Real Estate

Silent Title: Not a Silver Bullet

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The newest financial elixir to hit the American scene is the quiet title concept. Many consumers are under the impression that a quiet title action will get them a free home. Could not be farther from the truth. Why would I know? Because I wrote a continuing legal education credits workshop for lawyers.

The workshop has been approved in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Nevada. I have been holding workshops across the country on this topic and have had the opportunity to speak with homeowners facing foreclosure, real estate investors, mortgage professionals, and attorneys. After understanding what the concept actually is, everyone got a better understanding.

Silent title is designed to minimize litigation. Plain and simple. When you file this type of action, you are bringing a lawsuit against anyone who has a registered interest in your property. When you compare a foreclosure defense lawsuit to a quiet title, the difference is night and day. The current legal system encourages homeowners to seek the advice of attorneys to represent them in a foreclosure. But, and this is a big BUT. If the attorney is inexperienced in securitization, assignments, automatic signatures, notary fraud, and many other facets of what actually happened, he will be lost in court.

Well, now you feel comfortable because your brother-in-law found you a good lawyer who understands you. Here is the scenario that has occurred throughout the country. The well-meaning lawyer represents him in court, but what is he really doing? He’s trying to drag out the foreclosure process. Paying a lawyer monthly instead of the bank generates cheap rent for you. But, you MUST continue to fund your lawyer’s efforts. At the end of the day, when the lights go out, the lawyer comes up to him and says “we won.” You won what? You earned a dismissal without prejudice. This means that the opposing lawyer simply tells the judge: “see you next month, because we will be back.”

Now you get the image. The foreclosure defense is based solely on your financial ability to pay attorney and court costs.

Now, let’s take a look at what a silent title action is. In this type of action, you simply become the plaintiff and not the defendant. This is an important move. In a foreclosure defense action, you are the defendant. But let’s reverse the scenario. Let’s put the ball on the opponent’s two-yard line and you’ll drive it into the end zone. All you need is a lawyer who understands this implementation of the law.

A lawsuit is filed against anyone with a registered interest. How do you find this out? It has performed a title search and will reveal who has a registered interest or link. I know of an example here in Southwest Florida where a lawyer and real estate broker paid a bank $153,000 cash for a house in a foreclosure sale and the bank DID NOT OWN THE HOUSE. Knowing who has a registered interest is the real purpose of a smooth title action. Once you have notified the party(ies) that you have a registered interest, this is where the ice thickens.

They MUST PROVE to the court that they have an interest in your property. This has nothing to do with how much is owed. A quiet title action is heard under contract law and not under wrong law. Therefore, the amount of the debt is NEVER debated or disputed. The argument is who has an interest that is verifiable. YES, he told the judge, “Your Honor, I have a certified check to pay off my loan.” “Can you tell opposing counsel to return my original promissory note when I pay this debt?” It will never happen because the note was used as a financing mechanism when your loan was sold on Wall St. I can go on and on about this, but I wanted to touch on the logic of this topic.

Once served, the defendant(s) MUST respond within twenty days or, in some jurisdictions, thirty days. Yes, some homeowners have won a quiet title lawsuit and gotten the property for free. BUT, that’s weird. A good quiet title action will eliminate the real interested parties, giving you the opportunity to sit down at the table and negotiate with the real lender. This saves thousands of dollars in litigation costs when dealing with shell lenders, utility companies, and others who have no “skin in the game” or as the legal arena refers to as “no position.”

Respectfully, Regis Sauger Author/Speaker

Shopping Product Reviews

How to be a master in the game (Winning Eleven)!

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There are many ways to become a game master and I will tell you the qualification to be a game master not only to win but you can apply this in all games!

1. You must like the game!

I think this is very important because if you don’t like the game and enjoy it. It’s not good for you even if you master the game you hate. For example, if you like to win eleven like me, you must know about soccer and its things. I probably have a friend who likes WE but doesn’t like soccer! from the first game to forever with me he can’t win. If you know soccer, you can learn the techniques and know who the good players are. And just information, I don’t like horror games and I never play those kind of games.

2. Watch the game!

You should try to observe what the game service is for you. Like in WE, you can use tactics and control your player to attack or defend more. This is important to upgrade your level to mastery level. First, maybe you only need to know about the basic strategy of the game, but when you play longer, you need to know a more expert part of your games. But if you already know the expert part of your games, it will improve your game significantly (Trust me!). From my experience, when I play WE, I only know how to substitute players, then I learn how to do strategy and tactics.

3. You must want to learn and practice!

After you like that game. This is the important part too. when you know a lot about your game, it’s useless if you don’t test it. You can be a master depending on how many times you train. The day before playing with my friend I usually train my skill and play computer first. You must train step by step from the easiest to the most difficult or you can train “shooting star”, which means you train directly to the most difficult. In this type, you will surely lose a lot of comp time in the first time, but you will gain your skill and significant confidence.

4. Never give up!

This is also important. Because if you give up, it’s all over and you become a loser. So never give up. If you don’t give up, believe me, you are the champion.

5. Share with others!

Hey let’s share our skill!! because when we share with others, we can correct our mistake. (we never know our mistake before someone tells us, right?) In the same way we can improve our strength. Let’s share guys!!

Sports

Are you committed enough to do the Herschel Walker workout routine and get ripped?

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If you are considering the Herschel Walker training program, you better choose the right one! That is unless you are the new “Herschel” or intend to become it. The Herschel Walker training program offers two different possible definitions. Regardless of which flavor you decide to embrace, however, it can have built-in sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, and dips. When you review the exercise regimen, it should be clear to you that this is either Herschel Walker’s workout as outlined in the book “Basic Training” or the one that Walker himself has performed throughout his adult life.

Many people choose to take the Herschel Walker training program as the exercise that is talked about as part of their book, not their personalized regimen. You don’t want to confuse the two training routines because Herschel is truly a genetically blessed, especially driven outstanding athlete who takes his own exercises very seriously! The staying power of him, not to mention the actual physical potential and determination of his diet, are legendary.

So what exactly is the main difference between the training that comes from your book and your own private training? Well, a simple answer is that your training in your book is designed for mere mortals! Herschel Walker was among the greatest sports athletes in American football, playing for the NJ Generals, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants. He also has a fifth-degree black belt in tae kwon do, practically made it to the Olympics in the sprint relay, and competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics in the two-man bobsled, finishing seventh. This man is a bit unusual.

He explained in a 2010 radio interview that he always performs 3,500 sit-ups and also 1,000 push-ups a day, the exact regimen he’s fanatically followed since school. Alternative sources have also stated that she does 1,500 pull-ups, while others are adamant that she also does 1,000 dips a day. Although some insist that the dives are not validated.

So we all need to realize we are mortal moms and see what the Herschel Walker training program is all about. It’s actually very similar to his other workout routine, however, with the number of repetitions reduced. Once again, from his book ‘Herschel Walker Basic Training’, he brings out precisely what he interprets as a much more sensible exercise to begin with. He proposes a thousand push-ups, 1000 sit-ups, a thousand push-ups along with 1000 squats. This really should be done every day!

This valuable workout is truly tremendous and too intense for almost everyone. On the other hand, if you think it suits your needs, start with fewer repetitions every day and gradually increase until the number of repetitions increases. Don’t avoid doing the exercises for at least four weeks and you can measure your progress and then any effect will be significant.

Herschel Walker’s exercise program is unique in a way. You don’t work with weights. The workouts are bodyweight exercises that provide conditioning and sculpting. For example, push-ups, performed as a program every day, work every muscle in your core and build ideal strength in your forearms and wrists. The sit-ups improve the stomach muscles and the pull-ups take care of the shoulders and arms.

Achieving success at anything requires a good work ethic. This is what sets Herschel apart from all the other players, hard work is part of his ethos, and this is his raison d’être. This perspective becomes necessary if he plans to achieve success with his exercise program.

Dedication, commitment and psychological strength are often the most difficult parts of Walker’s training plan. In everyday life, as with exercise, these principles have more to do with producing winners than anything else. If you’re not ready to carry out this regimen every day, a day off will become another day off before your program ends. When training is an ongoing section of your lifestyle and an immovable part of your personal schedule, that neat exercise can give you all the guaranteed benefits. It is important to be consistent, it is said that for almost 30 years Herschel has done the same exercise routine and has never taken a day off that was not planned.

The unconventionality and focus of the Herschel Walker exercise program will definitely put many people off. Maybe they don’t think they have enough time, or maybe they feel like it. Which isn’t a problem, but when you’re starting out, it’s essential to expect to work, and to work flat out and repetitively every day. That’s when you’ll see and feel the benefits and all that work may have paid off.

Technology

best selling wholesale products

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eBay has been a game changer when it comes to online wholesale businesses. The convergence of shoppers with the advent of advances in the Internet and e-commerce has changed the way people shop. Now virtually anything can be bought or sold. This online marketplace has seen a huge increase in the number of members one, who are trying their hand at establishing and improving their own wholesale business and two, the buyers of these products.

It is difficult for anyone to set up an online wholesale business overnight because whatever business niche they choose, hundreds of entrepreneurs are already way too far along with them well established and selling products at slim margins. The most important factor for your success is choosing the right product to sell. Here is a list of the best selling wholesale products online:

1. Gadgets – Gadgets have always been among the most important purchases of all time. It’s a form of extreme indulgence, especially for men, to brag to your colleagues and keep up with the latest technology. Some of them are more notable, including

o Mobile phone amplifiers: they are useful to improve the RF signal required by mobile phones.

o Mobile phones and PDAs

Apple iPod and iPhone

2. Clothing: Women’s clothing, children’s clothing, western fashion clothing, and clothing for oversized people are in high demand.

3. Watches and jewelry: they include a range of products from very low-end to high-end. Watches are a big hit with men.

4. Nutritional Supplements: Consumers prefer to buy diet pills and various sexual stimulants as it ensures their anonymity is maintained.

5. Toys – Buying affordable second-hand toys is also a big hit, high-quality toys that are out of reach for the usual middle class are highly sought after.

6. Computer Software: Inexpensive versions of various software are a big hit with people of all ages. Licensed software and games available at cheaper prices are a big hit.

7. Fragrances: Samples of used products and perfumes are sold. Empty perfume bottles are used as souvenirs.

8. Books – mainly limited edition books.

9. Car Accessories – Used parts for luxury cars are in high demand.

10. Hand tools, mostly second hand and used.

SaleHoo is a great place to search for wholesale suppliers and manufacturers of various products. It ensures the authenticity of the suppliers and ensures that the best quality and genuine products are provided. SaleHoo has become a great alternative to eBay for wholesale businesses.

Business

The Most Powerful 21 Minutes in a Leaders Day by John Maxwell – A Review

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Leadership is not developed in a day, but daily and nothing is free even in Freetown. If you’re ready to pay the prize to enhance your leadership potential, then The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day is one of the books you need. No matter where you are right now, you can reach new, higher levels of effectiveness and greatness through the wisdom in this book. It takes time to become a leader; The ability to lead is actually a set of skills, almost all of which can be learned and honed. This book will help you improve yourself and his leadership in this day and age.

Based on the revised and updated tenth edition of his New York Times bestseller “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” Dr. John C. Maxwell presents a daily plan to help you grow as a leader in your personal, professional, and spiritual life through through this his leadership book: The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day. This book is an excellent leadership course that every leader and aspiring or emerging leader should follow. In this volume, you’ll meet leaders who modeled Dr. John Maxwell’s leadership principles positively or negatively.

In this book, John C. Maxwell wrote that “every leadership lesson I’ve ever taught has been based on biblical principles. Now, in The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day, I’m bringing Biblical leadership to the Examining the lives of the great leaders of the Bible, we learn more about leadership and apply the principles we learn in our daily lives. This is a leadership tool designed to help you develop the leader within and around you.

John C. Maxwell is an internationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, and author whose books have sold more than 13 million copies. His organizations have trained more than two million leaders around the world. Dr. John C. Maxwell is the founder of Equip and Injoy Stewardship Services. This great book is published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Nothing is a sacrifice unless it costs you something, so make the sacrifice to better yourself, your leadership, and your people through the wisdom of this masterpiece. This book will help you realize your leadership potential, figure it out, pray for it, live it, and pass it on. I tell you, this book will revitalize your spirit and empower your leadership.

© IFEANYI ENOCH ONOUHA

Home Kitchen

Refresh your kitchen with innovative and creative kitchen countertops

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Do you want to remodel your kitchen with minimal changes and costs? Are you looking for a way to enhance the style of your kitchen? If yes, then you can go for kitchen countertops and say goodbye to your sober looking kitchen in a smart way. By installing beautiful kitchen work surfaces, you can add life to the look of your kitchen.

The biggest advantage of kitchen countertops is that they look luxurious but are reasonably priced. There is a wide range of countertops to choose from. Depending on the colors, styles, designs and materials, you can choose. There are unique colors of laminate countertops that can be chosen to match the look of other kitchen fixtures and décor.

If you’re looking for a combination of durability and style, laminate kitchen countertops may suit you. They are available in different surface finishes, designs and colours. They are durable and can last for many years. They consist of a resistant layer of laminate on wood. The most popular brands of laminate countertops include countertops from Axiom, Duropal, Minerelle, and Bushboard. You can choose to imitate the effects of marble, granite, wood, and other similar natural materials using these countertops.

The contemporary patterns and style of the kitchen countertops are simply stunning. The variety of laminate coverings in a wide range of styles is suitable to suit the style of your kitchen. You can choose a countertop that matches the most decent or eye-catching designs for your kitchen. From exotic walnut and mahogany finishes to timeless modern oak, there is a wide range of kitchen countertops to choose from.

One of the biggest advantages of Laminate Kitchen Countertops is that they are very easy to clean. The laminate coating on the countertop effectively protects it against any kind of liquid damage. They are not porous and do not allow any leakage to pass through them, unlike their natural counterparts. They are easy to maintain too. All you need to do is simply clean them with an antibacterial cleaner. Doing this daily will keep them pristine and safe for years to come.

When it comes to price and convenience, laminate countertops provide you with a suitable option. They are hard to beat when it comes to durability. Coupled with a wide range of designs to choose from and easy maintenance, they are a perfect choice for any homemaker. You can take help from the internet to browse through the pictures of available countertops. There are many trusted vendors like blingyourkitchen who also offer online ordering services.

When these countertops are paired with matching kitchen accessories, they can certainly enhance your home décor. If you are looking to revamp or refresh your kitchen with minimal expense, opting for stylish countertops for your kitchen is a smart move at any time.

Digital Marketing

Free lead system to help capture more leads to turn them into gold

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The free lead system for any online and offline business

The Free Lead System is a ready-to-use system for online and offline sellers and helps sellers get unlimited number of leads on autopilot. The system offers unlimited lead capture pages, administrative support with autoresponders, a marketing funnel, educational videos on internet marketing, and Google Hangouts.

By having the Free Lead System, entrepreneurs get the benefit of having a marketing platform that allows the online entrepreneur to get leads and earn substantial income from their business. By having a primary marketing system, one can introduce more people to their business. This lead marketing tool provides an easy way to earn money online and those who work hard and put in effort can earn very high income from this tool. This Lead Marketing program provides a ready-to-use marketing funnel along with an autoresponder and marketing materials.

Provide a profitable marketing system.

Those who use the program are supported by a private Facebook group. This system has a FAQ page and a support button. The Free Lead system will get the job done so you can focus on promoting your business by capturing leads and creating new business relationships. The great advantages of the Free Lead System are that it is very simple and easy to use, very powerful and provides an amazing marketing system that is profitable and equipped with advanced tools. Lead Tool ensures the success of your online and offline business by introducing new leads to your business who are very likely to join the business or purchase the products you offer.

The Platform offers three different Plans from which one can select.

map 1

Basic Member: In this Plan, you are provided with the Free Lead Generator which enables you to attract more leads. For completing the lead capture form, you will earn incentives in the form of valuable bonuses. By sending follow-up emails to all potential customers, your network marketing will be more efficient and you will have a better brand online. Your online business will be vigorously promoted with the help of GIF animated banners as well as other online and offline resources. Your online business will get a contact management system and you will be able to access more training facilities for the promotion of your core business. The audios and videos will show you how to earn good income from network marketing. A 7-day free trial is also provided. This Map is 100% free.

map 2

Premium members: This plan also provides you with a sales funnel system as well as ready-to-use lead capture pages. The lead capture page builder requires just one click. The other main features include animated video library, viral video system, built-in autoresponder, and follow-up system. The Contact Management System is very powerful. There is a Referral System and also a set of Promotional Tools. This Plan also provides the Audio and Video Post Card System. Another great advantage of this Plan is that the use of Sales Page Creator, Lead Capture Page Creator and subdomains are unlimited. This Plan allows you to send 30,000 emails in a month without paying additional charges. Text notifications are provided for immediate follow-up from you and you can have a 7-day free trial.

Plan. 3.

Business opportunity

This system allows you to use very powerful marketing tools to promote your business. This Plan gives you a powerful online marketing platform that is well equipped. This plan gives you all the facilities for your business to grow in a sustained manner.

A complete marketing system

The Free Lead System was created by the well-known Power Lead System. The amazing tool works like a complete marketing system with its multiple lead capture pages, email campaign for effective follow-up, and professional video sales page for closing signups. By way of providing a complete marketing system, the Lead Program allows you to build your own email list and start earning commissions from affiliate marketing. At the same time, you can also make sales through the marketing funnel. You can take advantage of solo email ads and autopilot traffic sources as well. The traffic you receive can be converted into leads and ultimately actual sales using the tracking system and capture page.

Income from upgrading customers and affiliates

The program allows you to sell any program of your choice online. The system can be set up as a free lead capture page to promote and sell any offer. The offer you want to promote and sell should be included in the follow-up emails, the video presentation page, and the back office of the system. With the Free Lead System, you can build your email list with a free, high-value offer, and then convert it into Lead Lightning upgrade sales. This will allow you to earn $6 as a commission for every sale worth $7. As a result, your customers and affiliates are upgraded to the Silver membership level or Gold membership level. This will allow you to earn a monthly cash flow commission at the rate of $15/mo per referral and $20/mo per recurring referral.

As a result of upgrading to Silver or Gold membership levels, those customers’ back office will begin showing them Diamond and Platinum membership levels. If they upgrade to Diamond or Platinum level, you are eligible for a commission of $100 and $400 respectively. This will be on top of the $25 and $50 write-offs and also the accelerated leverage fees.

Ensure multiple sources of income

Now it is obvious that the Free Lead System is purely a complete free marketing system that can create leads thus paving the way for a smart marketing campaign through which leads convert into real buyers. This is a 100% ready to use system. It is not necessary to create, build, design or program anything to make use of the System. One can immediately start adding traffic to the system and converting leads. The system is responsible for converting leads into real sales. By simply having the Free Lead system, you can generate income through various avenues.

Relationship

Object Lesson: Golf Balls with Purpose

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This is an object lesson using a golf ball to share the gospel and teach children that if you really love God, you will show your love to others. The Bible verse used to reinforce the teaching is 1 John 4:7-11.

Lesson:

(Show the golf ball.) What was this ball made for? (Being hit by golf clubs and thrown into a hole.) You and I were also created for a purpose, and that purpose is to come to know God in a special way and to love him.

This ball did not come about by accident. A lot of study and work went into making this ball so that it would fly as far as possible. The core material (which you can’t see) was designed to be the right size, shape, and weight so that it can be hit at long distances. Some are also designed to give the ball more spin to give a good golfer more control. The material for the cover also had to be designed to perfection. It has to be soft enough so there is less friction as the ball moves through the air and strong enough to take hits from golf clubs. Even the number, size, and shape of the dimples on the ball have been thoroughly studied. They even have a specific purpose.

You and I did not arise by accident either. In Genesis 1, God’s Word makes it clear that he created us. He didn’t make us just to do something; he had a reason. He wants you and I to get to know him in a special way and learn to truly love him.

There is no waste material in a golf ball. Every part has a plan and a purpose, even the parts you can’t see. Hours and hours of study and work have been invested in the elaboration of this ball, all with a basic purpose; so that the golfer can hit the ball as far as possible without breaking it. You and I were also created with a purpose, to know God in a special way and learn to love him. You begin to fulfill that purpose when you believe in the Lord Jesus as your Savior from sin. (Share the gospel message.)

Once you have believed in Jesus, that is just the beginning. To learn to love God, you have to know him. The way to do this is to take time each day to pray, read, and study the Bible and let him be a part of his daily life. In 1 John 4, God tells us that we are to love one another because love comes from God. Since he loves us, we must transmit that love to others. When he shows his love to others; your love for him will continue to grow. If you truly love God, you will show his love to others.

Health Fitness

Introduce yourself and dance… The positive benefits of dancing

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When it comes to cardiovascular and fitness activities, dancing is often overlooked and underestimated. The beautiful thing about many of the styles, types or genres of dance is this: you don’t need a partner. You only need yourself and the right footwear.

Mary, for example, has always liked to dance. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to dance. Or sway to the music. While she saw him dancing, others only saw her move and “bopping” -without much rhythm or style- to the beat of the music; a heartbeat that she heard in her head that many times was not the heartbeat that others heard. In high school, her band teacher told her that she “had no rhythm.” In high school and college, she would laugh when she found herself on the dance floor, oblivious to the people around her, moving to her own beat. In the past, when you attended a school dance or party, boys would come up and ask you to dance. She rarely approached him for a dance. Although shy, her love of dancing allowed her to feel comfortable dancing with herself and alone. Her best friend, whom she considered a “good” dancer (and was always asked to do a dance), said that she looked like a chicken on the dance floor. That was long before the funky chicken dance caught on.

Fast forward, more than 40 years later, Mary is still swaying or moving to the music. Often, in the privacy of her own home. It is the main form of exercise for her. Upon meeting her, I immediately noted her strength, muscle tone, and agility (for a 60-something year old) and concluded that she had a strict exercise regimen; maybe even a personal trainer. When I asked her, she informed me that she takes care of her diet and dances three or four times a week; sometimes alone, in the privacy of her own home; other times, she comes out. Of course, she always dances alone, without a partner. She stated that she has always liked to move to music; and from early childhood, no matter what her schedule, she found time to “sway” to music, even if she could only do it in 15 or 20 minutes. Although Mary enjoys many genres, her favorite is reggae. She said that reggae allows her to “sway” anytime, anywhere.

Dancing is considered a recreational activity and is too often overlooked and underestimated for the positive impact it can have on mental and physical health, especially among active older adults and those with mobility issues. No matter what style, type, or genre of dance you’re interested in (and there are many, ranging from ballroom and tap to reggae and hip hop), there are numerous physical, mental, and social benefits. No matter your age and physical limitations, there are many reasons to dance. Here are my top three:

• FUN! When you relax and let go, you realize that dancing is fun. The music, the rhythm, the movements, even when you skip some or many steps, give you a satisfying experience. For example, some dance genres, such as Zumba® (a Latin-inspired, cardio-based dance and fitness program), create a party atmosphere that is exhilarating, easy to follow, and is great for the mind, body, and body. And the soul. . For me, the fun factor is magnified when the playlist includes some of my personal favorites.

• HEALTH & BEAUTY. Regardless of style, type, or genre, dance provides an opportunity to exercise the entire body. The number of calories burned in an hour varies by body weight and the intensity of the dance routine. However, at moderate to high intensity, dancing can burn approximately 200 calories per hour. It works your core muscles and gives you a good cardio workout. Dancing improves muscle tone, strength, stamina, flexibility, and agility. Increases range of motion and allows joints to move more freely.

• SOCIAL INTERACTION. Dancing is not only an exhilarating form of exercise, but it provides an opportunity to increase your social interactions with like-minded people in a fun, non-judgmental, and safe environment. It gives you the chance to increase your social connections while learning some exciting new skills. Many lasting friendships and relationships began on the dance floor.

It is never too late to start dancing. You don’t need to have rhythm or know how to jump, crouch or kneel. You don’t have to be good (whatever your definition of good is). All you have to do is “pop up and move”, whether your move is marching in place, waving your arms, or swaying from side to side. You can even sit in your chair. It doesn’t matter if you are standing or sitting, just move. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you now and in the future.

Legal Law

Motive and Chance: Are They Necessary to Prove Murder?

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When someone is accused of murder, it is often heard that they had “motive and opportunity” to commit the crime. The prosecutor can use this argument in court. If the case is reported, the media will undoubtedly echo those words. The defense may plead lack of reason or opportunity as part of its defense. But is motivation and opportunity required to condemn?

Every crime has what are called elements. The elements of the offense are those that must be proven to convict the defendant. For example, to convict a defendant of murder, the prosecution must prove that the defendant killed the victim and that he did so with premeditation. Malice basically means intent to kill.

No motive or opportunity to commit the crime is required to prove the defendant’s guilt. So why are these words so often uttered in court?

The motive is because the accused murdered. Money and sex are common motives. A recently purchased life insurance policy or jealousy over an affair are potentially strong motives, for example.

If the defendant had a motive to kill the victim, such evidence is relevant to showing that he did, in fact, kill the victim. The defense can point to others who also had possible motives. Or they may argue that the defendant’s motive was not sufficient to prompt him to kill.

Although proving the defendant’s guilt is not required, motive is often much debated at trial. That’s because people have a strong need to know why. And in our jury system, the people are the ones who decide guilt.

Killing is an extreme act, generally seen as outside the norm of human behavior. It is natural for a jury to want to know why someone would commit such an act. It’s also natural for jurors to want to hear a good reason before they feel comfortable convicting someone of murder, with the possibility of life in prison or even death.

The opportunity to commit the crime is a bit more obvious. Opportunity is also something basic that people want to see try, even if it is not required.

Was the defendant in the area where the crime occurred? Was he familiar with the area? Did he have transportation, if necessary? Was there no alibi to verify that the defendant was elsewhere? Or if the defendant had an alibi, was it an alibi that could be challenged?

Although these questions are not technically required to be answered to prove a defendant’s guilt, they are things that any jury would want to know. Therefore, the prosecution must answer those questions if they want to secure a conviction. And the defense would benefit from keeping such questions active in the jury’s mind, if possible, raising doubts about whether the defendant could have committed the crime.

Questions of motive and timing show that criminal trials are often about more than strictly determining whether the prosecution has proven the elements of the crime. They also try to answer the very human questions of why people commit crimes.

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