Author Topic: Overheard at Work  (Read 13253226 times)

KMMK

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4250 on: September 23, 2014, 08:14:26 PM »
We had our retirement people come give a presentation today.  I don't know where to begin.  Pretty sure my ears started to bleed at one point.  No wonder nobody else gets it when you are fed this crap! At one point they talked about taking your pension early and he said "is it really worth leaving that much money on the table?"

We're having this next week. I'm not eligible for most of the retirement stuff (they pay me more because I'm technically "part time") but am going to go to see what they say, as I sometimes provide financial advice to coworkers. I really want to go to heckle but I'll try to keep it polite.

Middlesbrough

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4251 on: September 23, 2014, 09:15:41 PM »
We had our retirement people come give a presentation today.  I don't know where to begin.  Pretty sure my ears started to bleed at one point.  No wonder nobody else gets it when you are fed this crap! At one point they talked about taking your pension early and he said "is it really worth leaving that much money on the table?"
We got people coming in to give us a briefing on the year as this time last year we switch holding companies, but not the local advising company. We now have lower fees due to the switch! Yay! Anyway, you can sign up for an individual slot to sit and ask questions one on one. Only two people in an office of three figures are signed up. I am one of them.

(Face palm)

coin

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4252 on: September 24, 2014, 05:35:29 AM »
My boss, after buying one of those robotic vacuum cleaner things:
"Why work if you can't buy yourself toys"

Yes, why indeed...

Oh, another gem I just remembered from my former coworker, about superannuation (Aussie retirement savings):
"I lost all this money during the GFC and I wish the government just made you put that money away in a savings account that you couldn't touch until you retire"

I stopped myself from pointing out that's exactly what they did - you can invest your super into bonds and the like if you want.  Or alternatively, if she'd just left it back then she would have made it back and then some.

Zamboni

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4253 on: September 24, 2014, 06:09:10 AM »
^It saddens me to hear about so many people who did pull out at or near the bottom of that latest downturn.

Quote
Anyway, you can sign up for an individual slot to sit and ask questions one on one. Only two people in an office of three figures are signed up. I am one of them.

We have thousands of people here and there are always plenty of open slots.  I've gone twice.  One guy didn't really have any planning advice but spent the time showing me how to navigate around Vanguard's site (which was useful because I had just switched to Vanguard and I learned a few things.) The next guy basically said "Yep, you are in good shape" and then suggested their 529 plans since I was maxing everything else he was supposed to push. I decided to open after he reassured me that I will get the money + interest to do with as I please if the tots get scholarships.  And if they don't go to college/trade school . . . which is actually fine with me . . . then I've got 6 nieces and nephews and I can transfer the funds.  Surely out of 8 children someone can use tax-free interest education money.

dycker1978

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4254 on: September 24, 2014, 08:55:21 AM »
I just crossed over the US/Canadian border each way in Niagara, and both were honestly a breeze (we're US citizens). At the border into Canada, we were asked where we were from, what were we doing, did we already have reservations, and how long we were staying. He asked the questions at a rapidfire pace (I assume to see if we would trip up - we were simply going on vacation). Coming back into the States I assumed it would be a lot more difficult, but it was quicker! He studied our passports a bit closer than coming into Canada and asked us what our citizenship was, and that was it! We were in a heavy tourist area, and we were tourists, so they get people like us a lot, but I was honestly surprised how easy it was both ways.

A few years ago I discovered that through my bloodline, I was eligible to claim citizenship of Italy, so I'd be a dual US/Italy citizen. I did all the legwork to have it recognized which culminated in a trip to the Italian consulate (there are 10-15 of them around the US) nearest to me.

So one day last year I took off work and headed up to Detroit from OH. I got all my business taken care of at the consulate and I had some time to kill. I took in a few sights in Downtown Detroit and toured the Renaissance Center before deciding to head into Canada to check out Windsor.

I went through the tunnel and came up the other side. Keep in mind, the only other times I've ever left the US were twice... to Niagara Falls, as a child with my parents. So I don't know how this all works. She starts asking me the rapidfire questions:

Quote
Canadian: So what brings ya to Canada today eh?
Me: Oh, I was in Detroit for the day and I thought I'd just come over for a few hours and check out the riverfront and the casino, see what the city has to offer.
Canadian: Oh, that's nice. What are you doing in Michigan?

At this point, I didn't really feel like getting into the whole Italian citizenship thing. Not only did I feel they might think it was shady, I just didn't want to explain it again... over the past week, all my family, friends, coworkers, everyone had been asking me about it, and I just didn't want to have to explain it again. So that's when I decided to tell a white lie. The kind of white lie I'd tell anyone, when I didn't want to get into a certain topic. But border agents aren't anyone.

Quote
Canadian, without missing a beat: Who's your friend?
Me, realizing how big of a mistake I just made: Uh, I gotta be honest with you, I just lied, I'm not visiting a friend.

I go into the Italian citizenship thing now, sounding like a total fool. I then explain to her why I lied... I just didn't want to get into all that again. She thinks I'm a moron.

Quote
Canadian: So, let me ask you again, do you have any firearms in the car?
Me: No.
Canadian: Are you sure?
Me: Yes, you can search it if you want.
Canadian: Oh, don't worry, we will.

So, they tore my car apart while I went inside and told my life story in rapidfire to three separate agents who came in one after the other. The whole time, I'm thinking "I'm sorry that I ever wanted to leave you, America, sweet land of liberty. Please let me get back to America... America, I'll never say anything bad about you ever again, your healthcare system is way better than Canada's, I didn't mean it, I swear, and your foreign policy isn't that bad, I was just having a bad day. Please let me get back to America, sweet sweet America. I shall kiss your fertile soils upon my return and I'll never leave again, never ever again."

Finally, they let me in.

I was so anxious from the whole situation that all I really wanted to do was go back home. But, I spent about 30 minutes calming down and walking the riverfront, before heading back over that magnificent bridge, back to the land of the free, my beautiful, sweet, sweet stars and stripes.

And that is why I'm not sure I should ever go to Canada ever again.

So let me get this right... you lied to a border agent, then got upset by them questioning you... sounds like a you problem not a Canadian problem. 

Jouer

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4255 on: September 24, 2014, 09:12:40 AM »
^ what he said.

Tell the exact truth, have your ducks in a row, and border crossing is a breeze. At least it has been for me each of the dozens of times I've crossed.

dragoncar

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4256 on: September 24, 2014, 09:57:46 AM »
^ what he said.

Tell the exact truth, have your ducks in a row, and border crossing is a breeze. At least it has been for me each of the dozens of times I've crossed.

And he have them permission to search.  I mean, they can search without consent, but offering is just asking for a long detention

Zaga

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4257 on: September 24, 2014, 09:58:47 AM »
We had our retirement people come give a presentation today.  I don't know where to begin.  Pretty sure my ears started to bleed at one point.  No wonder nobody else gets it when you are fed this crap! At one point they talked about taking your pension early and he said "is it really worth leaving that much money on the table?"
Ugh, we had one of those a few years ago and I was horrified!  They essentially "proved" that if you saved up to the company match for 30 or 40 years then you'd have enough for retirement.  Um....

galliver

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4258 on: September 24, 2014, 10:37:10 AM »
So let me get this right... you lied to a border agent, then got upset by them questioning you... sounds like a you problem not a Canadian problem.

^ what he said.

Tell the exact truth, have your ducks in a row, and border crossing is a breeze. At least it has been for me each of the dozens of times I've crossed.

And he have them permission to search.  I mean, they can search without consent, but offering is just asking for a long detention

Just wondering...if he'd said something like "I needed to visit the Italian consulate" would they have pressed much further? Because I think that would have been my approach, but I've never experienced a border crossing of this nature. I'd like to go to Canada or Mexico in the future, though, and since such interactions make me nervous, I'm curious how much probing to expect.

LennStar

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4259 on: September 24, 2014, 11:14:55 AM »
So let me get this right... you lied to a border agent, then got upset by them questioning you... sounds like a you problem not a Canadian problem.
Excuse me, is there a US law that you have to tell Canadian border agents the truth (or somehting at all), even about other people? Just curious.

Elderwood17

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4260 on: September 24, 2014, 11:32:31 AM »
^ what he said.

Tell the exact truth, have your ducks in a row, and border crossing is a breeze. At least it has been for me each of the dozens of times I've crossed.
We go fishing every couple of years and have our vehicles loaded with the food, gear, etc.  you need to know the rules (what vegetables you can take with you, how much beer, how much fish you can bring back, etc), and have your passports ready, be polite, and it goes pretty smoothly.  We have been searched a few times briefly but both sides have always been serious but cordial.

gimp

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4261 on: September 24, 2014, 11:37:17 AM »
Excuse me, is there a US law that you have to tell Canadian border agents the truth (or somehting at all), even about other people? Just curious.

Are you trolling?

If you go into a country, and they ask you questions, you don't _have_ to tell the truth, but it makes things a lot easier. If you lie, they will often notice. If they notice, they will often deny you entry. Or worse, depending on what you're lying about.

Also, when you're talking to folks on the Canadian border, you're not really in the US anymore.

Quote
Just wondering...if he'd said something like "I needed to visit the Italian consulate" would they have pressed much further? Because I think that would have been my approach, but I've never experienced a border crossing of this nature. I'd like to go to Canada or Mexico in the future, though, and since such interactions make me nervous, I'm curious how much probing to expect.

It's seriously not rocket science. They ask questions. You tell them the truth, unless you think the truth is going to send you to jail, in which case fuck you for whatever dumb-ass shit you did. Sometimes they probe for five minutes, sometimes they wave you on after thirty seconds, it depends on the officer and their mood. It's often a bit brusque, but almost never rude.

Where are you coming from?
Where are you going?
Do you own this car?
To whom is it registered?
Why are you going there?
How long will you be there?
How long have you lived where you currently live?
Do you have any alcohol, firearms, weapons, blah blah, in the car?
If so, how much?
Do you have money with you above ten thousand dollars?
Do you have money [to support yourself while you're here - requirement to entry; they don't want bums]?
What do you do for work? / Where do you go to school?
How do you two [three, four] know each other?
Have you ever been fingerprinted?
Has your car been searched before?
Have you ever been denied entry?

They will definitely ask some of these (alcohol/firewarms/weapons, money above 10 grand, where are you going, for how long, where are you coming from). The rest are just asked rapid-fire to catch you in a lie. They don't really care, they just want consistent answers.

Also, don't pull up to the booth until they signal you, they want to take a photo of your car and plates and face. Take your sunglasses off.

Do you have to answer these questions? No. You don't have to go to Canada, either. It's not a right, it's a privilege, and they can refuse you for any reason or no reason if they don't think you're being honest.

I've gotten my car searched three times (once by Canada, twice by the US) , and the second two times, they told me precisely why: young male, traveling alone, talks of very long distances yet isn't flying; it raises suspicions. I don't care, it's just an hour of my time wasted at most. They're quite polite even in searching the car. But they will want you to unlock any electronics so they can check out your laptop / phone / camera / etc (they're looking for child porn, they don't really care about anything else unless you have blatantly obvious schematics for explosives or some such bullshit.)

zing12

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4262 on: September 24, 2014, 11:38:48 AM »
Quote from: dycker1978
So let me get this right... you lied to a border agent, then got upset by them questioning you... sounds like a you problem not a Canadian problem.

dycker1978, I am fully aware it's a "me" problem, never said it was a Canadian problem. All that stuff about healthcare systems and foreign policy and sweet stars and stripes and never leaving the US again... that was all a joke...

All I meant by "I shouldn't go back to Canada" was that that maybe I shouldn't go back because they might have me flagged, but that is mostly a joke too.

I was "upset" by them questioning me because I was scared as hell, but I never said, and never thought, that I didn't deserve it.

Because I was inexperienced with border crossings, I basically thought for a second, that she was trying to make small-talk, like a cashier. I forgot about the whole questioning thing. And that's not because I live under a rock and never heard anything about border crossings, it's just because I was on autopilot, and it was a brain fart. I knew it was a mistake halfway through saying it. Suffice it to say I learned my lesson, though, and I don't think I'm likely to repeat this particular mistake.

The Canadian border agents were exceptionally polite considering what I did and they never did anything that made me mad at them or Canada. They thought I was an idiot, but they probably laughed about it after I left. The reason I posted the story is because it's funny, not because I am making some kind of point or have some kind of beef with Canada.
« Last Edit: September 24, 2014, 12:16:00 PM by zing12 »

dycker1978

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4263 on: September 24, 2014, 01:35:02 PM »
Quote from: dycker1978
So let me get this right... you lied to a border agent, then got upset by them questioning you... sounds like a you problem not a Canadian problem.

dycker1978, I am fully aware it's a "me" problem, never said it was a Canadian problem. All that stuff about healthcare systems and foreign policy and sweet stars and stripes and never leaving the US again... that was all a joke...

All I meant by "I shouldn't go back to Canada" was that that maybe I shouldn't go back because they might have me flagged, but that is mostly a joke too.

I was "upset" by them questioning me because I was scared as hell, but I never said, and never thought, that I didn't deserve it.

Because I was inexperienced with border crossings, I basically thought for a second, that she was trying to make small-talk, like a cashier. I forgot about the whole questioning thing. And that's not because I live under a rock and never heard anything about border crossings, it's just because I was on autopilot, and it was a brain fart. I knew it was a mistake halfway through saying it. Suffice it to say I learned my lesson, though, and I don't think I'm likely to repeat this particular mistake.

The Canadian border agents were exceptionally polite considering what I did and they never did anything that made me mad at them or Canada. They thought I was an idiot, but they probably laughed about it after I left. The reason I posted the story is because it's funny, not because I am making some kind of point or have some kind of beef with Canada.

I am sorry... I have heard far too many people complain seriously about the same types of things that you talked about.  Regina is only 2.5-3 hours from the border, and the first major city. 

I just get a little jaded hearing that all the time about Canada.

GuitarStv

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4264 on: September 24, 2014, 01:49:36 PM »
So let me get this right... you lied to a border agent, then got upset by them questioning you... sounds like a you problem not a Canadian problem.
Excuse me, is there a US law that you have to tell Canadian border agents the truth (or somehting at all), even about other people? Just curious.

It's on GuitarStv's list of things things to smooth your encounters with authority over:

- Don't lie, so you don't have to keep track of your lie (too much effort)
- Be polite to people who have the ability to make your life miserable
- Be white and clean-cut

zing12

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4265 on: September 24, 2014, 01:56:34 PM »
Quote from: dycker1978
So let me get this right... you lied to a border agent, then got upset by them questioning you... sounds like a you problem not a Canadian problem.

dycker1978, I am fully aware it's a "me" problem, never said it was a Canadian problem. All that stuff about healthcare systems and foreign policy and sweet stars and stripes and never leaving the US again... that was all a joke...

All I meant by "I shouldn't go back to Canada" was that that maybe I shouldn't go back because they might have me flagged, but that is mostly a joke too.

I was "upset" by them questioning me because I was scared as hell, but I never said, and never thought, that I didn't deserve it.

Because I was inexperienced with border crossings, I basically thought for a second, that she was trying to make small-talk, like a cashier. I forgot about the whole questioning thing. And that's not because I live under a rock and never heard anything about border crossings, it's just because I was on autopilot, and it was a brain fart. I knew it was a mistake halfway through saying it. Suffice it to say I learned my lesson, though, and I don't think I'm likely to repeat this particular mistake.

The Canadian border agents were exceptionally polite considering what I did and they never did anything that made me mad at them or Canada. They thought I was an idiot, but they probably laughed about it after I left. The reason I posted the story is because it's funny, not because I am making some kind of point or have some kind of beef with Canada.

I am sorry... I have heard far too many people complain seriously about the same types of things that you talked about.  Regina is only 2.5-3 hours from the border, and the first major city. 

I just get a little jaded hearing that all the time about Canada.

No problem at all. I know where you're coming from... I grew up in Cleveland and get tired of the constant jokes about it from people who've never been there and know nothing about it. I get really defensive about it at times. Kind of the same thing.
« Last Edit: September 24, 2014, 02:12:47 PM by zing12 »

lemanfan

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4266 on: September 24, 2014, 02:28:23 PM »


It's on GuitarStv's list of things things to smooth your encounters with authority over:

- Don't lie, so you don't have to keep track of your lie (too much effort)
- Be polite to people who have the ability to make your life miserable
- Be white and clean-cut

The last time I entered the US of A, I planned on being polite which included using the "sir" or "mam" in discussions with people in uniform.  Once I got to the passport control though, I could not for the life of me see if the officer was a feminine "sir" or a very ripped "mam".  I skipped that word, and I was let into the country anyway. :)


dycker1978

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4267 on: September 24, 2014, 02:31:21 PM »
Welll this has nothing to do with any finance or anyting... just kind of funny...

Guy in the office beside me on the phone. 

"Well i need that part, you know it looks like a pancake, but without the pancake"

That is all... just struck my funny bone

dragoncar

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4268 on: September 24, 2014, 02:49:13 PM »


It's on GuitarStv's list of things things to smooth your encounters with authority over:

- Don't lie, so you don't have to keep track of your lie (too much effort)
- Be polite to people who have the ability to make your life miserable
- Be white and clean-cut

The last time I entered the US of A, I planned on being polite which included using the "sir" or "mam" in discussions with people in uniform.  Once I got to the passport control though, I could not for the life of me see if the officer was a feminine "sir" or a very ripped "mam".  I skipped that word, and I was let into the country anyway. :)

"You're highness" works for either gender

or maybe just "officer"

lemanfan

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4269 on: September 24, 2014, 03:01:31 PM »


It's on GuitarStv's list of things things to smooth your encounters with authority over:

- Don't lie, so you don't have to keep track of your lie (too much effort)
- Be polite to people who have the ability to make your life miserable
- Be white and clean-cut

The last time I entered the US of A, I planned on being polite which included using the "sir" or "mam" in discussions with people in uniform.  Once I got to the passport control though, I could not for the life of me see if the officer was a feminine "sir" or a very ripped "mam".  I skipped that word, and I was let into the country anyway. :)

"You're highness" works for either gender

or maybe just "officer"

I'll remember that for next time.

While in the USA though, I heard some very anti-mustachian discussions... like the group of four persons sitting at a barbeque joint next to me in Kansas City, MO, saying stuff like "My dad wanted to give me his car since he's too old to drive.. it's new and all but it's an IMPALA... you know, A CAR, and I need something that I can fit the X-mas tree in .... ".  And then they complained about lack of money and not being able to let their kids do the sports they wanted.  :)

And I did some very anti-mustachian things myself like driving 1600 miles in a single 14 day vacation, and spending some serious dough in resturants and bars.

viper155

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4270 on: September 24, 2014, 03:05:49 PM »
So let me get this right... you lied to a border agent, then got upset by them questioning you... sounds like a you problem not a Canadian problem.
Excuse me, is there a US law that you have to tell Canadian border agents the truth (or somehting at all), even about other people? Just curious.

It's on GuitarStv's list of things things to smooth your encounters with authority over:

- Don't lie, so you don't have to keep track of your lie (too much effort)
- Be polite to people who have the ability to make your life miserable
- Be white and clean-cut

I agree with number three...those two characteristics are, statistically, the least likely to be up to no good.

[MOD NOTE: I can't tell if we're doing racism here if this is supposed to be a cynical take on the systemic racism in our society.  Maybe a bit of clarity would work here.]
« Last Edit: May 26, 2017, 06:59:35 AM by FrugalToque »

sol

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4271 on: September 24, 2014, 05:28:12 PM »
I agree with number three...those two characteristics are, statistically, the least likely to be up to no good.

Hooray for racial profiling!

You, sir, are a racist.  Congratulations!

Eric

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4272 on: September 24, 2014, 05:40:49 PM »
I brought beer back over the border a handful of times before I was 21.  Probably not super smart, but it wasn't all that hard. (pre-9/11 so no passport needed)

"Citizenship?"
"USA"
"All of you?"
"Yes"
"What was your purpose in Canada?"
"We were going to go to the bars..."
"But??"
"But he's not 19" (points to friend)
"Go ahead"

Border agent assumed we were dumbass kids that thought we could get into bars while underage when it turns out we were dumbass kids who figured out how to buy beer and bring it back over the border.

NumberJohnny5

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4273 on: September 24, 2014, 06:26:05 PM »
There's one border crossing (I think in North Dakota) that we got searched thoroughly coming and going.

Well, couldn't have been TOO thorough, as they didn't see a single one of our three cats. I probably shouldn't have mentioned that the cats must have had a really good hiding spot.

Goldielocks

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4274 on: September 24, 2014, 06:28:53 PM »
I agree with number three...those two characteristics are, statistically, the least likely to be up to no good.

Hooray for racial profiling!

You, sir, are a racist.  Congratulations!
Well, as a white 40 yr old professional woman and mom, I have been stopped several times myself, so white and clean cut certainly is not a factor.   This is what I found the waiting room to be filled with (and therefore the "guarantee" to be pulled aside for secondary questioning):

1. Everyone in the car is not either 100% US or 100% Canadian passport holders, AND there are children in the car, AND especially if both parents of the kids are not in the car.

2. Variations thereof are almost as likely.  This makes sense -- are you abducting children?  Are you planning on illegal immigration?

3. Next, anyone who may raise suspicions for any reasons may be pulled aside for the "are you picking up any packages" lecture.  Having pocked skin (such as a childhood illness or a drug user, is a big flag for high frequency secondary checks)

4. Next, anyone suspected of working without a visa or work authority -- need to give long, truthful elaborate descriptions sometimes if you are travelling for work.   Discussions and waiting that require up to an hour of delays.

5. Next, are those who look like they may not want to leave the country, so must show proof of long term residency or ties to the originating country before entry.  (e.g. I heard someone asked for a copy of his rental lease agreement -- who travels with their lease agreement anyways?).

Both sides seem to pull people over in about the same frequency, for slightly different reasons, but the US guards are trained in intimidation techniques when they do so, I am sure.

fantabulous

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4275 on: September 24, 2014, 06:39:54 PM »


It's on GuitarStv's list of things things to smooth your encounters with authority over:

- Don't lie, so you don't have to keep track of your lie (too much effort)
- Be polite to people who have the ability to make your life miserable
- Be white and clean-cut

The last time I entered the US of A, I planned on being polite which included using the "sir" or "mam" in discussions with people in uniform.  Once I got to the passport control though, I could not for the life of me see if the officer was a feminine "sir" or a very ripped "mam".  I skipped that word, and I was let into the country anyway. :)

"You're highness" works for either gender

or maybe just "officer"

I would love if people defaulted to "your highness" when they can't figure out which pronouns to use with me. Related, I had two clerks each use different pronouns with me at a convenience store once. One that knew me and had regularly seen my ID, and a new clerk that had never seen me before. I just had to laugh to myself at it.

viper155

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4276 on: September 24, 2014, 08:51:23 PM »
I agree with number three...those two characteristics are, statistically, the least likely to be up to no good.

Hooray for racial profiling!

You, sir, are a racist.  Congratulations!

I didn't bring it up...the other guy did. Do you deny that is not true? Call me what you want, it's true. IDGAS

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4277 on: September 24, 2014, 09:14:09 PM »
Quote
those two characteristics are, statistically, the least likely to be up to no good.

Statistically the most likely to be a serial killer.  By a large margin.  Creepy.

Back on topic:
On MONDAY one of my youngest colleagues saw me taking a photo with my phone and said incredulously "is that an iphone 3?" to me.  Of course he had the 6plus already.  Egad!  I then got to compare the size, shape and weight of his new toy to my phone; liked mine better.  I explained the $10/month concept and how the airvoice card fits so nicely in the iphone3, which is now nearly free on ebay (a decorative protective case in the color and design of your choice will set you back another $1 to $5 dollars.)  The other guy there seemed to know about the card and said there is a youtube for cutting it for the newer phones.  First guy was truly baffled that I had such an ancient device; I think he has rich parents, though.  At least I hope so, for his sake, at the rate he spends.

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4278 on: September 24, 2014, 09:32:39 PM »
^ what he said.

Tell the exact truth, have your ducks in a row, and border crossing is a breeze. At least it has been for me each of the dozens of times I've crossed.

They stop being nice once you say you're coming into Canada to conduct business instead of for tourism. 

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4279 on: September 24, 2014, 09:41:00 PM »
Mods, or for that mater MMM himself, do you folks tolerate the type of open racism that the poster viper155 is displaying above?

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4280 on: September 24, 2014, 10:03:03 PM »
Mods, or for that mater MMM himself, do you folks tolerate the type of open racism that the poster viper155 is displaying above?

Yes, they do.  This has been openly discussed on a number of occasions on this forum.  There is no administrative effort to silence anyone, even if a person makes racist comments, threatens another person's life, or deliberately spreads false or dangerous information.  You can use this forum to plan your next KKK rally and no one will bother you.
« Last Edit: May 26, 2017, 07:01:53 AM by FrugalToque »

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4281 on: September 24, 2014, 10:58:50 PM »
Mods, or for that mater MMM himself, do you folks tolerate the type of open racism that the poster viper155 is displaying above?
Yes, they do.  This has been openly discussed on a number of occasions on this forum.  There is no administrative effort to silence anyone, even if a person makes racist comments, threatens another person's life, or deliberately spreads false or dangerous information.  You can use this forum to plan your next KKK rally and no one will bother you.

In fairness to the mods, they won't notice unless we report it. I just did. Anyone else who is offended, I encourage you to do the same. (I've complained about viper155 before - maybe they'll get banned if we make an effort.) That's the best we can do.

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4282 on: September 24, 2014, 11:02:08 PM »
Quote
those two characteristics are, statistically, the least likely to be up to no good.

Statistically the most likely to be a serial killer.  By a large margin.  Creepy.

Back on topic:
On MONDAY one of my youngest colleagues saw me taking a photo with my phone and said incredulously "is that an iphone 3?" to me.  Of course he had the 6plus already.  Egad!  I then got to compare the size, shape and weight of his new toy to my phone; liked mine better.  I explained the $10/month concept and how the airvoice card fits so nicely in the iphone3, which is now nearly free on ebay (a decorative protective case in the color and design of your choice will set you back another $1 to $5 dollars.)  The other guy there seemed to know about the card and said there is a youtube for cutting it for the newer phones.  First guy was truly baffled that I had such an ancient device; I think he has rich parents, though.  At least I hope so, for his sake, at the rate he spends.

Did you compare bendiness?

Mods, or for that mater MMM himself, do you folks tolerate the type of open racism that the poster viper155 is displaying above?

Yes, they do.  This has been openly discussed on a number of occasions on this forum.  There is no administrative effort to silence anyone, even if a person makes racist comments, threatens another person's life, or deliberately spreads false or dangerous information.  You can use this forum to plan your next KKK rally and no one will bother you. 

Truth.  Just don't disparage indexed annuities.

edit: for the record, I don't think viper should be banned, I just think he's an ass.

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4283 on: September 24, 2014, 11:08:34 PM »
Mods, or for that mater MMM himself, do you folks tolerate the type of open racism that the poster viper155 is displaying above?

MOD NOTE: I can't speak for MMM, but we encourage open discourse here on the forums.

That means you have to take the good with the bad.

It's pretty difficult to draw lines, but the clear one we have on this forum is: don't directly attack other posters (be a jerk to them).  Other than that, we try to have a pretty light touch when it comes to moderating.

In general, I think it's better to leave someone's opinion showing them as a racist, or misogynist, or whatever, so everyone knows that's what they are.  If we delete their post, there's no record of it for other people to be able to discard what they're saying.

I myself have argued against some pretty racist posts (and subsequently gotten treated in a fairly hostile manner by that poster) , but in now way would I support just deleting or censoring their post.  I'm a fan of John Stuart Mill's theory that the truth wins out in the end.

So, bottom line, while it's unfortunate some people are *, unless you want me randomly deleting things I don't agree with, it's an unfortunate fact that we'll have to see some things we don't disagree with. Luckily we're all grown ups, can look at someone's misguided opinion, shake our heads, and move on, without being harmed.

And Cressida is 100% correct, we'd never notice this if it's not reported. If you want us to take a look, please do click the "report to moderator" button on the bottom right of the post.  We may just leave it, but we'll also have a record so if it is a pattern of behavior of someone contributing negatively over time we can decide to ban them, so even if it seems like we aren't doing anything at the moment, that's not necessarily going to remain the case.
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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4284 on: September 24, 2014, 11:10:22 PM »
Also... dammit.  I've purposefully not responded to this ridiculously long thread (90 pages and counting as of this writing) because I didn't want it popping up in my unread replies posts over and over all the time.  Now I was forced to, as a mod.

Thanks a lot, viper.  BANNED!  :P
I am a former teacher who accumulated a bunch of real estate, retired at 29, spent some time traveling the world full time and am now settled with three kids.
If you want to know more about me, this Business Insider profile tells the story pretty well.
I (rarely) blog at AdventuringAlong.com. Check out the Now page to see what I'm up to currently.

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4285 on: September 24, 2014, 11:47:55 PM »
Also... dammit.  I've purposefully not responded to this ridiculously long thread (90 pages and counting as of this writing) because I didn't want it popping up in my unread replies posts over and over all the time.  Now I was forced to, as a mod.

Thanks a lot, viper.  BANNED!  :P

You should have used ghost mod

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4286 on: September 25, 2014, 01:48:06 AM »
Also... dammit.  I've purposefully not responded to this ridiculously long thread (90 pages and counting as of this writing) because I didn't want it popping up in my unread replies posts over and over all the time.  Now I was forced to, as a mod.

Thanks a lot, viper.  BANNED!  :P
Just thought the same about my (not trolling) question.
To answer: The last time I was at a border were they would search you I was twelve. Beeing a EU citizen has some benefits ;)

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4287 on: September 25, 2014, 10:49:27 AM »
Not at work, but over the fence from the neighbor:

Next door neighbors are splitting and the wife decided this week to move out of state to live with her new man friend. In one ten minute conversation she told me that:

They are upside down on the house by $100,000, so they are walking away and letting the bank repossess. They are filing for bankruptcy -yay! No kidding, she is euphoric about getting out of house, out of debt, out of her marriage, and out of Maryland.

She is taking dog and moving to another state to live with new man. She is leaving her 25 year old unemployed son in the house until the bank tells him to get out. We are just thrilled since that means that he and his slacker druggie friends can build bonfires in the yard and sit out there smoking reefer and drinking beer EVERY NIGHT.

How long does it take for a bank to repossess and ask you to leave?

LOL Maybe he's actually FIREd!

eyePod

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4288 on: September 25, 2014, 10:53:54 AM »
I've gotten my car searched three times (once by Canada, twice by the US) , and the second two times, they told me precisely why: young male, traveling alone, talks of very long distances yet isn't flying; it raises suspicions. I don't care, it's just an hour of my time wasted at most. They're quite polite even in searching the car. But they will want you to unlock any electronics so they can check out your laptop / phone / camera / etc (they're looking for child porn, they don't really care about anything else unless you have blatantly obvious schematics for explosives or some such bullshit.)

Yeah, there's no way that I'm unlocking my electronic device. Oh, you don't have probable cause or a warrant? No thanks!

dragoncar

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4289 on: September 25, 2014, 11:45:04 AM »
I've gotten my car searched three times (once by Canada, twice by the US) , and the second two times, they told me precisely why: young male, traveling alone, talks of very long distances yet isn't flying; it raises suspicions. I don't care, it's just an hour of my time wasted at most. They're quite polite even in searching the car. But they will want you to unlock any electronics so they can check out your laptop / phone / camera / etc (they're looking for child porn, they don't really care about anything else unless you have blatantly obvious schematics for explosives or some such bullshit.)

Yeah, there's no way that I'm unlocking my electronic device. Oh, you don't have probable cause or a warrant? No thanks!

Don't bring your electronic device on international travel then.  Seriously.  I've considered sending my hard drive separately, as US border agents can still mirror the drive if you refuse to unlock the computer.  Assuming they don't just take it (sure you'll get it back.... Eventually.... Probably...)

Bigote

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4290 on: September 25, 2014, 11:46:50 AM »
Also... dammit.  I've purposefully not responded to this ridiculously long thread (90 pages and counting as of this writing) because I didn't want it popping up in my unread replies posts over and over all the time.  Now I was forced to, as a mod.

Thanks a lot, viper.  BANNED!  :P

Wait a day or two so your posts get read, then delete them.   

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4291 on: September 25, 2014, 11:48:12 AM »
I've gotten my car searched three times (once by Canada, twice by the US) , and the second two times, they told me precisely why: young male, traveling alone, talks of very long distances yet isn't flying; it raises suspicions. I don't care, it's just an hour of my time wasted at most. They're quite polite even in searching the car. But they will want you to unlock any electronics so they can check out your laptop / phone / camera / etc (they're looking for child porn, they don't really care about anything else unless you have blatantly obvious schematics for explosives or some such bullshit.)

Yeah, there's no way that I'm unlocking my electronic device. Oh, you don't have probable cause or a warrant? No thanks!

Don't bring your electronic device on international travel then.  Seriously.  I've considered sending my hard drive separately, as US border agents can still mirror the drive if you refuse to unlock the computer.  Assuming they don't just take it (sure you'll get it back.... Eventually.... Probably...)

I'd love to see them try to unlock my electronics.  With a 256-bit encryption and a triple cipher I doubt they could even log in to any of them, much less access any of the files equally encrypted on a different 256-bit encryption & 3-cipher scheme.  Well...maybe their great-great-great-great-grand-kids will eventually crack it open after I've been rotting in the ground for 100 years.

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4292 on: September 25, 2014, 11:53:18 AM »
I've gotten my car searched three times (once by Canada, twice by the US) , and the second two times, they told me precisely why: young male, traveling alone, talks of very long distances yet isn't flying; it raises suspicions. I don't care, it's just an hour of my time wasted at most. They're quite polite even in searching the car. But they will want you to unlock any electronics so they can check out your laptop / phone / camera / etc (they're looking for child porn, they don't really care about anything else unless you have blatantly obvious schematics for explosives or some such bullshit.)

Yeah, there's no way that I'm unlocking my electronic device. Oh, you don't have probable cause or a warrant? No thanks!

Let me re-iterate - this is not a traffic stop, it's a border crossing. You have rights at a border crossing. They have the right to deny you entry. Show off your rights and they'll show off theirs. If you don't unlock a laptop, you don't get in. Don't want to unlock a laptop? Don't bring it with you.

Quote
as US border agents can still mirror the drive if you refuse to unlock the computer.

That's what encryption is for, if you want to get fancy. If your device is properly shut off and has full disk encryption (one verified by the international cryptography community, not some random shit), and the key is not stored on the disk, computer forensics people often don't even bother trying (past some basics like a dictionary attack.) They know there's not enough energy in the universe to crack certain types of encryption through brute force. (Attacking the algorithm with math is another thing entirely - if someone very large wants to get data, they usually will; either with math, backdoors, or a crescent wrench upside your head until you talk.)

Quote
I'd love to see them try to unlock my electronics.  With a 256-bit encryption and a triple cipher I doubt they could even log in to any of them, much less access any of the files equally encrypted on a different 256-bit encryption & 3-cipher scheme.  Well...maybe their great-great-great-great-grand-kids will eventually crack it open after I've been rotting in the ground for 100 years.

Yep, so that thing I said before. They will not be able to unlock your electronics. They will be able to turn you around and tell you not to come back. Don't bring your electronics on vacation.

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4293 on: September 25, 2014, 01:59:33 PM »
Because I was inexperienced with border crossings, I basically thought for a second, that she was trying to make small-talk, like a cashier. I forgot about the whole questioning thing. And that's not because I live under a rock and never heard anything about border crossings, it's just because I was on autopilot, and it was a brain fart.

Yep. My girlfriend and I recently crossed into Canada on our bicycles, in the middle of a bike trip from Chicago to upstate New York. The Canadian agent asks "Where are you going?", and my girlfriend, used to answering this question countless times from curious people seeing our loaded bikes, delightedly launches into her spiel: "We're riding to upstate New York! To visit my dad! We've come all the way from Chicago, so we're almost there!" Canadian agent, who gives not one single fuck about her dad or how far we've rode, sternly cuts her off: "Where are you going in Canada?" Oh. Yeah. Ahem. I guess not everyone who asks where we're going is simply curious to hear travelers' tales!

Luckily her autopilot didn't tell any lies, so we were quickly on our way after a few more questions. Especially lucky since our westward detour into Canada was somewhat suspicious, as it's not exactly the shortest route between Chicago and New York! (we were visiting Niagara Falls).

Ok, that wasn't very Antimustachian, but it was something both shameful and comedic that the border agent overheard at work, so it's not completely off-topic, right?

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4294 on: September 25, 2014, 02:08:36 PM »
I just crossed over the US/Canadian border each way in Niagara, and both were honestly a breeze (we're US citizens). At the border into Canada, we were asked where we were from, what were we doing, did we already have reservations, and how long we were staying. He asked the questions at a rapidfire pace (I assume to see if we would trip up - we were simply going on vacation). Coming back into the States I assumed it would be a lot more difficult, but it was quicker! He studied our passports a bit closer than coming into Canada and asked us what our citizenship was, and that was it! We were in a heavy tourist area, and we were tourists, so they get people like us a lot, but I was honestly surprised how easy it was both ways.

A few years ago I discovered that through my bloodline, I was eligible to claim citizenship of Italy, so I'd be a dual US/Italy citizen. I did all the legwork to have it recognized which culminated in a trip to the Italian consulate (there are 10-15 of them around the US) nearest to me.

So one day last year I took off work and headed up to Detroit from OH. I got all my business taken care of at the consulate and I had some time to kill. I took in a few sights in Downtown Detroit and toured the Renaissance Center before deciding to head into Canada to check out Windsor.

I went through the tunnel and came up the other side. Keep in mind, the only other times I've ever left the US were twice... to Niagara Falls, as a child with my parents. So I don't know how this all works. She starts asking me the rapidfire questions:

Quote
Canadian: So what brings ya to Canada today eh?
Me: Oh, I was in Detroit for the day and I thought I'd just come over for a few hours and check out the riverfront and the casino, see what the city has to offer.
Canadian: Oh, that's nice. What are you doing in Michigan?

At this point, I didn't really feel like getting into the whole Italian citizenship thing. Not only did I feel they might think it was shady, I just didn't want to explain it again... over the past week, all my family, friends, coworkers, everyone had been asking me about it, and I just didn't want to have to explain it again. So that's when I decided to tell a white lie. The kind of white lie I'd tell anyone, when I didn't want to get into a certain topic. But border agents aren't anyone.

Quote
Canadian, without missing a beat: Who's your friend?
Me, realizing how big of a mistake I just made: Uh, I gotta be honest with you, I just lied, I'm not visiting a friend.

I go into the Italian citizenship thing now, sounding like a total fool. I then explain to her why I lied... I just didn't want to get into all that again. She thinks I'm a moron.

Quote
Canadian: So, let me ask you again, do you have any firearms in the car?
Me: No.
Canadian: Are you sure?
Me: Yes, you can search it if you want.
Canadian: Oh, don't worry, we will.

So, they tore my car apart while I went inside and told my life story in rapidfire to three separate agents who came in one after the other. The whole time, I'm thinking "I'm sorry that I ever wanted to leave you, America, sweet land of liberty. Please let me get back to America... America, I'll never say anything bad about you ever again, your healthcare system is way better than Canada's, I didn't mean it, I swear, and your foreign policy isn't that bad, I was just having a bad day. Please let me get back to America, sweet sweet America. I shall kiss your fertile soils upon my return and I'll never leave again, never ever again."

Finally, they let me in.

I was so anxious from the whole situation that all I really wanted to do was go back home. But, I spent about 30 minutes calming down and walking the riverfront, before heading back over that magnificent bridge, back to the land of the free, my beautiful, sweet, sweet stars and stripes.

And that is why I'm not sure I should ever go to Canada ever again.


“When I was crossing the border into Canada, they asked if I had any firearms with me. I said, "Well, what do you need?”


― Steven Wright

Timmmy

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4295 on: September 25, 2014, 03:08:06 PM »
I just crossed over the US/Canadian border each way in Niagara, and both were honestly a breeze (we're US citizens). At the border into Canada, we were asked where we were from, what were we doing, did we already have reservations, and how long we were staying. He asked the questions at a rapidfire pace (I assume to see if we would trip up - we were simply going on vacation). Coming back into the States I assumed it would be a lot more difficult, but it was quicker! He studied our passports a bit closer than coming into Canada and asked us what our citizenship was, and that was it! We were in a heavy tourist area, and we were tourists, so they get people like us a lot, but I was honestly surprised how easy it was both ways.

A few years ago I discovered that through my bloodline, I was eligible to claim citizenship of Italy, so I'd be a dual US/Italy citizen. I did all the legwork to have it recognized which culminated in a trip to the Italian consulate (there are 10-15 of them around the US) nearest to me.

So one day last year I took off work and headed up to Detroit from OH. I got all my business taken care of at the consulate and I had some time to kill. I took in a few sights in Downtown Detroit and toured the Renaissance Center before deciding to head into Canada to check out Windsor.

I went through the tunnel and came up the other side. Keep in mind, the only other times I've ever left the US were twice... to Niagara Falls, as a child with my parents. So I don't know how this all works. She starts asking me the rapidfire questions:

Quote
Canadian: So what brings ya to Canada today eh?
Me: Oh, I was in Detroit for the day and I thought I'd just come over for a few hours and check out the riverfront and the casino, see what the city has to offer.
Canadian: Oh, that's nice. What are you doing in Michigan?

At this point, I didn't really feel like getting into the whole Italian citizenship thing. Not only did I feel they might think it was shady, I just didn't want to explain it again... over the past week, all my family, friends, coworkers, everyone had been asking me about it, and I just didn't want to have to explain it again. So that's when I decided to tell a white lie. The kind of white lie I'd tell anyone, when I didn't want to get into a certain topic. But border agents aren't anyone.

Quote
Canadian, without missing a beat: Who's your friend?
Me, realizing how big of a mistake I just made: Uh, I gotta be honest with you, I just lied, I'm not visiting a friend.

I go into the Italian citizenship thing now, sounding like a total fool. I then explain to her why I lied... I just didn't want to get into all that again. She thinks I'm a moron.

Quote
Canadian: So, let me ask you again, do you have any firearms in the car?
Me: No.
Canadian: Are you sure?
Me: Yes, you can search it if you want.
Canadian: Oh, don't worry, we will.

So, they tore my car apart while I went inside and told my life story in rapidfire to three separate agents who came in one after the other. The whole time, I'm thinking "I'm sorry that I ever wanted to leave you, America, sweet land of liberty. Please let me get back to America... America, I'll never say anything bad about you ever again, your healthcare system is way better than Canada's, I didn't mean it, I swear, and your foreign policy isn't that bad, I was just having a bad day. Please let me get back to America, sweet sweet America. I shall kiss your fertile soils upon my return and I'll never leave again, never ever again."

Finally, they let me in.

I was so anxious from the whole situation that all I really wanted to do was go back home. But, I spent about 30 minutes calming down and walking the riverfront, before heading back over that magnificent bridge, back to the land of the free, my beautiful, sweet, sweet stars and stripes.

And that is why I'm not sure I should ever go to Canada ever again.


“When I was crossing the border into Canada, they asked if I had any firearms with me. I said, "Well, what do you need?”


― Steven Wright

Years ago (when the exchange was very favorable) on my way in to Canada I was asked if I had more than 10K in Canadian currency.  I chuckled and said "not sure, I haven't counted up the change in the ash tray".  That got me a lengthy stop and search... 

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4296 on: September 25, 2014, 03:11:27 PM »
Not at work, but over the fence from the neighbor:

Next door neighbors are splitting and the wife decided this week to move out of state to live with her new man friend. In one ten minute conversation she told me that:

They are upside down on the house by $100,000, so they are walking away and letting the bank repossess. They are filing for bankruptcy -yay! No kidding, she is euphoric about getting out of house, out of debt, out of her marriage, and out of Maryland.

She is taking dog and moving to another state to live with new man. She is leaving her 25 year old unemployed son in the house until the bank tells him to get out. We are just thrilled since that means that he and his slacker druggie friends can build bonfires in the yard and sit out there smoking reefer and drinking beer EVERY NIGHT.

How long does it take for a bank to repossess and ask you to leave?

LOL Maybe he's actually FIREd!

Hahahahahaha.(Wiping away tears of mirth.) This kid has not held a job for more than 4 or 5 months at a time since he graduated from high school six years ago. He spends most of his time walking up and down the roads in the neighborhood with his girlfriend of the moment, smoking cigarettes and talking on his cell phone. I think he does pick up some money selling weed out of the storage shed behind his parents' house...

He's one of these people who doesn't want to work hard at anything. His MOTHER used to mow the lawn the two or three times a year they mowed it

If I had a 25 year old layabout son, he'd at least be doing all the heavy lifting for me at home. But since his parents are idiotic about money, maybe they didn't know how to teach him to work hard and save his pennies. Whenever he quit another job, his mother always told us, with a straight face, "They didn't treat him right," or "They tried to cheat him," or some such nonsense. Ah... love may be blind, but mother love seems to be blind, deaf, and stupid in this case.

I tell you one thing, if he does start back up with the all night reefer party/bonfires, I am calling the police EVERY time. I'm sick of having this trash live next door. They are completely trifling.

And another thing, if y'all want to argue about crossing the US / Canadian border, start your own damn thread. This is where we complain about stupid things we hear about money.

Edited to fix spelling.
« Last Edit: September 25, 2014, 03:13:42 PM by CU Tiger »

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4297 on: September 25, 2014, 03:34:59 PM »
And another thing, if y'all want to argue about crossing the US / Canadian border, start your own damn thread. This is where we complain about stupid things we hear about money.

Thank you!

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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4298 on: September 25, 2014, 03:38:49 PM »
I tell you one thing, if he does start back up with the all night reefer party/bonfires, I am calling the police EVERY time. I'm sick of having this trash live next door. They are completely trifling.

Agreed. You have every right.

And another thing, if y'all want to argue about crossing the US / Canadian border, start your own damn thread. This is where we complain about stupid things we hear about money.

Yes please. Back on topic!

RWD

  • Walrus Stache
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Re: Overheard at Work
« Reply #4299 on: September 25, 2014, 04:00:06 PM »
I've gotten my car searched three times (once by Canada, twice by the US) , and the second two times, they told me precisely why: young male, traveling alone, talks of very long distances yet isn't flying; it raises suspicions. I don't care, it's just an hour of my time wasted at most. They're quite polite even in searching the car. But they will want you to unlock any electronics so they can check out your laptop / phone / camera / etc (they're looking for child porn, they don't really care about anything else unless you have blatantly obvious schematics for explosives or some such bullshit.)

Yeah, there's no way that I'm unlocking my electronic device. Oh, you don't have probable cause or a warrant? No thanks!

Don't bring your electronic device on international travel then.  Seriously.  I've considered sending my hard drive separately, as US border agents can still mirror the drive if you refuse to unlock the computer.  Assuming they don't just take it (sure you'll get it back.... Eventually.... Probably...)

I'd love to see them try to unlock my electronics.  With a 256-bit encryption and a triple cipher I doubt they could even log in to any of them, much less access any of the files equally encrypted on a different 256-bit encryption & 3-cipher scheme.  Well...maybe their great-great-great-great-grand-kids will eventually crack it open after I've been rotting in the ground for 100 years.

You mean like this? http://xkcd.com/538/

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!