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December 15 in Scientology history

2020

2 years ago
-- A new book about escaping Scientology has already made waves overseas
2020-12-15, Peter Bonyai, Underground Bunker
Péter Bonyai is a name that should be familiar to readers of the Bunker. He's been a correspondent for us in Hungary, and we've covered his own book about his experience in Scientology. For some time now he's been telling us about a new book by a woman named Diana Dudas that has made news in that country, and he sent us this description of the book, which is now available in English for the first time. My Scientology Story is a critically acclaimed book about experiences of its author, Diana Dudas, as a member of the Church of Scientology between 2012 and 2017. The book was published last year in Hungary and judging from the responses received, it rapidly became a readers' favorite and a source of inspiration to many. In addition to a heart-wrenching story, which is presented in gripping detail, the book also contains a detailed and precise description of the everyday life of a Scientologist. As one reviewer put it: "her radiant, brave and iron-willed personality and her unique storytelling style infuse the entire novel and make it a real page-turner." As the person who first read this book, it is really an honor to write the first review about its English language edition. I still vividly remember when I read the first manuscript. I was in Scientology for 10 years, and I spent most of that time in middle management as a Sea Org member. So, I knew the subject and the range of abuses connected to it rather well. But this book was still a special experience for me. Why? Let me explain.
Tags: 1953, 1969, 1996, 2012, 2017, Brazil, Budapest, Clearwater, Diana Dudas, Europe, Fred Harris, Guyana, Hungary, International Management, Japan, Jim Jones, Leah Remini, Oak Knoll, Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, OT, People's Temple, Purification Rundown, São Paulo, Scientology and the Aftermath, Sea Org, State of Clear, Super Power Building, Westboro Baptist Church, Yulanda Williams
-- Tom Cruise rant: Sensible Covid frustration, or insane Scientology screed?
2020-12-15, Tony Ortega, Underground Bunker
The social media reactions to the Sun's big scoop, a recording of Tom Cruise going off on the Mission Impossible 7 crew for not being careful enough about social distancing, are all over the place. Many are giving the actor high marks for expressing the frustration against poor pandemic protocol that many of us feel, but others are pointing out how much Tom seems to be channeling his best pal here, Scientology leader David Miscavige. First, here's the recording in case you haven't heard it...
Tags: 1953, 1969, 1996, Brazil, Christian Right, David Miscavige, Japan, Mike Rinder, Mission Impossible, Oak Knoll, Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, OT, Quicky, São Paulo, Tom Cruise, Westboro Baptist Church, Yashar Ali

2019

3 years ago
-- In Alex Jones' Sandy Hook deposition, a persona undone
2019-12-15, Jonathan Tilove, MSN News
Alex Jones performs live on radio and online three hours a day, five days a week, and two hours on Sundays. Sometimes more. A relentlessly ranting, blustering figure, by turns entertaining, frightening, even mesmerizing, the outrageousness of his claims is only exceeded by the certitude of his delivery and the promise to his more credulous viewers and listeners that what he is delivering is the real deal, the hidden truth behind the lies of the globalists, the deep state and the mainstream media. It has made what was once a late-night Austin cable access novelty act into the most famous conspiracy theorist on earth. But to watch the video of his recent three-hour deposition in one of the Sandy Hook lawsuits arrayed against him is to see that persona and its pretensions come undone and to understand how his tangling with the parents of those children whose tragic deaths in the school shooting that occurred seven years ago Saturday — and that he tauntingly denied — could be his InfoWars empire's undoing.
Tags: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, Alex Jones, Alt-Right, Austin, Connecticut, Cuba, Donald Trump, Facebook, FBI, First Amendment, House Judiciary Committee, Houston, Infowars, Iraq, Kuwait, London, Los Angeles, Manhattan, New York City, New York Times, Newtown, Oregon, Paul Joseph Watson, Police, Robert Barnes, Roger Stone, Russia, Skype, Snopes, Syria, Texas, Twitter, University of Minnesota, Vietnam, Wisconsin, YouTube
-- Scientology trying to use its UN connections to fight its favorite bogeyman, psychiatry
2019-12-15, Rod Keller, Underground Bunker
Scientology has a new article from front group CCHR, the Citizens Commission on Human Rights. For years Scientology has courted the United Nations as it fights attempts by governments to tax, regulate, or prosecute the church. In August we reported that a Scientology front group was granted Special Consultative Status by the UN. Now CCHR is attempting to leverage the UN in its battle against psychiatry, claiming that the profession obstructs the UN's target of promoting literacy. The UN Sustainable Development Goal calls for members to "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all." Despite CCHR's engagement on human rights, this attempt to influence the UN is a fool's errand. Almost nobody reads Scientology's blogs and those that do will not be swayed by the article's logic, but it does provide insight into the group's agenda. In 1967, a group of psychiatrists met in Puerto Rico to discuss their objectives for psychotropic drug use on "normal humans" in the year 2000. Their plan included drugs to "enhance the learning capacity of the individual." Today, with at least 17 million children worldwide consuming mind-altering drugs and the almost exclusive use of psychology-based curricula in many schools, literacy is fast becoming a thing of the past.
Tags: 1949, 1953, 1960, 1964, 1967, 1971, 2000, Auditing, CCHR, Japan, Oak Knoll, Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, OT, Puerto Rico, Quicky, United Nations, Westboro Baptist Church
-- STAAD Resurrects "#WhereIsShelly"
2019-12-15, Mike Rinder, Something Can Be Done About It
We don't hear much from STAAD any more. Seems Fast Eddie has gone back to stuffing envelopes in the basement or whatever it is that he usually does. He has been silent on Twitter — one post since 22 October and that could have been written by any of the STAAD flunkies and posted on his behalf. Even the STAAD League itself has been pretty dormant, every now and then sending out a retweet promoting Marty Rathbun like the last Japanese soldier on a Pacific Island firing into the air in an act of defiance to keep the fight going. This is one of their most recent retweets from a year or more ago...
Tags: 2009, 2013, Brooklyn, Clearwater, David Miscavige, Facebook, FBI, Freewinds, Heber Jentzsch, International Association of Scientologists, Japan, Marty Rathbun, Michael Meisner, OT, Quicky, Shelly Miscavige, Tony Ortega, Twitter

2018

4 years ago
-- Christmas Party Break
2018-12-15, Mike Rinder, Something Can Be Done About It
Due to circumstances beyond my control — just returned from NY and our annual Christmas Party tonight, I will not have a new post for today or tomorrow other than this note. Comments may take a while to review. Tomorrow we participate in the annual Aaron Smith-Levin, Sheldon Goldberg, Don McClintock, Mike Rinder very amateur golf tournament (unfortunately Don is unable to make it)... Always a lot of fun. Best wishes to everyone. We will all be enjoying ourselves, I hope you are too.
Tags: Aaron Smith-Levin, Quicky, Sheldon Goldberg
-- Critical Q&A #190
2018-12-15, Chris Shelton, YouTube
The show where I answer your questions. Please leave any comments or feedback in the comments section here below. I see everything and want to hear from you. #Scientology #LRonHubbard #SeaOrganization SHOP FOR CRITICAL MERCHANDISE
Tags: Audio, Critic, Quicky, Scientology: A to Xenu
-- Sensibly Speaking Podcast #171: Scientology and the Nation of Islam - An Unholy Alliance
2018-12-15, Chris Shelton, YouTube
This week, and coincidentally with the timing of Leah's show on the Nation of Islam, I am covering the improbable alliance between the Church of Scientology and the Nation of Islam. I discuss what I learned in looking into this, including the real history of the NOI, its racist nature and undeniable fact it is a destructive cult. #NationofIslam #Scientology #destructivecults Source material listed at http://sensiblyspeaking.com
Tags: Audio, Nation of Islam, Quicky, Scientology: A to Xenu
-- Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman: Spied on by Scientology until it ripped them apart
2018-12-15, Tony Ortega, Underground Bunker
We have a real treat for you this week in our 'Scientology Lit' series, an excerpt from the excellent book Fair Game: The Incredible Untold Story of Scientology in Australia by Steve Cannane. One of the best researched and written books about Scientology in any era, Steve covered a vast amount of territory. We've chosen portions of a later chapter, 'Cruise and Kidman,' with Steve's blessing. Published in 2016, this book contains the last extensive interviews Marty Rathbun gave before he went pear-shaped. Tom Cruise first saw Nicole Kidman on the big screen in her breakthrough film Dead Calm. Kidman played the role of Rae Ingram, the young wife of a navy officer who is trapped on a yacht in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with a sociopath played by Billy Zane. Kidman's character fights off her attacker with a combination of prescription drugs and a harpoon gun. The young actress shone in the role. The Washington Post's movie critic Rita Kempley described her character as an 'Amazon for the '90s.' Tom Cruise was mesmerised by Kidman's performance. The actor was preparing to shoot Days of Thunder and convinced the producers to cast the 21-year old in the role of Dr Claire Lewicki, a neurosurgeon who falls in love with Cruise's character, an up-andcoming stock car driver named Cole Trickle.
Tags: 1970, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2016, Academy Award, Amazon, Anthony Pellicano, Auckland, Australia, BBC Radio, Bert Fields, Bill Clinton, Bruce Hines, Burbank, Catholic, Celebrity Centre, Chick Corea, Chris Shelton, Claire Headley, Colorado, Connor Cruise, David Miscavige, Days of Thunder, E-meter, Fair Game: The Incredible Untold Story of Scientology in Australia, FBI, Freedom Medal of Valor, Freedom of Information Act, Germany, Gladiator, Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief, Golden Age of Knowledge, Greg Wilhere, Guinness, Hollywood, Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood Guaranty Building, Hollywood Reporter, Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service, International Association of Scientologists, IRS, James Packer, John Brousseau, Julia McGinnis, Kirstie Alley, L. Ron Hubbard, London, Los Angeles, Marty Rathbun, Mary Sue Hubbard, Michael Doven, Mike Rinder, Mimi Rogers, Nation of Islam, New York, Nicole Kidman, OT, Pat Kingsley, Phil Spickler, Potential Trouble Source, Private investigator, Quicky, Ray Mithoff, Religious Technology Center, Ridley Scott, Rita Kempley, Russell Crowe, Scientology executive, Scientology lawyer, Sea Org, Sherman Lenske, South Park, Stanley Kubrick, Steve Cannane, Suppressive Person, Sydney, The Australian, Time magazine, Tom Cruise, Tom DeVocht, Tommy Davis, Tony Blair, UK, US Secretary of State, Vanity Fair, Vietnam, Washington Post

2017

5 years ago
-- Louis Theroux's showdown with Scientology over a public road: The nutty new chapter
2017-12-15, Tony Ortega, Underground Bunker
One of the best things about Louis Theroux's funny 2015 film, My Scientology Movie, was how unflappably polite he was while he argued with Sea Org official Catherine Fraser over a frontage road at Scientology's secretive "Int Base" and whether it was a public street or not. A couple of times, Theroux visited the base during the movie, one time with former Sea Org worker Marc Headley, another time with actor Andrew Perez. When Theroux tried to get some footage by parking on the frontage lane — called Sublette Road — Fraser insisted that he was on private property and tried to get him to leave. It's Theroux's manner, of course, which makes it such a great comedic moment, but also the apoplectic Scientologists, who hate having a camera crew so close to their property.
Tags: 1990, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2015, 2016, Andrew Perez, Blown for Good, Catherine Fraser, Clearwater, Country Club Drive, David Miscavige, Erin Hodges Plumb, Google, Google Maps, Int Base, Ken Hoden, Los Angeles, Louis Theroux, Marc Headley, My Scientology Movie, New Year's Eve, Quicky, Religious Technology Center, Sea Org, Shrine Auditorium, Sublette Road
-- Regraded Being
2017-12-15, Mike Rinder, Something Can Be Done About It
Regraded Being has been given a day off for XMas shopping this week. Here is another early RB Classic. Love the flier for the dictionary, be sure to zoom in to see the detailed descriptions of its wonders.
Tags: Quicky, Regraded Being

2016

6 years ago
-- 5 Reasons Why "Scientology and the Aftermath" is More Important Than You Think
2016-12-15, Chris Shelton, Critical Thinker at Large
Leah Remini's new show, Scientology and the Aftermath on A&E, is a total hit and rightfully so. I did my own review of the first episode and if you haven't seen that, I recommend you do so. As a former Scientologist turned advocate, Leah is on a roll to bring the fight to Scientology's doorstep against its long-running history of human rights abuses, criminal activities and emotional blackmail and she's doing a fantastic job. Many people who have not been involved with Scientology in the past or have not been keeping tabs on its activities are tuning in and finding out for the first time just how awful this whole thing is. While that can certainly be viewed as sensational or "headline grabbing media" there are actually some more important reasons why this show is having the success it is and why it needs to be seen even more far and wide. If you have been following the first three episodes, I'm sure you understand what I mean and I heavily encourage you to share links to the show by whatever means with all of your friends, family and social contacts. Only someone with a heart of stone, or a Scientologist, would think there is nothing worth seeing in Scientology and the Aftermath. Let's go over the five main reasons I think this show is more important than most people realize:
Tags: 2008, 2015, 2017, A&E, Alex Gibney, Anonymous, Bridge to Total Freedom, California, Disconnection, Fair Game, Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief, HBO, Hemet, Lawrence Wright, Leah Remini, Mike Rinder, New York Times, Quicky, Scientology and the Aftermath, Sea Org, Sundance, Tax exempt, Tom Cruise, Xenu, YouTube
-- 5 Reasons Why "Scientology and the Aftermath" is More Important Than You Think
2016-12-15, Chris Shelton, YouTube
Leah Remini's A&E show, Scientology and the Aftermath, is a tour-de-force of truth against the vicious and horrible lies that Scientology tells about its critics and what it does to its own members if they dare to buck its authority. In this episode, I lay out the five reasons that this show is far more important than just "another Scientology documentary" and why everyone should be seeing it. My review of Leah's first show: https://goo.gl/BFr5cJ For a full transcript, go to http://mncriticalthinking.com
Tags: 2008, 2015, A&E, Alex Gibney, Anonymous, Audio, Bridge to Total Freedom, California, Disconnection, Fair Game, Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief, HBO, Hemet, Lawrence Wright, Leah Remini, Mike Rinder, New York Times, Quicky, Scientology and the Aftermath, Scientology: A to Xenu, Sea Org, Sundance, Tom Cruise, Video, Xenu
-- CLAIM: 'Frail' looking Shelly Miscavige spotted near Scientology compound in California
2016-12-15, Tony Ortega, Underground Bunker
For a few days, we have been communicating with a woman we're going to call Rachel. We know Rachel's real name, and a lot more about her besides. Everything she's told us about herself and her husband has checked out. But because they fear retaliation for telling us what they know (and they say that it's already happening, more about that below), we've agreed not to use their real names. Rachel and her family live less than two miles from the Church of Spiritual Technology headquarters near Twin Peaks, California — the 33-acre super-secret compound where we believe Scientology leader David Miscavige has kept his wife Shelly stashed away for the last 11 years. The small CST headquarters is in the mountains above Los Angeles and near Lake Arrowhead, California. It's not to be confused with Scientology's much larger 500-acre International Base about 50 miles away and near Hemet, where David Miscavige lives and where, in 2004, he created a notorious prison for his top executives that is known as "The Hole."
Tags: 1990, 20/20, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2015, A&E, ABC, Big Blue, California, Chris Shelton, Church of Spiritual Technology, Claudio Lugli, Crestline, Dan Harris, David Miscavige, Douglas Mirell, Dylan Gill, Hemet, Int Base, Italy, Katie Holmes, Lake Arrowhead, LAPD, Leah Remini, Los Angeles, PAC Base, Police, Renata Lugli, Scientology and the Aftermath, Shelly Miscavige, The Hole, Tom Cruise, Twin Peaks, YouTube
-- Lois Reisdorf Part 6 - Rise of David Miscavige
2016-12-15, Mike Rinder, Something Can Be Done About It
Rise of David Miscavige I made an appearance on ABC's 20/20 on April 29th of this year for their program about Ron Miscavige. Doing this TV show was the first time I was speaking out after almost 35 years – it was hard for me to do. My appearance (in the first 10 minutes) was due to the fact that I had a missing link not covered in Ron Miscavige Sr. book RUTHLESS: how did the rise of David Miscavige happen? ABC filmed about 20 minutes of me telling this story, but only 2 minutes was used on the show.
Tags: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1986, 20/20, ABC, AOSHEU, Apollo, Author Services Inc, Bare-Faced Messiah, Bonnie View, Chairman of the Board, Claire Rossouw, Clarisse Barnett, Clear, Clearwater, CMO Int, Commodore's Messenger Organization, David Mayo, David Miscavige, David Rossouw, DC, Debbie Cook, Doreen Gillham, FBI, Flag Service Organization, Gale Reisdorf, Gilman Hot Springs, Hemet, Int Base, International Management, Janis Gillham, Kima Douglas, L. Ron Hubbard, La Quinta, Liz Ingber, Lois Reisdorf, Los Angeles, Marc Yager, Mark Ingber, Mary Sue Hubbard, Mission, Norman Starkey, Omar Garrison, Org Board, OT, OT III, Pat Broeker, Purification Rundown, Quicky, Raid, Religious Technology Center, Ron Miscavige, Ron Miscavige Jr, Ron Miscavige Sr, Russell Miller, Sam Licciardi, Snow White Program, Steve Marlow, Steve Marlowe, Steve Pfauth, Telex, Terri Gillham, Vicki Aznaran, Watchdog Committee
-- SC refuses to stay trial court proceedings against Nithyananda
2016-12-15, Deccan Herald
The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stay the trial court proceedings against Swami Nithyananda in a six-year-old rape case. A bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and A M Khanwilkar did not agree with the plea made by a counsel representing Nitya Dharmananda alias K Lenin, asking for the suspension of the trial court proceedings in view of a pending challenge to a high court order that had directed handing over certain documents, including "unauthenticated medical records" of the rape victim, to Nithyananda. Nithyananda's counsel Sanjay Nuli opposed the plea, questioning the locus standi of the petitioner in the criminal case. Lenin, who acted as driver of Nithyananda, had filed a complaint with the police.
Tags: India, Rape, Swami Nithyananda
-- Scientology Bankrupted Me - Finances Ruined
2016-12-15, Steven Mango, YouTube
Scientology took $50,000 and ruined my finances. I thought I was on a journey to spiritual immortality and to bettering our planet, but it was all a lie. Whether I voluntarily gave Scientology money, or whether they stole the money without my permission, I ended up in a huge hole with money that I struggle with to this day. This video is very personal for me and it's hard for me to open up about my finances and needing to settle my credit card debt. I hope it can help others who may be struggling with money and may not see the light, because I was able to reduce my debt substantially since acknowledging my debt was a burdening problem in my life. My Video "Inside The Scientology Celebrity Centre": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfKqOU...
Tags: 2012, Celebrity Centre, Facebook, Hollywood, International Association of Scientologists, Quicky, Ruin, Twitter

2015

7 years ago
-- Church of Scientology purchases new headquarters in Allston for $15 million
2015-12-15, Dan Adams, Boston Globe
The New England branch of the Church of Scientology will move its headquarters to Allston after purchasing a large office complex near the Massachusetts Turnpike. The local Scientologists have purchased the office building at 212-214 Lincoln Street and several surrounding properties for $15 million, church spokesman Kevin Hall confirmed. "It gives us a stable place where we can help people with our services while not having to be in the real estate business anymore," Hall said.
Tags: 2008, Alexandra Hotel, Boston, Ideal Org, Kevin Hall, Real estate
-- It's The Biggest Planetary Clearing Thing Ever
2015-12-15, Mike Rinder, Something Can Be Done About It
Planetary Clearing rockets into a whole new range with this... Not only that — it's "eminent" in 2016. More scientology money grubbing. It is absolutely relentless.
Tags: 2016, California, Colin Davie, David Miscavige, Golden Era, Hollywood, International Management, L. Ron Hubbard Hall, Los Angeles, Planetary Clearing, Planetary Dissemination, Quicky, Religious Technology Center, Scientology Media Productions
-- New England Church of Scientology purchases new $15m headquarters
2015-12-15, Daily Mail
The Church of Scientology's New England branch is moving its headquarters after struggling to renovate the historic hotel it hoped to make it's new base. An office complex in the Allston neighborhood of Boston was announced as the future nerve center for the local Scientologists just a month after the church put the Hotel Alexandra for sale. The church bought the Alexandra in 2008 with the hopes of renovating it for the new headquarters.
Tags: 2008, 2013, Boston, Boston Business Journal, Boston Globe, Clearwater, CNN, David Miscavige, England, Flag Building, Florida, Hollywood, Katie Holmes, Kevin Hall, Leah Remini, Los Angeles, Quicky, Real estate, Tom Cruise
-- Today in L.A.: Can Scientology kill a forced-abortion lawsuit in the name of religion?
2015-12-15, Tony Ortega, Underground Bunker
(Judge Rolf M. Treu) UPDATE: ...and the judge punts. Judge Treu has ordered a continuation "to permit amended papers." Well, Laura has waited six years, what's a little longer, eh Judge? Today's hearing will just be about scheduling. Details below. The Underground Bunker will have correspondents on hand today at a Los Angeles Superior Court hearing scheduled for 8:30 am (11:30 am Eastern) as Laura DeCrescenzo's forced-abortion lawsuit against the Church of Scientology faces yet another motion for summary judgment ahead of trial — six years after she first filed her complaint in 2009.
Tags: 1993, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2016, Abortion, Allison Hope Weiner, Austin, Boston, Boston Globe, Dan Adams, First Amendment, Graham Berry, Ideal Org, Jeffrey Augustine, Judge Rolf Treu, Judge Ronald Sohigian, Laura DeCrescenzo, Los Angeles Superior Court, Mark Bunker, Massachusetts, Quicky, Rehabilitation Project Force, Sacramento, Sea Org, Tory Christman, US Supreme Court

2014

8 years ago
-- Church of Scientology in Russia faces expert evaluation, closure
2014-12-15, Russian Legal Information Agency
Church of Scientology will be scrutinized by religion experts after the Russian Justice Ministry refused to register the statute of the Church of Scientology in Moscow, RAPSI learnt in Moscow's Izmailovsky District Court on Monday. The Justice Ministry found that the statute did not comply with the federal law on freedom of faith. It also indicated that "scientology" is registered as a trademark and is owned by the Religious Technology Center in the US. The ministry therefore filed a motion with the Moscow City Court seeking to ban the Moscow branch of the church. The hearings at the Moscow City Court will resume after the issue about the statute is considered by the Izmailovsky Court.
Tags: Federal List of Extremist Literature, Moscow, Religious Technology Center, Russia, Russian Justice Ministry
-- Fundraising Part 4
2014-12-15, Mike Rinder, Something Can Be Done About It
Next in the series — the infamous "Pass The Pen" drill hat write up. Another proven "successful technique" of how to shame your marks into forking over more money. Scientology — the religion that coverts other people's money.
Tags: Fundraising, Quicky
-- Marc Headley: Scientology Ambush at Int Base December 2014
2014-12-15, SurvivingScientology, YouTube
Former Sea Org member Marc Headley describes how he and a Danish film crew were ambushed at Int Base by Scientologists. This story was picked up by the International Business Times after Marc filmed the event with his phone and Tony Ortega published the account of the ambush. http://www.ibtimes.com/ex-scientologist-marc-headley-videotapes-ambush-outside-churchs-international-base-1745246?ft=95p2z Marc Headley, author of the book Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology. Available on Amazon.
Tags: Blown for Good, Catherine Fraser, David Miscavige, Denmark, Eve Laws, Gilman Springs Road, Golden Era Productions, Int Base, International Business Times, Jon Stumbke, Jorgen Larsson, Kevin Caetano, Kevin McEnery, Marc Headley, Old Gilman House, Paul Sarkany, Rehabilitation Project Force, Religious Technology Center, Robert Dam, Sea Org, The Hole, Tom Cruise, Tony Ortega, Video
-- More about the goons Scientology sent to intimidate Marty Rathbun and Louis Theroux
2014-12-15, Tony Ortega, Underground Bunker
We had to scramble yesterday evening to bring you some information about the latest Scientology ambush video that former church official Mark "Marty" Rathbun posted to the Internet. Now, some hours later, a more complete — and more depressing — picture of what happened Saturday in Los Angeles is emerging, thanks to the eagle-eyed researchers at ESMB and our own sources in the church itself. Marty Rathbun spent 27 years in Scientology and was at one time the second-most powerful executive in the worldwide organization. But he left in 2004 and vanished, then resurfaced in 2009 with a blog that was highly critical of his old boss, Scientology leader David Miscavige. Rathbun has been subjected to intense surveillance and dirty tricks ever since, which is entirely consistent with Scientology's treatment of defectors throughout its history. Founder L. Ron Hubbard established in Scientology "scripture" that he wanted people who left and then criticized the church hunted down with the use of private investigators and attorneys and other operatives, and, if possible, to destroy their lives utterly.
Tags: 1990, 1998, 2004, 2008, 2009, Alex Gibney, BBC, Bodhi Elfman, CCHR, Christopher Smith, Citizens Commission for Human Rights, Colorado, Dan Sherman, David Miscavige, Garry Scarff, Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, Golden Era Productions, HBO, Hollywood, Int Base, Jeffrey Augustine, Jenna Elfman, Jim Meskimen, John Dower, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, LAPD, Lawrence Wright, Los Angeles, Louis Theroux, Making a Killing, Marc Headley, Marty Rathbun, Mary McConnell, Mike Rinder, Milton Katselas, Nancy Cartwright, New York, Police, Private investigator, Quicky, Randall Stith, Robin Smith, Sea Org, Simon Chinn, Sundance Film Festival, Tamara Wilcox, Tax, Texas, UK, Variety
-- Scientology Psycho-Terrorists Chris Smith and Randy Stith Strike in Hollywood!
2014-12-15, Jeffrey Augustine, Scientology Money Project
Another Tony Ortega Exclusive: Scientology psycho-terrorists Chris Smith and Randy Stith attempt to ambush Marty Rathbun on a backstreet in Hollywood. Smith and Stith are so vile and disgusting as to ask if Rathbun is making money off his adopted child. The Cult of Scientology is always looking to plumb new depths in depravity and Smith and Stith are more than willing to oblige. Moreover, Scientology cultists once again demonstrate how they can be both shameless and vicious; and this while delusionally declaring themselves to be part of the most ethical group on the planet. Due to the bizarre behavior of its adherents, the Church of Scientology has become a disturbing study in the psychopathology and inherent violence of cults. Acting upon orders from David Miscavige, Scientologists Chris Smith and Randy Stith are the new faces of Scientology insanity, the new Squirrel Busters. It is clear that Scientology Cult Leader David Miscavige is back on the warpath and has sent his most rabid and lunatic followers into LAX and now Hollywood.
Tags: 2008, Abortion, Anonymous, BBC, CCHR, Christopher Smith, Cult, David Miscavige, Fake, Hollywood, LAPD, LAX, Linda Hamel, Louis Theroux, Marty Rathbun, Office of Special Affairs, Quicky, Randall Stith, Squirrel Busters, Tax exempt, Terrorist, Tony Ortega

2013

9 years ago
-- An Apt Quote
2013-12-15, Mike Rinder, Something Can Be Done About It
An old friend sent this to me and I thought it very appropriate, especially as we are trying to get life and the house back in order after last night's Christmas Party. It is an easy posting to put up for some Sunday food for thought: Just came across these two verses (73-74) in Gil Fronsdal's translation of the Dhammapada. [The Dhammapada is a collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form and one of the most widely read and best known Buddhist scriptures — Wikipedia] They struck me as an amazingly apt picture of the Little Emperor [David Miscavige]:
Tags: Buddha, Buddhist, David Miscavige, Quicky, Wikipedia
-- Inside the Scientology 'Celebrity Centre' Christmas party
2013-12-15, Irish Independent
A host of Hollywood celebrities have gathered to spread some Christmas cheer at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles. The Church of Scientology, normally shrouded in controversy and secrecy, has issued photos of their 21st annual 'Christmas Stories' performance, where some of their famous members put on a show for fellow members. Orange is the New Black actress Laura Prepon, who was recently linked to Tom Cruise, led the way of famous faces in attendance, joined by That 70s Show's Danny Masterson and actresses Jenna Elfman and Erika Christensen.
Tags: Celebrity Centre, Danny Masterson, Erika Christensen, Hollywood, Hollywood Police Activities League, Independent, Jenna Elfman, Laura Prepon, Los Angeles, Quicky, Tom Cruise
-- Sunday Funnies: Scientology celebrates the holidays!
2013-12-15, Tony Ortega, Underground Bunker
While Boing Boing recently went bananas over a single piece of Scientology mail (which itself consisted of only a single line of writing), our loyal readers here at the Underground Bunker know that week in and week out, we bring you a mother lode of wacky Scientology mailers that we call Sunday Funnies. And this week, we have quite a haul. From San Diego to Scotland, we have quite a collection of notices put out by various Scientology organizations as they do their best to convince members to sign up for courses or make donations. As usual, we look forward to your interpretations and close readings of these nutty fliers.
Tags: Boing Boing, England, Golden Age of Tech, Karen de la Carriere, Quentin Hubbard, Quicky, San Diego, Scientology organization, Scotland, Sunday Funnies

2012

10 years ago
-- Does Scientology Work?
2012-12-15, Marty Rathbun, Moving On Up a Little Higher
Some dots are going to be connected here. The following recent posts come into play and will have some light shed upon them: Past Lives Survey
Tags: California, Chicago, David Miscavige, Dianetics, IRS, Los Angeles, Quicky, Tax exempt, Washington
-- Scientology Leader David Miscavige: Getting Desperate?
2012-12-15, Tony Ortega, Underground Bunker
Nothing could match the revulsion we felt yesterday at the mass murder of 20 schoolchildren in Newtown, Connecticut. But there was something else that made the bile rise in our throat yesterday. Marty Rathbun, at his blog, pointed out that one of the anonymous attack web sites operated by the Church of Scientology has begun putting up slimy allegations about his mother's mental health.
Tags: 2005, 2008, Atlanta, Company, Connecticut, David Miscavige, Hollywood, Hollywood Boulevard, Int Base, Jeff Harris, Marc Headley, Marty Rathbun, Mary Rieser, Narconon, Narconon Georgia, Newtown, Office of Special Affairs, Patrick Desmond, Quicky, Religious Technology Center, Tiziano Lugli, WhyWeProtest

2011

11 years ago
-- Drop Kick Me Through The Goalposts of Life
2011-12-15, Marty Rathbun, Moving On Up a Little Higher
Heads up people! David Miscavige has taken a giant stride toward replacing L Ron Hubbard lock, stock and barrel in Corporate Scientology. Please see the emailed message to the Flag OT (Operating Thetan - highest spiritual state attained in Scientology) Committee members. It comes from a prominent member of a once wealthy family (until they ran into Corporate Scientology Jaws), Kathy Feschbach. She has the chutzpah to promote a new IAS book containing nothing but closing addresses by Miscavige as "inspirational." The level of intelligence demonstrated by opinion leader members of Miscavige's cult has slumped to around the mid double digits zone on the quotient scale. If anyone finds what she quotes inspirational, I've got a less expensive alternate route recommendation for you. That is, tune in to daytime TV game shows. It won't cost you a cent, and actually, the drivel coming from the automotanic hosts is far, far more intelligent and entertaining than Miscavige's Shermanspeak. Really, Corporate Scientologists, the world sees you as sick cult members for a reason, and it is something you exert a cause on effecting. It is your slavish, ludicrous pimping for such an obviously sociopathic, automaton in a tuxedo.
Tags: 2007, 2008, Chairman of the Board, David Miscavige, International Association of Scientologists, Kathy Feshbach, L. Ron Hubbard, Maiden Voyage, Operating Thetan, OT, OTC, Quicky, Religious Technology Center, Shermanspeak
-- Jason Lee, Twitter Newbie, Goes After Dude with 6 Followers For Asking About Scientology
2011-12-15, Tony Ortega, Runnin' Scared, Village Voice
A day after joining Twitter, actor Jason Lee didn't take kindly to a fan, Sean Coleman, griping about his being a member of the Church of Scientology. So Jason took a swipe at Coleman, who has all of 6 followers. At his Twitter page, you can see that Jason had started out his brief tweeting career about his interest in photography. This morning, director Kevin Smith then put out the word that Lee was on Twitter: "BRODIE-MAN! NOOTCHIE-NOOTCHIES! His name ain't Earl - it's @THATJasonLee! And now he's on Twitter! Give him a welcome, but no Stink-Palming!"
Tags: 2012, Dianetics, Google, Jason Lee, Marc Headley, OTC, Quicky, Sean Coleman, Twitter, WhyWeProtest
-- Martin Bashir Compares Newt Gingrich to Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, and more in our Thursday Stats Roundup!
2011-12-15, Tony Ortega, Runnin' Scared, Village Voice
It's that time of the week, when Scientology workers scramble to get their statistics turned in. And with the Thursday 2pm deadline looming, we like to do the same, rounding up the church's stats for the past week. First up, a little political humor... Yesterday, Martin Bashir did a bit of editorializing on MSNBC, trying to find an historical antecedent for presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, who he apparently doesn't like very much. In fact, Bashir seems to feel that Gingrich is such a self-aggrandizing looney, he could only think of one other person in history who resembles Newt: Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Hey, come to think of it, Martin may be on to something here.
Tags: 2009, Anonymous, Clear, Colombia, David Miscavige, International Association of Scientologists, Jim Carrey, Martin Bashir, Marty Rathbun, MSNBC, Newt Gingrich, Occupy Wall Street, Operation Clambake, Quicky, Ricky Gervais, Russia, TIME, Tommy Davis, UK
-- Scientologists still drawing up building plans
2011-12-15, Plymouth Herald
The Church of Scientology bought the historic building for about £1million in June 2010 and revealed plans to spend £2.5million on renovating it to house a library, chapel, information centre, book store, course and lecture rooms, offices and a cafe. But a year-and-half on a planning application for the 111-year-old Morice Square building is still yet to be submitted to civic planners.
Tags: Lisa Coffey, Plymouth, Real estate, Royal Fleet Hotel, UK

2010

12 years ago
-- Lori Hodgson is back in the saddle
2010-12-15, Marty Rathbun, Moving On Up a Little Higher
Hi! My name is Lori Hodgson. I joined the Church of Scientology in 1976. I was 13 years old. I resigned from the COS this past August 30, 2010. My main reasons for resigning from the COS are what I've seen and gone through personally over the past 4 years. The recruiting of my children for staff and the Sea Org at their ages of 15 years old and what I experienced through this is unbelievable. My parental rights were completely violated through the COS. I will share a couple of my experiences. My son at 15 years of age was recruited for the Sea Org while I was in a horrific engram and on heavy pain pills trying to recover from a knee replacement surgery. I had Sea Org recruiters slamming on my front door and pressuring me for 2 weeks since coming home from the hospital. Then because of the stress of the recruiters' continual harassment and my lack of proper rest I ended up back in the ER for 14 hours and then the hospital for 3 more days with pneumonia and an ovarian cyst rupture which was very serious on top of the recovering for my knee. Prior to me going to the ER, my friend met with the recruiters to not do this cycle while I was still in an engram. The recruiters told my friend that I was PTS, middle class and should not be on pain pills. They did not listen and continued until I got a doctors notice to not have any stress on my lines for 3 months so I could get rest and properly recover.
Tags: 1976, John Allender, Lori Hodgson, Office of Special Affairs, PC folders, Police, Potential Trouble Source, Quicky, San Jose, Sea Org, Squirrel

2009

13 years ago
-- Former Denver bank building set to be hotel
2009-12-15, Margaret Jackson, Denver Post
A number of potential buyers looked at the building, including the Church of Scientology, but none could make the economics work, said Patrick Devereaux, a broker with Cushman & Wakefield of Colorado Inc. who marketed the property with partners Gene Pride and Matt Gautreau.
Tags: Denver
-- Insane Scientology Propaganda 1
2009-12-15, scientologeez, YouTube
Insane Scientology Propaganda. "Our source for the video was in the church for seven years, and rose to a senior position before he left recently. When he eventually got out they sent people to his place of work to tell his boss he was secretly a convicted rapist and pedophile. He did not want to be named for fear of further persecution." http://gawker.com/5426671/scientology...
Tags: Quicky
-- Insane Scientology Propaganda 2
2009-12-15, scientologeez, YouTube
Insane Scientology Propaganda "Our source for the video was in the church for seven years, and rose to a senior position before he left recently. When he eventually got out they sent people to his place of work to tell his boss he was secretly a convicted rapist and pedophile. He did not want to be named for fear of further persecution." http://gawker.com/5426671/scientology...
Tags: Quicky
-- Scientology Leader David Miscavige 1
2009-12-15, scientologeez, YouTube
"In it the leader of Scientology, David Miscavige, talks literally of their plan for world domination — "spearheading the crusade for a clear planet" — and there is talk of a scheme to move the church to other planets too. On earth he claims over a billion followers, a complete takeover of the Colombian police force and that Bolivian president Evo Morales has started in the cult. It also becomes evident where the millions of dollars Scientology forces converts to pay to ascend its ranks goes — they have a yacht, a hotel, are expanding furiously into some prime real estate and translate and distribute millions of books and pamphlets across the world. The full three-hour video, filled as it is with bad CGI, can't have been cheap either."
Tags: Colombia, David Miscavige, Quicky
-- Scientology Leader David Miscavige 2
2009-12-15, scientologeez, YouTube
David Miscavige 2 "In it the leader of Scientology, David Miscavige, talks literally of their plan for world domination — "spearheading the crusade for a clear planet" — and there is talk of a scheme to move the church to other planets too. On earth he claims over a billion followers, a complete takeover of the Colombian police force and that Bolivian president Evo Morales has started in the cult. It also becomes evident where the millions of dollars Scientology forces converts to pay to ascend its ranks goes — they have a yacht, a hotel, are expanding furiously into some prime real estate and translate and distribute millions of books and pamphlets across the world. The full three-hour video, filled as it is with bad CGI, can't have been cheap either." http://gawker.com/5426671/scientology...
Tags: Colombia, David Miscavige, Quicky
-- Scientology Leader David Miscavige 3
2009-12-15, scientologeez, YouTube
"In it the leader of Scientology, David Miscavige, talks literally of their plan for world domination — "spearheading the crusade for a clear planet" — and there is talk of a scheme to move the church to other planets too. On earth he claims over a billion followers, a complete takeover of the Colombian police force and that Bolivian president Evo Morales has started in the cult. It also becomes evident where the millions of dollars Scientology forces converts to pay to ascend its ranks goes — they have a yacht, a hotel, are expanding furiously into some prime real estate and translate and distribute millions of books and pamphlets across the world. The full three-hour video, filled as it is with bad CGI, can't have been cheap either."
Tags: Colombia, David Miscavige, Quicky

2008

14 years ago
-- Scientologist Angered Over Anonymous Flyer
2008-12-15, Mark Bunker, YouTube
Flyer and Info - http://tinyurl.com/59qyrr
Tags: Anonymous, Quicky
-- Tom Cruise and Matt Lauer Clear the Air
2008-12-15, Stephen M. Silverman, People
"Three and a half years after the interview heard 'round the world, Tom Cruise is back in the studio, today," Matt Lauer said at the very top of Monday's Today show. Lauer wasn't kidding. Hovering over Lauer and co-anchor Meredith Vieira as they were trying to open the morning program at 7 a.m. was Cruise, standing over their desk, even though the interview segment to promote his Christmas release Valkyrie wasn't slated until the 7:30 half-hour. "Let's set the record straight," Lauer said before Monday's sit-down with his one-time on-air sparring partner. "This is not Rocky II." But the two did finally clear the air - and discussed at length - their June 2004 confrontation, in which Cruise angrily accused Lauer of being glib during a discussion of Brooke Shields's use of anti-depressants to treat her post-partum depression.
Tags: 1997, 2004, 2005, Brooke Shields, Clear, Katie Holmes, Matt Lauer, Oprah Winfrey, Quicky, Tom Cruise, Valkyrie, War of the Worlds

2007

15 years ago
-- Human Rights Torch Relay Coming to California
2007-12-15, Joshua Philipp, Epoch Times
Also speaking at the event was David A. Meyer, member of the International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance, and President of San Diego's Church of Scientology. Meyer addressed some of the backdoor crimes of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that have directly affected the rest of the world.
Tags: David Meyer, International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance
-- Some see Scientology as business
2007-12-15, Andrew Tevington, The Oklahoman
Q.I read that Germany has outlawed Scientology, saying it is not a true religion. Why do we, the United States, let it have tax-exempt status as a church and everything else when it's not a religion? A.The most recent action taken by the Federal Republic of Germany does not outlaw Scientology but may be a precursor to such an edict. German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said the group will be investigated because "the organization is not compatible with the constitution." The investigation may lead to a ban.
Tags: Germany
-- Sounds of the Season
2007-12-15, Lavanya Ramanathan, Washington Post
ON STAGE "A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant" More silliness from the people who brought you "Bat Boy: The Musical."

2006

16 years ago
-- Odenwald Critical Of Campisi's 3 Absences
2006-12-15, Kevin Murphy, Webster-Kirkwood Times
The Association for Better Living and Education International (ABLE), under the new ownership name of Social Betterment Properties International, will appear before the county's revenue and personnel committee, perhaps as early as Dec. 19, seeking real and personal property tax exemption for Applied Scholastics for 2004 and forward. Campisi, who serves on that committee, said he will disqualify himself from any discussions on the matter.
Tags: ABLE, Applied Scholastics, Social Betterment Properties International, St. Louis

2005

17 years ago
-- Log on and join in, but beware the web cults
2005-12-15, Charles Arthur, The Guardian
What I realised - perhaps it was the mention of Scientology - is that Wikipedia, and so many other online activities, show all the outward characteristics of a cult. Which, by my (computer's) dictionary definition, means "a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object; a relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister; a misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing; a person or thing that is popular or fashionable, esp. among a particular section of society, 'a cult film'."
Tags: Wikipedia

1999

23 years ago
-- Judge Rules in Scientology Case
1999-12-15, Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) _ A judge has ruled that Scientology leader David Miscavige can be named as a defendant in a lawsuit over the death of a church member who spent 17 days in isolation at a church retreat. Lisa McPherson, 36, died Dec. 5, 1995, as church staffers took her to see a Scientologist doctor. An autopsy found she died of a blood vessel blockage in her left lung caused by severe dehydration and bed rest. Scientology officials said she had been taken to the retreat to recover from a mental breakdown and had been well cared for.
Tags: 1954, 1980, 1995, David Miscavige, Hillsborough County, IRS, Judge James Moody, Lisa McPherson, Mental breakdown, Quicky
-- Scientology leader named defendant in suit
1999-12-15, Thomas C. Tobin, St. Petersburg Times
In a ruling Tuesday that stunned the Church of Scientology and its attorneys, a Hillsborough County judge allowed Scientology's worldwide leader, David Miscavige, to be named as a defendant in a lawsuit over the 1995 death of church member Lisa McPherson. Miscavige's authority in Scientology is limited to ecclesiastical matters, according to church officials. But the lawsuit, filed by McPherson's family in 1997, has been amended to say that he "totally controls" and "micro-manages all of Scientology," and that his ecclesiastical role is part of an elaborate set-up to shield Scientology and its leaders from liability.
Tags: 1980, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, Bill Clinton, Clearwater, David Miscavige, Eric Lieberman, Gerald Feffer, IRS, Judge James Moody, Ken Dandar, Lisa McPherson, Mike Rinder, New Port Richey, Police, Real estate, Religious Technology Center, Robert Minton, Scientology staff, Sea Org, Tampa, Washington, Ybor City

1997

25 years ago
-- The Mac of Internet providers
1997-12-15, Larry Armstrong, BusinessWeek
Three years ago, business was booming for Sky Dylan Dayton. The 23-year-old owned Cafe Mocha, a trendy L.A. coffeehouse; had opened a second one, Joe; and ran a computer graphics business on the side. Then he heard of the Internet.
Tags: Earthlink, Netcom, Sky Dayton

1991

31 years ago
-- Actress Blasts Narconon Decision
1991-12-15, Tulsa World
The Mental Health Department staff has twice recommended against certifying the program. The state board followed that recommendation once, but an Oklahoma County district judge ruled the Mental Health Department staff was biased against Narconon. The board then selected Tulsa psychiatrist John Chelf to evaluate Narconon. His report, presented to the board in October, questioned the effectiveness of treating drug or alcohol addicts with saunas and vitamins.
Tags: John Chelf, Kirstie Alley, Narconon Chilocco, Oklahoma Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
-- Drug Center May Be Forced to Leave Tribal Site
1991-12-15, Michael McNutt, News OK
A drug and alcohol treatment center denied state certification could be asked to leave the old Indian school campus it is leasing early next year, the chairman of a tribal board which owns the property said Saturday. Meanwhile, actress Kirstie Alley, the most visible advocate for Narconon Chilocco New Life Center, said Saturday the state Mental Health Board had a hidden agenda when on Friday it, by a 6-0 vote, rejected the center's certification request.
Tags: 1990, CARF, Chilocco Development Authority, Chilocco Indian School, Kaw, Kirstie Alley, Mental Health, Narconon, Narconon Chilocco, Oklahoma Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee, Ponca, Robert Chapman, Tonkawa
FrontCite 12/15/2022 09:53p
See also:
FrontCite Mediawiki
xenu-directory.net: Scientology in the news
Scientology in the UK Media