Search found 141 matches

by bernoulli
Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: help locating a post about Sam (?) investing at market peak?
Replies: 3
Views: 452

help locating a post about Sam (?) investing at market peak?

Fellow bogleheads, there is a hypothetical that has been posted on this forum multiple times, but I am having trouble finding it. The scenario is "Sam(?)" investing at the peak of the market followed by a crash, and data shows that Sam still garners overall growth by "staying the course" over the long run. Could someone help me locate the exact hypothetical? Thanks :sharebeer
by bernoulli
Fri Mar 01, 2024 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Safe to Travel to Egypt in 2024?
Replies: 17
Views: 2262

Re: Safe to Travel to Egypt in 2024?

We went in April 2023, the camel market was cancelled because of the civil war in Sudan had just started at that time. I don't remember what the state department's rating of Egypt was at the time, but there was no open conflict in Palestine at that time. Whatever you decide to do, Egypt is the most impressive and the best preserved ancient culture I had ever encounter. If you don't go this year, please go when it is safer, and I intend to make multiple return trips.
by bernoulli
Thu Feb 29, 2024 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mid-career change to law?
Replies: 127
Views: 11960

Re: Mid-career change to law?

pilotmath wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 7:52 pm
I envision a scenario where I can use the skills from my current job to specialize in that area of law.
If the skills from your current job relate to engineering or science and you are considering specializing in IP, particularly patent law, then my above advice is moot and my personal opinion is no.
by bernoulli
Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mid-career change to law?
Replies: 127
Views: 11960

Re: Mid-career change to law?

If attending law school has been your life long dream, and you have the financial stability to do it, then I wouldn't hold you back. Law school does teach you a different way of thinking. You'd understand the entire structure and system of our country - and also the world to some degree - under a different light as a result of the legal education. Attend the most prestigious law school you can get into, the more prestigious, the better. The reason is 3-fold. One, your professors would be world class and your peers would (hopefully) be intelligent and studious which make the education experience much more enjoyable. Two, your legal career would have the most options, for example, would you like to clerk for Chief Justice Roberts or Justice K...
by bernoulli
Sat Feb 10, 2024 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How/where to find a lawyer? (not seeking legal advice per se)
Replies: 11
Views: 2894

Re: How/where to find a lawyer? (not seeking legal advice per se)

Go on the state bar's website and look at the committees and their corresponding members and leaders. For example, if your lawsuit is about family law, I'd look at the family law committee's members and start with them.
by bernoulli
Sat Feb 10, 2024 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Medigap Insurers
Replies: 21
Views: 2796

Re: Medicare Medigap Insurers

Healthcare professionals do not recommend Humana, denies legitimate claims for profit.
by bernoulli
Sat Jan 27, 2024 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how do you like living in Columbus, Ohio (and practicing as a hospitalist)
Replies: 40
Views: 4847

how do you like living in Columbus, Ohio (and practicing as a hospitalist)

Considering a few hospitalist positions in Columbus, Ohio, any colleagues out there to share what is like to practice as a hospitalist in Ohio? General information about living in or around Columbus is welcome and appreciated as well, e.g., housing market, weather, if running/walking trails are abundant, etc. Thanks for any input.
by bernoulli
Sat Jul 15, 2023 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rigid foam board insulation for attic access door
Replies: 31
Views: 5004

Re: Rigid foam board insulation for attic access door

It's best to use extruded polystyrene which more dense and has a much better R-value than expanded polystyrene. It's also much cleaner to cut and is usually pink, blue or sometimes green. Expanded polystyrene which is a lower R-value looks like it's made of little white balls which make a mess when you cut it and doesn't hold up nearly as well. I just happened to buy some of the GreenGuard stuff at Lowe's. They have it in small 1"x2'x2' pieces which would likely be a good size to cut for attic hatch insulation and is easy to put in your car. I got it yesterday for about $6.99 per piece. It can be doubled up if you want it to be thicker. would this corning one from Home Depot work similarly well? https://www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Corni...
by bernoulli
Mon Jun 05, 2023 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: locum hospitalist physician positions - suggestions and recommendations?
Replies: 9
Views: 1378

Re: locum hospitalist physician positions - suggestions and recommendations?

snowday2022 wrote: Sat Jun 03, 2023 9:05 pm Thanks for sharing. Are hospitalists typically paid per shift or by RVU/collections/volume? 40 seems insanely high.
Locum hospitalists like myself are always paid per shift on an hourly rate. That is why the hospitals have all the financial incentives to pile on the patient/doctor ratio. RVU is conceptually more equitable but in practice, I rarely see it working to the advantage of physicians. A prominent staffing company just settled a class action suit for underpaying RVUs.

one example https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-set ... ettlement/
by bernoulli
Sat Jun 03, 2023 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: locum hospitalist physician positions - suggestions and recommendations?
Replies: 9
Views: 1378

Re: locum hospitalist physician positions - suggestions and recommendations?

Mid-career hospitalist, has been a local locum in Texas for a few years. Recently, most of the hospitalist groups and hospitals in the area have been bought out by various private equity firms who put profit above everything else. Would like to see if there are still smaller, more independent locum groups that the forum recommends. Thanks. How has the job changed under PE? Everything turned worse. As a starter, intentional understaffing which endangers patient safety. Census is sometimes as high as 40+ patients per hospitalist and the pay is based on approximately 18 to 20. Without giving too much details, one place cut my pay for a few hours after I had already finished my shift because they weren't as busy as they had hoped so "they...
by bernoulli
Sat Jun 03, 2023 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: locum hospitalist physician positions - suggestions and recommendations?
Replies: 9
Views: 1378

locum hospitalist physician positions - suggestions and recommendations?

Mid-career hospitalist, has been a local locum in Texas for a few years. Recently, most of the hospitalist groups and hospitals in the area have been bought out by various private equity firms who put profit above everything else. Would like to see if there are still smaller, more independent locum groups that the forum recommends. Thanks.
by bernoulli
Thu Mar 10, 2022 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone with problem e-filing with HR Block
Replies: 26
Views: 3367

Re: Anyone with problem e-filing with HR Block

jebmke wrote: Thu Mar 10, 2022 7:37 pm
bernoulli wrote: Thu Mar 10, 2022 6:56 pm HRB could not figure out how to do it so I gave up trying to apply part of my refund to the 2022 estimated tax payment and entered routing/account number. AND the return has now been accepted.
glad it worked out. Not exactly what you wanted but the paper filing alternative would not have been good.
well, I dismounted when I discovered I was riding a dead horse :sharebeer
by bernoulli
Thu Mar 10, 2022 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone with problem e-filing with HR Block
Replies: 26
Views: 3367

Re: Anyone with problem e-filing with HR Block

HRB could not figure out how to do it so I gave up trying to apply part of my refund to the 2022 estimated tax payment and entered routing/account number. AND the return has now been accepted.
by bernoulli
Thu Mar 10, 2022 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone with problem e-filing with HR Block
Replies: 26
Views: 3367

Re: Anyone with problem e-filing with HR Block

Thanks all, changing the AGI did not work. Will have to mail it I guess. You give up too easily. It isn't due until mid-April. I'd suggest contacting HRB and find out what that code means. It doesn't look like a standard IRS reject code. Sending paper is fraught with many issues - although if you owe money, the delays on processing the paper return aren't as impactful. Thank you for the encouragement to not give up too easily. I heeded your advice and called HR block. After holding for about 3 hours (I am not joking), I finally got to speak to someone who's very nice. The person figured out the problem quickly, and here it is: I wanted to apply $5000 of my refund to the purchase of I bonds and the remainder to be applied to my 2022 estimat...
by bernoulli
Thu Mar 10, 2022 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone with problem e-filing with HR Block
Replies: 26
Views: 3367

Re: Anyone with problem e-filing with HR Block

Thanks all, changing the AGI did not work. Will have to mail it I guess.
by bernoulli
Thu Mar 10, 2022 2:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone with problem e-filing with HR Block
Replies: 26
Views: 3367

Anyone with problem e-filing with HR Block

Just finished doing my taxes using HR Block, but the IRS rejected my return twice within seconds of submitting it. Anyone having issues? There does not appear to be anything wrong with the return as far as I can tell.
by bernoulli
Wed Sep 30, 2020 8:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving to Law Firm/IP/Patent
Replies: 15
Views: 2089

Re: Moving to Law Firm/IP/Patent

The law firm needs your expertise because the law firm's existing or potential client needs this particular type of knowledge. The corollary is that once the law firm no longer has this client or this client no longer needs the law firm (they could hire their own in-house patent attorney/agent) or the technology, then the law firm no longer needs this technology. You could, I am sure, work on other technologies, but your competitiveness would no longer be your specific technical knowledge but how many hours you can bill which undermines work/life balance greatly.

What are your options if the law firm no longer needs the exceptional experience you have?
by bernoulli
Wed Jan 22, 2020 8:39 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Sad news: LadyGeek's husband has passed
Replies: 352
Views: 37557

Re: Sad news: LadyGeek's husband has passed

my deepest condolences, you are a strong woman who gave it all and then some more.
by bernoulli
Sat Dec 14, 2019 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ethiopia travel (tour operator recommendation, etc.)
Replies: 11
Views: 1306

Re: Ethiopia travel (tour operator recommendation, etc.)

I spent two and a half weeks ten years ago around late November on what is often called the "historical circuit", visiting Addis, Aksum, Debre Damo, the Simien Mountains, Lalibela, Gonder, and Bahir Dar/Lake Tana. Travel within the country was a mix of Ethiopian Airlines for the longer trips and local minibuses for shorter lengths. I didn't use a tour operator so don't have a suggestion there. I just booked the flights as needed and arranged the bus rides and hotel rooms on the fly. I enjoyed it quite a bit, it was a good mix of historical and natural sites, and the weather was pleasant (as I understand it year round due to proximity to the equator). The culture is unique, and as monuments go Lalibela is certainly the awe inspiri...
by bernoulli
Sat Dec 14, 2019 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: maximizing TSP contribution (YTD for PP 23?)
Replies: 5
Views: 694

maximizing TSP contribution (YTD for PP 23?)

Fellow BHs:

My agency is paid via USDA, so I think we have 26 pay periods in 2019. To maximize my agency contribution, I set my bi-weekly contribution at 730, 730 x 26 = 18980 (almost the 19k limit).

Today, I looked at my YTD TSP contribution as of PP 23, and the YTD number is 17,502. Is this where you are? It does not seem right because 23 x 730 should be 16,790.

I want to make sure I get the agency match every time. Given that there are three pay periods left, (19000 - 17502)/3 = 499. I should reduce my contribution for the remaining three pay periods? Something is wrong here but I cannot quite figure out what.
by bernoulli
Wed Dec 11, 2019 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
Replies: 1372
Views: 166861

Re: another too clever scam

FlyAF wrote: Wed Dec 11, 2019 10:09 am So A was on the phone with the scammer, figured out he was being scammed, and continued on with the scam knowingly? All the while he was on the phone with 2 different people at the same time?

Sounds unlikely and A sounds like a dolt.
A used his wife's phone to call Schwab while still on the phone with the fraudulent "Apple support." Sigh.
by bernoulli
Wed Dec 11, 2019 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
Replies: 1372
Views: 166861

another too clever scam

[Thread merged into here, see below (next page). --admin LadyGeek] So I heard another scam from a friend, let's call him A - who fell victim to the scam. Here is A's story. A had some issues with an Apple product so he googled for Apple's customer service number and made a call. For some unknown reason, the first on the search result for his search is a fraudulent number pretending to be Apple customer service. So he called the fraudulent number and - long story short - gave out his debit card number. (BTW, I tried searching for Apple support on google and everything looks legitimate to me. I don't know how he got that fraudulent number but the lesson of course is not to trust phone numbers you find via google, even if they look legitimate...
by bernoulli
Mon Dec 02, 2019 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ethiopia travel (tour operator recommendation, etc.)
Replies: 11
Views: 1306

Ethiopia travel (tour operator recommendation, etc.)

Fellow Bogleheads:

Been thinking about visiting Ethiopia, trying to decide which tour operator to go with. We had a good experience with G Tour India but would like to consider some local Ethiopia tour operators if possible.

Some specific questions:

(1) which tour operator did you use and do you recommend using the operator?
(2) how many days did you spend in Ethiopia?
(3) pointers for a first-time visitor?

I am looking forward to hearing about your fabulous experience in Ethiopia. Much obliged for any input you might have.
by bernoulli
Thu Nov 28, 2019 9:44 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Giving thanks to our moderators
Replies: 94
Views: 10807

Re: Giving thanks to our moderators

Sheepdog wrote: Thu Nov 28, 2019 9:05 am Today is Thanksgiving Day. This morning I am seeing our moderators at work as they do every day, using their time and efforts to make this forum educational, entertaining, and safe for all contributors to contribute without harassment. I give my thanks to you all.
Jim
Thank you for safeguarding the integrity and civility of this forum.

And also thank you, Sheepdog for starting this post, what a great idea.
by bernoulli
Thu Nov 28, 2019 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer
Replies: 317
Views: 35694

Re: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer

Looks like I would be well served switching from Turbo to H&R. Which version of the H&R is best for someone with both 1099 and w-2 income? We also sold some mutual funds this year. Happy Turkey day to all my fellow BH! If by 1099 you mean you need Schedule C, then you need the Premium edition. If not, you still need Deluxe with stock transactions I believe. Block Deluxe handles Schedule C just fine. Good to know, they don't seem to be clear on that point. Encouraging folks to buy more than needed is part of their marketing strategy. It should be noted that I am only talking about the download versions of their product line. (Folks who insist on using the online product may well need the Premium. The online product lets you start ou...
by bernoulli
Thu Nov 28, 2019 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer
Replies: 317
Views: 35694

Re: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer

MisterMister wrote: Thu Nov 28, 2019 10:31 am
bernoulli wrote: Thu Nov 28, 2019 10:27 am Looks like I would be well served switching from Turbo to H&R.

Which version of the H&R is best for someone with both 1099 and w-2 income? We also sold some mutual funds this year.

Happy Turkey day to all my fellow BH!
If by 1099 you mean you need Schedule C, then you need the Premium edition. If not, you still need Deluxe with stock transactions I believe.
Thank you, Schedule C indeed for a solo proprietorship with very simple expenses (mileage, lodging, food, and solo 401K only).
by bernoulli
Thu Nov 28, 2019 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer
Replies: 317
Views: 35694

Re: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer

Looks like I would be well served switching from Turbo to H&R.

Which version of the H&R is best for someone with both 1099 and w-2 income? We also sold some mutual funds this year.

Happy Turkey day to all my fellow BH!
by bernoulli
Tue Nov 26, 2019 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career Decision [Federal employee]
Replies: 18
Views: 2495

Re: Career Decision [Federal employee]

Of course it is easy for us to say "stay the course" and stick it out, but I am sure it is very difficult in your shoes. Fed jobs are hard to come by, especially with your vacation accrual and all that. You are in the DC area? There should be plenty of jobs for your background. I will send you a few in PM.
by bernoulli
Sun Sep 29, 2019 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mouse in the house
Replies: 46
Views: 5754

Re: Mouse in the house

Cats are natural defenses against mice. In fact, a parasite in a mouse's brain is controlled by a chemical in a cat's urine so the mere smell of a cat's urine drives the mouse away.

We used the old fashion traps when we lived in an older house. The best bait was peanut butter - the stickiness was crucial. Other baits were snatched away by the clever rodents without setting off the trap. But a decade later in my new house, I still have PTSD when I step into my kitchen from the fear of stepping onto a trap :oops: . I never stepped on a trap but was always careful walking around in that kitchen where the traps were.
by bernoulli
Mon Sep 02, 2019 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does anyone have a dishwasher they recommend?
Replies: 161
Views: 14616

Re: Does anyone have a dishwasher they recommend?

We have a Bosch. It came with the house and has been washing dishes for me quietly and reliably for almost ten years now, without any issue whatsoever.
by bernoulli
Mon Sep 02, 2019 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal employee dental insurance
Replies: 17
Views: 1861

Federal employee dental insurance

Please help me understand how dental insurance works for federal employees. It looks like to me that for maintenance items like cleaning, the claim has to go to the patient's health insurance (medical insurance) first, before it goes to the dental insurance? For example, if the patient has Blue Cross Blue Shields health insurance and Humana dental insurance, the dental claim first goes to Blue Cross Blue Shields and a portion of it gets paid. Then the remainder of the claim goes to Humana for a yet another payment.

I read that a federal law requires the dental claim to go through the federal employee patient's health insurance (medical insurance) first, anyone understand why this is the case for federal employees - and not anyone else?
by bernoulli
Fri Aug 30, 2019 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Co-sponsoring an immigrant's sick family member [Updated]
Replies: 47
Views: 5424

Re: Co-sponsoring an immigrant's sick family member

You and your wife are very nice folks for doing this. I wish I had friends like you (some of my friends might loan me money, but I have not asked). Please do not do this. The replies have said it all. You don't know Juan very well for very long and you want to be on the hook for potentially unlimited medical cost? Financial support is required for any immigrant to be admitted into the country precisely to prevent the situation that an immigrant arrives and immediately draws on the resources that the taxpayers provide. Please understand that I am merely explaining the reason behind the financial support affidavit, and not making a value judgment here. Technically speaking, when an immigrant uses any public benefit - even food stamp, the gove...
by bernoulli
Sat Aug 17, 2019 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Revisiting EE Bonds given 20 year treasury bond at ~1.9%
Replies: 53
Views: 6406

Re: Revisiting EE Bonds given 20 year treasury bond at ~1.9%

I see EE bonds as part of my bond allocation. My principle is guaranteed and the return of doubling in 20 years is also guaranteed, that is better than all CDs at least in recent history. If interest rate does go up in the 20 years, I have allocation in other types of bond funds to balance it out. I think EE is a great tool for diversification, especially for risk averse investors like me.
by bernoulli
Sat Aug 17, 2019 5:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone retire in their 30s?
Replies: 108
Views: 17122

Re: Anyone retire in their 30s?

I like pretty much everything about my work too.
by bernoulli
Sat Aug 17, 2019 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where should we go for a week in November?
Replies: 18
Views: 1883

Re: Where should we go for a week in November?

I echo the sentiment that a week might be a bit rushed for New Zealand ("NZ"). We went to NZ last year in November based on Lonely Planet's recommendation that the fall is a good time to visit. We spent two weeks there and it still felt rushed. I think a lot of it is because the beauty of NZ is in its natural scenery, so we went from the North Island to the South Island hiking glaciers and visiting national parks. Auckland itself is not that unique - in my opinion. It is a nice international city but it looks and feels like any major city. Wellington feels more "European" than Auckland, but the cities in NZ are not the highlights - in my opinion. The highlights for me were the mountains, Milford Sound, and the wildlife. ...
by bernoulli
Tue Jul 23, 2019 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Business loan to relative
Replies: 33
Views: 2085

Re: Business loan to relative

Imagine this is one year later, you want your money back and he is either unwilling or unable to pay for whatever the reason - things can happen, what would you do? Would you sue him? Would you let it go? Would you wish to turn back the clock so you never loaned him the money? Your answer to this hypothetical question should serve a good clue to the question you are asking in the opening post.

Another question to ponder. If you are so sure it is a good idea to loan your cousin the money, what compelled you to ask the question on this forum to begin with? On the other hand, if you are not sure it is a good idea to fork over the money, then why bother convincing yourself that it is?
by bernoulli
Tue Jul 23, 2019 7:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New house... need to buy fridge and washer & dryer
Replies: 44
Views: 4897

Re: New house... need to buy fridge and washer & dryer

Hi Bogleheads - In September I'll be buying and moving into a newly constructed house. I've told the cats about this but they don't seem all that excited... :) Anyway, I'll need to get a new refrigerator, as well as a washer and dryer set. My budget is roughly $1500 for the fridge, and another $1500 for the washer/dryer. I'm just looking for recommendations for what brands to buy, and which ones to avoid. Also, is there any particular retailer (Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, etc.) that's good to work with? Please share your experience. Let me know if you need more info from me. Thanks! Cats are incredulous creatures, they gotta see it to believe it. Until then, they stay cool and calm. Nice profile picture! Our fridge is a Samsung and washe...
by bernoulli
Tue Jul 23, 2019 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thank you notes,,, out of favor these days?
Replies: 107
Views: 7932

Re: Thank you notes,,, out of favor these days?

For wedding gifts, we have received hand-written thank you notes as an acknowledgement. I always send hand-written thank you notes after an in person interview but have only received one hand-written thank you note in my career so far.
by bernoulli
Tue Jul 23, 2019 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: MBA worth it?
Replies: 96
Views: 11937

Re: MBA worth it?

Based on my own observation, getting an MBA is "worth it" only if one of the two is true:

(1) you get into a top 10 program
(2) your employer pays for it.
by bernoulli
Sat Jul 20, 2019 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should relative incomes be a factor in wedding gift?
Replies: 107
Views: 8625

Re: Should relative incomes be a factor in wedding gift?

dodecahedron wrote: Sat Jul 20, 2019 9:18 am Today would have been our 40th wedding anniversary. We had a very small but deeply meaningful wedding (just immediate families and three close friends.) No cash gifts, but just simple meaningful ones from the heart. I cherish and still use the beautiful wooden salad bowl that our best man gave us to this day. (My late husband died six years ago, and every time I use the salad bowl, I think of the enduring nature of their friendship.)
This is what gift giving is truly about, beautifully illustrated.
by bernoulli
Sat Jul 20, 2019 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should relative incomes be a factor in wedding gift?
Replies: 107
Views: 8625

Re: Should relative incomes be a factor in wedding gift?

Sandtrap wrote: Sat Jul 20, 2019 9:05 am No. It's the gesture that counts.
Something really special to them that holds meaning vs cash is a good idea.

j
Any gift, in my opinion, is to show your appreciation/love to the person receiving the gift. It is the thought that counts, not the dollar amount. If the relationship between you and the gift receiver is purely pecuniary, then give the amount the receiver has given you - or an amount you expect to receive back from the receiver in the future (like a Christmas gift or something).
by bernoulli
Fri Jul 19, 2019 8:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: finding transformer in attic with insulation (edited for correct name of component)
Replies: 36
Views: 4901

Re: finding transformer in attic with insulation (edited for correct name of component)

Thanks all - only that what I am looking for is not the junction box :oops: but the transformer. My lack of knowledge is self-evident :oops:

Post updated so I am asking the right question. Thanks for all who replied, folks here are always so helpful!
by bernoulli
Fri Jul 19, 2019 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pursued the wrong career?
Replies: 37
Views: 8456

Re: Pursued the wrong career?

unclescrooge wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2019 2:34 pm
Can't you become a pathologist? My mom was an introvert and forensic pathology suited her just fine.
I just talked to my colleague/friend who used to be a pathologist and he told me he hated it so much that he learned how to say "I hate my job" in about 25 languages, Russian, etc. He is a big introvert.
by bernoulli
Fri Jul 19, 2019 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pursued the wrong career?
Replies: 37
Views: 8456

Re: Pursued the wrong career?

I did the same hiking/traveling when I hit a huge road block in my career. Being in nature and away from work always helps to clear the constantly chattering mind.
by bernoulli
Fri Jul 19, 2019 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone install fake grass?
Replies: 35
Views: 4747

Re: Anyone install fake grass?

I have been thinking about this too. Supposedly these new fake grass is good all around - including erosion control. I saw some in a friend's new custom built house. Looks good enough to me, and she has a dog so dog output does not appear to be an issue.
by bernoulli
Fri Jul 19, 2019 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: finding transformer in attic with insulation (edited for correct name of component)
Replies: 36
Views: 4901

finding transformer in attic with insulation (edited for correct name of component)

Dear fellow handy BHs:

Our house already had blown-in insulation (I think it is what it's called) in the attic when we moved in. Now we are trying to install a Ring-type home monitoring system and cannot locate the junction box transformer with all the insulation around.

Is there an easy way to locate the junction box transformer without removing all the insulation (which means we will have to put the insulation back in after)?

Also is the transformer indispensible for installing the doorbell device?

Your input is appreciated, as always.
by bernoulli
Fri Jul 19, 2019 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Apple Watch Worth The $$$?
Replies: 41
Views: 5627

Re: Apple Watch Worth The $$$?

With my limited knowledge of what an Apple Watch does, I would say no. Don't need another gadget.

Someone, however, did tell me a story that an Apple Watch caught an irregular heart rhythm which prompted the wearer to check into the hospital for a heart attack. So in this case, the Apple Watch turned out to be a life saving apparatus.
by bernoulli
Fri Jul 19, 2019 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Harrassed at work, what steps to take to protect her future employment
Replies: 93
Views: 9996

Re: Harrassed at work, what steps to take to protect her future employment

It would really have to depend on the labor law of the state where she resides. For most private employers, employees are "at will" meaning you can be let go even if your review is perfect.