Living Undercover
To share a little of what life is like undercover..first let me dispell any thoughts that it's a "James Bond" life..There are such moments, but it's mostly boring, routine work. We just watched, on the AHC Channel a program entitled "Spies". It's very interesting so I thought I would give you a little personal gist since Janey & I spent 20 years of our lives, undercover in that world. First let me tell you that both Janey & I worked under an Alias which we call "Pseudonyms" So you wouldn't find our real names in the halls of the agency we worked for. But beyond pseudonyms..We also use "Crypts" For example if I were working on a case/assignment..my crypt might be something like "SG-Coffecup". The purpose of both pseudonyms & crypts..All diplomatic cable traffic (Messages) are encrypted..But if the bad guys were trying to decipher a message..they might very well be looking for our true names (which they know) to give them an advantage in breaking the message..so the pseudonym is to confuse the issue. Moreover if we are working on a particularly sensitive (secret) issue..The participants would each be assigned a "Crypt" which is what we call "Super-Encipherment" It's virtually impossible to break a message when super encipherment is employed.
Now to give you a personal experience which is somewhat amusing. At one of our embassy assignments in a foreign country..I slowly became aware that the boss had Janey working some assets on the street..whereby she was given a ladies handbag with a secret bottom compartment for carrying both payroll (to pay the assets) & sensitive documents..When I became aware of this..I was furious because although I held "Diplomatic Immunity"..Janey did not..So I put a stop to it forthwith.
Now the amusing part..In this particular country/embassy..our agents were trying to recruit a high level Russian officer to collaborate with us..He was assigned a crypt & although that was more than 30 years ago..I'm still not free to disclose his crypt..But the part you'll find amusing is that in the effort to recruit him..(We never did succeed btw) but we decided to provide him with a girlfriend..So we wired Washington to send us a girlfriend for this guy. They, of course sent us an eligible agent & we started putting her close to him at diplomatic parties etc..It didn't take long..She was a pro.& darned pretty..He swallowed it "Hook-line-&-sinker"..At one point..he took her to an antique auction & she bought an antique chair..which he put in his station wagon.. to take it home for her..But in the process of driving her home while doting/fawning on her..He forgot to take the chair out of his car & next day his wife discovered it..Yes I could tell you more but that should be enough to allow your imagination work on the case..As I mentioned above however..we never did get him..Not while I was assigned to that embassy anyway.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Managing Wealth II (Addendum)
I wrote that blog several years ago & things change with time. I told you in that original blog that I myself buy a single .."One Dollar" lottery ticket with the objective that if I ever won..I would have millions with which to help others..I had promised the Good Lord that if I ever won the lottery..that not one dime of it would go to me but rather give me a large account with which to help others..
I'm now 81 years old..I stopped playing the lottery years ago because I already have more money than my family & I can ever spend. Now lest you think that statement ridiculous..When I say "Spend" I mean for things you want & need..Yes..you could always simply throw money away on the things you think would make you a "Jet Set Player". But that would not bring you happiness...My youngest son died 7 years ago & that lessens the amount of money I need now..My surviving son already has almost as much as I do..My point is that times change..I no longer have a need or desire for more money. I also subscribe to a theory that the more money you have..the more worries you have..I DON'T NEED IT!
So, in keeping with my first line of advice...The only wealth that counts & the only wealth that will serve you best is wealth that you build the old fashion way..Work For it then manage what you earn. It will bring you more happiness that way/Juan
I'm now 81 years old..I stopped playing the lottery years ago because I already have more money than my family & I can ever spend. Now lest you think that statement ridiculous..When I say "Spend" I mean for things you want & need..Yes..you could always simply throw money away on the things you think would make you a "Jet Set Player". But that would not bring you happiness...My youngest son died 7 years ago & that lessens the amount of money I need now..My surviving son already has almost as much as I do..My point is that times change..I no longer have a need or desire for more money. I also subscribe to a theory that the more money you have..the more worries you have..I DON'T NEED IT!
So, in keeping with my first line of advice...The only wealth that counts & the only wealth that will serve you best is wealth that you build the old fashion way..Work For it then manage what you earn. It will bring you more happiness that way/Juan
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Mark of the Beast II
Mark of the Beast II (July 2017)
I feel inspired to add some new comments on this intriguing subject because all previous observations are fast being overtaken by events. Most of you have probably never heard of Bitcoins..but it has been out for several years now and has recently come under attack by competition in several different formats.
First lets take a look at Bitcoin which was the first version of digital money to hit the wall & stick. Bitcoin was started by some anonymous Japanese man..nobody knows who or where he is (There is a legendary name they have put on him, but nobody knows anything about that..) ..just a legend that gives mysterious hints only as to him..nobody knows. But he created a computer driven system based on algorithms which only advance computers can solve. The system is self-sustaining and continues to grow on a regulated/limited scale whereby there are extremely difficult problem/puzzles based on mathematical algorithms that can only be solved by massive high speed computers. Such computers are so big that men have built warehouse size buildings to house them & require massive fan driven ventilation systems to dissapate the heat generated by such massive banks of high speed computers. All this is done with the objective to be the first to solve this month's puzzle which is called "Mining Bitcoins"..and the winner gets something like 25 thousand dollars worth of bitcoins.
The bitcoins are a digital form of currency and there are numerous shops around the world that honor purchases made with this digital currency. This weeks edition of my Businessweek magazine has an article about such systems that currently are challenging Bitcoin..The Country of India..(Now with a population that outstrips even China) realized that it's citizens were hoarding their money by hiding it at home in order to evade the Indian tax system..So they declared their own currency invalid to force it's citizens to bring their savings into banks & exchange it for a new currency. There are pictures of citizens lining up for blocks to bring their money in..All this was based on some sort of digital currency, like Bitcoin..But the Indian Government has now realized that although people were forced to comply with government decree to enforce the new digital currency system for awhile..that the citizens quickly tired of it and are once again..now that they came in out of the cold are now going back to their old ways. All this hinges around India's attempt to do away with printed currency (similar to the Dollar).
All this is related to the Mark of the beast foretold in the bible's book of Revelations, ch 13 whereby all people on earth will be required to take the mark of the beast because if they don't do so.."They will neither be able to buy or sell" Taking the mark of the beast however will involve denouncing Jesus Christ and dooming yourself for all eternity by doing so. I could go on & on about how fast these things are coming into view as we speak..But I don't wish to bore you with such lengthy details..You are either interested..or you are not..If you're interested..simply start following the news of world events & read your bible..Especially the Book of Revelations & the 24 Ch of Matt, (Which is called "Little Revelation"), & the 13th Ch of Luke (Same note) These things are coming clearly into view to anyone who approaches life with both eyes open. Without belaboring all these things, & if you don't believe or are simply not interested..it should not be surprising because the bible tells us..in numerous places..That only a very few..a vast minority, will make it. Let me state that in different syntax for understanding..There is a heaven & there is a hell but it's clearly stated in several places..that the vast majority will not be going to the place Jesus said he was going away to prepare for those who believe..Very few.
I feel inspired to add some new comments on this intriguing subject because all previous observations are fast being overtaken by events. Most of you have probably never heard of Bitcoins..but it has been out for several years now and has recently come under attack by competition in several different formats.
First lets take a look at Bitcoin which was the first version of digital money to hit the wall & stick. Bitcoin was started by some anonymous Japanese man..nobody knows who or where he is (There is a legendary name they have put on him, but nobody knows anything about that..) ..just a legend that gives mysterious hints only as to him..nobody knows. But he created a computer driven system based on algorithms which only advance computers can solve. The system is self-sustaining and continues to grow on a regulated/limited scale whereby there are extremely difficult problem/puzzles based on mathematical algorithms that can only be solved by massive high speed computers. Such computers are so big that men have built warehouse size buildings to house them & require massive fan driven ventilation systems to dissapate the heat generated by such massive banks of high speed computers. All this is done with the objective to be the first to solve this month's puzzle which is called "Mining Bitcoins"..and the winner gets something like 25 thousand dollars worth of bitcoins.
The bitcoins are a digital form of currency and there are numerous shops around the world that honor purchases made with this digital currency. This weeks edition of my Businessweek magazine has an article about such systems that currently are challenging Bitcoin..The Country of India..(Now with a population that outstrips even China) realized that it's citizens were hoarding their money by hiding it at home in order to evade the Indian tax system..So they declared their own currency invalid to force it's citizens to bring their savings into banks & exchange it for a new currency. There are pictures of citizens lining up for blocks to bring their money in..All this was based on some sort of digital currency, like Bitcoin..But the Indian Government has now realized that although people were forced to comply with government decree to enforce the new digital currency system for awhile..that the citizens quickly tired of it and are once again..now that they came in out of the cold are now going back to their old ways. All this hinges around India's attempt to do away with printed currency (similar to the Dollar).
All this is related to the Mark of the beast foretold in the bible's book of Revelations, ch 13 whereby all people on earth will be required to take the mark of the beast because if they don't do so.."They will neither be able to buy or sell" Taking the mark of the beast however will involve denouncing Jesus Christ and dooming yourself for all eternity by doing so. I could go on & on about how fast these things are coming into view as we speak..But I don't wish to bore you with such lengthy details..You are either interested..or you are not..If you're interested..simply start following the news of world events & read your bible..Especially the Book of Revelations & the 24 Ch of Matt, (Which is called "Little Revelation"), & the 13th Ch of Luke (Same note) These things are coming clearly into view to anyone who approaches life with both eyes open. Without belaboring all these things, & if you don't believe or are simply not interested..it should not be surprising because the bible tells us..in numerous places..That only a very few..a vast minority, will make it. Let me state that in different syntax for understanding..There is a heaven & there is a hell but it's clearly stated in several places..that the vast majority will not be going to the place Jesus said he was going away to prepare for those who believe..Very few.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Mark of the Beast
Recent events have accelerated considerably our understanding of how this Bible prophecy is unfolded before our eyes. When I was a child, I heard the discussion concerning the end time, and the events leading up to it. I always wondered, "WON'T EVERYONE SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING AND REALIZE THAT IT IS UPON US?"
But now I understand. You have all seen some science fiction movie whereby a woman might be standing before some stone statue, or some wild appearing image, swaying, dancing, completely oblivious to what is going on around her..SHE IS IN A TRANCE, EYES GLAZED, HYPNOTIZED. So no...people will not see it coming and correct their ways. Look around you..we are about to elect a Muslim of Mid-eastern descent to the White House..and untold millions are looking at him with a glassy eyed stare. If his head were on fire..it would go unnoticed.
Lets take a look at the situation and compare it to biblical prophecy:
The main story of the beast is found in Revelations chapter 13. The passages giving us the time frame is found in Matthew chapter 24. In Matthew, the disciples asked Jesus, "When will these things come to pass". Jesus said, "When you see the fig tree put forth new leaves, know then that it is upon us..even at the door. The fig tree, as agreed on by bible scholars, refers to the Nation of Israel. Jesus went on to say that when you see my people encompassed by armies...etc..Israel is one of the most formidable fighting forces on earth. Then he goes on..The Jews shall be trodden down by the Gentiles (anyone not Jewish), for a period of the Gentiles (holocaust) he then goes on to tell how they will eventually be free..THEY GAINED THEIR INDEPENDENCE IN 1948! "Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass before all is fulfilled"! My step-daughter was born in 1948..she just celebrated her 60th birthday. If she (her generation) is to see these things..it must come soon.
Just what is it that she will see?
Now read Revelations 13. I will paraphrase for understanding. A man (beast) will come, in his 40's, of Muslim descent, and he will have a Christ like appeal to the masses. Some have already called Obama the Messiah! But there's more...much more.
He will cause everyone..to receive a mark either in the palm of their hand or in their forehead, that, no one may buy or sell save he have the mark. Why the palm or forehead? When you stand before a bank teller..WHAT PORTION OF YOU IS VISIBLE TO THE TELLER? It won't be a magic marker symbol..it will likely be inserted by laser and therefore invisible to the naked eye. The entire world will come to recognize this leader as the savior of the world.
It gets worse. What happens if you refuse to take this mark..which, of course, is tantamount to rejecting Jesus Christ and worshiping this beast. You will immediately be executed, on the spot..beheading implied. 30 years ago..such a scenario would have been unimaginable..BUT TODAY..ASK YOURSELF..WHAT IS THE BASIC THEME OF RADICAL MUSLIM'S..KILL INFIDELS..THAT'S ME AND YOU..ANYONE NOT MUSLIM. That's how they score points for getting to heaven..by the number of infidels they kill. It's how they claim their reward of 72 virgins, and we are about to elect one to the highest office in our nation.
But now I understand. You have all seen some science fiction movie whereby a woman might be standing before some stone statue, or some wild appearing image, swaying, dancing, completely oblivious to what is going on around her..SHE IS IN A TRANCE, EYES GLAZED, HYPNOTIZED. So no...people will not see it coming and correct their ways. Look around you..we are about to elect a Muslim of Mid-eastern descent to the White House..and untold millions are looking at him with a glassy eyed stare. If his head were on fire..it would go unnoticed.
Lets take a look at the situation and compare it to biblical prophecy:
The main story of the beast is found in Revelations chapter 13. The passages giving us the time frame is found in Matthew chapter 24. In Matthew, the disciples asked Jesus, "When will these things come to pass". Jesus said, "When you see the fig tree put forth new leaves, know then that it is upon us..even at the door. The fig tree, as agreed on by bible scholars, refers to the Nation of Israel. Jesus went on to say that when you see my people encompassed by armies...etc..Israel is one of the most formidable fighting forces on earth. Then he goes on..The Jews shall be trodden down by the Gentiles (anyone not Jewish), for a period of the Gentiles (holocaust) he then goes on to tell how they will eventually be free..THEY GAINED THEIR INDEPENDENCE IN 1948! "Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass before all is fulfilled"! My step-daughter was born in 1948..she just celebrated her 60th birthday. If she (her generation) is to see these things..it must come soon.
Just what is it that she will see?
Now read Revelations 13. I will paraphrase for understanding. A man (beast) will come, in his 40's, of Muslim descent, and he will have a Christ like appeal to the masses. Some have already called Obama the Messiah! But there's more...much more.
He will cause everyone..to receive a mark either in the palm of their hand or in their forehead, that, no one may buy or sell save he have the mark. Why the palm or forehead? When you stand before a bank teller..WHAT PORTION OF YOU IS VISIBLE TO THE TELLER? It won't be a magic marker symbol..it will likely be inserted by laser and therefore invisible to the naked eye. The entire world will come to recognize this leader as the savior of the world.
It gets worse. What happens if you refuse to take this mark..which, of course, is tantamount to rejecting Jesus Christ and worshiping this beast. You will immediately be executed, on the spot..beheading implied. 30 years ago..such a scenario would have been unimaginable..BUT TODAY..ASK YOURSELF..WHAT IS THE BASIC THEME OF RADICAL MUSLIM'S..KILL INFIDELS..THAT'S ME AND YOU..ANYONE NOT MUSLIM. That's how they score points for getting to heaven..by the number of infidels they kill. It's how they claim their reward of 72 virgins, and we are about to elect one to the highest office in our nation.
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