Search found 152 matches

by Rick_29T9W
Sun Apr 20, 2014 2:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: POLL: why carry cash?
Replies: 243
Views: 25466

Re: POLL: why carry cash?

Although I mostly pay by charge or debit card, I find that cash is sometimes faster. When purchasing several small inexpensive items, I always have slightly more than the needed amount of cash ready before getting to the front of the line. Having slightly more than the needed amount keeps me from having to add everything up precisely, or having to calculate the tax. The clerk can just let the cash register instantly figure the change and sometimes hand me my change in about 10 seconds, or so. Unfortunately, slow moving clerks sometimes take significantly longer. At some small businesses, the slow terminals seem to take about 20 or 30 seconds to connect and communicate. Trying to write my name legibly on on the awkward device also takes me a...
by Rick_29T9W
Mon Jan 07, 2013 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: For those of you who have kept your cars for a long time...
Replies: 95
Views: 8739

Re: For those of you who have kept your cars for a long time

I have a 1992 GMC Sierra pickup truck with 161,000 miles. It still runs reliably and looks good. The body is still in perfect condition and has never been in an accident. Vehicles do not rust here in Arizona. I had it repainted several years ago, and was fortunate to find a body shop in another nearby town which did good quality paint jobs for about half the price that the local body shops wanted. It just has a 4.3 Liter Vortac V-6 and a 5-speed manual transmission in the full sized truck, but still runs full power and performs surprisingly well on the steepest hills at highway speeds. The 5-speed transmission probably helps. I plan to have the bench seat re-uphostered sometime soon. I asked the parts department at the dealer about possibly...
by Rick_29T9W
Tue Jan 01, 2013 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How good is vanguard website security?
Replies: 109
Views: 27727

Re: How good is vanguard website security?

For some time now, my password at Vanguard has included a random mixture of symbols, numbers, and upper and lower case letters. I am glad that Vanguard now allows including symbols in the password. If I am not mistaken, the maximum length is 10 characters. A while back, I also changed my user name into a 12 character long collection of symbols, numbers, and upper and lower case letters. One concern of mine has been that someone who knew me well enough might conceivably know the answers to the security questions. A year or two ago, an ex-convict that I know, once casually asked me a couple of questions about such minor details of my past. That had me concerned, so since then, I have fudged the answers to the security questions in a way somew...
by Rick_29T9W
Fri Dec 07, 2012 11:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anybody here go all-Linux for personal computing?
Replies: 117
Views: 11674

Re: Anybody here go all-Linux for personal computing?

I use Kubuntu 12.04 Linux on my desktop computer at home. I have been using Linux at home for about 10 years now. I also have a slightly older Windows XP computer, which I occasionally use, but the Linux computer is my main computer. The Linux computer is not set up to dual boot, and has never had Windows installed on it. Linux meets my needs quite well, although I realize that some people may have some particular software package that they want to use, which does not come in a Linux version. If I ever need to occasionally run a Windows only program, I could still run it on my other computer. Kubuntu is an derivitive of Ubuntu Linux which uses the KDE desktop environment instead of the Unity graphical environment. Norbert also mentioned usi...
by Rick_29T9W
Wed Nov 28, 2012 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of car are you driving?
Replies: 368
Views: 45720

Re: What kind of car are you driving?

I drive a 1992 GMC Sierra pickup truck with 161,000 miles. It still runs reliably and looks almost like new. The body is in perfect shape and has never been in an accident. I had it repainted about 5 years ago and the paint still looks like new. After 20 years of driving in Arizona, it does not yet have any rust. It takes me about 25 years to wear out a car or truck, because I do not drive many miles per year. That is because I live upstairs from where I work, and do not have a daily commute. Whenever the engine wears out, I plan to have it overhauled and drive it for many more years. So far, the engine is still running good and full power, but does leak oil out of the rear main seal. It just has a V-6 and a 5-speed manual transmission, but...
by Rick_29T9W
Wed Jan 25, 2012 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kettlebell Workout
Replies: 19
Views: 2052

Re: Kettlebell Workout

I have never used kettlebells, but for the last 7 years I have been walking an hour per day while using heavyhands. I raise and lower the heavyhands from my hips to forehead level as I walk. At times I switch to doing a 4-step double ski poling motion to also exercise my back. I walk along the trail through the rock formations over to the small lake and back, every day. Dr. Leonard Schwartz wrote “The Heavyhands Walking Book” back in 1990. The heavyhands handles and most of the interchangeable weights are still available. The hand weights are used steadily as an aerobic exercise over a longer period of time, instead of as a weight lifting exercise for strength. Lighter weights are used over a much longer period of time. But, significant str...
by Rick_29T9W
Fri Jan 20, 2012 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sedona, AZ in January
Replies: 11
Views: 1414

Re: Sedona, AZ in January

Parts of Oak Creek Canyon are at about the same elevation as where I live in Arizona. I live at 5,200 feet, Sedona is slightly lower at about 4,500 feet. Where I live, the average high in January is 51 degrees and the low is 23 degrees. It is usually quite comfortable outside during the daytime when wearing my flannel lined jeans and a light jacket. My favorite hike in the Sedona Area is the West Fork of Oak Creek trail. At least during much of the year, the parking lot at the trailhead fills up quickly, with a long line of cars waiting to get in. They charge $10 per car to park there. If you decide to park at one of the few pullouts on the road instead, you will need a $5 Red Rock Pass. I bring along disposable hand wipes for cleaning my h...
by Rick_29T9W
Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does the cruise ship sinking make you reconsider cruising?
Replies: 58
Views: 5617

Re: Does the cruise ship sinking make you reconsider cruisin

I have never had any desire to take a cruise. From what I have heard, overeating is one of the main activities on a cruise ship. I am always trying to watch my weight, so overeating every day does not appeal to me. Besides that, taking a cruise sounds boring. In the unlikely event that the ship were to sink, at least I am an excellent swimmer. I did once take a several hour long dinner cruise in Chicago, but do not count that as a real cruise. I was wearing a poorly made reversible belt on the trip, and unfortunately while walking back for more food, the twist mechanism broke and my pants fell down. I had recently lost weight and the belt was all that had been keeping my pants up. I do not have any desire to spend more than a few hours on a...
by Rick_29T9W
Mon Jan 16, 2012 3:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is the best/your favorite keyboard for a desktop PC?
Replies: 30
Views: 2488

Re: What is the best/your favorite keyboard for a desktop PC

I like the feel of the keys in the Logitech illuminated keyboard. It is a little on the expensive side at about $60 - $80, but it is one of the few that felt right, when I tried using various keyboards in the local electronics and office supply stores. I prefer a keyboard that requires only a light touch, but which also has at least some slight tactile feedback. I did not like how on many keyboards, my fingers had to work slightly harder to press stiffer keys. Unfortunately, most of the keyboards also had almost no tactile feedback. Until recently, I had been using a NMB Right touch mechanical keyboard since the mid-1990s. Unfortunately, it finally wore out and I could not find another mechanical keyboard which had that same light feel and ...
by Rick_29T9W
Mon Jan 09, 2012 10:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike riders with no lights at night
Replies: 60
Views: 4075

Re: Bike riders with no lights at night

I used to drive to the grocery store about twice a week, around midnight, and would frequently see an occasional bicyclist or two without a headlight. Almost none of them ever had a headlight or taillight. They do not wear reflective or bright colored. They do not dress like serious bicycle enthusiasts, with bicycling outfits. This is in a city of about 40,000 people. It occurs here both on the poorly light semi-rural suburban edges of town and also downtown. I would see them going along major 40 MPH roads and also off on side streets. Frequently, this is on dark 40 MPH roads streets on the edge of town where the streets do not have bicycle lanes. This is at around midnight without lights. I always wondered who are there people? What are th...
by Rick_29T9W
Mon Jan 09, 2012 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Glad it wasnt an accident but what were my options
Replies: 75
Views: 5699

Re: Glad it wasnt an accident but what were my options

Deleting accidental duplicate post.
by Rick_29T9W
Mon Jan 09, 2012 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Glad it wasnt an accident but what were my options
Replies: 75
Views: 5699

Re: Glad it wasnt an accident but what were my options

Personally, I would not have honked at him for what probably was jaywalking. Of course the pedestrian was wrong to have over reacted. The pedestrian was confronted by a man with a deadly weapon. How do you expect him to react? That is the first I have heard any mention of a deadly weapon. I did not see any mention of a deadly weapon. Are you referring to when he backed up to talk to him, and even then had to honk to get his attention.” Apparently, I interpreted what gabbar said totally differently. The horn probably startled the pedestrian, making him angry. A couple of posts down, I see that curly lambeau mentions something about "someone driving their car towards you." Again, I did not interpret gabbar's comments that way. Perh...
by Rick_29T9W
Mon Jan 09, 2012 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Glad it wasnt an accident but what were my options
Replies: 75
Views: 5699

Re: Glad it wasnt an accident but what were my options

It sounds like gabbar is describing a long turning lane that passes his street and leads on up to the major intersection beyond that entrance? If the turning lane is not for entering the entrance to his condo complex, that sounds like it is not an intersection. It does not sound like he is describing a turning lane that is designed to turning into the semi-private street at his apartment complex. I am editing this post, because I just noticed 555's earlier post which mentions that gabbar may have just been referring to a middle two-way lane (or whatever it is called) in the center. I agree, if I understand correctly, that third possibility also does not sound like an intersection to me. When making a right or left turn at a mid-block locati...
by Rick_29T9W
Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Frustration with TD login
Replies: 15
Views: 1703

Re: Frustration with TD login

I see a lot of posts about frustration with TD log-in. I have never had a problem. I only have used Chrome to log-in. To the OP, it was not the fault of TD that you typed in the wrong password. I beg to differ - it IS slightly the fault of TD. Other sites offer security questions that are unambiguous - what was your mother's maiden name, what year was your father born, even which high school you went to (although I can see that if you went to more than one, it could be an issue), etc. TD offered options like "what is your favorite movie" that can be very hard recall if you're not the type of person to categorize things as favorites. As it is, even though I remembered which movie I put down, there's an "and" in the title...
by Rick_29T9W
Tue Jan 03, 2012 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead
Replies: 68
Views: 9388

Re: Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead

I gradually lost 70 pounds over about the last 7 years, without feeling hungry, by changing how I eat and getting more daily exercise. In the past, I would always steadily gain weight while eating portion sizes that were just large enough to satisfy my appetite. In my case, the types of food did make a difference in satisfying my appetite. I now include far more vegetables with my lunch and dinner. I did that by filling myself up on a variety of bulky low calorie vegetables (not potatoes and corn). They also give me far more mico-nutrients per calorie. For breakfast every morning, I switched from boxed cereals to making hot barley cereal with some pieces of frozen fruit and berries added. I chose barley because the beta-glucan soluble fiber...
by Rick_29T9W
Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Treasury Direct Log in problem
Replies: 23
Views: 6385

Re: Treasury Direct Log in problem

I'll give you a hint on how to use security questions: Always give a non-sensical untrue answer. As in, "What is your mother's first name?" Humphrey. On big concern is how to remember where I have used real answers and where I have used nonsensical answers. My other big concern is possibly forgetting what my nonsensical answers were. As a backup, perhaps I could keep an encrypted list on a device in my safety deposit box of what answers (and passwords) had been used where. At times, I have occasionally considered using improbable made up answers to security questions. For that purpose, I have thoroughly memorized and thoroughly visualized several made up improbable details of my life history. But, I have not used those as answers...
by Rick_29T9W
Thu Dec 29, 2011 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Treasury Direct Log in problem
Replies: 23
Views: 6385

Re: Treasury Direct Log in problem

I have my doubts about how effective security questions really are. The answers to many customers security questions could be found in posts on this website and elsewhere. One security question from the possible pool of 6 possible questions is being discussed on the Bogleheads website right now. That discussion is: “What is your favorite movie?” I should add, I did not necessarily actually chose to use that particular question. On the Bogleheads website there have been similar discussions about peoples favorite books, movies, favorite places and other such things that are likely answers to security questions used by Treasury Direct or elsewhere. Another type of security question relates to non-secret details of the user’s personal history. ...
by Rick_29T9W
Thu Dec 29, 2011 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Treasury Direct Log in problem
Replies: 23
Views: 6385

Re: Treasury Direct Log in problem

Late Tuesday afternoon on Dec. 26th, I had problems logging in. When trying to log-in, a message popped up complaining that I was using a different computer than before. Well yes, my old computer had died and been replaced. To verify this is really my computer they sent a one time passcode to my email address. After accepting the one time passcode, they then asked me for my password. I got the password wrong and also failed to answer my security questions correctly and was locked out of my account. I then contacted them through their on-line form and left both my cell phone number and my email address. The next morning a representative called and I was able to answer my 3 security questions correctly. He then unlocked my account and sent me...
by Rick_29T9W
Wed Dec 28, 2011 2:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Downloadable Forms gone
Replies: 64
Views: 6917

Re: I Bonds Downloadable Forms gone

The unavailable Treasury Direct web page did soon become available again, so I finally was able to make my purchase request and received a confirmation number. Today I purchased those electronic I bonds directly from Treasury Direct and yesterday I purchased some paper I bonds from a bank. I have now finally completed both my electronic and paper I bond purchases for 2011.
by Rick_29T9W
Wed Dec 28, 2011 12:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Downloadable Forms gone
Replies: 64
Views: 6917

Re: I Bonds Downloadable Forms gone

A Treasury Direct representative finally returned my call about an hour ago. He knew which three security questions to ask me and I was able to correctly answer all of them. He reset my account and sent me a one time passcode. He also answered another question of mine by saying that the Legacy Treasury Direct system no longer exists. I tried again to log-in, but failed both attempts to answer the 3 security questions, so my account was locked again and was given a telephone number to call. I called that telephone number and found the option in their menu for finally talking to a live person after being on hold for a few minutes. I then discovered that I had been misspelling an answer to one of the 3 security questions. So, my account was ag...
by Rick_29T9W
Wed Dec 28, 2011 10:23 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Downloadable Forms gone
Replies: 64
Views: 6917

Re: I Bonds Downloadable Forms gone

I filled out the forms and purchased some I-bonds yesterday at a bank. That was on Tuesday and they still had plenty of forms on hand, but they said that it was the last day that I could purchase them through their bank. Having reached the $5,000 limit for paper I bonds, I also wanted to purchase some additional electronic I-bonds from the treasurydirect.gov website, but my password was rejected. The hint did not help, so I was then asked to answer my three security questions. Out of a list of possible questions, I was expected to remember which three questions I had once chosen as my 3 security questions. I was not sure which 3 questions I had chosen, so I tried answering all of the questions, but that did not work. When first trying to lo...
by Rick_29T9W
Tue Dec 20, 2011 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Owning a used jalopy: Same cost as leasing brand car.
Replies: 132
Views: 10696

Re: Owning a used jalopy: Same cost as leasing brand car.

19 years of driving my 1992 GMC Sierra pickup truck has not been very expensive, although perhaps a Honda or Toyota might have done slightly better. It has never been overhauled and has 158,000 miles on its V-6 engine. Last year, the original A/C system had to be repaired and upgraded to using the newer type of refrigerant for $800. About 12 years ago, the clutch was replaced for about $800. About 6 years ago the door hinges were repaired for about $500. About 10 years ago some rubber parts were replaced in the front suspension for several hundred dollars. Oil has been leaking from the rear main seal for several years, and has not yet been repaired. Over the last 19 years, there have been other occasional minor expenses for things like tire...
by Rick_29T9W
Fri Dec 16, 2011 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The True Cost of Commuting
Replies: 32
Views: 5673

Re: The True Cost of Commuting

I walk the 50 feet to and from work every day. I spend less than a minute per day walking to and from work. I use very little gasoline and it takes me over 20 years to get enough miles on a car or truck to wear one out. My 19 year old truck has 157,000 miles and still runs reliably and looks good.

The nearest grocery store, banks, doctors, Wallmart, and the mall are all only about a 3 mile drive away.
by Rick_29T9W
Thu Dec 15, 2011 4:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Camera buffs: 1st high-end camera for DW?
Replies: 45
Views: 4777

Re: Camera buffs: 1st high-end camera for DW?

My knowledge about photography is somewhat limited, but I really like my Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 which uses the micro four thirds lens system. The micro four thirds lenses are about half as large as the lenses on DSLR cameras. It takes great photos despite being slightly more compact than a DSLR. The removable zoom lens that came with the camera sticks out about 3 inches. The camera itself plus the view finder add an additional 2 inches, so it is not pocket sized. So far, I only have the one lens that came with the camera. With a pancake lens, I am not sure if it would become almost pocket sized or not. When on a scenic hike, I usually carry the camera with the strap around my neck while holding it with one hand. Having a simple, more rugged...
by Rick_29T9W
Fri Oct 07, 2011 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do companies intentionally hire idiots for customer service?
Replies: 36
Views: 5840

One type of customer service is the occasional tech support calls that I have made over the years. In some instances, it sometimes seems like the tech support person does not know much more than I do. Here is one example from several years ago. After an unexpectedly close lightning strike, my combination DSL modem/router suddenly lost its connection to the Internet, but my telephone still worked. I was not sure if the problem was my my DSL modem, the DSL signal on my telephone line, or the small DSL filter/splitter device. The tech support guy from India initially seemed unfamiliar with the model number of the combination DSL modem/router that I had. I told him that I had purchased it directly from QWEST, and that it was one of the only two...
by Rick_29T9W
Sat Sep 10, 2011 2:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you take a fish oil/omega 3 supplement?
Replies: 195
Views: 24915

dm200 wrote: Maybe you could enlighten me about what you understand to be when, during evolution, humans (and our ancestors) had high fat diets? Our ancestors were not eating marbled, corn fed beef (hadn't been invented), but chasing down lean, low fat game, foraging fruits and berries (and who knows what else). I was wondering about that too. According to one article, a 3.5 ounce serving of grass fed bison meat has 2.4 g of fat and deer meat has 1.4 g, compare that with lean roast beef with 14.3 g of fat or chicken without skin with 3.5 g of fat. The wild or grass fed meats have just a small fraction of the amount of fat that corn-fed beef has. I also doubt that they added as much oils and other types of fat to what they cooked. So, even c...
by Rick_29T9W
Tue Sep 06, 2011 12:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 72
Views: 9558

I have an old 13-inch CRT TV set which is about 17 years old. Like Janet, I am not someone who is trying to be frugal. I just do not watch very much television and have never felt the desire to upgrade. It was a used TV which I got for free from from a relative, who no longer needed it, back in the 1990s. It still works fine, I don't have any complaints. Someone visiting my place, once commented that I had a 20-inch computer monitor, but only a 13-inch TV set and that she could see where my priorities were. With TV not being a priority for me, I have never felt a desire to get cable or satellite. I get several channels with the amplified rabbit ears antenna. The mountain top translator between here and Phoenix was not required to make the d...
by Rick_29T9W
Fri Aug 26, 2011 1:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitness - what works for you?
Replies: 231
Views: 43826

I walk an hour per day, while raising and lowering my heavyhands from below waist level to forehead level. For about a third of my daily walk, I switch to doing a double ski poling motion with the heavyhands, which also gives my back and rear end some aerobic exercise. That has been my daily exercise routine for about the last 5 years. My resting pulse rate has gradually dropped down into the upper 40s to low 50s, which is one indication that this is actually a good cardiovascular workout. I start from home and enjoy seeing the varied scenery and wildlife as I walk between the rugged rock formations, and then along the small lake and back. It is not a boring workout. I am 56 years old and prefer a lower impact workout than jogging. However,...
by Rick_29T9W
Wed Aug 03, 2011 11:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $20 cell phone ticket raises insurance $836
Replies: 39
Views: 7581

The low rates that trico pays are only slightly less than what I pay. I pay $364.55 per year for the insurance on my pickup truck. My coverage includes: $250,000/$500,000 bodily injury $100,000 property damage $15,000/$30,000 uninsured motor vehicle bodily injury Comprehensive insurance The deductible is $250 My truck is 19 years old. My insurance plan correctly states that I drive less than 30 miles per week to and from work, and less than 7,500 miles per year. I have a clean driving record. I am 56 years old, which presumably puts me in a low risk age bracket. I live in a small city with light traffic and not very much snow. What little snow we get usually melts quickly. It also costs me very little to register an older vehicle in Arizona...
by Rick_29T9W
Sun Jun 19, 2011 3:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any guys here shop for jeans recently?
Replies: 40
Views: 10311

The Duluth Trading Company has several different versions of their ballroom jeans, which has a hidden crotch gusset for freedom of movement. Most of their pants also have extra room in the seat and thigh. Their website mentions being able to “crouch without the ouch." Their pants are designed for tradesmen, which is intended to allow them to easily bend over, stoop and squat at work. I am surrounded by rugged rock formations where I live, and have to lift my leg high when climbing over boulders. Other jeans held me back from raising my leg high enough, and before long, they would always rip open between my legs. But, after a couple of years of wearing the Duluth jeans instead, I have not yet ripped any of them. They also have a fuller ...
by Rick_29T9W
Wed Jun 15, 2011 11:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what age does it go downhill
Replies: 190
Views: 29088

Just like nisiprius, I also had to put up with that annoying high pitched noise that TVs made. No one else seemed to be able to hear it. Then at about the age of 40, in the early 1990s, I stopped hearing it. When using a similar gadget in a Junior College Physics class that I was taking, I was able to hear frequencies higher than anyone else in the class. I was in my late-30s at the time. Now at the age of 56, that would no longer be true. In the past, the dental hygienist's ultrasonic cleaning device seemed rather loud when used around my back teeth. Now, I barely notice. I am not sure if I was hearing the actual cleaning frequency, or some other lower pitched noise or harmonic. Back in the 1970s (or possibly the 1980s), the Sears store in...
by Rick_29T9W
Mon Jun 13, 2011 1:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what age does it go downhill
Replies: 190
Views: 29088

I am 56 years old and when I occasionally have to dig with a pick and shovel, I can still work as hard as ever. I have to do that several times per year. For exercise, I walk an hour every day, while raising and lowering my heavyhands from hips to forehead level with each step. At times, I switch to doing a double ski poling movement to also exercise my back while walking with the heavyhands. I aerobically condition my arms, back and legs all at once. That keeps me in good enough shape for occasionally using the pick and shovel. But at 56, I now seem to be more prone to minor injuries when exercising or working. Because of soreness in one elbow, I had to stop using the heavyhands for several months. After the soreness was gone, I cautiously...
by Rick_29T9W
Tue Jun 07, 2011 10:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sunscreen
Replies: 65
Views: 6185

I get enough sun exposure through my T-shirt, to have a very noticeable tan on my entire upper body. I walk an hour per day outdoors for exercise, while raising and lowering my heavyhands with each step. I had also recently been working outside several hours per day, up until a couple of weeks ago. I have been walking daily for several years, and have usually had a noticeable tan under my shirt on my shoulders, chest, back, upper arms, and most of my body. One of the few places where I do not have a tan is under my socks. The upper body tan is less noticeable during the winter, when wearing a long sleeve shirt over the T-shirt. I always wear a broad brimmed hat, and ultra sweatproof and waterproof SPF 30 sunscreen on my face, neck, ears, lo...
by Rick_29T9W
Tue Jun 07, 2011 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you organize your pockets?
Replies: 106
Views: 14493

Left front pocket: kleenex and pocket knife Low, left, outer edge, cellphone pocket: cellphone Right front pocket: keys and coins Left Rear pocket: wallet Right rear pocket: comb Left shirt pocket: reading glasses Not all of my pants and shorts have that special cellphone pocket part way down the left leg. The special cellphone pocket is down closer to my knees on the outside edge of my leg, which places the antenna further from my family jewels, than when in a front pocket. Also, unlike carrying it on my waist, I can not even feel that it is there. On one of the left belt loops, I attach a hanging watch. I do not like the feeling of having a watch around my wrist. I do not keep the kleenex in the same pockets as my coins. I do not want the...
by Rick_29T9W
Sat Jun 04, 2011 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Going Barefoot In Your Home
Replies: 76
Views: 10565

I wear socks at home. I do not have typical shaped feet, so shoes are always a little tight along the side and front corner of my big toe. It is always more comfortable to take them off at home. I have never found any dress shoes or hiking boots that fit in a minimally acceptable way. Fortunately, running shoes are usually flexible enough in the big toe area to fit somewhat better. But even with them, I prefer to take them off when indoors at home. There is a dirt road and a dirt driveway in front of where I live, so in rainy weather I have the added reason of wanting to take off my slightly muddy shoes before stepping inside. As an adult I started leaving my socks on instead of going totally barefoot at home. I assumed that would probably ...
by Rick_29T9W
Sat Jun 04, 2011 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone else here struggling to save? Just curious - Thanks!
Replies: 131
Views: 15625

I am not a high income earner. For me the high cost of medical insurance has significantly reduced my ability to save. I now pay $1,113 per month for medical insurance. That is $13,365 per year just for medical insurance. My medical insurance costs went up drastically starting back when I became 55 years old. I had talked to an independent insurance broker about possibly switching to a less expensive insurance plan. But, because of a medical problem that briefly occurred about a year ago, I have not been able to move to any other insurance plan. The medical problem has gone away, at least for now, and both of my doctors do not regard it as a big risk for me in the future. But, it is now impossible for me to move to a less expensive insuranc...
by Rick_29T9W
Sat May 28, 2011 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Poll: Flashing yellow light while driving, What to do?
Replies: 58
Views: 9114

I do not recall ever having seen a flashing yellow light. I have also never seen one of those pedestrian crossing with flashing yellow lights, that tortoise described. The local traffic lights sometimes flash red, after a summer thunder storm has caused a power failure, but that is a flashing red light, not a flashing yellow light. Apparently, they do not have flashing yellow lights were I live. Is that something that I can expect to encounter when traveling to other parts of the country? I agree with nisiprius, that the “welcome centers” should have a guide to the traffic laws of the state you are entering. So, are flashing yellow lights different than a yield sign? Chaz said that a “a flashing yellow traffic light means slow down and p...
by Rick_29T9W
Wed May 25, 2011 11:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hats
Replies: 38
Views: 6960

Despite still having all my hair and never having had skin cancer, I always wear a broad brimmed hat for sun protection. Sometimes, I also wear UV blocking sunglasses. We get lots of sunny days here in Arizona. The broad brimmed hat that I wear during the summer has mesh for good ventilation, which allows sweat from my hair to evaporate better. The warmer broad brimmed hat that I wear in the winter is lined with felt, and is not ventilated, for warmth. When it really gets cold outside I wear a hat which covers my ears, but which unfortunately does not have a broad brim. Despite wearing a broad brimmed hat and SPF 30 sunscreen, I always still get a significant tan on my face and arms. I have been working outside for the last month or so, and...
by Rick_29T9W
Tue May 24, 2011 12:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: About drinking water
Replies: 54
Views: 5752

The taste of most bottled water is not any better than what comes out of my faucet. Most bottled water has a much stronger taste than what I prefer (or am used to), even when refrigerated. Our water comes from a small water company's three wells. It used to taste better before they started chlorinating it in recent years, but I still like it slightly better than most bottled water. Occasionally, the chlorine taste becomes much more noticeable.

Years ago, when visiting southern Utah during 9 days of camping, I was amazed at how good tasting the tap water was in many of the small towns. It was far superior to any bottled water or the water at home.
by Rick_29T9W
Sat May 21, 2011 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you eat for breakfast?
Replies: 116
Views: 14627

I usually have some BGLife Heart Balance barley hot cereal, with some frozen blueberries added after I have finished cooking it. It is made from a strain of barley which was naturally selected to have high levels of beta-glucan soluble fiber. The beta-glucan soluble fiber slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, giving it a lower glycemic index. I am not sure how much the glycemic index is affected by adding the frozen blueberries, but even with the blueberries added I do not get hungry or tired before lunch time (except for having a mid-morning apple or other type of fruit). Sometimes I also mix in some steel cut oats and/or qunioa, although the quinoa requires a much longer cooking time. With any version of that hot cereal breakfast, m...
by Rick_29T9W
Mon May 09, 2011 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: gas prices what are you doing to fight it
Replies: 208
Views: 24689

I live upstairs above where I work and only about 3 miles from the nearest grocery store. But, I still somehow manage to use slightly over one tank of gasoline per month. However, I could get by with less than 1/2 as much driving around town, if I had to.

My full-sized pickup truck uses about 20 to 25 gallons per month at a cost of somewhere around $75 to $95. That is not too bad. If I had to, I could probably drive much less and go almost 2 months on one tank of gas, except for when I occasionally decide to take an all day trip. If I had a high MPG vehicle, I would use about half as much gasoline, but I still plan to keep driving my 1992 pickup truck for many more years.
by Rick_29T9W
Mon May 09, 2011 3:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Some red meat healthier than pork or chicken?
Replies: 107
Views: 12111

The local health food store frequently has grass fed buffalo meat for sale. One article claimed that a 3.5 ounce serving of bison meat has 0.59 grams of saturated fat, compared to 1.3 grams of saturated fat for chicken without the skin. The same brief article also claimed that lean roast beef has 7.2 grams of saturated fat. The amounts of cholesterol that the article listed for the various types of meat and fish did not seem significantly different. I usually include beans and a generous amount of various vegetables with my evening meal, so that I only need a very small portion of the grass fed buffalo meat or fish. Beans will provide plenty of protein if some type of grain is also eaten during roughly the same 24 hour time period, due to t...
by Rick_29T9W
Sat May 07, 2011 2:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Right Hand Turns At Red Lights
Replies: 58
Views: 6022

About 12 years ago in Phoenix Arizona, I was roller blading and was waiting for the crosswalk sign to say “walk.” The car approaching the crosswalk appeared to be slowing for a stop, so when the crosswalk sign said “walk,” I rolled out into the crosswalk. I then ended up on the woman's hood as she rolled into the crosswalk. Fortunately, I was not injured. She only hit me at about 5 or 10 MPH and I had been wearing a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. She was startled to suddenly find a fat 40-something aged roller blader on her hood. About a year later, I was getting ready to walk across an intersection with my girlfriend and her dog. As the crosswalk sign suddenly told us to walk, an approaching car appeared to be slowing for...
by Rick_29T9W
Thu May 05, 2011 12:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [POLL] what are your monthly non-mortgage expenses?
Replies: 42
Views: 6937

During this last year or so, my monthly expenses have increased to about $2,600 per month, mostly due to the rising cost of my medical insurance. Several of the items below were roughly estimated. There are a couple of items in the list that I could cut back on, if my medical insurance costs continue to rise. Medical Insurance: .........$1,113 Groceries: ..........................500 Health care ........................150 Clothing ............................100 DSL Internet + telephone....85 Gasoline: ............................80 Eating out ......................... 40 Auto insurance ...................34 Auto registration ..................2 Car payments: .....................0 Utilities: ...............................0 Cable TV or Sa...
by Rick_29T9W
Sat Feb 26, 2011 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jury Duty
Replies: 26
Views: 4483

I had to serve as a juror on a one day trial last year. They asked me how far I had to drive to get to the courthouse, and I told them it was about 7 miles each way. So, after the trial, I received a check for about $17 for my travel expenses. I had also wondered if reimbursing my travel expenses should be counted as income or not.

I was glad the whole process was over in just one day, include the hour long wait before the trail began.
by Rick_29T9W
Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When Do You Stop Fixing Dents?
Replies: 51
Views: 7875

I always park further out in the less crowded portions of parking lots. Because of that, during the last 19 years, my 1992 truck has had only two very small barely detectable dents. That is not counting the hail damage in 1992, that occurred about a month after buying the truck, which the insurance paid to fix. I had the truck repainted again a couple of years ago, after about half of the paint had flaked off of the hood and roof. The two quarter and dime sized dents were repaired at that time, and the rear bumper straightened slightly. I have not yet had any new dents since then. As an overweight guy, walking slightly further is good for me. In this small sized city, most parking lots are rarely ever full. The thick rubber molding on the s...
by Rick_29T9W
Mon Feb 07, 2011 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does cost of insurance influence your vehicle purchase?
Replies: 29
Views: 4713

I pay only $34.12 per month for the comprehensive insurance on my old 1992 GMC Sierra pickup truck. I am not sure why it is only $34.12 per month, but it might be factors such as my age, my excellent driving record, low mileage per year, where I live, and the low value of my truck (due to it’s age). I always hear all the advertising on TV about saving on car insurance. But, the cost of insuring my truck is trivial compared to the cost of my medical insurance. The cost of insuring my truck for three years, would only pay for slightly more than one month’s worth of medical insurance. By the way, the annual cost of registering my truck in Arizona is only about $22 per year. At least in Arizona, the annual registration cost of an older vehicle,...
by Rick_29T9W
Fri Feb 04, 2011 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is it ever really neccessary to invest in taxable accounts?
Replies: 75
Views: 11447

I have had to invest about 2/3 of my retirement savings in taxable accounts. There is no 401k available where I work, so I have a Roth IRA instead which has a maximum allowable annual contribution of $6,000 in 2010, for someone over 50 years old. I usually have more than that to invest each year. So, after making my maximum annual contribution, I have to put the rest into taxable accounts.

I have several of Vanguards more tax efficient funds, for most of my taxable savings. In addition, I also have some in EE bonds, I-bonds, and several CDs.
by Rick_29T9W
Thu Feb 03, 2011 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Old, Cheap Cars Considered Harmful
Replies: 89
Views: 9557

I have managed to drive for 40 years, without ABS, without ever having had an accident (except for once being bumped from behind in a parking lot). My 1992 GMC pick-up truck with 153,000 miles still runs reliably and does not have any scratches, dents or rust, so I do not want to replace it just to get the latest safety features. Now that I am stuck with having to pay $1,113 per month for medical insurance, I can’t afford a new truck or car anyway (at least not without tapping into my savings). I do not have air bags, but always wear my seatbelt. I do not speed, or drink and drive, and I generally try to avoid using my cell phone while driving. I also usually leave plenty of room between me and the car ahead. My low mileage per year has als...
by Rick_29T9W
Sun Jan 16, 2011 12:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want small, simple TV
Replies: 48
Views: 4962

I am still happily using my old mid-1990s 13-inch CRT TV set. The amplified rabbit ears antenna allows me to receive seven analog channels (only 5 of which come in clearly). I do not feel any desire to upgrade to anything better, or to get satellite or cable. The mountain top translator that provides the television signals for this part of Arizona was not required to make the digital transition, so I am still watching analog TV on my old mid-1990s TV set, without using a converter box. My assumption, is that the mountain top translator must be receiving digital HD television from Phoenix stations and then using a converter box to downgrade it to analog TV before retransmitting the signal in analog to viewers like me. I have also heard of se...