Search found 1114 matches

by MDfan
Sun May 07, 2023 6:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085342

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

stoptothink wrote: Sat May 06, 2023 9:42 pm
Bylo Selhi wrote: Sat May 06, 2023 8:51 pm
Barkingsparrow wrote: Sat May 06, 2023 8:34 pmI have to believe the series is better.
The TV series is infinitely better than the movie.
Haven't watched the movie, but the Luther series is one of my all-time favorites.
I liked the series, too. Especially the earlier seasons. I've heard the movie is awful, though.
by MDfan
Fri May 05, 2023 5:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you tip at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts?
Replies: 206
Views: 18363

Re: Do you tip at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts?

I go to Starbucks maybe once every few years so I can't remember. Never go to Dunkin Donuts. Don't tip at Subway, Panera or any other fast-food type establishment. Always tip 20% at restaurants unless the service was especially bad.
by MDfan
Fri May 05, 2023 5:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699448

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

TomatoTomahto wrote: Fri May 05, 2023 5:13 am
AlohaBill wrote: Wed May 03, 2023 6:42 pm We finished "the White Lotus 2" last night. I found it wanting. I hope they don’t do a third.
Sorry to hear that. They are scheduled to do a third.
Good show. Glad they're doing a 3rd season. I liked 2 better than 1, but they were both good.
by MDfan
Tue May 02, 2023 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Were you entertained by Investor Day on Succession (s4, ep6)
Replies: 6
Views: 796

Re: Were you entertained by Investor Day on Succession (s4, ep6)

It's still the best-written show on TV right now.
by MDfan
Mon May 01, 2023 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085342

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Just saw Ray Romano's first movie that he directed. Somewhere in Queens. Really enjoyed it. Those who grew up in large Italian families (not me) will probably really like it. Just a funny, sweet, fairly simple movie about family relationships.
by MDfan
Sun Apr 30, 2023 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: best stand up comedy
Replies: 95
Views: 7361

Re: best stand up comedy

hahaha [no pun intended] you might as well ask which is the best religion or pizza. Seriously though I feel the only real answer to this is the comedian you like. And the way to find that out is to watch them, all of them. Between YouTube and Netflix there's no shortage of ways to find comedians and decide if they tickle your funny bone. But even better is small venue comedy shows. If you are lucky enough to have one, or even luckier to have multiple, small comedy venues in your area I strongly recommend going to shows with local/regional acts, open mics, etc. I've been doing that for years here in the DC area and I've really enjoyed watching local acts hone their craft and grow their exposure. I promise, even a bad joke can be funny when ...
by MDfan
Sun Apr 30, 2023 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: best stand up comedy
Replies: 95
Views: 7361

Re: best stand up comedy

uaeebs86 wrote: Sun Apr 30, 2023 11:01 am I got to see Jerry Seinfeld live last November. I was a fan of his stand up before the series even started, and it's my favorite TV show of all time.

He did not disappoint and put on a great show. Bucket list item checked off.
Seinfeld is great. I saw him before the TV show at the University of MD in a small theater. Probably late 80s? I think he only had an HBO special at the time. Would love to see him again.
by MDfan
Sun Apr 30, 2023 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: best stand up comedy
Replies: 95
Views: 7361

Re: best stand up comedy

Have seen Nate Bargatze three times and he is fantastic (and clean for those who want that). The John Mulaney show I saw last summer (now on Netflix - "Baby J") is the best live comedy show I have ever seen. Almost an hour and a half long.
by MDfan
Sun Apr 30, 2023 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What Are People's LTC Plans?
Replies: 141
Views: 10044

Re: What Are People's LTC Plans?

Self insuring (which is a euphemism for no insurance). Funds will come from portfolio. Okay. Why? I am not jebmke, but we also do not have LTCi, so I will answer for us , which probably is similar to jebmke's reasoning. 1. LTCi is not available at a reasonable price. 2. The last thing my wife or I want to be spending time on in the event we need LTC is getting an insurance company to pay up. 3. The daily amount paid out is not all that much more than we expect to be paying for normal life expenses. If we are in LTC, presumably no longer traveling, buying cars, etc. All of this. We took out LTCI policies for one year at ages 58 and 56. We canceled them after one year based on our assets and the advice of another planner And I felt they were...
by MDfan
Sun Apr 30, 2023 7:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699448

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Bylo Selhi wrote: Thu Apr 27, 2023 6:27 am
doobiedoo wrote: Thu Apr 27, 2023 4:08 am
michaeljc70 wrote: Wed Apr 26, 2023 9:09 pm I finished Season 1 of the Night Agent. It was pretty good. Good action. There were some serious story holes.
I liked "Night Agent" on Netflix.
It reminded me a lot of "24" with Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, e.g. the ever-changing alliances.
You guys may also enjoy Rabbit Hole also starring KieferS. It's airing now. It too is a bit over the top plotwise. But it's quite well done for this genre. (Plus it's filmed in downtown Toronto so I can recognize many of the locations...)

Rabbit Hole is miles better than The Night Agent. Really bad acting in Night Agent.
by MDfan
Sun Apr 30, 2023 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699448

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

FRANK2009 wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 1:36 pm "Beef" on Netflix. A man and a woman get into a road rage incident. Pretty funny and surprisingly good. I'm up to episode 3 so far.
Beef is fantastic.
by MDfan
Fri Apr 28, 2023 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How Much Do You Spend on Lawn Maintenance Services?
Replies: 64
Views: 7073

Re: How Much Do You Spend on Lawn Maintenance Services?

Cut my own grass. Probably pay about $1000/year for other services (lawn applications, mulch, etc.)
by MDfan
Sat Apr 22, 2023 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085342

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

jginseattle wrote: Tue Apr 04, 2023 12:38 am I saw the new movie AIR at a sneak preview. Nike's basketball division pursues a partnership with rookie Michael Jordan. It stars Matt Damon, Viola Davis and Ben Affleck. The latter also directed. Very entertaining. Recommended.

Agree. Very good movie.
by MDfan
Sat Apr 22, 2023 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good read from WSJ about not retiring
Replies: 77
Views: 11614

Re: Good read from WSJ about not retiring

I can say with 100% certainty that I will not miss working one bit when I fully retire at age 62 this Fall (I went PT two years ago). I'll play more golf, workout more, watch TV, read, travel, etc. And I look forward to being bored some days. My working was always just a way to pay the bills and to have money to do the things I really like to do.
by MDfan
Tue Apr 18, 2023 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Luxury Vinyl Plank
Replies: 24
Views: 3124

Re: Luxury Vinyl Plank

Carl53 wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 8:35 am Installed LVP in current home. Love it. Had wood laminate installed in former home 20 years ago. Maybe better now but it was susceptible to pitting when items were dropped on it.
Just pulled up the carpet in our basement and put down VP. It's awesome. Converted a bedroom into a workout room and wanted VP instead of carpet. Put our Tonal and rower in there.
by MDfan
Mon Apr 17, 2023 7:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Being Frugal
Replies: 131
Views: 19419

Re: Being Frugal

I saved for all these years so I could spend my $. Multiple domestic and overseas vacations each year, golf trips, concerts, trips to sporting events, gifts to kids and charity, etc. Otherwise, what was the point of all that saving?
by MDfan
Sun Apr 16, 2023 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good polo shirt brand that lasts
Replies: 46
Views: 5820

Re: Good polo shirt brand that lasts

I have 3-4 Tommy Bahama polos and they are great. A little pricey but well worth it. Most of my other polos are UA golf shirts.
by MDfan
Wed Apr 12, 2023 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SS early when you didn't need it
Replies: 67
Views: 5472

Re: SS early when you didn't need it

toddthebod wrote: Tue Apr 11, 2023 1:43 pm I don't claim to fully understand the math, but a social security calculator recommended on this board suggested the lower earning spouse in my case take social security at 62 while the higher earning spouse waited until 70.
Same for me.
by MDfan
Sat Apr 08, 2023 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YouTube TV
Replies: 127
Views: 16856

Re: YouTube TV

dumbmoney wrote: Fri Apr 07, 2023 8:36 pm Pay TV is a poor value regardless of how it's delivered. For less money you can subscribe to multiple ad free streaming services. Plus you can rotate between services without penalty, so there's no need to subscribe to everything at the same time. Live sports and news are free.
All of the ESPN channels, Golf Channel, BTN, and Fox Sports are all free? Where is that?
by MDfan
Tue Apr 04, 2023 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Living in 55+ Communities?
Replies: 120
Views: 18709

Re: Living in 55+ Communities?

tennisplyr wrote: Mon Apr 03, 2023 4:56 pm While technically not a 55+ community, where we live largely has retired residents. We love it here, the weather is great and we have lots of amenities....tennis, Pickleball, bocce. 2 swimming pools, a cafe, health club, etc. For the most part the residents are upscale, educated individuals. We snowbirded here for a few winters so we were able to 'test' it out.
East Coast or West Coast? Sounds like the type of community we are looking for. But it would have to have multiple golf courses. We are looking at The Landings in Savannah.
by MDfan
Tue Apr 04, 2023 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Streaming service/bundle recommendations including sports?
Replies: 7
Views: 700

Re: Streaming service/bundle recommendations including sports?

Doesn't really matter to me, but YTTV just removed MLB Network. I get all the sports I want on YTTV, including all of the ESPN channels, Fox Sports, Golf Channel, BTN, SECN, ACCN, and CBS Sports Network. We also get NBATV and NFL Network.
by MDfan
Tue Mar 28, 2023 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699448

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Loved The Big Bang Theory. While not in the top tier of sitcoms, it rarely had a bad episode.
by MDfan
Thu Mar 23, 2023 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085342

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Everything Everywhere All at Once, watched last night. Me and SO (both very math, engineering, analytic brains) thought it was very bizarre and maybe a little creepy weird in some spots. Not sure if there was a deeper meaning other than about the relationships, we really didn't get. If anyone can explain more about the movie or why it was so lauded maybe we will be able to think back and understand it better? Wondering if anyone else had the same reaction to it or is it just us? I didn't like it. I don't enjoy movies (or TV shows) where I have to go to the internet to figure out what the heck was happening. I didn't walk out, but it was a very long almost 3 hours. My tastes are much more low-brow. I much preferred Top Gun- Maverick, Avatar...
by MDfan
Tue Mar 21, 2023 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Restaurant recommendations for Rome/Florence
Replies: 27
Views: 2129

Re: Restaurant recommendations for Rome/Florence

gtd98765 wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:59 am Avoid Tripadvisor recommendations; somehow touristy places have figured out how to game the system. Stick with recommendations from guidebooks or real people.
Well, then take it from this “real person.” Pane E Salame in Rome is one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. Incredibly fresh bread and meats. Pretty small place but has some outdoor seating, too. Try to get there close to when they open.
by MDfan
Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Restaurant recommendations for Rome/Florence
Replies: 27
Views: 2129

Re: Restaurant recommendations for Rome/Florence

Two of the best sandwiches I've ever had were at All' Antico Vinaio in Florence, and Pane E Salame in Rome. I highly recommend both, but I think Pane E Salame is the best sandwich Ive ever had. Very small place with some outside seating in an alley pretty close to the Trevi Fountain. Read some reviews here.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_ ... Lazio.html
by MDfan
Sat Mar 18, 2023 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YouTube TV
Replies: 127
Views: 16856

Re: YouTube TV

I had YouTubeTV for a year or so and while I enjoyed it, including the recording function, I got tired of the price hikes. At this point in my life I don't need sports and "live" tv. I prefer a variety of streaming services which allows us to watch a ton of shows w/o commercials. I can also get some live tv with an indoor antenna but that seldom matters to me. Obviously it just depends on your budgets and preferences. There are some people out there that never watch tv and others, like my uncle, who is older and couldn't live w/o his live sports and watching live tv, even though it is often older things he could stream but I don't think he understands that or cares to at his point in life (80s). I'll have to check on what freebie...
by MDfan
Sat Mar 18, 2023 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YouTube TV
Replies: 127
Views: 16856

Re: YouTube TV

Overall YouTube TV is a good product. I have found it better than other competitors such as sling that I've tried in the past. Zero interest in going back to normal cable. YouTube TV allows 3 simultaneous streams from different people (incl different households) and that sharing is above board. Really is a great value if you have 1 (or 2) people to split it with. Here are the current Terms: https://www.youtube.com/t/terms_paidservice Section on households (I added the underline) 5. Shared Accounts Each YouTube TV subscription comes with 5 additional accounts. All shared accounts must be from the same household or family living together, as determined by electronic check-ins every 30-90 days. Subscribers may not share their recordings with ...
by MDfan
Sat Mar 18, 2023 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YouTube TV
Replies: 127
Views: 16856

Re: YouTube TV

I dropped YouTube TV after their previous price increase. I don't know what disappoints me more: that they're continuing to raise prices, or that they have enough price-insensitive subscribers to permit them to raise prices. $72.99 is still a bargain compared to cable. The new multi-view feature has been awesome for the NCAA Tournament. It really depends on how many cables boxes or dvrs you had with cable. $72.99 is more than the cost of cable tv + basic DVR for a single TV when bundled with internet. However, there are a lot of households out there that pay over $200/mo for the cable alone, and those are the huge winners with YTTV. I'm still getting YTTV half price through TMobile but when that ends it will be hard to argue against droppi...
by MDfan
Sat Mar 18, 2023 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YouTube TV
Replies: 127
Views: 16856

Re: YouTube TV

FedGuy wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 6:51 pm I dropped YouTube TV after their previous price increase. I don't know what disappoints me more: that they're continuing to raise prices, or that they have enough price-insensitive subscribers to permit them to raise prices.
$72.99 is still a bargain compared to cable. The new multi-view feature has been awesome for the NCAA Tournament.
by MDfan
Sat Mar 18, 2023 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your best tips for more comfortable and happy travel?
Replies: 107
Views: 11042

Re: What are your best tips for more comfortable and happy travel?

rockstar wrote: Thu Dec 29, 2022 12:27 pm Don't fly Southwest.
Fly them almost every time out of BWI (probably have flown SW close to 100 times) and have never had an issue other than maybe a flight being cancelled. I guess others have. SW is great for us in the US.
by MDfan
Thu Mar 16, 2023 7:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is the FERS pension actuarially neutral?
Replies: 52
Views: 5167

Re: Is the FERS pension actuarially neutral?

tj wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 6:29 pm
MDfan wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:51 pm
TimeRunner wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 2:15 pm What's your plan for health insurance if you retire before 62? That may swing your decision.

EDIT: Health Ins not an issue since OP has 30 years service and would be eligible for an immediate, unreduced pension upon retirement. :beer

I think you can keep your health insurance even if you just worked 5 years as long as you reach your MRA. I don't think 30 has anything to di=o with it. I'm retiring this year with 24 years and will maintain my full health insurance.
You'll take a 25% reduction on your FERS pension if you go at 57 with 24 years.


I was talking about health insurance eligibility. I may have misunderstood. I'll be 62 w/24 years so mine will not be reduced.
by MDfan
Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is the FERS pension actuarially neutral?
Replies: 52
Views: 5167

Re: Is the FERS pension actuarially neutral?

TimeRunner wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 2:15 pm What's your plan for health insurance if you retire before 62? That may swing your decision.

EDIT: Health Ins not an issue since OP has 30 years service and would be eligible for an immediate, unreduced pension upon retirement. :beer

I think you can keep your health insurance even if you just worked 5 years as long as you reach your MRA. I don't think 30 has anything to do with it. I'm retiring this year with 24 years and will maintain my full health insurance.
by MDfan
Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you regret spending money on your wedding?
Replies: 229
Views: 23263

Re: Do you regret spending money on your wedding?

EnjoyIt wrote: Mon Mar 13, 2023 1:44 pm
MDfan wrote: Mon Mar 13, 2023 1:36 pm I have one daughter and expect to spend somewhere in the $40k range for her wedding. And no, I won’t regret it.
If you have the wedding at the reception in two separate venues, you can call the reception a party and parties cost a lot less than wedding receptions. Maybe you can save $10k and have the exact same "party."

Frankly I find the whole industry very price gougish. We did just that. Had a wedding in location A and then had a party in location B. Had a DJ, great food, entertainment, etc, all at a fraction of the cost because we did not call it a wedding.
I'll do whatever she wants, within reason.
by MDfan
Mon Mar 13, 2023 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you regret spending money on your wedding?
Replies: 229
Views: 23263

Re: Do you regret spending money on your wedding?

I have one daughter and expect to spend somewhere in the $40k range for her wedding. And no, I won’t regret it.
by MDfan
Mon Mar 13, 2023 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085342

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

stoptothink wrote: Sun Mar 12, 2023 8:08 am
MDfan wrote: Sun Mar 12, 2023 7:23 am
jjunk wrote: Sun Mar 05, 2023 5:51 pm Creeed III in IMAX. If you liked the other films, you'll like this one as well. I enjoyed it and it had a better storyline than I was anticipating. Jonathan Majors was an excellent villain and the boxing scenes were intense.
Really liked Creed III. Better than 2, not quite as good as 1. But very entertaining.
Just watched Creed II yesterday on Amazon. Mediocre, at best.
Creed II is definitely the worst of the 3. Creed was really good and Creed 3 was not as good as 1, but better than 2.
by MDfan
Mon Mar 13, 2023 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085342

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

stoptothink wrote: Sun Mar 12, 2023 8:08 am
MDfan wrote: Sun Mar 12, 2023 7:23 am
jjunk wrote: Sun Mar 05, 2023 5:51 pm Creeed III in IMAX. If you liked the other films, you'll like this one as well. I enjoyed it and it had a better storyline than I was anticipating. Jonathan Majors was an excellent villain and the boxing scenes were intense.
Really liked Creed III. Better than 2, not quite as good as 1. But very entertaining.
Just watched Creed II yesterday on Amazon. Mediocre, at best.
Creed II is definitely the worst of the 3. Creed was really good and Creed 3 was not as good as 1, but better than 2.
by MDfan
Sun Mar 12, 2023 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085342

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

jjunk wrote: Sun Mar 05, 2023 5:51 pm Creeed III in IMAX. If you liked the other films, you'll like this one as well. I enjoyed it and it had a better storyline than I was anticipating. Jonathan Majors was an excellent villain and the boxing scenes were intense.
Really liked Creed III. Better than 2, not quite as good as 1. But very entertaining.
by MDfan
Sat Mar 11, 2023 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $3000 mattress worth it?
Replies: 97
Views: 10823

Re: $3000 mattress worth it?

It is very hard to test out a mattress in a store. Laying on a mattress for 5 minutes tells me nothing. Maybe it will tell me what I definitely don't want. But it won't tell me if my back is going to hurt after sleeping on it for a month or two. Wiith some of the online mattress companies like Casper, Purple, Nest and some others, you get up to 100 days to try it out. To me, that's a true mattress test. I would never buy a mattress again that i could not take for a test run like that.
by MDfan
Sat Mar 11, 2023 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $3000 mattress worth it?
Replies: 97
Views: 10823

Re: $3000 mattress worth it?

We tried a $2k latex mattress (Stearns & Foster, I think) about 10-12 years ago and liked it ok for a couple years. Then my back started hurting again every morning. Switched to a Casper Original which was probably half the price and have not had a back issue in the morning in 5 years. It's a great mattress for me. Would never switch again. Are you sure it was 100% latex? I don't see any of the major brands leading with them since it is hard to convince the buyer they have a secret formula. https://www.stearnsandfoster.com/mattresses/reserve-collection/v/485/ I do see Sealy now offers this option...but a big difference in price from Spindle $3500 -->$1,600 for a Queen https://www.sealy.com/mattresses/sealy-naturals-hybrid/v/788/ I may ...
by MDfan
Sat Mar 11, 2023 6:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $3000 mattress worth it?
Replies: 97
Views: 10823

Re: $3000 mattress worth it?

We tried a $2k latex mattress (Stearns & Foster, I think) about 10-12 years ago and liked it ok for a couple years. Then my back started hurting again every morning. Switched to a Casper Original which was probably half the price and have not had a back issue in the morning in 5 years. It's a great mattress for me. Would never switch again.
by MDfan
Wed Mar 08, 2023 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel to Seattle August 2023
Replies: 22
Views: 2174

Re: Travel to Seattle August 2023

Walk/drive up to Kerry Park for great views of the city and (hopefully) Mt. Rainier in the background. It's pretty hit or miss as to whether the mountain will be visible, but if it is, it's a great photo op. We took the ferry from downtown over to Bainbridge Island, too.
by MDfan
Mon Mar 06, 2023 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bucket List: Travel to Top 10 Sunsets
Replies: 58
Views: 4912

Re: Bucket List: Travel to Top 10 Sunsets

SevenBridgesRoad wrote: Sat Mar 04, 2023 8:07 am Sedona.

Almost anywhere in Sedona, but Airport Mesa is popular. Great panoramic views of the red rock formations. Bonus: You can tap into the energy of the earth. It's considered a vortex. We did not feel vortexed, but the sunset was nice and it was fun being around people stranger than us.
The two best sunsets I've ever seen were in Sedona and in Lake Tahoe. Maui was pretty good, too.
by MDfan
Fri Mar 03, 2023 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disney World Vacation
Replies: 57
Views: 4386

Re: Disney World Vacation

I'd say 100% yes you should go. We went multiple times when our kids were younger and had a great time every time we went. Yes, it can get crowded, but you just deal with it. Ideally, you can go at off times. We pulled our kids out of school a few times to go and and that was ideal. The best trip we did was when we went for a whole week and did not feel as rushed. Your kids will love it.

There will always be Disney haters because it's not for everyone (honestly, they should just stay out of these threads). But we thoroughly enjoyed each of our trips when our kids were at different ages and have some great pictures, video, and memories. Highly recommend if it's something you've always talked about doing.
by MDfan
Fri Mar 03, 2023 5:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Off-Brand Car Rental
Replies: 37
Views: 2890

Re: Off-Brand Car Rental

All I said was I used Turo once and it worked great for me. I woulld use them again. You don’t have to. I’ve had mechanical issues with rental cars, too.

And I have never waited more than maybe 40 minutes to get a car. If 2- hour waits were "common," I would never use that company again. And I would never use Fox based on lines I’ve seen and things I’ve read and heard. Others may have had better experiences.
by MDfan
Thu Mar 02, 2023 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Off-Brand Car Rental
Replies: 37
Views: 2890

Re: Off-Brand Car Rental

Starfish wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 6:09 pm
JP711 wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 2:38 pm Check out Turo which is basically Airbnb for cars. People rent out their own vehicles. L
I know Turo, but to me it sounds like a terrible idea.
We used Turo on a trip last year and it worked flawlessly. And we saved a good bit of money. and got a really nice car We paid a few dollars extra and the owner dropped the car off (and we returned it) in an airport lot. I would definitely do it again. We've used Sixt with no issues and as others have said, they are not an off-brand. The one I've heard horror stories (missing reservations, 2-hour waits for a car) about is Fox.
by MDfan
Thu Mar 02, 2023 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can We Afford a Disney Cruise for Our 50th Birthdays?
Replies: 80
Views: 8119

Re: Can We Afford a Disney Cruise for Our 50th Birthdays?

I have only been on one cruise (Disney). One of my kids was sick by the third day. I understand that is very common, although my sources are purely anecdotal. If one of your party became ill, such that your group would not fully enjoy the cruise, how much would you regret the expenditure? Be sure that your estimated cost reflects transit, character costumes (or other cruise-motivated purchases) and shore excursions, if any. While I think you could reasonably afford this one-time expense, it’s significant and you should consider the hedonic adaptation risks. Gettng sick on a cruise is very common? I have never heard this. We are not big cruisers but have been 3 times. We have several neighbors and family members who go at east once a year. ...
by MDfan
Wed Mar 01, 2023 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV extended warrantee for drops
Replies: 16
Views: 1133

Re: TV extended warrantee for drops

Afty wrote: Tue Feb 28, 2023 12:53 pm Not the most Boglehead move, but I paid a professional to mount my TV on the wall. Quells the fears of it falling off because it wasn't mounted correctly.
I paid one as well to hang multiple TVS and hook up a surround sound system. I don't mess with, and will gladly pay for, things I know little about. I have never heard of anyone concerned about buying a warranty for dropping a TV.
by MDfan
Tue Feb 28, 2023 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085342

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

The Hustle , free on Amazon Prime Video. Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson play lovable con artists getting into and out of various humorous situations. Fun, if kind of trashy at times. Supposedly a remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels , which I've never seen. I'll have to watch that next. Recommended. Watch the original. Much, much better. Steve Martin and Michael Caine. I watched Dirty Rotten Scoundrels , (free on Kanopy), but I would not say that it was "much, much better." I enjoyed it. Michael Caine was very smooth. I would like to see a comedy contest between Steve Martin and Rebel Wilson, to see who is funnier. My vote would go for Rebel Wilson, at least based on these 2 movies. I'll have to watch the real original next, Bedtime...
by MDfan
Tue Feb 28, 2023 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085342

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

PhoebeCoco wrote: Sun Feb 26, 2023 4:02 pm The Hustle, free on Amazon Prime Video.

Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson play lovable con artists getting into and out of various humorous situations. Fun, if kind of trashy at times.

Supposedly a remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which I've never seen. I'll have to watch that next.

Recommended.
Watch the original. Much, much better. Steve Martin and Michael Caine.
by MDfan
Tue Feb 28, 2023 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085342

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

mhalley wrote: Sat Feb 25, 2023 8:32 pm Cocaine Bear in theaters. A rollicking good time, gory and darkly humorous. Everyone in the theater was LOL. It won’t win any academy awards, but does feature Ray Liotta in his last film before his passing.
My son, who sees a lot of movies and has similar taste to mine, said that he and his housemate both thought this may have been the worst movie they have ever seen in the theaters. I have heard it's a movie you either really like or really dislike. We were going to go see it this week, but now I think I'll wait for it to come on cable/streaming.