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00:02:01 A program called Sky Talk is featured. It is a weekly program in which the host and his guest talk about space related topics. The guest is Derrick Pits, the chief astronomer at the Franklin Institute. 00:08:01

[CC] 00:05:47 He says the funds are deposited in escrow accounts with prudential securities. From which new era can collect interest for operational costs. Bennett's program is not open to everyone and cashed starved nonprofits clamored for the opportunity. The fact that it wasn't open to everybody was intriguing. We all need new sources of money. This is an exclusive club that I might be able to become a part of. He and the chairman of world venture board traveled to Philadelphia and meet with new era staffers. We have some questions whether or not it was legitimate. They had a legitimate office and legitimate staff. I think probably the biggest reason why wwent forward is by endorsements of all the other ministries who were joing. It is not just religious groups who have gotten involved. Among those participating are many of Philadelphia's most prestigious institutions. The university of Pennsylvania, The Franklin Institute, the free library. Not to mention some of the country's most financially savvy philanthropists who asked to have their own charitable gifts doubled by new era and sent to their favorite causes. Lawrence rockefeller was involved. William Simon, a former U.S. Treasury secretary was involved. John Light, the former co-chairman of Goldman Sachs who had also served in the Reagan administration. He was involved. I n elite circles, word that Bennett and his foundation spreads. As time went on, he got to know more and more wealthy and prominent people. 00:08:47

[CC] 00:18:18 And Steve Steglo whom he had already called several months earlier. He called me in September of 1994. And what might have been the biggest mistake of my journalism career, I blew him off. But he said he has their financial statements. And the support of an accountant from a major firm. At Myers' urging, he decides to give that accountant a call. He can't believe what he hears. I understand this is a $100 million a year operation, I thought what, this is the story I'm going to do. He was also shocked to discover the people who had gotten involved. I'm amazed that the organization called new era philanthropy had a list of many of the most famous money people and colleges and charities in the United States. It was amazing to me. Many of those new era participants are not happy when he starts snooping around. There were hostile reactions which surprised me. There was someone from The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia which said to me how dare you question this wonderful organization which is helping out our institution and so you are just out to do a negative story. You should essentially be ashamed of yourself. It's not long before Steckler receives a call from John Bennett himself. He said I know you are investigating new era. I would like you to come down and interview me, and I would be happy to answer any questions you have. I would even be prepared to tell you who some of the anonymous donors are. He heads to the office, but there a visibly nervous Bennett fails to deliver. 00:21:18

[CC] 00:09:57 Well, a few pirates are taking over The Franklin institute in Philadelphia. Re-enactors staged a fight on the steps of the museum to launch new exhibit called Real Pirates. This exhibit will run through November 2nd. 00:12:57

[CC] 00:46:30 Oh, Pirates are taking over The Franklin institute in Philadelphia. Reenactors staged a flight on the front steps of the museum to launch the new exhibit called real pirates. It features treasures and artifacts, from the pirate ship Widea. The exhibit runs through November 2nd. 00:49:30

[CC] 00:26:46 We'll be right back after this welcome back. Pirates are taking over The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Re-enactors staged a fight on the front steps of the museum today to launch a new exhibit called Real Pirates. It features treasure and artifacts from the pirate ship Widea. T his exhibit runs through November second. 00:29:46