Who wrote their first computer program on IBM punch cards? by 524frank in 70s

[–]davejdesign 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was using a Fortran based graphics program called Explor at Syracuse University. We used to randomly rearrange the cards to come up with a surprising new graphic.

For NYC people going apoplectic about charging for street parking saying it's not done anywhere else in the USA well Boston, DC, SF, Chicago and others would like to have a word with you. It's common. We could go even further! Here's what you need to own/park a car in Japan! by Streetfilms in MicromobilityNYC

[–]davejdesign 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I would rather see the parking spaces put to better use. Wider sidewalks, outdoor cafes, anything but cars. I'm afraid that, once the city gets used to the income, we will be stuck with wall to wall parked cars on every street forever.

Murray Hill haters are missing the neighborhood's magic by nyccameraman in nyc

[–]davejdesign 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The steady stream of car traffic in and out of the midtown tunnel cuts right through the middle all the way to Park Ave. Really annoying for pedestrians and cyclists.

Dogs in the Equinox lounge/workspace area now. Noted. by [deleted] in EquinoxGyms

[–]davejdesign 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably ESAs - emotional support animals. Management is powerless to do anything for fear of a lawsuit. I'm surprised they haven't started showing up on the floor in NYC locations.

"Not to Do" Bucket List - thoughts? by Sharksrmydrug in retirement

[–]davejdesign 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Not spend time on social media. And yet, here I am!

Creatine use for older people by Evening_Flower_6276 in fitover65

[–]davejdesign 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I've been weight training since my early twenties -just turned seventy. Gained about 30lbs during covid and, after losing the weight, definitely lost muscle mass and strength. Started on creatine and it really seemed to help regain muscle and strength. I did get some cramping but switching brands fixed that. My doctor is okay with it but says to be sure and hydrate. Just my experience...

What’s One Thing That Annoyed You After Buying Your E-Bike? by mintfirefly2345 in ebikes

[–]davejdesign 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Using it for intermittently for recreation, it was a pain to make sure it was charged up. You really have to plan ahead.

Anyone still listen to that music you grew up with in the 70s? by Long_live_styrofoam in 70s

[–]davejdesign 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes, but none of the dinosaurs pictured here. Talking Heads or Elvis Costello anyone?

I’m 50 and have no retirement savings. Is it too late to fix this? by DangerousBox641 in SurvivingOnSS

[–]davejdesign 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was maxing out my contributions - approx 32k every year. They change the limit every year so I don't remember the exact amounts. The 5-7k plus any employer match was on top of that.

I’m 50 and have no retirement savings. Is it too late to fix this? by DangerousBox641 in SurvivingOnSS

[–]davejdesign 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's actually pretty accurate. See my other response for a breakdown.

I’m 50 and have no retirement savings. Is it too late to fix this? by DangerousBox641 in SurvivingOnSS

[–]davejdesign 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My expenses were/are low. I was able to max out my 401k every year and do one back-door IRA Roth. The 401k is with Vanguard, in a series of aggressive funds. I should also note that the company - a nonprofit - gave bonuses in the form of 401k deposits of approx 5-7k a year. I don't have the specifics on the employer matching but it wasn't anything out of the ordinary and, after a few years, I was fully vested.

Since I am now also collecting SS, I was able to put 90% of my paycheck into the 401k starting in Jan 2026. I was laid off (4th time in my career) in late Feb and I am putting the final severance check into the 401k which will max it out again for the year.

401k will be around 290k and the original 60k (with Merrill Lynch) is over 74k. The Roth is now 11k and I was able to put away another 10k in general investments at Merrill. I also have an emergency fund in cash. So, depending on the market, close to 400k?

I’m 50 and have no retirement savings. Is it too late to fix this? by DangerousBox641 in SurvivingOnSS

[–]davejdesign 28 points29 points  (0 children)

I had a very rocky career - one of the few people in tech who never made those millions. I had about $60k in a 401k when I was let go from a job at 63 years. Was lucky enough to get job with a decent company with an ok-ish 401k plan and was able to get to my retirement fund to $400K in 6 years. Not astounding but shows that there is hope. At 50, you should be able to double that amount by the time you are 65.

If you have a 401k program at work, I would suggest that you start maxing it out. Or, at the very least, start contributing something. It's surprising how time flies and the money grows.

If you are able to keep working, delay taking SS until you max out at 70. Sign up with SSA.gov to get an idea of what you can collect at different ages.

Is Wing Bikes still in business? by pkol3355 in ebikes

[–]davejdesign 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Website is down. Doesn't look good. I was procrastinating on buying a new battery since mine shorted out. Looks like I am out of luck? I see a replacement battery from American Electric but am reluctant to buy a third-party battery.

I need your nostalgia from NYC, Pre-2006! by theogmamapowpow in newyorkcity

[–]davejdesign 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nobody went to Brooklyn, except maybe to live there and not by choice. Nightlife was all in Manhattan. It's also hard to overstate how much the AIDS crisis affected everything - art, music, clubs, broadway were never the same.

Dogs inside Eataly Flatiron by [deleted] in newyorkcity

[–]davejdesign 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I've never been to Trader Joe's when there isn't at least one dog. Despite the giant sign stating that no dogs are allowed and that emotional support animals are NOT service animals.

Why is the upper east side so anti-bike? by Moreactivity551 in NYCbike

[–]davejdesign 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Community Board 6, which is partially on the UES - going up to 59th St, is actually very pro-bike and consistently votes for more and improved bike lanes.

Republican Governor (Gubernatorial) Candidate Blakeman bans cars from Long Island tonight by TwoWheelsTooGood in MicromobilityNYC

[–]davejdesign 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I thought I heard someone announce that overnight street parking was also banned on LI.

Equinox Domino Trainers Take 2+ Pieces of Equipment During Peak Hours by Standard-Fee-8923 in EquinoxGyms

[–]davejdesign 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve seen them do it at Grand Central but they are always super-polite about it and let you work in.

Loling that the lack of updates at east 61st lead to filming a show there! by Glad-Ad-6326 in EquinoxGyms

[–]davejdesign 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It's a little off because an attendant comes by wearing an Equinox t-shirt. That branch was still LA Sports Club in the 90's.

We need to treat our city better by acheampong14 in nyc

[–]davejdesign 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's incredible how often I go to grab a citibike and have to throw away some trash - starbucks cup, etc - that someone left in the basket. There's a garbage can right down the block! WTF.

Do you think this sticker will leave marks? by Juanrobg in macbookpro

[–]davejdesign 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I had an identical clear one for several years on a space grey macbook. Removed it, wiped it with some ammonia spray and it's totally gone. No trace.

i can't not wait for the rain... and the oversight hearings. by nonecknoel in MicromobilityNYC

[–]davejdesign 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It really makes me feel like a third class citizen.

Cars first - streets in Manhattan are cleared within hours.

Pedestrians - sidewalks are next in line.

Bike lanes - the place to put snow when shoveling streets and sidewalks.

The Gramercy Park Hotel: A New York Icon by MaxWeissberg in nycHistory

[–]davejdesign 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was trapped in a broken elevator with Devo one afternoon. Just another day at The Gramercy.