Search found 5934 matches

by leonard
Mon Mar 13, 2017 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite consumer product?
Replies: 339
Views: 77366

Re: What is your favorite consumer product?

linenfort wrote:
leonard wrote:Melatonin.
I hope you're not using that every single night.
The concern being?

Not every night but, often.
by leonard
Mon Mar 13, 2017 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why Wouldn't You Want International Stocks?
Replies: 96
Views: 12365

Re: Why Wouldn't You Want International Stocks?

Bogleheads have this thing which goes something like that "how dare you profess to know anything about the market" So, we agree that we can't predict the market, unless we can? It is simply untenable is to say we can't know anything about any of the markets any of the time . A position that ideologically strong is not only asinine, it prevents any practical strategy from being devised--even the boglehead strategy. We profess to know some things about the market. For one, we profess to know that stocks have greater volatility than bonds. We profess to know that stocks are somewhat uncorrelated with bonds. We profess to know that stocks are the main drivers of growth in a boglehead portfolio, and bonds are for safety. We profess th...
by leonard
Mon Mar 13, 2017 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: High End Wrist Watches (Gone Crazy)
Replies: 254
Views: 40271

Re: High End Wrist Watches (Gone Crazy)

corn18 wrote:elective surgery fund.
Huh?
by leonard
Thu Feb 09, 2017 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can Teamviewer be used to spy on my computer files?
Replies: 28
Views: 32765

Re: Can Teamviewer be used to spy on my computer files?

LongDistanceRunner wrote:I hung up the phone.
Problem solved appropriately for someone initiating contact with you.

Teamviewer issue is at best a moot point.
by leonard
Thu Feb 09, 2017 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Conversion/Recharacterization symantics
Replies: 22
Views: 2471

Re: Conversion/Recharacterization symantics

These are IRS rules, therefore your CPA should be the one to answer these questions. If they can't, a new CPA is in order.
by leonard
Thu Feb 09, 2017 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wow, Vanguard Flagship service is bad. Really bad.
Replies: 170
Views: 39202

Re: Wow, Vanguard Flagship service is bad. Really bad.

2 separate IRA rollovers to Vanguard. The VG rep walked us through it on the phone both times. Confirmed and answered all questions in real time. I was amazed at how smoothly both went. I was expecting more bumps in the process, but there wasn't.

My guess is that "paper stock certificate" deposit is an edge process case these days - but there isn't an excuse for the delay in response.
by leonard
Thu Feb 09, 2017 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: OP UPDATE:Getting Rid of Google Search Result??
Replies: 37
Views: 9736

Re: Getting Rid of Google Search Result??

Gardener wrote:2. Go to the major 'personal data collection type' websites that allow opting out and opt out
Since these sites are a bit unscrupulous to begin with, I'd take a cynical view of this step.

You see it as "opting out". They may simply see it as confirmation that the information that they have is accurate and valuable to you - to have removed. Said a different way, confirming you want to "opt out" may simply make the information more sticky - either with that provider or a related site.
by leonard
Thu Feb 09, 2017 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Saved too much? What do you splurge on?
Replies: 90
Views: 15018

Re: Saved too much? What do you splurge on?

You might consider setting up a charity for a cause in which you have interest. Or, find an existing charity to which you'd like to contribute. Set up your estate to maintain that contribution.
by leonard
Thu Feb 09, 2017 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Walmart.com vs. Amazon.com
Replies: 41
Views: 7932

Re: Walmart.com vs. Amazon.com

Not a reason in the world that I can think of that a premium shipping service should be tied to something like video streaming. Personally, I'd buy those 2 services separately. Receive all the benefits of Amazon Prime including FREE Two-Day Shipping for eligible purchases, unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Prime Video, and the ability to borrow books from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library for $99 a year or $10.99 a month. We also offer a Prime Video membership for $8.99 a month that only includes Prime Video as a benefit. But wait! That's not all! For only $99 a year or $10.99 a month plus tax, you get all this: FREE Two-Day Shipping on eligible items to addresses in the contiguous U.S. and other shipping benefits. For more ...
by leonard
Thu Feb 09, 2017 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why Wouldn't You Want International Stocks?
Replies: 96
Views: 12365

Re: Why Wouldn't You Want International Stocks?

Bogleheads have this thing which goes something like that "how dare you profess to know anything about the market" So, we agree that we can't predict the market, unless we can? It is simply untenable is to say we can't know anything about any of the markets any of the time . A position that ideologically strong is not only asinine, it prevents any practical strategy from being devised--even the boglehead strategy. We profess to know some things about the market. For one, we profess to know that stocks have greater volatility than bonds. We profess to know that stocks are somewhat uncorrelated with bonds. We profess to know that stocks are the main drivers of growth in a boglehead portfolio, and bonds are for safety. We profess th...
by leonard
Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wow, Vanguard Flagship service is bad. Really bad.
Replies: 170
Views: 39202

Re: Wow, Vanguard Flagship service is bad. Really bad.

I have been investing with Vanguard for over 30 years and been Flagship for 20 years. I have just under $10M invested with Vanguard. This week was the first time I have ever had to actually call my flagship rep for help. I came away very dissatisfied and surprised with the lack of professionalism. I needed to send in a paper stock certificate to deposit into my account, but my rep was not available and the person I talked to did not know the process. He said someone would call me back within 24 hours, but hopefully same day. A week later, never a returned call. At the same time, I was helping my daughter set up a Roth IRA using the online process, and after 3 days, the account was still not active. So I called about that too and again, no ...
by leonard
Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Purchasing House before Investing?
Replies: 4
Views: 1064

Re: Purchasing House before Investing?

dsad13 wrote:Retirement: 240k (Almost all Stable Value)
Does this mean retirement accounts - 401k's, IRA's, etc? If so, why is everything in stable value (usually found in 401k's, not IRA's)?

Do you have any investments in IRA's?
by leonard
Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hardwood floors vs Wood Look Tile?
Replies: 68
Views: 21923

Re: Hardwood floors vs Wood Look Tile?

PowDay wrote:true hardwood has been classy for 100+ years.
Until the owner of said floor has a large circular sander in their hands for the refinish - or they've hired a contractor that is holding one.

OP - I have never regretted going with the low maintenance solution. I'd choose tile or some other low maintenance alternative.
by leonard
Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pet Owners: Bissell 1940 or 1544A Steamer Mop
Replies: 9
Views: 2163

Re: Pet Owners: Bissell 1940 or 1544A Steamer Mop

Assuming the cat is house trained, what are they going to do to grout?

What sort of stain is specifically an issue with the cat? food?
by leonard
Tue Feb 07, 2017 4:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Too good to be true? [Bogleheads' model of index investing]
Replies: 48
Views: 11973

Re: Too good to be true? [Bogleheads' model of index investing]

The catch? Take a look at most threads on BH forum from 2007-2008.
by leonard
Tue Feb 07, 2017 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: OP UPDATE:Getting Rid of Google Search Result??
Replies: 37
Views: 9736

Re: Getting Rid of Google Search Result??

"Weird what gets posted on online. There must be another Gardener G. Gardener out there somewhere." Overheard said to another employee in the coffee room.

Note for those with ethics problems with the above. The statement is not a denial that Gardener did it. Also, there may well be another Gardener G Gardener out there. Neither statement is a lie or denial, so there should be not issue with my post recommending unethical behavior, because it doesn't.
by leonard
Tue Feb 07, 2017 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why Wouldn't You Want International Stocks?
Replies: 96
Views: 12365

Re: Why Wouldn't You Want International Stocks?

TomCat96 wrote:Bogleheads have this thing which goes something like that "how dare you profess to know anything about the market"
So, we agree that we can't predict the market, unless we can?
by leonard
Tue Feb 07, 2017 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Walmart.com vs. Amazon.com
Replies: 41
Views: 7932

Re: Walmart.com vs. Amazon.com

VaR wrote:I feel like Amazon Prime for shipping is not really comparable in that the streaming video service that it comes with is where the value is at this point.
Not a reason in the world that I can think of that a premium shipping service should be tied to something like video streaming.

Personally, I'd buy those 2 services separately.
by leonard
Tue Feb 07, 2017 2:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Wellesley alternative
Replies: 93
Views: 15425

Re: A Wellesley alternative

How about the Lifestrategy with the appropriate stock/bond ratio.
by leonard
Thu Feb 02, 2017 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Holding a Relative's Mortgage
Replies: 20
Views: 2877

Re: Holding a Relative's Mortage

I am simply not seeing the benefit. She is financially sound. Nephew has high credit score with easy access to credit. Where's the up side to this?
by leonard
Thu Feb 02, 2017 9:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hygrometer recommendation
Replies: 3
Views: 1061

Re: Hygrometer recommendation

Control Company is what I use to measure room and guitar cabinet humidity. A couple extra monitors that connect to the base unit - it works great.
by leonard
Thu Feb 02, 2017 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Annual Vacation Budget
Replies: 320
Views: 44823

Re: Annual Vacation Budget

It shouldn't be a big mystery to people why other people may spend more. Agree, if always surprises me that so many people are "surprised" when they learn others spend a lot more than them. Many people are quite wealthy in the US and not surprisingly often spend a fair bit. We are planning a trip this year that will run into 6 figures. Taking daughter and SIL with us (our treat). QM2 to Europe, several days in Paris, one week on luxury canal barge in south of France. Got air fare with travel points too. First class all the way and Europe is very expensive. If you can afford it and enjoy travel, why not splurge once in a while? When in accumulation mode probably wouldn't have done this, but have been retired 10 years and everythin...
by leonard
Thu Feb 02, 2017 9:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pet insurance for new puppy
Replies: 77
Views: 11636

Re: Pet insurance for new puppy

Self Insure. I'd go a step further and say that no one should get a cat, dog or other pet without a fully funded pet emergency fund - that includes the max amount you are willing to spend.

Plus, who wants to deal with yet another health insurance provider - understanding what's covered, who pays, submitting receipts, getting paid, etc. etc?
by leonard
Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone drop out of school in 30's or 40's?
Replies: 34
Views: 4473

Re: Anyone drop out of school in 30's or 40's?

I am 40 years old with 2 small children, make descent money and own 8 rental properties. I have a combined family income of 140k. My wife is in a career were she will move up. My job is more dead end type of job with no promotions and a 2% merit increase till I die. I like my job and the stress level is not very high. The manager at my job will be there for another 30 years, I don't think they would consider me for a director job. In order to get a manager or director job you need experience so I don't think any one will hire me by looking at my resume. Recently I started to attend school to get my bachelor's and possibly become a manager or a director in my field. I have about 10 hours of homework a week and this will continue for the nex...
by leonard
Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite consumer product?
Replies: 339
Views: 77366

Re: What is your favorite consumer product?

Melatonin.
Close second, maybe even a tie, Stainless Steel Neti Pot.
by leonard
Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are you changing your AA based on current events?
Replies: 68
Views: 6138

Re: Are you changing your AA based on current events?

Markets have gone up in the last 3 months in anticipation. What specific AA would I move to capitalize on this? Even if I correctly predict the future, I'd also have to accurately predict how the market is going to react. The probability of me correctly predicting a serial chain of events and their impact on the market is nearly zero.

In light of the ambiguity that we (always) face - I'll stay the course.
by leonard
Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refusing to sign or altering hospital billing admission forms?
Replies: 79
Views: 13970

Re: Refusing to sign or altering hospital billing admission forms?

mortal wrote:What it really amounts to is the 'free market' rationing healthcare.
I think the issues you described are anything but a "free market". A core element of a free market is pricing transparency. Based on your description and those of others on this thread - pricing is anything but transparent.

When consumers ask for and provider furnish pricing - we will get closer to a functioning free market.
by leonard
Tue Jan 31, 2017 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is joining a country club a character flaw?
Replies: 101
Views: 15525

Re: Is joining a country club a character flaw?

scienceguy wrote:I am intrigued by the idea of joining our fancy local country club even though I don't play golf or tennis. I like the idea of having someplace really close that I can go and get dinner, go to the pool, hang out in sort of luxury, and bump into friends and socialize without having to pre-plan. I think I will not because I think I don't quite have enough income to justify the stupidity of the expense, but if my income went up a $50-100K a year (which could happen), I think I would do it.

I think this is a character flaw, especially since I have no particular affinity for rich people, just nice smart people. But I do like to hang out.

What is the matter with me?
Latte at your local starbucks/coffee shop is a lot cheaper.
by leonard
Tue Jan 31, 2017 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Annual Vacation Budget
Replies: 320
Views: 44823

Re: Annual Vacation Budget

It shouldn't be a big mystery to people why other people may spend more. Agree, if always surprises me that so many people are "surprised" when they learn others spend a lot more than them. Many people are quite wealthy in the US and not surprisingly often spend a fair bit. We are planning a trip this year that will run into 6 figures. Taking daughter and SIL with us (our treat). QM2 to Europe, several days in Paris, one week on luxury canal barge in south of France. Got air fare with travel points too. First class all the way and Europe is very expensive. If you can afford it and enjoy travel, why not splurge once in a while? When in accumulation mode probably wouldn't have done this, but have been retired 10 years and everythin...
by leonard
Mon Jan 30, 2017 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drivers License May not be good for air travel?
Replies: 47
Views: 7100

Re: Drivers License May not be good for air travel?

No one on this forum should be sans a passport. Get one. You're assuming everyone on this forum has the good health, resources, and desire to travel. I am assuming everyone on the forum is working towards having the resources and having a passport is the best answer to ID questions in America. Whether you travel or not a Passport is the gold standard of IDs. And from personal experience there is nothing worse than someone planning to go on a trip aboard discovering then need a passport at the last minute because they are an infrequent traveler. Be a boy scout and be prepared. I have never had a trip to Africa (or insert your favorite passport requiring area) just jump off unexpectedly. Boy scouts can plan - so they could plan ahead and get...
by leonard
Mon Jan 30, 2017 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Parents as dependents on tax return
Replies: 54
Views: 5153

Re: Parents as dependents on tax return

I wouldn't trust tax prep software to capture and enable every single valid tax scenario.

Talk to a CPA. They don't have to actually do your tax prep. But, they can validate that what you are doing in tax prep software is according to tax laws.
by leonard
Mon Jan 30, 2017 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drivers License May not be good for air travel?
Replies: 47
Views: 7100

Re: Drivers License May not be good for air travel?

No one on this forum should be sans a passport. Get one. You're assuming everyone on this forum has the good health, resources, and desire to travel. I am assuming everyone on the forum is working towards having the resources and having a passport is the best answer to ID questions in America. Whether you travel or not a Passport is the gold standard of IDs. And from personal experience there is nothing worse than someone planning to go on a trip aboard discovering then need a passport at the last minute because they are an infrequent traveler. Be a boy scout and be prepared. I have never had a trip to Africa (or insert your favorite passport requiring area) just jump off unexpectedly. Boy scouts can plan - so they could plan ahead and get...
by leonard
Mon Jan 30, 2017 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utilizing a trainer to maintain fitness in retirement
Replies: 39
Views: 4410

Re: Utilizing a trainer to maintain fitness in retirement

I think there is benefit to a qualified trainer to learn and engrain good form on exercises. That's a definite benefit and can avoid injuries in the future.

But, past that point, I think it's a waste of money - especially to a person with experience. You know your own body at that point. You can program workouts for your own needs. You know if you are overtrained or injured and should take a break. If you think you need a trainer at that point, just record the following phrases on your phone:

"good job"
"one more rep"
"keep going!"

Then, set them to play randomly as you do your workout.
by leonard
Fri Jan 27, 2017 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Backyard Chefs out there? Do you have any specialties?
Replies: 54
Views: 5754

Re: Any Backyard Chefs out there? Do you have any specialties?

Smoked Pork Shoulder using the Weber Smoky Mountain. Delicious.

Double smoked bacon - using the extra space around the port shoulder and other dishes.
by leonard
Thu Jan 26, 2017 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 75 gallon hot water heaters
Replies: 40
Views: 12657

Re: 75 gallon hot water heaters

If you need that much hot water and have sufficient power supply, I'd get an on demand hot water unit.
by leonard
Thu Jan 26, 2017 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help, please, on new salary negotiations
Replies: 68
Views: 7953

Re: Help, please, on new salary negotiations

Background: My boss, the second-in-command of a multi-billion dollar non profit, is leaving to take the job as head of another multi-billion dollar non profit in another state. A short plane ride but not drivable. I have worked closely with him for about 9 years. He asked that I come with him. I am the only one in the organization he has asked. My current position is very secure (he told me so) but I would have a new boss in a few months. There is a national search for this person so I have no idea who it will be, or if i will have a good working relationship with this person. I told my boss--whom I love, and who clearly respects my work--that I am unable to fully relocate. After discussing with my DW, we agreed that I would propose an ini...
by leonard
Wed Jan 25, 2017 11:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations near Mandalay Bay Convention Center
Replies: 26
Views: 3231

Re: Recommendations near Mandalay Bay Convention Center

In LV - "next door" can be quite a walk. Unless you have free time in the mornings, I'd stay on site at the convention hotel.

In reality, if I was "considering" going to LV for anything and didn't have to - I wouldn't.
by leonard
Wed Jan 25, 2017 11:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refusing to sign or altering hospital billing admission forms?
Replies: 79
Views: 13970

Re: Refusing to sign or altering hospital billing admission forms?

If you are serious about mitigating this risk, I'd get the forms from the ER's you would most likely visit in your area. Then, sit down and review them with a lawyer that specializes in healthcare law to understand what your precise obligations are under the forms for each local hospital. This would be time consuming and potentially expensive - but doable. Traveling - I don't know what you might do. Too many variables to mitigate this risk - unless you wanted to screen hospitals in the areas you were going to - which would be extremely time consuming. The odds are that you'll find they're all pretty much the same. And what are you going to do when you have a serious problem and the ambulance insists on taking you to the closest ER? Presuma...
by leonard
Wed Jan 25, 2017 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Possbile career moves without college degree
Replies: 39
Views: 5431

Re: Possbile career moves without college degree

dm200 wrote:
leonard wrote:Why are you concerned about "suggesting" something? Did he ask?
We have discussed, because he asked, many aspects of his financial situation - and he is very open to such discussions. His employment, compensation, benefits, etc. are very vital to his "financial situation" - both present and future.
I'd suggest a trade - carpenter, welder, plumber, etc. A lot of earnings upside - including owning ones own business.
by leonard
Wed Jan 25, 2017 3:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refusing to sign or altering hospital billing admission forms?
Replies: 79
Views: 13970

Re: Refusing to sign or altering hospital billing admission forms?

The odds are that you'll find they're all pretty much the same. And what are you going to do when you have a serious problem and the ambulance insists on taking you to the closest ER? Presumably - when you've screened the ER's in your area - the "closest ER" will be in that net. And, see that I specifically pointed out that if you are traveling out of your immediate area - the cost/benefit of mitigating those risks and screening all those ER's may just be infeasible. You will have reviewed the information for the ERs, but what are you going to do with the information, especially if the closest is not your favorite but the ambulance driver insists on going there anyway, even though you'd prefer one farther away? I don't know what ...
by leonard
Wed Jan 25, 2017 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refusing to sign or altering hospital billing admission forms?
Replies: 79
Views: 13970

Re: Refusing to sign or altering hospital billing admission forms?

If you are serious about mitigating this risk, I'd get the forms from the ER's you would most likely visit in your area. Then, sit down and review them with a lawyer that specializes in healthcare law to understand what your precise obligations are under the forms for each local hospital. This would be time consuming and potentially expensive - but doable. Traveling - I don't know what you might do. Too many variables to mitigate this risk - unless you wanted to screen hospitals in the areas you were going to - which would be extremely time consuming. The odds are that you'll find they're all pretty much the same. And what are you going to do when you have a serious problem and the ambulance insists on taking you to the closest ER? Presuma...
by leonard
Wed Jan 25, 2017 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refusing to sign or altering hospital billing admission forms?
Replies: 79
Views: 13970

Re: Refusing to sign or altering hospital billing admission forms?

If you are serious about mitigating this risk, I'd get the forms from the ER's you would most likely visit in your area. Then, sit down and review them with a lawyer that specializes in healthcare law to understand what your precise obligations are under the forms for each local hospital. This would be time consuming and potentially expensive - but doable. Traveling - I don't know what you might do. Too many variables to mitigate this risk - unless you wanted to screen hospitals in the areas you were going to - which would be extremely time consuming. The odds are that you'll find they're all pretty much the same. And what are you going to do when you have a serious problem and the ambulance insists on taking you to the closest ER? Presuma...
by leonard
Wed Jan 25, 2017 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Instant Pot - your favorite uses?
Replies: 36
Views: 11450

Re: Instant Pot - your favorite uses?

So, how do you get any browning/searing on meat for flavor? In fact it has a sear button that works very well. From an enginerds point of view, the "pot" is heavy gauge stainless which sits on top of a form fitting, quite powerful heating element with a spring thermostat in the middle. Like a decent rice cooker, the thermostat controls the heating element which is the beauty of the instant pot - servoed heat in a pressure cooker. Must be complicated. Moisture (as I would think would be in a pressure cooker) usually creates problems with searing. Not sure how they would overcome the moisture in the cooker. They must have figured it out though. The searing function works with the top off, before the pressure cooking phase of your c...
by leonard
Wed Jan 25, 2017 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refusing to sign or altering hospital billing admission forms?
Replies: 79
Views: 13970

Re: Refusing to sign or altering hospital billing admission forms?

If you are serious about mitigating this risk, I'd get the forms from the ER's you would most likely visit in your area. Then, sit down and review them with a lawyer that specializes in healthcare law to understand what your precise obligations are under the forms for each local hospital. This would be time consuming and potentially expensive - but doable.

Traveling - I don't know what you might do. Too many variables to mitigate this risk - unless you wanted to screen hospitals in the areas you were going to - which would be extremely time consuming.
by leonard
Tue Jan 24, 2017 10:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Instant Pot - your favorite uses?
Replies: 36
Views: 11450

Re: Instant Pot - your favorite uses?

hicabob wrote:
leonard wrote:So, how do you get any browning/searing on meat for flavor?
In fact it has a sear button that works very well. From an enginerds point of view, the "pot" is heavy gauge stainless which sits on top of a form fitting, quite powerful heating element with a spring thermostat in the middle. Like a decent rice cooker, the thermostat controls the heating element which is the beauty of the instant pot - servoed heat in a pressure cooker.
Must be complicated. Moisture (as I would think would be in a pressure cooker) usually creates problems with searing. Not sure how they would overcome the moisture in the cooker. They must have figured it out though.
by leonard
Tue Jan 24, 2017 10:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Possbile career moves without college degree
Replies: 39
Views: 5431

Re: Possbile career moves without college degree

Why are you concerned about "suggesting" something? Did he ask?
by leonard
Mon Jan 23, 2017 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Instant Pot - your favorite uses?
Replies: 36
Views: 11450

Re: Instant Pot - your favorite uses?

So, how do you get any browning/searing on meat for flavor?
by leonard
Fri Jan 20, 2017 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical Billing Disagreement - Stark Law
Replies: 95
Views: 8888

Re: Medical Billing Disagreement - Stark Law

"How much will this procedure cost? Is it covered by insurance?"

Just in the same way you don't give a mechanic cart blanche to "fix" anything they find without a quote.

That said - that is preposterously expensive for wart removal.
by leonard
Fri Jan 20, 2017 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Annual Vacation Budget
Replies: 320
Views: 44823

Re: Annual Vacation Budget

[...]I realize we are talking total budgets here. $15k is a lot of total budget for one year for vacations. I agree. Also, the largest shirt anyone should wear is "Large", which is really too big in itself - any size bigger than that, and you're wasting cloth material :oops: Darn. I hadn't even considered the shirt. I mean I wear a XXL and you clearly point out that a large is well - a "Large". And of courser the cloth. The cloth! What on earth are you talking about? That's the problem with analogies. They go sideways and get everyone wrapped around the axle. Plus, why discuss shirts when we have the topic of vacations waiting right there for us? I think the point was - and is - that not everyone wears the same size shi...
by leonard
Fri Jan 20, 2017 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Annual Vacation Budget
Replies: 320
Views: 44823

Re: Annual Vacation Budget

an_asker wrote:
leonard wrote:[...]I realize we are talking total budgets here. $15k is a lot of total budget for one year for vacations.
I agree.

Also, the largest shirt anyone should wear is "Large", which is really too big in itself - any size bigger than that, and you're wasting cloth material :oops:
Darn. I hadn't even considered the shirt. I mean I wear a XXL and you clearly point out that a large is well - a "Large". And of courser the cloth. The cloth!

What on earth are you talking about? That's the problem with analogies. They go sideways and get everyone wrapped around the axle. Plus, why discuss shirts when we have the topic of vacations waiting right there for us?