"Local papers in Albany portrayed him as an eccentric, appealing genius, noting that he slept only a few hours a night and could juggle and unicycle."

It feels like his whole piece in the organization was a combination of juggling and riding the unicycle. Juggling all the manipulated and exploited needs (including the need for a sense of empowerment) and riding the unicycle of his own ego gratification and goofy self-aggrandization ( I am super special and have always been super special -watch me do Rubik cubes and have sex slaves and find mysterious polo shirts).

This is a crazy, crazy story. I, too started it in print but was so happy to see it on reallyread.it. The insane thing is some of his tactics are exactly what goes on in behavioral therapy, exploring the meaning of our childhood memories. Also, a small, connection to yoga teacher training: self discipline (yamas and niyamas) physical fitness (asana) and self control (meditation routine). The "badass" reference is something that is mentioned in many empowerment workshops. His presence and the branding should have sent a loud signal to these woman but who knows?

First I read the whole thing in the print edition of the New York Times Magazine. Then I read it again, beginning to end, on here.

It's an insane and incredible story - read it read it read it