Octopus Overlords

Kasey Chang wrote: Fri Aug 18, 2023 11:41 pm

Blackhawk wrote: Fri Aug 18, 2023 10:33 pm Today I discovered that 'pig butcher' isn't just a profession involving meat.

Apparently the term came from the Hong Kong, where basically the victims said they've been not just fleeced, they've been butchered (rough translation) and the "pig butchering" literal translation became the English name for the scam.

I thought the term came because the scammer would "fatten" the victim ("pig") first before "butchering". I did read an article about it a while back, might have been the same one you linked.

I feed like I've gotten a couple of those text messages in the past year, but since I'm usually too lazy to even respond to texts from people I know, I'm a really bad audience for their scams.

got one on Telegram. the person on the other end really tries to establish a personal contact but a) they try waaaaay too hard (no real person is that pushy) and b) 'she' kept talking about cryptoblockchain investing and wanting me to get into it. as soon as i said i wasn't into that... sorta thing, they just said 'Stop.' and that was it.

Old news, but still funny

Montreal city red-faced after posting "no barking" signs at... a dog park. It was quickly rescinded... Back in May.

Now to switch gears... Darn this noodle is spicy... The Samyang Buldak spicy chicken raman in "2x Spicy" strength.

And this stuff is expensive. I'm more used to 5 for a buck Maruchan ramen. I only occasionally order the Samyang Shin hot hoodles which are now like $1.50 per pack. The Buldak here is $2.25 per pack.

It's regular Samyang noodle similar to the "Shin" spicy noodles, but with different flavor packets and prep methods. Basically, you cook the noodles in boiling water for about 5 minutes, drain the water except for about 6 tablespoons, then drop the spicy sauce, mix well (stir-fry for 30 seconds, really?) then sprinkle the sesame seed and dried seaweed flakes on top for decoration. Done.

And oh-boy this thing is spicy. My tongue was completely numb for minutes. I sort of expected this, and I had a cup of COLD lemonade next to me, and a couple sips of that did help. And I was breaking out in a sweat, and even my eyes got a little watery. I wouldn't say I tasted any "chicken", but the spicy broth probably did have a lot of umami taste for those into that sort of thing.

Good thing I only bought 2 packs, and gave one to my dad.

The Warrenator was deep asleep on my lap when I casually dropped my hand onto his torso, as one does. In less than an eyeblink, he bit a finger almost clean through and, using all claws, launched himself across the room.

I came through with three band-aids and two puncture wounds that are going to be with me for a while, but at least my fingertip isn't numb anymore.

Kraken wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 2:05 am The Warrenator was deep asleep on my lap when I casually dropped my hand onto his torso, as one does. In less than an eyeblink, he bit a finger almost clean through and, using all claws, launched himself across the room.

I came through with three band-aids and two puncture wounds that are going to be with me for a while, but at least my fingertip isn't numb anymore.

And in proper cat fashion: You're the asshole.

Wow! Glad you're okay. Hope it heals soon.

Unagi wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 9:18 am

Kraken wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 2:05 am The Warrenator was deep asleep on my lap when I casually dropped my hand onto his torso, as one does. In less than an eyeblink, he bit a finger almost clean through and, using all claws, launched himself across the room.

I came through with three band-aids and two puncture wounds that are going to be with me for a while, but at least my fingertip isn't numb anymore.

And in proper cat fashion: You're the asshole.

Yup, .but he .forgave me.

Kasey Chang wrote: Sat Aug 19, 2023 11:20 am Now to switch gears... Darn this noodle is spicy... The Samyang Buldak spicy chicken raman in "2x Spicy" strength.

Someone on my team gave me a pack a few months back because I like to talk about how I love spicy foods. That shit was hot. Like, pretty close to One Chip Challenge hot. A spicy wet noodle is so much better as a torture device than a dry tortilla chip. As a bonus, it didn't really taste very good... at least the little bit I could taste before my brain decided to shut it all down, as the body does.

If you managed to eat all that, you are way beyond me.

Kraken wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 11:02 am

Unagi wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 9:18 am

Kraken wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 2:05 am The Warrenator was deep asleep on my lap when I casually dropped my hand onto his torso, as one does. In less than an eyeblink, he bit a finger almost clean through and, using all claws, launched himself across the room.

I came through with three band-aids and two puncture wounds that are going to be with me for a while, but at least my fingertip isn't numb anymore.

And in proper cat fashion: You're the asshole.

Yup, .but he .forgave me.

Are you sending a coded message for help ?

Three dots for yes, four dots for no.

Unagi wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:46 pm

Kraken wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 11:02 am

Unagi wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 9:18 am

Kraken wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 2:05 am The Warrenator was deep asleep on my lap when I casually dropped my hand onto his torso, as one does. In less than an eyeblink, he bit a finger almost clean through and, using all claws, launched himself across the room.

I came through with three band-aids and two puncture wounds that are going to be with me for a while, but at least my fingertip isn't numb anymore.

And in proper cat fashion: You're the asshole.

Yup, .but he .forgave me.

Are you sending a coded message for help ?

Three dots for yes, four dots for no.

My keyboard will be inserting random periods .until its replacement arrives on Thursday. I am tired of going back and editing them out.

Kraken wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:12 pm

Unagi wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:46 pm

Kraken wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 11:02 am

Unagi wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 9:18 am

Kraken wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 2:05 am The Warrenator was deep asleep on my lap when I casually dropped my hand onto his torso, as one does. In less than an eyeblink, he bit a finger almost clean through and, using all claws, launched himself across the room.

I came through with three band-aids and two puncture wounds that are going to be with me for a while, but at least my fingertip isn't numb anymore.

And in proper cat fashion: You're the asshole.

Yup, .but he .forgave me.

Are you sending a coded message for help ?

Three dots for yes, four dots for no.

My keyboard will be inserting random periods .until its replacement arrives on Thursday. I am tired of going back and editing them out.

You mean your replacement finger?

The rest of us will try to make you. feel less .self-conscious.

Kraken wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:12 pm
My keyboard will be inserting random periods .until its replacement arrives on Thursday. I am tired of going back and editing them out.

unscrew the keyboard casing and blow out the keycaps and board with compressed air, then take a vacuum to it. if it's not a mechanical keyboard, you can put it in the dishwasher (top rack, lowest heat, no soap, no heated dry, shortest cycle). at least it's an attempt to keep it out of the landfill.

Kraken wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:12 pm

Unagi wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:46 pm

Kraken wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 11:02 am

Unagi wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 9:18 am

Kraken wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 2:05 am The Warrenator was deep asleep on my lap when I casually dropped my hand onto his torso, as one does. In less than an eyeblink, he bit a finger almost clean through and, using all claws, launched himself across the room.

I came through with three band-aids and two puncture wounds that are going to be with me for a while, but at least my fingertip isn't numb anymore.

And in proper cat fashion: You're the asshole.

Yup, .but he .forgave me.

Are you sending a coded message for help ?

Three dots for yes, four dots for no.

My keyboard will be inserting random periods .until its replacement arrives on Thursday. I am tired of going back and editing them out.

That's a Yes

coopasonic wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 11:59 am

Kasey Chang wrote: Sat Aug 19, 2023 11:20 am Now to switch gears... Darn this noodle is spicy... The Samyang Buldak spicy chicken raman in "2x Spicy" strength.

Someone on my team gave me a pack a few months back because I like to talk about how I love spicy foods. That shit was hot. Like, pretty close to One Chip Challenge hot. A spicy wet noodle is so much better as a torture device than a dry tortilla chip. As a bonus, it didn't really taste very good... at least the little bit I could taste before my brain decided to shut it all down, as the body does.

If you managed to eat all that, you are way beyond me.

According to the interwebs, the Buldak 2x Spicy is about 10000 scovilles.

The regular Shin ramyun is less than 3000 scovilles.

Yeah, I finished the whole pack. Didn't enjoy it, and I'm glad I did it on my day off. I doubt I'd be good for work if I tried that for breakfast.

I have never had ramen. It just wasn't a thing when I was young and starving. I would probably like it. I don't think I've ever meet a noodle I didn't like, although the ones you're talking about would probably qualify.

I had never heard of ramen until the 90s when my computer friend told me about them. I didn't expect much from something that was like 16 cents a pack at the time. But I loved it. Got me through many gaming nights.. Ive had a bowl of the normal Walmart sold hot ramen. Its really at my almost too hot line. I like flavor not pain. I only get it rarely.

August 22nd, 2023. The day hepcat actually put his boxers on backwards for the first time.

The confused look on my face while standing at the urinal just now will hopefully provide years of amusement for the guy standing next to me.

Anyone familiar with title loans or quick cash loans? Im thinking of trying a title loan. I want to get one for $100. I need $70 but having the cushion would be nice. It appears to be a two or three week loan for 5%. So Id pay back $105 when my check comes next friday. I dont see a loss here. If I dont pay my home insurance by the 26th then I lose my insurance most likely and I just used my last money to renew it for $125...but I still need that normal $67.88 or whatever to pay for the actually monthly payment.

I see no way other than a loan. ' Perhaps' if I cou;ld get to a pawn shop I could pawn something..no idea what. But that would work too. just my car is busted and cant get anywhere unless I can bum a ride from my sister but I think she is too busy. I was gonna repair the car with this insurance money plus some more.

So ya I know my life sucks and Im tired of it. But Im only asking about the loan. I think I can swing it..if I can get to a place again lol.

Edit : Another option might be to get a credit card from my bank. But I dont know how long that takes. Would that be feasible? Anyone know the waiting period. Gonna need the money in 2 or 3 days.

Just get a damn credit card. Apply online and have an answer instantly. You should have gotten one ages ago, when your credit score first went up.

I wanted to wait until I was out of debt. All I need is more debt. But I figure Ive learned a lot and know not to use it except emergencies and only when I can pay it back quickly. I theoretically could use it to pay my bills, earn credits, and then pay it all off each month.

I found another option in my frantic looking...a payday loan. I hadn't considered them since I am disabled but it seems you can be approved on social security. I guess that is how any retired or disabled person gets a loan.

So in my couple days I think my best option is 1. Apply online for a credit card from my bank. 2. A payday loan. 3 A pawn shop visit...which Id hate to lose something I dont want to pawn to begin with.

STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM TITLE AND PAYDAY LENDERS!

Daehawk wrote: Wed Aug 23, 2023 11:56 pm Anyone familiar with title loans or quick cash loans? Im thinking of trying a title loan.

Daehawk wrote: Thu Aug 24, 2023 12:17 am I found another option in my frantic looking...a payday loan. I hadn't considered them since I am disabled but it seems you can be approved on social security. I guess that is how any retired or disabled person gets a loan.

You absolutely must get the insurance paid on time. You have that water pump still don't you?

Once you've paid off your house I think you're going to want to pay for some kind of home title lock service so your house isn't stolen out from under you.

Stay away from them. Together we can probably cobble together $100-200 to tide you through the two weeks. I'll throw in $50 if you need it. Zero interest.

Yikes...payday loans that bad huh? lol.

I still have the %850 pump. No one is buying it. Ive had it for sale for over a year. Its marked $350 now as a couple days ago. Still nothing.

I wonder if a pawn shop would want it?

I guess Ill apply for a cc tomorrow early. I may still be up as this is the 2nd night in a row I haven't slept. I did fall asleep yesterday morn around 8 and got up at 6pm. My sleep is screwed and an always thinking mind and stress doesn't help. I hate to work on important stuff after not sleeping but got no choice.

Kasey Chang wrote: Thu Aug 24, 2023 3:34 am Stay away from them. Together we can probably cobble together $100-200 to tide you through the two weeks. I'll throw in $50 if you need it. Zero interest.

Heh cant beat zero interest but you guys have helped me enough. I need to sink or swim and stick to it. Appreciate ya all over the last few years.

Man its early. Not much happening this early. Im making cornbread to go with the pinto beans and onion I had yesterday.

Oh fuck me. I just want to take a gun to my head. I just spent 2 hours on support talking to indians with bad accents and a terrible connection and still DONT have the info I wanted and ended up spending $3 in the process. If I call back Ill only get the same shit.

They dont listen to a damn thing you tell them or ask for and then dont connect you with the person you need after saying yes to everything and telling you they will. Good Lord.

Bout had this world.

Daehawk wrote: Thu Aug 24, 2023 12:07 pm Oh fuck me. I just want to take a gun to my head. I just spent 2 hours on support talking to indians with bad accents and a terrible connection and still DONT have the info I wanted and ended up spending $3 in the process. If I call back Ill only get the same shit.

They dont listen to a damn thing you tell them or ask for and then dont connect you with the person you need after saying yes to everything and telling you they will. Good Lord.

That's customer service according to Kafka.

I'm getting burnt out at work. I am so sick of solving other peoples problems. Like seriously, just use 4 of your 5 brain cells and figure it out yourself.

Jaymon wrote: Thu Aug 24, 2023 1:30 pm I'm getting burnt out at work. I am so sick of solving other peoples problems. Like seriously, just use 4 of your 5 brain cells and figure it out yourself.

job security for us problem-solver types

Daehawk wrote: Thu Aug 24, 2023 12:07 pm Oh fuck me. I just want to take a gun to my head. I just spent 2 hours on support talking to indians with bad accents and a terrible connection and still DONT have the info I wanted and ended up spending $3 in the process. If I call back Ill only get the same shit.

They dont listen to a damn thing you tell them or ask for and then dont connect you with the person you need after saying yes to everything and telling you they will. Good Lord.

Yep. The people you talk to generally have zero knowledge of what they're supporting. What they have is a script book. It's alike a choose-your-own adventure where you ask the customer a question, and then turn to page X based on their answer. But since they have no knowledge of the actual subject, if you have any issue that's not covered in the script book (in other words, anything that's not on the top-50 issues list), then they have no idea what to do. And if they keep you on for too long, they get docked. The usual result is them telling you something that you want to hear to get you off the line, whether that is a promise to transfer you, to have someone call you, or just a straight up lie. After all, if you call back, you'll be someone else's problem.

And there is no alternative for support for most companies these days.

After all, what are you going to do? Go somewhere else who has the same level of service? Maybe, but that 'somewhere else' has people leaving and coming to them, so in the end it doesn't matter. You have no recourse.

To top it off I think they tried to charge my bank card for $3. I got a call from fraud prevention at my bank. I choose to say yes it seems fishy so instead of simply blocking that place they cancelled my bank card and are issuing me a new one...just peachy keen. Damn

Two questions:

1. What kind of support charges you $3?
2. How did they get your card information?

Daehawk wrote: Thu Aug 24, 2023 2:10 pm To top it off I think they tried to charge my bank card for $3. I got a call from fraud prevention at my bank. I choose to say yes it seems fishy so instead of simply blocking that place they cancelled my bank card and are issuing me a new one...just peachy keen. Damn

I'm sorry but who tf did you call for "support" to begin with? That you spent 2 hours talking to?

Blackhawk wrote: Thu Aug 24, 2023 2:17 pm Two questions:

1. What kind of support charges you $3?
2. How did they get your card information?

That's what runs through my mind.

Daehawk wrote: Thu Aug 24, 2023 2:10 pm To top it off I think they tried to charge my bank card for $3. I got a call from fraud prevention at my bank. I choose to say yes it seems fishy so instead of simply blocking that place they cancelled my bank card and are issuing me a new one...just peachy keen. Damn

This is SOP. I've had two cards cancelled for unknown charges of $.10 that got through and even once had a card cancelled for a $1.00 charge that didn't go through. I've learned what a hassle it is by paying by card for some companies when my account number changes and no longer allow them to direct debit me. All a pain but part of the ID theft society we live in today. That alternatives could be much much worse.

Blackhawk wrote: Thu Aug 24, 2023 2:17 pm Two questions:

1. What kind of support charges you $3?
2. How did they get your card information?

It wasn't support per se it was Capital One and I wanted to ask questions about their cards. I called customer service and got a msg saying you qualify for a $100 walmart gift card due to customer service computers being down...the cost was $3..or $2. There was no way around them..when I called it said press one for the gift or hang up. So called their other number and gave up and paid for the damn thing. Sounded fishy as hell but it was cap one. Ok..he goes to transfer me and it hangs up. I call back on the other number...almost same msg. Press 1 press 1 press any number for gift card. I cant avoid them. This time an indian lady says I hace to go through it all again but they wont charge me. Fine...these two calls took over 2 1/2 hours....not only did I have to give my info twice but I had to listen to I think a dozen computer skills trying to sell me more. Finally she is doen says thank you and hangs up...again. I called back in 30 mine this time it went straight to customer support np. I got my answers and then asked about the fishy gift card....she had no idea about it...said it sounds fishy but it WAS Cap One...so dunno. The 2nd lady even gave me a confirmation number and a pin...but I have no idea how to see if its real.

Anyways about 30 min later my bank calls warning me of fraud activity. So I call them and they ask if I approved the other charge and I said no thinking they would simply block that one. And they canned my card and are sending me a new one.

Buncha weirdness. BTW the third lady I got was not indian so maybe another area...or the first two were fraud somehow.