Click here to view other Public Service Announcements You can absolutely pass the message around to Safeguard and Improve the environment! Just click on the video above and send it on to your friends!
French Canopus Nuclear Test
French Canopus Nuclear Test I just saw this incredible photo of the French series of "Canopus" nuclear tests. This shot was taken in 1968 by the French army in the Fangataufa atoll. Codenamed Canopus, it yielded 2600 kt.In the awesome, terrible beauty of something of this magnitude, one can't forget how critical it is that we all learn to simply understand each other, learn to communicate with one another, respect one another's religion, and generally learn to live together in peace. This is the point of groups like The Way to Happiness Foundation .
Getting VideoBlogging Working with Xeeks
Okay, if any of you saw the previous video post I did on Scientology Volunteer Ministers in Taiwan , you'll see that I wedged some YouTube video in there. Some might wonder how. Well, the tool I used was just making use of the Flock Browser 's built-in blogging capability. It's pretty easy, actually: Browse around until you find the video that you want to blog about. In Flock, hover your mouse over the video that you want to blog. A little Flock icon will come up, and you'll have a "blog this" option. Just click it and a blog window will pop up, with some nifty Embed code all tucked in there. Type your blog post. Switch to HTML mode, and do a select-all, and ctrl+C of the code. Log into your Xeeks blog, and make a new blog post. Click the little "HTML" checkbox in your editor. Ctrl+V (paste) the code into your editor. Click "Add new entry" at the bottom. It'll then post the video in your blog! Hope that was remotely helpful!
Scientology Volunteer Ministers in Taiwan
Okay - I finally figured out a hack for using my Xeeks account to get some interesting blogging features working. Unfortunately, though, it's an incomplete hack and doesn't really result in them all working. But fine -- hopefully it results in the Scientology VM video below showing up for you. The below video is from the tour being done by the Volunteer Ministers of Taiwan, on a tour sponsored by the International Association of Scientologists . The tour uses the techniques taught in the Scientology Handbook to help people prepare for and deal with their lives, and the little disasters that one can run into through life. Embedded Video
Using Dianetics to Ease Pain from a Difficult Childhood
I was just logging on to Xeeks to write about something entirely different, but ended up coming across a user who seemed like they had a real difficult childhood which was affecting them right now - at the age of 26. I couldn't help but make a post on her blog, hoping that I could help a bit. See, many people -- not knowing how the mind works and how things can get carried with you in your reactive mind for a really long time, end up carrying with them painful emotion from their childhoods that they just really could do without. Handling that, really, is the entire purpose of Dianetics -- something that is as relevant now as when that book was released in 1950. Dianetics handles the reactive mind -- the part of the mind which makes these painful moments continue to affect you - even 20 years later. Sometimes it continues to affect you in ways that you don't even know -- making you do silly things and act in ways that really can perplex you and others. Dianetics itself was recently (as of July) re-released in an event by Mr. David Miscavige -- the Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center , the organization which holds the Scientology and Dianetics trademarks and ensures that the religion stays pure and that people use it properly. Dianetics was completely restored to the way that L. Ron Hubbard originally wanted it, and as such it is a brilliantly easy read for anyone looking to handle such things in their lives. In any case, rather than going to drugs or some stupid other non-handling of such things, I would just recommend from my heart that you either go to a library and read or pick up Dianetics on the internet , and just sit by yourself and read it. It will handle more things than you know. Technorati Profile
API for Xeeks - any ideas?
Here's one for you, which my average blog readers probably won't know. Do you know if there's a way to publish to xeeks remotely with XML -- such that you could use such a tool like Flock or Microsoft Live Writer to be able to post to it? My Xeeks blog is one of my favourite, but unfortunately I only come back to it every so often because of the fact that I do the rest of my blogging out of LiveWriter, but haven't figured out how to use LiveWriter with Xeeks. If all that I just said is a misunderstood word , well, disregard this. But if you have ideas on this, let me know.
Cruise "Valkyrie" Pic Released
This first photo of Scientologist Tom Cruise was released the day before yesterday, which I just saw over on IESB . Per their write-up on this:
"Severely wounded in combat, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg returns from
Africa to join the German Resistance and help create Operation
Valkyrie, the complex plan that will allow a shadow government to
replace Hitler's once he is dead. But fate and circumstance conspire to
thrust Stauffenberg from one of many in the plot to a double-edged
central role. Not only must he lead the coup and seize control of his
nation's government... He must kill Hitler himself."
As I, personally, have always been intrigued with World War II (who knows what in the heck I was doing last lifetime, but could have something to do with it) I can't wait to see this one.
Cruise himself has been making a total stir with the making of this movie, mostly due to the amazing interest the German people have with Scientology . Creeps in the German government keep trying to keep the lid on it, but every time Cruise's name is mentioned in the media there, there's just a wave of questions into Scientology organizations around Germany. Now, with Mr. David Miscavige 's release of the Basics , there is at least a real way that the German people can find out about Scientology -- instead of hitting the media they can just get a German Scientology book and read it straight from there what Scientologists actually believe.
My Favourite Scientology Blog
I write on handful of blogs every so often about Scientology , seeing as though I'm a Scientologist and many times feel I have something to say on it. Going through my normal Internet day today, though, I remembered this blog all of the sudden and came back to see how it was doing. Haven't posted here in months! Why's that? Well, probably one of the biggest reasons is the interface. I haven't figured out how to post to this blog from either Windows LiveWriter or through Flock -- which are my preferred blogging tools right now. If I'm on my linux box, I use Flock, or if I'm on Vista I'll go with Live Writer. In either case, both make it royally fast to be able to bust out a blog post as fast as I can think, pasting in whatever graphics I want to use. For instance, today I was studying my Basic Scientology Books, and decided to write a post on Mr. David Miscavige 's release of these books just a few weeks ago. I busted open my Live Writer and threw in some photos from the nifty Bridge Publications site on the Scientology Basics , and there you were -- it's done . Can't really do the same thing with my Xeeks blog. In any case, I do like this little thing so am hoping some other blogger interfaces might come to be integrated with it.
Volunteer Ministers Needed in Mozambique to deal with Flooding
The Church of Scientology International and the Church of Scientology of Johannesburg in South Africa are putting out a call to all Scientology Volunteer Ministers and people who have wanted to train to be Volunteer Ministers, to saddle up and get to the Zambezi river in Mozambique to help with the massive flooding they're having there. Following is the release on this from ScientologyToday : The
Church of Scientology of Johannesburg urges all Scientology Volunteer
Ministers in Southern Africa to join the Scientology Disaster Relief
Team, preparing to move into Mozambique in the wake of Cyclone Favio.
With estimates of more than 120,000 homeless
from this and earlier flooding, and possibilities of a second cyclone
hitting this weekend, supplies, funds and emergency relief personnel
are urgently needed.
Scientology Volunteer Ministers are
needed to lead the teams and train others who want to help. With
hundreds of thousands needing assistance, the VM team will follow the
pattern developed over recent years, of training local residents and
other volunteers and emergency relief personnel in the techniques from
the Scientology Handbook . This maximizes their ability to
provide help, and was effective in their work after the South East
Asian tsunami of December 2004, the 2005 hurricanes in the US, cyclones
in Australia and typhoons and earthquakes in Indonesia and the
Philippines.
The team is funded in the field entirely
by donations, and anyone who can do so is urged to help. You can give
your donation online at the Volunteer Ministers web site.
If you can participate in the relief
effort, contact the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Coordinator at the
Church of Scientology of Johannesburg, or visit www.volunteerministers.org .
References:
Scientology Mission Opens in Huntington Park, CA
Sorry that I haven't posted in a while. I've been a busy boy of late! Here's a new mission opening that just happened in the Los Angeles area, featured on Scientology Today . Huntington Park is home to the first Hispanic Scientology Mission in
Los Angeles the Church of Scientology Mission of Huntington Park.
The
Grand Opening of the first Hispanic Scientology Mission in Los Angeles
the Church of Scientology Mission of Huntington Park
The City has a rich Hispanic heritage dating
back to the end of the 18th Century, when a soldier, finding himself in
the New World in Alta California, surveyed a vast tract of land
29,000 acres or 117 Square miles; nearly half the size of Madrid and
claimed it for himself and his personal friend, the king of Spain.
Several years later the Mexican government granted ownership of the
land to his son, who named it Rancho San Antonio.
Los Angeles is a microcosm of the
cultural crossroads of American, with people from 140 countries and
speaking 96 different languages calling the city home. But Huntington
Park, though little more that six miles from downtown Los Angeles, has
maintained its cultural roots, with over 95% of its 61,000 residents
being Hispanic.
The festivities on the day of its grand
opening including Mexican music, dancing and pi๑atas. There were booths
up and down the street with good food and entertainment throughout the
afternoon.
During the ceremony, an executive from the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles
addressed the crowd to let them know that Scientology missions have a
special role to reach out into their communities and help people at a
grassroots level. Whether giving a hand to resolve familial upsets,
drug abuse, problems with relationships, troubles with co-workers or
difficulties raising children, Scientology has effective technology, developed by L. Ron Hubbard , that anyone can learn and apply.
The owner of the Mission's premises, a
long-time member of the local Chamber of Commerce and a prominent
member of the community, came to the stage to personally acknowledge
the new mission. "I know that the church of Scientology Mission of
Huntington Park will be an asset to our community by providing the help
that is vitally needed here," he said. "With all of us working
together, I know that we can create a huge change in Huntington Park."
Alberta Acostal, who established the
mission, spoke of something L. Ron Hubbard, once wrote: "My own
philosophy is that one should share what wisdom he has, one should help
others to help themselves," and said "By putting this new church here,
I am ensuring that the people of Huntington Park can and will find
solutions to their problems."
And with no less than the Mayor thanking
the Mission for being there, it was clear to the staff and executives
that the whole community had embraced the Mission as a partner in
creating a better future for Huntington Park.
For more information on Scientology Missions, visit the web site of Scientology Missions International .
Rev. John Carmichel: Scientology is World's Fastest-Growing Religion
Since the New York Daily News article was reprinted in the Jan. 25
Times Union under the headline "Jennifer Lopez rumored to be
Hollywood's newest Scientologist ," Ms. Lopez seems to have explained
herself on this subject.
The more basic errors that could remain in your readers' minds are on the subject of Scientology .
Scientology
is the fastest growing religion in the world today, having been chosen
by millions because it helps them lead better lives of greater
happiness, self-respect, and respect for others.
It has gained
the enthusiasm of these people -- whether widely known for their
creativity or perhaps just locally known for their kindness, or
independence of spirit -- because it provides practical, workable
answers to the problems each of us face.
Brushing off a vital
international religious movement as fuel for gossip is a mistake.
People interested in the wiser course should read a book such as
"Dianetics" by Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard .
REV. JOHN CARMICHAEL
Church of Scientology of New York Refs:
Scientology Human Rights Campaign Teaching Youth their Rights
I guess you are never too young to learn your rights and responsibilities!
Youth
for Human Rights International President, Mary Shuttleworth, holding a
workshop for young people on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
That is a basic concept behind the Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) educational campaign.
With the help of the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International
YHRI has created informational materials to reach children and teens
and educate them on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
One of the most popular and effective
facets of their campaign are the YHRI human rights public service
announcements. These 30 short films describe each of the 30 rights
guaranteed by the Universal Declaration. Although made to communicate
to youth, these 30 to 60 second ads appeal to people of all ages,
capturing the spirit of each right visually and leave a lasting
impression through their emotional impact.
In countries all over the world, local
chapters of Youth for Human Rights International contact TV stations,
movie theaters and stores to air the public service announcements. They
provide workshops to schools, community groups and clubs to bring the
message of human rights to young people, emphasizing that it is up to
them to create a better world.
Last week, cities throughout the United
States celebrated the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, a unique
holiday which is known as "a day on not a day off." Americans
are encouraged to spend this day contributing to their communities, and
Youth for Human Rights International chapters all over the country
spent the day holding events and workshops on human rights.
For more information on Youth for Human Rights International visit their web site at www.youthforhumanrights.org
New Scientology Mission in Smolino in Russia
Staff
and members gather in front of the new Scientology ission, which
offers Scientology and Dianetics books, and introductory courses and
spiritual counseling to the people of Chelyabinsk, Russia.
A center for education and the arts for the
region, Cheliabinsk is also the home of the newest Scientology Mission
in Russia the Church of Scientology Mission of Smolino.
The mission, located in the administrative city center, is the third Scientology mission in the city.
The ribbon cutting ceremony signifies the official opening of the Church of Scientology Mission of Smolino.
Landmark Scientology Church Openes in Berlin
Right down the street from the Brandenburg gate, the new Church of Scientology opened up in Berlin . As was announced by Mr. David Miscavige at the Scientology New Year Celebration, the building was renovated from top to bottom in classic Bauhaus style, and can now accommodate over 700 Scientologists and visitors at any given time. Their new website (www.scientology.de ) has a nice photo gallery which shows the place off.
New DVD Released - L. Ron Hubbard's Interview on Scientology
Last night, released on DVD, was the famous
filmed interview with L. Ron Hubbard , An Introduction to Scientology .
This was released at the main Scientology New Year celebration in Los Angeles just now, by Mr. David Miscavige - Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center . Similar to the release done last March by Mr. Miscavige of L. Ron Hubbard's Clearing Congress , the DVD An Introduction to Scientology encompassed hundreds of thousands of man-hours of work to restore and produce.
I
would definitely recommend it for anyone who is endevoring to find out
what Scientology is all about. More data on it can be found at www.scientology.org/interview/ .
Further Resources:
Do Scientologists Celebrate Christmas?
I've had some questions asked me over the last days, as to: "Hey - you're a Scientologist . Do you do Christmas?" Well, in one word, yes -- I do. I've had Christmas every year I've been in Scientology . It's not really part of the religion, per se, but is certainly a custom we observe. I also found an article from ScientologyToday which covers this at length: The holiday season should be a time of joy. But for too many it is marred by antagonism, anxiety, even despair. So, is there a way to guarantee that the next few weeks will really be the "happy holidays" they sing about? And to help anyone get into the Christmas spirit?
"The Scientology religion contains practical tools you can use throughout the year," said Rev. Bob Adams, Vice President of the Church of Scientology International, in his holiday message this week. "And what makes these tools special is how easy they are to learn and how effective they are."
According to Adams, a cheerful or enthusiastic attitude toward life is something anyone can accomplish, not only for himself or herself but for friends and family as well.
"If I were to tell you that all you have to do, to feel better, is to communicate, you might not believe me," said Adams, "but it's true."
He was referring to a concept discovered by Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard โ the A-R-C triangle.
The Scientology Handbook describes this triangle in these terms:
"Affinity, reality and communication form the ARC triangle, with each point dependent upon the other two. These are the component parts of understanding."
"A principal application of ARC is to increase affinity, reality and communication, and thus understanding, between oneself and another. How does one talk to somebody else? "The way to do this is to establish reality by finding something with which you and the other person agree.
"Then you attempt to maintain as high an affinity level as possible by knowing there is something you can like about him.
"All three corners of the ARC triangle will have been established and you are then able to talk to him."
Adams went on to say, "Now it can sometimes be a real challenge to find something you agree about, and it can be rough maintaining a high level of affinity for someone who is having a go at you. But the more skill one has in communication, the better he or she can raise the other two corners of the triangle. And when you try it out a few times and see how effective it is, you will know it's absolutely worth the effort."
Adams also pointed out that fortunately, communication skill is something anyone can learn. And with it being a surefire route to a happier life, it's certainly worth learning more about.
For more information about how you can improve your communication ability and become more skilled at applying the A-R-C triangle, visit your local Scientology church or mission or get a copy of The Scientology Handbook .
Bushfire Photos: If this doesn't describe why help is needed, what will?
Scientology Mission Opens in Tujunga, CA
The towns of Sunland and Tujunga in the Crescenta Valley of Los Angeles
County, California have an important new addition, with the grand
opening last weekend of Church of Scientology Mission of
Sunland-Tujunga.
The
Executive Director of the Church of Scientology of Pasadena welcomed
the Scientology Mission of Sunland-Tujunga at its grand opening last
week.
There was a feeling of excitement in the air
on the chilly December afternoon, when distinguished members of the
community welcomed the Mission to its home.
A representative of the Foothill Division
of the LAPD, proud of Sunland-Tujunga having the lowest crime rate in
Los Angeles, spoke of looking forward to the Mission's partnership in
crime prevention programs.
The Chairperson of the Sunland-Tujunga
Neighborhood Council described the Mission's community activities as
"real honest solutions to the day-to-day problems people face."
On hand also was the Interfaith
Representative for the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council, who read
from an essay by Scientology Founder, L. Ron Hubbard, emphasizing the
importance of religion in improving the quality of life.
The
Interfaith Representative for the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
read from an essay by Scientology Founder, L. Ron Hubbard, and
emphasized the importance of religion in improving the quality of life.
The Executive Director of the Church of Scientology of Pasadena
welcomed the Mission staff, and let them know her staff and executives
are there to help them with any direction of service they may need.
Finally, Linda Quay, the chief executive
of the Mission, joined the Captain for the Sunland-Tujunga Association
for a Better Living Environment (S.T.A.B.L.E) in a pledge to work
together to rid the community of crime, drugs, and gang activity.
When the honored guests cut the ribbon,
the whole neighborhood was filled with the cheers of those attending,
who rushed into the Mission to tour the new facilities.
The Church of Scientology Mission of
Sunland-Tujunga offers Scientology and Dianetics spiritual counseling
and basic courses, and their Scientology Volunteer Ministers are there
for anyone in need of help.
Visit the mission at 8828 Foothill Boulevard, Sunland CA 91040 or contact them at 818 951 3601 or
sunland@scientology.net
Scientology Volunteers - Australia Bushfire Firefighting
Just saw this on the Australian Yahoo! News: "We are doing backburning operations around Elephant Pass and
Elephant Road today," Jo Field from the Tasmanian Fire Service said.
"We are confident that will be done before any forecast weather changes
and are encouraging those who don't have their action plan in place or
are sick or elderly to evacuate."
In Victoria, a man was seriously hurt when his bulldozer overturned
while he tried to fight fires near Dargo in Victoria on Sunday.
The man was trapped under the vehicle for three hours, suffering head,
back and stomach injuries. He is in a stable condition in hospital in
Melbourne.
Firefighters in the state are taking advantage of cooler weather to
backburn and build containment lines around a number of blazes in the
northeast and Gippsland regions, before further warm weather arrives on
Wednesday.
The army is to remain in Victoria for another two weeks, helping
authorities fight the fires, which have already burned out more than
680,000 hectares of bushland.
A number of schools in the region, which were closed because of intense
fire activity last week, are expected to reopen on Monday.
Two fires near Tumut and Narrabri in New South Wales have been brought largely under control.
Now, I don't speak in hectares -- I speak in acres rather. But that's quite a fair sum of land. That
said, it's still rather important that people help out all they can
with the aid actions in the Philippines. If you know of a way to help,
contact any of the following for more data:
Bushfires still out of hand
The fire line of the bushfires is now apparently over 270 km long. From what I heard, it's already burned an area of Victoria, Australia, which is roughly the size of the country of Luxembourg. The
Scientology Volunteer Ministers are on the ground there now, though I've not heard anything else than what's on the Scientology Volunteer Ministers site right now.
If you have any way of helping, contact the
Scientology Volunteer Ministers Coordinator .
{ Last Page } { Page 1 of 4 } { Next Page }