What’s on your mind?

[avro707]

I got my first electricity bill today after having batteries installed.

Only about $100 - even with an issue that had to be sorted out and some less than ideal days for power generation. Normally it would be 8 or 9 times that cost. Quite happy given how expensive power is here usually.

 

[mtbdudex]

Thanks for this tip, Mike! I just went into PayPal, which I use very rarely, and after some hunting around finally found the data and privacy settings, and was able to adjust them (I think). In a couple of weeks at the end of October I'll check again to be sure, since that's when they will actually be implementing the new settings structure.

I don't use Venmo so no problems with needing to change settings there.

What’s crazy is so many places sell our data, to opt out on some need to snail mail it in to them

I took this image and sent it via email to my insurance Rep, Bob who I personally know.

Me
“Good morning;
I filled out the “do not share” info and attach it.
Can this be done for my 2 accounts listed?”

Bob;
“Did you mail it in?”

Me;
“Not mailed - yet, was hoping email to you would suffice.
Snail mail is so … pre 2000’s !!!”

Bob;
“I agree. You would have to mail it to Home Office they would need to keep this on file in case they get audited. Just get it in the mail as soon as you can.”

 

[Scepticalscribe]

PSA: Within 2 weeks for Venmo & PayPal users, Oct-2025 end:
Opt out of letting your info be searchable.
Too many ways people hack your data these days.
I got the below in email, it's legit.

Hi Michael,
We’re excited to share that starting in November 2025, Venmo users and PayPal users will be able to pay each other in the U.S. and worldwide. That means that PayPal users will be able to find and pay you using your phone number, and later by using your email address.
If you’d like to be searchable, no action is needed. If you’d like to limit how PayPal users find you, you can adjust your settings here or in the Venmo app under Settings > Privacy > Find me.
We’re also adding ways for Venmo users to search for other Venmo profiles. Today, you can search by name or username only. Starting in November, you’ll be able to search for Venmo profiles by phone number, and later by email address.
If you prefer not to let other Venmo users find you by your phone number or email address, you can adjust your settings here or in the Venmo app under Settings > Privacy > Find me.
We’ll be updating our Privacy Statement to reflect these updates. You can review it here to learn more about how we handle your personal information and the choices available to you.
Thanks for being a Venmo customer!
Venmo logo
View attachment 2570226

It annoys me (actually a much stronger word) that all these privacy options are off by default (or rather on to open the gates).

I have never broadcast my payments to others. I never understood why people would want this, but if they do, that’s fine by me.

I didn’t know the find me options were there. Thank you for pointing this out and posting 😀

That is infuriating. It’s like the Instagram map (which I also disable). All of these things are on by default.

Interestingly enough, I don’t see this feature in my settings (this is on the Venmo app), so it might not have reached me yet, but when it does, I will turn it off right away.

View attachment 2570291

I've told my kids and they set their setting to private.

Other friends who blast public all their Venmo transactions, for "fun" I'll like them and comment at times ...
Money transactions should not be social stuff, IMO.

Thanks for this tip, Mike! I just went into PayPal, which I use very rarely, and after some hunting around finally found the data and privacy settings, and was able to adjust them (I think). In a couple of weeks at the end of October I'll check again to be sure, since that's when they will actually be implementing the new settings structure.

I don't use Venmo so no problems with needing to change settings there.

We need to bear in mind that when a service (or platform) is "free", (that is, free to use), in practice, what this means, is that you (and, even more importantly, your data and your details) is - or, are - the product that is sought, traded or sold.

However, notwithstanding what I have just written, I agree that it is absolutely outrageous that the default setting assumes your approval for the use of your data, and that one must actively choose to opt-out of these sinister settings.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Today, (after an unexpected postponement, as it had been initially scheduled to take place last week), I received my annual flu jab and the Covid jab; I give thanks daily for the existence of a (reasonably decent) state-funded, public health service.

 

[max2]

We need to bear in mind that when a service (or platform) is "free", (that is, free to use), in practice, what this means, is that you (and, even more importantly, your details and your data) is - or, are - the product that is traded or sold.

However, notwithstanding what I have just written, I agree that it is absolutely outrageous that the default setting assumes your approval for the use of your data, and that one must actively choose to opt-out of these sinister settings.

That always been the first rule when anything is free.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

This morning I woke up with the usual aches n pains (and an unusual headache lol which was a PITA) and was reminded how beautiful life is. Now it is off to the dump to throw away a big ol pile of yard waste - helping my elderly folks clean up their yard before the first frost.

I hope you all have a wonderful and amazing day; your best ever.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

There are many worse things in life (a great many worse things) than sitting, sipping coffee, (in a good coffee shop), browsing stuff, and listening to some nice music.

 

[rm5]

Today, (after an unexpected postponement, as it had been initially scheduled to take place last week), I received my annual flu jab and the Covid jab; I give thanks daily for the existence of a (reasonably decent) state-funded, public health service.

Good for you—I am going to get both of mine next month most likely.

 

[rm5]

Here, the wind chill is not getting above freezing for the next two days. It is very dark and dreary, not ideal.

 

[Apple fanboy]

For those of you who get annual flu and Covid shots, how often do you get sick?
I haven’t ever had a flu shot and only had the Covid ones back when they were offered a few years back.

I’m just getting over a very mild cold which is the first time I’ve been (mildly) ill in the last few years.

 

[rm5]

For those of you who get annual flu and Covid shots, how often do you get sick?
I haven’t ever had a flu shot and only had the Covid ones back when they were offered a few years back.

I’m just getting over a very mild cold which is the first time I’ve been (mildly) ill in the last few years.

I think we're all different how we respond to the vaccines and how often we get sick. Getting a flu or COVID shot does not guarantee immunity. Disastrously enough, COVID sent me to the hospital three years ago even though I had received three doses of the vaccine by that point. And, a year later, I contracted it again (though not as bad) despite having received a fourth dose. Regardless, I have never responded to an antibody test, and each time I contracted COVID, three tests in a row delivered false negatives—it was only after I was in the emergency room with their fancy tests that I came back positive. I have not come down with COVID since—at least I don't think so, but again, antibody tests on me ALWAYS come back negative, even when it should come back positive. I think it definitely depends on the person.

Edit: One time in middle school, I came down with the flu, and was out for nearly three weeks. I have gotten the flu shot every year for as long as I can remember. That hasn't happened since, but I don't want to know what would happen if I didn't get the shots—it might have been much worse.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I think we're all different how we respond to the vaccines and how often we get sick. Getting a flu or COVID shot does not guarantee immunity. Disastrously enough, COVID sent me to the hospital three years ago even though I had received three doses of the vaccine by that point. And, a year later, I contracted it again (though not as bad) despite having received a fourth dose. Regardless, I have never responded to an antibody test, and each time I contracted COVID, three tests in a row delivered false negatives—it was only after I was in the emergency room with their fancy tests that I came back positive. I have not come down with COVID since—at least I don't think so, but again, antibody tests on me ALWAYS come back negative, even when it should come back positive. I think it definitely depends on the person.

Edit: One time in middle school, I came down with the flu, and was out for nearly three weeks. I have gotten the flu shot every year for as long as I can remember. That hasn't happened since, but I don't want to know what would happen if I didn't get the shots—it might have been much worse.

I had Covid but it was really unpleasant for a day or two and then just more of an annoyance.

I’ve only had flu once in my life. 1999. It knocked me for six for a week. Really messed up the Y2K celebrations for me. I guess Y3K will be a bigger one for me!

 

[chown33]

I’ve only had flu once in my life. 1999. It knocked me for six for a week. Really messed up the Y2K celebrations for me. I guess Y3K will be a bigger one for me!

Are you planning to be undead, or uploaded to a neural network?

 

[KaliYoni]

For those of you who get annual flu and Covid shots, how often do you get sick?

I have not had the flu since flu shots became available basically on demand in the US (i.e. at retail pharmacies, no appointment necessary; workplace "flu shot day"; local government adult vaccination clinic) rather than requiring a doctor's office visit. I have not knowingly had COVID-19.

But I almost always get a cold or bronchitis during the fall or winter (I'm assuming your question is about Northern Hemisphere late to early year illnesses).

 

[Richard8655]

Also flu and Covid shots here every year. Just had the flu shot, but Covid shot is downplayed this year here unless 65 or older and having medical issues. My neighbor is anti-vax and was close to hospitalization after catching it at its height. I think he now has "long Covid" lingering health issues. He's still anti-vax (unbelievably).

One thing often misunderstood about these vaccinations is that you can still get infected, but almost always the severity will be much milder and you won't likely die from the infection.

 

[rm5]

Covid shot is downplayed this year here unless 65 or older and having medical issues.

In both states I live in, anyone can get the shot regardless of age or medical background. For fear of being political, I won't go further—but this is true where I live.

 

[Richard8655]

In both states I live in, anyone can get the shot regardless of age or medical background. For fear of being political, I won't go further—but this is true where I live.

I think anyone in my area who insists on getting the Covid vax can. It's just not as emphasized and urgent for healthy people as at the height of the pandemic. But yes, vaccinations have been unnecessarily politicized along with disinformation about them.

 

[Apple fanboy]

So to be clear I’m not anti vax and did get my Covid shots when they were offered. But they aren’t for my age group anymore. Same with flu shots.

I know you can pay for the flu shot. But as I so rarely get sick I’ve never thought it was worth while.

Although I do have a blood test this morning. Really looking forward to that!

 

[DaveFromCampbelltown]

Popped into my local surgery the other day to book in for Covid shots. Was told by the receptionist "I don't think anybody is getting that any more."
Taking my health problems elsewhere...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

For those of you who get annual flu and Covid shots, how often do you get sick?
I haven’t ever had a flu shot and only had the Covid ones back when they were offered a few years back.

I’m just getting over a very mild cold which is the first time I’ve been (mildly) ill in the last few years.

Mine were recommended (well, the flu, not Covid, as it hadn't then happened), in the last years of my mother's life, when she was at home with the carer, as she would have been considered a very high risk candidate for infection.

Since then, it made sense to continue to get them.

Normally, apart from some soreness in my upper arm (site of one of the two jabs), which I noticed last night and this morning, and feeling a bit tired this morning (not entirely unexpected), I simply shrug it off.

In general, I'm rarely sick, but am sometimes prone to horrid chest and sinus colds.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

For those of you who get annual flu and Covid shots, how often do you get sick?
I haven’t ever had a flu shot and only had the Covid ones back when they were offered a few years back.

I’m just getting over a very mild cold which is the first time I’ve been (mildly) ill in the last few years.

Infection happens. It’s hard to avoid in today’s highly mobile society. I will get the seasonal flu & c19 vax if I remember & luckily I have a great primary who reminds me/asks at each of my annual visits. As a considered essential worker at the time of lockdowns, I got the Pfizer vax part A & B and then later the Moderna vax as I was still working with people from coast to coast (highly mobile) and still got c19, twice lol. With two little ones in daycare at the time, the whole fam did; caring is sharing after all. I was pretty sick for a couple weeks both times but we all survived. I did get long covid symptoms the first time which sucked, feeling like a pile of you-know-what months afterward. That was the worst part and not tasting anything for about 6 weeks was torture. It’s easy to think well the vax didn’t work for me, but I tend to think that it did do something, I was just unlucky enough to get tangled up with a very aggressive strain/variant first time around. Afterall, what was sending countless to the hospital for assisted breathing, I was able to weather at home unassisted as sick as I was. I attribute that to grit of course but also the vax keeping me well enough to stay at home. Good enough for who it was for lol haha.

Absolutely, if you are over 50+ it is IMO a good idea as you’re part of the old as dirt immuno-suppressed club. As stated above, immunization does not stop infection, but does help reduce severity for many and certainly did for my elderly mom n dad. They were able to get Paxlovid therapy in addition to annual vax which is an initial within 5day of infection treatment for high-risk folks. That worked wonders for them. My dad who is a retired scientist/researcher and watched me at half his age struggle through it with LC symptoms, thought for sure he was going to die but expressed infection for him as a mild cold with Pax - yanno aches w/ runny nose. My mom who is a retired Anesthesiologist expressed similar outcome. That drug was amazing for reducing their symptoms to that of a mild cold or flu so if you grew up hunting wooly mammoths and you get C19, try to get Pax from your provider.

Anyways, I get vaxs because I’m in direct contact with my mom n dad who are both in their 80s and I myself am reluctantly entering that high risk population demographic. Yanno, hopefully one less vector for them. One thing is that my kids are not vaxed. It was then and still is unknown now what long term effects of the mRNA vax on kids could be as adults so I opted not to vax them. They are as one can put it “el natural” lol. They all got tangled up with c19 and survived just fine despite also being part of the “immune suppressed population” at age 2 and 4 at the time. As such they now all hold antibodies against future potential exposure/infection and frankly, are stronger little humans for it.

Haha, this reminds me of when the whole family got sick with this junk. My wife n I were dead dog tired and sick. My oldest and middle kiddo were unphased lol. They were running around playing like nothing happened just days in while mom n dad are literally dragging A trying to stay awake. Trying to keep up and care for them when you and your partner are beyond sick was a special kind of torture. At the time, really difficult to work through and in hind sight, quite humorous. Funny things we remember

 

[Scepticalscribe]

One of the days (nights) that I detest most in the year - the night the clocks go back - is rapidly approaching, heralding four months of deepest, dreariest, darkest winter.

 

[rm5]

One of the days (nights) that I detest most in the year - the night the clocks go back - is rapidly approaching, heralding four months of deepest, dreariest, darkest winter.

It is already getting dark by 5:30, and this is BEFORE Daylight Savings ends. By the end of November when I leave for break, a month before the winter solstice, it is almost completely dark by 4:00. I don't even want to know how little daylight there is mid-December. I'm always able to escape it when I go home for break. This is my least favorite time of year in Wisconsin. In the past, I didn't think much of it, because all of this happens to a far lesser degree in the southwest. It's quite depressing. It also hasn't gotten above freezing all day.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

It is already getting dark by 5:30, and this is BEFORE Daylight Savings ends. By the end of November when I leave for break, a month before the winter solstice, it is almost completely dark by 4:00. I don't even want to know how little daylight there is mid-December. I'm always able to escape it when I go home for break. This is my least favorite time of year in Wisconsin. In the past, I didn't think much of it, because all of this happens to a far lesser degree in the southwest. It's quite depressing. It also hasn't gotten above freezing all day.

If you didn't grown up with these conditions, it is possibly difficult to imagine them.

Mind you, the one positive of those truncated winter days, are the long, lingering evenings - and extended twilight - of high summer.

Well, you have my sympathy, but I also have my sympathy.

This year, as recommended by friends, I am also taking a capsule of Vitamin D daily, (and - for years - I have had a cocktail of citrus fruit, usually some mix of oranges, lemons, and grapefruit - freshly squeezed by myself - proper Vitamin C each and every morning).

Anyway, I loathe, detest, and utterly abominate, winter, and deeply dislike the cold, the lack of light, the short days......

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

If you didn't grown up with these conditions, it is possibly difficult to imagine them.

Mind you, the one positive of those truncated winter days, are the long, lingering evenings - and extended twilight - of high summer.

Well, you have my sympathy, but I also have my sympathy.

This year, as recommended by friends, I am also taking a capsule of Vitamin D daily, (and - for years - I have had a cocktail of citrus fruit, usually some mix of oranges, lemons, and grapefruit - freshly squeezed by myself - proper Vitamin C each and every morning).

Anyway, I loathe, detest, and utterly abominate, winter, and deeply dislike the cold, the lack of light, the short days......

One aspect of the time change I like is that it’s easier to get the kids back inside and off their bikes for dinner and homework with darkness coming earlier.