Search found 100 matches

by dodgy55
Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question about Turbo Tax
Replies: 8
Views: 730

Question about Turbo Tax

[Topic is now in Personal Finance (Not Investing) - TurboTax question. mod mkc]

At this time of year I get a Turbo Tax CD from the local Staples. Because of my investments in stocks I feel I need to purchase the more expensive Premier edition. My buddy told me that if I get the Basic edition and I download my financial data from the financial firms it will automatically fill out all the required tax forms. Has any BHer tried this? If so does it work OK?
by dodgy55
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: The classic dilemma between income and growth... Where should I be?
Replies: 40
Views: 2449

Re: The classic dilemma between income and growth... Where should I be?

Just curious about your $1,500 monthly living expenses. Not to be flip but are you living in your parents basement? I am 76 years ole and I cannot ever recall having such a low amount of living expenses once I left my parents home. If you can continue at that level of expense I think you can be a lot more aggressive in your investments.
by dodgy55
Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blocking callers on Iphone
Replies: 22
Views: 2194

Re: Blocking callers on Iphone

I want to thank all who responded to my topic. Did not know about being able to silence non-contact callers on IPhone. This should provide some relief. Thanks for the tech support.
by dodgy55
Wed Feb 28, 2024 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: SNOW blower Toro Vs Arien (24")
Replies: 21
Views: 2114

Re: SNOW blower Toro Vs Arien (24")

I live on Cape Cod and only need my snow blower once or twice per year. My electric start 24"Arien is 4 years old and it has served me perfectly. After the winter is long gone I start the engine, drain the gas tank while it is running, and let it stop itself from lack of fuel. Next year it starts right up.

My only regret was that I did not buy snow chains. Being frugal I thought I could get by without buying tire chains. Big mistake, spend the added $80 and you will be thanking yourself every time you use it. After our last storm two weeks ago, it was a heavy, wet 4" storm and my tires were spinning all over the place. Finally broke down and ordered the chains.
by dodgy55
Wed Feb 28, 2024 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blocking callers on Iphone
Replies: 22
Views: 2194

Blocking callers on Iphone

I am at my wits end. For the past several months I have been getting multiple calls daily wanting to send me new updated benefits provided by Medicare. I know these are scams and once you provide your medicare number its off to the races. My Iphone allows me to block future calls by the calling number. So far I must have blocked over 150 phone numbers but they still come up with new numbers to call me on. I am just curious, how can a scam artist come up with so many new phone numbers? Also, I am sure other Bogleheads have had this experience. Have you come up with a way to stop these irritating calls? If so let me know how. In the beginning I use to speak with these callers and I would let them know they are the rodents of the earth and use...
by dodgy55
Sun Feb 18, 2024 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book?
Replies: 187
Views: 20531

Re: What is your favorite book?

In my 75 years of life I have read a lot of books and a few I consider to be in the pantheon of reading. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles comes to mind. I am sure there are a few others but my brain cells cannot open that file drawer yet.

This book may have been recommended previously but there are so many suggestions I did not read them all. My apologies.
by dodgy55
Thu Dec 14, 2023 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How best to dry off passenger seat
Replies: 23
Views: 3374

How best to dry off passenger seat

We are getting ready to drive to Florida from Mass. and the other day my wife left the passenger side window open a few inches. It rained pretty heavy that night and now we have a soggy wet seat and arm rest. Other than leaving the car in the sun and using a hair dryer are there any other options we can consider?
by dodgy55
Sat Dec 31, 2022 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Senior Living Facilities in St. Augustine, FL
Replies: 2
Views: 635

Senior Living Facilities in St. Augustine, FL

My elderly sister is considering moving into an Assisted Living Facility around St. Augustine, Florida and she is looking to me (her baby brother) for help. Since I live in Massachusetts I have no idea what facilities are like in Florida. Just wondering if there are any Bogleheads who can comment of the quality of assisted living facilities in the St. Augustine, Fl. area. I will be contacting the local Council on Aging and seeking their input but I also value the independent comments of Boglehead members.
by dodgy55
Sat Nov 12, 2022 8:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Just wondering your opinion of cause of inflation
Replies: 3
Views: 528

Just wondering your opinion of cause of inflation

When I took college Economics 101 back in the 1960's I learned the cause of inflation was simply "...demand exceeds supply..". But now I am not so sure. I constantly read articles in the web site Real Clear Markets as to the various opinions on causes of inflation. There are certain knowledgeable individuals that I follow religiously and they seem to have a different take on causes of inflation. Individuals such as John Tammy seem to feel that government spending and excessive government debts are not the culprits of inflation. Rather, they state inflation is more due to lack of manufacturing production. Their theory is that govt. spending and govt. debt is a tax on the private sector and reduces the available monies for growth. S...
by dodgy55
Wed Sep 21, 2022 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mini vacation to Albany, NY
Replies: 15
Views: 1424

Mini vacation to Albany, NY

Wife & I are getting bored with daily routine and are looking at going on a no stress mini vacation. Thought of seeing how far a one day drive would take us and Albany, NY came up. I also have a warm & fuzzy feeling about visiting state capitals due to their history and governmental institutions.

If there are Bogleheads that know Albany well can you share places and eateries to visit. We would only be staying two or three days. Lodging recommendations would also be appreciated providing they are on the frugal (not cheap) side. Thank you for any thoughts you are willing to share.
by dodgy55
Sun Feb 13, 2022 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need opinion on pork ribs
Replies: 43
Views: 3582

Need opinion on pork ribs

I have only cooked ribs once or twice for myself and was not concerned as to type of rib. However, I volunteered to cook ribs for a social group (20-25 members) in a few weeks and I am on the fence as to which type of ribs would be best for this group. From reading the internet I have narrowed the choicest to baby back, spareribs, and St. Louis ribs. For those BH with vast experience in oven cooking ribs I would like your opinion as to which is the easiest to cook in an oven. I am not looking for a recipe here, just your opinion as to what rib you would serve a group of 20 or so and why.
by dodgy55
Sun Dec 12, 2021 9:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
Replies: 18
Views: 1433

Re: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11

travelspot wrote: Sun Dec 12, 2021 1:00 pm I transferred all of my music from a 6s to an 11. Including thousands of songs from CDs along with the ones purchased on iTunes.

I didn’t have a problem, and think the difference is that I didn’t rely on the Cloud. I believe the Cloud won’t allow transfers of non-iTunes songs. But, I backed up my entire 6s into my desktop Mac harddrive (via iTunes), then plugged my new 11 into the Mac and followed the prompts to push it all onto the new phone.
In Itunes Did you do "A Restore From Backup"?
by dodgy55
Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
Replies: 18
Views: 1433

Re: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11

Apple iPhone are blu tooth compatible. I was able to transfer all apps, data, contacts, etc. except music. My music was bought the old fashion way, at retail stores. I copied to laptop and downloaded to my 6S iPhone. No can do with iPhone 11
by dodgy55
Sun Dec 12, 2021 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
Replies: 18
Views: 1433

Re: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11

Went online and looked at CopyTrans. Not sure if it solves my dilemma. I already have music on my laptop, that is how I got it to the 6S iPHone. My problem is getting the music to my new iPhone 11. The CopyTrans narrative gives a clue as to why I cannot transfer music from my laptop. Appears the music industry was afraid of music sharing and was able to have Apple block this option.
by dodgy55
Sat Dec 11, 2021 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
Replies: 18
Views: 1433

Re: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11

With my 6S iPhone I did use iCloud for storage. But I cannot figure out why the music did not download. I still think because I did not buy the music from Apple it will not transfer.
by dodgy55
Sat Dec 11, 2021 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
Replies: 18
Views: 1433

Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11

My phone carrier (Tracfone) recently informed me they would no longer support my iPhone 6S. I am very happy with my 6S and would keep it forever if I could. However, I did bite the bullet and purchased a new unlocked iPhone 11 from Apple. For the most part Apple makes it very simple to transfer data from the 6S to the 11. Here is the but, I had a number of albums on my 6S but the music files did not transfer to the 11. I am thinking because I did not purchase the music from iTunes, it was blocked electronically. I was able to get the music on my 6S by copying a CD to my laptop and exporting it to my 6S. I am looking for a work around to get my albums from the 6S to the iPhone 11. I saw on the internet some apps to do this, but I am somewhat...
by dodgy55
Wed Sep 15, 2021 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why is my golf watch so far off?
Replies: 24
Views: 3077

Why is my golf watch so far off?

A few months ago I purchased a Garmin S10 golf watch that measures the yardage distance to the next green. I play a couple of times a week with three other guys who also have golf watches. One guy has a more expensive Garmin watch, while the other two guys have a different brand golf watch. I notice that on many holes all four watches are pretty much in agreement on the distance to the green, but on certain holes my watch is 8 to 10 yards higher in yardage distance. The other three watches always seem to be in agreement. Can someone explain why if all watches are using satellites to calculate the distance to the green, why is my watch so far off? Do watches access different satellites?
by dodgy55
Thu Aug 19, 2021 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need advice on motor for Delta table saw
Replies: 13
Views: 1139

Need advice on motor for Delta table saw

I have a 3 hp 220v Delta table saw. I bought it about 25 years ago. It has run great until I tried to use it this morning. The motor would not start. There is juice to the outlet. The thought of taking the saw apart to free up the motor for bringing it to a repair shop is daunting as well as a lot of work.
Does anyone have ideas as to what I could do to troubleshoot the electrical problem before I take it all apart? All suggestions greatly appreciated.
by dodgy55
Fri May 07, 2021 6:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY pedestal for flat screen TV
Replies: 9
Views: 1076

Re: DIY pedestal for flat screen TV

I wish to thank all those who responded to my posting. I went to the Amazon site as suggested and they had what looks to be the perfect answer. I am surprised that the salesperson I spoke with at Best Buy did not offer such a suggestion. Any way, it seems my problem is solved.
by dodgy55
Fri May 07, 2021 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY pedestal for flat screen TV
Replies: 9
Views: 1076

DIY pedestal for flat screen TV

Looking to buy new 40" to 50"flat screen TV but the chicken legs on these new models are too far apart to sit on our existing console. I spent about 6 months and a few hundred $ building a custom wood console to fit our existing TV so I do want to be able to use it. The wall above the TV will not allow for wall hanging. Has any handy Boglehead come up with a pedestal type structure ( preferably made out of wood) that securely holds the TV in place and is small enough to fit on a 28" surface? One of my concerns are the speakers located on the underneath side which might interfere with securing the TV to the pedestal. Before I buy the new TV I want to be assured there is a way to secure the TV without using the chicken legs. An...
by dodgy55
Fri Apr 16, 2021 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing gas fired furnace
Replies: 1
Views: 307

Replacing gas fired furnace

Recently had a plumber visit me to give a quote on replacing my 15 year old natural gas hot water tank. The first thing he said when he saw my heating system was that I needed to replace my boiler and should consider having an indirect hot water storage tank. He checked the tag on my boiler and confirmed it was manufactured in 1996 which would make it around 21 years old. Is 21 years old for a gas fired boiler? Also, is it more efficient & economical to have one boiler heat both home heating & hot water? I am waiting for a final formal quote but he gave a ball park amount of between $3,500 to $4,500 for this system. This plumber is an employee, not the boss who does the estimating. I contacted a 2nd plumber for a quote and he emaile...
by dodgy55
Tue Feb 09, 2021 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking to download password free chess game
Replies: 6
Views: 519

Re: Looking to download password free chess game

As suggested by xenial I went to the Lichess web page and played one simple game. It looks like a winner for me. Very simple to navigate, no password required, no ads. I believe this will do the trick. Looking forward to getting to know the site better. Thank you very much for the suggestion.
by dodgy55
Tue Feb 09, 2021 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking to download password free chess game
Replies: 6
Views: 519

Looking to download password free chess game

Past 12 months I have been playing computer card games to while away the boredom. Looking to change my routine and maybe improve my primitive chess skills. If possible I would like to download a free chess app that does not require setting up a separate account. My primary desire is play against the computer and hopefully, not have to create another pw account. I have more than enough pw accounts now. Am I asking for too much? If not, can someone suggest a chess game app to download to my laptop. I did a search of the BH archive but did not find a similar thread.
by dodgy55
Sun Dec 06, 2020 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reason for dripping safety relief valve
Replies: 19
Views: 1143

Re: Reason for dripping safety relief valve

When plumber came to purge my system I did mention that my expansion tank sounded full of water when I tapped it. I do not remember if he said anything about it before he left. Sounds like the expansion tank is the culprit. Will have plumber check it out.
by dodgy55
Sun Dec 06, 2020 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reason for dripping safety relief valve
Replies: 19
Views: 1143

Re: Reason for dripping safety relief valve

I replaced the original pressure relief valve with a similar valve. Since the original valve did not drip there is no reason for a similar valve to not be an improper rated valve. I did omit one bit of info, it is not a constant drip. The bulk of the water seems to occur early in the morning when my house thermostat tells the boiler it is time to bring the house heat up to the designated setting. Night setting is at 64F while the daytime setting is 69F.
by dodgy55
Sun Dec 06, 2020 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reason for dripping safety relief valve
Replies: 19
Views: 1143

Reason for dripping safety relief valve

I have a gas fired hot water boiler for my furnace. Age is around 20 years. A few months ago I noticed some water puddling directly beneath the safety valve extension pipe. I changed the valve and the problem went away. However, a few weeks ago I had a plumber purge my system of air in the pipes. A few days after I again noticed puddling under the safety valve extension pipe. So I changed the safety valve again. Unfortunately, I still see water under the extension pipe. The amount of water is around 1/4 cup per 24 hour period. I monitored the boiler pressure & heat for several days. The temp ranged from 120F to 175F degrees while the pressure was in the range of 20 to 35 lbs. In my opinion (I am not a plumber) this range in temp & p...
by dodgy55
Sun Nov 29, 2020 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ideas needed on work boots
Replies: 9
Views: 765

Re: Ideas needed on work boots

I go in and out of my house several times a day so I'd rather not have to take off my boots every time I enter my home.
by dodgy55
Sun Nov 29, 2020 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ideas needed on work boots
Replies: 9
Views: 765

Ideas needed on work boots

Awhile ago I purchased a pair of good quality work boots. As a retired individual I do not have a need for work boots but I thought they would be an advantage over a soft shoe like sneakers while I work in my garden or putz around on my concrete cellar floor. I have found them very comfortable and am quite happy with their performance. Now here is the "but"... I do find that the lug sole does pack in mud, dirt, etc., in the indentations, which I eventually bring into my home. I am thinking of filling the lug sole with some sort of composite material to make a smooth sole surface. Does anyone have ideas on a material I can purchase to fill the indentations on my lug sole with?
by dodgy55
Sun Sep 20, 2020 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What can I expect from new golf clubs
Replies: 96
Views: 7544

Re: What can I expect from new golf clubs

Went to the David Pelz videos as suggested by a couple of BH's above. I can see where they can be of help. Thanks for the suggestion.
by dodgy55
Sun Sep 20, 2020 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What can I expect from new golf clubs
Replies: 96
Views: 7544

Re: What can I expect from new golf clubs

Unless I can take the pro around the golf course with me I am not convinced lessons are the best choice for me at this time. Hitting shots from a practice tee can only reveal so much. My problems start after I hit the ball off the T box.
by dodgy55
Sun Sep 20, 2020 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What can I expect from new golf clubs
Replies: 96
Views: 7544

What can I expect from new golf clubs

Several years ago when I retired I took up the game of golf. My brother-in-law had some clubs he never used and gave them to me. After playing for the past several years I find my game has not improved to the level I feel I should be at. I am 72 years old and in good health. My golf handicap is around 26, but I feel I should be around 18 to 20. Hitting for distance is not an issue, my biggest concern is accuracy and consistency. Some folks have suggested a new set of clubs might make a big difference. My current clubs I am guessing are around 20 years old or more. I try to play once or twice a week. Not sure if my problems are due to lack of sufficient playing time; my lack of ability; or the age of my clubs. Before I shell out a +$1,000 or...
by dodgy55
Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A Simple Baseball Question, Maybe
Replies: 31
Views: 3273

Re: A Simple Baseball Question, Maybe

Just want to thank all who took the time to respond to my original posting. Would not have guessed at the level of technical support these announcers have while calling balls & strikes. I am always amazed as to the knowledge & experience of the Boglehead folks. Thanks again.
by dodgy55
Mon Aug 03, 2020 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A Simple Baseball Question, Maybe
Replies: 31
Views: 3273

A Simple Baseball Question, Maybe

Being retired and staying at home waiting for the Covid virus to disappear sometimes makes my mind wander to places I never knew I had in my brain. For example, while watching our beloved Red Sox do what they are paid to do it got me to wondering how the announcers are able to (with 100% certainty) identify the type of pitch it was. They instantly report the pitch as being either slider, cut fastball, curve, split finger, etc. Now this year these announcers are located in the TV studios around 10 miles away from Fenway Park. So I am guessing they are seeing the same TV screen that I am seeing. I am sure there are enough Bogelheads to fill a stadium that can explain how these announcers identify the type of pitch in a fraction of a second. P...
by dodgy55
Fri Jul 10, 2020 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: At crossroads with 2003 Ford Ranger
Replies: 15
Views: 1088

At crossroads with 2003 Ford Ranger

Recently noticed stains in my driveway so I peaked under my Ranger and saw drips of oil collecting at base of oil pan. Brought to local mechanic who I have a decent amount of faith in. They needed to put a dye in the fluid in order to confirm source of leak. Appears leak is due to oil pan gasket. Because of this Ford Ranger design, the motor needs to come out in order to access the bolts to remove the oil pan. This is an all day project and we are looking at around $1200 bill. Called the local Ford dealer for a 2nd opinion and the service manager said he would not touch this truck due to its age. He advise to bring it to a local garage. My local mechanic also suggested that since the motor is out I should consider replacing the gasket on th...
by dodgy55
Fri May 22, 2020 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to look for when buying a table saw?
Replies: 53
Views: 4874

Re: What to look for when buying a table saw?

I have been a hobby wood worker for close to 30 years and I would strongly suggest you research the various sources and make your selection based on proven quality. Price should be the last criteria. I doubt the cheaper table saws can cut a true straight line. When I purchased my table saw back in the 1990's it seemed that Delta & Powermatic were the quality table saws on the retail market. I ended up buying a 10" Delta 3 hp with a Biesemeyer fence. My only regret is that I did not buy the 5 hp model. If you are looking to do serious cabinet work, I would not get anything less than a 3 hp. I'd say the hysteria around safety should not deter you from choosing a table saw. In most wood working establishments the table saw is the work...
by dodgy55
Fri May 22, 2020 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Access to cabin blower fan for 2003 Ford Ranger
Replies: 7
Views: 532

Re: Access to cabin blower fan for 2003 Ford Ranger

My first choice is always to go to You Tube no matter what my DIY project is. However, I have been to You Tube and most of the videos has to do with replacing the air filter under the hood. I am looking to fix the rattling noise in the cabin blower fan. Just about all the videos show the cabin air filter located behind the glove box. My Ranger does not have that configuration. I have been to other internet sites and they usually want me to buy the repair manual. Not happening at this time. I will research the sources provided by atikovi. Thanks for the help
by dodgy55
Thu May 21, 2020 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Access to cabin blower fan for 2003 Ford Ranger
Replies: 7
Views: 532

Access to cabin blower fan for 2003 Ford Ranger

Turned on my cabin blower fan this morning and there was this annoying rattling sound, like a bunch of leaves were in the fan blades. Thought it was an easy job to pop off the glove box and remove the air filter to see if there was any obstructions. Come to find out, this model Ranger does not have a cabin air filter. Has any Bogleheads had a similar experience and if so what the cause may be? Is this a DIY project or bring to a garage project?
by dodgy55
Thu May 14, 2020 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Secrets to a great lawn
Replies: 65
Views: 7104

Re: Secrets to a great lawn

In the past I have used Scotts Weed & Feed and got decent results. Also, I live in the Northeast near the coast so we do not experience extreme heat during summer. But I do try to avoid cutting my lawn from late June to middle August which is normally the hot dry period. I do not have a sprinkler system. Wife isn't too keen on the looks but, funny how when you start to mow the grass again in August it looks pretty good and nobody remembers to tall uncut grass of July. Last Fall I was listening to a garden call in show on the radio. The radio host is very knowledgeable about garden stuff and lawns. She suggested we learn to embrace the dandelions and clover. At first I thought NO WAY! However I am re-thinking my earlier position and ever...
by dodgy55
Mon May 11, 2020 6:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need advice on replacing boiler pressure relief valve
Replies: 7
Views: 607

Need advice on replacing boiler pressure relief valve

The other day I went into my basement and noticed water puddling around my gas fired hot water furnace. I quickly saw the source of the water was a dripping coming from the pressure relief valve extension pipe. Since my system is around 20 years old I figured it is due to crud getting into the valve. I wish to replace the valve myself, it does not look complicated. However the existing valve does not indicate the pressure rating. There is a label on the furnace that has some PSI numbers but I cannot tell how they apply to my furnace. I went to the local plumbing supply warehouse and saw a variety pressure sizes of valves. Can someone tell me how to determine what size pressure valve I need. Also, some of the You Tube videos suggest I should...
by dodgy55
Thu May 07, 2020 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you back up your important data?
Replies: 104
Views: 7830

Re: Where do you back up your important data?

I try to keep it simple. Only data I back up is: passwords, and financial statements. I make a copy to a thumbdrive. Easy to store and carry around. I do not have confidence in Cloud storage
by dodgy55
Thu May 07, 2020 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Will a vpn complicate or improve my internet experience?
Replies: 55
Views: 5931

Will a vpn complicate or improve my internet experience?

Received an email from the folks at McAfee offering free vpn service. A casual internet search indicates I would be better off going with a fee for service vpn provider. While I am comfortable using a computer I still hesitate installing or dealing with any new software. Can someone advise me as to the degree to which a vpn will complicate my life or improve the quality of my internet experience?
by dodgy55
Tue Jun 25, 2019 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this overkill on construction work
Replies: 11
Views: 2265

Is this overkill on construction work

I have an interest in a house in Northern New Hampshire. This winter's snowfall created excess weight on the front porch roof and part of the porch pulled away from the main building as well as sank a few inches. Part of the original house was built in the late 1800's. A lot of the house has been updated, but unfortunately, some areas still has that old world charm. The contractor who is doing the repairs has shown me areas where the upgraded work is pretty shoddy. For example the support post for the porch simply rest on a dirt surface. No provision was made for digging below the frost line and pouring a concrete slab. The contractor is proposing to dig three holes (one for each support post) 30" X 30" 4' deep and pour a 14"...
by dodgy55
Tue Jun 18, 2019 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: IPhone 6 - showing some age
Replies: 100
Views: 12928

Re: IPhone 6 - showing some age

I also have an Iphone 6 which has a battery issue. Took it to a phone repair shop in a strip mall. His test confirmed the battery had degraded substantialy. He would replace the battery for $75 and it would take only 20 minutes. Only problem was that the waterproof feature of the phone would be compromised. Even though I do not go near the water with my Iphone, I could not pull the trigger and have him replace the battery. So I just re-charge my phone every other day or so. This inconvenience is worth keeping my Iphone in original condition for a few more years.
by dodgy55
Sat Jun 01, 2019 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy Euros from local bank or use ATM in Europe
Replies: 37
Views: 3903

Should I buy Euros from local bank or use ATM in Europe

Wife & I are planning a Fall trip to Portugal/Spain. Doing some planning and in reading Rick Steves travel guide he suggests buying the Euros with our debit card when we arrive at the airport in Portugal/Spain. This would avoid high exchange fees by our local bank. Normally I would exchange all our required currency at a local bank rather than deal with ATM's and European banks. Curious as to whether travel savvy Bogelheads would agree with this advice.
by dodgy55
Sun May 26, 2019 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need help with landline service
Replies: 8
Views: 936

Need help with landline service

A few weeks ago I learned that when friends called us on our Comcast landline they got the message: "answering service not available". Because our phone hardware was several years old I figured I needed to upgrade. However, after buying a new AT&T landline 3 handset answering system, I just found out callers at times get the same message that the answering service is not available. The curious thing though, this malfunction seems to be intermittent. Our landline service with Comcast is part of a bundle along with internet and TV.

Has anyone else experienced a similar issue with their landline phone answering system? More importantly, can anyone tell me if the problem is with Comcast service or my phone hardware?
by dodgy55
Sun Apr 21, 2019 8:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Proxy vote for additional authorized shares
Replies: 3
Views: 342

Re: Proxy vote for additional authorized shares

I get that companies at times need additional capital to finance certain activities such as purchasing capital equipment/buildings, creating an employee stock option plan, or buying another going concern. But to issue additional shares for primarily motivating and compensating highly paid executive is somewhat questionable. I would think a mature successful company would already have highly paid motivated executives.
by dodgy55
Sun Apr 21, 2019 3:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Proxy vote for additional authorized shares
Replies: 3
Views: 342

Proxy vote for additional authorized shares

That time of the year when I get mail for my proxy vote. Being the nerd that I am, I do try to at least read the proposals up for vote. It seems that one popular proposal is to increase the number of shares authorized. The reason for the increase is generally to provide added incentives for the executives to properly manage the company. As a matter of principle I usually vote against such a proposal. I just cannot understand why a company would need to take this action to motivate executives. I feel my shares would be diluted. I realize I am at a disadvantage since I do not have particular knowledge of the situation. Can anyone provide some insight as to when an increase in total authorized shares would be in my best interest. What should I...
by dodgy55
Sat Feb 09, 2019 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Expanding sound of Amazon Echo Dot
Replies: 6
Views: 516

Expanding sound of Amazon Echo Dot

Just got an Amazon Echo Dot two days ago and so far my wife & I think it is a real hoot. Took awhile for the tech stuff to sink in but feel much more confident with each passing day. Feels pretty weird when you find yourself saying "please" & "thank you" to a piece of furniture (Alexa). Would like to have sound throughout our first floor living area and thinking of getting an Echo speaker ($69) and putting it in another room and syncing it with the Echo Dot. We do not need high performance sound, just background music to keep us company. Has any Boglehead tried a similar deal to spread music around the living area? Is there a better alternative?
by dodgy55
Wed Jan 23, 2019 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cleaning cast iron skillet
Replies: 37
Views: 3522

Cleaning cast iron skillet

After much use, our cast iron skillet had a rough cooking surface and to get a smooth surface I sanded it with emory cloth. It sure came out smooth and clean. However the wife says I ruined the finish and we should think about getting a new one. I feel we just need to re-season the pan and it will be as good as new. Belatedly, I looked around the internet and most sites advised to only use a stiff plastic type brush for cleaning. I'd like opinions as to whether putting emory cloth to cast iron is OK and a simple seasoning process will do or should I consider a new one?
by dodgy55
Wed Nov 28, 2018 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Changing coolant on 2012 CR-V
Replies: 20
Views: 2917

Re: Changing coolant on 2012 CR-V

Based on the DIY comments I am now thinking of doing it myself. No comments in regards to flushing the system. Just curious as to whether flushing the system is necessary and if so how difficult is it.