Wednesday, April 14, 2004

This article in the Clearwater edition of Freedom Magazine caught my eye, and I thought I'd share it.

David Miscavige, Master of Ceremonies - Annual Tribute Draws Record Numbers


As an overflow crowd of more than 4,000 Scientologists and friends were greeted by a striking and innovative laser light show and an audio-visual overview of the past year’s accomplishments, Clearwater was again the literal center of the Scientology world for the 1998 celebration of L. Ron Hubbard’s birthday on March 13 at the Fort Harrison.


Many of those in attendance are visitors from places as far away as Australia and Sweden. This year’s celebration was also seen by satellite and video relay in more than 100 countries, in 39 languages. But why is L. Ron Hubbard’s birthday celebrated in such a spectacular fashion?

As the evening’s first speaker and master of ceremonies, Mr. David Miscavige, addressed the audience, the answer was apparent: “Welcome to the night we gather in greater numbers than on any night of the year. For when we speak of L. Ron Hubbard, we honor a name transcending every language, every border, every culture... a name of truly universal proportions and, on one level or another, a man whom everyone recognizes.”

While perhaps best-known as the founder of the most vital and rapidly growing religious movement on Earth, L. Ron Hubbard also lived a diverse, multifaceted and exciting life, and ultimately delineated solutions for all he found wrong in the world around him. He still defies any simple categorization. And the results of his work are today benefiting more people than ever before.

Thus it was fitting to the occasion that Mr. David Miscavige, who knew and worked with Mr. Hubbard, offered the audience a sense of what continues to flow from Mr. Hubbard’s works — increased abilities and spiritual freedom, more harmonious relationships, and bettered conditions throughout society.

In the past 12 months alone, he said, more than 200 awards, proclamations and keys to cities have been presented in honor of L. Ron Hubbard — an unparalleled number — from across the United States and Canada, and from countries as diverse as the United Kingdom and Japan, Norway and Taiwan, Italy and Russia.

To fully appreciate what those recognitions signify, said Mr. David Miscavige, you have to look at Mr. Hubbard through the eyes of those who bestow those awards. “In other words,” he noted, “you have to place yourself in those lands where his technology is utterly new. You have to walk among people who never imagined one could conquer immorality, ignorance, drug addiction and illiteracy.”

The rest of the article can be seen here
There's a story on the beautiful new building for the Church of Scientology in Clearwater covering some of the tremendous work that went into getting this building done. I didn't realize you could take a tour to see how the construction is progressing, but the article says: "While construction of the Flag Building in the 200 block of South Fort Harrison is ongoing, members of the community are invited to see a unique view of the work-in-progress from the 10th floor of the Fort Harrison Hotel, as part of hotel tours. Call (727) 467-6860 for more information." See the whole article here:
Landmark Comes to Life: New Building for Church of Scientology in Clearwater

Wednesday, April 07, 2004

Scientology Home Page
This little piece in the San Francisco Chronicle today:

"Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt will make his managerial debut Thursday night for the Philadelphia Phillies' Class-A affiliate.

The three-time MVP became the first former player hired as a minor league manager after being elected to the Hall when he signed a one-year contract to run the Clearwater Threshers -- formerly the Phillies -- Oct. 14. The Threshers host the Dunedin Blue Jays, Toronto's affiliate Thursday.

In 1995, Schmidt, considered one of the best third baseman in baseball history, became just the 26th player elected into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot. In his 18-year career, all with Philadelphia, Schmidt hit 548 homers -- ninth all-time, won 10 gold gloves and made 12-All-Star appearances."

Here's some information on the career of Mike Schmidt - quite an accomplished athlete to have on our very own team.

BaseballLibrary.com

More Scientology Links



Scientology Effective Solutions This goes into quite some detail on various activities Scientology churches participate in, in their communities.

Scientology Effective Solutions - Drug Abuse Information Scientology churches are well known for working to overcome drug problems in their communities. For example we have major drug-prevention and rehab programs that Scientologists run in Clearwater. This web site will explain why Scientologists are so passionate about handling this area.

Church of Scientology - The Foundation for Religious Freedom Here's a new page I just found - a very good description of the Scientology religion.

Tuesday, April 06, 2004

Nice new Clearwater edition of Freedom Magazine is online, and features information on Scientology Volunteer activities in Clearwater.