DECEMBER 2023

 Posted to Growing Up In Scientology (RE: Aaron's Update) Uploaded to You Tube 11/30/2023

Excellent idea with decentralization of agencies so that there are more organizations to help former cult members reclaim their lives and current cult members escape. As a "keyboard warrior" I want all the organizations fighting Scientology to succeed. I do not agree with the way the current board of the AfterMath Foundation conducted themselves regarding Aaron and the wording of that problematic ethics clause. My hope is that they will remember the main objective of AfterMath and proceed accordingly.

Posted to Dr. Todd Grande (RE: Book Scandal) Uploaded to You Tube 12/01/2023

Loving Dr. Grande's description of Omid Scobie as "...challenged relationship with the truth." There is a certain member of the U.S. House of Representatives from a certain northern state of the U.S. with a similar rep regarding veracity. I would pay major currency to see a debate between this "author" and that elected official (still in office as of this post) regarding any topic.  As for Meghan and Harry, take your children, cash in any trusts and buy a secure island or location and stay there, quietly, at least until the children are old enough for middle school or when either Harry or Meghan is capable of a job. I do not even blame either of them at this point as neither was educated or prepared for, reality as the rest of us know it. As for this book, it was scummy to blame the translator. The "author" should take ownership of this gaffe, apologize and write THEIR own life story. Fantasy fiction sells well along with making for interesting Netflix programming, so win-win.😉

Posted to Down the Rabbit Hole (RE: Receipts regard Aaron Smith-Levin)

This may be the perfect storm of: (1) members of the Foundation board who were unhappy with the personal life of one of its founding members, (2) a man who grew up in a cult and (3) an extremely unstable fan. The request of this fan that Aaron be removed from the board was "the nuclear option", in other words the most damage, the most hurt that this fan could inflict upon her idol. Sure she could be an operative from this cult, but the physical contact is not typical of this cult's usual MO.

Posted to Megan Fox [RE: Past cases Dr. Sally Smith found (nonexistent) abuse] 11/20/2023

I agree, that this is a violent crime that should be examined by those whose training is primarily investigation. As for an initial medical determination of abuse, a 2 part team of the child's pediatrician along with independent working (as in they get their salary from "regular" medical practice) specialists such as an orthopedist and neurologist would probably be more accurate. Dr. Sally Smith reminds me of Jodi Hildebrandt (Franke case)  in the areas of the exporting unbelievable amounts of harm.

Posted to the Lawyer You Know (RE: Ms. Becky's son indicted) Uploaded to You Tube 12/04/2023

Not for Ms. Becky's sake, but for the many victims of Alex Murdaugh, I was hoping that a second trial would not happen. However the latest details of unethical, illegal conduct is flowing so quickly that conclusion without a new trial seem less and less likely with every passing hour. Is SLED is leading the investigation into this mess? Seriously? Cleaning this up, if left to local control, may take as long as the generations it took to produce an Alex Murdaugh. 

Posted to Growing Up In Scientology (RE: Delphi Academy abuse) Uploaded to You Tube 12/04/2023

Possibly just me, but during this video Karen Dale seemed to blink much less than I would consider normal. There is something odd about her body language as it seems very minimalistic almost like an avatar who learned human behavior from  ChatGPT. Thank you Aaron for continuing to spotlight these abuses. Like any abuser, this cult's power over victims can only be diminished by confronting, telling and prosecuting.

Posted to Growing Up In Scientology (RE: interview with Natalie Webster of Tonka Talks)12/07/2023

This interview with Natalie was fascinating, informative yet still painful to hear. Scientology tries to eliminate an essential quality of being human...empathy. I was not born into any particular cult, but Natalie's description of being judged by others and needing to align beliefs towards a particular direction, resonates with me. I think the "recovery" label can be misused. You can catch a virus or develop a bacterial infection then (hopefully) you "recover".  Perhaps when one departs a cult, the resulting reality is more a "return" (to a normal life) rather than a recovery?

Posted to Dan Murrell (RE: Wish ...review) Uploaded to You Tube 12/04/2023

Not that I am on everyone's notification list, but I did not know about this movie until a few days before its release. Why so many Disney failures? Hypothesis: unrealistic profit margins (due to huge film budgets) and forgetting that its primary product is creativity. Someone chose this film's title, "Wish". Corporate irony or a desire? Maybe Disney's next film should be called, "Wake Up" or perhaps "Read The Room". I hope Disney course corrects more than raising their streaming, park and merch prices to make up for their deficit...that is MY wish.

Posted to ModenGurlz (RE: Wish...review) Uploaded to You Tube 12/01/2023

I would compare Disney corporate to an individual who was never cooked a meal going to Erewhon acquiring all the highly pricey (been to Erewhon?) organic top of the line ingredients to make soup. Tosses them all into a pot at one time then needlessly adjusts the temperature up and down every minute. This non-chef serves the concoction to their family and wonders why no one likes it. Along with their bottom line as this is a business after all, Disney needs to remember its main product (creativity) its workers (the creatives) and its audience (us). That is MY wish.

Posted to Growing Up In Scientology (RE: Mark Bunker's Campaign) Uploaded on 12/09/2023

I donated only a small amount, for now, to Mr. Bunker's campaign. That individual's speech was full of innuendo, abstractions and hyperbole...no specifics except one word. Were I a registered voter in that district, I would not vote for him just on that basis. His mention of Scientology by name is the one specific detail he should have also left out. Using that name in a favorable context certainly perked up my ears.

Posted to SimplyPodLogical (RE: AITA---reddit) Uploaded to You Tube on 12/10/2023

Plane etiquette is tricky. What has made it worse over the years is shrinking seat room, rising prices, frequent delayed/canceled flights and of course let's add COVID to this list of inflicted misfortunes. Our time ensconced in our homes bathing in antiseptics for 2020 and part of 2021 has not improved our public etiquette. Babies and toddlers are wild cards on flights. Some sleep, some wail and some play quietly. Maybe several weeks before the flight see if one's descendant(s) can tolerate headphones, be distracted by iPad games, enjoy crafts such as old fashioned coloring books for an extended time. To be honest, some of the childish adults I see on planes scare me more than any actual children. 

Posted to Andrew Gold (RE: Death of Doug Scott Kramer) Uploaded to You Tube on 12/12/20223

I can see the pain in Andrew's face. I am so sorry to hear about this death of his friend. Most likely everyone who knew that individual wants closure. Judging by the messages from him to Andrew Gold, I do not believe there was any ill will in the heart of either towards one another. Scientology is a malignancy that effects so many souls whether in or out of the cult or even the friends and family who were never in but had to "lose" their loved one. Remembering Doug Scott Kramer with love and truth is the way to go, along with continuing the fight to exposure and eviscerate the cult with tax-exempt status known as Scientology.

Posted to Morgan Donner (RE: Winter Hat) Uploaded to You Tube on 12/12/2023

Speaking as someone with multiple piercings either dislodged by a hat and lost or lodged inside a hat to be discovered months later, this is not only a great crafting exercise but also does community service! The pom pom hat made me smile, but I like to be invisible (probably due to my rudimentary social skills) in public. The red and white hat is so luxurious looking but somewhat thematic of the season. My fav, the one I would buy in a flash is Mr. Donner's hat. LOVE that hat!

Posted to the Lawyer You Know (RE: Maya Kowalski Interview) Uploaded to You Tube 12/12/2023

The board of directors at JH-ACH, their attorneys (and possibly JH-ACH's liability insurance company) continue to astound me with the libel (writing) and the slander (spoken) concerning the jury specifically Juror#1 and spouse. I am amazed that the libel is not actionable legally. I highly doubt the doxxing of Juror #1/spouse was accidental. Not a good way to encourage people to participate in the jury process. I hope the judge at least sanctions the defense team. QUESTIONS:    As for the individual who perpetrated a physical crime regarding Maya, if the plaintiff's attorney hires a PI, finds this individual can the name of said individual be given to authorities? Would this data be admissible in a civil trial or for that matter (it not timed out) a criminal trial?

Posted to Uncivil Law (RE: Response of Plaintiff to latest filing by Defense in JH-ACH case)12/12/23

Replay crew here. I enjoyed Kurt's comment, "Maybe if you hear the dog whistle, you are THE dog (regarding the Defense's preoccupation with a certain letter of the alphabet)." Kurt always does an excellent analysis while continuing to remain neutral. I like my legal lessons with a side of significant snark. My private theory, the current attorneys have a very well written contract with JH-ACH or their liability insurers. JH-ACH is trying to break said contract by proving attorney incompetence/failure to provide proper representation.  If not that, what is their endgame?  Eventually even the most patient court will eventually balk and then sanction or worse those involved.

Posted to Growing Up In Scientology (RE: Problem with gun turn in list) Uploaded 12/14/2023

Why did the court accept such an important document with any redactions, especially as important a line item as indication of the customer name? Obviously this doesn't excuse any of the parties involved from misdeeds, sanctionable offenses or criminal acts. However "loopholes" can get the innocent, or unfortunately the guilty, off.

Gold Shaw Farm (RE: New Barn Tour and Costs) Uploaded to You Tube on 12/14/2023

Excellent investment for the future of the farm, even for the future of the property itself. I still have issues with the floor, but I guess gravel flooring saved money and can be cemented at a later date should it be wanted. All involved in the creation of this barn should be complimented judging by the esthetic and utilitarian result. This barn could be an image within any Vermont tourism promotion, it is beautiful.

Posted to Dr. Joe Corcoran (RE: Defense motions on Maya verdict) Uploaded to You Tube 1215/2023

Rewatch crew and new subscriber here.  I still wonder why all this random nonsense masquerading as legal filings by the Defense? Surely the award amount could be bargained down by "noncombatants" from both sides. After all, most of all the Kowalski family wanted this mistreatment public so they won irregardless as to whether the award was one dollar or one billion dollars. The reputations are priceless. My current take-away from the new reality show, Attorneys Behaving Badly is this: (1)walk into any hospital owned or administered by JH, no thank you. (2) Hire anyone from the firm to which the Defense attorneys belong, no thank you. (3) Serve on a jury, when potentially the opposing side could blow up your life, I would state my fears and feelings during the voir dire.  As for the judge in the Georgia case, if he does not believe diagnosis by the family's own pediatrician, surely there are experts in osteogenesis imperfecta syndrome who have never met these parents or these children who could administer a test of this specific defect or other birth defects. I question any judge's credentials who cannot fairly listen to the attorneys from both sides, view the evidence, listen to the experts and make a balanced judgement.

Posted to The Life Boat (RE: Matthew Perry cause of death: ketamine) Uploaded on 12/15/2023

As others have said, Matthew Perry spent half of his unnecessarily shortened life trying so hard to get off drugs and relay how difficult that process was in order to hopefully help people. What bothers me is that he decided to ingest the drug then get into a hot tub which is known for lulling people to sleep.We need better mental health and addiction services in this (U.S.) country. For Matthew Perry, it must have been so tiring to always be fighting, I just wish he had not been alone that night.

Posted to Andrew Gold (RE: Matthew Perry cause of death: ketamine) Uploaded on 12/15/2023

This video is not gossip. The autopsy results, which I assume were checked and rechecked, indicated the presence of a dose of ketamine comparable to medical sedation. I would like to think that Matthew Perry who fought so long and so hard to be free of substances, would not mind his death being used as a cautionary tale. He used some of his last few years to warn people of substance abuse. I feel that pain, whether emotional or physical is not properly addressed, at least here in the U.S. Matthew Perry was talented, brave and generous in sharing his short time on this planet with all of us.

Posted to HauteLeMode (RE: Debutante Gala) Uploaded to You Tube on 12/15/2023

It is difficult to roast this age group (assuming teens or early 20's?), but I think that Luke did it properly. He just commented on the dress. Well, yes money was mentioned several times, but it sounds like the majority of the participants had extremely well-connected and wealthy ancestors (aka parents and grandparents). I love galas! Some participants get it on-point, some get it average and well some try very very intensely so A for their effort.😉

Posted to Growing Up In Scientology (RE: Tucker Carlson/Jimmy Dore interview) 12/15/2023

I agree that Mr. Carlson wasted a potential moment regarding questioning the IRS  commissioner regarding his reasons for granting tax exempt status to a cult. Perhaps was just me, but Mr. Carlson was VERY quick to point out that this happened under the watch of a U.S. president who was/is a member of the Democrat party. I distrust politicians irregardless as to their party, but I just wonder would Mr. Carlson be as passionate with this opinion had it happened under the watch of a president from the Republican party. 😉

Posted to the Lawyer You Know (RE: House of 4 murdered Idaho students) Uploaded 12/17/2023

After seeing the behavior of the Defense attorneys on the JH-ACH civil trial, I do not have trust in attorneys on this case. Leave the house up until the trial has concluded with a verdict. Not sure of the expense, but perhaps the house could be encased in a temporary (locked) structure until that time. Yes even if found guilty, the accused still has pleadings available, but waiting for the verdict might be the best compromise. Maybe have artists chosen by the victims' families to paint a landscape-type mural on the temporary structure in honor of those students. This mural could be removed before the demolition date.

Posted to Abby Cox (RE: Comparing modern publishing to fast fashion) Uploaded 12/17/2023

I agree that fast fashion is what does the most damage environmentally, rather than quality/quantity of covers and content of modern literature. Want to complain? Please consider fast (aka clickbait) news. Much of what is published online or on paper seems to have barely any fact-checking, is bereft of editorial input, contains opinions masquerading as news, obvious insertion of cut and paste journalism, misleading article titles and worst of all making me the fact checker at zero pay. Possibly accurate analogy: fast fashion is to environmental damage as fast news is to frontal lobe diminution. Admittedly my rant is selfish, although I have discovered a skill for research, so...?

Posted to Roxxsaurus (RE: KHY line) Uploaded to You Tube on 12/18/2023

IF, Kylie Jenner had indicated that these items were manufactured locally, with good wages for the workers and perhaps environmentally friendly sourced material, that might excuse the lack of flair, fit and fashion in this grouping. Since she did not, I am assuming none of that is the case. Yes the oddly cropped hoodie, probably looks good on the runway, maybe for IG reels, but for real life, 'fraid not. As for pocketless joggers, that should be a legally punishable offense especially in a line helmed by a woman. We WANT pockets.

Posted to Dani Ahn Direct (RE: Ruby Franke Plea Deal) Uploaded to You Tube 0n 12/18/2023

I have heard of the wet cloth tie method of curling/waving hair. What impressed me, or rather surprised me more than her hair, was her face. I do agree with Dani's observation. In the beginning of this court video Ruby Franke was calm, composed, pleasant. When she stood and responded to the judge, we are now watching a performance. Actual fear, regret, stress leaves its impression. Ruby Franke looks like she is sleeping just fine. Whether her prison time is extensive or short, she should never get unsupervised visits with her (minor-aged) children. Ideally no visits until all children are over 21. She has done enough damage.

Posted to LegalEagle (RE: Rudy Giuliani filing for bankruptcy) Uploaded to You Tube on 12/23/2023

Giuliani should go pro se. Now instead of "he lied for Trump" being his legacy, perhaps Giuliani can be remembered for proving that venerable and revered quote, “The man who represents himself has a fool for a client.”

Gold Shaw Farm (RE: The Legend of Molly Murder Mittens) Uploaded to You Tube on 12/23/2023

Many of us have probably lost a beloved companion animal to illness or accident. While I am sure that some will scoff, at devoting a long video to Molly along with her favorite human showing honest pain at her unexpected departure, please allow that type of negativity to disappear into the atmosphere without taking residence in your heart. As infants we learn to love and be loyal to our caretakers.  However being able to love unconditionally (even if Molly hadn't made Gold Shaw Farm Barn Cat of The Year), care for, protect and honor another species in addition to our own makes both sides of that equation stronger. Thank you for reminding us all of the mischief, the marvel and the legend of Molly M.M.♥

Runkle of The Bailey (RE: Defamation law suit filed-Lauren the Mortician her attorney)12/24/2023

On the plus side with this suit's many unsubstantiated allegations, insinuations, hurt feelings and an odd, repetitive use of the word "rogue", that hopefully discovery will bring all involved to a certain level of logic and practicality. BTW is The Streisand Effect taught in law school? It should be. You Tube might also wish to add that knowledge to their creators' rules of conduct. QUESTIONS: Is the phrase, "The Streisand Effect" copyrighted? If so has the actual B. Streisand commented? Well, Kevin Bacon has learned to live with the "6 degrees of Kevin Bacon" and prosper so maybe hope is out there .😉

Posted to Emily D. Baker (RE: Jodi Hildebrandt pleas Guilty) Uploaded to You Tube 12/27/2023

I would guess the only other legal suits Ruby Franke might face (beyond divorce) is losing custody of her children, maybe even losing supervised visitation.  However Jodi Hildebrandt has quite the history of bad acts, even not including her niece (who has mentioned that they may have been JH's "test case"). Unfortunately many of those that suffered due to JH's "care" were members of a certain church in Utah and may not wish to sue or may have had that option timed out.

QUESTION: However should any of these potentially harmed individuals decide to initiate a civil suit (I hear JH's comes from MONEY) naming JH as the perpetrator, how would that be handled regarding someone in jail for an extended time period? Could this be a class action suit? I believe the church in question paid JH for all "care" given, in spite of the many unfortunate outcomes so that probably would affect any civil suits

Posted to Dani Ahn Direct (RE: Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke guilty pleas) Uploaded 12/28/2023

Reply crew here. Thank you for the commentary. What I (ironically as I follow Law Tube channels for,  legalities made slightly easier) appreciate most on this plea deal hearing commentary is the NON-legal analysis. I was internally yelling most of what Dani was saying. I wish Dani could be an expert advising the judge on incarceration times and the danger that both women pose to the public. I am hoping for maximum sentencing for both individuals. QUESTIONS: As for their cult "parental advise" site, isn't there a 3rd individual involved? I believe 2 of Ruby's children were unpaid (and underaged) housecleaners for this 3rd site owner. Or has JH's company been dissolved? Why hasn't this 3rd person been indicted for the mistreatment of minors?   BTW, I did not know that about Mozart so thank you, I think, Dani 😉

Posted to Runkle of The Bailey (RE: Cease and Desist Letter by Jeanette Braun) Uploaded 12/29/2023

The Cease and Desist letter is odd in that it is a whole undiscovered level of inexperience, incompetence and incoherence. Yet this is a letter sent by an attorney whom (I assume) has graduated law school and passed the bar and has clients. In seconds, simply by typing these words, "cease and desist letter template" I found multiple FREE examples of this type of letter. Using the FREE templates along with suitably patterned font along with a few graphics to add gravitas to my use of that FREE template, along with a reliable spell check app and within hours I could come up with a better version of JB's letter. Negative attention does garner clicks, wonder how everyone's subscriber/follower count is going?