Not much to say at the moment. I've been rather busy. I worked the last two weekends and have been busy taking care of things around the homestead.
Maryann is doing very well. Still resting a lot, but also managing to do some vacuuming while I was at work. Don't worry, she does not overdo it.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Cell Phone Information
This is only partially true. It depends on the phone. Check it out at this site.
Here is something worth knowing if you have a mobile phone.
Have you ever wondered why phone companies don't seem interested in trying to prevent the theft of mobile phones? If you have ever lost, or had one stolen, and if you are on a plan, you still have to pay the plan approximately up to 24 months, and you have to go buy another handset and enter into another contract. This is more revenue for the phone company.
There is a simple way of making lost or stolen mobiles useless to thieves and the phone companies know about it, but keep it quiet.
To check your mobile phone's serial number, key in the following on your phone.
star-hash-zero-six-hash ( * # 0 6 # ) and a fifteen digit code will appear on the screen. This is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it safe. Should your mobile phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset, so even if the thief changes the sim card, your phone will be totally useless.
You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either.
If everybody did this, there would be no point in stealing mobile phones.
You may want to send this to other people you know who have mobiles.
No change for directory assistance
Phone companies are charging us $1.00 or more for 411 - information calls when they don't have to.
When you need to use the 411 / information option, simply dial 1-800-FREE-411 or 1 800 373 3411 without incurring a charge.
Here is something worth knowing if you have a mobile phone.
Have you ever wondered why phone companies don't seem interested in trying to prevent the theft of mobile phones? If you have ever lost, or had one stolen, and if you are on a plan, you still have to pay the plan approximately up to 24 months, and you have to go buy another handset and enter into another contract. This is more revenue for the phone company.
There is a simple way of making lost or stolen mobiles useless to thieves and the phone companies know about it, but keep it quiet.
To check your mobile phone's serial number, key in the following on your phone.
star-hash-zero-six-hash ( * # 0 6 # ) and a fifteen digit code will appear on the screen. This is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it safe. Should your mobile phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset, so even if the thief changes the sim card, your phone will be totally useless.
You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either.
If everybody did this, there would be no point in stealing mobile phones.
You may want to send this to other people you know who have mobiles.
No change for directory assistance
Phone companies are charging us $1.00 or more for 411 - information calls when they don't have to.
When you need to use the 411 / information option, simply dial 1-800-FREE-411 or 1 800 373 3411 without incurring a charge.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Credit card scam
You can verify this report here.
This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want.
Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA &MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.
One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "Master Card".
The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in Arizona?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?"
You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security.
You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card". He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers". There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers' that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up.
You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to our card.
Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of Master Card" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.
Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.
This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want.
Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA &MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.
One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "Master Card".
The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in Arizona?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?"
You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security.
You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card". He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers". There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers' that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up.
You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to our card.
Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of Master Card" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.
Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Good News
Maryann is home. She was released around noon. She is doing so well that it is hard to believe she is recovering from a serious surgery.
She has had time to rest in the blue recliner and Hazel did not bother her. She was able to get a shower and shampoo which, as you all well know, will heighten anyone's spirits.
Now it is rest and recuperate. However, she will not be sitting idly by all of the time. I don't know what she has in store, but I am ready, willing and able to respond to her every wish.
It's amazing how your perspective can be broadened in times of need.
Serve well! Car about those you serve! Share the love in your heart!
Thank you all for living up to that motto.
She has had time to rest in the blue recliner and Hazel did not bother her. She was able to get a shower and shampoo which, as you all well know, will heighten anyone's spirits.
Now it is rest and recuperate. However, she will not be sitting idly by all of the time. I don't know what she has in store, but I am ready, willing and able to respond to her every wish.
It's amazing how your perspective can be broadened in times of need.
Serve well! Car about those you serve! Share the love in your heart!
Thank you all for living up to that motto.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Del Sol Slide Show
If you would like to see more photos of the Del Sol you know what to do.
Damn, I love that vehicle.
Damn, I love that vehicle.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?
Your Political Profile: |
| Overall: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal |
| Social Issues: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal |
| Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal |
| Fiscal Issues: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal |
| Ethics: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal |
| Defense and Crime: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal |
Saturday, July 15, 2006
The Dream. . .
. . . came three times.
The recollection of the first time is hazy, but recognizable.
I'm not sure how it began, but I do remember being on a snowy mountain. There were steep places where the rocks were bare. The message was the same:
Jesus is waiting for you at the top. He will protect and forgive you whether you undertake the trek to the top or not.
The first dream, I don't remember if I began the climb.
The last two dreams I began the climb. I felt a sense of peace and comfort.
In all three dreams, once the decision was made, the dream faded on to something else.
I could spend endless hours trying to interpret the dream, but I will leave that up to the two or three readers who happen to pass by, should they choose to do so.
I am comfortable with my internal interpretation.
FWIW, this is the desktop/wallpaper picture I am currently using.
BTW, the link above will take you to the web site for translating text message code. I placed it there for those of you who are still trying to understand such phenomena. lol
The recollection of the first time is hazy, but recognizable.
I'm not sure how it began, but I do remember being on a snowy mountain. There were steep places where the rocks were bare. The message was the same:
Jesus is waiting for you at the top. He will protect and forgive you whether you undertake the trek to the top or not.
The first dream, I don't remember if I began the climb.
The last two dreams I began the climb. I felt a sense of peace and comfort.
In all three dreams, once the decision was made, the dream faded on to something else.
I could spend endless hours trying to interpret the dream, but I will leave that up to the two or three readers who happen to pass by, should they choose to do so.
I am comfortable with my internal interpretation.
FWIW, this is the desktop/wallpaper picture I am currently using.
BTW, the link above will take you to the web site for translating text message code. I placed it there for those of you who are still trying to understand such phenomena. lol
Sunday, July 09, 2006
This one's for bogs
Bogs had some important things to say about military recruiters on high school campuses. I agree that the downside should be emphasized more than it is.
However, it might be interesting to look at it another way from one man's experience. My biggest difficulty at this moment is where to start. (BTW, this is a typical war story. No shytte this really happened.)
Retiring after 22.5 years of active military service is not a bad thing. Let me tell you how I got there. It would probably help to know that both my father and step-father were Army officers. My mother couldn't resist the uniform?
My last year in high school we moved to a new school. Somewhere along the line I pissed off some kid and he told the police I was part of a group that siphoned gas. I knew the guy who did. As a result, I spent a night in the county jail. Not one of my proudest moments, but it did lead to some interesting decisions. I had no idea what I was to do with my life. College was out of the question. We didn't talk in terms of higher education in my home. It wasn't the rage that it is now.
My step-dad accompanied me to the alderman's court and promised that I would be going into the military upon graduation. It was a promise I kept. I enlisted in the Air Force and served the requisite four years. While in the Air Force I began taking college courses. When I got out I opted to go to college on the GI Bill. I was even given credit for my military service.
Being married with one child at the time it was important to seek income wherever possible. An old family friend suggested ROTC. Not relishing the thought of spending much more time on active duty I was ready to decline. He then told me that the Army had a program wherein I could serve six months on active duty and the rest in the reserves. War story #5 will provide the details.
Now what does this all have to do with "minimizing the potential dangers" by recruiters? Not much and a whole lot. I suspect that most kids today, both male and female, are not sure what they want to do with their lives. Many of them have been molly-coddled by their parents and believe the world owes them a living. They also believe they are invincible. One only need to read the reports of vehicle accidents and deaths to get that picture.
They may want to see the world. They may want to go to college and cannot afford it any other way. The military is a great place to grow up. Yeah, there is a hell of a lot of danger during times of war. And it doesn't seem fair to send them off to be killed or wounded. It might be interesting to talk with them to get their take on it. You will meet those who are totally against the whole war thing and wish they could change their minds. They also know from first hand account the nastiness of it all.
So, how does this all fit in with Bog's comments? You don't lie to kids whose brains are still not totally developed. You let them know the dangers. They may be able to make a decision that will be to their advantage. Remember, life is about choices. Every decision is the right one and every decision is the wrong one.
What we need to do is spend more time avoiding war, than getting involved in one where the leaders are doing it to bolster their own egos. Until you have been there you shouldn't send others. There is a tenet in leadership about not asking subordinates to do something that you haven't/can't do yourself.
These are just some of this man's thoughts.
However, it might be interesting to look at it another way from one man's experience. My biggest difficulty at this moment is where to start. (BTW, this is a typical war story. No shytte this really happened.)
Retiring after 22.5 years of active military service is not a bad thing. Let me tell you how I got there. It would probably help to know that both my father and step-father were Army officers. My mother couldn't resist the uniform?
My last year in high school we moved to a new school. Somewhere along the line I pissed off some kid and he told the police I was part of a group that siphoned gas. I knew the guy who did. As a result, I spent a night in the county jail. Not one of my proudest moments, but it did lead to some interesting decisions. I had no idea what I was to do with my life. College was out of the question. We didn't talk in terms of higher education in my home. It wasn't the rage that it is now.
My step-dad accompanied me to the alderman's court and promised that I would be going into the military upon graduation. It was a promise I kept. I enlisted in the Air Force and served the requisite four years. While in the Air Force I began taking college courses. When I got out I opted to go to college on the GI Bill. I was even given credit for my military service.
Being married with one child at the time it was important to seek income wherever possible. An old family friend suggested ROTC. Not relishing the thought of spending much more time on active duty I was ready to decline. He then told me that the Army had a program wherein I could serve six months on active duty and the rest in the reserves. War story #5 will provide the details.
Now what does this all have to do with "minimizing the potential dangers" by recruiters? Not much and a whole lot. I suspect that most kids today, both male and female, are not sure what they want to do with their lives. Many of them have been molly-coddled by their parents and believe the world owes them a living. They also believe they are invincible. One only need to read the reports of vehicle accidents and deaths to get that picture.
They may want to see the world. They may want to go to college and cannot afford it any other way. The military is a great place to grow up. Yeah, there is a hell of a lot of danger during times of war. And it doesn't seem fair to send them off to be killed or wounded. It might be interesting to talk with them to get their take on it. You will meet those who are totally against the whole war thing and wish they could change their minds. They also know from first hand account the nastiness of it all.
So, how does this all fit in with Bog's comments? You don't lie to kids whose brains are still not totally developed. You let them know the dangers. They may be able to make a decision that will be to their advantage. Remember, life is about choices. Every decision is the right one and every decision is the wrong one.
What we need to do is spend more time avoiding war, than getting involved in one where the leaders are doing it to bolster their own egos. Until you have been there you shouldn't send others. There is a tenet in leadership about not asking subordinates to do something that you haven't/can't do yourself.
These are just some of this man's thoughts.
Friday, July 07, 2006
The Old Bastards Club
This is a poem written by the son of one of the members of the Old Bastards Club. We are a group of retired military guys who meet on Friday mornings to drink coffee, eat freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and swap lies and war stories.
It was read to the group this morning. The applause was thunderous. So read, and enjoy! We did.
How old do you have to be before you can wear an "Old Bastards Club" hat?
Do you have to use a cane or simply be bald and fat?
Do you have to cuss and smoke an old stinking stogie?
Or can you simply argue like an old farting fogy?
Once you have all your opinions firmly stuck and mastered
The and only then can you declare yourself an old happy bastard.
Thre are clubs a man can join to simply get himself plastered.
But there is no club that is so sweet as a group of happy bastards.
It was read to the group this morning. The applause was thunderous. So read, and enjoy! We did.
The Old Bastard Club
by Chuck Allen, Jr.
by Chuck Allen, Jr.
How old do you have to be before you can wear an "Old Bastards Club" hat?
Do you have to use a cane or simply be bald and fat?
Do you have to cuss and smoke an old stinking stogie?
Or can you simply argue like an old farting fogy?
Once you have all your opinions firmly stuck and mastered
The and only then can you declare yourself an old happy bastard.
Thre are clubs a man can join to simply get himself plastered.
But there is no club that is so sweet as a group of happy bastards.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Monday, July 03, 2006
I liked this one better.
I'm a Honda S2000!
You live on the edge, and you live for the adrenaline rush. You don't need luxuries, snob appeal, or superfluous gadgets. You put your top down, get your motor revving, and take all the curves that life throws at you at full speed. So what if you spin out occasionally?
Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.
It's official.....
Julianne and David are engaged.
Smooth dude that David is, he arranged for a romantic getaway to celebrate the fourth anniversary of their getting together. It is amazing what a gentle tap on the shoulder will bring you. He tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around to view the perfect engagement ring and a proposal. She couldn't be happier and neither can we.
David will more than do to ride the river with. He has great taste in women, sports cars, and single malt scotch. What more could anyone ask?
Welcome aboard David.
Smooth dude that David is, he arranged for a romantic getaway to celebrate the fourth anniversary of their getting together. It is amazing what a gentle tap on the shoulder will bring you. He tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around to view the perfect engagement ring and a proposal. She couldn't be happier and neither can we.
David will more than do to ride the river with. He has great taste in women, sports cars, and single malt scotch. What more could anyone ask?
Welcome aboard David.
Happy Fourth of July, 2006
A very happy July 4th to you all from Maison Kochenour. While our leaders might not always make the correct decision to commit our troops, the troops will do the job in spite of them.
May they all come home safely and soon.
#200
May they all come home safely and soon.
#200
Sunday, July 02, 2006
What kind of sports car are you?
I'm a Chevrolet Corvette!
You're a classic - powerful, athletic, and competitive. You're all about winning the race and getting the job done. While you have a practical everyday side, you get wild when anyone pushes your pedal. You hate to lose, but you hardly ever do.
Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.
Check it out. Change the answers.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
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