Mr Ceour de Lion II

but what an anti climax. Selling a house in France from 3500 miles away has probably been one of the hardest things I've ever done. To make matters worse, my ex, who was still a joint owner, lives in Australia, so the time taken to get things done was extended. But last Thursday, the house finally completed, but I had to call the notaires to find out if it had actually gone through. I received no email, had no idea where the money was going, and it wasn't until over 24 hours later I actually had any written confirmation. After all my efforts and stress, I didn't even have the satisfaction of proper closure. But, it's finally over, all that remains is to bring the money I got from the sale (half what I paid for and put into the house), over to the States, so I can pay for my wedding next month (and my college too). Life goes on, and sometimes great sacrifices and losses have to be paid to carry on. I'm just trying to come to terms with that now, as I do feel bitter (and I don't want to feel this way). Oh yes, the house settled the same day that the euro was at its weakest against the USD in over two years. Shit timing. My current signature by Gertrude Stein certainly means a lot to me right now, and I just have to get my head around the losses and move forward.

Thanks Norm. Yeah I saw Midnight in Paris a few months back, it was a cute little movie.

Pretty sure I just threw my ring away. Ironically, just got my new wedding ring ordered yesterday. Going for something different to gold this time - black ceramic with a stainless steel band.

Looking for a good book about this group of expat Yanks who moved to Paris in the 20's, forming the lost generation group. Biographies, stories about the times etc. Preferably ebooks. Any recommendations? Am currently reading Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises at the moment, but want to read some background on the group.

Both the kids have itouches and they have synched their accounts on their dad's computer. They then wanted me to download and put some songs on their itouches. Of course, once I synched their itouches to their laptops, all hell broke loose with itunes, which complained bitterly at me. I eventually walked away, tail between me legs and went to the comparative comfort of my Android phone.

itunes sends shivers up me spine.

in fact, this wasn't taken in France at all, but just wanted a critique of this photo of the big black lab that lives with me, that I took a photo of the other day. [img]https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/394641_3433616160953_22919900_n.jpg[/img]

Keeps it in the family.

You may have seen on the news the big storm that hit the east coast of the USA. Was caught up in that. Never seen anything so violent in my life. Seen some pretty spectacular storms in Australia, but this one was incredible. Took two hours to pass, and the night sky was constantly lit up with thunder. Lost power quickly, but thankfully this returned 6 hours later. No cable, telephone or internet for the following two days, but we were very lucky. A couple of kids were sadly killed when a tree fell on their tent about 5 miles from where I live. Still many people are without power, but thankfully the temperatures have dropped to early 30's now. This heat without air conditioning is brutal. Loads of trees blew over, and in our neighborhood alone, there were many trees uprooted. We have everything back online now, and no damage thankfully, but I have never seen such a brutal storm.

He's a quitter.

Sounds like you lot are getting the weather we had in New Jersey last week. Ridiculously hot, thank god for air conditioning though. This week is somewhat cooler though.

Back in the day it was probably cleaner to be circumcised. Nowadays, it's not so important. To be honest, not so sure why men are so worried about having one or not. Makes no difference to their life that I can see.

Tape is a good solution, means you can go hands free lol

[quote user="PaulT"][quote user="Mr Ceour de Lion II"] If it were a child, I would probably have said ok to give the blood, and then taken the responsibility up with the almighty as and when. But the child wouldn't be condemned for it as it would have been my decision. [/quote] Think you will find that in the UK where a parent has stopped a doctor giving a needed transfusion to a child it goes to court where a judge unfailingly orders the transfusion. As for Germans not fighting well, they had a superb orator as their leader who told them of the riches to be gained, just as some religions do. Paul [/quote] Yet some still had the insight to see what he was doing was wrong, and make a stand against it. Don't know about UK law, doesn't apply to me. I was a JW for about 4 years when I lived in Australia.

We're all controlled though. We'll never get away from that whether we like it or not.

[quote user="Quillan"]I wonder if the young JW girl in the concentration camp was displeased when the allied soldiers arrived and freed her then afterwards fed her. My guess, and it's only a guess, is that she was very pleased indeed and probably didn't care that many people gave their lives and killed to accomplish her freedom. I don't in general have a problem with JW's. As I said my neighbours are JW's and we get on very well, helping each other out, feeding each others animals when we take a holiday etc. It's what you do in life, help people. My only sticking point is this blood thing. Whatever my beliefs I could not sit by and what a much loved member of my family die when I know for sure there is a fix like giving them something as simple as blood. The JW thinking that God will fix it often falls short because he does not and the person dies. Of course the stock "get out of jail free" answer will be "well it's Gods will" which quite frankly, in this day and age, does not work. As to the comments about which religious group kills whom over the centuries that is something I totally agree with. I always say that I don't have a problem with God just religion which is why I would love to see it banned. I have also always believed that rather than let people fight world leaders who want to engage in war should be put in a locked room with a sword each and the last man (or woman) left standing is the winner. I doubt you would get many takers on the basis that most are cowards and the thought of having to get their own hands 'dirty' would stop them immediately. [/quote] Of course, I can't speak for her, but knowing the woman she is (or was now, I dare say she's probably dead now), she would have cared deeply, and been very sorry about all the deaths. I saw her reaction to the 9/11 attacks, and how sorrowful she was about that. I do agree with you on the blood thing. I never had to deal with the issue as I was much younger when I was a JW so I let that go until such time I would have to deal with it. Thankfully I didn't have to. If it was a loved one in need of blood and I was still a member, I don't know what I would have done in that situation. Depends on how great my faith was at the time I guess, and my loved one's wishes of course. If it were a child, I would probably have said ok to give the blood, and then taken the responsibility up with the almighty as and when. But the child wouldn't be condemned for it as it would have been my decision. Although I am not religious, I do think on the whole religion does help bring together a sense of community, and for that I have no issue with it. But it's the extremists in everything that spoil it for the majority. I don't think banning religion would do a thing, because extremists will always find something else to use as a tool for their inbred hatred. I too would love to see leaders have a punch up and leave the rest of us out of it, but sadly that will never happen. As I say, I am an atheist now, but I wanted to come in and try to at least provide some perspective from the other side.

[quote user="idun"][quote user="Mr Ceour de Lion II"]Absolutely JWs are Christians. In fact, they are probably closest to the original christians, as they have attempted to get all the pagan teachings out of christianity. that's why they do not celebrate things like christmas and easter because they have nothing to do with christianity. The trinity was not introduced into doctrine until 325 CE I think at the council of Nicea by Emporer Constantinople. There is no mention of the trinity in the Bible, nor does Jesus ever claim to be god, but always the son of god. In fact, if Jesus was god, how could he ever resurrect himself? It's illogical. The trinity is the most confusing concept invented in christendom, and is why no church has ever been able to explain it because it makes no sense. [/quote]   Yet again surprised by this post. As you say in your last sentence, 'it makes no sense'. [:D] Well none of it makes any sense to me and didn't either when I was a child. In France we had JW's round. They started by asking me if I wanted to find something like the 'joy' of god, and I said, that whatever they believed in, it didn't seem to be bringing them much 'joy' as they were the most miserable people I had ever met. And the girl we knew who is back to being a JW. Well what can I say, she was always a happy slapper and if she puts as much happiness and enticement into her current mission, then she may well, do well with getting converts. [/quote] I can't speak for individuals, but most of the people in my congregation always seemed happy.

[quote user="Quillan"]Also the prime object of the military is not to kill people but to be a deterrent. That's something that is instilled in to you when you join up (well in the UK it is). The conflicts that the UK, US and a couple of other countries are currently involved in are, allegedly, to stop terrorism and in particular the extreme Muslim terrorists. These terrorist, or so we are told, want us all to submit to the Koran, more importantly their twisted interpretation of the Koran. Therefore, logically those countries involved are fighting to protect Christian beliefs of all Christian groups including JW's. The bible is a very clever book. It threatens people with the wrath of God should you ignore the believes within it and it also, via the Ten Commandments, has provided Christian countries and much of the world with the basic laws to govern. [/quote] That's fine, but remember when Christ was around, people were wanting him to save them from the Romans? That wasn't Christ's mission at all, and you can see many accounts in the bible where people of god have been under foreign rule or oppression. JWs exist in countries where it is illegal to preach. Even the French government has greatly restricted their movement, yet they still do it, oppressed or not. And many would continue under this oppression. It's not about being physically free, so much mentally free. In some ways that takes even greater courage. But, it is their personal choice, and as long as it harms no one, where is the problem? I also wonder how many christians were murdering one another during all these wars over the ages. This is another reason JWs don't fight. They put their god above their nation (which all leaders profess to do too), and so if their country goes to war with another, how could they potentially be expected to kill one of their own because their leaders disagree on something?

[quote user="PaulT"][quote user="Mr Ceour de Lion II"] It is something that is rarely an issue. If life is so precious, why do so many people sign up for military service, knowing there is a good chance they will die for their country? They will die for their beliefs? It's no different, is it? [/quote] So on that basis in 1914 and 1939 if the British thought along those lines then Britain would not have had the military forces to defend itself and the Germans would have marched right in, Jews etc exterminated and, should my ancestors have survived, I would be typing this in German. Sometimes turning the other cheek is extremely painful. [/quote] Using your logic there, had the Germans also thought along those lines, then there wouldn't have been a war to start with. Funny you should mention about the Jews, because German JWs were put in the same camps as the Jews. The German JWs were the few people with the guts to make a stand against Hitler and refuse to bow down to his leadership. I imagine that would have taken a great deal of courage to do. The Jews had the star, the JWs had the purple triangle. I knew an elderly German JW woman, she was split from her family as a young girl, and never saw her parents again as they were all put into separate camps. She managed to live through it. Their logic is that this world will end, and a new one will be formed. They do not believe we go to heaven when we die (which incidentally, the bible doesn't say we do go to heaven when we die either), but resurrected on earth, to live how was originally intended (as Adam & Eve before they sinned). There is so much pagan influence in today's christianity that it can be hard to see. It's why if I ever did believe in god again, I could never go into one of the mainstream christian religions.

[quote user="just john "][quote user="Mr Ceour de Lion II"]  JWs seek answers for themselves, are encouraged to think for themselves and learn for themselves.  Now whose [sic] the more intelligent? [/quote] I've always thought that intelligence was the ability to think and act accordingly; following some dictat that blood is unacceptable as a result of minor view doctrine in the 21st century is perverse not intelligent. Life is the single most valuable thing, denial of which is the biggst sin; anyone requiring hospitalisation should be signing themselves over to advice and practice therein, certainly not attempting to overule best practice. [/quote] It is something that is rarely an issue. If life is so precious, why do so many people sign up for military service, knowing there is a good chance they will die for their country? They will die for their beliefs? It's no different, is it? I am batting for the JWs here, but I do want to make it clear that I am no longer one, I do not believe in god, but I do believe JC existed, and I still do believe in many of his teachings. I also believe that if the bible is true, they have the closest accurate interpretation of the bible. The true christian life is a tough one. I am grateful for my experiences as one, although I always hated doing the door to door stuff. It was certainly an interesting period of my life and I met some amazing people there. But ultimately, it wasn't for me, and it led to a greater understanding of myself. So, I felt I had to take up the challenge and at least try to put across the other side of the coin to this debate. I'm very rusty though, it's been quite a few years since I did anything like this. So I'll sign off on this one, an atheist, batting a little for the JWs. :)

Absolutely JWs are Christians. In fact, they are probably closest to the original christians, as they have attempted to get all the pagan teachings out of christianity. that's why they do not celebrate things like christmas and easter because they have nothing to do with christianity. The trinity was not introduced into doctrine until 325 CE I think at the council of Nicea by Emporer Constantinople. There is no mention of the trinity in the Bible, nor does Jesus ever claim to be god, but always the son of god. In fact, if Jesus was god, how could he ever resurrect himself? It's illogical. The trinity is the most confusing concept invented in christendom, and is why no church has ever been able to explain it because it makes no sense.

But it's not human sacrifice. If the person has made a conscious decision to refuse blood treatment (which incidentally has only been available for not very long at all), then that is their choice. The issue I do have with it, is when the decision is made for children. But I do not believe in baptising children either, religion should always be a personal choice. But if the person has said no blood, then the doctors must respect that. These people die for their belief in god. Is it really any different for a soldier dieing for their country?

Then I think you are just as bigoted as those you are criticize, Q I'm afraid. I may not be a JW anymore, heck I don't even believe in god anymore, but if you were to highlight just one group of christians that follow the bible properly, it would be the JWs. Unlike most other christian sects, they actually study the book, and most apply it to their lives and live by it. Military personnel only do as they are told, without question. JWs seek answers for themselves, are encouraged to think for themselves and learn for themselves. Unlike soldiers, they do not kill either. Now whose the more intelligent?

[quote user="Quillan"]Personally I think it's crazy and don't understand how somebody could put their beliefs above their life in this sort of situation. My argument has been with JW's is that God has made us what we are and given us the intelligence to repair ourselves and others when we are broken and therefore giving us the ability to work out how to transfer blood is all part of his great plan. Mind you JW's believe fish don't have blood so trying to impart this logic on them is bound to fail. I remember some time back that it was proposed that the state would assume everyone was an organ donor unless they carried a registered card to say they did not want to donate their organs on death. Perhaps if they implemented that with a sub section to add things to do with hospital treatment like no blood for JW and perhaps no resuscitation etc. This would get round this problem perhaps. [/quote] Rubbish. I was a JW for about 5 years and never, ever heard that one. The blood issue for me was one I never really paid much attention to, because it largely never was a problem for me at that time of my life. I was young and healthy. I did know several older members of the congregation who had heart bypass surgery and all had the procedure done bloodless. They all recovered far quicker than other people who had blood. Sure, incidents like this one happen every so often, but in most cases, it's the person's choice. But it always amuses me that people condemn the JW's for their stand on blood and their beliefs, yet are happy to see their nation's young soldiers being sent out to fight, murder and die for their beliefs, yet nothing is said about this.

Perhaps they should introduce some sort of 'life class', where facts about living are taught, and that can include home economics and the like. I think there's too many computer based classes, drop some of those back because everyone learns how to use a computer at home, or if not, on the job at least.