"He that can have patience can have what he will." - Benjamin Franklin

Fake IDs. They're not just for terrorists anymore: Rice University is known for their high academic standards-which probably explains why one of their dopey students got popped for making those always popular party favors last week.

Okay...now that the statute of limitations has long lapsed, I'll come clean: I admit it...I made a few fake driver's licenses in my high school years back in Northern California-and I assure you it was a lot easier back then: Black and white licenses, no magnetic strips and no holograms made for a quick stash of cash-plus there was no threat of being thrown in jail in the name of stopping terrorism-just for good 'ol fashioned forgery...

Speaking of fake IDs-something they'll never have is the personal information encoded on the magnetic strip on the back of your driver's license:  Wanna know how easy it is for perfect strangers to "read" it? 

Everything's just peachy at the Bureau of Engraving...and will be in your wallets, soon: October 9, 2003...mark it on your calendar with a peach-colored Sharpee-the debut of the re-designed $20 bill.  The Feds say they're trying to thwart counterfeiters but I wonder if anyone owns stock in those companies that manufacture/market/install automated dollar bill changers?

I know-it's a $20, not a $1 or a $5 bill that's being re-colored: But how long before they re-cast all of our currency? It's been rumored for years that the Government was planning to change the look and color of the currency in order to boost the real "book" value of our nation by eliminating billions of unreported-and-offshore dollars. How so? As this conspiracy tale goes...the Feds would suddenly announce that beginning on a specific date, all of the old currency would no longer have value/be accepted as legal tender-that only the "new" currency would be accepted. (There's precedent for this I might add; the military did this on a regular basis, declaring the wartime "script" as expired after a certain date and time to foil counterfeiters.)

How would this strategy increase the value of our money? Easy. The stashes of cash that fuel the "underground economy" like drugs, gambling, prostitution and other well-documented organized-crime ventures showcased on HBO's "The Sopranos" would be forced to the surface.  Suddenly those vaults of tax-free or illegally-earned dollars would either push back into the system to be converted into the new, freely-spendable cash or they'd be lost. And there have been rumored Government-funded studies over the years that this strategy would cause billions of dollars to disappear from circulation-thus increasing the actual "book" value of the U.S. treasury.

In this post-9/11, Patriot Act world, with less offshore banking protection, theories abound that the Government-from the IRS to the FBI, Secret Service and now, Homeland Security, would all come back with thousands of "scalps": In the form of organized crime runners, money-launderers and the Holy Grail of the 21^st century: terrorists. Stay tuned and remember, you heard these semi-paranoid-sounding words of warning here first.

By the way: Didja hear about the new $200 bill with President George W. Bush's mug on it?  You've gotta read about a gullible cashier at a Food Lion in North Carolina; he was the first to accept one of the "newest" additions to the U.S. currency.

Mortgage rates are coming down...their biggest drop in 8 years! Though they've been climbing steadily since June, they dropped sharply for the second week in a row last week. Here's why.

Didja know that we're coming up on the best time of the year to move? That's right, according to a recent issue of Playboy (c'mon, I read it for the articles...): "The perfect time to relocate is mid-October to mid-May, during the second or third week of the month. About 1-in-6 Americans move each year, including one-third of all people in their 20's....."

Since we're talking about moving, let's go down your "things to do" checklist: Moved your phone service and utilities? [Check!] Put in your change of address on your mail? [Check!!] Have all of your belongings held hostage by some rogue movers? [Check...not!!!]  Do your homework (first) and choose the right moving company!  Ben's Moving Tips will save you time, money and lots-o-heartache.....

Since interest rates are still lower than they were a year ago...what are you waitin' for?  Cash in and lock in the lowest rate in decades by re-financing your current mortgage and cut 10 to 15 years off your term!  And the best news of all?  Deal with the best, lay-it-on-the-line/no-games-played-here company in the country, W.R. Starkey Mortgage.

It's easy to get educated about the process first...and the price is right!  (Free!)  Everything you need to know can be found on-line; get your own copy of Bens' 2003 Home Buyer's Guide by clicking here.

 

Now that you're motivated to buy a house, or trade-up from your current home...how would you like to get some cash back on your next home purchase (or sale)?  (I'll show you how.)  Click here.....

Big Brother wants you to make your car payments on time: And you will. Here's why.

 

Speaking of cars...are you finally in the market for a new set of wheels?  Do not be seduced by radio-commercial claims by car leasing companies that want to get you hooked, wear you down and beat the daylights out of you!  Check out Ben's free Smart Car Seminar automotive acquisition tips right here!

 

Here's the first and last automobile leasing company you'll ever need to deal with, no matter where you live...Ben's no-brainer choice is Manufacturers Auto Leasing: They have loyal clients across the entire state of Texas and around the nation.  Why?  Because they'll take care of you better than anyone else out there! 

 

By the way: If you're facing one of those upside-down scenarios (car business term meaning you're financially buried), or maybe you simply want to bail on your current vehicle and need someone to get creative on your behalf, Manufacturers Auto Leasing is the best in the business.  Period.

Forget using Arkansas or Mississippi as the butt of your jokes. New Mexico has taken over the #1 position! Why? Maybe the recently released 2001 Health Statistic Annual Report just released by the Office of Vital Records and Health Statistics study revealing that nearly half of all babies born in that state (okay, 46.3% to be exact) were born to unwed mothers.

Looking for a great holiday gift this year? How about some rocks from the moon? (Straight from New Mexico!) What's with New Mexico these days anyway? Pregnant and gullible comes to mind: A Santa Fe-area woman just figured out that that bag of rocks she's owned for over 30 years probably aren't from the moon-like someone convinced her-after all. Amazing.....

Do you love the amazing resources I compile every week in the Dose of Dover? Good! Then no whining about having to sign-up for free access: Like anything in life, there's always gonna be a trade-off on some level. I embed dozens of links in every edition of this newsletter, and my frequent sources, The New York Times, The Dallas Morning News, The Los Angeles Times, The Orange County Register and USA Today require varying levels of registration in order to access their websites for free...with one small caveat: If you try to hit an older story, there's a reasonable chance that the news organization has either moved the story to a new URL, or to their archives.  If it's archived, there's a high probability that they'll charge you for access to the story...usually under $3.  Don't whine about it...just pay 'em if you wanna read it--or not.  It's always your choice.

 

Also worth noting: Nowhere is it written that you have to give them accurate information when you sign up for free access on their website. They'd like you to, but they'll never really know. So use a disposable e-mail address (like Hotmail or Yahoo) and get creative when you register.  But just remember: They/we are giving you a tremendous service for a great price...free!  So no complaining...

Whew! It's safe to check out books at your local library-for now, anyway: Library? What's that? Oh yeah...it's that big building with books in it. Just like 45 RPM records, libraries to some in the younger generation are an unfamiliar place; why go when you've got a DSL connection and a WiFi set-up on your laptop? Well just in case you get the itch to check out a book, you'll be tickled to read this recent revelation about the FBI's apparent disinterest in checking up on what you've been checking out.

Didja hear about the latest outlet for venting your consumer-related complaints? It's a veritable one-stop-shop for converting frustration into fun...and it's turning into the spot to submit your hotel, airline, cell phone or Internet-related horror stories. Give it a look...and quit yer whinin'.

Maybe you'd rather get some results instead of simply sounding off? Why not do both? I'll show you how to raise hell and increase your chances of getting what you want; check out my incredibly-impactful Six Steps To Effective Complaining section...

Are 'ya happy to see me or is that a prescription for Levitra in your pocket? While Viagra quickly became part of our collective consciousness and vocabulary over the last few years, their ad agency appears to have been content to coast on their laurels and their market position...and cash their checks from Pfizer. In less than a month, GlaxoSmithKline and Bayer, the co-marketers of Levitra have captured half of Viagra's market-share...boing!  Read all about it...

Does it seem like you're getting more calls from telemarketers lately? You're not alone! Read why more Americans are receiving more calls from these tele-pests as we approach the big October 1^st "Do Not Call" deadline.

NostraDover strikes again...this time on predicting the fallout of the impact from the Do Not Call Lists: Why is it gonna be deemed a colossal waste of time? Ben told you so...over 18 months ago. Read his published predictions right here!

Still looking for a cool birthday (or other special occasion) gift that'll keep on giving, all year long?  Then give 'em a subscription to the Dose of Dover...the most reliable source of insight and no s*** ideas available on the planet.  (You can afford it...it's free!)  Time to share the wealth!  Sign-up for a subscription to the weekly Dose of Dover Newsletter right here!

 

Do you know what to do if you happen to miss your weekly Dose of Dover?  Aside from blaming your ISP for it, take the path of least resistance: Read the latest edition in the Dose of Dover archive right here!

Is it me or does it seem our world moves at a much faster pace? It depends who you're talkin' to: Once again, in a recent issue of Playboy they note that the California Highway Patrol agrees with my assertion that things seem to be moving faster. According to the CHP, tickets issued for speeds greater than 100 mph have jumped almost 300%, from 5,290 in 1992 to 15,372 in 2002.  Seems like the right time to review my special section on radar and laser detectors.....

Aren't Mondays rough enough? Tough Schick!!! Here's what one of the largest toiletry-target companies in the nation proposes to do to cash in...

Speaking of toiletry-related products, get ready for an onslaught of admonitions and reminders about the benefits of flossing: It got its first big shot-in-the-gums on a 1993 episode of "Seinfeld" and now that Proctor & Gamble's has acquired dental floss marketer Glide, expect to see some combo-packaging of P&G's big-toothed entry Crest.....

Since death and taxes are inevitable, why not do a little research today and save your family a casket-load of grief down the road?  Know your rights when it comes to end-of-life issues: Spend a tax-deductible $35 and buy your family a lifetime membership to one of Ben's favorite non-profit organizations that specializes in making you smarter: Funeral Consumer's Alliance of North Texas

If you (or someone you know) is even remotely thinking about paying some non-profit credit counseling service, hiring a debt re-negotiation company or filing for bankruptcy, you might wanna read this first:  Trust me, you'll be more informed and a lot more grateful 10-minutes (or less) from now.....

Speaking of brain-damage, Californians should check out this new section on my site that'll help you get a handle on your rights if you do decide to pull the ripcord (that's slang for filing for bankruptcy) on your creditors: It's a Q&A with one of the top bankruptcy attorneys in the state, and a chance to debunk the half-truths being spewed by those bottom-feeding tele-terrorists.

Wanna cut a deal with the IRS? It'll cost ya $150 starting November 1^st: The popular but seemingly-elusive "Offer In Compromise" program-allowing financially-challenged taxpayers to pay a reduced amount of the taxes owed-is gonna start charging an entry fee...here's why.

From the "you just thought they could be nasty" department; some insights on the IRS' new commissioner: According to a tax industry insider: "The new IRS commish is a real hard liner.  In documents that had to be requested under the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), the new commish has stated he's going to do his best to eliminate the offer in compromise program.

 

It's also been documented from internal IRS memos (that also had to be pried out via FOIA),  that the new commissioner has isolated and ostracized the congressionally mandated taxpayer advocate department, and that they're not to be privy to any of the of the IRS' internal loop of information.  It really looks like he a mad dog off the leash.  In the future we see a huge backlash against him, but it might take a few years for all that to build up.  The IRS has a new focus in collections even if the taxpayer has already completed and sent in their returns...and the IRS is dragging its heels in processing returns right now; 6 month or more is quite standard time for them to process older, multiple-years of returns."

Don't make the mistake of trying to deal with the IRS on your own.  Lousy advice could not only cost you dearly, it could jack up your total taxes owed, late fees, interest and/or fines to levels that'll make you think about learning Spanish and heading south of the border. If you've got some tax-related challenges, now's the time to tie down those loose-ends on your terms and get a deal worked out before it's too late.  Non-filers...innocent spouses...941 (payroll taxes) for the entrepreneurs amongst us: Know all your options and learn why hiring an Enrolled Agent probably makes the most sense.

Digital dealmaking? Get ready for the latest cyber-spin from our pals in the debt collection industry! There's a new company called SplitTheDifference that turns haggling into a sort of e-Bay-meets-Vito the Debt Collector in a chat room. Strange, and full of promise, this software-based collection, deal-making engine predicts what people (or businesses) can pay-or will pay-and negotiates quick settlements and collections. The company that created this collections vehicle gets a piece of the action and bada-boom/bada-bing, everybody wins! You've gotta read more about it and get a glimpse of the personal and business debt collection future...

It's time to level the playing field with the long-awaited new edition of Back Off! The Definitive Guide To Stopping Collection Agency Harassment:

    Read sample chapters from the new book!

    Get the inside scoop on those "non-profit" credit counseling agencies.

    Read all about the biggest thugs operating under the noses of authorities, rogue collection agencies that terrorize unwitting consumers.

 

And since we're on the subject of credit problems...do you know anyone who's got some of their own? It's time to learn more about the inner-workings of that black hole known as the credit reporting bureaus: You can get a digital copy of Ben's 1993 (#5) bestseller Life After Debt on-line, right now.  Read how right here..... 

Everybody's heard about the "speak and type" word processing technology by now, right? You know, you speak into a microphone and the computer types your words (good luck to you Cajuns down in Louisiana). Now IBM's research center has developed a computer software program that reads lips!

Hmmmm...it's couched as a tool to increase the accuracy of automatic speech recognition equipment (anyone called an airline's telephone customer service number lately?) but I want you to think outta the box for a moment. Just imagine what this software, teamed with a camera and a long [telephoto] lens could do for professional-and amateur-snoops! The possibilities are endless...(I can't wait for it to become available so I can hook mine up!).

What are you waiting for?  Now's the time to get off your butt and start making travel plans for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend! (You're on the clock and it's now 75 days away): Stretch your travel budget and get your Thanksgiving or Christmas-time travel planning handled now. Check out Ben's no-brainer choice for hotel room or condo deals: www.hotels.com.  

Hey Mom & Dad! Worried about your kids meeting strangers on-line? Maybe you should be more concerned with easy-access to one of the most addictive (and government-protected) substances in this country instead! A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association will open your eyes, especially since 90% of kids aged 11-15 were able to score the stuff on-line. What stuff? C'mon, I'm not gonna make it that easy for 'ya...

You don't know where that finger's been!!! Oh sure, Moms-and-Dads are always urging their rugrats to wash their hands, but too bad alotta you never learned: And too bad so many Moms-and-Dads don't practice what they preach...

Maybe this will cause some of you to re-think the traditional business handshake: Let's just hope you don't turn into a legendary germophobe-whacko like the late Howard Hughes or Tiny "Tiptoe Through The Tulips" Tim...

From the "sounds good, but let's see 'em put their money where their mouth is" department...Cell phone companies are instituting a self-imposed Code of Conduct that may bode well for wired consumers: National wireless carriers Verizon, Sprint PCS, Nextel, Cingular and AT&T (along with some regional companies) have agreed to adhere to a new, 10-part code of behavior that's supposed to make it easier for us to compare rate plans, as well as ditch companies that have crappy cell coverage.

Check out the 10-part "code" and then review yet another stroke of NostraDover: Ben accurately predicted that the cell phone carriers were about to start romancing current subscribers with financial incentives to stay as the November 24, 2003 "cell phone portability" deadline approaches. You don't know what that is? Then read the column.....

You know how hard it is to get rid of old tires or car batteries? You might have a similar disposal-related challenge sitting in your medicine cabinet! The EPA's "studying" the problem that's lurking behind the mirror in your bathroom.....

Scared of having Lasik done on your eyes, but tired of getting screwed on the cost of your contact lenses? Help might be on the way; keep your eyes on this story and we'll let you know when to expect some financial relief.

Facing some tough decisions on your leased vehicle?  Chill...we've got some solutions for you to consider, first...Plus: How to work out/minimize the impact of a four-wheeled financial mess...And: Why moving out of the country can destroy your credit report faster than a deadbeat ex-spouse.  Helping you avoid the heartbreak of vehicular (budgetary) manslaughter, one nightmare at a time: Check out the September 25, 2003 edition of Ask Benjamin Dover from The Dallas Morning News right here!