RedJessi

That might be a little bit of projecting perhaps? I've interpreted this thread as being a discussion for the reasons why people don't post in Twill - as the name implies - not why the don't like Twill. Personally, I think Twill is a great idea in one regard, as it does clearly state it is a more academic discussion which to me implies it is a less appropriate venue for the sorts of tomfoolery that other threads can joyously spiral into. But I also think Twill is divisive. I don't dislike Twill at all. But I do very consciously stay out of posting here because I don't get the feeling that outsiders are listened to or much appreciated. And I hope that my previous post at least illustrates why and that some people just might give the ideas contained therein the respect of having at least plausibility. I am not trying to change anyone's mind or get anyone to agree. But so far, I don't even feel like anything I've said has even been given a modicum of consideration - but has been, instead, dismissed out of hand.

You see, that sort of perfectly illustrates my point. Attempting to rope me into into pointing fingers and saying THIS person said THIS on such-and-such date, is perpetuating the problem. It's divisive and it's mean. And yet I am somewhat assured that I will get a chorus of eye rolling about how I won't provide "proof" (in order to be debunked of my scurrilous opinion) - as if it were possible to show hurt feelings. And even if I did, what would the response be? I already tried that. Which is why I will give this one example, though I am not copying and pasting the actual posts, nor am I pointing out the poster's name - this is just in the hope that maybe someone will listen and rethink the attitude they use. I made a post - not unlike this one - saying that maybe these terms you use are off putting because language is open to interpretation - and here are a few examples of ways your words could be interpreted as hurtful by someone outside your circle, despite having non-malicious intent in your usage. I even correlated how it was in way not dissimilar to how I imagine you feel about the term "stitch Nazi" (the usage of which I personally find beyond deplorable). The response I got was "Actually, no." Wha-huh? You can't even spend a moment to think that maybe there is the possibility that something you say might be interpreted negatively? And that is exactly part of the problem. It is how this language and attitude of superiority make others feel with the terms "pollywood", "farbs" and so forth. And further, it is the unwillingness to even listen, much less give credence, to the idea that it is those attitudes that most hurt the hobby you've all dedicated yourselves to. I think it is sad that I feel apprehensive about wearing new kit to an event because I fear I will be spoken to as if I am an idiot since I don't have a three ring binder proving that the pattern of stripes on the linen I've chosen for my stays is accurate. And it is exactly that type of fear that will keep people away.

If Twill was all about aspiring to understand history, the learn and preserve the skills of the past, or to better arm yourself with knowledge to educate the public, then I doubt this thread would exist. As such, I have to ask: if that *IS* what it is all about, then why the insulting language, the condescension and the need to put others down?

As was my intent...

A few pub members were in the video!

Calm down? My dear Ransom, whatever gave you the impression I was agitated? Not for nothing, but I got the exact same impression. Which is ironic, since it is exactly that sort of thing that keeps me from posting in Twill threads. Annnnd we've come full circle.

This article got me thinking: http://shine.yahoo.com/event/fallbeauty/image-of-ultra-thin-ralph-lauren-model-sparks-outrage-521480/ I don't think I will get any argument that the media portrayal of what we are supposed to find as "attractive" has become only ever more distorted over time. And yet.... Remarkable similarity in some respects.

My thoughts exactly Hurricane. Class all the way - which is exactly what such a ship deserves.

Ransom, that is what I go to the local RenFest for - to wear the fun, totally non-PC pirate gear, complete with reversible upholstry fabric, big brass grommets, high collars and coat tails. Which is just as much fun to me as anything else!

On the Motley topic, Nikki Sixx's new bad (Sixx A.M.) is entertaining rock for the most part - and the album is a good companion to his book - The Heroin Diaries - which is an edited down version of the diary he kept during his worst drug use, when he notoriously flat lined with a needle in his arm.

All the same, Kudos to the ship's operators for not asking for special exception and for working to improve an already beautiful vessel.

I had thought there was an existing thread, but I got too lazy to make a decent search of it. heh - sorry!

Today, I am apparently all about the Foo Fighters. Not the least reason being that I am attempting to teach myself (with my limited skill) how to play a few of their songs on the guitar (for the morbidly curious, Razor and Another Round are the songs I am currently butchering on my long suffering instruments). What are you listening to, pirates?

I got the exact same results as Captain Sterling. Does this mean I get a promotion?!

It looks like you could achieve the same effect by tea staining?

During Thomas Jefferson's presidency he and a group of travelers were crossing a river that had overflowed its banks. Each man crossed on horseback fighting for his life. A lone traveler watched the group traverse the treacherous river and then asked President Jefferson to take him across. The president agreed without hesitation, the man climbed on, and the two made it safely to the other side of the river where somebody asked him: "Why did you select the President to ask this favor?" The man was shocked, admitting he had no idea it was the President of the United States who had carried him safely across. "All I know," he said, "is that on some of your faces was written the answer 'No' and on some of them was the answer 'Yes.' His was a 'Yes' face." "The most significant decision I make each day is my choice of an attitude. When my attitudes are right there's no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme and no challenge too great." - Charles Swindoll

It's another great read!

May You Be Blessed May you be blessed with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you will live deep within your heart. May you be blessed with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people so that you will work for justice, equality and peace. May you be blessed with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you will reach out your hand to comfort them and change their pain into joy. May you be blessed with the foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world, so that you will do the things which others tell you cannot be done.

http://beachpiratefestival.com/ The posting on the main forum is incorrect - the real info is available at the link above. Anyone going?

An update: The test results came back in support of there being a problem with the nerves originating somewhere in my spine. I was supposed to have a thoracic and lumbar MRI this morning, but Aetna seems to think that one does not need to see the entire spine in order to diagnose a spinal issue and have thus put my clinicals "under review". Because they are agents of SATAN. Thus, no MRI for me today. They are supposed to come back with an answer by end of business today.

um?

My thoughts are with you and your family ((HUGS))

I've been working on an art journal recently - here are a few of my favorite pages:

Maybe it just me, but it seems like everyone has times when they can use a a healthy dose of something positive. Something inspirational or sensical or even just a break from the daily rhetoric the media feeds us about terrorism, violence and threat levels - the political punditry and the fact that the number of hate groups around the country has increased by more than 50 percent since 2000, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center and all that other stuff about life that can just feel oppressive after awhile. So, here's thread where maybe when you need a healthy dose of something better, you can poke in and maybe find it. (9 hells! I've gone granola!!) The Wolf You Feed An elder Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life. He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me.. it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One wolf represents fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." "The other stands for joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith." "This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too", he added. The Grandchildren thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?" The old Cherokee simply replied... "The one you feed."

To sleep — perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub! For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause. I suppose, for myself, I haven't seen much "pausing", or healthy debate for that matter. And if someone like YOU doesn't know if they are up to the "standards of these folks here" - then there is precious little hope for the rest of us grunts.