Here is some new hype from the original St Hill (and now home to the infamous IAS "Eunuch Man" statue): Dear Xxxxxx, I wanted to inform you of the great expansion that is happening at Saint Hill right now. First of all, you will be pleased to know that we are experiencing an incredible OT boom, having people come from all around the world to do their OT Levels. In fact we now have 127 people auditing on the Solo OT Levels. The expansion does not end there, in fact, we are right now finishing the construction of our Central Qualification Organization that will be manned by a total of 40 Sea … [Read more...]
Thursday Funnies
A new pitch "Pledging" for Ideal Orgs and the IAS "works". People think they are escaping the pressure by agreeing to "pledge" money they don't have -- they dont realize the pressure they will be under to "make good" on their pledge, even being routed to ethics for not "keeping their word." So, why not use it for services too? Stars of the North? Winning the Birthday Game. If this morgue is winning the Birthday Game it is a sad indictment of all the other morgues, from Orlando and Miami to New York and Harlem. Wow -- TC is the best.... Another … [Read more...]
The Discount AO
They are promoting the empty new AO in Africa as a bargain basement alternative to the traditional AO’s. These prices are (believe me, even though seem ridiculous) WAY lower than anywhere else. You can bet the other AO's are less than thrilled about this as they struggle to scrounge public... But more importantly, it says loud and clear that there are nowhere near enough public in Africa to support an AO, so they have to poach from other areas. That was clear from the outset. They have a few small, struggling orgs like Joburg and some that are completely non-existent like B … [Read more...]
More Stolen Valor
Here we go again. On Memorial Day I wrote a post about this subject -- Stolen Valor: Ron the War Hero And now they are at it once more. If you are planning to attend this event, or know someone who is, please be aware that this is ONLY a "PR opportunity" for "safepointing" scientology and that those who attend will be held up as examples of people who endorse scientology. Know too that that the founder of scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, told many tall tales (lies) about his military career, very well documented in Chris Owens' carefully researched book Ron The War Hero (available on … [Read more...]
Scientology and Status
An article by long term commenter Mike Westen Scientologists love hierarchy. Participation in the Church of Scientology involves climbing several ladders of scientological status: The most important ladder is The Bridge to Total Freedom – Hubbard’s spiritual hierarchy denoting auditor class, therapeutic achievement and godhood. [1] The loyal scientologist will be expected to donate to various projects such as the “Ideal Org strategy” (the relocation of existing churches into new premises) and the IAS (PR frippery and legal defence). Constantly hounded to “move up in … [Read more...]
Thursday Funnies
Thursday Funnies on Saturday. A bit delayed due to the Mark Bunker announcement on Thursday. Anniversary of what? Their "anniversary" of making the OT levels available in Australia is celebrated by flying in two full time fundraisers to talk about money. "All meals and refreshments provided" (for $50 per day). Desperate much? Success? I was a little worried if I got all I was supposed to? And this is the best they've got? Another "success"? Well, the first was a "quickie" and this one is "overrun". But of course, by … [Read more...]
Books Make BOOMS
"Books Make Booms" is an old adage from L. Ron Hubbard covered in numerous policy letters. Of course, because Hubbard said it, this is absolute fact in the minds of true believers. Never mind we are in the digital age. Never mind they forget all about this when proclaiming the virtues of ScientologyTV as the most magnificent dissemination tool ever. When they are reminded Hubbard said this about books, they jump to attention, mind salute and roll out the Tone 40 intention to hit the streets and sell copies of Dianetics to the uninformed. They held a massive, international … [Read more...]
David Miscavige: End Game
Tony Ortega recently posted an article Has Scientology's leader David Miscavige gone underground in the face of a legal onslaught? It prompted a few thoughts. I have long said that I thought Miscavige's inevitable trajectory would be to follow in the footsteps of Hubbard. Despite all the ONE thing he must continue to do is use Hubbard as his front. He MUST continue to present himself as the anointed successor to Hubbard. Much as he might have "replaced" Hubbard and set himself up as "Source Jnr" with his various iterations of "Golden Age of Tech", there is no doubt that if he overtly … [Read more...]
Flag Stats Prove Massive Fail
They're boasting about their accomplishments again -- and their boasts are the best evidence of their complete failure. Super Power and Cause Resurgence A couple of notes at the outset. It seems they have adopted the IAS "successful action" -- to get people to show up for reg events these days you need to offer free meals. Flag, being the Mecca of Technical Perfection and the Friendliest Place on Earth is going one better. Flying in their own chefs "as seen on [sort of] TV" to whip up some pizza and gelato. Should generate massive crowds. I do note they never show any pictures … [Read more...]
Scientology Knowingness
Brian Lambert sent in another of his thought-provoking pieces about the writings of L. Ron Hubbard. Enjoy. SCIENTOLOGY “KNOWINGNESS”: LONG LIVE THE TOOTH FAIRY AND HER FRIEND THE TEDDY BEAR!! I want to preface this essay with the thought that not everything in Scientology is delusional. Nothing can always be absolutely one way or another in a relative universe. Seeking to communicate when there is an upset, seeking the root cause of a problem in one’s mind, listening to people when they are having issues, looking up words in a dictionary, being a good student and occasionally fin … [Read more...]