Daily Tech News 16 May 2024

Top Story

Google is adding an AI feature to Android that will listen in on your calls and interrupt you. (Ars Technica)

Specifically it will interrupt you if it thinks you are being scammed.

Which, well, I don't need it since I never answer the phone.

You don't need it.

But there are certainly people who would benefit from this, and there's a slim chance that Google won't screw this up, so let's see what happens.

Tech News

Making a Postgres query 1000 times faster. (Mattermost)}

Okay, yes, fine, but the answer was completely obvious.
Swift sucks at web serving - or does it. (Wade Tregaskis)

A little more in depth - particularly when the author finds bugs in the benchmarking tool - but if you're going to test thousands of simultaneous network connects you really should check that your computer allows you to make thousands of simultaneous network connections.
Introducing F-UTF-8. (GitHub)

F-UTF-8 is 100% UTF-8 compliant while being as annoying as possible.

And while UTF-8 is compatible with ASCII and F-UTF-8 is compatible with UTF-8, F-UTF-8 is as far from compatible with ASCII as it is possible to be.
Two MIT students stole $25 million from arbitrageurs on Ethereum in the span of twelve seconds in a combination front-running / transaction sequencing attack and then got caught because they didn't pay taxes on it. (Ars Technica)

Oops.

Random Anime Music Video of the Day

No reason, I just like this one.

Song is Stress by Boston band Jim's Big Ego, anime is of course Cowboy Bebop. Lead singer is Jim Infantino, whose uncle Carmine co-created the comic book character The Flash.

Disclaimer: Don't talk to me about first aid, boy, you owe me fourteen chickens.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at 04:24 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 First

Posted by: olddog in mo at May 16, 2024 04:26 AM (ju2Fy)

2 Morning, 'rons and 'ettes. Evening, Pixy,

Posted by: olddog in mo at May 16, 2024 04:27 AM (ju2Fy)

3 Nooded.

Posted by: olddog in mo at May 16, 2024 04:27 AM (ju2Fy)

4 G'Day everyone

Posted by: Skip at May 16, 2024 04:28 AM (fwDg9)

5

You got my Cheese-Wiz, boy?

Posted by: Elderly Git at May 16, 2024 04:30 AM (7T6//)

6 Mornin', Horde.

It's Thursday. That's all I got.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 16, 2024 04:33 AM (Wnv9h)

7 It's Thursday. That's all I got.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 16, 2024 04:33 AM (Wnv9h)

What the hell are you doing awake?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 16, 2024 04:41 AM (d9fT1)

8 The Mets are the Tottenham Hotspur of American sports. It makes me sad to say that because I like the Mets.

Posted by: Jamaica at May 16, 2024 04:44 AM (IG7T0)

9 What the hell are you doing awake?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 16, 2024 04:41 AM

Beats me. Happens occasionally. Now I need coffee.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 16, 2024 04:46 AM (Wnv9h)

10
Steal a chicken if you get a chance.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at May 16, 2024 04:46 AM (RKVpM)

11 Of course, now I can laugh at the Coast to Coast AM weirdos.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 16, 2024 04:47 AM (Wnv9h)

12 Mornin'

8 The Mets are the Tottenham Hotspur of American sports. It makes me sad to say that because I like the Mets.
Posted by: Jamaica

The Pirates deserve to be relegated to AAA.

(trying to keep the theme going)

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 16, 2024 04:49 AM (iNUL3)

13 11 Of course, now I can laugh at the Coast to Coast AM weirdos.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState

Every conspiracy theory is 6-7 news cycles ahead of reality. Weird bumps into Babylon Bee territory and turns into a NYT's headline.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 16, 2024 04:52 AM (iNUL3)

14 https://www.americanthinker.com/the fall of the universities began in vietnam
https://tinyurl.com/4dssuh3w

I always thought from then but am as positive as can be now the anti-war protesters were really Communist sympathizers.
And just a last few weeks read Vietnam the 2 decades after the fall of South Vietnam the population were living under the poverty line of Africa countries. I guess they are slowly moving like China out of that pure Communist ideals

Posted by: Skip at May 16, 2024 04:56 AM (fwDg9)

15 You should try a episode of Cowboy Bebop, it's very good

Posted by: Skip at May 16, 2024 04:58 AM (fwDg9)

16 >>>Which, well, I don't need it since I never answer the phone.

I never answer my cellphone if the number is not in my contact list.

Posted by: m at May 16, 2024 04:59 AM (o3SCB)

17 You should try a episode of Cowboy Bebop, it's very good
Posted by: Skip at May 16, 2024 04:58 AM (fwDg9)

Is that a new cereal ?

Posted by: JT at May 16, 2024 05:03 AM (T4tVD)

18 It a sci-fi anime series

Posted by: Skip at May 16, 2024 05:04 AM (fwDg9)

19 I'm gonna try an episode of "I'm goin' back to bed"

Posted by: JT at May 16, 2024 05:05 AM (T4tVD)

20 >>>Cowboy Bebop AMV- Stress

I love it! The video is new to me.

Posted by: m at May 16, 2024 05:06 AM (o3SCB)

21 Yesterday was a busy day for Eurosassins. First Slovakia. Then this:

https://tinyurl.com/a25pdbj

(X.com)

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at May 16, 2024 05:07 AM (NrPbK)

22 Clear, still now but supposedly to be windy.
Forward Dog 9 out

Posted by: Skip at May 16, 2024 05:12 AM (fwDg9)

23 >>>Google is adding an AI feature to Android that will listen in on your calls and interrupt you. (Ars Technica) ... there are certainly people who would benefit from this

Google would benefit from this. And the Borg.

Posted by: m at May 16, 2024 05:15 AM (o3SCB)

24
14 https://www.americanthinker.com/the fall of the universities began in vietnam
https://tinyurl.com/4dssuh3

Yes, grades inflated because an "F" doesn't just mean bounced from school.

Posted by: JM in Ill -- Behold the Manchurian Candidate at May 16, 2024 05:21 AM (Q1z1z)

25 the fall of the universities began in vietnam

For those who can remember it, the Ban The Bomb movement is a more likely candidate for a "beginning."

Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at May 16, 2024 05:23 AM (zdLoL)

26 21 Yesterday was a busy day for Eurosassins. First Slovakia. Then this:

https://tinyurl.com/a25pdbj

(X.com)
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey

Slovenia and Ireland? Liechtenstein better watch out!

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 16, 2024 05:23 AM (iNUL3)

27 Oops, Slovakia. Not Slovenia. Of course, Slovenia might be next.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 16, 2024 05:25 AM (iNUL3)

28 Dominoes

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 16, 2024 05:29 AM (75/Pp)

29
Specifically it will interrupt you if it thinks you are being scammed.

Am I to conclude that it reports itself, then?

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 16, 2024 05:30 AM (MC++G)

30 That video was GREAT! Moar plz.

Posted by: Soulless at May 16, 2024 05:32 AM (qD9Ib)

31 Google is adding an AI feature to Android that will listen in on your calls and interrupt you. (Ars Technica)

Specifically it will interrupt you if it thinks you are being scammed.

Google will continue scamming but they'll keep non-Google scammers at bay.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 16, 2024 05:32 AM (iNUL3)

32 >>>Specifically it will interrupt you if it thinks you are being scammed.

"it thinks"

hmm

Posted by: m at May 16, 2024 05:34 AM (o3SCB)

33 Am I to conclude that it reports itself, then?

Ah, the old ipsos custodes routine!

Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at May 16, 2024 05:35 AM (zdLoL)

34
The more Goggle "helps", the clearer it becomes that Goggle and its offerings should be shit canned, dumped into an abandoned mine shaft, and the opening sealed with a thick plug of reinforced concrete.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 16, 2024 05:36 AM (MC++G)

35 from the Ars Technica article

"One demo involved a scam phone call where the scammer on the other end claimed fraudulent charges were happening on your account and that the best way to secure your money would be to transfer it to a new account. After hearing the scammer speak the request to transfer money, the Google phone app popped up with a warning: "Likely scam. Banks will never ask you to move your money to keep it safe." ... The company says all of these features will happen on-device, so your phone calls and PDFs will not be streamed to the Internet."

Posted by: m at May 16, 2024 05:41 AM (o3SCB)

36 Oops, Slovakia. Not Slovenia. Of course, Slovenia might be next.
Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 16, 2024

***
Lower Slobbovia is already a lost cause.

Evening and morning, early risers and late toilers!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 05:43 AM (omVj0)

37 What region would a Slovakian say they're in?

Would they call themselves Eastern European? The Danube Valley or whatever their big river is? Surely too far northwest to be considered Balkan.

Our would they just say European?

Posted by: Warai-otoko at May 16, 2024 05:47 AM (+yhUM)

38 Here I am awake, when I wanted to sleep as late as I could. The dinner I had to attend last night was not as scaly as I thought it would be. No. It was worse. Oh, everybody was nice, and I chatted and shook hands and did the social thing, and the trout and chilled corn soup and chocolate sorbet were all good -- but I was glad when it was over.

"Last one I'll have to do": I kept telling myself that.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 05:49 AM (omVj0)

39
Our would they just say European?
Posted by: Warai-otoko at May 16, 2024

***
"Capri -- the Sexy European!"
( -- Ford TV ads from 1976)

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 05:50 AM (omVj0)

40 "Capri -- the Sexy European!"
( -- Ford TV ads from 1976)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 05:50 AM (omVj0)

Hey that means "goat" right?

- Mohamad Mohamed Mohamed, local European native

Posted by: Warai-otoko at May 16, 2024 05:57 AM (+yhUM)

41 "Capri -- the Sexy European!"
( -- Ford TV ads from 1976)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024
*
Hey that means "goat" right?

- Mohamad Mohamed Mohamed, local European native
Posted by: Warai-otoko at May 16, 2024

***
Yes, I think the Romans named the island for the goats they saw climbing nimbly all over the cliffs.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 05:59 AM (omVj0)

42 Good morning morons

I would say because Slovaks are Slavs that Slovakia is eastern Europe, perhaps southern Europe.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 16, 2024 06:01 AM (RIvkX)

43 30 That video was GREAT! Moar plz.

Posted by: Soulless

Sure thing, I've got a bunch of these. A lot I've posted before, but that might have been three or four years ago, so they could do with some air.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at May 16, 2024 06:02 AM (BLOW1)

44 One of the early episodes of James Garner's Maverick is on H & I. This is the one that introduces Bret's brother Bart (Jack Kelly), and opens up with Maverick breaking the fourth wall and speaking to the audience. Mike Connors is in it playing a sheriff.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 06:03 AM (omVj0)

45 Birdbath status?

Posted by: Just Wondering at May 16, 2024 06:03 AM (dg+HA)

46 >Google is adding an AI feature to Android that will listen in on your calls and interrupt you. (Ars Technica)

Specifically it will interrupt you if it thinks you are being scammed.
---

I don't want this
I don't need this

Posted by: Don Black at May 16, 2024 06:05 AM (/7KEl)

47 Speaking of videos, something for when you have 20 minutes or so (you can just listen while driving):

Nothing Has Changed Since 1999

youtube.com/watch?v=NkAJtRiOAxk

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Little girls dreamt of being moms, women told them not to follow their dreams at May 16, 2024 06:05 AM (8DAzZ)

48 There is no chance Google will not screw anything up.

Posted by: Jim at May 16, 2024 06:05 AM (zhWvq)

49 Well, time to get dressed, feed the monsters, and have my own morning chow. I'm off today. Got some edits to do to a short story I've submitted to an anthology; the editor wrote me with a couple of suggestions, and he might take it for the next volume. Royalties are involved.

Later, I'll head off to the pharmacy for an Rx the doctor says may help with the shingles itching, and then I have to wrangle with the internet provider people and pay my bill.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 06:06 AM (omVj0)

50 Anchor of reality- A Christian devotional based on a passage from the Book of Acts:

tinyurl.com/mvaed5ab

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 16, 2024 06:08 AM (AuOJF)

51 The Maverick episode from 1957 also has Bing Russell, Kurt's father, and a baby-faced, teenage Sherry Jackson in it.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 06:08 AM (omVj0)

52 48 There is no chance Google will not screw anything up.
Posted by: Jim

Google fired all the idiots who decided to stage an anti-Israel protest in their own workplace, and even had several arrested and dragged out.

Didn't know they still had it in 'em. One small spark of life.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at May 16, 2024 06:10 AM (BLOW1)

53 - G--gle is adding...
Like they/them aren't already vacuuming up every word, one and zero that comes in, goes out...

Re: Garner - watched about half or so of an interview Charlie Rose did with him. Wish I hadn't. Lefty. At least he hated war but aside from that...

Posted by: TeeJ at May 16, 2024 06:10 AM (xZpzx)

54 Good morning! Well, we have confirmed that the 82 yo MiL will be coming to live with us. I'll probably need to fly to San Diego and drive her back here because she doesn't have a valid DL so she can't fly. Although she has a car that she drives regularly...

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024 06:10 AM (YRsIm)

55 Good luck Wolfus!

Posted by: Pixy Misa at May 16, 2024 06:10 AM (BLOW1)

56 Prayer request- Someone in my congregation is starting a new job today. She is a smart person and a hard worker and has a sweet spirit but is of a nervous temperament so is worried. If the pray-ers could pray that things go well for V. today it would be much appreciated as there are many responsibilities in this job. Thx so much.

Also, there are fellow horde members who are looking for work and appreciate the prayers.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 16, 2024 06:13 AM (OpWT4)

57 Hell yeah, Cowboy Bebop. Nothing like the classics.

Posted by: Caiwyn at May 16, 2024 06:13 AM (BaIXK)

58 >>Within approximately 12 seconds, two highly educated brothers allegedly stole $25 million by tampering with the ethereum blockchain in a never-before-seen cryptocurrency scheme, according to an indictment that the US Department of Justice unsealed Wednesday.

Awesome, can't wait until they force electronic currency on us/phase out paper money and coins! Instead of breaking into your house/car/mugging you they can clean you out from an MIT dormroom. Tech rocks!!

Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 06:14 AM (cCVOS)

59 Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024 06:10 AM (YRsIm)

Prayers for traveling mercies as well as for everybody's transition to go smoothly.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 16, 2024 06:15 AM (OpWT4)

60 ood morning! Well, we have confirmed that the 82 yo MiL will be coming to live with us. I'll probably need to fly to San Diego and drive her back here because she doesn't have a valid DL so she can't fly. Although she has a car that she drives regularly...
Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024 06:10 AM (YRsIm)
===

Mrs. F. would divorce me.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 16, 2024 06:15 AM (RIvkX)

61 >>>No reason, I just like this one.

Pixy, are you under

STRESS??!!

Posted by: m at May 16, 2024 06:15 AM (o3SCB)

62 >>>Song is Stress by Boston band Jim's Big Ego, anime is of course Cowboy Bebop.

Thank you for adding this. I did not know these things.

Posted by: m at May 16, 2024 06:16 AM (o3SCB)

63 > Well, we have confirmed that the 82 yo MiL will be coming to live with us.
---

are you happy, sad, or resigned to the change

Posted by: Don Black at May 16, 2024 06:16 AM (/7KEl)

64 "by tampering with the ethereum blockchain"

-

Wait, did they steal anything? Did any human lose any ethereum? Or did they just "print" more ethereum?

Because I think I might see why the DOJ is going to be upset at this.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Little girls dreamt of being moms, women told them not to follow their dreams at May 16, 2024 06:17 AM (8DAzZ)

65 >>Google is adding an AI feature to Android that will listen in on your calls and interrupt you. (Ars Technica)

First, google collects, aggregates and sells your personal information.
Then, google positions itself to save you from the people who bought your data and used it to target you for a scam.

Did I get that right?

Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 06:19 AM (cCVOS)

66 G'morning, all.

The local Post Office that serves our old B'More neighborhood has a historically poor delivery record.
Lost, stolen and late delivered mail is the complete norm there.
So when Mrs VIA confirmed that every Mother's Day card that she had mailed had been received by folks NOT in that service area, and that each of the five cards she had mailed to the old neighborhood had failed to arrive, she contacted the Staff of the Federal Representative for the old area. Turns out that they have a Staff member who's sole job is tracking USPS performance issues.

So....let's see what happens.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 16, 2024 06:19 AM (a1415)

67 Thanks, Fen! Probably gonna need more where that came from.

First order of business is to get her a valid ID here in TX and then get her into the doc. We've suspected that she has 'memory' issues, and her brother confirmed it while he was out there helping her prepare for her move.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024 06:21 AM (YRsIm)

68 >>she doesn't have a valid DL so she can't fly. Although she has a car that she drives regularly...

Oh my! Good luck with the move, and it's wonderful you are in a family that takes care of each other.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 06:22 AM (cCVOS)

69 Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at May 16, 2024 06:25 AM (Be/+i)

70 she doesn't have a valid DL so she can't fly.
----------
Can she cross the border and recross illegally? That would fix the situation.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at May 16, 2024 06:27 AM (Be/+i)

71 Can she cross the border and recross illegally? That would fix the situation.

-

Might also get a few thousand dollars a month that way, too.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Little girls dreamt of being moms, women told them not to follow their dreams at May 16, 2024 06:28 AM (8DAzZ)

72 55 Good luck Wolfus!
Posted by: Pixy Misa at May 16, 2024

***
Thanks, Pixy . . . though at the moment my hope is for the Rx to work on the itching more than for the story being accepted.

I've submitted a longer work to a contest held by the Indie Author Project, to which my local library is connected. There are several prizes for that. But we won't hear anything until Nov.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 06:29 AM (omVj0)

73 Posted by: Don Black at May 16, 2024 06:16 AM (/7KEl)

We planned on this. It's part of the reason why we bought this place back in the day.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024 06:31 AM (YRsIm)

74 hope all goes well

Posted by: Don Black at May 16, 2024 06:33 AM (/7KEl)

75 54she doesn't have a valid DL ... Although she has a car that she drives regularly...
Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024 06:10 AM (YRsIm)

heh
I mean, not-heh but.

Posted by: m at May 16, 2024 06:34 AM (o3SCB)

76 VIA, nearly all our mail gets where it's supposed to go (though this town is pretty much as big a disaster as Baltimore, from what I've read). But my Internet provider didn't get my mailed check for last month. I've put a stop-payment in with the bank ($0 fee), and will go in person to pay the two months' bill. I'll insist they take off the $8 late fee; ain't my fault that the Post Awful lost my payment.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 06:34 AM (omVj0)

77
Colorado Avalanche stave off elimination, beat Dallas Stars 5-3, Game 6 in Denver Friday night

Posted by: Don Black at May 16, 2024 06:35 AM (/7KEl)

78
Ugh. Another bad night of sleep. External forces. Still, there's a lot to do today and I don't feel rested at all.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 16, 2024 06:37 AM (MoZTd)

79 Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 06:34 AM (omVj0)

Good Lord, man. You still write checks!? I think the last check I wrote was in the '90's. And send checks in the mail? Look at you livin la vida loco.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024 06:37 AM (YRsIm)

80 Last night's episode on PBS's Nova was about all the data that's collected on each of us. It was poorly done (goofy, unserious host) and super woke, but still - yikes, it's overwhelming how much is collected and how it is used. Left us wanting more information on all this...

https://tinyurl.com/fkaa4znz

Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 06:39 AM (cCVOS)

81 Ugh. Another bad night of sleep. External forces. Still, there's a lot to do today and I don't feel rested at all.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 16, 2024 06:37 AM (MoZTd)
===

I did a half hour in my rocker eyes-closed yesterday after lunch and it worked great.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 16, 2024 06:42 AM (RIvkX)

82 Good morning all! Have some pancakes, only three and they’re going fast. Made ‘em last week.

Posted by: Eromero at May 16, 2024 06:44 AM (o2ZRX)

83 >>https://tinyurl.com/a25pdbj

"Anti-fascist thug," huh?
More than an idea.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 06:44 AM (cCVOS)

84 Blueberry buttermilk scone

Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 16, 2024 06:44 AM (RIvkX)

85
Good Lord, man. You still write checks!? I think the last check I wrote was in the '90's. And send checks in the mail? Look at you livin la vida loco.
Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024

***
Hell, yes. They are not giving me a price break for paying online, though it saves them money. I'm tired of having to manage all the accounts I do have (user ID, password, PIN, phone number, ad nauseam). And isn't it more possible, the more online presence your bank account or credit cards have, that you can get hacked?

I don't write checks at the grocery any more, no. I pay cash whenever possible.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 06:44 AM (omVj0)

86
all the data that's collected on each of us

On Tuesday my wife tuned into a radio dot com address to listen to the Philadelphia Phillies baseball game. The next day on Twitter - where I use her Facebook account to log in - to the right are all of the Philadelphia sports teams in a list for me to click on to 'follow'.

radio to Facebook to Twitter - they not only collect data they share the hell out of it.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at May 16, 2024 06:46 AM (RKVpM)

87 >>radio to Facebook to Twitter - they not only collect data they share the hell out of it.

share -- > sell

Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 06:48 AM (cCVOS)

88 No way the AI phone scanner will interrupt political calls from republicans, right?

Posted by: TC at May 16, 2024 06:48 AM (FjlUt)

89 Both Biden and Carter are fools.

But at least Carter was cogent and articulate. Biden's mumbling and sputtering and disconnected thoughts are just so cringe-inducing. Also Carter wasn't a liar.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 16, 2024 06:48 AM (RIvkX)

90
The Internet has supplanted gossipy women...

"Did you hear that she likes to listen to baseball games?"

"No, let me tell Zuck. And then I'll tell Elon."

Posted by: Divide by Zero at May 16, 2024 06:49 AM (RKVpM)

91 My friend who is a contractor and gets progress payments from clients, deposited $140K and the next day the bank processed 140 separate withdrawals of $1K each.

He's been hacked. The bank mumbles something about "insurance" and promises to pursue relief but says it might take a while.

Posted by: Mr Gaga at May 16, 2024 06:49 AM (KiBMU)

92 Morning, Horde...How goes it?

I get to work from home today because of some maintenance going on in my building.

I only have a couple of Zoom meetings on my calendar.

So...pants or no pants?

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 16, 2024 06:50 AM (BpYfr)

93 I don't write checks at the grocery any more, no. I pay cash whenever possible."

Walked into the Walmart Superstore yesterday.

Big sign reads, 'No Cash, Card Payment Only"

Inside the store is a small Hair Care Business that rents space. Their sign read "System Down, No card payment, cash only"

This was right before we got home and found that the garbage disposal had developed a leaky seal and had to change out the disposal.

About the same time that we found out that the USPS had lost the Mother's Day cards in B 'more.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 16, 2024 06:50 AM (a1415)

94
share -- > sell

Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 06:48 AM

Yeah, but at minuscule prices. Like the coupon you could clip from the newspaper with a 'redemption value' of 1/28th of a cent.

I guess it becomes a serious number when the transactions are in the hundreds of millions.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at May 16, 2024 06:51 AM (RKVpM)

95 "Inflation was 9% when I came into office."

Sorry, Fat, that's a damn lie. That's not your handlers. That's not your stutter. That's not even puffery, it's straight-up bullsh*t. You know it, and you know we know it, and you say it anyway.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 16, 2024 06:52 AM (RIvkX)

96 Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 06:44 AM (omVj0)

Understood. I just set up all my bills for autopay through the bank so I don't have the issues with usernames and passwords everywhere. FFS, I can't keep track of that shit and like you, I worry about getting hacked too. I primarily use a debit card though for everyday spending. I might have a couple of sawbucks in my wallet for special occasions, like tipping the cart girl when we play golf.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024 06:53 AM (YRsIm)

97 92 Morning, Horde...How goes it?

I get to work from home today because of some maintenance going on in my building.

I only have a couple of Zoom meetings on my calendar.

So...pants or no pants?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 16, 2024 06:50 AM (BpYfr)

Definitely. No Pants.

https://youtu.be/eZR1EVtV95I?t=6

Posted by: Brian Stelter, Journalist and Zoom Sartorial Expert at May 16, 2024 06:54 AM (PiwSw)

98
Now my computer is doing one of those interminable updates. I hate everything.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 16, 2024 06:54 AM (MoZTd)

99 >>So...pants or no pants?

Sweatpants.
The maintenance guy will appreciate that

Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 06:56 AM (cCVOS)

100 Yoga pants are pants but I don't know if they come in squirrel sizes.

mornin yall

Posted by: fd at May 16, 2024 06:57 AM (vFG9F)

101
Sorry for the inconvenience but we have to upgrade the spyware on Windows users computers.

Posted by: Bob from NSA at May 16, 2024 06:57 AM (RKVpM)

102 100!

Posted by: fd at May 16, 2024 06:57 AM (vFG9F)

103

*hic*

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at May 16, 2024 06:57 AM (X4yCj)

104 : CrotchetyOldJarhead

Safe travels !

Posted by: JT at May 16, 2024 06:57 AM (T4tVD)

105 Doesn't zoom have a feature where you can use a scene and a character or icon instead of the real you? In that case, very definitely no pants. Maybe just shorts, a t-shirt, and flip flops. The black ones for business occasions.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024 06:57 AM (YRsIm)

106
Our new pre-crime detection AI software came in kinda bloated.

Posted by: Bob from NSA at May 16, 2024 06:58 AM (RKVpM)

107 VIA, saw an article recently that a builder of new homes in your area is under scrutiny. Homes only a few years old having difficulties. Lots of complaints. Name starts with D. Cannot find story or would link. Hope not your builder/developer.

Posted by: Mrs JTB at May 16, 2024 06:58 AM (zudum)

108 Understood. I just set up all my bills for autopay through the bank so I don't have the issues with usernames and passwords everywhere. FFS, I can't keep track of that shit and like you, I worry about getting hacked too. I primarily use a debit card though for everyday spending. I might have a couple of sawbucks in my wallet for special occasions, like tipping the cart girl when we play golf.
Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024

***
Maybe when I get settled in my new home, I'll set things like that up with my bank too.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 06:58 AM (omVj0)

109 I get to build a PC today. I9, 64GB PC7000 ram, RTX A4000 video. It should run pretty good.

Posted by: fd at May 16, 2024 06:59 AM (vFG9F)

110 Birdbath status?
Posted by: Just Wondering

its owner is attempting to wake up.

And succeeding slowly.

Posted by: JT at May 16, 2024 06:59 AM (T4tVD)

111 I was used to paying online. Then I moved here. People do use checks and the city, which handles water, garbage and sewage, does not have an online bill pay. I tried using the bank billpay and they didn't get it. So I walk in and drop off a check. The local bank gives you free checks, so I may start using them more.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at May 16, 2024 06:59 AM (yeEu9)

112 Rain is wreaking havoc on some races. North Wilkesboro was supposed to have a couple of Late Model Stock car races but rained out. NASCAR is there this weekend. Hope the weather holds. Indy 500 practice has been hit with rain too. That time of year, I guess.

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at May 16, 2024 07:00 AM (sAmhv)

113 I primarily use a debit card though for everyday spending. I might have a couple of sawbucks in my wallet for special occasions, like tipping the cart girl when we play golf.
Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024 06:53 AM (YRsIm)
*************
COJ, that’s what I do. I have 1 CC and 1 Debit card. All my recurring payments are on the CC and I get points which I redeem cash. The debit card is rarely used, except to get cash. I like have an amount of folding money on me, no golf, just because. Also, I always tip in restaurants in cash. Better for the waiter.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at May 16, 2024 07:00 AM (U5wpN)

114 109 I get to build a PC today. I9, 64GB PC7000 ram, RTX A4000 video. It should run pretty good.
Posted by: fd at May 16, 2024 06:59 AM (vFG9F

You fonny.

Posted by: Microsoft Office at May 16, 2024 07:01 AM (PiwSw)

115 >>Our new pre-crime detection AI software came in kinda bloated.

Which reminds me, IC also buys our data, isn't that special? Like the rogue FISA stuff isn't enough.

Apparently, Congress knows about this and is doing nothing about it - was in the WSJ last week...

Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 07:01 AM (cCVOS)

116 I still write a couple of checks every month -- utilities and cable mostly.

Most of my other bills are paid online.

I'm just too lazy to switch to online pay for a couple of accounts...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 16, 2024 07:02 AM (BpYfr)

117
Zeus is going to a new home this weekend. Her Majesty will be driving the RV up to Shreveport to meet his new owners, who are on their way back to CA from showing at Westminster. So we have to get the RV reloaded, take Zeus to the vet for his health certificate and give him a bath.

The puppies are becoming too big to stay in the house. I'd love to get them out to the kennel, but HM insists on having mesh beds made up for them. We have the old beds and new mesh covers, but they have to be put together and that's a pain.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 16, 2024 07:03 AM (MoZTd)

118
Also, I always tip in restaurants in cash. Better for the waiter.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at May 16, 2024 07:00 AM

Yup, in small bills if possible. Let the waiter decide how much to report.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at May 16, 2024 07:03 AM (RKVpM)

119 The PGA Championship will begin today in Kentucky. Lots of rain is expected.

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at May 16, 2024 07:03 AM (sAmhv)

120 80 Last night's episode on PBS's Nova was about all the data that's collected on each of us. It was poorly done (goofy, unserious host) and super woke, but still - yikes, it's overwhelming how much is collected and how it is used. Left us wanting more information on all this...

https://tinyurl.com/fkaa4znz
Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 06:39 AM (cCVOS)

This sounds like it would be super-stress-inducing to watch.

Posted by: m at May 16, 2024 07:04 AM (o3SCB)

121 Squirrel size? That's pretty tiny.

https://youtu.be/FieGqyLJYHc

Posted by: Obligatory Seinfeld reference at May 16, 2024 07:04 AM (dg+HA)

122 You guys use a debit card, even though banks won't make you whole on fraudulent use?

Posted by: Huck Follywood at May 16, 2024 07:06 AM (6NUdT)

123 "Hope not your builder/developer."

No, that would be D.R. Horton.

Lot's of issues. And many of the communities built around ours are Horton built. But we are not.

https://tinyurl.com/579btvt9

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 16, 2024 07:06 AM (a1415)

124 85 I'm tired of having to manage all the accounts I do have (user ID, password, PIN, phone number, ad nauseam). And isn't it more possible, the more online presence your bank account or credit cards have, that you can get hacked?

It is indeed.

I don't write checks at the grocery any more, no. I pay cash whenever possible.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius

Wise. Australia's fifth largest bank just went cashless, which makes them, well, not much of a bank.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at May 16, 2024 07:07 AM (BLOW1)

125 Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at May 16, 2024 07:00 AM (U5wpN)

The cart girl is very definitely funded in cash, and we tip her generously. She usually stops by to check on us every third green or so. Typically the wife suspends her round around the 12th hole and just rides along for the remainder.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024 07:07 AM (YRsIm)

126 Trump will "debate" Biden on CNN. Maybe. Pal.

Posted by: fd at May 16, 2024 07:07 AM (vFG9F)

127 >>This sounds like it would be super-stress-inducing to watch.

It was.
Currently attempting to assist my parents who are very stressed about all this, and generally fed up with all the tech required to operate in today's world. It makes them feel unwanted - like, they do this to screen them out and scam them. I've told them that it's just as frustrating for non-seniors. That we've been moved to things like phones and apps that are designed hoover up every dang detail of our lives and then monetize it doesn't help.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 07:08 AM (cCVOS)

128 Good morning!

Let's smile & be happy & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 16, 2024 07:09 AM (u82oZ)

129
You guys use a debit card, even though banks won't make you whole on fraudulent use?

Posted by: Huck Follywood at May 16, 2024 07:06 AM

My credit union did when someone got lucky at a Walmart and used my account number to buy something, probably a small flat screen. It took about a month.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at May 16, 2024 07:09 AM (RKVpM)

130 Clear, still now but supposedly to be windy.
Forward Dog 9 out
Posted by: Skip at May 16, 2024 05:12 AM (fwDg9)

Didja bring a kite to work ?

Have a god one and stay safe !

Posted by: JT at May 16, 2024 07:09 AM (T4tVD)

131 I never use a debit card. As mentioned, you are not as well protected as with a CC, plus I get cash back. I don't see any advantage at all using a debit card.

Posted by: fd at May 16, 2024 07:10 AM (vFG9F)

132 I was used to paying online. Then I moved here. People do use checks and the city, which handles water, garbage and sewage, does not have an online bill pay. I tried using the bank billpay and they didn't get it. So I walk in and drop off a check. The local bank gives you free checks, so I may start using them more.
Posted by: Notsothoreau at May 16, 2024

***
As Marshal McCloud used to say: "There y'go!"

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 07:10 AM (omVj0)

133 Salty!

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 16, 2024 07:12 AM (a1415)

134 I never use a debit card. As mentioned, you are not as well protected as with a CC, plus I get cash back. I don't see any advantage at all using a debit card.
Posted by: fd at May 16, 2024

***
I have a debit card where, if I use it twelve times in a month and have at least one electronic deposit, I get some interest. Since the interest is usually pretty small, I make twelve small debit transactions, like $1.25 at Dollar Tree. But any interest is better than none.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 07:12 AM (omVj0)

135 Yeah my credit union reversed the five $20 Starbucks cards someone bought on my debit. It's the only reason I have a credit card. I did replace that debit. I am trying to set up at a local bank but will continue to use that credit union account.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at May 16, 2024 07:14 AM (yeEu9)

136 Okay Fen !

Posted by: JT at May 16, 2024 07:14 AM (T4tVD)

137 Google realizes that only idiots answer the phone if they do not know or are not expecting the call. Those idiots need to be scammed out of their last dollar, which is what Google does and will do.

More coffee...

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at May 16, 2024 07:14 AM (IebSC)

138 Mornin' Salty!

Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 07:14 AM (cCVOS)

139 Good morning. No online transactions at all. Cash or Credit card with businesses that have a human contact number or I don't need it.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 16, 2024 07:15 AM (EoJ7M)

140 Village Idiot's Apprentice

Top o ta mornin to ya, gov'nor.

Even in Kansas mail delivery is very bad. Over 20% of letters are not delivered.

Now UPS is failing, as a package of time-sensitive gifts was sent to the distribution center in Manhattan, KS, and, although correctly addressed, was sent to the small city to the west, Junction City, 30 miles away.

The AI of UPS ensured that no person could be contacted.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 16, 2024 07:15 AM (u82oZ)

141
Currently attempting to assist my parents who are very stressed about all this, and generally fed up with all the tech required to operate in today's world. It makes them feel unwanted - like, they do this to screen them out and scam them.

_________

They are unwanted. They're a burden on society and take up valuable resources better spent on Unrepresented Communities. They likely have fossilized views not compatible with an Equity culture. They should be pushed aside and made to feel the only way out is to voluntarily remove themselves.

/s

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 16, 2024 07:15 AM (MoZTd)

142 The debit card is rarely used, except to get cash. I like have an amount of folding money on me, no golf, just because. Also, I always tip in restaurants in cash. Better for the waiter.
Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at May 16, 2024

***
Exactly. And at my favorite places (not many any more), I leave a tip for more than the traditional 15%; so they are glad to see me come in.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 16, 2024 07:15 AM (omVj0)

143 {{{{Lizzy}}}

May you be a ray of sunshine to others.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 16, 2024 07:16 AM (u82oZ)

144 Google is adding an AI feature to Android that will listen in on your calls and interrupt you.

There's about a zero percent chance this won't try to correct you about pronouns and report you to the FBI. And it will allow scammers who buy ads on Google (which is most of them) unrestricted speaking.

Posted by: Ian S. at May 16, 2024 07:17 AM (oyazo)

145 "Now UPS is failing, ....."

Yup.

They lost our State and Federal tax documents this year.

Took over two months to process the claim.

And when you do get a human on the phone, it's about as helpful as AI is.

With an accent.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 16, 2024 07:17 AM (a1415)

146 You spend more if you use credit cards. I don't want to be in debt again. My CC has a thousand dollar limit. That's plenty for online purchases.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at May 16, 2024 07:17 AM (yeEu9)

147 {{{Ben Had}}}

🎼 ♭ 5/4 ♫♫ ♫♫ Good morning! ♬♬ ♩ ♪

As usual, you are ahead of the curve. I am rethinking my use of Amazon, the USPO, and UPS. Surprisingly, I have never had a problem with Walmart. Yet.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 16, 2024 07:18 AM (u82oZ)

148 >>Those idiots need to be scammed out of their last dollar, which is what Google does and will do.

Some are not idiots but seniors who are not that savvy when it comes to sensing as scam, and forget that you've told them to not answer the phone. Why should anyone deserve to be scammed?

Scamming Americans from overseas is a huuuge business and yet our leaders and legislators are too busy with DEI goals and securing funds for Ukraine.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 07:18 AM (cCVOS)

149
g'mornin', 'rons

Posted by: AltonJackson at May 16, 2024 07:19 AM (bEb2S)

150 I've got a BHPhoto credit card that credits back the sales tax if you pay it off before 30 days. On the last transaction for about $2400, that's almost $200. That is the best deal around at 8% cash back.

Posted by: fd at May 16, 2024 07:19 AM (vFG9F)

151 Notsothoreau

My limit is higher, because my wife has needs. But I am moving away from big purchases with credit cards. The TV was the last big one.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 16, 2024 07:20 AM (u82oZ)

152 @BillKristol
·
Follow
“If Trump wins, then Putin will have executed one of the geostrategic coups of the last century. He will have…through soft and hard power, defeated and broken NATO because he understood the character of the American voter better than anyone in the West.”

Posted by: rhennigantx at May 16, 2024 07:20 AM (ENQN6)

153 My father tried to use a CC to buy what he thought was an Elon Musk endorsed CBD gummie for dementia prevention but his CC bank refused the transaction, which I thought was interesting.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at May 16, 2024 07:20 AM (6NUdT)

154 126 Trump will "debate" Biden on CNN. Maybe. Pal.
Posted by: fd at May 16, 2024 07:07 AM (vFG9F)

Yet another leftist-staged "debate." Apparently the totally discredited clown show of CNN still impresses the Trump team as legitimate. Pathetic.

Posted by: Ordinary American at May 16, 2024 07:21 AM (4gD3D)

155 >>May you be a ray of sunshine to others.

Heh, thanks, think I need to work on that!!

Posted by: Lizzy at May 16, 2024 07:21 AM (cCVOS)

156 @BillKristol
·
Follow
“If Trump wins, then Putin will have executed one of the geostrategic coups of the last century. He will have…through soft and hard power, defeated and broken NATO because he understood the character of the American voter better than anyone in the West.”
Posted by: rhennigantx at May 16, 2024 07:20 AM (ENQN6)
===============
Or, maybe just better than Bill Kristol.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at May 16, 2024 07:21 AM (6NUdT)

157 152: Ahoy!

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at May 16, 2024 07:24 AM (sAmhv)

158 NaCly, good morning, dear. The bank that I have a CC with has a branch here so I just drive up an and pay my bill. No mail involved. The USPS lost my business partners box rent and it was put in their own mail box. I took mine right to the window and got a receipt.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 16, 2024 07:24 AM (EoJ7M)

159 "Some are not idiots but seniors who are not that savvy when it comes to sensing as scam, and forget that you've told them to not answer the phone

The scammers of the elderly are very skilled at gaining confidence. A lot of elderly people think that we are still living in the last century and can still trust people.

Posted by: fd at May 16, 2024 07:25 AM (vFG9F)

160 Work preps. Last full Thursday of the school year.

May you have a wonderful day, and your finances be secure. I like Navy Federal Credit Union over other possibilities.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 16, 2024 07:26 AM (u82oZ)

161 Later daywalkers! Hope I sleep better today. I'm exhausted.

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at May 16, 2024 07:26 AM (sAmhv)

162 .

NOOD!

J.J. Sefton is here with the Morning Report.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at May 16, 2024 07:26 AM (O7YUW)

163 I wish I didn't like rooting around YouTube so much, since it's the only google product I use and I hate google.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at May 16, 2024 07:26 AM (6NUdT)

164 My credit union won't let me buy art supplies from two British companies. I have to run them through Paypal. Udually you can do that without creating an account but not any more. I have to delete the new Paypal account and figure out another way to do this.

They have a way you can let them know that you are traveling, which I used during the move. But the security stuff is better at blocking what I want to buy.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at May 16, 2024 07:27 AM (yeEu9)

165 Trump will "debate" Biden on CNN.

Yeah, I'm not impressed with that decision. Maybe he'll go on there with guns blazing and call them out as the boot licking sycophants that they are, and cite examples at every opportunity. And calls Sponge Brain Shit Pants a liar every time he opens his mouth.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024 07:28 AM (YRsIm)

166 PMSNBC

Well the excitement and anticipation in the room hit a new high. At 10:32 AM. She entered wearing all black, as if on her way to a funeral. The loose fitting plain black clothing draping from her shoulders to her toes suggested the modesty of a nun.

Posted by: rhennigantx at May 16, 2024 07:29 AM (ENQN6)

167
Went to buy my cheap generic cola at the grocery store and it went from .99 to 1.25 per 67.4 ounces. I think the bottle used to hold more ounces, too.

Thanks Joe!

Posted by: Divide by Zero at May 16, 2024 07:30 AM (RKVpM)

168
A lot of elderly people think that we are still living in the last century and can still trust people.
Posted by: fd at May 16, 2024 07:25 AM (vFG9F)

Now that we're getting rid of all that religious mumbo-jumbo, we can enter into a wonderful new world where the strong, clever and wealthy can feel free to prey on the weak and poor. Because what consequences are there going to be?

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 16, 2024 07:30 AM (MoZTd)

169 Blueberry buttermilk scone
Posted by: San Franpsycho

How did you guess my password?

Posted by: Miklos resets at May 16, 2024 07:31 AM (Mxkdu)

170 Over 20% of letters are not delivered.

"Not delivered," or "undeliverable"?
Interested in source for that number.

Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at May 16, 2024 07:32 AM (zdLoL)

171 Way, Way Downriver

I sent out a letter to close friends and family on a big health update fro me. One out of five people of a known sample size did not get my letter. Ben Had was part of that. They returned a letter to her Post Office box as undeliverable, after 21 days.

GTG.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 16, 2024 07:39 AM (u82oZ)

172 Best anime ever because of the jazz soundtrack.

Posted by: GWB at May 16, 2024 07:40 AM (1zxQh)

173 RE: the 'debate' on CNN...

Yeah, I'm not impressed with that decision. Maybe he'll go on there with guns blazing and call them out as the boot licking sycophants that they are, and cite examples at every opportunity. And call Sponge Brain Shitz Pantz a liar every time he opens his mouth.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at May 16, 2024 07:53 AM (YRsIm)

174 >>>so let's see what happens.

Google listening to my calls? That's a direct line to the three letter Stasi groups. Yeah, no thanks.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 16, 2024 11:40 AM (i24o9)

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