SCAM ALERT: How to Avoid Banking And Other Trending Scams; Know The Red Flags

From the good folks at Bank of America:

Be Aware Of A Trending Zelle® Payment Scam

Beware of scammers impersonating banks and fraud departments. By spoofing legitimate phone numbers to call or text you, the requests can be very convincing. While Bank of America may send you a text to validate unusual activity, we will never contact you to request that you send money using Zelle® to anyone, including yourself or to share a code to resolve fraud.

Here's What Happens:

• You receive a text that looks like a Bank of America suspicious activity alert.
  
  
• If you respond to the text, you've engaged the scammer and will receive a call from a number that appears to be from a bank.
  
  
• The “representative” or scammer will offer to help stop the alleged fraud by asking you to send money to yourself with Zelle®.
  
  
• Then, they ask you for a one time code you just received from a bank. If you give them that code, they will use it to enroll their bank account with Zelle® using your email or phone number.
  
  
• The scammer now has the ability to receive your money in their account.

Being vigilant is your first line of defense; here's how to help stay protected:

• Don't be pressured to act immediately — this is what scammers want you to do.
  
  
• Don't trust caller ID — it's not always who it says it is.
  
  
• Don't share codes based on a call you receive.

To learn more, watch this educational video layer from Zelle®

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Know The Scams That May Follow A Natural Disaster

Watch out for fake contractors. Following a disaster, unlicensed contractors will canvas the impacted areas promising to get clean up or repairs done quickly. They may ask for payment up front and not show up to do the work, or have you sign a contract that redirects insurance payouts to them and not you.

• Do your research; get multiple quotes for comparison, and make sure the contractors are licensed.
  
  
• Use caution if you're pressured to pay up front for the job or sign over the insurance claim. Contractors may try to offer special deals that seem too good to be true.
  

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CLICK HERE for much more from this
highly informative Bank of America article.

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#SCAMS #SCAMMERS #FRAUD #ZELLE #BofA #SCAMALERT #NEWSCAMALERT #REDFLAGS #SCAMAVOIDANCE #AVOIDSCAMS #FedPrimeRate #PHONESCAMS #EMAILSCAMS #TEXTSCAMS #BANKOFAMERICA #PHISHING #PHISHINGSCAMS #BANKSCAMS #BANKS #BANKINGSCAMS

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New Unemployment Insurance Claims for The Week of December 21, 2024

Jobless Claims

Earlier today, the Labor Department released its weekly report on New Jobless Insurance Claims for the week that ended on December 21, 2024:

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Predicted: 220,000

• Actual: 219,000

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The yellow-highlighted figure represents the number of first-time claims for unemployment benefits for the entire United States. The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

• Previous Week (unrevised): 220,000

• 4-Week Moving Average: 226,500

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• Click here to view the full Labor Department report

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New Home Sales During November 2024

The November, 2024 New Home Sales report was released by the Commerce Department this morning:

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Previous Month (revised): 627,000

• Actual New Home Sales: 664,000

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• Change from 1 Month Previous: +37,000 units (+5.9%)
  
  
• Change from 1 Year Previous: +53,000 units (+8.67%)

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Median Price for a New Home
During November, 2024: $402,600
 

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Average Price for a New Home
During November, 2024: $484,800

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Inventory: 490,000 (+40,000 units / 8.89% Year-on-Year)

• 8.9 months supply at current sales rate; seasonally‐adjusted estimate.

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CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home
NOVEMBER 2024 Update

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• CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home.
  
  
• Click Here for Existing Home Sales Prices and a Chart.
  
  
• Click Here for The Monthly Existing Home Sales Report.

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Compiled jointly by the U.S. Commerce Department and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the yellow-highlighted figure above is the seasonally adjusted and annualized number of newly-built homes with committed buyers for the indicated month.

The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

The New Home Sales report is watched by economists and investors because it offers insight into the state of the U.S. housing market, and also provides data that can be used to predict sales of large household furniture and appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.


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• Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF)
  
  

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Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for December 2024

Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI) for this month (December, 2024) was released by The Conference Board® this morning:

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Predicted: 112.0

• Actual: 104.7

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Previous Month (revised): 112.8

• Change from Previous Month: -7.18% (-8.1 points)
  

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The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

From Today's Report:

"...'The recent rebound in consumer confidence was not sustained in December as the Index dropped back to the middle of the range that has prevailed over the past two years,' said Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board. 'While weaker consumer assessments of the present situation and expectations contributed to the decline, the expectations component saw the sharpest drop.

Consumer views of current labor market conditions continued to improve, consistent with recent jobs and unemployment data, but their assessment of business conditions weakened. Compared to last month, consumers in December were substantially less optimistic about future business conditions and incomes. Moreover, pessimism about future employment prospects returned after cautious optimism prevailed in October and November.'

Peterson added: 'Consumers became a bit less bullish about the stock market in December: 52.9% expected stock prices to increase over the year ahead, down from a record high of 57.2% in November. Also, 25% of consumers expected stock prices to decline, up from 21.7%. The share of consumers expecting higher interest rates over the next 12 months ticked up to 48.5% but remained near recent lows. The share expecting lower rates eased to 29.3% -- down from recent months but still quite high.'..."

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Every month, The Conference Board sends a questionnaire to 5,000 U.S. households. Survey participants are polled about their feelings regarding the U.S. economy, current and future, and about their own fiscal circumstances. On average, 3,500 participants complete and return the 5-question survey.

• The baseline "100" score for the CCI is associated with 1985 survey data.

When consumers feel good about the economy, they tend to do more spending, and vice versa.

Based in New York City, The Conference Board is a private, not-for-profit organization with a mission to, "create and disseminate knowledge about management and the marketplace to help businesses strengthen their performance and better serve society."

The CCI is usually released on the last Tuesday of the month.

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CHART: Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)
DECEMBER 2024 Update

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• Click here to view the full Conference Board report.

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ENRON.COM: The Most Sophisticated Parody Website I have Ever Seen

Take a moment to check out the Enron® company relaunch website: www.ENRON.com.

Looks sharp, doesn't it?  Lots of tight copy everywhere. Lovely design.  Very professional.

Well, apparently, it's fake!

As pointed out by X.com user @kylerwk, it's a parody website!

• I did a WHOIS lookup to see who owns the site.

                    👀"Registration Private"👀...Of course...😌

• According to the website, Enron is "The World's Leading Company" 🤔😐🤔😌
  
  
• Defunct Enron was brought down by the "Enron scandal" back in 2007.
  

I have a feeling that the website will be taken down soon.  That's why I am sharing the text from one of the website's terms and conditions pages, as it demonstrates how deep and convincing this deception is...👇

"...OVERVIEW

IMPORTANT – PLEASE CAREFULLY READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE TERMS OF USE AND CONDITIONS OF SALE (“TERMS” OR “AGREEMENT”) BEFORE ACCESSING, USING, OR PLACING AN ORDER THROUGH OUR WEBSITE. THESE TERMS CONTAIN DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITIES (see corresponding sections). THESE TERMS FORM AN ESSENTIAL BASIS OF OUR AGREEMENT. PLEASE PRINT AND RETAIN A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT FOR YOUR RECORDS.

Your use of ENRON.com, including any sub-domains thereof, affiliated websites, and mobile applications (collectively, the “Website”), which are owned and maintained by Enron Corporation (“Enron,” “we,” “our,” “us”), are governed by the policies, terms, and conditions set forth below. Please read them carefully. We offer the Website, including all information, tools, products, and services available from the Website to you, the user, conditioned upon your acceptance of all terms, conditions, policies, and notices stated here. By accessing, using, or placing an order over the Website, you agree to the terms set forth herein. If you do not agree to these terms and conditions in their entirety, you are not authorized to use the Website in any manner or form whatsoever.

THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER PROVISIONS THAT WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO A COURT HEARING, RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION. ARBITRATION IS MANDATORY AND IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY AND ALL DISPUTES UNLESS SPECIFIED BELOW IN THE “DISPUTE RESOLUTION BY MANDATORY BINDING ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER” SECTION OR IF YOU OPT-OUT. PLEASE CAREFULLY REVIEW THE “DISPUTE RESOLUTION BY MANDATORY BINDING ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER” SECTION BELOW WHICH DESCRIBES YOUR RIGHT TO OPT-OUT.

You can review the most current version of the Terms at any time on this page. We reserve the right to update, change, or replace any part of these Terms by posting updates and/or changes to our Website. It is your responsibility to check this page periodically for changes. YOUR CONTINUED USE OF OR ACCESS TO THE WEBSITE FOLLOWING THE POSTING OF ANY CHANGES CONSTITUTES BINDING ACCEPTANCE OF THOSE CHANGES.

THE INFORMATION ON THE WEBSITE IS FIRST AMENDMENT PROTECTED PARODY, REPRESENTS PERFORMANCE ART, AND IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
WEBSITE USE

By using the Website and agreeing to these Terms, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your state or province of residence.  If you use the Website, you affirm that you have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract with us, have read this Agreement, and understand and agree to its terms.

PRIVACY & SECURITY DISCLOSURE

Our Privacy Policy may be viewed at Privacy Statement.  The Privacy Policy is incorporated into these Terms by reference and constitutes a part of these Terms.

GENERAL CONDITIONS AND WEBSITE USER CONDUCT RESTRICTIONS

All aspects of our Website are protected by U.S. and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.  You do not acquire any ownership or other rights by downloading or using the Website or any material on it.

You agree not to use or attempt to use the Website or any products or services in any unlawful manner or for any unlawful purpose.  You further agree not to commit any unlawful act or attempt to commit any unlawful act on or through the Website including, but not limited to: (1) hacking and other digital or physical attacks on the Website; (2) publishing abusive, vulgar, obscene, or defamatory material; (3) soliciting others to perform or participate in any unlawful acts; (4) violating any international, federal, provincial or state regulations, rules, laws, or local ordinances; (5) infringing upon or violating our intellectual property rights or the intellectual property rights of others; (6) harassing, abusing, insulting, harming, defaming, slandering, disparaging, intimidating, or discriminating based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, race, age, national origin, or disability; (7) submitting false or misleading information; (8) uploading or transmitting viruses or any other type of malicious code that will or may be used in any way that will affect the functionality or operation of the Website; (9) collecting or tracking the personal information of others; (10) interfering with or circumventing the security features of the Website; or (11) any other unlawful act.

Enron reserves the right to terminate your access to the Website or any of its services if it determines that you (1) do not comply with these Terms; (2) provide false, inaccurate, or incomplete information during our registration process; (3) engage in any conduct that would otherwise harm any of Enron’s rights or interests in its Website, services, or other property; or (4) for any or no reason whatsoever without prior notice to you. Enron may take any other actions necessary in this regard or seek any remedies permitted by law.

PRODUCTS SOLD FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY

You further agree that any products or services you purchase from Enron on or through the Website will be used for your personal, non-commercial use.  You agree that you will not resell, redistribute, modify, or export any product that you order from the Website.  We reserve the right to limit or prohibit orders that, in our sole judgment, appear to be placed by dealers, resellers or distributors.

ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, AND TIMELINESS OF INFORMATION

While we endeavor to provide accurate and current information on our Website about our products, there may be information on our Website that contains typographical errors, inaccuracies, or omissions related to product descriptions, pricing, promotions, offers, product shipping charges, transit times, and availability.  We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, and to change or update information or cancel orders if any information on the Website or on any related website is inaccurate at any time without prior notice (including after you have submitted your order).

We have made every effort to display as accurately as possible the colors and images of our products that appear on the Website. We cannot guarantee that your computer monitor's or other device’s display of any color will be accurate.

This Website may contain certain historical information.  Historical information, necessarily, is not current and is provided for your reference only.  We reserve the right to modify the contents of this Website at any time, but we have no obligation to update any information on our Website.  You agree that it is your responsibility to monitor changes to our Website.

The information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.

MODIFICATIONS TO THE WEBSITE AND PRICES

We reserve the right to modify or discontinue access to the Website (or any part or content thereof) without notice at any time.  We shall not be liable to you or to any third party for any modification, suspension, or discontinuance of access to the Website.  Certain products or services may be available exclusively online through the Website.  These products or services may have limited quantities and are subject to refund, return, or exchange only according to our shipping and refund return policies.

All descriptions of products or product pricing are subject to change at any time without notice, at our sole discretion.  Any offer for any product or service made on this Website is void where prohibited.
PAYMENT

All charges are in U.S. Dollars.

By submitting payment information to us, you represent and agree that: (i) you are fully authorized to use that card or account; (ii) all payment information provided is complete and accurate; (iii) you will be responsible for any payment card fees; and (iv) that sufficient funds exist to pay us the amount(s) due.

We and our third-party payment service providers may request, and we may receive, updated credit card information from your credit card issuer, such as updated card numbers and expiration date information when your credit card has expired.  If such updated information is provided to us and our third-party payment service providers, we will update your account information accordingly.  Your credit card issuer may give you the right to opt-out of providing vendors and third-party payment service providers with your updated credit card information.  If you wish to opt-out of your credit card’s updating service, you should contact your credit card issuer.

We are not responsible for any fees or charges that your bank or credit card issuer may apply.  If your bank or credit card issuer reverses a charge to your credit card, we may bill you directly and seek payment by another method including a mailed statement.

ORDER PLACEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

Your electronic order confirmation, or any form of confirmation, does not signify our acceptance of your order.  We reserve the right to accept or deny shipment to anyone for any reason.  In the event we deny your order, you will receive a refund to your original form of payment.  You understand and agree that we will not be liable for any losses or damages that may result from our refusal to provide you any product or service.  We reserve the right to require additional information before processing any order.

SHIPPING

Enron ships to addresses in the United States and internationally. Unless otherwise stated on the Website at the time of purchase, if we ship you a physical product, we reserve the right to add applicable shipping and handling fees to your order. Unless otherwise stated, we will use commercially reasonable efforts to fulfill your order within a reasonable time after receipt of your properly completed and verified order. Accurate shipping address and phone number information is required.

Although we may provide delivery or shipment timeframes or dates, such dates are good-faith estimates and are subject to change. If your order will be delayed, we will contact you at the email address you provided when placing your order. If we are unable to contact you or you would like to cancel your order, we will cancel the order and refund the full amount charged. We shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, or expense related to any delay in shipment or delivery caused by any third party carrier or other delivery service not owned or controlled by us. The risk of loss and title for such items pass to you upon our delivery to any third party carrier.

If you discover that you have made a mistake with your order after it has been submitted, or wish to cancel your order after you placed it and before it has been shipped, please contact Customer Support by email at support@enron.com. You must contact us as soon as possible in order to modify or cancel your pending order. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to amend your order in accordance with your instructions. If your order has been shipped, please allow the product to be delivered and leave it unopened before returning.

DELIVERY CONFIRMATION

Because many instances may occur at your delivery address that are beyond our control, you agree that any delivery confirmation provided by the carrier is sufficient proof of delivery, even without a signature.

RETURN AND REFUND POLICY

All sales are final unless Enron ships you a damaged or defective product. If you believe you received a damaged or defective product you must notify Enron within 14 days of receiving the product. Our return policy only applies to non-sale items. However, sale items may be exchanged for store credit. Please note that return labels are subject to a charge. Original shipping fee, return shipping fees, and shipping protection are non-refundable and will not be credited should you elect a store credit in lieu of a refund. For additional questions about our policies, you may Contact Us.

SOCIAL MEDIA

This section applies to everyone who interacts with our social media presence, including comment sections, feeds, and other elements of social media presence viewable on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, or any of the many other available external third-party social media platforms we may use (“Social Media Presence”).

The sites and platforms that host our Social Media Presence are not controlled by us and therefore have their own privacy policies and terms of use.  The comments and opinions expressed by users on social media are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of Enron, and we have no obligation to monitor or remove user comments.  If you see an offensive or inappropriate post or comment on our Social Media Presence, you should report it to the operator of the applicable site or platform using the procedures they have established for that purpose.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

EXCEPT WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW, THIS WEBSITE AND ALL PRODUCTS PROVIDED ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS”, “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF TITLE OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  WE MAKE NO, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AS TO THE RELIABILITY, TIMELINESS, QUALITY, SUITABILITY, AVAILABILITY, ACCURACY AND/OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE.  WE DO NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM THAT: (A) OUR PRODUCTS, SERVICES, INFORMATION, OR OTHER MATERIAL PURCHASED OR OBTAINED THROUGH THE WEBSITE WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR EXPECTATIONS, OR (B) THE WEBSITE OR THE SERVER(S) THAT MAKE THE WEBSITE AVAILABLE ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS.  ALL CONDITIONS, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NONINFRINGEMENT OF THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITIES

EXCEPT WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL ENRON OR ANY OF ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, SHAREHOLDERS, EMPLOYEES, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, AND/OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES, FEES, COSTS OR CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE PRIVACY POLICY, THE PRODUCTS, OR YOUR OR A THIRD-PARTY’S USE OR ATTEMPTED USE OF THE WEBSITE OR ANY PRODUCT, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ENRON HAS HAD NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, FEES, COSTS, OR CLAIMS.  THIS INCLUDES, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA, LOSS OF GOODWILL, PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH, COST OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE SERVICES OR PRODUCTS, OR ANY OTHER INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES.  THIS APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE MANNER IN WHICH DAMAGES ARE ALLEGEDLY CAUSED, AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND STRICT LIABILITY), WARRANTY, OR OTHERWISE.  IF, NOTWITHSTANDING THE LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY SET FORTH ABOVE, ENRON IS FOUND LIABLE UNDER ANY THEORY, ENRON’s LIABILITY AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY WILL BE LIMITED TO USD $500.00.  THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SHALL APPLY FOR ALL CLAIMS, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ENRON WAS AWARE OF OR ADVISED IN ADVANCE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGES OR SUCH CLAIMS.  SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES, SO SOME OF THE ABOVE EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU AND YOU MAY HAVE ADDITIONAL RIGHTS.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION BY MANDATORY BINDING ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER

PLEASE READ THIS PROVISION CAREFULLY; IT REQUIRES YOU TO ARBITRATE ANY DISPUTE OR CLAIM BETWEEN YOU AND ENRON ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS.

YOU AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE OR CLAIM ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION, ENRON’S PRIVACY POLICY OR TERMS, ENRON’S ADVERTISING OR MARKETING PRACTICES, ENRON’S PRODUCTS OR SERVICES, OR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOU AND US SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO BINDING, FINAL, AND CONFIDENTIAL ARBITRATION BEFORE A SINGLE ARBITRATOR ADMINISTERED BY THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION (“AAA”) UNDER ITS CONSUMER ARBITRATION RULES. THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT (“FAA”), 9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16, AND THE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION. THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE EXCLUSIVE AND SOLE AUTHORITY FOR DETERMINING WHETHER A DISPUTE OR CLAIM IS ARBITRABLE. THE ARBITRATOR SHALL FOLLOW APPLICABLE SUBSTANTIVE LAW OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE TO THE EXTENT CONSISTENT WITH THE FAA, AND SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO AWARD ALL REMEDIES AVAILABLE IN AN INDIVIDUAL LAWSUIT UNDER SUBSTANTIVE LAW, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, COMPENSATORY, STATUTORY AND PUNITIVE DAMAGES, DECLARATIVE, INJUNCTIVE AND OTHER EQUITABLE RELIEF, INCLUDING PUBLIC INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS WHERE AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE SUBSTANTIVE LAW. THE ARBITRATOR MAY ONLY RESOLVE DISPUTES OR CLAIMS BETWEEN YOU AND ENRON AND MAY NOT CONSOLIDATE CLAIMS OR PROCEEDINGS WITHOUT ENRON’S CONSENT. THE ARBITRATOR MAY NOT HEAR CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE CLAIMS OR REQUESTS FOR RELIEF ON BEHALF OF OTHER INDIVIDUALS. IF A COURT OR ARBITRATOR DECIDES THAT ANY PART OF THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE CANNOT BE ENFORCED AS TO A PARTICULAR CLAIM FOR RELIEF OR REMEDY, THEN THAT CLAIM OR REMEDY (AND ONLY THAT CLAIM OR REMEDY) MUST BE BROUGHT IN COURT AND ANY OTHER CLAIMS MUST BE ARBITRATED.

NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY HEREIN, YOU AGREE THAT ENRON HAS THE RIGHT TO BRING A CLAIM AGAINST YOU IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS OF DELAWARE FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, EQUITABLE RELIEF, OR OTHERWISE ARISING FROM ANY POTENTIAL OR ACTUAL MISAPPROPRIATION OR INFRINGEMENT OF ENRON’S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND YOU AGREE THAT VENUE IS PROPER AND THAT YOU ARE SUBJECT TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN SUCH FORUM, AND FOREVER WAIVE ANY CHALLENGE TO SAID COURTS’ JURISDICTION AND VENUE.

UNLESS YOU TIMELY OPT-OUT, YOU WILL NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO: (A) HAVE A COURT OR JURY DECIDE YOUR DISPUTE OR CLAIM; (B) OBTAIN INFORMATION PRIOR TO THE HEARING TO THE SAME EXTENT THAT YOU WOULD HAVE IN COURT; (C) PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION IN COURT OR IN ARBITRATION, EITHER AS A CLASS REPRESENTATIVE, CLASS MEMBER, OR CLASS OPPONENT; (D) ACT AS A PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL IN COURT OR IN ARBITRATION; OR (E) JOIN OR CONSOLIDATE YOUR DISPUTE OR CLAIM WITH THE DISPUTE OR CLAIM OF ANY OTHER PERSON.  OTHER RIGHTS THAT YOU WOULD HAVE HAD IF YOU WENT TO COURT MAY ALSO NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ARBITRATION.

YOU MAY OPT OUT OF ARBITRATION WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE DATE THAT YOU FIRST ACCESSED, FIRST ATTEMPTED TO ACCESS OR PURCHASED A PRODUCT OR SERVICE THROUGH ENRON’S WEBSITE, WHICHEVER WAS EARLIER, BY CONTACTING US AT SUPPORT@ENRON.COM, ATTN. LEGAL DEPARTMENT, STATING YOUR NAME, THE DATE YOU FIRST ACCESSED OR FIRST ATTEMPTED TO ACCESS THE WEBSITE, OR THE NAME OF THE PRODUCT YOU PURCHASED, AND YOUR INTENT TO OPT OUT OF ARBITRATION.  
INDEMNIFICATION

To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Enron, its parents, subsidiaries, predecessors, successors and affiliates, and their respective partners, officers, directors, agents, representatives, contractors, licensors, service providers, subcontractors, suppliers, interns, and employees, from and against any and all claims, actions, losses, liabilities, damages, expenses, demands and costs of any kind, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of, resulting from, or in any way connected with or related to (1) your breach of these Terms, the documents they incorporate by reference, or the Agreement; (2) your breach of any representations or warranties in this Agreement; or (3) your violation of any law or the rights of a third-party.

THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES AND LINKS

Our Website may include materials from third-parties or links to third-party websites.  We are not liable for any third-party materials or websites.  We are not liable for any harm or damages related to the purchase or use of goods, services, resources, content, or any other transactions made in connection with any third-party websites.  Please review carefully the third-party’s policies and practices and make sure you understand them before you engage in any transaction.  Complaints, claims, concerns, or questions regarding third-party products should be directed to the applicable third-party. 

TESTIMONIALS, REVIEWS, AND OTHER SUBMISSIONS

Enron is pleased to hear from users and customers and welcomes your comments regarding our services and products. You agree that anything you submit or post to the Website and/or provide us, including without limitation, photographs, testimonials, ideas, know-how, techniques, questions, reviews, comments, and suggestions (collectively, “Submissions”) is and will be treated as non-confidential and nonproprietary, and that we shall have the royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, and transferable right to use, copy, distribute, display, publish, perform, sell, lease, transmit, adapt, and create derivative works from such Submissions by any means and in any form. You agree that any Submission that you provide us is true and accurate in all respects and does not infringe or interfere with the intellectual property rights of any third party. You agree that Enron may use a Submission, in whole or in part, together with the name of the person submitting it. You agree that Submissions, including testimonials, may be used for any form of advertising relating to Enron’s products or services, in printed and online media, as Enron determines in its absolute discretion.  These testimonials do not represent the generally expected user experience.

 DIGITAL MILLENNIUM COPYRIGHT ACT NOTICE; INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS DMCA Notice

You may contact our agent for notice of claimed infringement specified above with complaints regarding allegedly infringing posted material and we will investigate those complaints.  If the posted material is believed in good faith by us to violate any applicable law, we will remove or disable access to any such material, and we will notify the posting party that the material has been blocked or removed.

In notifying us of alleged copyright infringement, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act requires that you include the following information: (i) description of the copyrighted work that is the subject of claimed infringement; (ii) description of the infringing material and information sufficient to permit us to locate the alleged material; (iii) contact information for you, including your address, telephone number and/or email address; (iv) a statement by you that you have a good faith belief that the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, or its agent, or by the operation of any law; (v) a statement by you, signed under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notification is accurate and that you have the authority to enforce the copyrights that are claimed to be infringed; and (vi) a physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or a person authorized to act on the copyright owner’s behalf.  Failure to include all of the above-listed information may result in the delay of the processing of your complaint.
Intellectual Property Rights, License

The audio and video materials, images, photographs, articles, opinions, and other text, graphics, illustrations, logos, depictions, layouts, compilations, designs, interfaces, digital downloads, software, data compilations and other content associated with the Website (the “Content”) are owned or licensed by and to Enron or other authorized third parties and are protected by intellectual property, copyright, trademark, trade dress and other laws in the U.S. and in other countries. You must comply with all such laws and applicable copyright, trademark or other legal notices or restrictions. You shall not remove or alter any copyright, trademark, or other legal notices marked on the Content. As between you and Enron, we will retain all right, title, and interest in and to the Website and the Content. No transfer of ownership to any portion of the Content shall be made as a result of any access you are granted. Except as expressly set forth in these Terms or expressly granted to you in writing by Enron, no rights are granted to you. You agree to abide by any and all additional copyright notices, information or restrictions contained in any part of the Website. The compilation of the Content on the Website is the exclusive property of Enron.

You are only permitted to access and view the Content for personal, non-commercial purposes in accordance with these Terms, and may not build a business or other enterprise utilizing any of the Content, whether for profit or not. Except as provided in these Terms or otherwise expressly authorized by us in writing, you may not (either directly or through the use of any software, device, internet site, web-based service or other means) download, stream capture, store in a database, archive or otherwise copy any part of the Website or Content; upload, sell, rent, lease, lend, broadcast, transmit or otherwise disseminate, distribute, display or perform any part of the Website or Content; license or sublicense any part of the Website or Content; or in any way exploit any part of the Website or Content. In addition, except as provided in these Terms or otherwise expressly authorized by us in writing, you are strictly prohibited from modifying Content; creating, distributing or advertising an index of any significant portion of the Content; or otherwise creating derivative works or materials that otherwise are derived from or based in any way on the Content, including mash-ups and similar videos, montages, translations, desktop themes, fonts, icons, wallpaper, greeting cards, and merchandise. This prohibition from creating derivative works is applicable even if you intend to give away the derivative material free of charge.

Copyright

The copyright in all materials provided on the Website is owned by Enron or its affiliate(s). Except as stated herein, none of the material contained in the Website may be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including, but not limited to, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Enron. Permission is hereby granted to view, copy, print and download the materials on the Website for personal, noncommercial use only, provided such materials are used solely for informational purposes, and all copies, or portions thereof, include this copyright notice. Enron may revoke any of the foregoing rights at any time. You may not, without Enron’s prior written consent, "mirror" any material contained on the Website on any other server. Upon termination of any rights extended hereunder, you must immediately destroy any downloaded and printed materials obtained from any Website. Any unauthorized use of any material contained on the Website may violate copyright laws, trademark laws, the laws of privacy and publicity, and communications regulations and statutes.
Trademarks

The trademarks, service marks and logos ("Trademarks") used and displayed on the Website are registered or unregistered Trademarks of Enron. Nothing on the Website shall be construed as granting, by implication, estoppel or otherwise any license or right to use any Trademark displayed on the Website without the prior written consent of the Trademark owner. The name of Enron or any Trademark may not be used in any way including in any advertising or publicity pertaining to distribution of materials on the Website without the prior written consent of Enron. Enron prohibits the use of any Enron logo and Trademark as a "hot" link to any web site unless establishment of such link is approved in advance by Enron in writing.

 ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

You agree that we may communicate electronically with you and that such communications, as well as notices, disclosures, agreements, and other communications that we provide to you electronically, are equivalent to communications in writing and shall have the same force and effect as if they were in writing and signed by the party sending the communication.
ASSIGNMENT

You may not assign any of your rights under these Terms, and any such attempt will be null and void.  Enron and its affiliates may, in their individual discretion, transfer, without further consent or notification, all contractual rights and obligations pursuant to these Terms if some or all of Enron’s business is transferred to another entity by way of merger, sale of its assets or otherwise. 

NO WAIVER

No waiver by Enron of any term or condition set forth in these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or condition or a waiver of any other term or condition, and any failure by Enron to assert a right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

 

SEVERABILITY

In the event that any provision of these Terms is determined to be unlawful, void or unenforceable, such provision shall nonetheless be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, and the unenforceable portion shall be deemed to be severed from these Terms.  Such determination shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any other remaining provisions.

TERMINATION

In the event that we terminate this Agreement, Sections titled “Website Use” through “Modifications to the Website and Prices,” Sections titled “Social Media” through “Indemnification,” Sections titled “Testimonials, Reviews, and other Submissions” through “Entire Agreement,” as well as any representations, warranties, and other obligations made or taken by you, shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms, the Agreement, and any policies or operating rules posted by us on the Website or in respect to the Website constitute the entire agreement and understanding between you and Enron, and supersedes and replaces any prior or contemporaneous agreements.  Any ambiguities in the interpretation of these Terms or the Agreement shall not be construed against the drafting party.
QUESTIONS OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please Contact Us if you have any questions concerning your purchase.  Additional information can be located on our Website..."

 

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New Unemployment Insurance Claims for The Week of November 23, 2024

 

Jobless Claims

Earlier today, the Labor Department released its weekly report on New Jobless Insurance Claims for the week that ended on November 23, 2024:

====================

Predicted: 213,000

• Actual: 213,000

====================

The yellow-highlighted figure represents the number of first-time claims for unemployment benefits for the entire United States. The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

• Previous Week (revised): 215,000

• 4-Week Moving Average: 217,000

====================

From Today's Report:

"...The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.3 percent for the week ending November 16, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending November 16 was 1,907,000, an increase of 9,000 from the previous week's revised level. This is the highest level for insured unemployment since November 13, 2021 when it was 1,974,000. The previous week's level was revised down by 10,000 from 1,908,000 to 1,898,000.

The 4-week moving average was 1,890,250, an increase of 13,500 from the previous week's revised average. This is the highest level for this average since November 27, 2021 when it was 1,928,000. The previous week's average was revised down by 2,500 from 1,879,250 to 1,876,750..."

====================

• Click here to view the full Labor Department report

====================

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New Home Sales During October 2024

The October, 2024 New Home Sales report was released by the Commerce Department this morning:

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Previous Month (revised): 738,000

• Actual New Home Sales: 610,000

------------------------------------------------------

• Change from 1 Month Previous: -128,000 units (-17.34%)
  
  
• Change from 1 Year Previous: -63,000 units (-9.36%)

------------------------------------------------------

Median Price for a New Home
During October, 2024: $437,300
 

***************************

Average Price for a New Home
During October, 2024: $545,800

------------------------------------------------------
Inventory: 481,000 (+39,000 units / 8.82% Year-on-Year)

• 9.5 months supply at current sales rate; seasonally‐adjusted estimate.

------------------------------------------------------

================================

CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home
OCTOBER 2024 Update

================================

• CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home.
  
  
• Click Here for Existing Home Sales Prices and a Chart.
  
  
• Click Here for The Monthly Existing Home Sales Report.

================================

Compiled jointly by the U.S. Commerce Department and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the yellow-highlighted figure above is the seasonally adjusted and annualized number of newly-built homes with committed buyers for the indicated month.

The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

The New Home Sales report is watched by economists and investors because it offers insight into the state of the U.S. housing market, and also provides data that can be used to predict sales of large household furniture and appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.


================================

• Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF)
  
  

================================

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New Home Sales During September 2024

The September, 2024 New Home Sales report was released by the Commerce Department this morning:

------------------------------------------------------

Previous Month (revised): 709,000

• Actual New Home Sales: 738,000

------------------------------------------------------

• Change from 1 Month Previous: +29,000 units (+4.09%)
  
  
• Change from 1 Year Previous: +44,000 units (+6.34%)

------------------------------------------------------

Median Price for a New Home
During September, 2024: $426,300
 

***************************

Average Price for a New Home
During September, 2024: $501,000

------------------------------------------------------

Inventory: 470,000 (7.6 months supply at current sales rate; seasonally‐adjusted estimate.)

------------------------------------------------------

================================

CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home
SEPTEMBER 2024 Update

================================

• CHART: Cost of A Newly Built Home.
  
  
• Click Here for Existing Home Sales Prices and a Chart.
  
  
• Click Here for The Monthly Existing Home Sales Report.

================================

Compiled jointly by the U.S. Commerce Department and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the yellow-highlighted figure above is the seasonally adjusted and annualized number of newly-built homes with committed buyers for the indicated month.

The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

The New Home Sales report is watched by economists and investors because it offers insight into the state of the U.S. housing market, and also provides data that can be used to predict sales of large household furniture and appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.


================================

• Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF)
  
  

================================

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Just Ordered 4 More FREE COVID-19 Tests from the COVIDTESTS.GOV Website

FREE COVID-19 Tests

COVIDTESTS.GOV: 100% FREE COVID-19 test kits are back, and I just placed my order.  Four (4) test kits are on their way to yours truly.

I have never tested positive for COVID, but I like to remain vigilant. COVID-19 killed my mother back in 2020, during the peak back then.  She was traveling in and out of the United States at the time.

From the COVIDTests.gov website:

"...To be confident you do not have COVID-19, the FDA recommends 2 negative antigen tests for people with symptoms or 3 antigen tests for people without symptoms, performed 48 hours apart. A single PCR test can be used to confirm an antigen test result..."

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a COVID Tracker HERE. 💀

COVID, like the flu, will come and go forever.

There are lots of folks out there who don't care about knowing their status...😟

I'm not one of those people...🙌

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Casinos That Accept MuchBetter: Enhancing Your Gambling Experience

In the ever-evolving world of online gambling, players are always on the lookout for convenient, secure, and efficient payment methods. MuchBetter, a modern e-wallet solution, has rapidly gained popularity among online casino enthusiasts. This innovative payment platform offers a unique combination of speed, security, and user-friendly features that significantly enhance the online gambling experience. In this article, we explore the benefits of using MuchBetter at online casinos and why it has become a preferred payment option for many players.

The Advantages of Using MuchBetter in Online Casinos

Speedy and Simple Transactions

MuchBetter is designed to make online transactions as quick and straightforward as possible. Deposits and withdrawals are processed instantly, allowing players to focus on their games rather than worrying about the status of their funds. The intuitive app interface ensures that even those new to digital wallets can navigate and use the platform with ease. This convenience is a significant draw for players looking to maximize their gaming time.

Top-Notch Security Features

Security is a critical concern for online gamblers, and MuchBetter excels in this area. The app uses device pairing, touch ID, and dynamic security codes to protect user accounts. Furthermore, casinos that accept MuchBetter utilize a cutting-edge real-time transaction monitoring system to identify and thwart any fraudulent activities. This sophisticated security infrastructure assures players of the safety of their funds and personal details, enhancing their overall gaming experience.

Rewarding Loyalty Program

MuchBetter offers a unique loyalty program that rewards users for their activity. Players can earn points for transactions and redeem them for various prizes, including cash bonuses and luxury items. This added incentive makes using MuchBetter not only practical but also rewarding, enhancing the overall user experience.

Low Fees and Competitive Rates

One of the standout features of MuchBetter is its cost-effectiveness. The platform charges low fees for transactions, which is a significant advantage for regular online gamblers. Additionally, MuchBetter offers competitive exchange rates for international transactions, ensuring that players get the best value when converting currencies.

Integration with Online Casinos

Wide Acceptance

MuchBetter is accepted by a growing number of online casinos, making it easy for players to find a site that supports this payment method. Casinos that accept MuchBetter are often reputable and well-regarded, providing a high-quality gaming experience with a wide variety of games, attractive bonuses, and excellent customer service.

Seamless User Experience

The integration of MuchBetter with online casinos ensures a seamless and efficient user experience. Players can easily select MuchBetter as their payment option during the deposit or withdrawal process. The straightforward setup and use of the MuchBetter app streamline the transaction process, allowing players to enjoy their games without unnecessary delays.

Exclusive Bonuses and Promotions

Many online casinos that accept MuchBetter offer exclusive bonuses and promotions for users of this payment method. These can include deposit bonuses, free spins, and other incentives designed to enhance the gaming experience. By choosing MuchBetter, players can take advantage of these special offers, boosting their bankroll and increasing their chances of winning.

The Future of MuchBetter in Online Gambling

Growing Popularity

As the benefits of MuchBetter become more widely known, its popularity in the online gambling community is expected to continue growing. The platform's commitment to providing a secure, efficient, and rewarding payment solution aligns perfectly with the needs and preferences of modern players.

Potential for New Features

Looking ahead, MuchBetter is likely to introduce new features and enhancements tailored to the online gambling market. These could include advanced budgeting tools, further security improvements, and more personalized rewards programs. Such developments will continue to make MuchBetter an attractive option for online casino enthusiasts.

Why MuchBetter Stands Out

Tailored for Gamblers

MuchBetter is specifically designed with the needs of gamblers in mind. Its instant transaction capabilities, coupled with its robust security features, make it a standout choice for those looking to enhance their online casino experience. The app's user-friendly interface and rewarding loyalty program further contribute to its appeal, providing a comprehensive solution that meets the unique demands of online gamblers.

Integration with Mobile Gaming

In today's mobile-first world, the ability to manage casino transactions on the go is a significant advantage. MuchBetter's seamless integration with mobile devices ensures that players can deposit and withdraw funds anytime, anywhere. This flexibility is especially valuable for those who enjoy playing casino games on their smartphones or tablets.

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My Former Web Host, LIQUIDWEB.com, Is Trying To Scam Me...

LIQUIDWEB.com is trying to scam me.  It has been more than two (2) years since I stopped hosting my websites with them.

And now they are trying to convince me that I owe them $169.60!  Here's the content of the email they sent me:

"...Re: Liquid Web LLC - Collections Notification - Total Amount Due as of 17 Jun 2024: $169.60

Dear [REDACTED],

Despite our previous reminders, the above amount due remains unpaid and will be turned over for collections activity. As such, we would appreciate you making this payment as soon as possible.

As of this date, your charges for your Liquid Web account  [REDACTED] is $169.60. Liquid Web provided those services in good faith and has notified you through several methods that your payment was past due.

Under Section 3 of Liquid Web's Terms of Service, you agreed to make payment when due. Further, Liquid Web is entitled to recover all of its expenses, including attorneys' fees, in connection with collection of your obligations. In addition, interest continues to accrue on the unpaid balance at the rate of 1.5% per month.

To avoid additional cost and interest, please remit payment within ten (10) days of receipt of this letter in the amount of $169.60, by logging into your account with your username [REDACTED] at https://www.liquidweb.com/, or by forwarding a check to my attention at the address below, made payable to Liquid Web.

If you believe these charges are inaccurate or would like to work with us to make payment arrangements, please contact us by email at collections@liquidweb.com.

Very truly yours,

Kristie Bakkal
General Counsel

2703 Ena Drive,
Lansing, MI 48917
LiquidWeb.com..."

And I see that they've been at it for a long time.  Check out the many horror stories on YELP.com.

How on Earth do they stay in business??? Their customer service is 100% atrocious, and they charge way too much for web hosting.

They attempted to raise my monthly rate, at which point I decided to look around and see what other hosts were offering.

Hosting is a very easy business, so there are unnumbered hosts out there...So my search took me a while.

And where did I find the best deal I've ever seen?

It was right under my nose the entire time! Best pricing in the universe, according to my findings, turned out to be NameCheap.com*...And NameCheap is where I already had a few domain names registered!

Did I feel kinda' silly?  You betcha'!

Hosting companies rely on their customers not bothering to shop around for a better deal once they've setup an account.  It's a classic case of business inertia.  And I was 100% guilty of this.

So, in conclusion: Shame on you LIQUIDWEB! Shame, shame, SHAME!!!

NameCheap hosting is, by a long shot, MASSIVELY cheaper than LIQUIDWEB...So shame, Shame SHAME on me too, for falling asleep at the web-hosting wheel!

AND NameCheap customer service is both first class AND available online 24/7/365, via live webchat.  Very recently, I had issues installing a new SSL certificate, and I was able to get live help and a quick solution in the middle of the night (EST USA.)

* = This is not a sponsored post.  I received neither discounts nor remuneration of any kind, for mentioning NameCheap.com in this blog entry.

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New Unemployment Insurance Claims for The Week of March 2, 2024

Jobless Claims

Earlier today, the Labor Department released its weekly report on New Jobless Insurance Claims for the week that ended on March 2, 2024:

====================

Predicted: 215,000

• Actual: 217,000

====================

The yellow-highlighted figure represents the number of first-time claims for unemployment benefits for the entire United States. The "predicted" figure is what economists were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

• Previous Week (revised): 217,000

• 4-Week Moving Average: 212,250

====================

From Today's Report:

"...The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.3% for the week ending February 24, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending February 24 was 1,906,000, an increase of 8,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised down by 7,000 from 1,905,000 to 1,898,000.

The 4-week moving average was 1,888,250, an increase of 10,250 from the previous week's revised average. This is the highest level for this average since December 11, 2021 when it was 1,888,250. The previous week's average was revised down by 1,750 from 1,879,750 to 1,878,000..."

 ====================

• Click here to view the full Labor Department report

====================

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Bad Spending Habits All Around Me...

So I am back living in the house I grew up in; a big town just outside of New York City.

The house had been empty for years...Not because it's in a bad neighborhood.

Empty because the cost of maintaining this house is too high.

Old-world construction is very strong and sturdy, but the cost of heating + cooling this place is extreme.  It's the kind of house that OK during the cool months, but feels hotter than the outdoors during the summer, and colder than outside when the weather gets frosty.

And then there is the property tax.  Extremely onerous, and it never goes away.  And if the bill goes unpaid for a long time, as it has here, a lien can happen, then a tax sale...💰😭💸😭💸

Student-loan debt is pure evil.  Many years ago, when I was really struggling, I defaulted, and "they" were able to access my bank account and take every penny I had.  It was less than $1,000, and they just took it without warning.  I wasn't able to pay my rent.  It was hell.

Losing control with credit-card debt? MUCH worse.  Did that when I was young and stupid, but eventually get my act together and paid it all down to $0.

But credit-card debt is unsecured. A bank can't take your home away from you, no matter how much credit-card debt you have.  BIG difference.

So my cousin decided to move into this house and give living here a shot.  Made sense to her, because she landed a great nursing job in NYC.  Great pay, A+ benefits and all the overtime she wants. Only problem was that she lived in Massachusetts. This house solved that.

So now my cousin has two places that she calls home, in two different states.  She commutes back and forth a lot, but the 3-hour drive goes by fast, especially on weekends.

My mother (RIP) spent lots of money on repairs and renovation.  Other members of my extended family pitched-in too.  While empty, thieves and/or squatters did bad things.

There are young children here, but the house is big, and the walls are thick.  Noise is contained, and the kids have plenty of room play, without disturbing anyone. The situation here is cool and calm and drama-free, which is very, VERY important to me. After all I've been through over the past 22 years, I have no tolerance for ugly behavior of any kind. ZERO TOLERANCE!

There is, however, a nagging concern here: my cousin and her husband are both shopaholic-spendaholics.  There is more footwear dumped all around this house than I have EVER seen in any home.  There must be at least 300 pairs of shoes...In every corner, and every room.  Moreover, there are more daily deliveries from Amazon than I used to see in the retail outlet I managed years ago.  Stacks of boxes, all shapes and sizes, and from all over the world, waiting outside, every day. Crazy....😱📦🥴📦😱📦😵‍💫📦😱

The mother of my child was REALLY GOOD at wasting money, and doing so in the most despicable way. Tantamount to just flushing it down the toilet.  So yeah: these things bother me...😑😒😐🫤

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