Search found 3761 matches

by bob60014
Wed Mar 27, 2024 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chicken bone broth
Replies: 10
Views: 599

Re: Chicken bone broth

Chardo wrote: Wed Mar 27, 2024 1:08 pm What's the difference between bone broth and stock?
Bone broth is slow simmered, 16 hours or so. Stock can be done in 1-2 hours
by bob60014
Tue Mar 26, 2024 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Aruba restaurants
Replies: 16
Views: 954

Re: Aruba restaurants

afr wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 11:15 am
Is Aruba overly crowded in February/March?
Personally we don't find it so. We stay in the Eagle Beach low rise area and it is not as hectic as it is in the Palm Beach hi rise area, to the north.
by bob60014
Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Aruba restaurants
Replies: 16
Views: 954

Re: Aruba restaurants

afr wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:37 am If heading to Aruba in February or March, how far in advance do reservations need to be made at some of these restaurants?

Places like Papiamento ,Wilhelmina, Wacky Wahoos, Yemanja, Azar, Passions, Madame Jeanettes it can be wise to look a month ahead, especially if booking Fri-Sat-Sun. If flexible, a few days before or even same day is possible. Look at their websites, some have online reservation systems showing date-time availability.
by bob60014
Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Aruba restaurants
Replies: 16
Views: 954

Re: Aruba restaurants

stan1 wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:12 am Not to hjiack the thread, but somewhat related is there a nice resort on the island (sort of like a Four Seasons) with a nice beach or pool area? Either walkable to some restaurants or more isolated.

We've only been on cruise ships as a day stop.
Look up in the Palm Beach- high rise area. Plenty of resorts and many restaurants within walking distance.
by bob60014
Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Aruba restaurants
Replies: 16
Views: 954

Re: Aruba restaurants

These are walkable from Oceania.

Así Es Mi Peru.
Screaming Eagle
Passions on the beach *
Las Ramblas *
Chalet Suisse *
by bob60014
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Aruba restaurants
Replies: 16
Views: 954

Re: Aruba restaurants

We were there recently, here's a short list in no particular order. You won't go hungry!

*= reservations required or highly recommended

Pika's Corner
Bingo! *
Papiamento *
Nusa
Wilhelmina *
Wacky Wahoos *
Diana's Pancakes Place
Así Es Mi Peru
Fish House Island Bar and Restaurant
Yemanja Woodfired Grill *
Screaming Eagle
Azar *
Xixon Spanish Restaurant *
Passions on the beach *
Flying fishbone *
Las Ramblas *
Madame Jeanettes *
Chalet Suisse *
Taste My Aruba *

Btw, it may help to know, where are you staying? Using a rental car?
by bob60014
Mon Mar 25, 2024 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Totaled - Insurance Options
Replies: 22
Views: 1454

Re: Car Totaled - Insurance Options

1) Sell the car for $2950 and put it toward a new (used) vehicle,
No brainer, newer, possibly safer especially with a 16 yo in the wings.

Teslas, German cars? Next time park in the Cumberland CTA lot, your beaters will fit right in! ;)
by bob60014
Mon Mar 25, 2024 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need information on clothes dryer lint screen
Replies: 18
Views: 987

Re: Need information on clothes dryer lint screen

What's the length of the vent pipe, dryer to outside? Many bends? If long, it wouldn't surprise me if there is still a blockage in the vent midstream. Though the tech vacuumed, likely just a a foot or two in, and you see exhaust, it's still possible it's blocked. Remove the outside vent louver-cover. Take a leaf blower and insert the nozzle into the vent pipe from the inside. Start at low speed for about a minute. Look at the outside vent area for any debris. If none, return and up the speed on the blower, check again after a minute.

Using this method I've found birds nests and other interesting things being blown out.
by bob60014
Mon Mar 25, 2024 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need information on clothes dryer lint screen
Replies: 18
Views: 987

Re: Need information on clothes dryer lint screen

What's the length of the vent pipe, dryer to outside? Many bends? If long, I'm willing to bet that there is still a blockage in the vent midstream. Though the tech vacuumed, likely just a a foot or two in, and you see exhaust, it's still possible it's blocked. Remove the outside vent louver-cover. Take a leaf blower and insert the nozzle into the vent pipe from the inside. Start at low speed for about a minute. Look at the outside vent area for any debris. If none, return and up the speed on the blower, check again after a minute.

Using this method I've found birds nests and other interesting things being blown out.
by bob60014
Sun Mar 24, 2024 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: refrigerator water filter cap
Replies: 12
Views: 643

Re: refrigerator water filter cap

The cap puts a bit of pressure on the filter and keeps O ring seated so it doesn't leak. The cap is cheap.

https://www.reliableparts.com/wpl-wp2186494t.html
by bob60014
Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It is really that simple to do it the Bogleheads way?
Replies: 87
Views: 8171

Re: It is really that simple to do it the Bogleheads way?

It is that simple but the two hardest things may be, seeing that one stock that skyrockets and listening to noise from the talking heads.
by bob60014
Fri Mar 22, 2024 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread
Replies: 207
Views: 9518

Re: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread

billaster wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 1:19 pm Next up, how many people use a dedicated phone to access your financial accounts?
Similar to the dedicated phone for only international travel use thread.

viewtopic.php?p=7779537#p7779537

To OP, No, I don't use separate computers or phones.
by bob60014
Fri Mar 22, 2024 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?
Replies: 145
Views: 6928

Re: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?

nisiprius wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 11:36 am I am 99.9% sure that no supermarket employee is a "tipped employee," so you don't need to tip them.....
In the states this is true. But in many overseas locations, bag boys/girls, cart attendants, etc do not get a wage, it's service with a smile and they rely on tips only.
by bob60014
Fri Mar 22, 2024 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Value of US dollar in different Asian countries
Replies: 23
Views: 1317

Re: Value of US dollar in different Asian countries

I will only withdraw cash from a bank ATM, no matter what county I'm in. Safer and the rates are good.
by bob60014
Fri Mar 22, 2024 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
Replies: 253
Views: 18253

Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?

Vacuform and Creepy Crawlers.
by bob60014
Fri Mar 22, 2024 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When brand names matter and when they don't
Replies: 193
Views: 11770

Re: When brand names matter and when they don't

nisiprius wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 8:24 am
lazydavid wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 8:21 am ...Milk from our regional dairy Oberweis, tastes dramatically better than the slop that comes in plastic bottles at the grocery store...
Same thing here. There is a dairy that delivers, in glass bottles. The first time I tasted it was a real boooiiiing!-time-travel experience. It instantly reminded me of how milk tasted when I was a kid. Of how milk tastes. Absolutely positively worth it if you can meet their minimum delivery quantity.
We're lucky, Oberweis is produced and sold locally (Chicago area) at grocery stores. No delivery worries.
by bob60014
Fri Mar 22, 2024 7:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When brand names matter and when they don't
Replies: 193
Views: 11770

Re: When brand names matter and when they don't

"Spaghetti sauce: store bought is unpalatable to me."

Try Raos, you can thank me later.
by bob60014
Thu Mar 21, 2024 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?
Replies: 145
Views: 6928

Re: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?

funyun wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 6:15 pm Yep, during the stay and when checking out. First, it's the right thing to do. Second, I assume if you tip, there's less chance they'll do vile things to your toiletries. I actually travel with a decoy toothbrush after hearing some horror stories from travel companions.
Unless it actually happened to you, it's another internet urban legend story.
by bob60014
Thu Mar 21, 2024 6:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel (Canada and Eastern Europe): Dedicated phone for calling and texting
Replies: 7
Views: 555

Re: Travel (Canada and Eastern Europe): Dedicated phone for calling and texting

Tabulator wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 5:48 pm Thanks for the the idea. You hinted that there is a disadvantage. Why wouldn't you do it?
bob60014 wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 5:44 pmNot the way I would do it but
Im quite happy using my primary cellphone overseas and have done so since day one of cellphone ownership. Using what could be considered a "burner phone" in my travels has never crossed my mind.

Currently on T-Mobile 55+ which works flawlessly in every country we've been in.
by bob60014
Thu Mar 21, 2024 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel (Canada and Eastern Europe): Dedicated phone for calling and texting
Replies: 7
Views: 555

Re: Travel (Canada and Eastern Europe): Dedicated phone for calling and texting

Not the way I would do it but, you could buy a SIM from Orange, Three, O2, etc with full European coverage. For travelers these can be bought in various lengths 3, 5, 7, 14, 30 days etc. Do something similar in Canada with Rogers, Telus, etc.
by bob60014
Thu Mar 21, 2024 10:27 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?
Replies: 120
Views: 9454

Re: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?

Josh5000 wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:07 pm .... Is it Century 21, Redfin, or listing sites? Zillow got butchered and Redfin also fell on the news.
Fun fact. The parent of Century 21 is Anywhere Real Estate Inc, formerly Realogy Holdings Corp. They also own....
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
Cartus
Century 21 Real Estate
Coldwell Banker
Coldwell Banker Commercial
Corcoran Group
ERA Real Estate
Sotheby's International Realty
by bob60014
Thu Mar 21, 2024 5:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flash drives vs external HDs?
Replies: 63
Views: 3917

Re: Flash drives vs external HDs?

Callisto wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 12:08 am Flash drives typically have the worst quality NAND chips with the most rudimentary controllers in order to be as cheap as possible. Never store any data that you care about on them because there is no warning before they fail.

Brand new hard drives can be bought at retail for $0.01 - 0.015 / GB, and will on average be significantly more reliable.
+1. Cheap insurance really.
by bob60014
Wed Mar 20, 2024 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Headed to Montreal tomorrow! Need advice!
Replies: 13
Views: 1969

Re: Headed to Montreal tomorrow! Need advice!

For tourists, A is all that's needed, as most will be in Montreal (the isle of) proper.
by bob60014
Wed Mar 20, 2024 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bought a new Lexus - can't get a second key for 3-5 months???
Replies: 54
Views: 6129

Re: Bought a new Lexus - can't get a second key for 3-5 months???

The new owners of some Toyota models are having the same issue, 6 months + in some cases.
by bob60014
Wed Mar 20, 2024 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best way to find a house as soon as it is listed (or before)
Replies: 8
Views: 928

Re: Best way to find a house as soon as it is listed (or before)

Befriend a realtor that has access to the MLS and knows the office scuttlebutt.
by bob60014
Wed Mar 20, 2024 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ancestry.Com Membership
Replies: 11
Views: 1227

Re: Ancestry.Com Membership

Similar. We cancelled a 6 month Ancestry subscription about two weeks ago. Now we're getting 50% off discount emails from them, to return.
by bob60014
Wed Mar 20, 2024 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Xfinity equipment update
Replies: 17
Views: 863

Re: Xfinity equipment update

Unlikely . And I wouldn't reply to the possible phishing text!
by bob60014
Wed Mar 20, 2024 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice on choosing 2/3 day side trip from Paris in September
Replies: 18
Views: 1310

Re: Advice on choosing 2/3 day side trip from Paris in September

Any interest in WWII history? Rent a car or take a train and head up to the DDay sites, museums and the American Cemetery. Plenty of very good restaurants nearby too.
by bob60014
Tue Mar 19, 2024 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Maintaining a new Global Entry membership (USA)
Replies: 20
Views: 1681

Re: Maintaining a new Global Entry membership (USA)

I don't recall the interviewer saying that, but certainly at renewal time would be a good time to update.
by bob60014
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Realtor has ideas and a buyer
Replies: 24
Views: 2197

Re: Realtor has ideas and a buyer

Sounds a bit unethical, IMHO. The realtor was manipulative and self serving if nothing else.
by bob60014
Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigappers: which plan do you have and why
Replies: 89
Views: 5036

Re: Medigappers: which plan do you have and why

I'll play, but agree with others, doing a search here will result in hundreds, if not a thousand replies regarding Medigap choices and why they were chosen.

We use a G plan for its overall coverage. With it, we haven't had to pay a penny for services over the last few years.
by bob60014
Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: navigation system for car
Replies: 64
Views: 3368

Re: navigation system for car

In the OPs case, GARMIN is the option.
by bob60014
Sun Mar 17, 2024 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pointers for Buying 2024 Honda Odyssey EX-L
Replies: 16
Views: 1549

Re: Pointers for Buying 2024 Honda Odyssey EX-L

Invoice prices are meaningless. No dealer actually pays that.
by bob60014
Sun Mar 17, 2024 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Portable Audio - your configuration?
Replies: 9
Views: 680

Re: Portable Audio - your configuration?

I use my cellphone with over the ear earbuds. For me, they're more comfortable than the small earbuds and they dont fall off.
by bob60014
Sun Mar 17, 2024 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pointers for Buying 2024 Honda Odyssey EX-L
Replies: 16
Views: 1549

Re: Pointers for Buying 2024 Honda Odyssey EX-L

"Dealer-Installed Equipment $995"
Pure profit, unnecessary items.

Perhaps other than the pinstripes, all other items can be easily removed by the dealer and pricing can be negotiated further. It depends how much stomach you have for it.
by bob60014
Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions around Dulles-IAD Arrival
Replies: 16
Views: 1640

Re: Suggestions around Dulles-IAD Arrival

SpaghettiLegs wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:54 am ... Returning from an Ireland trip last summer, we went through US customs at the Dublin airport, thus landing at a regular gate at Dulles. Way, way easier. Not sure what other airports in the Eurozone have that feature but might be worth a look.
Dublin and Shannon are the only preclearance sites in Europe.
by bob60014
Sat Mar 16, 2024 4:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Soccer for kids - supplemental practice drills, suggestions, etc
Replies: 18
Views: 1533

Re: Soccer for kids - supplemental practice drills, suggestions, etc

Hopefully, the coaches are teaching and not emphasizing the "wins" at that age. If they are win oriented, not much will change to keep the kids interested or motivated.
by bob60014
Sat Mar 16, 2024 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Caribbean island in January/February
Replies: 19
Views: 1713

Re: Caribbean island in January/February

afr wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:59 pm My wife and I honeymooned in Aruba in '89 and went again in '95 and loved the atmosphere, water, beach, etc. But I'm guessing its much too crowded in Jan/Feb. Reservation for beach chairs seems like a cruse ship.
It does get crowded when the cruise ships arrive! Actually, normally we don't find it too crowded, busy yes. We stay in the low rise area but further north in the Palm Beach hi rise area, it does seem always crowded due to the density. We only go up there for occasional meals and window shopping.
by bob60014
Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Caribbean island in January/February
Replies: 19
Views: 1713

Re: Caribbean island in January/February

We go to Aruba every year, mid Jan to mid Feb and enjoy it. We stay at Amsterdam Manor and don't have to play the palapas game. Many of the other hotels have gone to the reservation system, which helps eliminating the dawn patrol rush! Iirc, AA has nonstops from PHL, which is bonus, IMHO.
by bob60014
Sat Mar 16, 2024 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: London hotel - which neighborhood
Replies: 4
Views: 505

Re: London hotel - which neighborhood

Currently being discussed.

viewtopic.php?t=427136
by bob60014
Sat Mar 16, 2024 6:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: “Bellys” on sewer scope for new house
Replies: 41
Views: 2553

Re: HVAC 30 years old on house under contract

I didn't see it, was there actually a inspection contingency in place?
by bob60014
Sat Mar 16, 2024 6:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions around Dulles-IAD Arrival
Replies: 16
Views: 1640

Re: Suggestions around Dulles-IAD Arrival

Uber to Ellicott is $60-$100 depending on vehicle type and time of day and only about an hours drive. No brainer to me, leave the driving to someone else. It lets you start fresh in the a.m..
by bob60014
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies
Replies: 53
Views: 4496

Re: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies

As they say, "don't sweat the small stuff"...........and this is about the smallest thing to sweat over.
My $.02! ;)
by bob60014
Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice re London Neighborhoods, Hotels?
Replies: 21
Views: 1771

Re: Advice re London Neighborhoods, Hotels?

We recently stayed in Bloomsbury and found it to be a very convenient base for all our exploring. We were able to walk to many major sites and due to the great tube, bus and train access, anywhere else was a easy trip.

The Thames Clipper is a great suggestion. A good way to get around and to see some of the sites from a different perspective.
by bob60014
Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Election spam texts
Replies: 41
Views: 2594

Re: Election spam texts

Fwiw, political calls are exempt from the Do Not Call lists. Funny how that happened! ;)

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/ ... 0charities).
by bob60014
Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Happy Pi Day! (And what pie?)
Replies: 54
Views: 4645

Re: Happy Pi Day! (And what pie?)

Drivin my Chevy past the levee and will buy some American Pie.....

Apple of course! ;)
by bob60014
Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Election spam texts
Replies: 41
Views: 2594

Re: Election spam texts

Occasionally I'll play the game and reply something similar to, "congratulations, because of this text, your candidate just LOST MY VOTE!"
by bob60014
Wed Mar 13, 2024 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cost of dental visit
Replies: 20
Views: 1426

Re: Cost of dental visit

Just paid $245 for the same.
by bob60014
Wed Mar 13, 2024 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Auto insurance in Scotland / UK
Replies: 5
Views: 685

Re: Auto insurance in Scotland / UK

Read the coverage terms & conditions no matter which insurance you choose, especially for UK/Ireland and a few other countries. We've been using our AMEX card along with the AMEX Premium car rental coverage, $20 or $25 per the rental period, not per day. No issues, though we haven't had to make any claims either.

https://feeservices.americanexpress.com ... ge/home.do
by bob60014
Wed Mar 13, 2024 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 80 year old mother's retirement accounts
Replies: 23
Views: 2154

Re: 80 year old mother's retirement accounts

ILikeFinances wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 8:34 pm I am wondering if I should transfer my 80-year-old mother's retirement accounts to Vanguard. She has Roth and traditional IRA accounts with Primerica and a 401k with Sentinel Benefits Group. If I were to transfer her accounts to VG, what would I do exactly? And would I invest 80% in a bond index fund and 20% in total stock market? Should some of it go to an annuity?
Has she asked for your help? Are you authorized to make any changes?