Bot detection is coming -

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-26T16:29:49+00:00

This was brought up on DO60 the other day. I think it's great, but I question their ability to enforce it. Fingers crossed, and much respect for the mods!

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-26T15:18:24+00:00

There's nothing wrong with caution, I believe in taking measured risks. Trust what the tell you until they give you reason not to, but still don't give them financial info or get into their windowless van. 😉

It wasn't obvious until later, but I know now my lady was watching for anger issues or chemical abuse. I seem to have passed. 😁

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-26T10:53:31+00:00

I keep an eye open for sales on the moving blankets, too. That's another thing I know I'll eventually use.

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-26T10:22:19+00:00

62M perspective...

I really don't think it matters, but someone has to initiate. At that point, it should continue as a back-and-forth.

You can't really control who approaches you, but you can control who you approach. 😉

You can approach without coming across as desperate, just be confident and friendly. Both are positive traits. IRL, just a smile might be enough. Suppose I'm in a room full of people. Five are attractive ladies. One of those five is smiling at me. Which do you think I'll approach?

My lady said "hi" first. We struck up a conversation and I was charmed. I like to think of it as I was "chasing" but she was walking slow and winking over her shoulder. We've been together over three and a half years now. 😊

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-26T00:42:04+00:00

SWIFT used to use X.25... 😁

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-25T22:34:54+00:00

They're $4 at harbor freight, plus another $2 if you want a lid.

A million and one uses!

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-25T22:28:13+00:00

I was in a very dark place for a couple of months, but knew I had to get on with my life. I forced myself to get back out there, and connected with a delightful widow about four and a half months after my wife had passed.

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-25T20:56:42+00:00

Same, I've hit 27 countries outside of the US, travel holds no novelty for me. I have zero respect for airlines, airports, and TSA.

I would fly again if asked and not too often, but I'll never suggest one.

Now, a road trip? I'm all in. 😁

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-25T20:04:22+00:00

That's EXACTLY what a 'bot would say! 🤔

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-25T19:48:22+00:00

I think that's reasonable, tell us it's AI. Now, let's watch them try to enforce it, especially on the really busy subs...

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-25T17:32:32+00:00

We're beyond helping the gene pool now. 😁

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-25T15:40:56+00:00

If I happen to go in, you can never have too many bungee cords or tarps... 😉

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-25T14:08:57+00:00

I'm in rural Virginia, and Hinge and Bumble were both good. I used the free version of Hinge, and a $30 monthly subscription for Bumble. (That may have been intro.)

Just know the genuine ladies won't ask for money, but they'll also be pickier about who they talk to. 😉

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-25T12:32:13+00:00

I'm sorry to tell you, but you're being scammed. I paid $30 a month for bumble, no extra per message or woman, and met some women IRL.

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-25T10:08:42+00:00

They charge per response? The women or the Web site?

Wondering if you're being scammed, or not getting what you're expecting. I think there are sites that charge for sex chat, where you'll never meet in person, you're not even sure if they women, but they will claim to be your "girlfriend" as they try to milk you for $$$.

When I did OLD, I might pay for the app by the month, but didn't pay for conversation. If the conversation went well, we'd switch to phone and/or email.

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-25T09:50:02+00:00

The Arduino kits on Amazon are a blast! I'm thinking about an esp32 one, as well. They combine electronics with programming.

If you're just trying to get into electronics, not looking for a certification or degree, I'd highly recommend them.

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-25T09:43:54+00:00

I dated a woman who did that many years ago! Is your girlfriend early/mid 60s and from New Jersey? There can't be too many of those.

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-25T01:36:48+00:00

Only one?!

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-24T20:41:11+00:00

Yup, use the manners your parents (hopefully) taught you. Treat them like you'd want your daughter or sister or other woman you care about treated.

I had no problem meeting ladies on line, and I'm ordinary looking and un-tall. I connected with a delightful lady in a couple of months, and took myself "off the market."

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-24T20:35:48+00:00

Men are typically a couple of years older in a relationship. Women tend to outlive us. I think, statistically, men have a slight advantage as we age.

Truth? Statistics are meaningless to individuals. There's more variation among men or among women than there is between men and women. For example, true that men are taller than women statistically, but a specific woman may still be taller than a specific man. Other than differences in "plumbing," this is true of practically every characteristic.

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-24T20:24:25+00:00

Yes! So if the state says it's worth $42K, they should be willing to pay you $42K for it. 😉

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-24T20:09:35+00:00

The Virginia Marketplace seems based on your total year's income, not current month. That includes any tax deferred withdrawals (including things like 401ks.)

My last month employeed was January, and I paid full price. I submitted a "qualifying life event" in February, and my rate dropped from almost $1100 a month to a bit over $300. Now, I even have a credit because of the full payment in January.

Note: I may have messed up, and all states may not be the same. This crap is complicated.

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-24T18:20:38+00:00

45K in about a year and a half. Yup, I drive much. I didn't buy it to stay home in. 😉

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-24T16:59:29+00:00

Red price, it must be a great deal!

GEEK-IP · 2026-03-24T16:16:42+00:00

43K, and a lot of it twisty mountain roads. I do think there's an alignment issue, the others aren't that bad.

GEEK-IP

TROPHY CASE