Linda Z

Yes, it's well known that RFR prefers to work behind the scenes rather than commit her words to public record. I seldom heard her teach or say anything publicly other than what people have described..."Welcome to blah blah blah." But I'll bet there are people around here who had to deal with her when on staff or who got "confronted" by her for one reason or another. I recall IGotOut sharing a letter she wrote him when he dared to ask questions about what was going on in twi. Did anyone else get such a letter? Did anyone else have a one-on-one conversation with her that left you scratching your head? By the way, out of curiosity, a question for those who left HQ in recent years: Did she carry on the tradition of "sharing" in the HQ dining room at lunchtime after LCM's departure? Or is she the great puppeteer in that regard, as well? The reason I think this topic is important is that I have a hunch many people still in twi are fooled by the sappy, sweet, gracious PR front she puts on. I don't think they know there's a Fox in the hen house.

We spend a lot of time talking about what VPW and LCM did wrong and that's fine, but they're pretty much history. what about the current president of twi? Out of what "abundance of the heart does [her] mouth speak(eth)"? Here are a couple to start off: During my annual work evaluation in Way Publications in 1985, I told Rosalie Rivenbark I was concerned that between the long work hours and the many mandatory meetings and events at HQ, on top of caring for my home and child, I barely had time to read the Bible, much less study it. Her response (paraphrased, but this was the gist of it): "You don't need to read the Bible so much now. After all, you're reading the Way Magazine and other Way publications every day in your work." RFR to our department receptionist: "If Dr. Wierwille calls, tell him I'm not here." To those of you who are still in twi, this is the woman who's in charge of "your ministry." Think about it. Does she sound like someone who should be making decisions that affect your life?

Exsie, those wine glasses had the Wierwille family crest on 'em. I forget what event they were given out for, but I remember thinking, "HUH?!? Why on earth would I want a wine glass with that???"

I don't personally know anyone who'd return to twi, and I wouldn't go back, whether it miraculously changed back to the "1972 twi" I first knew or if it stayed as it is now. No interest. I have few regrets about my time in twi, but that was then and this is now. That's one reason I've never gotten involved with an offshoot--to me it would feel like going backwards. (I'm sure people are learning and growing in offshoots if that's their desire--it's just not the direction I want/feel I need to go.) I learned a lot while in twi. Some of what I learned I kept, and some I tossed out. I hope that as I continue on life's journey, I'm still learning and growing and moving forward.

Buffy the Dragonslayer said, "Why isn't it kosher? You just did it yourself." Okay, that's it. At risk of banishment for a GS time-out, let me just say this: Pat, why do you persist in acting like such a jerk?

Grizzy said, "A person’s life and heart are always more important than the 'cause.'* Amen, my furry friend, amen. And a bouquet of amens to what Jason P said. And another amen to IGotOut's example of a possible alternative response.

Suzie: Unfortunately, I found Ian on one of those sites that search public records and let you know they found some, but you gotta pay to see 'em (I think it was a link on switchboard.com). I do think it could well be the right Ian, though, since it's an uncommon name and it was the right age ("approx. 30"). They did show a record for him in OR in 2001 or 2, and then in GA in 2003, I believe. The record they found could be something as unrevealing as his getting a traffic ticket while passing through Ga. Not much help. Sorry. :(-->

Thanks, GStG. That was driving me crazy. Linda was such a great mom to her two boys, and was always such a sweet, giving person in the years I knew her. I really hope she's okay. Such cute boys. It's hard to imagine that they're grown men now.

Exsie: VP died 5/85 and Passing of a Patriarch was first read to the Corps 4/86 and again at Corps Week that year. I'm not sure about the date of the Schoenheit paper. I don't think I heard anything about it until '87 or '88, but it might have been circulating for a while by then.

Suzie, did you try yahoo.com's people search? I came up with 8 Linda Boyds in SC. Also, did you try searching her boys' names? I found a few listings for Ian. Can't remember her other son's name...I must be getting old! I hope she's ok, and if you find her, please tell her I said hi. She and I were neighbors in NK when we were both on staff.

Aw shucks, DM, I almost never reprimand anyone. Just was tryin' to give you a heads-up that you might have misinterpreted what had been posted. :D--> :)--> :D--> :)-->

Who are you addressing, dmiller, as needing to "open...mouth and change feet"? If you're addressing Refiner, every quote in his first post in this thread is verbatim from John's paper, from the appendixes showing the faulty reasons that were used to say that adultery/fornication are okay. I think you might be misinterpreting his point in posting them here. :)-->

I've been watching it. Interesting stuff. Forgive me, but I'd like to tell the new governor's wife to just shut up--such a devious woman who enjoys her new role as First Lady of the Colony too much. And what's with the new governer? I didn't really notice before tonight, but you never see him working. You only see him standing around watching other people work, backbiting, and pontificating. I thought I wouldn't like the new "Company boss," but so far he seems rather wise. It'll be interesting to see how the colony does. Tom, did you ever watch any of the other PBS shows that had people going back in time to live? There was one a year or two ago that took place in England, I think during WW I.

Psalmie, the seller couldn't have gotten your info from PayPal. That's the whole point of PayPal--it serves as sort of a neutral party between you and the seller so that you DON'T have to give sellers your credit card info. Zixar is probably right. I get all sorts of "spoof" e-mails claiming to be from PayPal, ebay, and ebay buyers/sellers. Often they ask you to verify your info. One I got claiming to be from ebay looked so legit that you could click on links in the e-mail that made it appear you were really on ebay, right down to being able to search for items. Ebay has an address where you can send suspected spoof e-mail. I suggest if you haven't deleted ANY e-mails pertaining to ebay and PayPal that you forward them to ebay so they can investigate. But as Zix said, go to ebay with your browser. Don't ever use the links in a suspicious e-mail to get there. Here's a link to ebay's "Spotting and reporting spoof e-mails" page: http://pages.ebay.com/education/spooftutorial/ and a link for securing your account and reporting account theft: http://pages.ebay.com/help/confidence/isgw...-reporting.html Good luck!

Pat said to LongGone: "Still showing only the side that is favorable to your TWI handlers are you?" hahahahahahahaha! Pat, if you would read anything besides the threads that are about you and your cause, you would know how silly it is to refer to LG's "twi handlers." Honestly, isn't it a little ridiculous to accuse people of "being in twi" just because their opinions differ from yours?

Krys, I love the Ellen show, too. I've always liked her noncaustic and snappy sense of humor, and she's so nice! There are a couple newer sitcoms I like: Two Men and a Boy with John Cryer and Charlie Sheehan, and Scrubs. Scrubs is unique and offbeat. Others that make me chuckle are Absolutely Fabulous (outrageous British sitcom) and That 70s Show. I LOVE the mother on that one! As for Frasier and Friends, I can't wait till they're over. I liked them both (Frasier more than Friends), but all the hype surrounding their final shows has gotten to be a bit much.

Thanks for sharing your sweet memories with us, and happy birthday, Isaac! I'm sorry for all you went through, but glad you ended up with a little boy to love and nurture after all that. Linda Z

I'm so glad she came back, Dan!! The little stinkers sure can gives us scares when they go off like that!!

You call that road rage, Simon? Methinks you've lived too long in the laid-back Southwest. In New York, they'd call that courtesy!! :D-->

I just want to thank Simon and Rocky for showing me a grand time in Phoenix. Joe chauffeured me all around in his big truck, and I got to see Rocky's eagles in the flesh! Very cool. And they both put up with waiting around for me to make my donation to the casinos. One must always share abundantly when gathering together with the brethren, dontcha know. I loved getting together with you two and with my wonderful FIII friend...that was a bonus! I didn't even know she still lived in Arizona. And Exsie, I was dissapointed that we couldn't get you on the phone hook-up. You coulda led the singin'! Maybe next time! So Simon and Rocky, thanks for showing me a good time. Hope you had as much fun as I did!! xoxo, Linda Z

Yeah, dry heat. Like sitting in an oven versus sitting in a 100-degree rainforest. Whee! :-) I don't mind so much. It's cold and rainy here now. I hope that plane flies HIGH over Kansas! Sorry you can't come, Exsie dear. But yes, let's do Vegas sometime!

Maybe I'm not getting Radar's point, either. I'd think the only people who'd buy LCM's books and the later editions of VPW's books would be those who are still in and can get them right from the bookstore. In general used-book terms, the earlier the edition, the higher the value, so I'd agree with OM there. In ex-twi terms, the earlier the edition, the more likely that someone who was in before the f®og(gy the gremlin) years and might be waxing sentimental for the good old days or having regrets about tossing their books would pay the big bucks to buy those books at auction. My 2 cents, anyway. Linda

Hahahah Simon. Aw heck, just bring the kids along, but please ditch the Bishop! :D-->

Hey Simon! (sorry for derail) I figure if Simon lurks anywhere, it's prolly here, so pardon me for using this as voice mail. :)--> I'm gonna be in Phoenix this weekend. I think Rocky and I are gonna get together. I'll call him first chance I get on Saturday. If you wanna join us, would you, por favor, give Rocky a call? Or you could e me (zinda@nacs.net), if you do it by tomorrow night. Would love to see ya (and anyone else who lives in Phoenix, but I think that's just Rocky and you). And Exsie, if you want to jump on a plane and join us, the more the merrier! I could probably smuggle you into my room. :D--> Linda Z Back to your regularly scheduled food discussion. I loved those peanut butter bars, too, NIKA!

Right pew, wrong church! Sorry