Gossip
In the clutches of Scientology
California, USA
July 17, 1999
Bild-ZeitungSonny Bono (deceased age 52), former husband of superstar Cher (53, "If you believe") and his last macabre greeting from the other side. Reason: It has now been revealed that Sonny was a member of Scientology, but that he wanted to get out. Serious accusation that wife Cher had prevented him.
German wants to solve parking garage problems in American cities
Former chief of Krupp-Stahl building parking garage with elevator
New York, USA
February 5, 1999
Die Weltby Michael Remke
New York - The former chief of Krupp-Stahl has big plans for the USA. 46-year-old Gerhard Haag wants to solve the parking problem in major American cities with a new, fully-automatic parking garage directed by a computer.
His first project is supposed to occur in Hoboken, New Jersey. Other parking structures for several hundred cars are supposed to be built in Chicago; Washington, D.C.; Portland, Oregon and New York. "Since the space in the cities is becoming more restricted, the garage building will offer a real alternative," stated Gerhard Haag, who is now in the planning stages of his project. "Not only does it offer more space in a smaller area, but it is also cheaper to build and cheaper for the future users." The first fully automatic garage in the USA is supposed to cost a total of 6.2 million dollars in Hoboken. The 55 foot high structure will offer parking places for 324 cars in six levels. The apex of the brick structure, which is supposed to go into operation in December, is a computer directed distribution of vehicles.
As Haag tells it, the driver no longer has to search for a suitable spot, like in normal parking garages, but only has to leave his car at one of the four "drop off points." Then he puts a type of check card into a slot, which puts a hydraulic lift in motion to put the car in a vacant place in one of the six levels.
Bookmark
From: "STERN"
August 13, 1998There are many inconspicuous ways of carrying a book: anyone who carries their reading matter as demonstratively in their arms as Geri Halliwell did wants to make something out of it. The ex-Spice Girl went for a stroll in Beverly Hills carrying the approximately $300 Scientology handbook. The sect, to which stars such as John Travolta, Tom Cruise and Kirstie Alley belong, is very powerful in Hollywood. Geri, who is barely squeaking by with her new film career after departing the all-girl band, could use some help. Time will tell what comes of it.
In the Sueddeutsche Zeitung, an international German-language newspaper
February 17, 1998:"[...]Reports have been spread in Washington that Clinton wished to make Travolta a friendly proposition and in return offered his support for Scientology. Berger denied this...
[...]Two weeks ago the Secretary of State had published the yearly report on human rights, in which the disagreement between Scientology and Germany was mentioned in less harsh terms than it had been previously. There was hardly any public reaction to the report.
The Secretary of State, who is responsible for human rights, repeatedly said that Germany is "an extremely close ally." In connection with Scientology he spoke only of an "organization", not of a "church." Scientology itself has been the object of more critical reports in the USAin the past months....
Clinton, Travolta and the Scientologists
From: "Sueddeutsche Zeitung", Germany
February 17, 1998US Government Denies Deal
Samuel Berger, the Security Advisor to the American President, met with a group of prominent Scientologists and assured them that he would have a discussion with the German government so "that nobody would have to be discriminated against solely based on his religious belief." Berger verified that the meeting had taken place, and that actor and Scientology adherent John Travolta had also participated. In an interview with "George" magazine, Travolta had asserted that President Bill Clinton had also given him support with the words, "Your program makes a splendid impression. In view of the problems which they have had in Germany, I would be glad to help you." Clinton is then said to have arranged the meeting with Berger. Travolta allegedly met with Clinton last April during the filming of the film, "Primary Colors," which plays in the American movie theaters in March. In the film, Travolta plays a southern governor who is clearly modeled from Clinton's image and who - bothered by woman troubles and other problems - ascends to the presidency. Rumors have been spread in Washington that Clinton had wanted Travolta to make a presentation which was agreeable to him and offered his support to Scientology in return. Berger denied this account and said that Clinton had not promised Travolta any support in return for a favorable portrayal in the film. To be sure, Berger's denial hinged on the connection between the role in the film and assistance for Scientology. What remained unanswered was what issues of foreign and security policy could have interested a group of Scientologists. Berger brushed the meeting aside with the excuses that he had merely wanted to get an autograph for his children. The film "Primary Colors" comes to the American movie theaters in the middle of the Lewinsky affair and attests to the prejudices and rumors about the American President. What is interesting in the USA is whether Clinton had wanted to purchase a sympathetic portrayal for himself. The role of Scientology and its dispute with Germany had a completely subordinate role. Two weeks ago the State Department had published its annual human rights report in which the discussion between Scientology and Germany was mentioned in less harsh tones than before. The public reaction to the report could hardly be noticed. The State Secretary, who is responsible for human rights, repeatedly stated that Germany was an "extremely close ally." In connection with Scientology he spoke only of an "organization," not of a "church." Scientology itself has been the topic of several critical reports in the past months. Among other things, the nebulous conditions under which the sect received tax exemption have been questioned. In addition, the investigation into the mysterious death of a sect member in Florida has been stepped up.
Stefan Kornelius