Archive for August 28th, 2002

Digression 8: Having fun with the scam

August 28, 2002

I have always felt a desire to have a laugh by replying to one of those Nigerian-like scams in which you supposedly can get rich by simply “lending” your bank account to some relative of a jailed official who just happens to have, let’s say, some $30 million stashed away and needs your account to get it out and is willing to give you, let’s say, ten percent for your efforts. Well, I would like to pay tribute to Zach Beane of Maine who actually followed up on replying and made an absolutely hilarious exchange with the mysterious spammer (or is it scammer?) Dr. Solomon (Some credit should be given to the tenacious Dr. Solomon for keeping the exchange alive):



A picture named [jpeg0004[1]]


 


even if the whole thing were made up, it would still be hilarious!!!



 


Thanks to John Fleck for providing the link 


Coincidentally, I received a new version of the scam today, this time asking to help repatriate the $15 million someone named Jeffery Octavio had in Dubai before his unfortunate death in a car accident. I am considering answering it, given that Zach’s thread might be coming to an end.


up, it would still be hilarious!!!



 


Thanks to John Fleck for providing the link 


Coincidentally, I received a new version of the scam today, this time asking to help repatriate the $15 million someone named Jeffery Octavio had in Dubai before his unfortunate death in a car accident. I am considering answering it, given that Zach’s thread might be coming to an end.

Posted in Technology | Leave a Comment »

Is Chavez losing it?

August 28, 2002

In a little noted mayoral election in a rural area in the West of Venezuela, these were the results:


New Time Coalition   47.5%


AD Coalition              30.7%


MPS                           10.4%


MEP                            6.6%


MVR(Chavez)            4.8%


Other                          3.3%


This was not insignificant. Chavez’ own brother campaigned in the town for MVR’s candidate, so did two of his Cabinet Ministers. Despite this in an area where they should have won running away, they lost. Moreover, the previous mayor (who passed away) was elected for the MVR party.  The only explanation, given other polls that say MVR holds roughly 20% popularity is that MVR supporters simply did not feel motivated to go and vote for their candidate.

Posted in Venezuela | Leave a Comment »