MASONS HACKED! Secrets of the Masons spilled - French media to expose highest-ranking Masons

http://www.catholic.org/news/international/europe/story.php?id=68689

Can becoming a Freemason make you richer?

It depends what you mean by "richer". Morally richer "yes", career wise "no". What this article omits is that many members are actually retired.

What this article omits is that there is a lot of prejudice against Freemasons. If I have achieved any success, it is through hard graft and despite being a Freemason. I'm always a little dubious about "unnamed" sources commenting on an organisation they've rejected. I'm happy to be named.

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/money/money-tips/can-becoming-a-freemason-make-you-richer-11364046899492

A clandestine group in our midst

Oh dear. I started this blog to highlight prejudice and ignorance about our fraternity. This demonstrates both prejudice and ignorance.

http://gulfnews.com/opinion/thinkers/a-clandestine-group-in-our-midst-1.1688996

Cycling challenge, sponsored skydive and donation from Freemasons helps South Yorkshire charities

Read more: http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/local/cycling-challenge-sponsored-skydive-and-donation-from-freemasons-helps-south-yorkshire-charities-1-7727294#ixzz40GIyWPMe

Fraternal organizations differ from clubs

http://theworldlink.com/lifestyles/go/fraternal-organizations-differ-from-clubs/article_192e8332-0bb8-56ec-948c-a536eae43029.html

The most senior freemason in South Wales says his members have a right not to be named

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/most-senior-freemason-south-wales-10858226

Oxford Conspiracy Theory 'formula'? Tony Gosling on BBC Daily Politics 28Jan16

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpeZKAlIuyQ&feature=youtu.be

Large-scale conspiracies would quickly reveal themselves, Oxford researchers show

https://richarddawkins.net/2016/01/large-scale-conspiracies-would-quickly-reveal-themselves-oxford-researchers-show/

Maths study shows conspiracies 'prone to unravelling'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35411684

Mass shooting plot: FBI arrests Milwaukee man accused of planning attack at Masonic temple

http://fox6now.com/2016/01/26/fbi-arrests-milwaukee-man-who-officials-say-planned-mass-shooting/

Judge in Sports Direct Rangers case insists 'I'm not a Freemason'

I have to say I find the tone of anti-masonic propaganda offensive. "Accused" of being a Freemason; sometimes you will hear "admitted" to being a Freemason. As if there was something wrong?

I mean, you don't hear of someone "accused" of being a fisherman, or "accused" of being a golfer. How about a story like "Fred from Somerset admitted to being a Scout when he was younger. He said he was lead astray by Akela but has since come to terms with his Scouting past".

What complete balderdash! Freemasonry is a hobby.

http://news.stv.tv/west-central/1339622-sports-direct-bins-200000-claim-against-rangers-in-injunction-case/

War and Peace

A few people have remarked in the media on last night's episode of War and Peace. Despite Wikipedia saying this is a "substantial subplot" Freemasonry is only mentioned three times in the book:
1. Book 2, Part 1 Chapter 2 deals with the meeting Bazdeyev the Freemason. and Pierre's initiation (p.409)
2. Book 2, Part 1 Chapter 12 was the discussion the Pierre had with Prince Andrei (p.453)
3. Book 2, Part 3, Chapter 7 discusses his involvement in St Petersburg Freemasonry (p.508)
(Book pages are from the Penguin Classic version of 1978)
I have to say the BBC version (Part 2 of War and Peace) was as accurate as time would have allowed. It was quite refreshing to hear Freemasonry described authentically as an "ethical system that promotes good citizenship behaviour" (but not using those words).
Considering the last portrayal of Freemasonry was "Dancing on the Edge" which had the usual conspiracy themes, War and Peace was a healthy departure.
As to the initiation ceremony, it is what we would think of as a raising ceremony. It was described an initiation ceremony, though. We are told in the book this version of Freemasonry has been directly "imported" (if that is the right word) from Scotland.
These are the only references to Freemasonry in War and Peace. So I wouldn't spend your Sundays waiting for a further Masonic References (unless of course I missed them).