Daily Tech News 25 March 2025

Top Story

Oracle says intruders definitely did not break into an Oracle cloud login server and steal details of six million customers. Security experts press F to doubt. (The Register)

Not only are six million records claimed to be from Oracle Cloud up for sale on the dark corners of the internet, but the hacker left an identifying file on the server and it was picked up by the Wayback Machine.

Oracle claims that Oracle Cloud was never breached, but someone planted that file on that server. Unless the Wayback Machine itself was breached, which... They also deny.

Tech News

Latency numbers every programmer should know, and some ridiculous lessons drawn from them. (Medium)

"Reading from RAM is 1000x faster than an SSD!" The example doesn't even measure SSD performance, or latency. It measures bandwidth, and a desktop PC might have 100GBps of main memory bandwidth and 10GBps from the SSD.

"HDDs are 30x slower than SSDs." Again measuring bandwidth and not latency. An SSD can not only produce latency hundreds of times lower than a hard drive; it can perform multiple operations at once, for a total performance thousands of times greater.
The Pentagon has axed an HR system upgrade that was six years behind schedule and 800% over budget. (The Register)

I can only dream of coasting for that long without encountering a short sharp shock.
The Ninkear MBOX 8 Pro is a mini-PC that slots into a dock that turns it into a mini-PC. (Liliputing)

Why?
The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i 14 is only about 300% overpriced. (Notebook Check)

And lacks the Four Essential Keys. And you can't upgrade the memory, though at least it has 32GB of it.

But at $3849 that's a big thumbs down from me.

Does HP still make anything worthwhile?

Hmm. The Pavilion Plus 14 actually looks good. Four Essential Keys, same 2880x1800 OLED display, same 32GB of soldered RAM, 16 core rather than 8 core CPU, and a much more reasonable $1249.

Musical Interlude

Disclaimer: Yes, I know what it sounds like.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at 04:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 First?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 04:00 AM (omVj0)

2 G'Day everyone

Posted by: Skip at March 25, 2025 04:00 AM (fwDg9)

3 kik

Posted by: Ciampino - a good parent at March 25, 2025 04:00 AM (sPQoU)

4 Mornin' all.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at March 25, 2025 04:01 AM (BLOW1)

5 Ha!

Evening and morning, insomaniacals, early risers and late toilers! 'Tis Tiu's Day and soon we will be 2/5 of the winding way to the weekend. What's happening?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 04:02 AM (omVj0)

6 Not much sleep and a long commute, north this time

Posted by: Skip at March 25, 2025 04:03 AM (fwDg9)

7 Mornin'

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at March 25, 2025 04:04 AM (GNPuD)

8 G'morning, all.

Musical interlude didn't seem to load

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 25, 2025 04:05 AM (a1415)

9 "Hmm. The Pavilion Plus 14 actually looks good. Four Essential Keys, same 2880x1800 OLED display, same 32GB of soldered RAM, 16 core rather than 8 core CPU, and a much more reasonable $1249."

HP does seem to be one of the few not trying to go for a munchkin sized keyboard.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at March 25, 2025 04:05 AM (bss/y)

10 Skip, have a good commute.
I tried to sleep around 12:30am but then bladder said 'bathroom break' and here I am.

Posted by: Ciampino - a good rest at March 25, 2025 04:06 AM (sPQoU)

11 So our local Food Lion had an unannounced managers special yesterday...

18 large eggs for $3.50.

Three dozen large eggs for $7.00...

I feel like I just robbed a bank!

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 25, 2025 04:07 AM (a1415)

12 My first thought was ABBA.

Pixy seems to be going for the playlist of a 14 year old girl.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at March 25, 2025 04:07 AM (bss/y)

13 And now....the musical Interlude successfully loaded.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 25, 2025 04:08 AM (a1415)

14 8 G'morning, all.

Musical interlude didn't seem to load
Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice

Odd. It's working for me and not showing as region blocked anywhere.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at March 25, 2025 04:08 AM (BLOW1)

15 How Femcels are becoming the new Incels

https://mol.im/a/14530555

Incel sounds like a Japanese car model.

Posted by: Ciampino - a good coffee would be nice at March 25, 2025 04:09 AM (sPQoU)

16 12 My first thought was ABBA.

Pixy seems to be going for the playlist of a 14 year old girl.
Posted by: Aetius451AD

And I would have gotten away with it too...

Posted by: Pixy Misa at March 25, 2025 04:09 AM (BLOW1)

17 Yesterday I met with the financial advisor I found through the Dave Ramsey site, through Notsothoreau's suggestion last week. He's young but seems very knowledgeable. And he pointed out a fine print item in my current annuity: that the "additional amounts" that would make up nearly half of my monthly payment *are not guaranteed* to continue beyond the "declaration year." In other words, next year I could find my monthly payment reduced by 40%.

The advisor suggested an annuity that, if I roll over everything in the current plan, will bring me about $200 less a month, but the entire amount *would* be guaranteed. I'll get a second opinion, of course. But I hate that this element of my retirement is not settled. Grrrr.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 04:11 AM (omVj0)

18 Pixy...

Reloading the page after my first comment, it just was there, as it usually is.

Initial load wasn't even a blanked out area, just a white and empty area on the page between text, and your disclaimer.

Apple products.

Does anyone including me really understand how they work?

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 25, 2025 04:11 AM (a1415)

19 youtu.be/y7ZEVA5dy-Y

Duffy - Mercy

(same song Pixy posted)

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at March 25, 2025 04:11 AM (GNPuD)

20 Later start so don't have to leave early, but means late getting home.

Posted by: Skip at March 25, 2025 04:11 AM (fwDg9)

21 So I cancelled the trial Nord VPN after about 10 days.

Not bad, but just enough tiny hiccups to drive Mrs VIA crazy with 'Well, it used to work before you did that VPN thing!"

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 25, 2025 04:14 AM (a1415)

22 Japanese?

https://youtu.be/CKjaFG4YN6g

Posted by: Ciampino - E coli at March 25, 2025 04:14 AM (sPQoU)

23 19 Duffy - Mercy

(same song Pixy posted)
Posted by: Puddleglum

Yep. Girls Generation had an agreement with Duffy to do their own take on it in Korean, but the song still got held up by legal squabbles for five years. (That's what the bit at the beginning is about.)

Posted by: Pixy Misa at March 25, 2025 04:15 AM (BLOW1)

24 19 youtu.be/y7ZEVA5dy-Y

Duffy - Mercy

(same song Pixy posted)
Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at March 25, 2025 04:11 AM (GNPuD)

Well played. It is also missing all the pink (that's not a euphemism.)

Posted by: Aetius451AD at March 25, 2025 04:15 AM (bss/y)

25 “What? You have to have an ID to get into Democrat Robert Garcia’s townhall?! “

“Garcia is one of the loudest voices *against* Voter ID in California.”

Posted by: 13times at March 25, 2025 04:15 AM (jaO6p)

26 So our local Food Lion had an unannounced managers special yesterday...

18 large eggs for $3.50.

Three dozen large eggs for $7.00...

I feel like I just robbed a bank!
Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 25, 2025

***
This weekend, Whole Foods of all places had a dozen large white eggs for $4.49, and so did Walmart. Down about $1.50 from last week. WM's half-dozen were $2.50.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 04:16 AM (omVj0)

27 Nice musical interlude. It’s a shame those young ladies haven’t been subjected to indoctrination and seed oils. They should never have to be lithe, lovely and just plain fun.

Posted by: Pete Bog at March 25, 2025 04:17 AM (X4hXd)

28 Time to get some stuff done.

BBIAB

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 25, 2025 04:25 AM (a1415)

29 25 “What? You have to have an ID to get into Democrat Robert Garcia’s townhall?! “

“Garcia is one of the loudest voices *against* Voter ID in California.”
Posted by: 13times at March 25, 2025 04:15 AM (jaO6p)

If it werent for double standards, Dems would have no standards at all.

Posted by: a dude in MI at March 25, 2025 04:25 AM (+I6Y/)

30 Nice musical interlude. It’s a shame those young ladies haven’t been subjected to indoctrination and seed oils. They should never have to be lithe, lovely and just plain fun.
Posted by: Pete Bog at March 25, 2025

***
Pretty Korean girls are some of the loveliest things on Earth.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 04:27 AM (omVj0)

31 Trump's shock pick to lead the CDC in major break of 50 year tradition

https://mol.im/a/14533239

Who gives a shit about tradition, that only means the same failed policies in perpetuity. How about ability?

Posted by: Ciampino - no more Black women at March 25, 2025 04:29 AM (sPQoU)

32 It is with sadness that I report that yesterday, we lost Sergeant Grant Candies of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana — who passed away after being hit by a driver fleeing a traffic stop.

https://tinyurl.com/3mbkus8c

Posted by: Ciampino - no mercy at March 25, 2025 04:33 AM (sPQoU)

33 Today, on top of calling another one of the financial advisors to set up a second opinion meeting, I'm having lunch with a former co-worker; I have to participate in the last interview with someone who wants my job; and I'm still trying to pin down the last dying twitches of The Budget. This is not like the last week of school, where you just had to show up and nothing much happened.

Plus the publisher who is interested in my mystery novel would like a round of "developmental" edits to my ms. I'm okay with that, as long as the changes really improve the story. Suppose I'll just have to see what they want, and decide if I want to go on with this.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 04:33 AM (omVj0)

34 It is with sadness that I report that yesterday, we lost Sergeant Grant Candies of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana — who passed away after being hit by a driver fleeing a traffic stop.

https://tinyurl.com/3mbkus8c
Posted by: Ciampino - no mercy at March 25, 2025

***
And St. Tammany is one of the *good* places, the north shore of the lake -- not quite as crime-ridden or decayed as the city itself.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 04:34 AM (omVj0)

35 Pretty Korean girls are some of the loveliest things on Earth.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius

This girl group posted above certainly gives credence to your post. Wow!

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at March 25, 2025 04:38 AM (sAmhv)

36 Wolfus,

It’s very confusing to figure out but I’d encourage you to probe very deeply into the fee structure of every financial instrument you are presented. How does the advisor get paid? Are they a fiduciary to you? If a fiduciary they are obliged in most states to compensation that is fully disclosed.

Ask if they receive any marketing allowances or reimbursement from the company selling the annuity? Worst of all read the disclosure documents as agonizing as they are.

Posted by: Pete Bog at March 25, 2025 04:40 AM (X4hXd)

37 Well done on your first, Wolfus.

The last couple of nights, I've stayed up a couple of extra hours working on upgrading a test box from Linux Mint 20.3 to 22.1 (two major upgrades and two minor ones.) I have several old 20.3 installs in the family I need to upgrade, and this was the "Let's figure out the pitfalls and document the steps in advance" part.

Mostly done, but no staying up late tonight. I'm really feeling it this morning, and I will be napping mid-day over my lunch to compensate.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 04:41 AM (O7YUW)

38 32

More detail
https://tinyurl.com/5n7ksb3w

Posted by: Ciampino - two 17 yearolds at March 25, 2025 04:44 AM (sPQoU)

39 Oracle now:

1) We weren't breached.
2) Okay, they breached us a little, but all they did was drop a file on our server.

Oracle soon:

3) We discovered the file contained a payload and there was a small breach, but it's limited to one instance and they didn't get anything.
4) We discovered they did get some customer confidential information, but it was small in scope and unimportant. No critical information like SSNs or CC #'s were compromised.
5) The hack was larger than we realized, and they did get some critical information.
6) Everything. They got everything.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 04:45 AM (O7YUW)

40 It’s very confusing to figure out but I’d encourage you to probe very deeply into the fee structure of every financial instrument you are presented. How does the advisor get paid? Are they a fiduciary to you? If a fiduciary they are obliged in most states to compensation that is fully disclosed.

Ask if they receive any marketing allowances or reimbursement from the company selling the annuity? Worst of all read the disclosure documents as agonizing as they are.
Posted by: Pete Bog at March 25, 2025

***
Pete, all of that is unfortunately Hungarian to me. This meeting with the advisor was a free consultation; so yes, if I decided to go with this I'd ask how does his commission or payment figure into it.

He also suggested that, once I get settled, I'd want to put some of my savings to work for me, as long as I'm comfortable with the ups and downs of the market. I'm not sure about that, but as long as I'm not locked into anything, I'd be okay with a small return.

I don't * have* to have this additional check right away. But I'd hoped to start seeing it next month, not further out.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 04:46 AM (omVj0)

41 Slow night?

Posted by: Ciampino - two 17 yearolds ruined their lives at March 25, 2025 04:47 AM (sPQoU)

42 Time for me to shave and shower, feed the monsters, and pack my own lunch while I have my breakfast. I'm really looking forward to not having to rush like this next week. . . .

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 04:48 AM (omVj0)

43 Good morning, good people. I still see nothing uplifting in beginning a 2 hour PT session at 8AM, this has unpleasant overtones from when I was working, not retired. Plus it ruins the rest of the day.

That said, may all your effort this and ALL other days result in maximal benefit to you, and extreme anguish for the leftwit fungi who infest us.

Posted by: IRONGRAMPA at March 25, 2025 04:51 AM (hKoQL)

44 Good morning! Got a cup of coffee and tha' lil nugget dog in my lap. Life is good right now.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at March 25, 2025 04:56 AM (3Ope8)

45 @9/Aetius451AD: "HP does seem to be one of the few not trying to go for a munchkin sized keyboard."

Thank goodness for that. I make so many mistakes trying to touch-type on a smaller keyboard. Frustrating.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 04:58 AM (O7YUW)

46 Wolfus

The key question for him is are you a fiduciary to me? If not, or without clear paperwork stating that he is I’d look for someone else. They are not hard to find.

There is lots more sort of basic stuff regarding investment planning, which is retirement planning but it does not need to be overwhelming. Don’t let it become so.

Posted by: Pete Bog at March 25, 2025 05:01 AM (X4hXd)

47 I get the feeling Sir Mixalot would not approve of the musical interlude.

Posted by: tankdemon at March 25, 2025 05:01 AM (GHAiA)

48 Repost Humor:

To eat a whole cake would be
to commit the sin of gluttony,
but to eat a whole pie is okay,
as the sin of Pi is zero.

Posted by: Ciampino - tiramisu at March 25, 2025 05:03 AM (sPQoU)

49 I get the feeling Sir Mixalot would not approve of the musical interlude.
Posted by: tankdemon at March 25, 2025 05:01 AM (GHAiA)

One can appreciate a wide range of styles in music as well as other arenas.

Posted by: Pete Bog at March 25, 2025 05:04 AM (X4hXd)

50 Had egg,cheese on English muffin and cinnamon bun

Posted by: Skip at March 25, 2025 05:06 AM (fwDg9)

51 @15/Ciampino: Sounds more like the female version of MGTOW (Men Going Their Own Way), so WGTOW I guess.

And yeah, they'll swear off men, until the next bad-boy comes along, then it'll be "ooooo shiny" and then she's off to the races.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 05:08 AM (O7YUW)

52 Keep cinnamon away from my food.

Posted by: Ciampino - death before cinnamon at March 25, 2025 05:08 AM (sPQoU)

53 Waiting for an investigation of Covid 19 crimes at American Thinker.
Reading it sure makes it look like a plot from its beginning

Posted by: Skip at March 25, 2025 05:14 AM (fwDg9)

54 "Does HP still make anything worthwhile?"

I have an old HP laptop with a big screen (17"?) that I use as an office machine. All it does is connect to the internet for cloud-based work systems.

Works great! And it's left on for months at a time.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 25, 2025 05:15 AM (L5An7)

55 Another prayer request

Someone who attends the church I serve ( J) is having a stent put in today. She is a dear person and is rather nervous about the procedure. Thanks so much!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 25, 2025 05:16 AM (42Vb+)

56 @42/Wolfus: The furry thugs will still demand to be fed exactly on time, every day. No sleeping in for you, newly stamped retiree!

An hour later: "What, you're still here? Feed us! We swear we weren't fed just an hour ago. You were obviously in a coffee deprived state and don't remember. Seriously, FEED US! Meeeeeeer...."

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 05:17 AM (O7YUW)

57 Thank goodness for that. I make so many mistakes trying to touch-type on a smaller keyboard. Frustrating.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 04:58 AM (O7YUW)

*fistbump*

Typing this on a IBM M 101 from 1991. Clacky keys. One of the good things in life.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at March 25, 2025 05:17 AM (bss/y)

58 54 "Does HP still make anything worthwhile?"

I have an old HP laptop with a big screen (17"?)
----
This is my second 17" HP laptop ca 2022. Cheap. Works great. First one the hinges broke and the lid/screen separated.
Both were discounted and about $300.

Posted by: Ciampino - death before ginger at March 25, 2025 05:20 AM (sPQoU)

59 This is my second 17" HP laptop ca 2022. Cheap. Works great. First one the hinges broke and the lid/screen separated.

Posted by: Ciampino - death before ginger at March 25, 2025 05:20 AM (sPQoU)

I solved that issue by leaving it closed. It runs two monitors through a docking station. I am pretty impressed.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 25, 2025 05:22 AM (L5An7)

60 w00t

Posted by: m at March 25, 2025 05:25 AM (CQE5S)

61 Ads in the comments now? #61

Posted by: Ciampino - death before ads at March 25, 2025 05:31 AM (sPQoU)

62 Should be a nice early spring day
Flag is up 🫡
Have a great day horde

Posted by: Skip at March 25, 2025 05:34 AM (fwDg9)

63 Ad banished to the howling void.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at March 25, 2025 05:34 AM (BLOW1)

64 63 Ad banished to the howling void.
Posted by: Pixy Misa at March 25, 2025 05:34 AM (BLOW1)

Thank you, Pixy!

Posted by: m at March 25, 2025 05:36 AM (CQE5S)

65 @57/Aetius451AD: Oh wow, that takes me back. 5-pin DIN AT style connector, or PS/2 connector?

Actual IBM keyboards were a bit too clicky/noisy for me. I liked the ME-101 in the XT/AT days. I was building my own compatibles at that time in the bit horizontal steel cases that you set the monitor on top of, and the ME-101 was a pretty tough keyboard. Just don't set big heavy textbooks on top of the monitor, because the stack might fall off and land on the keyboard and snap a key-cap clean off. *sighs*

I'm currently using a Yama Redragon K550:
https://tinyurl.com/3zbb9vsh

And that replaced a Logitech G110 which was starting to have issues with certain keys randomly not registering key-presses.

And why is it almost no stores have display keyboards anymore that you can test the tactile feel of before you buy them? Some of us really need that. No touchy, no sale! {/rant}

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 05:37 AM (O7YUW)

66 65 And why is it almost no stores have display keyboards anymore that you can test the tactile feel of before you buy them? Some of us really need that. No touchy, no sale! {/rant}
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 05:37 AM (O7YUW)

Germs?

Posted by: m at March 25, 2025 05:38 AM (CQE5S)

67 Morning, 'rons and 'ronettes. 33 chilly degrees here at Stately Poppins Manor and at least two hours of work waiting for me.

I haven't been able to access the HQ on my phone and have been too lazy / depressed to try firing up the laptop, so have missed out on all the agita of the past week. I did see the note about poor Jewells, so I must get in touch with Teresa in Fort Worth today so as to send her a card.

I'm going to make a prediction regarding my own miserable hellhole state of MA and the illegal immigration standoff: someone is going to back down, and it won't be Mayor Wu. Prepare me a dish of crow, but I doubt I'll be eating it.

Now to work. See you all on some other thread.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at March 25, 2025 05:38 AM (Q0kLU)

68 Romans 8:1-6, 9-11

"Setting our minds" . Man has a Christian devotional which- and this tech related 🙂- mentions "chatbots".

https://tinyurl.com/ynjywseb

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 25, 2025 05:46 AM (42Vb+)

69 "64 63 Ad banished to the howling void.
Posted by: Pixy Misa at March 25, 2025 05:34 AM (BLOW1)

Thank you, Pixy!"

Indeed!

Posted by: Lace Wigs at March 25, 2025 05:46 AM (RCAte)

70 @66/m: "Germs?"

Target practice for your immune system.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 05:50 AM (O7YUW)

71 Way too many umlauts on that HP Elite keyboard for me. The review also says the display has PWM flicker - on a $3900 laptop, unacceptable.

And, yeah, I don’t know what the reason for the two-part Mini-PC is?
At least the Khadas Mind had a good reason for its modularity.

The only reason I could think of for splitting this thing in two pieces is to put them in a bag to take with you or something.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at March 25, 2025 05:50 AM (6ydKt)

72 70 @66/m: "Germs?"

Target practice for your immune system.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 05:50 AM (O7YUW)

Well, I think so, but I'm guessing that's what corporate would say.

Posted by: m at March 25, 2025 05:51 AM (CQE5S)

73 Wolfus

The key question for him is are you a fiduciary to me? If not, or without clear paperwork stating that he is I’d look for someone else. They are not hard to find.

There is lots more sort of basic stuff regarding investment planning, which is retirement planning but it does not need to be overwhelming. Don’t let it become so.
Posted by: Pete Bog at March 25, 2025

***
I'll ask. My problem is that I don't know where to look. Notsothoreau's suggestion of the Dave Ramsey site, and the advisors associated with it, was a good start for me.

One of the other advisors I wrote to last week has replied to set up a meeting. I can ask about the fiduciary matter with him too.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 05:51 AM (omVj0)

74 From several years ago. Faith group turns Chik-fil-a into a time of praise and song:

https://tinyurl.com/4rbesfy2

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 25, 2025 05:54 AM (3EcKf)

75
LB
@beyondreasdoubt
14h
On the brightside, the Atlantic didn’t tip off the Houthis!

Posted by: m at March 25, 2025 05:55 AM (CQE5S)

76 This one I had to get an adapter for. I think it is a PS/2 connector. Round plug.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 25, 2025 05:55 AM (/x6eu)

77 17- The advisor suggested an annuity that, if I roll over everything in the current plan, will bring me about $200 less a month, but the entire amount *would* be guaranteed. I'll get a second opinion, of course. But I hate that this element of my retirement is not settled. Grrrr.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 04:11 AM

When you get a new advisor whose first recommendation is an annuity exchange, be very careful and definitely get a second opinion.

Posted by: Moonbeam at March 25, 2025 05:57 AM (rbKZ6)

78 Kansas police officer saves kidnapped girl during routine traffic stop:

https://tinyurl.com/3sas9pwa

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 25, 2025 06:00 AM (3EcKf)

79 Aelfred The Great retweeted
Cheese For Everyone!
@CheeseForEvery1
13h
Can you imagine the group chats in the LBJ administration?

HUBERT HUMPHREY
POTUS is dug in on Vietnam. I cautioned it could wind up a quagmire and imperil any chances he has in 1968, but he’s not budging.

ROBERT MCNAMARA
He showed me his dick again.

DEAN RUSK
LMAOOOOO

Posted by: m at March 25, 2025 06:02 AM (CQE5S)

80 @Wolfus: What Moonbeam said in #77.

1) Guarantees aren't.
2) $200 less a month sounds like the new advisor making your money his money.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 06:02 AM (O7YUW)

81 Wolfus-some guidance on annuity exchanges:

https://tinyurl.com/27cvt27j

Posted by: Moonbeam at March 25, 2025 06:03 AM (rbKZ6)

82 @78/FenelonSpoke: Outstanding.

Also: Did the suggestion I gave you yesterday about messaging settings on Android help?

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 06:04 AM (O7YUW)

83 Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 06:04 AM (O7YUW)

I haven't actually gotten to it yet. I need to give it to the much more technically proficient spouse and he had other things going on. Thanks very much

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 25, 2025 06:09 AM (3EcKf)

84 On the brightside, the Atlantic didn’t tip off the Houthis!

I'm sure that was debated for an hour or two.

Posted by: NR Pax at March 25, 2025 06:09 AM (NR6c1)

85 https://tinyurl.com/mx9vxkv6

Minneapolis police officer goes above and beyond to help elderly resident. "Sunny Skyz" site.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 25, 2025 06:12 AM (3EcKf)

86 Select Californians will pay less for speeding fines under woke policy

https://mol.im/a/14533181

Posted by: Ciampino - grifters & thieves at March 25, 2025 06:13 AM (sPQoU)

87 FYI on 23 & Me
"While we will delete the majority of your Personal Information, we are required to retain some information to comply with our legal obligation," the company's website says.

"23andMe and/or our contracted genotyping laboratory will retain your Genetic Information, date of birth, and sex as required for compliance with applicable legal obligations... even if you chose to delete your account," the company's privacy statement says.

Posted by: Snappy Suzie at March 25, 2025 06:15 AM (rzwGB)

88 Morning peeps.

Looking at my tax return. Blood pressure has spiked. I knew it was going to hurt this year, but.... wow.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at March 25, 2025 06:18 AM (Q4IgG)

89 "23andMe and/or our contracted genotyping laboratory will retain your Genetic Information, date of birth, and sex as required for compliance with applicable legal obligations.

1. Can that retained information be traced back to the customer who submitted the sample?
2. What are these legal obligations, who imposed them, & legal how?

Posted by: Ciampino - not the whole story at March 25, 2025 06:21 AM (sPQoU)

90 One of our esteemed posters ( I don't think he's up yet. He goes on other threads) objects to my announcing my departure as if this is an airport. I thank him for the laugh:

FenelonFlight 325 now departing for the Sandwich Islands.

Have a good day everyone. May God bless you You are all a blessing to others . Busy day today so I probably won't have a return flight till tomorrow.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 25, 2025 06:21 AM (3EcKf)

91 Morning, Tech Peeps

Posted by: fluffy at March 25, 2025 06:23 AM (AN2gy)

92 LB
@beyondreasdoubt
14h
On the brightside, the Atlantic didn’t tip off the Houthis!
Posted by: m at March 25, 2025 05:55 AM (CQE5S)

Honestly, my immediate thought was, given that this was supposedly semi-real-time, that they included the Atlantic deliberately to showcase Vance's dissatisfaction with bailing out Europe AGAIN and Hegseth's agreement of such.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at March 25, 2025 06:23 AM (ExV1e)

93 Once upon a time. American entertainers could do what K Pop girl bands do so well, but not any more.

Thanks Pixy for todays musical interlude!

Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 25, 2025 06:25 AM (vkMfW)

94 93 Once upon a time. American entertainers could do what K Pop girl bands do so well, but not any more.

Thanks Pixy for todays musical interlude!
Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 25, 2025 06:25 AM (vkMfW)

Yep, thanks, Pixy!

Posted by: m at March 25, 2025 06:30 AM (CQE5S)

95 Posted by: Ciampino - grifters & thieves at March 25, 2025 06:13 AM (sPQoU)
--------------------
Just bring your tax return when paying your fine, I guess...

Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 25, 2025 06:30 AM (vkMfW)

96 95
I think you have to apply.

Posted by: Ciampino - not the whole story? at March 25, 2025 06:31 AM (sPQoU)

97 So close to 100 comments !!!!!!!

Posted by: Ciampino - not the whole shebang at March 25, 2025 06:33 AM (sPQoU)

98 BAY AREA STATE OF MIND
@YayAreaNews
9h
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao cries, blames “radical right wing forces” for her political downfall.

She’s now facing 95 years in federal prison for corruption, fraud, and money laundering.

Posted by: m at March 25, 2025 06:34 AM (CQE5S)

99 @Wolfus: What Moonbeam said in #77.

1) Guarantees aren't.
2) $200 less a month sounds like the new advisor making your money his money.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025

***
Oh, I'll get a second opinion. He showed me printouts from three different companies with payouts, and said that each would be a solid amount, no "additional" amounts that might go away. But I will get a second opinion.

If a given figure is not guaranteed, somehow, what can I do? I'd rather have the slightly lower amount that I can count on, than the higher one that might drop by 40% next year.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 06:34 AM (omVj0)

100 100

Posted by: m at March 25, 2025 06:34 AM (CQE5S)

101 Wolfus-some guidance on annuity exchanges:

https://tinyurl.com/27cvt27j
Posted by: Moonbeam at March 25, 2025

***
The two I've been shown are not supposed to be variable, but a specified amount each month as long as I live. does this advice apply specifically to these sorts of annuities?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 06:37 AM (omVj0)

102 Got to hit the road, folk. I'll check in later. Thanks for the financial tips!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 25, 2025 06:37 AM (omVj0)

103 BAY AREA STATE OF MIND
@YayAreaNews
9h
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao cries, blames “radical right wing forces” for her political downfall.

She’s now facing 95 years in federal prison for corruption, fraud, and money laundering.
Posted by: m at March 25, 2025 06:34 AM (CQE5S)

That sounds a lot like "I would have gotten away with it if not for you meddling kids".

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at March 25, 2025 06:37 AM (ExV1e)

104 You guys like Dax Shepard or Kristen Bell?

https://is.gd/dEZjJY

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at March 25, 2025 06:40 AM (PiwSw)

105 The "Tim Walz Watch" is on at Powerline,

Tesla’s shares closed today at $278.39, up 24% since March 18, when bozo governor Tim Walz told a cheering crowd that he checks Tesla’s declining price to give himself “a little boost during the day.”

Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 25, 2025 06:41 AM (vkMfW)

106 Sheng Thao missed a golden opportunity to try the Costanza Defense.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 25, 2025 06:42 AM (vkMfW)

107 98 BAY AREA STATE OF MIND
@YayAreaNews
9h
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao cries, blames “radical right wing forces” for her political downfall.

She’s now facing 95 years in federal prison for corruption, fraud, and money laundering.
Posted by: m

In Oakland? Uh, ok.

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at March 25, 2025 06:43 AM (sAmhv)

108 You guys like Dax Shepard or Kristen Bell?

https://is.gd/dEZjJY
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at March 25, 2025 06:40 AM (PiwSw)

Hollywood celebrities are a bit off, film at 11.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at March 25, 2025 06:44 AM (ExV1e)

109 One of my cats threw up on my keyboard this morning.

I hope that's not a sign of how my day is going to go....

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 25, 2025 06:44 AM (cweKM)

110 Sheng Thao

I'd no idea Oakland had gone all "little Saigon." Interesting demographic shift.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at March 25, 2025 06:45 AM (Q4IgG)

111 Tesla’s shares closed today at $278.39, up 24% since March 18, when bozo governor Tim Walz told a cheering crowd that he checks Tesla’s declining price to give himself “a little boost during the day.”
Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 25, 2025 06:41 AM (vkMfW)

Honestly, what kind of fucked up politician do you have to be to publicly state "nothing gets me harder than the misfortune of others... and tween boys".

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at March 25, 2025 06:46 AM (ExV1e)

112 Wolfus,

Annuities historically have not been as good a return as buying something like a bond fund Annuities are from a time where average people were not able to access the myriad of options available today.

Basically the annuity is the insurance company agreement to invest your money , pay you a portion of the returns and keep the rest.

If you are willing you can explore options and educate yourself relatively easily. It will take time however.

Posted by: Pete Bog at March 25, 2025 06:46 AM (X4hXd)

113 111 Tesla’s shares closed today at $278.39, up 24% since March 18, when bozo governor Tim Walz told a cheering crowd that he checks Tesla’s declining price to give himself “a little boost during the day.”
Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 25, 2025 06:41 AM (vkMfW)

So if Walz and Jim Cramer both hate a stock....

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Stochastic Financial Advisor at March 25, 2025 06:47 AM (PiwSw)

114 reports from October 7:

https://nitter.net/AGHamilton29

Posted by: m at March 25, 2025 06:48 AM (CQE5S)

115 Okay, gotta hit the road. Later all.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at March 25, 2025 06:51 AM (O7YUW)

116 Well, the "dawn is breaking" show is about to start! Looking east right now, coffee in hand, and ready for my favorite part of every day.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 25, 2025 06:53 AM (vkMfW)

117 Love Girl's Generation. Like a monk that wants to dance.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at March 25, 2025 06:55 AM (u82oZ)

118 Woke up, looked at the time on my phone and found I didn't have to be up for another 45 minutes. Our resident furry thug noticed the movement and decided it was time for breakfast.

So much for another 45 minutes.

Thank you, cat.

Morning, Horde.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at March 25, 2025 06:56 AM (q3u5l)

119 I'd no idea Oakland had gone all "little Saigon." Interesting demographic shift.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at March 25, 2025 06:45 AM (Q4IgG)

One of my favorite restaurants in the Bay Area was in Oakland... Vi's Vietnamese.

It's closed, but it was spectacular and inventive Vietnamese food with obvious French influences.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 25, 2025 06:56 AM (L5An7)

120 Good morning!

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

Posted by: NaCly Dog at March 25, 2025 06:59 AM (u82oZ)

121 We need that Oakland jury in D.C.

Posted by: Case at March 25, 2025 07:01 AM (IFQdH)

122

*hic*

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at March 25, 2025 07:01 AM (EFZgU)

123 Girl's Generation _Oh!_ combined K-pop, dance, and American Football. Great fun.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at March 25, 2025 07:01 AM (u82oZ)

124 Went to a Vietnamese/French restaurant just this past Saturday, called "Le Colonial". They own places in a number of cities I am told, and the local version was excellent.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 25, 2025 07:03 AM (vkMfW)

125 Village Idiot's Apprentice

Top o ta mornin to ya, gov'nor.

Have a good walk.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at March 25, 2025 07:03 AM (u82oZ)

126 Hillary Clinton

You still here and not in Haiti?

Posted by: NaCly Dog at March 25, 2025 07:04 AM (u82oZ)

127 Well, the "dawn is breaking" show is about to start! Looking east right now, coffee in hand, and ready for my favorite part of every day.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 25, 2025 06:53 AM (vkMfW)

It's a great show. I just wish the network would stop messing with its time slot.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at March 25, 2025 07:05 AM (KtIIi)

128 It's a great show. I just wish the network would stop messing with its time slot.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at March 25, 2025 07:05 AM (KtIIi)
------------
And then there is always the possibility of Ace's time machine to further screw with our heads.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 25, 2025 07:08 AM (vkMfW)

129 Have a great day, everyone.

May there be dancing! Maybe not you, but nearby.

Pixy Misa, thanks for the Girl's Generation link.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at March 25, 2025 07:09 AM (u82oZ)

130 If they're well known enough to be recognizable to other people then I almost certainly don't like them.

And what kind of name is "Dax?" It sounds like a stock exchange or something.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at March 25, 2025 07:09 AM (BI5O2)

131 - Oakland?

Maybe the best thing to come out of there.
For those who think 70's music stank and those who know better.

https://tinyurl.com/5n933s79

Posted by: TeeJ at March 25, 2025 07:10 AM (L8+qQ)

132 Still alive and kicking here!

Posted by: Eromero at March 25, 2025 07:13 AM (p4vtc)

133 Good morning Eromero. Glad to see you here.

Posted by: fd at March 25, 2025 07:14 AM (vFG9F)

134
Mrs kvc began closing out her 23andme account yesterday. I say "began" because she was not able to get a dump of her family tree from there due to extremely heavy traffic at the site.

It's exactly like the horror of everyone having rushed to one side of Guam all over again!

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at March 25, 2025 07:14 AM (lpyCJ)

135
JJ
SEF
TON

Posted by: rhennigantx at March 25, 2025 07:16 AM (gbOdA)

136 > Maybe the best thing to come out of there.
For those who think 70's music stank and those who know better.
---------
Saw them at Merriweather Post Pavilion back.... uh.... a long time ago. Super Chill.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at March 25, 2025 07:17 AM (Q4IgG)

137 - @142 Eromero

Yes!
Well, except for the flashbacks of being on my hands and knees, trying to breath, and can't.
The first one was the worst. After that, at least you knew you weren't dying.

Posted by: TeeJ at March 25, 2025 07:17 AM (L8+qQ)

138 "120 Good morning!
Let's smile & be happy & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere. "

I have to be dour and cold & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere.

That is the best I can grant. To date.

Posted by: somejoe at March 25, 2025 07:18 AM (RCAte)

139 Just woke up from a dream of watching a tech demo of Pooky's old plane. Anyway, Musk or Hegseth had mandated that all USAF planes have an accompanying drone pod. So we got to watch video from the drone of the plane takeoff and the drone launching itself and hovering around the plane. Unfortunately Lil Pooky woke up right then and therefore I did too. But I'm going to ask Pooky if a drone would have been helpful in assisting his plane (his plane was already being replaced by drone, at least that was the plan when he got out).

Posted by: pookysgirl, groggy froggy at March 25, 2025 07:19 AM (Wt5PA)

140 133 Good morning Eromero. Glad to see you here.
Posted by: fd at March 25, 2025 07:14 AM (vFG9F
Good to be here, if I was still eating like all cool kids I’d be allover a snausage biskit andcoffee. But as is, I’ll just pour some calf wean mix into this stomach tube.

Posted by: Eromero at March 25, 2025 07:19 AM (p4vtc)

141 I used to get Ann and Nancy Wilson confused back in the day as both were attractive women. Then Ann got all fat and Nancy was a cokehead, dick sucking whore and then it became easier to tell them apart.

Now Ann and I look a lot alike except for the hair.

Posted by: Mike Reno, Fat Now Too at March 25, 2025 07:24 AM (u5iGG)

142 I can't find the current legal status of Oakland ex-mayor Sheng Thao online. The latest wikipedia mention is:

In January 2025, Thao was indicted by a federal grand jury on federal bribery charges.

Posted by: m at March 25, 2025 07:25 AM (CQE5S)

143 >89 Yes, it can be traced back to the donor. As for the legal obligations they said you would have to contact their legal dept. The person on the phone sounded a little sketchy.

Posted by: Jerzy girl at March 25, 2025 08:18 AM (Uy/WF)

144 sock off

Posted by: stu-mick-o-sucks at March 25, 2025 09:30 AM (w9Wax)

145 Just read the Oracle breach story.

1 major hole I see here is the claim that the US2 login server was running fusion middleware 11g.

Oracle login servers do not run fusion middleware, and 11g is YEARS beyond support.

Posted by: ghbucky at March 25, 2025 09:49 AM (/xDbx)

146 Wow, early kpop as the music choice? that was unexpected . . .

Posted by: pkudude99 at March 25, 2025 12:42 PM (bq0eC)

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