US Military Ready to Protect Diplomats In Venezuela, Warns Admiral




The U.S. military is prepared to protect U.S. personnel and diplomatic facilities in Venezuela if needed, the U.S. admiral in charge of American forces in South …


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Diplomacy GONE WRONG | Red Dead Redemption 2 Online




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the Diplomats – “Diplomatic triumphal” instrumental (by young balla) NEW




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Best Books On Real Estate

Some of the best books on real estate are some of the most common ones but for unrelated various reasons. Most books on real estate only give anecdotal information and, with the laws varying from state to state, can be difficult to apply to your career.

What I decided to do was to grab a few of these books, both hard cover and also on audio book. I picked up one from Gary Keller (of Keller Williams) Donald Trump & Dean Graziosi. I enjoyed them all but for different reasons.

First off, Gary Keller offers the most practical approach to any real estate agent getting started. He's one of the most popular real estate agents on the planet and has, in my opinion, one of the most successful brokerages in the US. All the information he provided in his book was applicable to me when I was getting started. His book is really for someone that maybe is a part of a small mom and pop office where there isn't much training. After one get's their RE license then few offices offer ongoing training. For the most part, you will have to go to your local board or MLS to obtain any relevant on going training. However, Gary's books are good and, like I said, give you valuable insight for getting started. I recommend his "The Millionare Real Estate Agent: It's not about the money … it's about being the best you can be!"

My next two favorites are Donald Trump and Dean Graziosi. Now, these are two polarzing individuals. Either you love them or you hate them. I happen to like them both.

For The Donald, I recommend "Trump Strategies For Real Estate". Now, if you are in a small market you won't find any real applicable strategies as most of the insight is from DT's experiences in NYC. The one thing that does irritate me about his books is that, from what I can tell, he does not put pen to paper and write the book. He co-writes with another author that he trusts. Now, nothing wrong with that but I want to hear the author talking to me. There was some valuable information in the book that I read and the insight gained from made me think in ways I had never thought of before. The way he structured and negotiated some of those deals is mind boggling. A very interesting read for sure.

Now, Dean is an interesting cat. If you look him up on line that guy is selling everything from cars to real estate. I like that he has a history selling informational products. One interesting thing I learned from him was that he shared with me how to buy tax liens. A very interesting concept and one that is easy to implement. Well worth reading.

All in all, none of these books gave a step by step process to getting started as a real estate agent and, honestly, I don't believe any book on the market will give you those tips and tricks encompassed in one book. However, I have found that they are practical in the advice offered. If I had to pick the best of the three I would recommend Gary's books as a first read. You really can't go wrong. Especially for the agent that is looking to brush up on some fresh concepts or the new agent looking to get started. The Donald and Dean are good for the real estate investor looking for additional strategies. I enjoyed those for different reasons that I applied to my real estate investing career.



Source by Denis Duncan

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Theresa Caputo: Is She the Real Deal? My Personal Experience With Famous Psychics and Mediums

Q: Is the Long Island Medium real? Isn't she just doing cold reading? What do skeptics say about psychic mediums, and is there any way to tell if they're right? And what is the EASIEST way to get first hand PROOF that psychic mediums like Theresa Caputo really ARE speaking to spirit, without getting scammed or being taken advantage of?

Any of these questions sound familiar? If they do … continue reading as we take a closer look below!

First, understand THIS to be true, because it IS:

The ONLY way to get proof that a psychic or medium is real, or that the whole IDEA of psychic mediumship and spiritual communication is real, is to actually have the experience yourself. If I thought I could convince you … I would try. But, the one thing I've learned in 20 years of psychic and spiritual exploration is THIS:

Until you have the actual experience, and the SENSE that something just happened that can't be explained away using ordinary logic, you won't ever really believe. You may THINK you believe. But knowing … and believing, are two very different feelings!

Next, THIS is critical as well.

When I went to report on a John Edwards show a few years ago, my professional peers, who mostly are super skeptical, gave me all sorts of things to look for, and all sorts of "easy" explanations that would explain what he was REALLY doing.

Fake people in the crowd. Hidden tape recorders that eavesdropped on peoples conversations. Cold reading. Guessing. Fishing for answers. General information that could apply to everyone and anyone. Etc.

The truth is, NOTHING even close to that came true. The experience was incredibly illuminating, a lot of fun, and it was impossible to walk out of there NOT believing.

As a matter of fact, I connected my report on the experience by saying – "either half the audience was planted to trick the other half … or, something completely unexplainable just happened for 3 hours and I watched it unfold, before my widening eyes. "

Okay … so you're more interested in seeing the Long Island Medium in person, right?

It's no surprise that you aren't alone! The Long Island Medium is probably the most popular psychic and spiritual search on the web today … and most folks are looking to either see her in person, or in a small group setting. (which is much more affordable … and DOES give you the opportunity of getting first hand information, if in fact your own loved ones do come through)

  1. Expect to spend about 90 bucks. (a deep discount over her privately published rates, and she has a 2 year waiting list)
  2. Come with an open mind, too!

Of course, some of you reading this right now are rolling your eyes and are DEAD set skeptical. (no pun intended!) The truth is, belief in psychics, mediums and an afterlife in general is a controversial area, and I've personally been on both sides of the fence myself.

(as a one time super-skeptic, it was not until I had a personal experience with a medium who offered amazing insight and information, did I even begin to contemplate the idea that we have a soul or spirit that continues on after death)

The good news? you do NOT need to believe anything at all to go see a good medium in person.

Bring an open mind … or even a skeptical mind, and just allow the experience to unfold.

If you don't find yourself impressed … or think it's a total sham, good for you! But … if like many others, you find your world view has CHANGED forever due to the incredible experience of watching a medium work WITHOUT props, or cheating or common cold reading techniques, I challenge you to walk out with the same opinion you had coming in.

The bottom line?

I'm now 100% convinced there is an afterlife. I've had over 100 deeply meaningful readings in the last 3 years, many of which have completely changed my life.

But NOBODY else could convince me. And if you're reading this far, the same is probably true for YOU, too. (which is why seeking out your OWN psychic, or spiritual experiences is the only 1 path to try knowing there is)



Source by Anna Houck

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Panama's Real Estate Boom

DONALD TRUMP can't be wrong, can he? Trump has fallen so much in love with Panama that he is building a $ 220 Million, 65 story (2.4 Million square foot) hotel / condo monoliths called the Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower in a posh Panama City neighborhood. Trump will build 500 luxury condominium units along with a 312-room hotel. This complex will include a casino, private beach club and a marina. Groundbreaking is scheduled around this Christmas with a completion date in 2009.

Why is Trump doing this in Panama of all places? In an April 24, 2006 press conference in New York, Donald Trump said his interest in Panama was sparked three years ago when his "Miss Universe" pageant was held in Panama. He saw that Panama city was "beautiful" and vowed he would develop there if the right opportunity came up. His project was "easily funded", noting that as many as seven "major financial institutions were fighting to put up money." He agreed that "Americans are coming in droves to Panama," due to it's political stability, low cost of living, low interest rates, and being located outside of any hurricane path. "It's great for baby boomers." Trump said, although the project will be marketed worldwide. The condominium units will start at $ 180,000 with unobstructed ocean views.

Panama is just beginning to realize a real estate boom!

Besides Trump, many international real estate investors are also discovering Panama.
For example:

Bigger Than Trump: An even taller skyscraper will be built near Trump's Tower. The Ice Tower will have over 100 floors making it the tallest building in all of Latin America, tied with the Empire State Building as the second-tallest in the Western hemisphere and 9th in the world when it is completed in 2010.

And Another! Even before Trump's Tower and The Ice Tower are completed, another skyscraper (93 floors) called El Palacio de la Bahia will be completed in 2009 costing over $ 160 Million. They've already sold several dozen condos mostly to Europeans because this is a totally European investor project.

I asked a Panama City real estate brokerage owner, Daniel Hanna (Panama Real Estate Group), what he thought about how the Ice Tower and Trump's Ocean Club will affect Panama's Real Estate prices? His response echoes most real estate agents in Panama: "As Panama continues to grow in many different industries, these projects will definitely set a new standard of living in Panama, thus increasing the prices around the entire country."

So, why are all of these real estate investors coming to Panama?

A little History will help explain these phenomena. Panama has always had a close relationship with the United States, which helped Panama to secede from Colombia in 1903 and was the first country to recognize the new Republic of Panama. The US government built the Panama Canal starting in 1904. Only until the year 2000 did Panama actually take control of its Canal after the US closed all of its military bases and left. People used to jokingly refer to Panama as the "United States of Panama" due to its close ties to the US After the US left, Panama's economy slumped. Then American retirees re-discovered Panama as a peaceful, safe, and cheap place to retire.

Economical Growth: In 2004, real estate construction activity sprang up in different parts of the country. Mostly retirement communities nestled amongst the many beautiful unoccupied beaches and mountain valleys. In 2005, construction permits rose by 90% while Panama's economy grew by a respectful 6.4%. The Panama Canal recorded its third consecutive year of double-digit growth in toll revenues. Tourism and financial services also made impressive growth gains.

Americans came back to Panama because of the excellent infrastructure built by the Americans, low crime, numerous English-speaking natives, great Immigration Visa programs; the currency has always been the US Dollar, and great Tax incentives.

The Best Reason is that Panama is so cheap to live! Land, housing, local foods, transportation, leather goods, clothing, and local artisan wares are all far cheaper than anywhere in North America or Europe.

Don't Take My Word for it. Read what leading experts have to say about Panama's real estate opportunities.

The NY Times recently wrote: "Panama is increasing lighting up the radar screens of those searching for an affordable alternative to the more traditional south-of-the-border retreats in Mexico, Costa Rica and the Caribbean, where escalating prices increase rival those along America's own beach fronts. "

Forbes Magazine (July 11, 2005) praised Panama as a recommended "PARADISE FOUND: WHERE TO RETIRE ABROAD" where a US couple "purchased a lot on a hill overlooking a golf course and have built a three-bedroom white-stucco house with a red-tile roof (total cost: about $ 250,000). " in Boquete. "You can hear the sound of rivers here," says Janet. "It's very peaceful."

National Association of Realtors: Tom Stevens, who is their current President, recently visited Panama and explained: "We're seriously thinking of investing here. It's a great opportunity. Prices are what it was like in the US 20 to 25 years ago. "

The London Financial Times wrote in its April 14, 2005 issue that Panama is now passing Costa Rica as the place to invest. "Like Costa Rica, Panama is loaded with exquisite beach towns, has inviting tax and ownership policies for foreigners and a long history of political stability. Moreover, Panama City is an urbane, safe city that has long had a military and civilian US presence because of the canal. A gated-community, three-bedroom luxury home on a golf course in the mountains can be had for $ 250,000 to $ 350,000, real estate experts say … Chuck Bedsole, who oversees Latin American real estate for PriceWaterhouseCoopers, thinks Panama is at an earlier stage in the real estate boom. "

Conde Nast Traveler's October 2004 issue declared: "Panama is the new Central American bargain where the US dollar – the market currency – goes a long way."

Is it Safe to Buy real estate in Panama? Buying Real Estate in Panama is safe and secure for foreigners. The US State Dept. verifies this by stating: "Titled land, and the process of buying this, is similar in concept to that of the US, and land deeds are duly recorded with the Public Registry …"

How Long Will this Boom Last? It's just starting. Donald Trump hasn't even broken ground yet.

Daniel Hanna, the Panama City real estate broker, reiterates: "Invest in Panama real estate now before the Towers are completed. Panama will become a hot real estate market because it has so many attractions than just real estate construction. know Panama for its natural beauty, healthy climates, and charismatic people. Living in this beautiful country is just a benefit! "

The National Geographic Traveler predicted in December of 2004: "Panama is now where Costa Rica was 10 years ago. Panama is getting ready to explode."

"Boom" I can hear the distant rumbling of a Big Boom yet to come!



Source by Steven Rich

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Check FACTS Before Calling It Real Or Fake News

Today, to an apparently, far greater degree, than at any time, in recent memory, of American politics, policy, and leadership, we are often, witnessing, individual, political leaders, on the so – called, right and / or left , articulate positions, which appear to be based, more on rhetoric, and / or politics, than realistic, fact – based, items. How often have we witnessed, some politician, claim, any message, which contradicts, either their position (or them, personally), is, Fake News? Wouldn't our nation, be, far better served, if there was more truth, rather than rhetoric and / or bluster, and actual FACTS, became, both, a necessity of holding elected office? With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly identify, discuss, and consider, using the mnemonic approach, why we should demand this basic level of integrity, from those, we elect.

1. False; future; furnish; fruition: Just because one holds a certain, political perspective or position, does not make it truth, and, any opposing position, fake! President Donald Trump, consistently claims, anything, which disagrees with him, is fake! Although he has, according to political fact – checkers, lied, on average, 6 times each day, and repeats the same statements, even when they have been reputed constantly, his core supporters seem to believe anything he claims. How does that benefit America's future, and furnish, the level of ideas, to bring, relevant ideas, to fruition?

2. Attention; agenda: While every politician, has some sort of agenda, we need, and deserve leaders, who pay attention, to ramifications, etc, rather than their political agenda and self – interests! What good does it do, to claim, everything else, is fake, when, especially, in this President's tenure, he articulates, constant misstatements, etc?

3. Character; creative; charges; cite: Donald Trump has, to a far larger degree, than we've ever observed, repeated the same accusations, etc, or changed his story, to meet his populist agenda! We need leaders, with the character, to seek creative approaches, and the common good! Statements made, without veracity, and any attempt to cite true facts, is dangerous, in a public official!

4. Timely: Constantly, blaming and complaining, often dwells on the past, rather than seeking viable, well – considered, timely action! We need solutions, rather than rhetoric and populist promises!

5. Source; solutions; service; self – interest: Voters must demand, reliable sources of information, rather than accepting Fake News, and being satisfied, if it serves their self – interest! We need solutions, based on quality service, to all Americans, rather than bluster!

Don't fall into the trap, of, either claiming, something, is real, or face FACTS , but rather, seek viable solutions, which consider ramifications and alternatives. If we are to make American greater, it requires, more than slogans and / or rhetoric, but demanding, realistic, well – considered solutions!



Source by Richard Brody

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Is It Real Or Fake News? 5 Factors

With so much focus on, and so many claims, today, that certain items and reports are fake news, wouldn't it be nice, if there was some effective way, of identifying and differentiating between, real and fake news? How can Americans make a well – informed decision, until / unless, they know the truth, as compared to the empty rhetoric and promises? When there have been so many reports of false stories, being placed, on Social Media, and elsewhere, the process becomes quite challenging! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly identify, consider, and discuss, 5 factors, and possible ways, to better judge, whether something is real or fake.

1. The source of the information: Always look at, and consider, the source of the information, and the reputation of this report! How is it possible to know, when something, is based on facts, rather than other motives, etc? Certain sites have far better reputations than others, but, even that, does guarantee, whether it's factual! Review the timelines, supporting information, etc, and whether, there are consistencies! Do not proceed, in a way, where you judge the facts, by whether it supports your personal position, but, rather, whether it's true, or false!

2. Fact – checkers: We are witnessing a time, when our free press, often, seems, to be, under attack, from a variety of sources. The Intelligence Agencies of the United States, have clearly stated, there was an effort, by foreign sources, including an apparent concerted effort, by Russia, to influence the last Presidential election, by false placements, in a variety of Social Media sites. Nearly everyone, except , President Donald Trump, and some of his most obedient cronies, have admitted this, and isn't foreign interference, a clear, and present danger, to our society? Because of the many false stories, and / or outright lies, we have witnessed, the introduction of fact – checkers. In addition, because of President Trump's apparent, loose attitude, towards telling the truth, there has become an effort, to fact – check, most of his statements, and this has resulted, in the statement, he has either lied, or mis – stated the facts, an average of six times, per day, since elected. Voters must analyze the statements, based on their veracity, rather than, merely their personal, political, matters, and / or agenda, or any empty rhetoric and promises!

3. Dates; timeline: Always look at the timeline of any statements, because, often, doing so, demonstrates, certain proclamations, are less than factual! The more we consider and examine, the better the chance of getting to the truth!

4. Motives: Consider the motives of the provider of the information, and see, if what is stated, is merely, an attempt, to sway the opinions of our citizens!

5. Who's calling it fake ?: President Trump, often, calls anything, or anyone, who disagrees with him, or places responsibility, on him, as Fake News. Whether something is true or false, is not, based on whether you like or agree with it, but, rather, if it's factual!

Wake up America, and consider the lyrics from Pete Townsend (of The Who), I won't be fooled again ! If someone keeps lying, and you don't question it, you are supporting, the politics of empty rhetoric and promises!



Source by Richard Brody

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Sins and the REAL Demons

We all must know that the Catholic Church has used fear of demons and so-called sin to make a great deal of their power. I hope to illustrate the inner workings of the separation of church and state that is not a reality and that the state uses the same techniques. In the words of the deservedly respected historians Will and Ariel Durant we visit with the technocrats of the Jesuit Order who John Ralston Saul holds up as the forerunners of the lobbyists and other courtesans of this present enlightened age. The quotation from Rousseau and Revolution does not elucidate the agreement Charles of Spain made before giving the Jesuits he expelled from Spain a small stipend. That agreement called for silence on the matters relating to their attempts to inform the people of his true nature. But during this silent period I suggest there were some Jesuits like Adam Weishaupt who decided enough was enough. It is this moment in history that we find a significant change in the world took place. America was created in the same year the Illuminati were re-organized and Russia celebrated the founding day of these Illuminati in their May Day celebration.

Various accounts say they intended to have him killed and the truth may never be known because the rest of the Catholic world allowed these hundreds of good Catholics to nearly die on a boat going from port to port seeking refuge. This was (as you will see) a time when muggers and crooks were given 'sanctuary' in the churches. Gregory of Tours in an earlier time notes how this 'sanctuary' often led to the priests making money from charging the supposed crook or the parties wishing to kill them through secret agreements. The Jesuits so expelled lived a miserable existence on a meager pension but kept their mouths shut because if even one talked all would lose their pension. In short there really is no mystery here at all – but it does dovetail with the possibilities of why we are seldom allowed to hear what really went on in the annals of what we improperly call history.

"II. POPES, KINGS, AND JESUITS

The power of the Catholic Church rested on the natural super-naturalism of mankind, the recognition and sublimation of sensual impulses and pagan survivals, the encouragement of Catholic fertility {Read baby-factories and 'barefoot in the kitchen'.}, And the inculcation of a theology rich in poetry and hope, and useful to moral discipline and social order. In Italy the Church was also the main source of national income, and a valued check upon a people especially superstitious, pagan, and passionate. Superstitions abounded; as late as 1787 witches were burned at Palermo – and refreshments were served to fashionable ladies witnessing the scene. (2) Pagan beliefs, customs, and ceremonies survived with the genial sanction of the Church. 'I have arrived at a vivid conviction,' wrote Goethe, 'that all traces of original Christianity are extinct here' in Rome. (3) There were, however, many real Christians left in Christendom, even in Italy. Conte Caissotti di Chiusano, bishop of Asti, gave up his rich inheritance, lived in voluntary poverty, and traveled only on foot. Bishop Testa of Monreale slept on straw, ate only enough to subsist, kept only 3,000 lire of his revenues for his personal needs, and devoted the remainder to public works and the poor. (4)

{But the majority of prelates were not so inclined as they engaged in concubinage and fathering children of the parishioners wives as the church owned the majority of farms and land throughout Italy while collecting alms for the poor. The bulk of church wealth comes from guilt and estates where upon death promises of salvation are tied to a good deed by giving the wealth to the church rather than the justly deserving heirs.}

The Church responded in some measure to the Enlightenment. The works of Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Helvétius, d'Holbach, La Mettrie, and other freethinkers were of course placed on the Index Expurgatorius, but permission to read them might be obtained from the pope. {This is a perfect example of what we said about practicing one thing while excluding others access to what works. The pope also became promoted as a source of the right to learn. Is this like the situation we have in public education before reaching university?} Monsignor Ventimiglio, bishop (1757-73) of Catania, had in his library full editions of Voltaire, Helvetius, and Rousseau. The Inquisition was abolished in Tuscany and Parma in 1769, in Sicily in 1782, in Rome in 1809. {Witches were still outlawed no doubt. It took until 1951 to rescind the laws against being a witch in England. There are movements afoot to re-institute blasphemy laws.} In 1783 a Catholic priest, Tamburini, under the name of his friend Trauttmansdorff, published an essay On Ecclesiastical and Civil Toleration, in which he condemned the Inquisition, declared all coercion of conscience to be un-Christian, and advocated toleration of all theologies except atheism. (5)

It was the misfortune of the popes, in this second half of the eighteenth century, that they had to face the demand of Catholic monarchs for the total dissolution of the Society of Jesus. The movement against the Jesuits was part of a contest of power between the triumphant nationalism of the modern state and the internationalism of a papacy weakened by the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the rise of the business class. {Cardinal Biffi of Bologna thinks there is an anti-Christ among us today who is a philanthropist of great wealth. This 'anti-Christ' supports ecological, animal – and women's right while destroying the tenets of Catholicism. Biffi was a leading contender to take John Paul II's place from the conservative faction of this supranational elite. Apparently this anti-Christ is well versed in the Bible and maybe even a better Christian than Biffi, as I see it.} The Catholic enemies of the Society did not openly press their chief objection, that it had persistently upheld the authority of the popes as superior to that of kings, but they were keenly resentful that an organization acknowledging no superior except its general and the pope should in effect determined, within each state, an agent of foreign power. They acknowledged the learning and piety of the Jesuits, {Were they jealous of their 'brothers' who actually knew more?} Their contributions to science, literature, philosophy, and art, their sedulous and efficient education of Catholic youth, their heroism on foreign missions, their recapture of so much territory once lost to Protestantism. But they charged that the Society had repeatedly interfered in secular affairs, that it had engaged in commerce to reap material gains, that it had inculcated casuistic principles excusing immorality and crime, condoning even the murder of kings, that it had allowed heathen customs and beliefs to survive among its supposed converts in Asia, and that it had offended other religious orders, and many of the secular clergy, by its sharpness in controversy and its contemptuous tone. The ambassadors of the Kings of Portugal, Spain, Naples, and France insisted that the papal charter of the Society be revoked, and that the organization be officially and universally dissolved.

The expulsion of the Jesuits from Portugal in 1759, from France in 1764-67, from Spain and Naples in 1767, had left the Society still operative in Central and North Italy, in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, in Catholic Germany, Silesia, and Poland. On February 7, 1768, they were expelled from the Bourbon duchy of Parma, and were added to the congestion of Jesuit refugees in the states of the Church. Pope Clement XIII protested that Parma was a papal fief; he threatened Duke Ferdinand VI and his ministers with excommunication of the edict of expulsion should be enforced {But Hitler, or should I say Schicklgruber / Rothschild, was never excommunicated and probably not even determined. Why ?!}; when they persisted he launched a bull declaring the rank and title of the Duke forfeited and annulled. The Catholic governments of Spain, Naples, and France opened war upon the papacy: {One of my ancestors was Miles Keogh who fought with the Vatican Army before his horse was the only survivor of Custer's Last Stand at the Little Big Horn. Many people have a hard time thinking of a supranational theological armed superpower in so recent a time. I suspect he became a Martinist when he was engaged to a Martin of political importance.} Tanucci seized the papal cities of Benevento and Pontecorvo, and France occupied Avignon. On December 10 1768, the French ambassador at Rome, in the name of France, Naples, and Spain, presented to the Pope a demand for the retraction of the bull against Parma, and for the abolition of the Society of Jesus. The seventy-six-year-old pontiff collapsed under the strain of this ultimatum. He summoned for February 3, 1769, a consistory of prelates and envoys to consider the matter. On February 2 he fell dead through the bursting of a blood vessel in his brain.

The cardinals who were called to choose his successor were divided into two factions: 'zelanti' who proposed to defy the kings, and 'regalisti' who favored some pacific accommodations. As the Italian cardinals were almost all 'zelanti', and soon gathered in Rome, they tried to open the conclave before the regalist cardinals from France, Spain, and Portugal could arrive. {Does any of this seem the least bit divinely inspired?} The French ambassador protested, and the conclave was deferred. Meanwhile Lorenzo Ricci, general of the Jesuits, compromised their case by issuing a pamphlet questioning the authority of any pope to abolish the society. (6) In March Cardinal de Bernis arrived from France, and began to canvass the cardinals with a view to ensure the election of a pope willing to satisfy their Catholic Majesties. Later rumors (7) that he or others bribed, or otherwise induced, Cardinal Giovanni Ganganelli to promise such action if chosen have been rejected by Catholic (8) and anti-Catholic historians (9) alike. {Many apparently 'anti' positions are actually managed or double agents.} Ganganelli, by common consent, was a man of great learning, devotion, and integrity; However, he belonged to the Franciscan order, which had often been at odds with the Jesuits, {Such as the treatment of North Americas who Franciscans brutalized in ways no devil would imagine.} both in missions and in theology. (10) On May 19, 1769, he was elected by the unanimous vote of the forty cardinals, and took the name of Clement XIV. He was sixty-three years old.

He found himself at the mercy of the Catholic powers. France and Naples held on to the papal territory they had seized; Spain and Parma were defiant; Portugal threatened to establish a patriarchate independent of Rome, even Maria Theresa, hitherto fervently loyal to the papacy and the Jesuits, but now losing authority to her freethinker son Joseph II, answered the Pope's appeal that she could not resist the united will of so many potentates. Choiseul, dominating the government of France, instructed Bernis to tell the Pope that 'if he does not come to terms he can consider all relations with France at an end.' (11) Charles III of Spain had sent a similar ultimatum on April 22. Clement, playing for time, Charles promised soon to 'submit to the wisdom and intelligence of your Majesty a plan for the total extinction of the Society.' (12) He ordered his aides to consult the archives and summarize the history, achievements, and alleged offenses of the Society of Jesus. He refused to surrender to Choiseul's demand that he decide the issue within two months. He took three years, but finally yielded.

On July 21, 1773, he signed the historic brief 'Dominus ac Redemptor Noster'. It began with a long list of religious congregations that had, in the course of time, been suppressed by the Holy See. It noted the many complaints made against the Jesuits, and the many efforts of divers popes to remedy the abuses so alleged. 'We have observed with the bitterest grief that these remedies, and others applied afterward, had neither efficacy or strength to put an end to the troubles, the charges, and the complaints.' (13)

The brief abstract:

'Having recognized that the Society of Jesus could no longer produce the abundant fruit and the great good for which it was instituted and approved by so many popes, our predecessors, who adorned it with so many most admirable privileges, and seeing that it was almost –and indeed absolutely – impossible for the Church to enjoy a true and solid peace while this order existed, … we do hereby, after a mature examination, and of our certain knowledge, and by the plenitude of our Apostolic power, suppress and abolish the Society of Jesus. We nullify and abrogate all and each of its offices, functions, administrations, houses, schools, colleges, retreats, refuges, and other establishments which belong to it in any manner whatever, and in every province, kingdom, or state in which it may be found. ' (14)

The brief went on to offer pensions to those Jesuits who had not yet taken holy orders, and who wished to return to lay life; it permitted Jesuit priests to join the secular clergy or some religious congregation approved by the Holy See; it allowed professed Jesuits, who had taken final and absolute vows, to remain in their former houses provided they dressed like secular priests and submitted to the authority of the local bishop …

This is not generally the fashion here. A murderer killing himself, in Naples; the murderer usually makes for the nearest church; once there is quite safe. Every church gave the criminal 'sanctuary'-immunity from arrest so long as he remained under its roof.

The law attempted to deter crime rather by severity of punishment than by efficiency of police. Under the laws of the gentle Benedict XIV blasphemy was punished by flogging, and, for a third offence, five years in the galleys. Unlawful entry of a convent at night was a capital crime. The solicitation or public embrace of an honorable woman brought condemnation to the galleys for life. Defamation of character, even if it spoke nothing but the truth, was punishable with death and confiscation of goods. "(15)

One can easily imagine these people were well behaved and civilized … right ?! Is my sense of disgust at the deprecation of the 'savages' and 'pagans' unwarranted?



Source by Robert Baird

This article is brought to you by Kokula Krishna Hari Kunasekaran! Visit Website or Follow back at @kkkhari

Some Real World Examples of How to Ask Someone to Be Your Mentor

Having a mentor is an excellent way to acquire new skills and determine what skills you already possess and to explore your personal strengths and weaknesses. A mentor can share personal experiences. They can be a sounding board for your ideas and give new perspectives to your strategies for achieving goals.

Over the years I've had personal experience with mentoring and I'll draw on that experience to illustrate several approaching to asking someone to be a mentor to you.

The first step is to find someone who has experience doing you what you want to learn about and ask for advice on a particular topic.

A number of years ago I decided to begin investing in commercial real estate. While I had experience in buying and selling single-family investment properties I had no experience in multi-family property investing. A new acquaintance of mine, Mike, owned an apartment building. I knew Mike would be a great mentor for investing in a new asset class of real estate.

Here is the approach I used to ask Mike to become a mentor. This approach works almost every time.

"Mike, you are such an inspiration to me. I have some experience in real estate investing although it is limited to single-family properties. I'm very interested in learning about commercial real estate and would greatly value your expertise in buying and owning apartments buildings.

Would you be willing to guide me by telling me the top 5 things I need to know before I seriously pursue this? "

This approach gave me a great opportunity to start a dialog and to give Mike an idea how much I would appreciate knowing how he became successful and to find out what he would do in similar a situation, how he handled the same challenge I was currently faced with.

By approaching Mike this way, I demonstrated that I was willing to learn and accept feedback and that I had identified goals for my growth. By asking for the top 5 things I also set a limit on the amount of time I was asking of Mike – it may only take him 5 minutes to rattle them off the top of his head. He knows he is not making an open ended time commitment and will be eager to share his knowledge.

This was also a great way to see how well we worked together. Was it enjoyable for both of us? If so, it is highly likely we would both want to continue the professional relationship.

Remember … Ask. Don't hint, or dance around the topic, and don't wait for a mentor to volunteer.

What if you don't have any experience yet?

That's a great question and the good news is, this approach can still work for you.

Here's an example of how you could ask for a mentoring relationship:

"Mike, I'm very interested in learning about commercial real estate and would greatly value your guidance in deciding if real estate investing is right for me.

Would you be willing to spend 15 minutes on the phone with me and tell me what, or who, inspired you to become a real estate investor and your best advice to someone who is just starting out? "

One last word … and, I cannot repeat this enough. Always express gratitude. Even if someone can only give you ten minutes of their time, thank them. You have made a great contact with someone whose expertise you value. Tell them so.

And finally …

It's OK to tell someone you see him or her as a mentor. They will probably be extremely flattered, in fact, they may not think of themselves as mentor material until you plant the seed.



Source by Theresa Bradley-Banta

This article is brought to you by Kokula Krishna Hari Kunasekaran! Visit Website or Follow back at @kkkhari