Search found 56 matches

by coldav
Tue Apr 11, 2017 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to expand my vocabulary?
Replies: 102
Views: 14973

Re: Best way to expand my vocabulary?

There is no way around it: one has to read. As one gets into reading, adding classic literature would be helpful. The Modern Library Association has a list of the best 100 novels originally written in English during the 20th century: take your pick. They not only increase one's vocabulary but aid in critical thinking skills.
by coldav
Tue Feb 21, 2017 7:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Extreme Valuations, and why you should reconsider
Replies: 307
Views: 32527

Re: Extreme Valuations, and why you should reconsider

I have read a few of John Hussman's weekly commentaries and don't have the depth of knowledge to completely understand what he is talking about. He is obviously a brainy type when it comes to investing and also refers to himself as a perma bear. What shocked me was looking at one of his funds, HSGFX (strategic growth), and seeing how terrible it has performed in the past 4 or so years. While immersed in the world of doom and gloom Mr. Hussman has missed out on the current bull market.
by coldav
Thu Oct 09, 2014 12:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Headed for a 300+ point loss today?
Replies: 464
Views: 64706

Re: Headed for a 300+ point loss today?

Hopefully, the Fed won't jump in and initiate a QE4 to save the day. Let the market sink or swim on it's own.
by coldav
Tue Sep 23, 2014 6:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to build a Vanguard portfolio
Replies: 10
Views: 1585

Re: How to build a Vanguard portfolio

Hello! I am a neophyte at this. Thinking of a 3 fund lazy portfolio. The missing link is the Vanguard Total International Stock Fund. I would add $40K to the Bond Fund, 30K to the Total U.S. Stock Fund, and 10K to the International Fund. Supposedly, at 60 years of age one should be 60% in bonds and at 70, 70% in bonds. You are in your 60's so I recommend 50% in bonds. Of course, if 50% in bonds is too low risk you can up the U.S. Stock Fund and lower the Bond Fund, keep the International one as is.
by coldav
Mon Sep 08, 2014 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 262
Views: 24700

Re: A 'really good book' you did NOT enjoy

Joyce took his "stream of consciousness" style too far in that one where it became a "stream of gibberishness."
by coldav
Mon Sep 08, 2014 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 262
Views: 24700

Re: A 'really good book' you did NOT enjoy

"Ulysses" by James Joyce. I may have got as far as 20 pages and realized I understood nothing of which I had read.

P.S. I enjoyed his "Portrait Of An Artist As A Young Man,"
by coldav
Mon Nov 19, 2012 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Suze Orman 100% equities
Replies: 40
Views: 5941

Re: Suze Orman 100% equities

I heared Ric Edelman say awhile back that Orman herself does not invest in the market though she may recommend it.
by coldav
Sun Nov 18, 2012 9:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Investments Spreads A La Mode - How Come?
Replies: 11
Views: 1059

Re: Investments Spreads A La Mode - How Come?

Hello! Thanks for the replies. The impetus for my question was a current portfolio review here where the person had .2% in this fund, .4% in another, and on it went. I suppose it got me wondering though this part has been answered if there is a duplicity taking place having so many mutual funds. Not being familiar with the investment world I guess it could occur. Personally, I would feel insecure if I had 42 different investments, and money spread out all over the place, not knowing what it's doing, how to keep track of it all; hence, the enticement of a lazy portfolio. Its great that this venue exists for neophyte investors like myself. From the limited contacts I have had with others on investing there is a lot of strange information out ...
by coldav
Sun Nov 18, 2012 7:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Investments Spreads A La Mode - How Come?
Replies: 11
Views: 1059

Investments Spreads A La Mode - How Come?

Hello! More of a lurker then a contributor here with very little money to invest. I have noticed in some of the portfolio reviews people have money invested all over the map - sometimes up to fifty or more different stocks, bonds, whatever. My question is how does that occur? How does one make a few investments and just keep adding on and on. What is the rationale behind it? Is there some sort of efficacy in pursuing such an investment strategy? Is it due to people changing jobs and signing up for IRA's with different employers offering different investments or seeing various brokers who recommend this, that, and the other thing? Overall, just curious on how and why this occurs?
by coldav
Wed Nov 14, 2012 7:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How To Position Yourself For a Meltdown
Replies: 85
Views: 10141

Re: How To Position Yourself For a Meltdown

Marc Faber appears to me to be a perma bear especially when it comes to the United States. His financial outlook for the country is always dire. I wish he would point out the country's postives just a couple of times a year instead of his constant stream of negativity.
by coldav
Sat Oct 20, 2012 1:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Your Best One Line of Wisdom
Replies: 238
Views: 23862

Re: Your Best One Line of Wisdom

"Feelings are not facts."
by coldav
Sat Oct 20, 2012 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: any recommended books to learn about Civil War
Replies: 59
Views: 4998

Re: any recommended books to learn about Civil War

It'as been awhile since I have read them but I recommend two historical fiction books: "Freedom" by William Safire and "Lincoln" by Gore Vidal. The Vidal book is shorter and gets into the character and political genius of President Lincoln. Also, I have only read one of his books but Bruce Catton used to be the go to guy on the civil war.
by coldav
Tue Oct 16, 2012 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's the Current Estimate of the Liberal Arts?
Replies: 23
Views: 2504

Re: What's the Current Estimate of the Liberal Arts?

I think today's student is looking for financial security when choosing a major; thus, the rush into STEM degrees. I would assume the liberal arts degree has lost some favorability that it had in the 1960's. Instead of exploration of the mind, society, and world, young people are thinking pocket book which is undertandable considering the cost of living compared to yesteryears.
by coldav
Sun Oct 14, 2012 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561179

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Blues wrote:"American Pastoral" by Philip Roth.

PS: McCarthy's trilogy was a fantastic (and moving) read.
Yes, McCarthy is something else. Critics consider "Blood Meridian" to be his best, but I lean toward "All The Pretty Horses" and "The Crossing" as my favorites.
by coldav
Sun Oct 14, 2012 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561179

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

"Cities of the Plain" by Cormac McCarthy. It's the third book in his Texas/Mexico trilogy, the first two being "All The Pretty Horse" and "The Crossing." I consider him to be a great contempory novelist.
by coldav
Sun Oct 07, 2012 2:51 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: [Poll] How True a Boglehead are You?
Replies: 44
Views: 3852

Re: [Poll] How "True" of a Boglehead are You?

Low income type and highly risk averse. My only 2 mutual funds are VBMFX and VTSMX, with it weighted more toward the former than the latter since I am in my 60's - 2/3's in the bond fund. I put pretty close since I am open to change, but the reasons will have to be convincing.
by coldav
Tue Sep 25, 2012 5:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's the best way to get a job?
Replies: 28
Views: 2855

Re: What's the best way to get a job?

I obtained jobs using a variety of techniques. I have noticed the generation after me appears to lean on networking more than mine. I am not saying "it's not what you know it's who you know," but it does help.
by coldav
Thu Sep 20, 2012 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Say no to high dental cost
Replies: 86
Views: 16877

Re: Say no to high dental cost

I live in Southern California and used to go to one of these low cost dental factories (my terminology). Medicaid used to pay for dental expenses in this state which meant these dental offices were filled with patients. Since the state is broke they no longer cover dental procedures other than extractions; thus, these factories are now empty.
by coldav
Thu Sep 20, 2012 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: [Enlisted in Military, How to Start?] 18 years old.
Replies: 15
Views: 1666

Re: [Enlisted in Military, How to Start?] 18 years old.

$1,600 a month, wow! In '68 I went in making about $90 a month and came out a few years later, an E-5, earning $256.

I looked up your MOS, Intelligence, and it seems like a good choice.
by coldav
Tue Sep 18, 2012 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 5K or 3K oil change?
Replies: 91
Views: 18890

Re: 5K or 3K oil change?

Leon Kaplan an automotive mechanic, shop owner, with a long running radio talk show in Los Angeles, 30 years on KABC, recommends oil changes every 5,000 miles.
by coldav
Sun Sep 16, 2012 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: One hit wonder (Albums)
Replies: 68
Views: 5233

Re: One hit wonder (Albums)

Psychedelic Era: "Incense and Peppermint" by Strawberry Alarmclock

Folk/Beat Era: "Little Wheel Spin And Spin" by Buffy Saint Marie
by coldav
Sun Sep 16, 2012 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: One hit wonder (Albums)
Replies: 68
Views: 5233

Re: One hit wonder (Albums)

An Oldie: "Angle Baby" by Rosie and The Originals"
by coldav
Fri Sep 14, 2012 9:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GM Volt
Replies: 208
Views: 20702

Re: GM Volt

The only way the Volt will move is by increasing the point of sale tax paid subsidy to such a degree that one might consider buying it. Otherwise, it will go the way of the Edsel.
by coldav
Fri Sep 14, 2012 6:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GM Volt
Replies: 208
Views: 20702

Re: GM Volt

The $10,000 subsidy is already in the 2013 federal budget as a line item that won't be voted on until after the election. Also, this tax payer sweetener will be at point of sale.

Dan Akerson GM CEO said the target buyer for the Volt was an individual making $170,000 a year.
by coldav
Fri Sep 14, 2012 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GM Volt
Replies: 208
Views: 20702

Re: GM Volt

The government will try it's hardest to keep this thing going with the Volt. The $7,500 tax subsidy is set to go to $10,000 in the next 2013 federal budget. If that doesn't work it would go to $15,000 and onward & upward. The sales are at 14,000 so far, 26,000 less than the projected 40,000. The target buyer of this vehicle are those making $170,000 a year. How many in that bracket would forgo a BMW, Lexus, or any comparable $30,000 auotmobile for a Volt? Well, we have 14,000 and I doubt the sky is the limit on it. If this does end up like all successful evolutionary business products, GM will probably be somewhat analygous to Sperry Univac the first producer of the computer: a footnote in history - albeit, a large one instead of small.
by coldav
Fri Sep 14, 2012 6:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [being a successful landlord in a bad neighborhood]
Replies: 27
Views: 2883

I live in a semi hood and practically every apartment building except the one I reside in is section 8. Am unsure of the few houses in the area. I notice the turnover is small and vacancy rates are non existent.
by coldav
Thu Sep 13, 2012 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GM Volt
Replies: 208
Views: 20702

Re: GM Volt

According to automotive columnist, Eric Peters, the Volt costs GM $89,000 to build, sells for $39,350 with a payback subsidy to the buyer of $7,500. If this is true how are they making any money on this venture?
by coldav
Mon Aug 27, 2012 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561179

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Doing a reread of "Adventures Of Augie March" by Saul Bellow. For sure, a heavy hitter author, winning several awards including the Noble Prize for literature. It's the only book I have read of his. Sometimes I am lost with his references to philosphy and mythology, but otherwise enjoy this coming of age book during the Great Depression in Chicago.
by coldav
Sat Aug 11, 2012 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: On SSDI - rights regarding possible house inheritance
Replies: 10
Views: 2660

Re: On SSDI - rights regarding possible house inheritance

I am on SSDI and I don't now much about law, but the only right you have is freedom to live where you want if it is affordable. Once I lived in those group homes, couldn't stand them, and left to live on my own.

If and when the house is inherited and your siblings elect to sell then you will have to leave. Also, if one's assets exceed $2,000 they are not eligible to get HUD section 8 housing. At least that is how it is in California. That said, where I live there is senior housing for those over 62, whose income is less than 29,000 a year, and works like section 8 which I am looking into. They all seem to have extraordinarily long waiting lists.
by coldav
Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561179

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

"Swamplandia" by Karen Russell. It is one of the 3 books recommended to the Pulitzer Prize committee for best fiction of 2011 which no award was given. I am about 100 pages into it and have yet to get a handle on the author's style of writing. It will come to me but the question is: when?
by coldav
Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561179

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Just finished "Rust" by Julie Mars. An excellent contemporary novel set in New Mexico.
by coldav
Sat Jun 16, 2012 9:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Music Recommendations]
Replies: 103
Views: 9850

Re: What music are you listening to right now...

Best of Van Morrison +1 I'm a HUGE Van Morrison fan and am slowly collecting his entire discography. The Best of Van Morrison Volume 3 is pretty sweet overall. But my favorite favorite favorite Van Morrison, heck my favorite CD in the world is Van Morrison's "A Night in San Francisco" - which is a live album and features other great singers like John Lee Hooker, Junior Wells, Jimmy Witherspoon, Georgie Fame, Brian Kennedy etc. And Candy Dulfer's Sax solos in there are amazing. It even tops his "It's too late to stop now" which considered one of the best lives albums to ever been record. "A Night in San Fransisco" is the best live album I have ever heard. Period! But if you're not Van Morrison fan or haven't re...
by coldav
Sat Jun 16, 2012 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Music Recommendations]
Replies: 103
Views: 9850

Re: [Music Recommendations]

Dittos on Van Morrison's "A Night in San Francisco." Super hot!

Another gem: John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme."
by coldav
Sat Jun 16, 2012 6:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Music Recommendations]
Replies: 103
Views: 9850

Re: What music are you listening to right now...

I, too, saw James Brown and his Famous Flames at L.A.'s Shrine Auditorium and the Sports Arena. Fabulous entertainer.
by coldav
Tue Jun 05, 2012 7:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Financial Books We Detest
Replies: 61
Views: 7107

Re: Financial Books We Detest

Harry Dent's not 1 but 2 recent books on the depression which should be experiencing right now.
by coldav
Tue May 29, 2012 7:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561179

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Just finished William Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying." His material is difficult with his semi Joycean stream of consciousness style, Deep South themes, and dictionary reaching words. This is the second book I have read by him and consider him to be an extraordinary author.
by coldav
Tue May 29, 2012 7:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When Full Faith and Credit is not good enough?
Replies: 31
Views: 2962

Re: When Full Faith and Credit is not good enough?

Harry Dent as written not 1 but 2 books stating we should be in an economic depression starting last year. Recently, I saw a short interview he gave in Australia and seemed to walk that back or avoid the question - it was hard to tell. We will always have doom and gloomers but the trick is to discern which ones are blowing smoke or better yet, avoid listening to them.
by coldav
Mon May 28, 2012 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [looking for consumer products] that truly last...
Replies: 56
Views: 7157

Re: [looking for consumer products] that truly last...

Not a technical type but CCrane radios are the only electronic products I own that seem to last.
by coldav
Tue May 08, 2012 10:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Economics. [Does it help the investor?]
Replies: 83
Views: 7079

Re: Economics. What do you think?

In the public arena it seems that so much of the discourse in economics is between those on the left like Paul Krugman & Joseph Stiglitz and the ones on the right like Peter Schiff &Thomas Sowell. It's analygous to psychiatrists in criminal court cases, one for the defense and one for the prosecution. So, in the political economy world, it helps. In my opinion, as far as investing is concerned, there is "some rubber that meets the road" but not much.
by coldav
Tue May 08, 2012 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is average good enough???
Replies: 42
Views: 3778

Re: Is average good enough???

Recovery International a mental health self help group founded by Dr. Abraham Low: "Recovery stands for averageness and shuns the extremes."
by coldav
Tue May 08, 2012 7:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best book, intro to economics
Replies: 54
Views: 6826

Re: Best book, intro to economics

"The Worldly Philosophers" - "The Life, Times and Ideas of The Great Economic Thinkers" by Robert Heilbroner - Note: For what you are after this is a must read.

"Naked Economics" - "Understanding The Dismal Science" by Charles Wheelan
by coldav
Sun May 06, 2012 6:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: In debt--Need Help --
Replies: 39
Views: 4824

Re: In debt--Need Help --

I haven't read the article but in the alternative paper, LA Weekly (Los Angeles) (it's probably online, too), there is a long article on U.S. military veterans with serious gambling problems. Just glancing at it there appears to be little set up by the V.A. to treat it. They mentioned the only major site is at a V.A. Hospital in Cleveland whereas practically all their hospitals treat substance abuse and mental illness. Apparently, it is a problem that is not being dealt with adequately.
by coldav
Sun May 06, 2012 12:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Real inflation and best source for it
Replies: 48
Views: 3601

Re: Real inflation and best source for it

If you are a consumer of food and gas the 2% or 3% inflation rate that is touted is fiction - not to be taken seriously, and certainly not amusing.
by coldav
Sun May 06, 2012 7:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Real inflation and best source for it
Replies: 48
Views: 3601

Re: Real inflation and best source for it

The U.S. inflation data put out by the government appear to be artificially low at least in California where I live. It seems that they low ball energy, food, healthcare, and higher education. How they say it's always less than 2% year over year lately is beyond my comprehension. One skeptic said just add a zero (2+0: 20) to any number they say it is then you will get the real inflation for the year. I think that is far fetched but believe the powers that be give us bogus data.
by coldav
Tue May 01, 2012 11:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2/3 fund portfolio not enough any more ?
Replies: 23
Views: 2710

Re: 2/3 fund portfolio not enough any more ?

mhc wrote:Welcome to the forum.

I do not see a problem with a 3-fund portfolio of TSM, TISM, and TBM. Boglehead investing philosophy is not about market timing, so it does not need updating every time the headlines change.

If you can accurately predict the future, you should be extremely wealthy. I can't predict the future, so I will stick with TSM/TISM/TBM.
What is a TISM? Is it a total international stock market?
by coldav
Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561179

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

I got on a Norman Mailor kick and read his "Castle In The Forest" an historical novel about Adolf Hitler in his youth but the focus was mostly on his father Alois. Then I read "Executioner's Song" which concerned the life, criminal offenses, prosecution, and execution, by firing squad of Gary Gilmore in Utah. It was over 1,000 pages but quite good. The one on Hitler was so-so. I think his best was his first novel, "The Naked and the Dead," about a squad of combat infantrymen in World War 2.
by coldav
Sun Apr 22, 2012 7:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bob Brinker
Replies: 47
Views: 15609

Re: Bob Brinker

Thanks for the advice. I'll put William Bernstein's book at the top of my non fiction reading list. I noticed it is at our county library system in several branches.
by coldav
Fri Apr 20, 2012 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561179

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Blood Meridian -- Cormac McCarthy. One of the better books I've read, ever, though might not be everyone tastes. Horrific. Also rereading No Country for Old Men for a second time. Anyone know of any good authros who write in a style similar to McCarthy's later books. By that I mean stark, little to no detail, no interspection. I'm amazed at how he does with so little. I'm assuming you've read his Border Trilogy: All the Pretty Horses , The Crossing , and Cities of the Plain . McCarthy is one of my favorite fiction authors; sounds like you, too. Cormac McCarthy is a great author. Right, "Blood Meridian" is his best but not for everyone. His view of humanity appears to be very dark. His Border Trilogy was superb except in my opinio...
by coldav
Fri Apr 20, 2012 6:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bob Brinker
Replies: 47
Views: 15609

Re: Bob Brinker

Bait and switch.

I like your blogspot/commentary on his radio programs.
by coldav
Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Harry Dent: Cassandra or Fortune Teller?
Replies: 25
Views: 2577

Re: Harry Dent: Cassandra or Fortune Teller?

Me, too, after 2 books that appear to be in every library I go to.