Overview
Time Cost: 10 minute phone call, optional card to mail in when it arrives
Monetary Cost: Free!
Requires: A few federally mandated options exist.
A. Phone : 1-888-567-8688
B. Online: (https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t)
C. Snail mail (but I don’t like this option..)
Background
The 3 big national credit bureaus have a special mailing list specific to offering consumers “firm offers of credit”. By law, they are required to offer an OPT OUT service, but [in my opinion] they confuse the issue with some language. Just remember you ALWAYS want to OPT OUT. Considering the frequency of identity theft, I think this particular type of snail junk mail is very hazardous if stolen.
Choices
They have a website, but I chose to use the phone option. The process to remove your name requires some sensitive information so the credit bureaus can confirm you are who you say you are. Be aware you must submit your Social Security Number to the bureaus for identity reasons. Since your SSN is sensitive information, I called directly to protect my information, rather than trust the USPS.
Process
I performed this task a few years ago, and have never gotten another credit card offer since. If I recall correctly… it has been a few years… the process had some graduated OPT OUT levels. I called and spoke to a human, which is enough to stop for some number of years (1 to 5 years). A few weeks after my phone call, I got a small paper postcard which I signed and returned, which as I recall, stops credit card junk mail for life. If I ever need another credit card, I’ll get one through my bank or call VISA / MasterCard / [etc] directly. I’m pretty sure I can change back to OPT IN and they will happily flood my mailbox with credit card offers, but the need has never arisen.
More info and sources
I recommend anyone performing this to briefly review the information at the Federal Trade Commission.
Read more here: http://www.ftc.gov/privacy/protect.shtm#Credit
And here: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt063.shtm
I just purchased a new Apple Mac Mini!
This new computer will serve 3 purposes:
- serve as a media hub (movies, podcasts etc)
- home computer / photo workstation
- central server for my repository of documents.
This machine replaces my EEPC in the Smart Document Sync and Backup model.
Below is a review about what I have to say about the machine after a week. (more…)
This is Part 2 of a multi-part series. See also Part 1.
Synopsis
It has been about a week since the kit has arrived, and I have found time to begin assembly of my new micRo CNC milling machine. The kit I ordered did not include any fastener hardware (screws, nuts, bolts etc..). Nor was any hardware kit available upon purchase, though I bet they will change that. I took this as a mixed blessing and performed a preliminary “dry” assembly. As of the time of this writing, the kit has no formal instructions. I had to figure out the assembly pattern based on reference photos released on the site, and looking for key moments in videos released by Lumenlabs.
Leadscrew Lengths
This is proving to be a little more challenging than I had thought. Many of the components are pre-drilled and will only fit together a certain way. The portions which have ACME threads (the leadscrews) are obvious. Two of the 4 leadscrews, for example, are the same length (likely candidates for the X axis), but one is a little different by an inch. The last leadscrew is obviously Z (vertical) because it is very small. For now, I have placed the odd-man-out on the Y axis.
Hardware Woes
I have begun looking for the hardware, and found most of it at local places around Seattle. I tried to visit the local places first, such as Hardwick’s, True Value Hardware, Stone Way Hardware, and finally Tacoma Screw. One of the harder to find screws is a 3mm cap screw, 45mm long for the Z axis motor mount. Tacoma Screw was able to supply a stainless steel 3mm by 40mm, but that last 5 mm makes all the difference. The 3mmx40mm worked for the Y axis, but not the Z axis motor controller. I believe Fastnel will have it in stock.
Another part which I thought would be difficult which was not included was the Z axis motor standoff. It turns out, it was a relatively common part from the plumbing section of a local hardware store. At 69 cents, one has to wonder why it wasn’t simply included in the kit. I guess it makes it more of an adventure!
Well I’m going to keep on keeping-on. Those looking to repeat my efforts should just buy the hardware kit!
Gallery (after the break)
(more…)