PS - it's tomorrow morning over here. And this is all over the news. Because Senator Xenophon spoke in Parliament (hence, the 'parliamentary privilege' bit), he can say pretty much anything he likes and be free from defamation prosecution. Our defamation laws are far tighter over here than in the States (freedom of speech laws aren't protected by the lovely amendments you have), and this has discouraged many former Scientologists from speaking out.
On another matter, it's Spring here, for those of you who have trouble with the whole dateline/Southern Hemisphere thingo. Not that this has anything to do with Scientology. #xenu
@DevilsAvocadoRedux: My futuristic Kiwi cronies assure me everyone travels around in giant inflatable balls and monorail bike systems. On the downside, everything smells of bad eggs.
@Vivien Smith-Smythe-Smith: And you're a lovely, welcoming people at that... But I STILL can't get my head around the Rotorua love. "Culture Capital"? "The smell's healthy"? I just... sigh.
I will admit to zorbing, and going to that sheeopodrome thing. But then headed back home to Welly, where the wind might knock you over, but at least it's due to gusts, not stench. #xenu
@limber: I actually live in Wellington now, and as someone who grew up not far from Rotorua (next town over, actually), I am always amazed at the double image that town pulls off. It's a tourist mecca for all things 'ethnic' and geothermal, yet the crime rate and living conditions of a disproportionate number of its citizens is abysmal. Ever read Once Were Warriors? Yeah, somewhat unsurprisingly, the author grew up there.
@DevilsAvocadoRedux: Really? I am? I just sorta like Joeys. And anyone fighting with Scientology is hilarious and so very Sci-Fi, especially someone named Xenophon, and, yes, well, the whole criminal thing is true isn't it? Sorry if I offended.
How can you really be upset, though? There's an American real estate agent (Tom Cruise look alike in the photo there) running Scientology. Take all the free swings at us (America in general) that you like. Seriously.
@Spirit Fingers: Me? Offended? By you? Never, you great big Falcor, you. Crack as many convict jokes as you like. I have skin as thick as a wombat's hide. All that criminal blood served simply to strengthen our hybrid vigour down here.
I guess here would be where I'd insert the smiley-face emoticon. But I have a Pavlovian response to emoticons that usuallly results in copious quantities of chunky, bile-filled vomit. So, instead, here's lots of kisses for you and your joeys...xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx...#xenu
@m4ximusprim3: Something good the Australian government is doing. Apparently some mama kangos don't always survive the frequent bushfires, but the government has developed programs saving the Joeys so they don't starve and become dehydrated.
Yes, poor babies, but good on the Australian gov, for taking care of them. #xenu
@m4ximusprim3: Lots of them also survive car crashes where their mums are squished, but they're cushioned by the fluffy pouch. Never let a kangaroo behind the wheel of a car. #xenu
@m4ximusprim3: I think they're mostly rescued. Not sure why the mamas aren't as lucky. If I had to guess maybe the pouch is their protector and also serves as a source of nourishment from the mother, thereby they survive. That is, if I'm remembering 9th grade biology correctly.
@DevilsAvocadoRedux: Thanks, lovey. Emoticons! Hell noes. Just slit my throat like an Australian bandit why don't ya? Heh.
@DevilsAvocadoRedux: Cool! An Aussie! This Web thing really is World Wide, ain't it.
P.S. The biggest reason we like the "Z" stateside is because, in Scrabble, we get 10 points for using it. Also, there's Zima, every American's favorite elixir. #xenu
@AzureTexan: Ah, the source of many an Australian scrabble feud. According to Wiki, the ratio is 3:1 in favour of using 's' over 'z' within Australia. So 'z' spelling should technically be allowed, as it's used a quarter of the time. However, try telling that to your competitors.
As for the spelling of favour/favor? I think it would be remiss to ditch the 'u'. Rules are rules. #xenu
@DevilsAvocadoRedux: Ah, but therein lies the problem. The 'U' is worth only one point. Then again, if you get it in conjunction with the 'Q,' you can do some Scrabbtacular damage. #xenu
@Benny: Wow! I haven't had such a Scrabblecentric conversation since the last time I lived with my Mom! (Perhaps we should talk about whiskey, engines and shotguns now.) #xenu
Another Aussie reference? Back in the day, during an AC/DC concert in my hometown, I reached out and touched Angus Young's left shoe.
I reckoned it made me an honorary Aussie, and I've kept on believing it. #xenu
@AzureTexan: I will trade you my citizenship if it means I can work in the States fulltime. Deal? I currently have to leave every three months and it's a total drag on my bank account. #xenu
Ugh. Once again the CoS manage to respond in the worst way possible and perpetuate the impression that they are inhuman monsters.
'Disgruntled former members'? They are disgruntled because your deranged pseudoscientific rituals killed their kids. Express some sympathy, wish them well, and move on. Try some good PR for a change.
Stop pretending you don't have a problem and start pretending to address it. #xenu
@laurenhasmoney: Thanks I just read your link. Here's what sticks out:
"He wanted the church to have an active political stance and the church is prohibited from doing so." Davis said that taking an active political stance would have jeopardized the church’s tax exempt status.
What a load of total bullshit. If Pastor Rick Warren can come out in public support of Prop 8, then Tommy Davis can come out in public opposition of Prop 8. It has nothing to do with losing your tax exempt status (but thanks for the reminder on where your values are, $cientology) - it has EVERYTHING to do with what you stand for. And $cientology is known for lumping homosexuality with deviant behaviors, and therefore somethign the cult is against. #scientology
None of this would bother me in the least if they weren't enjoying a subsidy from the government in the form of a tax exemption. In fact, I think it's high time for the US to consider revoking all tax exemptions for religions. These fairy-story peddlers are all businesses, and should enjoy no more tax exemption than any other marketers. Let them lie to themselves--who fucking cares? Just pay your fucking taxes.
@Mediahohoho: There's also the little issue of them conning people into paying thousands of dollars for services which are claimed to be able to help them under the guise of quasi-scientific nonsense. There's also the disconnection policy - whereby people who leave the cult are not allowed to speak to their families who remain in the church. There's also the little issue of waging a smear campaign against psychiatry. I guess there's also the physical violence and intimidation as well.
Sure, do all that amongst yourselves - but when it impacts other people outside your cult, be prepared to answer for it. #scientology
@PontiusPirate: Yeah, I get it. I think Cults are horrible. These guys, the moonies, those "the family" assholes on C-street and in the US Senate--they're all the same stripe of fraudulent jerkoff. I agree that their habits of criminal wrongdoing should be pursued relentlessly. But my sympathy for their victims is tempered by the fact that everyone is free to follow their conscience and be a dupe and rube. The people I feel sorriest for are the minors who are dragged into the scams through no fault or vulnerabilities of their own. #scientology
@Mediahohoho: Yeah, like Jett Travolta. In Scientology circles, it's simply not acceptable to take anti-seizure medicine, let alone medicine for schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, etc. All because L. Ron got a little miffed at the APA years ago when they came out and said Dianetics was horseshit masquerading as legitimate psychological science. #scientology
@Mediahohoho: I've been thinking the same thing about revoking the tax free status of churches for years. Christian churches have basically turned into PACs for Republicans. I'm sick of big religion sticking their hands out and getting a free ride. I think we should just give them fishing rods and teach them to fish, rather than just giving them free fish all the time. Lazy churches. #scientology
1) His close personal desire to have Tom Cruise's haircut from most of his films from 1983 to 1994.
2) The instant retreat at the mere mention of Xenu. Because, what may I ask, is a crazed cult with mystical numbers and levels, leaders with learning disabilities who wear large medallions of power and/or sacrifice, if it doesn't pray to an otherworldly place named similarly for a phrase coined by Robin Williams most likely on a coke bender?
And he's also probably gay. 'I have enough money to never work a day in my life,' he says." How is this possible? Even if his Dad is loaded b/c Anne never pulled down that kind of money, I thought the Scientologists like to almost bleed people dry, leaving them with just enough energy and will to continue working to make more money to spend on auditing and other bullshit Scientology services? As just the spokesman, I doubt he gets paid enough to live such a lavish lifestyle.
@BadUncle: It's been done, and it works! There was a Defamer story long ago where a tipster did just that, and she covered her young friend's ears and shrieked bloody murder on the Silverlake street. If I recall correctly, she then unfurled her leathery wings and flew away to her storm-topped castle. #scientology
@Sleepyhead: I think I recall that. Didn't she scream that the guy was a "baby-raper" or something vile? They really seem to go right to viciousness very quickly. Ugh. #scientology
was the coolest guy ever. I never met him, so perhaps he was, but from a literary standpoint, he was a hack, and not a good one. He's also deceased.
Ron D. Moore wrote of not one, but several religions more sensible and convincing than scientology: the two competing faiths in Battlestar, and the Klingons' religion.
@bmoreDLJ: He's not just the coolest guy ever! They also think he was a decorated war hero. And a physicist, or something. Certainly a college grad. A bestselling author for the ages. Basically, a bunch of hooey that can be disproven with records, but of course anything like that is ignored by Scientologists.
In reality, Hubbard was holed up with a Satanist and dabbling in bigamy. He also has a file of psychological issues, and the time he spent in the navy saw no action and from what I've read, involved him trying to take over a ship in some weird way and getting disciplined for being a total nutter. #scientology
11/18/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
PS - it's tomorrow morning over here. And this is all over the news. Because Senator Xenophon spoke in Parliament (hence, the 'parliamentary privilege' bit), he can say pretty much anything he likes and be free from defamation prosecution. Our defamation laws are far tighter over here than in the States (freedom of speech laws aren't protected by the lovely amendments you have), and this has discouraged many former Scientologists from speaking out.
On another matter, it's Spring here, for those of you who have trouble with the whole dateline/Southern Hemisphere thingo. Not that this has anything to do with Scientology. #xenu
11/17/09
11/17/09
Also, we copulate through thought-waves. This latter development is not so great. #xenu
11/17/09
Or maybe that's just Rotorua for you. #xenu
11/17/09
I have heard that all New Zealanders HAVE giant inflatable balls. #xenu
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
For those of you unfamiliar with the Haka, see the following, and think about giant balls whilst you watch... #xenu
11/17/09
11/18/09
I will admit to zorbing, and going to that sheeopodrome thing. But then headed back home to Welly, where the wind might knock you over, but at least it's due to gusts, not stench. #xenu
11/18/09
11/17/09
All kinds of ironic and Joeys! Because, really, Joeys.
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
Also: here, joey joey joey! #xenu
11/17/09
How can you really be upset, though? There's an American real estate agent (Tom Cruise look alike in the photo there) running Scientology. Take all the free swings at us (America in general) that you like. Seriously.
Here, have more Joeys in pouches. Wheee!
11/17/09
11/17/09
I guess here would be where I'd insert the smiley-face emoticon. But I have a Pavlovian response to emoticons that usuallly results in copious quantities of chunky, bile-filled vomit. So, instead, here's lots of kisses for you and your joeys...xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx... #xenu
11/17/09
Yes, poor babies, but good on the Australian gov, for taking care of them. #xenu
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
@DevilsAvocadoRedux: Thanks, lovey. Emoticons! Hell noes. Just slit my throat like an Australian bandit why don't ya? Heh.
11/17/09
Working at that place would be such a sweet job. #xenu
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
P.S. The biggest reason we like the "Z" stateside is because, in Scrabble, we get 10 points for using it. Also, there's Zima, every American's favorite elixir. #xenu
11/17/09
We also have a fondness for 'u'. As in 'colour'. #xenu
11/17/09
As for the spelling of favour/favor? I think it would be remiss to ditch the 'u'. Rules are rules. #xenu
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
That's right. Mum with a 'u'. #xenu
11/17/09
Another Aussie reference? Back in the day, during an AC/DC concert in my hometown, I reached out and touched Angus Young's left shoe.
I reckoned it made me an honorary Aussie, and I've kept on believing it. #xenu
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
'Disgruntled former members'? They are disgruntled because your deranged pseudoscientific rituals killed their kids. Express some sympathy, wish them well, and move on. Try some good PR for a change.
Stop pretending you don't have a problem and start pretending to address it. #xenu
11/17/09
11/17/09
10/27/09
10/29/09
It gives a clear picture beyond the gossip and rumors. Real news. #scientology
10/30/09
"He wanted the church to have an active political stance and the church is prohibited from doing so." Davis said that taking an active political stance would have jeopardized the church’s tax exempt status.
What a load of total bullshit. If Pastor Rick Warren can come out in public support of Prop 8, then Tommy Davis can come out in public opposition of Prop 8. It has nothing to do with losing your tax exempt status (but thanks for the reminder on where your values are, $cientology) - it has EVERYTHING to do with what you stand for. And $cientology is known for lumping homosexuality with deviant behaviors, and therefore somethign the cult is against. #scientology
10/27/09
10/27/09
10/27/09
Sure, do all that amongst yourselves - but when it impacts other people outside your cult, be prepared to answer for it. #scientology
10/27/09
10/27/09
10/27/09
10/28/09
10/27/09
Two things concern me:
1) His close personal desire to have Tom Cruise's haircut from most of his films from 1983 to 1994.
2) The instant retreat at the mere mention of Xenu. Because, what may I ask, is a crazed cult with mystical numbers and levels, leaders with learning disabilities who wear large medallions of power and/or sacrifice, if it doesn't pray to an otherworldly place named similarly for a phrase coined by Robin Williams most likely on a coke bender?
10/27/09
10/27/09
10/27/09
10/27/09
10/27/09
10/27/09
10/27/09
10/27/09
10/27/09
10/27/09
[defamer.gawker.com] #scientology
10/27/09
was the coolest guy ever. I never met him, so perhaps he was, but from a literary standpoint, he was a hack, and not a good one. He's also deceased.
Ron D. Moore wrote of not one, but several religions more sensible and convincing than scientology: the two competing faiths in Battlestar, and the Klingons' religion.
10/28/09
In reality, Hubbard was holed up with a Satanist and dabbling in bigamy. He also has a file of psychological issues, and the time he spent in the navy saw no action and from what I've read, involved him trying to take over a ship in some weird way and getting disciplined for being a total nutter. #scientology
10/27/09
10/27/09
[www.xenutv.com] #scientology
10/27/09
No matter what you say nobody is going to believe you anyway so you could just make shit up.
The only job requirement would be keeping a straight face. #scientology