This Ars Technica piece looks back at the chaotic energy of 1990s video game console launches, where long lines, hype, and retail pressure defined the era—but it’s more than just a tech story. Beneath the surface, it becomes something personal: a reflection on how unexpected, meaningful connections can emerge in the most unlikely places, even on a crowded sales floor.
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/01/how-i-launched-3-consoles-and-found-true-love-at-babbages-store-no-9

#1990s #nostalgia #VideoGames #History #Connections

Yesterday ChatGPT billed again & I realized I still hadn't unsubscribed because ChatGPT made it impossible to do so & I had given up every month, mainly due to a need to get on with other activities. What a waste of time, effort, and resources! Today I finally succeeded when I found a phone number for Customer Support. It's a bot but it worked, and fairly quickly, too. The telephone number is 1-888-478-0090 (or 1-888-GPT-0090).

Worth the hassle if what I found saves someone else aggravation.

Beware CAPTCHA Scam

Fake "I'm not a robot" prompt tricks you. Don't press Win+R for ANY verification EVER!

Real CAPTCHA never asks to run commands or paste code. If "extra verification" has keyboard steps close the tab IMMEDIATELY! Stay safe!

#CyberSecurity #ScamAlert #ClickFix

CAPTCHA Scam Red Flags

* Keyboard Commands: A legitimate CAPTCHA will never ask you to use keyboard shortcuts like Win + R or Ctrl + V.

* Pasting Code: No real security check requires you to copy and paste code into your terminal or "Run" box.

* Software Downloads: Legitimate verification will not ask you to download a "verification tool" or browser extension.

* Unusual Domains: Check the URL. If you are on a site with a strange name or random characters, do not interact with any prompts

If you are eligible for Original Medicare and do not enroll in Medicare Part B, you will probably have to pay the Medicare Part B penalty. The Part B penalty results in a higher premium every month you have Part B benefits, and unfortunately, it never goes away.

Already having health insurance is unlikely to exempt one from this penalty.

https://www.medicarefaq.com/faqs/medicare-part-b-late-enrollment-penalty/

Here's a couple that really seems to know how to make the best of a situation.

How Josh and Jess survive Ecuador's power crisis
https://youtu.be/1ToEMFhnlwo

A piece regarding a decision to retain body hair

https://aeon.co/videos/hairy-a-road-less-travelled-for-women-somewhat-out-of-the-ordinary

An interesting interview with USA Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

https://x.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1786816692611592223

Warby Parker will be giving away special glasses for viewing the solar eclipse. If you can't make it by one of their stores they also provide plans for a do-it-yourself eclipse viewer.

https://www.warbyparker.com/solar-eclipse-2024
#Eclipse #SolarEclipse #EyeCare