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From / Date: |
Question / Answer: |
| 5570. |
seth
collbran, co
Age: 50
Mar 15, 2009
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Wal-Mart says will sell e-records to doctors
This is a bit disingenuous because what Wal Mart is selling is not "records," it's a computerized record keeping system. I'm going to assume that it has ties to Wal-Mart for prescribing of medications.
The concern is, of course, that Wal-Mart programmers may have inserted spyware that will allow Wal-Mart to retrieve information from the computers without the knowledge or consent of the doctor.
This may be a bit paranoid, but I have a healthy mistrust of any computer system that someone offers a deal on if they have any possible motive for accessing the data.
If you patronize Wal-Mart, be sure to read the HIPA privacy policy and then be sure to negotiate what YOU want by way of privacy with them before doing business with them. I know, for example, that Safeway will match Wal-Mart's prices, and they seem more amenable to protecting privacy, which is why I'm now using Safeway.
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| 5568. |
Hector
Naples, FL
Age: 50
Mar 14, 2009
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Wal-Mart says will sell e-records to doctors
Wal-Mart says will sell e-records to doctors - Wed Mar 11, 2009 6:58pm GMT
Submitted Link #1: http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKTRE52...
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| 5567. |
Stan
Atlanta Ga
Age: 44
Mar 13, 2009
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fingerprint now required to sell real estate in Chicago
Fingerprinting is something we often associate with crime. So the fact that Cook County home sellers--and homeowners across the state--will soon have to provide a thumb print left some people shocked.
The new law, which is set to go into effect June 1, 2009, will force anyone selling property in Cook County to provide a thumbprint from their right hand
Submitted Link #1: http://cbs2chicago.com/local/Mike.Puccinelli.finge...
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| 5566. |
Jon
Seattle, WA
Age: 29
Mar 13, 2009
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Non-white motorists = highway robbery
I ran across this interesting article. Amazingly the drug laws have been bent once again to steal your rightful belongings as you pass through town.
Submitted Link #1: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/...
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| 5565. |
Dorothy
Topeka, KS
Age: 40
Mar 13, 2009
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interesting chapter in a very old book
Sorry, can't resist... That wouldn't happen to have been Proverbs 31 to which you referred, would it? That particular chapter pretty well sums up the concept of a wife running her own business(es) while simultaneously "looking well to the ways of her household." Notice in that chapter that the husband wasn't off playing with the steno pool; he was "well respected in the gates."
...
Yes, I quote from Proverbs 31 in the e-book "How to Survive." The point being made is that if a married couple loses everthing and has to start over, the husband should not automatically count on his wife getting a job away from home. Sometimes it's better to live a simpler life. You can be miserable in a 4500 square foot mansion, or happy in a tarpaper shack. (Well, maybe a step up from tarpaper ...)
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| 5564. |
Bruce
Pittsburgh
Age: 30
Mar 13, 2009
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Swiss Banks
This news story just proves what you've been saying about Swiss banks.
Submitted Link #1: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_SWITZERL...
...
The same goes for banks in other tax havens, as well.
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| 5563. |
Nona
SF, CA
Age: 44
Mar 13, 2009
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Young Jack and 5559
Oh honey, thank you for 'standing up' to make your point. Many of us might see this as chivalrous. But I agree with Mr. Luna. I'll tell you why;
"Your first reason was that they might end up having affairs with men at work, which would break up their families, as if none of them could be trusted to stay out of that kind of trouble.
It is not an issue of trust, but of opportunity. One of the pillars of the publications Mr. Luna produces is risk management. Why expose yourself when not absolutely necessary? I appreciate the wayMr. Luna couches this particular suggestion, when he mentions it. And I'd just like to point out that the reason for going to work is to make money. The reason to be in 'business' is to conduct business. The point of life is not to fill a cubicle or have a plaque on the wall, but a successful family. That is a true statement whether you are religious or secular minded.
"But more importnatly, what about women who are interested in (or have a passion for) certain lines of work that may require them to work for someone else, whatever it may be (teacher, doctor, astronaut, etc.)?
I'd say, "Keep your options open." These career choices especially spread the horizon wide open for women who have a desire to have an effect on society (through research or direct action). With a little imagination, a woman, or for that matter a man, should work to find a path that makes their personal and family life easier. Who needs more stress? Even a little more? Not me!
Should all women be content with doing the household chores or with merely assisting in their husbands' work?
Merely? Oh sweetie, if I don't have help the daily chores, someone sleeps in the car. When Momma's not happy - Nobody's happy! A balanced, happy, 'good' family life is one where everyone pitches in. Kiddies too! Being 'content' is a sign of maturity and so my answer is, Yes. All men AND women should try to be content with what they have and how they live. Anyway, I suppose being content helping your best friend and the love of your life depends on the husbands' work too. And that probably goes back to where we met in the first place. A lot of factors make up attraction. Steady, confident, self-sufficient, smart, hardworking, creative men draw us to them.
Does this notion not seem at all dated to you?
This notion seems dated to me. It is an argument made by activists... and the real feminist movement was hijacked by kooks and malcontents a long time ago.
ALL the subjects Mr. Luna writes about seem to me to be slightly off what everyone else considers 'normal'. The HTBI life is not average in American society, so when he makes a suggestions like this, I think they are worth at least thinking about.
One last thought, and I know I'll probably get eyes rolling here but, I have lots of friends from other countries - male and female - who tell me American women in general and especially those of certain generations are thought of as 'a chore' because of how our culture has shaped our mindset. (We really should travel internationally more often, to take note of how others have it.) Sorry for the long winded answer. Thanks again - to both Jacks.
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| 5562. |
Drake
LA, CA
Age: 34
Mar 13, 2009
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#5661 - storage
I really like this idea of renting a small, unused space from a friend to store something, anything, privately - even for a short time. The local news ran a story last night about people renting what seem like odd spaces and items to others, to make a little money in this economy. It's all about using what you have. Recognizing you have an asset that might make things a little easier for yourself and someone else. Good job!
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| 5561. |
sharronne
washington, dc
Age: 42
Mar 13, 2009
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Re: Storage Units
Mr. Luna, thank you and everyone in this online community for the invaluable privacy tips. I recently went to rent a storage unit at a local chain and was appalled to find out they wanted to take my thumbprint (!!) along with my application. They "assured" me that the fingerprint card would be returned to me when I vacated the rental space. Needless to say, I turned around and walked right out of there. I ended up paying a friend $50 a month to store my stuff temporarily in an unused corner of her basement--a cheaper and much more private solution.
...
That was an excellent idea, Sharronne. I'm sure that your tip will help at least a few others who need temporary storage.
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| 5560. |
Connie
Lubbock, TX
Age: 59
Mar 13, 2009
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The College issue
I've been reading and following Mr. Luna's works for some time, and I just want to support this notion that many of the people in universities should not be there. I'm working on a doctorate because I want to teach.
I think at least half of the people in the classes I'm in should be somewhere else. They don't read anything, they don't write well, they're resentful of those that do. I don't know that I'm particularly smart, but I'm an inveterate bookworm, and that's what intellectuals should be.
One of the truisms about university is that the courses are merely introductory courses. It takes a lifetime to master--and follow--any academic discipline. When I mentioned this in a class, one woman said, this work is really hard for me, so how does that make me feel?
Well, I'm sorry, but the class was idiotically easy. (I didn't say that, but I was thinking it.)
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| 5559. |
Jack
Portland, OR
Age: 31
Mar 13, 2009
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how to survive (for women)
Dear Jack, I just finished reading your ebook How to Survive, which provided some inspiration and advice, and we can get back to that. One part that left me scratching my head was a portion in chatper six in which you say it's a bad idea for women to take jobs outside the home. I can't be the first to get back to you on this (it was somewhere in one of your previous books). Your first reason was that they might end up having affairs with men at work, which would break up their families, as if none of them could be trusted to stay out of that kind of trouble. But more importnatly, what about women who are interested in (or have a passion for) certain lines of work that may require them to work for someone else, whatever it may be (teacher, doctor, astronaut, etc.)? Should all women be content with doing the household chores or with merely assisting in their husbands' work? Does this notion not seem at all dated to you? How about all the women going to work and the men staying home? If you stand by what you said, you should have no problem posting this on your blog. Cheers, Jack
...
You are the first to complain about this although I'm sure many will follow. And yes, there may be exceptions to the rule, as you point out.When I grew up (before WW II), married women seldom took a job working for someone else. My mother worked in a general store but my father owned it. Two of her sisters married farmers and helped on the farm. One of her brothers made wooden toys in his own shop and his wife painted them and helped sell them. An interesting fact was that in those days almost every last person went to church on Sunday. There were very few divorces and—at least where we lived—no rumors that I can recall, as to adultery. (Side note: There was not a single case of a girl getting pregnant in our high school. Not one. Guess why.)
You, of course, come from a different generation and are entitled to your opinion. Mine is based on actual facts (adultery in the work place) along with an interesting chapter from a very old book.
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| 5556. |
Lindsay
Reno, Nevada
Age: 17
Mar 12, 2009
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Model needed?
Dear Mr. Luna, I see that you use pictures of pretty girls sometimes, on your new blog and also on the cover of your new e-report "Crash-Proof." I am not a professional model but I've been told I'm quite photogenic. Could I, like, be in one of your pictures?
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No, since I do not live in Nevada. However, I've often thought about having a contest on this website to choose a "Miss Invisible," just for fun. But I haven't done so since it has nothing to do with the privacy theme here. If I ever change my mind, I'll contact you.
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| 5555. |
Jack
Fairfield Ca
Age: 43
Mar 11, 2009
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Auto or boat title in a LLC
I own a boat and a pickup free and clear. Living in CA., What is the best way to transfer title to a New Mexico LLC to insure asset protection and privacy? Do I dare attempt this through the DMV?
...
For the best asset protection use a CA LLC, although that hurts your privacy. In any event, the best asset protection is insurance. You can go to the DMV and sell your pickup and boat to the NM LLC, just as with any other sale. That includes the usual taxes and transfer fees.
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| 5554. |
Lee
Flagstaff, AZ
Age: 33
Mar 11, 2009
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Nosy Clerks
I agree with Seth; the more I start to assert my privacy, the less tolerant I am becoming of nosy questions asked by clerks and businesses.
For things like Haircuts, I don't think I should have to come up with a fake name for such a petty service. Here's how ridiculous all these places are:
1) they ask a minimum of name and phone number for "their computer"
2) then they give you a stupid punch card to get your 5th (or whatever) haircut for free
Basically it means this: despite that their computer tracks your visits, haircuts and whatever else you purchase, you have to remember your punch card to prove you got enough haircuts to qualify. To top it off, many of these places don't accept appointments and accept walk-ins only. So really, there is never any reason for them to call you and therefore they do not even have a legit purpose for your phone number.
I'll illustrate how I handled my last haircut at one of these chains and the mothod I used worked out great (and you can even apply this to a similar situation in regards to giving out your phone number).
I walked in, I politely told the lady I needed a haircut and she immediately began with asking for my phone number. I said, "my number is unlisted". She asked my name (I gave her my first name) and she said someone would be with me in a couple minues. I was prepared for her asking my address since I wouldn't give our the phone, but she did not. I would have told her that if my number is unlisted, why would I give out an address?
It dawned on me that in a similar situation where a phone number or address might be asked and a response of "unlisted" would do the duty of stopping most of the nosy questions in their tracks. This seems to get the hint across without being rude or even seeming suspicious. For all they care, you are being hunted by a stalker, sick of telemarketers or a victim of identity theft.
...
... If I go to a new barber and he asks me how I passed the weekend (or whatever), I answer in monosyllables. If he doesn't get it, I never go back.
My current barber caught on fast. Although she visits with the other cusomers, when my turn comes up she doesn't even comment on the weather.
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| 5553. |
Dorothy
Topeka, KS
Age: 40
Mar 11, 2009
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private info requested by sales clerks
When the clerk at Radio Shack or Toys R Us asks my phone number, I just say, "No Thank You" with the same tone-of-voice and smile as if they had just offered me a slice of pie or another cup of coffee at the local restaurant. Occasionally their facial expression registers a bit of surprise, but I've never been asked twice when I reply that way. Another tactic might to be feign not hearing the question properly and replying with an answer totally out of context, like, "Yes, it IS a beautiful day today!"
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| 5552. |
Danny
San Francisco, CA
Age: 30
Mar 11, 2009
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Ghost Addresses
Ordered my NM LLC and I actually have a nominee account now! When I have more time, I will tell you how I got it and how its working.
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Yes, please do describe your nominee adventures, when time permits.
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| 5551. |
Theresa
Franklin, TN
Age: 44
Mar 10, 2009
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Nosy clerks/ Storage units
Seth- I've seen clerks get really tripped up when I've told them that NO, you may not have my name and phone number. The concept of privacy is so foreign to them! And I think they are truly afraid of getting in trouble with management. (They are well trained to not think.)
So, what I do any more is smile and give a unisex name like Randi joined with Smith or Jones. They get the phone number for the weather service in another state.
I'm quite good at rattling it off the cuff, something that has literally taken a few years to get comfortable with doing.
On the storage unit....we rented one with no SS# last year. We simply told the clerk that our information had already been stolen and that we had been advised by our financial adviser (that would be me) to guard our info carefully. He was an older grandpa type though too and not so sure a younger fellow would have been as accommodating.
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| 5550. |
Drake
LA, CA
Age: 34
Mar 10, 2009
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Google Docs Revealed
"....affected only .05 percent of the digital documents at a Google Docs service...."
I wonder how many documents are stored by Google, and who is goofy enough to allow their documents to be stored that way.
Submitted Link #1: http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.54c320...
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| 5549. |
Seth
collbran, co
Age: 50
Mar 10, 2009
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Renting storage units
Tell them it's a company rental (good reason to have a NM LLC). Tell them that you won't give them your personal information because you're just an employee. You can also tell them you're renting it to store goods for a deceased person's estate, and again use a company name as "manager" of the estate. Or, have a friend rent the unit as a nominee.
Or, if they get nervous (which they have a right to be, what with meth labs, illegal drugs and suchlike), find another storage facility.
Or, and this is the technique I'm beginning to favor, just be truthful. Tell them that you're concerned about your personal privacy and that you do not give out that sort of personal information to anyone, ever, unless they have legal authority to demand it of you. Politely telling nosy people that they're being nosy is a useful thing to do.
I had some nitwit at a barber shop try to pump me for personal information just the other day. She was very insistent that she had to have my first and last name and a phone number. When I explained that I was paying cash, and she didn't have a need to know, she persisted, claiming that they "needed" the information for their computer so they could ring up the sale properly.
I looked her square in the eye and politely told her that it was not my policy to release personal information to store clerks, and that if she wanted my business now, or in the future, she was going to have to accept the fact that our relationship was going to be one of her, the merchant, respecting my, the customer's, desire for privacy.
She huffed for a moment and then decided that she needed the tip more than she needed my information, and we resolved the situation amicably, and I received a satisfactory haircut.
The more privacy-oriented I become, the less tolerant I am of attempted intrusions, and the more I believe that we, as citizens, need to seize our privacy and take every opportunity we can to educate others about privacy and why they ought to relearn the art of minding their own business. No more will I dissemble to people, I just tell them flat out it's none of their business and I make no apology for frustrating their desires. Instead I use it as a teachable moment.
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| 5548. |
Susan
Cleveland, OH
Age: 53
Mar 10, 2009
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Re: 5543, Homeless people for Nominees
Jim, have you considered the possibility that some of these homeless people may already have judgments against them? Maybe that's part of the reason they are homeless?
If your nominee does have a judgment, once you open a bank account in their name, if their judgment creditor finds out about it, they can levy the account and seize your money.
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