Frugal Living: Feb 2, 2011

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

misc.consumers.frugal-living - 19 new messages in 11 topics - digest

misc.consumers.frugal-living
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living?hl=en

misc.consumers.frugal-living@googlegroups.com

Today's topics:

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TOPIC: Hiking Boots
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/93e5637da7657a52?hl=en
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Mon, Jan 31 2011 9:50 pm
From: gr

On 1/21/2011 5:51 PM, Alan Justice wrote:
> "SMS"<scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote in message
> news:4d35d4a0$0$44056$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net...
>> On 1/6/2011 3:19 PM, fastfreddy wrote:
>>> Anyone give their recommendations for a good place to find good hiking
>>> boots and brand of boot for humid tropical climates where it rains alot?
>>> Something that breathes and can be made waterproof also. Something that
> you
>>> can walk a long ways in and still not get blisters. I am guessing
> leather
>>> uppers with maybe Vibram soles, but I don't really know. Is it even
>>> possible to have waterproof boots that still breath, maybe not?
>>
>> Look for:
>>
>> -Full grain leather upper. Not nubuck, not fabric.
>> -Goretex lining. Never buy hiking boots that are not Goretex lined.
>> -Vibram sole. Accept no substitutes.
>>
>> These won't be inexpensive of course. I.e.
>> <http://www.rei.com/product/693828>. I got these when they were on sale
>> a few years ago for around $160.
>>
>> Also be careful to buy the proper width (higher end boots come in
>> different widths), and wear the proper socks that help avoid blisters.
>>
>> Another excellent boot is this one
>>
> <http://www.danner.com/boots/mountain-lighttm-ii-mens-womens-hiking-boots.ht
> ml>
>> but it seems to be impossible to buy it anywhere except on-line. I had a
>> pair that I got at REI but they wore out after 20 years and REI doesn't
>> carry them anymore. The big advantage of this boot is that the sole is
>> stitched, rather than glued, which is very rare these days. These boots
>> are still made in the U.S.A. too.
>
> I have some Danners I bought locally. (I can't imagine buying footwear
> without trying it on first.) My feet love them. However they ruin all my
> socks by staining them maroon, the color of the leather. I assumed it would
> all get worn off eventually, but not after many hundreds of miles.
>
I found the wide Danners not to be wide enough for my feet (or shape of
my feet. Not Gortex, but decently water resistant are Alico boots, real
Vibram, Norwegian Welt stitched, excellent Italian craftsmanship, and
come in wide. Sierra trading post often sells them for around $150 (with
a stiffer model at around $300). Looks like right now they only have the
Alico XC ski boots.

They also sell Asolo boots, which I thought were well made and
comfortable, but not wide enough for me.

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TOPIC: Rug defuzzer
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/199c3a9165bfdfe2?hl=en
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== 1 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 12:26 am
From: vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com

Our 1968 carpet has small white fuzz topping off each (probably synthetic)
carpet strand. I tried shampooing it, but I wonder if a sweater defuzzer
would work?

- = -
Vasos Panagiotopoulos, Columbia'81+, Reagan, Mozart, Pindus, BioStrategist
http://www.panix.com/~vjp2/vasos.htm
---{Nothing herein constitutes advice. Everything fully disclaimed.}---
[Homeland Security means private firearms not lazy obstructive guards]
[Urb sprawl confounds terror] [Phooey on GUI: Windows for subprime Bimbos]

== 2 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 1:54 pm
From: The Real Bev

On 02/01/11 00:26, vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com wrote:

> Our 1968 carpet has small white fuzz topping off each (probably synthetic)
> carpet strand. I tried shampooing it, but I wonder if a sweater defuzzer
> would work?

The one I had didn't even work on sweaters!

--
Cheers, Bev
=====================================================================
A: Because it messes up the order in which people normally read text.
Q: Why is it such a bad thing?
A: Top-posting.
Q: What is the most annoying thing on usenet?

== 3 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 7:34 pm
From: Michael Black

On Tue, 1 Feb 2011, The Real Bev wrote:

> On 02/01/11 00:26, vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com wrote:
>
>> Our 1968 carpet has small white fuzz topping off each (probably synthetic)
>> carpet strand. I tried shampooing it, but I wonder if a sweater defuzzer
>> would work?
>
> The one I had didn't even work on sweaters!
>
I used a Gillete disposable razor to clear some fuzz of a fleece jacket.

I'm not sure I'd try that on something relatively new, but on the other
hand something relatively new isn't going to have fuzz on it.

Michael

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TOPIC: question about 'revolving accounts'
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/ee228f3f89c08370?hl=en
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 12:28 pm
From: Ohioguy

>If you can still charge to your other accounts,
> why don't you? If you're maxed out on a number of accounts, I can see
> why they're not willing to reinstate the one they canceled?

We don't "max out" accounts unless we are using the reward to get
cash back or something, and we already have the $$ for the purchase.

> Did they actually cancel it? If not, why does it need to be reinstated?

Convenience, mostly. A $2k credit limit doesn't even allow for
payment of a used car, decent cruise vacation, etc.

> Do you actually owe them $50? If so, why not pay it?

No, they owe ME $50+, because I tend to overpay bills. I guess I'll
look forward to getting the check and buying some nice steaks.

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TOPIC: saving time spent on shaving
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/34bea6c670aeadce?hl=en
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== 1 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 12:34 pm
From: Ohioguy

About 10 years ago I decided it was silly to shave every day. I
found an electric razor that shaves about twice as quickly as the rest
of them. Then I sat down and analyzed the issue, figuring that I wanted
to shave only twice a week, rather than 5x.

I finally decided that shaving on Wednesday mornings and Sunday
mornings would make the most sense. This way it looks good for church,
and only starts looking slightly scruffy late Tuesday, and then on
Saturday when I don't care.

== 2 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 12:37 pm
From: Ohioguy

> I have a holder for the elec. razor next to the toilet , I call it
> multi-tasking. once and awhile I use the side burn trimmer part to go
> over the beard area. ^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^

If you're doing this on the toilet, I'm thinking you might mean "side
bum" trimmer.....

== 3 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 4:01 pm
From: "Rod Speed"

Ohioguy wrote:

> About 10 years ago I decided it was silly to shave every day. I found an electric razor that shaves about twice as
> quickly as the rest of them. Then I sat down and analyzed the issue, figuring that I wanted to shave only twice a
> week, rather than 5x.

Makes no sense to shave twice a week.

> I finally decided that shaving on Wednesday mornings and Sunday mornings would make the most sense.

It doesnt.

> This way it looks good for church,

Fuck church, only fools ever go there.

> and only starts looking slightly scruffy late Tuesday, and then on Saturday when I don't care.

I dont care every day. When it gets long enough to be irritating
after a shower, I just mow it back to a stubble again.

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TOPIC: Bank of American Online Banking
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/c8578f6261069f06?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 1:09 pm
From: "AngryOldWhiteGuy"

Me neither - flawless.

"Bob F" <bobnospam@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:ii7r60$h2j$1@news.eternal-september.org...
> atdabank wrote:
>> Am considering online banking with BofA.
>>
>> Anyone share their problems/experiences with them?
>>
>> Are they any good? Reliable? Will be using overseas also, but
>> supposedly there is a branch in the countries I am headed.
>
> I haven't had any problems.
>
>

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TOPIC: Have you noticed
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/1d7a38791014d4d3?hl=en
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== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 1:11 pm
From: Nicodemus

The whole world is on fire

You decide

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 2:04 pm
From: Al

On Feb 1, 4:11 pm, Nicodemus <Ancient-of-D...@Heaven.Net> wrote:
> The whole world is on fire
>
> You decide

That's what Al Gore has been saying for years now.
But I think you mean politically.
My answer is no. There is always something simmering.
Get used to it.

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TOPIC: Trying to get preapproved for a loan -- am I getting ripped off?
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/acfc697b47c19020?hl=en
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== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 1:12 pm
From: "AngryOldWhiteGuy"

Pre-approved means nothing - it's advertising - it's the same as those old
CC solicitations that used to go out in the mail - "You're Pre-Approved
!!" - and ya still had to go the entire approval process like anyone else.

"John Weiss" <jrweiss@attglobal.net> wrote in message
news:ii7sts$kcm$1@news.eternal-september.org...
>g wrote:
>
>> On 30/01/2011 18:09, laredotornado wrote:
>> > Hi,
>> >
>> > I'm trying to get pre-approved for a loan so I can buy a condo. The
>> > real estate I was referred to referred me to a mortgage broker, who
>> > told me to bring some work history, tax forms, some other stuff and
>> > a $450 application fee. This got me thinking about how would you
>> > find the cheapest way to get the best loan? I have heard of
>> > services like Lending Tree and DiTech but I'm really not sure how
>> > those work and would value some opinions about the what steps you
>> > would take.
>> >
>> > Thanks, - Dave
>> Don't pay any fees to lenders, unless they state in writing that the
>> fee is payable only on approval.
>>
>> If you cannot get a bank loan, then maybe your finances are not up to
>> taking on a mortgage?
>
> Further, make sure the broker puts ALL his promises in writing, and
> specifies the entire fee is refundable if the loan is not approved
> within ALL the promised parameters.

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 2:47 pm
From: g

On 01/02/2011 13:12, AngryOldWhiteGuy wrote:
> Pre-approved means nothing - it's advertising - it's the same as those old
> CC solicitations that used to go out in the mail - "You're Pre-Approved
> !!" - and ya still had to go the entire approval process like anyone else.
>
>

Where are you from?

In my area pre-approved means exactly that. The lending institution
looks at your finances and based on that they tell you what size of
mortgage you can afford. Then you go out and find a home, knowing
exactly what you can afford.

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TOPIC: converter box suck
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/c15f24ce7244b668?hl=en
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 2:01 pm
From: Gordon

Sofa Slug <sofaslug@invalid.invalid> wrote in
news:ii797e$cvq$1@news.eternal-september.org:

>
> Try this. It's cheap & works better than most indoor antenna setups:
> <http://mysite.ncnetwork.net/resr92x4/Content/DTV_antenna.html>
>
Thanks for the plug. It's good to see that someone is finding
my efforts useful.

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TOPIC: Big 5 Sporting Goods Dummies
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/54ea6dd5dd8d06f9?hl=en
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== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 4:19 pm
From: humbug

Idiots at the Tucson Big 5 Sporting goods store run sales and then their
drone clerks cannot even find the proper sizes for footwear.

Near impossible to get assistance and when you do they don't know anything.

Clueless low wage employees; their Managers are also rude or non-
responsive. One good thing about Trashon Arizona is that there are an
abundance of alternative stores. No use beating a dead horse.

One on Speedway is particularily bad, if you have to shop there go to one
on Oracle.

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 4:42 pm
From: The Real Bev

On 02/01/11 16:19, humbug wrote:

> Idiots at the Tucson Big 5 Sporting goods store run sales and then their
> drone clerks cannot even find the proper sizes for footwear.
>
> Near impossible to get assistance and when you do they don't know anything.

Has it occurred to you that perhaps there's a reason for their lower
(note: I did not say "low") prices? I'd hate to hear what you have to
say about WalMart.

> Clueless low wage employees; their Managers are also rude or non-
> responsive. One good thing about Trashon Arizona is that there are an
> abundance of alternative stores. No use beating a dead horse.

Ah. How clever of you to have figured out that Big 5 isn't the only
sporting goods store in town.

> One on Speedway is particularily bad, if you have to shop there go to one
> on Oracle.

You've shopped at TWO of them? My, you are a glutton for punishment...

--
Cheers, Bev
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It's true that Smokey the Bear deserves praise for his
campaign against forest fires, but nobody ever mentions
the boy scouts he kills for their hats.

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TOPIC: Choosing a dental insurance plan?
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/eafdafdc3df07a1f?hl=en
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== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 4:34 pm
From: Steve

I need to get my Wisdom tooth extracted which would cost about 300$
without insurance in Florida(where I reside). I have basic dental
insurance, but that would cover only 30 out of the 300.
I am a male in late twenties, non-tobacco user

I am thinking of getting Prepaid Dental Plan C550 in Florida by Humana
http://www.humanaonedental.com/florida-dental-insurance/dental-plan-C550.aspx
which is about11$/month and a one time fee of 35$. They have no
deductibles or waiting period, but require a lock in period of 1 year.
But, the total expense still would be around 160$ for the year which is
lot less than 270$(which I have to pay with my current insurance) and I
get cleanings free(twice a year) with this plan.

Some details about them are at
http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/ehi/dt/plan-details?planKey=32113600:1

1. Is the Prepaid Dental Plan C550 in Florida by Humana a proper choice
or are there better options?

2. Would there be any caveats with this that I need to be aware of?

3. Any other factors I need to be aware of?

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 8:28 pm
From: info_at_gardenalley_dot_com@foo.com (DA)

responding to
http://www.spendwize.com/groups/frugal/Choosing-a-dental-insurance-plan-61907-.htm
DA wrote:
Steve wrote:

> I need to get my Wisdom tooth extracted which would cost about 300$
> without insurance in Florida(where I reside). I have basic dental
> insurance, but that would cover only 30 out of the 300.
> I am a male in late twenties, non-tobacco user
> I am thinking of getting Prepaid Dental Plan C550 in Florida by Humana
> http://www.humanaonedental.com/florida-dental-insurance/dental-plan-C550.aspx
> which is about11$/month and a one time fee of 35$. They have no
> deductibles or waiting period, but require a lock in period of 1 year.
> But, the total expense still would be around 160$ for the year which is
> lot less than 270$(which I have to pay with my current insurance) and I
> get cleanings free(twice a year) with this plan.

> Some details about them are at
> http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/ehi/dt/plan-details?planKey=32113600:1

> 1. Is the Prepaid Dental Plan C550 in Florida by Humana a proper choice
> or are there better options?
> 2. Would there be any caveats with this that I need to be aware of?
> 3. Any other factors I need to be aware of?

Choosing dental insurance is a tricky business indeed. I actually don't
have one for the last few months myself and already out more than $1K (for
a family of 4) between moving to another practice, having a couple of
fillings done etc. I've not had anything needed for years (other than
wisdom teeth removal, which I'll talk about later) and thought that I can
pay for cleaning twice a year myself. So far the experiment is not working
out too good.

But getting back to wisdom teeth: have you visited the oral surgeon that
will be removing the teeth (tooth) yet? These guys actually break the
charges down to three different categories - ones paid by dental
insurance, ones paid by general health insurance and ones that you have to
pay out of pocket no matter the insurance.

This is some months in the past for me, so pardon if I get a few details
wrong but if the tooth has already erupted (hope I got the dental speak
right on this) i.e. already visible above your gum, its removal goes on
dental. But if it has not, it goes on general insurance. Also, if it's
impacted (rotten) then its removal goes on both (what was the share - I
can't remember).

They can (or have to - don't know) put anesthesia on general insurance if
I'm not mistaken. But if you want to, like my surgeon said, "take some
edge off" with laughing gas, then you'll have to pay for it yourself
despite the insurance. I have, by the way, and did not regret the $95
spent on it. Needed two teeth removed at the same time and there
definitely was some "edge" to be "taken off".

If you were removing all four at the same time and were put asleep for the
surgery, it is a whole different ball game as far as I know.

So, yeah, definitely visit the surgeon and you'll sit down with some
all-knowing assistant in his office that'll take you though the extent of
the financial damage they're planning to do. But it's definitely *not*
just your dental insurance that's at play here.

Good luck!

-------------------------------------
(__)
(oo)
/-------/ EAT
/ | || MOR
* ||----|| CHIKIN!
~~ ~~

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TOPIC: SOUTH ACTRESS HOT PHOTOS&VIDEOS
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/d375490bb8fba983?hl=en
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, Feb 1 2011 5:29 pm
From: SHILPA MP4

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Wednesday, February 2, 2011

misc.consumers.frugal-living - 19 new messages in 11 topics - digest