Central Park

Autumn in Central Park is a transcendental experience for me.

Five Hours from NYC

October is here and 5 hours North West of New York City, scenes like these assault your senses.

Youthful Innocence

When I was in college, by boyfriend, who was from a small town in the Mid-West, came to visit me over one vacation.

He was such a sweetheart, and such an innocent.

Anyway, he actually took me for a ride in a handsome cab.

Do you believe it?

I was "much too sophisticated" for him, and dumped him for someone "more worldly," to my own loss.

Brooklyn

My mom, on the other hand, was from Brooklyn.

Flatbush, to be precise.

She was born in 1913 and told me that when she was a kid, Brooklyn was still country.

She also told me that everyone was totally relieved when the automobile was introduced in New York because, as she put it, the streets were so full of shit from the horses you could hardly drive your carriage anywhere anymore.

Little did they know....

Old New York

My father was born on the Lower East Side.

He came from an immigrant Jewish family.

They lived in a very tight community, where he didn't learn to speak English till he went to school.

But a block over was the Italian neighborhood and a few blocks the other way was Chinatown.

He was born in 1911.

He used to tell us stories of his mom giving him and his brother a nickle, which was enough for both of them to get into the movies and have a penny left over to buy a big piece of bread with mustard that they'd split.

It seemed impossible to me that you could buy that much for a nickle.

By my grandchildren look at me in awe when I tell them that when I was a kid, the subway used to cost a dime.

And gas was 35 cents a gallon.

Newyorkaise

I have a French friend who refers to me as a New Yorkaise, because I love practicing my French with her.

She is too kind.

Book-a-Thon!

The Book-a-Thon is on!!!!

It's happening all over the world.

It started at 12 midnight in Fiji on Oct 7th - just east of the International Dateline, and it continues until 12 midnight October 8th in Hawaii.

And everywhere in between, Scientologists are using this day to introduce people to Scientology and Dianetics.

And since New York started the on-the-street stress test, we take credit for every book that is sold!

Love the Upper East Side

What's not to love?

New York vs. Copenhagen

This is the Hans Christian Anderso statue in Central Park.

(I think that's the ugly duckling looking up at him)

And this is the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen (she is really tiny).

The Brooklyn Bridge

A monument to man's ingenuity and creativity, this world famous steel suspension bridge was designed by architect John Roebling between 1867 and 1883. Many lives were lost constructing the first "hotlink" between Brooklyn and Manhattan.

The bridge's renowned double-arched towers were set firmly into the East River's bedrock while the unprecedented use of steel cables allowed for future bridges to span great distances.

But the Brooklyn Bridge remains an original - like most NYC residents.

(Taken from http://www.nyctourist.com/bridge1.htm)

International Day of Peace

In 2003- 65,000 people gathered in Central Park to listen to the Dalai Lama deliver a message on the importance of compassion and living in harmony. "We have to make every effort to promote human affection. While we oppose violence or war, we must show there is another way -- a nonviolent way." The exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader stressed the importance of compassion and peace.

Heroin chic

I remember reading Malcolm X, where the author described the disastrous changes in Harlem with the introduction of heroin into the culture.

I've heard people position the "right" to take drugs as an issue of freedom.

I personally believe the whole culture has been co-opted, and that it is not a freedom at all. It is, rather, slavery. And someone is profiting from this, big time.

Making heroin, or any drug, chic, fashionable, the thing to do is a PR campaign, and if you followed it back to the money you'd find who is profiting from keeping the rest of us down, hooked, desperate to make the money to pay the pusher, and incapable of living any life but the life of "the next fix."

The anti-drug campaign that the Church of Scientology of New York is sponsoring is vital for the community.

If you want to help, contact the church. (212) 921-1210

The Anti-Drug

A friend of mine told me what a great time she had today, passing out anti-drug booklets on Times Square today.

Did you know the Churchof Scientology International published 5 million copies of these anti-drug booklets in something like 20 languages?

Incredible isn't it?

And boy is it needed!

Drugs really wreck lives. And the best way to handle drug problems is before they start.

Here's the Scientology anti-drug site for more information.

Church of Scientology Celebrity Cente

Here's a photograph of the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in New York.









Here's there contact information:

Location:
65 East 82nd Street
New York, NY 10028
Tel: 212-288-1526
E-mail: ccnewyork@scientology.net
Web Site: www.scientology-ccnewyork.org

New York Autumn

I love a New York Autumn day, when the crisp air predicts a winter on the way.

A Weighty Suite

New York waitresses file $15 million lawsuit, alleging employer fired them for being fat:

According to Associated Press:

"An upscale East Side restaurant and bar is being sued for $15 million (€11.8 million) by two waitresses who say their bosses fired them because they thought they were too fat.

"The lawsuit filed Tuesday in Manhattan's state Supreme Court against the Sutton Place Restaurant and Bar says Kristen McRedmond, 27, and Alexandria Lipton, 25, were subjected to orders to disclose and record their weight, sexual harassment and a hostile work environment before they were fired in July."

I find the behavior of the employer and the male employees, described in the article, to be offensive and suppressive. As a somewhat "plump" woman myself, I sympathize with how these women must have felt.

But when we start creating 15 million dollar lawsuits to complain about it don't you think we're going just a bit too far?

I personally feel this makes a laughing stock out of women's causes.

Leave it to New York to come up with a case like this....

Remebering the Scientology Volunteer Ministers at Ground Zero

Stephan Hittman Chief Executive Officer 9/11 Foundation, Honorary Commissioner New York Fire Department

presented the following proclamation at the Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology of New York (an event attended by Mr. David Miscavige in acknowledgement of the courage and dedication of the New York Scientology Volunteer Ministers).

"In recognition of the humanitarian efforts of the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology, and the help they provided to members of the Fire Department of the City of New York, in keeping with the principles developed by L. Ron Hubbard; and

"WHEREAS: FDNY and the 911 PROGRAM recognize this unwavering commitment to firefighters, to paramedics, to other rescue workers, in keeping with our proudest traditions; and be it known,

"THEREFORE: That FDNY and the 911 PROGRAM officially recognize this dedicated service to the citizens of the City of New York, and hereby bestow upon L. Ron Hubbard and the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology, the FDNY and the 911 PROGRAM's Medal of Valor and 9–11 Service Award — on the occasion of the Grand Opening of the New York Church of Scientology."

New York Taxis

New York taxis are a phenomenon unto themselves.

First of all, there is no other place on Earth where a full 1/3 of the vehicles on the streets are taxis.

And then there is there are certain characteristics that make NY taxis stand out - such as a complete disregard for the safety of the driver, passenger, pedestrian and other motorists and a an impatience that fills the streets of NY with the sound of car horns throughout the day.

But what would NY be without them?

School time

One great thing about New York was that we started school a week later than everyone else in the country.

On the other hand, we always had to stay in school at extra week longer in June.

But I think I'd rather put it off a week than end off early, if I had by choice in the matter.

August 29 - Historic Audio-Visual Presentation of World's Foremost Human Rights Charter Released at United Nations

Fifty-eight years after adoption, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights comes to life in 30 PSAs.

Read about it here.

Bowery Bums

I remember 50 years ago, before anyone ever heard of the term "homeless" in New York, driving through the Bowery and seeing my first homeless person.

I was shocked to see these gaunt, filthy men, trying to wipe off our car's windshield with dirty newspapers (leaving more dirt than there before) in exchange for a handout.

My father had a pat explanation. They were "bums."

I got the idea that bums were a different species.

But later when I was old enough to realize my father's classification did nothing to improve things, I found it very disturbing to see the ever-increasing ranks of homeless on the streets.

This really hit me when I moved to LA in 1973 .

My father had an explanation for this too. In New York the cold winters kill them off but in LA they proliferate (this time it sounded like the species he had classified them with was bugs).

I realized later that there are certain common aspects to homeless people, which opens the door to helping to resolve the problem:

1. Many are the victims of psychiatry. They get hauled in to psychiatric facilities where the social services system pays for a certain number of days of commitment and then kicks them out onto the street with their prescriptions, paid for, again, by our tax dollars. These keep them in a permanent state of stupefaction so that if they ever wanted to improve things they would no longer be able to do anything to change their condition.
2. Many of them are alcoholics or drug addicts.
3. Many suffer from illiteracy
4. As with people who turn to crime as a way of life, many homeless have self-esteem issues.

I believe in charity that helps resolve these problems and so gives people a hand up. That's why I am a member of the International Association of Scientologists, where my membership dues go to support social betterment programs that get to the root of these problems and provide real help to people so they can improve their lives and pull themselves out of unwanted fixed conditions.

Chinatown

One of my favorite spots in NYC is Chinatown.

The best food anywhere in the city.

Very little pretense.

Crowded, noisy, cramped, delicious.

New York Taxis

Don't ever try to cross a New York Taxi.

You might think these are cars. You might think the taxi drivers are just ordinary people.

But they are a species unto themselves, and , like the cockroach, they will survive any thrashing and continue to survive.

Also like the cockroach they scare some people witless.

But, alas, where would we be in New York without the ubiquitous taxi?

It's a love/hate relationship.

The Cloisters

One of my favorite spots in NYC is the Cloisters.

It is amazing what was done to create this museum. Even the transporting of an entire cloister, stone by stone, from Europe to New York and reassembled. Brilliant.

And the armor and tapestries are incredible.

Last time I went there was also an absolutely awsome concert of period music on period instruments in one of the chapels.

A Nice Touch - Thanks, Mayor Bloomberg

I thought the press release I'm reprinting here was a nice touch. It makes higher education more accessible to everyone by making it possible for all kids to take the standardized tests upon which acceptance for college is based:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 300-06
August 21, 2006

MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR KLEIN ANNOUNCE THE PSAT WILL NOW BE OFFERED FREE-OF-CHARGE TO ALL NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL 10TH AND 11TH GRADE STUDENTS

System-wide PSAT Testing Will Better Prepare High School Students for the SAT and Increase the Pool of Students Eligible for National Merit Scholarships

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein today announced that a new partnership has been created between the Department of Education (DOE) and the College Board to offer the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) free-of-charge to all 10th and 11th grade students. The PSAT is the preliminary SAT for 10th and 11th grade students and serves as the National Merit Qualifying Test for 11th grade students. The SAT is recognized as one of the exams commonly accepted in the college and university admissions process. DOE will also use the test to identify students who have potential for advanced high school course work and encourage these students to consider post-secondary school options. The Mayor and Chancellor were joined by College Board President Gaston Caperton and Deputy Mayor for Education and Community Development Dennis Walcott for the announcement at the DOE headquarters in Lower Manhattan.

“Providing a sound education for our children also means preparing them to take on the rigors of higher education and the college classroom,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Regardless of the career path individual students choose, we want to ensure that each and every student receives an education that will prepare them for college and beyond. Offering every 10th and 11th grader the chance to take the PSAT will start more of our students on that path to success and I encourage every student to take advantage of this great opportunity.”

“We must continue to raise the bar and set high expectations for our students and focus on making sure they are afforded every available opportunity,” said Chancellor Klein. “So many of our students have the potential to succeed in high school and beyond and this new partnership represents our commitment to continuing to remove the barriers that keep them from realizing their potential and reaching their goals.”

On Wednesday, October 18, all 10th and 11th grade students enrolled in New York City Public Schools will be able to take the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test at no additional cost to the students or the schools. DOE has allocated $1.2 million to pay for up to 150,000 students to take the test.

Before this year, most students who chose to take the PSAT were responsible for the cost and making arrangements to take the test, often on a weekend. This year, the free PSAT is being offered on a weekday, providing more students the opportunity to participate. Studies have shown that there is a substantial scoring advantage for those students who take the PSAT and SAT multiple times.

Over the past three years, DOE has focused on increasing college readiness initiatives and opportunities for students to take the PSAT. The number of students taking the test grew by nearly a third between the 2002-2003 and 2005-2006 school years, with a total of 44,488 students participating last year. Part of the increase was due to an earlier phase of the college readiness initiative, launched in fall 2005, under which the PSAT was offered to 10,000 students at schools traditionally underserved by Advanced Placement courses.

Under the new partnership, in addition to all 10th and 11th grade students, English Language Learners, Special Education students and students attending transfer schools will also have the option of taking the PSAT. Schools will encourage students to participate by distributing information on the test to parents at the start of the school year. For more information on taking the PSAT, visit www.nyc.gov or call 311.

Over the summer the NY State Education Department has held a series of training sessions for the following purpose:


Training for Violent and Disruptive Incident Reporting (VADIR): A series of day-long training sessions on Violent and Disruptive Incident Reporting (VADIR) are being scheduled for public schools, charter schools and BOCES personnel during the month of August. This was previously announced on July 7 in News and Notes.

It is very important that a team of four from your district attend one of these training sessions. This training will assist schools with the legal requirements on what and how to report violent and disruptive incidents. The teams should include the superintendent or designee, a building principal representative, a representative of the teacher’s union, and a person with primary responsibility for accurate completion of VADIR forms. The schedule of training dates and geographic locations is provided below. Pre-registration to attend one of the training sessions is required. The name of a contact person for additional information and to pre-register is also provided. Additional information may also be obtained from the New York State Center for School Safety on their web site at http://www.mhric.org/scss/save.html.

There are techniques in the Scientology Handbook that are very effective in helping bring classes under control, reducing the risk of violence.

First of all, when students don't know how to study and don't understand the words and symbols they are reading or hearing they can become much more prone to violence and other behavior problems.

Additionally, teachers who are in good communication with their pupils are far less likely to encounter violence than those who are not.

Both of these are covered in the Scientology Handbook.

If I were teaching today I would use this technology to the hilt.

Great Review for Anti-Drug Pop Song

I thought this review was refreshing - not just the album but Alex for coming out with the good review too

“I'm Straight,” The Modern Lovers, The Modern Lovers
A truly rare pop song: a fervently anti-drug message delivered without pretension, a new wave anthem sung by a square. The singer wants to replace the "always stoned" current lover of the object of his affection, Hippie Johnny, and shouts defiantly, "I'm straight, and I want to take his place."

What is Scientology

More than a system of belief, Scientology is an applied religion that plays a vital role in both the lives of its congregation and the community at large. It brings spiritual enlightenment to man by way of religious practices that advance him to higher states of spiritual ability and understanding, while providing practical solutions to every facet of day-to-day living.

There is a very good description of Scientology by Mr. David Miscavige in the speech he gave, called This is Scientology

Black New York frets the changing face of Harlem

Rueters is running a wire about big (white) money moving in to Harlem and raising the prices for everyone, not just the big rollers who want what one developer describes as the "gritty quality" of the neighborhood.

I'm all for making Harlem into the most beautiful, clean, safe community in New York. But not if it means those who live there now will be muscled out.

And while I'm on the subject, there is a Scientology church and Dianetics foundation in Harlem.

Here's the contact information:
2250 3rd Avenue
New York, NY 10035
Tel (212) 828-1825
info@dianetics-harlem.org

Our Mayor!

kAccording

"Mayor Bloomberg is independent and takes absolutely no political contributions," mayoral spokesman Stu Loeser said, "but he does make political donations if he thinks they will help New Yorkers or New York City."


Bloomberg built his wealth from the financial information company he founded, Bloomberg L.P., but stepped down as CEO when he first ran for mayor. His fortune is estimated at $5.1 billion, making him the 112th richest person in the world, according to Forbes magazine.

Yankee Environmentalism

There's a big hoo-hah over the Yankees tearing down a part to build their new stadium. They're spending a billion on it. Why don't they pop for a few more hundred million and create a new park too?

New York Sets the Pace

The Church of Scientology of New York is a trend setter. If the Church in New York does something, you can pretty much bet that other Churches as far away as Japan and Venezuela will be doing it soon too.

An example is the way members of the Church of Scientology of New York go out on the streets to give stress tests to people and show them how to handle the major points of stress in their lives with Dianetics.

World Trade Center

The Oliver Stone Movie started showing this week. It took a director of his calibre to take this on. Here's a snippet about it from the Buffalo News.

"Stone has wrapped this true story about rescuers trapped in the Sept. 11 wreckage into a red, white and blue tribute to the American spirit. His film focuses on two men stuck in a dark, claustrophobic elevator pit - this from a director whose last film was the epic "Alexander."

"Before you start to trumpet the arrival of the new Oliver Stone, he has something to say. Forget it. The way he sees things, the drama is vintage Stone: a detailed account of what he considers to be one of the most important events in the country's history.

"'I want people to remember that day as it was,' he said in Chicago recently at a press briefing that also included producers and cast members. 'I had a feeling that we should memorialize some of this. This was a story that was begging to be told.'"

Youth for Human Rights Summit

There is a Youth for Human Rights International summit about to be held at the United Nations in New York -- 2 weeks from today.

It takes a lot to pull off an event like that so a lot of us are putting in time after work to help get it organized. Signs, confiming attendees, picking people up from airports, chauffering them around town while they're here, you name it.

But it is going to be quite an event, and I really look forward to sharing the human rights PSAs with UN officials. Talk about something to help the UN accomplish its purpose!

Times Square

When I was in high school I used to love going into the City. I lived in Queens and as soon as you crossed over into Manhattan you could feel it. It's just a different pace and feeling altogether.

My first memories of Times Square were of a huge billboard there used to be there, that had a man smoking. I think it was Camels or Lucky Strikes. There was this h-u-g-e head with smoke billowing out every few seconds as he "puffed on his cigarette."

Now Times Square means my church to me - the Church of Scientology of New York. And the fondest memory I have in recent years was the day 47th Street was closed off for the grand opening and David Miscavige came to New York to welcome us to the church.

I remember so clearly the day Mr. Miscavige announced that the new church was going to be restored and renovated for us. It was at the anniversary of the founding of the Interenational Association of Scientologists in late October or early November 2001. It was only a short while after 9/11 and Mr. Miscavige honored us, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers of New York, by presenting the IAS Freedom Medal to three Volunteer Ministers who coordinated the relief effort we did for the rescue workers. I was so proud to have been a part of that team and to have Mr. Miscavige commend us it was such an honor knowing that Scientologists in every church around the world were seeing the event too.

Celebrity Center in New York

There is a Celebrity Center church in New York in addition to the main one in Hollywood.

Of course we don't have the kind of Gala here that they hold in LA. No one could top Celebrity Center Int for putting on a party. But there is a great Scientology community in New York and it's growing daily!

Needed -- Real Solutions

In his speech at the Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology of New York, Mr. David Miscavige made a very important point. Mr. Miscavige said:

"...the high technology of this 21st century science can't yet prevent war. And what about the terror alerts that are a part of everyday existence?

"The upsets at home that are so common it's considered a routine part of life? Or what about raising a child today? If it's not the drugs, then it's the all too common worry that they'll actually get an education.

"The answer to this planet's problems will not be found in the material. Of this there can be no question.

"For if those solutions can't prevent war, nation to nation, how then can it be expected to answer questions like love, happiness or compassion?"

There are effective Scientology solutions to each of these problems.

Anyone wanting help is welcome to come to the Church of Scientology of New York. We're open all day, 7 days a week.

Other speeches by Mr. David Miscavige at church Grand Openings:

Church of Scientology of San Francisco
Church of Scientology of Spain
Church of Scientology of Buffalo
Speech at Church of Scientology of Johannesburg and article about the event.

Revisiting the Grand Opening of the New York Church of Scientology

I know I have talked about this before but this was a momentous event and bears repeating.

Mr. David Miscavige spoke at the grand opening of the Church of Scientology of New York.

He talked about the humanitarian work done at Ground Zero by the Scientology Volunteer Ministers of New York City.


He said the following:

"New York is the greatest city on earth. Yet even that doesn't say it all. Rather, this one is special for another reason. Because, what we are bringing to New York Scientologists today, with this new church, is what you inspired across the rest of the world three years ago. In fact, it can be said in a single phrase that now drives a global movement bringing hope and salvation to millions, world over. For in the darkest of times and worst of places, you stood tall amongst it all, as a shining beacon of light, proclaiming in action that: SOMETHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT."

Mr. Miscavige went on to say:

"Also inherent in Scientology itself is that one take responsibility, not only for himself, but the world at large.
So yes, as we look out across the world, we can speak of international conflict, of economic instability, and yes, of terrorism. But if we do my friends, let's not speak in terms of those problems. Let's speak in terms of solutions. Solutions for that which can solve every one of them.

"For the conditions we face today are but symptoms of the real disease behind cultural decline. A society is comprised of individuals. And if solutions are what we seek then let’s revitalize the individual himself."

Other grand openings of interest were:

Church of Scientology of San Francisco
Church of Scientology of Madrid
Church of Scientology of Johannesburg

Power Up

Finally after 10 days 100,000 customers in Queens got their power back last Wed.

What a flap!

Everyone has their own story about what a hassle and hardship this was.

Just hearing how horrible it all was makes me wonder how did my grandmother lived long enough to raise a family in pre-electricity Manhattan.

US Mayors Reflect on 9-11

It's hard to conceive it's been almost 5 years since the 9-11 attacks.

Though we didn't believe it would at the time, life has gone on. Unless you look up and notice the changed skyline, or try to catch a flight at the last minute and miss it because of the interminable lines at Security, or unless you have a New York cough from trying to breathe the "air," or unless you lost a friend or child or parent or husband or wife when the towers collapsed, you might think life hadn't changed too much.

If you don't watch TV or read the papers.

But some people can't forget. They are the guys we elect to be responsible for our safety.

Including our mayors.

What our Mayors Say About it

In a press release after their Press Conference today, the US mayors stated:

"As the nation approaches the five-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11 and the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, led by Conference President and Dearborn Mayor Michael A. Guido, held a media forum at the National Press Club today discussing the state of disaster preparedness in America's cities.

"'The nation's mayors continue to focus on the need to strengthen emergency preparedness and homeland security,' said Conference of Mayors President, Dearborn Mayor Michael Guido. "The devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast area, and the terrorist attacks of 9-11 are like nothing this country has ever seen before. As mayors, we saw ourselves in our own unnamed disaster that could easily strike any one of our cities.'"

The International Association of Scientologists funded the full renovation of the Church of Scientology of New York as an acknowledgement of the heroism of New York Scientologists and their help to the rescue workers at Ground Zero.

And David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center attended and spoke at the Grand Opening event.

Mr. Miscavige also spoke about 9-11 in the speech he gave at Celebrity Centre International a couple of years ago, which was later turned into a DVD called This is Scientology.

He said:

"The events of September 11th served as a wake-up call for all of us. When one must worry, in today’s modern world, about the safety of its citizens, when one’s solutions are limited to the use of military might, it is obvious that the problems we face run much deeper.

"It’s a situation none of us can ignore. They are conditions we all must face. They are problems we all must be responsible for helping to resolve."

So while "life goes on" my own life has changed a lot because I am doing a lot more volunteer work now and I'm personally committed to making a difference.

Hot

New York Public Service Commission Chairman William M. Flynn called for a formal proceeding to examine the company's preparation and response to problems that knocked out power to 100,000 residents of the borough of Queens during a summer heat wave. Regulators also want to know if changes are needed in the design of ConEd's system, its maintenance practices or the amount it spends on infrastructure, according to a statement, according to a Reuters wire yesterday.

It's outrageous the amount of confusion that caused.

Not your Ordinary Chapel

The chapel of the church of Scientology of New York is one of the nicest areas of the new church. This photo hardly does it justice. It is beautiful and large enough for seminars, events, Sunday service. Community groups are welcome to use it for their events and programs. The Public Affairs Department frequently holds events promoting human rights, drug-education and other important social issues.

Sunday service is also held here and if you haven't been to a Scientology Sunday service you are missing something very special. You are bound to feel brighter and happier at the end of it!

Suggested links:
David Miscavige at the Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology of New York
This is Scientology

They came for the music

On Tuesday night the NY philharmonic ended its summer Concerts in the Parks series with Beethoven's 5th in Central Park. Conductor Marin Alsop, trying to spare the audience from being drenched by the threatening rainstorm, announced she would only play two movements but the 50,000 who came to hear the music were so visibly (and audibly) disappointed that she relented and put back in the third movement. The summer rain cooperated and the downpour didn't start till right after the concert was over.

When, once again, we are seeing the human tragedy of war on the front pages of our newspapers, I am reminded of something David Miscavige said when he attended the grand opening of my church (the Church of Scientology of NewYork).

" When one must worry in today's modern world about the safety of its citizens, when one's solutions are limited to the use of military might, it is obvious the problems we face run much deeper. It's a situation none of us can ignore. They are conditions we all must face. They are problems we all must be responsible for helping to resolve."

This weekend I saw an event that took place aboard the Freewinds ship in June. What I saw gave me so much hope that I wanted to share it. The Church of Scientology International has produces a set of 30 public service announcements for Youth for Human Rights International - a group dedicated to human rights education and the full implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

I consider myself to be a pretty well educated person, but if you had asked by what rights are guaranteed by the Universal Declaration I would have to have guessed. Even though I'd read it. Now I could real off a list of them. What changes is that I've seen these PSAs. They made such an impression on me. They got through to me the basic concept of each of these rights.

I wouldn't be able to state all 30, but I could probably name a dozen or more (and that's a dozen more than I could have named last week).

But the reason I bring this up is that I believe that if we have any faintest chance to end war it will only be by the citizens of the countries insisting on their own human rights and those of their fellow man, and that these short films, which is really what they are, can really help if they are spread far enough.

Download the first 3 of them from I Tunes. Hopefully the rest will be there soon too.

Mezzanine Lounge at the Church of Scientology of New York

Right as you walk into the Church of Scientology of New York there's a staircase up to the mezzanine where there is a lounge and displays of Scientology community activities. This place is usually buzzing with people making plans or just hanging out between classes.

Scientology New York Opening and Others

I know I posted earlier about the grand opening of the New York Church of Scientology, following major renovations done to the building. Though you might like to see another photo of it from the inside, along with some photos of other recent openings around the world.

CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY OF NEW YORK

Mr. David Miscavige was also the guest speaker at a number of these openings.

CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY SAN FRANCISCO

CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY TAMPA

INSIDE THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY OF MADRID

Some other Scientology Churches -

BUFFALO

SOUTH AFRICA

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

TORONTO, CANADA

New York IS the Greatest City on Earth

As a New Yorker it is obvious to ME that New York is the greatest city on earth.

But it was really nice to have Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center say so at the Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology of New York.

What Mr. Miscavige said exactly was:

"...when you consider New York is the hub of everything from American Publishing, to fashion, the nation's financial capital and epicenter of global trends, not to mention the international center for entertainment and media. And all in addition to the most diverse culture on earth, which sets the trends across every generation and spectrum of life.

"Well, what more need be said? New York is the greatest city on earth.Yet even that doesn't say it all. Rather, this one is special for another reason. Because, what we are bringing to New York Scientologists today, with this new church, is what you inspired across the rest of the world three years ago. In fact, it can be said in a single phrase that now drives a global movement bringing hope and salvation to millions, world over.

"For in the darkest of times and worst of places, you stood tall amongst it all, as a shining beacon of light, proclaiming in action that: SOMETHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT."

New York is a Summer Festival

When I was a kid there was a popular phrase "New York is a Summer Festival."

I think the idea was to counter the general idea that the thing to do if you possibly could do it was to get OUT of the City for as much of the summer as you could afford.

Part of the "stay loyal to the City" campaign was to create art, music and theater performances for free or at greatly reduced cost.

This has continued and there are lots of great things to do all summer long.

Here's one example - The Washington Square Music Festival


Here's what their web site says about the festival:

"...a free outdoor classical and tango/jazz/salsa concert series, is celebrating its 48th season by presenting four evenings of great music under the stars performed by musicians who regularly play in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan and New York City Opera orchestras and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Performance space is in the southeast quadrant of Washington Square Park at the foot of Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Rainspace TBA.

"The Festival was founded in 1953 by violinist and neighbor Alexander Schneider, member of the famed Budapest String Quartet, and the Washington Square Association. Over the years the concerts have become a venerable summer tradition, shaped by Peggy Friedman, executive director, our late music director Henry Schuman, and our current music director, Lutz Rath, as well as countless patrons, volunteers and neighborhood agencies that make the Festival such a popular Tuesday evening event.

"The sole activity of The Washington Square Music Festival is to present free concerts. New York has other free outdoor classical concert series, but only the Washington Square Music Festival s sponsored by a local civic organization—that organization, the Washington Square Association, Inc., which dates back to 1903."

While you're in Manhattan visit the Church of Scientology of New York.

A great way to make the most of your summer vacation is to learn more about Scientology and resume your regular working or school year with an edge, with the tools you can learn from Scientology and Dianetics books and courses.

Church of Scientology of New York

In his speech at the Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology of New York, Mr. David Miscavige said:


"...when a culture falls away from spiritual pursuits into materialism well that is when man becomes just another animal and with no belief-in let alone hope of the hereafter, of something greater than just day-to-day existence then what does anything matter anyway?

"Moreover, our sense of community occurs by reason of mutual experience with others and the first sense of community is religion. Without that, real trust and integrity can be destroyed. And society itself becomes defenseless to the onslaught of evil and degradation. And that is why it is so important that every church own up to the responsibility, and role it must perform."

The Church of Scientology of New York takes this responsibility very seriously and has a very active Scientology Volunteer Ministers program where anyone can receive personal help.

The Church is open every day and from 9 am to 10 pm there is always someone there to answer questions or provide personal help.

The Church is located at: 227 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036
Tel: (212) 921-1210
newyork@scientology.net

NASCAR Dianetics Car

Sports Illustrated ran an AP wire this week on the Dianetics NASCAR:

The Church of Scientology, the religion for which actor Tom Cruise crusades, will attempt to spread its "Ignite Your Potential" message into auto racing through sponsorship of a race car in one of NASCAR's lowest levels.

Kenton Gray, a 35-year-old Californian, will attempt to make the field for a late model race Saturday night at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway. His No. 27 Ford Taurus will be sponsored by Bridge Publications, which publishes Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard's bestseller "Dianetics."

The hood of the car will say "Dianetics" on it, along with a volcano to mimic the book cover.

Jazz Night at the Church of Scientology of Buffalo

I read this story on the web site of the Church of Scientology of Buffalo.

Scientologists Spearhead "Brighter Future for Buffalo" Efforts

Forging a brighter future for any American city requires many shoulders to the wheel, and putting their weight behind a better Buffalo Wednesday night were community officials, leaders and parishioners of several local churches, and more than 100 community activists and dedicated Buffalonians.

The event was the Church of Scientology's "Brighter Future for Buffalo" Jazz Night, featuring "Taylor Made Jazz," a group known for its humanitarian benefit performances. The venue was the Church's community hall on Virginia and Main. The inspiration for the effort came from Mayor Byron Brown who has, in the city's promotional literature and ads, urged citizens to work together in building a brighter future for the city. And even soul impresario Isaac Hayes added his shoulder from Harlem by contributing an effective tool for bringing greater respect and peace to the community.

Hosting the event as part of its "Creating a Brighter Future for Buffalo" campaign, the Church of Scientology of Buffalo honored Mark Fuller, executive director of the Stop the Violence Coalition with the Rev. Mary Lou Reile "Brighter Future for Buffalo" Award. "We applaud this coalition for being out there every day, on the front lines, whenever and wherever needed," said Teresa Reger, president of the Church in Buffalo. "Because of their non-stop efforts to make this city a brighter, safer place, I can't think of a more deserving group to be the first recipient of this 'Brighter Future for Buffalo' Award."

Following the award ceremony, the Rev. Jonathan Reece, executive director of the Church of Scientology of Buffalo, announced that, in collaboration with the Healing Tree Ministries, the Evangelical Deliverance Ministries and the Stop the Violence Coalition, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers are inviting people of all colors, creeds and cultures to join in distributing Isaac Hayes-sponsored copies of The Way to Happiness, a common-sense moral guidebook that serves as a centerpiece for a new campaign to reduce violence in Buffalo. Hayes has sponsored the printing of more than 9,000 copies of the book, which will be passed out in the city's most problematic areas starting at 10:00am this Saturday, May 27, at 1279 Sycamore Street.

"Being of mixed ethnicity myself, I have seen racial discrimination and intolerance on both sides of the fence," said Rev. Reece. "But that mindset is born of ignorance and it all too often ends in hurt and violence. This little book has proven time and again—no matter where in the world it is given out—to be a powerful peacemaker."

When broadly distributed and read, The Way to Happiness has chilled violence and strife in apartheid-era South African townships, and in Los Angeles, where one million copies were distributed throughout strife-torn neighborhoods following that city's riots in 1992. Immediate, observable and very positive change resulted. In its wake, gang members even joined forces to remove graffiti from 130 neighborhood buildings and to pass out more copies of the booklet. Today The Way to Happiness is doing much the same in Palestine and Israel, where more than 1 million households now have and use copies.

Recognizing the pacifying power of this publication, written by author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, have been opinion leaders in diverse fields—from the Palestinian Authority's Deputy Secretary of Education Zeinab Habash, to Roots author, the late Alex Haley, to South Africa's National Deputy Commissioner for Corrections Alfred Tsetsane, to the National Basketball Association's preeminent championship coach, Phil Jackson, and others.

"Members of the Church of Scientology know that something can be done about the problems we face as a community—and we want to help revitalize Buffalo by bringing like-minded individuals and groups together to build a better society here," said Reger. The "Jazz Night," featuring jazz musicians noted for their support of child development and educational programs, "is the Church's way of spotlighting and thanking those who are actively improving the community," said Reger. "They deserve it, wholeheartedly."

For more information about the Church's ongoing "Creating a Brighter Future for Buffalo" campaign, or to take part in this weekend's Way to Happiness distribution event, contact the Church of Scientology of Buffalo at (716) 856-3910.

This sounds like it was great fun!

Reminds me of the excitement of their Grand Opening a little while back.

Isaac!

I found this on Welcome to My World blog
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.

Here is a photo of the grand opening of the Church of Scientology of New York.
The renovation of the church was a gift from the International Association of Scientologists (IAS)in acknowledgement for the humanitarian work of the church in helping rescue workers after the terrorist attacks on September 11th 2001.

Mr. David Miscavige announced that this renovation would be done at the yearly international event commemorating the founding of the IAS. The event took place in England in October 2001.

Not only were Scientologists around the world inspired by the New York Scientologists, but Volunteer Ministers from around the country and, indeed, around the world, hearintg of what they were doing to help, put their own lives and health at risk by coming to new york and assisting in the clean-up operation at ground zero.

Every VM who helped is a hero.

COLUMBUS VOLUNTEER'S HEART'S IN NEW YORK

Here's an article about a Scientologist from Columbus, Ohio, who came to New York to help after 9/11.

He joined hundreds of other Scientology Volunteer Ministers who worked for weeks to help in any way they could.

COLUMBUS VOLUNTEER'S HEART'S IN NEW YORK

Thursday, November 15, 2001 NEWS 02A By Lornet Turnbull Dispatch Staff Reporter

In just a few weeks, Jack Via has come to know the tough, gritty underbelly of New York.

He has come to know its people -- their resilience, their vulnerabilities, their deep pride.

A volunteer minister with the Church of Scientology, Via roams New York greeting and listening to strangers and handing out pamphlets to those willing to accept them.

Although thousands of volunteers have cycled in and out of New York since Sept. 11, the 51-year-old Via left his dog, his roofing job and an apartment in Italian Village on Sept. 28 and hasn't looked back.

"I never thought about falling in love with New York City -- but I have,'' Via said this week. "There isn't anything too much more important than what's going on here now.''

Although time and a war abroad have shifted U.S. attention from New York, Via and a corps of volunteers from throughout the country talk of a city still very much on the mend.

That became devastatingly clear again this week with the crash of American Flight 587 in a Queens neighborhood already reeling from loss. Via said he and other Scientology volunteers walked the streets of the Rockaway Beach neighborhood "looking for anybody in need of help.''

When he arrived in New York, Via admits, he worried about the reception Scientologists might receive. The Los Angeles-based church founded in 1954 by the late science- fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard isn't universally embraced.

Scientologists say the religion's goal is to help people understand and improve their lives; critics accuse it of being cultlike.

At one point after Sept. 11, as many as 800 Scientologist volunteers had gathered in New York.

They employ what Via calls "spiritual'' first aid for those struggling with grief and dysfunction.

"We help people heal by getting the 'being' back in touch with the body or mind. It sounds simple, but it's very powerful.'' >> more

New York Dianetics

New York set the pace for introducing people to Dianetics, setting up tables all over the city - even in subways and Grand Central Station.

Dianetics is a terrific book. I recommend it without reservations.

Come in to the New York Church of Scientology for a Dianetics seminar.

John Travolta, Kelly Preston and Scientology Silent Birth

ABC.com has a little piece of John Travolta and Kelly Preston today where Kelly is credited with downplaying media hype on Scientology practices relating to childbirth.

There's a good web site which gives factual data on the subject, called Silent Birth

Kelly also has a terrific interview this week on the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre web site

Recommended link: Read about the grand opening of my church and the speech by David Miscavige memorializing the occasion.

New York Scientology President Interviewed on Silent Birth

Creative Expressions has a past today about the Beliefnet interview with Rev. John Carmichael about Scientology beliefs related to birth - what media have called "silent birth."

Here's an excerpt:

Scientology Silent Birth: 'It's A Natural Thing' The Rev. John Carmichael of the Church of Scientology explains why his religion frowns on talking during labor and delivery.

Interview by Alice Chasan

Since actor Tom Cruise, a Scientologist, announced that he and actress Katie Holmes would follow the Scientology practice of "silent birth" when their baby was born, there has been widespread speculation about what's behind this idea and what it involves. On April 18, 2006--the day Cruise and Holmes' baby, Suri, was born--the Rev. John Carmichael, president of the Church of Scientology in New York, spoke with Beliefnet senior editor Alice Chasan to explain Scientology's views on childbirth, the parent-child relationship, and child development

The whole article can be read here: Scientology Silent Birth

For more information about Scientology I recommend reading the speech by Mr. David Miscavige called "This is Scientology."

Presentation by Mr. David Miscavige at the New York Scientology church

I was really glad to see Mr. David Miscavige's speech at the grand opening of the new Church of Scientology of New York was added to the church's web site.

Here's what he had to say about New York and the Scientology church we have here:

For when you consider New York is the hub of everything from American Publishing, to fashion, the nation's financial capital and epicenter of global trends, not to mention the international center for entertainment and media. And all in addition to the most diverse culture on earth, which sets the trends across every generation and spectrum of life.

Well, what more need be said? New York is the greatest city on earth.Yet even that doesn't say it all. Rather, this one is special for another reason. Because, what we are bringing to New York Scientologists today, with this new church, is what you inspired across the rest of the world three years ago. In fact, it can be said in a single phrase that now drives a global movement bringing hope and salvation to millions, world over.

For in the darkest of times and worst of places, you stood tall amongst it all, as a shining beacon of light, proclaiming in action that: SOMETHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT.

L. Ron Hubbard as the Most Translated Author in the World

According the Scientology Newsroom, a few months ago the Guiness Book of World Records has recognized Mr. L. Ron Hubbard as the most translated author in the world:

"Scientology Founder, L. Ron Hubbard named as world’s most translated author by Guinness World Records, topping other best-selling authors' works.

"This new world record was formally confirmed as 65 languages, exceeding the earlier record of 51 languages set by American author Sidney Sheldon in 1997.

"It even topped the unofficial count of 63 by Harry Potter novelist J. K. Rowling and for the The Dairy of a Young Girl by Dutch teenager Anne Frank, which was translated into 64 languages.

"In accrediting and presenting world records, Guinness is a household name, and it is they who issued an official world record verification certificate confirming the achievement: 'The most translated author in the world is L. Ron Hubbard (USA). His works have been translated into 65 languages as of October 2005.'

"Alistair Burtenshaw, the director of the prestigious trade book convention, the London Book Fair, presented the certificate stating,'L. Ron Hubbard is a powerful force whose works encompass many fields and genres from Dianetics, his all time bestseller on the mind, to his epic science fiction triumph Battlefield Earth.'

"The certificate was presented to Author Services, Inc., located in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the literary agency that licenses all of L. Ron Hubbard’s works internationally.

"Spokesperson for Author Services, Hugh Wilhere said, 'We keep making L. Ron Hubbard’s works available to publishers everywhere so we expect to continue breaking this record.' He concluded, 'L. Ron Hubbard’s books are bestsellers in many countries and the demand for them keeps growing as word of mouth continues to spread from reader to reader.'

" The languages in which books by L. Ron Hubbard have been translated include Afrikaans, Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, Azeri, Basque, Belo Russian, Bengali, Brazilian, Bulgarian, Castilian Spanish, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dari-Farsi, Dutch, Estonian, Farsi, Finnish, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kannada, Kazakh, Korean, Kyrgyz, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Malayalam, Mongolian, Nepalese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Sinhalese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tagalog, Taiwanese, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese, Xhosa and Zulu.

"With over 200 million of his fiction and non-fiction works in circulation in 156 countries following his professional career that spanned half a century, L. Ron Hubbard, Founder of Dianetics and Scientology, is among the most influential and widely-read authors of our time."

Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology of New York

Last year Mr. David Miscavige spoke at the grand opening of the Church of Scientology of New York. Referring to the humanitarian work of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers of New York City, whose assistance at Ground Zero is now legiondary, he said the following:

New York is the greatest city on earth.Yet even that doesn't say it all. Rather, this one is special for another reason. Because, what we are bringing to New York Scientologists today, with this new church, is what you inspired across the rest of the world three years ago. In fact, it can be said in a single phrase that now drives a global movement bringing hope and salvation to millions, world over.

For in the darkest of times and worst of places, you stood tall amongst it all, as a shining beacon of light, proclaiming in action that: SOMETHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT.

Mr. Miscavige went on to say:

Also inherent in Scientology itself is that one take responsibility, not only for himself, but the world at large.

So yes, as we look out across the world, we can speak of international conflict, of economic instability, and yes, of terrorism. But if we do my friends, let's not speak in terms of those problems. Let's speak in terms of solutions. Solutions for that which can solve every one of them.

For the conditions we face today are but symptoms of the real disease behind cultural decline.

A society is comprised of individuals. And if solutions are what we seek then let’s revitalize the individual himself.

Dianetics Bookathon

Scientologists from around the world will be participating in an International Bookathon this weekend.

On the Scientology News page, there is an article from last year about New York Scientologists providing stress tests for the public. As there will be stress testing as part of the bookathon. New York Scientologists do stress testing thoughout the city. Here's information on what this is all about:

In New York, even in the freezing winter weather, volunteers can be found at tables cheerfully assisting interested persons in learning how Dianetics techniques can relieve stress.>>