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From / Date: |
Question / Answer: |
| 7684. |
Toni
Powers Lake, ND
Age: 39
Jun 8, 2010
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a census tip
If you didn't mail back your questionnaire, and there is a census worker knocking on your door.... I was issued a memo last week that "refusals" and "proxies" require at least one piece of information for each resident who has agreed to a "head count only" in order for the computer to process the EQ. So if somebody knocks on your door and wants all your information... And if you have no regard for the ability of your descendants to figure out who you were and where you lived 72 years from now... Tell them that your "refuse" to give your name or your date of birth, your phone number, or the ownership status of your house. Tell them this: 1) The number of people who lived in your house on April 1st 2) The gender ratio (if there were 6 people, then tell them there were 4 males and 2 females, for example). 3) The race and Hispanic origin of each person, male or female. Then simply REFUSE to give any further specific information that would identify you. The census worker *should* then follow the internal rules and not try to contact a neighbor for more information. Of course, each census worker sometimes has their own agenda... But those are the basic guidelines that I received in a memo last week.
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| 7683. |
Saundra
somerset, PA
Age: 71
Jun 8, 2010
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My property
I have owned my property free and clear for 23 years. 200 Acres, lovely old house and outbuildings.I paid for it myself. The deed is recorded in my personal pre-married name only. Got married 13 yrs ago, and separated for several years, now he has returned and I am fearful that he has an underlying reason for coming back. My property is located on a vein of Natural Gas and exploration is slowly and successfully taking place in my area. I have good children, and I want to protect this asset from him in the event I should die before he does or in the event of a divorce,. I am considering the New Mexico LLC you write about in your book. This is my entire net worth.I am getting older and I am very nervous. If I should sign a Gas Lease, would I be able to do it under the LLC? I have read your book 3 times. Thank you very much, Saundra
...
Yes, you can use an LLC, but you need to speak to a lawyer first. TODAY.
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| 7682. |
Charla
Pasadena, CA
Age: 23
Jun 8, 2010
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Be my own boss?
I always give my all working at jobs and I'm always fired. I was recently hired at a business that wasn't doing well, and fired because I was the most recent hire. (I'm always the most recent hire). I guess I should take it as a compliment that these people think I'm so resilient, but I'm out on my own and I need money to pay rent. Perhaps this is God's not so friendly way of telling me to work for myself. My boyfriend says that it is not effort that reaps reward, but skills. I'm sick of working so hard just to be drooped. I enjoy writing and cooking. What can I do to make money with these skills?
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Your boyfriend is right. Take courses in specific niches in cooking.(At your age, forget writing.)
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| 7681. |
Liz
Las Vegas, NV
Jun 7, 2010
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Your special ghost address offer
In your last mass e-mail you mentioned a special offer if I order BOTH Alaska and Canary Islands ghost address. However, I already have the Alaska one. Do I get a discount if I add on the Canary Islands one?
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Rosie hadn't planned on that but now, after getting several such inquiries, she says yes, if you have one address, you may add the other at a discount. However, this offer expires June 21.
Contact her for details.
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| 7680. |
Drake
LA, CA
Age: 35
Jun 7, 2010
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Bad Taste - in Australia
or, 'Living Cheap: Creative Solutions In A Bad Global Economy'
The guy in this article may be taking frugality too far... no telltale receipts to follow though. :>\
Submitted Link #1: http://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/weird/...
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| 7679. |
Drake
LA, CA
Age: 35
Jun 7, 2010
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7576 - Browser
Jasper - in addition to JJ's direction, you may like the suggestions at the end of the (repeat) article linked below.
Using Firefox "Private Browsing" is a simple first step.
Submitted Link #1: http://tinyurl.com/24qvgky...
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| 7678. |
Homer
Baltimore MARYLAND
Age: 39
Jun 7, 2010
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LLC Checking Account
I would like to open a checking account in my LLC's Business Name. Suppose my business name is something like "Computer Experts LLC", could someone write checks to me in the name of "Computer Experts" without the "LLC" at the end that I could cash? Would the bank refuse to accept a deposit check if "LLC" is missing from the business name?
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Since this depends on the bank, go see someone there and ASK. If they say no, try another bank. FYI, I have two accounts--one a trust, the other nominee--in which the bank allows either the full name OR three initials.
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| 7677. |
Jay
San Antonio, Tx
Age: 37
Jun 7, 2010
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Another census taker confrontation
JJ,
This Census taker got himself arrested on trespassing charges. Depending on how the case turns out, other census workers may become more or less aggressive in pursuing people who havent completed their census forms.
Enjoy,
Jay
Submitted Link #1: http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/articles/2010/...
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| 7676. |
Iris
King George, VA
Age: 41
Jun 6, 2010
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Canadian bank account
My oldest son will be traveling to Canada soon. Was wondering if he could open an account while there and have me added to the account; without me having to go? Has anyone tried/done this?
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Call the branch of the Canadian bank where your son is going, and ask them. Or better yet, have your son make the call. (He will need to set up an appointment beforehand, anyway.)
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| 7675. |
jaspar
Eastpointe, MI
Age: 29
Jun 6, 2010
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How to prevent my computer's Web Browser from Leaving 'Fingerprints' All Over the Web
I live next to a coffee house with wifi that's on 24 hrs./day, so I can surf the net without leaving my home. I am concerned I could be tracked. Any advice?
Submitted Link #1: http://www.switched.com/2010/05/18/most-web-browse...
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IMHO, you should get your own internet connection immediately, and never surf using the coffee house's wifi again.
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| 7674. |
Tom
Cambridge, MA
Age: 43
Jun 6, 2010
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RE: Nominee Bank Accounts
Here is how I handle depositing my paycheck in a nominee account. I get my paycheck as a physical check. I walk to a bank where I have an account (for the sole purpose of cashing my paycheck without fees), cash it, stick some of it in one pocket (to add to my growing emergency fund), and then walk next door to the bank where I have a nominee account and deposit the rest.
Because the only thing I do in person is deposit cash, I have never been asked for ID. I use a debit card to access the money in the nominee account, and if I need cash, I use an ATM, never a teller.
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| 7671. |
Robert
Baltimore, MD
Age: 43
Jun 5, 2010
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Nominee Bank Accounts
I just read Invisible Money and was considering what could be done with nominee bank accounts (bank accounts in the name of a nominee).
Would it be possible to use a nominee bank account for direct deposits from an employer? Or would the difference in names make that impossible (my name not matching the name on the account)?
If direct deposit is not possible, what about canceling direct deposit, getting a check instead, and depositing the check?
Of course the check would be made out to me, not the nominee...but perhaps I could write "Pay to the Order of Nominee" on the back of the check and use the Xstamper for their signature. I know you recommend not having a job in the first place and I don't disagree with you but I'm not quite there yet. What do you think of this idea?
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I don't think any of the above ideas will work. Most banks, for example, now refuse to take third-party checks. In any event, when you work for someone else, your privacy is limited. Keep working toward self employment.
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| 7670. |
Drake
LA, CA
Age: 34
Jun 4, 2010
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Pre-Paid Cell Phone - loss of anonimity
The legislation sponsored by Sen. "....Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) would require buyers to present identification when purchasing a prepaid cellphone and require phone companies to keep the information on file, as they do with users of landline phones and subscription-based cellphones. The proposal would require the carriers to retain the data for 18 months after the phone's deactivation."
Use Bugmenot[dot]com to generate a password and username for login, if the Washington Post article link below does not open with a single click.
Submitted Link #1: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artic...
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| 7669. |
Seth
collbran, co
Age: 50
Jun 4, 2010
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Re: #7664 Stephanie - Look of Guilt!
Stephanie, JJ is right in saying that the police have a right to ask your name and your residence, but they cannot demand a phone number. They would like one, and they may try to coerce you into giving one, and might even threaten you if you don't, but they have no basis in law to demand one or do anything to you if you don't give them one because there is nothing in the law that requires everyone to have a telephone number.
If you're not comfortable lying to the police (and like JJ I recommend AGAINST doing so because it is a crime in most places to do so) then what you must do is study hard to learn exactly what your rights are in a contact with the police. Do some web research and read a book called "You & the Police!" By Boston T. Party, who's a friend of mine. He'll tell you exactly what to do.
You need to learn your rights and obligations under the law and then be prepared to politely and respectfully, but firmly, stand on your rights and refuse to give him information to which he is not legally entitled.
You are not required to have a phone, and you're not required to give the number to him even if you do, and you're not even required to acknowledge or state that you do or do not have a phone. You have the right to remain silent EXCEPT for personal identification information, so do so.
You do NOT want to give him someone else's phone, and can tell him this, because you do not want to embroil them in your difficulty with the police. They have done nothing that would obligate them to consent to the police calling them up, and you cannot, in fact, give him permission to call them, and you should say so: "Officer, I'm very sorry, I understand that you would like a phone number, but I'm under no legal obligation to provide you with one (note you're not saying you do or do not have one, just that you don't have to give it to him), and I certainly will not presume to involve innocent friends or family matters in this situation. They have not given me permission to release their phone numbers to you, so I am unable to comply with your request. Now, am I free to go? Oh, and by the way, officer, I hereby invoke my right to remain silent, and I request an attorney be appointed to represent me before any more questioning takes place."
This last bit of advice is the result of a brand-new ruling by the Supreme Court that requires that a person being interrogated verbally invoke his or her right to remain silent for it to be effective. It's an incredibly stupid ruling, but there it is. If he insists that he can demand a phone number ask him politely to cite the applicable law: "Officer, I've studied civil rights law extensively and I have never found a Supreme Court ruling supporting the idea that failing to give a police officer a phone number is a crime. Do you have a statutory reference for the law you are making this demand pursuant to? Would you write that statute down on the back of a business card with your name and contact information on it so that I can have my attorney contact your supervisor about the matter at a later date? Or perhaps you would prefer to call your supervisor right now and have him meet us here so I can discuss your demand with him directly?" Never be afraid to invoke the cop's supervisor if he starts getting badge-heavy and authoritarian with you.
Another line to throw him off is "Excuse me officer, does your vehicle have a patrol car camera system and are you wearing a remote microphone? If so, would you make certain that it is turned on and recording, I may need to need to subpoena the recording at some point and I want to make certain that it's working, so this interaction, and your demeanor, are recorded." You can use this right at the beginning of the contact if you want, and it's a completely legitimate request. Cop-cams are a great advancement in civil rights protection, and you should make use of it.
When you know your rights inside out, you don't have to lie, and when you can invoke them and cite chapter and verse of the law if need be, you will be much more confident and you will fluster and surprise the officer, who may decide he's talking to a lawyer (don't say you are if you aren't though) and will likely back off. The most important one to know (and look it up today!) is 18 USC 1983 (the "USC" stands for United States Code), which is the federal civil rights law for deprivation of civil rights under color of authority, and is the one that abusive cops are sued under in federal court. Google it.
In any event, you will be confident because you understand the limits of his authority and the extent of your rights, so there will be no need to lie.
Submitted Link #1: http://www.javelinpress.com/you_and_the_police.htm...
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| 7668. |
William
Greenville, SC
Age: 32
Jun 4, 2010
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LLC With No Income
On the subject of LLC's, will it not raise "a red flag" to have a Limited Liability Company that is not making any money, only purchasing a vehicle? I am very interested in reaching a higher level of privacy, but is this legal?
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I have been asked a lot of different questions about LLCs over the years, but never if it was "legal" for an LLC to own a car. An LLC can own anything you can, or a corporation can. There is no "red flag" to raise since no business is involved and therefore no tax return. In fact, even with a business that does have income, if you are the sole owner, you do not even mention the LLC on the tax return. It is considered to be "transparent." Profit and loss go on your Schedule C.
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| 7667. |
Maria
Los Angeles
Age: 35
Jun 4, 2010
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Vumber Advanced Plans
I went to the Vumber website because a few commenters listed them as a good resource. I checked out the website and read the fine print according to what is considered "normal usage"---1,200 minutes per month. It stated if you went outside that amount you would have to upgrade to another plan.
Out of curiosity, I emailed Vumber to find out what upgraded plan is available if someone goes outside the "normal usage". This is the message that I received:
You can see our advanced plans at the following link (see below)
Once you have decided on the plan you would like, in order to process your upgrade we need you to fax the following documents to 973-900-8870:
* The attached form, completed
* A copy of the credit card on file (both sides)
* A copy of the cardholders government issued ID such as a passport or a drivers license
So much for privacy! If you upgrade to their next plan, you have to provide your ID and credit card.
It's better to stick with the "normal usage" if you want to maintain your privacy.
Submitted Link #1: http://www.vumber.com/advanced-plans.aspx...
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| 7666. |
Susan
Cleveland, OH
Age: 54
Jun 4, 2010
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Re: #7664
It's possible the cop was hitting on you, or just engaging in minor harassment or being nosy. I have never heard of the police requiring a phone number, or any of the other info he asked for, such as where you work and what you do at work.
While state laws vary on this, generally you don't have to give the police more than your name and address.
You do have the right to remain silent.
This website, Flex Your Rights, has educational materials that help with issues on dealing with the police.
Submitted Link #1: http://www.flexyourrights.org...
...
I think you're right, Susan--the cop was hitting on her.
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| 7664. |
Stephanie
Denton, TX
Age: 53
Jun 3, 2010
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Look of Guilt!
Hi, I read HTBI around 2000 and followed as many suggestions as possible for medium security. Got a ghost address, got my DL license and auto insurance at that address. Then, last week I got pulled over for the first time in about 12 years. I gave the officer my DL and insurance; he asked if the address was correct-I said yes. When he returned from his car, he asked for a phone #! I pretty much have a guilty looking face ( I can't hide anything) and I panically said I didn't have a phone (I had a pay-as-you-go, not in my name, mobile in my purse) and he said he had to have a number-friend or family; I said i don't know what they were since I don't have a phone to call them. He said, how about a work phone, and i gave him a number of where I used to work (currently unemployed), which was just down the street. He asked the name of the business, where it was, and what I did there-all of which I told him. Maybe because he was young, he didn't get that cop's intuition, but I was so scared telling all those lies! Since then I've been paranoid that he checked out my alleged employment and ghost address and is looking for me! I guess I'm just not made to be invisible when it involves lying.
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No, I seriously doubt he bothered to follow up on the info you gave him.
FYI, I have never said anyone should lie to the police, at least in the U.S. or Canada. (Mexico may be a different story.) I'm fairly sure that in this country you are legally required to identify yourself and give your home address. (Not the telephone, as far as I know.) All the more reason why all the lights on your vehicle should be working correctly, the license tabs up to date, and your speed within the accepted limits.
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| 7663. |
Michele
Chicago, IL
Age: 41
Jun 1, 2010
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Beginning to establish privacy when part of a close-knit group and other questions
As I mentioned in a previous question, I'm active in local denominational affairs, as well as in my own small congregation. We are quite close-knit, and I'm wondering how I can begin to establish HTBI principles without causing undue suspicion.
Mr. Luna, I'm a single woman who has always rented, and while I still have to get several more of your eBooks, I'm wondering how one makes the alterations you suggest ("fortress room," additional locks on front door, etc.) when renting. I've almost always had landlords (even when renting from private individuals) who are extremely picky about the number of nail holes put into the walls, let alone things as simple as adding a deadbolt (even if I paid for it).
Also, how does one manage to date? I don't do the dating websites, am very careful about bringing a gentleman to my home (and that's only after at least two months of dates, where I meet him somewhere, and he only has my cell number). An added plus of being known as a religiously-observant woman is that "sleep-overs" simply don't happen. It's much safer!
I would appreciate suggestions on finding a mom & pop CMRA. The only ones I can find in my large metropolitan area are the UPS Store. It's either that or the post office.
Thank you for allowing me a place to ask these questions!
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Although we have very different beliefs as to what true Christianity involves, I feel qualified to answer your questions.
SAFETY:
Between my e-books DIRTY TRICKS and INVISIBLE MONEY, you should get some ideas that can be adapted to apartment living. See one of the chapters called "Katy Bar the Door." And never answer if you do not know who is knocking.
DATING:
If you are confident that you have the true religion, then follow the counsel to "marry only in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 7:39) That makes it easy. You should not have to hide your home address from long-time well-recommended members of your own religion. Also, if they are from other areas, you can check with the pastors, preachers or priests for recommendations, no?
CMRA:
Skip the CMRAs and use someone from your own congregation. You trust them, and they trust you, right?
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| 7662. |
Randy
Johnston, IA
Age: 46
Jun 1, 2010
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Car hackers can kill brakes, engine, and more
From the article at the link below:
"They ran their test by plugging a laptop into the car's diagnostic system and then controlling that computer wirelessly, from a laptop in a vehicle riding next to the car."
Hacking control of a car this way is not easy to do, but it shows the kind of things that are possible as car operations and components are becoming increasingly controlled by (non-secure) computer systems.
Submitted Link #1: http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/051410-car-h...
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