IAS Sponsors International Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tours

This week was the grand opening of the Asian Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour.

Drums and dragons signaled the start of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Asian Goodwill Tour, which launched this week on Kinmen Island, a small island two kilometers off the coast of Fujian province of China, and 280 kilometers from the island of Taiwan.

The event began with the performance of 24 drummers from the Kai-Sheng Elementary School and a traditional dragon dance.

The magistrate of Kin Men County, Mr. Lee Juh-Feng, welcomed the Goodwill Tour to his island and joined with members of the team in cutting the ribbon, signifying the start of a tour that will take the Volunteer Ministers on their Oriental journey through Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

The President of the Taiwan Church of Scientology, Mei-Tsu Lee, addressed the crowd attending the opening event, giving a description of the Scientology religion and the services the team can provide.

As with the Goodwill Tours in Southern Africa, Brazil, Russia, India and the South Pacific, these Volunteer Ministers will survey civic, government and religious leaders wherever they go, to find what they need to help their communities. With courses and seminars based on the Scientology Handbook by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology Volunteer Ministers prove, time after time, that Something CAN be Done About It.

Anne Archer and Artists for Human Rights

Anne Archer has started a group called Artists for Human Rights.

Here are the upcoming events the group will be involved with:

August 24 & 25
Reception and International Human Rights Art Exhibition, Summit at United Nations Headquarters and Human Rights Concert.

Thursday 24th August - Reception and Art Exhibition

The opening night reception and Art Exhibition on Human Rights will take place at Westwood Gallery at 568 Broadway in SoHo, NY, in which 25 artists will display their works to express their thoughts on human rights.

Friday 25th August

Summit on making human rights a global reality at United Nations headquarters. International representatives will participate.

Artists for Human Rights Concert, Friday night the 25th. This will be an outdoor concert in Union Square Park (14th & Broadway) from 7pm-9pm. Admission is free and all are welcome. For further information, call 323.993.7287 or click here.

Purpose
These events will unite individuals from all cultures and walks of life with the common purpose of making better known the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and bringing about greater peace and tolerance in today's world.

These events are being co-produced by the Church of Scientology International Human Rights Department.

Earth Organization

IAS Freedom Medal Winner, Lawrence Anthony, is also the Founder of Earth Organization

Here's a snippet from their site, showing the way they view the environmental catastrophe that is occuring around us:

Effective environmental action does not mean a small group of people doing a really great job in saving the planet. If we are to truly handle the planetary environment, it requires the work of the men, women and children that inhabit Earth. The Earth Organization, and like-minded groups, are simply the guides to a rehabilitated Planet Earth. After all, this planet belong to all of us and so we each have our piece to do.

The Earth Organizations approach to the environment has always been one of applicable environmentalism tools which can be applied by ANYONE. And we are pleased to announce that we have officially commenced work on one of those tools in the line of education and application.

Earth Org is in the process of creating a fully workable and usable environmental booklet with the purpose of disseminating this data and these tools to the peoples of Earth. Although this is still very much under wraps and not much can be said about this project right now, we can tell you that this book is different to anything that you have previously seen and will include:

• The true theory study on mans relationship to his natural world and the principles on which Earth Org operates.
• The exact, simple points that any person on Earth can follow to contribute to the rehabilitation of our planet.
• Practical application steps for use in the home, at school or in life in general.

The key to this book is that we designed it to be PRACTICAL, and so not only will there be no irrelevant data, but it will also not cover any application that is unrealistic or unwieldy because, lets face it, we are not all going to become vegetarians in the near future, or go out and stop the seal hunt next year.

We will update you on the progress of this booklet but we can tell you that it will be in print before the end of the year, and will be available in e-format as well as hard copy.

Freedom

Freedom has been narrowed in its defintion to mean "freedom from." Freedom is also freedom to.

One of the most important freedoms is the freedom to help.

Projects Funded by the IAS

The IAS funds education programs. The web site explains why this is a priority.

REVERSING THE DECLINE OF LITERACY AND EDUCATION

“The end goal of any society, as it addresses the problem of education, is to raise the ability, the initiative and the cultural level, and with all these the survival level of that society. And when a society forgets any one of these things it is destroying itself by its own educational mediums.”
-- L. Ron Hubbard

"Internationally, nearly one billion people are illiterate or functionally illiterate.

"For these people, reading and understanding a book, or even a simple pamphlet, is impossible.

"L. Ron Hubbard developed Study Technology, which enables one to overcome the Barriers to Study, and factually cure illiteracy.

"The IAS and its members have long provided grants to bring this Study Technology to countries and communities all across the world. These grassroots programs have trained thousands of teachers and have helped countless children and adults improve their literacy levels, and thereby their prospects for a better life."

These projects are funded entirely by member donations.

What is the Purpose of the IAS?

The IAS site includes a section on why the IAS was formed:

The International Association of Scientologists (IAS) was formed at a convention held at Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead, Sussex, England, in 1984. Delegates from around the world representing the Scientology will be practiced for all time through a strong group that is composed of those who believe in the rights of man and freedom of religion.
The IAS is today a membership organization open to all Scientologists from all nations. It unifies the members and provides a forum to keep them informed of important developments and sharing the successes of the religion around the world. It is the strength of the individual members of the team, briefed and coordinated one with another that gives strength to the group. All great movements have succeeded based on the personal conviction and dedication of their members to overcoming any barriers to achieving their objectives.
Regrettably, history has seen many attempts to suppress religious freedom and human rights. From the persecution of early Christians in Rome, to the nineteenth-century assault on Mormons in the United States, to the slaughter of Jews in Nazi concentration camps, many faiths have suffered dearly. The International Association of Scientologists also serves the purpose of protecting Scientology from similar attempted persecution.
For this reason, in the 1984 convention at Saint Hill Manor, in addition to forming the IAS and adopting a constitution and electing a board, the delegates also formulated and signed the Pledge to Mankind to rededicate themselves to the aims of Scientology. A copy of the Pledge to Mankind is included in the reference section of this book.

Church of Scientology of Spain

The Church of Scientology of Spain was a gift to the people of Spain from the International Association of Scientologists.

It is an enormous and very beautiful building in the heart of Madrid, renovated with real old world style and craftsmanship.

There is great significance to this church too because it marks the end of an era of religious intolerance and discriminatio agaist the Scientology religion in the post Franco era when the old fascist ways were slow to die off, and the new era in which Scientology is acknowledged as the bonafide religion it is.

David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center announced that the IAS was paying for the purchase and renovation of the church. And then when these renovations were done, Mr. Miscavige personally came to Madrid to dedicate the church.

The day was also marked by Tom Cruise's come to the grand opening and giving a speech. In Spanish no less!

What an unforgetable event.

Freedom

Freedom Magazine is a really great publication. Its investigations are brilliant and get right down to the real cause of bad conditions.

In addition to the investigative reporting they do, they also provide basic information about the Scientology religion.

John Travolta and the Celebrity Centre Gala

John Travolta is an IAS Freedom Medal Winner, and a really wonderful person.

His wife, Kelly Preston, is a child activist, a terrific actor and an incredibly beautiful woman.

They were both at the Celebrity Centre Gala this weekend.

It sounds like it must have been one great party!

Here's what the CC web site says about it:

Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Hosts 37th Anniversary Gala

HOLLYWOOD — The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International hosted its 37th Anniversary Gala in Hollywood on Saturday, August 5th. The guest list included many of the Church's well-known members, including John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Jenna Elfman, Leah Remini, Giovanni Ribisi, Jason Dohring, Anne Archer, Sofia Milos and Nancy Cartwright (voice of Bart Simpson).

Legendary guest performer Chaka Kahn entertained the more than 1100 guests including parishioners of the Church, local and federal government officials and community leaders.

Guests were also treated to a preview of 30 new TV public service announcements 8212; each illustrating one of the 30 articles of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through these audio-visual presentations and other educational tools, Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International, in partnership with Youth for Human Rights International, seeks to reach millions of people to raise awareness of fundamental human rights and bring about global change.

Its popularity in the arts mirrors the overall growth of the Scientology religion, with 10 million members in over 150 countries. Its rapid expansion is word-of-mouth driven, due to the religion's practical principles that are used to improve conditions in life.

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in Hollywood was founded in 1969. Other Celebrity Centres are located in cultural centers around the world including New York, Paris, Nashville, Vienna, Florence and London.

In keeping with Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard's words from 1951, "A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists," these Celebrity Centres are the arts and cultural branch of the Scientology religion and as such work with those whose broad visions for social enhancement are the catalyst for positive change in society. Celebrity Centres, like all churches of Scientology worldwide, are open to the public.

The IAS Gift to New York

In acknowledgement of their humanitarian work after 9-11 in New York, the International Association of Scientologists provided the wherewithal to fully renovate the Church of Scientology of New York.

Since the grand opening, where David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center, personally addressed the crowds and acknowledged their heroic work, the Church has been an example to the rest of the Scientology world.

Mr. Miscavige even brought up the New York Volunteer Ministers in his speech called This is Scientology to illustrate how Scientologists are determined to improve life in the areas around them.

What is Scientology?

Here is a really good description of the Scientology religion. It is part of a speech that was presented by David Miscavige. He is Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center which, according to their web site, holds the ultimate ecclesiastical authority regarding the standard and pure application of L. Ron Hubbard’s religious technologies.

Mr. Miscavige addressed a large group of leaders from the fields of government, business and the arts. The speech was delivered at Celebrity Centre International. It is known as This is Scientology and is available as a DVD which can be purchased online from Bridge Publications or picked up at a Scientology church or mission.

He covers a lot of ground in this speech, but what Mr. Miscavige specifically says about the questions "What is Scientology?" is this:

Contained in the body of Dianetics and Scientology are answers to those age-old questions — Who am I? What’s the purpose of all this? And, What happens when I die?

The direct answers are: You are a spiritual being, distinct and separate from a body. You have lived lifetime after lifetime and will live again. You are seeking to survive for yourself, your family, group, mankind, the physical universe, and to survive as a spirit. And only when you have fully achieved that level of enlightenment can you truly understand the Creator.

And while that may sound familiar to many of you in the tradition of the ancient Eastern religions — you are certainly correct. What is different, and what is new about Scientology, are the means and ways of achieving it. For Scientology is a modern religion, born in the technical age of the 20th century. And if you were to ask any Scientologist, they would tell you it is a practical religion, with practical answers — tools that can be applied to achieve that greater awareness and purpose in the here and now. Or, as we say it, when you have the answers to life’s questions — there is virtually no part of existence it cannot be applied to for the betterment of life itself.

I'm very disturbed about what I hear about Israel and Lebanon.

It is escalating completely out of control and the dying and destruction is appalling.

One blog I follow had this to say today:


1. It's time human rights was made a higher priority, and

2. There has to be a third party keeping these countries at each others throats, and I suspect that to find who that is you should follow the money. Who is profiting from this war?

There's an important publication you can download at the Church of Scientology International Human Rights Office web site called The Cause of Conflicts by L. Ron Hubbard. I really suggest you read it. It sheds a new light on what has been considered the "normal" way countries interact.
L. Ron Hubbard one wrote:

"One could not exist in a society where oneself or one’s family or friends were at the mercy of some who went about casually taking lives…..

"The stupid, the evil and the insane seek to solve their real or imagined problems with murder. And they have been known to do it for no reason at all.

"Get behind any demostratedly effective program that handles this threat to Mankind and push. Your own survival could depend upon it."

I've also heard David Miscavige, the Chairman of the Board of Relgious Technology Center, commenting on the futility of war in resolving conflicts.

I think it is time to discover what is behind on the conflicts on Earth and actually make progress toward world peace.

Lawrence Anthony and the Earth Organization

IAS Freedom Medal Winner Lawrence Anthony has created a group called the Earth Organization and they are doing brilliant things to save the environment.

This is from their web site:

Did you know:

• Over 300 million inkjet cartridges and over 55 million cell phones are thrown away each year.
• Each laser toner cartridge recycled saves 3 quarts of oil required to produce a new cartridge.
• Over 400,000,000 printer cartridges are sold in the U.S. every year and less than 20% of these are recycled.
• Every cartridge that is discarded in landfills takes over 1000 years to decompose.
• Every year inkjet and laser cartridges account for over 200 million pounds of solid waste to our nations landfills.

It goes on to give a solution:


Americas Schools Program, (ASP) founded and headed up by Olympian pole vaulter Don Baird, has just become co-venture partners with The Earth Organization on a national program to help preserve the environment and provide a new revenue source for K-12 school programs such as the arts, music, drama, computer labs, libraries, and extra-curricular activities.

The Americas Schools National Printer Cartridge and Cell Phone Recycling Program has been adopted by State School Boards across the country and is being championed by hundreds of businesses including Wells Fargo Bank, Sierra Pacific Power Company, Nevada State Bank, numerous city Chambers of Commerce, over 17 State Restaurant Associations and other professional organizations in communities nationwide. Funds generated by this partnership will not only bring revenue to participating schools, but also to The Earth Organization for its other environmental programs.

The program is an easy way for businesses, organizations, and individuals to preserve the environment and help fund K-12 education throughout the country.

To participate, go to www.americas-schools.org/partners/earthorganization and sign up.

Scientology Anti-Drug Campaign

Grahame posts on his "my Scientology blog":
The Church of Scientology is about to expand it's anti-drug campaign to a whole new order of magnitude with the production of 10 drug information booklets in 20 languages. 10 million copies will be distributed: Church Of Scientology International Unleashes Global Assault On Drug Abuse.

There is a brand new anti-drug web site presented by the Church of Scientology International as part of this campaign and you can download booklets that describe the effects of 10 of the most frequently abused drugs.

IAS Sponsors Human Rights Campaign

The International Association of Scientologists is sponsoring the Youth for Human Rights campaign. Scientologists from every Scientology Church in the world have donated to fund the production and publication of 30 human rights ads, a teachers manual and booklets.

The Aims of Scientology are: " A civilization without insanity, without criminals and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where man is free to rise to greater heights"

Respect for human rights is a cornerstone for such a society.

Scientology Creed

The Scientology creed is a remarkable document.

I remember the first time I read it. I totally agreed with it.

As a friend of mine put it, when you know you are a spiritual being, not a body, discrimination based on ethnicity, color, genetic heritage or sex is pretty ridiculous.

The Scientology creed starts with the following statement:

We of the Church believe:
That all men of whatever race, color, or creed were created with equal rights.

Anne Roberts

Chairman of the Board of Relgious Technology Center, Mr. David Miscavige, in his speech at the Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology of San Francsico described some of the work the International Association of Scientologists is doing to improve life through its support of Applied Scholastics. Mr. Miscavige said:

"Today our education and literacy projects reach into inner-cities through 415 centers across fifty-four countries. That's just a start. For while our groups have been bringing the tools of literacy outside the school system, that new campus is now training governmental educators that represent the school systems of entire nations. From as far away as Zimbabwe in Africa, in Mongolia and yes—even with the United States Department of Education."

IAS Freedom Medal Winner Anne Roberts has perhaps done more to help the children in Africa than any of the great humanitarians who have dedicated themselves to improving live for African youth.

I say this because Anne has brought real, effective technology to them in the form of L. Ron Hubbard study technology -- workable tools a child or young adult (or anyone) can learn that then enables him or her to study and apply any other subject.

The African's I have met are very aware that they have an opportunity now, with the world going more and more high-tech, to end poverty in their countries by providing technical education to the youth of their countries so they can compete in the electronic industries.

Here's a good article on the Applied Scholastics web site on what Anne has done.

UN Day Against Drugs

Today is the UN Day Against Drugs and Trafficking. It's very important that the private sector works to handle the drug pandemic. Governments cannot do it along.

In Scientology churches around the world today, Scientologists are working to get the word out about the harmful effects of drugs.

Read about some of the activities here:

The Church of Scientology of Tampa

The Church of Scientology of Toronto

The Church of Scientology of San Francisco

The Church of Scientology of New York

The Church of Scientology of San Diego.

Winning the War Against Drugs

Scientologists are very much involved in helping young people avoid the tragedy of drug addiction.

An example is IAS medal winners Michael Neilson and Asa Graaf.

Freedom Magazine described their winning the IAS Freedom Medal as follows:

Arresting the decline of drug proliferation was the first topic in Mr. Miscavige‘s round-up of year number 19‘s accomplishments. It was, as well, the cause championed by the evening‘s first IAS Freedom Medal winners Michael Neilson and Asa Graaf, leaders of a team of drug education specialists in Sweden who, in Mr. Miscavige‘s words, are “doing more to handle the drug problem than any other group on the planet.”

Neilson and Graaf set out ten years ago to save Swedish children from a drug problem of epic proportions. In that time, they have not only salvaged an entire generation, they have created a nationwide movement for a drug-free tomorrow.

The Church of Scientology International has created the Scientology Anti-Drug web site to answer questions about drugs and provide enough information to help young people decide NOT to take drugs.

Knowing the fact presented in this site about the most commonly abused drugs can make all the difference.

There is more information on the Scientology Anti Drug campaign at the Scientology Press Office

Scientology Social Program

All over the world, people are facing similar problems with or stemming from drug abuse, crime illiteracy and immorality.

David Miscavige has called these the 4 scourges of or modern world, and this is very apt.

One reason the International Association of Scientologists has sponsored the renovation of churches like the Church of Scientology of New York and the Church of Scientology of Spain is so that programs that directly address the resolution of these problems can be made more readily available.

For example, Scientology churches are set up in such a way that anyone who is concerned about drug abuse can walk in and get help in setting up a group that applies L. Ron Hubbard's technology in a secular setting to help overcome these social diseases.

The Scientology Press Office carries news releases on these topics as well.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tours

One of the programs the International Association of Scientologists sponsors is the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tours. For the past year these tours have been traveling through Brazil, fBatswana, Central Europe and India. They survey the local leaders and the community and provide training and one-on-one help, seminars to help empower people with Scientology tools to improve their lives.

Now three more tours are joining the three that began last year. These are the trans-Syberian tour, the South Pacific Island tour and the East Asian tour.

There are so many caring people who really want to help their communities. When they learn about the solutions L. Ron Hubbard developed for the problems they encounter they are eager to adopt them in their own programs.

Here is just one example from the Scientology Volunteer Minsiters Web site:

Humanitarian and educator, Mohammed Khalil Ullah, is committed to improving the lives of the children of the slums of Calcutta and has found, in the technology of L. Ron Hubbard, the way to do so.

For several years Mr. Ullah has been running projects in the slums, including providing schooling and health care for the children, vocational training for women so they can learn the skills they need to get jobs, and rescuing children who have been the victims of sexual trafficking, providing them a place to live, food and education.

Learning about Mr. Hubbard's technology when he attended a seminar presented by the Scientology Volunteer Goodwill Tour at the Calcutta Book Fair in January, Mr. Ullah thought Mr. Hubbard's methods could help him accomplish his mission.

He trained on the Disaster Response Course and several other Volunteer Ministers courses, provided by the Goodwill Tour. Inspired by what he learned he decided to implement this on a broad scale; he opened a school in the Calcutta slums, where he incorporated the techniques of study technology into the curriculum and plans to open dozens more.

"The difference Mr. Ullah's work is having on the lives of the children of Calcutta is incalculable," said Ms. Marion Whitta, Director of the India Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour. "In a country where trafficking in children is commonplace, Mr. Ullah's work is not a luxury — it is vital to the lives of the young people he is helping."

New Scientology Churches

There is a lot excitement about new Scientology churches. The church in Atlanta will be moving to a beautiful new home shortly. So will Seattle and Las Vegas in the US, and Melbourne, Torino, Stuttgart and Budapest, to name a few.

When the new churches in Johannesburg and Buffalo opened, David Miscavige went to the grand openings. The keynote speeches Mr. Miscavige gave at these events show that these churches stand for a great deal more than beautiful new buildings -- they represent a great expansion of our community services and our ability to accomplish the Aims of Scientology: "A civilization without insanity, without criminals and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where man is free to rise to greater heights."

IAS Yearly Event

Freedom Magazine has this interesting article about an event held a few years ago on the anniversary of the founding of the International Association of Scientologists.

Hosting this year‘s IAS Anniversary celebration was Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and a founding member of the IAS. In welcoming the more than 5,300 event attendees, and tens of thousands more who have since seen the event on video locally around the world, Mr.Miscavige said, “This one marks a cross roads in history.

“While I have previously said that people are searching for answers like never before, let there be no doubt, as we gather this evening, we are providing those answers like never in history.

“You have world conflict? We not only can, but we are picking up the pieces — and right at its epicentre.

“You have societal decline? We not only can, but we are reversing that trend — anywhere and everywhere.

“You have the “everyday man” who has been lost in a technological society? We not only can, but we are helping him find his way.

“And finally, you ask of world leaders, who lack the means to truly lead? Well, we not only can, but we are putting those answers right in their hands.”

And, with his introduction to three major new international centers — one in Brussels to house the Church‘s European human rights and public affairs activities; one in St. Louis (USA) to train teachers globally to overcome the barriers to learning; and one in greater Los Angeles for the revitalization of morals and human respect including in areas as volatile as the Holy Land — there was no question that this has been a landmark year for the Association.

Youth for Human Rights

The International Association of Scientologists supports Youth for Human Rights International in their work to bring about peace through human rights education.

The group has written and published booklets that make human rights understandable to young people. They also collaborated with the Church of Scientology International in producing public service announcements to bring the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to life.

You can see three of these PSAs on the Youth for Human Rights International web site.

Anne Archer - Human Rights Advocate

Anne Archer, IAS Freedom Medal Winner, is an outspoken advocate for human rights.

In March she participated in the launch of the Human Rights Hero Awards, a program sponsored by Youth for Human Rights International the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International - a program that acknowledged "ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things," as she put it.

She also announced her own human rights initiative, the creation of Artists for Human Rights International, a human rights group which works with artists to forward positive human rights measures and overcome the repression of artists and their work.

As an artist she is involved in programs of the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre, and has participated in numerous fundraising events to support worthwhile charities in the Hollywood area.

Isaac Hayes

VM posted this today:


According to E-Online:

"Isaac Hayes and wife Adjowa welcomed son Nana Kwadjo Hayes into the world Apr. 10, according to spokesman Rob Moore. The baby boy tipped the scales at eight pounds, five ounces.

"As Tom Cruise's Suri before him, the unusual tot name requires some translation. Per the Associated Press, Nana is the Ghanaian word for "king," while Kwadjo means "boy born on Monday." (Bypass the calendars: Apr. 10 did indeed fall on a Monday.)

"The Shaft singer likely gained inspiration for the moniker during one of his goodwill trips to the African country. In 1992, Hayes was crowned an honorary king of Ghana's Ada district thanks to his humanitarian deeds."

These humanitarian deeds included introducing the nation to the study technology developed by Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard.

Isaac Hayes is a Freedom Medal Winner, awarded by the International Association of Scientologists.

Here is a brief statement from Isaac from the What is Scientology? site.

!!!CONGRATULATIONS ISAAC, ADJOWA AND NANA KWADJO!!!

The Earth Organziation

According to their web site: "The Earth Organization is a grass roots international non-profit, conservation and environment organization, with new solutions, committed to the creative, responsible rehabilitation of Planet Earth and the plant and animal kingdoms."

Their lead article right now is about a brilliant new technology that restores the correct natural balance in flood-ravaged areas. It reads as follows:

The Earth Organization is dedicated to bringing effective solutions to the environmental global problems that face us today.

Right now, there is no more immediate and pressing need in the US than the environmental holocaust that has occurred as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the subsequent flooding. Any environmental solution must take into account commerce, industry, jobs, the long-term survival and health of people and wildlife, the rebuilding of communities and the economy.>>

Lawrence Anthony, Founder of the Earth Organization. He is well known for his work in salvaging the animals in the Bagdad zoo, for which he was honored with the Earth Trustee Award, and Earth Day Medal and for his wrok in protecting the African elephants. He is also featured in the book "What is Scientology?" as is a Freedom Medal Winner from the International Association of of Scientologists.

Investigative Journalism in the Public Interest

Since 1968, Freedom Magazine
has been on the tackling important social issues often neglected or avoided by mainstream media. With the motto Investigative Journalism in the Public Interest the publication has exposed the rotten spots in society to public scrutiny.

There is a web site and publication about Freedom Magazine sponsored by the International Association of Scientologists.

The booklet is part of the "Scientology Effective Solutions" series.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

"Our perception of the world is increasingly influenced by a media kaleidoscope of fragmented facts, alarming anecdotes, sound bites and talking heads—all packaged and presented along countless channels each day. It is a grossly distorted if colourful view.

"Adding to the dissonance are many within the media corps who, in actuality, manufacture a dangerous environment. The world they present is a threatening one, one they presume will compel the viewer to watch and worry—and tune in again. Thus, the very purpose of news reporting—to honestly inform and so empower the individual with the truth—seems all but lost in the daily overload of media messages."... more

IAS Lifetime Member, Actor, Producer, Director Terry Jastrow

Terry Jastrow, Lifetime member of the International Association of Scientologists, has been an actor, film producer and director for many years. He is the winner of 7 Emmy awards. He was the producer/director of 6 Olympic Games.

He was a producer/director for ABC Sport for 22 years, etc.

He is married to the actress Anne Archer.

Besides Terry's busy schedule he is also a wildlife/conservation supporter and a member of The Earth Organization, founded by Scientologist, Anthony Lawrence.

The Earth Organization is a non-profit, non-partisan, issue oriented organization. Their members come from all walks of life, from all cultures, races and religious backgrounds, all motivated by a common cause; to reverse the dwindling spiral of life on Earth, and create a healthy habitable Planet on which all life flourishes and prospers, and of which they can be proud.

Terry gave the following reasons for joining this organization on their website:

"What The Earth Organization addresses is the most important issue of our time. Our one and only home, Earth, has serious problems that affect us all. Species are going extinct all over the world breaking vital links in the chain of life. Wildlife is disappearing off the face of the Earth at an alarming rate. Can we break this downward spiral? Of course we can, but we have to acknowledge the problem, be honest about it, and collectively decide to do something about it. Rise up and play a bigger part. Mankind is very capable of doing it...we just have to decide to do it. Trying to take at least my share of responsibility I'm happy to be a member of and supportive of The Earth Organization."

Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour in Africa

The African Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour, sponsored by the IAS, has been touring in Botswana. They work with community leaders to bring L. Ron Hubbard's practical solutions to villages, towns and cities throughout the country.

Here is a picture of one of the Volunteer Ministers showing a community leader the technology of study .



For more data and pictures on the Volunteer Ministers or if you are interested to train as a volunteer minister yourself, go to the Scientology Volunteer Minister's website.
For data and pictures on the barriers to study go the the study technology website.

Quote for the day

I came accross this quote this morning written by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology.

This might give some food for thought:

"Insecurity exists in the absence of knowledge. All security derives from knowledge."

This quote came from a the book The Problems of Work written by L. Ron Hubbard.

Another excellent book that goes into the details on being a successful executive is How to Live though an Executive.

In this, his first book on the subject, L. Ron Hubbard detailed the true role of an executive and then provided tools and systems to actually perform this role despite everything else. Here also are essentials of why organizations act insanely and why evaluation is of prime importance. He also laid out the definitive organizational communication system, which can be applied to any organization, reducing overload and truly allowing one to live though an executive.

To purchase this book, click here. You also might want to check out the World Institute of Scientology (WISE) website for further technology on how to expand a business, how to predict human behavior and basic administration actions that can help increase effectiveness and production.

IAS (International Association of Scientologists) members use this technology not only to make their own businesses thrive, but to provide effective administrative solutions in areas of social need such as third-world countries and inner cities in the West.

Single men and determined groups

I came across this quote by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology religion.

"You cannot live sanely in a world in which nations behave like criminals to their peoples and toward each other; in a world where pressure groups stamp out all rights in order to advance their own."

He also wrote:

"Single men and determined groups have been the only makers of space in which man could walk free."

Members of the International Association of Scientologists have taken this to heart and this might explain why they are so dedicated and determined to help society.

4 Million people helped since September 11th

Since September 11th 2001, over 60 000 people have trained as Scientology Volunteer Ministers and helped more than 4 million people.

As described on the Volunteer Ministers web site:

"The Scientology religion is unique in that it offers a practical and very effective technology for addressing and resolving society’s problems.

"Volunteer Ministers are specially trained in Scientology techniques capable of resolving the full range of personal problems, from spiritual assists to overcome emotional or physical trauma, to spiritual counseling techniques to resolve drug, learning, ethical and social difficulties. They also have the interpersonal and basic administrative know-how to enable people to communicate better and even work together more efficiently and productively."

The International Association of Scientologists sponsors VM programs called Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tours.

Queen Mother welcomes the Volunteer Ministers

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers opened their Volunteer Minister Cavalcade in Harlem recently. This is part of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Continental Cavalcade sponsored by the IAS. I found this great picture of them and some more data on their website. "With the blessing of Queen Mother Parousia Jordan, one of the elders of Harlem, and Brother Donny Muhammad, a local community activist, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Continental Cavalcade was welcomed to the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Plaza on 125th Street."

To celebrate its arrival, Reverend Cindy Rhodes sang a song she created for the occasion, titled “Something CAN Be Done About It,” based on the Volunteer Ministers motto.

In his speech, Brother Muhammad urged cooperation by all sectors of society to handle the problems of the community, and emphasized the importance of L. Ron Hubbard’s technology, which the Cavalcade is making broadly available, in accomplishing meaningful social change.

For further information about what the Scientology Volunteer Ministers are doing in Harlem, visit this website. To get information on the Church of Scientology in Harlem, click here.

For anyone wishing to learn more about Scientology, there is an excellent speech by Mr. David Miscavige that has been made into a DVD called This Is Scientology. Excerpts from this speech by Mr. Miscavige are online on the RTC web site as well.

Scientologists featered in ABC.com picture story

ABC.com has a picture story today on famous Scientologists. Some of those featured are IAS Freedom Medal winners, like Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Isaac Hayes.

Overall, the story is pretty good.

Here's what they say about Tom Cruise:

In the last few years, Tom Cruise has been the Church of Scientology's most-famous member and advocate. Born a Catholic, he announced in 1990 that he was embracing Scientology, and that church teaching helped cure him of dyslexia, which had plagued him all his life. His fiancee, Katie Holmes, is said to have embraced Scientology.

More information about Scientologists who are artists can be found at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre web site.

The Yellow hut and the IAS

What does this yellow have to do with the International Association of Scientologists?

The IAS is sponsoring the Volunteer Ministers' African Goodwill Tour.

Now, instead of going to bars, local residents are going to Scientology Volunteer Ministers' hut that was constructed in true Botswana style by the citizens of the village of Pandamatenga.

Here they get lectures from the volunteer ministers on any area in their life that where they need help.

In a recent newspaper article it was commented that the effects have begun to be felt in the kind of activities Pandamatengans prefer now. For example, one of the bars has closed down and been replaced with a vegetable produce shop.

For more information on what is happening with the Volunteer Ministers in Africa, click here.

I have been writing a lot about members and Freedom Medal Winners of the International Association of Scientologists, but I don't know if it is known exactly what they stand for and why people get so passionate about it. Here is an excerpt from the IAS website that will tell you exactly who they are and what they stand for.

THE STORY OF THE IAS

Without fireworks, without cheering crowds, but with pure unadulterated dedication, a small group of Scientologists determined to see to the security and dissemination of the Scientology religion formed the International Association of Scientologists (IAS).

All new movements have at one time been faced with persecution and misunderstanding, and all great movements have succeeded because of the personal conviction and dedication of their members.

Regrettably, history has seen many attempts to suppress religious freedom and human rights. From the persecution of early Christians in Rome to the slaughter of Jews in Nazi concentration camps, many faiths have suffered dearly.

Because of just such a lamentable history, the International Association of Scientologists was formed to guarantee that the Scientology religion can be practiced for all time — through a strong group composed of those who believe in and are willing to fight for the rights of man and the freedom of all religions.

The IAS was formed at Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead, Sussex, England, in 1984 when delegates from around the world gathered in recognition of the need to unite all Scientologists as one international body.

In addition to adopting a constitution and electing a board, the first IAS delegates also formulated and signed the Pledge to Mankind, rededicating themselves to achieving the aims of Scientology.

Catalyzed by this profound statement of purpose, Scientologists from around the world enthusiastically embraced the IAS.

Since that time membership has grown dramatically. Although there remain countries where religious intolerance must still be dealt with, the Association’s primary focus today is the dissemination and expansion of Scientology, bringing its technology into use to help others, and better the civilization as a whole. Click here to find out more about these activities.

For a full Quick Time VR Tour of the Saint Hill Castle and the Manor, click here.

Anne Archer, IAS Freedom Medal Winner, helping with world literacy

Anne Archer is another IAS Freedom Medal winner who is actively involved in making this society a better place.

Here is a picture of Anne.



Anne has been very involved in helping her fellow man. Since 1993 Anne has been an International Spokesperson for Applied Scholastics International, a nonprofit public benefit organization whose purpose is to provide educators, governments, vocational trainers, community groups, parents and students with the learning tools they need to achieve a world free from illiteracy.

Applied Scholastics was founded to ensure that these individuals and organizations could avail themselves of educational discoveries made by humanitarian and writer L. Ron Hubbard. Applied Scholastics has 325 groups in 34 countries.

Anne has worked with other celebrities such as John Travolta to launch the Drug Free Mashalls program in LA.

She is a spokesperson and supporter for the World Literacy Crusade which is a grassroots literacy movement formed in 1992 by the Rev. Alfreddie Johnson, Jr. and supported by
community leaders, ministers, parents, youth and educators who are concerned about the growing rate of illiteracy and related social ills in their communities.

The IAS and Crimminal Reform

Greg Capazorio is a Freedom Medal winner of the IAS.

L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Scientology religion, developed very effective methods to rehabilitate criminals.

Criminon – meaning "without crime" – is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to criminal rehabilitation and reform.

The IAS sponsored the Criminon project in South Africa and Greg Capazoria took this program into 59 prisons in South Africa with spectacular results. The result - prior to the implementation of the Criminon program 84% of prisoners in this country returned to prison within 1 year of their release. After the Criminon program was implemented, this percentage dropped to zero.



Here is a picture of prisoners graduating from The Way To Happiness course, well on their way to being rehabilitated.

For more information on success stories of inmates from around the world, go to the Criminon website. If you would like to help, you can sponsor an inmate, click here.

Lawrence Anthony, IAS Freedom Medal winner saves the Elephants

Lawrence Anthony, Scientologist, IAS Freedom Medal winner, and founder of The Earth Organization, is passionate about wildlife and the conservation of Earth.



Here is a picture of Lawrence with one of the elephants at his game reserve in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

The Earth Organization held an international press conference at the end of last year opposing the proposed slaughter of 5,000 elephants by the South African National Parks (SANParks) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.

The slaughter will see the killing of entire elephant herds; mothers, fathers and babies; in an attempt to solve the claimed overpopulation of elephants in the Kruger Park. This entails using helicopters to round up and confuse the herds before using high powered rifles to put the whole herd down.

As a result of this conference the elephants are now safe, as it was decided that alternate ways should be looked into for controlling the elephant population in the Kruger Park.

Lawrence Anthony's inspiration to start the Earth Organization came after reading a book by the founder of the Scientology religion, L. Ron Hubbard. The book, called The Fundamentals of Thought, covers eight urges everyone has toward survival. Mr. Hubbard called these the Eight Dynamics. For more information on man's urges toward survival, click here.

The IAS and Human Rights

The International Association of Scientologists works to create a better society for all.

L. Ron Hubbard said: “Ideas, and not battles, mark the forward progress of mankind.”

The new European Office of Public Affairs and Human Rights, sponsored by the IAS, was opened in 2003 in Brussels. There is a web site called Scientology Effective Solutions where this office presents information on the various priorities the Church sees as needing to be handled in society, and their programs to improve these areas.

Here is what it says about the Scientology European Human Rights Office on its web site:

“We live in a world where many solutions advanced to cure the world’s pressing problems ignore the spiritual nature of humanity. The elevation of the soulless psychiatrist over the cleric has done nothing to solve these problems. On the contrary, the explosion of intolerance, the plague of drug abuse, the increasing ills of illiteracy, crime, and immorality, and the rapid rise in terrorism and international conflict demonstrate the futility of solving these problems through purely scientific solutions.
Religion and belief have a critical role to play in society, not only for the individual, but for society as a whole. The Church of Scientology holds that a reaffirmation of the primacy of the human spirit will bring about resurgence in our civilisation. With that foundation in mind, we believe that adherence to the following precepts will form the foundation for the advancement of religious freedom, justice and peace in the world, and the protection of human rights.”

There are several Human Rights publications available. To download your own copies, click here. If you have children, you might want to look at the Youth for Human Rights International website. They are a youth organization with the purpose to educate youth in human rights so they become valuable advocates for tolerance and peace. To get a copy of the Youth for Human Rights booklet, click here. Available in 16 languages.

The IAS and Drugs

Drug abuse is a major problem across the world today. Here is a continuation of my discussion of what the IAS is doing to bring about a better society.

I found a good description of the drug situation on the website Scientology Effective Solutions:

To say that drug abuse has become a major affliction in society is not an exaggeration; no aspect of life is untouched by this epidemic. Crime and violence are the most obvious byproducts, but amorality, ruined relationships, aborted careers, endangered families and ruined lives are no less serious and just as widespread. Can something be done about it?

There is a brochure available called Scientology Effective Solutions: Saving Lives from Drugs. Copies of the booklet can be downloaded: click here. This booklet provides important information about what churches of Scientology and their members are doing about the drug problem.


The booklet also gives an introduction to the most effective solutions to drug addiction and dependency – the drug rehabilitation methods developed by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard .

The IAS and Education

As mentioned in my blog of yesterday I will be giving you further data on the International Association of Scientologists and their involvement to create a better society. One of their areas of involvement is education. The International Association of Scientologists provides grants to bring Study Technology to countries and communities accross the world. To get more reality on the study problems children run into go to the Applied Scholastics website or Effective Solutions. Here is some data I found on the Effective Solutions website as to why children have a problem with study.

At the root of educational failures lies a fundamental problem that has been almost universally overlooked: Students have never been taught how to learn.

Children are thrown into their school years and basic subjects without ever first being taught how to go about learning those subjects. As they grow older they are confronted by more and more complex areas of study, still without ever having acquired the skills with which to assimilate information, evaluate its relative importance and put it to use.

This has been the vital missing ingredient that has hampered all fields of study. It handicaps both children in school and adults in life.

What is the IAS?

My blog is about IAS Freedom Medal Winners. An understanding of the IAS - the International Association of Scientologists - is necessary to understand the significance of the people I write about. Here is an excerpt from the IAS Membership web site called "The Story of the IAS."

Here is a short description of what they stand for and what they do.

Without fireworks, without cheering crowds, but with pure unadulterated dedication, a small group of Scientologists determined to see to the security and dissemination of the Scientology religion formed the International Association of Scientologists (IAS).

All new movements have at one time been faced with persecution and misunderstanding, and all great movements have succeeded because of the personal conviction and dedication of their members.

Regrettably, history has seen many attempts to suppress religious freedom and human rights. From the persecution of early Christians in Rome to the slaughter of Jews in Nazi concentration camps, many faiths have suffered dearly.

Because of just such a lamentable history, the International Association of Scientologists was formed to guarantee that the Scientology religion can be practiced for all time — through a strong group composed of those who believe in and are willing to fight for the rights of man and the freedom of all religions.

In addition to adopting a constitution and electing a board, the first IAS delegates also formulated and signed the Pledge to Mankind, rededicating themselves to achieving the aims of Scientology.

Since that time membership has grown dramatically. Although there remain countries where religious intolerance must still be dealt with, the Association’s primary focus today is the dissemination and expansion of Scientology, bringing its technology into use to help others, and better the civilization as a whole.

Some of the activities IAS members and IAS Freedom Medal Winners are involved in in the community are for example, reversing the decline of literacy and education, making human rights a fact, bringing about a new era of morality, defeating the scourge of drug abuse, volunteer ministers - something can be done about it, helping to clean up the field of mental health.

For the next few days I will post data on each of these activities to show how the IAS is changing society for the better.

John Travolta and The Way to Happiness

John Travolta is a Freedom Medal Winner of the International Association of Scientologists.

On his web site he endorses The Way To Happiness Foundation.

This web site says:

"After John’s appearance on the Good Morning America Show, fans have been requesting more information about The Way To Happiness Foundation. If you are also interested to download a free e-book edition of The Way To Happiness or to learn more about The Way To Happiness Foundation click here."

Sorry I missed that show!

The Way to Happiness is a great book. You can download one at the Way to Happiness web site.

What is The Earth Organization?

What is The Earth Organization? Here is a short description. The founder is Lawrence Anthony who is also a Scientologist.

The Earth Organization is a non-profit, non-partisan, issue oriented organization. Our members come from all walks of life, from all cultures, races and religious backgrounds, all motivated by a common cause; to reverse the dwindling spiral of life on Earth, and create a healthy habitable Planet on which all life flourishes and prospers, and of which we can be proud.

The Earth Organization's international offices work in association with other environmental groups around the world in projects of mutual interest. One of these co-venture partners is The Earth Organization in the United States (a 501(c)3 corporation with non-profit status pending).

The Earth and practically all major life forms on it are currently in danger, as ecosystems become degraded and extinctions continue to escalate at an alarming rate. Global warming is real and the polar caps are melting.

It took billions of years to develop a viable, balanced relationship amongst life forms on planet Earth. In less than 100 years, Earth's survival potential has deteriorated to a point where we must now consider that man himself could one day become an endangered species. Something can be done about it.

You can also visit The Earth Organization for FAQs such as Recycling: does it really help? or Why are trees so important to us?

Why I joined The Earth Organization - Kelly Preston

"The Earth Organization is the first international environmental movement that truly understands the relationship between man, the environment and plant and animal kingdom. It is totally true that none survive alone and when one really realizes the fact that our very own survival depends upon the well being of ALL life on this planet, we start to understand that we are the ones responsible for the state that we find Earth in today.

"I have joined the Earth Organization because I believe that they operate ethically and take on well researched projects which they always carry right through to the end. They are making a vital difference on Planet Earth and we can all lend a hand in reversing this decline.We can and must create a change." - Kelly Preston

Freedom Medal Winner Lawrence Anthony

Lawrence Anthony, Founder of the Earth Organization and probably best known for his work in salvaging the animals in the Baghdad zoo, for which he was honored with the Earth Trustee Award, and Earth Day Medal. Lawrence is a well-known environmentalist, conservationist and explorer whose area of particular interest is the rehabilitation of wild traumatized African Elephant. He is a member of the esteemed explorers club in New York. He is also the winner of an International Association of Scientologists Freedom Medal Award.

The Earth Organization, supported by top opinion leaders from the fields of science, economics and tourism, held an international press conference in November to oppose the proposed slaughter of 5,000 elephants by the South African National Parks (SANParks) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.

The Earth Organization is alarmed that the slaughter will see the killing of entire elephant herds; mothers, fathers and babies; in an attempt to “solve” the claimed overpopulation of elephants in the Kruger Park. This entails using helicopters to round up and confuse the herds before using high powered rifles to put the whole herd down.

Full research is being done and needs to be pursued and implemented to find alternate ways to overcome the overpopulation of the elephant population.

In a speech about the significance of the IAS Freedom Medal several years ago, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the board of Religious Technology Center made a comment that is very appropriate, as it shows the kind of responsibility individual Scientologists are taking to right wrongs and preserve what is good and decent in life. He stated:

“You have societal decline? We not only can, but we are reversing that trend — anywhere and everywhere.

“You have the “everyday man” who has been lost in a technological society? We not only can, but we are helping him find his way."

I believe that the work Lawrence Anthony is doing to carry out the purpose of Earth Organization is an example of just this. That purpose is: " to reverse the dwindling spiral of life on Earth, and create a healthy habitable Planet on which all life flourishes and prospers, and of which we can be proud."

The Way To Happiness

The more than half a million copies of The Way to Happiness distributed in South Africa in 1987 were credited by many with defusing tensions and preventing violence at a particularly volatile time of year. This was so successful that in 1993, an IAS grant was provided for the distribution of a million more copies, including enough for all of South Africa’s police officers.

Read more about the IAS and The Way to Happiness.

Isaac Hayes

"The day I discovered Scientology was the day my life changed for the better. The Scientology religion must be protected. It should be available to my children and future generations. The future freedom of the entire planet depends on it."

Isaac Hayes - IAS Freedom Medal Winner
For information on how you can become a member of the IAS contact the IAS Administrations.

For musicians

For all you musicians out there, if you want to check out a phenomenal work featuring incredible versatility and interaction of musicians, check out track 10 of Chick's second to last album "To The Stars" based on L. Ron Hubbard's classic novel of the same title. How Chick gets such a wide variety of styles and emotions into each album continues to boggle my mind. Check out "The Ultimate Adventure" his latest album, perhaps his best. He often cites his Scientology studies which must have something to do with his success. The Dianetics site, by the way, is extremely interesting.

Chick's new album

Chick's new album is absolutely amazing! There is a great article on it at Asbury Park Press (app.com). It mentions his Scientology influences and L. Ron Hubbard's novel "The Ultimate Adventure" and also speaks a bit about Chick's early music career with Miles Davis around the time he first started his Dianetics studies.

Here's part of the artictle:
... His follow-up CD, "The Ultimate Adventure," released in February, portrays characters and scenes from Hubbard's Arabian Nights fantasy in which the hero is transported by a renegade scientist into another plane where he overcomes ghouls, genies and a usurping tyrant to rescue the beautiful Queen Tedmur of the enchanted City of Brass.

"The title grabbed me because I think life is the ultimate adventure," said Corea, peering intently through his round, wire-rimmed glasses during an interview at his hotel suite.

"It's a great attitude to have toward life — that it is an adventure, that you tackle things and have challenges and foes to overcome and goals to accomplish." ...

Legendary Musician Chick Corea to Perform Free World Jazz Concert Celebrating "Ultimate Adventure" CD, Book Release

Chic Corea is an IAS Freedom Medal Winner. I found this press release about a concert he's doing this weekend, and a brand new album.

LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 02/06/06 -- Multiple Grammy Award winner and National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master Chick Corea will perform a free concert with his band Touchstone and Spanish flamenco dancer, Auxi Fernandez, in a special pre-Valentine's day event on Sunday, February 12th at 2:30 pm at the Hollywood Virgin Megastore located in the Hollywood and Highland Complex. An autograph session will immediately follow the performance.

The free concert will include selections from Corea's newly released album, "The Ultimate Adventure" (Concord Records, 2006), an exotic blend of Spanish, North African and Middle Eastern melodies inspired by the fantasy novel of the same name written by best-selling author L. Ron Hubbard. "The Ultimate Adventure" book is being co-released in a retro-stylized paperback version of the novel that recreates the original pulp magazine cover design and story illustrations (Galaxy Press, 2006). This is set to be the first in a line of over 100 pulp fiction books to be released by Galaxy Press at a rate of four per month starting in March.

This is Corea's second successfully realized concept album based on a work by L. Ron Hubbard. In 2004, Chick reunited his early 1980s Elektric Band for a trip "To the Stars." "While I was in the performance stage of 'To the Stars,' I started looking for some more of Hubbard's books to work with, and found this wonderful story that has a southern Spain, Northern African, Arabian background to it. And as I began reading the book again... because I had read it before... I realized how neatly the Touchstone band would be able to realize the music," Corea said.

Other master musicians who appear with Corea on the CD include, legendary jazz flutist Hubert Laws, Grammy-winning world percussionist Airto Moerira, Flamenco bassist Carles Benavent, Egyptian percussionist Hossam Ramzy, saxophonist Tim Garland, percussionist Rubem Dantas, drummer Tom Brechtlein, sax/flute player Jorge Pardo, guitarist Frank Gambale, drummer Steve Gadd, and drummer Vinnie Calaiuta.

Customers may obtain a wristband, which will guarantee an autograph from Chick Corea at this event, by purchasing a copy of his new album at this Virgin Megastore beginning Tuesday, February 7th. For more information or to RSVP, contact Elise Toth at (323) 466-7812 x160.

Elise Toth
(323) 466-7812 x160

IAS Web Site

There's a beautiful new look to the IAS web site

Here's a description of the IAS, from this site:

"The IAS is the official membership organization of Scientology, the most vital movement on Earth today.

"A Scientologist is defined as “essentially one who betters the conditions of himself and the conditions of others by using Scientology technology.”

"The IAS is made up of individual Scientologists who desire to change conditions on this planet for the better. Its purpose is:

"To unite, advance, support and protect the Scientology religion and Scientologists in all parts of the world, so as to achieve the aims of Scientology as originated by L. Ron Hubbard."

Anniversary of the International Association of Scientologists (IAS)

I heard from friends who were there that the 21st anniversary of the IAS was fantastic.
Mr. David Miscavige was master of ceremonies for the event and keynote speaker, and that it was completely inspiring.

I wish I could have attended, but I will go to the Los Angeles event, being held next weekend (on November 5th) and the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles.

The event will be held in a big tent behind the church and there will be a dinner before-hand on L. Ron Hubbard Way.

I've also heard that those who attended the seminars the day following the IAS event in the UK said they got a tremendous amount out of them. There will be seminars on Sunday in LA -- the day after the event.

Looking Forward to the IAS Event

At the end of this month we will celebrate the 21st anniversary of the International Association of Scientologists.

Here is an image everyone who joins us there will see -- Saint Hill Manor: L. Ron Hubbard's home during the late 1950's and up through 1966, when he did he completed the bulk of his research into life and the spirit.

There are great speakers every year, including Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center.

And very deserving Scientologists are acknowledged for their stellar humanitarian actions.

John Travolta

John Travolta is an IAS Freedom Medalist, and well deserved, indeed.

It was a pleasure seeing him on Oprah, shown flying his own jet in with food and medical supplies.

This photo was taken at the River Center disaster relief center in Baton Rouge where the Scientology Volunteer Ministers were caring for the evacuees.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers

Once again Scientology Volunteer Ministers answer the call.

This time in America - in the Deep South where Hurricane Katrina left an entire population devastated.

Volunteer Ministers from as far away as Argentina, and from states around the U.S. are converging in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and New Orleans to care for those who have lost their homes, while more teams are helping the relief efforts in Mississippi where the entire coastline was annihilated.

Labor Day takes on a whole new meaning.

Mr. David Miscavige awarded three Scientology Volunteer Ministers the Freedom Medal from the IAS for their work after 9/11. This year has been marked by enormous heroism by other Volunteer Ministers, including those who are helping right now.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is an IAS Freedom Medal Winner.

Mr. David Miscavige presented him with his medal last year, so well deserved because of his tremendous humanitarian work.

Scientologist are very active in their communities as Scientology Volunteer Ministers. Scientology churches and missions provide many programs to help to make Scientology technology available to people of all faiths to help them improve their lives and communities.


Mr. Tom Cruise and Mr. David Miscavige both inspire Scientologist, to do all we can to help people, as covered in the Code of the Church of Scientology.

Tom Cruise and Citizens Commission on Human Rights

Jan Eastgate is the President of Citizens Commission on Human Rights International. She is also an International Association of Scientologists Freedom Medal Winner for the tremendous work she has done over the years to expose the crimes of psychiatry. It was Jan who blew the whistle on Deep Sleep therapy in Australia, ultimately shutting it down as a practice.

In an interview about Tom Cruise, when he was awarded his IAS Freedom Medal, Jan stated that Mr. Cruise has been completely supportive of the IAS and has taken the issue of eradicating psychiatric crime as his own personal mission. This became most clear over the past month, with Mr. Cruise's statements on Access Hollywood, and the Today Show.

Citizens Commission on Human Rights is active around the world. Unfortunately this is needed because psychiatry has become so entrenched in society and its crimes are legion.

Here are some excellent sites about CCHR where you can become more informed about what CCHR and Ms. Eastgate (and Tom Cruise) are doing to make this world a better and safer place for everyone:

Chick Corea and L. Ron Hubbard's Literary Legacy

Chick's recording of To the Stars touches off a revival of one of Hubbard's most loved stories. Corea, an IAS Medal Winner, was inspired to write this music by one of his favorite works of Hubbard fiction.

Jazzonline describes it as: "Restless music pacesetter and multi-Grammy® Award-winner, Chick Corea now returns with his genre-bending, all-star Elektric Band, featuring Frank Gambale, Eric Marienthal, John Patitucci, Dave Weckl and guest appearances by Steve Wilson, Pernell Saturnino and Gayle Moran Corea. Featuring all-new Corea compositions inspired by his favorite science fiction novel, To The Stars, Chick and company’s rocket-fueled performances are unquestionably out of this world. Reuniting his ground-breaking Elektric Band just in time to celebrate the group’s 20th anniversary, Corea is once again heard blazing trails through a new frontier of electrifying, creative music."

This article on the Blue Note web site quotes Chick on how he was inspired to write this work:

"As for the inspiration of To The Stars…

"I’ve been a fan of L. Ron Hubbard’s fiction writing since the early 70’s and To The Stars was always one of my favorite stories," says Chick. "When I started reading it again recently I came across a part near the beginning that describes the Captain of the spaceship playing a hypnotic melody on the piano in a dive of a bar in what is called ‘New Chicago.‘ And Hubbard describes the Captain, he describes the bar, he describes the music. And I thought to myself, ‘I hear that music.’"

Once at the keyboard, Chick began to play the music that he heard. That initial spark ignited into a composition, a portrait of one of the book’s characters entitled, Captain Jocelyn, The Pianist. From there, Chick got into another of the book’s characters, then another, and another, then into some of the novel’s intergalactic locations. By the time Chick completed his journey, he had composed nine new tunes, and To The Stars was launched.

Hubbard’s novel, a seminal work of science fiction, revolves around a scientific equation: 'AS MASS APPROACHES INFINITY, TIME APPROACHES ZERO.' As the speed of the ship, the 'Hound of Heaven,' approaches the speed of light, it also approaches zero time. So when the ship’s crew returns home after having spent a few months in space, hundreds of years have passed on Earth. They find their families, their friends, even their countries are things of the past. Theirs becomes known as the 'long passage.'"

The full article can be read here

There is a terrific magazine online called L. Ron Hubbard Literary Correspondence which gives a great deal of insight into Mr. Hubbard.

I always enjoy reading about other aspects of L. Ron Hubbard's life. As a Scientologist I have read so many of his books and essays primarily relating to Scientology applied religious philosophy, but I am a great fan of his fiction as well.


There are a lot of Mr. Hubbard's fiction titles available as e-books, and here is a link for more information about Hubbard literary works.

Isaac Hayes and his work with the World Literacy Crusade

Isaac is a champion for children, and as the spokesman for the World Literacy Crusade he has made L. Ron Hubbard's study technology available to many thousands of kids in the US and in other countries.


Along with Rev. Alfreddie Johnson, Founder, World Literacy Crusade, Isaac has estabilshed a school in Ghana to help the children in this country learn to learn and raise the level of the culture through education. Isaac, who is a kind in Ghana, also has the name Nene Katey Ocansey I as covered in this interview with CNN


Isaac was honored with an IAS Freedom Medal award for for bringing L. Ron Hubbard’s study technology to less-privileged urban communities worldwide as an international spokesman for the World Literacy Crusade.