Hey, it’s nice to hear from Louis Theroux, who connected us with an Irish journalist this week. The Irish reporter had been sent a sparkly press release from Scientology in regards to the Dianetics anniversary, and he had questions.
We sent the Irish reporter links to our stories about the Dianetics 70th anniversary, as well as a recent story about Scientology in Ireland, but we also thought we’d share with you the opening paragraph from the Scientology press release…
The interest in Dianetics and Scientology in ireland has further increased in Ireland since the Covid 19 Pandemic and lockdown, as people look for answers to their spiritual needs. According to Google Trends, Ireland has had the highest percentage of online searches for “Dianetics” over the past 12 months, making it the world’s most curious Country about the subject.
Oh really?
Our man in Ireland, Pete Griffiths, decided he’d look into that claim. Here’s the result of his dogged research…
Yeah, that’s some really hot interest burning up the Internet on the Emerald Isle. And if it’s true, as Scientology says, that searches for Dianetics in Ireland make up the highest percentage in the world, well, yikes.
But Pete says that there actually is evidence for that, as sad as it is, and he pointed to another graph showing that Ireland scored higher than other countries in “interest by region.”
But Google Trends cautions against the assumption that interest is actually high: “A tiny country where 80 percent of the queries are for ‘bananas’ will get twice the score of a giant country where only 40 percent of the queries are for ‘bananas’.”
So, in this case, interest in Dianetics in Ireland is pitifully low, but still higher than in other places, so that’s a cause of celebration for Scientology.
This planet will be cleared in no time.
At the last census, only 87 people in Ireland identified as Scientologists. Rod Keller recently showed that now, during the pandemic, only some 76 members have signed up for online extension courses with the Dublin org. And that’s after several years of huge expenditures for new facilities in Dublin and its suburbs. Why is David Miscavige pouring so much money into this country that shows no interest in Dianetics or Scientology? One theory is that because Tom Cruise has expressed an affinity for the place, Miscavige is trying to make a big showing there on his behalf.
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Scientology apologizes: A modern-day miracle
Our favorite part of the story yesterday by Tampa Bay Times reporter Tracey McManus about Scientology getting caught sneaking some of its pamphlets into school lunches was that she managed to get an apology from Scientology spokesman Ben Shaw.
“We are sorry if anyone was offended,” he said. “Our volunteers offer assistance in the community for the same reason any volunteer does: they want to help.”
Yeah, sure. Best take on the mini-controversy was from Mike Rinder at Twitter…
When they get caught it's always a "volunteer" who made an error. Had they not been caught the next PR event or Freedom mag would have said "The Church helped tens of thousands of children survive the pandemic…." Their PR spin is always spinny…https://t.co/UghQSjaiJ4
— Mike Rinder (@MikeRinder) May 12, 2020
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Bonus items from our tipsters
Some things never change. Come get your swag, boys!
Katy passes through the Wall of Fire…
It’s a May 9 miracle!
We love Scientology success stories!
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“A special story I wrote was taken to the NY Times Reporter and she was very pleased. It was about the Marines and Corfu. Remember? We have to get the 19 crew members who wrote affidavits in this up to the US Embassy to get them notarized. They go to the US Congress and assist in the Life suit. (We have to get Life sued fast. The Sat Eve Post has gone out of business and Time-Life is fading. Like the Daily Mail, newspapers who attack us fail, strange coincidence.)” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 13, 1969
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“I have seen the dark energy and dark matter. I have seen the other side of this universe, my hearing ability was magnified just before this happened. A thetan is capable of doing anything and can exist in the absence of MEST or in the dark form of it or in between. I am not sure if dark is the right word to use, however, this is magical indeed. Thank you Master LRH for your return. I wish I can express my gratitude for you in all the world alphabets, master, as you are the alpha (α) and omega (Ω).”
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“The world is disconnected because of technology, it turns people into zombies. A handful of corporations control all the the media, the arts, and what passes for popular culture these days. What happened to rock’n’roll? It’s been replaced by no talent moop thugs who can’t play an instrument and can’t write lyrics above the 4th grade. There is no more rebellion. They’ve won. It’s ‘Tittytainment’ from here on out. Detroit has gone bankrupt and the corporations are going to run the city. Didn’t they make a movie about that 20 years ago?”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Jay Spina: Sentencing was set for April 3 in White Plains
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members: Trial set for October 7 in Los Angeles
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Waiting for an appellate decision from the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Hearing on motion for reconsideration set for August 11
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: July 8 (plaintiff attorneys pro hac vice), August 31-Sept 1 (CSI/RTC demurrer against Riales, Masterson demurrer), Oct 7-19 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe’s attorneys have asked for discovery, depositions (Warren McShane, Lynn Farny), amended complaint filed
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach bankruptcy appeal: Oral arguments were heard on March 11 in Jacksonville
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Amended complaint filed.
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Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!
We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.
Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!
Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society!
Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in our weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Scientology admits it’s selling ‘magic’ at its Florida spiritual mecca
[TWO years ago] We have the detailed specs for your dream job: Public Relations officer in Scientology
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s casting calls get nuttier all the time. Who would you hire to fill them?
[FOUR years ago] Document leak: How Scientology freaked out over losing Lori Hodgson and her mom
[FIVE years ago] Hand out L. Ron Hubbard literature and score a date with a Scientology sweetheart!
[SIX years ago] DOX: The appeal to restore the class-action lawsuit against Scientology’s rehab network
[SEVEN years ago] Will Scientology’s Motion Demolish the Garcias’ Federal Fraud Lawsuit?
[EIGHT years ago] Lisa Marie Presley Says “So Long” to Scientology
[NINE years ago] Scientology Thunderdome: Commenters of the Week!
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 1,936 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,440 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 1,960 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 980 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 871 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,178 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,046 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 2,820 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,594 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 2,940 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,506 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,425 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,593 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,174 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,435 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,473 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,186 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 1,711 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,241 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 5,801 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 2,941 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,261 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,116 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,236 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,591 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 5,894 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,000 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,402 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,274 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 1,857 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,352 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,606 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 13,715 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on May 13, 2020 at 07:00
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Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 14 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
