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by erleargonza
July 3, 2011, Comments(23)
Prophets & Prophecies
Erle Frayne D. Argonza / Ra
Magandang gabi! Good evening!
False prophets have suddenly cropped up like gazillions of mushrooms during the past decades. They comprise a class of Terrans which humanity was forewarned about by Master John the Beloved 2,000 years ago. The 'false' signifies the deceptions and delusions of this class of clairvoyants, so let us try to understand them on the basis of Theos Sophia or divine wisdom.
In the Letters of Mahatmas to A.Sinett, even before elucidating on the septenary law and other universal laws, the mahatmas—Master-Adepts of the spiritual Brotherhood—already elaborated about Spiritualism, as the phenomenon was called in the 19th century. Spiritualism refers to spiritist mediumship, a craft that arises out of a persons partially activated Astral Body even while s/he is in wakened state. Up until the end of the Letters, the mahatmas kept on elucidating on Spiritualism, with precautions that are akin to John the Beloved's apocalyptic forewarnings.
The spiritist medium is capable supposedly of summoning dead spirits of relatives who can then talk to their grieving kins before they move to their next existential station. In the 19th century, Spiritualism became a fad and bordered craze, so that even Initiates and scientists alike were challenged to study the phenomenon and infer what can come out from the studies.
The Astral Body is the seat of emotions, feelings, and extrasensory perception called 3rd Eye. This was the very body, together with the traits it engendered, that was developed by the 3rd 'root race' of Lemurians. While the Lemurians were a bit more mentally alert than their predecessor races, their minds were feeble compared to the 5th 'root race' of Aryans that is our predominant race today.
Remember that the Law of Evolution is very particular about the movement of races, on a cyclical pattern, towards more advanced phases across time. Each 'root race' has its own subphase of descent from a purer form, down to physical perfection or so of the middle family races, till the latter races degenerate into Absolute Evil, after which their phase out will be undertaken by the One Universal Principle in execution of the law of balance.
The Lemurian (3rd 'root race') and Atlantean (4th 'root race') races reached their heydays and have already degenerated, and so the universal law is exact or precise concerning what will happen to them: they were deprogrammed and replaced by their respective succeeding races. Such is what befell both races, as the Aryan was bred to replace the Atlantean. The Aryan races are now on the degenerate phase of Absolute Evil, and so it isn't difficult to forecast the deprogramming of these races that will take place very soon.
However, there are traits from the past that could move on to the present family sub-races, such as those astral endowments of the 3rd root race. As we are still in the descending arc of the 5th root race, we experience the Kali Yuga phase, with Fallen Ones influencing thoughts of the uninitiated at the astral level. Thus, Evil Masters and minions can disguise as Ascended Masters, Avatars, Archangels, and what-have-you among those beguiled, delusional channelers who are psychically endowed spiritists in reality.
Mahatma Kooth Hoomi was very precise in his identifications of the entities that guile Spiritualists, as follows: elementaries, asuras, incubus/succubus, demons, and spirits of dead animals. Even the spirits of dead animals, acting as group, can communicate with the Spritualists and disguise as dead relatives or whatever. Elementaries are astral shells left by the departed ones; asuras, those of negative elementals; and, incubi/succubi, those people who were Desire-driven and so attached to profane life.
The same entities, notably the elementaries and asuras, normally present themselves as Inner Guides or 'guardian angels'. The mahatmas were very clear about the matter.
As the 4th Evolutionary Round ends, during the ascension phase of the last subraces of the 7th root race, there will be a brief nirvana state unto the remaining humans. At that state alone, those who are fixated to the lower faculties, notably to the astral or Desire seat, will perish. Upon the start of the 5th Evolutionary Round, the likes of Plato as exemplar of humans will be the average man (thinking being), and the population drastically reduced.
[Philippines, 02 May 2011]
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Sister Soferia
July 12, 2011, 11:03 am
You are much welcome. On the contrary, your wisdom is something that I need to achieve yet.
I am always in awe whenever I read your comments, insights & thoughts. There is so much I learned and have yet to learn for you.
Reply To Mary Keating
July 8, 2011, 7:46 pm
The article discusses how the organization formed two branches. Perhaps, that is a reason for the differences in perspectives? I don't know, myself. I have more research to do since this directly relates to some current research I have been involved in.
PS I did some more research. There is no doubt, the truth will set you free.
It Is Interesting To Come
July 8, 2011, 3:56 am
It is interesting to come across this information and discussion - I have been researching and analyzing The Protocols the past few days, and the article I posted below mentions The Protocols. The article popped up for me when I was trying to find out more information about the controversial spiritual group being discussed. It always amazes me how I am led to the information I need when I need it, even though it happens daily. I am amazed everytime.
Also, the discussion below is very informative. Moonchild, thank you for explaining in clear terms what it means to be Adept and for your strength to stand up for truth. I long for the day when I am an Adept. I do get small samples every so often, but I know it is a gradual process of moving forward. I enjoy each step of the journey.
Read It Years Ago, Soferia,
Mary Keating
July 8, 2011, 3:46 am
read it years ago, Soferia, and probably still have a copy..
my views are as expressed, I have the utmost love and respect for Sukyo Mahikari.
Gary Greenwood writes well, he is a good man.We were in contact for a time..
like most things in life, a context or spiritual framework exists through which a level of spiritual understanding is allowed to occur or arise, this does not exist in a literal sense, but at a soul level.
I assure you that Sukyo Mahikari is not anti semetic, study of kaballah has almost parallel truths as Mahikari does, thats just my personal experience and understanding.
Sukyo - Mahikari embraces all races and all religions, but is not itself a religion.
Dear Mary Keating:
July 8, 2011, 3:23 am
Here's an interesting book review about Mahikari No Waza. Some strange twists and turns.
SOURCE: http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_bookreviews/bkrev_alltheemperorsmen.htm
Cults and Society, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2001
All the Emperor's Men.
Garry A. Greenwood
Electronically published by Strictly Literary, Croncourt Pty. Ltd, Queensland, Australia (ACN 010 748 777, P.O. Box 491, Moorooka 4105, Queensland, Australia), 1995, 110 pages. (Private print edition for North America, send bank draft, $33 Australian dollars, payable to Garry Greenwood, P.O. Box 408, Alstonville, NSW 2477, Australia.)
Reviewed by Joseph P. Szimhart
My 6-year-old daughter enjoys watching Are You Afraid of the Dark? The stories on this youth-oriented program are "scary," with themes that include ghosts, paranormal occurrences, and magic powers. One show, about a young girl who conjures up a ghoulish spirit with a magical incantation, tells the audience to beware that magic can be dangerous if not properly handled. My daughter understands that TV magic is only make believe; she is quick to point it out without any coaching from me. Millions of adults throughout the world, however, are prone to superstitions and a belief in magical powers. New religious movements and therapies that borrow from ancient shamanic and occult traditions tap into this propensity for adult belief in magical power. One such new religion based in Japan is Mahikari.
According to Mahikari promotional literature, Mahikari-no-waza [the act of Mahikari] was introduced [in 1959 in Japan] to save mankind from a crisis and to perform miracles. In a November 1993 flyer distributed by the Washington, D.C.–based Sukyo Mahikari center, the group claims the following: Sukyo Mahikari does not rely on faith healing because no belief is required by the person receiving Divine Light.... Sukyo Mahikari is not a religion. It is not necessary to give up any religious practices or beliefs in order to become a person who can give Divine Light to others.... Regardless of the nature of your interest, you are welcome to receive Divine Light as often as you wish. There is no fee.
The author of All the Emperor's Men portrays Mahikari as a faith-healing religious cult that demands a lot of money from its believers and indoctrinates members to believe that Mahikari is the only true spirituality that will save mankind. Greenwood also tells us that the movement has a major split, and has suspicious political agendas. Author Greenwood was a member of the Mahikari movement for 17 years. He and his wife were first attracted to it in Australia in 1976. He soon rose high in the Australian ranks of the Mahikari, becoming an international minister within 12 years. The Greenwoods were recruited into the Sukyo branch of Mahikari, headed by a woman called Keishu. She claimed to inherit the "throne" of the sect from her "father" when he, Yoshikazu Okada, died in 1974. According to the author, however, the legal heir, however, was Mr. Sekae Sekiguchi. His sect is called Sekai Mahikari Bunmei Kyodan. Greenwood estimates that both sects have more than one million (perhaps two million) followers each. Two thirds of both sects are Japanese; the rest, from many other nations. Yoshikazi Okada is the "inspired" founder claimed by both sects, but after a meticulous search, Greenwood says that he discovered that Y. Okada "borrowed" his teachings from a Mr. Mokichi Okada (1882–1955). M. Okada was a student of Japanese Shinto and an art aficionado. He joined another Shinto-based sect called Omotokyo, but by 1934 he founded his own "healing" sect called Sekai Kyusei Kyo (SKK). Apparently, Y. Okada was a member of SKK before 1959, but current Mahikari members deny this.
Mahikari initiates receive a gold-plated pendant, or talisman, which they are not to take off. It protects them from evil spirits. Members practice a highly suggestive healing technique called "Okiyomi." The technique utilizes the hands which allegedly project "Divine Light" according to the "will of God." This divine energy allegedly comes from the current leader who is most in tune with God and is worshiped as God incarnate. The groups are classic, pyramid organizations with a militaristic loyalty within their ranks. Members are "free to leave," but phobia indoctrination about loss of protection from evil spirits is pervasive in the Mahikari sects. During Mahikari "blessings," the blessed often exhibit trances, body twitching, convulsions, and speaking in strange sounds—not unlike participants in charismatic Christian sects. These often-dramatic "possessions by spirits" convince new members that the spirit world is real. Within the movement stories abound about paranormal healing and curses as a result of Mahikari "treatments."
My work with persons affected by Mahikari supports Greenwood's assertions of Mahikari's tremendous phobia indoctrination. Though one client had rejected the group, he still, after several months, had a "fear" of letting me touch his talisman, which was now in a box in his closet. But Greenwood maintains that Mahikari is more than its stated purpose, which is to "save mankind from crisis and to perform miracles." Greenwood suggests that Mahikari is a continuation of the ancient Japanese cult of "State Shintoism," which upholds the notion that all civilization and spiritual awakening started in Japan. This is one of Mahikari's alleged "secrets." Other secret doctrines claim that both Moses and Jesus originally studied in Japan and returned there after doing their missions in the Middle East. Photos of their graves with crosses on them are provided for initiates.
Mahikari belief also claims that the current emperor of Japan is divinely ordained and that Japan is the "pure" race that should rule the world, hence Greenwood's title, All the Emperor's Men. Such nationalist drives fueled much of prewar and World War II Japanese military thinking. Greenwood ties Nazi philosopher and Hitler mentor Karl Haushofer with Japanese fascist theory. Haushofer may have been most responsible for inspiring Hitler and Japanese leaders (through the Green Dragon Society of Japan) with occult formulations. Greenwood invokes the esoteric criticisms of occult fascism by René Guenon, an "occultist" who wrote to expose the evil within his own camp early in this century.
A key pseudo-document taught by the Mahikari, but spread earlier by Haushofer in Germany and Japan, is the "Protocols of the Wise Old Men of Zion" [sic, typically known as "Protocols of the Elders of Zion"]. The Protocols read as if they were written by "Jewish Masons" with a sophisticated conspiracy to rule the world. The document, perhaps a century old, is an anti-Semitic forgery intent on discrediting Jewish people. Nevertheless, the "plan" intrigued fascists for two reasons: Jews could become a scapegoat for worldly ills, and a similar strategy could be implemented to undermine the "Zionist" conspiracy. Haushofer's alleged occult powers were legendary among Japanese and German fascists. He eventually committed suicide, hara-kiri style in Japan, in keeping with a pact many fascist occultists made if their ventures failed. According to Greenwood, Mahikari, like many Western occult groups, believes that it was part of God's plan that the Nazis exterminate millions of Jews. Mahikari also believes that they are "blessed" with the same occult power known to Haushofer and the Japanese fascists. Greenwood parallels Mahikari teaching with the now infamous Aum Shinrikyo (Supreme Truth sect).
Greenwood covers many other interesting aspects of the Mahikari, but we are most exposed to his journey out of the Keishu sect. During much of his tenure as a minister he helped to raise the billions needed to build a solid gold shrine to Mahikari in Japan. He tells of people who "gave everything" for this cause and who are now "penniless." The Keishu branch completed their shrine in 1983. To Greenwood's dismay, he discovered that the Sekai sect had done them one better, with an even grander gold shrine. Greenwood's diligent effort to expose Mahikari as a deceptive cult ends with his description of how the group can induce fear and guilt to control its members. Greenwood relates how most of his time was spent traveling for group causes. As a minister he hardly knew his children. He describes the large gatherings in Japan, attended by current heads of state, with tens of thousands chanting en masse. The Mahikari even implemented a "youth core" with highly regimented behaviors recommended for children. Greenwood utilizes mind-control theory (mainly citing Leon Festinger and Steve Hassan) to help the reader understand how this 17-year journey happened to an otherwise intelligent man and his wife.
We Are Seekers
July 7, 2011, 2:03 pm
Your experience in the Dojo, was a lot different than mine. Humor... not really, but brimstone hell and fire, sincerely reminded me of the Catholic church. But once again, it is just not for me, in the same way, Catholic dogma did not resonate for me (and believe me that in France we were "bashed" with it...), but "Monsieur le Cure" ( the Priest) was a gentle nice person.... Once again, it is only a personnal perception, and as Moonchild says, wisdom it doing the rest. I understand totally your point of view. As an example, my Grand Mother may have missed Mass, during the war only ( broken church )... This woman took the teaching and applied it in her every day life. She was a compassionate person, full of love and understanding. She died at 100 y.o, smiling... So I think that she benefited a lot from her spiritual path. What is important was what she had made of it. Now, she never ever approved the power play of the church, which is hard to ignore...and this is the very point . Individual are full of light and good will, for the majority, but the organization have agendas, which are slightly different: control (polarized Light) or domination (polarized dark). This is , unluckily valid, for a lot of "groups, organizations", ranging from political parties to corporate businesses. And I sincerely think that it is the main problem of these times, the good will of individuals are overidden by the agendas of "organizations, systems , etc"... Thank to have make me walk again these events, since I pull a bit more out of it . Bless you, mary keating, I love you very much .
Thank For The Love I Felt
July 7, 2011, 2:02 pm
To Moonchild730 --Just to drop a warm thank. You and Erle are making a powerful pair ! I could feel physically your love (butterflies all over me...bliss) and something like:" Keep it up ! Hold fast ! Stay strong...", something uplifting me. We are dwelling at nearly 180 deg diff. in longitude but same latitude, so to say , the far side of the world ! Here, I can "touch" the concept of space and time being a 3 D interpretation, while love and transcends it all, you guys could have been 10 ft from me it would have been the same. I hold you both in my arms and heart. Grateful for the good energy received, indeed. Have a wonderful time . Shall the Stars shine on your path ...
TO: Mary Keating
July 7, 2011, 2:18 am
TO: Mary Keating
Yoshikazu Okada (岡田 良一), born February 27, 1901 in the Aoyama area of Tokyo's Minato Ward is also known as Kōtama Okada. Who is ignorant and inaccurate is something I will leave to the readers and the Lipikas to judge. Wisdom is all it takes to determine.
My Guru saw this already last night and was happy about my responses to you. Just like my Guru, I will continue to stand up for the LIGHT and make the TRUTH known, no matter how many criticisms & oppositions, WE will anchor the LIGHT.
TO: Sinouhe
Yes, that is correct. When one is an Adept, it does not automatically makes him a Master. Adepthood is a phase when one have surpassed the veils of Maya or illusion, can traverse to the Higher Planes thru the Light Body and retain his 3D consciousness. Adepthood is an ability that one acquires & grows as he/she evolves spiritually. One can be a Mystic and an Adept at the same time. In my Guru's case, he has graduated long ago to the Mastery level of Spiritual Evolution & is almost beyond the Rishi level. But he is too humble and he prefers to simply introduce himself as a Master and Adept of the Spiritual Brotherhood of the White Lodge.
Sinouhe, I Already Read The
Mary Keating
July 6, 2011, 8:26 pm
sinouhe, i already read the links you included, many years ago...
Nobody on the organisation uses the term adept.
The spiritual practice is gratitude and apology to God, giving and receiving light, with love and thanks.
it is actually very simple. he spiritual teachings have stood the test of time.
It is many years since I left sukyo Mahikari, but I am forever grateful for the love, light and spiritual training I received while there, and I was NOT an easy student and questioned everything, was quite ignorant and disrespectful of spiritual matters...my very difficult 'apprenticeship' was always met with love and humor, by the doshis and more senior members. I always made it very clear that my only motivation for undertaking the training was to heal animals..
I learnt much more, became a little more mature spiritually and witnessed very many miracles, even to this day, I see positive changes in ill creatures and people when i recite the prayers in Japanese that I learnt so many years ago.
I left Sukyo Mahikari because i was making major life changes at that time but as the years moved on I reread the teachings, they really have stood the test of time.
Perhaps, in the future, I will return...for now I am happy with my present spiritual path, but I know part of my soul longs for the beauty and peace and Divine love to be experienced in the Sukyo Mahikari dojo..and for the golden light of God's blessing and love.
Clarification Of Understandable Doubts
July 6, 2011, 7:19 pm
A good day for you.
Well... What a passionate debate. I described here what my experience was. It is a seeker's personnal point of view. As
I took steps to visit their temple, I have a minimum of respect towards them. I only describe my experience. For years, I sincerely did not know what to think really of this exploration. Some months ago, I felt on a French article describing the other side of the coin, the one I could not see, nor you could Here
The passion of your reply made me dig a bit further... Here and There.
Now, what I learned from that, since it is the goal of experimentations... To think a bit more for myself, to trust more my inner feelings, to respect and be humble towards all what sits in this big world and I sincerely thank them for that (minimum after learning something, and that is my personnal way.). Besides, being an adept of any Teaching, does not turn you instantly into a Master (would be too cool...), which mean that my friend did what he thought to be helpful. As a conclusion, I add always this friend in my blessings, since as I have mentionned before, his intentions were honorable and more STO than STS (limited terms , lol)... Open to talk more . I do not have permanent access on the web, as you could notice. In the meanwhile, Blessings
Sukyo Mahikari Is The Art Of
Mary Keating
July 6, 2011, 2:05 pm
Sukyo Mahikari is the art of spiritual purification, through which mankind, his ancestors and attaching spirits are allowed to receive the light of Creator God and elevate spiritually.
It is the highest spiritual organisation that exists.
The founder is Kotama Okada.
I wonder at your persistence at spreading inaccurate information.
What is actually channelled is the Light of Creator God.
You have confused this with channelling as in psychic mediumistic channelling, which is not actually encouraged by the organisation, for much the same reasons earl has described above.
Please refrain from further ignorant dialogue in this regard as you will discredit both yourself and your teacher.
Mary Keating
July 6, 2011, 8:06 am
I did not speak for anyone but for myself. I expressed my own opinion in reaction to your comments to Sinouhe. What is disrespectful there? To share what I have learned from Guru Ra is part of my duty as a Chela. To neglect my duties as Chela/Disciple is plain direct insult and abandonment to the Teachings of my Guru and the Divine Beings whom has been sponsoring me in my Path. Not knowing this is plain ignorance. Every Master & Guru has a duty to Teach and every Chela/Disciple has a duty to apply to himself the Teachings, spread and share them to her/his fellow Aspirants on the Path. It is simply arrogant and narrow to reject an opinion or a reaction for everyone is free to make a comment for as long as you will retain respect for each other. Close-mindedness is next to ignorance as it does not allow you accept other perspectives thus, limiting your knowledge.
Yoshikazu Okada founder of Sukyo Mahikari stated that Mahikari no Waza was a means by which possessing spirits, earth bound souls, and ancestor spirits could be purified, saved, and receive enlightenment - to deny that this is channelling is ignorance.
July 6, 2011, 7:31 am
I agree. They remained sleeping thus find it hard to relate & comprehend the path we are in now.
Reminds me of my biological mother who could not comprehend why pursuing a continous education is extremely important. For her, once you finish college, that's it. Finish. No need to do anything anymore. But it is in continous education that our knowledge sharpen and eventually leads us to tap our Inner Genius, which is latent to every man. Living by example I must say is still the best way of helping those around us. But sooner, they will have to make a choice.
My Sister, keep spreading your Love & Light to those around You!
They need it now more than ever.
July 5, 2011, 9:32 pm
I have found that my close family members have changed more from me not pushing the issues and letting them sit in juices for a while and then they saw how I did not adjust to their frequency.
They are not aware of why they are doing what they are doing and do not see (because they are not conscious) that it is affecting not just me but themselves also.
The only way I could show those I love.. who I was and how I was ...was through standing my ground and ignoring and defending my own beliefs at the same time while praying for them to understand and see the light....this is the only way I could get my parents and people who had a heart connection with me to see.
They depended on me more than I on them....I knew this and therefore it worked. But I would not think it would be that easy for the general population to wake up if they do not have a persistant being like myself in there circle of family and friends that cared enough to walk away from the B.S. because not all people want to heal from their issues.
But we all know that the energy of Earth is raising... whether we like it or not and we will then see how we can help those who are interested in coming out of their nightmares fully...maybe this will be the hope we need.
Moonchild, My Comments Were
Mary Keating
July 5, 2011, 11:48 am
moonchild, my comments were addressed to Eaarle, for his input and not to you, please have sufficient respect for him to allow him to respond if he chooses to do so.
Sukyo Mahikari has got absolutely nothing to do with channelling.
it neither encourages it, and in fact does not recommend it.Nor does it recommend psychism, fortune tellers etc.
now, you state you are earle's chela, you are doing him or your discipleship no favours by spouting ignorance.
Sinouhe, Appreciate Your
July 5, 2011, 1:34 am
Sinouhe, appreciate your sharing with us your experience. It is true that many dark workers disguises as Light Workers and cloak themselves with light. But Truth Shall Always Prevail. Lies cannot be hidden for so long. Good for you that you realized early enough what you almost got yourself into. I myself, if not for my Guru Ra (Prof. Erle Frayne Argonza) would have delved completely into darkness. I was on the verge of walking the path of darkness, lured by dark beings whom i thought beings of light but I met Guru Ra and requested to be his Chela. He did not only taught me the Higher Mysteries but he "intervened" for me as well. However, we must be thankful for this experiences for it is in "falling" that we learn to "Rise".... sadly, some who fell never learned to "Rise". Expect in the coming days a lot more will be revealed. Actually, everyday is a Revelation as new events, discoveries, hidden agendas and people in the mask were unveiled. Again, thank you for sharing your experience.
Mary Keating, I have read and re-read the write of Sinouhe. My dear...could you please tell me which part of it expresses hatred? Sinouhe was merely sharing his experience. Sharing an experience and creating a hatred propaganda is entirely different. Mahikari no Waza is a method of channeling. As what Guru Ra have stated over & over, as well as by the Divine Beings whom were sent to Earth & gave down the Teachings of Light thru their Messengers that aspirants must never delve themselves into psychism & channelling as this method was proved to be a risky one. Many were lured into the dark side because when you channel, you are not 100% sure if the being who communicates with you is a Being of Light. Mostly, are dark beings on disguise. This is the reason why Teachers like Guru Ra advocates Aspirants to Evolve and become an Adept. An Adept is capable of traversing from the lower plane to the Higher Planes thru the Light Body. The Higher Planes, with the 6th Density as its starting point (entry level to the 5th Plane) are free from dark beings. Dark beings cannot enter this area as the vibration is of the LIGHT & is too HIGH. Plus Divine Beings are everywhere in this plane. You are entitled to your own beliefs. We Are FREE WILL BEINGS after all. That is a Gift from the ANUPADAKA that no one has ever had the right to take away. Our purpose for sharing our own knowledge, experiences, beliefs & opinion is the hope that We may All learn from each other and EVOLVE! How we choose to Evolve is our Choice.
Hi Earle, Your Post Is
Mary Keating
July 4, 2011, 7:59 pm
Hi Earle, your post is interesting.
I write, however in relation to post below, which is an inaccurate scathing attack on Mahikari No Waza...
I do hope you dont share these sentiments, Earle.
Though I was a member for years, I am not really qualified to defend it, nor am I expected to do so,
I find it sad that such hatred is published here, on your blog.
Sukyo Mahikari has been subject to very many vitriolic attacks, and though I am no longer a member, I do have the utmost respect and love for this wonderful organisation.
I believe that for evil to flourish takes only for god men to remain silent, and I cannot allow this hatred to be propagated without voicing my concern at the slanderous nature of the allegations and the tone in which they were delivered
Mary keating
Corrupted Light
July 4, 2011, 3:22 pm
Salutations from a seeker, from the Caribbean to the Phillipines...
Along my path, in the mid nineties, I went across a concept that was chocking to me... In the book "La Cle Des Grands Mysteres" of Eliphas Levi, written around the years 1850-70, the author describes what he calls :" La Lumiere devoyee", literally, dis-pathed Light, translates in English by "misleading Light". As, a seeker, I bumped into this corrupted Light, couple times. The most "eye opening" experience I had, was with an Adept of "The art of Mahikari", which is part of the Japanese New Age Movements, along with Aum, being famous for the combat gas attack in Tokyo subway. I will share this experience,from which I pulled couple lessons.
In 92, I was 29, the first exo-planet was discovered, the world was watching the Conference de Rio, hoping some moves towards the Care of our planet. That was a failure, and the implications of the astronomical discovery of Michel Mayor, was understood by so few people...
In June of that year, quite depressed, I went to this friend, and expressed my disappointment, weakened at core in my heart by the non happening, just talking with a friend sometimes helps.... He revealed to me that he was an initiate of Mahikari Wa, intrigued and totally trusting him, I found myself in the Temple of the Order, but withdraw my application quite quickly. As weak, disappointed, and sad as I was, I could still sense something was wrong all the way. After the celebration, they "sent" to me, a woman I had never seen before, a white person, like me, in this black people country, and her young son asking me news of one of my girlfriend's kid, calling him by his name! But children are poor liars, and I picked the falsehood of the statement, but did not jerk nor protested, instead, I went with this "Organized small miracle". Then, the so- called humility of this friend faded away, replace by the arrogance of being part of the "chosen ones".... Of course, I let go gradually of him. It was clear that my friend was not aware of that, urging me to join them for, I quote:" Your salvation and protection". I did not take the bait.
Back on this Island in 2004, I visited them, hoping that the friendship we had before and time would have settled him , back into a simple friendship, but he tried again. I quote couple key sentences here, to give the raw material to your sagacity. " You are not there, and you will burn your wings, you are taking the room of others more useful." . " When the President came here, somebody working in the Mayor council called us to protect the President, and surround him with initiates, do you realize the level at which we are and operate...". "you can't say no". The minute after :" It is important that you choose". "If you come in this place(his house), it is to join us or go away."Polarized saying, 0 or 1, black or white, etc, chaotic logic, emotional blackmail, fear of being not saved, and being the G-man of high ranking power player, was in the end the goal of my friend, I have other views... I decided to receive Okiome from him ( despite what I could see !!! As I write this, I find myself more than stupid ...). For one day, I felt eerie, with this feeling that every hair on my head was standing up , people look at you and show surprise. so you might think that you have changed, or something happened. But the truth is that the day after, I was sick, fever, anti-bios of all kind and perplex medics. I am still asking myself why I went for it...
Delicate situation I put myself in...How to leave gracefully, safely, and definitely..I decided to cut the bridges with this person, whose intentions were good, according to him, he wanted to "save" me genuinely.... I was guided to dis-engage from him with care, playing on what he will read and understand versus what I express really. After listening to the same litany again, I simply said :"I do not have this dimension." Which he interpreted as a lack of courage, valor, but my intend was to express in soft words that I was following another path...
Some months ago, I discovered that Mahikari Wa order was part of the Illuminates, and have known connections with the Billedenberg group...(sic).
So, I experienced a corrupted light. Everything looks real but is only a coat to cloak Dark Agendas. I often ask myself how many lured and fooled human there are, of shear good will but not realizing who they work for...Another good presentation of this dark warfare is the book of Umberto Ecco :" The Pendulum Of Foucault..", on the way they manipulate the secret orders, and frame people...
The best to you and those who you care for, dear Erle.
Corrupted Light
July 4, 2011, 3:01 pm
Salutations from a seeker, from the Caribbean to the Phillipines...
Along my researches I went across a concept that was chocking to me... In the book "La Cle Des Grands Mysteres" of Eliphas Levi, written around the years 1850-70, the author describes what he calls :" La Lumiere devoyee", literally, dis-pathed Light, translates in English by "misleading Light". As, a seeker, I bumped into this corrupted Light, couple times. The most "eye opening" experience I had, was with an Adept of "The art of Mahikari", which is part of the Japanese New Age Movements, along with Aum, being famous for the combat gas attack in Tokyo subway. From this experience, I pulled couple observations.
- In 92, I was 29, the first exo-planet was discovered, the world was watching the Conference de Rio, hoping some moves towards the Care of our planet. That was a failure, and the implications of the astronomical discovery of Michel Mayor, was understood by so few people... In June of that year, quite depressed, I went to this friend, and expressed my disappointment, weakened at core in my heart by the non happening, just talking with a friend sometimes helps.... He revealed to me that he was an initiate of Mahikari Wa, intrigued and totally trusting him, I found myself in the Temple of the Order, but withdraw my application: as weak, disappointed, and sad as I was, I could sense something was wrong all the way. After the celebration, they "sent" to me, a woman I had never seen before, a white person, like me, in this black people country, and her young son asking me news of one of my girlfriend's kid, calling him by his name! But children are poor liars, and I picked the falsehood of the statement, but did not jerk nor protested, instead, I went with this "Organized small miracle". Then, the so- called humility of this friend faded away.... Of course, I let go gradually of him. It was clear that my friend was not aware of that, urging me to join them for, I quote:" Your salvation and protection". I did not take the bait.
- Back on this Island in 2004, I visited them, hoping that the friendship we had before and time would have settled him , back into a simple friendship, but he tried again. I quote couple key sentences here, to give the raw material to your sagacity. " You are not there, and you will burn your wings." . " When the President came here, somebody working in the Mayor council called us to protect the President, and surround him with initiates, do you realize the level at which we are and operate...". "you can't say no". The minute after :" It is important that you choose". "If you come in this place(his house), it is to join us or go away."Polarized saying, 0 or 1, black or white, etc, chaotic logic, emotional blackmail, fear of being not saved, and being the G-man of high ranking power player, was in the end the goal of my friend. I decided to receive Okiome from him ( despite what I could see, weird...). For one day, I felt eerie, with this feeling that every hair on my head was standing up , people look at you and show surprise. so you might think that you have changed, or something happened. But the truth is that the day after, I was sick, fever, anti-bios of all kind and perplex medics.
- Delicate situation I put myself in...How to leave gracefully..I decided to cut the bridges with this person, whose intentions were good, according to him, he wanted to "save" me genuinely.... I was guided to dis-engage from him with care, playing on what he will read versus what I express really. After listening to the same lithany again, i simply said :"I did not have his dimension." Which he interpreted as a lack of courage, valor, but my intend was to express in soft words that I was following another path...
- Some months ago, I discovered that this order was part of the Illuminates, and have known connections with the Billedenberg group...(sic).
I experienced a corrupted light. Everything looks real but is only a coat to cloak Dark Agendas. I often ask myself how many lured and fooled human there are, of shear good will but not realizing who they work for...
The best to you and those who you care for, dear Erle.
Thank You For Re-echoing This
July 4, 2011, 6:26 am
Thank you for re-echoing this lesson Guru Ra. As reminded always by Mahatmas, Buddhas, Christos and Ascended Beings, one must evolve... rise above their present paradigm in order to make it to the New Earth. Such is the cycle of Man. I am currently reading the writings of St. Theresa of Avila about the 7 Dwelling Places.... just like Mahathmas Morya & Koot Hoomi, Lady HPBlavatsky, St. Germaine & Lady Portia, Sri Yukteswar Giri, etc... St. Theresa do have the same forewarnings- do not delve into channelling & psychism for in this level of awareness, the Aspirant is susceptible to the dark ones disguising as Beings of Light....for in this state of consciousness, the Aspirant is in a feeble state thus, the danger of getting persuaded is very strong.
Kathy, I share your sentiments.... it is truly sad to see how many refuses to hear & see when the truth is laid before them.... even if you push & shout which is why a lot do not make it in the Path. Love, Light, Prayers, Healing and Hope that those who chose not to thread further is ALL we can give as we cannot intrude in their free will.
The Road to the Path of Enlightenment is a rocky journey. But as St. Theresa of Avila said, "If you entered the dwelling place of HIS MAJESTY and found it difficult to stay, if you entered because of good will, HIS MAJESTY will not allow you to go astray...."
Let's hope & pray for our Brothers and Sisters not to go astray....
Another Interesting Topic..Pro Erle:)
July 3, 2011, 7:29 pm
People right now are tested to see how strong they are to be able to move forward further and if they can clear their emotional body they keep going forward and sometimes the ones that cannot handle the lower energy that surrounds them..... do not make it and especially now because of the acceleration of vibration and it causes us to have to transform the shadows and the only way to do that is to heal from the inside and not all people know how to do that and.... no amount of shouting or pushing or dragging helps with those who are not aware of what is transpiring at this time. I feel sad about this and know many who are not wanting to heal and all we can do is send them love and light and pray for them to wake up. But, many will heal and integrate situations of the past and present and move forward. Thanks a bunch for your message:)
Love ya
All Things False/fake/dishonest/untrue
The Presence
July 3, 2011, 8:27 am
will go unto Light... and thus become clarified... integrated...
And so it is...
I AM, The Presence Jyothi-Saaya


text:
7132 N 23rd Street, Kalamazoo MI, 49004
6 beds , 4 Full/1 Half baths
6,169 sqft
Status: Active
Last Updated: 12/3/2016 5:12 PM
Description for 7132 N 23rd Street Kalamazoo, MI 49004
The Cooper Castle! This house is on one of the area's highest elevations, making for royal views soaring over the birds and trees. It is truly a private palace perfect for parties! Lots of surrounding wildlife on the nearly 22 acres gives the home a serene, private feel, but with the convenience of close proximity to town. Some of the exquisite features of the house include a beautiful master suite with look out, a third floor observatory, a sauna, and an outlook deck extended over the majestic pinnacle of a gorgeous valley view. Outdoors, you'll find elegant, mature landscaping, a private gatehouse, a spacious 4+ car garage, a finished workshop, a pole barn, a concrete pad ideal for a hockey rink or tennis court, and a beautiful fish pond.
Cooper Twp
4 Full/1 Half
6,169 (approx)
Listing Information
Cooper Twp
School Information
Room Information
Interior Features
Dishwasher, Garbage Disposal, Microwave, Convection Oven, Range, Refrigerator, Washer
Ceiling Fan(s)
Gas Heat, Forced Air
Basement, Full
Exterior / Lot Features
Attached Garage
Deck, Patio, Porch
286 x Irregular
Gazebo, Tennis Court, Acreage
Driving Directions
N Sprinkle St, turn left onto E DE Ave. Continue onto 23rd St N.
Financial Considerations
Listing Price History
Kalamazoo Real Estate
Kalamazoo is located in Michigan. Kalamazoo, Michigan 49004 has a population of 74,494.
The median household income in Kalamazoo, Michigan 49004 is $31,189. The median household income for the surrounding county is $46,011 compared to the national median of $53,046. The median age of people living in Kalamazoo 49004 is 25.9 years.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
The What Type of Human Are You? Test
Upstanding citizen
All human being categories are: Lazy SOB, Rebel w/out a Cause, Evil Mastermind, Henchman, Criminal, Dictator, Frat Boy, Socialite, Philosopher, Stunt Double, Upstanding Citizen, Teacher, Cheerleader, Sister Mary DoGood, Benefactor, Loyal Sidekick, Candy Striper, Goody Two-Shoes.
All possible test results
Lazy SOB
Hey, I'm not trying to be mean, but you are just not a very... 'productive' person, nor are you sensitive, thoughtful, or overly intelligent. You just are. You're kind of floating through life, waitin... Read more
Rebel w/out a Cause
You are definitely NOT a do-gooder. You'd rather have fun and get into some trouble....it keeps things interesting for you. You've got some smarts, but you don't use them for the betterment of yoursel... Read more
Evil Mastermind
The scary thing about you is your intelligence, because lots of people are cold-hearted or go out and do bad things, but you're the mastermind at the heart of it all. You don't prefer to do things you... Read more
You're not too bright, but you have the drive to get things done. You are the go-to person, but I wouldn't expect your deeds to be good. You'd rather make mischief, play pranks, and see what you can g... Read more
You have the drive to get things done, and the intellect to do them with some resourcefulness, but you couldn't care less about others which makes you a bit of a criminal. Well, maybe more than a 'bit... Read more
You are a highly intelligent, calculating person with a drive to get things done, but you don't think of others in the process. This makes you an evil dictator. You want to reap all the benefits of ev... Read more
Frat boy
Beer. Sex. Parties. Sports. Sleeping. More beer. More sex. Ah, this is the life, eh? You don't need too much to be happy. You just want to kick back and have a good time. That is why you, my friend, a... Read more
You like to flit from flower to flower. That's right, I said 'flit.' You are a nice person with a kind heart, even if it does take you a little while to fully trust someone. When you do though, you li... Read more
"To be or not to be?" You've probably pondered that before, as well as a million other things. You are well-read and intelligent. You can solve math problems or correct grammatical errors. You're also... Read more
Stunt Double
What drive! What helpfulness! You are a stunt double and you like to get out there and do stuff! But remember to look before you leap! You may lack the average or above-average amount of common sense ... Read more
Upstanding citizen
You are a lovely person and probably one of the best human beings out there. You care about people, but you also care about yourself. You are intelligent, but not over-the-top. You are resourceful and... Read more
You are a smarty-pants and eager to share your knowledge with others, while still open to absorbing everything in your environment. That is why you are a teacher (and at the same time, a perpetual stu... Read more
You like to help people and cheer them on. And you're good at motivating others and making them feel good about themselves. You trust strangers and enjoy giving people directions and advice. But you a... Read more
Sister Mary DoGood
You are truly a kind, warm, and caring person who loves others (especially fuzzy bunnies), but your fault is that you don't really get out there and do stuff yourself. You're more apt to lend an ear o... Read more
Where have the Miss Havishams in the world gone to? You are a very intelligent person who enjoys helping others, but you lack the drive to get out there and do things yourself. You're like a benefacto... Read more
Loyal Sidekick
What a good friend you are! Always ready to lend a helping hand! Always willing to take the fall! Never thinking about yourself because you are just too damn happy to help! And being so giving is real... Read more
Candy Striper
(That's STRIPER, not Stripper) You are a very helpful person indeed, always ready to lend a hand, ear, shoulder, or any other body part that may be required. You are warm and caring, as well as resour... Read more
Goody Two Shoes
Aw, don't be hurt by that. You're a good person...very nice and helpful to others, always lending a hand. Always, always offering to lend a hand, even perhaps when it's not called for. Oh, and is that... Read more
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text:
The medical examination and surgery minigames are fun, realistic, and challenging.
Time in the operating room is scant in comparison to endless dialogue and an uninteresting plot.
Moments of surgical excitement are few and far between in this overwhelmingly dialogue-heavy game.
Fans of TV medical dramas might find something to enjoy in Lifesigns: Surgical Unit, but those in it for the surgery will have their patience tested. Most of the play time in this game is spent dealing with the personal lives of the doctors and patients, attempting to woo pretty nurses and pediatricians, and playing baffling mini-games like catching fruit, or killing snakes. The actual medical examination and surgery sections of the game are fun, but take too much of a slog through a poorly written plotline to reachand there's nothing like palpating the chest and abdomen of an anime-styled woman to make you feel like a pervert. For a far better surgical experience on the DS, try Trauma Center: Under the Knife.
PCMag may earn affiliate commissions from the shopping links included on this page. These commissions do not affect how we test, rate or review products. To find out more, read our complete terms of use.
Whitney Reynolds has been a Web Producer for PCMag.com since 2003. In that time she's served as an occasional game reviewer, contributed to the Appscout and Gearlog blogs, and moderated a lot of comments. When she's not creating yet another slideshow story, she dabbles in podcasting and has been a contributor on The Toast.
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text: BioBrooklyn-based Loaded Dreams' delicately haunting melodies weave the chaotic with the ethereal, inviting you to ride the ebbs and flows of beauty and noise. "Pensive and passionate" [Alternative Press], Loaded Dreams melds drones, feedback and loops with guitars, organs, violas and "siren vocals too roiling to gaze at many shoes as they climb toward hallucinogenic clouds" [Village Voice]. The five-member band recently completed its upcoming debut full-length, comprised of ten songs [producer Bill Racine (Rogue Wave, Odiorne, Mates of State)] — led by melancholy girl harmonies, the band delivers an album that carries you through the pathos of hope, fear, empowerment, and despair.


text:
This is my new favourite gif
(All credit goes to shit-and-more)
This is my new favourite gif
(All credit goes to shit-and-more)
Cory Monteith
May 11, 1982 - July 13, 2013
3 years and you're still missing.
1x23/2x01 vs. 6x05
So that was it. No booze because of my pills and no rave because of my cowbag of a mum. +
Cory Monteith (1982-2013)
Can't believe it's gonna be 3 years next month since you left us😭 everyone misses and loves you❤
"I have a total crush on Cory. I love him. I think he's amazing."
Cory & Lea ♥
look at those happy faces, those wonderful smiles. He was happy. ♥
it still baffles me that people think these quotes:
"We came back for you."
"You looked at me like no one ever had."
"Running to Finn, she threw herself into his arms."
"Holding this boy who she just met, who she already adores."
"I'll come back for you next time."
"The embracing pair finally separated if only to look into each other's eyes."
"Neither could hug the other hard enough or long enough."
Are platonic.
My Mad Fat Diary
3 years ago today and we still miss you👼🏻💖 missing you beautiful smile😭💕 hope your doing good up there☺💖
A mash-up of the unreleased version of Seasons of Love with Cory and the version aired in "The Quarterback" for Cory. We love you, Cory.


text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Mar 9, 1993
|Filing date
|Apr 19, 1991
|Priority date
|Apr 19, 1991
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|George J. Ostapchenko
|Original Assignee
|E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (9), Referenced by (27), Classifications (14), Legal Events (5)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This invention relates to a vascular prosthesis with an elastomer coating that is mechanically strong, flexible, and substantially nonporous, and does not require preclotting prior to its implantation.
Vascular prostheses are used as substitutes for portions of blood vessels when portions of blood vessels in a patient must be removed or bypassed because of clotting or disease. Such prostheses can be made of synthetic materials, especially of woven or knit polyester tubing. This type of tubing is preferred to solid, extruded tubing because it is not as rigid or subject to kinking and, therefore, can be formed into a variety of shapes without difficulty and without unduly restricting the blood flow. Such porous tubing normally is soaked in the patient's blood, and the blood is allowed to clot prior to use. This makes the tubing nonporous and, in addition, it facilitates the growth of endothelial cells on the blood-coated surfaces. As an alternative, the woven or knit tubing is coated either on the inner or on the outer surface, or on both surfaces with a polymeric material, which makes the tubing nonporous. Some polymeric coatings also support endothelial cell growth. Such coated tubing eliminates the need for presoaking in patient's blood and preclotting.
Various methods of applying polymeric materials to porous tubing to form either porous or nonporous coatings for the purpose of making vascular prostheses are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,010 (to Mano) describes a porous poly(tetrafluoroethylene) vascular prosthesis tubing coated on the outside with elastomer materials, especially with fluorine rubbers. Coating can be applied from a solution also containing a blowing agent, or from a solution in a mixture of a solvent and a nonsolvent and drying to form a porous coating, or coating an elastomer solution on the outside of the tubing and removing the solvent by dipping the coated tubing in a nonsolvent bath and heating above the boiling point of the solvent to render the coating porous. U.S. Pat. No. 4,632,842 (to Karwoski et al.) describes a process for applying a fluorine-containing coating to a porous tubular substrate by means of a glow discharge. U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,083 (to Hoffman et al.) describes a process for treating articles to improve their biocompatibility by exposing a substrate material to plasma gas discharge in an inert gas atmosphere and then in the presence of an organic gas such as, for example, a halohydrocarbon.
As can be seen, the above processes either produce a porous coating, which is not intended here, or require rather complicated techniques and apparatus. It is, therefore, desirable to provide a substantially nonporous vascular prosthesis of a simple design, which can be made by a convenient and inexpensive process not requiring complicated special equipment.
According to the present invention, there is now provided a process for making a vascular prosthesis, said process comprising the following sequential steps:
(a) wetting with water a porous tubing made of polyester fibers for a sufficient time to cause the tubing to pick up water in an amount close to its maximum weight;
(b) removing excess water from the inside surface of the tubing, while still leaving water droplets in the interstices between the fibers forming the tubing;
(c) briefly contacting the inside surface of the tubing with a solution of suitable biocompatible elastomer in a solvent or combination of two or more solvents which are not miscible with water and removing excess of that solution beyond what remains adsorbed on the inside surface of the tubing;
(d) removing solvent from the thus adsorbed solution to form an elastomer coating on the inside surface of the tubing, and determining elastomer add-on; and
(e) repeating steps (c) and (d) to the extent required to obtain sufficient add-on of elastomer to form a substantially continuous, nonporous elastomer coating on the inside surface of the tubing.
There also is provided a vascular prosthesis made by the above process.
The preferred polyester fiber used in the preparation of the tubing used as the substrate in the process of the present invention is poly(ethylene terephthalate), sometimes abbreviated herein to PET. Experimental tubing of this type is available from various sources, but the use of such woven or knit tubing for vascular prostheses has already been suggested earlier and is not considered novel.
The term "biocompatible", as used herein, means relatively nonthrombogenic when used in direct contact with blood, as well as compatible with tissue. The biocompatibility of candidate elastomers can be determined by standard procedures well known to those skilled in the art.
The biocompatible elastomer can be of various types, although the preferred types are certain copolyetheresters. In particular, an outstanding copolyetherester elastomer for this purpose consists essentially of a multiplicity of recurring intralinear long chain and short chain ester units connected head-to-tail through ester linkages, such long chain ester units being represented by the following formula (I) ##STR1## and short chain units being represented by the following formula (II): ##STR2## where G is a divalent radical remaining after the removal of terminal hydroxyl groups from a poly(alkylene oxide) glycol having an average molecular weight above about 400 and a ratio of the number of alkylene oxide carbon to oxygen atoms of 2.5 to 4.3, preferably 2.5 to 3.5, and a melting point below about 60� C.;
D is a divalent radical remaining after the removal of hydroxyl groups from a diol having a molecular weight of less than about 250; and
R and R' are divalent radicals remaining after the removal of carboxyl groups from a dicarboxylic acid having a molecular weight of less than 300;
with the proviso that
(a) the copolyetherester contains about 23-82 weight percent, preferably 23-35 weight percent of repeating units (II);
(b) at least about 80 percent of the combined R and R' groups (R+R') are 1,4-phenylene groups; and
(c) at least 80% of D groups in formula (II) are 1,4-butylene groups, also occasionally referred to herein as tetramethylene groups;
with the further proviso that the total percentage of (R+R') groups which are not 1,4-phenylene groups and of D groups which are not 1,4-butylene groups is at most 20%.
The polymeric glycols from which the long chain group G is derived preferably have a molecular weight of about 400-4000. Representative polymeric glycols of this type include poly(1,2- and 1,3-propylene oxide) glycol, poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol, random or block copolymers of ethylene oxide with 1,2-propylene oxide, and random copolymers of tetrahydrofuran with minor amounts of a second monomer such as, for example, 3-methyltetrahydrofuran.
Low molecular weight diols from which the short chain group D is derived include, among others, 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, and cyclohexanedimethanol.
When the proportion of short chains in the copolyetherester is within the 23-35 weight percent range, the balance of the copolyetherester's properties, including tear strength, solvent resistance, and elastomeric properties is the best.
Copolyetheresters containing long chains derived from a polymeric glycol containing 80-97 mole percent of copolymerized tetrahydrofuran and 3-20 mole percent of a copolymerized cyclic alkylene oxide containing 2, 3, or 4 carbon atoms and poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) short chains are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,729 to Greene et al., which is incorporated by reference herein.
The preferred copolyetheresters can be made by conventional ester interchange from dimethyl terephthalate, 1,4-butanediol, and poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol having a molecular weight of about 600-2000.
Other suitable biocompatible elastomers will be those that are soluble in the particular water-immiscible solvent used in step (c) of the process. Elastomer solubility in a given solvent can be established by a simple experiment. Further, if a single water-immiscible solvent does not dissolve a biocompatible elastomer sufficiently well, a mixture of two or more such solvents can be used. Because there are many possible elastomers, including, for example, spandex type polyurethanes and others, and many possible solvents and solvent combinations that would be operable with such elastomers, specific elastomers and solvents or their combinations will not be listed here. One skilled in the art would first select an elastomer and establish that it is biocompatible and then would select the best water-immiscible solvent or solvent combination. The present invention states a principle which is readily applicable across the board and is not limited to the elastomers or solvents recited in the specification or illustrated in the example.
All the copolyetheresters of the type described above are well known and some are commercially available. For example, satisfactory copolyetherester elastomers are offered by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company under the trademark HYTREL�.
Suitable PET fibers for knitting or weaving the vascular prosthesis substrate are available from several sources, including E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, which offers the fibers under the trademark DACRON�. The usual fineness of the fibers is about 75 to 300 deniers, as this term is understood in the industry; this corresponds to 8.33 to 33.33 g/km.
In the practical operation of the process of the present invention, a knit or woven PET tubing of suitable inside diameter, usually at least 4 mm, and suitable length, usually several cm, is soaked in water or otherwise contacted with water at room temperature for a period such that it can no longer absorb water, as determined by repeated weighings. Depending on the tightness of the weave or knitting of the polyester tubing, weight increase may be as small as 25% or as large as 200% or even larger. Excess water can be removed from the inside of the tubing in any convenient manner, for example, by placing the tubing in the vertical position and tapping it gently against a hard surface but preferably is blown out with compressed air or compressed nitrogen. The tubing is not allowed to dry but is promptly placed in a substantially vertical position to facilitate a uniform coating thickness in the circumferential direction, and a solution of elastomer in an appropriate solvent is poured through the inside of the tubing. Obviously, other techniques for introducing the solution into the tubing may be equally satsfactory; for example, aspiring the solution into the tubing by means of reduced pressure.
Suitable solvents must be immiscible with water. In addition, one must select a solvent or solvent combination that is, under the conditions of this process, inert to the polyester material of the tubing, so that the polyester fibers would not themselves be dissolved or weakened. Copolyetheresters are soluble in chlorinated solvents such as, for example, methylene chloride, carbon tetrachloride, and perchloroethylene. Preferably, the solvent has a low boiling temperature, so that it can be readily removed at room or slightly above room temperature.
After the elastomer solution is passed through the tubing, solvent can be conveniently evaporated from the inside of the tubing, for example, by blowing nitrogen therethrough or by subjecting the tubing to reduced pressure. The tubing is then dried, preferably at a reduced pressure, at a moderate temperature, for example, 80� C. or less. The coated tubing is weighed to determine elastomer add-on, and from that figure the thickness of elastomer layer can be calculated. This coating procedure can be repeated as many times as necessary in order to obtain the desired thickness. Wetting with water is normally not required after the initial coating has been applied.
The procedure of this invention is very simple to practice and gives a product having excellent physical properties, which has very good flexibility and small kink radius. By contrast, soaking the woven or knit polyester tubing in elastomer solution or pouring elastomer solution into the tubing without prior saturation of the tubing with water would result in a stiffer product, which would have a much more pronounced tendency to kink. The absorption of water into the fibers prevents the fibers from absorbing the solution; and, because the solvent in which the elastomer is dissolved is immiscible with water, there is no penetration of the solution into the fibers and concomitant interchange of solution with water within the fibers.
This invention is now illustrated by the following representative example, which should not be considered as limiting. Other suitable elastomers or solvents and other specific operating steps may be employed, so long as the principal requirement of this invention is observed, namely, that the polyester tubing first be saturated with water, that excess water be removed from the inside of the tubing, and that a solution of elastomer in a solvent immiscible with water be introduced into the tubing and the solvent be removed. In the example, all parts, proportions, and percentages are by weight.
An experimental poly(ethylene terephthalate) vascular prosthesis in the form of a 10 cm long straight woven tubing having an inside diameter of 4 mm was wetted on the outside surface with distilled water, to produce a weight increase of about 100%. Excess water was blown away with nitrogen from the inside of the tubing, leaving water droplets in the interstices between the fibers forming the tubing. With the tubing placed in a vertical position, 2 ml of a 5% solution of copolyetherester in methylene chloride was allowed to flow through the tube. The copolyetherester was prepared in the known manner from the following starting materials:
______________________________________Compound Parts______________________________________poly(tetramethylene ether glycol) 725Molecular weight, Mn, about 21001,4-butanediol 94dimethyl terephthalate 269trimethyl trimellitate 0.531,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris- 5(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene______________________________________
The copolyetherester had an inherent viscosity in m-cresol at a concentration of 1 g/L at 30� C. of 1.65.
Dry nitrogen was next blown through the tubing to evaporate the solvent. The tubing was inverted and coated again in the same manner but omitting the initial wetting step. It was vacuum-dried at 80� C. for about 30 minutes. Visual inspection revealed a uniformly coated inner surface of the tubing, while no elastomer was seen on the outer surface. The thickness of the coating, calculated from the weight increase and the dimensions of the tubing, was 0.44 mm.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Sep 8, 1954
|Jun 17, 1958
|Meister & Co
|Method for tightening textile hoses or flexible tubes
|Jan 28, 1959
|Dec 4, 1962
|Responsabilite Limitee Sterime
|Means for applying a coated surface to textile tubing
|Nov 23, 1966
|Aug 18, 1970
|Du Pont
|Process for applying a coating composition to a microporous material
|May 18, 1973
|Oct 14, 1975
|Kanegafuchi Chemical Ind
|Process for producing a selectively permeable composite
|Sep 27, 1973
|Jan 6, 1976
|Inmont Corporation
|Surface treatment of microporous material
|Aug 27, 1981
|Jul 17, 1984
|The University Of Utah
|Surface modified polymers
|Jan 14, 1986
|Jan 6, 1987
|Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
|Method for manufacturing artificial organ
|Jul 25, 1986
|Nov 15, 1988
|Albany International Corp.
|Method for modifying asymmetric membranes by endo-treating
|Apr 8, 1987
|Jun 20, 1989
|Union Carbide Corporation
|Method for preparing composite membranes for enhanced gas separation
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Mar 12, 1993
|Aug 2, 1994
|Cowan Kevin P
|Permanent stent made of a cross linkable material
|Apr 26, 1993
|Nov 7, 1995
|Medtronic, Inc.
|Intravascular stent and method
|Apr 13, 1994
|Dec 17, 1996
|C. R. Bard, Inc.
|Method for making vascular grafts
|Jun 7, 1995
|Apr 29, 1997
|Medtronic, Inc.
|Intravascular stent and method
|Jun 7, 1995
|Oct 21, 1997
|Medtronic, Inc.
|Intravascular stent and method
|Oct 9, 1996
|Jul 7, 1998
|Medtronic, Inc.
|Intravasoular stent and method
|Oct 9, 1996
|Oct 20, 1998
|Medtronic, Inc.
|Method for delivering a therapeutic substance to a body lumen
|Apr 27, 1995
|Nov 17, 1998
|Medtronic, Inc.
|Intravascular stent and method
|May 3, 1999
|Dec 5, 2000
|Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
|Medical device coating methods and devices
|Oct 10, 2000
|Nov 27, 2001
|Boston Scientific, Inc.
|Medical device coating methods and devices
|Apr 17, 2000
|Apr 9, 2002
|Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
|Coating medical devices using air suspension
|May 3, 2001
|Apr 22, 2003
|Bionx Implants, Inc.
|Method for attaching axial filaments to a self expanding stent
|Mar 1, 2002
|May 4, 2004
|Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
|Mechanical and acoustical suspension coating of medical implants
|Nov 4, 2003
|Aug 5, 2008
|Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
|Mechanical and acoustical suspension coating of medical implants
|Nov 30, 2005
|Sep 2, 2008
|Medtronic, Inc.
|Medical devices for delivering a therapeutic agent and method of preparation
|Apr 14, 2003
|Nov 4, 2008
|Cook Incorporated
|Method of treating a patient with a coated implantable medical device
|Oct 30, 2007
|Oct 12, 2010
|Medtronic, Inc.
|Medical devices for delivering a therapeutic agent and method of preparation
|Mar 1, 2002
|Sep 4, 2003
|Henrik Hansen
|Coating a medical implant using a pan coater
|Apr 14, 2003
|Mar 11, 2004
|Ragheb Anthony O.
|Coated implantable medical device
|Jun 24, 2003
|Mar 11, 2004
|Schneider (Usa) Inc.
|Drug coating with topcoat
|Nov 4, 2003
|May 13, 2004
|Schwarz Marlene C.
|Mechanical and acoustical suspension coating of medical implants
|Sep 9, 2004
|Feb 24, 2005
|Widenhouse Christopher W.
|Anti-thrombogenic coatings for biomedical devices
|Apr 27, 2005
|Aug 25, 2005
|Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
|Drug coating with topcoat
|Nov 30, 2005
|Apr 20, 2006
|Medtronic, Inc.
|Medical devices for delivering a therapeutic agent and method of preparation
|Dec 6, 2005
|Apr 27, 2006
|Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
|Drug release coated stent
|Oct 30, 2007
|Nov 6, 2008
|Medtronic, Inc.
|Medical devices for delivering a therapeutic agent and method of preparation
|Aug 13, 2010
|Feb 10, 2011
|Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
|Coated medical implants
|U.S. Classification
|128/898, 427/235, 623/901, 427/2.25, 427/322, 427/230
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|May 16, 1991
Owner name: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY A CORPORATI
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:OSTAPCHENKO, GEORGE J.;REEL/FRAME:005700/0499
Effective date: 19910418
|Feb 8, 1994
|Certificate of correction
|Aug 23, 1996
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Aug 17, 2000
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|Aug 4, 2004
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 12


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Clear Creek ISD teams defended their home courts with championship wins Saturday in both the Peggy Whitley Classic girls basketball tournament and the Carlisle-Krueger boys basketball tournament.
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An interesting topic for an article, but poorly written.
Agreed. Would be better to have a true documentary and watch it on 20/20 or 60 Minutes.
I'm also amazed at how some folks are able to ditch out of their real jobs and spend a free day - and in this case - "play doctor" for a day. Must be nice. All I know is that the medical people are a special breed. The ones who care about their profession deal with a lot of angst and worry. LIfe, death, and overall health is much more pressing than planning a cruise to the Mediterranean, or ordering a cake from the grocery store.
I read this and was wondering if folks needing a JOB was really going to spend a day playing MD.
I read my answer. I agree with ya Lars - must be nice! When I was a UTMB minion as I recall the "patients" made a pretty good check from the gig. Seems to me that this would only benifet those with high level jobs that can actually go play at doing something other than work.
I would think this sort of thing might be better taken to a career day for Jr high or High School. Course by high school if you want to take that path you can't be in alternative school one day and going to this the next. I'm sure this is of value somewhere since UTMB has probably paid a lot of money to the co ordinator ( I just loved being a co ordinator - LOL) of this so called educational program.
Cha ching!!!
I indubitably agree in the affirmative, Bred. As I partake in a respite from my fundraising luncheons, I shall contemplate joining the "patient for a day" program as I mull it over during an afternoon of golfing at the country club.
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A pretty holiday home for two centrally located for exploring the Lakes, Pennines, the Eden Valley and Northumberland. . Attractive and well presented, this charming terraced holiday cottage, adjacent to the owner's home, with an attractive private garden is perfect for couples. Located in the quiet picturesque village of Great Salkeld near Penrith, it is ideally located for exploring the northern Lake District, North Pennines, Eden Valley, Northumberland and southern Scotland. Ullswater, regarded as the most romantic lake, is a 20 minute drive and offers amazing scenery with gentle to more challenging fell walking. The traditional market town of Penrith has a good selection of shops, pubs and restaurants and the historic city of Carlisle is 25 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 50 yards.. Ground floor: Living/dining room with French door. Kitchen. Shower room with toilet. Open-tread stairs to first floor: 1 double bedroom. . Woodburner in living room (initial fuel included). Electric underfloor central heating, (kitchen and shower room), NSH (living room) and electric heater (bedroom) included. Electricity, bed linen and towels included. Travel cot. DVD. Electric cooker. Garden with sitting-out area and furniture. Parking (1 car). Cycle store. No smoking.
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February 24, 2012
ROBERT ROBERTS, PLAINTIFF,v.FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, DEFENDANT.
Plaintiff brings this action against the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), a component of the United States Department of Justice ("DOJ"), under the Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA"), 5 U.S.C. § 552. This matter is before the Court on defendant's motion for summary judgment. For the reasons discussed below, the motion will be granted.
Plaintiff has been tried and convicted of drug and related offenses in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and was sentenced to a term of 240 months imprisonment followed by a term of supervised release. See Judgment and Commitment Order, United States v. Roberts, No. 1:02-cr-0239 (N.D. Ohio filed Aug. 25, 2003). In January 2011, plaintiff submitted a FOIA request to the FBI for "all records . . . in support of his criminal prosecution and the legislative, territorial, and subject matter jurisdiction of the District Court." Compl. ¶ 5. The FBI's initial search yielded no responsive records. Def.'s P. & A. in Supp. of its Mot. for Summ. J., Decl. of David M. Hardy ("Hardy Decl.") ¶ 7. After plaintiff filed this lawsuit asking the court "to order the production of [the requested] agency records," Compl. ¶ 1, the FBI conducted a second search which "identified six cross-reference file serials . . . consisting of 30 pages and contained within FBI File 245C-CV-64958." Hardy Decl. ¶ 16.
A. Summary Judgment in a FOIA Case
The Court grants summary judgment "if the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law." Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a); see Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322 (1986). "FOIA cases typically and appropriately are decided on motions for summary judgment." Defenders of Wildlife v. U.S. Border Patrol, 623 F. Supp. 2d 83, 87 (D.D.C. 2009). Where, as in this case, the plaintiff seeks an order to compel production of government records, the agency "is entitled to summary judgment if no material facts are in dispute and if it demonstrates 'that each document that falls within the class requested either has been produced . . . or is wholly exempt from the [FOIA's] inspection requirements.'" Students Against Genocide v. Dep't of State, 257 F. 3d 828, 833 (D.C. Cir. 2001) (quoting Goland v. Cent. Intelligence Agency, 607 F.2d 339, 352 (D.C. Cir. 1978)). The Court may grant summary judgment based solely on information provided in an agency's affidavits or declarations if they are relatively detailed and when they describe "the documents and the justifications for nondisclosure with reasonably specific detail . . . and are not controverted by either contrary evidence in the record []or by evidence of agency bad faith." Military Audit Project v. Casey, 656 F.2d 724, 738 (D.C. Cir. 1981). Agency affidavits or declarations are accorded "a presumption of good faith, which cannot be rebutted by 'purely speculative claims about the existence and discoverability of other documents.'" SafeCard Servs., Inc. v. Sec. & Exch. Comm'n, 926 F.2d 1197, 1200 (D.C. Cir. 1991) (quoting Ground Saucer Watch, Inc. v. Cent. Intelligence Agency, 692 F.2d 770, 771 (D.C. Cir. 1981)).
B. The FBI's Search for Responsive Records "An agency fulfills its obligation[] . . . if it can demonstrate beyond material doubt that its search was 'reasonably calculated to uncover all relevant documents.'" Valencia-Lucena v. U.S. Coast Guard, 180 F.3d 321, 325 (D.C. Cir. 1999) (quoting Truitt v. Dep't of State, 897 F.2d 540, 542 (D.C. Cir. 1990)). Although an agency need not search every system of records, see Oglesby v. U.S. Dep't of the Army, 920 F.2d 57, 68 (D.C. Cir. 1990), it "cannot limit its search to only one record system if there are others that are likely to turn up the information requested."
Id. The agency may submit affidavits or declarations that explain in reasonable detail the scope and method of its search, Perry v. Block, 684 F.2d 121, 126 (D.C. Cir. 1982), and absent contrary evidence, such affidavits or declarations are sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the FOIA, id. at 127. However, if the record "leaves substantial doubt as to the sufficiency of the search, summary judgment for the agency is not proper." Truitt, 897 F.2d at 542; see also Valencia-Lucena, 180 F.3d at 326.
The FBI's Central Records System ("CRS") contains administrative, applicant, criminal, personnel, and other files compiled for law enforcement purposes," and is arranged in "a numerical sequence of files broken down according to subject matter." Hardy Decl. ¶ 9. Subject matter areas "may relate to an individual, organization, . . . [or] activity." Id. Both FBI headquarters ("FBIHQ") and field offices maintain records in the CRS, and to search CRS records, the FBI uses the Automated Case Support System ("ACS"). Id.
"Access to the CRS is obtained through General Indices," which are described as "index cards on various subject matters that are searched either manually or through automated indices."
Hardy Decl. ¶ 10. There are two categories for entries in the General Indices: main entries which "carr[y] the name of a subject of a file contained in the CRS, and reference entries (also known as cross-references) which contain "generally only a mere mention or reference to an individual . . . contained in a document located in another 'main' file on a different subject matter." Id.
"[T]he CRS cannot electronically query the case files for data, such as an individual's name or social security number." Hardy Decl. ¶ 12. To accomplish this task, "the required information is duplicated and moved to the ACS so that it can be searched." Id. The ACS "consists of three integrated . . . automated applications that support case management functions for all FBI investigative and administrative cases." Id. ¶ 13. These applications are: Investigative Case Management ("ICM"), Electronic Case File ("ECF"), and Universal Index ("UNI"). Id. ICM provides for the opening, assignment, and closing of investigative and administrative cases, as well as the setting, assignment, and tracking of leads. Id. ¶ 13(a). If a field office opens a case, the case is assigned a Universal Case File Number which designates the type of investigation, the office of origin, and an individual case file number for that investigation. Id. "ECF serves as the central electronic repository for the FBI's official text-based documents." Id. ¶ 13(b). UNI "provide[s] a complete subject/case index to all investigative and administrative cases," and "functions to index names of cases, and to search names and cases for use in FBI investigations." Id. ¶ 13(c). The Special Agent ("SA") assigned to a case, the Supervisory SA ("SSA") in the field office conducting the investigation, and the SSA at FBIHQ determine whether "to index names other than subjects, suspects, and victims," and only information "considered . . . pertinent, relevant, or essential for future retrieval" is indexed. Id. ¶ 14. In short, "the General Indices to the CRS files are the means by which the FBI can determine what retrievable information, if any, the FBI may have in its CRS files on a particular subject matter or individual," such as plaintiff Robert Sean Roberts. Id.
The FBI's first search for records responsive to plaintiff's FOIA request used variations of plaintiff's name, his date and place of birth, and his social security number as search terms. Id. ¶ 15. That search yielded no responsive main files, but identified potentially responsive cross-reference files. Id. However, because the FBI's policy "is to search for and identify only 'main' files . . . at the initial stage," id., it took no further action at that time. Its second search "identified six cross-reference file serials . . . consisting of 30 pages and contained within FBI File 245C-CV-64958." Id. ¶ 16.
"To successfully challenge an agency's showing that it complied with the FOIA, the plaintiff must come forward with 'specific facts' demonstrating that there is a genuine issue with respect to whether the agency has improperly withheld extant agency records." Span v. U.S. Dep't of Justice, 696 F. Supp. 2d 113, 119 (D.D.C. 2010) (quoting Dep't of Justice v. Tax Analysts, 492 U.S. 136, 142 (1989)). Plaintiff asserts that the FBI's "unability [sic] . . . to locate documents [responsive to his] request shows that the defendant[']s actions are unlawful." Brief in Opp'n to Def.'s Mot. for Summ. J. ("Pl.'s Opp'n") at 2. Wholly absent from plaintiff's submission is any support for this assertion of unlawful activity on the part of the FBI, and plaintiff thus fails to mount a successful challenge to the FBI's searches. The FBI's searches for responsive records were reasonably calculated to locate relevant records.
C. Exemptions
1. Exemption 3
Exemption 3 protects records that are "specifically exempted from disclosure by statute" if the "statute either (A) requires [withholding] in such a manner as to leave no discretion on the issue, or (B) establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld." 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(3). The FBI's declarant has explained that the agency withholds "information specifically exempted pursuant to Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2520 . . ., which concerns the Court-ordered lawful interception and recording of telephone communications and vocal communications recorded by electronic microphone surveillance by a federal law enforcement agency in criminal investigations." Hardy Decl. ¶ 23. Specifically, the FBI withholds "the identities of the individuals targeted for interception through wiretap, the summarized content of the conversations, and the phone number utilized by the subjects of the investigation." Id. ¶ 24; see id., Ex. D at ROBERTS-1-4, 6-7. The declarant asserts that Title III "specifically exempts from disclosure certain criteria of information . . . including the identities of targeted individuals, targeted locations of microphones, the identities of participants in intercepted and/or recorded conversations, and the content of the intercepted and recorded conversations." Hardy Decl. ¶ 23.
In addition, the FBI withholds under Exemption 3 "the identities and
phone numbers of the individuals who are the subjects of
investigation," id. ¶ 26, whose information is recorded on a "pen
register," id. ¶ 25; see id., Ex. D at ROBERTS-4-5.*fn1
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3123, the declarant explains, a law
enforcement agency must obtain a court order prior to installing a pen
register absent a user's consent, and unless the court directs
otherwise, "orders for pen registers are sealed." Hardy Decl. ¶ 25.
The District of Columbia Circuit holds that "Title III falls squarely within the scope of [the second prong of 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(3)(B)], as a statute referring to 'particular types of matters to be withheld.'" Lam Lek Chong v. U.S. Drug Enforcement Admin., 929 F.2d 729, 733 (D.C. Cir. 1991) (quoting 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(3)(B)) (emphasis in original); see Smith v. Dep't of Justice, 251 F.3d 1047, 1049 (D.C. Cir. 2001). Review of the FBI's supporting declaration and copies of the redacted records confirms that the information withheld was obtained pursuant to Title III and that it is properly withheld under Exemption 3. See Adionser v. Dep't of Justice, No. 10-027, 2011 WL 4346399, at *6 (D.D.C. Sept. 15, 2011) (concluding that "intercepted communications which are specifically protected from disclosure by Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968" are properly withheld under Exemption 3); Raulerson v. Ashcroft, 271 F. Supp. 2d 17, 25 (D.D.C. 2002) (concluding that "the FBI validly applied Exemption 3 with regard to Title III's general prohibition on the release of intercepted information"); Wolfson v. United States, 672 F. Supp. 2d 20, 28 (D.D.C. 2009) (finding that wiretapped recordings obtained pursuant to Title III ordinarily are exempt from disclosure under Exemption 3); see also Davis v. U.S. Dep't of Justice, 968 F.2d 1276, 1281 (D.C. Cir. 1992) ("Davis does not dispute that the conversations in question are Title III intercepts. Absent a showing of public availability, then, they need not be disclosed.").
2. Exemption 7(C) *fn2
Exemption 7 protects from disclosure "records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes," but only to the extent that disclosure of such records would cause an enumerated harm. See 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(7); Fed. Bureau of Investigation v. Abramson, 456 U.S. 615, 622 (1982). "To show that the disputed documents were compiled for law enforcement purposes, the [agency] need only establish a rational nexus between the investigation and one of the agency's law enforcement duties and a connection between an individual or incident and a possible security risk or violation of federal law." Blackwell v. Fed. Bureau of Investigation, 646 F.3d 37, 40 (D.C. Cir. 2011) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted).
According to the FBI's declarant, all the responsive records maintained in the CRS "were compiled as a result of the FBI's legitimate law enforcement mission to investigate possible violations of criminal laws." Hardy Decl. ¶ 18. "Plaintiff's name appears as a cross-reference in a Cleveland Field Office file" which documented in FBI File 245C-CV-64958 an investigation "undertaken by an FBI Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force . . . into a drug trafficking organization operating throughout the United States." Hardy Decl. ¶ 28.
It is apparent from the nature of plaintiff's FOIA request that the information he seeks was compiled for law enforcement purposes, namely, the criminal prosecution of plaintiff. Thus, the FBI meets its initial burden of establishing that the records at issue are law enforcement records for purposes of Exemption 7.
Under Exemption 7(C), the FBI withholds "the names and identifying information (such as phone numbers) of FBI Special Agents . . . who were responsible for conducting, supervising and/or maintaining the investigative activities reported in the documents," as well as similar information regarding FBI support personnel, Hardy Decl. ¶ 31, "third parties of investigative interest to the FBI," id. ¶ 34, non-FBI federal employees (including a Special Agent of the Internal Revenue Service and an Assistant United States Attorney), id. ¶ 36, state and local law enforcement personnel, id. ¶ 38, "third parties merely mentioned in documents concerning the criminal investigations in the released material," id. ¶ 39, and an individual "who was interviewed by the FBI during the course of the drug trafficking investigation described in FBI File 245C-CV-64958," id. ¶ 41. In each instance, the declarant explains that the individual's privacy interests outweigh any public interest in disclosure of his or her identity. Id. ¶ 30; see generally id. ¶¶ 31-43.
The D.C. Circuit has held "categorically that, unless access to the names and addresses of private individuals appearing in files within the ambit of Exemption 7(C) is necessary in order to confirm or refute compelling evidence that the agency is engaged in illegal activity, such information is exempt from disclosure." SafeCard Servs., 926 F.2d at 1206. Plaintiff raises no objection to the FBI's decision to withhold this information, and he presents no evidence to suggest that the FBI is engaged in illegal activity. See generally Pl.'s Opp'n. The FBI's decision to withhold this third-party information from the responsive records is fully consistent with the applicable caselaw. See, e.g., Negley v. Fed. Bureau of Investigation, No. 03-2126, 2011 WL 3836465, at *6-7 (D.D.C. Aug. 31, 2011) (names and/or identifying information of: FBI personnel, individuals who furnished information to the FBI under an implied assurance of confidentiality, state government employees or non-federal law enforcement officers, third parties merely mentioned in the records, individuals interviewed by the FBI, and third parties of investigative interest); Marshall v. Fed. Bureau of Investigation, No. 10-871, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 88291, at *16-18 (D.D.C. Aug. 10, 2011) (names and identifying information of FBI Special Agents, FBI personnel, and third parties of investigative interest); McGehee v. U.S. Dep't of Justice, 800 F. Supp. 2d 220, 233-34 (D.D.C. 2011) (third parties merely mentioned, third parties who provided information, FBI Agents and support personnel, non--FBI federal government personnel, local and/or state government employees, third parties of investigative interest, and victims and survivors of the Jonestown Massacre in Guyana). The Court concludes that all the third-party information at issue here properly is withheld under Exemption 7(C).
D. Segregability
If a record contains information that is exempt from disclosure, any reasonably segregable information must be released after deleting the exempt portions, unless the non-exempt portions are inextricably intertwined with exempt portions. 5 U.S.C. § 552(b); see Trans-Pacific Policing Agreement v. U.S. Customs Serv., 177 F.3d 1022, 1027 (D.C. Cir. 1999). The Court errs if it "simply approve[s] the withholding of an entire document without entering a finding on segregability, or the lack thereof." Powell v. U.S. Bureau of Prisons, 927 F.2d 1239, 1242 n.4 (D.C. Cir. 1991).
The Court has reviewed the FBI's declaration and copies of the redacted records, and finds that these submissions adequately specify "which portions of the document[s] are disclosable and which are allegedly exempt." Vaughn v. Rosen, 484 F.2d 820, 827 (D.C. Cir. 1973).
The FBI has conducted an adequate search for materials responsive to plaintiff's FOIA request and properly has withheld information under Exemptions 3 and7(C). The agency has established that there is no genuine issue of material fact as to its compliance with the FOIA and it is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Accordingly, the Court will grant defendant's motion for summary judgment. An Order accompanies this Memorandum Opinion.
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