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.