Search found 3074 matches

by jabberwockOG
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are white, red, blue and other bright colors safer [for cars] than other colors???
Replies: 45
Views: 3861

Re: Are white, red, blue and other bright colors safer [for cars] than other colors???

Longest durability color in terms of UV damage and paint burnout on a car is white, the worst colors are red and silver. Especially if car is often parked outdoors in the South, white color paint job will last undamaged approx 10x longer than red or silver.
by jabberwockOG
Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utilities cost?
Replies: 57
Views: 4070

Re: Utilities cost?

Southeast US location. 2,700 sq ft house. Our total utilities averaging $240 a month.
by jabberwockOG
Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experiences with special orders with Home Depot and Lowes
Replies: 16
Views: 1846

Re: Experiences with special orders with Home Depot and Lowes

Special ordered an appliance from HD a few years ago. They delivered damaged dented appliances 4 times in a row before the 5th attempt, which even then (vip special handling process at that point) was slightly dented, but just in a rear panel so not visible. The delivery service from HD was so bad at some point it reached the absurd/funny stage. HD kept trying to delver an intact product, and after several hours speaking with "customer service", 8-10 weeks of delays, and 5 delivery attempts they succeeded in delivering a mostly undamaged intact appliance. By that time they had comped the cost of the $800 dollar item, but frankly I would have preferred to just have had the item delivered on time and undamaged. Using any kind of fre...
by jabberwockOG
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Portable generator issues
Replies: 20
Views: 2068

Re: Portable generator issues

The full choke setting restricts airflow into the carburetor creating a "richer" fuel to air mix going into combustion chamber. Adjusting the carburetor mixture screw to richer setting (more fuel) should allow for smooth running engine without setting choke.
by jabberwockOG
Sat Mar 02, 2024 7:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Complain About Bad Boss?
Replies: 56
Views: 5818

Re: Complain About Bad Boss?

Don't do it. Your manager's manger will not care. They only care if work is getting done. Individual contributors, for the most part, are completely expendable. The managers and HR are really there to protect the company - to make sure work is getting done and everything is within compliance. I learned a long time ago that you can't change corporate culture or the opinions of those "above" you in the hierarchy. The only reasonable option is to get another job (preferably at another company) with a manager/team/culture that is a better fit. Also, getting to minimal state of financial independence makes it much easier to deal with (and/or ignore) B.S. in the workplace :sharebeer . Agree. Very good advice. HR and upper management is...
by jabberwockOG
Thu Feb 15, 2024 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What inferior good do you love?
Replies: 232
Views: 25521

Re: What inferior good do you love?

Costo's hotdog and soda deal or their cheese pizza - should be clearly labelled as addictive. Don't eat either any more but the struggle was real.
by jabberwockOG
Mon Feb 12, 2024 10:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book?
Replies: 186
Views: 19917

Re: What is your favorite book?

John Updike - the Rabbit books
Saul Bellow - Seize the Day, The Adventures of Augie March, More Die of Heartbreak
Isaac Singer - Gimpel the Fool and other stories, A Crown of Feathers and Other Stories
by jabberwockOG
Mon Feb 12, 2024 9:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Basement remodel started without a permit
Replies: 29
Views: 3470

Re: Baement remodel started without a permit

jebmke wrote: Mon Feb 12, 2024 10:41 am Tell them no more money until permit applied.
This. Simple straightforward, no nonsense talk. Simple solution. Don't get bullied or railroaded.
by jabberwockOG
Mon Feb 12, 2024 7:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?
Replies: 145
Views: 12478

Re: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?

We buy frozen pizza dough at our local grocery chain about once a week. We have a larger retangular sized Ninja airfryer. Honestly we can make a fresh baked pizza in our airfryer just as fast as it takes to bake a frozen pizza in conventional oven. Couple of tips - 1. Leave the grocery store dough in the frig apprx 2 days. The added time in the frig lets the dough develop better flavor and texture. 2. On pizza night take the dough out of frig 1-2 hours beforehand. The dough is much easier to rollout and will cook way nicer if it starts near room temp. 3. For cheese use a combination of thin Mozzarella and Provolone slices. 4. Do not use preshredded (covered in cellulose). Use low moisture "dry" Mozzarella, wet Mozzarella is way to...
by jabberwockOG
Sat Feb 10, 2024 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need some assurance for my resignation countdown
Replies: 53
Views: 4777

Re: Need some assurance for my resignation countdown

As some just posted always check with a senior mgr and HR to see if they have a layoff coming up and if they are actually willing to put you on the list with a decent package.

Unless you really love and enjoy your current job there is absolutely zero financial reason for you to keep working.

And sell those rentals and instead put the funds into well diversified income oriented investment portfolio and you will be set for life.
by jabberwockOG
Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Accumulators, what's your response to inflation?
Replies: 146
Views: 12832

Re: Accumulators, what's your response to inflation?

Half of my net compensation goes into investments. It's my first "expense". The other expenses have to fit in the other half. This. This is the way you build wealth. Not necessarily 50% required by any means, it can be 10% or 15%. We generally saved 15%-25% depending on where I was in my career earnings (was lucky enough to be highly paid in later years) but the savings always happened off the top, and we adjusted our lifestyle and "wants" to fit what remained. Inflation or market being up or down is largely irrelevant and mostly noise in terms of long term investments. Of course you have to find a way to grow your career and the value of your associated skill set so that you can earn more as you gain experience and mov...
by jabberwockOG
Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?
Replies: 49
Views: 3945

Re: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?

Built 4 houses with Habitat for Humanity as a team lead before Covid shut our local HFH branch down, as it turns out permanently. each house took 7-8 months to build with mostly a small team -4-6 individuals.

It was a great experience, learned a lot, met some great folks. I recommend finding and volunteering for a local HFH build if there is a build going on near you, even one day a week is useful and fulfilling. No experience in building or the trades is necessary, there's always a job you can do one site, - we got all kinds - medical folks, lawyers, engineers, retail workers, accountants - etc.

Call the local HFH office or the ReStore they can direct you to local build supervisor or coordinator.
by jabberwockOG
Fri Feb 09, 2024 6:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bank login security question - need a dummy SMS number
Replies: 52
Views: 4877

Re: Bank login security question - need a dummy SMS number

Why would a dummy SMS or Google voice account be any less susceptible to account takeover? google voice isn't susceptible to sim swapping, so it's preferable to a "real" mobile number. I'm envisioning a dummy SMS as a "place-holder" on the bank login page that wouldn't do anything. That may be less secure than just using your regular phone. If the "dummy" number were ported to an attacker's phone, not only would the 2FA be compromised, but you may not observe any evidence of that to be able to take corrective actions. Suggest that you use an authentication mechanism recommended by and supported by the bank so you don't inadvertently take on undue liability for a hypothetical breach of your account. This. Don't...
by jabberwockOG
Wed Feb 07, 2024 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paying for A Car Boglehead Style
Replies: 64
Views: 7102

Re: Paying for A Car Boglehead Style

Market are at relative highs currently. Nobody ever went broke selling high and buying low.

The wealthy class earn interest, the poverty class pay interest. Sell some VTI and buy a new car for cash.

The used car market is a mess right now - only you are a car expert with lots of experience buying used cars, too many folks are likely to over pay or get ripped off. Buy a brand new new middle optioned Accord/CRV or Camry/RAV4 - do not buy an extended warranty, paint protection, etc.
by jabberwockOG
Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: college decision: UIUC or UF for ECE?
Replies: 339
Views: 31710

Re: college decision: $63k UIUC ECE or full-ride UF ECE?

A free ride at just about any flagship state university is an amazing value. The specified classes required for a 4 year EE degree is so rigid and specific - very few electives, - almost a generic commodity degree (admittedly very rigorous and difficult to earn). So the variance in graduate skill set between this tier level of schools is going to negligible. I think our son got to choose 4 elective classes over 8 semesters in his EE program. Attending MIT, CalTech, Harvey Mudd, UCB, USC, Stanford, CM might be worth 250K depending on the student. Most of the others not so much... EE graduates with 3.7 GPA and above will get interviews with just about any company that's actively hiring regardless of school attended. Those that interview well...
by jabberwockOG
Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ring alarm system questions.
Replies: 27
Views: 2992

Re: Ring alarm system questions.

We had SimplySafe system in another house and liked it fine.

We installed the Ring system in current house and it is a level of magnitude better. Battery life is extremely good with Ring system. The Ring system works seamlessly with Ring camera, and integrates our other systems, and is intuitive and super easy to use.
by jabberwockOG
Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: college decision: UIUC or UF for ECE?
Replies: 339
Views: 31710

Re: college decision: $63k UIUC ECE or full-ride UF ECE?

A free ride at just about any flagship state university is an amazing value. The specified classes required for a 4 year EE degree is so rigid and specific - very few electives, - almost a generic commodity degree (admittedly very rigorous and difficult to earn). So the variance in graduate skill set between this tier level of schools is going to negligible. I think our son got to choose 4 elective classes over 8 semesters in his EE program. Attending MIT, CalTech, Harvey Mudd, UCB, USC, Stanford, CM might be worth 250K depending on the student. Most of the others not so much... EE graduates with 3.7 GPA and above will get interviews with just about any company that's actively hiring regardless of school attended. Those that interview well ...
by jabberwockOG
Sun Jan 28, 2024 6:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are there any reliable refrigirators with water dispenser on door?
Replies: 58
Views: 4705

Re: Are there any reliable refrigirators with water dispenser on door?

We have a version of this frig, link below, water and ice in the door. Ours is a "deluxe" model that also dispenses hot water - we've never used that feature. The frig despite being counter depth holds a huge amount of food. Interior lighting is excellent. The frozen food section is enormous and very flexible. If this frig were to break and be irreparable tomorrow, I'd immediately buy the exact same frig. It's approx 6 years old, came with the house, has needed one repair. The problem is apparently the most common known fault with this model, a small fan that moves cold air in fresh food section wears out every 5 years or so. Several utube videos cover this fan fault and replacement. Purchased new fan on Amazon, $40 delivered and ...
by jabberwockOG
Sat Jan 27, 2024 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
Replies: 60
Views: 5513

Re: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?

A 12 year old dishwasher generally isn't worth repairing. We bought and installed a new kitchenaide higher end dishwasher last Spring. It's been working flawlessly. It has 3 racks that are actually usable (including the top rack) and as such it holds significantly more than another dishwasher we have ever had. Recommended. Be careful who you have install your dishwasher - offers of free or low cost installation by the delivery truck guys are usually a bad plan - they are minimally skilled. A dishwasher install takes some skill and experience so that it works correctly, and is plumbed and wired to code, and looks right - plumb, level and square mounted in the cabinet face. Get a pro to do it right or you may end up with a rushed hack job. ht...
by jabberwockOG
Fri Jan 26, 2024 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rome - Florence - Venice
Replies: 49
Views: 3795

Re: Rome - Florence - Venice

I'd pay serious money not to do a 3 city one week plane and train tour in Italy. Sounds like a good way to give yourself heat exhaustion.

Instead - Stay in Rome and do a couple of day trips nearby to smaller towns and points of interest. Explore local markets, find out where the locals eat, maybe attend a concert, opera, or other cultural event.

What remains of the quickly vanishing charm and magic of old school Italy is located in the countryside and small towns, not in its completely overrun and overwhelmed big city museums and tourist "attractions".

June thru August in either Florence or Rome will redefine your concept of what it means for a place to be labeled hot and overcrowded.
by jabberwockOG
Wed Jan 24, 2024 5:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ceiling fan Qs
Replies: 30
Views: 2674

Re: Ceiling fan Qs

psteinx wrote: Wed Jan 24, 2024 2:20 pm Assuming my ceilings are not properly braced for ceiling fans...

Space above ceilings is attic - blown-in and/or mats of insulation over joists + drywall...

Will an electrician be able/willing to install proper bracing as part of an installation bid, or is this something I should do myself?

I'd like to get at least double-switches for the rooms (one for the light, one for the fan), and have other household fixes/improvements that I kinda need an electrician for, so I'll probably get an electrician out soon-ish, in any case.
Yes most electricians will bring and install the correct electrical box designed for a ceiling fan installation if they know ahead of time they will be installing a fan in a previous light fixture location.
by jabberwockOG
Fri Jan 19, 2024 6:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who's up for pickleball? Zero-zero-two. Game On!
Replies: 377
Views: 84204

Re: Who's up for pickleball? Zero-zero-two. Game On!

I am late 60's, been playing PB mostly 5 days a week 2-4 hours per day last 3 years (all outside during Covid). Yep - I am yet another full fledged PB addict. Unfortunately I have seen quite a few folks get hurt playing PB. A majority of the serious injuries, including falls resulting in broken bones, and blown out knees, seem primarily due to people simply going too hard after a ball just to win a point. It is critical to play within your fitness level always being mindful of your age and joint strength (or lack thereof). The primary overriding goals (in order) of any PB player should be 1) do not injure yourself, and 2) have fun learning a sport that you can play into your 80's (if careful and lucky), and 3) be social, be kind, be graciou...
by jabberwockOG
Thu Jan 18, 2024 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wallet stolen at work. How to keep handbags/totes secure at work?
Replies: 29
Views: 3702

Re: Wallet stolen at work. How to keep handbags/totes secure at work?

Putting purse and other valuables in a locked desk drawer will work vast majority of the time - the "walk thru office" thieves are only going to go for items in plain sight or in unlocked drawers they can quickly and silently access. Their MO consists of walking thru offices looking slightly lost but scanning for valuables left out in plain sight.

For additional security - a smallish pistol safe with cable can be used inside a drawer or under desk keyway (if there is a place to secure cable). I use one of these in the trunk of my car if I need to secure a firearm when traveling. They are very sturdy given their relatively low cost.

https://a.co/d/hHN9tat
by jabberwockOG
Wed Jan 17, 2024 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Auto Lease Question
Replies: 6
Views: 937

Re: Auto Lease Question

They calculate the payment based on their base cost plus how much more they think they can get you to pay.

Regardless of lease or purchase always negotiate the "drive out" price of the car first. That includes all costs minus sales tax, tag and title fee. Once you know what the car will actual cost you can determine how to pay for it.

You can shop for a car lease from multiple leasing companies or from the dealer.

Lowest cost of ownership is usually purchasing, but if someone wants a string of new vehicles and doesn't mind having a car payment forever, leasing is an option.
by jabberwockOG
Tue Jan 16, 2024 4:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ceiling fan Qs
Replies: 30
Views: 2674

Re: Ceiling fan Qs

For any fan install the primary challenge is 8 foot ceiling. Find a very low profile fan with minimal downward overhang or else fan is going to be a potential hazard. A light fixture under the fan will just make the low ceiling situation even worse. There may be fans with integrated lights that do not hang lower then the fan body - you can search for that if its avail. You'd have a much more up to date look, and more functional lighting in the room by having an electrician add four perimeter can/disc lights in the ceiling on a separate switch. Be sure to adequately brace the electrical box in ceiling when installing a fan. It can be dangerous to install a fan on an existing standard ceiling lighting fixture electrical box - the box must be ...
by jabberwockOG
Fri Jan 12, 2024 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history
Replies: 165
Views: 15883

Re: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history

Assuming that Plan G is only guaranteed issue when you are new to Medicare (some states are different), I would absolutely use Plan G. Plan N will always be cheaper, but is the difference life changing money for you? I have no conditions, but this was my reasoning. You can always change your mind and go to Plan N later, but again, why would you? One of my “mottos” in recent years is “which mistake would I rather live with?” In this situation, paying more for Plan G and thinking you wasted money because God willing you never really needed it, or paying less for Plan N and wishing you had gone with Plan G? Very wise and well reasoned advice. There are many places and events in life where you can be smart and save money. My view is that Medic...
by jabberwockOG
Thu Jan 11, 2024 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Filing for divorce. How to pay for it and other advice?
Replies: 50
Views: 7639

Re: Filing for divorce. How to pay for it and other advice?

You have gotten really good advice. Collaborative divorce can work for some but it will not work if one spouse signs on but is not willing to use the process. It can also be very expensive with two to three lawyers and experts. Perhaps you could start out with a good mediator and see how that goes, let your spouse experience the process. One thing I haven't seen mention so far is child custody and child support. Has there been any discussion of this? Do you have any information on how child support works in your state? Some states have online calculators where one can get an idea of the monthly amount. This is a serious concern. Be prepared for your spouse to request full ownership in the house, and full custody of your child, in addition ...
by jabberwockOG
Thu Jan 11, 2024 9:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Heat Pump / Mini Split vs Natural Gas Furnace in Cold Weather
Replies: 68
Views: 8121

Re: Electric Heat Pump / Mini Split vs Natural Gas Furnace in Cold Weather

We have had heat pump HVAC in multiple houses and are very satisfied - while heating they tend to not dry out the air as much making it feel warmer and more pleasant in the house.

Having said that we have always lived in a relative warm climates with very few days in winter down below 32F. Once or twice a year we may see days that are down to 20F. On days like this the heat pumps struggle running almost continuously. I personally would not install heat pump without back up gas furnace anywhere where there is a real winter and any days down below 20F.
by jabberwockOG
Wed Jan 10, 2024 6:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cleaning up ant bait gel
Replies: 12
Views: 1848

Re: Cleaning up ant bait gel

rustyjim wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2024 1:51 pm I always put blue painters tape on the floor and then put Terro gel on top of it. The tape easily removes with no residue left on the floor. It is also very visible so you don't forget about it.

rustyjim
Great tip and advice.
by jabberwockOG
Wed Jan 10, 2024 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Potentially selling a great house
Replies: 101
Views: 11714

Re: Potentially selling a great house

Drastically increasing your basic living costs, losing the low interest mortgage, and giving up a great home that you love for the promise of a larger neighborhood is a really bad plan. Stay put and invest that money wisely to fund your kid's education funds, emergency funds, and your future retirement. In today's world play dates, school friends, and multiple activities, hobbies, and sports will likely completely dominate your kid's academic and social lives. Keep your kids busy. Our experience as parents was that busy kids typically don't have time to meet the wrong type of friends, or to get into trouble. Band, martial arts, scouting, school sports, science club, drama club, art class, guitar/piano lessons, horseback riding, etc. - whate...
by jabberwockOG
Mon Jan 08, 2024 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Increasing tire size
Replies: 28
Views: 2323

Re: Increasing tire size

anoop wrote: Mon Jan 08, 2024 1:01 pm It will add weight and reduce your mpg, worsen acceleration time, and make ride comfort worse. The tires will probably wear faster. Better to stay with OEM size.

This.

Increasing the unsprung weight with bigger wheels and tires on any vehicle almost always adversely affects handling, acceleration, ride quality, and braking. Get some snow tires or better rated all season tires.
by jabberwockOG
Sat Jan 06, 2024 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hot Water Heater (Good deal or did I get scammed?)
Replies: 51
Views: 7246

Re: Hot Water Heater (Good deal or did I get scammed?)

Here's the detailed invoice. Seems like it was done correctly. Thanks for posting the invoice. It was nicely detailed and I am now of the opinion that you not only weren't scammed, but got a great deal for all the work and care that they put into the installation. Agree. Based on that invoice I think you got a fair deal. Based on detailed work description it seems like the work was professional and done correctly. My only concern is that for that kind of work (modification of gas piping, gas combustion venting, and water/plumbing change in attic space) it might have been good idea to pull a permit and have work inspected for code compliance. If the install work is widely out of code, if you ever sell the home, it might be flagged by home i...
by jabberwockOG
Sat Jan 06, 2024 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to fix my roof leak?
Replies: 33
Views: 4873

Re: How to fix my roof leak?

If it were my house, I'd want to open a small portion of the drywall to see if there is an easy to see source of the leak, and to check how much material has been damaged.

Since the drywall will need to be patched/repaired and painted anyway, cut a relatively small inspection opening in the ceiling drywall, joist to joist, maybe 12 by 12 to 16 inches wide, enough access to check the space above. That's an easy size to patch and repaint.

Very likely it is a leak directly above - around vent pipe flashing or flexible boot around it, but you never know with a roof, could be something else entirely, or a seam leak somewhere else finding its way to that spot.
by jabberwockOG
Thu Jan 04, 2024 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Devices to Increase Hand-Grip Strength
Replies: 49
Views: 7588

Re: Devices to Increase Hand-Grip Strength

I might suggest that unless you have relevant medical condition or extraordinary needs (like rock climbing), that a noticeable lack of hand strength is probably indicative of a lack of strength overall. Just about everyone would benefit from a modest amount of strengthening exercise, and this is especially true as we get older. Most generalized strength routines will build hand strength as well and also help you "organize" your exertion. Opening jars doesn't just take fingers! This 100% If able go to a gym 3-4 times a week (every other day works best) and do a 30 minute routine on the weight machines - take no more than 30-40 second rest between sets/machines so you get a real workout. You should break a minor to moderate sweat a...
by jabberwockOG
Tue Jan 02, 2024 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what net worth did you start not sweating the "small stuff"
Replies: 137
Views: 27069

Re: At what net worth did you start not sweating the "small stuff"

I have always looked at this type of question very differently. Sweating the big stuff in life allows you not to sweat the small stuff. I have known more than a few people who will scrutinized the cost of items at the grocery store down to the penny. They will shop at the Dollar General buying brand x products to save $12 a week, but when they go to buy a car they can't be bothered to actually research the process or the nature of the transaction so they routinely over pay by several thousand dollars. Same type of folks buy a home and obtain a mortgage (based on realtor recommendation :oops: ) without actually making the effort to understand how to shop for lowest mortgage rate and how not get ripped off on closing costs - again thousands o...
by jabberwockOG
Tue Jan 02, 2024 6:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dark Chocolate heads Rejoice !!!
Replies: 189
Views: 29394

Re: Dark chocolate addicts: how much do you eat?

Does anyone know of a top quality very dark chocolate (e.g. 85%?) that is packaged in small portions? Something that is just solid dark chocolate, no soft filling like truffles. Those are too easy to eat fast... Otherwise something like that would work, in terms of portion and packaging. I buy the 85% Moser Roth bars from Aldi. $1.99 for 4.4 oz. Has five individually wrapped squares, 160 cal. ea. The other varieties are also good. Like others here, I find it's better to set out a portion, and remove myself from 'the mother lode'. We buy mostly the Moser Roth 70% Dark Cocoa at Aldi. The 4.4 ounce bar package is about $2. It's nicely divided into five .88 ounce individually foil wrapper bars. 150 calories per bar individual (7 grams of sugar...
by jabberwockOG
Thu Dec 28, 2023 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I and how to confront a boss who may be undermining my efforts at work?
Replies: 19
Views: 2218

Re: Should I and how to confront a boss who may be undermining my efforts at work?

Ask for a one on one meeting in the next 10 days. Ask your manager how they think you are doing, and what if anything you could work on to improve your performance, and ability to move your career forward in the department/company. Pay careful attention to what the manager says and how they say it. If you get a professional, open, sincere, honest, and supportive assessment than rumors are likely false.

If you get anything else you will now know the situation. Time to look for a new job.

Don't confront, that is usually counterproductive. And be aware that HR in most companies is 95% there to protect and support management and the management hierarchy, not base level employees.
by jabberwockOG
Mon Dec 25, 2023 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Samsung phone stuck in a boot loop
Replies: 23
Views: 2766

Re: Samsung phone stuck in a boot loop

Time for a new phone. Too much time and effort already at this point. Hopefully there was some form of back up on data,apps, etc.
by jabberwockOG
Mon Dec 25, 2023 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I spend $1500 for a kitten?
Replies: 71
Views: 8455

Re: Should I spend $1500 for a kitten?

Some breeds of cats are problematic in terms of behavior and in some cases health issues. Check out the breed and the specific breeder very carefully before you make a potential 20 year commitment.

Tough to beat an orange cat. For my money (and personality) just about any orange cat obtained from the nearest shelter or neighbor giving away kittens would make a great feline pet.
by jabberwockOG
Mon Dec 25, 2023 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Do You Value Your Time At?
Replies: 126
Views: 21022

Re: How Much Do You Value Your Time At?

How much my time is worth is closely tied to how much time I have left. When I was 30 I had all the time in the world, and did a lot of sometimes relatively unpleasant diy projects to save money. Decades later and retired I have a lot more free time available but actually a lot less time left. Time is priceless. So at this point, with what I perceive as having way more money than time left - if I can hire out anything I view as not being fun to do - like weekly lawn care, painting rooms, plumbing work, cleaning gutters, washing the cars, cleaning bathrooms, etc., I hire someone else to do it and instead I go play a racquet sport, workout, read a book, or take a nice long walk with my wife.
by jabberwockOG
Mon Dec 25, 2023 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pros and cons of synthetic fabrics, do any of them actually breathe, and which is best?
Replies: 28
Views: 2680

Re: Pros and cons of synthetic fabrics, do any of them actually breathe, and which is best?

Hot and humid 7 month summer where I live - I wear a lot of Cool32 brand shirts, socks, and underwear - very light weight, inexpensive, lasts a good while, in the machine - washes and drys easy with less than zero fuss.
by jabberwockOG
Sun Dec 24, 2023 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Men's travel pants recommendation.
Replies: 76
Views: 8910

Re: Men's travel pants recommendation.

I have 2-3 pair of Gerry Venture pants for travel. They have total of 6 pockets but don;t look like cargo pants - normal set of front and back pockets, but in addition there one rear zipper pocket as well as one zipper pocket on right leg thigh area. The right front leg zipper pocket works very well for secure carry of passport/ID/high value bills, and the added rear zipper pocket is good for relatively secure carry of wallet. The pants are comfortable - stretchy, and shed water and debris like water off a duck's back. Inexpensive and highly recommended. May be hard to find at this point. https://www.amazon.com/Gerry-Commuter-Waist_Inseam-Numeric_32-Numeric_29/dp/B0BKJZPQ41/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2H1VI09TTHU88&keywords=gerry%2Bventure%2Bpants&...
by jabberwockOG
Sun Dec 17, 2023 10:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honday Odyssey 2012, spark plugs covered in oil
Replies: 19
Views: 3118

Re: Honday Odyssey 2012, spark plugs covered in oil

Thanks to those of you who took the time to share your thoughts and perspectives. I'm not sure where the oil is, & when I asked for details yesterday they wouldn't really supply them but just kept looping back to their recommendations, which I did not appreciate. I decided on that basis & the basis of this thread to have the car towed to a friend's shade tree mechanic , hopefully Monday. At least I hope I can get more information there. I also got a referral to a performance mechanic who can do the VCM stuff since my uncle recommended someone with experience doing bypasses around system protocols. If the shade tree guy doesn't respond, I'll try the other place first thing. I really need this car running, I am a working single paren...
by jabberwockOG
Sun Dec 17, 2023 9:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SIL considering a PhD in Engineering, worth it?
Replies: 97
Views: 14256

Re: SIL considering a PhD in Engineering, worth it?

Our youngest go a BS EE from a top 10 engineering school and then decided to get a PhD. He's graduating this summer after 5 years in the program. School provided free tuition as well as a fairly small yearly research stipend that paid his living expense (living like a poor graduate student. He had offers after getting the BS EE starting around 135-150 from a couple of top 10 IT employers (he had interned for them as undergrad) . So the opportunity cost of his PhD is at a minimum 5 years of $150k per year = $750k plus any eqity options he may have received plus 5 years of 401K contributions lost. My estimate is that the PhD program cost him apprx $1 million. So is that cost worth it? Almost certainly not. On the other hand he very much enjoy...
by jabberwockOG
Sun Dec 17, 2023 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Apple Watch Questions
Replies: 42
Views: 6249

Re: Apple Watch Questions

Hi All, I'm planning to buy an Apple watch today from Costco. My main goal is to track sleep stages which the phone cant track precisely. I'm going through rough times with sleep and I do use a CPAP machine for my sleep apneia. Costco is offering some discounts until this weekend. Which module should I buy ? Watch SE2 - $200 at costco Watch 9th Gen - 329 at costco 9th gen is 129 $ more but all i need to do is sleep stage monitor and steps/walking monitor. Any reason to buy 9th gen ? Is the 9th gen Oxygen and ECG even helpful ? I'd appreciate some insights from the iWatch Apple users thanks again, The iwatch has tremendous utility with or without standalone cell phone capability. Pulse and ox sat monitoring are very helpful particularly for...
by jabberwockOG
Sat Dec 16, 2023 10:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: London Paris Amsterdam Trip - Need Advise
Replies: 41
Views: 6422

Re: London Paris Amsterdam Trip - Need Advise

bendix wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2023 10:37 pm
grtwallchina75 wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2023 8:06 pm I'm thinking of adding Belgium on my route from Paris to Amsterdam.

I'm thinking to stay a night and see Burge Belgium.

Anyone visited Belgium ?

thanks for all the recommendations everyone
You can see the historic city center in Brussels but it´s an utter tourist hell and literally all the restaurants are part of some kind of tourist trap mafia. It´s nice for an afternoon but really Brussels is not a great place to stay (imo).
100% agree. Very little in Brussels is worth the hassle. Brugge and Antwerp are very cool but not when they are overcrowded and overwhelmed in peak tourist season.
by jabberwockOG
Sat Dec 16, 2023 10:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: London Paris Amsterdam Trip - Need Advise
Replies: 41
Views: 6422

Re: London Paris Amsterdam Trip - Need Advise

London, Paris Amsterdam in 9 days will guarantee you stay jet lagged, and lost and confused for most of the entire trip. Those cities in June will be mobbed and you will wait in lines at airports, train stations, venues, ticket booths, museums, etc., way longer than you will see anything. Example trip - Fly into Paris. Rent a car and head directly out of town. Do not attempt to drive in or around Paris. Instead head WEST on the A13 and drive out to some of the towns and coast of Normandy (4-5 days) - see the Bayeux Tapestry. Along the way there or back stop for the day in Rouen and Chartres and see the town and the cathedrals. Back to Paris, discard the car - spend 2-3 day visiting Paris sites. Fly back out of Paris. Cut the trip down to on...
by jabberwockOG
Sat Dec 16, 2023 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell Plan Data Usage
Replies: 15
Views: 1799

Re: Cell Plan Data Usage

There are options on your phone to start and stop each application from using cell data to stay updated. Other options allow specific apps to update when not in use. Make sure your non critical apps do not use cell data, and update in use and only on wifi while at home.

Set options so that no apps other than a few like google maps/waze/and a few other that you use frequently on the road/traveling/away from home should be allowed to use cell data. You can turn the use cell data option for your travel apps (like Hilton/Delta/trip advisor/gas buddy/etc) only when you are actually traveling.
by jabberwockOG
Fri Dec 15, 2023 6:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When Did You Feel Financially Secure and Comfortable?
Replies: 134
Views: 29385

Re: When Did You Feel Financially Secure and Comfortable?

But we still find ourselves constantly working out when/how to pay off the mortgage, how much to save for retirement, how best to pay for our son's medical therapies, etc. We As a new year approaches, I'd like to be more glass half full about money, and develop a framework where I feel more financially secure and comfortable. I was the planner. Spouse was the earner. We are both retired now. Neither of us are worriers about money. We have had very good employment, affordable homes, good health, and good luck. For many years (in January) I would make a plan about how much $$ we would save that year, by month. Also would decide how much extra to pay on the mortgage each month. A solid plan can free the mind from anxiety. You might try that. ...
by jabberwockOG
Fri Dec 15, 2023 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Radiator Flush How Often How Much
Replies: 61
Views: 10840

Re: Radiator Flush How Often How Much

Coolant maintenance intervals differ based on brand and type of engine.

The Asian cars we currently drive need new timing belts every 90k miles - it's normal to replace water pump along with a new TB and that's perfect time for new coolant.

In general coolant formulations last a very long time. I check coolant levels every oil change and I'm careful to inspect what the coolant looks like. It should be original color, not discolored, muddy, rusty, or have murky look to it. Also it should be free of foreign particles/dirt in the fluid. As long as fluid looks fresh it is likely still protecting your engine. Check owners manual for recommended coolant maintenance and refill interval.