We wanted to help Scientology get the word out about its newest “New Civilization Builders,” which is church jargon for donors who have given at least $1 million toward Scientology’s “Ideal Org” building projects. As you see below, Shawn and Colleen May reached that exalted position at a recent “Alliance USA” fundraising event as Scientology attempts to open several of the new “Ideal” churches around the country.
According to Scientology’s own website, Colleen was introduced to Scientology in 2003 by Shawn when they were living in Denver. They married in 2004, filled out their family with a couple of daughters, and then, so dedicated were they to the church, they relocated to its spiritual home in Clearwater, Florida.
Shawn operates his own cybersecurity firm, Dynamic Technical Solutions, and Colleen is now a realtor.
And here’s the flier that was sent out to Scientologists celebrating them for their newest milestone.
So, even with the challenges of the pandemic, and Scientology not holding its big international events, leader David Miscavige is still managing to find some dedicated folks willing to write big checks for his vanity programs.
He started the “Ideal” program in 2003, and has used it to get huge fundraising hauls in order to replace ordinary “orgs” with upgraded facilities he calls “Ideal Orgs,” 64 at last count in places like New York, Sydney, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Dublin, and Bogotá. Two new facilities were nearly ready to open when the lockdowns came, and they continue to seem on the verge of opening, in Austin and Chicago.
But we figure that Miscavige, who usually attends grand openings, may be hesitating since, with his asthma, he’s probably terrified of being exposed to the coronavirus, and he knows that a crowd of Scientologists will be almost entirely unvaccinated.
In the meantime, at least, he has couples like the Mays willing to fork over millions to keep the dream alive.
Speaking of Austin, OT 4 Paul Martinez is being pulled from somewhere else to join the Austin staff at its crappy strip-mall temporary location while they wait for the Ideal Org to open.
And speaking of dedication, what’s keeping you from signing a billion-year contract and joining the Sea Org, working 112-hour weeks for 40 cents an hour?
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Did you know you can get an email every morning when we post our daily Scientology story? We know some of the folks who come to the Underground Bunker aren’t here to talk about the politics of the day, and that’s why we created a daily politics feature over at our other blog, The Lowdown, and we ask readers to take their political discussions over there. And if you drop us a line at tonyo94 AT gmail, we’ll put you on the list so you get a morning reminder that a new Scientology story has been posted — and only for our Scientology stories.
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“When you start to double people’s scores and push people upstairs in terms of sports abilities, this becomes a foul and fiendish plot from our standpoint. If you were to take the football Cards, or the baseball Cards or any one team, and give it a heavy shove in the direction of better ball playing, you would at once, of course, find that the opponents had no other choice but to get a heavy shove in the direction of ball-playing. See, no other choice. We haven’t started this program yet in America. We’re looking around for some volunteers to go on payroll and go up and haunt one of these baseball clubs or football clubs. And just do nothing but process the boys and so on. A very interesting project. Because, of course, they will then take all pennants, awards and TV programs. And then we can then go around to their archenemies and say ‘See what happened.’” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 22, 1956
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“Stats trended the same over the world last week, paid completions soaring, GI a bit lower. WE are at least winning back the field and building strong orgs that deliver.” — The Commodore, November 22, 1971
“In the beginning thetans looked and thus a viewpoint was created. In other words, dimension. You’re not in the MEST universe. It’s an agreed upon point of view and you make a duplicate copy of it. Any other MEST in your universe that is not a perfect duplicate is an implant because it is something else. You have to have a universe to be implanted and if you are not duplicating A universe then you don’t have a universe, you’re just being. When you look, that’s when all the fun starts.”
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2001: A letter from Al Buttnor of the Toronto org to the husband of “Yduzitmatter” was posted this week. “Dear Pastor Palmer: I am sorry to tell you that your wife has become involved in a hate campaign against our religion in Toronto both by her regular postings to the internet on a newsgroup and by her recent participation in pickets at our Church. We are not sure why she is doing this. We have discussed this matter with several of our Lutheran Friends and they suggested that we write to you in an effort to open a door communication and hopefully reconciliation. It was even suggested to us that a mediator from Conrad Grebel College may be of benefit to resolve the situation if necessary and we agree that this may be helpful. Yours Sincerely, Al Buttnor, Director.” From the reply: “Dear Mr. Buttnor: I am aware of my wife’s activities in regard to Scientology both on the Internet and her participation in peaceful pickets of the Toronto Org. I do not believe that we have anything to discuss in this regard either personally or with a mediator. I will be sending a copy of your letter and my reply to my Bishop’s Office. Please do not contact me again as there is nothing for us to discuss. Sincerely, Rev. William Palmer.”
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“When I first read about the solo auditing I remember thinking, ‘This is genius! Hubbard has these dupes so bamboozled he’s got them ripping themselves off.’ The most expensive part of the Bridge and you’re conning yourself. How would that hold up in court on a fraud charge?”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next hearing set for February 8. Trial scheduled for August 29, 2022.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Pretrial conference December 17 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for February 11.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Eleventh Circuit affirmed ruling granting Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Garcias considering next move.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ US Supreme Court denied Valerie’s petition Oct 4.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: California Supreme Court granted review on May 26 and asked the Second Appellate Division to direct Judge Steven Kleifield to show cause why he granted Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Oral arguments held November 2, awaiting a ruling.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9, 2020 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Dec 17: Feshbachs sign court judgment obliging them to pay entire $3.674 million tax debt, plus interest from Nov 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28, 2022.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 23. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a ruling.
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links, including our four days in Los Angeles covering the preliminary hearing and its ruling, which has Danny facing trial and the potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison.
After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. 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 a weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] In this week’s social media leak, a Scientology school is offering ‘doctorates’ for donations
[TWO years ago] Beck tells Australian newspaper: ‘I’m not a Scientologist’
[THREE years ago] As Leah Remini returns for a third round, here’s Scientology’s side of the story
[FOUR years ago] VIDEO: Scientology gives its highest award to Nation of Islam minister, who thanks Allah
[FIVE years ago] Leah Remini demands $1.5 million from Scientology for interfering with her A&E series
[SIX years ago] Scientology drug rehab policy: Get the sexual assaulter out of state before police arrive
[SEVEN years ago] The Scientologist who wouldn’t fly: The rise and fall of insurance mogul Richie Acunto
[EIGHT years ago] Mark Bunker Returns to Clearwater: Wise Beard Man Back in Scientology’s Mecca!
[NINE years ago] Thanksgiving? Pshaw! The Scientology Begin-A-Boom Bookathon Starts TODAY!
[TEN years ago] More Scientology Hip Hop, Yo: The Curious Career of Chill EB
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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 2,492 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,997 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,517 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,537 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,428 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,735 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,603 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,377 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,707 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,181 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,497 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,063 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,982 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,150 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,731 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,992 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,028 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,743 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,268 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 623 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,798 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,349 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,498 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,818 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,673 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,792 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,148 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,451 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,557 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,955 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,831 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,414 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,909 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,163 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,272 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on November 22, 2021 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
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, 1995-2020 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2020), 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, 15 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
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
