Fellowship of Friends, Inc. v. Spilios

Complaint For Damages (Breach of Contract) filed in Superior Court, San Francisco.

Defendant: Damon Spilios, Managing Director of Ming Furniture Ltd. Abraham Goldman represented Fellowship of Friends. Order of Dismissal filed March 23, 1998.

Quoted from "A cult for Chinese furniture":

In the late 1970s, Burton began collecting Old Master paintings, ranging from a 15th-century cassone, or marriage-chest panel, by the Florentine Jacopo de Sellajo to still-lifes by Osias Beert the Elder and, possibly,Caravaggio. Then, in Paris in 1988, he saw two typically spare, minimalist Qing-period Chinese armchairs in the Ming style and the direction of the fellowship's collecting changed in a revelatory flash.

I immediately recognised that this furniture was second to none," he said, both in its serene beauty and its intelligent design, which combine to evoke a contemplative state of mind in those who behold it."

At the height of the market, the Old Masters were sold off at significant profit - a pair of 17th-century biblical scenes by Bernardo Cavallino fetched almost $2m at Sotheby's New York in 1989. Dispersed, too, was the collection of Chinese ceramics. With the proceeds, Burton began to acquire 17th and 18th-century Chinese classical furniture. Says London-based Chinese furniture dealer Nicholas Grindley: "It was a very good time to buy."

Burton bought heavily from Damon Spilios, of Florida dealers Ming Furniture, who certainly believed that classical Chinese furniture was undervalued. Burton also made significant purchases from Hong Kong dealers Grace Wu Bruce and Chan Shang Kee.

Robert Earl Burton's Self Remembering First Edition is published

[ed. - A sampling of Amazon customer reviews:]

"Ivan Osokin" [ed. - Likely our friend Greg W. Goodwin] commented June 25, 2000 :

The Book Proclaims One Ideal, But the Author Lives Another

The words in Burton's book sound very fine and uplifting, but we know from the public record that the author Robert "Bobby Earl" Burton does not in any respect live up to the expressed ideal. A book titled "Self-remembering," and supposedly containing instruction on how live in a higher state, would be more valuable if it were written by someone capable of self-remembering. One of the powers Burton claims to have developed from self-remembering is the power of knowing the future, in the book he openly declares himself a "prophet," he also predicted the "fall of California into the Pacific Ocean in 1998." Like Burton's efforts to self-remember, there is a strong discrepancy between the claims and the reality.

"Peter den Haring" (Dutch Society of Libraries) commented on August 20, 1999:

Review from the Nederlandse Bibliotheek Centrale:

The Fellowship of Friends is a worldwide philosophical community and school, founded in 1970 by Burton and following the tradition of Gurdjieff and Ouspensky that is called the "Fourth Way." Burton has a brilliant and stimulating vision that evokes all kinds of experimenting with the "machine," with one's ego structure: "The soul, like any pearl, must be created by transforming irritation. Voluntary suffering can serve this purpose." Try sitting in an uncomfortable way - for example, on a cassette - for fifteen minutes; then try something else. Turn your heater down. Create friction. Avoid self-pity. Hide your suffering. Burton stresses educating and disciplining the emotions and being permanently alert - i.e., self-remembering. "What one gains, all gain," he says as he explains personal transformation for his group of pupils. In an equally compelling way, he describes "Influence C" - conscious, immaterial beings who assist man. An extensive glossary describes the specific terminology of the Fourth Way.

"Secondhand News" commented on April 25, 2000:

The purported author of this book, Robert Burton, is the leader of a classic California cult known as the Fellowship of Friends. (Those familiar with the cult and its methods will recognize that most of the other reviews, and the book's introduction, were written by Burton's followers.) The book discusses the technique known as "self remembering," a form of meditation Burton learned from the works of George Gurdjieff and his disciple, Peter Ouspensky, and now teaches to all dues-paying followers.

While myths abound regarding Gurdjieff's own sources (Sufism is often mentioned), self-remembering has been taught for centuries in Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, as well as other Eastern traditions. Simply put, it is the experience of being aware of the present moment, of your internal and external environmental right now. It is greatly to Burton's credit that he seeks to spread the practice of self-remembering, which is every bit as powerful as he asserts. However, this former Arkansas schoolteacher writes in the affected, precious style of one who equates a newly-acquired, superficial "refinement" with moral superiority. The book itself contains nothing that cannot be found, more clearly expressed, in Ouspensky's In Search of the Miraculous, or Suzuki's Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind.

"A customer" commented on October 5, 1998:

Burton is an "influence B" teacher. Use with caution.

No doubt people who are unacquainted with Fourth Way primary resource materials - Gurdjieff in particular, but also Ouspensky and Maurice Nicoll - will be impressed with the depth of wisdom here and the practicality of it. Those who know the primary resource materials thoroughly and compare this book with them will have some concerns. The real meat of the book is, of course, entirely from these other sources. What Burton brings to it that is purely his own is often a good example of the Fourth Way teaching that esoteric teachings, once released into the world, descend the octave of transmission and get watered down and distorted. Burton himself, as a teacher, is not an example of what the work teaching calls "influence C", but rather what it calls "influence B". That certainly doesn't mean he has nothing of value to say. But readers need to keep the situation in perspective. Do not expect the fruit of a real esoteric master, but only esoteric teaching in a form that is secondhand. Use with caution.

"Peter Ingle" commented on June 12, 2000:

A teacher conveying his understanding to students

Being intimately familiar with the writings of Mr. Gurdjieff and Mr. Ouspensky, I can say that Robert Burton's teaching is a direct extension of everything those two men practiced and taught. Also, as a 25-year student of Robert Burton's, I know that nothing is easier to misunderstand than a teacher and a school. Mr. Burton's book, Self-Remembering, is a pure encapsulation of how he teaches and how he himself works, and the fact that self-remembering is the hub of practicing the Fourth Way. But, more importantly, this book offers readers an emotional--not just an intellectual--handle for determining whether they see something unique in the idea of self-remembering, and in the idea that an individual cannot work or evolve alone; that a school is necessary for establishing a correct foundation of knowledge, methods, and guidance. Readers may also want to keep in mind that this book was not written originally for publication, but for Mr. Burton's students. It was not intended to persuade anyone of anything, but rather to convey the understanding of a conscious teacher to his students, largely as a reminder to them of how to re-connect emotionally to their own need to make efforts to actually awaken.

[ed. - Peter Ingle subsequently left Robert Burton's teaching, a fate Burton declares that is "worse than death.]

Fellowship of Friends, Inc. v. County of Yuba

[ed. - From the Internet Archive. Description from Archive page: "1991 California Court of Appeal decision that the Goethe Academy was not entitled to a State tax exemption as a museum because it was closed to the public five days a week and only open by appointment two days a week. "The purpose of the exemption was to encourage the display of art and other items of value to the public. That purpose is not served by granting tax exemptions to warehouses where art is stored. . . .". Also see: California State Board of Equalization documents, Fellowship of Friends Appeals denial of Goethe Academy exemption.]

Full text of Fellowship of Friends, Inc. v. County of Yuba"
THE FELLOWSHIP OF FRIENDS, INC.,
Plaintiff and Appellant,

V,

COUNTY OF YUBA, Defendant and
Respondent.

Civ. No. C007151.

Court of Appeal, Third District.

Nov. 1, 1991.

Religious organization sought reimbursement of taxes paid for building which housed collection of fine art and other artifacts, alleging that the building was a "museum" and thus exempt from taxation. The Superior Court of Yuba County, No.39021, Robert Lenhard, J., found that the building was not a museum, and thus denied reimbursement, and organization appealed. The Court of Appeal, Raye, J., held that building, which housed collection of fine art and other artifacts, was not a "museum."

Affirmed.

Skjerven, Morrill, Macpherson, Franklin & Friel, Charles D. Chalmers, Formaciari, Zuckerman & McQuiller, Michael J. McQuiller, San Francisco, for plaintiff and appellant.

Daniel G. Montgomery, County Counsel, Yuba County, David A. Sandino, Sp. County Counsel, for defendant and respondent.

RAYE, Associate Justice.

In this opinion, we consider the definition of "museum" as used in article Xm, section 3(d). [PNl] of the California Constitution and Revenue and Taxation Code section 202(a)(2) [FN2] which together exempt from taxation property used for "museums that are free and open to the public." Plaintiff Fellowship of Friends applied for a property tax exemption for the years 1985-1986, 1986-1987, and 1987-1988 for one of its buildings as a free museum open to the public. Defendant County of Yuba denied the exemption. Plaintiff filed the instant action for reimbursement of the taxes paid for the three years in question. After a court trial, judgment i was entered for defendant. Finding the trial court properly applied the constitutional exemption, we shall affirm.

FNl. All references to article XIII pertain to California Constitution, article XIII, section designated, unless otherwise indicated.

FN2. All statutory references are to the Revenue and Taxation Code unless
otherwise indicated.

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Plaintiff Fellowship of Friends, a religious organization with centers around the world, is exempt from state income tax under Revenue and Taxation Code section 23701d. Plaintiff owns approximately 1,400 acres of property known as "Renaissance" in Yuba County near the town of Dobbins, about 30 miles from Marysville. As part of its beliefs, the organization collects fine art and other artifacts to preserve them for future generations and to change the viewer's emotional and spiritual state. This collection, the artistic value of which is undisputed, is housed on the Yuba County property in a building known as the Goethe Academy.

In 1983 plaintiff decided to open the collection to the public. The Academy was thereafter opened to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with no admission charged. Initially, because of security concerns and limited personnel, plaintiff required visitors to make appointments in order to visit the Academy during open hours, although staff attempted to accommodate drop-in visitors. Plaintiff abandoned this "appointments only" policy in 1987.

The Academy is a 5600 square foot building. The art objects were displayed in designated rooms on the first floor. These rooms, comprising approximately 60% of the total floor space, were not segregated from the rest of the academy. Robert Burton, the founder of the Fellowship of Friends, resided in a portion of the Academy, although business travel caused him to be out of town at least half of the time. The rooms he frequently used as his living area were not part of the tour for museum visitors. The basement area also accommodated several other people who stayed on the premises for indefinite periods of time and assisted in the maintenance and security of the property. While the Academy was closed to the general public, except in connection with the display of art works, many other Fellowship activities took place there and on the grounds, including group dinners, lectures, concerts, music recitals and weddings.

Plaintiff advertised the art display in the Yuba-Sutter Arts Council newsletter, a quarterly publication, since 1985. Plaintiff prepared a video of the "museum" in 1985. Two articles, one about the museum and another on specific works of art at the Academy were published in 1985 and 1986 in Apollo magazine, an international art magazine. Since 1985 the plaintiffs placed a listing in the Yellow Pages under "museums," and, at the time of the trial, plaintiff had begun recently to advertise weekly in the Marysville Appeal-Democrat. No signs directed the public to the museum, and no signs were placed on the building itself to identify it as a museum until approximately the summer of 1987.

Records presented to the trial court indicate the Academy's art display attracted approximately 300 guests per year for the three years in question. The first year, almost 60% of those visitors were Fellowship members. The second year, the ratio was approximately 20% members to 80% non-members. The third year for which the trial court had records showed a ratio of about 93% non-members to 7% members as museum guests.

On or about March 15, 1985, plaintiff applied for a property tax exemption for the tax year of 1985-1986, asserting that the academy existed as a free public museum, pursuant to article XIII, section 3(d) and section 202(aX2). The application states the primary use of the property is as a public museum/religious academy with the incidental use as a parsonage. The application requested the exemption for about 63% of the building, or that portion open to the general public, plus 100% of the approximately 3.1 acre parcel on which the building is located, which showcases the rose garden, also open to the public. The county denied the exemption, as well as subsequent exemption applications for the years 1986-1987 and 1987-1988.

Plaintiff paid the taxes assessed for those years, and then filed a complaint for reimbursement of the taxes paid. After a court trial, the court held that plaintiff had failed to establish the "predominant use" of the property in question was for public museum purposes. Plaintiff appeals from the judgment entered in defendant's favor.

DISCUSSION

[1] Article XIII, sec. 3(d) of the California Constitution, provides: "The following are exempt from property taxation: ... (d) Property used for libraries and museums that are free and open to the public and property used exclusively for public schools, community colleges, state colleges, and state universities." (Cal. Const., art. XIII, § 3(d).)

[FN3] This provision is codified in section 202(a)(2). [FN4] The constitutional provision is self-executing and no legislative action is necessary to trigger its application. (J. Paul Getty Museum v. County of Los Angeles (1983) 148 Cal.App.3d 600, 604, 195 Cal.Rptr. 916.) We first consider the meaning of the term "museum" in the context of plaintiffs assertion that the trial court erred in construing the term to require exempt property to be used "primarily" or "predominantly" as a museum.

FN3. The exemption for free museums was added to the Constitution in 1894. The "improvement of educational opportunities for the people of the State of California to the end that they will become more useful and productive citizens" was the stated purpose of the exemption. (Assembly Interim Committee on Revenue and Taxation, Taxation of Property in California, Vol. 4, No. 12, p. 67 (1964).) "The exemption depends on usage; ownership alone will not qualify the property for exemption." (California Constitution Revision Commission, Revenue and Taxation Revised Background Study 2, p. 7. (1969), emphasis added.) We discuss the question of "usage" infra.

FN4. Revenue and Taxation Code section

202(a)(2) provides: "The exemption of the following property is as specified in subdivisions (a), (b), (d), and (h) of Section 3 of article XIII of the Constitution, except as otherwise provided in subdivision (a) of Section 11 thereof:

"(2) Property used for free public libraries and free museums."

[2] "Words used in a statute or constitutional provision should be given the meaning they bear in ordinary use." (Lungren v. Deukmejian (1988) 45 Cal.3d 727, 735, 248 Cal.Rptr. 115, 755 P.2d 299.) If the language is clear and unambiguous, we look no further in discerning the provision's meaning. (Alpha Therapeutic Corp. v. County of Los Angeles (1986) 179 Cal.App.3d 265, 271, 224 Cal.Rptr. 498.) We are also constrained by the "general rule [that] constitutional provisions and statutes granting exemption from taxation are strictly construed to the end that such concession will not be enlarged nor extended beyond the plain meaning of the language employed. [Citations omitted.]" (Honeywell Information Systems, Inc. v. County of Sonoma (1974) 44 Cal.App.3d 23, 27, 118 Cal.Rptr. 422.) Nevertheless, even a strict construction must still be a fair and reasonable construction. (Id. at p. 28, 118 Cal.Rptr. 422.)

Both parties cite Webster's New Collegiate dictionary for the definition of museum as "an institution devoted to the procurement, care, study, and display of objects of lasting interest or value. " Defendant concedes that the Academy is a building whose various uses included the display of artistic works, but asserts that during the time periods in question it was not "devoted" to artistic displays. Thus, according to defendant, because the property had multiple uses, most of which were unrelated to museum purposes, the trial court properly denied plaintiff's exemption claim.

Defendant's argument can be criticized as requiring an excessively rigid adherence to Webster's definitions. The term "devoted" does not appear in the definition of museum offered in other dictionaries. [FN5] Moreover, it is unclear whether the Webster's definition is a reference to the organization responsible for the display, or the building which houses the organization. [FN6]

FN5. E.g. Webster's New World Dictionary (3d.College Edition): "an institution, building, or room for preserving and exhibiting artistic, historical, or scientific objects."; Webster's Third International Dictionary (Unabridged): "an institution devoted to the procurement care, and display of objects of lasting interest or value ... a room, building, or locale where a collection of objects is put on exhibition" (emphasis added); Random House Dictionary of the English Language (2d Ed. Unabridged); "a building or place where works of art, scientific specimens, or other objects of permanent value are kept and displayed." But see. Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary of the English Language (Unabridged): "A
building devoted to the collection and preservation of works of nature, art, and
antiquity, or to the exhibition of rare and intricate articles in the arts, science, or literature."

FN6. Museum is defined as an "institution" devoted to certain described
purposes. The term "institution" can refer to either "an organization having a
social, educational or religious purpose" or "the building housing an organization." (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary)

[3] While defendant may rely too heavily on Webster's, its argument is nonetheless sound. A museum, is more than a room with paintings on the walls. If that were not so, most office building lobbies would qualify as museums. Every description of property by its function assumes that the described function is a primary use of the property. Thus, a clock is an object primarily used to display the time of day. That it may also be used in the lurch to affix nails to a wall does not make it a hammer. [FN7] We therefore agree with the trial court that in ordinary parlance a museum is a building whose "predominant purpose" is to house and display objects of lasting value. Property used "for a museum" must be used primarily to house and display objects of lasting value. This does not preclude other uses, but requires the use as a museum to be primary.[FN8]

FN7. Plaintiff notes that "[w]e often ascribe words to things by reference to the thing's recognized form, irrespective of how it is actually used," and suggests that a hammer remains a hammer even if its principal use is as a paperweight. While such an ascription could be made, the constitution clearly describes exempt property by its function-not its form. Thus, under the approach used in the Constitution, an object used primarily to hold down papers might be regarded as a paperweight even if it has a handle attached to a metal head.

FN8. This definition comports with the definition of museum adopted by the State Board of Equalization in Regulation No. 1586, the regulation which exempts works of art which are purchased as part of the permanent collection of a museum or nonprofit corporation. Regulation 1586(b)(2), adopted in 1988, states in pertinent part: " 'Museum' for purposes of this regulation means a place specifically designated for display of artifacts or objects of art which either: (A) has a significant portion of its display space open to the public without charge during its normal operation hours; (B) has its entire display space open to the public without charge for at least six of its normal operating hours each month of operation; or (C) has its entire display space open without charge to a segment of the student or adult population for educational purposes." (Emphasis added.)

[4] We turn then to the question of whether the primary use of the Academy was as a museum. There is no conflict as to the pertinent facts and under such circumstances the question is one of law. (Engs Motor Truck Co. V. State Bd. of Equalization (1987) 189 Cal.App.3d 1458, 1464, 235 Cal.Rptr. 117.) We therefore undertake an independent review of the trial court's decision, applying the constitutional provision to undisputed facts.

[5][6] Exemptions from taxation are narrowly construed in favor of the state. (Alpha Therapeutic Corp. v. County of Los Angeles, supra, 179 Cal.App.3d at p. 270, 224 Cal.Rptr. 498; Honeywell Information Systems, Inc. v. County of Sonoma, supra, 44 Cal.App.3d at p. 27, 118 Cal.Rptr. 422.) The taxpayer has the burden of showing it clearly comes within the exemption. (Alpha Therapeutic Corp. v. County of Los Angeles, supra, 179 Cal.App.3d at p. 270, 224 Cal.Rptr. 498; Campbell Industries v. State Bd. of Equalization (1985) 167 Cal.App.3d 863, 870, 213 Cal.Rptr. 533.) Did plaintiff meet its burden? The trial court thought not. We concur.

[7] In concluding that the Academy was not a museum, because the predominant use of the property was not to collect and display art, the trial court was impressed by the many other uses of the property. The "museum" portion of the building was confined to the middle of the first floor and was not segregated from the rest of the Academy. The remainder of the Academy was used for a variety of purposes.

It served as a residence for the founder and leader of the Fellowship, living quarters for other members, and a place for dinners, conferences, lectures, weddings and concerts. All of these uses predated the establishment of the museum, and continued thereafter. Accommodations were made to insure that the non-museum uses did not interfere with the museum. It appears, however, that little accommodation was necessary because of the museum's limited hours and patronage.

During the first year for which an exemption was claimed, the museum was open to the public two days a week by appointment only. During the second and third years, the appointment only policy was discontinued, but the museum remain closed to the public five days out of the week.

Contrary to plaintiff's suggestion, the court did not hold that the use of the Academy for other purposes precluded award of the exemption. Nor did the court appear to view the other uses as interfering with its use as a museum. The court acknowledged that multiple uses were permissible. The issue is whether the Academy's use as a museum was its principal use. Evidence regarding the other uses was probative on this issue. Evidence of plaintiffs appointment policy, the isolated location of the Academy, the lack of publicity and the museum's hours of operation are also relevant in determining the extent to which the property was used as a museum. All such evidence suggested a limited use of the property as a place to store and display the art housed there.

The trial court concluded plaintiff not only failed to establish the property was used principally as a museum. "[P]laintiff also failed to establish that the property was used even 'significantly' or 'substantially' as a museum." On appeal, plaintiff insists the court's conclusion is premised on another definitional error: the trial court viewed a museum solely as a place where art objects are exhibited and ignored the function of a museum, as a collector and repository of art for future generations. Plaintiff is mistaken.

[8][9] The court noted that "[t]he museum portion of the Goethe Academy contained many examples of high quality artwork, books and furnishings...." and acknowledged that a "true museum" both "house[s]" and "display[s]" works of art, and other items of excellence. That it chose to focus on the "display" function reflected two realities. First, the quality and value of the artwork was undisputed, and the consequent value of preserving such work for future generations could be assumed. There was no need to dwell on that fact. Second, as between the function of a museum as a repository and its display function, clearly the latter is of paramount importance for purposes of the exemption. The purpose of the exemption was to encourage the display of art and other items of value to the public. That purpose is not served by granting tax exemptions to warehouses where art is stored, even if such buildings are "open to the public" and no admission is charged and notwithstanding ) the public benefit accruing from the preservation of the building's contents. A museum must function both as a repository of art or other items of lasting value, and as a place where such items are displayed.

We conclude that the trial court correctly determined plaintiff failed to establish the property in question was "used for a ... museum" within the meaning of the Constitution. Given this conclusion we need not consider the closely related question of whether the property was "open to the public."

The judgment is affirmed.

PUGLIA, P.J., and DAVIS, J., concur.

"Trick or treat. My mother's dead. Her name is Shock."

Guinevere Ruth Mueller (right), among Burton's first followers, joins him in a meeting at the Festival Hall, March 19, 2019.

[ed. - On page 47 of Fifty Years with Angels, Robert Burton is compelled to share an example of how he overcame "feminine dominance." Receiving news of his mother's (Velma E. Burton's) death, and after failing to attend her funeral, he recounts making a "difficult decision" to go to the ocean with his companion rather than to his mother's grave. Claiming the act was a demonstration of "will," some would call it a pathetic excuse or, in Fellowship terms, a "buffer."]

On Halloween, in 1991, I answered the phone and said "trick or treat" to my life brother, He said, "Our mother died today." I told him, "I have to handle this in my own way. I am not going to the service, but I will visit her gravesite afterwards." We must always take Influence C on their own conscious terms. I did not attend my mother's funeral in San Francisco. Even so, I was going to visit her grave after the ceremony, but, when I reached Vacaville, Influence C put a license plate in front of me saying CASTR8 (castrate). So I did not go to her grave, but instead went with Michael Goodwin to the Pacific Ocean to watch the sun set.

I experienced a mystical moment because I had done something difficult that Influence C had asked. At a certain point, Michael asked, "Were you having a mystical moment?" I said, "Yes." I shuddered, because I knew that I had been obedient. It was not easy but I just did what Influence C had asked. Without that difficult decision I made, Michael could not have survived his own death. I had no thought of opposing Influence C and no concern that people might not understand me, because I was obeying a higher power. I was quite accepting of it all.

"Insider" wrote on the Fellowship of Friends Discussion blog, July 7, 2019:

37. WhaleRider
38. Nancy Gilbert

It’s almost the wrong question to ask what prompted this or any other obscure comment from Burton. Regarding his mother’s maiden name, Burton has repeated this a thousand times, and I don’t think that’s an exaggeration.

And there are hundreds more: as a boy, Burton’s wealthy friend with his own “car” on the family’s private road (early jealousy); “meeting Influence C” on Ashby Avenue (forgot what “ash” means to him); his millionaire sister dying and not leaving anything to Burton (BIG account); Samuel Prov… having a surgery, missing playing his regular numbers in the CA lottery, and those numbers coming as the winner (and Burton missing out on his cut); landing at the SF airport at the moment of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989; his car accident where he got a hundred stitches in the pattern of a “peace” symbol; and a couple hundred more.

Burton endlessly cycles through these “shocks from Influence C,” as constant proof that a massive “conscious play” was written for Burton and the Fellowship of Friends by a very ancient angel (as if such an entity still lives in a timeline), every minor detail carefully planned and executed.

I have no doubt any more that Burton completely believes in this nonsense. After all, wherever “Influence C” tell him to go, to drive, to turn, another “shock” is waiting to be noticed. A license plate with a “44” (angels), or a “39” (Burton’s year of birth), or a “64”/”46″ (the “sequence”); a car similar to one he once owned; a siren (warning of the next catastrophe); someone wearing a T-shirt with a really good “message” on it.

Of course, at the ensuing “teaching” event when these “shocks of the week” are shown to the flock, not a word is said of the hundreds of license plates, hotel room numbers, and restaurant receipts that were rejected because they lacked the “right” numbers, or possibly had a “message” at odds with Burton’s imaginary world or latest prediction.

Now, Burton is “working on” the next major prediction, tentatively set for this year or next, a really big one, so big that last year’s Oct 21 “fall of Calif” was postponed to make way for this one. He has begun “collecting shocks” that, when strung together with carefully selected quotes and images, will make it crystal-clear that “Influence C” is not joking around this time, trying to humiliate him, like they were the previous 10-20 times.

It’s also looking more likely that Burton learned this “art” of “verifying Influence C” by highly selective observation, aka seeing whatever you want to see, from Alex Horn. We know that Horn introduced to Burton the idea of “angels who were once humans” that still carried their once-earthly names like Shakespeare, Bach, Lincoln, etc. Burton’s contribution to the development of this idea was to fix the number at 44 of these beings who were directly “assisting the Fellowship,” plus an additional 37 (and counting) who are floating around somewhere, but having other celestial work to do not involving the Fellowship.

Although I have not seen a direct account of Alex’s teaching in this regard, it would seem unlikely that he would introduce the idea without relating it to himself and his (Alex’s) mission. Who knows whether Alex got the idea from someone else, or just made it up. And who knows whether Burton fell for it immediately, or had to “work with it” for a few years before getting the hang of living his life, making every decision, and running a doomsday cult, based on a belief that “the play is written” and “every word I utter comes from them.”

"Regarding his mother’s maiden name, Burton has repeated this a thousand times." Another example, March 13, 2019.

A shakeup in Amsterdam?

"Old FOF" wrote on the Fellowship of Friends Discussion blog, September 8, 2011:

Along the lines of recent posts, I thought I’d add this oldie – an actual minute from the Fellowship Council. Have to read it carefully for the doublethink.

Fellowship Council
Minutes from the meeting of June 8, 1991
Amsterdam:

Diana K. [Diana Kay Eaton]. reported that during her recent visit as a traveling teacher she had been subjected to an unprecedented display of negativity directed toward her personally from the centre directors, apparently on the belief that she had participated in a conspiracy to ‘remove’ them from office.

Although Diana K.. was able to neutralize the negativity and leave on good terms, she felt that this incident provided clear indication of the need to change directors. The Council agreed, and instructed Girard to work with the regional coordinators to find suitable replacements. R and H S.. were mentioned.

Fellowship Of Friends, Inc v. Kee

Complaint filed for damages against Chan Shing Kee, a dealer in antique Chinese furniture. The Fellowship of Friends was represented by Abraham Goldman.

I'm So Excited: The Fellowship of Friends opens a new center in Moscow

[ed. - Around this time, The Fellowship of Friends is reported to have opened a new center in Moscow, and began hosting "prospective student meetings." Russia (and the former Soviet republics) would prove a rich and reliable source of attractive young men for Robert Burton's harem. At the time, according to "inside sources," this was Robert Burton's favorite song.]

The Pointer Sisters - I'm So Excited (Official Music Video)

Tonight's the night we're gonna make it happen,
Tonight we'll put all other things aside.
Give in this time and show me some affection,
We're going for those pleasures in the night.

I want to love you, feel you,
Wrap myself around you.
I want to squeeze you, please you,
I just can't get enough,
And if you move real slow,
I'll let it go.
I'm so excited,
And I just can't hide it,
I'm about to lose control
And I think I like it.
I'm so excited,
And I just can't hide it,
And I know, I know, I know, I know
I know I want you, want you.

We shouldn't even think about tomorrow,
Sweet memories will last a long long time.
We'll have a good time baby don't you worry,
And if we're still playing around boy that's just fine.

Let's get excited,
And we just can't hide it,
I'm about to lose control and I think I like it.
I'm so excited,
And I just can't hide it,
And I know, I know, I know, I know
I know I want you, want you.

"Critical Mass" wrote on the Fellowship of Friends Discussion blog, August 1, 2007:

The orgies, with viagra, go back four or five years ago at least. Robert was very grateful to C Influence that they had given him three Russians who would have sex with him every Sunday evening. Robert said that it was the highlight of his week, and he looked forward to it all week.

High On Yuba County`s Windy Slopes, Renaissance Winery Crafts Aesthetic Wines

"Renaissance Vineyard & Winery" (1991) by Don Birrell, long-time Fellowship of Friends member and former Nut Tree Art Director.

The Chicago Tribune

April 11, 1991
By Larry Stone

There never was much of a call for the wines of Yuba County, California. In fact, no vines had grown there since Gold Rush days, until Karl and Diana Werner planted some in 1975.

Yuba County is in the northern Sierra foothills, where the soil is rocky, thin and winds can blow the flowers off the vines in spring. One could have predicted the low yields, about 2 tons per acre, or one-fourth that of Napa Valley, something that would scare off most profit-oriented entrepreneurs.

Yet when the Fellowship of Friends - a philosophical group inspired by the Russian writer - mystic George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff and his spiritualist disciple P.D. Ouspensky-invited Karl Werner to plant 365 acres of vines, they made him an offer that is hard for any self-respecting winemaker to resist. They told him to take his time and make only the finest wine he could.

The resulting Renaissance Winery and its vineyards are to the members of the Fellowship another expression of their belief-originally expressed by the German poet Goethe-that art should be a part of everyday life. Making wine here is indeed an aesthetic project.

The altitude is high in Yuba, between 1,700 and 2,300 feet, ensuring cool nights during the critical ripening period. The vineyards were terraced and landscaped to minimize wind damage and erosion. About 200 miles of drip irrigation were laid, supplied by well water from the estate. Pesticides and herbicides are avoided and the vineyards are fertilized with a natural compost made on site.

The Werners started off by conducting eight years of experimental planting with nine grape varieties, including a fantastic petite sirah, but have since concentrated on cabernet sauvignon, riesling and sauvignon blanc. Cabernet sauvignon represents about half the acreage of Renaissance, which now produces 10,000 cases of wine a year and plans to reach a capacity of 40,000. The Werners also gave the winery an ergonomic, gravity-driven design arranged on three levels. The top level contains the crusher/stemmer, press and fermenting area, which is set up in three concentric circles of stainless- steel fermenting tanks. The barrel-aging room on the next level has about 2,800 oak barrels maintained by an in-house cooperage, a luxury unheard-of in a winery of this size. The winery is so self-sufficient that it made its own stainless-steel fermenting tanks.

At the lowest level is the bottling line, bottle areas (enough for aging more than 35 years of their entire production) and labeling equipment. This multi-level layout reduces the amount of pumping necessary to move the wine from one stage of winemaking to the next. All stages of winemaking after fermentation are underground, representing about 60 percent of the winemaking facility.

One unusual tip of the hat to Karl Werner`s German background is the use of German white-oak barrels that have been steamed rather than toasted. These barrels are excellent for making riesling and other light white wines. The German oak is preferred over French because of its relative neutrality in flavor and its lack of porosity, which helps to preserve the fresh acidity of a wine.

The Werners` departure from normal California practice seems to be quite successful for Renaissance`s dry and sweet rieslings as well as for its exceptionally elegant sauvignon blanc. The German barrels also serve for aging cabernet sauvignon, which is a touch too austere as a result.

It took Renaissance about 12 years since planting its vineyards to release its first wine late in 1988. Even though Renaissance hesitated to finally push its "children" out of the cellar, the wines managed to win medals.

While judging at the Los Angeles County Fair in 1988, I was on a panel that awarded one of the highest honors-a double gold medal-to the non-vintage, second-label "Da Vinci" Petite Sirah. Since then the wines have won 26 awards and have been served to royalty and heads of state in Europe and America. What is more, they are reasonably priced.

In addition to Renaissance Vineyards and Winery, the Fellowship of Friends also maintains an elaborate rose garden, museum and cultural center, called the Goethe Academy, on the estate in the Sierra foothills.

Tasting notes

Renaissance Sauvignon Blanc 1988 - The most elegant of the wines from this producer is wonderfully complex and elegant. The aroma is not grassy, but subdued melon, peach and fresh fig, with a hint of anise and tarragon. The body of the wine is medium-light, but has a round texture despite its lively acidity. $9.50 (****/90 points)

Renaissance Dry White Riesling 1988-Light with a clean, dry feel, lemony and firm, it has the aromas and flavors of lemon grass, apricot and honeydew. This is a nicely made dry riesling that has a lot in common with "Trocken" wines from the Rhine. $8. (***/85 points)

Renaissance Special Select Late-Harvest White Riesling 1985-In 1989 this won two coveted international gold medals, one at Vinexpo in Bordeaux and the other at the London Wine and Spirits Competition. It richly deserved them. The wine is complex and well-structured for long-term aging, with a racy acidity rarely encountered in rieslings from California. Yet with its 13 percent residual sugar and botrytis ("noble rot")-affected grapes, it sings with golden ripeness of honey, apricot nectar, peaches, orange peel and grapefruit. $15 for a half-bottle. (****/92 points)

Renaissance Late-Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 1983 - Also affected with noble rot, this wine is soft and waxy, with a Sauternes-like medium sweetness. It could be drunk with a pate or foie gras, or for dessert with fresh peaches, apricots or pears. $12.95 for a half-bottle. (***/88 points)

Renaissance Cabernet Sauvignon 1986 - This is a firmly tannic wine with a classic blackcurrant and cedar nose. The color is dense and dark purple, indicative of youth. On the palate the wine seems quite firm, with noticeable acids and tannins putting a rough edge on the otherwise-ripe fruit character of cherries, blackberries, cocoa. $15. (***/85 points)

Renaissance Cabernet Sauvignon 1984 Reserve - This has won attention in Europe for its youthful character, even after three years in the barrel and another three in the bottle. It is still purplish with a hint of red. On the nose one has the classic cabernet cassis and cedar, with anise, clove and rose petal. It is, however, even more firmly acidic and tannic than the 1986 cabernet. As there is a little sediment, decanting the wine an hour ahead will help. $32. (***/84 points)

Star/point system

* 60-69 points (poor)
** 70-79 points (average)
*** 80-89 points (good)
**** 90-100 points (outstanding)