Miscellaneous Discussion Thread

Quote: GWAE

Took 2nd place in funnel cake eating contest at amusement park today. Is that something I should be proud of?

How much did that pay/win you? Free funnel cake?

Quote: AxelWolf

How much did that pay/win you? Free funnel cake?

It was free funnel cake. Winner takes all on the prize which was parking passes, sweatshirt, t shirt, and some other swag. It was actually a decent prize. My 2nd place got me free funnel cake.

Quote: PokerGrinder

Lmao I’m appalled that you would gorge yourself on unhealthy food for a competition...

Haha yeah maybe you can clue me in why one would do such a thing.

Quote: billryan

Is funnel cake big in Pittsburgh? I thought it was a Jersey Shore thing.
Sounds like fun.

Yeah its huge around here. All carnivals, fire hall events, amusement parks, etc. I dont understand people who put stuff on it. Today's contest had whipped cream on it. I think they did that just to be mean.

Quote: GWAE

Took 2nd place in funnel cake eating contest at amusement park today. Is that something I should be proud of?

Sounds like the diet is going well.

Quote: DRich

Sounds like the diet is going well.

Lmao it was a contest not part of the meals for the day

Calories from competition don't count. Everyone knows that.

Did you end up covered in powdered sugar?

Quote: Johnzimbo

Did you end up covered in powdered sugar?

no powdered sugar. They had whipped cream instead. Not sure why other than to make it more entertaining to watch grown people get covered in whipped cream. Wife has some pictures, it is all over my face, almost like I was hit in the face with a pie.

Quote: billryan

Calories from competition don't count. Everyone knows that.

Also diet coke cancels out the calories from the hamburger, fries, and nuggets

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-04-29/top-guantanamo-bay-commander-fired-following-investigation

1700 personnel to care for gitmo and 40 detainees, most have never been charged, all have been tortured, some in their 70's.

Not saying why the commander was fired, only that he wanted more care for geriatric prisoners.

Another article states, these prisoners cost a million dollars each, every year.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/i-went-to-prison-for-disclosing-the-cias-torture-gina-haspel-helped-cover-it-up/2018/03/15/9507884e-27f8-11e8-874b-d517e912f125_story.html?utm_term=.ee2af263dc49

Should they be allowed to vote?

Quote: petroglyph

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-04-29/top-guantanamo-bay-commander-fired-following-investigation

1700 personnel to care for gitmo and 40 detainees, most have never been charged, all have been tortured, some in their 70's.

Not saying why the commander was fired, only that he wanted more care for geriatric prisoners.

Another article states, these prisoners cost a million dollars each, every year.

Should they be allowed to vote?

Charge them or let them go
Lets see the evidence
As to voting, No, not US citizens. Or are they? Is there a public list?

Quote: terapined

Charge them or let them go
Lets see the evidence
As to voting, No, not US citizens. Or are they? Is there a public list?

I think we could also give them the choice to die as martyr's and just give them a head shot at this point. But I'm with you, charge them or set them loose.

Some of them have been water boarded hundreds of times, their brains have to be fried by now.

Quote: petroglyph

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-04-29/top-guantanamo-bay-commander-fired-following-investigation

1700 personnel to care for gitmo and 40 detainees, most have never been charged, all have been tortured, some in their 70's.

Not saying why the commander was fired, only that he wanted more care for geriatric prisoners.

Another article states, these prisoners cost a million dollars each, every year.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/i-went-to-prison-for-disclosing-the-cias-torture-gina-haspel-helped-cover-it-up/2018/03/15/9507884e-27f8-11e8-874b-d517e912f125_story.html?utm_term=.ee2af263dc49

Should they be allowed to vote?

Sounds like a problem that could be taken care of for about $40.

Does anyone know how utility bill customer account numbers are generated and what information is contained in that number if any? I couldn't come up with any information on google.

Quote: AxelWolf

Does anyone know how utility bill customer account numbers are generated and what information is contained in that number if any? I couldn't come up with any information on google.

not sure why it would contain any info at all other than a number generated by their system to identify an account within their system.

Quote: AxelWolf

Does anyone know how utility bill customer account numbers are generated and what information is contained in that number if any? I couldn't come up with any information on google.

if googling, use the term PII for personal identifiable information. May come up with more info if you didn't use those keywords. It should also be contained within your privacy policy that would be given to you yearly.

Okay, where are the Excel wizards...

I've tried everything I can think of but can't figure out this seemingly simple problem.

If I have a lump sum, X, earning interest, Y, and every year I take out exactly the same amount, Z, how many years until I hit zero dollars?

What is the formula/equation for this in Excel?

Quote: GWAE

not sure why it would contain any info at all other than a number generated by their system to identify an account within their system.

Listen, Nathan GWAE, if you don't know, STFU (-; J/K

I can think of some reason why they might do this. I have no clue how computers search data when given numbers. Perhaps those number help look up your information more efficiently if they make different categories based on location and other things and then represent that stuff with certain numbers.. Why not have those numbers represent something?

Let's just say a utility service customer account the number looks like this 995871120166590. 99(=city)587(=zone)137545166590 etc.

Do you think those numbers are just generated in order one customer after the next?

Quote: AxelWolf

Listen, Nathan GWAE, if you don't know, STFU (-; J/K

I can think of some reason why they might do this. I have no clue how computers search data when given numbers. Perhaps those number help look up your information more efficiently if they make different categories based on location and other things and then represent that stuff with certain numbers.. Why not have those numbers represent something?

Let's just say a utility service customer account the number looks like this 995871120166590. 99(=city)587(=zone)1376545166590 etc.

I know many power company's use a grid system for the numbers they use on their equipment. Much like the x and y axis on a map, so in some areas the customer number actually corresponds with a location. Following data in the number gives more info, like date, installation, etc.

Quote: TigerWu

Okay, where are the Excel wizards...

I've tried everything I can think of but can't figure out this seemingly simple problem.

If I have a lump sum, X, earning interest, Y, and every year I take out exactly the same amount, Z, how many years until I hit zero dollars?

What is the formula/equation for this in Excel?

Try here for info on annuity calculations using Excel.

Quote: AxelWolf

Listen, Nathan GWAE, if you don't know, STFU (-; J/K

I can think of some reason why they might do this. I have no clue how computers search data when given numbers. Perhaps those number help look up your information more efficiently if they make different categories based on location and other things and then represent that stuff with certain numbers.. Why not have those numbers represent something?

Let's just say a utility service customer account the number looks like this 995871120166590. 99(=city)587(=zone)137545166590 etc.

Do you think those numbers are just generated in order one customer after the next?

Haha that was a good one. I hope this isn't a paranoid thought that casinos are going to get your electric bill and find out where you live, your income, and if you got married without inviting everyone. Ok.. last jab I promiseish

Quote: GWAE

Haha that was a good one. I hope this isn't a paranoid thought that casinos are going to get your electric bill and find out where you live, your income, and if you got married without inviting everyone. Ok.. last jab I promiseish

I am pretty sure my monthly power bill exceeds my monthly gambling budget, especially in the summer.

Quote: GWAE

Quote: AxelWolf

Listen, Nathan GWAE, if you don't know, STFU (-; J/K

I can think of some reason why they might do this. I have no clue how computers search data when given numbers. Perhaps those number help look up your information more efficiently if they make different categories based on location and other things and then represent that stuff with certain numbers.. Why not have those numbers represent something?

Let's just say a utility service customer account the number looks like this 995871120166590. 99(=city)587(=zone)137545166590 etc.

Do you think those numbers are just generated in order one customer after the next?

Haha that was a good one. I hope this isn't a paranoid thought that casinos are going to get your electric bill and find out where you live, your income, and if you got married without inviting everyone. Ok.. last jab I promiseish

No, but I am very concerned that online casinos who ask for a utillity bill for verification could find out things I don't want them to know. As you can now see I didn't just ask this question for sh*ts and giggles, or because I'm some conspicy theorist. I just don't want to make a mistake and FK up my money. According to petroglyph(Thanks P), it seems like there is something more to those numbers. It seems like you did pull a Nathan and you almost cost me lots of money. I think BBB should 3 day you right before the Spring fling.


I would appreciate any more information on this. Via PM would be fine as well.

Quote: AxelWolf

Do you think those numbers are just generated in order one customer after the next?

If you can't find anything, just straight up and call the power company and ask.

woot wooot

Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: GWAE

Quote: AxelWolf

Listen, Nathan GWAE, if you don't know, STFU (-; J/K

I can think of some reason why they might do this. I have no clue how computers search data when given numbers. Perhaps those number help look up your information more efficiently if they make different categories based on location and other things and then represent that stuff with certain numbers.. Why not have those numbers represent something?

Let's just say a utility service customer account the number looks like this 995871120166590. 99(=city)587(=zone)137545166590 etc.

Do you think those numbers are just generated in order one customer after the next?

Haha that was a good one. I hope this isn't a paranoid thought that casinos are going to get your electric bill and find out where you live, your income, and if you got married without inviting everyone. Ok.. last jab I promiseish

No, but I am very concerned that online casinos who ask for a utillity bill for verification could find out things I don't want them to know. As you can now see I didn't just ask this question for sh*ts and giggles, or because I'm some conspicy theorist. I just don't want to make a mistake and FK up my money. According to petroglyph(Thanks P), it seems like there is something more to those numbers. It seems like you did pull a Nathan and you almost cost me lots of money. I think BBB should 3 day you right before the Spring fling.


I would appreciate any more information on this. Via PM would be fine as well.

I searched all over the place for info. I am usually really good at finding crap but can not find anything.

I sent an email to my current electric providers privacy hotline. I will let you know what they say when/if they respond

Quote: TigerWu

Okay, where are the Excel wizards...

I've tried everything I can think of but can't figure out this seemingly simple problem.

If I have a lump sum, X, earning interest, Y, and every year I take out exactly the same amount, Z, how many years until I hit zero dollars?

What is the formula/equation for this in Excel?

This is not Excel, but will do what you want


https://www.thecalculatorsite.com/finance/calculators/compoundinterestcalculator.php

Thanks, guys, I got the Excel thing figured out now.

On another note, my Linkedin profile has been incomplete for at least a year or two. Every week or so I would get notices that I appeared in 1-2 searches. Linkedin kept prompting me that if I "finished" my profile, I would appear in more searches. A couple of months ago I finished everything it asked of me, and since then I've appeared in exactly 0 searches.

Is Linkedin even useful? I never hear anyone talk about it. I guess it depends on the industry? Or has it gone the way of Myspace now? Very few people that I'm friends with in my industry use it or even have a page.

Anyone watching the billboard awards. They are using holograms, any idea if the audience can see them or is it TV only. Seems crazy if the audience can see them

Quote: GWAE

Anyone watching the billboard awards. They are using holograms, any idea if the audience can see them or is it TV only. Seems crazy if the audience can see them

I don't know about that
but
Frank Zappa is touring right now
yup
His son put together a hologram show with real musicians. Some used to play with Frank back in the day

Paula is crushing it. Although she should just stop trying to act like she is signing cause she keeps forgetting.

Quote: AxelWolf

Does anyone know how utility bill customer account numbers are generated and what information is contained in that number if any? I couldn't come up with any information on google.

If the last digit in your utility bill account number is an even number , it signifies that you’re an online casino bonus hunter.

Aside from that the rest of your acct number is just random.

Quote: michael99000

If the last digit in your utility bill account number is an even number , it signifies that you’re an online casino bonus hunter.

Can't be true. I just checked my utility bill: its terminal digit is even and I do not seek out on-line bonus offers because there is too much fine print.

Movie smarts:

The 1975 film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" tells the story of King Arthurs search for the Holy Grail in the year 932 AD.

The actual year the story takes place is what?

Quote: darkoz

Movie smarts:

The 1975 film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" tells the story of King Arthurs search for the Holy Grail in the year 932 AD.

The actual year the story takes place is what?

Quote: Joeman

Show Spoiler

787? That's AD, because nothing was happening in 787 BC. Except maybe in Sumeria.

Joeman has supplied the wrong answer

Quote: darkoz

Quote: Joeman

Show Spoiler

787? That's AD, because nothing was happening in 787 BC. Except maybe in Sumeria.

Joeman has supplied the wrong answer

Hmm... it's been a long time since I've seen the film. It was definitely in Monty Python's Final Rip-off.

Ah, a bit of digging found it in the original working script. Did it never make the film?

Quote: Joeman

Quote: darkoz

Quote: Joeman

Show Spoiler

787? That's AD, because nothing was happening in 787 BC. Except maybe in Sumeria.

Joeman has supplied the wrong answer

Hmm... it's been a long time since I've seen the film. It was definitely in Monty Python's Final Rip-off.

Ah, a bit of digging found it in the original working script. Did it never make the film?

[spoiler][/spoiler]

Apparently not.

The opening title card specifies 932 AD.

However the film takes place in neither 932 AD nor 787 AD.

Again what year does the film take place

Quote: michael99000

If the last digit in your utility bill account number is an even number , it signifies that you’re an online casino bonus hunter.

Aside from that the rest of your acct number is just random.

Don't pay your bill and see if they can find who's electricity to shut off.

My elderly parents have restaurants, a shopping center and lots. I never thought I'd say this, I am considering leaving the card counting world, almost entirely. I gave up playstation 5.5 years ago. I gave up 19 years of jogging, 2 years ago. Due to management and mantenance issues. Since I got my HVAC license 7 months ago, I've been working everyday on AC. I just got my electrician certification. I am backlogged on maintenance for months on restaurants and shopping center repairs. Been neglecting carpentry, plumbing and electrical for months. HVAC is the highest priority. last Carpenter was reluctant to work for us, some don't even answer the phone, couldn't find one honest AC company. I've finally found one honest plumber that is 65 yo. I am going to get my plumber certification. The plumbers are unbelievable, the ones we used for decades turned out to be criminals.

yesterday, I loaded 6 ounces of 404a in walk in freezer to bring it to superheat of 7 degrees. refrig handle not locking. condensor fan broken, AC co. didn't put bolts on compressor, pipes will crack. We stopped using an AC tech that we used for decades bc we stopped trusting him.

Past: found defrost coils pulled out of evap for constant failure, wire tied taught with zip tie to fail with icing. defrost timer not set up right, three times on roof wires rewired wrong which tripped breaker and burning wires, AC tech and electrician couldnt fix, 3rd took 6 hours. If I had the time and a live wire tracer, I might have done it myself. AC bill and tech admitted that they put R22 instead of 410a in 2 new split AC's (less than a year old) but refused to compensate. drain pan with hidden float switch and no drain pipe, fans installed wrong direction, tech removed thermostat, missed corroded defrost connectors, replacing motors every month, not fixing underlying problems, large leaks left unreported, left severely undercharged which leads to every year compressor replacement food wasted (I fixed all leaks myself), defrost wired to run 24 hours when new compressors installed. vandalism or theft of 8 compressors. 4700 estimate for 4 ton evap underwarranty (should be 2000 if not under warranty) , found AC techs didn't know how to charge 410a to recommended 10.8 pounds for 5 years it didn't work until I fixed it. estimate for duct work and drop ceiling for 5 years, AC tech said no one will fix during summer, turns out no one will in general, fixed myself in one night. 1000 for a frig handle, new system installed worse than old system that was working, 3 AC co. refuse to service us, two AC co. closed after Houston flood and left to Houston to do work. AC school said Shortage of AC techs in general. Tech recommended evacuation of r22 and put 410a, next time put r22 to destroy two walk in freezers. sprayed water on door open switches in series with relay, thought board was bad and replaced wrong model no. board. I put old one back. replaced water heater, turns out breaker switch was bad, and hired electrician. 300 to cap off water at location I described took 15 minutes. 2 years ago, quoted 5k to replace underground pipe, another plumber fixed with drain auger for 250, had 5 underground pipes replaced for 5k employee said that they are replacing the same pipe and location for the 2nd time. meter drove over twice in a month. never had this issue for 50 years at this location, Can not find so called vulnerable meter pipe, quoted 1900 to replace $50 that I told them needed replacing. did myself. 1900 for estimate and no work on truck compressor. fixed myself. 1200 to replace fuel pump which is a 200 part. I am considering buying the 6 textbook series for auto mechanics for 300 on kindle, I had to fix alot of vandalism by AC co. 450 for a new deadbolt lock while I was out of town. Fire marshall or service co. claimed missing disconnect switch for air handler tied to fire supression system. quoted 3000 for new conduit. another company said that the conduit is there, service company confirms switch is already installed and functioning. condensation leak on new AC. secondary drain pan short bc ceiling tiles to close. Used marine caulking and styrofoam panels to seal AC from condensation. etc.

I have been mowing 8 acres for the last 3 years which takes up alot of time. We had a fall out with our mower that we used for decades. he started mowing a few lots for us again.

Quote: jjjoooggg

I never thought I'd say this, seriously, I am considering leaving the card counting world almost. I gave up playstation 5.5 years ago. I gave up 19 years of jogging, 2 years ago. Due to management and mantenance issues. Since I got my HVAC license 7 months ago, I've been working everyday on AC. I just got my electrician certification. I am backlogged on maintenance for months on restaurants and shopping center repairs. Been neglecting carpentry, plumbing and electrical for months. HVAC is highest priority. Carpenters are reluctant to work for us, couldn't find one honest AC company. I've finally found one honest plumber that is 65 yo. I am going to get my plumber certification. The plumbers are unbelievable, the ones we used for decades turned out to be criminals.

yesterday, I loaded 6 ounces of 404a in walk in freezer to bring it to superheat of 7 degrees. refrig handle not locking. condensor fan broken, AC co. didn't put bolts on compressor, pipes will crack. I had to fix alot of vandalism by AC co. that just hate us. We stopped using an AC tech that we used for decades bc we stopped trusting him.

Past: found defrost coils pulled out of evap for constant failure, wire tied taught with zip tie to fail with icing. defrost timer not set up right, twice on roof wires rewired wrong which tripped breaker and burning wires, AC tech and electrician couldnt fix, 3rd took 6 hours. If I had the time and a live wire tracer, I mght have done it my self. AC bill and tech admitted that they put R22 in 2 new split AC's (less than a year old) but refused to compensate. drain pan with hidden float switch and no drain pipe, fans installed wrong direction, tech removed thermostat, replacing motors every month, not fixing underlying problems, large leaks left unreported, left severely undercharged which leads to every year compressor replacement food wasted (I fixed all leaks myself), defrost wired to run 24 hours when new compressors installed. vandalism or theft of 8 compressors. 4700 estimate for 4 ton evap underwarranty (should be 2000 if not under warranty) , found AC techs didn't know how to charge 410a to recommended 10.8 pounds for 5 years it didn't work until I fixed it. estimate for duct work and drop ceiling for 5 years, AC tech said no one will fix during summer, turns out no one will in general, fixed myself in one night. 1000 for a frig handle, new systems installed as bad or worse than old system that was working, 3 AC co. refuse to service us, etc. etc. two AC co. closed after Houston flood and left to Houston to do work. Shortage of AC techs in general. Tech recommended evacuation of r22 and put 410a, next time put r22 to destroy two walk in freezers. sprayed water on door open switches, thought board was bad and replaced wrong model no. board. I put old one back. replaced water heater, tuns out breaker switch was bad, and hired electrician. 300 to cap off water at location I described took 15 minutes. 2 years ago, quoted 5k to replace underground pipe, another plumber fixed with drain auger for 250, had 5 underground pipes replaced for 5k employee said that they are replacing the same pipe and location for the 2nd time. meter drove over twice in a month. never had this issue for 50 years at this location, Can not find so called vulnerable meter pipe. etc etc.

With all those work based problems I would stick to card counting

Quote: darkoz

With all those work based problems I would stick to card counting

but I've saved 150k in 6 months. after I got my HVAC certification. I estimate I will save 300k a year and prevent my elderly parents from becoming homeless by this community.

Quote: jjjoooggg

but I've saved 150k in 6 months. after I got my HVAC certification. I estimate I will save 300k a year and prevent my elderly parents from becoming homeless by this community.

I think it's great you're learning a bunch of useful skills. It's hard work, but really well-paid. My grandfather was a master electrician, my dad could do plumbing, electric, rough and fine carpentry, so I picked up a little of all that, wish I knew more, but I keep learning.

Keep up the good work!

Quote: jjjoooggg

but I've saved 150k in 6 months. after I got my HVAC certification. I estimate I will save 300k a year and prevent my elderly parents from becoming homeless by this community.

Moneywise thats great.

I wish you continued success.

Do you enjoy your work or enjoy card counting more?

Card counting is a trade also. The thing that’s nice about trades is you can opt to put them down and pick them up as you please once you have both the skills and experience.

Quote: petroglyph

Don't pay your bill and see if they can find who's electricity to shut off.

That’s some next level utility bill AP’ing

......

Quote: darkoz

Moneywise thats great.

I wish you continued success.

Do you enjoy your work or enjoy card counting more?

That is what suprised me. I have a feeling I will like mantenance more. I feel that I've mastered card counting. Even though, it has alot of macro and micro variance, I feel that I know what will happen in the long term. When I looked at the graph, I noticed that it was macro stable. Also, I wasn't making that much card counting as one would think. That is why casinos mainly panic when they see people betting with pink or purple chips. You'd have to have guts and bankroll to do that.

Quote: michael99000

Aside from that the rest of your acct number is just random.

I find that hard to believe.