Gridskipper

OneTaste likes to beat around the bush (heh) when it comes to describing exactly what they're about. They want to "foster deep intimacy and connection" and "bring out natural passion and intuition," which basically… translates to orgies. In addition to the commune where some followers live full-time, the center offers co-ed naked yoga classes, weekend couples retreats, and classes for lonely dudes who just want to figure out how to score. A copy of "The Game" is cheaper. [link]

Before the Jonestown Massacre, when Jim Jones and his followers in the People's Temple headed off to Guyana for a big ol' murder-suicide, the group had roots in California including a major Bay Area presence. Their… San Francisco headquarters was damaged in 1989's Loma Prieta Earthquake and ended up being demolished and replaced with a post office. [link]

Spiritual fascism has never tasted so good. This vegan/raw chain is infamous for the Stuart Smalley inspired food names you're forced to say aloud, like "I Am Super" (true!) or "I Am Plenty" (fat?). But Cafe Gratitude… is more than just its menu, it's a lifestyle choice. Workshops with fun names like "Relationship as a Path of Awakening" are led by the cafe's married owners. And because every helping of sanctimony needs a side of downward dog, they also organize Yoga retreats. Note: The waitstaff tend to ask creepy personal questions in lieu of casual chit-chat. [link]

Disciples of McSweeney's and followers of charismatic leader Dave Eggers, the crafty corsair "tutors" at 826 Valencia brainwash the children who come to the center for reading assistance. Once the munchkins learn… their ABCs, they are taught to be precociously ironic and sport eye-patches. Before becoming a full-fledged member, each pledge must bathe themselves in the blood of a sacrificial Wholphin. [link]

Totally obvious, but a nice opportunity to look at John Travolta kissing a dude again. [link]

Alcoholics Anonymous members are everywhere—in government, the entertainment industry, and giving you hand jobs in the steam room at the LA Sports club. How did they all get sucked in? Breaking people down… is a classic technique used by cults to instill loyalty and dependency in new members. AA knows this and works with liquor companies and bartenders to get innocents addicted to booze, causing them to alienate their friends and families, and eventually hit rock bottom. That's when AA swoops in with their meetings, and steps, and free coffee, and "help." It's brilliant really. [link]