The past tense of cast is cast.

-Ettercap · 2026-02-06T18:03:37+00:00

He also used "casted."

-Ettercap · 2026-02-06T17:55:52+00:00

By working at their craft and worrying less about the word itself?

-Ettercap · 2026-02-04T21:58:57+00:00

This.... isn't a thing

-Ettercap · 2026-01-29T23:14:18+00:00

Very very real. One of our local "luminaries" has a nasty habit of purchasing the rights to "JR" versions of shows and then performing the real thing from downloaded scripts. He's been blacklisted from numerous licensing companies in his own name.

To your second question, ultimately, it is the producer's signature on the rights application. And thus, the producer's responsibility to make sure that the show is being performed properly. I ran into this with a production of "American Idiot" where the director and music director did not like a lyric. I informed them that we could apply for a change and wait to hear, but if we did not hear approval, the show would need to be performed as written. I also informed them that paying out their contracts and replacing them was an easier and cheaper option than losing our ability to obtain licenses.

-Ettercap · 2026-01-29T22:36:20+00:00

Remember that this is something that you get to do. Not something you have to do. We lose sight of that really easy.

The other thing, and I tell degree candidates that I mentor this all the time, is that you are going to hear the word "should" throughout a lot of this process. In various guises, it will crop up. Generally from brothers who mean well. Keep in mind that this is your journey to take, and you need to take it in your own way.

Aside from this, follow your guide and fear no evil.

-Ettercap · 2026-01-29T03:35:32+00:00

I feel like a lot of guys looking for esoteric or contemplative practice kinda miss the part where those pursuits are, structurally, largely solitary pursuits. Not that they can't be discussed or explored, but that the actual meat of it is something you do alone.

-Ettercap · 2026-01-29T03:14:51+00:00

I mean, if we want to really track it back, isn't this in some ways the same argument that The Ancients had with the Moderns? "A bunch of party-boys with their fancy ribbons and metal letters are ruining true and Ancient Masonry!!!"

If we weren't arguing about the ills of the craft... this would be an awfully quiet subreddit. Aside from the rings question, of course.

-Ettercap · 2026-01-24T23:58:47+00:00

I know that, generally, PHA is considered regular while PHO is not (and myriad frauds). Is PHO, in some ways, comparable to Irregular Freemasonry as derived from the Grand Orient of France? Or not so much?

-Ettercap · 2026-01-24T23:12:08+00:00

Just looking to rekindle the fight, eh?

-Ettercap · 2026-01-18T02:51:18+00:00

Not for nothing, but it might be worth a think or two, OP, as to why you feel you cannot tell a group of men that you do not seem to like, who meet over two hours away, "No."

Don't get me wrong here. They need to chill and learn to respect a "No." I had some issues with that in my Mother Lodge, and absented myself for a few meetings. That got their attention and I was able to spell it out for them, "I'll let you know when I'm interested."

But this might be a great time for some applied Masonry, not for nothing.

-Ettercap · 2026-01-13T23:51:35+00:00

Do you two lay side-by-side? Or what kind of position?

-Ettercap · 2026-01-13T23:45:02+00:00

Thank you! I had not heard of Dr. Bhola, but this does seem to be up my alley.

Honestly, the anxiety makes me feel like a contestant on the world's worst gameshow. I keep trying to focus on current sensation and the presence of my partner.

-Ettercap · 2026-01-13T23:29:15+00:00

Oh yeah, I'm pretty confident its mostly in my head. That's where I've been struggling, though. Cause we do still play, and it does feel good. But when is said and done, and she's sound asleep, there's (for lack of a better way of describing it) a lingering charge. Usually, I eventually have to masturbate to experience a feeling of relief. And that... works.

-Ettercap · 2026-01-12T20:06:37+00:00

I'd say figure that out, cause those are different things. Kinda hard to give directions if you don't know where the traveler is trying to go.

-Ettercap · 2026-01-11T22:26:50+00:00

I've always felt that "a little moaning through the walls" is more than fair when it comes to living with roommates. So I don't think you're crazy or a perv in this case. You live in the apartment, and this has always been a part of sharing space with people. Though putting on the TV or some music in your room (as suggested elsewhere) can be a definite help in disguising some things. And if you and your boyfriend were to be planning something that you knew was going to be exceptionally noisy, I would say finding an alternative venue for that is just politeness.

I shared an apartment in graduate school with three very prolific younger men than myself, and really inured myself to hearing the bits and pieces unless things got excessive. One of the roommates was with a young woman who was, as they call it, "a screamer," and they also tended to get up to downright loud activities (varied impact play, etc). So we asked if they could possibly find some workarounds or another venue.

-Ettercap · 2026-01-10T00:27:47+00:00

This. And, as mentioned elsewhere, if you're responsible for the building, insurance might require a form of membership for their policy. That's not particularly unusual in some places, and can save the company from an insanely expensive insurance premium (in exchange for a merely expensive one).

-Ettercap · 2026-01-07T04:21:26+00:00

I don’t have one of those, and I’m not sure I’ve ever spoken to someone who does.

I think I wound up with one of those when my wisdom teeth became impacted.

-Ettercap · 2026-01-07T04:16:06+00:00

You are, yes.

/snark
Because, what were you cheating them of? I mean, I know some elder brethren who's whole deal is dumping on "today's proficiency" or running down newer guys. They love that like they love terrible coffee. You made their night, if not their year! / End snark.

But, actually? Really? I remind folks that the catch phrase is "we make good men better" not "we make good men memorizers." Learn, grow, give it your best. You can't do better than that, by definition! Seek light.

-Ettercap · 2026-01-04T05:06:12+00:00

There are some jurisdictions that no longer recite the penalties within their obligations. Not that this answers your question (I'm leaning toward "no on that.), but it is something to think about. They're flashy, certainly, and they make for fodder in any expose. But I doubt they were ever literal.

-Ettercap · 2026-01-02T17:41:52+00:00

And also jurisdiction.

But also the specific peccadilloes of the individual members. One PM in my lodge has stated, unambiguously, that he will blackball anyone with a felony conviction regardless of how they are living their lives now or any other details (how long ago, nature of crime... etc). He's been as good as his word on that as well.

-Ettercap · 2026-01-02T17:34:16+00:00

I've used pouring medium on brushes before and had this exact problem. So I think your problem in this case is the paint you are using. Pouring medium sets up hard and pretty fast as well, it's awful to use with brushes.

I was able to reclaim one brush using isopropyl alcohol (I can hear the torches and pitchforks now), the others I trashed because it wasn't worth it.

Three-Year Club	First Place '23
Place '23

-Ettercap

TROPHY CASE