BS: Freemasonry

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: Little Hawk
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 11:41 PM

I think you're maybe on the wrong thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: The Shambles
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 03:42 AM

Do Freemasons allow guests?

Or is it members only?

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 04:31 AM

Guests are allowed, but if they don't behave themselves they get thrown out; permanently!
G.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: GUEST,Kerux
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 04:35 AM

Often when people see something they don't understand, they have to draw on their imagination to create some idea of what it might be. This can be illuminating - in the case of Masonry, mose people seem to think no further that the stereotypical fast buck / secret network idea. They believe that, because that's as far as their own imagination can envisage a purpose for such an organisation, that's what it must be.

My own experience has been that membership English Craft Freemasonry opened intellectual and spiritual doors which I would not otherwise have had the opportunity to pass through.   

I can't blame anyone for being suspicious of the Craft, but I can't see how it could ever satisfy the curiosity or assuage the hatred of non-Masons without destroying its essential characteristics.

I joined Masonry because I was curious about it, and my curiosity was rewarded by a transformation of my life. I would commend the same course to anyone (male or female - yes, the latter is possible, but not through United Grand Lodge) who has the balls (physically or metaphorically) to take up the challenge and join. You can always leave if you don't like what you find.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: akenaton
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 04:53 AM

I suppose circumstances differ in other countries regarding Freemasonry.
Here in the West of Scotland, "The Masons" are strongly linked to the Orange Order an organisation which is dedicated to to spread of religious hatred.
Many members are also Orangemen, and alarmingly it appears to be young men who are becoming involved, people who if they had one ounce of intelligence should be viewing quasi-religious organisation like the Masons with derision.

This thread does link to the Chidren and religion thread, but not in the way some people here seem to think.
In Scotland, it is simply another example of religion used to manipulate the feeble minded....Ake

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: akenaton
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 05:07 AM

Regarding the bullshit being posted here about "The Craft"

Modern Freemasonry has no link to the craft of masonry.
Not one of the idiots who belong to the local branch of the Masons would know a bolster from a knapping hammer.
Freemasonry is simply a social club for religious bigots.

As I have posted elswhere, I am the only time served mason in our area and have never been invited to join the Freemasons.
I see this as something to be proud of.

"I've never been proposed as a mason...so I can't be that bad"
Ake

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: eddie1
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 05:27 AM

Ake
A few points there.
I joined a masonic lodge in the West of Scotland. They would have nothing to do with the Orange Lodge and anyone involved with it who appeared at our lodge would very soon realise that.
Nobody claims that modern Freemasonry has anything to do with stonemasons.
You, along with everyone else, won't be invited to join a lodge. You have to take the initiative. You then find a proposer and seconder - might be difficult.
You talk about bigots?

Eddie

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: The Shambles
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 05:35 AM

Guests are allowed, but if they don't behave themselves they get thrown out; permanently!

And by the same token - members presumably do not have to fear being thrown out - no matter how badly they behave or no matter how poor an example they set?

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: akenaton
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 05:37 AM

You are simply wrong Eddie.
I know of at least a dozen young Masons who are also members of the orange order.
Young men in my area have been regularly approached informally by older Masons to allow proposal.
Most of the people I grew up with were "propositioned"

Bigotted against Masons??...........That dosen't make sense.
Ake

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: The Shambles
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 05:42 AM

The In Crowd!

I'm in with the in crowd;
I go where the in crowd goes.
I'm in with the in crowd;
And I know what the in crowd knows.
Any time of the year, don't you hear?
Dressin? fine; makin? time.
We breeze up and down the street;
We get respect from the people we meet.
They make way day or night;
They know the in crowd is out of sight.

I'm in with the in crowd;
I know every latest dance.
When you'e in with the in crowd,
It's so easy to find romance!
Any time of the year, don't you hear?
If it's square, we ain't there.
We make every minute count;
Our share is always the biggest amount.
Other guys imitate us, but the original is still the greatest.
In crowd!
In crowd!

If it is square - perhaps we ARE there?

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 05:54 AM

You already posted that in another thread Roger, where it was also greeted with 100% apathy.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: eddie1
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 06:16 AM

Ake
I referred to my lodge. I don't pretend to know about all the others.
If young men are being "propositioned" then that is wrong. That's going against one of the basic principles.
"As I have posted elswhere, I am the only time served mason in our area and have never been invited to join the Freemasons.
I see this as something to be proud of."

You seem very keen to criticise as someone who is proud to have been ignored? If this recruitment is so widespread in your area then how come?

Eddie

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: The Shambles
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 06:47 AM

Young men in my area have been regularly approached informally by older Masons to allow proposal.
Most of the people I grew up with were "propositioned"

Yes when I was living in Scotland - even I was "propositioned" to join the local lodge. It was made by The Serial Bully.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: GUEST,Kerux
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 07:17 AM

Ake

Reading your post I can almost hear George Orwell's sheep: "Four legs good, two legs bad".

Your words reflect the truth that there are different types in all callings - Freemasonry and stonemasonry alike.

Kerux

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: gnu
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 03:01 PM

I was asked to join the Masons. I was asked to join the Knights. I could have been a double agent. Intriguing.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 03:06 PM

You're above the Mason Dixon line, so you're exempt.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: The Shambles
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 03:17 PM

Reading your post I can almost hear George Orwell's sheep: "Four legs good, two legs bad".

Or is - all animals are equal - but those with one trouser leg rolled-up - tend to think they will get a more equal share than others?

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: fat B****rd
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 03:30 PM

According to Wolfe and Lornell Leadbell was a 33rd degree Mason (a New York lodge) and buried "shoeless, wearing his Masonic apron". Just thought I'd mention that.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: Alan Day
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 05:57 PM

I have been over forty years a mason,during that time I have never been given a favour or seen one given.My son does more business transactions in his pub than I have seen in lodges.I enjoy the tradition in the same way that I enjoy Folk Tradition.A great deal of money is raised for charity many Hospices relying on Freemasons support.Part of the ritual is that if you meet a Brother Mason in a distressed situation you try to help.I know Masons who are in Grand Lodge, there is nothing sinister connected to their work,they work for no financial gain and are involved with raising money for charities and it's distribution.
In the Temple Headquarters is Nelson's Regalia a hero for this country there are many other names who have shaped our lives.
I admit that in every organisation there can be bad blood,this cannot be denied,but they are rare in amongst the thousands Worldwide who are members.The good work that is done by Masons is now being published and the reason is that so many people are totaly ignorant of what Masonary is about.These people make statements which are totally untrue backed by no evidence,think it is a good game to have a go at Masonary.If you wish to know a bit more about Masonary there are people who will give you the information.
Al

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: The Shambles
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 06:20 PM

Part of the ritual is that if you meet a Brother Mason in a distressed situation you try to help

And you meet a non-Brother Mason in the same state are you encouraged to just give them a sly kick? I suspect not - so why make the distinction at all?

Alan I mean no offence to you, but surely folk can do equally good work without the secrecy, exclusion and ritual and as many organisations do manage to do this - is there really a future for adults indulging in things like wearing aprons, having funny handshakes and secret signals?

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 06:36 PM

Before there was a Fred Flintstone or a Homer Simpson, Jackie Gleason's "Honeymooners" character Ralph Kramden was a member of the Loyal Order of Racoons. Their secret signal was a wagging of the tail of their coonskin caps.

   And let us never forget The Kingfish and The Mystic Knights of The Sea ---and their lodge hall. Brilliant stuff that, unfortunately, was good humor that we are supposed to believe was terribly stereotypical--as was The Goldbergs.   In fact a humorous presentation of some great characters---and depicting the good and the sleazy. To me The Jeffersons were truly offensive ---and stupid.

    I leave you with this thought---Holy mackeral Brother Andy---I just cut myself and my blood is not congratulating--best call Lawyer Calhoun to see who we can sue---Amos can drive us over in his Fresh Air Taxi. Best do it before Sahhire finds out about my latest scheme.


Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 10:00 PM

I have seen a Masonic Lodge charter, in Northampton, Massachusetts, which was signed by LaFayette, yes, the very one of our Revolutionary War. For a little bit more about Job's Daughters, which IS related to Freemasonry:

Job's Daughters is an organization of young women between the ages of 10 and 20 who are related to a Master Mason, and share a common bond. We have members in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and the Philippines We have fun together at activities such as swimming parties, dances, family picnics, slumber parties, miniature golf, marching in parades, travel . . . well, you get the picture. By working closely together, you will make new friends that will last a lifetime. We also help others. Throughout the year, we perform service projects to help our community, the less fortunate, and other charities. We actively support the Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment (HIKE) Fund, which purchases hearing assistive devices for hearing impaired children. We learn leadership. By holding various offices in Job's Daughters, you will gain valuable leadership experience, be a part of a team, and learn democratic principles. Job's Daughters can qualify for various scholarships that are offered on a state-wide and a national level. All Job's Daughters are members of a local chapter called a Bethel. Members of a Bethel elect their own officers, decide their own activities, and plan their own events. In short, Job's Daughters International offers the qualities that today's young women want and need from organizations that earn their commitment . . . fun, friendship, helping others, and the chance to learn organizational and leadership skills.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 10:00 PM

Howdy Little Hawk,

Yeah, I look at the infowars.com headlines and read here and there on the site. I think Jones has indeed figured things out, as far as things are knowable, when it comes to geopolitics. He knows who runs things and who benefits from phony terrorism, etc. And I imagine I credit the masons with more of the world's problems than he probably would. But, the masons were the first (and are the longest-lasting) "guild" or union...many centuries to solidify their power. They're up there with the Jesuits and the European roalty bloc when it comes to running the world. And none of those groups means ME any good, I know that.

As far as powerful and destructive groups, it seems all the groups in the U.S. that could be a potential threat to the govt have now been co-opted. Witness the federal govt itself. In order to begin the transformation to fascism, the top two positions were first secured (Pres / Vice-Pres). Then the legislative and judiciary were gradually taken over through thuggery and greed. That's the way it has gone with almost all groups in America...just nail down the top position then move on to the next group. The National Rifle Association has millions of members (dedicated to gun rights), but the man at the top is dedicated to taking away the group's guns. And the members refuse to face the fact. Incredible. Same with churches, education...pick an area of life. The heads of the groups are corrupt. Easiest and quickest way to get control of the group is to get the leader under your control.

Anyway...Christianity. Bush isn't Christian. Look at Mark Foley...head of all those "child protection" programs and committees when he's a pedophile. All of congress covered up his secret, the media covered it up...it is SO easy to deceive when the media has been co-opted (top person at each organization bought off by the govt), it's so easy to misrepresent yourself. Bush could claim to be a Buddhist and get away with it. But in fact he's a Luciferian. And yes he's using well-meaning Christians to strengthen his position of power. Americans are trusting, mostly, and they believe television. Which tells them the Bushes are Christian.

Alex Jones is still the best patriotic voice around when it comes to vigor and enthusiasm (you folks should go to infowars.com and click on their feed. Jones broadcasts 3 hours a day, then they loop it until the next day). But I'm online right now so I can listen to Webster Tarpley. He refers to the Anglo-Israeli financial group as the root of the world's problems, and it's hard to find fault with his assertions. The Anglo-Israeli group takes in the queen and her extended family of European Nazis, the world's largest banks (Zurich, Manhattan, Rothschild areas), and the American traitors like the Rockefellers and Bushes. Tarpley is light years ahead of us yokels in TX. He speaks Latin and we can barely speak English. One of the more insightful analysts I've come across in a while.

http://www.rbnlive.com/listen.html

You need speakers and a soundcard on the computer. I think he broadcasts on Saturdays, then they re-broadcast 9p.m. central time Sunday (5 minutes from now). Two-hour program.

Amarillo Slim said something like...You can shear a sheep many a time, but you can skin it only once.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 10:55 PM

Michael,

I have to somewhat shamefacedly admit that only while googling around after posting that did I discover that is what R.A.O.B. meant....

I certainly should have known better, as my maternal Grandad was one at one time, it seems, though certainly not actively so. He had a Membership Scroll (which we found after his death) but my Mum didnt remember any real mention being made of it, though recalled that he had been one.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: The Shambles
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 03:35 AM

By working closely together, you will make new friends that will last a lifetime.

Nothing wrong with making life-long friends - but I simply do not understand ways that purport to do this - that exclude most of the population.

Job's Daughters is an organization of young women between the ages of 10 and 20 who are related to a Master Mason, and share a common bond.

Many women may share a common bond - but many of these would be unaware that any of their relatives were Master Masons (or care very much if they did).

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: GUEST,Kerux
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 05:00 AM

I never enjoyed (or looked for) any material gain from Masonry. Had I wished for such things I would have joined a political party, a golf club or the Rotary Club. I doubt that even that would have done the trick, but I suspect that many members of such organisations originally joined in that very hope.

I'm sad that so many people are prepared to take such rigid positions on a subject of which they have no personal experience - except perhaps second hand through broadcast propaganda or published nonsense - when they are free to enter and explore for themselves.

Are they afraid to live their lives at first hand? I suppose it's safer and easier to sit around in this virtual world and limit one's exposure to scary reality. I'm tired of listening to the ranting of bedroom warriors. Please, get yourselves a life.

         Fin

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: The Shambles
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 01:44 PM

I'm sad that so many people are prepared to take such rigid positions on a subject of which they have no personal experience - except perhaps second hand through broadcast propaganda or published nonsense - when they are free to enter and explore for themselves.

Not everyone would wish to enter and explore and those that do wish to explore but get 'black-balled' are not free to enter.

If there are rigid positions taken based on little real information - I am not sure if the blame can entirely be placed on those that express such views.

If every aspect of Masonry were open to public view - some people would not assume the worst. When things are done in secret - the sensible assumption to make is that there is some good reason for this secrecy and exclusion. If there is not - then why does it exist?

Despite this - I feel that a lot of this is well-intentioned. However, I have a feeling that all such 'groups' that are historically seen to care for 'their own' in distress (like a church or religion) - just cause other exclusive 'groups' to be set up to care for those in distress who are excluded from the others.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 02:21 PM

Hmm, lot of absence of information here.

Guest, you are doing a wonderful recruiting job for the masons...

Me, yes, I've been approached, more than once, by more than one order.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: Alan Day
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 05:30 PM

Interesting Shambles that you should mention that the Masonic doors are closed,up until recently you would have been right,there are now open days where you can visit lodges and discuss with a Mason those points you are interested in.From your apparant attitude however I doubt if you will take up the offer.In many ways the past attitude on Masons not to shout from the rooftops what they were doing has backfired on them.Their actions treated with suspicion,wild innacurate statements made in the press and by people ignorant people not knowing the facts.It is with that in mind Masonic leaders are trying to address the situation and make people aware of the tradition and good work that Masons do.I agree that any good minded person can do this without being a Mason and good for you if you are such a person and why not join us,enjoy the friendship of like minded people Worldwide.
Al

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: GUEST,Kerux
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 06:15 PM

Shambles:

I had meant to end my correspondence but I must say the following:

1. Not wanting to explore a subject and then believing and repeating hearsay about it is like joining in the condemnation of a play you've never seen.

2. Have you ever been blackballed?

That's a rhetorical question of course. I wouldnt expect you to answer.

For your own sake, take up the challenge if you can!

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 08:39 PM

Nothing put here indicates to me that there is any point to Masonic ritual.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 09:14 PM

Ya see what you want to see, Richard. No big deal if it's not the thing for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: Slag
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 01:11 AM

In winter the lone wolf dies.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: The Shambles
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 02:03 AM

I agree that any good minded person can do this without being a Mason and good for you if you are such a person and why not join us,enjoy the friendship of like minded people Worldwide.

Alan - Because I feel the only way forward is through being seen to be open and inclusive.

You have avoided my point about being 'black-balled'.

And as if it matters to the discussion, no - I have not been 'black-balled'.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 02:39 AM

The Mudcat Piss&Moanmeister Black Balled?    No, but his balls have atrophied and now one is the size of a BB and the other is real small.......................

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: GUEST,Kerux
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 03:47 AM

Sham:

You didn't make a point, you just floated an idea.

If Masonry was such an omniscient and omnipotent organisation, surely you'd have been eliminated by now. Perhaps Freemasons will make your keyboard explode - come to think of it, have a quick check - if it is smelling a bit odd - more proof of conspiracy if proof were needed!

That's all folks.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: Alan Day
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 04:10 AM

Sorry Shambles I did not intend to miss out your Blackball point.
In all Lodges you first have to express your interest to become a member ideally to a person in the Lodge you wish to join.If you do not know anybody in Freemasonary you can apply direct to a Provincial Grand Lodge who will pass on your interest to a Lodge in your area.
You will then be interviewed by normally two senior members of the Lodge who will talk the whole thing over with you.Things like Why do you want to join,What do you expect to get out of Masonary etc. Certain applicants just join because they think it is a quick route to wealth and these applicants go no further.The representatives then report back to the Lodge saying that the candidate has been interviewed that in their opinion he would be ideal as a candidate and a further interview with a large number of the lodge members is then arranged and if satisfactory he is then proposed and seconded for membership.Please note that at no time does financial or your work situation effect your membership, but you odviously have to be able to afford the joining fee etc.You do not have to be a business man.We have a Postman and an X Featherweight weight boxer in our lodge.You will be asked if you have a criminal record and this will be checked out. On the evening of your admittance into the Lodge a vote of all members will be taken and at this point you could be Blackballed,it is usual however that if anyone has reservation about a possible member that this is discussed before this point to avoid any embarrassment.It has only happened once in my forty years and not in our Lodge
I hope this fully covers the points you raised.
Al

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: The Shambles
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 04:56 AM

If Masonry was such an omniscient and omnipotent organisation, surely you'd have been eliminated by now.

This was just a cover :-)

I can now reveal that I am in fact the:

Very Very Grand Master and 20,000th Level Worshipful Poo Bah and All Powerful Holder of the Secret Key to all Lodges and Buffalo Watering Holes.

I am currently wearing my ceremonial 'pinny' and drinking my tea out of the Holy Grail, with my feet up on the Ark of the Covenant.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: Alan Day
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 08:26 AM

Not the idiot I took you for then?
Al

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: GUEST,Kerux
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 11:03 AM

No, a he's different kind altogether Alan.

K

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: GUEST,282RA
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 12:42 PM

Shambles probably tried to get in and they didn't want him. Might even be the root of his "I must criticize everything as being beneath my dignity" attitude.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: GUEST,Kerux
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 01:49 PM

If that's the case (that he wanted to, but didn't, get in) it's a shame.

I can hear echoes of my own youthful (long ago and pre-Masonic) voice in some of Sham's words. I wonder where life would have taken me if Masonry hadn't given me the incentive to get up off my intellectual butt?

K

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: The Shambles
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 01:58 PM

I'm with Groucho.

I sent the club a wire stating, PLEASE ACCEPT MY RESIGNATION.

I DON'T WANT TO BELONG TO ANY CLUB THAT WILL ACCEPT ME AS A MEMBER.
Groucho Marx

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: GUEST,282RA
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 04:43 PM

If you don't want to belong then just be quiet. And this is in addition to the fact that there is no evidence the Masons actually do want you. I'm not a Mason but I don't go around criticizing them over it. I know a few Masons and they are good people. I'm not saying Masonry made them good, only that they don't deserve to be berated over their decision to join. No, it's not an organization I want to join but I don't criticize anyone who does. You seem to have a need to make a big deal of it.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: GUEST,Kerux
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 03:22 AM

Sham, 282RA

I'm sorry that my views have put the two of you slightly at odds. I didn't mean to suggset that Sham is in some way a bad person, or to infer that Masonry would be a transforming expeience for everyone.

Its just that, in my case, Masonry was there for me at a time when I was perhaps ready to change. Others may derive the same kind of effect from yoga, martial arts, flower arranging or morris dancing.

However, having sampled the delights listed in the last sentence, as well as having been a Mason for many years, I have found that of all, Masonry worked best for me.

K

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: The Shambles
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 04:58 AM

If you don't want to belong then just be quiet.

As as I do not tell you or any other poster to be quiet on our forum - it would be appreciated if this were reciprocated.

For unlike our two guest Masons - I AM a member of our forum.

I remain one mainly because it is still just about possible to freely air ones views on our forum and party because it is clear that a few of our more vocal members (and guests) would rather not have me as a member and if there were such a process - would certainly have 'black-balled' me.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 11:55 AM

So, to SPITE them, in other words?

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: The Shambles
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 12:14 PM

The best way to deal with those who may not like you (which you can do nothing about anyway)- is to carrying with a smile. If you can still manage to smile.

You may then be surprised at how many others (perhaps less vocal and better mannered) do in fact like you.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: Midchuck
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 12:36 PM

If you don't want to belong then just be quiet.

People have been telling me that, in essence, all my life.

As I approach senility, I get more and more likely to howl long strings of obscenities, rather than obey them.

It's fun.

Peter.

Subject: RE: BS: Freemasonry
From: GUEST,Kerux
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 02:38 PM

Sham - your pride in membership of Mudcat does you credit.

Its interesting that you seem ("...unlike xxx...I AM a member..")to be a bit of an elitist.

Check your trouser leg quick. You might have caught the bug.

K