Search found 2270 matches

by rjbraun
Wed Mar 27, 2024 10:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?
Replies: 25
Views: 1672

Re: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?

lgerla wrote: Wed Mar 27, 2024 9:40 pm If you like the brand of milk, I would open it as best you can, pour it all into a lovely, covered, easy to pour carafe or container of your choice for the refrigerator, and throw away the cartoon.
Thanks, I've considered that but I think it is likely best for me to keep the milk in the original container to minimize the chance of spoilage. I'm the only one drinking the milk, and it takes me a while to go through a 1/2-gallon. On occasion, the milk turns or will at least be past its use by / best by date, so I kind of feel like I need to do what I can to keep the milk as fresh (and uncontaminated) as possible (which I figure means not messing around with different containers).
by rjbraun
Wed Mar 27, 2024 10:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?
Replies: 25
Views: 1672

Re: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?

My wife is an ex kindergarten teacher asst who teaches 5 yr olds how to do it. her secrets are to first pull the two wings apart and bend them back as far as you can. That will enable the opening in the middle where the spout forms to start to separate when you push the wings together. If it doesn’t separate she recommends using your pointer finger and thumb to grab the place where it should open ( spout ) and pull it open. Then she said who the H$&@ doesn’t know how to do that? How did they get out of kindergarten? lol. Admittedly, I may not have been stellar in kindergarten, but I eventually got the hang of things as I progressed in elementary school and managed to find a way to open my milk carton. :wink: That said, I am always open...
by rjbraun
Wed Mar 27, 2024 9:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?
Replies: 25
Views: 1672

Re: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?

clanky wrote: Wed Mar 27, 2024 5:20 pm Think outside the box - if opening a standard milk carton doesn't work for you - just stab it on top with a steak knife and twist it to make a portal.

Turn upside down and squeeze your preferred amount of milk. :beer
Haha, I've actually thought of that. With my luck, I will get badly cut by the steak knife (and end up bleeding into the milk :shock: )
by rjbraun
Wed Mar 27, 2024 9:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?
Replies: 25
Views: 1672

Re: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?

Maybe something like this would help? http://www.brixdesign.com/422/tiptop-carton-opener Interesting. Thanks, but it's largely (though not exclusively) the second part (of forming the spout) that is the issue. So, the first part of just separating the carton top to begin with can lead to a messy opening already, due to the excess glue cited in OP. By the time I go to form the spout, it can be so hard, especially if the first part did not result in a clean separation. And then when I go tugging on the carton to form the spout, the carton inevitably seems to get frayed and misshapen, which leads to a spout that doesn't have the sturdy triangular design needed to pour effectively. The video doesn't really show it until the end, but it's desig...
by rjbraun
Wed Mar 27, 2024 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon "eligible for return" cost
Replies: 29
Views: 1854

Re: Amazon "eligible for return" cost

...All household and clothing items bought online now are from TJ Maxx, where returns are via local store, no charge, no hassle, large selection of quality goods... Only one T. J. Maxx data point so far--but not good. I bought a frying pan. The package arrived. Inside was a blanket. The return process was easy enough, but: Dropped off at Fedex pickup point 3/13 Fedex reports delivery 3/18 tjmaxx.com does not acknowledge receipt until 3/26 email acknowledging receipt says "You should receive [the refund] within 4-5 business days." Assuming I get it as promised, when I get it I will be... satisfied enough. Roughly three weeks. But that is so not Amazon. The email, of course, says that the returned item was a frying pan, so I hope t...
by rjbraun
Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?
Replies: 25
Views: 1672

Re: how to open milk carton "cleanly"?

SmileyFace wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:26 am Childhood nightmare - I was the kid in 1st grade that stopped buying school milk because I couldn't open it cleanly.
I would avoid those cartons at any cost.
Gosh, that really sounds potentially traumatic. I'm sorry to hear that! :beer
by rjbraun
Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?
Replies: 25
Views: 1672

Re: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?

Maybe something like this would help? http://www.brixdesign.com/422/tiptop-carton-opener Interesting. Thanks, but it's largely (though not exclusively) the second part (of forming the spout) that is the issue. So, the first part of just separating the carton top to begin with can lead to a messy opening already, due to the excess glue cited in OP. By the time I go to form the spout, it can be so hard, especially if the first part did not result in a clean separation. And then when I go tugging on the carton to form the spout, the carton inevitably seems to get frayed and misshapen, which leads to a spout that doesn't have the sturdy triangular design needed to pour effectively. It's wild that Whole Foods seemingly can't get this right - un...
by rjbraun
Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?
Replies: 25
Views: 1672

how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?

Some 1/2-gallon paper milk cartons have the more conventional opening where one opens the sides to form a spout. Others come with a capped plastic spout, from which one uncaps the spout to pour milk. We typically buy Whole Foods 365 and Trader Joe's milk, depending on which store happens to work for a particular grocery run. I find that the 365 milk spout is almost impossible to open without having the carton tear some (seemingly due to excessive glue use to seal the carton), enough that when I go to pour milk from the carton it will not come out in a neat stream. Without a "clean" pouring spot, the milk will ricochet off the pieces of torn cardboard (carton) protruding in different directions. The net result is milk landing not w...
by rjbraun
Wed Mar 20, 2024 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Restaurant / takeout food orders - "mechanics"
Replies: 16
Views: 1253

Re: Restaurant / takeout food orders - "mechanics"

Uber Eats, Door Dash and Grub Hub mark up the restaurant prices ~25% in my area + charge a delivery fee (subject to sales tax) + expect a driver tip. Ordering food from one of these services in my area is ~40% more than calling the restaurant/going in person to order and bringing home the takeout order myself. Thanks. I used DoorDash several years ago (when I got a free account via my Chase Sapphire Reserve) card and don't recall such a large (if any) markup. I guess there must have been some delivery fee and I was fine with tipping the delivery person (as, to me, they are providing me with a *real* service). The service that DoorDash et al provide is less clear to me, assuming I can just call the restaurant to place my order. I can see pa...
by rjbraun
Wed Mar 20, 2024 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Restaurant / takeout food orders - "mechanics"
Replies: 16
Views: 1253

Re: Restaurant / takeout food orders - "mechanics"

I believe the delivery service gets any delivery fee added to your order PLUS a % of the food order itself. If it's a restaurant you like, you might call the restaurant to see how they prefer it. Some, at least in my area, still have their own driver. I'd rather use the service that allows them to make as much as possible. Doordash increased prices can often be mitigated by coupons, free credit from credit cards (Chase Sapphire Reserve has a free food credit, or you may see a 10% rebate offer on another credit card), gift cards, etc. But for the restaurants I go to, I usually see a 15-25% premium from Doordash prices to the cost as posted on the menu for pickup, and sometimes the delivery prices will be inflated more than that. If I don't ...
by rjbraun
Wed Mar 20, 2024 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Restaurant / takeout food orders - "mechanics"
Replies: 16
Views: 1253

Re: Restaurant / takeout food orders - "mechanics"

Uber Eats, Door Dash and Grub Hub mark up the restaurant prices ~25% in my area + charge a delivery fee (subject to sales tax) + expect a driver tip. Ordering food from one of these services in my area is ~40% more than calling the restaurant/going in person to order and bringing home the takeout order myself. Thanks. I used DoorDash several years ago (when I got a free account via my Chase Sapphire Reserve) card and don't recall such a large (if any) markup. I guess there must have been some delivery fee and I was fine with tipping the delivery person (as, to me, they are providing me with a *real* service). The service that DoorDash et al provide is less clear to me, assuming I can just call the restaurant to place my order. I can see pa...
by rjbraun
Wed Mar 20, 2024 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Restaurant / takeout food orders - "mechanics"
Replies: 16
Views: 1253

Re: Restaurant / takeout food orders - "mechanics"

When you checkout via grubhub or uber eats youll see significant fees tacked on and be asked to put in a tip for the driver. The delivery service takes those fees, and possibly a % of the food sales and then pays the driver along with your tip. If you dont put in a tip many times no driver will take your order. It's all so confusing. I recently called the restaurant to confirm that the driver / delivery person would receive 100% of the tip (frankly, I assume that the driver receives - at most - the tip I leave less 6% (or whatever) for credit card surcharges). The restaurant worker admitted they were, in essence, clueless. For what it's worth, I really prefer to hand the driver a cash tip, but I also realize that has its issues. Such a mes...
by rjbraun
Wed Mar 20, 2024 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Restaurant / takeout food orders - "mechanics"
Replies: 16
Views: 1253

Re: Restaurant / takeout food orders - "mechanics"

student wrote: Wed Mar 20, 2024 11:34 am
02nz wrote: Wed Mar 20, 2024 11:32 am Delivery fees aside, if you do a pickup order through an app like Uber Eats, you're often (though not always) paying higher prices than if you ordered directly from the restaurant. The platform gets a cut, of course.
Yes. This is my experience as well.
I had such a bad experience with Uber Eats a couple of years ago that I must instinctively just eliminate them from consideration. They are not even on my radar screen as a possibility (that I didn't even realize their omission in my OP list). (Admittedly, I might reconsider this stance if I didn't have other options, in my particular circumstance / geographic locale.)
by rjbraun
Wed Mar 20, 2024 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Restaurant / takeout food orders - "mechanics"
Replies: 16
Views: 1253

Restaurant / takeout food orders - "mechanics"

Some restaurant websites will have an "order online" (hyperlink) option, which will take the user to an intermediary like Grubhub, Seamless, or DoorDash. How does the intermediary get compensated? Also, I suppose there is likely more than one intermediary when a delivery person is involved. Presumably, there is also some sort of interface / platform between the restaurant and the delivery / courier service. So, for example, Seamless's "value add" is to relay my order to the restaurant, and then the restaurant will use a courier to bring me my food (unless I opt to pickup the order). Is this how it works? How does each intermediary get paid? Does DoorDash receive from the restaurant a flat-fee of, say, $x per order, a per...
by rjbraun
Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much should I leave to nieces/nephews vs. siblings vs. charity I'm passionate about?
Replies: 66
Views: 5587

Re: How much should I leave to nieces/nephews vs. siblings vs. charity I'm passionate about?

Unless siblings have mental or physical limitations that have (or will) restrict their ability to function for the remainder of their life, and unless you had an agreement with them to share the costs of caring for another relative who needs assistance, I don't see the point of leaving assets to siblings. They are your peers, and (with the exceptions noted) had the same opportunities as you did in your lives to earn money. In terms of the "next" generation, and with similar exceptions, I'd say that depends on how close you are to them. If you wished to leave them an inheritance, it should be enough to do something meaningful that they might not have been able to do (yet) at this point in their lives, but not so much as to elimina...
by rjbraun
Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much should I leave to nieces/nephews vs. siblings vs. charity I'm passionate about?
Replies: 66
Views: 5587

Re: How much should I leave to nieces/nephews vs. siblings vs. charity I'm passionate about?

Easy for me since I have enough, maybe not for you. Enough is defined by the government: if my Modified Adjusted Gross Income reaches the threshold for paying additional Medicare IRMAA. Then I must trim my assets before they raise my MAGI for the next year, without raising MAGI, by donating appreciated equity assets. That generates a substantial donation in years following big market gains, but does not diminish my buffer of taxable assets. I will probably have to donate my big stash of tax-deferred assets through Qualified Charitable Donations before they grow to require uncontrollable Required Minimum Distributions adding to MAGI. Another substantial donation. My siblings are roughly near my age and don't need money from me. I figure I c...
by rjbraun
Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for upright piano in northern / central NJ
Replies: 17
Views: 1277

Re: Looking for upright piano in northern / central NJ

I bought a piano a number of years ago. I relied on a good friend whom I trusted to help me. (He had a bought a fully-rebuilt small Steinway grand and helped me to purchase the same.) Larry Fine's The Piano Book was well-regarded at the time (by my friend and probably, in general, too). Not sure of his reputation today, etc., but I would think it's worth a look if OP's public library has a copy (or OP could consider posting on Piano World (link below)). https://www.amazon.com/Piano-Book-Buying-Owning-Used/dp/1929145012 Piano World has various forums (kind of like Bogleheads but for people into pianos and related topics, including buying pianos. I haven't visited the site in a long time, but it looks to be still active. https://forum.pianowo...
by rjbraun
Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wool slippers worth it?
Replies: 53
Views: 5415

Re: Wool slippers worth it?

Some more feedback on glerups. Ordered the slip-on style with leather sole for spouse and me a few months ago after reading about them on Wirecutter. REI only had a handful of sizes left. As noted above, the recommendation is to size down. As spouse shoe size is kind of on the cusp, that worked out as the only option was the smaller size. When the slippers arrived, spouse said they fit fine and started wearing them. He reports being happy with them. For me, I deliberated for some time. The smallest women's size REI seemed to carry was 36 EU, though glerups makes a 35 EU (per glerups website). I ended up keeping the 36 EU even though they are bit long in length because I was concerned that a bunion on one foot might make the 35 EU too tight,...
by rjbraun
Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's good on Mubi?
Replies: 2
Views: 568

Re: What's good on Mubi?

Nonchalance wrote: Wed Feb 07, 2024 4:01 pm The streaming service called Mubi has a deal: $1 for 3 months. I splurged and now am looking for suggestions. It seems to be mostly international cinema. What have people watched and liked?
anonenigma wrote: Wed Feb 07, 2024 4:29 pm Update 2/9: Just went for the deal!
Looks like the Mubi $1 for 3 months deal is no more. Actually, when I looked now I see $39.99 for 3 months; I don't even find the monthly rate I saw earlier today (maybe $14.99).

Any idea whether the promo is still going on and how to get it?

Thanks!
by rjbraun
Wed Mar 06, 2024 4:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Teaching wealth building as a new career
Replies: 28
Views: 3667

Re: Teaching wealth building as a new career

I am kind of surprised that no one has suggested the session below from last year's Bogleheads conference.

While I was not present, nor have I listened to the replay (though I hope to soon), it would seem topical for OP.

"Tim Ranzetta: How Bogleheads Can Spread Financial Wellness" - a leader in personal finance education for high school students advised Bogleheads about how to get involved in these efforts.

https://boglecenter.net/2023conference/

Good luck to OP. (I volunteered in the past to teach financial literacy at a public middle school as well as at a homeless shelter for single mothers.)

Eta: I just saw that Tim Ranzetta cofounded New Gen Personal Finance cited above by arcticpineapplecorp. :sharebeer
by rjbraun
Wed Mar 06, 2024 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lemon Law Question in Pennsylvania
Replies: 17
Views: 1250

Re: Lemon Law Question in Pennsylvania

Leesbro63 wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 12:17 pm
MGBMartin wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 12:15 pm 2nd one in a google search looks legit…
https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/protect ... lemon-law/
I thought there'd just be a "click here" thing. But I guess you have to file suit and the Lemon Law is just a set of rules you can refer to when presenting your case.
OP, please visit The Center for Auto Safety website. A family member found the center very helpful several years ago in addressing issues they had with a new Volvo they had bought. My recollection is that they basically got their money back to replace the car (they got another Volvo). (Full disclosure: I did some volunteer work there many years ago.)

https://www.autosafety.org/lemon-laws/
by rjbraun
Tue Mar 05, 2024 2:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to do?? [Vanguard warning about closing account for calling too frequently]
Replies: 74
Views: 6987

Re: What to do??

go2 wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 8:49 am I received the letter by U.S. mail and it was send from p. o. box 3010 Monroe, WI 53566

Please tell me how and where I can post on customer service questions on the forum.

Thank you for your help.
The letter strikes me as suspicious.

https://www.bbb.org/us/wi/monroe/profil ... 1000046496

Clicking on the "website" link will actually take one to Vanguard's website (which may well be meaningless). Regardless, without seeing a copy of the actual letter OP received, this all seems very odd to me.
by rjbraun
Tue Mar 05, 2024 10:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President
Replies: 372
Views: 36439

Re: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President

For what it's worth, some positive press on Tim Buckley's tenure as CEO / Chairman in Pensions & Investments and on Bloomberg. Wellington CEO Jean Hynes praises Buckley as do Mike Nolan and Eric Balchunas in the P&I piece. The Bloomberg clip includes largely positive comments by Balchunas, though he does note at the end that Vanguard really needs to focus on customer service. Interesting (to me) that all of the CEOs to date seem to have got their starts at Vanguard as Jack Bogle's assistant (I think I read this but can't cite the source now, but that observation seems accurate). In that case, the next CEO will presumably not be a Bogle protégé (understandable, of course, given the passage of time). https://www.pionline.com/money-man...
by rjbraun
Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)
Replies: 32
Views: 2517

Re: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)

Geek Warning on Chemistry of Art Materials and Handling! Lightfastness of chemical pigment depends on the chemical itself and its exposure to light. So, the same chemical pigment will do better in a particular medium (like acrylics or oils) and much worse in others (like colored pencils and watercolors). Some pigments will fade no matter what the medium is (such as alizarin crimson, color codes PR83, NR8 - NR16). An international standard exists for lightfastness: ASTM. If the colored pencil or watercolor pan or marker does not have the ASTM LF rating on the pencil or tray itself, and if the actual chemical pigment is not stated, one can never know if the color is lightfast . Most art products are marketed with non-precise wording such as ...
by rjbraun
Tue Feb 20, 2024 1:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: S&P: "The Hare and the Tortoise: Assessing Passive's Potential in Bonds"
Replies: 2
Views: 699

S&P: "The Hare and the Tortoise: Assessing Passive's Potential in Bonds"

Just came across this piece today. Passive fixed income indexing is a topic of interest to me, so the report caught my eye. That said, I only skimmed and will try to return to it again later, though after having skipped to the conclusion I kind of wonder whether it may actually just be a 'big nothing burger'.

Well, I did learn some stuff, so I guess it's not a total waste. Anyway, hope that others who may be interested will not hit a paywall (I did not, with no subscription).

https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/resea ... l-in-bonds
by rjbraun
Mon Feb 19, 2024 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)
Replies: 32
Views: 2517

Re: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)

spuriousproposal wrote: Mon Feb 19, 2024 11:46 am
AzWDC wrote: Mon Feb 19, 2024 8:58 am If your husband likes doing artwork, buy him a cheap oil painting set to tempt him for the future.
I like this idea. Maybe something more adjacent to pencils? Posca markers? Brush markers? Watercolor pencils? Gouache? Good paper?
I already ordered a boxed set of 96 watercolor paints and a couple of bound travel-size watercolor sketchbooks, as well as an art sourcebook / "artist's manual" he said he wanted. So, fingers crossed these will all arrive in time for his birthday later this week!

Never heard of Posca markers. Will need to check them out!
by rjbraun
Mon Feb 19, 2024 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)
Replies: 32
Views: 2517

Re: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)

I guess I will need to give this some more thought / research. A great gift doesn’t need to be 100% practical. This gift sounds like a great way to support your spouses hobby. My guess is this purchase does not break the bank or take food off your table. Go for the pencils and the box. If it is a dud then it will be the thought that counts. Ah, tonyclifton beat me to it! Right... since when does a gift need to be something "needed"? I'd definitely suggest getting a box that can be returned, just in case. Then, present it as you would any special gift. When they protest, which seems likely, you could say something like, "It's a gift . I want you to be able to enjoy something special that you wouldn't otherwise buy for yoursel...
by rjbraun
Mon Feb 19, 2024 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)
Replies: 32
Views: 2517

Re: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)

OP here. Here's a recap of the conversation with spouse this evening. Me: How are those Prismacolor colored pencils? Spouse: Fine. Me: How do they compare to the Holbein? Spouse: Holbein? Are those the ones that cost $300? Me: Yes, how are they? Spouse: I don't know. I don't use them, they are too expensive. Me: Did you buy a $300 set? Spouse: No. Me: Well, you bought a set, right? Wasn't it a 12-pencil set? Spouse: I think so. Me: How much did it cost? Spouse: I don't know. Me: Well, how are the pencils? Spouse: I doni't know, they are too expensive to use. Me: So, you haven't used any of them, at all? Spouse: I think I've used the black one. Me: How was it? Spouse: I don't know, it's too expensive to really use much. :oops: :confused It ...
by rjbraun
Mon Feb 19, 2024 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)
Replies: 32
Views: 2517

Re: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)

What a wonderful gift! If you are in the US, then ordering the more expensive set from Blick is worth it in case there are any problems. Older pencils may look just fine, but the lead will more easily crumble. If the pencil (or entire box of pencils) has been dropped, the lead may be broken inside the wood tube, but look just fine until you start to use it. Sometimes the vibration from sharpening the pencil will be enough to break the lead. This is true whether using an electric sharpener or a hand-turned one. Sets of pencils in boxes are generally older than individual pencils, as they are more expensive and do not sell as quickly. I have experienced all of these problems with different brands, but have not personally used Holbein. I have...
by rjbraun
Mon Feb 19, 2024 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)
Replies: 32
Views: 2517

Re: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)

I don't know anything about colored pencils but I have a fair bit of experience with companies that import products from Japan (although I do not have experience with Art Supplies Japan specifically). Refunds were discussed above - I notice that the refund policy for Art Supplies Japan will only refund 1/2 the purchase price if the product is not defective, and they do not take refunds for items on sale, or items that have been opened. For whatever reason, retail refunds are not a whole big thing in Japan as they are in the US - and I suspect that carries forward to import companies. Thank you for the input. I also appreciate you taking the time to read Art Supplies Japan's refund policy. Your note about retail refunds differing between Ja...
by rjbraun
Sun Feb 18, 2024 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)
Replies: 32
Views: 2517

Re: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)

OP here.
Here's a recap of the conversation with spouse this evening.

Me: How are those Prismacolor colored pencils?
Spouse: Fine.
Me: How do they compare to the Holbein?
Spouse: Holbein? Are those the ones that cost $300?
Me: Yes, how are they?
Spouse: I don't know. I don't use them, they are too expensive.
Me: Did you buy a $300 set?
Spouse: No.
Me: Well, you bought a set, right? Wasn't it a 12-pencil set?
Spouse: I think so.
Me: How much did it cost?
Spouse: I don't know.
Me: Well, how are the pencils?
Spouse: I doni't know, they are too expensive to use.
Me: So, you haven't used any of them, at all?
Spouse: I think I've used the black one.
Me: How was it?
Spouse: I don't know, it's too expensive to really use much.

:oops: :confused
by rjbraun
Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)
Replies: 32
Views: 2517

Re: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)

BabyRN wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 12:44 pm They are also available at Jerry's Artarama which has stores in TN and CT.
They also have online sales.
They are a totally legitimate store. They are about a mile from me and all the local artists use them.
Link to the Holbein's.
https://www.jerrysartarama.com/holbein- ... ed-pencils
Thank you. Will look into this, especially for possible online sales that could bring the cost more in line with the Japanese vendor.
by rjbraun
Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)
Replies: 32
Views: 2517

Re: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)

JPH wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:02 pm Get her a small set that she can try. She may not even like them and would feel bad that you wasted so much money. I know a lot of artists (none that use colored pencils). Expensive materials do not necessarily add to the joy of art or facilitate the creative process. The artists I know seem to have a few favorite colors and mix them as needed capture the effects they want.
Actually, I think he originally bought a 12-pencil Holbein set, which was then supplemented with several individual colors.

He likes them, but maybe a 150-pencil set isn't necessarily the way to go.

I guess I will need to give this some more thought / research.
by rjbraun
Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)
Replies: 32
Views: 2517

Re: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)

PeninsulaPerson wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:16 pm
ResearchMed wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 12:33 pm
I'm all in favor of nice gifts if they'll be appreciated!


Ask your spouse if they want those colored pencils.

Simple. Easy. The perfect play financially too!
Thanks. May do just that. He will probably say 'no', though. And if that's truly the answer, then that is fine. I guess I just kind of feel like a "nice gift" is something that someone would like but that they won't get for themselves. That is kind of true for me! But, yeah, admittedly, it can also be kind of complicated.
by rjbraun
Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)
Replies: 32
Views: 2517

Re: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)

What a wonderful gift! If you are in the US, then ordering the more expensive set from Blick is worth it in case there are any problems. Older pencils may look just fine, but the lead will more easily crumble. If the pencil (or entire box of pencils) has been dropped, the lead may be broken inside the wood tube, but look just fine until you start to use it. Sometimes the vibration from sharpening the pencil will be enough to break the lead. This is true whether using an electric sharpener or a hand-turned one. Sets of pencils in boxes are generally older than individual pencils, as they are more expensive and do not sell as quickly. I have experienced all of these problems with different brands, but have not personally used Holbein. I have...
by rjbraun
Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)
Replies: 32
Views: 2517

Re: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)

Has Spouse mentioned any dissatisfaction with the pencils currently used (other than difficulties organizing them)? Ever mentioned "nicer pencils" or Helbein in particular? Is this a hobby she's done for while? I'm all in favor of nice gifts if they'll be appreciated! My main question in asking the above questions are not to discourage you from getting this gift. Is there anything else that she might prefer *more*, hobby related or not? Is Holbein THE brand for premium colored pencils? And although this is not a BH-level-cleared suggestion, if you do this, spring for the wooden box. If the cardboard falls apart... storing 150 colored pencils? In a way that one could *find* the one or several one wants next?? :annoyed Nice thought...
by rjbraun
Sun Feb 18, 2024 11:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)
Replies: 32
Views: 2517

Holbein colored pencils / Art Supplies Japan (website)

I am considering buying a wooden-boxed set of 150 Holbein colored pencils as a gift for spouse (who enjoys drawing, etc. as a hobby). On the face of things, the colored pencils seem expensive. A set of 150 Holbein colored pencils can cost over $550 in a cardboard box, and it's another couple hundred dollars, or more, for the wooden box. Certainly, colored pencils can be had for far less money. We got a container of 150 Prismacolor Premier colored pencils last year for about $100 on Amazon. It seemed a good price at the time, and now the same box goes for $150 on Amazon, actually. We can afford to buy the colored pencils. I guess I just want to minimize any future regret / hassles. The Holbein 150 colored pencil set doesn't seem so easy to l...
by rjbraun
Sat Feb 17, 2024 5:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix subscription
Replies: 87
Views: 6322

Re: Netflix subscription

The New York Times has a feature called “Watching” where they often recommend “50 best films on ____,” and/or shows about to leave various streaming platforms. I imagine other newspapers do so also. Yes. A red "Leaving Soon" banner appears at the bottom of the title over a month in advance. Thank you. Just added a bunch of titles from the NYT list to "My List" (on Netflix) for possible future viewing. Hopefully that will also help us to track "Leaving Soon" material. Was excited to set up our Netflix account today and get started! So far, we don't seem to find the kind of stuff that normally appeals to us, which I guess could be categorized as independent(?) / eclectic documentaries and foreign language "...
by rjbraun
Sat Feb 17, 2024 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix subscription
Replies: 87
Views: 6322

Re: Netflix subscription

CardinalRule wrote: Fri Feb 16, 2024 6:16 pm Not completely sure what you are looking for. In the U.S., Netflix has something like 7,500 titles, including a lot of so-called “originals.” Titles come and go, in accordance with licensing agreements. You can browse by category, like Thrillers, and there is a search engine. Amazon is pretty good about delineating between “free” content available under your subscription and titles you would need to buy, rent, or add a channel, like Showtime, to watch. That concept doesn’t exist on Netflix.
Does Netflix gives sufficient notice when titles are about to "go", so that one can plan their viewing schedule and avoid the disappointment of only learning too late a title may no longer be available?
by rjbraun
Fri Feb 16, 2024 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix subscription
Replies: 87
Views: 6322

Re: Netflix subscription

Netflix has a TV drama series that I am interested to check out. It looks like I can subscribe monthly for $6.99 (with ads). For $15.49 I can avoid the ads and for $22.99 I get better sound, greater simultaneous device access and other features. As long as the ads aren't ridiculously excessive the cheapest subscription should work for us. It will also be a chance to check out what other programs, films, etc. Netflix offers that may interest us. The Netflix site says "no commitments, cancel anytime" and that we can just watch on our computer or laptop. All of that sounds good to me: no setup hassles, no contract to deal with. Is it as straightforward as this? Anything I am missing? I realize that Netflix is probably passé at this ...
by rjbraun
Fri Feb 16, 2024 1:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Miami Beach Hotel for one night
Replies: 10
Views: 1264

Re: Miami Beach Hotel for one night

I am not familiar with Miami Beach but also have an eye on a possible visit, at some point. Based on a friend's recommendation, we are interested in a possible stay at Carillon. No firsthand experience but our friends own a condo there (for winter visits), which they apparently have the option to rent out (through the management company or something). As I understand things, Carillon is a resort with regular housekeeping services, etc., so my understanding is that it would be like a hotel stay, i.e., professional housekeeping, etc. but where the residence itself would be someone's condo. Anyway, interested to hear from others more knowledgeable about the area and possibly Carillon itself. OP, enjoy your short stay in Miami! https://www.cari...
by rjbraun
Thu Feb 15, 2024 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you eat?
Replies: 54
Views: 4992

Re: What do you eat?

Meal prep and planning takes time, usually more than I budget for (still haven't learned). In brief, I guess we always try to have fresh fruit on hand, as well as healthy prepared food in the fridge to eat. Also, keep a few small jars around filled with a couple of varieties of unsalted nuts for snacking. So, for breakfast we typically will have cooked steel cut oats on hand that can be reheated with soy milk added for breakfast (ready in 2 minutes). Raisins and nuts, such as pumpkins seeds, might be added. Spouse will also eat cold oatmeal from fridge as a snack. :shock: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TLLYNP5?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details For lunch (during the week), it's non- (or low-) fat plain yogurt with sliced banana and ...
by rjbraun
Thu Feb 15, 2024 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix subscription
Replies: 87
Views: 6322

Re: Netflix subscription

No special setup required for Hulu. AppleTV streaming service doesn't require a special box anymore either (they have a box called AppleTV and a streaming service with same name which makes it confusing). If you are like us - you may plan to cancel some services as you start others but then end up getting hooked into them and keeping several. We did cancel Hulu+ - currently using NetFlix, Paramount+, and Disney+. Had Peacock for a short period. So, I take it that special AppleTV box I paid $99 for years ago is useless now, is that right? I guess it just goes in the recycling bin (if I can find a place to dispose of it) or the garbage. :( It depends how old it is and whether or not all the latest streaming applications can still be loaded o...
by rjbraun
Thu Feb 15, 2024 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix subscription
Replies: 87
Views: 6322

Re: Netflix subscription

SmileyFace wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:12 pm No special setup required for Hulu. AppleTV streaming service doesn't require a special box anymore either (they have a box called AppleTV and a streaming service with same name which makes it confusing).
If you are like us - you may plan to cancel some services as you start others but then end up getting hooked into them and keeping several. We did cancel Hulu+ - currently using NetFlix, Paramount+, and Disney+. Had Peacock for a short period.
So, I take it that special AppleTV box I paid $99 for years ago is useless now, is that right?

I guess it just goes in the recycling bin (if I can find a place to dispose of it) or the garbage. :(
by rjbraun
Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix subscription
Replies: 87
Views: 6322

Re: Netflix subscription

the_wiki wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:24 pm
rjbraun wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 12:27 pm

Who else besides Netflix requires no contract and is accessible via a computer/laptop?
That's the basic concept behind streaming services, so all of them.

If you want to try some free ones first (free because they have ads) check out PlutoTV and TubiTV. They don't even require an account. Obviously the free ones won't have the latest content, but there are often some good shows on them.
Great, will check those out! Thanks
by rjbraun
Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix subscription
Replies: 87
Views: 6322

Re: Netflix subscription

Who else besides Netflix requires no contract and is accessible via a computer/laptop? I can't think of a streaming service that won't let you sign up and cancel at any time or that doesn't allow you to watch on a computer, so all of them. Some will give a discount if you sign up and pay for a year at once, so then you're "stuck" with that one for a year if you want the cheaper per month price. Some release shows weekly, so you either need to wait until the season is over or sign up for the duration of the show you're interested in. If you're going to consistently be subscribed to a streaming service it might be worth buying a device like a roku so you can watch on your TV. So, if a show release weekly, one can just wait until th...
by rjbraun
Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix subscription
Replies: 87
Views: 6322

Re: Netflix subscription

List of streaming services: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_streaming_media_services Thanks. Hulu was listed, but I thought Hulu required some "special" setup. Maybe I'm mistaken. I got AppleTV years and years ago. I think I paid $99 for some little black box. I spent a lot of time getting it to work, but we barely watched anything. I don't think it was even because of lack of content, it's just that we never got around to it. The good news was that we didn't pay a monthly subscription (intentional on my part), but I spent hours setting it up all for naught. But maybe things have changed (rightly so, as many years have passed). I guess if Netflix works out for us, we can consider rotating through various streaming services,...
by rjbraun
Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix subscription
Replies: 87
Views: 6322

Re: Netflix subscription

I have not used the ads-funded Netflix, but unless you are severely limited on income - pay to avoid them. If this is anything like Amazon Prime of Freevee, it's annoying and in the middle of shows. It's not excessive, but I forgot how much I hate sitting through 2+ minutes of commercials. I googled out of curiosity, and they say Netflix has ~4 minutes of ads per hour of viewing. So if you watch 4 hours of TV a week, you're getting about an hour of ads a month. It's worth $10 for me to avoid that :) Paying to avoid the ads is definitely worth it for me. I have been getting the standard Netflix offering for "free" with my T-Mobile subscription. The freebie recently became the ad-supported version and I quickly tired of seeing the ...
by rjbraun
Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix subscription
Replies: 87
Views: 6322

Re: Netflix subscription

List of streaming services: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_streaming_media_services Thanks. Hulu was listed, but I thought Hulu required some "special" setup. Maybe I'm mistaken. I got AppleTV years and years ago. I think I paid $99 for some little black box. I spent a lot of time getting it to work, but we barely watched anything. I don't think it was even because of lack of content, it's just that we never got around to it. The good news was that we didn't pay a monthly subscription (intentional on my part), but I spent hours setting it up all for naught. But maybe things have changed (rightly so, as many years have passed). I guess if Netflix works out for us, we can consider rotating through various streaming services,...
by rjbraun
Wed Feb 14, 2024 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix subscription
Replies: 87
Views: 6322

Re: Netflix subscription

Is it as straightforward as this? Pretty much. I will rotate which streaming service I have and subscribe for a few months then when I have binge watched the shows of interest I will cancel it and do something else for a few months. I recently started Netflix again after not having had it for over a year to get caught up with any new shows. It is sort of like a gym membership that you need to get around to cancelling when you stop using it enough to make it worthwhile. It is easy to pay the dues to a gym or streaming service for a long time when you are not using it. Super easy! I subscribe to netflix and then immediately cancel my subscription so that it doesn't auto-renew but I still get the month of service. Then I binge everything I wa...