1.   These are often ad hoc verbal discussions between the individuals directly affected, sometimes requiring official blessing, sometimes requiring no further action.

2.   Indeed, the Worldcom-MCI deal will require the blessing of the Department of Justice, the Federal Communications Commission, state regulatory agencies and the European Commission.

3.   It requires their blessing for the continuation of help from the international providers of money.

4.   The peacekeeping force, which requires the blessing of the U.N. Security Council, would be organized and led by Australia.

5.   When pharmaceutical magnate Ewing Kauffman made a posthumous gift of the Royals to his hometown, it was an unusual deal requiring the blessing of the IRS.

6.   However, the papal visit requires the blessing of the Romanian Orthodox Church, who has set certain conditions.

7.   In their draft statement, the EU said such a move would require the blessing of the U.N. Security Council.