This is an interesting recent Forbes magazine article. The author covers how Kanye West, who has changed his name to Christian Genius Billionaire Kanye West and conducts "Sunday Services,” could actually file for tax exemption and reap mighty benefits. He describes what the IRS criteria are for granting such a religious exemption: Distinct legal existence; Recognized creed and form of worship; Definite and distinct ecclesiastical government; Formal code of doctrine and discipline; Distinct religious history; Membership not associated with any other church o … [Read more...]
The Aftermath Keeps Winning
I don't often comment on these things on this blog, as it can come across as bragging. But there are a couple of noteworthy recognitions for The Aftermath in the past few weeks, and as Fast Eddie and scientology like to constantly assert the show was a failure that “nobody watched” (unlike the massive, unprecedented, epic success that is scientologyTV) I thought this was appropriate. First, it was included in a list of the best TV shows of the decade: Entertainment Weekly Best TV Shows of the Decade This is what their TV critic had to say: KRISTEN: At your urging, Darren, I’v … [Read more...]
Regraded Being
Thursday Funnies
It's an Extravaganza And it's being done by Quentin Strub no less. He was the CO WISE EUS back in the 1980's and has risen no further. What an extravaganza of leadership and success he is. Freetown perhaps? Seems they have trouble with spelling and grammar everywhere... Free Admission But if you show your military ID you get free tickets for each child? A "professional" Life Improvement Counselor You have to wonder how you make a profession out of delivering free seminars? A major purpose of getting children … [Read more...]
What Are Ideal Orgs Up To?
The fabulous "ideal" orgs that have been opened are "proof" (at least in the mind of scientologists) that things are peachy-keen in the shrinking world of scientology. But reality is starkly different. Old Ron would be turning in his grave like the cartoon Tasmanian Devil I used to see on the Looney Tunes as a kid if he saw what was ACTUALLY going on in these orgs. Here is the latest news from Inglewood: Mocktails? Artisinal cupcakes? Paint-n-Savor? Free hair product samples? And who the hell is "Stuff'T"? And for only $25? Here is what Hubbard wrote in one of his last … [Read more...]
Rev. Alfraudie Johnson
Recent posts on Tony Ortega's site include some excellent first-hand reporting from Jeffrey Augustine on the ground in criminal court in Los Angeles. Hana Islam and her son Rizza are in deep hot water. They have allegedly been engaged in a massive fraudulent scheme, bilking the government out of millions at the World Literacy Crusade. The always dapper Rev. Alfreddie Johnson is the founder and big cheese of the WLC. He was married to Hanan and claims credit for raising Rizza as his "son." Somehow, like a Teflon Don, he has managed to escape indictment. I have written about him … [Read more...]
What Those IAS Billions Buy
Back in October Tony Ortega's article about Nancy Cartwright highlighted how much money people give to the IAS. More recently Tracey McManus got Bob Duggan on the phone and he informed her that the Forbes information stating he had given $360 million to scientology was in fact considerably on the low side, that is was "much more" (half a billion maybe?) Scientology constantly claims that this money is used for all their social betterment programs around the world -- it is their standard plea for more money "we need to do more good." But how much good does this money actually do? Simply … [Read more...]
LRH Master Photographer
This is a follow up to an earlier post entitled LRH, his Photographs and the IRS where Hubbard had talked about "photo stories" and how he was occupied with these. I showed one example of a photograph in that post and a reader sent in some more. Scientology loves to promote Hubbard as a "Master Photographer" and devotes pages of their hagiographic website to his brilliance with the camera, darkroom, lighting and every other aspect of the craft. They even have one of their "Ron Series" books devoted entirely to this subject. It's an interesting microcosm on the subject of … [Read more...]
The Economic Impact of Scientology on Clearwater
Scientology spews out paid ads proclaiming their wondrous contributions to society, most especially to Clearwater. I see these things on Twitter and when I respond they delete my responses. So, in keeping with the time-honored solution of “doing what Ron says,” I am putting my response on my own channel of communication where it cannot be altered (or deleted). Their tweet above makes the bold claim that scientology paid $3.1 million in property and tourist taxes in 2018. And that they "generate $1 billion impact into the local economy." As for the first claim -- this may well be cor … [Read more...]
Regraded Being
Regraded Being was given the Thanksgiving week off. So we have an oldie but goodie today. … [Read more...]
Happy Thanksgiving
In the US today it is Thanksgiving. A time to reflect on and appreciate the good in your life. For many who read this blog it is also a time of sadness as they are reminded of the family and friends they are not sharing this Thanksgiving with due to scientology's inhumane practice of disconnection. But if you are one of those people, don't lose sight of the fact that you have been shut out of people's lives because you woke up and they have not. You found the freedom to think for yourself. To make the friends you choose. To enjoy time doing nothing without feeling guilty or being labeled … [Read more...]
More on Miscavige and Clearwater
Further on the blog post from yesterday (Miscavige Schmoozing City Officials) -- some important points I omitted to mention and an update. First: Why were these 3 city officials at the meeting? As I said yesterday, Miscavige considers Bill Horne and Pam Aiken to be his buddies. But the real reason is that they are not ELECTED officials. If there were two ELECTED officials in the room it becomes a "public meeting" subject to the Sunshine Act laws. Bill Horne and Pam Aiken are very well aware of this. They were complicit in making sure this meeting was not one that had to be … [Read more...]
Miscavige Schmoozing City Officials
Tracey McManus is on the ball again. Reporting on the ongoing efforts of Miscavige and Co. to fulfill their plans to make Clearwater the “first scientology city”. Her latest story covers a recent meeting between scientology’s capo di tutti capi and three non-elected city officials. Miscavige has had a long term relationship with City Manager Bill Horne and City Attorney Pam Aiken. It seems they brought along Michael Delk so he could be introduced to the big cheese. Miscavige first began schmoozing Bill Horne and Pam Aiken when he was here trying to keep his ass out of a sling in the Lisa … [Read more...]
Why Clearwater is Losing to Scientology
Tracey McManus broke another story concerning downtown Clearwater and scientology on Friday. It speaks volumes about why scientology has been able to proceed unchecked with its announced plan of making Clearwater the "first scientology city." The elected officials of Clearwater are so intimidated by the organization, and so lacking in understanding of how it works, they stumble along "trying to get along." They are forever being quoted saying "you have to play the hand you deal" and other explanations/excuses for being outplayed, outsmarted and outwitted by scientology. David Miscavige … [Read more...]
Names of the Flag OT Committee
This is a lazy post today, so I can take a day off. I am simply including the latest commendation from the Flag OT Committee which lists all the active members of the Committee. The mos gung-ho clapping seals of the Tampa Bay scientology community. Scientology is trying to promote “I am a scientologist” but it’s hard to find out who they are so now their names (other than seeing them inside the magazine). Their names will now be searchable on google... If you search for CLEARWATER SCIENTOLOGISTS these names should show up. This is the email they sent out: The following OTC … [Read more...]