We’ve saved the best for last: Another of Scientology’s newer promo videos that encourage members to pay for expensive upper-level “technology,” and this one is selling Super Power!
Previously, we showed you a promo for Scientology’s notorious “running program,” the Cause Resurgence Rundown. Then we had a slick video about getting auditor training that made use of good-looking models, not Scientologists. And that was followed by a promotion for removing your space cooties at home. And last time the L Rundowns were being sold as a guarantee of “total immortality.”
But today’s video sells that most enticing of Scientology mysteries, the space-age fifth floor “Perceptics” hall in the Flag Building, where the Super Power rundowns are delivered in Clearwater, Florida.
Readers at the Bunker know what we’ve been pretty keen on Super Power since we first revealed floor plans for the massive city-block sized building back in 2012. The grand opening was actually in 2013, and we already have some idea of the nature of the rundowns being delivered.
They turn out to be extremely underwhelming. Like the Super Power rundown that consists of a single question (“Where do you feel safe?”) being asked over and over, for days.
But hey, you’ll come out of it being able to sense the saline content of your cells, so what’s twenty or thirty grand when you get that kind of power!
As always, we’re curious about how Scientology attempts to market such stuff. Here’s how the video goes…
It’s Time to Unleash Your Full Power As a Spiritual Being
It’s Time to Create the New World
Woman: Super Power just gave me a whole new outlook on life. There were definitely universe shifts on every rundown. And each one just builds on the next one.
Man 1: And then moving forward was just leveling up, leveling up, leveling up.
Man 2: Is is one of the most spiritual, emotional, uplifting experiences I’ve ever had. I’m ready to live.
SUPER POWER
Create the New World
You tell us, would this get you to Flag to spend a boatload of cash?
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Technology Cocktail
“The dramatization of the mental image picture (the engram), the demonstration of overt act-motivator sequences and a hundred thousand other Dianetic and Scientology phenomena, went entirely unobserved by psychoanalysts. They even looked at them and saw them not. In that healing consists of getting at what is wrong and making it right, the approach of the Dianeticist was intensely successful.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1956
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Jon Atack and Karen de la Carriere
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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 as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
— The Underground Bunker Podcast
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— SPECIAL: Your Proprietor’s updates on the Danny Masterson trial
[1] Sep 21 [2] Sep 28 [3] Oct 4 [4] Oct 10 [5] Oct 11: Day One [6] Oct 12: Day Two [7] Oct 13: Day Three [8] Oct 17: Day Four [9] Oct 18: Day Five [10] Oct 19: Day Six [11] Special interview with Chris Shelton, Oct 19 [12] Oct 20: Day Seven [13] Oct 21: Day Eight [14] First week in review, with Jeffrey Augustine [15] Oct 24: Day Nine [16] Oct 25: Day Ten [17] Oct 27: Day Eleven [18] Oct 28: Day Twelve [19] Second week in review, with Jeffrey Augustine [20] Halloween special [21] Nov 2: Day Thirteen [22] Nov 3: Day Fourteen [23] Nov 4: Day Fifteen [24] Third week in review [25] Nov 5, Saturday special [26] Nov 6, Sunday special [27] Nov 7, Day Sixteen [28] Lisa Marie Presley breaking news [29] Nov 8, Day Seventeen [30] Nov 9, Day Eighteen [31] Nov 10, Day Nineteen
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“I don’t say that you could walk up to the tomb of Alexander and bring Alexander back into the tomb and have him knock the dust together again and resurrect. See, I don’t say that you could do this. But I don’t say you can’t.” — L. Ron Hubbard, February 5, 1957
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“The demands for books to meet increased org activity generated by the FEBCs returning is a subject of concern. Pubs Org fell low in income after mid-1970 and has not recovered and is travelling at a non-viable level now reflected in its crossed Cash-Bills. Non E has been assigned with a Liability Condition in the offering and a general rocket has been set. A strong US center is being urged by me, an order not fully carried out a long time ago. Measures will have to be taken. Eval in Data Bureau should get to work on its WHY. There was a spectacular stat change in mid 1970 after which no recovery.” — The Commodore, February 5, 1971
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“The risk we are running now is dispersal and distances. All around the planet there are many people who want to do something. But there should be focus points so that those people get contacted and into communication. We have had very bad examples of that in the past. Insanity reigned. I believe now we have the chance and freedom to do it right. This is the ultimate test. There is nothing impeding us anymore. We are many and we are more sane now. On top of it there is no Suppressive over us. We have to just organize this in the fullest sense of the meaning. Organization is not bad. For some, it got a bad name because of Miscavige. But those did not know their LRH on Organization. Organizing is a beautiful thing and it helps human beings regain their pride. Being on one’s own is just effort and there is no pride there except for the insane: ‘Look, I am doing it all by my own.’ LRH was sane enough to understand that the forward progress of Scientology depends on sane organizations applying and promoting the Tech.”
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2001: Kristi Wachter reported a protest in San Francisco. “Time: noon to 2 plus 4:15-4:45; Weather: gorgeous; Picketers: Peaches,
Kristi, Tim, Tory, Murdoch, Keith Henson, Arel Henson, Phr. Loads of Scientologists: Jeff takes pics, Craig hands out libelous bigot fliers and occasionally tries to talk to me & Murdoch, Robin hands out Purif brochures and later bigot fliers. Jeff calls Tory a bitch. Mr. Overt calls me a prostitute (again). Suddenly – Keith & Arel! The Scientologists bring out the video camera. Just as we’re taking the final group photo – Phr! Afterward we go hang at the cafe for two hours, then Murdoch, Phr, & I do another half hour.”
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“The one thing that LRH and D.M. have elevated to a fine art is cheapness. I heard stories about J. Paul Getty when I was a kid and he had nothing on these guys.”
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Mistrial declared November 30. Retrial scheduled, jury selection begins March 29.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Plea deadline scheduled for December 16.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff scheduled to time served with three years supervised release, restitution of $9.7 million.
— Rizza Islam, Medi-Cal fraud: Trial scheduled for March 1 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial hearing December 9.
— Yanti Mike Greene, Scientology private eye accused of contempt of court: Found guilty of criminal and civil contempt.
Civil litigation:
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Complaint filed April 28 in Tampa federal court, Scientology moving to compel arbitration. Plaintiffs filed amended complaint on August 2. Hearing November 17 to argue the arbitration motions, awaiting ruling.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Selection of arbitrators underway. Next court hearing: February 2, 2023.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Stay in place at least through February 7.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Case settled ahead of scheduled Dec 6 trial.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: New trial ordered after appeals court overturned prior ruling.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Lawsuit filed by the FTC and state of Georgia in August, now in discovery phase.
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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
[TWO years ago] Judge to Valerie Haney: You need to get this Scientology ‘arbitration’ underway
[THREE years ago] Scientology provides all the proof you need that Narconon is more than ‘tied’ to it
[FOUR years ago] Tonight, Leah Remini looks at Scientology’s ultimate prize: The protections of tax exemption
[FIVE years ago] Best reactions to last night’s Scientology Super Bowl ad, which asked, ‘Curious?’
[SIX years ago] Scientology’s 2017 Super Bowl ad, ‘Your Full Potential,’ is another mystery sandwich
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology is the bomb diggety, and here’s proof, starring Leah Remini’s husband!
[EIGHT years ago] SCIENTOLOGY DENIED: Australia’s only Narconon rehab center loses zoning fight
[NINE years ago] The secret of everything? It’s time for Scientology’s Original Operating Thetan Level Five!
[TEN years ago] Jenna Miscavige Hill on her Uncle, Scientology’s Leader: A Bully Too Afraid to Show His Face
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology Sunday Funnies: The Denver Miracle!
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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 2,931 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,436 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,986 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,976 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,867 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,171 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,042 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 2,147 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,620 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,936 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,502 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,421 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,589 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,170 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,431 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,468 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,183 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,747 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,062 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,237 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,788 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,919 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,257 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,112 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,231 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,587 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,890 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,996 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,394 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,270 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,853 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,348 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,602 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,711 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on February 5, 2023 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, 1995-2021 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2021), 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
