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My only complaint regarding tires at Costco is rebalancing. If I get there when they first open, it still takes at least 50-60 minutes for a rotate and balance. If I'm a little later, it's 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Otherwise no complaints. I purchased a set of tires from them a couple of years ago and they d...

I'm not sure if this matters, but won't you be out of pocket each month with only a $50 allowance? A Verizon or AT&T contract usually ends up being in the high $70's for voice & data.

Thanks for all the feedback. GeauxBR, my exterminator recommended treatment with IMAXX Pro ( a generic form of Premise 75) over Termidor. He also recommends re-treatment every 7 years. Could you expound a bit on your reason for endorsing Termidor?

There are a couple of caveats when using an Ipad as a GPS. First you must have an Ipad with a GPS receiver. This means one that has 3G-G4 capability. The base model does not have this. For an Ipad to be fully functional as a GPS, you really need to have the 3G-4G service activated. You can download ...

I've read several threads here about termites but didn't see anything regarding the benefits/drawbacks of the chemical vs. bait systems. Cost wise it seems that in the long run they are fairly comparable. Has anyone seen any studies that give an edge to either system?

Make sure that what ever is agreed upon is put in writing. Collections firms tend to get amnesia.

Bing has a fare forecaster called Farecast that crunches past fares in an attempt to predict prices on selected flights in the future. Bing Travel analyzes millions of round-trip flight itineraries daily and intelligently filters airfare data to reveal the best prices and deals. The Bing Travel Pric...

I just installed a 50 gallon Bradford-White conventional electric unit. It cost about $250 and I paid a guy about the same to install it, plus about $100 in random parts (including a subpanel we installed, in case I want to add a second water heater). Where did you find a 50 gallon Bradford-White f...

I'm currently getting Mac World. Some how I managed to snag a subscription for $1. Bottom line - it's ok. I usually manage to snap a couple of useful tidbits in each issue. I initially subscribed when I got my first Mac a couple of years ago.

It's not a movie but a series called Prison Break. There are 80 episodes spanning 4 seasons. I'm addicted. Without spoiling the plot, it's about 2 brothers; one has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, and the other devises an elaborate plan to help his brother escape .

It's lovely down there. The Dutch side is a lot rowdier than the French side--between the casinos, strip clubs, and discount jewelry shops, it was a little too "in your face" for my taste. But there's a lot of great beaches there and great resorts. Plane-watching at Maho beach is a must. ...

That's good to know. I haven't received that email yet. Just initiated a $25K transfer yesterday. This could be a real pain.

During my last HVAC purchase, I found that I had the most leverage with prices when getting quotes in the "shoulder season". Right now dealers are busy with heating problems in most of the country and will switch to AC issues in the summer. If you have the luxury of waiting until spring, I...

I'm doing a prime rib on the grill but you could use exactly the same principles with your tenderloin. This guy advised a "low and slow" cook at 225 degrees and then searing at the end. Here's a link to the web page if you're interested. Good luck and Merry Christmas. http://amazingribs.co...

Thanks for all the responses. This must be something specific to Chrome. On Vanguard, when I click on STATEMENTS it shows the PDF icon and above it VIEW/DOWNLOAD. When I click on it, the only option is to download. The same process in IE gives the option of VIEW or DOWNLOAD. Not a big deal, just inc...

James, thanks for the reply. I'm running OSX 10.6.8 and Chrome Version 23.0.1271.97. Unfortunately I can't give you a link to the sites where I've encountered problems because they are usually on brokerage (Vanguard) sites. I do know that if I try to access these same sites via Windows and IE, I'm g...

Can anyone explain why (or better yet tell me how to fix) when I click on a PDF file on some web sites, the document opens and on others the only option is to download and save it in order to view it? I have the Chrome PDF plugin installed and enabled.

Time to switch credit unions.

I highly recommend AVOIDING a business credit card. A consumer card offers you many protections and benefits that are absent on business cards. When I had my business, I had a credit card that I used exclusively for business related expenses. My philosophy was that if it was a legitimate business ex...

I think the newer versions of each were created to work with Win7 & 8 but should play well with XP.

Here's a review Macworld did on VMware vs Parallels - http://www.macworld.com/article/2010694 ... ion-5.html

I'm opening an account at Etrade and transferring a security from another brokerage firm. They want me to send a COMPLETE copy of my brokerage statement. This seems a bit intrusive. Is this common? Any way around it?
Thanks.

I've been using Parallels for almost 2 years and it works flawlessly for me. I've never used VMware but I get the feeling that it's like the Ford vs. Chevy discussion. Since both products have a fairly broad base of support, I suspect you can't go too wrong with either. I certainly wouldn't buy anot...

I was ready to open an Etrade account with a link that showing a $1K bonus for a $250K transfer. Just to be sure, I started a chat session with them. They would only confirm a $500 bonus but encouraged me to phone them.
Has anyone else run into this? Is the $1K bonus a targeted offer?

I'm wanting to take advantage of the $1,000 bonus for opening a new account at Etrade (see http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=103854). All my Vanguard shares are Admiral and must be converted into Investor shares in order to be transferred to Etrade. Does anyone know if this ty...

I've been doing this with my Wells Fargo account for years and have never been charged a fee.

1. The pads have not been properly bedded to the rotors. Read this link for a generic bed in procedure: http://zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm Just remember to put a couple hundred miles on them first. This could very well be your problem. Try the procedure outlined in the link above. I had th...

Could you please explain the Amazon Payments routine? I've got a couple of cards I'm working on spending requirements to get a bonus.
Thanks.

One other thing to keep in mind - OOMA plugs into either your router or modem. They recommend it be wired modem->OOMA-> router but I've got mine wired modem=>router->OOMA and it works fine. The reason for bringing this up is that the OOMA unit acts as your answering machine for retrieving voice mail...

Make them provide you with proof of the debt. This should be a detailed accounting of exactly what the debt is for - not simply an amount and a date. You also must answer in writing within 30 days of the notice to preserve your rights. Also check the statute of limitation for consumer debt in your s...

I've tried the FM transmitter type devices and found them sorely lacking. You find and unused FM frequency but as you travel, other stations start to bleed in. Very frustrating.

When I don't want to haul all my heavy, expensive 35mm gear, I pull out my Canon Powershot S95. Excellent image quality and the ability to shoot in RAW mode. The newer S100 also offer GPS capability. That might be a nice perk for your field work.

My solution to the tool battery replacement dilemma is to purchase Ridgid tools. They have a lifetime free battery replacement policy. Make sure you register your tool(s) online when purchased to validate the warranty. I'm about to replace my drill batteries for the second time.

I've had great success with Repair Clinic - http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/ ... on-t-start

They are one of a few companies that will accept returns on electronic parts. The link above guides you in troubleshooting your problem. Good luck.

I just tried updating an Excel 2003 spreadsheet using the MSN Money add on and it updated perfectly. Have you tried again recently?

I just received an email from Alliant stating that they now offer investment option for my HSA via Savedaily.com. It looks interesting but the $5.95/month service charge puts a bit of a damper on it for me. A list of the investment option can be seen at https://www.savedaily.com/partners/ACU/funds.asp

Thanks for all the thoughtful input. I think it makes sense to go with the Humana-Walmart plan ($15.10/month). It appears that it would be cheaper to take this "bare bones" option and continue to buy the drug I'm on from Canada. If I go with a plan that covers this drug, I'm up to $42.10/m...

I only take one prescription drug that I am currently purchasing from Canada. My annual outlay is about $130. I was advised to avoid part D coverage at this time. My concern is that if I should develop a medical condition that requires expensive medication, I'm likely to incur a substantial expense....

I had radiant barrier insulation installed in my office many years and and didn't see any decrease in energy usage.

Save your money. Instead, get one of those vacuum pumps that takes air out of the bottle. With no air in the bottle, there won't be any oxidation to degrade the wine quality after it's opened. Someone gave me a motorized version as a gift. They work really well, as I've had partial bottles sit in t...

I have some AmEx Membership Rewards that I would like to roll in Delta Skymiles. I understand that AmEx occasionally offers a 50% bonus when redeeming points to Delta.
Other than constantly checking, is there an automatic way to be notified when this occurs?
Thanks.

Dan, that's the one I've been using with Excel 2003 but Excel 2011 chokes on it. Google searching seems to point to setting up a web query but I've not had any luck making it work. The best one for excel (which I have used for years) is no longer supported...but you can still find it....is called MS...

I've been using Excel 2003 for Windows and the MSN Stock Quote Function to retrieve current stock quotes. I just acquired Office 2011 for my Mac and of course the MSN Stock Quote Function doesn't work. I've poked around on Google a bit but can't seem to find a way to duplicate my previous system. I ...

How about using Paypal?

I would look for a local, small community bank. When I was in business, I repeatedly received poor indifferent service from the mega-banks. A small bank will get to know you and your needs. They are much easier to work with if you have a problem.

After Googling this issue to death, I finally came up with the solution. Here's the thread that solved the problem: Do a google search, go to the bottom of the first page. Under the new search box, the second choice should be "preferences", tap that and then select "more settings"...

I was recently in France and accessed the Internet and Google on my iPad. After returning to the US, my other computer now shows my Google home page in French. I tried using google.com/ncr but it still loads in French. I'm running Chrome Version 19.0.1084.54
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I've been using http://www.planetdrugsdirect.com/ for a couple of years and have had no problems.

TRC, my wife has been after me for the last year to do something with our patio. After months of looking, we finally settled on Tiravertine tile. It was $2.99/ sq ft. We were both very pleased with the way it turned out. I laid the tile myself and it was a 5 on the 1 - 10 DIY difficulty scale. I was...

When considering whether to buy the WiFi or 3G model, consider that the 3G model had GPS. You need 3G service for detailed maps, but can still navigate fairly well without. I'm in France right now and the iPad has saved our bacon several times when my Garmin GPS faltered.