tinpra

No Tuesday night installment of Biblical Marriage vs. Marriage in the Bible this week (I know, I know, you're in agony ;P ). I've caught up to myself and was going to work on "Lot & Mrs. Lot" for a hopeful posting tonight, but I got into a surprisingly deep--and rather heavy--conversation and there went my night. Plus I'm tired. Long week is long. I know I've never mentioned this here, but I have a diff job than the one you guys know about, which normally doesn't tucker me out like this despite my crazy-early hours.

So...fingers-crossed for a Friday post. My fingers at least ;)

(and my 3rd time trying to post. goodnight!)

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.

Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? The BBB offers the following advice:

1. If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

2. Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

3. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau. AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. No ACORN worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

4. Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

5. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For a neater looking version of this, check out Better Business Bureau's website. And pass the word!

First, by way of announcement: If you are doing the fanfic100 challenge and have a claim, please check the BDT to make sure your claim is still valid. Back in Nov, ff100 began an oversight comm fanfic100_admin. Subsequently an activity check was posted on the oversight comm (we won't get into how there is supposedly no time limit on ff100 claims). Mention of this check was posted only on the oversight comm. The check is now over and done with. If you didn't respond, your claim or claims are gone.

On that note, I'm pondering taking up a claim for Az. And perhaps one for Az/Cain. But maybe that's too much. They're pro'ly all too much. Talk me down someone, please!

I am seriously considering going to bed on time for once just so I can get under the covers. It is so freaking cold! :(

...but apparently it's not something i've widely advertised. i don't particularly want to own a home. and apparently i'm a financial idiot for not wanting to do so. at the moment...i'm okay with that. someone give me a good reason why and then i'll change my mind.