Bek

No, but I would like to be there one day.

Yes, that is correct, Carlos. She used the word طائفة which means a denomination and is a standard word used in relation to all religious groups. But it could also be translated into "sect" in a non-negative sense. It certainly does not mean a "cult". Here is the original just in case: https://raseef22.net/article/1089981-شهود-يهوه-في-الأردن-توسع-رغم-الحظر

We had almost no winter in Central Asia this time. People jokingly said that we had six months of autumn and then in March the weather got very cold and we have had lots of rain and snow. The weather has become very strange and unpredictable. For example, yesterday there was a sudden snowfall and it felt like in the dead of white winter and today it is spring again with the sunshine, birdsong and all. That is another sign of the times.

The other day I was sent a poem that I thought was very good, as it describes what many of us go through at various times. Many brothers and sisters where I live liked it and I thought sharing it on the forum would also be encouraging. I have also done an audio version of it for those who would rather prefer listening to it. I did not know if the topic would be appropriate for this section of the forum, but since the poem is encouraging, I thought that it should be here. If moderators think otherwise, I am happy for it to be moved to the appropriate section. Jehovah Knows He knows you’re tired of being strong, You’ve fought this battle for so long. He knows the struggle you face each day, For a quiet mind you often pray. He knows the things you try to do, That come easy for many but so hard for you. He knows there are days you can’t see, The forest because of that one tree. He knows you lie awake at night, Wondering if you’ll be alright. He knows the effort it takes for you To face your fears and keep pushing through. He knows you carry a heavy load, Yet still you’re on that narrow road. He knows the friends don’t always see The person Jehovah knows you to be. You know that soon he’ll make things right At the end of the tunnel there is light. You know the blessings he has in store The time when anxiety will be no more. You know the signs are everywhere So don’t give up, you’re almost there. Remember it is you he chose, Remember that Jehovah knows. JehovahKnows.mp3

Interesting that Sunni Muslims have also started having this ugly practice. I think they got the idea from Shi'a Muslims who have been doing it for a long time. But the Shi'as call it "nikah mut'ah". This form of "marriage" may have origins in pagan temple prostitution.

I wonder if it is possible to have the JW library app on Linux Mint directly without a virtual machine. It would be great to hear some suggestions.

I can understand the gist of what the sheep farmer is saying, but I think I would still be able to have a good conversation with him about sheep farming and rustling. :))

If I did not know that you were a brother, I would have thought that you were one of those rainbow guys. :))

Here is a funny video of an American and an Australian struggling to understand a Scot. 😅 Please note: the Scot uses the "F" word once.

It is all clear when it is written, but when you listen to it, it is very hard to understand. I have found this video of the Yorkshire accent. Let's see if native speakers can understand him. 😁 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScELaXMCVis

It is true that English on TV can be harder to understand. The reason why it might be easier for us to understand brothers is because we have heard them many times and are familiar with the subject matter, terminology and their style of presentation. But I believe that they sound like that in real life too. Take, for example, Br. Geoffrey Jackson who fronted today's GB update. I think he is Australian or at least has some hints of an Australian accent, but to an untrained ear he may sound more like a Brit. He may have lost his native accent due to living in the US for long. I don't think he would deliberately try to tone down his accent for when he is on air. I think it is just the way he sounds now at all times.

Timothy, it is believed that English has 160 dialects and close to 200 accents. So it is natural for learners of English to have some difficulties understanding native speakers. Even native speakers themselves struggle understanding other native speakers. There are a few YouTube videos of Americans not understanding some Australians and others. You just need to get more practice listening to various standard accents and you will be alright after some exposure. Personally I don't think that native English speakers speak fast. Of course, there are some exceptions, but in general, it is much the same as in your or my native language. As for the mumbling and slurring, yeah, that can be a problem, but again if you have been exposed to various accents, you should be able to guess what is meant. The important thing is to focus on standard English and not to worry about regional varieties.

It is hard to say anything without knowing the full picture. I would just take it to the repairman and see if he can fix it. If he cannot do anything about it, then it is time to buy a new laptop.