<![CDATA[Early Retirement & Financial Independence Community - Other topics]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/ en Mon, 06 Sep 2010 02:17:22 GMT vBulletin 60 http://cdn.early-retirement.org/forums/images/early_r/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Early Retirement & Financial Independence Community - Other topics]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/ The Education Bubble starting to deflate? http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/the-education-bubble-starting-to-deflate-51965.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:01:47 GMT Irate law school grads say they were...]]> Irate law school grads say they were misled about job prospects | NJ.com

Back To School - Walter Russell Mead's Blog - The American Interest

The education bubble might be next one to burst as prospective students start to look at the cost and their prospects.
Like the housing bubble, the price of a college education has been rising without abatement and spread into marginal areas (colleges). Foreign students might keep it going for awhile in the higher end schools. ]]> Other topics dex http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/the-education-bubble-starting-to-deflate-51965.html Should I Blow the Whistle? http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/should-i-blow-the-whistle-51964.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:42:55 GMT I'm deciding whether or not to report a neighbor's code violation to the county. Here's the situation (see also http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...lem-50100.html and http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...e-51237.html):

When we moved here 11 years ago, we had some nice, quiet, elderly neighbors. But they died a few years ago, and left their home to their four sons.

Attachment 9984
Attachment 9985

It turns out that they had built a mother-in-law house in the back without getting any permits. That fact scuttled a sale of the house that almost went through.

The son who lives in this area has been renting out the two houses, and has let them deteriorate. The roof leaks and the living room carpet has been removed, for example. It's a positive feedback situation, and the quality of the tenants has spiraled down, with the last crop being evicted after growing dope.

Here's the house in the back:

Attachment 9986
Attachment 9987

The son has been somewhat responsive to complaints by another neighbor and me.

I am considering calling the county code enforcement unit, and letting them know that the uninspected house is being rented out. I'd tell them that they have an opportunity to deal with it now before new tenants are found.

Advantages of Reporting It:

1. Neighbor might be forced to fix things up.
2. Neighbor might not be able to rent it, meaning 50% fewer lowlifes people living next door.
3. House will be sellable if the situation is fixed.
4. It may help my other neighbor who is trying to sell his house.

Disadvantage of Reporting It:

Neighbor may realize that I reported him, and be less likely to cooperate with me if there are further problems.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
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File Type: jpg MainHouse1.jpg (140.5 KB)
File Type: jpg MainHouse2.jpg (136.7 KB)
File Type: jpg BackHouse1.jpg (231.9 KB)
File Type: jpg BackHouse2.jpg (159.0 KB)
]]> Other topics TromboneAl http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/should-i-blow-the-whistle-51964.html Roth Conversions and Medicare http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/roth-conversions-and-medicare-51963.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:44:04 GMT I was reading on Vanguard last night and found this to be interesting. It seems that if you do Roth conversions during the 2 years before Medicare it... I was reading on Vanguard last night and found this to be interesting. It seems that if you do Roth conversions during the 2 years before Medicare it will increase your cost of Medicare.as it increases your income. I think I read it right but maybe we can get some thoughts on this.

http://www.kiplinger.com/features/ar...are-costs.html

http://fairmark.com/2010/07/15/roth-...icare-premium/ ]]> Other topics 73ss454 http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/roth-conversions-and-medicare-51963.html Buy-ology http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/buy-ology-51960.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 03:25:54 GMT neuromarketing. I'm frightened by the...]]> I've recently read this book about neuromarketing. I'm frightened by the (IMO) huge possibilities for abuse that this research opens up, and repelled by the thought that advertisers are exploiting the information they gather about brain response for their own profit, regardless of whether that is to the benefit of the eventual purchasers of their products, or society as a whole. I don't know what to think about the people who volunteer to provide the data. I wonder if they have really thought about the kind of use the data will be, or could be, put to. At the very least, it will increase the grip of consumerism. To an even greater extent than is possible now, they will be able to link buying their product with what the potential customer inwardly wants, whether the product is actually capable of producing the desired result or not.

I don't know how to escape the influence of this, :hide: other than to avoid, as much as I can, exposing myself to any kind of mass commercial media. Has anyone else read the book, and did it strike you the same way? ]]> Other topics kyounge1956 http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/buy-ology-51960.html The Heart Case http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/the-heart-case-51956.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:23:39 GMT I've been fostering kittens through the spring and summer - about a dozen or so this season. I just took in this adult cat to foster from the shelter. She has a skin condition that is very uncomfortable and, naturally, makes her unadoptable until she's cured. We're not sure if it's ringworm, allergies, or what.

The shelter staff approached me because they know I'm not put off by ringworm or other "icky" ailments. They were distressed to see her getting worse and heartbroken because she's just so darn sweet and loving.

I gotta tell you, in all my years of fostering kitties, this one touched my heart in a special way. She is the most affectionate cat I've seen in ages. She's been at the shelter for about a month and just got worse and worse. I think the stress of the environment - in a small cage and housed in the quarrantine area that includes "barky" dogs - made matters worse.

As soon as I saw her, I thought "this animal needs an advocate". It's amazing how much love and trust this kitty has in her heart. Even though she's been though a lot, she is completely loving and trusting. She rolls over, shows her tummy, and gives a look as if to say "thank you for helping me".

I'm going to see how she does the next couple of days. If her condition doesn't improve or gets worse, I'll make sure she gets proper vet care. I've fostered many, many cats and kittens over the years and have four cats of my own now, so I don't anticipate keeping her. I know how to set that barrier. If you don't, you end up with too many pets and can't help others. I just want her to get better and end up in a good home.

I'm trying to think of a name for her. Something sweet. Suggestions welcome.
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]]> Other topics Purron http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/the-heart-case-51956.html Uplifting Music http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/uplifting-music-51954.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 22:54:16 GMT YouTube - THE...]]> What music makes you feel happy, upbeat and positive?

YouTube - THE BEATLES- HERE COMES THE SUN ]]> Other topics Purron http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/uplifting-music-51954.html Poll:How do you live? http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/poll-how-do-you-live-51953.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 22:19:46 GMT Wondering how many own or are are buying their homes or are condo owners or renters - and how many are subject to HOAs! While there are benefits to... Wondering how many own or are are buying their homes or are condo owners or renters - and how many are subject to HOAs! While there are benefits to HOAs there are some restrictions that might rankle. An example of some of the restrictions is here:
Top 7 insane homeowners association rules - The Week

I'm a home buyer, have been a renter before, never dealt with a HOA. ]]> Other topics calmloki http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/poll-how-do-you-live-51953.html Western/Native American art http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/western-native-american-art-51951.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:00:34 GMT I've always enjoyed this type of art. I happened across this site recently and thought I might share. If you go to the home page, there are a number of other categories.
Western Art ]]> Other topics Avalon http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/western-native-american-art-51951.html <![CDATA[What do you want to be when you're 75?]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-youre-75-a-51950.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 19:06:00 GMT Members here might enjoy reading this essay, and expressing their thoughts about "adaptive reuse." Essays like this annoy me.

Here's the link:
Live Longer And Prosper | Big Questions Online

I've got a overflowing bucket list, but training for a new job...oops, I mean experiencing "adaptive reuse"..... at 60 isn't in there.

LadyPatriot ]]> Other topics ladypatriot http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-youre-75-a-51950.html <![CDATA[Test: Is Your Boss a "Brasshole"?]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/test-is-your-boss-a-brasshole-51942.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:45:39 GMT Find out with the Boss Reality Assessment Survey System (BRASS), a 20 question test from the book "Good Boss/Bad Boss" by Robert Sutton: Good Boss, Bad Boss

Since I haven't had a boss other than DW for the past five years, I was unable to take the survey...:) ]]> Other topics REWahoo http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/test-is-your-boss-a-brasshole-51942.html How long does it take... http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/how-long-does-it-take-51941.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:33:27 GMT ...to move a commercial website to a new host? In the case of the Sam's Club auction site the planned downtime was one to two days according to the email I got on Aug 22:

Quote:
We wanted to make you aware that on the evening of August 24th, 2010, our auction site will be closed while we transition to a new hosting provider. The site will remain closed for 24-48 hours while this process takes place.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and want to assure you that we are going to complete the transition process as quickly as possible, to avoid any long delays in your Auction bidding experience.

Thank you for your patience and your continued business!

Sincerely,
Your Sam's Club Auction Team
In reality, it takes much longer - ten days and still counting:

http://auctions.samsclub.com/

I'm certainly glad they assured me there would be no "long delays". Can you say "train wreck"? :) ]]> Other topics REWahoo http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/how-long-does-it-take-51941.html Only in Texas.... http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/only-in-texas-51939.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:39:03 GMT Deep-fried beer.... The beer is placed inside a pocket of salty, pretzel-like dough and then dunked in oil at 375 degrees for about 20 seconds, a... Deep-fried beer....

The beer is placed inside a pocket of salty, pretzel-like dough and then dunked in oil at 375 degrees for about 20 seconds, a short enough time for the confection to remain alcoholic.

Deep-fried beer invented in Texas - Telegraph ]]> Other topics bbbamI http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/only-in-texas-51939.html Poll:Do you multi-task? http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/poll-do-you-multi-task-51930.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:23:59 GMT I recently realized that I am becoming a compulsive multi-tasker! For example, when I am browsing this forum, I am usually also watching a movie on... I recently realized that I am becoming a compulsive multi-tasker! For example, when I am browsing this forum, I am usually also watching a movie on Netflix or Hulu. I can't just watch the TV -- I have to be surfing the net. as well. When I am driving, listening to the radio is not enough; I have to check my email on my phone simultaneously (which is illegal in this state). This is not due to any urgent deadlines. It's just that I am bored and want stimulation.

I am concerned that this is turning me into a compulsive email checker and restless person, so I'm trying to force myself to focus a little more. I see more and more people my age (31) with the same inability to concentrate.

So what's your experience? ]]> Other topics GoodSense http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/poll-do-you-multi-task-51930.html If you could name a Hurricane... http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/if-you-could-name-a-hurricane-51927.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:58:32 GMT Earl is a good name for a Hurricane... I was curious if anyone ever thought of a name for a Hurricane which was not used. I have not seen a... Earl is a good name for a Hurricane... I was curious if anyone ever thought of a name for a Hurricane which was not used.

I have not seen a Hurricane James in a while LOL
here was a list
A hurricane named after you? | Hoboken411.com

For example it would be funny if they named the Hurricane God (maybe ironic is a better term than funny).

How about Hurricane Ghandi.

Any other names they need to consider? ]]> Other topics jIMOh http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/if-you-could-name-a-hurricane-51927.html Poll:Do you own any Apple products? http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/poll-do-you-own-any-apple-products-51926.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:18:26 GMT After watching a news segment about Apple's new product releases yesterday, my wife and I both thought of a friend of ours who has to buy every new Apple gadget as soon as it is available. It seems like we are a minority in our circle of friends and family in that we don't own a single Apple product. It's not that we have anything against Apple, we just don't have any need or interest. This got me to wondering if we are unique in our indifference. Do you own any Apple products?

Edit: Just to be clear, this isn't intended to be an Apple bashing thread. I'm simply an outsider trying to understand all of the buzz and media enthusiasm that arises from their new product announcements. ]]> Other topics IBWino http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/poll-do-you-own-any-apple-products-51926.html