http://tampabay.bcentral.com/tampabay/stories/2001/09/24/tidbits.html
The Business Journal, Tampa Bay - 21 september 2001 - tidbits
Baysider
Magazine probes Clearwater connection to investment scam
"Scientology, EarthLink and the Missing $500 million" states a headline
on the Esquire magazine October 2001 cover.
The inside story is about Silicon Valley's Reed Slatkin, a day trader
the Esquire article states promoted computer models to set up an
investment fund that grew to more than $500 million.
Now Slatkin, a Church of Scientology International parishioner, is
reported to be bankrupt and under federal investigation for what Esquire
reported attorneys called one of the "biggest investment frauds in
American history."
Esquire reported that Slatkin told Security and Exchange Commission
lawyers he obliged his investors through a sense of duty, as prescribed
by L. Ron Hubbard, Church of Scientology founder.
Esquire quoted Slatkin: "These people (investors) called me and said, `I
want to go on full time (Scientology) training down in Clearwater. Can
you help me?' "
Esquire also reported that in 1994 Slatkin met Sky Dayton, founder of
Atlanta, Ga.-based EarthLink Inc. and graduate of the Delphian School, a
Scientology-affiliated boarding school in Oregon. Slatkin and a fellow
Scientologist are reported to have invested $100,000 in EarthLink in
exchange for a 40-percent share of the new company.
Today EarthLink is a billion-dollar business, the third-largest Internet
service provider in the country.
Scientology spokesman Aron Mason told investigators in writing that the
church knew nothing about the missing investment money, reported
Esquire.
KEEPING OUT THE DOUBT: Next time you attend a hockey game or concert at
the Ice Palace, please exercise a little patience when entering the
building.
Within a week of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, new security measures
were put in place at the downtown Tampa arena. The bags of all
nonemployees, including members of the media, will be checked from time
to time as they enter the building.
"This practice is not meant as an inconvenience to anyone and will help
ensure the safety of everyone working or attending an Ice Palace event,"
stated a memo to media outlets.
While media types tend to react badly to new rules placed upon them,
whether by an editor or the government, the new security measures should
be taken to heart by anyone trying to come into the building with a few
"extras" inside a backpack or purse.
The bottom line these days is that if you can't carry an item in your
pocket or hold it in plain sight, leave it in your car.
The Ice Palace is among numerous venues around the country implementing
heightened security in the wake of the terrorist attacks.
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa and Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg,
both of which do not have immediate events on their calendars, are
expected to follow with changes shortly.
..
Do you have an item for the Baysider? Drop Mac McKerral a line at
mmckerral@bizjournals.com or call him at (813) 342-2472.
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