| #: |
From / Date: |
Question / Answer: |
| 8026. |
leonard
columbia, sc Age: 36 Sep 6, 2010
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tor, hushmail etc.
Is using tunneler type browsing such as tor or metrotunnel worth it, or does it just raise red flags and actually draw attention to oneself? Same with encrypted email such as hushmail.
My thought is that if enough people are using these tools then it doesn't draw any attention. What are your thoughts? Thank you.
...
I'll let you readers answer this one, as I do not use any of the above.
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| 8025. |
Iris
king George, VA Age: 42 Sep 6, 2010
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prepaid cell
I have also gotten prepaid cell phones at alot of Dollar store/Family Dollar type stores. No questions asked; just pay cash.
I'm currently using a Walmart Smart talk phone. Good value for the money for regular use, reload with card purchased with cash, and have not had too many spots where it lost signal (same locations that my old Verizon contract phone lost signals).
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| 8024. |
Maria
Los Angeles, CA Age: 35 Sep 6, 2010
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Radio Shack vs Best Buy - Prepaid Cell Phones
A few months ago, I purchased a T-Mobile prepaid cellphone from Best Buy with cash. I specifically like T-Mobile because it offers the most minutes for what you pay. Not to mention, they don't charge additional random fees like the other companies.
Fast forward to yesterday. I purchased another T-Mobile prepaid cellphone, but this time at Radio Shack b/c it was on sale. Once again, I used cash. The clerk asked for my phone number, name and address. I asked why and he said that it was required for the receipt. I told him that I'd rather not provide that information. He stated that I could provide random information. He actually assisted me with the information b/c he realized that I wasn't going to supply my real information.
Moral of the story, go to Best Buy, Target or other places for prepaid mobile phones. If a store (Radio Shack) is insistent upon your information, then supply alias information or random information.
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| 8023. |
Teresa
Lewiston, Idaho Age: 48 Sep 5, 2010
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Physicians' Forms
In my experience, this all depends on (a) how you pay; (b) how you present yourself; (c) the location (i.e., big city); ((d) the physician in question.
I have gone to physicians, given my true name, marked through the field for my SSN (cash--no insurance info). Once a clerk insisted on my SSN, and when I pointed out that I was paying in cash, it wasn't necessary. Another lady sitting behind her said, "She's right--we don't need it. Just go ahead and process her information."
I once or twice went to physicians (one-time visits), gave an alias, and, because I paid cash on the barrel and gave no insurance info, no one questioned me about my SSN or anything else.
I suspect one might run into this sort of thing if you're seen for something that might require narcotics, or in a bigger city--just a coin-toss.
It really was of no import to me since one has to accrue a HUGE amount in medical expenses to deduct them on taxes, so....
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| 8022. |
Brad
Woodstock, IL Age: 26 Sep 5, 2010
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NM LLC
I know NM LLCs are for privacy purposes. But I was hoping someone could explain something to me. Supposing I procure a NM LLC, and I build an online website and sell products and or e-books, can I do so legally without getting a tax id number?
I know I need a tax id to open a bank account and for tax purposes, but is it possible to run a business online and make money and not have a tax id? I'm guessing if the business is a success the IRS will want to know where all this money is coming from, since there are no annual reports with a NM LLC, etc.
...
A single-member LLC will raise no flags because the LLC is "transparent." (You do not mention the LLC on your tax return.) To the best of my knowledge no separate tax ID number is needed for business; income is reported in your OWN name, Schedule C. Also, you can use a personal bank account for business, as outlined in SKIP COLLEGE: Go Into Business For Yourself, without revealing your true name to your customers.
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| 8021. |
John
Virginia Beach, Va Age: 39 Sep 5, 2010
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Re: Danny 8016 passports
We were having dinner with friends last night and they mentioned that because they were married in St. Lucia, they are eligible for citizenship and passports. They mentioned it in passing because they thought it was funny (they are not privacy minded and had found this out not too long ago. They've been married 5 yrs), but this may be a way for those interested to easily get these things if you are getting married.
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| 8020. |
Alex
Lisburn, UK Age: 36 Sep 5, 2010
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Student loans
I saw a smart infographic on the value - or lack thereof - of getting a student loan; See the link at the end of this article for that one.
Submitted Link #1: http://www.boingboing.net/2010/09/03/the-student-l...
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| 8019. |
Seth
collbran, co Age: 50 Sep 4, 2010
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Routine Physician Forms
"How can I give the semblence of having signed the offending forms, without them having any usefulness for the physician?"
Why would you want to? You took the right course by declining the contract. The physician has every right to impose such conditions on his provision of services, and you have no right to defraud him by trying to escape the contract. I believe a court would hold in favor of the doctor if it came down to it, because a contract is a "meeting of the minds" and if you used a subterfuge to evade the contractual obligation, you would be violating the agreement that the document was intended to ratify.
You can cross out contractual provisions, but the other party to the contract can repudiate the contract if he does not agree with the amendment.
By the same token, if you DO cross out a provision (and I have done so many times) and the office personnel accept the form and provide the service, then they, as agents for the doctor, have ratified the amendment and it's binding.
You ran into office personnel who were properly trained by their office manager not to accept a patient who refuses to sign the arbitration waiver. That's their job, after all, so you should have no complaint with them. That physician and you did not see eye-to-eye on the conditions of his professional service, so you have to find another provider. It's that simple.
And while I do not like arbitration clauses, nor will I agree to them, I fully support the right of anyone to put contractual conditions on their services intended to protect them against ruinous lawsuits, and doctors are at the top of the list. Doctors who have such protections likely have lower rates because their insurance is less costly, and that's beneficial to people like me who pay for their own medical care.
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| 8018. |
Randy
Johnston, IA Age: 47 Sep 4, 2010
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Steve Jobs Is Watching You: Apple Seeking to Patent Spyware
From the article at the link below:
"This is dangerous in two ways: First, it is far more than what is needed just to protect you against a lost or stolen phone. It's extremely privacy-invasive and it puts you at great risk if Apple's data on you are compromised. But it's not only the biometric data that are a concern. Second, Apple's technology includes various types of usage monitoring — also very privacy-invasive."
Submitted Link #1: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/08/steve-jobs-w...
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| 8017. |
Walt
Ft. Lauderdale, FL Age: 46 Sep 4, 2010
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routine physician forms
Yesterday I visited the office of an ENT to have him take a look at my ears. As a new patent, the lady at the front desk handed me the clipboard full of standard forms. In past visits to other medical offices, I simply didn't complete the advance medical directive form (which seems to have become standard). This time they added a waiver of my rights to sue and jury trial (mandatory arbitration). So I left these two forms blank, and handed back the clipboard. The staff behind the counter politely noted my omission, and asked me to sign the two forms. I asked "are these legal forms" which they acknowledged. They refused to let me see the doctor without signing these two forms, so I left without seeing the Dr.
While I know I have the legal "right" to cross out the language I don't agree with, I'm simply looking to avoid wasting time negotiatiating with the ladies behind the counter. My question is, how can I give the semblence of having signed the offending forms, without them having any usefulness for the physician? I'm seriously thinking about obtaining some "disappearing ink" ! Another tactic I'm considering is to ask the MD office to fax the offending forms beforehand, and carefully excise offending sentences, (maybe replacing them with "You've been punk'd!)
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| 8016. |
Paul
Richmond, VA Age: 38 Sep 2, 2010
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Update: Amtrak and Visa Prepaid Gift Card
Success. Conductor took the ticket, no signature or ID required. This was a ticket I purchased for an Amtrak NE Regional, paid with a Vanilla Visa prepaid gift card at an Amtrak QuikTrak vending machine. Name on card (and train ticket): "You/A Gift For".
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| 8015. |
Danny
Concord, CA Age: 32 Sep 2, 2010
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Second Passports
Mr. Luna,
I would guess that your views on "Second Passports" mirror my own, but I wanted to ask your opinion on the subject.
I've heard lofty claims made by a number of people (and companies) about getting a passport issued for absolutely anyone in countries like Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, and of course assorted states of the Caribbean.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject.
...
I have little interest in second passports. If privacy is the goal, the time and money spent in attempts to get a second passport can better be spent in other directions. After all, even if you do have two passports, your name is still the same, as is your picture and your date of birth.
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| 8014. |
Robert
Baltimore, MD Age: 43 Sep 2, 2010
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Re: 8013
You could also call again and talk to someone else. Don't give up just because the first knucklehead said no. If you speak to a different agent, you may be treated better and get what you want. It's happened before. Also, some utilities can be set up via online chat with no DL or SSN. In this case, you can just give them whatever name you want.
I'm no attorney...just sharing my experience.
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| 8013. |
andie
los angeles , ca Age: 34 Sep 1, 2010
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utilities problem
i called the electric company and they refused to set up an account with no drivers license or ssn, i had emailed them before i called to see if this would work and they said that it would, i would only need to give a deposit. the lady got rude and refused to help me. any suggestions? just use a passport number or ???????
...
Perhaps a nominee?
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| 8011. |
Jay
San Antonio, Tx Age: 37 Aug 31, 2010
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How To Delete Yourself From The Internet
JJ,
Thought you would like to pass on to your readers this interesting article which shows how to "delete" yourself from the internet.
Some links have been covered here before but there is some good information on how to remove your information from some websites.
Enjoy,
Jay
Submitted Link #1: http://www.wikihow.com/Delete-Yourself-from-the-In...
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| 8010. |
Danny
Concord, CA Age: 32 Aug 30, 2010
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RE:8005
Seth,
Nobody is suggesting that he not report the money as income to the IRS. However, the rules on CTR filing don't require either him or the lawyer to file one - as neither is a recognized "financial institution" as defined by the FORM-104 requirements. Furthermore, the transaction involves no cash - so the requirement is negated entirely.
Cashing checks for amounts below the CTR requirement over an extended period is perfectly legal.
Submitted Link #1: http://www.fincen.gov/forms/files/fin104_ctr.pdf...
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| 8009. |
Dorothy
Topeka, KS Age: 44 Aug 30, 2010
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homeschooling tips
Check out the link below for a state-by-state guide to homeschooling laws. Some states do not require ANY registration to homeschool your children. Other states "require" registration, but if you read the law carefully, that "requirement" is actually optional. Indiana is a particularly easy state in which to be a homeschooling family.
Submitted Link #1: http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp...
...
I like this statute from Alaska:Alaska Stat. § 14.30.010(b)(12). If the child “is being educated in the child’s home by a parent or legal guardian,” the child is exempt from compulsory attendance. Under this option, there are no requirements to notify, seek approval, test, file forms, or have any teacher qualifications. The burden is on the state to prove that parents are not teaching their children.
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| 8008. |
Phil
Orlando, FL Age: 50 Aug 30, 2010
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Ref: 8003
I raised both my children through home schooling in Florida. Actually Florida is very user friendly when it comes to educating your children at home. It would be beneficial if you used an accredited Home Schooling program in the event some pesky well meaning neighbors inquire.
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| 8007. |
Teresa
Lewiston, Idaho Age: 48 Aug 30, 2010
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Re: Post 7976/Mr. Luna's Comment on MyLife/FB
Mr. Luna commented on post #7976 about MyLife and FB. I do not have an account with either (I DID have FB a account, and deleted it).
I'm interested because I recall Mr. Luna's advice about putting as much misleading information on the Internet as possible (plus if someone is using MyLife to see what I'm up to, it'd be handy to know).
So--would anyone think using a VPN, something like JonDo, or that Abine mentioned recently might be advisable?
My IP address is shown as being in a region other than mine, and I have an alternate e-mail; perhaps those might be a start to "mis-directing?"
Sorry if this is confusing--and thanks!
T.
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| 8006. |
Jennifer
Phoenix, AZ Age: 31 Aug 30, 2010
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moving to Florida
We are moving to Florida in the next few months, and I am looking for advice on some HTBI things, like:
Registering our vehicles (currently registered in AZ with NM LLCs with our Alaska ghost address).
Getting driver's licenses
Is Florida still a friendly place for full-time RVers? I was hoping I could just get a 'box' with a mail fowarding place and use that address for the above.
We've been successful implimenting HTBI in Arizona, and would like to do things right in Florida. Any help will be greatly appreciated!
...
Unlike Arizona, Florida insists that each LLC have a street address in Florida.Not everyone with Florida license plates has a Florida driver's license.
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