Search found 234 matches

by Jim Beaux
Sun Dec 18, 2022 8:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drilling into stucco/cement siding
Replies: 36
Views: 3272

Re: Drilling into stucco/cement siding

tortoise84 wrote: Sun Dec 18, 2022 8:16 pm Use the rotary hammer drill. This is exactly what it's for. If it has speed control, use the high speed.
Yep. No reason not to. Use the right tool for the job makes it a good job.
by Jim Beaux
Thu Dec 15, 2022 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trust or Don’t trust the keys to the kingdom into a password manager
Replies: 182
Views: 19258

Re: Trust or Don’t trust the keys to the kingdom into a password manager

But, my real question question was: is pwSafe any better than simply storing a plain-language list in a password-protected Word file, and, if so how? I've read a number of these threads and still haven't seen a persuasive answer to this. We encrypt documents all the time; why would I use a special app just because the content happens to be passwords? (I'm in the camp that doesn't want my passwords in the cloud, obviously.) There seems to be an assumption that using a password safe means storing data in the cloud. I was using Keepass well before the cloud existed. It still can be used as a local application. You can use an encryption tool to encrypt a file you edit yourself. Using Keepass offers various advantages: 1. Clears the cut and pas...
by Jim Beaux
Thu Dec 15, 2022 6:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to deal with seemingly dishonest furniture store?
Replies: 37
Views: 3926

Re: How to deal with seemingly dishonest furniture store?

The cost of experience is several times that of college. BTW you dont have a leg to stand on. Sorry but you should pay up.
by Jim Beaux
Sat Dec 10, 2022 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gmail account security question
Replies: 42
Views: 4956

Re: Gmail account security question

PassKeys are the coming thing. It will work with Google, MS and Apple devices. It's new and Ive found 2 sites that are now implementing it...Bestbuy and Ebay. Passkeys are like passwords but better. They’re better because they aren’t created insecurely by humans and because they use public key cryptography to create much more secure experiences. But passkeys aren’t a new thing. It’s just a new name starting to be used for WebAuthn/FIDO2 credentials that enable fully passwordless experiences. These types of credentials are also called discoverable credentials or sometimes resident credentials. How do passkeys work? Passkeys are a form of multi-factor authentication; those factors include something you know, something you have, and something ...
by Jim Beaux
Tue Dec 06, 2022 4:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting an old photo enlarged
Replies: 18
Views: 1759

Re: Getting an old photo enlarged

Just wondering if anyone has had an old photo enlarged like this and if they had any suggestions? I've done hundreds. I scan them at home on a quality scanner and then upload then to one of dozens of sites where they will print them on high quality paper and printers and hold for me to pick up or mail to my house for a small fee. If I need it quickly, I use a local drugstore and after uploading, generally can pick them up an hour later. Really big enlargements however are still sent out so depending on how big your enlargement is, you may not have a quick option. I enlarged one photo that to a whopping 4 feet tall by 6 feet wide using a place that prints onto canvas . It graces the wall above my couch in our living room. Please share the l...
by Jim Beaux
Sat Dec 03, 2022 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting an old photo enlarged
Replies: 18
Views: 1759

Re: Getting an old photo enlarged

Just wondering if anyone has had an old photo enlarged like this and if they had any suggestions? I've done hundreds. I scan them at home on a quality scanner and then upload then to one of dozens of sites where they will print them on high quality paper and printers and hold for me to pick up or mail to my house for a small fee. If I need it quickly, I use a local drugstore and after uploading, generally can pick them up an hour later. Really big enlargements however are still sent out so depending on how big your enlargement is, you may not have a quick option. I enlarged one photo that to a whopping 4 feet tall by 6 feet wide using a place that prints onto canvas . It graces the wall above my couch in our living room. Please share the l...
by Jim Beaux
Sat Dec 03, 2022 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I had a 740 credit score at the age of 18 and I don’t understand why
Replies: 14
Views: 1906

Re: I had a 740 credit score at the age of 18 and I don’t understand why

Ive not found consistent rhyme or reason on how credit scores are calculated. My score bounces from 835 to just under 850 for no apparent reason on one reporting agency, and 799 on another. I pay a day or two early and never late. I have 3 credit cards and one car loan. My house is paid for and Ive lived in the same place for 30 years. I generally utilize around 3% of my available credit.

Hope this helps.

From Experian - What Affects Credit Scores

https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-expe ... it-scores/
by Jim Beaux
Sat Dec 03, 2022 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you use a password manager?
Replies: 361
Views: 34101

Re: Do you use a password manager?

For the effort involved, a hacker finds it more rewarding to target low hanging fruit and large commercial data bases. Any encrypted data requires more time and effort.
by Jim Beaux
Wed Nov 30, 2022 11:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you use a password manager?
Replies: 361
Views: 34101

Re: Do you use a password manager?

PASSKEY-Something new that is be being jointly supported by Apple, MS and Google. At this time only a few websites are setup for this. I have only Best Buy and Ebay setup. Intro to passkeys -- Based on industry standards for account authentication, passkeys are easier to use than passwords and far more secure. A passkey is a cryptographic entity that’s not visible to you, and it’s used in place of a password. A passkey consists of a key pair, which—compared to a password—profoundly improves security. One key is public, registered with the website or app you’re using. The other key is private, held only by your devices. Through the use of powerful, industry-standard cryptography techniques, this key pair helps ensure a strong, private relati...
by Jim Beaux
Mon Nov 14, 2022 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Unsolicited wire transfer and aftermath
Replies: 11
Views: 2206

Re: Unsolicited wire transfer and aftermath

My friend just went through the process of collecting unclaimed funds from Texas. He indicated that it took a few steps to prove his credentials.
by Jim Beaux
Mon Nov 14, 2022 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New OTC Hearing Aids [Over The Counter]
Replies: 99
Views: 8563

Re: New OTC Hearing Aids [Over The Counter]

After wearing hearing aids for 15+ years, I can’t imagine how OTC aids will work. I know people who purchased them through audiologists & then refused to return to have them adjusted & fine tuned to their specific needs & situation. The aids probably ended up in the drawer because without follow up visits, I’m sure most people will end up less than satisfied or maybe totally unhappy. They do more than just amplify - they also help to clarify the voices around you & amplification without clarification is just NOISE. +1 Agree Ive worn HA's for 20 yrs and dont think an experienced, much less a new user, could come close to what a professional can do. Hearing aids are computers and requires patience and an ability to communicat...
by Jim Beaux
Sat Oct 22, 2022 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trust or Don’t trust the keys to the kingdom into a password manager
Replies: 182
Views: 19258

Re: Trust or Don’t trust the keys to the kingdom into a password manager

Kuna_Papa_Wengi wrote: Mon Oct 03, 2022 4:20 am I use one of the keepass programs on my phone. It stores the passwords locally, not in the cloud.

https://keepass.info/download.html
You can store KeePass passwords on a thumbdrive and keep it with you.
by Jim Beaux
Sat Oct 22, 2022 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SSA Notice reduced monthly benefit by 50%. Right to appeal.
Replies: 20
Views: 3342

Re: SSA Notice reduced monthly benefit by 50%. Right to appeal.

If your congressman is as responsive as mine (Randy Weaver) contact his office. You may be surprised at the results you get.
by Jim Beaux
Fri Jul 29, 2022 4:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard's Money Market Rates Jumping around
Replies: 36
Views: 4634

Re: Vanguard's Money Market Rates Jumping around

vsquid wrote: Thu Jul 28, 2022 1:12 pm You are performance chasing. The yield is the current yield. No one will know which of the funds will yield the most in the future. Changing funds based on past performance is likely detrimental.
Most excellent

:sharebeer
by Jim Beaux
Mon Jan 31, 2022 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "IRS wants to scan your face" Washington Post
Replies: 114
Views: 13618

Re: "IRS wants to scan your face" Washington Post

jebmke wrote: Mon Jan 31, 2022 2:59 pm
Jim Beaux wrote: Mon Jan 31, 2022 2:51 pm How did they know I bought a car? How did they get my name, phone number, address?
The car companies sell their lists to them.
The state of Texas sold me.
by Jim Beaux
Mon Jan 31, 2022 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Motorhome owners, any regrets?
Replies: 74
Views: 9835

Re: Motorhome owners, any regrets?

I have a small camper van (6.36 metre Fiat Ducato van conversion - Wildax Solaris XL ) which I have used for about 5 years - for us it’s a great size for using and parking nearly anywhere We have been all over the Uk plus Spain, Germany and the Netherlands It gets about 35mpg and it’s small enough to park on the driveway without too much objection from senior management and we have a couple of elec bikes to get around For us less is more and no regrets at all We use it for short racing and fishing trips and longer meanders - when I retire I would have no hesitation in spending weeks in it We ran across a couple who had a Mercedes Van. Though a little snug, it had what we needed for running the roads. When the world gets back to normal I ex...
by Jim Beaux
Mon Jan 31, 2022 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "IRS wants to scan your face" Washington Post
Replies: 114
Views: 13618

Re: "IRS wants to scan your face" Washington Post

The government only views us in dollars and cents. I wont share anything with it voluntary. This has been going on for quite sometime. Buy a car and the extended warranties crooks send misleading mail trying to deceive. How did they know I bought a car? How did they get my name, phone number, address? Good news! Texas DPS and DMV to stop selling your personal information to marketing companies Protected records include name, address, photo, phone number, date of birth, email address and driver’s license number. For vehicles you drive, there’s VIN, registration, title information, your driving record, how much you paid for the car and to whom, accidents and make, model and color of your car. The Vertafore data theft is blamed on a Denver-bas...
by Jim Beaux
Mon Jan 24, 2022 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car dealer cancelled maintenance plan - how to get money back
Replies: 47
Views: 5226

Re: Car dealer cancelled maintenance plan - how to get money back

The dealer's been stringing you along for 18 months now, they know exactly what they're doing and are hoping you'll just go away. Going to court is the only way you're going to get satisfaction. It's up to you whether it's worth it. I suspect you are being played. These guys will say one thing and do the other. We bought a new Santa Fe last March for her and we titled it in her name. The F&I guy tried to ignore me & treated me like I was intruding. He tried to rush us and became agitated and forceful because when he would hand the wife a paper to sign, I would take it too and read it. When he tried to include the warranty I adamantly rejected it & told him I wont discuss it. Peeved him. So when things started to wrap up I went ...
by Jim Beaux
Mon Jan 24, 2022 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jetboil stove -do you cook in it?
Replies: 57
Views: 5855

Re: Jetboil stove -do you cook in it?

Numerous pics of Jetboil cooking. Home page of its website

https://www.jetboil.com/
by Jim Beaux
Sun Jan 16, 2022 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712544

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Columbia85 wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 12:02 pm "My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir" by Clarence Thomas. Really a story about American history, not just the man himself.
"Old Man Can't is dead. I helped bury him."

Loved the book. Inspirational. It showed how accomplished Justice Thomas really is.
by Jim Beaux
Mon Dec 20, 2021 3:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holiday meal prime rib advice sought
Replies: 28
Views: 3478

Re: Holiday meal prime rib advice sought

Regarding the best method of roasting a prime rib is really matter of individual taste. No 2 ovens are going to cook the same, control the temp the same, etc. My preference is keep it simple. If the meat is vacuum packed I keep it in the refrigerator for 2 - 3 weeks letting it wet age and continue to break down. I then take it out and dry it with a towel. Then rub oil and heavy salt and pepper and let it sit out for an hour or so. I sear the meat one of 2 ways. I either drop it on a very hot cast iron flat bed and flip it on all sides, or put it in a 450 - 500* oven. When meat is seared it develops a Maillard Reaction (flavorful!) https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-the-maillard-reaction-995776 That is what many call caramelization. Smoke...
by Jim Beaux
Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Protecting elderly family members from scams
Replies: 31
Views: 3419

Re: Protecting elderly family members from scams

Over the years Ive learned that mail from an unknown is wanting my money.
Email from an unknown is a crook.

Ive also learned that personal, financial, government, or medical communication always goes through a portal, because email is generally unencrypted.

Ive also learned not to click on any links -NO EXCEPTION.

I setup up an email filter that if senders are not in my address book it goes into the junk inbox. I then cautiously go through it with great suspicion if at all.

Ive also setup key word filters in which certain words (insurance, windows, viagra, free, save, etc.) are deleted.
by Jim Beaux
Fri Sep 03, 2021 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nightmare Bathroom Remodel Experience
Replies: 66
Views: 12239

Re: Nightmare Bathroom Remodel Experience

Youre dealing with someone who has more experience than you. You need help. A lawyer is your best bet & a one hour consultation (& or a letter) should cost no more than $200 - $300)

You will not be satisfied with BBB, it has little teeth. This situation is going to bleed you to death and frustrate you to the point of capitulation.

In the future speak with a potential contractor's previous customers and consider a performance bond.

Be aware in some states you can be held responsible for the contractor's failure to pay his vendors & that can include a lien on your property. It's time for both of you to fish or cut bait.
by Jim Beaux
Tue Aug 31, 2021 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell phone with loud call volume
Replies: 19
Views: 2161

Re: Cell phone with loud call volume

Costco KS 9.0 cost $1499 for a pair.
Thats not bad.

Ive had so many say they need HA's but have to do without because of cost. Though these lack many features they are perfect for those who need help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-6FdhslMtk
by Jim Beaux
Tue Aug 31, 2021 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Start-Stop system - new cars
Replies: 106
Views: 8917

Re: Start-Stop system - new cars

*almost all modern cars implement this to conform to efficiency requirements *most do not allow a memory mode, but you can sometimes override with aftermarket access to the car computer *it actually saves very little fuel -- a fully idling motor consumes only 0.6L/hr (regardless of motor and displacement - this has been thoroughly tested). you can sit for an entire hour -- or 20 lights at 3 minutes each -- and save 1/6th of a gallon. *some cars have very smooth and well implemented system. others much more intrusive and annoying. (my auto bmw was fine. a 6sp alfa romeo was terrible.) *they have been engineered to not create additional material wear on the car. e.g. only works when motor is warmed. batteries better cope with the load. motor...
by Jim Beaux
Tue Aug 31, 2021 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What humidity is too low for painted metal?
Replies: 15
Views: 1409

Re: What humidity is too low for painted metal?

Hmm, it seems odd that extremely low humidities would have no effect on the paint layer applied to metal. For oil paintings, conservators recommend something like 40-50% humidity because going much lower than that can crack the painting. I don't know the chemistry of paint well enough or the interaction between mediums (is paint on canvas different from paint on metal?) and I don't trust theory over practical observations, hence my query here. I don't know what type of paint this is. The object was made sometime in the 1940s-1950s and the paint layer on top of the metal is of medium thickness. Not as thin as the layer you'd expect on a wall, slightly thicker and more three-dimensional than that. The problem is the metal is corroding, so I ...
by Jim Beaux
Tue Aug 17, 2021 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell phone with loud call volume
Replies: 19
Views: 2161

Re: Cell phone with loud call volume

I'm hearing impaired. I still use a Samsung Galaxy S5 because the call volume is loud enough for me to hear comfortably. (No, I don't want to rely on T-coil and my hearing aids - it takes too long to switch the aids to T-coil setting.) It really is time for a new cell phone. Reviews usually say nothing about call volume, even when they describe sound quality. I was thinking of a Pixel 4a until a few reviews said briefly "could be louder." So: do you have personal experience with a currently available phone with good volume? Extra credit if, like me, you hear poorly. Check out Signia Hearing Aids with blue tooth. They will sync to your phone and you will be able to speak hands free. I can hear my phone 30 feet away, inside or outs...
by Jim Beaux
Sat Aug 14, 2021 6:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How do you square all the daily negative news with record market highs ?
Replies: 148
Views: 16153

Re: How do you square all the daily negative news with record market highs ?

Headlines! Truth is secondary. It's all about snagging the readers. As the adage goes, if it bleeds in leads.
by Jim Beaux
Thu Jul 08, 2021 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Electric lawnmower battery replacement]
Replies: 108
Views: 10294

Re: The electric lawn tool "scam"

Dagwood wrote: Wed Jul 07, 2021 9:08 pm This is another reason to buy a Honda mower. How many of those battery powered mowers, plus the batteries, do you think will wind up in a landfill when people are asked to spend $350 on a new battery for an out of warranty machine.

The other electric tools have the same issue. You might have better luck with the commercial grade tools - Stihl has an electric line now, to take one example - but I am not certain what the lifespan is.
I bought a Honda mower last year for about $500 or $150 more .
by Jim Beaux
Wed Jul 07, 2021 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tire flat fixing for beginners
Replies: 160
Views: 12289

Re: Tire flat fixing for beginners

Ive used fix a flat numerous times with no problems.

Things to consider:

Why fear what the inside of the tire looks like?

Its not unusual for tires to require re-balancing over time. Patching / plugging a tire also throws the balance of the tire off. Follow the fix a flat directions.

Why worry about using fix a flat on a used tire that already has thousands of miles when the priority should be getting out of a hazardous situation? (wife / daughter)
by Jim Beaux
Wed Jul 07, 2021 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: has dentistry changed, or is new dentist just a money grubber?
Replies: 116
Views: 13694

Re: has dentistry changed, or is new dentist just a money grubber?

mr_brightside wrote: Wed Jul 07, 2021 7:51 am i worked in this field for quite a number of years.

yes it is a problem to be aware of. dental school bills being what they are -- there is considerable pressure to 'upsell' dental care from the younger generation of dentists.

ime -- look for a solid, middle-aged dentist who has been in the community for 20 years. better chances she / he is well established and less 'in need of' trying to scare you into unneeded services...

--------------------------------------------------
Been my experience (3 dentists)that there is always an attempt to upsell Last one started probing and clumsily ask leading questions. Before he could go for the wallet I told him that I already explained why I was there.
by Jim Beaux
Tue Jul 06, 2021 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Pro tips to help with Decluttering?
Replies: 105
Views: 14755

Re: Any Pro tips to help with Decluttering?

Stop the source of clutter. Told my family not to buy me gifts. I have so many useless items...coffee mugs, booze I dont like, plaques telling me Im the greatest, colognes, and tee shirts, etc.

I tell them if they just need to spend money , donate to the local food bank or Salvation Army...my preferred charities. This rewards both of us.
by Jim Beaux
Mon Jul 05, 2021 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Storm blew out 2 pieces of asphalt roofing shingles
Replies: 22
Views: 2247

Re: Storm blew out 2 pieces of asphalt roofing shingles

Da5id wrote: Sun Jul 04, 2021 6:49 pm
gogreen wrote: Sun Jul 04, 2021 6:46 pm We had a storm last night and I found 2 pieces of asphalt shingles :annoyed . No signs of leak :sharebeer
Is it worth submitting a claim towards my home insurance? I googled some DIY videos and looks like it's 1 hour fix and ~ $100 of material.
Roof itself is still covered by home builder warranty but not sure if they can fix it fast enough - I guess I have time till the next rain :oops:
Odds seem good this won't meet you deductable?
+1
by Jim Beaux
Mon Jul 05, 2021 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Emergency preparedness for runners
Replies: 27
Views: 2770

Re: Emergency preparedness for runners

I wore a an expandable runners belt in which I kept an expired drivers license, cash, a house key and Gu. I also wore a dog tag, and a shoe pouch containing a business card. If I had to choose just one it would be the runners belt. Really was handy.

Why so redundant? Cuz if you get hit by a clown playing with his phone, you & your stuff may get scattered.
by Jim Beaux
Thu Jul 01, 2021 8:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tomatoes turn water orange when being washed
Replies: 27
Views: 4880

Re: Tomatoes turn water orange when being washed

We haven't noticed anything strange when washing Sunset tomatoes the past few years and the closest grocer sells a variety of the Sunset tomatoes. "I'm growing mine in the ground. However, some people grow in pots. " And people like me drill large holes in the bottom of the containers and place the containers over a bucket-sized prepared hole of good dirt and the plant roots will grow into the ground where it's nice and shaded and moist. This year I'm growing cherry and slicing, red and yellow, and some oblong Italian heirloom strain to go with the Rosa Bianca heirloom eggplants. These are the only eggplants I've ever liked and they are simply great. They're tender, tasty, cut them with a fork wonderful and not a bit bitter. edit...
by Jim Beaux
Thu Jul 01, 2021 7:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tomatoes turn water orange when being washed
Replies: 27
Views: 4880

Re: Tomatoes turn water orange when being washed

I second the wax with dye to make the tomatoes look more uniform and "colorful". That mix of tomatoes is all about eye-appeal and how it makes the buyer feel when they pick up a package when deciding to purchase. The problem with only eating "farmer's market" or backyard tomatoes - is you only get them for a couple weeks each year (well, unless you have a really good harvest of pounds and pounds of tomatoes so that you can "can" them or freeze them and then you can have them when they are out of season.) You can google about the wax on fruit and veggies and how tomatoes (and I'm sure other fruits and veggies) are treated to last longer, look more uniform (perfect), and be available year round. (after having a ...
by Jim Beaux
Thu Jul 01, 2021 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a Kindle? Are they worth trying?
Replies: 133
Views: 11236

Re: Do you use a Kindle? Are they worth trying?

JoeRetire wrote: Thu Jul 01, 2021 2:53 pm
Jim Beaux wrote: Thu Jul 01, 2021 12:12 pm The gist of the article is Amazon is now publishing as well as selling e-books- and the books/authors it publishes are under the control of Amazon- and Amazon will not sell digital books to the library's.

It's now their game, their ball, their rules. Its become an issue of you dont like it, try to find another game. Monopoly.
(shrug)
When I see that actually happening, perhaps I'll reconsider. For now, I'll continue to use my Kindle and get my books from the library.
:oops: None of my business what you do. I was sharing info.
by Jim Beaux
Thu Jul 01, 2021 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a Kindle? Are they worth trying?
Replies: 133
Views: 11236

Re: Do you use a Kindle? Are they worth trying?

I just tripped on this. Dont know the details Want to borrow that e-book from the library? Sorry, Amazon won’t let you. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/03/10/amazon-library-ebook-monopoly/ (shrug) I don't have a WaPo subscription so I can't read the article. I borrow e-books from the Boston Public Library ever day for use on my Kindle. So I guess Amazon lets me. I dont have a Wapo subscription as well. On Fire Fox browser click the link. When Wapo denies non subscribers access, hit reload and when the reload begins, hit the 'X" to stop the reload. Presto! The gist of the article is Amazon is now publishing as well as selling e-books- and the books/authors it publishes are under the control of Amazon- and Amazon will not...
by Jim Beaux
Tue Jun 29, 2021 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a Kindle? Are they worth trying?
Replies: 133
Views: 11236

Re: Do you use a Kindle? Are they worth trying?

I just tripped on this. Dont know the details

Want to borrow that e-book from the library? Sorry, Amazon won’t let you.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/technolo ... -monopoly/
by Jim Beaux
Tue Jun 29, 2021 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a Kindle? Are they worth trying?
Replies: 133
Views: 11236

Re: Do you use a Kindle? Are they worth trying?

I've been an e-ink reader since the Kindle II. My favorite is the Kobo Clara HD, and I like not being locked into Amazon's ecosystem. +1 I find its a better world outside of Amazon & its algorithms that restrict the diversity of my reading interests. I was irritated that it mainlined my selections of reading material. I save hundreds of dollars monthly borrowing from my local library (overdrive) and find the quality of the literature as good as it comes. I have had Kindle & Galaxy tablets and have no major complaints other than being herded by Amazon. If you want a light and simple reader you got it. I inherited an Ipad and though its heavier, find it offers much more. I hardly if ever use the kindle app, I use the Libby app & ...
by Jim Beaux
Tue Jun 29, 2021 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yubikey? Collective wisdom sought.
Replies: 49
Views: 6489

Re: Yubikey? Collective wisdom sought.

Ive been following Yubikey for a few years. I love the concept but other than VG, I dont find any banks, credit unions, credit cards, etc that support it. (that's criminal) Other than Amazon I dont find major merchants do as well.

My main concern are critical sites that need extreme protection ie. banks, finance, bill payments,, etc


Comments and opinions?
by Jim Beaux
Fri Jun 11, 2021 9:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HVAC / Landlord
Replies: 55
Views: 4918

Re: HVAC / Landlord

A rough rule of thumb is that the inside temperature should pull down about 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature if everything is working properly. So if the outside temp is 90 degrees, the inside should pull down to about 70 degrees. This could vary depending on several factors such as say cooking a lot especially with the oven, kids opening the doors a lot, amount of sun light entering the dwelling, etc. A few things you can do to make the a/c work more effeciently. Turn the unit off and wash the outside condensing unit with a water hose. Hold the hose about 2 inches from the fins and wash all around the unit. Change the filter on the inside. If the outside temp is 90 degrees outside, set the thermostat to about 72 degrees. It s...
by Jim Beaux
Mon Jun 07, 2021 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend on a hotel per night on a family vacation?
Replies: 171
Views: 23326

Re: How much do you spend on a hotel per night on a family vacation?

I am an A type and it's hurry up and make my goal. Vacationing with me was not relaxing. Now that Im retired my wife has talked me down. Our new motto is the 'the h_ll with it. We're on vacation'. We drive slow and relax. We avoid big busy cities. We take the road less traveled. We avoid schedules & deadlines. We drive no more than 5 hours or until we want to stop. We search our GPS for nearby motels, park, and call those nearby. We never call corporate. We call the location. It makes a difference. We then select our preferred motels ie Quality Inn, Best Western, LaQuinta, etc and price shop. We target $100 - 150 including a $20 dog fee. For security & quality, we avoid rates below $100. Knock on wood, but in the past 2 yrs we had o...
by Jim Beaux
Mon Jun 07, 2021 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: plumber cost to "run snake to unclog pipes"
Replies: 66
Views: 5933

Re: plumber cost to "run snake to unclog pipes"

The plumber should have offered the option of no warranty without the camera inspection.

Snakes cost far less than a plumber

https://www.acehardware.com/departments ... lsrc=3p.ds
by Jim Beaux
Wed May 05, 2021 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I'm having analysis paralysis on a new car. I am looking for common reliable cars, but each one has potential issues
Replies: 113
Views: 12833

Re: I'm having analysis paralysis on a new car. I am looking for common reliable cars, but each one has potential issues

I have been looking at Kia Rio, and am impressed! Kia and Hyundai are the same company. In Korea it goes by only Kia and most are built there. Santa Fe & Sonatas are built in Alabama. I researched many vehicles & Hyundai was not even on my list until I saw & bought the Santa Fe. Ive had the car about a month and have put about 3000 miles on it...I drove across Texas on I10 often at speeds of 80 mph (legal in West Texas). I drove the mountains in Arizona and New Mexico at grades of 6-7% grades. The car drives so smooth and quiet and it often seems Im going too slow. The power train warranty is 100K miles/10 years and the general warranty is 5 yrs , 60K miles...7 yrs rust. Though it's adequate in town, the mountains and highway, ...
by Jim Beaux
Thu Apr 22, 2021 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Contact Lenses Online?
Replies: 33
Views: 3535

Re: Contact Lenses Online?

In the past I had good luck with 1800contacts among others, but the last time the prices were high for the same lens. I understand either CVS or Walgreens may have purchased it.

The last pair came from Contact Lens King, https://www.contactlensking.com/ and it had the lowest prices
by Jim Beaux
Thu Apr 22, 2021 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I'm having analysis paralysis on a new car. I am looking for common reliable cars, but each one has potential issues
Replies: 113
Views: 12833

Re: I'm having analysis paralysis on a new car. I am looking for common reliable cars, but each one has potential issues

Youre not going to find the perfect car. Each has merits/demerits. After months of going through what you are now, I bought a Hyundai Santa Fe, something that was not even on my radar. Bought 3 weeks ago and just return from a 7 day 3000 mile vacation. Very happy with it.

I found much of the 'Car Reports Websites' are bought and paid for by the various manufactures. These entities do oppositional research & report without context.
by Jim Beaux
Tue Apr 06, 2021 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....
Replies: 37
Views: 3964

Re: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....

I forgot about the brick walk. The trencher boom should reach a short distance under the walk from both sides and cleaned out with a hand pick, but the walk will now have to be supported with more than just back fill.
by Jim Beaux
Tue Apr 06, 2021 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I feel like my friend is about to make a massive financial mistake
Replies: 153
Views: 24954

Re: I feel like my friend is about to make a massive financial mistake

If you cant be candid with a friend, just what kind of friendship do you have?
by Jim Beaux
Tue Apr 06, 2021 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....
Replies: 37
Views: 3964

Re: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....

Without more info I see this as a simple and easy job.

I think 4" would serve you well and renting a 4" trencher is faster & cheaper. Clay is an expansive soil, its dynamic and expands and contracts with the weather so either use one solid section of corrugated pipe or glue the pvc joints.

Once you have everything in place hire a college kid to back fill the trench.