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Larry Englebretson
February 17, 1949 - January 28, 2012
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Larry Englebretson, 62, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2012, in Houston, Texas surrounded by his family. He was born on February 17, 1949, in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Sidney and Christeen Englebretson. Larry and his family moved to Dallas, Texas. He started singing at an early age in the children's choir at Grace Lutheran School in Dallas and this launched his lifelong love of singing. He later attended Sarah Zumwalt Middle School (where he is most notably remembered for blowing up the science lab) and South Oak Cliff High School, where he graduated in 1967. Larry was a very gifted student and he earned a full scholarship to attend Rice University in Houston.
After completing his studies and graduating from Rice, Larry stayed in Houston and had a successful career at Gulf Oil (later Chevron) as a computer programmer. He retired from Chevron after 25 years of dedicated service so he could devote more time to his two lifelong passions, chess and music. Having established Houston as his home away from home, he decided to stay there to pursue his chess and singing careers.
Larry learned to play chess as a young child and excelled at the game. Besides his love of playing chess, he was just as passionate when teaching and coaching other players, especially the younger ones. In his long and distinguished chess career, he attained the prestigious title of Life Master years ago and recently earned the high honor to be the United States Chess Federation's representative to the 21st World Senior Class Championship in 2011. He owned the Houston Chess Club for many years and was one of the first chess instructors in the Houston area. His love of teaching extended to being a chess coach for two local schools' chess clubs, namely T. H. Rogers and The Village School, where he was affectionately known as "Coach Larry". Due in large part to his teaching and coaching at these schools over many years, T. H. Rogers and The Village School chess teams have achieved recognition and numerous awards at both the state and national levels in scholastic chess.
His other passion, singing, led him to become a longstanding member of the Houston Songwriters Association. He was a renowned and respected singer and songwriter in the Houston area and was a weekly participant in Open Mic at the JP Hops House in Houston. Many of his performances can be viewed on YouTube.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Christeen, and by his brother. He is survived by his sister, Lennis of Dallas; niece, Tina Duncan (Parry) of Mesquite; niece, Tamara Stephney of Glenn Heights; two great-nieces, Tiara Duncan and Reina Brown; four great-nephews, William and Nicolas Duncan, Donavan Stephney and Caleb Brown; and an extended family. Larry also leaves behind his large and beloved Houston chess and music community families. He will be missed by all who knew him; for his great sense of humor, his humility, his gentleness, his intelligence, his selfless giving and most of all, for his genuine love of his family, friends, and students.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at T. H. Rogers School, 5840 San Felipe Street, Houston, Texas 77057, with a reception following the service.
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10 ways Microsoft Office 2016 could improve your productivity
Microsoft wants Office 2016 to be the last office productivity suite you will ever need. Here are 10 things you should know about how it plans to make that happen.
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In a recent interview, Tim Cook discussed Apple's growing business in the enterprise and desire to deliver products that make companies and employees more productive.
Microsoft and VoloMetrix merge to provide better workforce analytics
Microsoft improves its workforce analytical tools by acquiring the technology and expertise of VoloMetrix. An efficient enterprise workforce is within reach.
How to highlight weekends and holidays in Excel
Susan Harkins shows you how to combine a function and conditional formatting to highlight weekends and holidays using Excel.
Smithsonian Innovation Festival: 10 projects changing humanity's future
The second annual Innovation Festival at the American History Museum in Washington, DC showcased some of today's the boldest and most practical thinking.
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Microsoft Office 2016 is now available for deployment in your enterprise. There are several options to choose from, but which one is right for you? Mark Kaelin explains.
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Susan Harkins explains how to use collapsible headings to turn long complex documents into a simple list of headings that readers can use as a table of contents.
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Streak for Gmail turns your already powerful Google email client into a powerhouse CRM tool, ready to help you streamline some of your processes.
Microsoft has built a Linux OS and it makes perfect sense
Microsoft's decision to build a Linux-based OS for the datacenter is further proof of its pragmatic acceptance of open source software.
NASA shows the world its 20-year virtual reality experiment to train astronauts: The inside story
NASA's Johnson Space Center told TechRepublic the whole story behind one of the most important tools it uses to train astronauts: virtual reality. Learn how the agency pulled off V...

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Was Picard wrong in I,Borg?
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May 4 2010, 04:35 PM
Fleet Captain
Location: Melbourne, AUS
Re: Was Picard wrong in I,Borg?
Rojixus wrote:
The fact that the Borg didn't send two cubes in FC proves my argument that the Borg cannot be antagonized. The number of cubes they send to a conflict appears to be completely random. Picard was wrong, he should have released the virus. There is no other way around it. You have no proof that the Borg can be antagonized, your entire argument has no foundation. In what way was the planet of 100,000 people more of a threat to the Borg than the Federation. Why didn't the Borg send a fleet of cubes to subdue the Federation. The Federation already destroyed two Borg ships, more than that other species. You keep giving me the runaround Anwar, I want straight answers!
Just to jump in here, while you speak of someone having no proof.... you yourself have no proof that the virus would have worked in the first place, other then Picard being convinced it would have worked.
Picard has been wrong before and is only human. Apparently his choice to not use the virus is proof enough that he makes mistakes, based on your own argument, therefore his assumption that the virus would have worked is no proof at all, since it'd be logical the Borg would have some sort of Norton Anti-Virus setup for such an attack
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As some may already know, I have Tr'd again into a Wizard and may remain there for a change of pace. However, I thought I would return to this thread flesh out some details, post some pics and answer any questions that were brought up. So why return and advocate a build I Tr'd out of? Simple, it's still a solid concept and build that worked very well. I am just wanting to try some new things at this point and time.
Build Concept
This is a Battle Cleric build that sacrifices some DPS to retain most of the potential of Divine Casting. Battle clerics and FvS have in the past caught a bad reputation and that is mostly due to poor performance of the person playing the character. Whether, they elected not to heal or were not properly built or equiped, they failed at the largest expectation a group has of a Cleric or FvS icon; and that is to provide most of the groups healing. While I am a firm believer of not relegating a Class icon into performing to a fraction of their potential, the fact is that the Divine classes heal the best and with greatest ease and should provide the majority of the groups healing needs.
It's a natural progression the more experienced a player becomes at playing a divine that, especially in good groups, healing in and of itself is largely boring and not demanding of your full attention. Some decide to spend the time when not healing to use thier mana CCing, Nuking, or landing some Insta kills; others dismiss their spell casting and add melee DPS to the group. Others, like this build, attempt to hybrid all the roles for versality. None of these options, in and of themselves is more right or wrong then the others. It's a player preference to choose one they enjoy the most.
As with anything, you have to to give to gain. A hybrid such as this build does sacrifice some of it's spell casting to add some melee. And it's melee potential could be stronger if it abadoned spell casting. However, it comes very close in its performance in both directions allowing some flexability and the ability to change playstyle from quest to quest or group to group.
Build Performance
After getting a chance to play the build for a few weeks at cap both solo and grouping, I can say the following. The build achieved nearly everything I wished it would.
Healing was very strong. Between Aura, Bursts and Renewal I barely touched my mana for healing in most 6 man quests. Even in full groups running EE I found myself only using 20 - 25% of my mana for healing purposes. That left quite a bit for applying Dots, Destructing, Imploding, etc. Was much more liberating then my experience playing as a FvS with no Aura. The loss of mana (Clr vs FvS) isn't noticed a bit with passive Aura contantly going and Bursts for surge heals. Twelve turns I found mostly acceptable. I only came close to running out when I went Burst happy with undead around. (*note* In most EE and some harder quests I elected not to melee most times and casted more and used spot scroll healing in addition to aura, bursts and renewal. This was a choice that I found just made the runs more effcient and ensured that I didn't need to drink pots unless things went pear-shaped but were still salvageable).
Casting was decent. Up to EH difficulty DCs and Spell Pen were enough to be useful in most quests. Epic Drow I found with this build were not worth the effort casting on them any spell that would run into SR. But with picking and choosing who I knew would fail a save and destructing/imploding that one and swinging a sword on the ones I knew wouldn't allowed for some solid group contribution without feeling like I had only one trick that would work sometimes and not others.
Melee was not as strong as I wished it to be. DPS was much better in Fury, naturally, but not being in EA did put a hurt on my SP pool as well as any ability to cast with confidence. I still found it acceptable overall, however. Since in addition to swinging a big sword, I was Doting, Instakilling, and healing my group mates. No the melee numbers would not raise any eyebrows, but they were part of the overal package that worked very well.
Survivability was great. By far exceeded what I had hoped for. I was concerned, as others brought up as well having Evasion on a character that started with an 8 dex. But with twists (Unearthly & Brace for Impact), gear, and even self-buffs my Reflex was in mid 40's. With external buffs, airship buffs, and ability to grab a centered weapon and pop into water stance I never ran into a issue where evasion failed me (*note this discounts being silly and running through traps on EE for fun ). But even starting with an 8 dex, I did the agility and swim in crucible as well as many EE Tor runs standing on the gold throwing heals in two directions and in all of those my reflex held strong.
The Build
False Hope
Half-Elf, LG
18 Cleric/ 2 Monk (Fighter Dille)
*Levels 2 and 13 Monk Recommened, Rest Cleric*
Str) 16
Dex) 8
Con) 15
Int) 8
Wis) 18
Cha) 10
For 34 pt drop Con to 14.
For 32 pt drop Con to 14, Wis to 17, raise Cha to 11
All level ups into Wisdom.
Helf Dille) Fighter
1) Maximize
3) Completionist * if avail
6) Emp Heal
9) PL: Wiz * if avail
12) Quicken
15) Heighten
18) IC: Slash
M1) Toughness
M2) Power Attack
E1) SF: Evocation
E2) Spell Pen
If you do not have access to PL Wiz or Completionist other viable options include: Empower Spell, SF: Necro, GSF: Evo or Necro, Gtr Spell Pen
Concentration - maxed
UMD - maxed
some into jump, tumble, balance
With the freedom the augment system now allows to slot missing pieces in your set up, there are many options here. The things you will need to have covered are:
Highest + value enhancement, exceptional and insightful that you can find for: Str, Dex, Con, Wis and Cha.
Heavy Fort, Gtr False Life, Resistance, Ghostly, Blurry/Displace, DR, Healing Amp
Spell Casting
Spell Pen, Arcane Lore, Highest Devotion, Radiance, Impulse and DC increase for Impulse and Necromany (other options like Stormreaver Tablecloth that give + DCs to all schools helps consolidate.
Seeker, Double Strike, Competence to hit/damage, Artifact to hit/damage, Sneak Attack
It sounds like a nearly immposible task to slot all that. And that is somewhat true. You will most likely have to do some item swapping depending on the task and what you are doing. I found that I was able to slot nearly everything and only had to swap in some Spell Casting hand held when not actively meleeing.
In the screen shots below I am wearing:
Helm) EH Blue Dragon, +8 Wis, +35 HP slotted, +2 Insightful Wis slotted
Neck) GS Smoke II, 45 HP
Trinket) Litany
Cloak) Ghost Walking, +8 Cha, Ghostly, DR 10 Evil, +6 Resistance
Belt) Giants Brawn, +8 Str, +200 mana slotted, +2 Insightful Con slotted
Ring) Health Ring +8
Ring) Ring of Djini. * I later found a Double Srike 6% ring with Colorless slot *
Gloves) Forgotten Craft, +8 Dex, +1 Exceptional Str slotted
Boots) GS Air +150 Mana. Then swap to Spiked Boots with Striding 30% and Insightful Dex +2 slotted
Bracers) Greater Conv of Superior Parrying
Chest) Flawless Blue DragonScale, Heavy Fort slotted
Goggles) Drow Smoke, +6 Seeker, Manslayer
Weapon) ESOS, +2 Insightful Str and 114 Devotion slotted
That set up was functional but had room for improvement.
Screen Shots of build capped at 25. Unbuffed, we all know what buffs we can add in.


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I like his work, but like so many of the other classic horror directors, his peak was during the first half of his career. The Funhouse is one of my fav slashers, and I've grown to appreciate TCM over the years, where as I used to think it was really overrated.
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America Chung Nam Interview Questions in Los Angeles, CA
Interview Experience
Interview Experience
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Interviews for Top Jobs at America Chung Nam
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3 Candidate Interview Reviews Back to all InterviewsSort: Popular Date Difficulty
Helpful (1)No OfferNegative ExperienceAverage Interview
I applied online. The process took 3 days. I interviewed at America Chung Nam (City of Industry, CA) in April 2015.
I applied online. I was called the same day for the phone interview. I scheduled the in person interview for two days later. They kept me waiting for almost 20 mins in a room before he came in. After, I met with a department manager who kept me waiting for another 30 mins before he waltzed in. During the interview, he answered his cell phone and had a casual conversation with the caller while I sat there waiting. This was pretty much the worst interview I have ever had in my life. I have never had a person be such a condescending jerk to me.
Interview Questions
- I'm my mid 20's so I have one small gap in my employment. They obsessed over it and asked me so many questions about it. The department manager asked questions such as: 'What is your future goal? Why haven't you achieved it yet? What was your high school GPA? Why did you go to community college, before you transferred to a university; is it because you didn't do well? How would your friends/coworkers/employers/classmates describe you? (These were 4 separate questions. I really started running out of adjectives to describe myself). 1 Answer
Helpful (2)Accepted OfferNegative ExperienceEasy Interview
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at America Chung Nam (City of Industry, CA) in June 2013.
Hiring manager gives you all the good thing about the company and your role. However, this is all BS because there is not going to happen. There wont be any training for you and everything just throw at you at once. You can forget about normal working hour because there is none. They think they own you for 24 because they give you a cell phone so you have to be on call even at 3AM on Saturday. This company has no role except to bow down to the supreme owners. However, the company has more than 10 owners so it means that you have to kiss every single ass.
Interview Questions
- How do you give up your family time for this company? 1 Answer
They promise you bright future but low ball you. They promise there will a huge jump after 3 months of probation. However, you can forget about it because you wont make it
- No OfferPositive ExperienceAverage Interview
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at America Chung Nam (City of Industry, CA) in November 2011.
I applied through email. I found the job listing in some Chinese newspaper. I interviewed at America Chung Nam (City of Industry, CA). I went in and interviewed with HR first. Afterwards, they called in the CFO and he asked me some questions. I felt it was a fairly easy interview. The interview probably took about less than hour. And they called me couple of days later to let me know the result.
Interview Questions
- What type of experiences I have doing accounts payable? Answer Question


text:
Some law enforcement officers in Washington state, including the current and former sheriffs of King County, supported the voter-approved initiative that legalized marijuana.
A major reason those fighting crime favored making pot legal was to reduce, if not eliminate, the underground business in the state. If Washingtonians can simply go to a state-authorized store for some weed, the criminal drug market would dry up.
But Thursday's declaration by state Attorney General Bob Ferguson that individual cities and counties can ban the growing, processing and selling of recreational marijuana could result in a boost in street drug sales. If it's legal to use, people who want it will find it a place to buy it — and someone will provide it.
Before the attorney general's opinion (and it is just an opinion at this point) the state Liquor Control Board was operating under the assumption participation was not optional.
The LCB, in charge of implementing Initiative 502, is currently processing more than 7,000 applications for pot-business licenses. The agency had planned to license 334 marijuana stores statewide.
It established a certain number of store licenses in all 39 counties, including four in Walla Walla, with the idea that the law would be effective only if all Washingtonians had reasonable access to recreational pot. I-502 calls for the LCB to minimize the illicit pot market.
The AG's opinion is not the last word on the matter. Lawsuits will be filed, and the courts will ultimately interpret the law. It's possible legal action could come from the originators of I-502.
The chief author of the initiative, Alison Holcomb, said she disagrees with Fergusons' interpretation of the law.
Holcomb said the law did not specifically address opting out by cities and counties because it was seen as redundant. The law calls for giving state officials the authority to determine the maximum number of stores per county to ensure consumers have adequate access to pot.
"You can't say counties are allowed to ban businesses without conflict with the provision that there be adequate access," she said.
Perhaps, but when attorneys start debating laws line by line, word by word, laws change and unintended consequences emerge.
We did not favor approval of I-502, but since it was approved by voters we believe it should be implemented as intended. Local bans will create problems for citizens and law enforcement.
So if Ferguson's interpretation of the law ultimately stands, the Legislature needs to amend the law to fix the flaws (as it is now considering) or repeal it.
More like this story
Kevconpat 1 year, 8 months ago
In this bold new era of 'controlled legalized recreational pot use'; Bans will only create a Hodge-Podge of jurisdictions, legal here, not legal there.........It will be a continued field day for the illegal pot trade and the Kingpins will laugh all the way to their banks! Are we going to be serious and try to control and tax pot or let the old broken system rule? If I remember, it didn't work at all. The majority of Washington residents want this 'pot industry' to be controlled, taxed and in a legal adult only system. Get serious AG, renegade cities and counties. Be part of the solution, not tired old ........NIMBY'S!


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Just wanted to say Hi.. to everyone and let them know they can find my Web site at www.rkphotog.com..
Printable View
Just wanted to say Hi.. to everyone and let them know they can find my Web site at www.rkphotog.com..
Hi Rick, welcome to the site, and oops I haven't updated the icq graphic yet!
Thanks for the welcome.. Hope you will check out my web site and also look for my yahoo group site as well.. The address for that site is email@example.com.. And it's OK that you have not updated the ICQ yet.. Rick
When I linked to your website and saw the Western portrait I first thought Texas, but remembered your "Location indicator" said Arkansas just like the top of the website. Oh, well, there's only so much room down here in hell :twisted: New record the other day of 109 F with a heat index of almost 116. I got in the truck--black parked in the sun--and the temp indicator read 136 F!!! Enough rambling... welcome to the site!
Welcome Rick,Quote:
Originally Posted by rhphotography
I think you'll find this is a good group of people here.
Check your personal settings. I clicked on your www link in your post and is was a broken link. The link post here works. One is .com and the other is .net
Take care,
try using www.rkphotog.com


text:
Forensic Science Students & Faculty
Why Study Forensic and Investigative Science at WVU?
- Are you naturally inquisitive?
- Do you love solving a puzzle?
The Department of Forensic and Investigative Science blends biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to prepare you for an exciting career. Forensic scientists handle, analyze and interpret evidence and data for use in criminal investigations and court proceedings. One of the fastest growing careers, forensic science requires curiosity, a scientific mind, and keen attention to detail. Our students sharpen their skills alongside some of the field's leading researchers.
Check out these Great Resources
Degree Types
Summer Camp
LL.M. in Forensic Justice
- Eberly News
- WVU Center for Women's and Gender Studies founding director establishes Harriet E. Lyon endowed professorship
- Senior criminology major awarded honorary scholarship
- WVU history professors to host 'Objects as Subjects: Material Cultures of the Civil War Era' conference Oct. 17
- A new WVU study asks: How can universities prevent students' math anxiety from derailing STEM-career plans?
- WVU Today
- News and Events


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Book your room at La Quinta Inn El Paso Cielo Vista
Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator & MicrowaveMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
Standard Room, 2 Double BedsMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children, 3 infants)
Room, 2 Double Beds, Refrigerator & MicrowaveMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 2 children, 2 infants)
Get an overview of this hotelSuburban hotel with free breakfast and seasonal outdoor pool
Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Fountains at Farah, Del Sol Medical Center, and El Paso Community College. Cielo Vista Mall and Patriot Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Hotel Features
Along with coffee/tea in the lobby, this hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool and dry cleaning. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a 24-hour front desk, express check-out, and multilingual staff.
Room Amenities
All 117 rooms offer free WiFi and free wired Internet, plus coffee makers and cable TV. Other amenities available to guests include free local calls, hair dryers, and ironing boards.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast. Public areas are equipped with complimentary high-speed wired and wireless Internet access. This El Paso hotel also offers a seasonal outdoor pool, multilingual staff, and coffee/tea in the lobby. Complimentary self parking is available on site.
- 24-hour front desk
- Coffee/tea in lobby
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Express check-out
- Free breakfast
- Free self parking
- Free WiFi
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Multilingual staff
- Number of floors - 2
- Outdoor seasonal pool
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Total number of rooms - 117
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi , Free wired high-speed Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi , Free wired high-speed Internet
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- Access via exterior corridors
- Air conditioning
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Cable TV service
- Climate control
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free toiletries
- Desk
- Free local calls
- Free WiFi
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
Where to Eat
Guests are offered a complimentary continental breakfast.
Nearby Things to Do
- Golfing nearby
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible bathroom
- Accessible parking
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is noon
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Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! Children under 18 years old stay free when using existing bedding.
Pets allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
We should mention
Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.


text:
2015 so far in the press . . . . A bad year so far for Scientology.
2015 has been one of the worst years on record of the cult of Scientology. Every week has brought fresh pangs of misery to those who job it is to wait upon David Miscavige, the dictator of Scientology. Here is some of it:
Year to Date
June only
If you havent' read Mike Rinder's Scientolgy blog you don't know what you are missing.
Scientologist Bob Duggan in Peril, Google to the Rescue!
From Tony Ortega's Underground Bunker.
Google helps Scientology billionaire Bob Duggan
hide a dark family secret
Recently, we told you that California pharmaceuticals entrepreneur Bob Duggan — a man currently worth 2.3 billion — had, through an agent, complained to Google about a story we wrote about him.
Duggan didn't complain directly to us, but then he must have known that the facts in the story we wrote are rock solid. We relied on first-hand accounts, court records, and photographic evidence to show that in 2013, at the same time that Duggan and his wife, Trish, were propping up failing Scientology facilities in South Africa with large donations, two of their six adopted children suddenly showed up in that country, and were being cared for by South African Scientology families.
It suggested a bizarre trade deal — Duggan largesse saved Scientology buildings while two of their children were taken off their hands — and yet, despite those bizarre allegations, everything about the story was nailed down tighter than John Travolta's hairpiece.
We titled it "A perplexing tale about Bob Duggan, the richest Scientologist in the world," and published it on October 15. It proved to be one of our most popular stories of the year, as well as probably the one that took the most work (including long Skype calls to Johannesburg).
It proved so popular, that it soon became the number one result on a Google search of Bob Duggan's name…
We first noticed that our story was topping Google about the time, in April, that an eagle-eyed reader notified us about the complaint filed by Duggan's agent, which was memorialized on the Chilling Effects website.
Duggan was clearly unhappy that the most popular online item in the world associated with his name was our story about his strange transfer of his adopted boys to South Africa. But rather than send us a threat letter he instead went straight to Google.
What he did, through his agent, Matt Archambault, was to complain to Google not about the facts in the story, but about the images that we'd used to illustrate it — only two of which he had any ownership claim over. Specifically, Duggan filed a complaint under the DMCA — a "takedown notice" — for six of the images in the story. The first was a headshot of Duggan that came from his own website. Duggan also complained about a photo of his wife Trish that came from her website; a collage of photos from Scientology's Impact magazine which featured him and Trish accepting trophies from Scientology leader David Miscavige; a photo from Scientology's website showing the grand opening of the Pretoria Ideal Org in 2013; a photo of Robin Hogarth from Robin's own Facebook page; and a photo of Robin, his wife Carol, and their (formerly Bob's) son, from Carol's Facebook page. In each case, we had been careful to point out in our story where each image had come from, and that in each case the subjects in the photos had posted the items themselves. We wanted readers to know exactly where we had obtained them. (Another photo in the story, showing Carol Hogarth and the blurred-out boy, was taken by Carol's sister Shelley Ashurst, who gave us the photo with her permission.)
Why did Duggan care that, for example, we'd used a generic promotional photo from the Scientology website about the opening of its Pretoria org? Well, it was pretty obvious to us what he was doing: He wanted Google to punish us for supposed copyright violations by de-indexing our story, making it more difficult for people to find.
We noticed the complaint about ten days after it had been filed. We hoped that was soon enough that our idea for a remedy might be in time — we asked Oregon cartoonist Chad Essley to create illustrations that we could use to replace the photos that Duggan was complaining about. Essley came through quickly, and we thenannounced our clever ploy once we had the new images in place.
Apparently, however, our effort to switch out the images didn't happen in time, or Google just ignored it, because we noticed this week that our story has indeed been de-indexed and no longer shows up when you search on Bob's name…
Not only is it no longer a top search result, but even if you search on the words "bob duggan perplexing," you get an alternative URL to the story and not the original URL it was posted under. As far as we can tell, Google has done its best to bury our story.
On behalf of a billionaire. Who made his kids disappear.
And again, Google did this after we had addressed the issues listed in Bob's complaint — we had removed the images that Duggan pretended he was concerned about.
Did Google even bother to check whether the images Duggan complained about were still in the piece? Does it matter now? Would they respond to an "appeal" of some sort? Our experts tell us trying to get through to Google and convince it to explain itself is about as quixotic a task as there is in this Internet age.
So we decided rather than go begging to Google we would write this story, and let our readers know what kind of interference the search giant is running for a billionaire like Duggan.
And, if our readers read, link to, tweet, Facebook, and share this story to as many people as they can, it might just rise up on Google's search results, and help direct people to our original story. At least that's the theory. We'll see.
To read the complete story go here:
Ex-Scientology Story #447, Phillip Gale, Why Did He Die?
So why did this brilliant young man die? Did his involvement in Scientology do him significant damage? And just what was his connection to the cult of L. Ron Hubbard? Writer and serious thinker Mark Ebner takes a look at this in his story, "Death of a Nethead."
"In 1999, Rolling Stone assigned Hollywood reporter Mark Ebner to the story of Philip Gale, an MIT prodigy born into Scientology who killed himself on the birthday of the cult's founder. The organization sent Rolling Stone a damning dossier on Ebner and the story was spiked. Ebner says he was told by his assigning editor that Rolling Stone owner Jann Wenner was close to John Travolta, one of the sect's most prominent Hollywood supporters. Since then, the Church of Scientology has softened in its response to critics; and internet outlets have proven less easily browbeaten. So here—after the jump— is Ebner's original piece, Death of a Nethead."
This unfortunate youth did manage an entry into the Wikipedia, too bad he didn't live, his final entry after a lifetime of work could have been much larger and more positive.
2014, "Scientology Under Seige."
2014 Scientology Under Siege
The year 2014 was not a good one for the cult of Scientology. They have been pummeled in the press and cornered in the court room. Mike Rinder, former head of the cult's OSA Int. has chronicled the failure of the "Ideal Orgs." as well as the under-handed methods used by Scientology to pry money loose from its shrinking band of members. His blog is the best of its kind. http://www.mikerindersblog.org/ The question that will be most asked at this time of the year is, "What was the most significant event that took place during the past year?" That is as difficult to answer as it would be to find Shelly Miscavige, the missing wife of Scientology dictator David Miscavige.. After all, there are the empty course rooms to consider, the sale of the future Boston Ideal Org, (premises too SMALL the cult claims,) as well as the moribund condition of the other orgs, especially the one in Pasadena, not to mention demise or rather consolidation, of one of the oldest orgs in the LA area. While the continued demise of Scientology has picked up some speed this past year to my mind the most significant event is the
Decline and Fall of Narconon
At this moment their flagship facility, Narconon Arrowhead, located in Oklahoma, is on life support, the number of strange deahs at that facility was enough to motivate the state legislature to enact new laws to close the loophole that allowed Narconon to operate for so many years under the radar. This once big cash cow of Scientology is now losing tens of thousands of dollars a week. How long this retreat into the red ink will continue is unknown. Sooner or later Scientology will have to pull the plug on this white elephant although there is talk of turning it into a halfway house. How the mighty have fallen. The suits against Narconon and its Scientology parent organizations hit an all-time high during 2014 with one lawyer alone accounting for some 25 suits. Tony Ortega has kept an eye on this: http://tonyortega.org/2014/12/23/scientologys-2014-in-review-march Finding reasons to sue Narconon has never been hard considering it is all a money-making scam by Scientology whose teachings might drive a person towards drugs but offer only limp Scientology methods to treat addiction, none of which is based on science. The problem has always been finding brave people willing to stand up and tell their story, and of course getting attorneys willing to fight the cult. This has become easier and easier as Scientology has been shown up to be the cowards that they are. The weakness of the cult has extended to their legal arm, for all of their bluster the cult is just another toothless paper tiger. Even more damaging is the suit brought forward by the National Association of Forensic Counselors against the entire Narconon drug facility network, their parent organizations and many individuals for, among other things, copyright infringement. The suit claims that employees of Narconon put false credentials in their offices. Again, Tony Ortega has covered this suit which has the potential to give Scientology another even larger, PR black eye. http://tonyortega.org/2014/05/19/scientologys-drug-rehab-network-sued-for-conspiring-to-misuse-counseling-credentials/ 2014 has seen the continuation of Scientology's attempt to stamp out dissent by harassing former members. The wife of Marty Rathbon, Monique, brought suit against the cult for pestering her via their screwball "Squirrel Busters." This case is a long way from going before a jury due to the delaying tactics of the cult but enough information comes out now and again to help blacken the cult's name. Here is a link to Marty's blog, as the former Inspector General of Scientology his words carry weight. http://markrathbun.wordpress.com/ Former Scientology bigwig Mike Rinder takes a sour view of Scientology's chances for 2015 in his blog. http://tonyortega.org/2015/01/05/former-spokesman-mike-rinder-describes-scientologys-dismal-options/
UPDATE: http://narcononreviews.net/narconon-reviews/newly-published-dox-survey-responses-and-pages-oh-my/
2015 Starts
Apocalypse Now
HBO Releases "Going Clear" by Alex Gibney
Based on the book, "Going Clear" by Lawrence Wright.
A media firestorm follows the release of the film at the Sundance Film Frestival.
Scientology pummeled in the press and thenmakes things a whole lot worse by attacking the attackers. Here is a small sample of this most recent Scientology mega PR disaster.
Sundance: Scientology Film Subjects Called "Brave," Get Standing Ovation The Hollywood Reporter
5 Surprising Revelations From HBO's New Scientology Documentary 'Going Clear' Alternet
5 big revelations in HBO's new Scientology documentary 'Going Clear' Raw Story
Sundance: HBO's Scientology Exposé Going Clear Is Jaw-Dropping Vulture
Scientology Doc 'Going Clear' Claims the Church Split Up Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman The Daily Beast
How did Scientology respond? The same old way it always does.
Scientology Is Now Trying To Bully Film Critics Over "Going Clear" The Daily Banter
Scientology Drags Out Old Playbook In Response To New Exposé Addicting Info
Former high-ranking Scientologist Mike Rinder takes a shot at his old boss David Miscavige and his handling of the most recent disaster for Scientology.
Scientology Cowards
As the dismal year for Scientology got off to a bang writerscontinue to pour gasoline on the flames.
Janet Charlton's Hollywood.
One of Scientology's front groups gets caught out.
Parents Outraged After Scientology-Sponsored Group Delivers Anti-Drug Messages At New York City Schools
IBT News
Pam Bondi, Florida Attorney General, Takes Campaign Money From Scientologists.
Florida Attorney General trains for her new role in carrying water for the cult of Scientology.
Floridians have recently been perplexed with the actions of their State's Attorney in fighting to ban gay marriage even though the tide of public opinion is flowing against her. Not only has public opinion changed on this volatile issue the courts have now been ruling time after time to allow gay marriage. Many question the wisdom, and the expense, of fighting a rearguard action in a lost cause.
While many would condemn her for these futile battles it is possible to understand why she does it. Maybe she has strict religious motives or, as a political figure she finds it expedient to reflect the values of her party base. These are rational explanations of her position that we can all understand even if we don't agree with her. It is much harder though, to find any rational or moral high ground whatsoever in her accepting campaign donations from Scientologists. Here is a link to an article on this subject that appeared in The Tampa Bay Times. http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/pam-bondis-clearwater-fundraiser-organized-by-scientologists/2186599 and this one from New Times Blog. http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/2014/07/scientologists_host_pam_bondi_fundraiser_tonight.php
So why get upset about that? Aren't people of any religion, even one for tax purposes like Scientology, able to donate to whomever they wish? Yes, certainly. But such is the tyrannical authority that Scientology holds over its followers that the support for a political candidate, especially when that turns into financial support, would have to come from the highest levels within the group.
So what would Scientology expect to get from supporting a candidate for Attorney General? The short answer is that Scientology itself, or via one of its many front groups, is always fighting somebody in court. For a more detailed answer take a look at Scientology and its history.
Before I go any farther I would introduce you to Dr. David Minkoff, a Scientologist and donor to Pam Bondi's campaign. He lost his licence to practice medicine for a year due to his role in the death of Lisa McPherson, a fellow Scientologist in Clearwater, FL.
To learn more about this tragic affair in which a 36-year-old woman died for no good reason other than the crass stupidity and negligence of Scientology follow this link. http://www.lisamcpherson.org/
Wherever you find Scientology you will also see
Scandals, lawsuits and unexplained deaths.
Scientology 101 (all hail Xenu)
L. Ron Hubbard.
The dubious prodigy, wives, writing, stolen valor, empire builder and recluse.
Abuse in Scientology
BEYOND BELIEF: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape by Jenn Miscavige Hill
Camilla Andersson, 29 Years in the Sea Org. Ex-Scientologist Story #446.
Camilla Andersson enlisted in the Sea Org when she was only 17 years, she was a second generation Scientologist. She worked her way to the top of Scientology only to learn the the high you fly in that cult the more severe your punishments will be if you screw up. Of course that means you. For one mistake Camilla ended up sleeping for a night in a tree. Such is the fate of those who find themselves in Hubbard's dry land navy.
Want more? Try this.
"Hell, it's extortion," said the vet. Ex-Scientologist story #445
Lee Shewmaker, 71, is a veterinarian. Originally, he's from Kentucky, and he speaks with a pleasant twang. He operates his animal clinic in the Florida town of LaBelle, on the Caloosahatchee River, about halfway between Ft. Myers and Lake Okeechobee. Lee serves the local community not only with his clinic, but also with a converted RV so he can take his practice on the road for large animal care.
Like other professionals, he was recruited into Scientology through something called Sterling Management Services. In 1990 he signed up with Sterling to help him manage his business — vets, chiropractors, and dentists are targeted by Sterling, which licenses L. Ron Hubbard's management "technology" from the World Institute of Scientology Enterprises, WISE, a Scientology front group.
Lee's short involvement with Sterling (only about six months) led to his becoming a Scientologist at a San Francisco mission, then later the Los Angeles org and ultimately at Scientology's spiritual mecca in Clearwater, Florida.
Lee estimates that he gave Scientology half a million dollars over his career. "I spent too damn much money. I borrowed a bunch of money and gave it to Scientology for my Bridge, and it was too much," he says.
Like other Scientologists, he was encouraged to spend increasing amounts for services as he went step by step up Hubbard's "Bridge to Total Freedom." He was also encouraged to give donations for various church causes, including the International Association of Scientologists (IAS) which acts as Scientology's legal defense fund. He was also hit up to pay for copies of Hubbard's pamphlet The Way to Happiness to be distributed to the public, along with Scientology's various building schemes.
But when the economy went sour, Lee realized that he needed to scale back, and fast. "Four or five years ago, I was telling them, hey, I'm in trouble."
Lee says he had put too much money into Scientology while his business was experiencing a downturn. The combination had the potential to put him underwater. But when he tried to explain why he couldn't make more donations or spend more on courses, he says the church reacted with threats. "Of course they kept threatening to send me to ethics. Hell, it's extortion," he says. "They withhold services unless you give them more money. They want you to donate to the IAS, The Way to Happiness, and a lot more."
Over his lengthy career in the church, Lee had progressed into the upper level teachings of Scientology, reaching Operating Thetan Level 7 — just one below the highest spot on the Bridge, OT 8. But as we've documented previously, many Scientologists get stuck on OT 7, sometimes for years. And every six months while they're "on the level," as they say, they are required to go to Flag (the 'mecca' in Clearwater) for interrogations and other expensive services. Often, however, when members go to Flag, they find themselves stuck in "ethics" investigations that can take weeks and cost huge amounts without making progress on the Bridge.
Lee made his most recent trip to Flag for the New Year's Eve event four months ago, a lavish affair which featured Scientology leader David Miscavige giving a two-hour presentation about the church's successes in 2013. "It was a big deal, man. But I've always felt it was a big hoax. They talk about all this good they're doing, but you don't see it anywhere else. You don't see it in the newspapers. You don't see it on the TV news. You only see what their camera crews are putting on. Because all they get is bad press," Lee says.
While he was there, Lee stuck around for his OT 7 semi-annual update.
"I went for my refresher. They kept me in ethics forever and ever. I told them, hey, I have to go home."
Not only had he been away too long from his business, but he'd also, once again, been talked into spending a large amount of money. This time, he was convinced to spend $5,000 on a new Mark Ultra VIII E-meter — the new machine that Miscavige wants every member to purchase for the new "Golden Age of Tech Phase II" technology update which he released in November.
Tired of being held up without progress on his OT levels, Lee decided to return home. "I told them I'd be back in a month or so. But I'm not going back," he says. Besides his disaffection with Miscavige, Lee has more immediate concerns at home. With his business doing about half of what it was five years ago, Lee recently decided he needed to seek protection in court. "I had to file bankruptcy. I got foreclosed on." He has submitted a payment plan to the court to get him debt-free in five years while he carries on with his business. "The bank's fighting it, but so far it's working," he says.
Then, two weeks ago, he got a surprise visit. It was a couple of ethics officers from Flag, who showed up at his house and demanded that Lee turn over the E-meter he had bought just a few months before. They handed him a check for the full amount he'd paid — a little over $5,000 — and took the machine away with them. Had the church somehow heard that he'd decided not to go back?
"I think they were more concerned about the bankruptcy," Lee says. "What they're scared of is the bank might come after them."
With so much of his money in the church, he explains, his creditors might go after Scientology to get their money back. He figures that's why Scientology is so ready to cut off ties with him, and sent out two Masters-At-Arms to retrieve his E-meter. Looking back, Lee talked about the good things he says he took from Scientology, and other things that have long bothered him. "I've had a lot of wins. I probably wouldn't be around here if it weren't for my being in Scientology," he says. But those "wins," he points out, tended to come during the initial, low-level Scientology courses.
"I think they're a bunch of fucking crooks. Especially after I got into the upper levels. It wasn't like this when i was in the lower levels. Yeah, they did a lot of regging [fundraising], but not for the IAS. That's really increased in the last two or three years. I'm tired of that shit," he says.
He's also left with a bitter taste in regards to his children. Neither of them are church members, but Lee says his son, J.L., went through a traumatizing incident in the Caribbean.
"I took my son to the ship when he was 15 years old," he says, referring to the Freewinds, Scientology's private cruise ship. "They talked him into a basic study course." But when they tried to leave, J.L. was held against his will — ostensibly for missing a few questions on his course. "My son hates Scientology," Lee says. And as for his daughter, Bridgitte? "They talked me into firing my daughter. They said she was suppressive."
Today, Lee regrets listening to Scientology and firing his daughter because she was "suppressive" (had negative intentions toward Scientology). But things turned out well — Bridgitte works for another veterinarian firm, and D.L. works for the state's animal control division. Lee says his wife has never been involved in Scientology. "She went with me to the New Year's Even event, and hated it," he says. He admits that it was difficult for him to be the only dedicated Scientologist in the family. But now, that makes it easier for him to leave.
Recently, Lee reached out to Karen de la Carriere, hoping to find information about how to continue his studies outside the church, as an independent Scientologist. He still has affinity for L. Ron Hubbard and the ideas underlying Scientology. But as for Miscavige?
"I think he's a damn criminal," Lee says. "All he's worried about is the money."
This was taken from Tony Ortega's blog and can be read by going here: http://tonyortega.org/2014/05/01/scientologys-e-meter-police-and-the-horse-doctor-of-labelle-florida/
Here is something on the subject of David Miscavige.
Ryan Hogarth, Ex-Scientologist Story #444
Nothing will save you from the meat grinder of Scientology if the Nazis at the top get even a little whiff of a person daring to doubt or to indeed, think for themselves. The following story has been told time and again in the history of Scientology but more frequently the last few years as Scientology continues to implode. Doubt is fought with the most potent weapon at the disposal of the fanatical lickspittles who cringe at the feet of David Miscavige. Their weapon, the one that they claim they don't have, is disconnection. If you leave your friends and family will kick your butt as you walk out the door. They will be forced to leave you in the dust or else they too will be kicked out; and that of course means no more services. But yet for all of that people DO leave, all the time. Here is the story of another brave man. Hear what Ryan Hogarth has to say:
I was born into a Scientology family. My grandmother knew and worked with LRH in Rhodesia. She moved to South Africa in 1966 with her two sons, Robin & Simon, to work full time for Scientology. Both Robin & Simon also joined staff. My parents, Simon & Anne, met at Joburg in 1970.
That makes me, I guess, a 3rd generation Scientologist. My wife (Melissa) and son (Tyler) have both served on staff. Between the three of us we have given 46 years of staff service to Scientology in South Africa.
My gran passed away in 2003 and my mother and father are still in the Sea Org.
My mom was transferred to OSA US in 1985 when I was 13 years old. I was recruited into the Sea Org within 4 days of arriving in Los Angeles. I was just so happy to be out of school and out of South Africa it seemed a perfectly smart thing to do. There would be no more formal schooling beyond the primary school I'd completed.
I loved LA and loved being in the Sea Org there. Although I was only there for just shy of 3 months I felt I'd made a home there. Sadly we all had to move back to South Africa. My mom's replacement didn't work out.
I was posted in OSA and I spent the entire 25 years on staff in OSA, both Sea Org and Class V staff.
For the first 7 years of my staff career all my posts in OSA were internal– recruitment of staff, hatting, ethics. In 1989 I met Melissa, my future wife. She was a DSA from Port Elizabeth. She was gorgeous and I was in love almost immediately. Our relationship was verboten since she was not Sea Org. But somehow we still managed to get married in spite of this in July 1989.
Melissa never got to join the Sea Org as she was asked to fill the DSA Joburg post "temporarily" which became permanent. Although she wasn't an SO member she stayed at the SO base and was expected to work an SO schedule.
In July 1991 two years after our wedding Melissa fell pregnant. As it was now Sea Org policy that Sea org members were not allowed to have children I would have to leave. This was a particularly rough period of time. Melissa was viewed with great suspicion, the thinking being that she had "done this deliberately". She faced particularly brutal ethics action and at 6 months pregnant was doing deck work sanding floors and facing an aggressive committee of evidence. I don't dwell on regrets much but when I do it's around this period and how I didn't do enough to prevent my pregnant wife being treated this way.
At the age of 19 our son, Tyler, was born on the 13th of March 1992. Melissa was on post until 10pm the night before he was born. In fact we went to the hospital from the org. Any doubts, upsets or confusions in my life evaporated at the moment I held him in my hands. Nothing gets you focused like a new life that depends completely and utterly upon you.
6 months after his birth we left the Sea Org base and began life on our own as parents and full time Joburg staff. Our first residence out of the Sea Org was a cottage rented to us by a Scientologist for R25 a week. We were almost immediately behind on the rent, not making enough money to cover this tiny amount. We were broke constantly and on more than one occasion I walked around collecting empty cooldrink bottles to get the deposit on returning them in order to buy milk & bread. Life was a continual financial struggle. We didn't have a car or any family to assist. Melissa's family lived in Port Elizabeth and mine lived in LA. During all of this we never doubted our commitment to the church and ultimately changing the world. Life continued in this fashion for the next 4 years.
However it got the point where we couldn't continue. Melissa took two leaves of absence. First in 1996 and again in 2000. Both times she returned when we believed that "things were really going to turn around now". In 2001 Melissa was recruited to be the Chaplain. Ken Krieger convinced Melissa & I that she would make more than sufficient money as a Chaplain from selling materials so she rejoined and went to Flag to train.
In the late 90s Joburg Org was situated in the city centre which by that time had deteriorated to the point where fewer public were willing to come to the org, particularly at night.
We decided to find a new building out of the city. This was a local decision borne from necessity. We involved our OT public and a search began. Pandy Katakuzinos in 1999 found the perfect building and the Corbett's put up the money (which was later repaid by Sea Org reserves).
We needed around R1.2 million to renovate. Fund raising began by asking public to put money into the org for services. We really felt we could do it this way. By late 2000 we abandoned this approach and went for straight donations. Something like this had never been done before so there was general agreement and excitement. By mid 2002 renovations were complete and we were ready to move! The problem was we just couldn't get the okay from "uplines" to move. Months went by with our new building standing there, empty but ready! In late 2002 we received a briefing and brand new plans. The building was going to be huge! We were going to build an extra two buildings, and add a level to the main building. The size of the org doubled. "Ideal Orgs" had been born! The budget shot up to over R17 million.
Two things happened with Miscavige that unsettled me. The first was when he gave a briefing to all staff and Sea Org. During his briefing a CMO crew member was falling asleep (she had been up for days prior). Mid sentence Miscavige snapped his fingers in her direction and yelled "YOU! Get out! Now. GET OUT!". Humiliated she stood up from the front row and walked out past everyone.
The other occurred in the exec space of the org, which Miscavige was using. I walked into the area heading to my office. No one else was around. He was eating in the conference room. He saw me and said antagonistically "What are you doing here? You are not supposed to be here!" I was flummoxed and froze on the spot. He then bellowed with laughter and said "Just kidding".
From the opening I assumed the title of "President of the Church of Scientology Johannesburg" It is a PR post and essentially translates to "spokesperson". I took to it with vigour and for the next 6 years I was an active and frequent spokesperson for the church. Over time this morphed into being the national spokesperson although this was never official but no one else would or could speak to the media. In those 6 years I appeared on local, regional and national television, radio and print media. I actually developed working relationships with some journalists, relationships which I have maintained to this day.
In 2005 I got myself in hot water. I was interviewed by a national magazine. They asked the question "How much does it cost to get to OT VII?" My thought in answering the question was that we always skirt the issue of money like it doesn't exist. So I decided to be open about it. I said "around R700 000". This was a terrible underestimation as it was. When the article ran I got a Knowledge Report and a cram for answering the question.
Also in 2005 I was asked to come to LA to be in the President's office and be an International Spokesperson. By then Heber was long gone and, as I would find out later, Mike Rinder was in the hole. I already had differing opinions on how the media should be handled. I felt my views on how to do it would not be accepted. I said that I would likely land up on the RPF fairly quickly so let's rather not waste each other's time.
The period between November 2003 and May 2005 were the best years I ever spent on staff. We were left alone to do our jobs. We never got to the level of staff pay that had been promised but everyone ignored that because it was a good time to be on staff and we were making progress. Don't get me wrong there were a fair share of bizarre orders but the pain pleasure ratio was finally in proportion. In March 2005 we were announced as St. Hill Size at the Int March 13 event. A Universe Corps team arrived in April to audit the staff to OT. We had a huge public event. Staff were happy, public were happy. We had made it! All the years of hardship had been worth it. I had the most amount of auditing I'd ever had to that point. I went from nowhere on the bridge up and onto NED within 5 months. Melissa went clear.
Despite the excitement things were changing. In early May I was called to an urgent meeting along with other org executives convened by Ken Krieger. With a straight face he told us "50,000 people have to watch the May 9 event!". The event was 10 days away! I thought he was out of his mind and pretty sure everyone else in the room thought the same. But we all nodded and gave a firm "Yes sir!". Off we went to work out what unusual solutions we could come up with. We spent in the region of R60,000 or more trying in vain to attain this target.
This for me was the end of the honeymoon. Soon the org was again under financial stress, the Sea Org were back in the org micromanaging and it felt an awful lot like it had for all the years prior to the move.
By the end of 2005 the Universe Corps was falling apart and by May 2006 they were all gone never to return save one brave but vain attempt in 2008.
The hype around the Basics began, I believe at the start of 2007. We were hearing about a major overhaul of all the books of Scientology and that a "new breed of Scientologist" was coming. This was the release of the Basics which was to be the worst two years of my Scientology staff career.
Whatever org pattern and structure existed completely fell apart. EVERY staff member had to contribute to sales. Either directly or through "recoveries"
At the same time there was continued push on Ideal Orgs. Even though we were in one we had to get a Test Centre, we had to help the other orgs become Ideal. To add insanity to stupidity we had IAS targets as well. At one point, during 2009 it was Basics sales during the day and two Ideal Org events and one IAS event per week.
It was with this backdrop that one April morning while sitting in my office I had an epiphany: I could leave! This was a thought I never allowed myself to have. My staff contract would expire in January 2010 and I would leave.
In July 2009 I was reading the daily "Google Alert" for media on Scientology. I saw the name Marty Rathbun. Marty was a god from my standpoint. He was at the very top of my command line. I trusted him implicitly. I assumed he was making a media statement and since I hadn't heard from him in a while I was keen to hear what he had to say. The story was the "Truth Rundown" in the St. Pete Times. It took several minutes for me to realise that Marty was not talking FOR the church. He was out and what he was saying was being confirmed by Mike Rinder the second most senior person on my command line. Time stood still as I watched, in slow motion, my life shatter in front of me.
For the next two days I did ZERO post work. I locked my door and read EVERYTHING I could find on the Internet. I cannot adequately explain the feeling of your entire life's purpose and goals unravelling before you. But that's what was happening. I got to see that the madness and mayhem in South African Orgs was not a localised problem. It was a global pandemic.
Over the ensuing 8 weeks I continued to read, I made contact with Marty and others. My decision to leave was now more firm than ever.
In November 2010 I was asked to go to OSA Int to route off staff. After initially refusing I went. I had 28 days of straight security checking and little bit of case clean up at the end. For the most part I was treated very well which probably had a lot to do with the prevailing mood at the time, being just 6 months after the devastating "Truth Rundown" series of articles in the St Pete Times. I was very open – I told them everything I had done, everything I had read, everyone I had been in comm with. I asked all the questions I had. Some were handled well, most poorly. I read Mike & Marty's declares which didn't handle much. As for questions about the Int Base and "the hole", these were categorically denied. I made a decision to accept what I was being told at face value and to see how it all panned out.
While "seeing how things panned out" I would not interact with anyone outside the church or any websites outside of official Scientology.
On my final day as a staff member I was collected by my brother who lives there. We got into his Jeep and hit the Pacific Coast highway. It was around 11.30pm. We cranked up the music and I sang my heart out. I was done! I was free! I was on my own. I had not been that happy in well over 5 years.
I arrived back in South Africa on the 20th of February and began my new life. I was 38 with no career, no insurance, no medical cover, no savings and a mountain of debt (most of which was Scientology materials related).
But Melissa & I had never been happier! Our life was OURS! Ours alone.
In the 3/12 years since I've built a successful career as a professional speaker and a budding career as a writer. I have had the considerable honour & pleasure of meeting and working with some of the greatest business thinkers in the country.
I tried for a short while to stay connected and work on projects but it became plain that nothing inside the church would change. It was the same old same old. Fund raising, promises and regging. Additionally Melissa & I realised that this group is so small and so toxic it was claustrophobic so we made the decision to build a life completely outside of Scientology which we have since done.
At the same time I tried to reconnect with every friend I had ever left behind, both Scientologists and not. I had come to see that I had lost connections for a variety of ridiculous reasons ranging from "he's not a Scientologist" to "he's not an upstat Scientologist". The time spent reconnecting was incredibly therapeutic and it became my policy to always be open to communication, if it was genuine & real. People may well cut their comm with me but it won't be me with them!
For a long time Melissa & I thought we had left it all behind us and it would become a dimming part of our history. However two things happened:
I rediscovered L. Ron Hubbard on my own terms and came to appreciate in a very personal way the value in his work. This appreciation came mostly from being able to reject some of his writings at my own discretion. It made those parts that are truly profound even more so.
Melissa & I began receiving calls from people asking, firstly, "what happened to you guys?" and secondly "what the hell is going on with our church?"
The first point made me realise that the philosophy is important enough that it deserves a chance in this world and that it will never get a chance as long as it remains in the hands of the church as it is now.
The second point got me talking openly with Scientologists who had themselves observed the outnesses within the church. We answered their questions.
This served to put me on the radar and over time it became a greater problem. In March this year I met with an OSA Int person who had come to do PR work for the opening of the Pretoria Ideal Org. We had a long, frank and robust conversation. He eventually asked in exasperation, "Well, what do you want Ryan!?"
My answer was that I wanted Scientologists, the many very clever Scientologists who had built this church to have a platform to openly discuss and debate what the church is doing and to have a say in the direction it takes. The response was simple and direct "Ryan, you know that will never happen."
I told him there was then no point in us talking further.
To read the entire blog entry go here: http://www.mikerindersblog.org/ryan-hogarth-steps-forward/
Are you interested in seeing proof of Scientology's growth? Are they growing or do they just own a bunch of empty buildings?
Scott and Kerry Campbell, Ex-Scientologist Story #443
Scott and Kerry Campbell spent decades inside of the Sea Org, and what was their reward for working long days with little time off? What did they get for sacrificing their lives for the benefit of L. Ron Hubbard's teachings? They each got a bill for the "services" they took during their time in. Kerry got a bill for $ 69,772.50 and Scott was charged $94,111.00 for the privilege of being slaves.
Both filled declarations in support of the Garcia's lawsuit against Scientology, you can read it by this link http://tonyortega.org/2013/04/22/garcias-respond-to-scientology-youre-a-big-ripoff/
Scott made a number of videos that are now on YouTube. You will have to see these for yourself and make up you own mind but his story is a harrowing tale of abuse and betrayal; words familiar to those who follow the history of Scientology.


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- 4887 Franklin Drive
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- 3 Bed, 3 Bath, 2956 SqFt, 0.12 Acres
- Days on Website: 280
- Residential
- Days on Website: 280
- Office: Wright Kingdom
$5000 SELLER CREDIT TOWARD UPDATES on this classic home in Four Mile Creek. Features main-floor master suite. Truly open floor plan w/ 2-story picture windows & 2-sided fireplace in great room that flows to sunny eat-in kitchen. Gorgeous hdwd floors grace the entire main level.Cathedral ceilings flood the home w/ sunlight & bring the outdoors in. Enjoy mtn views from the formal dining room & upstairs bedroom. 1500 sq ft unfin bsmnt. Spectacular gardens. Fantastically well taken care of!
Eat-in Kitchen, Separate Dining Room, Cathedral/Vaulted Ceilings, Open Floor Plan, Pantry, Wood Windows, Walk-in Closet, Wood Floors
Window Coverings, Gas Range/Oven, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Clothes Washer, Clothes Dryer, Microwave
Evergreen Trees, Deciduous Trees, Level Lot, Meadow, House Faces West
|Sold (from Active)
|Price Reduced
|$500 (0.08%)
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|$26,000 (4.16%)
|Price Reduced (from $639,000)
|$14,000 (2.19%)
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Dear God I ask for a financial blessing. God ...
Started by kps31 , Jul. 11, 2013 - 5:15 AM
5 replies to this topic
Posted July 11, 2013 - 5:15 AM
Dear God I ask for a financial blessing. God I ask that you remove this skin disease from my body. In Jesus name Amen
Posted July 11, 2013 - 5:16 AM
O God, our heavenly Father, who lovest mankind and art most merciful and compassionate, have mercy upon Thy servants, for whom we humbly pray Thee and commend to Thy gracious care and protection. Be Thou, O God, their guide and guardian in all their endeavours, lead them in the path of Thy truth, and draw them nearer to Thee, that they may lead a godly and righteous life in Thy love and fear, doing Thy will in all things. Give them grace that they may be temperate, industrious, diligent, devout, and charitable.
Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and corruption of this life, and direct them in the way of salvation: Through the merits of Thy Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Posted July 11, 2013 - 6:23 AM
I prayed for this in Jesus name.
Posted July 11, 2013 - 7:48 AM
I prayed for this. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Posted July 11, 2013 - 8:16 AM
I prayed for this. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Posted July 17, 2013 - 5:16 AM
Thank you for giving us the privilege to pray on your behalf. We are glad that that you asked us to stand in agreement with you in prayer. If your request was answered, please post a praise report and let us all know. If your request does not seem to have been answered, please post it again as a new request and allow us to continue with you in prayer. We all hope that our prayers are answered in the way that we want. Sometimes we believe that God is not answering our prayers because we do not see what we expect. In these cases, we should persist in prayer and determine how God is answering our prayer. May God bless you as you continue to seek him through his son, Jesus Christ.
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NEW YORK (AP) - A day after New York City FC was born, Claudio Reyna became the team's first employee.
The former U.S. national team captain was hired Wednesday as NYCFC's director of football and tasked with the job of putting together an on-field staff and roster for Major League Soccer's 2015 season.
"Successful teams seem to have a consistent hunger within the team," Reyna said.
Known as Captain America when he led the U.S. at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, Reyna also played for Manchester City from 2003-06. He had been youth technical director of the U.S. Soccer Federation the past three years.
Reyna said NYCFC intends to use all three available spots for high-priced designated players, whose salaries only count partially against the salary cap. The 39-year-old Reyna grew up in New Jersey and lives in suburban New York, so he knows the importance of creating a buzz in a market that already has nine major professional teams. And there's a chance New York could wind up serving in part as a farm team for the Premier League parent.
"I think it's very important that the player who comes over is committed from Day 1," he said. "I'm sure a lot of people will be reaching out, expressing interest, being that it's in New York City and who we're connected with. And at the same time. I will look into the vast talent that's at Manchester City."
Reyna played for the U.S. 111 times and was at four World Cups. He played for Manchester City just before high-spending owners transformed the club into a power.
"He led from the front," City goalkeeper Joe Hart said.
Reyna ended his career in 2007-08 with the perennially unsuccessful New York Red Bulls, so he knows what the league is like. He accepts patience is necessary in MLS, that coaches be "given the time to figure things out."
His title mirrors that of Txiki Begiristain, the director of football at Manchester City, which is partnering with the New York Yankees to launch the MLS team.
The influence of the owners was evident at a news conference attended by Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner, Manchester City Chief Executive Officer Ferran Soriano, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The new team's name was printed in sky blue _ City's color. A mike flag from the Yankees' YES Network was used.
"The Yankees are a great brand," Steinbrenner said. "And Man City is one of the greatest brands in the world. I think we know how to brand. I think we've been pretty successful with it."
The news conference was held at Public School 72 in East Harlem, where Manchester City funded a small artificial turf field on the roof. City, owned by a company of Abu Dhabi's Sheik Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is controlling owner of NYCFC. The Yankees are a minority partner.
"I don't know much about baseball. I know who the Yankees are," Hart said.
Yankees President Randy Levine will lead the process of deciding where the team wants to construct a stadium. While MLS negotiated with the Bloomberg administration about building in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, NYCFC seems intent on widening the search.