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Sunday, May 2, 2010
The rewards of AOL
Anonymous @ 12:29 am and yourdad:
Do you guys really think this is going to fly? I mean, do you seriously believe that the readers of this blog are so naïve that an attempt as pathetic as this is enough to undermine it? Guys, this is not AoL anymore. A simple brush off of an issue by the guru or a senior operative is not enough. Let me address your questions, anonymous, as well as the oh-so-typical yet utterly flat commentaries by yourdad.
Anonymous @ 12:29: "1) Are all of you saying that you gained nothing of value from your time in AOL and contact with SSRS?"
Of course I did! Even time completely wasted can be the basis of a potentially invaluable lesson. The most wonderful lesson I scraped out from my time with AoL is that I should never again yield my free will to anyone and that I should not let ultimately narcissistic persons manipulate me by appealing to my most intimate idealistic concerns. Besides that, my involvement with AoL led me to explore various traditions in spirituality (against the explicit direction from TTC to not do so, mind you!) and helped me find true teachers such as Ramana Maharshi. So, yes, ultimately it led to very rewarding things of lasting value. That's why they say that when a devotee is sincere, even a fake guru will do.
yourdad: "They obviously gained many things, or else why would they spend so much time with AOL?"
A graduate of the Sri Sri school of oversimplification, I see. You are right, actually, I pointed above. I did gain invaluable lessons from my association with the cult. But you are not correct that I spent so much time (6 years in my case) because I was gaining so much. The time was spent because I let my idealism overcome my discrimination and was willing to justify all the fishy things I was encountering. Following your ultimate idealistic concerns is gratifying in its own right and that drives you through walls of doubt for a period of time, but it is ultimately unsustainable when the reality of what AoL represents is consistently inconsistent with them. Truth ultimately prevails and we leave.
Anonymous @ 12:29: "3) Did any of you actually have good experiences with AOL techniques (SK, Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, etc.)?"
My answer to your first question partially answers this. Beyond that, let me state that pleasant experiences and truth are two different things. The techniques mentioned are not themselves conducive to arriving at truth. Refer to Ramana Maharshi's expositions of the nature of reality and you will see how far off the mark is most of what AoL people focus on.
yourdad: "Yes they had. Thats why they went on to become teachers. Now they have some issues with AOL. They cant explain their behavior, where, they liked it first and then are not liking it.So they come up with theories like AOL is cult and that they were innocent victims who were trapped. Such pathetic arguments from weak minds."
I am perfectly able to explain and I already did. AoL appealed to my idealistic streak, my ultimate concerns. AoL managed to convince me initially that it was the right arena for me to act upon these concerns. It purposely targets those aspects of a human psyche. For many people these types of concerns are very important yet they don't easily find ways to express them in modern society. AoL seems like the answer to this conundrum. Ultimately, it fails as such. That's why people leave disappointed. In all honesty, I was never impressed by SK, it did nothing for me during my first basic course. The reason I went back was that most pure and intimate desires seemed to have found fertile soil for growth.
Why do all of you seemingly obsess over SSRS's alleged siddhis? I've never heard a single teacher talk about them as some sort of selling point for AOL nor have I ever heard SSRS talk about them.
I don't see who here is obsessed with siddhis. On the other hand, the so called guru stories are very prevalent in AoL. In fact, they are an essential part of the curriculum in courses at later stages of involvement such as DSN, TTC, Blessings course and Guru Puja course. To say that they are not emphasized in intro level courses or marketing does not deny the big part they play in indoctrination later on.
It is a classic bait and switch situation. AoL markets itself to potential recruits with programs for relaxation, stress management, improved efficiency, etc. These are things that appeal to people in our times. RS is kept largely out of the picture, at least in the West. In many cases, there is no RS photo shown in courses and his name is mentioned only in passing in intro courses. Once a certain level of involvement is achieved, new recruits are exposed more and more to the mythology of RS's person. Anyone who has gone through those stages can attest to this.
There are special guru story sessions in TTC courses. Bhanu is never shy to relate her own guru stories in Guru Puja courses. As I am writing this, I recall the story of how the angel of NYC (a very benevolent entity, it was said) showed up in RS's hotel room and ask him how he could assist him on his mission in the city.
The switch from the focus being on stress management and relaxation to guru worship happens not so subtly, but somehow group dynamics make it possible for people to overlook it. While at times RS would pay lip service to the idea that siddhis are insignificant to the sincere spiritual seeker, they are very much emphasized in AoL in the process of drawing people into guru worship. In contrast, Ramana Maharshi always cuts any inquiry about such extraneous matters at the root and invariably points the attention to the source of the perception.
Anonymous @ 12:29: "4) If you don't like AOL and SSRS why are you obsessively talking about it? What are you trying to resolve? I think you're trying to resolve something but you're not sure what it is. Simply trashing something or someone rarely works."
I'm sorry but this is a disingenuous question. It seems to come from a desperate desire to be left alone and not criticized. KLIM has explained many times what he/she is trying to resolve and the purpose this blog serves towards that. Besides, it is only in AoL's book of formulae that not bringing something up for discussion when you don't like it is the correct thing to do. Coincidentally, following that rule in this case would seem to be in AoL's best interest. It is not a convincing argument at all. Simply trashing is not what happens here, although some people may have a tendency to express their emotions in a more abrupt manner (just as AoL people do, by the way). Very necessary alternative to the party line points of view are expressed here. Sorry for the inconvenience this may cause AoL.
yourdad: "Because they have nothing else to do. Before joining AOL they had nothing to do, after having left AOL they have nothing to do. So how to spend time? Hence talking trash online, trying to damage other people's name and achievements."
Now what kind of response do you give a trite statement like that? What would Sri Sri do? Probably come up with something even more childish.
57 comments:
- zhoro said...
Skywaker, did my reply to Anonymous's second question get lost? Let me know and I will answer it again, if necessary.
- May 2, 2010 at 1:49 PM
- Skywalker said...
@Zhoro: yes, please re-send and I will add it to the post.
- May 2, 2010 at 2:22 PM
I think such a poor attempt at a propaganda against this blog doesn't deserve a lofty response. Marketing campaigns and propaganda's make AoL seem like a political party - it's not spiritual nor is it honest.
You should speak for yourself and your viewpoints rather than attack those on this blog.
Remember the knowledge point: Accept people and situations as they are? People here have taken a position you have your position, each ones positions and opinions are always changing.
We are not telling you to leave AoL or convince you that it is bad. Why are you trying to convince us it is good and to stop this blog? Live and let live. Opposite values are complementary right?
I for one am not saying that anything is completely wrong or right. I have seen both sides in AoL and in SSRS. I feel a sense of relief and freedom in sharing my experiences here. If SSRS and AOL are insecure about honest people sharing true experiences then it shows that there is something being hidden - there is something wrong.
In the spiritual realm nothing can be proved. But in the tangible world it can. Maybe those who posted the questions against those contributing to this blog have not seen the operational and money side of AoL deep enough. Would be good if you asked SSRS if the VVM Trust (Art of Living India) accounting books, tax returns can be made available upon request, what the Govt. policies are for a trust such as VVM to be audited. You should find out how many assets are in SSRS' family's name. Did you watch Shobha De's interview of SSRS? It's on YouTube. Listen to all the rhetorical questions - she exposes SSRS and Bhanu didi.
I have handled the some of the money in AoL and I know some of the closely guarded secrets, I don't know everything but what I came to know is enough for me to say it's a scam. I don't completely understand this dichotomy of SSRS' personality. How can he do the wrong things inspite of all his knowledge? But same goes for Nithyananda and other fake gurus I guess...
I justified the illegal, immoral, the scam and fraud just with the knowledge, techniques, grace...One day balance tilted and I realized I was not alone...
I truly and sincerely wish that people's lives do not get wasted because of AoL and SSRS. People's hard earned money doesn't go towards Ajay, Bhanu didi or his family's properties and assets.
- May 2, 2010 at 9:20 PM
Perhaps Dollar Ravi and his minions are now infiltrating this blog and are barking loud. The best test of Dollar RAvi's genuineness is to conduct all his business FREE for one year. If his message and intent is really genuine, crowds will flock. If not, it'll prove he is nothing but a slick Rasputin.
- May 2, 2010 at 9:35 PM
I've read few blog posts from here, and almost decided I'm not going to do the AOL course. But then one of my friends pointed me to a couple of videos, like this one
Do you guys think that entire video is a fluke? Those are some of the great words I've ever heard.
- May 2, 2010 at 11:31 PM
AOL is a money making machine mainly targeted toward urban western ($) Indian crowd especially in USA.That is what keeps the operating cash flowing.Annual Guru Purnima has to be in USA. That is the largest cashing event.This has worked well and has reached its crux.
No mainstream non-Indians fall for it. There are a bunch of leftover TM'ers and accidental non-Indian misfits that are far and few in between in AOL that do get exposure mainly for higher marketing goals.But most disappear in a short time.And some are shackled to it by other means.
All these spiritual movements (Nitynanda, Sri Sri & others) place more emphasis on the Guru and Guru stories or Guru Marketing than the technique or the practice itself.That is why they do not sustain too long.
AOL get togethers focuses more on propaganda(marketing) and little on the meditation or core individual spiritual growth.
Meditations are reserved for Part-II ($) courses.
For the little guy it is all about generating dollars for an unknown AOL higher cause.
Now follow the money ....
- May 3, 2010 at 12:16 AM
Zhoro, I think the first stage of healing is the "trashing". The recognition that the "other" is a "bad object" (if I my indulge in some psychoanalytic prattle). But some of this victimhood stuff is a little too much. Big mean SSRS gave me a bad cookie. Butch-up children! Not you, so much, but others posting here. I completely disagree with your final assessment of SSRS, but at least you don't wallow in victimhood, which is quit refreshing! I love Ramana Maharishi too and find no conflict or difference from SSRS. Techniques, of course there is a difference. But Atma Vichara is only effective with a sattvic mind. Even Ramana acknowledges this. He mentions needing to do "the basic work" before Atma Vichara will "work." I used to think SSRS was the reincarnation of Ramana; same darshan in my experience. You only spent 6 years in AOL? Shame on you! You weren't cooked yet. You need 12 and then you get the prize! ;-) Be well.
- May 3, 2010 at 8:03 AM
- zhoro said...
Here's the answer to question 2:
I don't see who here is obsessed with siddhis. On the other hand, the so called guru stories are very prevalent in AoL. In fact, they are an essential part of the curriculum in courses at later stages of involvement such as DSN, TTC, Blessings course and Guru Puja course. To say that they are not emphasized in intro level courses or marketing does not deny the big part they play in indoctrination later on.
It is a classic bait and switch situation. AoL markets itself to potential recruits with programs for relaxation, stress management, improved efficiency, etc. These are things that appeal to people in our times. RS is kept largely out of the picture, at least in the West. In many cases, there is no RS photo shown in courses and his name is mentioned only in passing in intro courses. Once a certain level of involvement is achieved, new recruits are exposed more and more to the mythology of RS's person. Anyone who has gone through those stages can attest to this.
There are special guru story sessions in TTC courses. Bhanu is never shy to relate her own guru stories in Guru Puja courses. As I am writing this, I recall the story of how the angel of NYC (a very benevolent entity, it was said) showed up in RS's hotel room and ask him how he could assist him on his mission in the city. The switch from the focus being on stress management and relaxation to guru worship happens not so subtly, but somehow group dynamics make it possible for people to overlook it. While at times RS would pay lip service to the idea that siddhis are insignificant to the sincere spiritual seeker, they are very much emphasized in AoL in the process of drawing people into guru worship. In contrast, Ramana Maharshi always cuts any inquiry about such extraneous matters at the root and invariably points the attention to the source of the perception.
- May 3, 2010 at 9:46 AM
This entire blog is a bit shocking to me :(.
I don't have any first hand so called 'experience' with SSRS. But in my area, AOL is functioning in a much constructive way.
I've myself got participated (I'm a doc) in a number of medical camps they conducted, and contributed to free food campaigns. How ever, I can't comment anything about how it is some where else.
- May 3, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Anon 10:02 AM, the doc,
I think you have to take much of what is posted here with the proverbial grain of salt. I'm sure there are people complaining here that have a degree of legitimacy, but much of the complaining is completely over the top trashing which is ridiculous. Trust your own experience. There is, quite obviously, much good in AOL as you experienced. Be leery of fanatics of both the positive and negative stripe.
- May 3, 2010 at 11:40 AM
Yourdad said: "Because they have nothing else to do. Before joining AOL they had nothing to do, after having left AOL they have nothing to do. So how to spend time? Hence talking trash online, trying to damage other people's name and achievements."
Thank you for this wise statement. Let me try now to figure out what it means. It, probably, means that if you are just trying to make your living and support your family before joining AOL, or after leaving it, "you have nothing to do". Right? Only in AOL they know "how to spend time". Once you read e-mail from AOL pasted below, you will know what AOL member duties and achievements are.
Tue 4/27/10
"Hi Dear Ones,
Jai Gurudev!
It is our privilege to co-host Guru Purnima with Hartford this year, and host not one, but two renowned international teachers, Sangeeta Jani and Swami Pragyapad before Guru Purnima, to raise the energy in Boston!
How can you get involved in this monumental event? Be a part of one of the teams working on these events. If you would really like to go beyond your boundaries and become unshakable, take up the lead of a team! It would be ideal to have at least one/ preferably two leads for every team.
We need help in the following areas:
- Media (Creating the media database, putting information about courses in online events pages, creating press releases, sending the press releases to the media)
- Flyering (printing flyers, actual flyering around Boston and suburbs)
- Advertising (T-stations? Newspapers? Radio stations?)
- Internet marketing: This includes mass emails, meetup, facebook, sending e-flyers
- Calling up (phone lists)
- Scheduling and conducting refreshers
Lets go :)
Jai Gurudev and love"
Yes, it is really a great "privilege" for you to "get involved in monumental event ", and "you will go beyond your boundaries and become unshakable", plus, all the above mentioned activities will be done in a hurry, in a "let's go" manner. This is a Real job! Right? And last, but not the least, you will never be paid for the job (not mentioned in e-mail, though, but every volunteer knows that their labor is free, naturally). All money goes to the Guru.
Anon 11:31 PM said "Do you guys think that entire video is a fluke? Those are some of the great words I've ever heard"
Words and deeds do not always coincide. Unfortunately, that's the case with many AOL teachers and Guru. When people pretend to be what they are not (especially, a pretense of virtue, piety, etc.), it is called hypocrisy.
- May 3, 2010 at 12:38 PM
Zhoro said,"Ramana Maharshi always cuts any inquiry about such extraneous matters at the root and invariably points the attention to the source of the perception."
I love Ramana too and have read about everything out there written by and about him. And I agree with you, RM always "cut to the chase" in almost every question. But I think it is way too easy to idolize saints of the past. We have no active interaction with them, so we don't know what our experience would have been with them on a daily basis. We love to see Jesus, Buddha and Krishna, as "perfect". And we can because we can't directly experience them so they can fulfill our ego ideal of a perfect master. But I'm sure there were plenty of people back in the day that thought Jesus was a bum, Buddha was an asshole, and Krishna, damn, don't even get me started on that sex addict! All these current, flesh-and-blood saints, and I include SSRS here, function through genetically and culturally determined personalities, just like we all do prior to and after realization. This is the concept of "leisha vidya", remains of ignorance in the realized. I'm not using this as an excuse or a rationalization for behavior that upsets someone, but let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater when it comes to SSRS. He is not a conman, he is not running a scam. You might have problems with aspects of him or his organization but this does not negate the profound spiritual experiences his presence and the practice of his techniques evoke in many.
- May 3, 2010 at 1:05 PM
Sincere Seeker,
Where in the Shobha De interview are the questions regarding VMW trust? It's a long interview and I watched the first part and near the end. Seems like a pretty positive interview.
- May 3, 2010 at 1:16 PM
Anonymous @10:02 AM
Some committed volunteers probably get some small social projects done once in a while despite resistance from AOL.
Do you mind sharing where and when these medical camps were held so curious minds can verify the information.
As you can see in the AOL email shared by 'To be or not to be said' at 12:38pm, the AOL focus and energy is mainly on marketing AOL events and not on social projects.
- May 3, 2010 at 1:52 PM
For those who still think SSRS is enlightened....
How can enlightened people make mistakes and write a book with so many mistakes.....
Here it is debate with Zakir Nair
- May 3, 2010 at 2:07 PM
@Anon 1:05
it is one thing for a person to be human - it is another for him to sell spirituality to make $$ for himself and his family. It violates the basic tenets of spirituality.
We are all told a lie that the money goes towards service projects - unless of course RS considers his seva to be a service project. Unpaid volunteers work hard to make it happen, and RS collects the $$.
How is that lesha avidya ? Does he need so much money to maintian his body and lifestyle. In that case his I'm more enlightened than him - we are happy with much less.
- May 3, 2010 at 3:01 PM
@Anon may 3
In one of the tapes RS is questioned about lesha avidya, and if enlightened can make mistakes.
His reply was that there is total awareness and no doership, so question of mistake does not arise.
He is the one claiming to be perfect. We are not imposing our ideal on him.
- May 3, 2010 at 3:05 PM
For those who still think SSRS is enlightened....
How can enlightened people make mistakes and write a book with so many mistakes.....
Here it is debate with Zakir Nair
- May 3, 2010 at 3:31 PM
- zhoro said...
Anonymous @ 8:30 and 10:05:
I understand what you are saying and I don't agree. I am aware that it is easy to perceive dead masters as ideal, yet I am not claiming Ramana was ideal. Rather, I am referring to the teaching and its steadfast focus on the essential truth. In RS's case, there are elements of that essential message, but they are diluted with so much nonsense (sanctioned by him, as it is an integral part of his training programs) as to render it of not much use ultimately. Yes, if one were so inclined, one could justify this situation as his attempt to teach his devotees discrimination, but such an explanation fails Occam's razor test. The evidence pointing to alternative motivation - narcisism and lust for power - is much more convincing. Seeing his face on most electricity poles in Bangalore during silver jubilee (your dollars and rupees humanely invested) and having a credit card launched by an Indian bank in the name of Art of Living are just the types of things that make me gag.
There is no evidence that he is not running a scam. When he claimed to me that all cash flows are documented, I asked him for detailed documentation showing how the money is distributed and what projects are implemented and received no further reply. I personally co-led a fund-raiser that collected more than $5,000 for an orphanage AoL was supposed to build in small village in Tamil Nadu after the tsunami. Where is the orphanage after all these years? It doesn't exist.
You may have experienced profound states in his presence. This proves nothing. People experience profound states in all kinds of circumstances given a certain phychological preparedness. They are not caused by him. You may claim his techniques promote that phychological preparedness and his events offer the milieu where deep insights can be experienced, but this can be interpreted as a version of the placebo effect where the major driver was your own desire.
In addition to all that, who can define a real spiritual experience? How can you separate the experience from interpretating intelligence? What is the value of such experiences?
- May 3, 2010 at 3:50 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dbDZMAdDBU - in this video, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says at the end that his weakness is an inability to show anger. Sometimes one needs to get angry, but when Sri Sri tries to do that, he ends up laughing. Ex-teachers on this blog - do you support his claim? Did you find him laughing instead of getting angry even when he was trying? It is surprising to find people getting deluded and perverted despite having the theoretical knowledge and some practical techniques of spirituality. Ego is indeed a great trickster. I do not know whether like Nityananda, Sri Sri has also lost the way as per the assertions of this blog, but the entire phenomenon is a bit dishearting. Someone knowing about breathing and meditation exercises and the nature of Self becomes a Nityananda! What a sad downfall! How strong the illusory energy of Self, called Maya, is? May we all be saved from disgracefull downfall in our spiritual journey.
- May 3, 2010 at 7:44 PM
Answering question about Shobha De interview...
You know what a rhetorical question is I suppose. Shobha De is basically making statements and posing them as questions:
"So this is a family business" she says to Bhanu didi...
She mentions that Bhanu is on the VVM Trust and...
"So you write the checks" she says to Bhanu didi stating that Bhanu's name is on the bank accounts...
Shobha De also remarks somewhere that you (Bhanu didi) and your husband (Narsimhan) are the beneficiaries of all these ashrams and properties across India.
Even the questions she poses with SSRS are all like messages to the audience to voice her view point.
Depends how you see this interview - my friends who are not in AoL and who watched it thought it was exposing SSRS, his sister, and his org. If you have your AoL glasses on then everything may look positive.
I have seen the "business" side of AoL and know that SSRS is a very different personality when it comes to handling money. He and his family consider AoL as "Ravi Shankar & Family Private Ltd."
- May 3, 2010 at 9:20 PM
This is an intresting blog. my friend an ex-AOL recommended me to read this. I have done AOL basic and advanced course. I 100% agree that these people try to build of all kinds of stories about Guru siddhis which are all fake. one of my teachers vinod menon used to tell all such fake stories. when i met ravishankar all he was intrested and told me is to do another advanced course. to compare him with Ramana is ridicoulous and stupid. he is after money. For me pranayama was good in AOL but sudarshan kriya never agreed with me. I went to other gurus Nithyananda of bidadi ashram and visitied him and did his techniques. this is also many techniques copied from osho in vigyan bhairav tantra. I still follow nithya's technique of mahamantra and some meditations. it has done well for my health. But i know that people like Nithya and ravishankar are frauds because they operate in the same way and after money. they talk big about social welfare and finally they end up with posh ashram and big balance.Pranayama, yoga and meditation are good but these gurus exploit that to gain followers.
- May 4, 2010 at 1:16 AM
Ravi Ravi has gotten into real estate business big time. They can rename their holy business into Art of converting land fom charity to real estate and personal fortune for Ravi Ravi. They have sumeru real estate firm and they are devoloping a gated residential community using the Ashramland in bangalore. The aol ashram land was taken from government at no price in the name of charity and social welfare. Now this land is being sold for building resedential complex. Ravi Ravi is targeting the rich IT crowd for buying these houses and they have posted several advertisements in major IT firms across bangalore. It is time someone exposed this mafia.
- May 4, 2010 at 1:26 AM
Check this soudhamini business venture:
With all this how can AOL people talk about charity and social welfare with a straight face. It takes a special kind of psychopathology to lie and cheat like AOL.
- May 4, 2010 at 1:38 AM
yourdad: "Because they have nothing else to do. Before joining AOL they had nothing to do, after having left AOL they have nothing to do. So how to spend time? Hence talking trash online, trying to damage other people's name and achievements."
I THINK THIS LAST STATEMENT SAYS IT ALL - VERY SIMPLY SAID BY THE BIG DADDY OF ALL (aka yourdad)
The reality is this only - AOL needs n breeds on people who have nothing else to do , nothing better to do , people who cant survive anywhere else , ppl who cant earn money n name for themselves but thrive on donations that come from ppl like us.
the fees issue we charge for aol -
- May 4, 2010 at 4:31 AM
hope you enjoyed the answer-
I SAY : so people please be generous donate as much as you can even if you have to stretch way beyond your limits after all ashramites teachers who are enlightening the world - need ipads, ipods, blackberry, apple laptops, make fancy rooms, fancy food or french manicures and spas or trips to bali or arosa...cos they are the big time teachers preachers they work so hard or else you know what will happen to this world if spiritual knowledge was coming for free...I THINK THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN AND NEVER HAVE SEEN OR READ HOW THE SEEKERS IN THOSE YEARS WOULD LIVE WITH SO MUCH OF DISCIPLINE AND SANITY...THEY WONT PREACH IN DAY,CHECK THE BANK STATEMENTS IN AFTERNOON ,DO SATSANG IN EVENING AND THAT TOO SATSANG FULL OF LATEST FILM SONGS AND EVENTUALLY SLEEP AROUND WITH THEIR LATEST GIRL IN THE NIGHT, , SO ..please donate generously and help them live their dreams through ur hard earned money
- May 4, 2010 at 4:32 AM
The fees Issue we Charge for AOL Courses!
Question> I have heard so much about you and your clear thought
I am a staunch follower of Art of living and have done part 1, part 2 and Sahaj Samadhi courses. I thoroughly enjoyed them and love Guruji.
But I always felt the courses are expensive. I thought spiritual
knowledge should be distributed at the minimal cost and it is upto the seeker to offer how much ever it pleases him/her for Guru Dakshina.
There were a few other situations when I was a bit under financial
pressure to donate at least $300. This has bothered me quite a bit even though I am a philanthropist. If people are rich and can afford it, it is a different matter. Sorry for my ignorance. I am not really clear.
But if you can please explain to me in detail, I would really
appreciate it.
Answer by Bawa (Khurshed Batliwala (Bawa), Directors of World Alliance
for Youth Empowerment( WAYE) and Faculty of Art of Living):
Spiritual Knowledge has never been at minimal cost.. Earlier you would have had to go and do Seva in an Ashram for 10-15 years before you even
got a whiff of learning about meditation… Then after all that, you would give a Guru Dakshina if at all :)
The Art of Living courses are typically 18-40 hours in length, assuming you are paying $300 for an approximately 25 hour course, you are paying $12 per hour which is utterly exploitative … Would you even be able to get your toilet fixed for $12 an hour? Are you not willing to spend
more money on getting your mind fixed, than you would on your loo?!
You talk about yourself, but you do realize that there are so many
teachers and an entire organisation to run which has expenses… No government, corporate, UN agency funds Art of Living. When teachers
travel, they have to pay the bus/train/air fare. In our homes we have to pay telephone and electricity bills, and for the food we eat.
We have to pay for the hall rent, the rent for the audio system used on the course, etc … Many people work to make an Art of Living course happen, we have to pay them at least their expenses. There is a pretty big bill thats there at the end of the course.
$300 is peanuts to pay for a course that you know gives you so very much.
Another thing that we wanted was that we did not want people to be
obligated and pay. We charge a certain fee for a service rendered. Its nice and clean.
Finally, if you want to buy yourself a car, a solid education, a home…at this point you dont say its too expensive do you? You take a loan and get it. An Art of Living course is on par with these big investments of life. If needed, take a loan… you know its worth it.
Finally, SOME OF THE MONEY collected on courses is pumped back into society, it doesn't line anyone's pockets. It COULD be used to rehab prisoners, or in some disaster area, or in some war zone to help people. It COULD be used to help children, women, etc … It COULD also be used to take care of our full time teachers and their families whenever needed, It COULD also be used to build up our Ashram
infrastructure so that when you come there, you can be taken better care of…
Our idea of doing Seva is not out of an empty bowl, so that we have to go to various people to get us money so that we can do Seva. Our
teachers and volunteers work hard to make courses happen, a solid value is given to the participants in the course and then out of the profits that are made on the courses, our bowl is filled. Out of a full bowl which has been made so by dint of hard work, we do philanthropy.
(Though of late, quite a few funding agencies have finally woken up to the fact that Art of Living is doing some great work and have expressed a desire to partner with us towards mutual goals… and thats a nice
feeling too :)
I think that's quite noble, and you should feel privileged to give
money to such an organization… even if it means a bit of a stretch for you.
- May 4, 2010 at 4:32 AM
About photos and all - At least according to Indian tradition, respecting/worshiping the teacher (Guru) who gives knowledge is not a sin.
Though I'm practicing meditation for some time, I havn't yet gone through any AOL courses. But I've read various books and went through the Sivasutra talks of RS. I found what he talks is all about knowledge of the highest order, that of consciousness.
About the organization that forms around the key person - I was involved in another spiritual organization, and I did quit when I found the organization went mad.
Bottomline - You can't expect the organization to be fully in compliance with the knowledge :) - It has nothing to do with the knowledge if you understand it properly.
- May 4, 2010 at 5:44 AM
Anon 10:02 AM, Don't get confused too much about this back and forth mud throwing - be your own judge
- May 4, 2010 at 5:48 AM
Hey Klim
Where is Whistleblower?miss his very
detailed and interesting posts.
- May 4, 2010 at 10:38 AM
@ANon 5:44 am
The talks are from the old days. The organization was new then, the knowledge and sri sri were pure.
Now it's different. Power and Money corrupts. RS now is very different from the RS that used to be. Now it's all about $$, and selling courses. Not much spirituality is left.
- May 4, 2010 at 2:39 PM
- zhoro said...
Anon @ 2:39:
Yes, the attitude has changed. Before I left, a routine answer to questions at public events had become "I've already answered that question. Go buy my books and read them". You spend effort to get your friends to a talk and this is what they hear from the supposed enlightened being. Ridiculous.
- May 5, 2010 at 12:18 PM
"The talks are from the old days. The organization was new then, the knowledge and sri sri were pure."
Old days meaning when. When Ravi Ravi was a baby. I had been in AOL from 1990 - 1995 and I found it to be the corrupt organization with a corrupt guru. The markings of all the false stories, propoganda, hype was very much there. Except that Ravi Ravi was not that popular then. My friend a trader in telephony equipment who set up some instruments in ashram in 1991 was cheated of his legitimate bills and was emotionally blackmailed by Ravishankar and one of his ashram administrator. I don't buy this innocene corrupted story at all as I know factual things aboyt Ravi Ravi and his corrupt means.
- May 6, 2010 at 5:42 AM
I have a story to tell. I had a friend in college, and he was so much in love with this girl. His relationship continued for many years. After few years , he started realizing that his girl was not that good, had some problems. He wanted her to change , but she refused. Now this guy , although he liked her, didn't like the fact that this girl was changing (or appeared to have changed). He was annoyed by the fact this his girlfriend wouldn't change but he still loved her. One day he got really really angry and then called of his relationship.
Now he was lonely and started missing his girl. Few days later he found out, that his girl had some ex-boyfriends which he didn't knew earlier. He communicated with them, and they realized that they were also hurt. Suddenly he realized that he was not the only one who is hurt. Misery loves company, so he started hanging out with these ex-boyfriends. Together they would complain and badmouth this girl.
When I heard this I told him: Dude you need to move on. You feel in love with this girl, you enjoyed her. She didnt invite you to fall in love? You were the one who was attracted. So if she appears to have changed now, and that you dont like her. You just need to move on. There is not point in thinking and complaining about her and bad mouthing her.
I think Zhoro and his friends are in the same boat and would tell you the same thing. You were the once who fell in love with AOL. Everything about it was so good! And you enjoyed it! That's why you stayed with it for years together! Now you want AOL to change because it doesn't match 'your' idealistic concerns. And it wont. You don't realize the fact , that many many people want AOL just the way it is. They want a guru and they love Sri Sri. They don't want anything to change. They know that AOL has some issues, but they are ok with it as they can see that its doing so much more good than any harm.
So I guess if you dont like it, the way it is, you should just move on. Stop writing this blog. You think you are helping a great cause by exposing AOL etc ,thinking that would be silly. You know how many teachers AOL has and how far and wide it has spread. Three or four of you cant do anything. When an elephant walks in the town, dogs start barking. Elephant doesn't care. You don't want to be these barking creatures. You would just be wasting your time (and the time of people like me) and hurting some others who are really committed to AOL. So just move on. Stop this blog and get on with your life. Take these words seriously, as these are coming from yourdad.
- May 6, 2010 at 6:43 AM
- zhoro said...
@ yourdad @ 6:43 am:
:)))) That seat-of-the-pants wisdom is not as one-directional as you'd like. The elephant seems to be bothered by these so called dogs, after all. It's not like he's kept his royal airs passing through this village. There have been meetings, there have been action committees, counter-blogs have been started. :))) Why is the elephant bothered? After all, what can these little dogs do to harm his course? Or is it that they are "barking" about things that the elephant would rather not be known to the villagers?
You say we are wasting YOUR time? What? You have given us so much power, really? Why are you here, yourdad? You'd rather not have to deal with damage control, I understand. So why don't you close your eyes to alternative points of view, AoL style, and not waste your time?
I know you are eager for us to "move on" and leave the AoL behemoth unchallenged. Maybe you are right and we won't change much. But let me refer you to one of AoL's favorite parables about the boy and the stranded starfish on the beach. Even if this blog makes a difference to a few people and helps them avoid some traps, it will be worth it. Even if the AoL elephant tramples many more.
Now you move on and don't waste your time here.
- May 6, 2010 at 9:07 AM
yourdad: thanks for agreeing with sri sri is that girl who is a cheater running from one to other (is that for money and power?); what you don't understand is they are not writing this blog to get back to that cheater instead they are doing a favor so that no more innocent victims enlist to this cheater.
- May 6, 2010 at 10:38 AM
yourdad - go sell more courses and don't waste your time with your silly stories. Your silly stories may just be doing more damage to AOL than damage control.
- May 6, 2010 at 11:48 AM
The core of the problem that all you ex-AOL teachers have is that you never experienced the Divine through Guruji. I could be wrong and please correct me if I am. But, because of this you had a concept of Divinity rather than its actual experience. Once you experience Guruji as the Divine, it puts everything in a different context. Until you have this experience, you have to go on faith, and faith can only last for so long. Like the teacher who decided that he no longer "believed" in the divinity of Guruji. Of course beliefs come and go. So his faith, over time, left him. Hopefully though, faith is replaced by direct experience rather than faith in something else! I didn't experience this Divinity until after two years. Then, the whole thing opened up and it changed everything. I'm not encouraging anyone to then surpress feelings of conflict or deny what you might perceive as unethical. Address that; confront that and do not let up till your conflict is resolved. I think you all quit after the first couple of wind sprints, so to speak!
- May 6, 2010 at 12:20 PM
You claim you are trying to stop others from getting involved with AOL. No you're not. You're trying to resolve your own conflicts. Let innocent people be and let them decide for themselves. We pro and con idiots will just argue with each other, okay? ;-)
- May 6, 2010 at 12:25 PM
@ Zhoro
Your problem is that you have too much anger and my problem is that I have too much time and compassion for you. I find it difficult to move on and let you be what you are.
Go to secure artofliving and see so many courses happening all over the country! Those who are going to be in this path , will be in this path. No blog can stop them.
Who told you that there are action committees? Who told you that AOL is bothered? These blogs? That would be funny. By thinking this you are just making yourself feel important!
- May 6, 2010 at 2:10 PM
- Prairie Princess said...
AoL is a sad little group, full of delusions. Some of us experience the divine in places than ravi ravi. Had there been something like this blog when I took my part 1, I never would have bothered with this group.
Gurus are not necessary in the 21st century. There is a wealth of spiritual information available. Why go to a con man pretending to be god? Why not just go straight to god? Yourdad, this blog is about people healing from psychological abuse and dissonance that they experienced in AoL. Please find something else to do if you cannot contribute to the healing process. Please remember..true freedom does not involve worshiping a guru. I see god when I look at my dog as well as others. Perhaps my dog should start a movement and support me as ravi has supported his extended family. KLIM & CO,keep up the good work. You are the ones doing god's work.
- May 6, 2010 at 3:41 PM
@Prairie Princess : We have heard enough of your crying on this blog. Who abused you? Do you even understand what the word abuse means?
Nowhere does this blog claim (look at the disclaimer) that it is a place for healing. This is a place for sharing and the blog owner has been generous enough to pass comments which do not agree with the blog. You cant be healed by this blog anyways, you need a good psychiatrist.
You can see god in your dog. Good for you! But many others cant do that? What about them?
True freedom does not involve worshipping a guru? Who told you that? Do you even know what a guru is? You have the power of your keyboard, doesn't mean that you can type any enlightening non-sense.
- May 7, 2010 at 6:07 AM
Noticed that the counter blog is dead and all the followers have bolted.
Guess the strategy didnt work, piled on more than they expected.
Keep this blog going Klim, be that grandson in the famous parable and make that difference.
Good Luck - you will need loads of that.
- May 7, 2010 at 8:06 AM
- Skywalker said...
@ yourdad: I am moderating the blog at the moment, while klim is on a well deserved break. whereas I value freedom of speech and constructive debate, still I kindly ask you to cool down a bit. Some of us actually feel abused. This is our experience. You come across as very blunt and insensitive in your comments, trying as you do to negate our experience.
Please, yourdad... although you are welcome to read and comment, bear in mind that this blog is not for you. It has been said countless times, by many people posting here. Yes, it is a place of healing, Klim and I can confirm that. If you feel fine, fine. If ever that secret doubt about the guru should arise in you, and you contribute it to more than just lack of prana, then come back and read some of our stories. You will not be alone then, as many of us were.
–verb (used with object)
1. to use wrongly or improperly; misuse: to abuse one's authority.
2. to treat in a harmful, injurious, or offensive way: to abuse a horse; to abuse one's eyesight.
3. to speak insultingly, harshly, and unjustly to or about; revile; malign.
4. to commit sexual assault upon.
5. Obsolete . to deceive or mislead.
6. wrong or improper use; misuse: the abuse of privileges.
7. harshly or coarsely insulting language: The officer heaped abuse on his men.
8. bad or improper treatment; maltreatment: The child was subjected to cruel abuse.
9. a corrupt or improper practice or custom: the abuses of a totalitarian regime.
10. rape or sexual assault.
11. Obsolete . deception.
- May 7, 2010 at 10:15 AM
@yourdad, what kinda' moonshine are you and Dollar Ravi imbibing these days? It's easy to quote Ramana Maharshi and kinda seek shelter in his philosophy, but try practising it.
- May 7, 2010 at 10:51 AM
Guys, who's this "yourdad" character? Comes across as bein a bit too out of balance for someone who's been trained by the great dude/elephant/candy of a million eyes! Why not just block all his comments? I mean, it could easily be that many angry readers could start resorting to profanity and such, seein his comments.
@yourdad: tell me kind sir, why, every time I go to these "satsangs" AoL has, I see people trying to hit on each other, dudes trying to hug dudettes whom they're meeting the first time, just coz they look hot? Why does my friend, who happens to be a great disciple of "the dude" act lewd in these so called places of inspiration? What's more, your great dude doesn't seem to be bothered by such stuff even in big gatherings...one would expect the air to be full of purity. The way I see it, it's becomin like a facebook for the spiritually inclined. Nuthin wrong with that, but when things like cheating people, abusing them, manipulating them and blaming the victims come in, questions naturally rise! As for your thing about "four people", I have to say, that's all it takes. Four people. If you know things about the internet, go look at how many hits this blog gets in a day. There's rumors already that Nithy's news is stale, so the media is targeting AoL. Ahem, ahem....well, I don't know much coz I'm just a "low prana" dude hangin around :P
- May 7, 2010 at 1:25 PM
@skywalker who is abusing who? lol #rtofl - and you guys are healing yourself by abusing SSRS!!. Jokes all around
- May 7, 2010 at 2:41 PM
To be just - I guess Prairie Princess is more hot than yourdad.
It is ok to share your observations, pointless babble won't add any value to this blog. Probably time for everyone to cool down a bit
- May 7, 2010 at 4:01 PM
Where do I go from here?
I am completely turned off by Art of Living, and I can't believe that I ignored the warning signs that were always there, and I instead got sucked into the herd mentality.
But, what next? Is there any help for the spiritual seeker, without associating with a large organized spiritual business such as AOL? I do like to meditate, but cannot make myself to do sahaj as the reverence is gone.
I have been browsing http://itisnotreal.com/subpage19.html
- May 7, 2010 at 4:14 PM
Some of you like Zhoro think that there are true gurus and we should get their help etc while some like princess think that you don't need guru and guru means loss of freedom.
I wonder how come ex teachers have such different takes?
- May 7, 2010 at 5:58 PM
- Hari said...
Dr Quentin Jones said...
"Noticed that the counter blog is dead and all the followers have bolted".
I guess, It's not difficult to understand why the counter blog has died down, considering the huge PR disaster it was.
Also the sudden Pro-AOL characters (Dad & family ) that have emerged since last 3 weeks make me feel that AOL has changed its strategy with the counter blog.
Why not unleash the AOL PR team onto the comments and posts of this blog. It will be much simpler, more effective, isn't it? There are no conventions to follow, no tone to be set, no respect to be shown, and most of all their comments will not be treated as an official AOL or SSRS Communiqué.
But still I would want these guys contributing rather than blocking them as Chris has suggested, will help to understand the AOL point of view as well(even though still fact less till now).
- May 8, 2010 at 7:20 AM
I also wondered if the AoL PR strategy had changed to infiltrate this blog. The blog tone definitely seems to have changed with the emergence of more pro-AoL people.
It's mostly succeeding in keeping me even further away from AoL.
- May 8, 2010 at 12:27 PM
- zhoro said...
Just quick note that I've been too busy in the last couple of days to reply to the latest posts in the comments. Will do so on Monday.
- May 8, 2010 at 1:23 PM
tell me kind sir, why, every time I go to these "satsangs" AoL has, I see people trying to hit on each other
What point are you trying to make son? Are u telling me that you have visited all the AOL satsangs on this planet in 140 countries and you founds guys hitting on girls? Are you just generalizing?
You guys just don't have any valid points and hence putting out silly stories.Dont you see that you are not making any point?
Some of you were hurt and hence you left AOl, while others like Zhoro had idealistic concerns which AOL no longer addresses(Zhoro : how can you talk about this. You have betrayed the trust and faith of all those who took TTC with you. You shared things which you were not supposed to. If you really had problems with AOL with regards to its money, you would have given some solid evidence instead of pointing fingers and make accusations) and then some of you get healing by abusing a Guru.
Do you realized that you guys are the ones who are actually abusing faith and devotion of hundreds and thousand of other people who respect and consider SSRS as their Guru? You guys write any nonsense stuff...like the sad frustrated princess says "AOL is a sad group". I think you guys are sad. You have left AOL many years ago, and still you like gossiping about it, badmouthing it under the pretext that you are saving others? Shame on you guys! Just search for Art of Living on Facebook and you will see so many groups with joyful smiling people everywhere!
Hari: ya son . I am a big shot in AOL PR trying to do whatever you think. You can put out all your other theories so that I can have a nice laugh.
- May 8, 2010 at 2:49 PM
My problem with AOL is I was taken for a ride by their hypocracy. They lied to me about the so called 4000 villages adoption in India. I had a geniuine inclination towards social service and AOL exploited that to further their money making agenda and made us do photo ops in the name of social service. We collected donations for natural calamities and it went into the pockets of the top mafiasos in the organization. I have seen the money and operational side of AOL deep enough and that is what made me and may others leave. It is to put in plain terms a fraud organization quite similar to Nithyananda and Kaliki bagwan. I am thankful for the blog owner and other contributors who have the guts to say that the emperor wears no clothes.
For those like you who live and benefit by this fraud you can describe the fascinating colours, texture and grandiosity of Ravi Ravi's clothes. But for those of us who know he is exposed.
- May 10, 2010 at 6:31 AM
Ever heard of the straw-man argument ?
Bashing yourdad is not the way to go. Like it or not, we have to patiently reply to his arguments, instead of attacking him. Otherwise we will just be acting like RS, republican party etc.
People hitting on each other is not just an AOL thing. Teenagers will be teenagers. If RS tries to rein in their behavior, he is controlling, if he does not then he is ignoring things. Anywaym what's your problem if two people are flirting ? Are you moral police or something ?
By raising such trivial issues, you seem to be diluting the more serious points raised by this blog. Lets stick to those shall we.
- May 10, 2010 at 4:19 PM
Zhoro, haha! I am remembering the story of the NYC angel myself and how he approached RS, as he always said, even the trees, even all angels feel compelled towards him. Hilarious. And he still does not think he suffers of some degree of megolomania. Ah of course, there is a difference between that and being god reincarnate. We must not be able to see!
- May 13, 2010 at 10:06 AM


text:
US Women's Soccer team leaders Hope Solo and Abby Wambach appeared on the Late Show couches last night and certainly held their own against Dave's snarky line of questioning. When asked about the possible brain damage heading a soccer ball could lead to, Wambach coyly replied, "I'm sorry, what?" and used Megan Rapino's goal by-way-of-forehead as the perfect example as to why "being dumber for that moment is okay."
Oh, and semi-related: Hope Solo is going to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated — the first women to do so since June 2010 (Serena Williams).

subset: commoncrawl


text:
CR Library FAQ
Revolver Dogelot
The purpose of this faq is to familiarize the CR users with what the CR Library is, how it works, what regulations it follows, and how you can contribute to it making it a more complete source of information on all your Asian culture interests!
What is the CR Library? -
The CR Library is CR's version of Wikipedia in it's own special format, and almost everything in the site is attached to the Library one way or another including any Anime or Drama series with video's. So what is this format? Well the Library is organized into a series of different Article types, each with it's own unique characters and functions. These articles become the backbone of the Library and contain all background information, videos, photo albums, fan listings, wall comments, and forums relating to each individual subject.
For convenience sake here is a link to the root menu of the CR Library. Any Drama or Anime series with video's can be found under it's applicable section. This page also contains the top 20 Library contributor list and a list of recently updated Library articles.
Following is a brief listing and description of the most common article types -
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Simply put, how do you edit an article? All that is needed to begin is a click on any of the edit links found in a Article. Typically you can find them in the top right corner of the "Overview" and "Extended Discussion" sections. This will take you to the Edit Article page where you can change almost anything regarding a Library page. It is worth mentioning that there is a preview function for both the Description and Extended Discussion sections that will allow you to see how the article will look when the edit is complete and this should be used every time before submitting the edit. Also note that there are formatting instructions for each editing option, such as how to separate alternate names and the proper date format to use. The only other user editable item to be found is the Poster image for each page, this can be edited by clicking on the mouse over link in the top right corner of the image. Tags (genre info) can not be edited by users, however if you find an articles current tags lacking a Library Moderator can make changes upon request and approval.
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-Edited by alexwithcandy [Retired Library Moderator]
Just call me.... Revolver. Revolver Doge.
put a sticky on it
thanks for the tips.
Oh, lawl. No sticky for such an important thread?
I think you should work more on people who're reviewing things. The most of them are literally stolen from the WIkipedia, or are rants. I think you should put the ''picture'' option back in reviews. I mean, what's a review without pictures to show off.
And, thank you for the hard work of organizing everything in the library. I hope you guys will keep this up >;)
'' Insert meaningless quote ''
Revolver Dogelot
Haha thanks for the support guys, BasouKazuma was going to sticky it at his first chance and looks like he has already taken care of it. Not sure about the reviews though Baka. I think a separate mod group may be in charge of them so you may want to tag that into the suggestions thread.
Just call me.... Revolver. Revolver Doge.
wow! cr library sure is doing its best to serve the "public"
ill try my best to follow what is written in the first post
im somebody pretending to be nobody
Spread the word, the more people that understand how to make submissions, the merrier.
Revolver Dogelot
Link for the CR Library root menu and a clarification on cast policy added.
Just call me.... Revolver. Revolver Doge.
^ Tell me about it, it would be a lot less time consuming. Although sometimes I like the fact that the avatar and poster images are different. For instance the avatar could be the main image of the person whereas the poster image could be the latest image (such as a new photoshoot etc) regarding the article. This only applies to some articles though.
By the way, well done Karakov for writing most of this. =] Bravo!
it is all about the random 'blah'
Revolver Dogelot
ShroomInferno wrote:
^ ah, does that mean that this only applies for characters, and not films, series? And, yeah, it's true..it's refreshing to have a different thumbnail, but then again, having the poster image also as the thumbnail somehow gives me, personally a better orientation in the libraries.
And, yes, nice job there, Karkarov! =]
But every library mod put work in on the article and even a couple other guys helped out here and there hehe. So they deserve the credit too. To clarify on the avatar vs poster there is one thing that separates them. Avatar images (yeah the thumbnails you see in searches) have to be screenshots of photos of actual footage, not promo images or advertisements/box art which is what posters are supposed to be. In the case of articles with no Poster image the Avatar Image actually is used by default. It is a little confusing that way but thems the breaks :/
Just call me.... Revolver. Revolver Doge.
i give many information to cr library.
when im right no one remember , but when im wrong no one forgets
thank you :O
♥Busy with school....~!♥
I'd like to ask you for a favour.
Everything you go to an article, please(!), check if the "Source: Wikipedia" actually leads to Wikipedia, and not www.crunchyroll.com.
Due to a bug, when an article is created, and information is picked up automatically, the underlined parts of the link gets replaced with space instead, making the link invalid, and thus leading to CR instead of its real source.
really i dont care
nobody is perfect, and im nobody ~_^
If you don't care, then why post here? You are just being ironic by posting that you don't care.
I've created an article about Library Moderators;
Library Moderator
Be sure to check out the forum there, if there's anything you'd like to ask. : )


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Jay-Z Performing "Young Forever" (Dedicated To Everyone Who Lost Their Life) + Him & Memphis Bleek Performing Plethora Of Hova's Classic Songs + Brings Out Diddy At Madison Square Garden
Jay-z Live on Madison Square Garden
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I think there is a bug with the way the stylus is handled on the Caanoo, in SCI games. Specifically:
1. Launch some SCI game, say Space Quest 1 VGA
2. Move the mouse somewhere on the screen with the joystick
3. Click with the stylus somewhere else on the screen
You'll notice that the engine registers the click where the mouse was left via the joystick, even if the stylus click was in a totally different spot on the screen.
I think the bug is related to the code at line 147 in sci/event.cpp where all mouse-move events are ignored, and only mouse down/up events are handled. On a PC (or some other device with "continuous" mouse movement) this is not a problem, since the click will always register where the mouse cursor last was; but on devices with styluses/touch interfaces, it's possible to move the mouse somewhere and click entirely somewhere else.
This problem seems to be specific to the SCI engine -- the Scumm engine works fine (and the code seems to be fine as well, since it handles both movement and click-type events).
I'm not terribly familiar with the ScummVM source -- can someone more familiar confirm if this is indeed the case?
Also, are there instructions anywhere for how to build this code for the Caanoo? I'd like to play with the code a little and test this theory, but not sure how to get started.
Incorrect stylus handling in the SCI engine
Subforum for discussion and help with ScummVM's GP2X, GP2X Wiz and Caanoo ports
Moderator: ScummVM Team
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DelveInsight's, Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Global API Manufacturers, Marketed and Phase III Drugs Landscape, 2018" report provides comprehensive insights about marketed and Phase III products for Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia . The report includes information of marketed products including their product description, patent details, forecasted sales till 2020 API manufacturer details by country.
Global API Manufacturers of Marketed Products for Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
Coverage of API manufacturers for Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia marketed products spanning across United States, Europe, China and India. The manufacturers' details include manufacturers' name along with their location.
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This report provides a comprehensive understanding of the emerging Phase III therapies for Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia which can turn out to be future prospective competitors for the marketed products. It will also put light on the current market trends. Their forecasted global sales are also provided till 2020.
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Secondary information and data has been collected from various printable and nonprintable sources like search engines, news websites, government websites, trade journals, white papers, magazines, trade associations, books, industry portals, industry associations and available databases.
A review of the marketed products for Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia including their description, route of synthesis, regulatory milestones, forecasted sales estimates till 2020 and API manufacturer details.
Patent information coverage of the marketed products including the patent number, holder, grant and patent expiry details
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The problem with waiting all year for your favorite show is often trying to anticipate every eventuality. Tales of Waterfest woe can include flat tires and blown engines en route but for us, coming from LA, we were at the mercy of the airline industry.
The mayhem began soon after entering airport security at 5am. "Ladies and gentlemen, your flight has been delayed five hours due to a crew change," blah-freaking-blah.
That sentence caused paralysis; almost as if we'd collected a speeding ticket as the motor simultaneously overheated on the freeway. New Jersey would have to wait to wow us.
Pulling into the hotel parking lot, we were greeted by our first tailgate party. This was what we'd been waiting for all day: Waterfest 18 had begun and we were finally at the party.
The following morning, we rendezvoused with photographer Josh Brown, AKA "our Waterfest guru". Walking through the vendor area we found more parts than you'd uncover searching the internet all day. Making sure nobody had to worry about installing the parts, vendors were happy to fit everything from a full exhaust to ECU flashing.
In fact, flashing seemed to be the pre-eminent occupation of nearly every booth. Started by APR, they ruled the roost with a series of lifts to fit hardware on site, plus a tent for flashing, surrounded by a collection of its modified cars and Grand-Am racers.
However, Revo and Unitronic weren't far behind. In fact, Revo was also busy flashing all weekend, offering its Signature Series Software for the first time outside of the Audi dealer network. They also found time to introduce new K04 turbo kits for the 2.0T, showing it in both a Mk6 GTI and Golf R, with the latter also getting fully switchable software.
Throughout the day, people were raving about the nightlife; the usual stories of wild parking-lot gatherings, tailgating and rock 'n roll-style hotel mayhem. As darkness fell, we decided to start at Chili's. Strike one. It was cleared out by the police within 30min of our arrival. Strike two: TGI Fridays was also cleared by the po-po. Strike three: even Applebees was vacated long before we arrived.
All that remained were the inevitable hotel parking lot tailgate parties, but even these were cleared out. Three hours passed and we couldn't find a single event to stake a claim and regret in the morning.
Even our own hotel fell victim to the crackdown. Just minutes after ripping the e-brake in frustration, Johnny Law descended on our small gathering with his zero-tolerance policy for this year's festivities.
Show day arrived with a full compliment of drag racers settling into the pits, and exhibition cars pouring into every available space.
Walking the rows, we noticed R32 drivetrain swaps were more popular than ever. As well as hoodless engine compartments displaying meticulously shaved bays. Wheels continue to reach new heights, with color combinations and detailing setting new standards.
We were pleasantly surprised by the classic VW/Audi presence. Some vehicles had received the same attention to detail we've only previously seen at a concours d'elegance.
Waterfest 18, like any sizable event, inevitably attracts its fair share of haterade. Nonetheless, the true fans keep coming back, with vendors outperforming previous years and show cars setting new trends. No matter what you hear, this show is big, maintaining its rightful place as a "must attend" event for any VAG enthusiast. Who knows… maybe the police will lighten up next year and we can again report on microwaves flying from hotel windows!
As the day progressed, we enjoyed the breeze atop the grandstands at the historic Englishtown Raceway Park. The Outlaw class drag racing has become a highly anticipated spectacle at Waterfest. Pitting some of the fastest highly modified VAG cars against each other for bragging rights and a small cash purse.
The quickest cars were reaching into the mid-9sec quarter-mile times, giving everybody in the stands something to cheer about.
This year's winner was again Todd Pavics, from Livingston, NJ. His '94 Golf set an impressive 9.860sec at 150.98mph to beat Tim Muller running 10.015sec at 155.51mph in his Mk3 Golf.


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Bret Waters needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 60 designs submitted by 21 freelance designers.
Central Illinois Breast Cancer Awareness Association.
The Central Illinois Breast Cancer Awareness Association believes that knowledge is empowerment. Today, thanks to new developments in screening and treatment, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States. CIBCAA believes if we continue this trend, focusing on early detection, patient education, and new treatments, that within a generation breast cancer can cease to be a fatal disease for most women. CBCAA is committed to making this goal become a reality.
Mostly women, aged 35-65. Many have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, or are concerned about being at risk for breast cancer.
Logo needs to reproduce well on the existing website, which you can see at http://cibcaa.org
Our look needs to be feminine, professional (our organization is run by doctors), but also positive and cheerful. Hope that helps give useful input - please feel free to let me know if there's additional input from us which would be helpful - thanks!
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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There is hope in every heartbeat
Tiny as it seems
You're a beautiful seed
~ Beautiful Seed lyrics, Corrinne May
(and blackberry pasta behind it - a test run with frozen berries)
Have a beautiful weekend, all!
There is hope in every heartbeat
Tiny as it seems
You're a beautiful seed
~ Beautiful Seed lyrics, Corrinne May
This is such a beautiful dish! I can't wait to try this one. I love the color of the pasta.
Very very creative, and the color of the pasta matches the apron. Was this coincidence?
Maureen, pink is the new beige in my realm ;-). Hope you go ahead and make your own technicolor pasta!
I just love the shots of your pink pasta drying in the sun - I wonder what your neighbours thought! It looks so beautiful.
Loved that 'Old Spice' link... and did you ever discover if tumeric can go off? (Should probably check mine).
Three-Cookies, on this blog, nothing is a coincidence! *grins* If only real life was this orchestrated.
Kate@Norm, after living here for 12 years, the neighbours know of my quirky ways and look the other way (or in this case, peered from behind the curtains!). LOL.
As for the spice thing, I only found out that dried spices in general don't go off but their scent and potency may lessen over the years. In any case, I think it's best to stick with the expiry date!
Noticed the new header first thing. Love it.
And the dragon fruit pasta. That is beyond awesome. You're my hero...
Pink fettucine?! AWESOME!! I used penne pasta...I know...so creative! ;-)
Love the new header...when I first popped in I thought I was visiting a different blogger. :)
Man... two of my loved flavors, lemongrass and coconut, I mean that seriously, dragon fruit pasta is just genius, I love that you didn't use any colorants"!!!
I love the pasta! I also agree with elle marie (previous comment) I love lemongrass and coconut! Beautiful and creative!
colourful dish lovely header
"Eye-buds" shall be my word for the weekend! I am loving those pink noodles, and the header looks great! Go, anime Maya!
Not only you're like the dragonfruit expert... I love your musical taste. I don't know where you've got all these music from. New discovery to touch my heart.
Also! The colours of your pasta got me in mood for flavoured pasta now... (sidetracked inspiration for the weekend ;)
The pink noodles are so pretty - I love the photo of them drying in the sun! Mine was not lackluster in terms of colour but I am sure it was not as Dorie intended - it was more like an Asian soup than a hearty French stew...
OMG you made your own pasta!!! That is awesome. Love the intense pink colour. And your new banners looks so pretty as well.
You are a true foodie! So glad your kids were also fans!!!!
I love your new banner, very fun and eye catching! I think pink noodles served under this stew give the meal a real pizazz and definitely additional eye appeal. I almost went with chicken but never cook pork so thought this might be pushing myself out of the box to try the pork. I liked the colors and spiced it up more for my taste but my husband was not a fan. Always fun to see what you come up with for FFWD;-)
How pretty and colourful. This is the third version I've seen today. Everyone seems different but not as colourful as this. Love the pasta. can it be eaten with sweet sauce?
What a stunning post! I'm so impressed that you made your own Fettucine! Your photos are great & your sidh looks heavenly!
Enjoy your weekend!
The burst of color from your pasta is so refreshing! I made beet ravioli once, and beet creme brulee - now i'm inspired again by your post. Love your banner, also!
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the new banner on your site. And that fettucine is literally blowing my mind. PLease remember me when you are a famous food writer for SAVEUR or Bon Appetit, etc, etc, etc.
You had me at PINK fettuccine!! What a creative idea, this looks delicious and so colorful, love it! :)
I love the color of this pasta! I love making homemade pasta but I have never thought of making it pink... or any color for that matter. All those pictures of the pink pasta is making me want to whip up a batch. Yum!
Love the new banner! So cute.
Your dish looks absolutely fantastic, especially with that pink fettuccine!
WOW! and more WOW! impressive pasta...love the color and love that you made it. Forget the pork, etc...just that pasta makes me happy and hungry all at the same time. Great work and great post...and your header is fabulous...way nice.
Heyyyy what happened to your other banner with you pix? I liked that one! Okay, I like this too. This is a beautiful pasta and I've never seen it with this color - very creative. Have a great weekend!
Oh my - that pink pasta is simply gorgeous. Never even thought (silly me :) that you made it yourself and was floored to see your photos. Big wow. Those kids had it made when they stopped by your house at mealtime :) And I love your new banner as well as the sentiment attached to it. PS - the "fierce" ice cream cones you posted about are amazing. I can NOT believe them. Gorgeous - you should go into business !!!
Your new banner is so cute and I love the pink fettucine!
Of course I noticed your new image! It's so cute!! I love it! Pink apron, pearls, and thinner body, anything is possible for Foodiva! ;-) No I mean, seriously I really like it. You are lucky to have a cool friend! Now the pink fettuccine caught my attention. It looks delicious!
Wow! The pasta is beautiful. I have never tried fruit pasta but now think I need to! The banner is fun and I enjoyed Corrine! Good post!
You got me! I did a double take at your FUN banner. I have a question - how much flavor did the dragon fruit add to the noodles? Those look so wonderful - no wonder the teenagers ate it all up!
LOVE the banner!! And I totally agree with you re: how my food looks. (I guess I was a man in my past life as well.) Those dragonfruit noodles rock. And didn't you try to say you weren't creative with savory dishes? Ha! I don't think so girl, this is wicked creative. : )
A BIG thank you and mwaahs to all Doristas who swung by and commented! That's why I love this online cooking group. Even though the FFWD site is down, members still check in on each others' posts. We know how to have fun, regardless, hey ladies? ;-)
@sugar apothecary, yes 'eye-buds' will be our new catchphrase and a measure for pre-judging food! LOL.
Pierre, all the music I feature here comes from years of living. MANY years of living! ;-)
Jenny, I don't think I'll ever get that famous but in case I reach the big time, let me tell you one thing... I never, ever forget my friends! ;-)
Russell, from now on you've got to color up your life! Okay, maybe just your pasta. Have fun with it!
Ray, that old banner...it had wrinkles on it. This one is much better! A cartoon character never ages, I mean, look at Minnie Mouse and Snow White ;-).
Tricia, many people tell me I should. But if or when I do, I won't have as much time to blog or be this crazy creative again! Or will I? Thanks for enjoying the noodles and cones, wish you lived closer so I can feed you!
Nami, the skinny arms and A-sized bra are the highlights of this banner for me. I will never, ever achieve that in real life. Not with all this baking! LOL.
Adriana, dragonfruit on its own is pretty bland anyway, so the answer is no, the pasta tasted just like regular plain pasta. The flavors of the stew really came through, which is the great thing about it. Try making the pasta with other fruit or vegetable puree, they really don't make much of an impact flavorwise once cooked.
We sound like a couple of transvestites, haha! If you call making colorful pasta creative, then yes, I think I can live with that ;-).
That last comment was in response to Trix, btw! (too lazy to delete and retype it)
Love the banner, such a nice gift.
The sauce flavors are so up my alley, wow this sounds really amazing. Of course the more ethnic the better for me haha. I would like his better in the winter though. Love the pasta too.
Love love love this! I thought it was beetroot at first, but wow, turned out it;s one of my favourite fruits, dragonfruit(: I had a lot of fun making my own sourdough pasta the last time, this has inspired me to do it again, with new flavours (:
Very Cool HOT PINK Pasta!! I Heart!
how absolutely gorgeous!! it's the first time I've seen pasta this way!
Ben, since you're in Brunei, go get yourself some dragon fruits now that they're in season and bake up some lovely goodies with them! How about dragonfruit macarons? ;-)
Evelyne@CEE, I knew you'd be all or the complex flavors of this stew! I don't have much choice of whether to have this for winter or summer as I'm in the tropics, so I wouldn't know any differently.


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DWP Board of Commissioners Votes to Approve Rooftop Solar Program
January 11, 2013
For Immediate Release: January 11, 2013
Feed-in tariff program advocated by Los Angeles Business Council will generate significant jobs and economic activity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions
LOS ANGELES (January 11, 2013) – The Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners voted today to approve a 100-megawatt feed-in tariff (FiT) program for Los Angeles, clearing the way for the largest urban rooftop solar program of its kind in the nation.
The vote authorizes the DWP to move forward with 100 megawatts of FiT energy by 2016, released in five allocations of 20 megawatts each. In March, the DWP will present a proposal for an additional 50 megawatts. The full 150-megawatt program will be a major economic driver for Los Angeles, creating 4,500 jobs and generating a half-billion dollars in economic activity at full scale, while also eliminating 2.25 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2016.
The centerpiece of the CLEAN LA Solar program, the FiT will allow local property owners to sell solar power generated from rooftops and parking lots back to the DWP. In addition to spurring private investment and creating high-quality jobs, the program will supply renewable energy at a reasonable cost while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping the state and city meet renewable power requirements. The full program will power some 34,000 typical L.A. homes.
"Today's vote is a major step forward for the economic and environmental sustainability of Los Angeles," said Mary Leslie, President of the Los Angeles Business Council, which has been the leading advocate for the CLEAN LA Solar program since 2009. "We are grateful to our CLEAN LA Coalition partners as well as Mayor Villaraigosa and the many city leaders who helped make this make this vision a reality."
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa helped set the CLEAN LA Solar plan in motion in 2008, when he ambitiously called for a 150-megawatt FiT program to be created in Los Angeles.
"I am thrilled that the LA Department of Water and Power Board of Commissioners has approved the 100-megawatt FiT Set Pricing Program, making Los Angeles the largest city in the nation to implement a feed-in tariff system," said Mayor Villaraigosa. "This program will spur new private sector investment that will create jobs while decreasing our city's reliance on dirty fossil fuels."
The program would not have been success sful without the leadership of two key Los Angeles City Council leaders, Eric Garcetti and Jan Perry.
"The CLEAN LA Solar program and the solar FiT are job creators that move us away from coal and toward clean, renewable energy," Councilmember Garcetti said. "Los Angeles has a talented workforce and abundant sunshine and we need to put those resources to work for us."
"Not only will the feed-in tariff attract significant private investment, it will underline the fact that Los Angeles is a national leader in the renewable energy industry," Councilmember Perry said. "This program represents a smart, economical investment in the long-term health and vitality of our city. I am delighted by today's approval by the Board of Water and Power Commissioners."
The program establishes an initial guaranteed price of 17 cents per kilowatt-hour, which advocates confirm will be a determining factor to encourage participation. Supporters also praise the inclusion of a "set-aside" allocation for small projects in each of the five 20-megawatt allocations. The allocation for small projects will ensure that local businesses, such as warehouses, and multi-family residential buildings also benefit from the program.
As a result of today's announcement, one company – Solar Provider Group – has announced plans to significantly expand its investment in Los Angeles. The investment includes opening a new office and hiring additional employees, validating the economic stimulus to the local economy which will result from the rooftop solar program.
"Solar Provider Group applauds today's vote by the Board of Water and Power Commissioners approving the FiT program," said Christian Wentzel, President of Solar Provider Group LLC. "This program provides us with the stability we need to enter the U.S. solar market."
Wentzel said the company plans to open its headquarters in Los Angeles within three months with the intent to hire 10-30 new employees in sales, engineering and construction over the next year – creating new, high-quality local jobs. The company's LA headquarters will serve as its base of operations as it evaluates additional investments throughout California and the Western U.S.
Solar Provider Group has already invested more than $1 million in Los Angeles during the FiT program's demonstration phase, and plans to invest up to $50 million by the end of 2016.
The decision by Solar Provider Group to invest in Los Angeles reinforces the central findings of the LABC and the LABC Institute: the FiT will generate substantial economic returns for Los Angeles. Critically, the research also validated that Los Angeles has a ready "workforce in waiting" of trained solar workers who are poised to fill solar jobs.
"Our workforce training programs have helped hundreds of men and women get the tools they need to thrive in a 21st-century, sustainable economy," said Jose Osuna of Homeboy Industries. "Make no mistake – not only is the feed-in tariff good for the environment and the economy, it's good for the members of our society who were at risk of being left behind."
Jacob Lipa, Chairman of the Los Angeles Business Council, said today's vote speaks to the influence of the broad CLEAN LA Coalition, which includes more than 30 members, who have pursued the implementation of the program over the last four years.
"The Solar FiT is a prime example of the progress we can make in Los Angeles when we work together. It's an innovative program that delivers real benefits for businesses in the city while also advancing the goals of environmental advocates, social justice groups, and others," Lipa said.
Currently, most of L.A.'s renewable power is generated outside the L.A. basin and transmitted inefficiently to customers. By contrast, the CLEAN LA program will incentivize clean-energy production within city limits by taking advantage of L.A.'s vast, underused rooftop space. The result will be more efficient power delivery and a reduction in the city's reliance on energy produced by coal.
"In the 21st century, it is simply unacceptable for the majority of L.A.'s energy to come from polluting coal-fired power plants," said Evan Gillespie of the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign. "The pathway to a cleaner energy future will depend on sound, economical programs like the feed-in tariff to wean ourselves off of coal. We are proud to have worked alongside the Los Angeles Business Council to make this program happen."
Brad Cox, Chairman of the LABC Institute, said the feed-in tariff exemplifies the LABC's coordinated approach to effecting positive change in Los Angeles. "By working closely with UCLA, USC, and our many coalition partners – along with the DWP and Los Angeles' political leadership – we are demonstrating that the Los Angeles Business Council serves as a bridge between the public and private sectors to implement socially responsible and smart business policy in Los Angeles. This is a great day for our city."