Search found 2889 matches
- Thu Mar 23, 2023 7:15 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What are some of the best grills under $750? | First time buyer
- Replies: 15
- Views: 892
Re: What are some of the best grills under $750? | First time buyer
Weber. You may spend a few dollars more up front, but for something that will easily last 15-20 years it's a no brainer.
- Wed Mar 22, 2023 8:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I Sell / Lease Land for Cell Tower Use?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1158
Re: Should I Sell / Lease Land for Cell Tower Use?
When I was working in local government, we had tower leases at several of our towns properties. These were usually for 10 years @ $2k-$3k/mo with annual increases of 2-5 percent, depending on location. If they colocated (shared tower with another service) the rent increased. Depending on the location we also asked for site improvements like upgrading the electrical, cable, ability to install our own antennas, etc which were rarely refused. Great deal for us in public safety and ultimately, for the taxpayers.
Attorney definitely needed.
Attorney definitely needed.
- Wed Mar 22, 2023 5:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you tip at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts?
- Replies: 103
- Views: 5226
Re: Do you tip at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts?
As this thread relates to Starbucks, they provide a decent wage and have a benefits package that most other counter service type establishments do not.Katietsu wrote: ↑Wed Mar 22, 2023 5:02 pmExactly, the servers are paid a decent wage and have healthcare. Neither are guaranteed with a service job in the US.jebmke wrote: ↑Wed Mar 22, 2023 2:08 pmThat's because the compensation system is different9-5 Suited wrote: ↑Wed Mar 22, 2023 1:20 pm I always love when I meet up with someone from Europe and they just are in disbelief about how insane the pervasiveness of tipping culture is here. It’s like they walked into something that boggles their mind.
https://www.starbucks.com/careers/worki ... and-perks/
- Tue Mar 21, 2023 5:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Travel insurance combined with Medigap
- Replies: 7
- Views: 495
- Tue Mar 21, 2023 4:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: DPReview (digital photography) being shut down.
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1035
DPReview (digital photography) being shut down.
Heads up if your a fan or have any photos, saved posts or other things of interest up on the site. For many, the shutdown will be a loss of a great resource.
https://arstechnica.com/information-tec ... -25-years/
https://arstechnica.com/information-tec ... -25-years/
- Tue Mar 21, 2023 12:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Restaurant recommendations for Rome/Florence
- Replies: 27
- Views: 1632
Re: Restaurant recommendations for Rome/Florence
+1. Limited seating but the charcuterie meat, cheese or combo boards, as well as sandwiches, are wonderful.calmaniac wrote: ↑Tue Mar 21, 2023 10:26 am Found this gem on visit in 2016. Wonderful informal setting. Light fare of salami, prosciutto, and cheese. Excellent quality. Fair prices.
Prosciutteria Cantina Dei Papi Trevi
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_ ... Lazio.html
- Mon Mar 20, 2023 11:11 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Leaking chimney?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1599
Re: Leaking chimney?
I imagine those jury rigged 2x4's/2x6's is to provide support to the rotted wood?
- Mon Mar 20, 2023 9:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Restaurant recommendations for Rome/Florence
- Replies: 27
- Views: 1632
Re: Restaurant recommendations for Rome/Florence
telecaster wrote: ↑Mon Mar 20, 2023 7:36 am My best advice is to stay away from the touristy restaurants that are right next to attractions. Walk a little bit away off the beaten path. Look at the menus, if there is English and Italian on them then keep moving. Find places that have only Italian on their menu. The food will be better, and so will the prices. Ask locals where they go out to eat when it's time.
+1, get out of the tourist areas, which is true of many cities.
- Mon Mar 20, 2023 7:39 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Help Finding Solid Hardwood Baby Furniture
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2023
- Sun Mar 19, 2023 3:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: thinking of buying a motorhome
- Replies: 46
- Views: 3376
Re: thinking of buying a motorhome
Think of driving a house down bumpy, sometimes unimproved roads being shaken. You're constantly tightening or reconnecting plumbing and electrical connections, sealing water leaks, etc....and that's just for the living area. Now add regular vehicle maintenance on a vehicle that may be driven low, but hard use miles. If one is handy and doesn't mind the time that may be involved it's great. If not, it can be a drag.
- Sun Mar 19, 2023 8:01 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: MasterCard declining transactions - Card issuer shrugs
- Replies: 48
- Views: 4379
Re: MasterCard declining transactions - Card issuer shrugs
In my research for trips to various locations in Europe it's somewhat of a common problem with some cards. Its especially true when attempting to make purchases while in the US from merchants in Europe with rail lines, museums and Iberia mentioned. It seems to relate to the security protocols that are in or not in place, with 3D Secure mentioned.
- Sat Mar 18, 2023 5:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Brake pads worn out after less than 3000 miles, options?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1997
Re: Brake pads worn out after less than 3000 miles, options?
How do you know they are worn out? It may be something as simple as surface rust, especially if the vehicle is not driven much.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Sat Mar 18, 2023 5:29 pm This is our second (spare) car. We don’t drive it very much.
......
- Sat Mar 18, 2023 10:13 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is the US facing major EV home charging problems?
- Replies: 83
- Views: 3952
- Fri Mar 17, 2023 8:09 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: please help me get started with TV streaming
- Replies: 131
- Views: 10930
Re: please help me get started with TV streaming
YT prices are already there, as they just announced a price increase.westie wrote: ↑Mon Mar 06, 2023 4:43 pm YouTube TV started as a cord cutter’s dream. It was only $35 when it first hit the market in 2018 with a huge selection of channels. However, the price has since jumped to $64.99, which is approaching double the launch price. YouTube TV will continue to raise their prices, before it's over they will be similarly priced to Comcast and Infinity,
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/16/google- ... costs.html
- Wed Mar 15, 2023 7:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Hotel Door Alarms (was: Locks?)
- Replies: 39
- Views: 3731
Re: Hotel Door Locks?
Keep in mind that 99.5 percent (+ or -) of all travelers have zero issues regarding security. The other .5 percent (+ or -) that make the news, blogs, internet, review sites, etc....sound the alarms. As always, use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.
- Tue Mar 14, 2023 3:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Hotel discounts - best practices
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1934
Re: Hotel discounts - best practices
When you went direct to Peabody's booking, did you select the "Unlock Private Offers" link for possible codes and their loyalty/marketing area? You might find a deal there, even last minute offers.
- Mon Mar 13, 2023 5:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: comcast offer -- is there a catch?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 1706
Re: comcast offer -- is there a catch?
S C A M !!!! Move on to your next "too good to be true" offer.
- Mon Mar 13, 2023 9:51 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best product to keep drinks cool in the car?
- Replies: 38
- Views: 3554
Re: Best product to keep drinks cool in the car?

Freeze some or all the bottled waters overnight. Next morning throw them in a Igloo (or similar) cooler along with other water, Gatorade, juice, etc..... They'll be cold, even using cheap styrofoam coolers.. Been doing this for many years.teelainen wrote: ↑Sun Mar 12, 2023 10:42 pmLike 2-3 bottles of Gatorade or bottled water.dukeblue219 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 12, 2023 7:00 amIt's still not clear if you're trying to keep a 24 pack of beer cold in your trunk or a single cup of iced tea chilled in your cupholder.
- Sun Mar 12, 2023 10:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best product to keep drinks cool in the car?
- Replies: 38
- Views: 3554
Re: Best product to keep drinks cool in the car?
The lack of a fridge has been established. What are you attempting to keep cool? Bottles of water, meats, medicine or ??? Each may require different methods.teelainen wrote: ↑Sun Mar 12, 2023 8:47 pmWe don't have access to a fridge during that 4-5 hours.H-Town wrote: ↑Sun Mar 12, 2023 11:55 amAre you working in the office setting? Or a contractor type of work? If it's an office setting, I'd use the fridge.
- Wed Mar 08, 2023 9:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Fine (but not too fine) dining in Paris with kids
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1779
Re: Fine (but not too fine) dining in Paris with kids
We were there in September and did all the research regarding restaurants. In the end just followed our noses and instincts and found La Jacobine. Small and somewhat cramped with maybe 15-20 tables, not Michelin rated but it was probably the best meal we had while there. Reservations recommended.
- Wed Mar 08, 2023 9:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Sept / Oct Trip to UP / Northern Michigan
- Replies: 28
- Views: 2048
- Wed Mar 08, 2023 3:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: noisy bathroom exhaust fan because of ductwork ?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 721
Re: noisy bathroom exhaust fan because of ductwork ?
It may be as simple as a vibration along the ductwork path that needs to be isolated. May be worth a look, as it's a easy job if you have access to the duct.
- Tue Mar 07, 2023 7:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Contractor in Neighborhood--Discount?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 813
Re: Contractor in Neighborhood--Discount?
Duct cleaning is mentioned. Don't do it as it's rarely needed and is a scam in many areas.
- Tue Mar 07, 2023 11:38 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: US -> Europe this summer - Airline Recommendations
- Replies: 15
- Views: 730
Re: US -> Europe this summer - Airline Recommendations
Start with Google Flights to get a sense of pricing and flight availability. If flying economy, most major carriers are the same. Be aware the price you see may not be available later, so if you see a price you can live with, jump on it. Book directly with the airline!
- Tue Mar 07, 2023 9:39 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Car insurance claim
- Replies: 10
- Views: 850
Re: Car insurance claim
Did you take pictures at the time showing the actual damage?
- Mon Mar 06, 2023 8:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Floor Coverings Purchased Through Costco
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1360
- Mon Mar 06, 2023 5:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Hotel recommendation (or at least what area) in DC
- Replies: 49
- Views: 2650
Re: Hotel recommendation (or at least what area) in DC
We normally stay in Rosslyn or Friendship Heights, close to a Metro stop. Access to the major sites is fairly easy from either. Rates are a bit lower too.
- Mon Mar 06, 2023 9:49 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Taking kids to NBA game
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1933
Re: Taking kids to NBA game
I know when I was a kid and going to the old Chicago Stadium for the very first time, I was in awe when walking up the steps from the dark concourse and seeing the court all lit up for a Bulls game. I still remember it. Check the Pacers or the Gainbridge FH sites for any organized autograph sessions.
https://www.gainbridgefieldhouse.com/pl ... /a-z-guide
https://www.gainbridgefieldhouse.com/pl ... /a-z-guide
- Mon Mar 06, 2023 9:31 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Looking for advice on hotel in Rome
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1608
Re: Looking for advice on hotel in Rome
For ease of exploring I suggest staying in the Trevi - Pantheon area. It's centrally located with many of the major sites within walking distance, 10-20 minutes away and The Vatican about a 40 minute walk. Places like Hotel Trevi or Tritone Hotel may meet your needs, basic but comfortable. Be aware, prices are higher as it's the beginning of high season and with trying to book at a somewhat late date, may limit availability. Taxi fare from the train station to this area will be €12-€18.
- Sun Mar 05, 2023 9:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Paris dinner cruise recommendations?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 727
Re: Paris dinner cruise recommendations?
Do it separately. Vedettes du Pont Neuf has nice evening cruises to see the sites and Eiffel Tower light show. You'll want to take pix, so having dinner at the same time doesn't really work well. Go before or after to La Jacobine (reservations a must) for a great, reasonably priced meal. In September we did this and still talk about it.
- Sun Mar 05, 2023 7:52 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Exercise Lemon Law on New Vehicle Considerations?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2199
Re: Exercise Lemon Law on New Vehicle Considerations?
I'll ask the OP, as curious potential buyers want to know, what make/model was involved?
- Sat Mar 04, 2023 7:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Going to Venice: What To Do or See?
- Replies: 60
- Views: 3747
Re: Going to Venice: What To Do or See?
Venice? Forget the gondolas.... No water due to drought.
- Sat Mar 04, 2023 2:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you pay Turbotax $25 to e-file state?
- Replies: 125
- Views: 6413
Re: Do you pay Turbotax $25 to e-file state?
+1 this! It take 5 minutes of my time to transfer the numbers.tonyclifton wrote: ↑Sat Mar 04, 2023 2:08 pm I use Turbotax to prepare the return. If I owe, I mail in a paper copy with a check. If I am due a refund, I go to the state's free e-file page and re-enter the info from the Turbotax return. Maybe 10th year of doing it this way...And I did something similar for 10 years before that when I had access to a different tax preparation package (Taxwise).
- Thu Mar 02, 2023 8:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best way to get a new smart phone
- Replies: 60
- Views: 4830
Re: Best way to get a new smart phone
I just go to the Samsung outlet and buy the last generation Unlocked phone at a substantial discount. I can then go to any carrier I want to. Though TBH, I stay with TMobile...but I have options to switch to any carrier I want.
- Thu Mar 02, 2023 6:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Eurail questions for trip
- Replies: 16
- Views: 995
Re: Eurail questions for trip
Start with Eurail. Most questions are answered there. Then Tripadvisor or similar.
https://www.eurail.com/en/plan-your-tri ... Mi4wLjAuMA..
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g ... ravel.html
https://www.eurail.com/en/plan-your-tri ... Mi4wLjAuMA..
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g ... ravel.html
- Tue Feb 28, 2023 1:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: TV extended warrantee for drops
- Replies: 16
- Views: 963
Re: TV extended warrantee for drops
Drops? I've never worried about drops. Knocking into it or kids hitting it with a ball and cracking the screen, definitely, though it's never happened to me.
- Mon Feb 27, 2023 8:21 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Walker For Elderly
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1268
- Sat Feb 25, 2023 4:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Store brand with a similar formula as Natural Dentist Mouthwash
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1159
Re: Store brand with a similar formula as Natural Dentist Mouthwash
Not store brands but Toms and TheraBreath come to mind, but I'm sure they're similarly priced.
- Sat Feb 25, 2023 8:37 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Buffett's 2022 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Letter
- Replies: 76
- Views: 10875
- Sat Feb 25, 2023 7:42 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Seeking vehicle advice - 2014 Nissan Sentra replace or not
- Replies: 35
- Views: 2031
- Fri Feb 24, 2023 4:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Frugal Tip: Black Tea vs Coffee -- we save around $600 per year this way.
- Replies: 248
- Views: 18907
Re: Frugal Tip: Black Tea vs Coffee -- we save around $600 per year this way.
Reusing tea leaves, reminds me of this from the Great Escape...
"Afraid this tea's pathetic. Must have used these wretched leaves about twenty times. It's not that I mind so much. Tea without milk is so uncivilized."
https://youtu.be/EXzoJin8-p0
"Afraid this tea's pathetic. Must have used these wretched leaves about twenty times. It's not that I mind so much. Tea without milk is so uncivilized."
https://youtu.be/EXzoJin8-p0
- Fri Feb 24, 2023 8:05 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Water Heater HELP - Water Coming out of Discharge / Overflow(?) Pipe
- Replies: 40
- Views: 2474
Re: Water Heater HELP - Water Coming out of Discharge / Overflow(?) Pipe
I would be more concerned about what looks like flexible gas line extending across the room. Dangerous and not to code.
- Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Vacuum Cleaners
- Replies: 110
- Views: 6919
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
A topic that sucks!!
My 25 year old Hoover just chugs along. Other than one electric cord replacement it's been rock solid.

- Wed Feb 22, 2023 6:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cheated by a car rental company
- Replies: 75
- Views: 8462
- Wed Feb 22, 2023 4:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: dishwasher recomendations
- Replies: 110
- Views: 6443
Re: dishwasher recomendations
Agree, non factor. On our 500 series we remove the top screen and remove the mesh drain filter tube every month or so, hand scrubbing it, removing any scum that may have accumulated. Zero issues.bluebolt wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 9:06 amI clean the filter on my Bosch about once every 3-4 months. There's hardly anything on it, so I could probably let it go longer. It takes about 2 minutes to remove it, rinse it, and replace it. For me, definitely a non-factor.student wrote: ↑Mon Feb 20, 2023 8:21 am Many people like Bosch. (Everyone that I know who has it likes it.) But personally it is not something I will get. European models usually do not have a grinder but it has filter that you need to empty on a regular basis. So if you get a European model, make sure you are ok with doing it.
- Mon Feb 20, 2023 7:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any husky (dog) owners out there...help!!
- Replies: 46
- Views: 4371
- Mon Feb 20, 2023 3:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Untangling Joint Vehicle Ownership and Loan
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1501
Re: Untangling Joint Vehicle Ownership and Loan
In Illinois it's possible to do a Corrected Title without a refinance or new sale, BUT it requires the full cooperation of the lender to process the forms and mail the original title to the state. Once processed, they would receive the updated title from the state.
- Mon Feb 20, 2023 7:58 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: dishwasher recomendations
- Replies: 110
- Views: 6443
- Sun Feb 19, 2023 6:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Reasonably Priced Hotel in Manhattan?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1022
Re: Reasonably Priced Hotel in Manhattan?
What is your idea of "reasonably priced"? Budget?
- Sun Feb 19, 2023 5:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is [car's] blind spot monitor worth while?
- Replies: 180
- Views: 10186
Re: Is blind spot monitor worth while?
No brainer, irritating or not, it's saved my butt a few times.