August 7, 2008

Change

     Each year I get to celebrate Independence Day twice.  On June 30 I celebrate my independence day and on July 4 I celebrate America 's.  This year is special, because it marks the 40th anniversary of my independence.

    On June 30, 1968, I escaped Communist Cuba and a few months later I was in the United Sates to stay.  That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving Day is just part of the story, but I digress. 

     I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year.  The election-year rhetoric has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there.  In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right.  So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.

     When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him.  They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in.  When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed.  When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said "Praise the Lord."  And when the young leader said, "I will be for change and I'll bring you change," everyone yelled, "Viva Fidel!"

     But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent the people's guns had been taken away.  By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed.  By the time everyone received their free education it was worth nothing.  By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him.  By the time the change was finally implemented Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status.  By the time the change was over more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes.  You can call those who made it ashore anywhere else in the world the most fortunate Cubans.  And now I'm back to the beginning of my story.  

     Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised change without asking, what change?  How will you carry it out?  What will it cost America ?

     Would we?
  
Manuel Alvarez Jr.

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

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July 3, 2008

Reducing Property Taxes

 

Property taxes likely will remain the same or will go even higher even as home  and property values drop even further.  Taxpayers are often confused thinking that because their home is worth less, their property tax will be less.

The fact is, nothing much will change unless you find comparable sold homes and engage in a property tax appeal. You’ll need to prove your assessment was wrong. That is not as difficult as many think, especially considering that their often is a 50% error rate in nailing down market value.

Unless your municipal government cuts expenses, wages, early retirements your tax rate will likely not change. Simply put, the sum total of all government expenses divided by the tax base becomes your share of the property tax.

Need help reducing your property taxes? Use these 2 sources:
 http://www.reducehometaxes.com/   Or  reduce property taxes at   http:www.propertytaxax.com

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May 24, 2008

SCHOOL Check — 1957 vs. 2007

Scenario:  Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.
1957 -
Vice Principal comes over to check, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.

2007 -
School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counsellors called in for traumatized students and teachers.  

Scenario
:  Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.
1957 -
Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 -
Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charges checked in against them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.  

Scenario
:  Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.
1957 -
Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still in check and does not disrupt class again.
2007 -
Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.  

Scenario
:  Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 -
Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 -
Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse.  Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang.  State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison.  Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.  

Scenario
:  Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.
1957 -
Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.
2007 -
Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Police check up demands a car search for drugs and weapons.  

Scenario
:  Pedro fails high school English.
1957 -
Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.
2007 -
Pedro's cause is take n up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher.  English banned from core curriculum.  Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.  

Scenario
:  Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1957 -
Ants die.
2007 -
BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with  domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario
:  Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary.  Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 -
In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 -
Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

I wish this could hit every e-mail…what's going on with the world?? 
 

 

Pass it on to all your budds…and maybe some politicians.
 

 

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April 4, 2008

Plain Personal Checks

 

You can see personal checks you can order choices if you are inclined to the plain variety of bank checks. These "plain" checks come in a variety of styles and also in plain fresco patterns, plain filigree plus a many other designs that you have to look at since description does not justify a good look.

There are also huge choices of personal check styles that incorporate just about any motif you have in mind. These motif checks are rotated in 4 similar scenes that add variety to your bank checks.

You’ll save about 50% by dealing direct with the manufacturer and save on sales tax. Shipping is fast and you don’t have to waste time or energy to order. Many discount offers for second box of checks for only 49 cents!

You can order plain personal checks that incorporate a large range of designs.

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January 9, 2008

Football Design Personal Checks

Define your fan status when you order personal checks and order accessories inspired by the sports team of your choice.

Over 40  great colleges and schools to choose from locate the design or your school at Identity Checks.  Order matching personal  labels, Printed Leather Checkbook cover or wallet has you covered!

There are fans and then there are flat-out football fanatics. Which one are you?

Order checks online for: South Carolina #1 Fan Personal Checks  -  Syracuse® Logo Personal Checks  - Syracuse® #1 Fan Personal  Checks   - Syracuse®  Personal Checks   - Penn State -  Syracuse University - Tennessee® Personal Checks   - Tennessee® #1 Fan Personal  Checks   - Texas A&M® Logo Personal Checks   - Texas A&M® #1 Personal Bank  Checks   - Texas Tech™ Logo Personal  Checks   - Texas Tech™ #1 Fan Personal Checks   - University of Michigan - U.S. Military Academy® Logo Personal  Bank Checks   - U.S. Military Academy® Personal Checks   - U.S. Naval Academy™ Logo Personal Checks   - U.S. Naval Academy™ Personal Checks   - USC® Logo Personal Checks   - USC® Personal Checks   - Vanderbilt® Logo Personal Checks   - Virginia® Logo Personal Checks   - Virginia® #1 Fan Personal Checks   - Virginia Tech® Logo Personal Checks   - Virginia Tech® #1 Fan Personal Checks   - Wake Forest™ Logo Personal Checks   - Washington® Logo Personal Checks   - Washington® #1 Fan Personal Checks   - West Virginia Logo Personal Checks   - West Virginia® #1 Fan Personal Checks   - Wisconsin® Logo Personal Checks   - Wisconsin® #1 Fan Personal Checks  and more.

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November 27, 2007

Checks to Internet Money Making

I’ve been guilty writing personal checks orders for how to make money on the internet. Internet marketing nightmares come to many who venture into what the hucksters taut as “easy money.” They cite the lucky few.

Many have a hard time trying to figure out just who on the net has integrity and who misses the target. In the meantime you might be writing many personal checks for their products and training, or using PayPal with meager results. The big challenge; whether they are worth it or not. Often labor saving software is offered where returns may be in doubt.

There are rebranded and watered down products that don’t deliver and in no time you’ll be suffering from info overload in your email. Checking Email can be very time consuming and it seems as though it is hard to discern the garbage from the good things.

The internet can be a misleading arena and there is NO chart for success. Like any profitable business it takes HARD WORK.  To read more about the dirty laundry negatives check:  http://www.nitromarketing.com/blog/dirty-laundry-report/

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October 10, 2007

Personal Checks Order

When you’re running out of personal checks and you need replacements, choose from a large variety of styles and check designs at as site where coupon discounts direct from 6 check manufacturers are available. Not only do you get the biggest selection of bank checks online, you’ll have the luxury of time to make your best possible choice.

Most of personal check orders that banks offer are higher priced and you can get a better deal online especially at foxychecks.com where you’ll find an abundant choice. Some money and look over the manufacturers coupons … you’ll see savings that can’t be beat.

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September 28, 2007

Schnauzer Dog Checks

Schnauzer Dog Checks Honors Your Best Friend And Companion.

If you have a Schnauzer in your life, you'll want to view these Checks by artist Linda Picken.

The artists rendition of the  Schnauzers bearded grin and furry eyebrows complemented by their sturdy build is a tribute that any Schnauzer dog lover would cherish.

 

Acclaimed wildlife artist and friend to animals Linda Picken's careful study captures the Schnauzer's playful spirit soulful devotion and loving nature with remarkable sensitivity in four champion Schnauzer dog check portraits fit for the dog  of your heart. The Schnauzer check art is  true-to-life you'll want to give each one a pat on the head 

Schnauzer Dog Personal Checks

Schnauzer dog check art designs are available exclusively and are expertly re-created with premium-quality check printing. Carry your best friend with you as an artistic reminder of the enduring impression that your faithful Schnauzer has on your life.

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