By Tom Margenau Every week, I probably get a dozen emails from readers who tell me they want to "maximize" their Social Security benefits. So many senior citizens are absolutely obsessed with the notion that there is some secret to getting more money from Social Security that they don't know about. As I've explained hundreds of times in this column, the alleged "secret" … [Read more...] about Social Security Maximizing Madness
Articles
The Benefits of Algae
Hi, my name is Al G. Greene. We need to talk. I would like to set the record straight about some things you have been saying about me and my cousins, the Browns and the Bluegreens. First, let us clear up who we are not. We are not duckweed, which is a tiny (by your standards) flowering plant. It takes five or 10 of them to reach 1 inch long. We are also not the … [Read more...] about The Benefits of Algae
2020 Nissan Frontier Review – Bigger New V-6, Same Familiar Body
Eric Peters - Peters Garage. The new Nissan Frontier is actually pretty old; the 2020 model is essentially the same truck as the 2005 model. With one exception. There's a new 3.8-liter V-6 engine under the hood that's the most powerful standard engine under the hood of any currently available midsize truck. It has more than twice the horsepower of the four-cylinder … [Read more...] about 2020 Nissan Frontier Review – Bigger New V-6, Same Familiar Body
Here’s How to Build a Wood Burning Fireplace – Minus the Smoke
Dear James: Whenever we use our great room fireplace, some smoke comes out into the room. I am going to add one to the master bedroom. How can I keep the new fireplace from being smoky? -- Ron T. Dear Ron: You definitely are not alone with the problem of a smoky wood-burning fireplace. More than half of fireplaces cause some smoky conditions inside homes, and it is difficult … [Read more...] about Here’s How to Build a Wood Burning Fireplace – Minus the Smoke
Tablescapes 101
Designing a tablescape for a special dinner should take into account the decor of the home, the occasion, the food to be served and even the guest list. The beauty of setting a table is that you can be as simple or as extravagant as you wish. Every table can tell a tale -- or set the theatrical background for tales to be made. A tablecloth can be considered the foundation … [Read more...] about Tablescapes 101
Searching For an Architectural Soul
Many think that the architecture of Palm Beach is one that never changes -- building in Palm Beach is no easy task. It is but for a fortunate few who can first and foremost afford it, and secondly jump through Architectural reviews, neighbor's approvals and sometimes a lawsuit or two. Architecture is not taken lightly, and while some see the island as a place where things never … [Read more...] about Searching For an Architectural Soul
Real Estate Tips – Questions on Signing the Purchase Contract
Dear Edith: This is the first time we've bought a house, and our agent says when we find the right one, she'll draw up the contract and we'll sign it right there. My father always advised I should never sign a contract until a lawyer has looked it over for me. What is your advice about this? -- G. C. F. Answer: For first-time buyers, signing a purchase offer can be a shaky … [Read more...] about Real Estate Tips – Questions on Signing the Purchase Contract
Auto Reviews – 2018 Nissan Versa
The average price paid for a new car last year was about $35,000. But that doesn't mean you have to pay $35k to drive home a new car -- a nice new car. You could buy a brand-new Nissan Versa -- with air conditioning, a four-speaker Bluetooth-ready stereo and intermittent wipers -- and pay less than $12k. A Pinto reimagined it's not. What It Is The Versa sedan is the … [Read more...] about Auto Reviews – 2018 Nissan Versa
Social Security and the Government Shutdown Silliness
As I am writing this, the government is in the middle of another of its silly shutdown soap operas. But my hunch is that by the time you read this, the shutdown will be over. The news seems to indicate that Congress will pass a temporary funding measure that will last until about Feb. 8, when we may very well go through this all over again. I'm not even going to begin to … [Read more...] about Social Security and the Government Shutdown Silliness
2018 AAS Flower Award Winners
When you are looking at garden catalogs and plants in the garden center, it is sometimes difficult to know how well a plant is going to do in your garden. All-America Selections is an independent nonprofit testing organization that tests new plants. It has more than 60 test gardens, from Alaska and Canada, to California and Florida. It also has over 175 display gardens all … [Read more...] about 2018 AAS Flower Award Winners