Search found 2552 matches

by Thegipper
14 Dec 2021 16:02
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Google Chromebook
Replies: 22
Views: 2440

Re: Google Chromebook

I am using my old iPad at the moment to browse the web and check email. It is iOS 9 forever. The only thing it stopped doing was updating apps. I do have a lot of apps on it, but when the app stops working, I just erase it. Most have browser access anyway. I could survive with my current iPhone and laptop, but it is nice to know that they are fully charged when I need to use them. Plus the laptop is bulky with limited battery life and the iPhone has a small screen for easy carrying in my pocket. The iPad was my wife's cast off and needed a new battery installed to work tolerably. It usually handles my daily use unless I spend a lot of time reading on the Kobo and Kindle apps. It also,takes along a long time to recharge. I think you would l...
by Thegipper
14 Dec 2021 09:53
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Health Update
Replies: 25
Views: 2115

Re: Health Update

Take care good guy and get well.
by Thegipper
13 Dec 2021 21:58
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Google Chromebook
Replies: 22
Views: 2440

Re: Google Chromebook

I was keen to get a Chromebook for use reading the news at the dining table and in my living room easy chair. (We just put in new broadloom and I agree with DW that carrying coffee to my desktop is not a good idea.) While checking out some Chromebooks on offer from Refurbio I stumbled onto this PC World article which warns that Chromebooks have an expiry date after which there are no updates -- and that many used models are near or past that point. Turns out that Refurbio warns customers about this, but I did not read that far in the listing. It says (emphasis mine): "Please note that every Chromebook receives regular updates from Google until it reaches its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. It is safe to assume that any Refurbished ...
by Thegipper
11 Dec 2021 10:01
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - stats and amateur epidemiology
Replies: 4257
Views: 152401

Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - stats and amateur epidemiology

I am in the US for the winter. I bought 4 antigen test kits for $28 . I was exhibiting some symptoms consistent with covid. They were also consistent with chronic sinius attacks that I experience from time to time.. I took the test and got a negative result. IT was very easy and simple to use and I had the result in 15 minutes. From what I can gather the test should be accurate 39 out 40 times for people with symptoms. It would be a good tool to be used prior to large family indoor gatherings ? I bought my kits from Walmart. CBC says such tests kits cost $1.00 in Germany. A price like that would encourage widespread usage. Some important person once said " prevention is better then the cure".
by Thegipper
09 Dec 2021 12:48
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel
Replies: 407
Views: 29714

Re: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel

Anyone here with some experience with the free Covid test at Walgreen pharmacy before returning to Canada from the USA? Yes. Worked like a charm. And totally free. Pro tips: Make your appointment in advance. I think they book seven days out. Be prepared to supply a US address. It can be a hotel or Airbnb. (Or probably anything; I’m not aware that it gets checked.) During the booking, you will be asked about insurance. Ignore this, the questions are optional and meant only for Americans with insurance. Presuming you are vaxxed, it will ask for details (when and what kind). You can decline to answer; it doesn’t affect your eligibility. If possible, go for the NAAT test, which is called ID Now. This is accepted by Canada, but the results come...
by Thegipper
09 Dec 2021 08:25
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel
Replies: 407
Views: 29714

Re: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel

formerpatriot wrote: 09 Dec 2021 07:48 Anyone here with some experience with the free Covid test at Walgreen pharmacy before returning to Canada from the USA?
I wasn't aware of a free PCR test with Walgreen. When i checked they couldn't guarantee a test result within 72 hours and it wasn't free.
by Thegipper
08 Dec 2021 08:59
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel
Replies: 407
Views: 29714

Re: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel

Based on the early evidence and reports a third dose is highly protective in all respects . May-be the rules should be different for people with three doses?
by Thegipper
04 Dec 2021 22:02
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Google Chromebook
Replies: 22
Views: 2440

Re: Google Chromebook

Chromebook is good at remembering login passwords [the ones you ask them to remember] Much better then my Macbook. Its battery life is terrific. I almost forget it has to be charged once in a while.
by Thegipper
03 Dec 2021 19:53
Forum: Stocks, Bonds, ETFs, Funds, REITS and More
Topic: Here are my 202x stock picks
Replies: 574
Views: 126851

Re: Here are my 202x stock picks

SQRT wrote: 02 Dec 2021 11:22 I wonder how you would have done if you had just kept your bank shares you bought originally?
So much for his 5 year buy and hold strategy. This thread is going all over the place. Its a waste and isn't worth anymore time.
by Thegipper
03 Dec 2021 15:27
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel
Replies: 407
Views: 29714

Re: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel

My spouse and I were discussing this topic recently. We are thankful we are still able to travel and enjoy the superb weather in Arizona. Even the locals are commenting on how nice it’s been. Not a drop of rain here since Oct and temps are still up in the low ‘80’s. If we got stranded, this is a good place, in our own home. Having said that, I agree it would be risky to book a vacation now. Really want to get stranded in some hotel room somewhere? i am in Texas and it is a nice 84 with plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities and gatherings. Most Canadians have got their third shots and most will get a fourth dose come April. I figure we are in a much safer enviroment over the winter and Christmas season. If I get stranded by ineffective ...
by Thegipper
02 Dec 2021 20:22
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel
Replies: 407
Views: 29714

Re: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel

Travel bans and restrictions brings comfort to the public . What it actually accomplishes is another question. Fully vaccinated with a third shot, social distancing, home testing kits and masking are proven tools. I am getting the impression that the problem area will be the unvaccinated crowd as it was with the Delta.
by Thegipper
29 Nov 2021 18:08
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Google Chromebook
Replies: 22
Views: 2440

Re: Google Chromebook

one irritant the key pad doesn't have a key for capitalization. Pressing the search key and alt key capitalizes.
by Thegipper
26 Nov 2021 19:38
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel
Replies: 407
Views: 29714

Re: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel

How long before their is sufficient data to assess the threat from the new variant ? I figure in a couple of weeks things will be a lot clearer. I have real doubts about the effectiveness of travel bans. I guess it covers the rear ends of politicians
by Thegipper
25 Nov 2021 06:44
Forum: Stocks, Bonds, ETFs, Funds, REITS and More
Topic: Here are my 202x stock picks
Replies: 574
Views: 126851

Re: Here are my 202x stock picks

Fresco wrote: 24 Apr 2020 19:52 So I have about $45,000 in cash to spend on stocks.
I think we have reached about the bottom of the 2020 Covid-19 crash, so here are my 9 picks:

$5,000 on each of the following 9 stocks:

Shell
Chevron
Exxon/Mobil
TD
Royal Bank
CIBC
BMO
Scotiabank
Boeing
-----------------------------
Total = $45,000

I plan on holding onto them for at least 2 to 4 years (and hopefully double my money)
Let me know what you guys think. Good or bad investments??
you have clearly changed your strategy and have gone from a value/buy and hold to a speculator.
by Thegipper
23 Nov 2021 16:47
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Slightly luxurious car recommendations
Replies: 154
Views: 11692

Re: Slightly luxurious car recommendations

The Toyota Avalon would have been a good pick for this category. It is my understanding it is being discontinued. A good option is the Nissan Maxima. It has scored very well with CRs and other outfits that track reliability and quality.
by Thegipper
20 Nov 2021 09:29
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Google Chromebook
Replies: 22
Views: 2440

Re: Google Chromebook

I far from being a IT geek so I am learning about my Chromebook by you tube and trial and error. I find that I don't need bookmarks and apps as Chrome seems to know what I like. I can put the first two letter in the search and the site i want shows up first on the list. I am not sure about how one can file and save stuff . Looks like something called Google Drive. MY Macbook has developed a few issues so I am relying on my Chromebook . So far so good.
by Thegipper
20 Nov 2021 09:19
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - stats and amateur epidemiology
Replies: 4257
Views: 152401

Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - stats and amateur epidemiology

Arby wrote: 20 Nov 2021 08:49 I'm about to book an appointment for my COVID booster shot. Here Florida I can choose what brand of vaccine. My first two shots were Moderna, Are there any studies that show better efficacy for going with a different brand for the booster (i.e. Pfizer)?
Based on what I have seen Moderna seems to have the longest and strongest protection. Canada's experience with mixed dosages AZ with a second shot from Moderna or Pfizer after a lengthy interval points toward good protection. I am not an expert but my limited expertise I would stick with the Moderna.
by Thegipper
13 Nov 2021 10:01
Forum: Stocks, Bonds, ETFs, Funds, REITS and More
Topic: Here are my 202x stock picks
Replies: 574
Views: 126851

Re: Here are my 202x stock picks

If I understood your initial strategy it was a buy and hold for 5 years. It seems you have totally switched too trading . High returns have been easy to come by since March of 2020. You are just part of a large crowd.
by Thegipper
12 Nov 2021 15:49
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Google Chromebook
Replies: 22
Views: 2440

Google Chromebook

Bought a Lenovo Chromebook from Costco for 250 after a $120 discount. . So far i like it . It is super good at bringing up my favourites. I am thinking it will do for filing my 2021 Turbo tax return. I have to learn a little more about saving and filing stuff. I have a Macbook from 2015 and I think this is superior in some respects. The screen quality is better and it is faster then the Mac. One irritant is it lacks a capitalizing key. I fixed my settings so the search key is my capitalizing key. I like its size and its weight. A great device for browsing .

Topic split into dedicated topic -- Admin
by Thegipper
11 Nov 2021 09:50
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel
Replies: 407
Views: 29714

Re: COVID-19 • Resumption of travel

The county I am in has a number of drive through stations for PCR covid testing. There is no charge. You make an appointment and get swabbed at the appointed time and you get your results back within 24 hours. If Canada insists on this test for returning travellers I hope the service continues. Because such testing is widespread and free I wonder if Canada is under reporting its covid situation?
by Thegipper
08 Nov 2021 20:42
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - community and consumer impacts?
Replies: 1628
Views: 71888

Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - community and consumer impacts?

You can buy a rapid test kit [2 tests] from Walmart stores in TX for $14.00. 10 minute wait for results.
by Thegipper
08 Nov 2021 08:22
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - community and consumer impacts?
Replies: 1628
Views: 71888

Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - community and consumer impacts?

Shante wrote: 07 Nov 2021 20:59 Three or five days, respectively, is a very tight timeline that has to encompass getting enough symptoms of the right kind to identify the need for a test, get to a test site, get tested, get the results, get a doctor's appointment, get a prescription, fill the prescription, and take the medication, all while sick with COVID and actively infectious. I don't think it will be the game changer we were hoping for in a therapeutic. Especially in a non-urban environment.
Rapid antigen tests solves a good part of the process. 15 minutes for results . Home testing kits aren't far away.
by Thegipper
07 Nov 2021 09:34
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - community and consumer impacts?
Replies: 1628
Views: 71888

Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - community and consumer impacts?

Pfizer’s announcement that their anti viral pill taken within 3 days of developing symptoms is extremely effective in preventing hospitalization seems like a game changer to me. Also Merck's Molnupiravir: First pill to treat Covid gets approval in UK "In clinical trials the pill, originally developed to treat flu, cut the risk of hospitalisation or death by about half. " Gee I wonder if we have something currently that reduces the risk substantially better? :rofl: This is basically tamiflu for the flu. And if you're not already aware, it is only useful in nursing homes at times of outbreak because it is time-sensitive. Most people in the community present far too late (as they should, stay home and rest!). Even then, the benefit ...
by Thegipper
04 Nov 2021 21:13
Forum: Retirement, Pensions and Peace of Mind
Topic: RRSP to RRIF conversion
Replies: 49
Views: 4961

Re: RRSP to RRIF conversion

My spouse holds a spousal and a her own RRSP. She has converted both to a RRIF. Was thinking of merging them intone RRIF but it seems to be a hassle so she will stick with two RRIFs.
by Thegipper
04 Nov 2021 17:44
Forum: Stocks, Bonds, ETFs, Funds, REITS and More
Topic: Discount broker rankings
Replies: 136
Views: 36222

Re: Discount broker rankings

I have purchase US Vanguard Inflation Protected Short Term Securities through my RBC account.