My old friend, Andy Porter, sent me this article. It's an eerie look at scientology from a different perspective. What I find especially interesting is the fact that this gave rise to an outraged piece in the New York Times, yet, as you will see, the conduct they deemed worthy of a lengthy article pales in comparison to scientology. I would probably have added a parenthetical note to Andy's title -- Amazon: The New Scientology? (Not even close...) That said, Andy is a great writer and draws many excellent parallels. Amazon: The New Scientology? Back in August I heard about … [Read more...]
Stacy Francis Reaches Out
I wonder if Stacy Francis considers herself a scientologist or a member of the NOI? Or are they one and the same? Or is she neither? The scientology poster girl and Tom Cruise serenader is delivering messages from Louis Farrakhan? Which way does this woman roll? Based on her public statements and actions, it seems to depend on where the perceived advantage for Stacy Francis is... But regardless of the answer to that puzzle: Taking advantage of the Lamar Odom tragedy to try to get a foot in the door.... with a tweet. That's just crass no matter who you are. … [Read more...]
Thursday Funnies
It's hard to top a letter from a scientology lawyer, but here we go... It's Epic. World-Changing. Powering Up The Planet. Every event has to be more over the top than the last one. Where can they go next? They already sound like they are writing copy for Marvel Superhero comics. Mad magazine? Aren't they ideal already? How can their files not be filed? They are "ideal"??? Big Weekend? This what passes for a big weekend in HAPI. A professional FSM comes to try and squeeze some commissions out of your few sad public? But don't worry, he will literally jolt … [Read more...]
The Prodigal Son Proclaims St Hill “ideal”
They put up the monumental, epic news about the opening of the "ideal" St Hill on the scientology.org website. And what a doozie it is. The headline is typical shermanspeak overhype, and the text that follows is every bit as laughable. The church claims that "more than 2000" were in attendance. If you can find close to 1000 people in the photo above it would be a miracle. More like 500. And you know this was the BEST shot they could come up with. Here is a small sampling of prolix word salad from the mullet man: A pivotal moment in what has proved a season of … [Read more...]
Thursday Funnies
Something to scream about Nothing can make you scream more than a presentation from the International Landlord Office Shortest Briefing Ever The effect Super Power is having on society... Simple advice Steer clear of any organization that enforces disconnection A religion rich in history Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity... Is this the alliance that is making Orlando "ideal"? The Golden Age of Alliances They are the latest "thing" to solve the problem of so many orgs still going nowhere … [Read more...]
Scientology Homophobia
Is scientology homophobic? There has been considerable discussion about this. In today's world, where it is no longer socially acceptable to be anti-gay, scientology has taken steps to attempt to portray itself as tolerant and welcoming of the LGBT community. But similar to scientology's claims that disconnection "doesn't exist" or is simply a "personal choice," the PR smokescreen hides an ugly and unpleasant reality. At its heart, scientology IS very homophobic. Here is the truth as I experienced it, growing up in scientology and then being a senior official in the church for many y … [Read more...]
Going Clear Paranoia
An article in THR today: As usual, Scientology is shooting itself in the foot. They send goons to screenings and have Freedom "reporters" doing clumsy, noisy investigations. Contacting Academy Members to try and influence them not to vote for Going Clear is such typical ham-fisted Miscavige "PR". He never ceases to amaze. HBO should send him a large fruit basket when Going Clear is nominated. And they should take out a full page as in the NY Times thanking him for his contribution if it wins Best Documentary. And if it does win, and I get a chance to say anything about i … [Read more...]
Epic Expansion News From AOLA
Hot off the press. A Special Correspondent sent me some shots of the new Advance Mag that arrived in his/her mailbox. It is an epic and monumental edition with news that of vital importance to every scientologist. They found a bird. If that isn't OT I don't know what is... Well, maybe this? They heard two car alarms! And talk about 64X expansion. They had 5 people complete OT III in the past 3 months (or maybe 6?)... What an epic and monumental demonstration of massive, straight up and vertical expansion that page is. In the IDEAL AOLA. Wow. … [Read more...]
What Real Churches Do
A small point in the overall scheme of things, but something that struck home with me a few days ago. Jack is now attending pre-school. His school is part of a local Methodist church. They are located in the church facilities and are part of the church's programs. There was a parent-teacher-church meeting to begin the year that Christie and I attended. After talking with Jack's teachers we went into the church proper with all the other parents (there are a dozen different classrooms for children of different pre-school ages) and sat in the pews. The minister Opened the gathering with … [Read more...]
Some Observations From Haydn James
This is a posting that was sent to me by Karen DeLacarriere written by Haydn James. She thought it was too good to be left as a posting in the Outer Banks Group on Facebook and asked me if I would like to post it here. Haydn has been a friend of mine for more than 30 years. He is one of the nicest and most intelligent people I know. He wrote a little introduction and then his post follows. He makes some interesting observations. As you know I am pro the tech. I sat down one day to do a dispassionate evaluation of Scientology the subject and its operation past … [Read more...]