Tom Cruise's Next project

Among the three films actor Tom Cruise is considering for his next project is a Spike Lee-directed drama called “Selling Time,” which would star the famous Scientologist as a man who sells back chunks of time in his life for a chance to relive and change the worst day of his life.

According to Daily Variety, Cruise and Lee have met several times to discuss the project, and the two are currently working on a rewrite of a script by Dan McDermott.

The 20th Century Fox film would be Cruise’s first since he and his C/W partner Paula Wagner left Paramount in August to make an overhead and potential funding deal with Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, NVR chair Dwight Schar and Six Flags president-CEO Mark Shapiro.

Cruise is also considering Warner Bros’ "The Ha-Ha," a Chuck Leavitt-scripted adaptation of a Dave King novel where he would play a Gulf War vet rendered mute by his injuries and charged with the care of a 9-year-old whose mother goes AWOL.

The actor is also being courted for the indie "Lions for Lambs," a political drama revolving around a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. Robert Redford is likely to direct as well as play a role. Cruise would play a congressman opposite Meryl Streep as a journalist.

In related news, Cruise’s rep Arnold Robinson has confirmed that he and Katie Holmes will marry in Italy on Nov. 18.

Anne Archer at the Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology of London

Here's what AP said about the Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology of London:

U.S. actress Anne Archer speaks at the opening of the Church of Scientology's new church in London Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006. The Church of Scientology unveiled its new London headquarters today with a grand opening. On the Church's web site there's a news release too, that states:

Spectacular Grand Opening of Scientology Church's New Home in London

LONDON — More than 3,000 members and friends of the Church of Scientology of London packed Queen Victoria Street in the heart of London for the sensational grand opening of the new home of the UK’s oldest Scientology church. Steps away from the Tate Gallery and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the beautifully restored historic building at 146 Queen Victoria Street now serves the growing membership of London-area Scientologists. Its opening marks the largest expansion for Scientology in the Church’s 50-year history in London.

Guest of honor, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of the Religious Technology Center and leader of the Scientology religion, stressed the historical importance of London."This is the city L. Ron Hubbard himself [founder of the Scientology religion] selected as home to the first Scientology organization. This is also the city wherein he first defined the human spirit as an immortal being possessed of capabilities beyond anything predicted, and so arrived at the axiomatic truths on which the whole of Scientology is founded. Your early London organizations were also the original proving ground for the bulk of Mr. Hubbard’s social betterment programs which are used to uplift neighborhoods just like this one."

The London Church on Tottenham Court Road, which served the community for the past 38 years, was also completely refurbished and re-opened on Sunday as a Scientology Life Improvement Center. It now features a full public information exhibition, including audio-visual presentations of the Church’s work across society, and introductory film showings, live lectures and materials for anyone to learn more about Scientology for themselves.

To add to the import of the day was the announcement that the Church had acquired and renovated the very building where, in 1957, Mr. Hubbard established that first Scientology organization in the UK at 35-37 Fitzroy Street.

The Church of Scientology of London was welcomed to its new premises on Queen Victoria Street by Alderman Ian Luder, representing the Lord Mayor of the City. He spoke of the effective help the Church provides to get people off drugs and its successful programs to reduce crime.

Mr. Kevin Hurley, Divisional Commander of London’s Snow Hill Police Station, called upon the Scientologists to"tenaciously focus on bettering this world," and said that he knows with"complete personal certainty" that the members are"raising the spiritual wealth of society" with their charitable works. He presented a special recognition for their valuable assistance and support following the city’s tragic bombings of July 2005.

United Nations Peace Envoy, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed Ayaz, spoke of his personal insight into the work done by Scientology around the world."It is my personal belief," he said"this Church can restore what this world has lately lost — namely, much of the dignity and respect with which it was created."

The Church’s new home is an 1866 Italian-styled Victorian landmark designed by architect Edward l’Anson for the British and Foreign Bible Society. Redevelopment in the mid-80s transformed it into a fully functioning modern office facility that served British Petroleum for two decades. The stunning period staircase and double-height entrance hall have been restored to create a welcoming and elegant atmosphere for parishioners and visitors.

Beyond the aesthetics of the building itself, Mr. Miscavige spoke of the role of the programs that will roll out from within the London church’s walls:"Our gift of literacy to disadvantaged children; restoring self-respect to those who’ve gone astray; easing suffering; eradicating racial prejudice; and, repairing the bonds that bind man together.

“This new church packs the full body of L Ron Hubbard’s technologies as derived from the greater well of Scientology knowledge," said Mr. Miscavige,"and, as such, it provides the full gamut of Scientology activities for the betterment of mankind."

Robbie Scandrett

Robbie Scandrett is a stage-and television actor from London who went to India for a month and a Scientology Volunteer MInister following the South Asian tsunami of 2004.

He is featured on a very special web site called After the Tsunami, created by Danish Scientologist Thorsten Overgaard

I invite you to share Robbie's story of what those days in India were like, and to view the moving images Overgaard recorded and shared on his web site.

Jenna Elfman - Dharma and Greg

A short little Dharma and Greg clip from YouTube. One of my favorite Jenna Elfman moments.

Congratulations?

According to SFGate:

Indie rocker Beck and his wife, Marissa Ribisi, are expecting their second child together, according to reports.

The devout Scientologist couple have been married for two years and were highly secretive about their marriage and the birth of their first child.

And More Beck

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Standing on a gritty downtown street corner, Beck yawns and leans against a dark cane perfectly matched to his light grey suit.

He's an urban nymph, straight blond hair to his shoulders, bright blue eyes and pale unlined skin, an anomaly in this seedy, nighttime scene - the set of the video for "Nausea," a single from his new pop-rap hybrid album, "The Information."

"This album is a relief. I've been working on it for almost three years. It's been on my shoulders for a long time, and it's good to have it coming out and be out of my hands," he tells The Associated Press as extras, production people and his own team scurry about.

In the middle of this chaotic mix, Beck's two-year-old son Cosimo - a tiny, babbling version of his father in green alligator boots - runs around, kicking his baby bottle on the grimy, trash-hewn street.

"Daddy's dancing!" shouts Cosimo to no one in particular. His mother, Beck's pixie-ish wife, actress Marissa Ribisi, follows the tyke with her camera, gleefully snapping photos.

Twelve years since the release of Beck's breakthrough album "Mellow Gold," with its jangly anthemic hit "Loser," the 36-year-old L.A. native, singer, bohemian rapper and multi-instrumentalist has moved from eclectic slacker to family man, adding another dimension to his multifaceted persona. >>

Taron Lexton

Taron Lexton may only be 21 years old but he is an award winning director and cinematographer and his most recent product, the 30 human rights public service announcements for Youth for Human Rights International are blockbusters.

Here he is, with a cameo part in the PSA illustrating the right to a fair trial.

Zenon Duda

Sculptor Zenon Duda created a 5,000 square foot sculpture installation and event called “Requiem for the Pawns of War.”

One Missouri state legislator in attendance acknowledged it as world-class art, on par with works shown at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris.

The art work featured two components, “Iraq Body Count Labyrinth” and “Requiem.”

And another

And another great photo of the three beauties.

By the way, if you've ever seen Lisa Maria up close, she is TINY. She seems to tower over her mom and daughter here....

The Presley Women

A propos to my last posting, here are 3 generations of Presley women.

Amazing beauties, all of them.

Lisa Marie Presley

The "What is Scientology?" web site includes success stories from famous Scientologists. Here's what Lisa Marie says:

L. Ron Hubbard researched man and has carefully and precisely mapped a route out of the madness, misery and unwanted conditions one can encounter in life. When applied exactly, the technology produces incredible results. Those results are very definite and eternal.

Were it not for Scientology, I would either be completely insane or dead by now. I am forever grateful for the technology of Scientology and to Mr. Hubbard who dedicated his life to helping man and this planet, as well as to the people who have dedicated their lives to helping others through Scientology.

Lisa Marie Presley

More Beck

Beck - Permanent Mutations

Rock stars or, in Beck Hansen's case, indie-underground-electronic-anti-folk stars, just love yakking about their influences. Beck makes entertaining fodder for this Christoph Dreher film, which focuses on the muso's artistic development and upbringing.

Born to Scientologist parents, Beck was raised in California and later moved to Germany, where he was infuenced by his grandfather, Fluxus artist Al Hansen (famous for dropping pianos from buildings). Later, Beck joined New York's punk-influenced anti-folk movement.

The interviews include one with his eccentric mum, visual artist Bibbe Hansen, and another during a recording session with that buxom old chain-smoker Marianne Faithfull. Gigs from albums such as Mellow Gold and Odelay spice up Beck's explanations for sourcing creative juices. "The accident sometimes communicates more than the thing that's perfect," he says after singing in Prince-like falsetto.

Beck and QOTSA Headline Event Designed To Revitalize Downtown LA

Local heroes BECK and QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE brought Los Angeles' inaugural LA Weekly Detour music festival to a close on Saturday night (07OCT06), as organisers celebrated a successful debut.

The one-day festival was launched this year (06) with the aim of bringing the arts and a vibrancy to downtown Los Angeles, the city's financial district which has attracted a reputation for being a no-go area after dark in recent years.

Among the other acts appearing were Blonde Redhead, Basement Jaxx, Redd Kross and PeepingTom.

Beck told a delighted crowd, "I'm from here, Downtown LA. I was born about half a mile behind those buildings." LA Weekly's BETH SESTANOVICH outlines the intent of the event: "Detour, an annual music festival in downtown Los Angeles, demonstrates our continuing commitment to live music in the city and our shared vision of contributing to a revitalised downtown."

Jenna Elfman

I am amazed at how beautiful Jenna Elfman is.

I'm also really impressed with how committed she is to helping kids.

Recently she went to Toronto to open an exhibition that shows the application of the study technology of L. Ron Hubbard, and how much this can help kids do better in school.

She is also a very outspoken critic of the overdrugging of kids (hey - ANY drugging is overdrugging, if you asked me. Check out www.cchr.org for more information on that).

Kelly Preston

I am so glad to see how well Kelly Preston's career is going.

Not only is she beautiful and just a joy to watch, but I had the opportunity to meet her a few months ago and she is one of the most genuinely lovely women I've ever met and the most genuine and friendliest.

And John Travolta -- a true legend -- puts on zero airs, and is just a really nice man.

Here's a little spot on her latest film:

Kelly Preston and Toby Keith Bring Country to Hollywood
September 8, 2006

How do you keep a high-powered Hollywood relationship alive? Just buy a plane!

"I'm telling you, it helps enormously," Kelly Preston revealed, who often travels with her full-time actor and part-time pilot husband John Travolta high in the sky.

So, does the couple talk in the cockpit?

"Sometimes I'll run up there with the stupidest things, like, ‘Honey, I've got to do the checklist," Kelly dished.

This week's checklist had Kelly's new movie, "Broken Bridges," at the top. The film opens Friday and co-stars country music star Toby Keith.

"He's just a good, real, down-to-earth guy," she said of Keith.

In fact, Kelly and John got so close to Toby while filming of the movie, they couldn't get the singer-actor off their couch one night. Or so Kelly says.

"He came over to our house and he says, ‘I think I drank them out of the house and home: they had no beer left,'" Kelly said, adding, "He left at 4:30 in the morning."

But Toby said, when he could stay focused, he was just collecting acting tips from Kelly.

"Yeah, she's chewing me out," he said. "But, damn, she's hot. Every scene, we get a little closer through the whole movie."

See the chemistry yourself when "Broken Bridges" hits theaters Friday.

Success Stories

The ScientologyToday web site has a section where Scientologists talk about Scientology.

It can be found here:

If you wander over that way, you'll find what some of the best known Scientology celebrities say about their religion.

And with that, you will probably understand why they are so outspoken about it.

I found, for myself, when I realized what Scientology really is, and how much it helps, I was eager to tell everyone about it.

In fact, I STILL am!

Kate Ceberano

Have you ever watched Kate perform live? Her voice is fabulous, but her delivery.... incomparable, breathtaking, sexy, vivacious, playful, exhilarating, engaging, in full communication with the audience.

Anyone have any adjectives to add?