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COFFEE COUNTER
for week of
May 9th
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Today In History
On this day in 1950, Lafayette Ronald Hubbard (1911-1986) publishes ‘Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health’. With this book, Hubbard introduced a branch of self-help psychology called Dianetics, which quickly caught on fire and, over time, morphed into a belief system boasting millions of subscribers: Scientology.
Hubbard was already a prolific and frequently published writer by the time he penned the book that would change his life. Under several pseudonyms in the 1930s, he published a great amount of pulp fiction, particularly in the science fiction and fantasy genres. In late 1949, having returned from serving in the Navy in World War II, Hubbard began publishing articles in the pages of Astounding Science Fiction, a magazine that published works by the likes of Isaac Asimov and Jack Williamson. Out of these grew the elephantine text known as ‘Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health’.
In Dianetics, Hubbard explained that phenomena known as "engrams" (i.e. memories) were the cause of all psychological pain, which in turn harmed mental and physical health. He went on to claim that people could become "clear," achieving an exquisite state of clarity and mental liberation, by exorcising their engrams to an "auditor," or a listener acting as therapist.
Though discredited by the medical and scientific establishment, over 100,000 copies of Dianetics were sold in the first two years of publication, and Hubbard soon found himself lecturing across the country. He went on to write six more books in 1951, developing a significant fan base, and establishing the Hubbard Dianetics Research Foundation in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Despite his fast-growing popularity from books and touring, strife within his organisation and Hubbard's own personal troubles nearly crippled his success. Several of his research foundations had to be abandoned due to financial troubles and in-fighting. Also, in late 1950, his second wife filed for divorce, accusing Hubbard of kidnapping their baby and of conducting "systematic torture, beatings, strangulations and scientific torture experiments."
more~Quote Of The Day
"Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones."
Phillip Brooks
Today's Trivia
Buffaloes in PolandThere are buffalo in Poland. They live mainly in the area of the Bialowieza Forest and are known as "zubra." The well-known Polish vodka Zubrowka, which means "buffalo brand," takes its name from these animals.
How Much Does A Bird Eat?Every bird must eat at least half its own weight in food each day to survive. Young birds need even more. A young robin, for example, eats as much as 14 feet of earthworms a day.
From Our Forums
CLIFF'S FOTOFUN #63,
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Welcome to our Mini Challenge #46
here at the Photography Cafe
"HARMONY" This is our latest
mini challenge here at the
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See who is appearing on Centre Stage this week
ChrisAnn
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The Judges of the Cafe Choice Award are pleased to announce the presentation of this highly rated award:
is awarded to memberLES Ffor his image"ONE UP and ONE TO COME"
"Les’s image was taken in evening sunlight at Curbar Edge in the Peak District. One climber sits on the pinnacle while the second makes his way up.
This is a picture that sums up the battle of man against the elements and the isolated climber and the space around him show that off to good effect. The countryside beyond is lit up by that evening sun which also rim lights the bare-chested climber.
It is an unusual image. You may see shots of the countryside from elevated viewpoints, you may see shots of climbers perched atop rocky crags but to get them both in one shot makes it special.
Congratulations Les!" * * * * * * *
Today's Chuckles
For SaleA real-estate agent was driving around with a new trainee when she spotted a charming little farmhouse with a hand-lettered "For Sale" sign out front.
After briskly introducing herself and her associate to the startled occupant, the agent cruised from room to room, opening closets and cupboards, testing faucets and pointing out where a "new light fixture here and a little paint there" would help. Pleased with her assertiveness, the woman was hopeful that the owner would offer her the listing.
"Ma'am," the man said, "I appreciate the home-improvement tips and all, but I think you read my sign wrong. It says, "HORSE for sale."
Four Letter SurgeryJerry is recovering from day surgery when a nurse asks him how he is feeling.
"I'm OK but I didn't like the four-letter-word the doctor used in surgery," he answered.
"What did he say," asked the nurse.
"OOPS!"
Quick Quotes
"To do for the world more than the world does for you - that is success."
~Henry Ford
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"There are no days in life so memorable as those which vibrated to some stroke of the imagination. "
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
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"I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship."
~Louisa May Alcott
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More Chuckles
Do You Ever Wonder?Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?
Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?
Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?
Why is it that to stop Windows, you have to click on "Start"?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
A VERY BIG WELCOME TO ALL OUR NEW MEMBERS 
