Battlestar Galactica 1980

Posted by Rick on in Analysis, Observances 0 Comment

Battlestar Galactica 1980

Currently available on Hulu.com is Galactica 1980. The premise is pretty simple, the “rag tag fleet” of the Original Series finally made it to Earth. But the Cylons have followed the humans to Earth.

So the poor old Galactica is caught between Earth and the Cylon forces. Commander Adama is of course torn, on one hand it’s obvious that Earth’s technology is far below that of the Twelve Colonies. On the other hand, “computer projections” (AKA recycled and chopped footage from the first episode of the first show) Cylon attacks on Earth show Los Angeles being “devastated.” Or rather, a few cars being thrown into the air, a couple of very small explosions, and some laser strafing that doesn’t even hit anything.

In the third or fourth scene Troy and Dillion (who are the main characters) are discussing how the United States of America “sounds like a fun place,” as they’re flying into Earth’s Atmosphere. Unfortunately they’re tracked by NORAD or it’s far more secret and shadowy 80’s Television version. Two F-16’s are launched to intercept and destroy the unidentified air craft. In a torturously boring dogfight where the Vypers dodge a tiny bit, the F-16s launch a single missile, and the Vypers go invisible into the clouds. The F-16 pilots throw out a bit more patriotic talk and then we cut to the next scene.

As the show progresses, US radar technology continues to see the Cylons and Vypers. But the Cylons have new technology too, including Cylons that look just like humans. This plot point is used again in the new Battlestar Galactica which somehow managed to run more episodes total then both the original series and the 1980 series put together. This ups the ante for the Colonials, as they must protect the Earth from the Cylons, yet are torn in trying to make Earth their new home.

I fear to spoil the plot, or, what little plot there actually is. But suffice to say Galactica 1980 is the quintessential early 80’s show. The Afros on White Guys. The overt American Patriotism. The cheesy acting, cheesy low budget TV special effects. Multiple bit actors hoping to make it big time yet again, including Robert Reed of “the dad” on Brady Bunch fame. The fact that George Takei (Commander Sulu on Star Trek) happens to be doing Sharp TV commercials during the breaks just adds to the surrealism of the entire show.

Keeping in mind that the show is now thirty years old and saw little to no popularity in it’s day, yet it actually holds up pretty well. The cheesy moments are appropriately cheesy. The acting is the typical semi-dramatic 80’s. The plot, is thinner and more cobbled together then a Rube Goldberg machine. The fight scenes are lousy. The special effects are “special.”

In this single show, everything that is the 80’s is glorified and still laughable. Discard Galactica 1980 if you wish, but keep in mind that it’s shows like this that gave us what we watch today.

American Income Life Employment scam

Posted by Rick on in Observances, Scams 215 Comments

American Income Life Employment scam ?

I’m getting pretty good at spotting these people a mile away.

Got a phone call from (503) 639-8735, didn’t recognize the number. Did a quick look up of the number on Google and found that they did this quite often. Less then ten minutes later, got another phone call from them which I decided to answer this time.

From the start it was obvious that the lady was working from a memorized script. She was full of “Um’s” and “Uh’s” and “OK, that sounds good” to every answer I said. It felt like she wasn’t really even listening to me. She asked what kind of job I was looking for, but didn’t mention that the company even had any IT jobs at all. She kept pushing to get me in the door.

Further Google Searching finds on scam.com quite a bit of very interesting information. Many people saying that the company is not a scam, but three times as many saying it is. Apparently unlike other insurance companies, they make you pay for all your classes and books to get an insurance license. After that they pump you leads that are two years old, or in many cases, older. They might be slightly legitimate, but any company that has as high of a turn over as they does, has something going wrong.

For the record, (and Google) their Portland Oregon address is:

15575 SW Sequoia Parkway
Suite #150
Portland OR, 97224

The “HR” person told me the door is on the “back of the building” and simply says AIL on it. To me that was the final red flag. If you’re considering working for this company, I would run away as fast as possible.


Update

– August 15th, 2016. I just got called by these guys again. They said that I applied for the position of Customer Service Manager via one of the career boards. But I track all the jobs I apply for in Excel. They are not there under American Income, or their parent company, Torchmark. Nor are they there under job title. So either they are putting out false jobs under different titles and companies, or they are doing the cold call technique. On the good side, the lady this time knew her script much better, but still evaded the truth when I asked if it was for a management position.

The new address is:
7200 NE 41st Street Suite #202
Vancouver WA, 98662
360-947-0987

Another thing I noticed, they now started “celebrating” all their worker’s success via YouTube. Almost every video has comments closed on it. Why would an company that is legitimate and above board being doing that? Even the largest companies like Nike, Exxon, Coke, etc don’t do that!

Portland Oregon Temp Agencies list

Posted by Rick on in Lists 3 Comments

Portland Oregon Temp Agencies list

This is a list of Temp Agencies and Employment Agencies with offices in the Portland, Oregon area. I do not have experience with most of these companies, nor do I endorse any. But I would be interested in your opinions on them. Please leave any comments (good or bad,) below.

Please also comment below on any companies that should be added to this list!

Portland Oregon Temp Agencies list

Accountemps (Accounting, bookkeeping, collections, general office) 503-244-9311

Accounting Connections (Accounting, bookkeeping, CPA’s, Administrative) 503-228-2335

Adecco Employment (Clerical, light industrial, data entry, drafters, engineers, production) 503-645-5938

Aerotek (Skilled light industrial, general labor, clerical, engineering) 503-403-1900

Ajilon (Accounting, finance) 503.228.0300

All’s Well (Most health care suport positions (no physicians)) 503-265-0542

Apple One (Administrative, sales, management, customer service, technical, call center) (503) 279-8893

Aquent (Creative and Marketing) 503-797-6600

Arrive Staffing Resources (Office, Accounting, Finance) 503-227-2211

ATSI Group (All IT Technical positions) 503-684-9100

Barrett Business Services (Clerical, Light Industrial, Technical) 503-234-2444

BDI Staffing (Heavy Industrial, Production, Assembly) 503.364.5189

BEGINRIGHT Employment Services (Warehouse, light industrial, clerical, production) 503-254-5959

Boly:Welch (Administrative, clerical, legal accounting support) 503-242-1300

Brooks Staffing (General Office, Administrative, Production, Light Industrial) 503-284-7930

CDI Professional Services (Electronics, IT, Administrative, Clerical, Call Center, Management) 503-629-7100

CLP Resources (Skilled Trades people for construction) 503-408-5730

Contractors Employment Service (Construction Industry Only, Commercial, residential, general labor) 503-654-0021

Crdentia Staffing (Finance, Credit, Accounting, Collections, General office) 503-246-8952

Creative Financial Staffing (Accounting, Finance) (503) 552-6717

CSR Personnel (Administrative, clerical, customer service, engineering, technical, production, healthcare) 503-287-4428

De Paul Industries (office, clerical, general labor, warehouse, manufacturing, janitorial, medical production) 503-281-1289

Dental Medical Staffing, Inc (Dentist, hygenist, assistant, office manager, xRay technician, receptionist, veterinary technician) 503-641-1176

Edgelink (technical) 503-246-3989

Edwards Enterprises (Construction, Assembly/Fabrication) 503-466-2171

Emerald Staffing (secretarial, clerical, accounting, word processing, sales, warehouse, customer service) 503-941-4788

Employers Overload (clerical, light industrial, technical) 503-624-8000

Experience Works (Staffing for mature workers 55 and over) 503-526-2761
Filter/Talent (Creative, advertising, design, marketing, public relations) 503-228-6892

Generator Group (exclusive high-end professional positions in apparel, footwear, sporting goods, retail, insurance, banking, IT, risk management) 503-224-4811

Goodwill Personnel Services (office suppport positions for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment) 503-239-1734

HR Extra (HR Executive, manager, HR support staff, recruiter, benefit administrator) 503-885-9875

Instant Labor (general labor, construction, assembly, production, moving, janitorial, warehouse, painting) 503-643-7028

Insurance Overload Services (Insurance, Administration) (503) 293-7650

Integrity Staffing (labor, warehouse, material handling) 503-692-1300

Interim Healthcare (Hospice, Health Care,) (503) 761-6050

Jones Partners (technology) 360-693-0181

Kelly Services (clerical, administrative, technical, light industrial, healthcare, management, engineering, sales) 503-643-1614

KForce (accounting, finance, technical) 503-244-2700

Labor Ready (light industrial, unskilled construction, assembly, freight handling, maintenance, warehouse) 503-641-7858

Legal Northwest (paralegal, legal secretary, legal administrator, records manager) 503-242-2514

Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc. (carpenter, welder (certified and non-certified), machinist, laborer, mechanic) 503-690-0641

Mainz Brady Group (Information Technology, Human Resources, Sales & Marketing and Accounting,) 503-688-1900

Management Recruiters (Management) (503) 287-8701

Manpower (light industrial, production, general labor, administrative, clerical) 503-641-6992

Maxim Staffing Solutions – (Admin, Healthcare including physicians) 503-452-7979

Medical Placement Services (nurse, front office, billing, medical records, CNA, CMA, customer service, affiliated with the medical society of metropolitan portland) 503-222-9977

Medical Staffing Network (nurse, medical technician, radiology, pharmacy, rehabilitation) 503-295-7828

Medical Society Staffing (Healthcare) 503-227-2737

Northwest Staffing Resources (administrative, customer service, light industrial, accounting, IT, medical, legal) 503-323-9190

Office Team (administrative, receptionist, customer service, data entry, clerical, executive assistant) 503-594-2000

OPTI Staffing Group (light industrial, clerical, office skilled trades, customer service, data entry, office manager, administrative assistant) 503-594-2000

The Personnel Department (office , clerical, technical, marketing, technical) 503-626-0311

Portland Habilitation Center (provides education, training and employment for people with disabilities) 503-261-1266

Resource Staffing Services (Logistics, Commercial Transportation, Production, Admin, Call Center) – (503) 261.8822

Randstad (office, executive office, industraial, call center, creative, technical, finance and accounting) 503-246-5342

Remedy Intelligent Staffing (light industrial, assembly, customer service, clerical, warehouse, forklift driver, administrative, data entry) 503-646-0400

Resources in Food (Hospitality) 407.248.1066 x105

Rose City Personnel (administrative, financial, legal, management, clerical, marketing, technical) 503-968-1100

Securitas Security Service (security) 503-243-1620

Sedona Group (office Support, light industrial, clerical, engineering, IT, medical, production) 503-466-9999

SFI Staff Finders Inc (Technology) 503-617-2979

Spark Pro (Technology) 503-684-9100

Staffing Partners (all types) 503-644-1945

Staffmark (Professional, administrative, Assembly, Warehouse, technical, customer service, skilled trades) 503-251-0004

Summit Staffing (production, light industrial, office, technical, medical) 503-639-9292

Today’s Office Staffing (office, legal, customer service, accounting and finance) 503-452-8400

Ultimate Staffing (Clerical, Customer Service) (503) 227-5582

Uniforce/Labforce (Medical, scientific, technical, clerical) 503-968-1311

Vanderhouwen & Associates (IT, Engineering, Accounting) (503) 299-6811

Volt Services Group (light industrial, reception, manufacturing, clerical) 503-221-8797

Westaff (Entry level clerical, light industrial, customer service, call center) 503-224-2401

How to report Internet Fraud

Posted by Rick on in Scams, Security, Technology How To's 3 Comments

How to report Internet Fraud

Internet Fraud is on a rise. As more and more people get online around the world, more viruses are created to steal information, and more people see the anonymity of the Internet as a good way to steal, fraud rates will continue to rise.

Common fraudulent acts range from using stolen Paypal accounts to pay for eBay or Craigslist products. Sending people fake checks for significant amounts of money over the selling price and asking for the extra back, or the common “Nigerian 419  Scam,” where you’re contacted (usually via email) for help moving large amounts of money from another country. But they quickly ask you to send a couple of thousand dollars as a “transfer fee” and none of the money is ever seen again.

The first step in reporting fraud is to gather your evidence. Good portions of such reports go unanswered and forgotten because of the lack of evidence. Providing ample and accurate proof will greatly increase the chances of action being taken by Law Enforcement. When reporting fraud and scams, use this template to provide your evidence. Keep in mind that some online forms may not have room for all this info, but it’s good to compile it before submitting.

Name: Address:

Phone Number:

Email:

Other Contact info: (IM ID, Forum Name)

Scammer’s Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

Email:

Other Contact info: AIM or Yahoo IM ID, Forum Names, AKA names. Also include any other email addresses, phone numbers or physical addresses known. Essentially any way used to contact you should be cataloged here.

Nature of Fraud/Scam:  Give a brief description, i.e. “Was contacted by person to…”

Estimated Value Lost: Use a range for actual goods, or the sell price of the goods. Otherwise use the actual cash value.

Timeline Description: This is the important section. Provide a day-by-day, hour-by-hour account of the transaction and what went wrong. Cut and Paste Chat Logs, Screenshots (if possible,) and all emails. Be sure to present everything in chronological order as it happened.

Links to evidence: Provide links to forum posts, screenshots of emails and IM logs, etc.

There are several places you can report fraud to depending on where in the world you are.

Online Fraud Complaint Forms:

In the United States:

The Internet Crime Complaint Center: <a href=”http://www.ic3.gov”>http://www.ic3.gov</a>

National Fraud Information Center <a href=”http://www.fraud.org/info/contactnfic.htm”>http://www.fraud.org/info/contactnfic.htm</a>

In Canada:

Royal Canadian Mounted Police:

<a href=”https://www.recol.ca/intro.aspx?lang=en”>https://www.recol.ca/intro.aspx?lang=en</a>

Other Countries: Please look in comments below, or post if you know your countries web page.

Once you’ve filled out the online forms, it’s a good idea to directly contact any of the below Law Enforcement Agencies. All of these agencies (except maybe City and County Police Departments) have an electronic crime agency who will take your information. In some cases you may be referred to another person, or group. Expect to get a bit of run around but do not take it personally. Remember to be polite and patient when explaining the nature of the fraud.

Local FBI Office: http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm

Local Attorney General: http://www.naag.org/

Local U.S. Secret Service Electronics Crime Division: https://www.treasury.gov/services/report-fwa/Pages/ReportFWA.aspx

Local State Police: http://www.statetroopersdirectory.com/

Local County Police Department: Varies, search Google for your County Name, Police Department and Electronic Crimes Division

Local City Police Department: Use the same search term above

If someone scammed you out side of your country, the Federal Trade Commission has a special site for these complaints. https://www.econsumer.gov/pls/econsumer/wimsnery2$com.main?p_lang_seq=1

A lot of scams involve Paypal due to the ease of setting up accounts or stealing the information from others. Their claims page is located at: https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_comres_flow&trans_id=

Phone: 1-888-221-1161×8232 ; or 402-935-2050

If a company or business scammed you there are a couple of good places to report them to.

Better Business Bureau

FTC Complaint Center

Also be sure to report them to your and their Attorney General’s Office.

The United Postal Service is especially tough on scammers and fraud via Mail. If you sent a Money Order via mail, or goods and didn’t get anything in return they want to hear from you. Their online form is located at: http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/MailFraudComplaint.aspx

The Postal Service is very tough on fraud and scamming. To help them out it’s always a good idea to use Delivery Confirmation when sending large amounts of money, checks, or even expensive goods.

UPS has an online claim section too, https://www.ups.com/myups/login?returnto=https%3a//wwwapps.ups.com/webClaims/create%3floc%3den_US%26report_type%3d1&reasonCode=-1&appid=CLAIMS

Reporting fraud and scams is time consuming, but every bit helps. If you’re short on time at least submit reports to the first two links. Remember, the scammers aren’t going to stop if they get away with it. All it’s going to take is one or two to get caught as warnings to the rest.

MarkeeDragon.com Down

Posted by Rick on in News 0 Comment

MarkeeDragon.com Down

In a surprise move today, Markee Dragon himself, Marcus Eikenberry announced that they are removing all content that violates the game companies Terms of Service from the MarkeeDragon.com website. All the trading, buying, selling forums are being moved over to mmobay.com completely.

Interestingly, Marcus talks about how this is an attempt to legitimize MarkeeDragon.com in the eyes of the game companies and push them towards supporting in game RMT services much more then they do now.

The full announcement can be found on the Markee Dragon YouTube site or on the front page of MarkeeDragon.com.