FUBAR 2023

Why is everything “fucked up beyond all recognition” (FUBAR)? That’s the big question, isn’t it? The “things fall apart” saga just keeps on going.

An attempt was made to log on the Chase® site using the Web browser again. Same ol’ shit … asking for access code but no way to obtain it. Subsequently, the “app” was downloaded and installed. Same shit. So, a tedious phone call was made to the support hotline. The call was transferred to the technical support group. The password reset process was initiated. Long story short, access was finally achieved but only with the third-party “app.” In other words, the “app” is now a permanent fixture on the iPhone 14 Pro. To their credit, Chase® phone support is pretty good.

From what could be extrapolated from the conversation, the problem while using the Web browser stemmed from the deletion of “cookies” associated with the site. In other words, the “cookies” can never be deleted or subsequent attempts at access will cause the server-side to assume that a new device is being deployed. So, a code must be obtained in order to log in. Apparently, after an unspecified number of code-assisted log-ins, the options to obtain the code is removed. Why not just use true 2FA instead of this “Mickey Mouse” method?

The new password for the Chase® account was composed during the phone conversation with the technical support group. Thus, a quick formerly universal password was used. Of course, that password was concurrently in use for the on-line Subway® account. The on-board password manager in the iPhone quickly flagged the duplication. Thus, a long process to change the Subway® password was necessitated because the new Chase® password could not be changed. One problem just cascades into another problem, and so forth. Yeah, “things fall apart.”

The new Norelco® electric shaver has been a major disappointment. In retrospect, it was a regrettable purchase. First off, the shaver must be cleaned after each use (unlike it inexpensive counterpart). Second, the “petal” design and the circular motion monitor are annoying. Frankly, shaving in a circular motion makes little sense. Alas, the shaver may be replaced with a cheap foil electric shaver.

Most of “life” in Hawai’i and empire has degenerated into the Third World equivalence. No comment in Notes is really necessary. Many of the sites on the approved list cover the latter in much more detail and passion. This is the “new normal” in the Great Re-shit (read: “Great Reset”) or FUBAR.

Lumi Ray

This is Friday or Friday evening specifically … or worse yet, FOMO Friday. Sheesh! There’s absolutely nothing for an old codger to do … except to view hurdy-gurdy videos starring gorgeous hottie, Lumi Ray. Baha! Ha! Ha! Haaa!

Addendum: The permanent addition of the Chase “app” has changed the landscape of the iPhone 24 Pro. Now the device is tainted with an intrusive third-party “app.” Might as well just install “apps” indiscriminately. A sad day indeed.

Miscellany: Upon implementing recommended security mitigations on the iPhone, the result is that the only fail-safe protocol is the use of an alphanumeric passcode. Everything beyond the lockscreen can be defeated.