Author: peter

Posted on

Scam of the Day: Stimulus Payment, Python, Pants, and Bombing.

This one just came in via my mom. I consider myself fortunate enough to have a mom who can recognize a good scam when she sees one.
And, on that note, is anyone else reeling from astounding spike in spam over the last couple of weeks? I mean everywhere, from email to IM to Skype, to blogs and other web forms. Everything from these scams to the traditional 419 to a “python in my pants.”
Side note:

Dear Spammer, please take note: I used to handle boa constrictors and have no desire to have a python in my pants.
Thanks,
Peter

Thought of the day: can we route the military to do something useful, like bombing spammers? Thanks.

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From: "Internal Revenue Service"<[email protected]>
Subject: Stimulus Payment form it's ready for you to submit
Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 19:32:47 -0000
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: multipart/mixed;
	boundary="----=_NextPart_000_00D3_01C2A9A6.2E79EE60"
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X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2600.0000
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X-Spam-Score: 2.60 (**) [Tag at 5.00]
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Status:
X-Antivirus: AVG for E-mail 8.0.200 [270.10.2/1876]
X-Antispam: NO; Spamcatcher 5.1.0. Score 2
X-PMFLAGS: 570949760 0 1 PV1H9GJ5.CNM
After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that
you are eligible to receive a Stimulus Payment.
Please submit the Stimulus Payment Online Form in order to process it.
A Stimulus Payment can be delayed for a variety of reasons.
For example submitting invalid records or applying after the deadline.
To submit your Stimulus Payment form, please download the document attached to
your email.
Note: If filing or preparation fees were deducted from your 2007 Refund or you
received a refund anticipation loan, you will be receiving a check instead of a
direct deposit.
Regards,
Internal Revenue Service
Posted on

Information Disclosure: A Real World Example (non-IT)

A friend of mine collapsed on New Year’s Eve (no, not from drinking) and was admitted to the regional hospital. I called last night to ask when visiting hours were. I gave his name and was transferred to the department where he was (in the ICU). The gentleman I spoke with there told me to come by after 8AM to visit my friend. I told him I preferred to call ahead, since I live about an hour away, and he said that made sense.
This morning, I called to see if I could visit. However, I specifically asked if he was admitted. (Now, I’m not sure exactly why I didn’t say “My friend was admitted, can I come visit” instead, but that’s just the way the words came out of my mouth). I was asked for my friend’s name. I gave it, and was told “that patient hasn’t given permission to give out his status.”
I pointed out to the person on the phone that she had just confirmed to me that he was admitted, which was my original question. She replied “Okay…” I thanked her and hung up.
What conclusions do you draw from this?

Posted on

hello, world (Round Two)

It’s been almost two months since I’ve played World of Warcraft. I miss killing pixelated badguys with my imaginary friends, but I prefer the real world. Although I must say, today’s -10?F does remind me of Winterspring (or maybe Northrend, even though my toons never stepped foot in there).

Posted on

No Clue What to Give for Christmas

I’m stuck. I have no idea what to give folks for Christmas this year. Friends, family, extended family. No clue.I mean, yeah, I have this leftover ring that I’m not using anymore, but where the heck am I to find frankincense and myrrh?
Sure, I could be lame and give a gift certificate, but that’s one step above cash. Nothing says “I took no time to find a gift for you” quite like cash.
*sigh* Fine. Gift certificates it is. *groan*

Posted on

Medifast Transition

So, I’ve been “transitioning” back to “normal” food over the last few weeks. The MyMedifast.com web site has been automatically adjusting my recommended daily intake of food for me, gradually dropping me down the number of Medifast meals (shakes, soups, and bars) and reintroducing extra vegetables, fruits, dairy, and grains.
So far, my body’s not liking the dairy part, but I just remembered that I never ate much dairy prior to the diet anyway! So I’m going to be cutting back on that, or maybe replacing the yogurt with soy milk or something. I’m looking forward to having more bread back in my diet. I tell ya, sandwiches just haven’t been the same without it. Seriously though, I could really go for a burrito right now. Eggs, salsa, a little sour cream, a little cheese, and a whole wheat wrap. Oh, and a half cup of Tabasco. What more could I ask for to start the day?
In other news, HOLY MOLEY! I can eat potatoes again!
“Control, control! You must learn control!” — Yoda