banjo high strangeness

Subject: banjo high strangeness
From: glueman
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 05:13 AM

I like my Deering banjo, it sounds nice and the company have a good reputation. However they've just taken a turn for the weird. Along with a useful maintenance manual I've just received a book called 'The Way to Happiness - a common sense guide to better living'. It has the kind of pencil illustrations you only see in fundamentalist evangelical hand outs and chapters called 'Don't be Promiscuous', 'Do not Murder' and 'Support a Government Designed and Run For All People.'

Well, I've had to have a sit down and a cup of tea. Reading the small print on the back cover it turns out it was written by L. Ron Hubbard the Scientologist. To quote Wikipedia, "Publicly, Hubbard was sociable and charming. Privately, he wrote entries in his notebook like "All men are your slaves," and "You can be merciless whenever your will is crossed and you have the right to be merciless."

I like to consider myself a broad minded cove but do banjo players really need the thoughts of a scientologist to dig a nice clawhammer run, or has scary picket fence America just landed on my doormat by way of me banjer?

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: pavane
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 06:22 AM

L Ron Hubbard (The late, I believe) used to be an SF writer in the 1950's, and around that time, he wrote that the best way to get rich in the USA was to start a religion.

Firstly, you get tax breaks, and secondly you can ask people to send money.

So then we had Dianetics, followed by Scientology (Which is not an "ology" and has nothing to do with science!)

What do you think he believed in?

And his followers? You can't fool all the people all the time, can you?

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: rabbitlegs
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 07:14 AM

Greg Deering's own website states that he and Janet are scientologists, I just didn't tick the box. Anyway most non banjo players probably think the book comes with a free box of matches!

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 09:18 AM

I'm amazed that so many so called intelligent people are taken in by scientology, Hubbard was a charlatan who was exposed a long time ago.

eric

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: BanjoRay
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 11:56 AM

Greg and Janet Deering are both very intelligent people - and good human beings. It's staggering that they're Scientologists. Mind you I'm always staggered when people are Presbyterians, Catholics, Jews, Muslims.............etc etc.
Ray

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: pavane
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 12:07 PM

Especially those who think that religion can be enforced on others.

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: pavane
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 12:07 PM

Forced, I menat

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Mooh
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 01:26 PM

You're sure to be remembered by the Deerings if you get on their mailing list. I've been getting regular mailings from them for many years just for asking for a catalogue once.

Nice banjos, weird beliefs.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Amos
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 01:28 PM

I'm amazed that so many so called intelligent people are taken in by scientology, Hubbard was a charlatan who was exposed a long time ago.

Maybe they're reading his actual material instead of the exposés, Eric. I imagine Jesus Christ himself would have a hard time starting a religion if he had to contend with the muckrakers. People will adopt all kinds of philosophical frameworks that look strange to others. I'd have thought you would know that by now.

BTW, how was he exposed, long ago?

But all that aside, Deering has no business putting philosophical or moral advice in a banjo case. Silly.

Did the booklet say anything, really, that seemd like bad advice? The examples you mention look pretty commendable, but I haven't read the booklet.

A

Subject: Deering stuff continued
From: glueman
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 01:44 PM

The board won't let me post anywhere 'cept new posts so this is a reply to my banjo strangeness thread.
I've no problem with Deering or the stuff they sell - it's good. If they wanna put scientology propaganda in the post it really is no skin off my nose, I was just surprised by the commerce-belief elision, I thought that died with Victorian mill owners.
The chapter headings don't say anything different to any Judeo-Christian street hand out and the contents are the usual new agey 'be cool to everyone' with a dose of stay clean and brush your teeth (that must account for the Travolta and Cruise smiles). As a long standing Fortean Times reader I maintain a high degree of justified cynicism for L. Ron Hubbard and all his works but have no problem separating a good product from some flakey trappings.

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Transferred

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Wesley S
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 01:48 PM

From my own experience - Scientologists seem to have a lot of weapons around compared to your average religious group. It makes me wonder why they think they are needed.

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: catspaw49
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 02:09 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Jack Campin
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 05:13 PM

Another Scientology firm is ARC Records, who publish world music CDs from the East Grinstead address of the UK Scientology HQ. They have an interesting list, mostly one-offs (perhaps the artists don't come back after finding out what they're getting into). It's nice when I can have no moral compunction whatever about duplicating somehing.

A Scientology-run dancewear shop in Edinburgh was taken to court by an employee a few years when they tried to force her to go to Scientology training sessions. She won. Seems an employer can't act like a Lancashire cotton mill owner here any more.

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: The Sandman
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 05:29 PM

they are to be avoided at all costs,they are also quite powerful.

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: The Vulgar Boatman
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 05:59 PM

Keep the lack of faith, Brethren...

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Rumncoke
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 12:31 PM

There is a Medaeval theme on one of the TV channels at the moment - today there was a program on the Spanish inquisition.

One of the cases it followed was that of a student, accused of heresy.

He was boiled in a cauldren of - I think it was turpentine, bitumen - and maybe camphor, something unpleasant anyway - and lasted about fifteen minutes before he died.

I really have trouble with organised religeons - you get someone going around encouraging people to live good lives and look after eachother, and a thousand years later their followers are trying to create Hell on Earth.

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Jack Campin
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 12:47 PM

If I remember right, Tanita Tikaram (Fijian-Indian singer-songwriter) is another Scientologist. I don't think she's ever described herself as a folk singer but you might find her CDs in the same bins.

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: glueman
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 12:57 PM

Well I'm back on so the freemasons/ illuminati /scientologists/ opus dei/ new world order decided I wasn't important enough to send East of Eden permanently. Considering a new banjo next year and will get another Deering if I do, Twin Peaks messages not withstanding. Having blagged enough lifts in VWs in the past without turning right, the company won't spring me from animist saint worship that easily.

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Escapee
Date: 01 May 08 - 12:49 AM

A banjo for the ages, a booklet for the trash bin. Thanks for sharing, Deerings, but no thanks.
SKP

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Wesley S
Date: 01 May 08 - 03:58 PM

Even L Ron Hubbards books deserve to be put in the recycling bin - not thrown in the trash........

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 May 08 - 07:16 PM

This is a first for me (taking a deeep breath) posting a comment with regard to the connection between banjos and organized religion or cults. But there should be no such connection! If I found such a leaflet in my banjo case, I would seek to have that banjo exorcised!

Oh, dear, how could I do that without an agent of organized religion?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: olddude
Date: 01 May 08 - 08:08 PM

I'm amazed that so many so called intelligent people are taken in by scientology

IT is all about money, He started the religion for money and the tax right offs and the investments. I think that is the only reason people join it. Money sheltering ... my 2 cents and only my opinion based on what I have loosely read

But heck, they make a good banjo ... I will splash mine with holy water when I buy one. It is the Irish Catholic thing for me to do for sure

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Joybell
Date: 01 May 08 - 08:16 PM

I think it's just as well that poor banjo got freed. Good work, glueman and good luck.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Amos
Date: 01 May 08 - 08:19 PM

You do that, old timer. Scientology, as an organization, appears to be on a path to self-decomposition. Not to worry. You may be wrong about Hubbard, though. He was a kook in many ways, but he also had a great sense of humor...


A

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Effsee
Date: 01 May 08 - 08:59 PM

Aye, laughing all the way to the bank!

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Amos
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 12:26 PM

Share America Foundation chooses banjo stylist for scholarship


07/18/08
Randall Franks
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The Share America Foundation, Inc. announced its second 2008 scholarship recipient at its July 11 Sacred Sounds Fridays concert featuring The Watkins Family, Steel String Session and Deborah Taylor at the Ringgold Depot in Ringgold, Ga.

The monthly events help fund the organization's Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship. Pearl and Floyd Franks are the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks, "Officer Randy Goode" from TV's "In the Heat of the Night." The scholarships honor students excelling the Appalachian musical arts.

Jarrod Payne, 18, of Ducktown, Tenn., a graduate of Copper Basin High School in Polk County, is the second 2008 winner of the scholarship. His special award is given in memory of the organization's late benefactor Dottie Rambo. The organization's scholarship committee including both education and music professionals reviewed the candidates then scoring applicants on academics and musical abilities.

Payne appeared at the event playing "Amazing Grace" and playing "Beethoven's Old Hen" along with a full set of gospel songs performed with Steel String Session featuring Lisa Jacobi, Pete Dasher, Denny Mixon, and John McLeod.

"I was greatly impressed by the depth of knowledge and interest in the variety of styles that Jarrod has," said Joe Turner, Share America chairman. "He is certain to touch people around the world with his talents."

Payne received a $250 scholarship to be used towards his educational needs at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tenn. He said his plans are to transfer to East Tennessee State University where he will pursue a bachelor's degree in music.


...

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 06:28 PM

t he also had a great sense of humor...

And that is the great secret at the heart of Scientology. "April Fool!"

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: Zen
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 06:39 PM

I like my Deering but I wouldn't like that... fortunately I haven't received any such booklet in the 3 years I had my banjo.

Zen

Subject: RE: banjo high strangeness
From: GUEST,CC Thornley
Date: 15 Nov 15 - 09:15 PM

I work in retail in Australia. I predominantly sell banjos. I am a professional banjo player.
We sell a LOT of deerings. We have never sent, distributed or been asked to disseminate in anyway anything other than Deering ,materials specifically relating to banjos, models and performance of said banjos.

Our Deering suppliers have never mentioned anything about Scientology or given us any indication whatsoever about it. It's never come up in any discussion with our suppliers, informally or otherwise.

So, it's a NOPE from Australia!