﻿<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><channel><title>Masonic Forum / General / Knobs &amp; Excrescences </title><generator>InstantForum.NET v4.1.4</generator><description>Masonic Forum</description><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/</link><webMaster>community@thefreemason.com</webMaster><lastBuildDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:26:34 GMT</lastBuildDate><ttl>20</ttl><item><title>Advice?</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic19533-11-1.aspx</link><description>&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Brothers, I am loathe to pose this question to my own brethern for fear of mockery or judgement. Suffice to say, I have encountered some difficulty with a woman, with a fairly strained relationship. I am not comfortable speaking to her and whilst I have politely and tactfully tried to convey that sentiment, she does not take the message. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I asked her out for coffee, and got a very long winded, vague, ambigious answer that amounted to a no. Fair enough, that is her perogative. I was disappointed she could not have been candid, but I decided to just move on.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Her son, approached me in the street, and in no uncertain terms, made it very clear that I had better stay well away from her, or else he would render me harm. I am of course, putting it politely brothers, for I do not wish to use the vile language he used.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I am a law graduate, and, given that it was only myself and him at that time, there is no way of the police following it up. He said-he said, it wouldnt even get past the desk sergeant.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Either his mother is playing some bizzare game, or she is totally oblivious to what transpired previously, and I really do not know what to do. She approaches me, and despite my best attempts to move away, she simply does not take the hint. Brothers I am APPALLED to admit this, but given the way things have been progressing...I have been sorely tempted to rely upon that very specific protection that we are accorded in our 3rd degree. GHSOD (Id rather not say it in full).&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Brothers, I hope you will read the above and not judge me unduly, or mock me for it. I really have not a clue what to do, and so in this time of doubt, difficulty and distress, it is in my BROTHERS, to whom I place my faith.</description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:36:21 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Gabranth</dc:creator></item><item><title>faith and tolerance</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic18987-11-1.aspx</link><description>[b]wiki[/b]&lt;br&gt;[quote]Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true, belief in and assent to the truth of what is declared by another, based on his or her supposed authority and truthfulness.[/quote]&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;[quote]Tolerance is a terms used to describe attitudes which are "tolerant" (or moderately respectful) of practices or group memberships that may be disapproved of by those in the majority. In practice, "tolerance" indicates support for practices that prohibit ethnic and religious discrimination. [/quote]&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;we can clearly see that having faith in something doesnt necessarily mean its accurate..&lt;br&gt;iow, assumptions of the highest degree..&lt;br&gt;being tolerant of anothers faith implies that u respect those (perhaps educated / inspired) guesses.. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;in the now locked thread "supreme being" i suggested the possibility of a multitude of (equal) creators.. (just a guess)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;this and my observation "believing something is true doesnt make it true" was not met with tolerance..&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;i may or may not be clearly a freemason, but i do believe in its values..</description><pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:01:56 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>mgc</dc:creator></item><item><title>THE Jokes Topic - Festive Board Ammo</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic42-11-1.aspx</link><description>Little Johnny's next door neighbour is coming home with their new born son and the boy has been born without any ears.&lt;P&gt;Johnny's dad says now johnny dont you dare mention this boy has no ears, if you dare mention it you will get the smacking of your life.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;So they go in to see the boy.  Oh what a beautiful baby says little johnny, and he looks so healthy.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;thank you little johnny says the babies mum,&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;And is his eye sight ok &lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;yes little johnny the doctor says it will be 20/20 vision.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Good says little johnny cause he would be screwed if he needed glassses. </description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:48:05 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Alan Campbell</dc:creator></item><item><title>Questionaire for Members</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic19184-11-1.aspx</link><description>Brethren,&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I am not going to bore you with the background but I have come up with a questionnaire for the younger Brethren of my Mother  Lodge as we would really love to have an overall impression of how we are doing and what we can do better.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Below is something I have drafted out quickly and I would really appreciate it if any of you had any thoughts on anything I could add or if I have put something that really should not be there.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Once I have got it all together I will print some copies off and at our next committee meeting we can finalise it and get it sent out.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Please have a look and let me know.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Thanks...&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;1	What did you think Freemasonry was before you joined?							&lt;br&gt;			&lt;br&gt;2	Why did you join? You may choose more than one!							&lt;br&gt;	1. Friendship with other men.							&lt;br&gt;	2. A nice social evening out now and again.							&lt;br&gt;	3. To be a part of something historical.							&lt;br&gt;	4. To take part in the ritual ceromonies.							&lt;br&gt;	5. To learn how to be a better person.							&lt;br&gt;	6. To help make society better.							&lt;br&gt;	7. People you know and respect are members.							&lt;br&gt;	8. Members of your family are members.							&lt;br&gt;	9. You wher approached and thought it sounded like a good idea.							&lt;br&gt;	10. Charity work.							&lt;br&gt;	11. You are interested in the phylosophical side of the Craft.							&lt;br&gt;	12. You are interested in the mystical side of the Craft.							&lt;br&gt;	13. Beacause it sounded mysterious.							&lt;br&gt;	14. Something else (answer below).							&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;3	What did you think after your initiation?							&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;4	Did you enjoy your passing and raising? What are your brief thoughts?							&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;5	Do you enjoy participating in ritual work and why do you think we do it?							&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;6	How does Freemasonry live up to your expectations?							&lt;br&gt;	1. Much worse.							&lt;br&gt;	2. Worse.							&lt;br&gt;	3. Same.							&lt;br&gt;	4. Better.							&lt;br&gt;	5. Much Better.							&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;7	Why?							&lt;br&gt;								&lt;br&gt;8	What do you currently get out of Freemasonry?							&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;9	What do you want to get out of Freemasonry?							&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;10	What would you like for us as a Lodge to do more of?							&lt;br&gt;								&lt;br&gt;11	What would you like for us as a Lodge to do less of? 							&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;12	What is the importance of Freemasonry to you?							&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;13	Does Freemasonry make you feel part of something good?							&lt;br&gt;								&lt;br&gt;								&lt;br&gt;								&lt;br&gt;								&lt;br&gt;								&lt;br&gt;								&lt;br&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:09:02 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>dp</dc:creator></item><item><title>Bellamy's People</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic19239-11-1.aspx</link><description>Anyone else here watch it? It is possibly the best comedy the beeb has put on in an aeon.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00r8dsg/Bellamys_People_Episode_7/&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If you live outside the UK this link will not work. Soory.</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:36:04 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>BrotherSteele</dc:creator></item><item><title>Satelite Picture of the UK this week</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic17253-11-1.aspx</link><description>just thought some of our friends abroad might like to see this;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;&lt;IMG src="http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Uploads/Images/fed04fde-65c5-492c-b290-a6c2.bmp"&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;This is a Satellite picture of the UK taken this week.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Stephen</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:52:12 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Vintagemalt</dc:creator></item><item><title>"Conversations with God" - Neale Donald Walsch</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic18970-11-1.aspx</link><description>I had hoped to add this to the "Supreme Being" thread, but unfortunately that had already been locked.  So I will bring these wonderful books to your attention here - possibly the more appropriate place.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Not strictly speaking masonic, but definitely of masonic relevance, given the Charge and the Tracing Board Lecture, and I honestly believe no Companion having lived through 'that' moment can truly dispute the core of these "Conversations".&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;At heart, the "Conversations" identify that All That Is, is One.  Man, God, everything.  As above, so below.  The main obstacle to understanding and truly being that unity is perception driven by one of two root emotions: Love or Fear (or one of its many derivatives).  Fear divides; Love Unites.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;In Love and Unity, as some would say.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Definitely worth a read.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;S&amp;amp;F,</description><pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:39:39 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Cora B</dc:creator></item><item><title>2012??</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic13400-11-1.aspx</link><description>What is all this stuff being posted all over the internet about the sun alignment with our galaxy centre in 2012 and armageddon??&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;is it just to promote a movie or somthing....sorry, I am just totally ignorant of this kind of thing! So does anyone know what WILL happen? I know the Mayan calender ends on 21-12-12 at 11:11am, but this end of the world thing is a wee bit over my head!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Any explanations, lovely people!?</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:51:02 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Sunburst</dc:creator></item><item><title>Rugby</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic11514-11-1.aspx</link><description>15 season is about to start&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;I play in the USA Rugby Union---&amp;gt;*consult Wikipedia for listing of all the Union teams* (play in Divisions). You have TRU (Territorial Rugby Unions) and than you have all the LRU (Local Rugby Unions) which form into Divisions (I-III), depending on the amount of teams you can have more than one Division (I-III).&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;We play in the West TRU of the United States in the Texas LRU in the North Division (Division III, the highest level of competition in Divisional play).&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;The team is called Oklahoma City Crusaders at &lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;&lt;A href="http://www.oklahomacityrugbyclub.com"&gt;http://www.oklahomacityrugbyclub.com&lt;/A&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Pretty sweet...I love Rugby and when I think of all my Masonic brothers out in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, I think about Rugby...can't help myself.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;If anyone cares about Football in general Oklahoma is crazy over football. A bit of a National obsession and Oklahoma is college football central. I don't care for American Football because of the scrimmage and the stop plays, the pads, the attitude turns me off of the sport. In general, I think we as Rugby players bring relief to all the craze over American Football.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;______&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;I have been playing for 3 years, which is baby years in this sport. If you are not familiar with Rugby, there is no age discrimination. If you are 90 and can play Rugby, you can play.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;I currently play the 11,14, and 15 positions (Wings and Fullback).&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Share your stories</description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:42:43 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Brother_TJ</dc:creator></item><item><title>Old jewel ?</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic18835-11-1.aspx</link><description>I need some help with this one. &lt;P&gt;This chapter jewel appears old and is of an early 19 century design but it's to uniform and cut cleanly. It has no markings. Late 20th Century copy ? Can anyone help and identify ? &lt;P&gt;Photo has been compressed, I have better scan ( front &amp;amp; back but big file size) if anyone needs more detail. &lt;P&gt;&lt;IMG src="http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Uploads/Images/ffa97b83-6f13-4fee-ba05-acf6.jpg"&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:00:03 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Pass the salt</dc:creator></item><item><title>World Cup 2010</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic15883-11-1.aspx</link><description>:)  Brethren &lt;P&gt;Are there any brethren coming to South Africa for the FIFA 2010 world cup ?&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Will you pack in your regalia ? Let me know and if you in my area we could visit some lodges. :)&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Let me know, &lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Fraternal greetings&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;FSB</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:25:32 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Free State Boer</dc:creator></item><item><title>Summer Olympic games</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic18682-11-1.aspx</link><description>I under stand the London is next to host the summer Olympics. A host country is given the options to offer a new sport, Candia - Hockey, US Baseball, Basketball, Football. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Is London to offer Rugby?&lt;br&gt;</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:27:29 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Tom Cherup</dc:creator></item><item><title>Masonic ?</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic18738-11-1.aspx</link><description>I was attending a Mark meeting at our Masonic Hall and after the meeting a few of the brethren decided to "clean" the place a bit. I saw among the Lodge furniture, a SOE pedistal, dated 1903. It read "Queens Lodge" and SOE, Sons of England. &lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Does anybody have any info on the Sons of England, google also does not have much ?&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;FSB</description><pubDate>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:09:37 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Free State Boer</dc:creator></item><item><title>Charity Auction/Black tie dinner venue?</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic18282-11-1.aspx</link><description>I am organising a big event for the summer in support of Help for Heroes, a charity i have been a part of since its launch. The plan is to auction off some celebrity and sporting memorobilia as well as a black tie dinner (although this might have to change to buffet!) Does anyone know of a location that i might be able to contact that would allow me to host this event. Clearly, fundraising is the raison d'etre so i am hopning for a subsidised (free?) option.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I am guessing that Gt Queen St is out of my league (always thinking high!) but if any brethren know of a location that could be a possibility, could they let me know. Dates are very flexible, August-ish would be nice but when someone is offering a kindness i am hardly going to be fussy over dates!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Advice welcome either on the forum or by pm if you prefer.</description><pubDate>Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:39:28 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Army Mason</dc:creator></item><item><title>Michigan Masons recognized at game.</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic18319-11-1.aspx</link><description>Grand Master Don Carmen and his family recently attended a Detroit Pistons Basketball game as special guests, where the Michigan Masons were recognized during the half time ceremony!</description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:40:02 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Tom Cherup</dc:creator></item><item><title>The Secret of the Olive</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic15513-11-1.aspx</link><description>I am curious to know if anyone out there has had the privilege of discovering the light in this particular mystery (the mystery of the Olive).  I found it to be profound, containing the very essence of the speculative science we find ourselves orbiting.  When the revelation at the core of the mystery made itself available to me, I found myself rethinking everything, changed.  I have never heard the mystery vocalized, a true diamond in the rough...foreign, rare, profound.  &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I feel as though it deserves its own degree, as it truly shed light on the purpose for our quest.  I dare not unveil the mystery all at once for I found the true source of light to be in the discovery.  I will say however, that it does not relate to the sprig of acacia in the traditional sense nor does it draw from Oliver (though I know he would find this mystery particularly interesting considering his stance).  &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If this is a new topic for you, I urge you to seek out the mystery. It will be worth the investigation.  If you have already discovered this precious stone, please share your light.</description><pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:50:44 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>JohnSolomon</dc:creator></item><item><title>Phone Spam Check (UK)</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic17350-11-1.aspx</link><description>If you get unsolicited calls from numbers you don't recognise, then make a note of the number and go to &lt;P&gt;&lt;A href="http://www.phonespamfilter.co.uk/"&gt;www.phonespamfilter.co.uk&lt;/A&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;then enter the phone number in the search box.  It is possible that someone has experienced this caller before and has entered the details of who it is and what they tend to want (e.g. your mobile phone company on autodial trying to flog you stuff).&lt;P&gt;What I then do is add the phone number into my contacts with an appropriate name so that if it calls again I quickly know whether or not to ignore it.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:17:29 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>sjdobby</dc:creator></item><item><title>Room bookings on the Palace Estate</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic18141-11-1.aspx</link><description>Just published (under FOI) is a document showing bookings of rooms in the Palace Estate by MP's. Aside from seeing what junkets have been thrown by MP's it is interesting to do a search through to see a few rooms used by lodges. Wondering how long before the main stream press start digging through it!&lt;P&gt;A couple of examples: &lt;FONT color=#ff1111&gt;Removed as I don't think this Forum needs to exacerbate any possible problems MM&lt;/FONT&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:44:31 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Anubis99</dc:creator></item><item><title>IRB Sevens in Wellington Tonight</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic18156-11-1.aspx</link><description>A Taste of Wellington in Seven's Fever:smooooth:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;By all accounts Wellington has barely seen a day of summer over the last couple of months but fear not because this weekend the Metservice is predicting mild weather at a comfortable 22 degrees.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Attire?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If you're not in a uniformed costume with a bunch of your nearest and dearest, you might find yourself a little out of place, especially because sources have revealed that this year's mixtures promise to be bigger, better and brighter than ever.&lt;br&gt;Some guy called Tiger Woods is reportedly one of the most popular dress up options this year but it remains doubtful whether the pretenders can live up to his legacy. Time will tell.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Other popular options are hoola-girls, Vegas showgirls, gladiators, pirates, superheroes, synchronised swimmers, bumble bees and even the seven deadly sins plan to lighten up proceedings.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Just be warned that there are a few rules:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;- No bare feet, no nudity, no fake weapons, no gang patches or high-visibility type clothing that may be confused with security staff uniforms.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;- Your costume must also fit in one seat so as not to block the view for others.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;And finally, if you haven't yet organised your costume, you're pretty much stuffed.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Food and Drink?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The stadium will have the following quantities of food and drink to cater for 35,000 fans:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Speights: 280,000 bottles&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Water and Softdrinks: 45,000 bottles&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Hot Chips: 50,000 cups&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Burgers: 15,000&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Hot Dogs: 15,000&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Chocolate Truffle Balls: 22,000&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Oh and then there is the Rugby;)</description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:49:44 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>whistler</dc:creator></item><item><title>No offence meant - just made me chuckle</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic17642-11-1.aspx</link><description>These workmen are  installing bollards to stop nurses from parking  on  the  pavement outside the Royal Hospital in Belfast .     &lt;BR&gt;They are cleaning up at the  end of the day. &lt;P&gt;&lt;IMG src="http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Uploads/Images/149d603b-2021-494e-9a1c-f7c5.jpg"&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Wonder how they think they are going to get home?&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;This is a real picture! &lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Vintagemalt</description><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jan 2010 09:21:29 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Vintagemalt</dc:creator></item><item><title>The Structure of a UGLE Lodge</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic17420-11-1.aspx</link><description>&lt;P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"&gt;&lt;SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Trebuchet MS"&gt;&lt;FONT color=#000080 size=2&gt;The Masonic Lodge Structure &lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"&gt;&lt;SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Trebuchet MS"&gt;&lt;FONT color=#000080 size=2&gt; &lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" align=center&gt;&lt;FONT color=#000080 size=2&gt;&lt;SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Trebuchet MS"&gt;The Senior Warden&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Trebuchet MS"&gt;&lt;FONT color=#000080 size=2&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Leaps tall buildings in a single bound &lt;BR&gt;Is more powerful than an Intercity Express &lt;BR&gt;Is faster than a speeding bullet &lt;BR&gt;Walks on Water &lt;BR&gt;Gives policy to God &lt;BR&gt;  &lt;BR&gt;The Junior Warden&lt;BR&gt;Leaps short buildings with a single bound &lt;BR&gt;Is more powerful than a goods train &lt;BR&gt;Is just as fast as a speeding bullet &lt;BR&gt;Walks on the water if the sea is calm &lt;BR&gt;Talks with God &lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" align=center&gt;&lt;SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Trebuchet MS"&gt;&lt;FONT color=#000080 size=2&gt; &lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" align=center&gt;&lt;FONT color=#000080 size=2&gt;&lt;SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Trebuchet MS"&gt;The Senior Deacon&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Trebuchet MS"&gt;&lt;FONT color=#000080 size=2&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Leaps short buildings with a running start and a favourable wind &lt;BR&gt;Is almost as powerful as a goods train &lt;BR&gt;Is faster than a speeding airgun pellet &lt;BR&gt;Walks on water of a swimming pool &lt;BR&gt;Talks with God if special dispensation is given &lt;BR&gt;  &lt;BR&gt;The Junior Deacon&lt;BR&gt;Barely clears a garden hut &lt;BR&gt;Loses a tug-of-war with a train &lt;BR&gt;Can fire a speeding bullet &lt;BR&gt;Swims well &lt;BR&gt;Is occasionally addressed by God &lt;BR&gt;  &lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" align=center&gt;&lt;FONT color=#000080 size=2&gt;&lt;SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Trebuchet MS"&gt;The Inner Guard&lt;/SPAN&gt;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Trebuchet MS"&gt;&lt;FONT color=#000080 size=2&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Runs into buildings &lt;BR&gt;Recognizes trains two out of three times &lt;BR&gt;Is not issued ammunition &lt;BR&gt;Can stay afloat with a life vest &lt;BR&gt;Talks to walls &lt;BR&gt;  &lt;BR&gt;The Outer Guard&lt;BR&gt;Falls over doorsteps when trying to enter buildings &lt;BR&gt;Says "Look at the choo choo's" &lt;BR&gt;Wets himself with a water pistol &lt;BR&gt;Plays in mud puddles &lt;BR&gt;Mumbles to himself &lt;BR&gt;  &lt;BR&gt;The Worshipful Master&lt;BR&gt;Lifts buildings and walks under them &lt;BR&gt;Kicks trains off the track &lt;BR&gt;Catches speeding bullets in his mouth and eats them &lt;BR&gt;Freezes water with a single glance &lt;BR&gt;HE IS GOD ! &lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;</description><pubDate>Sun, 17 Jan 2010 02:22:55 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Vintagemalt</dc:creator></item><item><title>Masonic Charity SCAM Email</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic17215-11-1.aspx</link><description>It is quite unusual for us to actually get our hands on one of these scams when it is still current but here we go this is a fresh one and once again we see how unscrupulous non-Masons can be and how willing they are to tarnish our reputations.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;It took only a few minutes to find that the London based Lodge named St Albans w was actually No. 29 so was hardly likely to have been consecrated in the 1970s. A few minutes more and I found that the spiel regarding "St Albans" Lodge in London had actually been plagiarised from the Website of Tergere Lodge No. 8830 here: &lt;A href="http://www.londonfreemasons.co.uk/"&gt;http://www.londonfreemasons.co.uk/&lt;/A&gt;.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;So I got all upset I have now phoned the number 5 times (so far) just asking "who is that" when he answers and will continue to do so for some time, I am also passing the details upstairs to Grand Lodge to see if they can do anything about him.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;[quote]Distinguished One,&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;St. Alban's Lodge of the Freemason society of Thomas's Tavern, Dover Street, Piccadilly Has selected you as one of the beneficiaries of our 2010 foundation laying grants and also an optional opening at the round table of the Freemason society.&lt;BR&gt;These grants are issued yearly around the world in accordance with the objective of the Freemasons as stated by Thomas Paine in 1808 which is to ensure the continuous freedom of man and to enhance mans living conditions.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;ST.Alban's lodge was founded by brothers who were involved in the London Cleaning Industry in the seventies; The Lodge now has members from many walks of life. They all share the Masonic bonds of friendship and honor and we are dedicated to raising money for charity and having a good time doing it.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The Lodge meets in The Bakers Livery Hall in the City of London. This is a truly wonderful setting, steeped in history and atmosphere and is one of the famous City of London livery halls, many of which date back centuries.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Freemasons are the largest charitable organization in the U.K after the National Lottery&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The Lodge draws out yearly grants to individuals/ organizations who we feel in one way or the other are capable of utilizing the grants issued in their names to better the living standards of the common man.&lt;BR&gt;This grant which amounts to GBP350, 000 will be used to better the lot of man through your own initiative.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The procedures/steps for your grant claim are:&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;1. Confirmation of your information&lt;BR&gt;2. Issuing of grant certificate&lt;BR&gt;3. Authorization to the bank to release grant to you.&lt;BR&gt;4. Release of grant.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Please furnish us with the following information:&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;a. Full Names and Address (POSTAL)&lt;BR&gt;b. Photo identification with information)&lt;BR&gt;c. Phone Numbers.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Please note that the Purpose of the grant is not to enrich you but for the purpose of helping humanity which you will find great satisfaction in.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The open slot to become a Freemason is optional.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;To claim your grant contacts me:  &lt;SPAN id=gtritton@live.co.uk_body class=contextEntry&gt;&lt;U&gt;&lt;FONT color=#ff6600&gt;gtritton@live.co.uk&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;/U&gt;&lt;/SPAN&gt;, Tel: +447536258108 07536 258 108,  Fax: +447053619728&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Regards,&lt;P&gt;Guy Tritton[/quote]&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Please feel free to spam and ring this particularly nasty piece of canine faeces as much as you like </description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:30:45 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Mike Martin</dc:creator></item><item><title>Mugs</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic17146-11-1.aspx</link><description>Brethren,&lt;br&gt;anyone know a website where I can buy a Masonic mug please?  I have tried the usual like ebay etc but cant get what I want.  &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I'm really just after a S and C (without the "G" as per UGLE) nothing grandiose.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Cheers,&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Tony.</description><pubDate>Sun, 10 Jan 2010 12:00:09 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Sparker</dc:creator></item><item><title>Masonic Social Networking Site</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic12852-11-1.aspx</link><description>Hi All&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I was wondering what the members here thought of the concept of a social networking site, similar to, though less complicated than Facebook but dedicated to Freemasons?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It is something I am able to create and for those of us who find Facebook too much, a slimmed down version allowing members to post messages, share files etc might be of interest.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Please vote and let me know.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Thanks&lt;br&gt;Carl.</description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:36:05 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Carlos</dc:creator></item><item><title>The Weather......</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic17082-11-1.aspx</link><description>Greetings,&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Is this spell of cold weather disrupting any of your meetings?&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;We had the William Cobbett Demonstration team at our meeting on Tuesday. We had 82 people booked in plus the Team.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Four of the W.C team did not make it - they turned back at Basingstoke I think. There were a further dozen guests did not get there and a few of our own members. Six people who were booked in for dining left immediately after the meeting and did not stay for the F.B. and then another 30 or so left as soon as the food was finished. By the time we got to the toasts &amp;amp; the speeches there were only 20 of us left.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Although it was still an excellent meeting, there is no doubt it was badly disrupted. &lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Has anyone had to cancel meetings, Has anyone had to sleep in the temple (or lodge room) overnight?&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Stephen</description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:55:25 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Vintagemalt</dc:creator></item><item><title>Masonic Tattoo</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic10186-11-1.aspx</link><description>Whilst I know they're not everyone's cup of tea I though I'd share with my brethren the early stages of my masonic themed tattoo which I'm getting primarily because I like tattoo art and Freemasonry has lots of art and symbolism that lends itself to tattooing and also to celebrate my becoming Master of my Lodge. The picture was taken after my first of four two-hour sittings.&lt;P&gt;[IMG]http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r291/bouba14/23072009053.jpg[/IMG]</description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:08:00 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>BainesMason</dc:creator></item><item><title>Grand Order of the Water Rats</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic17035-11-1.aspx</link><description>I found this over on the icky forum and found it interesting...&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;[url]http://www.gowr.net/index.html[/url]</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:12:00 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>dp</dc:creator></item><item><title>Old Firm</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic16943-11-1.aspx</link><description>The Old Frim derby today !!!!!!!!!&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Will it be green or blue ? &lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Will the greens feel blue or will the blue's feel green ?????&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;FSB&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;UP THE CELTS !</description><pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 05:10:02 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Free State Boer</dc:creator></item><item><title>Falkirk survive....</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic7416-11-1.aspx</link><description>I am certainly no football fan but ....&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;I guess that you are happy the Falkirk have just survived this season Alan.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Stephen</description><pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2009 14:26:18 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Vintagemalt</dc:creator></item><item><title>bob c</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic16878-11-1.aspx</link><description>Best wishes to all for "The Bells", I hope 2010 is a very good year for all.&lt;P&gt;Now where did I put that bottle of Laphroaig :w00t:</description><pubDate>Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:43:32 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>bob c</dc:creator></item><item><title>Measure clapping or not?</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic16743-11-1.aspx</link><description>I have read recently that in some Lodges when a dignitary e.g. PGM, etc enters the Temple at some formal occasion instead of the Traditional measured rythymic &lt;EM&gt;"Clap.clap, clap, clap"&lt;/EM&gt; as they move from the West to the Master's Pedestal , there is now a fashion to give any old handclapping as if at the end of a speech, a good over in Cricket, a musical performance, or some such other event. Personally I feel this is a loss as the older style structured clapping was to my mind far more dignified and respectful. As someone may ask, in LDH when our MPGC attends in a Formal capacity there is a rythymic knocking by the RWM and The Wardens in turn with their Gavels and this is most impressive as they enter the Temple.  &lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;As an aside I have also noticed that some people clap as a hearse passes or the coffin is brought into the church or chapel. Most disrespectful in my opinion and I would stand with my hand over my heart in the Sign of Reverence and bow my head in silence unless a Hymn was being sung.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;So what do you feel about this folks? Old style measured clapping or a round of applause?.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:55:52 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>lauderdale</dc:creator></item><item><title>Merry Christmas to all</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic16620-11-1.aspx</link><description>To all of the brethren on this board, a very merry Christmas, and may TGAOTU bless and protect you and your families.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;FSB</description><pubDate>Sat, 19 Dec 2009 06:15:58 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Free State Boer</dc:creator></item><item><title>Missing.....</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic16343-11-1.aspx</link><description>Anyone have issues with the forum over the past couple of days?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The error messages were SQL and HTML output relating to disk space&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It seems to be all ok now&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:09:28 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>bod</dc:creator></item><item><title>Dec. 23 - Masonic Pride Day</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic16533-11-1.aspx</link><description>This initiative was started a couple of years ago and [url=http://masonicnetwork.org]MasonicNetwork.org[/url] took up and made it a tradition. Last year we celebrated the launch of [url=http://masonicnetwork.org]Masonic Network[/url] on this day while all Freemasons worldwide humbly showed the world that they are proud to be part of our sacred brotherhood.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;On this day we pray for all of the Poor and Distressed Masons, wherever they may be, dispersed over the face of the earth or on the water, and wish them a relief from their sufferings, and a happy return to their native land, should they so desire it.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;[url=http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=221820566933]Join our initiative[/url] on this day by hanging up a flag, a banner, a sign that would show the people around that you are a mason, in front of your house, on your car, wear a t-shirt, a lapel pin or just be with us in your soul.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If you are on Facebook you can join our event here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=221820566933&lt;br&gt;</description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:13:37 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>masonicnetwork</dc:creator></item><item><title>Evangelical Christians who are mason</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic16516-11-1.aspx</link><description>Are there any evangelical christians on this forum who are masons. How do those in your church respond to this?</description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:51:09 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>edwardcwmogwr1973</dc:creator></item><item><title>Not Happy Holiday</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic16670-11-1.aspx</link><description>Christmas, Christmas, CHRISTmas&lt;br&gt;Yes CHRISTmas -not Holidaymas&lt;br&gt;We are not celebrating the birth of a Holiday !!!&lt;br&gt;We are Celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ!!!&lt;br&gt;So  I would like to say to each and everyone of  you&lt;br&gt;have a Very Merry CHRISTMAS and may GOD BLESS each and every one of you!!!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description><pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:58:07 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Stu Thorpe</dc:creator></item><item><title>all Brothers from different Mothers</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic16667-11-1.aspx</link><description>One thing I've learned this past year which has surprised me. I used to think I was a 5th wheel on a buggy. I thought myself the odd ball out in many of my thoughts, feelings, and reactions to events, people, and differences around me. &lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;I now see I am not the only one, and am well within the 'norms' of other Freemasons- all Brothers from different Mothers.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Peace to the world, and love to all.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays.</description><pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:59:44 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Fire Mist</dc:creator></item><item><title>An Interesting Knight Templar Trilogy</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic6606-11-1.aspx</link><description>For those who enjoy the subject of the Poor Fellow Soldiers of Jesus and the Temple I thought I would share.&lt;P&gt;I've just finished these books "Brethren", "Crusade" and "Requiem" by Robyn Young and they were brilliant. Written in the vein of Christian Jacq and Bernard Cornwall they are novels based on historical fact.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;The books revolve around a fictitious Knight called William Campbell who when the story starts in 1260 is a Sergeant in the Temple and importantly a "secret" group [b]within[/b] the Temple called the Anima Templi (Soul of the Temple) which strives to create peace between the warring religions in direct contravention of the Orders Rule and the Pope's wishes. He is made a Knight some years later and is also inducted into the Anima Templi.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;The story runs on through various actions that the Temple was involved in, including the suppression of 1307. It is suggested that the suppression was enabled by the existence of the Anima Templi and its Initiation ritual.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Most excellent book and the author fully admits where she has (only rarely) changed/manovered details (mainly dates etc) to fit the story and supplies the proper details at the end of each book.</description><pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2009 13:03:27 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Mike Martin</dc:creator></item><item><title>Linkedin - Masonic Groups</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic14107-11-1.aspx</link><description>As per the description, is anyone here a member of any of the Masonic Groups on www.linkedin.com? (The professional networking site)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I've now joined 3: Freemason UK, The Virtual Lodge and, Freemason@LI.  Unlike the other groups I've joined, you can select if you wish to show the group's logo on your profile.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I was wondering if anyone here was on Linkedin?  I've found it to be fairly good at re-establishing links with former colleagues and have received a number of well-targeted work adverts.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;And if you're a professional, consultant or simply looking for professional or consultancy work then its well worth creating a profile on linkedin...&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Bro./Companion Adam</description><pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:11:08 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>AdamH</dc:creator></item><item><title>Clip on torch</title><link>http://www.thefreemason.com/community/Topic16224-11-1.aspx</link><description>Can anyone tell me where to get one of those little clip-on torches that one can attach to a book please? I think they use LED instead of an ordinary lamp thus saving battery usage and they give quite an intense focussed light. I tried to find one on the Shop associated with this Forum but perhaps I didn't look properly?&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;Any information will be thankfully received and faithfully applied.</description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:00:56 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>lauderdale</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>