Scientology’s weirdly detailed shrine to L. Ron Hubbard in Florida even has ocean sounds

[Hubbard in the room that is now lovingly recreated at Flag]

Our thanks again to Rasha, who rushed to us the newest Source magazine out of Scientology’s spiritual mecca, the Flag Land Base in Clearwater, Florida. Most of it is the usual drivel, encouraging members to drop large sums on a visit so they can achieve Super Power or the L. Rundowns. But among the usual blather, one item really caught our attention.

Continue reading Scientology’s weirdly detailed shrine to L. Ron Hubbard in Florida even has ocean sounds

Here’s an example of how Scientology’s ‘disconnection’ is designed to eat away at you

[Carol Nyburg, with the son, Jeff, who didn’t turn his back on her]

We’ve written several times about Carol Nyburg. Many ex-Scientologists remember her as the friendly accommodations registrar at the Flag Land Base — it was Carol’s job to get you placed in the right rooms when you came for an extended stay at Scientology’s spiritual mecca.

Continue reading Here’s an example of how Scientology’s ‘disconnection’ is designed to eat away at you

Juliette Lewis wants on ‘Red Table Talk’ — and here’s what Jada Smith should ask her

[Jada Pinkett Smith and Juliette Lewis]

By now you’ve no doubt seen various recaps of yesterday’s “Red Table Talk” episode featuring Leah Remini and Jada Pinkett Smith, including our own. As we said yesterday, Leah made the most of her appearance, and a huge new audience was exposed to Scientology’s controversies.

But for us, one of the most interesting things about the show occurred before the episode actually aired.

Continue reading Juliette Lewis wants on ‘Red Table Talk’ — and here’s what Jada Smith should ask her

Jada Pinkett Smith reconciles with Leah Remini and puts herself in Scientology’s crosshairs

A highly-anticipated summit between Leah Remini and Jada Pinkett Smith took place on Jada’s Facebook series, “Red Table Talk,” which was released this afternoon. The 20-minute episode was billed in pre-show publicity as a way for the two women to reconcile after a public spat between them over Scientology.

Continue reading Jada Pinkett Smith reconciles with Leah Remini and puts herself in Scientology’s crosshairs

Who Scientology’s ‘Int Base’ is rooting for in tomorrow’s local election

[Catherine Fraser, arguing that it’s not a public road]

Like the rest of the country, voters in Riverside County, California will be going to the polls tomorrow for a highly anticipated midterm election. But besides governors and members of Congress on the ballot, there will be local elections going on. And in Riverside County, that includes a contest for sheriff.

Continue reading Who Scientology’s ‘Int Base’ is rooting for in tomorrow’s local election

Scientology is pulling out all the stops for its next gleaming Clearwater landmark

[The future L. Ron Hubbard Hall]

Rod Keller has a great report for us today on David Miscavige’s next precious object, the planned performance hall in Clearwater right next to the Super Power building…

Continue reading Scientology is pulling out all the stops for its next gleaming Clearwater landmark

Never public: L. Ron Hubbard Jr.’s devastating 1972 takedown of his father and Scientology

[Nibs and his Dad]

We were inspired last week when author Alec Nevala-Lee chose the date of his book release to make public for the first time a really amazing document from Scientology’s early history. And since we had a book of our own come out this week, we thought we’d do the same.

Continue reading Never public: L. Ron Hubbard Jr.’s devastating 1972 takedown of his father and Scientology

Freewinds, part 3: How the cruise ship fits Scientology’s methods of obfuscation and lies

Jeffrey Augustine concludes his series on the history of Scientology’s private barge, the Freewinds. See his earlier parts one and part two.

Continue reading Freewinds, part 3: How the cruise ship fits Scientology’s methods of obfuscation and lies

Scientology’s new survey is a hoot — we’re itching for your answers!

On Monday, we told you that we’d gotten our mitts on a new Sea Org application that Scientology is asking marks to fill out before they sign billion-year contracts and start working around the clock.

Continue reading Scientology’s new survey is a hoot — we’re itching for your answers!

On sale today: Battlefield Scientology — the best of the Bunker, with Paulette Cooper!

Some time ago, Paulette Cooper came to us with an idea for a book. Not everyone keeps up with the Underground Bunker on a daily basis, she pointed out, and others are arriving here for the first time every day. Wouldn’t it be useful if some of the best stories from our years of Scientology coverage were gathered in one volume?

Continue reading On sale today: Battlefield Scientology — the best of the Bunker, with Paulette Cooper!

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