Search found 679 matches
- Thu Mar 14, 2024 6:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Election spam texts
- Replies: 41
- Views: 2465
Re: Election spam texts
I have never gotten election spam texts on my phone. However, when in Youtube, I see election ads which annoys me to no end. What I do is set my VPN to say, a server in Australia before using Youtube, and the election ads are replaced by ads for Tim Tams.
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:36 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
- Replies: 11037
- Views: 2066090
Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Dune - Part 2
I thought this quite the epic spectacle, that begs for seeing in an IMAX theater. Really enjoyed it, a fantastic movie.
I thought this quite the epic spectacle, that begs for seeing in an IMAX theater. Really enjoyed it, a fantastic movie.
- Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:45 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: (H&R Block Desktop) Vanguard Treasury/Federal Money Market and State Taxes
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1169
Re: (H&R Block Desktop) Vanguard Treasury/Federal Money Market and State Taxes
I followed the process that I did because I like to be precise as much as possible. My two money market funds have the following US obligations percentages:
Federal Money Market Fund - 49.97%
Treasury Money Market Fund - 80.06%
Could I have just summarized into one total and arbitrarily selected one or the other % above? Certainly. And it would not have made a significant difference.
Federal Money Market Fund - 49.97%
Treasury Money Market Fund - 80.06%
Could I have just summarized into one total and arbitrarily selected one or the other % above? Certainly. And it would not have made a significant difference.
- Wed Mar 06, 2024 7:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: (H&R Block Desktop) Vanguard Treasury/Federal Money Market and State Taxes
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1169
(H&R Block Desktop) Vanguard Treasury/Federal Money Market and State Taxes
I'd like to sure I have this process right. The Vanguard 2023 1099-DIV has an amount in Line 1A that is actually the total for both my brokerage account of two money market funds, the sweeps Federal Money Market and the US Treasury Money Market. So, in H&R Block in the 1099-DIV section. 1. Created a separate 1099-DIV entry for each money market. 2. For each entry, at the bottom I clicked the "From U.S Treasury obligation" checkbox. 3. For each entry, I entered the "Percentage of dividends from US Treasury Obligations" as per this link: https://investor.vanguard.com/content/dam/retail/publicsite/en/documents/taxes/usgoin-2024.pdf This way, my state taxes are adjusted properly to account for dividends from U.S obligati...
- Sun Feb 18, 2024 7:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 689515
Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Just finished season 1 of "Beyond Paradise" on Britbox. This is a spin-off featuring DI Humphrey from "Death in Paradise". Season 2 is forthcoming. We liked it We never watched "Death in Paradise" and we'll go back and start watching that. They also just announced another spin-off, "Return to Paradise" which is a sort of Australian version of the BBC "Paradise" premise taking place on the Australian coast. Coincidentally, for my morning workout TV, I'm watching "Almost Paradise" on Freevee, which takes place in Cebu, the Philippines, featuring Christian Kane ("Leverage") as an ex-DEA agent attempting to retire to a resort area. Note that this show has nothing to do with &...
- Thu Feb 15, 2024 9:35 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 7638
- Views: 1712345
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Currently reading "The Guns of August" by Barbara Tuchman. About the events leading up to the start of WW1 and an account of the first month of the war. Engrossing narrative. But at the same time depressing, a stark account of the stupidity of using war to achieve nationalistic ambitions. I recently read that World War I started all because the driver of the car of the person in it who got assassinated took a wrong turn. So many people subsequently died because of that one wrong turn. vnatale, do you happen to recall where you read that? Would love to read that book. I may or may not have read it in a book. I think that wherever I read it it was only a paragraph or several. But there IS this: https://www.history.com/news/how-a-wr...
- Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Boulder CO in late September?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1793
Re: Boulder CO in late September?
We are looking to go to Boulder for a week around Sept 22nd. What are the weather risks at that time? Are we pushing it by going that late in the year? We are just wanting to get away, and primarily do some day hiking in the surrounding mountains. I looked in my photo gallery and we were in our boat and still swimming IN Horsetooth reservoir (45 minutes north or Boulder) on October 17th. Out of curiosity, how come you picked Boulder to stay? Most people who want to do hiking and actually be IN the mountains choose Estes Park. Boulder is now like the Santa Monica of Colorado according to people who have not visited for some time. You've been warned! ;) We've never been before. Just wanted to try a new city. And I've been to Estes Park before.
- Wed Feb 14, 2024 8:54 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Boulder CO in late September?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1793
Re: Boulder CO in late September?
Again, thanks for the replies. I've booked accommodations for Boulder. I've not been to Colorado in over 15 years. I've been to the San Juans, where I hiked up Mt Sneffels for my first and only 14'er, and took an overnight horseback camping trip. That was a blast. Also went to Estes Park and drove the Trail Ridge road.
- Mon Feb 12, 2024 2:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What is your favorite book?
- Replies: 186
- Views: 19917
Re: What is your favorite book?
These are the escapism books I tend to re-read:
Dune - Frank Herbert
Cold Beer and Crocodiles - A Bicycle Journey Into Australia - Roff Smith
Blue Latitudes - Boldly going where Captain Cook has Gone Before - Tony Horowitz
Lord Valentine's Castle - Robert Silverberg
Dune - Frank Herbert
Cold Beer and Crocodiles - A Bicycle Journey Into Australia - Roff Smith
Blue Latitudes - Boldly going where Captain Cook has Gone Before - Tony Horowitz
Lord Valentine's Castle - Robert Silverberg
- Mon Feb 12, 2024 2:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 7638
- Views: 1712345
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Yes my first Tuchman book, but definitely not my last. Next on my list from her will be "A Distant Mirror".ekid wrote: ↑Mon Feb 12, 2024 11:16 amWould that be your first Tuchman? She is (almost) the reason I got started reading history. There is lots more!Barkingsparrow wrote: ↑Mon Feb 12, 2024 8:55 am Currently reading "The Guns of August" by Barbara Tuchman. About the events leading up to the start of WW1 and an account of the first month of the war. Engrossing narrative. But at the same time depressing, a stark account of the stupidity of using war to achieve nationalistic ambitions.
- Mon Feb 12, 2024 2:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Boulder CO in late September?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1793
Re: Boulder CO in late September?
Thanks for the replies. I suppose I'm actually more concerned with potential wildfires. A few years ago we went to the southern Oregon coast. There was a major fire nearby that caused air issues for where we were staying - and the fire was only put out the week before we arrived.
- Mon Feb 12, 2024 8:55 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 7638
- Views: 1712345
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Currently reading "The Guns of August" by Barbara Tuchman. About the events leading up to the start of WW1 and an account of the first month of the war. Engrossing narrative. But at the same time depressing, a stark account of the stupidity of using war to achieve nationalistic ambitions.
- Mon Feb 12, 2024 8:45 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Boulder CO in late September?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1793
Boulder CO in late September?
We are looking to go to Boulder for a week around Sept 22nd. What are the weather risks at that time? Are we pushing it by going that late in the year? We are just wanting to get away, and primarily do some day hiking in the surrounding mountains.
- Fri Feb 02, 2024 2:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Rob Berger interviews Mike Piper
- Replies: 46
- Views: 5898
Re: Rob Berger interviews Mike Piper
Mike is a rock-climber. So he HAS to adopt the scruffy look to look cool.TheDogFather wrote: ↑Fri Feb 02, 2024 1:12 pm Excellent interview.
I must say that I found Mike Piper’s ‘fugitive’ beard a little troubling.
- Fri Feb 02, 2024 12:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 689515
Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Finished Reacher - season 2 on Prime. The last episode was just plain dumb.
Nearly through Shetlands - Season 8 on Britbox. Really liking this. Not missing Jimmy Perez at all. Tosh was always my favorite character and I'm enjoying seeing more of her.
Nearly through Shetlands - Season 8 on Britbox. Really liking this. Not missing Jimmy Perez at all. Tosh was always my favorite character and I'm enjoying seeing more of her.
- Thu Feb 01, 2024 8:26 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Anyone wished they had worked a few more years before retiring?
- Replies: 89
- Views: 14572
Re: Anyone wished they had worked a few more years before retiring?
Generally speaking - no. At least 3 had very poor health habits combined with heavy drinking/smoking/poor diet/no exercising. One just had the bad luck with cancer.Yukon wrote: ↑Thu Feb 01, 2024 5:00 amI wonder what's causing so many young people to die? Were they healthy?Barkingsparrow wrote: ↑Wed Jan 31, 2024 4:14 pm
My idea is that I will do a self-check every 3 months to assess where I'm at, mentally, emotional, and health-wise. Three months is the lead time I need to prepare for retirement, including applying for medicare; before I actually retire. I know all too well from experience that things can change -- quickly. I've had 4 co-workers younger than me pass away last year. I had two former managers pass away in their 50's.
- Wed Jan 31, 2024 4:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Anyone wished they had worked a few more years before retiring?
- Replies: 89
- Views: 14572
Re: Anyone wished they had worked a few more years before retiring?
I get your comment and @MoonOrb original comment. But 3. worries me. If I have work to keep me busy I won't try other things that I could find more enjoyable than work. And if (not when) I get sick, it could be too late to try these new things out. I'm not in exactly the same situation but I'm in a relatively similar situation and my plan is going to be to keep working as long as these things are all true: 1. I enjoy working 2. There is nothing specific that I want to be doing instead of working 3. I'm healthy and fit It's not really about the money at that point, it's more just about enjoying my life and if I'm enjoying my working life and don't have anything else that I believe I'll enjoy more, why trade that away? I suspect that as I ap...
- Wed Jan 31, 2024 10:43 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
- Replies: 11037
- Views: 2066090
Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
I find it inconceivable that the movie could be as good as you say.KBR wrote: ↑Wed Jan 31, 2024 12:08 am The princess bride. I don’t even know how many times I’ve seen it. One of the best movies ever made. I can’t imagine there’s anyone on this board who has not watched it. If you have not watched it. What are you doing? Stop what are you doing and watch it now. Seriously. Literally. One of the best movies ever made. After having watched it several times I read the book. The book is just as good. Better.
- Tue Jan 30, 2024 2:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: how do you like living in Columbus, Ohio (and practicing as a hospitalist)
- Replies: 40
- Views: 4816
Re: how do you like living in Columbus, Ohio (and practicing as a hospitalist)
This made me laugh. I've lived around the Midwest and have family and friends still in Columbus, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and southern Kentucky. Out of all these places I much prefer Cleveland. In particular I like the outdoor opportunities such as the Lake or Cuyahoga National Park.
No amount of money would ever convince me to live in Southern Kentucky. Or Eastern Ohio.
- Tue Jan 30, 2024 11:28 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Anyone wished they had worked a few more years before retiring?
- Replies: 89
- Views: 14572
Re: Anyone wished they had worked a few more years before retiring?
I'm not in exactly the same situation but I'm in a relatively similar situation and my plan is going to be to keep working as long as these things are all true: 1. I enjoy working 2. There is nothing specific that I want to be doing instead of working 3. I'm healthy and fit It's not really about the money at that point, it's more just about enjoying my life and if I'm enjoying my working life and don't have anything else that I believe I'll enjoy more, why trade that away? I suspect that as I approach the date on which I can retire that I will either have enough days where I really don't like working or I'll have thought about things I'd rather be doing than working, so I kind of expect this issue will take care of itself. This is exactly ...
- Tue Jan 30, 2024 11:07 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 7638
- Views: 1712345
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain - Barbara Strauch The book was written in 2010, so the science relative to the topic of aging and the brain is outdated. The author writes in an accessible style that is more of a narrative featuring too many anecdotes. So a few things stated: the middle-aged brain cannot process information as quickly as a younger person, but it's better at seeing the big picture. One of the consequences of this is that the apparent sweet spot for making financial/economic decisions is in your 50s. That as people age, they start to focus on the positives and not the negatives, leading to more contentment in life in middle-age - a process that is not conscious but more a deliberate function of an aging brain, specifically ...
- Mon Jan 22, 2024 1:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What video games are you currently playing?
- Replies: 528
- Views: 86662
Re: What video games are you currently playing?
I received Horizon Forbidden West as a gift for my new PS5. I don't play a lot of games, maybe once every 3 years or so but when I do play, I finish the game and all DLCs. I'm really enjoying this one - but it took a while to get my brain to adjust to all the controller buttons and combos.
- Sat Jan 20, 2024 1:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 689515
Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Cancelled Acorn as we've gone through what we want to see, and will soon start Britbox, beginning with the Luther series and season 8 of Shetland and will hunt for more shows of interest.
Been watching the Australian "Summer of Tennis" in the evenings which started about Jan 1st. The Australian Open, now ongoing, ends the Australian segment of the ATP/WTA tours. Probably my favorite stretch of tennis during the entire season.
Started season 2 of Reacher. First episode was fine, the 2nd episode was ridiculous. You would think, within the ongoing developing plot, there would be a higher sense of urgency. We'll keep going however and see if things improve.
Been watching the Australian "Summer of Tennis" in the evenings which started about Jan 1st. The Australian Open, now ongoing, ends the Australian segment of the ATP/WTA tours. Probably my favorite stretch of tennis during the entire season.
Started season 2 of Reacher. First episode was fine, the 2nd episode was ridiculous. You would think, within the ongoing developing plot, there would be a higher sense of urgency. We'll keep going however and see if things improve.
- Fri Jan 19, 2024 11:06 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 7638
- Views: 1712345
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Song of the Cell - An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human - Siddhartha Mukherjee
Working my way through this and thoroughly enjoying it. The author has a lyrical writing style that makes it engaging to read and is able to present technical information in a digestible form easy for a layman to understand, although at time it can get dense. In a nutshell - the book is about the history of cell biology, going back to the first identification of the cell itself back in the early 1800's or so. The "New Human" aspect appears to be more how recent discoveries in cell biology can be utilized in a positive fashion. For example, using CRISPR-based techniques to treat sickle cell disease.
Working my way through this and thoroughly enjoying it. The author has a lyrical writing style that makes it engaging to read and is able to present technical information in a digestible form easy for a layman to understand, although at time it can get dense. In a nutshell - the book is about the history of cell biology, going back to the first identification of the cell itself back in the early 1800's or so. The "New Human" aspect appears to be more how recent discoveries in cell biology can be utilized in a positive fashion. For example, using CRISPR-based techniques to treat sickle cell disease.
- Thu Jan 18, 2024 3:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 689515
Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Good Omens - Season 2 (Prime)
By far the best thing about this show is the pairing of Michael Sheen and David Tennant. The plot for season 2 is stretched rather thin, with a few episodes not really moving things along. Still retains the silliness and biting humor of the first season. I enjoyed it but got a little impatient at times. Looking forward to a final season 3 which has been promised.
By far the best thing about this show is the pairing of Michael Sheen and David Tennant. The plot for season 2 is stretched rather thin, with a few episodes not really moving things along. Still retains the silliness and biting humor of the first season. I enjoyed it but got a little impatient at times. Looking forward to a final season 3 which has been promised.
- Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
- Replies: 11037
- Views: 2066090
- Sun Jan 07, 2024 1:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 689515
Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Good Omens - Watching season 1 on Prime. It's been on my watchlist for a while and finally got to it. Entertaining but could have been better. The casting for Crowley (David Tennant) and Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) is outstanding, they basically carry the show. The one thing I think they could do is lose that voice-over. It's intrusive.
- Sat Jan 06, 2024 11:35 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 689515
Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
We finished Season 2 of The Chelsea Detective last night, and we are delighted that there will be a third season. (Filming apparently starts this spring, 2024.) We both missed the Priya character associate of DI Max Arnold. It took a while to get used to the replacement character, but we did get there. Now we are in search of a replacement. We'll be following up on some recommendations above, here on BH. :happy We especially like the non-violent nature of the series. Suggestions for other detective/poiice procedurals that have minimal graphic violence are welcome. (Yes, we enjoyed Shetland , although at the end, that seemed to change...) RM We enjoyed the Chelsea Detective also. I think a similar series would be The Brokenwood Mysteries (N...
- Thu Jan 04, 2024 3:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 7638
- Views: 1712345
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Panzer Commander - The Memoirs of Colonel Hans Von Luck
Working my way through this interesting read. Von Luck commanded mostly Panzer reconnaissance divisions during WW2, and fought in nearly every major campaign: Poland, France, Russia (he was in the vanguard that reached Moscow), North Africa, France during the Normandy invasion, then back to Russia. Not on the level with "The Forgotten Soldier" book by Guy Sajer, as it does not really relate the more intimate details of how things were.
Working my way through this interesting read. Von Luck commanded mostly Panzer reconnaissance divisions during WW2, and fought in nearly every major campaign: Poland, France, Russia (he was in the vanguard that reached Moscow), North Africa, France during the Normandy invasion, then back to Russia. Not on the level with "The Forgotten Soldier" book by Guy Sajer, as it does not really relate the more intimate details of how things were.
- Thu Jan 04, 2024 2:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: H&R Block 2023 software offer
- Replies: 246
- Views: 38096
Re: H&R Block 2023 software offer
Thanks for the info. I did the update and got the notice about an offer to upgrade to Premium for $20, which included "One free state". Is that one free efile for a state? Which separately is $19.95.
- Tue Jan 02, 2024 3:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: H&R Block 2023 software offer
- Replies: 246
- Views: 38096
Re: H&R Block 2023 software offer
Thanks. Can you load in previous returns from Turbotax?lazydavid wrote: ↑Tue Jan 02, 2024 11:41 am5 free Federal e-files per activation code. I believe they charge $19.99 per return to e-file state returns.Barkingsparrow wrote: ↑Tue Jan 02, 2024 11:25 amHow much does it cost to efile via the HR Block desktop software?morsetaper2 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 12:23 pm Got H&RB Deluxe + 1 state program for $19.99 @ New Egg using the code HRBDEC23 as previous folks have described. State of MD did add $1.20 sales tax. Same price I was able to get last year.
- Tue Jan 02, 2024 11:25 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: H&R Block 2023 software offer
- Replies: 246
- Views: 38096
Re: H&R Block 2023 software offer
How much does it cost to efile via the HR Block desktop software?morsetaper2 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 12:23 pm Got H&RB Deluxe + 1 state program for $19.99 @ New Egg using the code HRBDEC23 as previous folks have described. State of MD did add $1.20 sales tax. Same price I was able to get last year.
- Tue Jan 02, 2024 11:22 am
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2024!
- Replies: 136
- Views: 42639
Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2024!
I had no idea this class was already active. I had planned to retire a few years earlier, but then came COVID, which resulted in my job being changed to a full-time remote status. That put me into a OMY frame of mind. But it's time. My energy and focus are rapidly waning, and I'm literally starting to run on fumes. June 28, 2024, 349 days away. First phase completed - my wife retired Dec 29, 2023. It's been an interesting experience to see what she is going through. She is full-time remote (as I am) and it was strange to see how it unfolded. She volunteered to cover Christmas week so that nearly her entire team could take vacation. So come Friday, her last day, she just worked her normal hours, then logged off and shutdown her PC - and tha...
- Mon Jan 01, 2024 9:06 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
- Replies: 11037
- Views: 2066090
Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Watched Barbie. Turned it off after 15 minutes. Am I the only one who both watched it in entirety and was entertained by it from start to finish? I knew no details of it prior to watching it. That is the way I prefer it whenever I watch anything. Knowing nothing about what I am about to see. Only the bare minimum to intrigue me to watch it. While it got rave reviews and filled theatres, I don't think I've actually heard anyone in real life say they really liked it. My wife and kids were disappointed, I lasted all of ~10 minutes before I was asleep. I did like it. Did not find a dull moment in it. Definitely different from anything else I'd ever seen. Definitely some in this thread who enjoyed it, but my wife and several of her friends, you...
- Mon Jan 01, 2024 9:03 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 689515
Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Tokyo and Hong Kong were nice, including the music. And now, Greece, with fireworks over the Acropolis, at least briefly... Singapore was also very nice. I still get surprised when a "fireworks" display is actually done with drones, as in, "... why is that display just staying UP like that!??" :oops: It sometimes still takes me a tiny bit too long to remember... oh, right. Drones! [Geezer or perhaps Geezer-in-Training here, obviously!] Did you see Dubai's celebrations? That included some "different" things, such as the people on the waterjets, including doing flips (!?). As far as I could tell, the cities covered live started at 8am with Sydney. Do you happen to know if Auckland was somehow excluded or perhaps...
- Sun Dec 31, 2023 3:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 689515
Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
I did that also for a while, seeing fireworks in Sydney and in Thailand.ResearchMed wrote: ↑Sun Dec 31, 2023 10:44 am Not sure this is "a TV show", but we are watching our TV:
We're doing a bit of "chasing New Years Eve celebrations/fireworks" around the globe.
Fun!
RM
- Sat Dec 30, 2023 2:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 689515
Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Here's the series I've watched recently while exercising, from Freevee. My standards are a bit lower in this case, I just need a decent distraction:
King - Canadian police drama taking place in Toronto. Stars Amy-Price Francis as DSS Jessica King, head of the Major Crime Task Force. I liked it. Only 2 seasons unfortunately, but I think Jessica King as a character was compelling.
Leverage: Redemption - It's adequate. Most of the cast from Leverage is back but the writing is a little juvenile at times. Still it's enough to keep me interested.
King - Canadian police drama taking place in Toronto. Stars Amy-Price Francis as DSS Jessica King, head of the Major Crime Task Force. I liked it. Only 2 seasons unfortunately, but I think Jessica King as a character was compelling.
Leverage: Redemption - It's adequate. Most of the cast from Leverage is back but the writing is a little juvenile at times. Still it's enough to keep me interested.
- Fri Dec 29, 2023 11:09 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: LA/Vegas/Grand Canyon trip
- Replies: 56
- Views: 5718
Re: LA/Vegas/Grand Canyon trip
I was recently at the Venetian on a weekend to attend the U2 concert at the Sphere. The concert/Sphere was an amazing experience. The rest of the strip, not so much. I don't gamble nor am I into drinking, and all the strip glitz quickly became numbing. Now outside Vegas, I've been to the Valley of Fire state park, Red Rock Canyon, and Mt Charleston and enjoyed that far more than the strip.
- Wed Dec 27, 2023 8:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Pondering the following 50/50 portfolios for eventual retirement
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2901
Re: Pondering the following 50/50 portfolios for eventual retirement
[Moved into a new thread from: Scott Burns: The Case For a Simple Retirement Plan --admin LadyGeek] I have been pondering the following 50/50 portfolios for eventual retirement: 1. 50% VTSAX, 50% VTAPX (Total Stock Market / Short-Term TIPS) 2. 50% VWENX, 50% VWINX (Wellington / Wellesley) 3. 50% VTSAX, 50% VBTLX (Total Stock Market / Total Bond Market) Comparing in portfoliovisualizer, it seems to me that #1 is the more consistent in that it appears to have better risk characteristics but at the same time, the stronger CAGR. Then again, I'm no financial analytical wonk. Am I missing something there? Barkingsparrow: I like your simple two fund portfolios. Nevertheless, I think you should consider the additional benefits of The Three-Fund Po...
- Wed Dec 27, 2023 1:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Pondering the following 50/50 portfolios for eventual retirement
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2901
Re: Pondering the following 50/50 portfolios for eventual retirement
Sorry about that - yep!GaryA505 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 27, 2023 1:00 pmVTAPX for the short-term tips?Barkingsparrow wrote: ↑Wed Dec 27, 2023 12:59 pm50% VTSAX and 50% short-term TIPs. I estimate I'm at 40x expenses now (after social security is considered). I don't see a need to overthink this.GaryA505 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 27, 2023 12:33 pmSo Barkingsparrow, what did you decide to do?Barkingsparrow wrote: ↑Fri Nov 10, 2023 2:14 pm Thanks for the replies - always a learning experience here. It's one thing to read the plans of others, something else entirely when you sit down and actually start implementing your own plan.
- Wed Dec 27, 2023 12:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Pondering the following 50/50 portfolios for eventual retirement
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2901
Re: Pondering the following 50/50 portfolios for eventual retirement
50% VTSAX and 50% short-term TIPs. I estimate I'm at 40x expenses now (after social security is considered). I don't see a need to overthink this.GaryA505 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 27, 2023 12:33 pmSo Barkingsparrow, what did you decide to do?Barkingsparrow wrote: ↑Fri Nov 10, 2023 2:14 pm Thanks for the replies - always a learning experience here. It's one thing to read the plans of others, something else entirely when you sit down and actually start implementing your own plan.
- Mon Dec 25, 2023 4:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 689515
Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Definitely she plays a larger role in various story lines this season. And I do think she showed much more range this season than any Bosch season prior.id0ntkn0wjack wrote: ↑Mon Dec 25, 2023 10:28 amHaven't started the new season as of yet but am interested in your thumbs up for Madison Linz. In seasons past, I felt like she was pretty forgettable and, indeed, often dragged down other parts of the series. Is there an improvement in her acting/storyline this season?Barkingsparrow wrote: ↑Sun Dec 24, 2023 12:51 pm Took a break from our Acorn binge to watch Bosch: Legacy - season 2. While I think the writing/production/action in Bosch is above the majority of crime/detective dramas out there, there are still some persistent stereotypes that bug me. That said, I think Madison Linz as Maddie was the star of this season.
- Sun Dec 24, 2023 12:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 689515
Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Took a break from our Acorn binge to watch Bosch: Legacy - season 2 . While I think the writing/production/action in Bosch is above the majority of crime/detective dramas out there, there are still some persistent stereotypes that bug me. That said, I think Madison Linz as Maddie was the star of this season. Back to Acorn: Finished all 9 seasons of The Brokenwood Mysteries . Detective comedy taking place in New Zealand that we really enjoyed. Season 10 out next year. Inadvertently started with season 2, episode of 1 of Harry Wild and neither my wife nor I liked it. Muddled plot with some annoying characters, dreadful acting, and a really dumb ending. We will not be watching more of this series. Started The Chelsea Detective . So far, we lik...
- Thu Dec 14, 2023 2:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What video games are you currently playing?
- Replies: 528
- Views: 86662
Re: What video games are you currently playing?
I bought a new Nintendo Switch to replace a Wii U which I will give to one of my sons. They want to have a console and games so they have something for their nieces and nephews to do when they visit. I have been watching my grandchildren play Dreamlight Valley, a Kirby game and Mario at the Tokyo Olympics. I played a little Tokyo Olympics with my granddaughter . It was very frustrating in that she was ready to go and I wanted to know how the buttons were used. While I was flailing around, she mentioned that she’s been playing the game for three years. I’m going to secret play everyday for hours so I will become a master and beat the… My 13 year old grandson set up the system for me. He told me what games to get and how much memory to buy. ...
- Thu Dec 14, 2023 8:32 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What video games are you currently playing?
- Replies: 528
- Views: 86662
Re: What video games are you currently playing?
I finally got around to purchasing a PS5 for myself. The last game machine I bought was a Nintendo 64 about 30 years ago. I've started playing Horizon Forbidden West which looks and sounds fabulous. I'm still in that initial starting area as I try to memorize seemingly about 100 different controller settings.
- Wed Dec 13, 2023 4:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Good Modern Science Fiction
- Replies: 760
- Views: 149444
Re: Good Modern Science Fiction
The Cruel Stars - John Birmingham
First book of a planned trilogy.
Mixed emotions on this one. It's basically a pulpy space opera set far in the future where humans have mastered some very advanced technology. Then comes a devastating invasion by an ancient enemy previously defeated 700 years ago. I found the start a bit rough due to having to endure some backstory of the 5 main characters. Overall, I found the execution a little lacking and the general plot a tad generic. There some raunchy humor, which some might find offensive. There was enough to the book to keep me interested and to finish. I probably will pick up the 2nd book to see if things improve.
First book of a planned trilogy.
Mixed emotions on this one. It's basically a pulpy space opera set far in the future where humans have mastered some very advanced technology. Then comes a devastating invasion by an ancient enemy previously defeated 700 years ago. I found the start a bit rough due to having to endure some backstory of the 5 main characters. Overall, I found the execution a little lacking and the general plot a tad generic. There some raunchy humor, which some might find offensive. There was enough to the book to keep me interested and to finish. I probably will pick up the 2nd book to see if things improve.
- Sun Dec 10, 2023 10:58 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 7638
- Views: 1712345
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Currently reading "The Splendid and the Vile" - by Erik Larson. Fascinating inside look at Churchill's first year as Prime Minister and his leadership during the Blitz. This is a more intimate look at Churchill, his family, and his inner circle as he attempts to unifies the country against the Nazis, while assiduously courting FDR as he knew the only way to win the war was if the US entered the conflict.
- Fri Dec 08, 2023 3:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Plan my retirement travel for me!
- Replies: 65
- Views: 10772
Re: Plan my retirement travel for me!
I have been down under 3 times, last time in 2019 for a month, I am a big fan of Australia, I planned all 3 trips myself (much easier now than in 1993 when I didn't have web access). Have taken both big trains (Indian Pacific and The Ghan). I booked the train rides, plane trips and the car rentals ahead of time and for the most part just found a motel/hotel for the night. Australia is a great country with great people. PM me for more info. Ditto. I was in Australia earlier this year. We went to Sydney, Uluru, and the Daintree Rain Forest. We are planning a return trip. I enjoyed Sydney much more than any other large city I've visited (NYC, Chicago, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Toronto, Orlando, etc). And Uluru had this timeless magic ...
- Tue Dec 05, 2023 3:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 7638
- Views: 1712345
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Currently reading "Waterloo: The True Story of Four Days, Three Armies, and Three Battles" by Bernard Cornwell.
Enjoying this one. It combines Cornwell's writing ability from his fiction books informed by his exhaustive research. We get a more personal account from the point of view of the soldiers depicting what it was like to fight this battle. And of course, Wellington, Napoleon, and Blucher and their strategic moves. I've got the hardcover version which comes with numerous color plates that contributes context to the story.
Enjoying this one. It combines Cornwell's writing ability from his fiction books informed by his exhaustive research. We get a more personal account from the point of view of the soldiers depicting what it was like to fight this battle. And of course, Wellington, Napoleon, and Blucher and their strategic moves. I've got the hardcover version which comes with numerous color plates that contributes context to the story.
- Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:00 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Concierge Medicine
- Replies: 79
- Views: 12086
Re: Concierge Medicine
Our long time doctor went concierge (MDVIP). We paid the $3,600 annual fee for 3 years or so, then decided that it wasn't worth it. It was really nice to call the office and talk to the doctor almost immediately and if we needed to be seen, to get appointments for the same or next day, but we decided that was convenience, and not medical care, thus not worth $3,600 a year (or, as I look at it, $36,000 in 10 years). For me, I think the deciding factor was that I see the PCP as mostly someone who refers you to specialists for almost everything medically significant. Plus if it's serious and in the middle of the night, your doc is going to send you to urgent care or the ER, whether they are concierge or not. When we started with MDVIP I thoug...