinful? Give me a break!!!

.
.

Mmmmmmm

It's interesting what drives us to answer the way we do on that quiz. I have virtually no religious upbringing. My family was very strongly culturally Jewish, but we never (and I do mean never) went to temple. The only times I can even remember being around a rabbi were cousins' bar mitzvahs, weddings, family funerals. So I have nothing but whatever beliefs I've cobbled together on my own to influence my choices. And I actually consider myself pretty spiritual, but not in ways any traditional religions present it. I've gone to church on occasion with ee (who was raised Catholic like you). He doesn't go regularly, but once in a while it appeals to him. We've gone to temple up here, too, just so he could see what a Jewish service is like. I feel very comfortable with the whole concept of religion because it's not something anyone ever pushed on me.

I was brought up Methodist Chapel made to go to Sunday school every week and when I was old enough chapel again in the afternoon. I was christened when I was 5 and I can remember it happening. We did a lot of social things with the chapel in our village and the surrounding villages as well as the usual festive occassions Harvest home was a great favourite and I reckon Methodists have the best hymns and I still remember the words

 

[normal jean]

...................

 

[Anschul]

To all the rising Unitarian Universalists out there (you know who you are!):
This is who we are.

Not another word.

There's a TV show on the Learning Channel called "A Baby Story." For those of you who don't know, this is a half-hour documentary in which cameras and interviewers impose themselves on a pregnant couple (or family) three or four times during the pregnancy, and then follow the couple into the delivery room to tape the delivery. Then they make one follow-up visit with cameras once the baby comes home. It's all edited down into a half hour of road kill TV.
They choose their families based on query letters sent to them. Late during her first pregnancy, and until she went back to work, AA became obsessed with this TV show. Partly it was Post-partum depression, and partly it was boredom, but it is what it is. When she discovered that she was pregnant again, she immediately sat down and wrote them a letter. A writer and professional convincer, she dazzled them with her words, and we were chosen to be followed (I won't bore you with the awful details of THAT ordeal).
But the key element of the letter, and of her argument, was that (a) she was due on Black Friday; and (b) we were a family made up of a Jew and a Methodist who now practiced Unitarian Universalism, but still celebrated the holidays as we did as Jews and Methodists. Further, my son, who still lived with us, had converted to Islam. Ergo, as they would come into our house just days before our delivery (and the day of, of course) they would witness the trappings of Hannukah, Christmas, and Ramadan--not to mention a gay, chain-smoking, pot-smoking, alcoholic sister-in-law; a toddler; 2 rescued greyhounds; and a mother-and-son pair of cats--all rolled into one small mad suburban townhouse. And we both still went to work every day. It was a hoot. Did I mention our due-date was Black Friday?

And you think the holidays around YOUR house are fun?

 

[Homburg]

MIS' folks have a pair of rescued greyhounds. Those are some powerfully annoying dogs. Messed up, seriously. In their defense, they are likely messed up due to breeding and abuse, but, wow, annoying.

One of them was a huge winner, apparently. I've not seen her run long distance, but when she runs in the yard, she flies. Beautiful to watch.

Still annoying though.

 

[sassynyc]

I quit going to church when I was 10 because they called my mom to the front of the congregation and made her confess and repent for drinking wine and dancing on her and my dad's anniversary. Someone saw them at the restaurant and "reported" them. My mom left in tears, dragging us behind and the next Sunday, the Preacher and the whole darned congregation came to our home, held hands and sang hymns at us. Looking back, it was like being thrust into Salem's Lot or Race with the Devil. It was horrible.

I am horrified, and pissed to high hell for you. My parents are from the south, and were both raised Baptists, though they became Pentocostal and raised us that way. So, we had the speaking of tongues, the infamous hell, fire and brimstone...the whole bit. Church mostly felt like, you were being scared into "living right", which was of course, according to their interpretation. I could never wrap my mind around following a group because I was scared not to. For me, it would remove all sincerity, and what would be the point?

I grew up, being force fed religion, which automatically made me resent it. The whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth. I only step foot inside a church for two occasions: weddings and funerals. Oddly enough, though I have a nearly allergic reaction to church, I do respect it. I have no personal interest in it, but I have known decent, kind hearted people from various church backgrounds. Unfortunately, in my experience, the bad outweighed the good. So much so, that I never wanted to revisit that life.

 

[PandoraGlitters]

I'm sweet on BJ.

Me, too. Shh.

@ Sassy, I had this church girl come over each week with some other of Jehovah's Witnesses. She was cute and didn't take me too seriously. I teased her a lot with delicious coffee she wouldn't drink.

But I know she wanted it. hehe

 

[sassynyc]

Me, too. Shh.

@ Sassy, I had this church girl come over each week with some other of Jehovah's Witnesses. She was cute and didn't take me too seriously. I teased her a lot with delicious coffee she wouldn't drink.

But I know she wanted it. hehe

I'm sure you were rebuked for your wicked temptress ways.....even if you didn't know about it.

 

[normal jean]

...............

 

[bluebell]

Sometimes you bump into the most beautiful people around here.
And by beautiful I mean, people you can't see except for inside the husk. Even despite a picture avatar, vanity is disbanded. And what a relief.
I've never thought of myself as beautiful or vain. Merely plain and watchful. But lately I wonder what constitutes vapidity and whether it's somehow managed to rub off on me by horrifyingly silent means. For the worst. Marring thoughts of myself. And how mean that is, in turn, to others.
How to get past worrying about this shell. How to not take it so seriously. How to stop thinking about it when it clearly doesn't deserve as much leverage as we give it. It's the outside of the building. You think you've made a measure of progress and then you see you're still kicking in the shallow end of the pool.

I'm confronted with the inconsequence of my thoughts when I accidentally brush up against truly exquisite souls.
Scary really, how some people radiate from depths you can't see. Like reading a story. You can know characters. Who they are. They animate. They take shape. Immutable shape.
They are so wholly themselves. It rises up out of them. Off of them. They know corners and flashlights and courage.

I want to savor them slowly, with precision. But that usually requires permission. And permission usually requires giving voice to thoughts. And giving voice to thoughts usually requires some measure of bravery.
They may never know who they are.

 

[PandoraGlitters]

bluebell, you are a beautiful person and a compelling writer.

 

[Guest]

Gah, they're idiots!

If the error doesn't follow their troubleshooting script, Symantec analysts can't help you.

I spent the better part of an hour explaining the problem and how they might help me, but they're complete morons that follow script of questions to ask you. More annoying is going through this over a chat window. I type my issue and question, a full paragraph and I get, "May I ask what country you are in?"

STFU, Symantec.

 

[PandoraGlitters]

2-22

Those boys fed on mother's milk and Sahara wind
and now they are heat resistant. Nothing happens
he isn't ready for. I only worry that he will get cold.
I'm building my own staircase up Pharos Lighthouse
word by word, chipping them by hand climbing up
carrying Scotch and a lighter and dangerous words,
the verbs especially.

 

[normal jean]

;............

 

[normal jean]

.........................

 

[champagne1982]

If the error doesn't follow their troubleshooting script, Symantec analysts can't help you.

I spent the better part of an hour explaining the problem and how they might help me, but they're complete morons that follow script of questions to ask you. More annoying is going through this over a chat window. I type my issue and question, a full paragraph and I get, "May I ask what country you are in?"

STFU, Symantec.

LOL. I spent nearly two hours being frustrated by Dell call-desk tech suppies. It seems as soon as my warranty expired, so did my desktop. This is not a low-powered, midget- memory beast either. It is one of the higher end home computing models that I can't get to accept a video driver. I reformatted my disk and partitioned and de-partitioned and lost a whole lotta writing and important email in the process.

So, I call them up to confirm that I'll be needing a motherboard or a new video card. The guy has me download a network driver to my laptop and then upload it to the desktop (stuck in 4 bit video mode with a lot of visual noise on the screen. Then he fucks around for an hour downloading sound drivers and printer drivers and all sorts of shit, basically treating me like a moron. He finally tries to get the video rolling and my screen blacks out at home. He can still see my desktop on his end, so yes, it's my computer, not the operator. We tried 3 times and all 3 times the result was the same as I'd told him about already.

About 8 months ago I'd had the same problem and the phone tech told me that if it reoccurred that it was my motherboard. Up to the point of yesterday I was quite prepared to purchase a replacement motherboard and video card from Dell. The supervisor on the other end told me that their contract with me had expired so they were unwilling to back date the first occurance of this problem to 2 weeks prior so that I'd be under warranty. Pricks.

I informed him that since he was toeing the company line so closely that I couldn't fault the service I'd recieved but that I'd be damned if another Dell product found its way into my life again.

Now I need a printer cartridge for, yep, my Dell photo printer/scanner. Piss me off.