The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 5, 2015 8:52:35 GMT -5
FWIW the Aldi's in my area are spotless.
Also, like many "generic" items, their stuff is frequently made by the same company/plant that makes the national brands.
For example, the Brownberry 100 calorie sandwich thins that cost almost three bucks at my Jewel? The Aldi "brand" is less than two bucks, looks identical, tastes identical, and has identical ingredient and nutrition information. Only the label is different. You decide.
I used to work for a company that had a nutrition division. It takes a decent about of time, cost and effort to get package labeling approved for retail sale. Now knowing this, and how much it costs to tool a plant to produce something, what makes more sense?
1. Aldi build everything from scratch?, or 2. Aldi gets it's goods from the same companies that make other national brands using their manufacturing plants/excess capacity?
I love trying to figure out which national brand makes certain generic brands. It's kind of a game in our house - we do taste tests and comparisons every now and then.
I'm not the only one with this "hobby"...
lifehacker.com/stop-wasting-money-buy-the-identical-cheaper-versions-1481925774
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 4, 2015 15:49:19 GMT -5
The boys returned from England last night. Turns out oldest son isn't necessarily interested in going to college in Germany. He's just always "wanted to learn German" and came across a sale on used textbooks so bought them for $1. In true YM fashion, he seemed most excited about the bargain books.
He's a weird kid, but I love him. Ok, I have to ask - what website did he find the textbooks on...
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 4, 2015 14:02:54 GMT -5
Got this months rents deposited.
Called DD's orthodontist to get them to use correct billing codes so we'll get full plan benefit credit.
Brought lunch in. Made a sandwich and home made soup.
Brought my own coffee (freshly ground) into work and brewed my coffee at the office.
Gave DH a $10 Kohl's cash voucher to use when he goes to get a new wallet.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 4, 2015 13:55:16 GMT -5
The FrEEzer is still taking residency applications, The Captain. Yea, but I'd still be stuck doing the damn return. Besides, I think I need that frEEzer space to get some *ahem* adult spirits nice and frosty right about now.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 4, 2015 13:29:02 GMT -5
Just a thought - did you DH have any siblings/nieces/nephews?
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 4, 2015 12:08:25 GMT -5
Yep.
I won't live in a known flood or hurricane zone. For whatever reason growing up in the Midwest tornado's don't bother me.
What is your cheapest favorite thing? (I have a pair of earrings that I got from Pier 1 for 3 bucks. I wear them all the time during the weekends).
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 4, 2015 11:27:49 GMT -5
Dear smaller business unit,
(Warning - filters off)
My team is doing you a huge fucking favor preparing your specialized return because you don't have anyone there who knows how to do it. You were supposed to have your data compiled by the end of March. Yes, March people!
According to my timeline we need to start running consolidations in two weeks. Two weeks and my team is still waiting on data to prepare returns at the lowest level of consolidations.
Don't tell me the return isn't due until 9/15 - you have no idea what goes into a consolidation and what return-to-accrual cross-checks my control process requires be complete, before I can hit the send key. Never mind the data validation errors that have to be cleared.
I have a timeline for a reason. Don't make me regret trying to be helpful.
Signed, The really pissed off Captain.
(I do NOT want to have to make my team work labor day weekend!!!).
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 4, 2015 10:38:41 GMT -5
All the time. Both cash and goods.
Did you signed your donor's permission when you got your driver's license renewed (that's how it's done in my state).
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 4, 2015 9:31:34 GMT -5
Tonight is smoked sausage, peirogies, and corn.
Sausage - 14oz - $2 Peirogies - 1# - $2.70 (huh - more expensive than the meat...) Frozen corn - $1.20
So 5.90 and we'll get three dinners and a lunch at about $1.50 a meal.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 4, 2015 9:27:14 GMT -5
Ok, during lunch and after work yesterday I: 1. Found a new dentist and made appointments for DD, DH and myself 2. Called the village about a sewer drain issue on the curb by our house 3. Got the rents deposited 4. Scheduled my mammogram ( ) 5. Called my dental insurance about an EOB on DD's braces that I have exception codes on 6. Mailed address correction forms for the real estate tax bills on the rentals 7. Called former employer to update address on teeny tiny pension I have there 8. Compiled leases, disclosures, etc on rentals and collated packet and signed management contract for management company on rentals. Made copies of everything and DH will drop it off during his lunch today with the retainer cheque Today during lunch I'm going to call the bank where we have our rental accounts and find out why one account won't auto update in quicken. I'll also call DD's orthodontist and let them know they used the wrong billing codes.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 4, 2015 8:24:22 GMT -5
Seriously peeps! Hasn't anyone challenged themselves recently?
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 4, 2015 8:15:05 GMT -5
I'm sorry but since no such thing exists we cannot allow for discussions of this nature to take place on this board. . . . (Just kidding - add me to the list!)
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 3, 2015 15:43:09 GMT -5
Some people get incredibly lucky. Willa Holland was allegedly discovered by her step-father's neighbor, Steven Spielberg, before she was 10. I feel like I know girls who are much prettier, with great poise and presence. They will never get that chance. Zib made some great points. There are so many different kinds of looks out there and depending on your features, your choices are made for you. Do you want to model swim suits? Evening wear? Glasses? Sporting gear? Cars? Tools? Food? Vacations? I wonder how one gets discovered if one isn't very lucky? Pageants? Theatre? Auditions? I doubt the pay is spectacular if you aren't a rising star with movies and TV under your belt. Yes, there are hundreds of thousands of pretty young girls (getting prettier and younger it seems) who are all competing and will work for just a bit less to "get their big break". Your 12 year old might be competing against girls who already have 5 years experience! second moderator here who just skips over insults. eta: actually the first to just skip over it, the other moderator endorsed the insult. Actually I endorsed the general tone of the message. I didn't even zone in on the insult. If you have a problem with how you are treated, there is a little thing called a report button. Rather than being passive aggressive you may want to consider using it. However, don't worry about this time - I've already self-reported and saved you the trouble. You're welcome. This is what I endorsed. But go ahead and make it all about you.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 3, 2015 15:33:40 GMT -5
I have also been drinking a ton of water with lemon slices and fresh raspberries in it. Say goodbye to wine. I'll just hand in my EE card and go off to WIR, now. NEVER!!!
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 3, 2015 15:00:58 GMT -5
Thank you Robert not Bobby! Why anyone would want to encourage someone they care about to go into such a field is beyond me. Yea, let's tell our children it all about their looks.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 3, 2015 14:37:54 GMT -5
You are Glinda from "The Wizard of Oz!" You are elegant, refined, and kind-hearted. But people shouldn't be fooled by your calm, sweet exterior! You are strong, powerful, and sharp as a tack. Your wisdom and fierceness always shines through, and people should think twice before crossing you. Glinda — whose full name is "Glinda the Good Witch of the North" — was played by Billie Burke in the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz." She is the most powerful sorceress in all of Oz, and a strong ruler in Emerald City. Booo!!! I demand a recount! I got Glinda too. I take it as a compliment, can I ask why you don't? She wore a pastel pink dress. I look horrible in pink. Plus, sweet, kind-hearted and the Captain don't belong in the same room together. Seriously, this'd blow my bad-ass bitch rep. I've worked for years on that...
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 3, 2015 12:49:57 GMT -5
I think you're over thinking things...
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 3, 2015 11:32:55 GMT -5
Well, hello there! I have a Trek 7.2, which is not the most lightweight bike, but then again, I'm not the most lightweight person. I've used it in a triathlon, and it worked just fine. It's sturdy and can take a beating. Cost about $500.00 two years ago, and I bought it at a bike shop. I had to custom-order it, because I needed a very small frame. For Nancy and other women who find it hard to find bikes that fit them, check out the line of bikes by Georgena Terry. Georgena is a retired bike racer and engineer who has designed a line of bicycles that meet the unique needs of women. Terry Precision Bicyles also sells a variety of women centric bicycling products to make your riding more pleasant. While Terry sells a full line of bikes at a variety of price points, this is the only source of racing quality bikes that I know of that are designed for a woman's physiology. That's why Mrs. Tskeeter rides one. Well I'll be damned. You learn something new about someone every day. I had no idea you were so into, and knew so much about, biking!
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 3, 2015 9:51:45 GMT -5
Tonight - cedar plank smoked salmon, mashed garlic potatoes, and broccoli
Salmon - 1.5# at $20#. Yep, not cheap. But it's wild caught and looked fantastic. Potatoes - 3# @ 29c a pound so $1 Broccoli 2# at $1.19 a pound so $2.50
Milk, butter, seasonings, marinade - say $1
So $34.50 and we will get five full meals out of it (three dinners and two lunches). This is DD's favorite meal and she's not at camp this week so she and I will be fighting for the leftovers.
So about $7 a meal.
On a side note I paid $3 a dozen for large eggs this weekend. Aack!
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 3, 2015 9:22:43 GMT -5
Oh a nice slap at humanities majors - haven't seen one of those in a while! I was an English major. I was prepared for college, and it wasn't easy. Now Criminology or History - those are easy majors. Oh, just wait until I break out my handcuffs on you, young lady!
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 3, 2015 8:46:34 GMT -5
Favorite way to spend a summer day? In a lounge chair by a body of water with a tall stack of reading material on one side and a tall blonde dude who barley speaks English bringing me fruity drinks. (DH is on the other side btw) What is the last thing you accomplished, that you weren't sure your would be able to?
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The Captain
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Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
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Post by The Captain on Aug 3, 2015 8:37:39 GMT -5
So....
This weekend
Got my hair cut Got DD's hair cut Grocery shopping done Took DD to get new gymshoes - again (seriously - how fast can teen feet grow!?!) Shredded 10 years worth of tax documents DD and DH got another box unpacked from the garage we now have one of the two bays clear and DH is starting to believe we may one day get both vehicles in. Had another contractor come out to quote for the kitchen remodel
and, and...
The pile of doom is gone, gone, gone!!! I finished going through everything!!!
Even got all the rental stuff organized and pulled together the PnL for 2014 and got most of 2015 done. Completed a pro-forma schedule E for our tax return and got the tax software ordered so I can finally go ahead and do our taxes for 2014 (we're under extension).
Whoop! Whoop! Whoop (pumping arms and doing little happy jig)
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jul 31, 2015 16:26:13 GMT -5
I have more than one, take your pick.
Truth is I have a horrible temper, but I'm like a steam kettle so I blow when I've reached my limit, and not necessarily when I should.
Anything going on this weekend?
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jul 31, 2015 16:23:05 GMT -5
You did the right thing under the circumstances. Investing is for money you can put aside for a long period of time. Money you plan to use in the short-term (you said 6 months to a year) should be tucked away in safe (read: not risky) place where you can get at it when you are ready. Bless your DH for caring enough about you and your welfare to have a life insurance policy Actually, it was me that insisted we protect each other with life insurance. He didn't really want to pay that much every month when we were pretty broke already, but he came to see reason. I told him I hoped it was the biggest waste of money we ever spent, but just in case... Unfortunately, that's not the way it went. But without the money, I really don't know what I would do, so at least there's that. I'd give it all up to have him back, though. Now there's a week-long hold on the money because of the large amount. I feel like all I do is wait these days. Wait for the insurance to come in. Wait for the funds to be available. Wait for paperwork and call-backs and other people to do their part. Wait for the day to be over and wait to fall asleep to escape for a while. Wait for the pain to get better. I'm so sick of waiting. It will get better. And kudos to you for being so strong.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jul 31, 2015 16:15:42 GMT -5
You are Glinda from "The Wizard of Oz!"
You are elegant, refined, and kind-hearted. But people shouldn't be fooled by your calm, sweet exterior! You are strong, powerful, and sharp as a tack. Your wisdom and fierceness always shines through, and people should think twice before crossing you.
Glinda — whose full name is "Glinda the Good Witch of the North" — was played by Billie Burke in the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz." She is the most powerful sorceress in all of Oz, and a strong ruler in Emerald City.
Booo!!! I demand a recount!
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jul 31, 2015 15:42:32 GMT -5
Ok, you guys got me.
Zillow lists our house at $40K more than we paid for it a year ago. It lists another house that recently sold (and one I know very well) at over $60K more than the purchase price.
Hey, if both are true then goodie for me, cause our house is now much nicer than the +$60K one.
NOW was curious to find out a house two homes over is in pre-foreclosure. Wonder if there's an opportunity there...
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jul 31, 2015 15:11:10 GMT -5
Ok, this story has a little detail the first one didn't: Merideth, 47, lives in Hillview, Kentucky. As WDRB-TV reports, a neighbor heard gunshots and called the police. Merideth allegedly told the police that a drone was hovering over his house, where his teen daughter (he has two) was sunbathing. So he pulled out his gun and gave it a merry death. news.yahoo.com/man-shoots-down-drone-hovering-000032027.htmlIf anything this only reinforces my thoughts that the car full of four creepers had it coming to them (and then some).
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jul 31, 2015 14:46:37 GMT -5
Oh dear... I think if I added this topic to my brain right now I really would explode. (although ranting about it may take my mind off of my other issues that I'm dealing with at work...) Sroo - if you have any insight I'd appreciate it. All I get is what comes through my tax feeds and I've been asked to advise when I'm pretty sure my knowledge is less than complete. My big thing right now is figuring how this penalty will work.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jul 31, 2015 14:44:59 GMT -5
I'm not much of a finance person, I might have some minimal understanding of it. To me, what would make sense, would be that the federal government should establish first what is an apropriate amount to be spent on health care annually on an individual. State, COL, should not matter. I'm talking about a national average. If an employer decides to fully cover his employees that's all good and dandy but said employer should write off as "business expense" only what is established by the fed X no of employees. The rest of it, whatever it succeeds that limit, should be taxable at the rates established by the tax codes. Maybe be already is that way?! Mroped - self insured means the employer pays all of the costs, as opposed to actually buying insurance. I'm not sure if you know how that works. So under your example, if the government decided it would be appropriate to only spend 11K per individual per year (which is about what the ACA states) and you have a cancer occurrence, then anything the employer paid for that cancer treatment over 11k would not be deductible and would be subject to an additional 40% penalty under what you propose. Is that what you want? Same goes for any other medical event, pregnancy etc. (we have a gestational diabeties case on my floor right now, had two cancer deaths last year). Should the employer be heavily penalized for providing decent coverage? Or do you suggest employers older (higher cost) employees and only higher younger ones to keep their insurance pools balanced if this is done in the aggregate? So the non working person on Medicaid/Medicare doesn't have to worry about co-pays, premiums going through the roof but the person who has a job with benefits has to pay through the nose based on company demographics? Really?
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jul 31, 2015 14:19:34 GMT -5
Umm, I forgot? But have fun on the date (are they a cutie?) Yes. He's not as pretty as I usually go for, but he's got his shit together and is a really good guy. Far different than the pretty losers I usually date. So I'm giving it a chance. I'll be sure to report back. Ummm, yea - sounds like a much better strategy to me. DH and I saw Pixels at the drive in last weekend. Not academy material mind you, but there was a line about nerds being much better kissers because it was so important to them or something like that. I'll leave you to your own thoughts on this. DH and I both unabashedly consider ourselves nerds.
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