Search found 185 matches

by BBQ Nut
Tue Nov 02, 2021 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Regressing to vinyl records- advice for a fledgling audiophile?
Replies: 131
Views: 9161

Re: Regressing to vinyl records- advice for a fledgling audiophile?

guppyguy wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 12:21 pm If one wanted to start a record/vinyl collection what player/speaker system would you recommend first? A relative pointed me towards Fluance, which seem nice, but I’m wondering if is “overkill”. We have no equipment currently.

Any suggestions?
I'd ask this on an actual audio forum - you'll get much more relevant on-topic experienced suggestions.

AVS is not a very vinyl friendly forum; great for hometheater stuff.

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/forums/audio-hardware.5/

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php ... tables.28/
by BBQ Nut
Sun Oct 03, 2021 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you notify your CC company about travel?
Replies: 69
Views: 6348

Re: Do you notify your CC company about travel?

One still has a form to report, Synchrony Bank. Others have no form online (Citi, Amex). Chase has link but page tells you they no longer need you to report travel. I am certainly not going to report unless they have an easy way to do so and encourage it. Yeah I'm curious about the people who say they still do this, if they do it despite the card issuer specifically saying you no longer have to and providing no online way of doing it? Our main CC's are BOA: they specifically say you don't have to notify them. And the cards have worked without notifying them both all over the US and overseas. Which goes along with them saying you don't have to notify them. :happy I do agree to carry along cards of at least two issuers when traveling though....
by BBQ Nut
Sun Oct 03, 2021 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you notify your CC company about travel?
Replies: 69
Views: 6348

Re: Do you notify your CC company about travel?

Yes - even for domestic.

I had one local credit union Visa block transactions when traveling within the US.

One time, same card was blocked EVEN THOUGH I notified them. I went on a tear when I called customer service. :oops:

I take two cards - notify both, just in case.
by BBQ Nut
Mon Jun 21, 2021 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mammoth Lakes & HWY 395 - What to do?
Replies: 19
Views: 3091

Re: Mammoth Lakes & HWY 395 - What to do?

We did the Mammoth Lakes area in 2019 before the pandemic.

Lots of good ideas - just thought I'd add in Earthquake Fault trailhead continuing on to Postpile Nat'l Monument if you are into some scenic hiking.

Convict Lake was gorgeous - the trail on the left hand side going clockwise has a bit more shade
by BBQ Nut
Sun Jun 20, 2021 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Westerns - Name 10
Replies: 110
Views: 9488

Re: Favorite Westerns - Name 10

I'll play - no particular order

Fist Full of Dollars
Ft Apache
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon
The Cowboys
El Dorado
The Searchers
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Fastest Gun Alive
Support Your Local Sheriff
Conagher (TV movie, but still a movie)
by BBQ Nut
Sat Feb 20, 2021 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5832
Views: 591073

Re: What are you listening to now

Ted Nugent - S/T on vinyl (original release)

Storm Troopin' - you betta get ready.
by BBQ Nut
Fri Feb 12, 2021 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help find an unbiased news source...
Replies: 90
Views: 6327

Re: Help find an unbiased news source...

I agree as others have said - there is no unbiased news source.

And even the fact checking sites are spinning bias.

You need to do your due diligence and dig around on multiple sources to get to some sort of semblance of 'fact'.
by BBQ Nut
Thu Jan 28, 2021 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Weber 22” Charcoal Grill?
Replies: 12
Views: 1312

Re: Which Weber 22” Charcoal Grill?

You might try posting this on the Weber forum for more user experiences/replies - good folks there.

https://tvwbb.com/
by BBQ Nut
Wed Jan 13, 2021 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Probate: CA vs ID? [Minor child inherits grandparent's estate]
Replies: 71
Views: 4685

Re: Probate: CA vs ID? [Minor child inherits grandparent's estate]

I thought in CA, a minor cannot own real estate/property.

Would that mean the real estate in question here has to go into a trust until the minor child is 18 yrs old?
by BBQ Nut
Wed Dec 30, 2020 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My fresh Christmas tree still taking water and still fresh...
Replies: 15
Views: 1483

Re: My fresh Christmas tree still taking water and still fresh...

My tree is still taking up a bit of water here, too.

Will NEVER have a fake tree in my house! Ever.
by BBQ Nut
Fri Dec 18, 2020 2:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pragmatic "audiophile" receiver recommendations
Replies: 105
Views: 8882

Re: Pragmatic "audiophile" receiver recommendations

AVRs and "audiophile"......I'm out. :sharebeer
by BBQ Nut
Fri Dec 18, 2020 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spreadsheets - Out of here!
Replies: 262
Views: 31936

Re: Spreadsheets - Out of here!

I love my Excel Spreadsheets, so my Boglehead-fashion reply is obviously the right one. :beer

I can track investments and expenditures, I can quickly pull up the last time the Honda had an oil check, the trees trimmed, when I made my last trade for how much and the gain/loss, etc.

I love the numbers, sorry that others don't.

Oh well....
by BBQ Nut
Wed Sep 02, 2020 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cooktops
Replies: 12
Views: 1194

Re: Cooktops

I really really like my Frigidaire Gallery 5 burner gas cooktop.

Easy to clean, continuous cook surface, and the center burner gets screaming hot - so I can actually use my wok for asian style cooking.

Just stirring the pot :wink:
by BBQ Nut
Tue Aug 18, 2020 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Farmed Atlantic salmon and toxic chemicals in fish feed
Replies: 62
Views: 5991

Re: Farmed Atlantic salmon and toxic chemicals in fish feed

Farmed salmon (or any fish) - not allowed in my house.
by BBQ Nut
Fri Jul 24, 2020 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Smoker
Replies: 154
Views: 17174

Re: Buying a Smoker

21&lewis wrote: Fri Jul 24, 2020 9:45 am Thanks BBQ Nut

I'll give the bowl wrap/no H20 a try.

I definitely enjoy the shop, prep, and cook. Cleaning that bowl is akin to having my wife pluck hairs from my tragus...
I have 4 layers of foil on my bowl.

The day after a cook, I peel off the top two layers, toss, and put on new foil - easy peasy.
by BBQ Nut
Fri Jul 24, 2020 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Smoker
Replies: 154
Views: 17174

Re: Buying a Smoker

goblue100 wrote: Fri Jul 24, 2020 9:35 am I'm going to have to give that a try, running without water. I've seen Harry Soo on TV, I think. I like my WSM but less cleanup would be good. I have to assume you haven't noticed a problem with the end result not using water?
Nope - no problem. I've had great results with ribs, pork butts, chicken, brisket.

I'd drop by the Weber forum and post up any questions you have for running the WSM for whatever it is you're cooking up. :beer
by BBQ Nut
Fri Jul 24, 2020 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Smoker
Replies: 154
Views: 17174

Re: Buying a Smoker

I don't know about the other WSM owners here, but like many on the Weber forum, I wrap the bowl with foil and don't use any water in the pan. Water is really more about a heat sink to stabilize the temp, but it's harder to get hot, it consumes more fuel, and you have to add water for long cooks (like butts or brisket). I've taken Harry Soo's BBQ Pitmaster class - he runs the BBQ Competition Team Slap Yo Daddy and he's won several championships on his WSMs (thats all he uses). He doesn't run water in the pan either. Strip off two layers of foil, put two back on - done. Ash - trash bag over the bottom, tip and dump, done. You have to clean the grate on any rig; propane, charcoal, or pellet - so that's a 'wash' (bad pun intended). A well seaso...
by BBQ Nut
Sat Jun 27, 2020 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Perpetual vs Subscription License - Microsoft Office
Replies: 41
Views: 4223

Re: Perpetual vs Subscription License - Microsoft Office

My lifestyle choice is for perpetual license.

Heavy user of Excel, but only on my laptop at home as I don't want or feel the need to have access to programs or my files on multiple devices or in the cloud. When I'm out, I'm out and doing other stuff.

So, that choice has saved me money over time.

Just my way of doing things, not the only...obviously. :happy
by BBQ Nut
Thu Jun 18, 2020 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rain barrel questions
Replies: 28
Views: 3018

Re: Rain barrel questions

We have 2 50 gallon rain barrels that I installed and we even got a rebate from the local water district for them. Easy to install; they came with a router bit that attaches to a power drill. That and a screw driver was all that was needed to attach the water tube to the downspout. The barrel had two plugs; one at the very bottom and one higher up. I chose to mount each rain barrel on top of foundation of 6 cinder blocks so I could get a water can under the lowest plug. There are NO issues with overflow as the barrel is designed to flow excess water back thru the down spout when full. If you have excess water, then your gutter system was not properly sized/designed. There are NO issues with mosquitoes as each rain barrel comes with a lid th...
by BBQ Nut
Wed Jun 10, 2020 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What fun car should I get in the $150k - $200k range?
Replies: 499
Views: 41436

Re: What fun car should I get in the $150k - $200k range?

Got this bookmarked for future reference.

Can't wait for other what should I buy threads so we can tongue lash and berate folks for their hobbies and interests.
by BBQ Nut
Fri May 22, 2020 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Discarding Music CDs
Replies: 97
Views: 9401

Re: Discarding Music CDs

You can join/pay to read the Audio Engineering Society (AES) papers that document/prove that there are test results with statistical significance that people can discern lossy/MP3 formats to hi-res formats (above 16/44). If you can't - cool. Stuff your ears with the earbuds and fold socks while rocking out. If you can - MP3s are less than satisfactory. I can tell the difference and won't settle for less/lossy. It's a lifestyle choice; convenience at the loss of fidelity. Fidelity at the loss of convenience. Just don't claim to know what a given format can offer unless you can demonstrate what your experience base is. Otherwise it's like saying hamburger is as good as it gets without actually having tasted a gorgeously seared prime ribeye st...
by BBQ Nut
Tue May 19, 2020 11:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Discarding Music CDs
Replies: 97
Views: 9401

Re: Discarding Music CDs

Caduceus wrote: Tue May 19, 2020 11:17 am
BBQ Nut wrote: Tue May 19, 2020 11:11 am Have you considered donating them to your local library?

I donated some CDs and DVDs to my library and they were ecstatic at getting the donation.
I am sure the library would not want them. I had fairly atrocious tastes in music. You know, stuff like boybands and instrumental tracks to truly bad movies. Things like that. My fiance was excited when he found my CD collection and then after 10 minutes of flipping through them, he said, "I don't think we should get married" ... lol
You don't know.

Sounds like you don't want to even try.
by BBQ Nut
Tue May 19, 2020 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Discarding Music CDs
Replies: 97
Views: 9401

Re: Discarding Music CDs

Have you considered donating them to your local library?

I donated some CDs and DVDs to my library and they were ecstatic at getting the donation.
by BBQ Nut
Sun May 03, 2020 9:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best [BBQ grill] for the money?
Replies: 94
Views: 9669

Re: Best BBQ for the money?

6miths wrote: Sun May 03, 2020 9:37 pm Have a Weber Genesis and have loved it. Have to replace a Vermont Castings BBQ at the cottage and now that Costco is selling Weber's it seems like an even better choice!
Another vintage Vermont Castings propane grill user here!

I've kept mine going after 20 years + ! Built like a tank. :D

Great for grilling.

But for "BBQ" - Weber Smokey Mountain. :beer
by BBQ Nut
Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing Cable TV with Streaming: Critical Analysis
Replies: 86
Views: 7352

Re: Replacing Cable TV with Streaming: Critical Analysis

What are you talking about? I started with DirecTV Now (streaming...NOT satellite) which ATT bought and is now ATT Now for streaming There is no contract , I can cancel anytime. ATT has multiple streaming properties. It’s a mess. Below are just the ATT TV variants, not to even mix in all the HBO Go/NOW/MAX variants they’re working on. ATT WatchTV is the service they launched in accordance with the Time Warner merger conditions. (handful of channels for $15/mo) ATT TV Now is the former DIRECTV NOW. This service has an uncertain future as they recently launched ATT TV. https://www.att.com/tv/ ATT TV is the service that ATT is currently pushing in their retail stores and in advertising. You get an underpowered AndroidTV box with a remote that...
by BBQ Nut
Thu Apr 02, 2020 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing Cable TV with Streaming: Critical Analysis
Replies: 86
Views: 7352

Re: Replacing Cable TV with Streaming: Critical Analysis

+1 for YoutubeTV. We've had it for six months and I can attest that it has Tennis and Golf channels. I agree with the others who gave it rave reviews. Now let me warn you against the new ATT service. It stinks on ice! The advertised price of around $50 per month doubles in the second year and that's important because with ATT, you're stuck in a stinking two-year contract. It's like everything you didn't like about DirecTV: contracts that you can't get out without handing them your wallet. Avoid it well, like COVID-19. The ATT offering in an insult to the intelligence of consumers. NOBODY should even consider this terrible product. NO BODY. And oh yes, YoutubeTV gets it: you can try it for a few days free. Then if you decide to keep it, you...
by BBQ Nut
Fri Feb 28, 2020 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: delete please, problem solved
Replies: 26
Views: 2284

Re: delete please, problem solved

Why should a mod delete this thread?

I found the topic and issues informative. While not earth shattering in import, it should, imho, be part of the BH record for reference.

I see this a lot of this on Next Door; folks start a topic, get their answer, then delete it. And it's gone for others to possibly benefit from. :oops:

[note; I find it fascinating/perplexing that BH allows indefinite editing privileges to posts :confused ]
by BBQ Nut
Wed Feb 19, 2020 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Having no luck finding a professional fiduciary
Replies: 51
Views: 6069

Re: Having no luck finding a professional fiduciary

I am a solo ager with only one next-gen relative in another state. It has been very frustrating. ...I’m reaching the end of my list of recommended pro-fids. I don’t want to deal with a bank because it is about more than looking over my finances. Can anyone else who has had to shop for a professional fiduciary to add to their estate plan offer any advice? I would pretty much give up on someone like that after the experience you had and move on. It's quite a problem finding good reliable professionals who don't charge exorbitant fees, while there are plenty of AUM guys that provide little, if any added value for folks like us. And even if you found a good one now, they may not be around many years from now when you really need them. What are...
by BBQ Nut
Sat Feb 08, 2020 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would you drive without a spare tire?
Replies: 193
Views: 14873

Re: Would you drive without a spare tire?

H*## No.

Gotta have a spare - even if it's the cheap doughnut.
by BBQ Nut
Mon Jan 27, 2020 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying Vinyl - Newbie
Replies: 5
Views: 608

Re: Buying Vinyl - Newbie

If the vinyl is truly "rare", then I would assume they are being sold by a reputable seller.

And if that is the case then at a minimum, the vinyl should be graded using the accepted system for condition:
https://support.discogs.com/hc/en-us/ar ... rade-Items

I'd ask the seller for their grading, along with pictures of the actual copy you would be buying.

Check the reputation of the seller and their return policy.

Used vinyl can be bought with happy results...good luck
by BBQ Nut
Sat Jan 25, 2020 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice on LP record collection (info and selling)
Replies: 10
Views: 867

Re: Advice on LP record collection (info and selling)

atikovi wrote: Sat Jan 25, 2020 5:56 pm You got them for nothing. Your potential market is likely in a nursing home or soon will be. List on Craigslist as a lot for $100 and take the first $50 offer unless you want to devote the next 5 years of your life to unloading them.
Nice snarky post and not entirely true. :oops:
by BBQ Nut
Sat Jan 25, 2020 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice on LP record collection (info and selling)
Replies: 10
Views: 867

Re: Advice on LP record collection (info and selling)

If you have copious amounts of spare time you could do some on-line research for value comparisons. Discogs.com is one such site that has a growing database of used LP info & sales. The problem for getting accurate values is finding entries that match the LP issue you have as LPs have original releases, reprints/re-iisues, remasters, etc. A given title of an LP may have many many different values. If you have an original Led Zeppelin I issue with the right "deadwax" inscriptions, that LP would be worth in the hundreds. A re-issue maybe $5 depending on condition of both the jacket and the LP. It can be tedious and time consuming, but in the case of my modest collection, I'm blown away by how much my collection is worth. Whynotu...
by BBQ Nut
Fri Jan 03, 2020 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Annual Tracking Spreadsheet Review?
Replies: 41
Views: 3702

Re: Annual Tracking Spreadsheet Review?

Spreadsheet user here; several tabs tied together via links & formulas to track various things.

I never liked the on-line or pre-canned programs for investment/expense tracking as I'm very particular on how things are categorized or organized.

So, I just made up my own; easy peasy.

I update it once a month with snapshots of investments and budget tracking/expenses.
by BBQ Nut
Tue Dec 31, 2019 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Time to replace the Water Heater - Lots of Questions - Help!
Replies: 77
Views: 6690

Re: Time to replace the Water Heater - Lots of Questions - Help!

Our upstairs master bath/shower is at the opposite end of the house where the waterheater is (garage cubby). It took *forever* to get the hot water line flushed of water that had been cooled down while sitting in the pipes so we could actually take a hot shower upstairs. A separate tankless option was way too expensive for our budget, so we opted for one of those recirculating pumps that uses the cold line to recirculate water back to the waterheater(installed in one of the upstairs master bath sinks). It can be set on a timer to sync with our showering habits in the morning and evenings. It has improved the time it takes to get actual hot water to the shower, but the down side is that in summer, if the recirculating pump is active during ...
by BBQ Nut
Tue Dec 31, 2019 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Time to replace the Water Heater - Lots of Questions - Help!
Replies: 77
Views: 6690

Re: Time to replace the Water Heater - Lots of Questions - Help!

Our upstairs master bath/shower is at the opposite end of the house where the waterheater is (garage cubby). It took *forever* to get the hot water line flushed of water that had been cooled down while sitting in the pipes so we could actually take a hot shower upstairs. A separate tankless option was way too expensive for our budget, so we opted for one of those recirculating pumps that uses the cold line to recirculate water back to the waterheater(installed in one of the upstairs master bath sinks). It can be set on a timer to sync with our showering habits in the morning and evenings. It has improved the time it takes to get actual hot water to the shower, but the down side is that in summer, if the recirculating pump is active during a...
by BBQ Nut
Tue Dec 24, 2019 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Mexico Camping in June with Kids
Replies: 12
Views: 1325

Re: New Mexico Camping in June with Kids

Just adding in that you should consider the Gila Wilderness area around the Silver City area.

Gorgeous country.
by BBQ Nut
Tue Dec 10, 2019 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Downsizing CDs, Tapes Etc.
Replies: 50
Views: 4815

Re: Downsizing CDs, Tapes Etc.

Another way to listen and explore streaming music stations on your computer (which can be streamed to a music system, or headphones on your computer). I stream to my dedicated sound system via a Chromecast Audio - works really well! radio.garden/listen You can search for stations by the call letters, or just...explore the world!!! I've found some pretty cool stations just roaming the US. Google no longer sells the Chromecast Audio, but you might be able to find a used one. Yeah, I'm still puzzled why they dropped such a inexpensive way to get wifi audio streaming. Even at current used prices (or hoarded unopened stock) they can be a very easy way to get decent quality audio up and running. I'll still never give up my CDs or LPs, though. My...
by BBQ Nut
Sun Dec 08, 2019 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mounting a tv over the fireplace
Replies: 54
Views: 7205

Re: Mounting a tv over the fireplace

Mapmaker wrote: Sun Dec 08, 2019 6:17 pm
CoastalWinds wrote: Sun Dec 08, 2019 5:56 pm
02nz wrote: Sun Dec 08, 2019 12:02 pm Bad idea for a number of reasons - heat from fireplace can damage TV or at very least shorten lifespan. And you'll be craning your neck to watch TV unless you have a mount that adjusts vertically (very rare - most allow only tilt).
Agreed. It also looks stupid.

I haven’t made up my mind yet (still have 12 hours), but the people at Architectural Digest seem to have found examples of nice TVs mounted over fireplaces, so I don’t thing the idea is totally stupid.
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gal ... nspiration
How far away is your viewing spot, how high up will the bottom of the screen be from the floor, and will you be viewing from a cushy couch?
by BBQ Nut
Sun Dec 08, 2019 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mounting a tv over the fireplace
Replies: 54
Views: 7205

Re: Mounting a tv over the fireplace

Oh, so now we are into lifestyle criticisms.

Awesome. :oops:
by BBQ Nut
Sun Dec 08, 2019 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mounting a tv over the fireplace
Replies: 54
Views: 7205

Re: Mounting a tv over the fireplace

If one actually does the math, a viewing distance of 12 ft away and bottom of screen 54" high, then in a typical reclined/slouched position on the couch there will be no neck or eye strain because your head is supported and the eyes naturally tilted up.

I suppose if you are 6 ft away and sit in a rigid upright position with perfect posture in some sort of hard backed chair, then yeah - not good.
by BBQ Nut
Sat Dec 07, 2019 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Downsizing CDs, Tapes Etc.
Replies: 50
Views: 4815

Re: Downsizing CDs, Tapes Etc.

Another way to listen and explore streaming music stations on your computer (which can be streamed to a music system, or headphones on your computer). I stream to my dedicated sound system via a Chromecast Audio - works really well!

radio.garden/listen

You can search for stations by the call letters, or just...explore the world!!!

I've found some pretty cool stations just roaming the US.
by BBQ Nut
Fri Dec 06, 2019 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cable Cord Cutting more complicated than expected
Replies: 96
Views: 9780

Re: Cable Cord Cutting more complicated than expected

We saved around $100/month by dropping cable and going with a Roku and PlayStation Vue. PS Vue had the channels that most closely matched what I was watching on cable. They seemed to have the best for live sports. I can get PBS OTA, so the fact that it isn't available in my streaming package isn't a big deal. Interestingly, I sometimes get different NFL games on PS Vue compared to what I get on the same channels OTA. What is your plan post January 30, 2020? YouTube TV has been a fine replacement for PS Vue for us. Faster. Nice interface. Only 1 channel missing NFL Network that I care about. Oh well. RIP PS Vue. Maybe I missed a post but getting PBS on a roku is trivial. Just add it from the free channels, enter the activation code on a com...
by BBQ Nut
Thu Dec 05, 2019 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cable Cord Cutting more complicated than expected
Replies: 96
Views: 9780

Re: Cable Cord Cutting more complicated than expected

greg24 wrote: Thu Dec 05, 2019 9:13 am What do you all pay for internet service?

Do you ever run into data usage issues due to streaming?
I'm still 'tied up'...ah...I mean 'bundled' with Spectrum.

But, the local going rate for their internet only, 100Mbps+ is $60/month, unlimited data
by BBQ Nut
Thu Dec 05, 2019 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cable Cord Cutting more complicated than expected
Replies: 96
Views: 9780

Re: Cable Cord Cutting more complicated than expected

Cable cord cutting has been a bit complicated for our household and the cost differential seems to be shrinking with "app creep" as family members add services to get add'l content. I have been doing probably an overly long evaluation/transition phase between cable and streaming as I've had both for awhile. Here have been my observations: 1. My ISP, Spectrum, is not 100% reliable in internet or cable reliability. There are occasional internet outages or slowdowns (numerous posts to my local Nextdoor forum pop up constantly) and cable picture quality can vary. Sometimes the picture will pixelate/breakup, then recover and look good most of the time. Although, I will say that ym bluray player will always deliver a slightly crisper pi...
by BBQ Nut
Wed Dec 04, 2019 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much money can retirees really save by moving to a state without income tax?
Replies: 143
Views: 14027

Re: How much money can retirees really save by moving to a state without income tax?

A few states do not have an income tax, but they may have other taxes (property tax, sales tax, etc.) to offset that. So it is not clear how much money a retiree or a retired couple may save by moving to a state without an income tax. I am particular interested in Florida (e.g., Tampa) and Nevada (e.g., Las Vegas). Hypothetically, consider a retired couple with an annual income around $100,000 with a moderate house worth around $300,000. Assume that their current state has a flat income tax of 6% and a property tax 1.2%. It is much more dependent upon your exact situation and lifestyle than most think. As a start you can compare taxes using sites like this.... https://smartasset.com/taxes/income-taxes And you can compare some other costs u...
by BBQ Nut
Sun Oct 13, 2019 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replace water heater just because it's old?
Replies: 94
Views: 13984

Re: Replace water heater just because it's old?

My 12 yr old water heater sprung a leak at the base and made a mess in the garage (dry wall damage).

On top of that, the ball valve for shutoff at the top failed as well.

Lesson learned 1)have it flushed and inspected periodically 2)get a pan and run a drain hose from the pan to the outside

I stayed with a gas 50-gallon tank version because in CA, it's a source of potable water in the event of an earthquake/disruption of water service.

For a family of 4 at 1 gallon a day per person that's 12 days of water.
by BBQ Nut
Thu Sep 19, 2019 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best place to buy Microsoft Office 2019....
Replies: 102
Views: 13444

Re: Best place to buy Microsoft Office 2019....

Give me the license to own.

After subscribing to cable and streaming services it just bugs the *@#(*$% out of me to be subjected to monthly price creep ups.

Own it and it'll pay for itself over time vs subscribing.

And the cloud stuff - when I got my MS Win10 laptop it had that cloud service thang...man, the syncing of local and cloud storage just dragged performance to a crawl. I cut that off lickity split.

But, that's just me.
by BBQ Nut
Mon Sep 16, 2019 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you trust Microsoft updating your Windows 7 machine?
Replies: 122
Views: 8923

Re: Do you trust Microsoft updating your Windows 7 machine?

Hang on to your hats....September's Win10 Update is yet another roll of the dice to see if you survive Microsoft's "upgrade"
https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkell ... 2b041a11e0
by BBQ Nut
Wed Sep 04, 2019 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Waze gives wrong directions;now gmaps too; any others I can use?
Replies: 33
Views: 4537

Re: Waze gives wrong directions;now gmaps too; any others I can use?

This is probably the engineer in me with over analyzing and planning every detail - including road trips or closer 'new' destinations, but I pre-plan my route using google. I also switch to map mode before leaving to get a visual check on my destination for entrances, parking lots, or anything unusual I should look for when I arrive.

I know my wife and kids like to simply plug in destinations to the smart phones and get voice directions - but that has proven to not work all the time.