PickAnotherID is a member of the Underground Bunker community who is a veteran with expertise in military records. Previously, he documented more thoroughly than anyone ever has the extent of the Church of Scientology’s “stolen valor” concerning bogus claims about founder L. Ron Hubbard’s World War 2 record. Now he’s back with an interesting new look at one episode in Ron’s war: His transport to Australia in 1941.
On 17 December 1941 Lt. (junior grade) Lafayette R. Hubbard was ordered by the 12th Naval District in San Francisco to proceed to the SS President Polk for transport to Manila, Philippine Islands. Which makes you wonder who Hubbard annoyed, since the ship was due to sail less than 24 hours later.
While doing some research on the SS President Polk I found that a number of Naval pilots and aircraft were also being transported to the Philippines aboard the ship with Hubbard. One of them, Lt. James Claire Nolan, kept a secret most of his life. He kept a detailed diary and drew pictures throughout the conflict, a practice frowned upon by security-minded authorities. When he died in 1992, he entrusted the pages to his friend and military historian Burl Burlingame of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Burlingame is now Historian at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and Nolan’s diary has been posted online for a limited duration of five years. In several places, Nolan described interactions he had with Hubbard during the voyage.
To give a feel for the voyage, we’ve pulled out excerpts over its duration from San Francisco to Australia. Those that mention Hubbard are noted in bold.
For those wishing to review the full description of the voyage, they can be found starting here.
— PickAnotherID
Dec. 18, 1941 (Thursday)
Ship pulled out of berth at 2000. San Francisco looked beautiful with its twinkling lights and high hills. Alcatraz, the “Rock,” looked like a fairy castle, all lit up.
Dec. 19, 1941 (Friday)
Ship headed out to sea at 3 a.m. and immediately on passing through the gate it started to roll very heavily. Ship is out of sight of land and headed due south. We are not going to stop in Honolulu, but are headed direct for Manila, via the South Seas and southern Australia.
Dec. 20, 1941 (Saturday)
Ship still headed due south. Seas lighter – no rolling. Weather clear. Making about 18 kn. About 400 miles off the coast of lower California. Hubbard, (a rather bullshitty j.g.) broached the subject of our standing assistant OD watches. The idea was received rather coldly, as most of us naval officers nine in all (12, counting MDs) feel he is interested only because it’ll look good for him.
[PickAnotherID: The Officer of the Deck (OD) is responsible for the bridge, navigation, and carrying out the ship’s normal plan of the day. During a combat operation, the Executive Officer goes to the bridge to supervise the OD. On smaller ships, the OD is generally a Lt(jg); on larger ships it’s usually a Lieutenant. The ship’s passengers are not normally expected to stand watches, since they would not be familiar with normal ship operations. And Navy aviators normally did not stand OD, or other deck watches, unless they were on track to become an aircraft carrier commander. What Hubbard apparently did was suggest to the ship’s captain that the Navy officer passengers, all of whom outranked Hubbard, stand watches as “assistant” OD officers, a position that doesn’t actually exist, the idea being to “ease” the workload of the OD. Which would have been fine for Hubbard himself, a “black shoe” fleet sailor who would be expected to learn the duties of an OD. But not for “brown shoe” aviators, who in all likelihood would never stand an OD watch in their career. What ticked everyone off is Hubbard set it up with the ship’s captain before broaching the idea to officers who outranked him. That’s not the way it’s supposed to work in the Navy.]
Dec. 21, 1941 (Sunday)
Started standing the bridge watches. That j.g. Hubbard is the ass!
Dec. 22, 1941 (Monday)
Southwest most of the night. About 1500 miles off southern Mexico at nightfall, after going to do self again most of the day. Stood a 4 1/2 hour watch from 0400 to 0800. Nothing sighted yet since SF. My damn feet hurt like hell after I stand on them for about two hours.
Dec. 23, 1941 (Tuesday)
Had showdown today with Hubbard. As I had anticipated for the last few days, he took his name off the watch list. Catching him in the very act, I became furious, and advised him to reconsider, if he desired to remain on speaking terms with the rest of us. In a pet, he reported to the captain, that all of us were unwilling to continue the watches, and the captain, naturally, he said O.K. He (Hubbard) came into our stateroom later, and we all told him off. I feel a bit sorry for him, as he has certainly got himself universally disliked – by everyone aboard. We sent a delegate to the captain, informing him of our loyalty, and wish to be of assistance. He sent backward, that he appreciated our offer, and that he understood fully our situation and was cognizant. We also discovered that the whole affair of watch standing had been Hubbard’s idea, which suspicion of mine, he frequently denied. Decided to forget the whole affair. A happy ending(?) to a potentially dangerous situation. However, I have no doubt that Hubbard will not soon forgive the part I played in it.
Dec. 24, 1941 (Wednesday)
Ship is still loaded with about 55 new P-40Es, tons of bombs and ammunition, and atop all, four Douglas DC-2s. Climbed atop the foremost DC-2 yesterday and replaced the window covering over the pilots cockpit – a precarious perch on the high winds and heaving seas. We were afraid the bare window would pass a reflection.
Dec. 25, 1941 (Thursday)
Crossed the equator last night around midnight, at about 2,700 nautical miles off Ecuador – still almost due south of S.F. Xmas on the equator – seems strange. Had eggnog (4) at 1100.
Held shellback party at 1500 with Ens. Stuart as King Neptune and an Army sergeant as Queen Neptunia — complete with grapefruit breasts and cherry nipples — plus a seductive swing of the hips. Held initiation at the side of the swimming pool, which the captain allowed to be filled for this particular event. I was one of the initiated (five prisoners in all) and was accused of pissing in the ocean. The queen sentenced me to be pissed on and thrown in the pool – the former sentence being pantomimed. Guards wore jockstraps, tin hats, and pistols. Swam around the pool till it was emptied (the swing of the ship produced a regular surf in the tank.) Finished off with big Xmas dinner, complete with decorations.
Dec. 26, 1941 (Friday)
Rumors fly thick and fast around the ship. This morning the word was around that Manila had fallen to the Japanese – subsequently proven false. The captain has issued a request there be no more rumor mongering. Our steward has, to my knowledge, twice started, or assisted in starting, some of these rumors. Axis trouble?
Dec. 27, 1941 (Saturday)
Dec. 28, 1941 (Sunday)
Passed Pitcairn’s Island about 8 miles to starboard this evening, but due to rain squalls, couldn’t see it. Still averaging due south.
Dec. 29, 1941 (Monday)
Changed course to southwest this morning. From now until the time we arrive at our destination, we will be in a constant danger of Jap raiders and subs. incidentally, our destination has almost certainly been changed, as the Japanese are closing in on Manila very fast. I hope they dump us all off in Australia, the Dutch East Indies or Singapore – all places far more interesting than Manila or the Philippines.
Dec. 30, 1941 (Tuesday)
Foggy, but cleared toward noon. Had an alarm at noontime when someone on the bridge thought he saw a plane. It was nothing however. Filled a wool sock with what I thought were absolute necessities, in case we have to take to the boats.
Dec. 31, 1941 (Wednesday)
Last day of 1941 – it’s been quite a year. Went to bed about 10 p.m. forgetting that it was New Year’s Eve. Was jolted awake by the ships pitching in time to hear the ships bell strike eight bells and a good part of the passengers break into “auld lang syne.” Went outside for a while. Full moon.
Jan. 1, 1942 (Thursday)
Position approximately hundred and 50° West, 35° South, course approximately 255° aboard SS President Polk headed for Wellington, New Zealand we think. High, thin, fog. Ship pitching moderately.
Jan. 2, 1942, (Friday)
Wind and seas increased throughout the night. Wind, from the Northwest – cool – 35 to 45 knots. Ship pitching heavily – at times lifting 100 feet of her bow out of the water and bring it down with a slap that jars the whole ship and sends spray shooting out 200 feet broadside. Spent about an hour up on the forecastle leaning over the bow watching it all. At times the seas were only 10 feet away, and then in a split second they were hundred feet away – exposing the whole bow. Is this the roaring 40s?
Jan. 3, 1942 (Saturday)
[SS President Polk after being purchased by the Navy, painted grey, having gun mounts added, and being commissioned into the Navy as attack transport AP103 in 1943. She would be sold back to the original owners after the war.]
Jan. 4, 1942 (Sunday)
Manila has fallen! Can’t understand why we are making a better showing against the Japs. Rumor has it that we may go to Batavia – I hope so.
Jan. 5, 1942 (Monday)
This voyage is beginning to get on a few nerves around here – yells and screams of sheer boredom sound down to the corridors – accompanied by poundings, thumpings, and bystanders’ curses. Army officers grabbed Hubbard, in the lounge after dinner, and cut his hair off short. His remonstrations were comical. “Gentlemen – please, gentlemen – I’m in a different branch of the service – gentlemen!”
Jan. 6, 1942 (Tuesday)
Wellington New Zealand
The mountains of New Zealand took form out of the haze on the horizon a little after noon today. Coming into Wellington we bucked a terrific headwind – 81 knots – although the seas were relatively calm. This land is the first thing I’ve seen since leaving San Francisco! Not even a ship for almost 8,000 miles. Pilot was soaked by heavy seas coming aboard. Docked about 7:30 p.m. and waited around until 10 before we were allowed to go ashore.
Jan. 7, 1942 (Wednesday)
Wellington, New Zealand
Wandered around town in the afternoon till we went to the assistant consul’s (U.S.) party. Consul was a very young fellow, with a pretty wife and two children. Met most of the upper-class belles and brought them back to the ship for dinner.
Jan. 8, 1942 (Thursday)
Ship pulled out at about 8:30 a.m. Passed a shipload of US military trucks on the way out of the harbor. When we got clear of the strait separating the North and South Island the ship commenced to roll. At dinnertime it was rolling so heavily that whole table-loads of food slid to the floor. Rumor has it (our steward) that we are headed for Brisbane — everyone was hoping for Sydney.
Jan. 9, 1942 (Friday)
This war is going to decide the whole future of the human race.
Jan. 10, 1942 (Saturday)
Had a little trouble aboard ship last night. The engine room watch in the middle of the night, last night, was blind drunk. One of them (by accident, or intent?) fell against a very delicate piece of machinery, which was broken by the blow, and cut off the flow of oil to the turbine. Luckily the chief engineer happened along at that moment, and threw the turbine into reverse, in time to save it from being DESTROYED. The ship was stopped for about 30 minutes in these dangerous waters and was absolutely helpless. The fellow who broke the instrument, has been noticed by several of us earlier in the voyage is being particularly lazy and surly. He is now chained to a cot in sick bay. I’d have shot him, by God.
Jan. 11, 1942 (Sunday)
Forgot to mention that yesterday we passed a yellow buoy, about the size of a mine, which everyone was convinced was a mine, although I know damn well it wasn’t. They shot at it with everything on the ship for about 20 minutes. The 37 millimeter cannons did quite well considering that the crews have never fired from a ship before. Despite all the lead thrown around though, it would not sink — or explode.
Jan. 12, 1942 (Monday)
Brisbane, Australia
Raced through the outer reefs and islands early this morning without even stopping to pick up a pilot. The captain thought that if any subs were waiting for us, they pick the pilot boat as the best place. This harbor, or should I say river, has a very complicated and intricate entrance channel, due no doubt to the numerous reefs and bars. Anchored at the river mouth before noon, and after about four hours waiting heard that we wouldn’t proceed to our anchorage, or dock, until tomorrow morning.
Jan. 13, 1942 (Tuesday)
Brisbane, Australia
Started up-river (14 miles) early this morning. Thousands of jellyfish in the water. Docked well below town before breakfast. We watched them lift the first of the Douglas Transports off, before lunch, with a rather weak-looking lumber loading crane. However it was stronger than it looked and except for a few rather violent careenings, came off without mishap. Went in a group to see the American consul after bidding the army pilots goodbye (they were all off by 1500) (we ragged them about the fact they were getting off before things got hot). Dodged the consul and took a look at the town.
Jan. 14, 1942 (Wednesday)
Have heard the rumor to the effect that our ship is officially reported lost with all hands back in the States. Wired home that I was OK.
Jan. 15, 1942 (Thursday)
Forgot to say that I met a couple of soldiers just back from Tobruk yesterday. They had terrible machine-gun scars on their stomachs, legs, and arms. One of them was captured for a few hours (wounded) by the Germans, who, he said, treated him very well. They seem to have an admiration for the Germans, scorn for the Italians, and hatred for the Japs, who, along with myself, they regarded as some low form of animal.
Jan. 16, 1942 (Friday)
The goddamned Army won’t let any of us go ashore, as we MAY sail in the next week or so. So here we sit on our asses while they load the damned tub with miscellaneous junk, including HEAVY WINTER OVERCOATS! Yessir, the old U.S. Army knows what it’s doing — nothing like a good old winter overcoat in the tropics.
Jan. 17, 1942 (Saturday)
Ship pulled out around midnight and from the feel of her around 0400 she was making knots, so I surmised she was making a run through the reef in the hopes of clearing the entrance before dawn. However, when we went out on deck at 0815 (how different it looks without the planes and crates stacked all over it) we found ourselves just anchoring at the mouth of the river — scuttlebutt has it that we were ordered back (?). Finally upped anchor and got underway again at about 1100, after seeing our last of Hubbard, with mixed feelings, i.e. — envy and delight. He talked himself into some soft liaison job ashore and most of the fellows envied his getting such a soft berth, concerning what an ass he is. Personally, I would rather have a fool like him back here, then it than up in the thick of it, where mistakes cost lives.
[PickAnotherID: This appears to be a prophetic entry regarding Hubbard, considering the Don Isidro catastrophe he would set in motion while in Australia. And also setting the start of a pattern seen later in his Navy career, manages to get himself out of harm’s way before the ship sails towards combat.]
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“These things called ‘universes’ are games. And really the most valuable thing that a thetan possesses is his spirit of play. His spirit of play is sensation of play, and is not just energy. It’s a tremendous sensation. A guy has practically lost it if he’s here on Earth at all. Spirit of Play. It’s tremendous: he’s depending on all sorts of the soggiest, low tone scale emotions imaginable in order to get any sensation. In substitute for what? Spirit of Play. For instance, sex is, boy, that’s about eighth-rate as an emotion. It is just dull, incalculably dull compared to the rapidity, randomity and actual sensation of the Spirit of Play. It’s way up there. And you couldn’t possibly think that anybody could be serious and win through this universe. The more serious they get — 1.5 is real serious — why, of course, the more serious they get the more they have to do things by flows, and the acre they have to agree and the more they have to follow the rules, and the more broken the piece becomes.” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 9, 1952
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“In answer to Income Clerk’s query, the following points apply with No exceptions: 1. Persons leaving SEA ORG get billed for all their courses they may have incurred at full price. 2. A Course whether finished or just started is always charged for at full price. 3. Reviews are paid for by the hour and at full price — includes the leaving Review. 4. If the person has worked at an Advanced Org prior to coming to Sea Org any courses they may have incurred whilst there are also billed for at full price. We are not in the business of free services and arrangements must be made prior to the person leaving regarding meeting weekly payments for the debt he has incurred with the Sea Org.” — Lt. Robin Roos, CS-3, December 9, 1968
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“When and if corporate Scientology will implode, and the even bigger unknown, how? In my craziest ‘conspiracy theory’ mind, I can see a path where they will not actually fold up. I can fairly easily envision a marry-up of Black Dianetics, Psychiatry, and the oligarchy which currently rules my country, the USA. In fact I can already see progression in that direction. Doesn’t have to go that way, but that would be my proposal for Conditional Target #1. Even if most Conditional Targets are wrong, it’s better than the current program which is mostly, ‘Wait and See.’”
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1997: Andreas Heldal-Lund’s Operation Clambake site was partially closed this week by his ISP. “This resulted in the main Operation Clambake literally being unavailable. Luckily I got mirrors, but damn if I’m going to accept this! The pages mentioned are the main entrance to the site and has resulted in many visitors mailing me asking what is going on. It’s supposed to be closed because the Norwegian cult lawyers claimed they violated CoS/RTC copyright. This time they really made a mess though, what they closed now are pages made by Roland Rashleigh-Berry, Dave Touretzky and myself. If I have to sue my ISP and the cult lawyers in Norway, and if I have to fly Roland and Dave over to Norway as witnesses, these pages are staying on Clambake! After talking to my ISP, they realised they had made a mistake and gave me their excuse. My pages are opened again. The claims from CoS/RTC are now being looked at by their lawyers. Now they are sick of the clams, they are maybe ready for a lawsuit. This is the biggest ISP in Norway, and with CoS already having problems getting lawyers to work for them – this could be interesting.”
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“Miscavige has billions at his disposal and he has thousands of lackeys and soldiers to order around. He’s the Teflon Pope.”
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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.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), false imprisonment, aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Next hearing scheduled for December 21.
— 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] Date night at the Scientology Sunday service: How one teenager was lured into Hubbardism
[TWO years ago] Jingle Bell Crock: LAPD cozies up to Scientology at its faux-Christmas shindig
[THREE years ago] David Miscavige will be in Africa on New Year’s Day to mark an actual Scientology expansion
[FOUR years ago] DID BOB BLOW? Evidence that Scientology may have lost its biggest donor of all time
[FIVE years ago] Disconnection, neglect, and suicide: Scientology, it’s even worse than you think
[SIX years ago] Document leak: When the FBI investigated Scientology’s bizarre New Mexico vault
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology ambush! Another crazy encounter, this time with Marc Headley at Int Base
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology asks for psychiatric examination of Laura DeCrescenzo in forced-abortion lawsuit
[NINE years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology Needs Your Cash!
[TEN years ago] SMERSH, Scientology Breakthroughs, and a Funeral: Sailing on the Apollo, Dec 4 – 10
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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 2,509 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,014 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,534 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,554 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,445 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,752 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,620 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,394 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,725 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,198 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,514 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,080 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,999 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,167 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,748 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,009 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,045 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,760 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,285 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 640 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,815 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,366 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,515 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,835 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,690 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,809 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,165 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,468 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,574 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,972 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,848 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,431 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,926 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,180 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,289 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on December 9, 2021 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, 1995-2020 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