Latest Threads


Laptop Went Belly Up and ........


Off Topic    6 Replies

speedy, 09-12-2025, 09:37 AM

That sucked. Two mornings ago started my morning routine. Culminated in getting on the laptop to hit my daily forums. Black screen. Tried and tried with assorted "boot" methods. Zero. Fortunately, I had made bootable disks. Zero success. I figure the cpu died. Destroyed the lap top in order to remove the hard drive. Ordered an enclosure for the harddrive in the hopes I can retrieve my files, pics, apps, etc. Received a new laptop yesterday and spent the evening getting it "personalized". Missed 2 days here and 46 unread posts vs a typical 4-8. Now I'm gonna create an "image" of this new Windows 11 and set it up on a regular "daily" backup schedule. Not sure yet as to backup software. 

As I was on my phone googling Microsoft crap in relation to setting up the new laptop, long story short, I ended up speaking with "Microsoft support" trying to get a new password. Had no idea what the old one was. Due to doing a zillion steps and a terrible connection with overseas - types, I was on the phone close to 2 hours.

 They had me download 2 apps from the Google Play Store which appeared to allow them to access my phone. Near the end, they asked me if I did any online banking, did I have PayPal, etc. They actually wanted me to log into them to search foe any "suspicious" activity. That continued for a couple of minutes til I had no doubt they were going after my accts. I exploded after being on the phone all that time. Told them what they could do. They actually cussed me and I hung up. I immediately uninstalled those 2 apps and then removed them from my list of active / inactive apps in the Google Play Store. During all this, they were having trouble with a website they were trying to send me to. I had no idea what it was. Just thought it was part of the process. the website is named "helpz9.top" which turns out to be a big time scammer site. Fortunately for me, my IP blocked my access to that site. I have an excellent local IP associated with my electric co-op. They're growing by leaps and bounds.

Odd thing is, When I was searching (Google) for Microsoft customer support, their url had nothing slightly different or any of that. Scumbags are really getting sophisticated.


  Open Thread

Impulse Buying Taurus


Pistols    10 Replies

Rampy, 09-12-2025, 12:06 AM

Yep, purchased a 2.5” Taurus 44 special revolver, did it on line & got $60 off using the stores website so I’ll wait till it arrives 

Also ordered a Galco holster & ammo pouches

And 500rds 200gr TMJ and 100rds 200gr FMJ 


Don’t tell the wife please, she is going to skin me alive 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣


  Open Thread

9 11 Day of Remembrance


Off Topic    3 Replies

srjdsmith, 09-11-2025, 07:56 AM

It’s 9 11. Normally I would do a lesson on 9 11 (it’s state/district mandated) and I would wear a patriotic shirt with the flag and patriotic symbolism… but I don’t have the heart. I don’t want any of my leftie teacher colleagues thinking I’m ’celebrating’ anything, and as diseased as this country is I’m not sure there’s much to celebrate. So I opted for a plain black polo and I’ll go teach my lesson without mentioning that one very bright patriotic light has been snuffed out.


  Open Thread

[FPC News] FPC Statement on Third Circuit Decision in New Jersey Carry Ban Case


Gun Laws and News    No Replies

Alphie, 09-10-2025, 03:47 PM

[FPC News] FPC Statement on Third Circuit Decision in New Jersey Carry Ban Case

<p><strong>PHILADELPHIA </strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">(September 10, 2025) – Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) issued the following statement today regarding a </span><a href="https://assets.nationbuilder.com/firearmspolicycoalition/pages/6681/attachments/original/1757512659/2025.09.10_147_OPINION.pdf?1757512659"><span style="font-weight: 400;">decision</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> by the Third Circuit Court of Appeal in an interlocutory appeal from FPC’s preliminary injunction against New Jersey’s post-</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bruen</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> legislation to ban firearm carry in public:</span></p>


http://www.firearmspolicy.org/fpc-statem...y-ban-case


  Open Thread

Charlie Kirk shot in Utah


In the Headlines    53 Replies

MontanaLon, 09-10-2025, 03:31 PM

Looks like the left desires war. Sniper shot from building 200 yards away, single shot appears to strike him in the neck. 

Judging by his reaction it struck the central nervous system, posturing after shot. My gut feeling is he did not survive. Shooter is alive and in custody. 

They want war. I'll be happy to introduce them, they aren't going to like lesson 1.


  Open Thread