> Speaking of out of context blasts: How is
> the memo writing coming along? Seems to
> always be good for more than a grin.

Well, or, err, so-so. I've moved up in the world. Now I'm writing letters. Attached to the bottom is one to William Gates III.

> I know
> where to put my bet, the only question is
> timing! My 2cents would be to do both and
> see which pays off best. That is if you have
> any time to develop an online biz in between
> all those exciting assignments.

I am constantly working in between. A little less on online projects and a little more offline though.

Thank you for the encouragement, BTW.

Have you
> read what JohnTReed says about Robert
> Kiyosaki and education? I mostly agree with
> Reed, but "RichDad" does give one
> a good perspective of biz structure for
> taxes.

No, what does he say?

Here's my letter:

Dear Bill Gates,

Here is one crisp, new dollar bill.

This one dollar represents approximately .004% of my annual income. I am sending it to you in good faith. I am looking for an equal donation on a percentage basis from your arguably much heavier pocket to help some very good people.

I want you to donate $3,000,000 to our Seattle Branch of Habitat for Humanity this year.

We build simple, affordable housing with the sweat of volunteers and the generous donations of hundreds of small business owners across the country. Habitat has built over 45,000 homes across the United States in the last 23 years.

I am writing to you, Mr. Gates, because no one in our organization has dared to before. I am writing to you because I want to impress upon you the need our organization has for extra resources to build homes.

We need your $3 million dollar donation for the resources to construct 65 new houses for families in the Seattle area.

These families are hard working Americans. They are mothers and fathers who want to give their kids better lives. They are brothers and sisters who simply want the same opportunities as their better off counterparts. They are families that are struggling, but with our help, they will have, for the first time in their lives, their very own homes.

The children can grow up in homes, instead of moving yearly. They can stay at one school for more than a few short years. They can grow up and become even more so the good people they are.

And undoubtedly, lifelong Microsoft customers. Scratch that, raving fans.

Please support us with your donation. Contact me this week and we can set up an appointment to iron out the details. Or just send the check to “Habitat for Humanity” care of our director, Judy Wells (123 Main St. Seattle, WA 55555).

Sincerely,

Erik Lukas
Habitat for Humanity

P.S. I’m sure I don’t have to explain the tax implications of a charitable donation to you, but that’s just one more benefit in addition to helping so many wonderful people.

(Plus I'll be including a hula hoop as an attention grabber)