Since Scientology’s private cruise ship the Freewinds had its wings clipped when the pandemic hit, the church has only increased the flood of propaganda being sent to Scientologists, begging them to come to the ship, which has been stuck in port in Aruba since March 2020.
We’ve showed you a lot of that propaganda over the last year, which has included some slick videos that always give the impression that the Freewinds is still sailing the Caribbean like it used to.
But the fliers make it plain that Scientologists are being asked to come to Aruba, always Aruba, to quarantine for a couple of weeks and then join the “OT Bubble.” The advertisements have even asked Scientologists to consider moving to the ship and using it as an office, another hint that the barge isn’t hitting the high seas again anytime soon.
And if the propaganda tries to give the impression that the ship is still adventuring somewhere, the other thing it does, of course, is give the impression that the ship is a swell spot for all kinds of fun activities enjoyed by lots of passengers.
So we were pretty interested when a tipster showed us that someone recently visited the ship and posted a few photos of what the turnout really looks like.
As you can see from the photo the posted above, it’s a bit underwhelming. But hey, what a theta environment! Here’s the success story the Scientologist posted about it, translated from the Spanish…
Well we continue at the Freewinds, the coolest Adventure on the planet!!!
International public relations convention done.
Route to Infinity Convention done.
This week my goal is to finish the course on how to shatter suppression!
The quarantine of the ship is the best!!! Studying here free of enturbulation is priceless. If you want to get to the ship, contact me. IT WILL BE the best experience of YOUR life. The attention. The food. The academy. The friends. The music. The concerts. The activities are things you have to experience. It’s a bubble, there are no masks. You can cuddle with your friends. I send you a hug and contact me!!!
You can make your Purif here on your survival journey!!!
You are one call away from reaching the boat of your dreams!!!
OK, so maybe “convention” is stretching it a bit here.
But the old barge may have found another way to increase revenue: Convince Scientologists to have their weddings there!
Reader Kestrel notes that the Freewinds is repeatedly being put on the port’s departure list. Last night, for example, it was supposed to be going somewhere at 11 pm. But a satellite feed shows that it’s still tied up to the dock this morning, as it has been since March 20, 2020.
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Scientologist Edgar Winter gets the ‘Trainwreckord’ treatment
When we included musician Edgar Winter in our list of Scientology celebrities, A-Z, our Celebrity Centre source said this:
“Edgar is a musician’s musician. He has very few Scientology friends as his world is music, not Scientology. The sad thing is the credibility he gave to L. Ron Hubbard’s Mission Earth album. It is a stain on an otherwise amazing musical career.”
Oh, how right our source was.
Currently burning up YouTube is a detailed look at what a disaster the Edgar Winter-L. Ron Hubbard collaboration was. The video was posted a few days ago by “Todd in the Shadows,” a YouTuber who takes on bad movies and bad music.
In his “Trainwreckord” series, Todd examines an album that marked a disastrous, perhaps career-ending effort by a successful musician. He did some good homework here about Hubbard and Winter, and if you haven’t already seen it you’ll probably get a kick out of it.
Also: See our previous coverage of the horrible things in Mission Earth.
Bonus items from our tipsters
Here’s some fun ‘safepointing’ going on in Utah.
Michael Mower is Senior Advisor of Community Outreach and Intergovernmental Affairs for Utah Governor Spencer Cox. Here’s his actual caption to the photo:
“Learning from Sandra Lucas about the good works done by Church of Scientology members in Salt Lake and around the world.”
Isn’t that special!
Meanwhile, the Game is So Big!
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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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“The whole theory of psychotherapy fell down and went boom the moment we discovered that we were not treating the first dynamic when we were running engrams. Psychotherapy went by the boards. It died. It turned up its heels, and it has now even ceased to give an odor.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 20, 1954
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“Lack of use of Auditing to handle physical troubles has greatly extended our MO list. The practice of not auditing pcs who did not F/N at Exam and introducing ‘remedies’ has shown us which way not to go. Medicine and drugs reach back into the history of the witchcraft, Satanism, infanticide love potions and handling inter personal relations with arsenic. Born of abominations drugs and medicine continue their career in modern times. The only improvement has been to cut the throat of the patient instead of a sacrificial goat’s. I’m fed up with medicine and the lunatics in the drug business. We should pass a law they must wear the clothing of their trade — conical hats with stars and moons on them and black robes. Our recent stat on MO lines proves it. We are the wave of the future. We should get our feet out of the contaminated past.” — The Commodore, October 20, 1970
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“There is nothing better than Scientology, because through it the dynamics make sense, everything becomes clear and obvious. Yet amazingly, we run straight into counter-intention. There’s a lot of people who have staked an incredible amount on perpetuating and strengthening the grip of apparency on us.”
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1996: Correspondence was posted between the operator of the Huge Cajones anonymous remailer and Helena Kobrin, Scientology attorney. “I represent Religious Technology Center, the owner of the confidential Advanced Technology of the religion of Scientology, and the holder of exclusive rights under the copyrights applicable to the Advanced Technology materials. Someone posting as ‘nobody@huge.cajones.com’ has sent several messages through your remailer which contain copyrighted works belonging to my clients. The postings were made in a code, which we have determined is called rot13 cipher. It is described in an Internet posting as ‘a simple-minded scheme that replaces each letter of the alphabet with the letter that is 13 places ahead or behind it.’ We are therefore requesting the following: Send out a cancellation of these messages. Preserve all information related to the posting which is on your system. This is imperative because it relates to litigation which is in progress, and in which preliminary injunctions have been issued prohibiting posting of these works.”
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“Hubbard was like 12 when he was in Asia. The only thing he was studying was jerking off.”
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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 November 10. Trial tentatively scheduled for February.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for November 19.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30, 2020 at the Eleventh Circuit
— 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 scheduled for November 2.
— 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] What Danny Masterson’s prosecutor revealed about the case in yesterday’s hearing
[TWO years ago] Scientologist anti-vaxx group fundraises on the idea its big California loss was a win
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s astounding pre-history in a new book you really need to read
[FOUR years ago] Scientology’s Flag Building brain injury: In Clearwater, it’s déjà vu all over again
[FIVE years ago] Chris Shelton: What Louis Theroux missed about the Scientology experience in his film
[SIX years ago] Two years after Scientology’s ‘Super Power’ debuted, it’s still a flop
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology is turning Larry Hagman’s house into a drunk tank for celebs
[EIGHT years ago] Next in the Garcia Fraud Lawsuit: Scientology Is Asked to Explain Its Arbitration System
[NINE years ago] 35-Year Scientologist Steve Poore Says Church Leader David Miscavige is “Scared to His Core”
[TEN years ago] Scientologist Grant Cardone to Occupy Wall Street: Get Off Your Asses!
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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 2,459 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,964 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,484 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,504 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,395 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,702 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,570 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,344 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,674 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,148 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,464 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,030 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,949 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,117 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,698 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,959 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,995 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,710 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,235 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 590 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,765 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,316 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,465 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,785 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,640 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,759 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,115 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,418 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,524 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,922 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,798 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,381 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,876 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,130 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,239 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 20, 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
