The worship of style

At first, you might think it is the elegant figure, a matchless style, and mysterious allure.  With or without makeup, she is always put together and utterly self confident, imbued with natural, some could be insolently thin, casually chic and fashionable despite simple wardrobe. I am reluctant to write about fashion. It does not fascinate…

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One for Marawi

MILITARY operations against the Maute terror group in Marawi City continues to rage on. After four weeks of clashes, the conflict has claimed the lives of 59 soldiers, three policemen, 26 civilians, 257 Islamic State (IS)-linked gunmen. More than 300,000 have fled the city while 200 were left behind, either trapped or captured as hostages…

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Father knows best

My father is the kind of man I’ve always dreamed of:  kind to the weak, fierce to the arrogant, generous to those who loved him, ruthless to those who will order him around. Today as a whole nation of sons and daughters pause to remember their fathers, I thought of how little I really know…

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Exempt property in bankruptcy

ONE of the goals of bankruptcy is to allow debtor-filers to start anew.  This means that after filing bankruptcy and getting a discharge of their debts, these debtors will be in a position to move on financially. Allowing these debtors to keep certain basic assets despite a bankruptcy filing is one way of helping debtor…

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How to handle IRS correspondence audit

THERE are three basic types of IRS audits: correspondence, office, and field examinations. Let’s discuss correspondence audits. 1. Do not be afraid to open mails from the IRS. If you are, here’s an antidote to your dilemma: imagine that it’s a refund check. I have seen unopened mail with 30-day letters and 90-day letters (Stationary…

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God and his mercy

GOD knows those of us who work so hard and who patiently fulfill our responsibilities and obligations. God knows our fidelity and our persistence, despite our struggles, pains, dilemmas, heartaches, and disappointments. God knows our generosity, kindness, and compassion to others. He knows our true motives. And so, despite any false opinions of others regarding…

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In honor of all fathers in the world

The genesis has elaborately provided us with the accurate knowledge about Creation and Adam, being the first ever human being justifiably symbolizes the supremacy of man over the rest. Man’s role since had been associated with fatherhood…as somebody who sires, rears, and provides for his offspring. A father, aside from being known as the male…

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The July 2017 priority dates

Each month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date…

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What to do if ICE comes to your home, workplace or public space

ON April 10, 2017, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) released a “Know Your Rights Handouts” available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Portuguese to inform the public about the rights of undocumented immigrants who may come into contact with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during home visits, workplace raids and public stops. …

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Red meat and cancer

A DIET high in processed meat (sausages, luncheon meats, etc.) may increase the risk of carnivores developing pancreatic cancer by almost 70 percent, reported a recent major study that was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute and released to the public in October 2005. The report showed “an average of 41 cases…

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‘To be or not to be’

Hamlet, the prince of problems, stimulates us to think about the challenges of living in the real world. In his soliloquy “To be or not to be” — the single most recognizable passage in western literature — we contemplate  a serious issue. Is it better to endure suffering or end one’s life to take a…

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2017 guide for rental property owners and managers

THE bills described in this Rental Property Owner and Mangers Guide are rental housing related bills that were signed into law in 2016 and become effective January 1, 2017 unless otherwise specified. Certified Access Specialist Inspections AB 2093. Beginning January 1, 2017 to make sure that properties are in compliance with disability access laws,  commercial…

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Getting caught flatfooted

IT looks like we will not yet see the end of the speculation and argument over whether the Resorts World incident was a terrorist attack or one perpetrated by a despondent gambler. While forensic amateurs, Facebook detectives and the sensationalist media are fanning the embers of intrigue and conspiracy, Resorts World lawyers and the government…

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Silent partner

AS FILIPINOS celebrated their nation’s 119th Independence Day on Monday, June 12, the U.S. congratulated the Philippines and emphasized the enduring U.S.-PH alliance built on “shared democratic values, growing commerce, and strong people-to-people ties.” “The United States proudly stands with the Philippines as a longstanding ally, especially as the country confronts challenges associated with terrorism…

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Rights of employees who work 7 days a week

CHRISTOPHER Mendoza and Meagan Gordon are former sales associates of Nordstrom, Inc., a retail chain with locations throughout California. Mendoza and Gordon worked more than six consecutive days in a week with some shifts that lasted six hours or less. Both employees sued Nordstrom claiming that the employer failed to provide them the required day…

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15 dont’s during an IRS office audit

1. DON’T volunteer information. A typical agent is a low-key, friendly agent. They get your guard down by playing a nice guy role. Don’t be deceived by it. Remember that he (includes her) is not on your side. He may appear to be, but he is not. 2. Don’t be a blabbermouth. Taxpayers are scared…

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Is the travel ban still alive?

QUESTION:  I have friends in the countries which Trump wants to still do his travel ban. I know it was denied. Is it still ongoing or could it still happen? Answer: Yes, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals had granted the injunction and made it nationwide. However, the government has now submitted the request for…

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