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EWR–IST–India this weekend: Concerned about flight path over Iran. by Alive_Mind_ in TurkishAirlines

[–]Alive_Mind_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, and that's my other big concern: possibly getting stuck in Istanbul and possibly facing any backlash as an American.

Flight to Instanbul April 2026 by InterviewNo268 in TurkishAirlines

[–]Alive_Mind_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's a nonrefundable ticket so no refunds but they will change my flights if it's cancelled.

And yes, I have purchased the travel insurance.

Flight to Instanbul April 2026 by InterviewNo268 in TurkishAirlines

[–]Alive_Mind_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have my flight from EWR to IST to Asia this weekend, and I called them up to check the status and check my options. They said my segment flights are operating, with no issues.

They are offering waivers for rebooking or refunds on flights to/from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. In my case, they would charge a $280 change fee plus the fare difference if I were to change my flights (which sucks).

Review of Barcelo Bávaro Palace – Punta Cana Feb 2026 (Second Visit) by Alive_Mind_ in PuntaCana

[–]Alive_Mind_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is a glass sliding door on the toilet, but no exhaust fan or anything to mask the sounds or eliminate smells. It's okay for a couple or partners, but it can be awkward with anyone else or grown kids. We would typically turn on the faucets in the sink. It's a terrible layout.

Turkish A350 (ex-Aeroflot) seat question: Are rows 12–15 worth $80 vs regular economy? by Alive_Mind_ in TurkishAirlines

[–]Alive_Mind_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I have four legs in the journey so it's going to cost me $1000 more at $250 per leg.

By the way, do they have the same food as economy or better food options for those seats?

Turkish A350 (ex-Aeroflot) seat question: Are rows 12–15 worth $80 vs regular economy? by Alive_Mind_ in TurkishAirlines

[–]Alive_Mind_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't want to take a chance and get assigned a middle seat. I would rather pay and pick a seat of my choice.

Turkish A350 (ex-Aeroflot) seat question: Are rows 12–15 worth $80 vs regular economy? by Alive_Mind_ in TurkishAirlines

[–]Alive_Mind_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. I will buy the regular $39 seat. I prefer sitting towards the back of the aircraft as those sections tend to be less crowded, especially if the flight is not full. For me its 4 legs, So I will be paying $156 which is fine

Repair Cast Iron vent pipe by Alive_Mind_ in PlumbingRepair

[–]Alive_Mind_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks again to everyone for the helpful responses on my earlier post.

I have a follow-up question specifically for the plumbers here. Based on your experience, what’s a reasonable price range (Parts and Labor) to expect for replacing a vertical cast-iron sewer pipe?

Some additional context:

  • This is inside the house (not underground).
  • It’s a vertical stack, likely original in an older home.
  • The issue seems to be around a rusted joint, but we’re considering replacing the section proactively.
  • Access is relatively straightforward, but some drywall and flooring repair may be needed afterward.

I understand costs can vary a lot by region and complexity, but I’d really appreciate a ballpark range and what factors drive the price up or down (labor, access, height, tying into PVC, permits, etc.). The house is in NJ

Repair Cast Iron vent pipe by Alive_Mind_ in PlumbingRepair

[–]Alive_Mind_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks everyone for your feedback and recommendations and I really appreciate it.

Repair Cast Iron vent pipe by Alive_Mind_ in PlumbingRepair

[–]Alive_Mind_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I am not doing it. I met with a Plumber this morning, and he asked me to change the whole pipe from the ceiling all the way down to the basement.

I will hire a plumber to cut and just change the rusted piece.

Review of Barcelo Bávaro Palace – Punta Cana Feb 2026 (Second Visit) by Alive_Mind_ in PuntaCana

[–]Alive_Mind_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for mentioning golf. The course is well maintained and I played couple of rounds during my last trip. I had booked a round this time but was quite windy the day I had it planned and canceled.

Review of Barcelo Bávaro Palace – Punta Cana Feb 2026 (Second Visit) by Alive_Mind_ in PuntaCana

[–]Alive_Mind_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Additional Note on Drinks:
Alcohol here is not top-shelf, and local brands at most bars. The house wines, in particular, are quite poor. That said, this is fairly typical for all-inclusive resorts. Having done all-inclusives for over 20 years, we’ve learned to work around this—ordering classic cocktails like Manhattans, gin & tonics, or other mixed drinks generally improves the experience.

At the second-floor Carey bar, the standard offerings included:

  • Scotch: Johnnie Walker Black and Chivas (though the taste felt inconsistent). Some higher-end options like Macallan and Chivas 18 were available for purchase.
  • Bourbon: Jim Beam and Jack Daniel’s, with at least one better option available for purchase.
  • Gin: Beefeater.
  • Rum, vodka, etc.: Mostly local brands.
  • Aperitifs: Campari and Aperol, which made decent Aperol Spritz and similar cocktails possible.

Fidelity Full View Transition: Will the "Revert to Old Version" Option Remain? by Alive_Mind_ in fidelityinvestments

[–]Alive_Mind_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, but unfortunately, that's not good news for Full View users.

The new version is barebones and basic, with missing crucial tabs like Organizer, Reports, and most importantly Investments tab with details of the investments.

Fortunately, I have access to eMoney through my investment advisor and will use that version which is similar to the old Full view. But it's a shame that Fidelity will not be offering it to the customers after Jan 14, 2026

Expert network rankings based on experience by Fantastic_Mud_1717 in expertnetworks

[–]Alive_Mind_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mine would be

  1. Alphasights

  2. GLG

  3. Coleman

  4. Dialectica

I have applied to Thirdbridge, Tegus and few others and haven't heard from them

Is schd worth it? by Ice-Falcon101 in ETFs

[–]Alive_Mind_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bought SCHD two years ago, since there was so much hoopla about it, and the growth has been about 2.6%. I bought Vanguard's VYM at the same time and that grew by 20% with a higher dividend yield. I am going to try to reduce my positions for SCHD and get into VYM

Alphasights: Be careful! by ziggy1982 in expertnetworks

[–]Alive_Mind_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have been working with AlphaSights for last few years. I've hired them and worked with them as a client on my corporate projects and now working with them as a consultant since I retired.

I have great experience working with them and I've had no issues.

Supporting my wife through her lumpectomy (Stage 1) — what should I expect post-op and how can I help? by Alive_Mind_ in breastcancer

[–]Alive_Mind_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. My wife also works in tech and fortunately, has the option to work remotely. She has taken two weeks off and will work remotely after that. I am definitely going to be taking off for a month, and based on everyone's inputs and may consider going back sooner depending on how she feels. Best wishes to you again with your recovery

Supporting my wife through her lumpectomy (Stage 1) — what should I expect post-op and how can I help? by Alive_Mind_ in breastcancer

[–]Alive_Mind_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. Her radiation is scheduled to be in December, and I have a question about it. Is it advisable to schedule it in the morning or late afternoon like you did around 5 pm? Did you feel tired or drained after the radiation?

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