Young Scientology Member Races for Human Rights

Recognized at the 6th Annual Youth for Human Rights Summit in Geneva last week, race car driver and Scientologist Niki Lanik explains why he promotes human rights to racing enthusiasts.

Austrian-born race car driver and Scientologist Niki Lanik, 22, uses his sport to champion human rights. Recognized with a Human Rights Advocate Award last week at the 6th Annual Human Rights Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, Lanik has been an advocate since December 2006. It was then he decided to use his high profile as a successful driver to raise awareness about human rights. Says Lanik, “Athletes have fans and followers who read about us or see us on TV. Youngsters see us and musicians and artists as role models. It’s important to me that I live up to that trust.”

Lanik’s dedication to promoting human rights awareness and education came after meeting Los Angeles-based film director Taron Lexton in London three years ago. Lexton directed a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) which bring the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to life. Lexton also created “United,” an award-winning music video about a young boy from the inner city who unites people from around the world to defend the rights of his friends. These films are part of the human rights awareness campaign of Youth for Human Rights International.

“I thought I knew what human rights are, but I really had no idea until I watched the PSAs and read the booklet that goes with them,” says Lanik. “Human rights education works, and it changes countries and cultures. I want to see every village, city and state around the world, poor or rich, black or white, with human rights education as part of their educational curriculums.”

Once he got the point he took on the issue with the same energy that made him a double UK Clio Cup Winter Champion in 2006 and 2007 and won him a place three months ago in the FIA GT3 Championship with the six-man Belgium-based Prospeed race team.

Lanik displays the Youth For Human Rights International logo on his race car, gives out booklets and DVDs to fans and sponsors and plays the PSAs at the race track. “I promote human rights because I strongly believe every kid has the right to education; I believe that slavery should not exist and that everybody should have the same opportunities. I insist on a fair world where people of all races can unite and work together, live together and have no quarrels and wars.”

With some 18 million people each year seeing the logo on his car when they watch races on TV, Lanik wants them to ask themselves, “What are human rights?” and go to www.youthforhumanrights.org to find out.

“By our insisting that human rights be part of the curriculum for youth in every country on Earth, we can really make a difference,” says Lanik. He draws his inspiration from these words of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard: “Human Rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.”

For more information, visit Youthfor HumanRights.org.

Dallas: New Church in the Lone Star State
Saturday, April 11, 2009

The Church of Scientology Dallas, located in Irving at the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, opened its doors just one week after the ribbon fell in Malmö. Again, Mr. Miscavige’s presence underscored the import of the day.

The Church of Scientology Dallas was formally welcomed to the city of Irving by Mayor Herbert Gears. Next up to the podium was Ms. Teddie Story, Executive Director of a nonprofit social services agency, Irving Cares. She was followed by the Rev. James McLaughlin, chairman of the National Congress of the Interfaith Alliance on Addiction. And finally, Ms. Shirley Dobson presented an official welcoming proclamation to the Church on behalf of the Texas State House of Representatives.

Whereupon Mr. Miscavige took the stage to place the day in a still greater historical context:

“The fact is that all we have accomplished in our formative years was the dream that we could one day expand to such a degree that our organizations would rise to the level of the technology itself, that they would embody what appears in L. Ron Hubbard’s technology and policy. Well, that goal is now within our reach. The momentum is building for a future more glorious than ever imagined.

“And while Texas is known for expansive dreams and a spirit of independence, let her now fulfill those dreams with total spiritual freedom. And so it is today we give her the gift of our new Church, which we offer as her home and by which we extend the gift of immortality.”

And as the ribbon came down, Scientologists and friends, old and new, entered the new home of Scientology in Texas.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers African Goodwill Tour Reaches Out

Scientology Volunteer Ministers bring their help anywhere and everywhere.

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers African Goodwill Tour brings help to the most far-flung regions of Africa. With a bright yellow van, a large yellow tent, and volunteers who care, it travels to towns and villages, no matter how remote.

Zambia, a country just larger than the State of Texas, is a land of beauty, famous for Victoria Falls and its spectacular wildlife preserves. However, it is also a land where the life expectancy is less than 50 years, one in seven adult Zambians live with HIV, and millions subsist below the poverty threshold of $1 a day.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers were entrusted with a mission, as stated by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology religion. Each volunteer “helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.” Mr. Hubbard continued, “A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.”

The volunteers accomplish this purpose through courses, seminars and individualized assistance, based on the Scientology Handbook, which provides tools to help people confront and overcome the problems they encounter at work, at home and in their dealings with others.

Recent testimonials from some of those helped by the Scientology Volunteer Ministers African Goodwill Tour show the value of the work the volunteers are doing.

“I have attained the ability to think logically, and discover the causes of situations good and bad,” wrote one recent course graduate.

“It is my great honor to take this opportunity to thank all the Volunteer Ministers for what they are doing,” was the message from a man who completed a course in communication. “In this course,” he went on to say. “I have learned that there is no life without communication and that nothing can be done without communication. Therefore communication is life. I am ready to apply to this in my day-to-day life. The Volunteer Ministers are doing a great job. I urge them to continue.”
Yet another student wrote, “I have really learned the importance of respecting other people. May God bless our nation as it strives to develop.”

For more information visit the Scientology Volunteer Ministers web site or the Scientology Video Channel.

Scientologists Talk about Being Scientologists

I think it's very clever to have a video of Scientologists just talking about being Scientologists on the new Scientology video channel, because it's obvious these kids (most of them are quite young) are sincere and really get a lot from their being Scientologists.

I enjoyed this one a lot.

Beautiful Videos

I just found out about the videos the Church put online on the Scientology web site, and I'm impressed. It's pretty obvious from the quality that they took the care to really do a good job on them. And they sure did. The emotional impact alone is exceptional. The camera work, the sound, the scripts.... all first rate!

To L. Ron Hubbard on his Birthday

Just a note to express my thanks to L. Ron Hubbard, on the anniversary of his birth.

As an artist, I have grown immensely in my ability thanks to what I've learned in Scientology.

Matisse in LA

If you're a Matisse fan, don't miss the exhibition at LACMA:

Matisse on Paper

Through April 20, 2008 | Ahmanson Building, Plaza Level

Besides being one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century, Henri Matisse (1869–1954) was also one of its greatest draftsmen. The works on paper in this gallery, covering nearly thirty years (from the 1920s to the 1950s) of the artist's long career, display the full range of his facility with charcoal, graphite, and ink, as well as with the sister arts of printmaking and collage, both of which he treated as extensions of drawing.>>

Thought I'd share this fabulous photo by Mark Jenkins.

One of the magical art works of Peter Callesen

Dreaming of a wheat Christmas

I'm Dreaming of a wheat Christmas, is the name of the new exhibition at the Butler County History Center and Kansas Oil Museum. It showcases the incredible media of wheat weaving as art form by decorating a Christmas tree entirely with wheat ornaments of various sizes and designs.

The Wichita Wheat Weavers Guild asked to bring this Christmas exhibit to El Dorado after participating in the museum's Kafir Corn Fall Festival this past October. This exhibition has been on display at the Wichita Art Museum for seven years and at various other locations in the Wichita metro area.

These talented artists are master weavers and besides producing educational workshops and outreach programs on the history and techniques of wheat weaving, they love to share their dedication to Kansas' agriculture heritage.

As one woman said about why she weaves, “It helps me stay connected to my farming roots.” Another simply stated, “The sharing brings the greatest joy.”

An exhibit honoring our agriculture past as well as women's handiwork is worth visiting.

Museum's Executive Director, Deborah Amend said, “We are excited to have another agriculture exhibit on display at the museum, especially one that is so unique. Our current Kingdom of Kafir exhibit showcases the crop of the past, while this wheat weaving exhibit honors the crop of today.”

This free exhibit will be on display until January 31, 2007 in the Entrance Gallery of the museum. In addition to the exhibition, there will be various wheat weaving items available for purchase in the museum's gift shop. A wheat weaving is believed to bring prosperity, luck, happiness and health. So take home a bit of luck and prosperity for your home by visiting the exhibition and taking away a unique art piece for your home.

The Butler County History Center and Kansas Oil Museum is a nonprofit educational institution located on 10 acres in El Dorado. Open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Web site: www.kansasoilmuseum.org. Telephone 316-321-9333.

This weekend is the Celebrity Centre Gala. Celebrity Centre is such an aesthetic environment and it really conveys the feeling of a new civilization.

With Scientology there is such a clarification of perception. That coupled with increased ability really helps the artist in accomplishing his or her work.

I just saw the new public service announcements produced by Youth for Human Rights International and the Church of Scientology International. They are stunning. I was so moved by each of them. I don't often think about human rights, but I'll tell you these really brought home to me that I personally have to do more to guarantee the human rights of others.

Several of these are up on I Tunes. Just search for Youth for Human Rights.

And let me know what you think of them!

Here's another photo from the Robert Castagna blog. This is about Chinese New Years in Boston.

I admire someone who can combine a career in the arts with helping others. Castagna is the Public Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology of Boston, and an active Scientology Volunteer Minister who runs the Boston Scientology Volunteer Ministry.

And speaking of Chinese New Year - check out this dragon dance on Church of Scientology of San Francisco site:

My web site http://laurelsherrie.com/
has a selection of my paintings. Come by and look through them and let me know what you think.

I believe the arts and artists are a vital part of life. One of my favorite quotes on this is by
L. Ron Hubbard, who wrote: “The artist has an enormous role in the enhancement of today’s and the creation of tomorrow’s reality. He operates in a rank in advance of science as to the necessities and requirements of man. The elevation of a culture can be measured directly by the numbers of its people working in the field of aesthetics.”

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles is dedicated to helping artists. I encourage any artist to find out more about Scientology -- there is so much in it that is helpful, not only in the area of freeing up your creativity, which it certainly does, but in providing tools to survive as an artist too.

Here's another beautiful image from Robert Castagna's blog.

On the website of his Boston Scientology Volunteer Ministry it has the following notice about these photos: ART FOR THE CAUSE: The Scientology Ministry is paid for by donations. It provides its services free of charge. As part of the fundraising efforts to sponsor the ministry's various outreach and in-house programs, fine-art prints by photographer Robert Castagna are currently available. All proceeds from the sales go directly to the ministry and its programs. To view prints available see the following links:

The Kyoto Collection or The Italy Collection

Boston Fundraiser

I found this great story on the Creative Expressions blog.

This beautiful photograph is one of a series that is part of a fundraiser for the Boston Scientology Volunteer Ministry

Rev. Robert Castagna is not only responsible for the beautiful images, he is also the director of the Ministry.

The Church of Scientology of Boston services the community in many ways. This is part of a major expansion for the Scientology religion that includes the establishment of new churches such which have recently held grand openings, such as the Church of Scientology of New York, the Church of Scientology of Buffalo, the Church of Scientology of San Francisco, the Church of Scientology of Spain and the Church of Scientology of Johannesburg, South Africa (Mr. David Miscavige -- Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center attended and was a featured speaker at each of these grand openings).

These churches represent a new era for the Scientology religion.

Freedom Magazine

Freedom Magazine has been carrying out its mission of investigative reporting in the public interest for nearly 40 years.

The most recent edition exposes psychiatric atrocities against orphans in Quebec and the subsequent coverup.

The article can be read online at http://www.freedommag.org/english/vol37i1/index.htm

Scientology Celebrity Centre - Rehabilitating the Artist

As stated on the web site of the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre

L. Ron Hubbard once said, “The world is carried on the backs of a desperate few.” Unfortunately, it is these desperate few who are often the most neglected.

It is for this reason that L. Ron Hubbard saw to the formation of a special Church of Scientology which would cater to these individuals — the artists, politicians, leaders of industry, sports figures and anyone with the power and vision to create a better world. That Church is Celebrity Centre International.

For more information, read the transcript of the speech given by Mr. David Miscavige at a recent Celebrity Centre gala anniversary event where he described the Scientology religion and the role of this special church.

On an article on http://www.animationschoolreview.com Angelique Gervais gives some great advice to graphic designers on how to maximize their impact on the Net. She states:

As a graphic design artist, the impression that you give potential customers through the quality and impact of your own web site design, can mean the difference between success and obsolescence.

The blog is created by Sarah Jane Udall, whose "daily sketches" (blog entries) are very helpful to artists.

Mr. David Miscavige at Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles

Following is a copy of a press release from the Church of Scientology International about Celebrity Centre International in Hollywood, California. Celebrity Centre is dedicated to helping the artist accomplish his or her goals, through the application of Scientology technology.

HOLLYWOOD — The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International hosted its 35th Anniversary Gala in Hollywood, Saturday, August 7th.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center, the highest ecclesiastical office in the worldwide Scientology religion, addressed the thousands in attendance, taking up the questions “What is Scientology?” and “Why do you have a Celebrity Centre?” Mr. Miscavige explained, “Scientology does have answers. Real answers. Answers that work. Bold statements? Yes. But what millions of people from over 150 nations will tell you themselves.”

The guest list included many of the church’s well known members, including Tom Cruise, Lisa Marie Presley, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Sofia Milos, Jenna Elfman, Leah Remini, Catherine Bell, Priscilla Presley, Erika Christensen, Jason Lee, Anne Archer, Jennifer Aspen, Michelle Stafford, Lynsey Bartilson, Juliette Lewis, Marisol Nichols, and Ethan Suplee.

Speakers at this Gala included LA County Sheriff Lee Baca who acknowledged the Church of Scientology for being active at the forefront of conflict resolution.

A formal presentation was made by the United States Congress of a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in recognition of Celebrity Centre’s 35th anniversary of humanitarian and voluntary contributions. This presentation was made on behalf of Congressman Brad Sherman (D. California) and Congress by Ileana Ross-Lehtinen.

The more than 1200 guests, including parishioners of the church, local and federal government officials and community leaders, were entertained at the outdoor celebration on the grounds of the Celebrity Centre by Beck, soul legend Isaac Hayes, jazz great Chick Corea and Academy Award nominated film composer Mark Isham.

Church officials say that the church’s popularity in the arts mirrors its overall growth, with nearly 9 million members in over 150 countries. They say 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. There are twelve Celebrity Centres located in cultural centers around the world including New York, Paris, Nashville, Las Vegas, Vienna 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 work with those whose broad visions for social enhancement are essential for positive progression of society. Celebrity Centres, like all Churches of Scientology worldwide, are open to the public.