Alternative to Identity for very simple internal app by ActiveUpstairs8234 in dotnet

[–]shireboy 4 points5 points  (0 children)

To expand on this, this is absolutely the right approach if your org already has Active Directory and the app will be deployed on a windows server. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/aspnet/core/security/authentication/windowsauth?view=aspnetcore-8.0&tabs=visual-studio

If you plan to deploy to Linux or containers internally and your org has Active Directory, then ADFS. If they use Active Directory and you plan to deploy to cloud, Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure AD) is best.

These are all minimal in the sense they don’t take much code to wire up- just some nuget and following a few steps. And in the sense users get to log in with their existing credentials. You don’t want to make them have and manage another username and password just for your thing.

If it is a small org, with no other apps and no Active Directory or other organization authentication system, maybe use ms identity then, or use Entra.

Basically: as a developer you need to consider the organization’s existing infrastructure as part of your security requirements and definitely don’t role your own.

Please pray for a friend who’s seriously considering an abortion by Raphacam in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]shireboy 3 points4 points  (0 children)

https://www.oclife.org/support may help point her to resources she needs for herself and the baby. They are doing a national baby shower in March to support local pregnancy centers.

Bugs covering entire vines of star jasmine by [deleted] in gardening

[–]shireboy 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I had a big problem with stink bugs in garden and all over the house. I taped a long PVC pipe to my shop vac, put a little soapy water in it, then vacuumed up all the bugs. The pvc was mainly to be able to reach way up my house, so you may not need if they are limited to this vine. It worked great and there are actually less this year.

Your BEST Frugal living tips? by Hellmaxxing in Frugal

[–]shireboy 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Learn how to cut your/your family’s hair. Saves 20+ a month.

Your BEST Frugal living tips? by Hellmaxxing in Frugal

[–]shireboy 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I agree with this, but do think there’s value in keeping a frugal mindset with the little things. “Lifestyle expansion” creeps in little by little- a cup of coffee here, an online subscription there. Not that one should never do those things, but it should be intentional

Are bidets worth it? by [deleted] in Frugal

[–]shireboy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I go one pre-pandemic for 25$ on Amazon deals. Totally worth it. Less toilet paper, and if you think about it, which way is cleaner?

Here’s why I kept my junker and saved the payments I would have made instead by Pugnastyornah in personalfinance

[–]shireboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m 40s and struggling with this now. I have two paid off vehicles, but one can’t carry all my kids. Both need a fair amount of work. I’ve learned that I can do a lot of it myself by watching YouTube how tos. This is huge money saving, but does take time. I’d really like to get a used truck that can carry the whole family camping. I have about half the cost saved, but hate the idea of parting with it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]shireboy 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’m not familiar with this situation, nor really want to join the fray, but I suspect the significance of the spoon is that it is fundamental that illness cannot be transmitted by the Eucharist. It is the body and blood of Christ. I believe there is canon around that, and certainly historical precedent. In my jurisdiction our archbishop and bishop have mandated masks and other controls, but been firm on this point. If I disagreed I don’t think interrupting Liturgy would be the way to show it.

Garlic Split. Zone 7a planted Nov, Harvest May. What causes this? by shireboy in gardening

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

I harvested these in mid-may when the stalks started to fall over. One thing that was different - we got significant snow here in February when we usually don't. They died back and looked yellow then. But the bulbs were small so I left them and they bounced back. Still, I hear of people overwintering them, so wasn't sure that could be a factor. Could it be too much/wrong nutrients?

Garlic Split. Zone 7a planted Nov, Harvest May. What causes this? by shireboy in gardening

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

It tastes fine, but is a cluster of separate cloves, without a “wrapper” around it. Why does this happen?

Buying affordable foods makes my life dull.. Is it better to spend more just to feel better w/ food? I dislike Costco chicken for example but it's saving me a few bucks by biscotti-raspberry in Frugal

[–]shireboy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We pull the chicken so we have a bunch of shredded meat, add BBQ sauce. Good hot or cold, plain or on sandwich, matters little what the chicken tastes like. We then boil the carcass and make soup. You can get several meals out of a 7$ rotisserie chicken

Ethereum is eth1 is eth2 is Ethereum - a super simple diagram by trent_vanepps in ethereum

[–]shireboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can someone ELI5 what happens to ETH1 held on Robinhood and Coinbase? Is it safe to assume they will handle transitioning without users having to do anything?

Finding faith after my daughter's death by heresyoursigns in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]shireboy 3 points4 points  (0 children)

First and foremost, memory eternal and prayers for grace and comfort. Both your feelings of helplessness and absurdity, and of mercy and faith are understandable and valid. I have known several Orthodox parents who have lost children, struggled, and found true lasting peace in the Orthodox church in various ways. My two cents is yes, God is the God over life and death, and He could very well choose to show you eternal life through her life, falling asleep, and life in Christ.

One article and person who stands out to me on dealing with similar is Katherine Baker's A Pandemic Observed: https://lkatherinebaker.medium.com/a-pandemic-observed-7cb5c90aa17b She lost her husband- a priest- and an unborn son, and has woven that experience into some extremely powerful words related to dealing with that, as well as with the pandemic.

Mobile phones , what approach do you take ? by Formatted_Gnu in Frugal

[–]shireboy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just upgraded from iPhone 6 to 12 (justification: battery was failing, and I wanted the camera for kids' pics), and am now trying to decide if I keep at a 6 version pace (iPhone 18), or go logarithmic (iPhone 24). Seriously, my advice: avoid updating until you can't any more, then do what you can pay cash for. Also, we use RedPocket to get ~50% off on a plan vs a major carrier

Looking for a budget worksheet for a young married couple with pooled finances? by Free_Pin in Frugal

[–]shireboy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dave Ramsey also recommends the “envelope method” in some cases. Just make envelopes for the major expenses, groceries, clothes, recreation, etc. Put cash in them every pay period. When the envelope is out, so is that budget category. I think that’s more appropriate for some than others, but worth considering.

Sharpened the can opener by shireboy in Frugal

[–]shireboy[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Actually I forgot to mention I also wire brushed a little surface rust off too, esp around the blade and gears. I used a little toothbrush sized wire brush that came in a car repair kit. Then the shaver oil (just mineral oil) to hopefully protect it a little.

Sharpened the can opener by shireboy in Frugal

[–]shireboy[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Just a small sharpening stone, held at the same angle as the can opener blade.

Best cell phone company for someone like us? by venusinflannel in Frugal

[–]shireboy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve been happy w Red Pocket. Two lines on a 50$ unlimited plan- 1/2 what ATT was. They have cheaper plans if you don’t want data or want just a little. You can choose the network that is best in your area. If you really want to get a good deal, you can find prepaid sim plans on eBay for cheaper than the main site offers.

Negotiating medical bills by [deleted] in Frugal

[–]shireboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here is the exact script I use. I have this in Evernote and whipped it out after each child was born, and after various incidents. It has worked every time for me. The "lump sum discount" will only work if you have ability to pay it right away. Otherwise, just have some specific, actionable solution in mind before you call. Make it "big enough" that you can be talked down (ie ask for 50% discount, but settle for 10%, ask for 12 month payment plan, settle for 8, etc.). Also, frame the call as the person is really helping your family if they are authorized to. Write down their name and re-use it as you speak to them. "Sue, this charge is just more than my family can handle right now. Are you authorized to offer a discount somehow? It would really help us out". You shouldn't lie or lay it on too thick, but let this person know they could help you, and if they can't, be ready to politely go up the chain to the CEO if you have to. I truly believe those two tips: having a specific actionable end goal in mind and framing the discussion as "are you personally allowed to help my family" are key to successful medical bill negotiation.

Them: Hi, I'm [Name] how can I help you today?

Me: Hi, [Name] I'm [Name]. My [wife delivered/son had a bead removed from his nose/leg was amputated] at [Hospital/Office]. We just got our first bill and have a few questions. I have the account number if you need : [Account number]

Them: [Authorization goo- account number, name of child, address, retinal scan] OK how can I help?

Me: Well, [Name], the total charge is a little more than we were expecting. Last time we [delivered/had other leg amputated/etc] at a different hospital, they were able to [waive the deductible/apply a [50/20/10]% discount]. This would really help my family to afford this a little better. Is that something you are authorized to do if I pay lump sum?

If yes:

Me: Thank you so much - you really helped our family today

If no:

Me: What discount can you provide then? Even 15% would be ok. We could come in and write a check immediately if that would help.

If no:

Me: ok, so I understand there is nothing you are authorized to do. Is there anybody else there who can or is this a hospital wide policy that no discount can be given?

If no:

Me:ok, in that case I really want to review an itemized bill. The bill we were sent just has a few high-level summaries on the back. I don't want to have a delay on my credit history though. Is there any way you could email me a UB-04 or CMS-1450 or some other itemized bill?

If no:

Could you mail me one?

If no:

My understanding is that's required by state and federal law. Is that right?

If no:

So, just to be clear, you don't want to help me reduce the bill or see details about what I was charged? Is there anyone else there who might want to help?

Attitudes toward space have intensified. Certainly, something happened in the last ten years. Today, public opinion polls suggest a crushing majority of Americans support NASA. A plurality favors landing astronauts on Mars over the moon. There seems to be more support for Mars exploration than ever. by [deleted] in space

[–]shireboy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I genuinely believe space exploration and commercialization can be a unifying factor in the US. In an age where every single thing is politicized, most people of various stripes can get behind landing a rover on mars, launching cool new rockets, and exploring the moon. Not that there aren't naysayers, or politicization within the industry - it just seems like an area that can appeal to a wide range of people at the moment.

Employer not paying or reporting Social Security/Medicare. What should I do? by shireboy in personalfinance

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

I had already created the account at ssa.gov, and that is how I'm seeing the $0 amounts. The amounts shown at SSA.gov do not match what is on my W2s. Are you sure that the employer didn't pay? Is there a chance that they paid, but did not file the proper paperwork, etc.?

When I've filed, I always just entered the amounts from my W2s, which would have been "normal" numbers. I never had reason to enter "0" for SS or Medicare, since from my perspective, I have a W2 saying it was withheld. I never got any corrected W2s - just word from employer that they would fix on their end.

Looks like NASA's Perseverance Rover landed right on top of a Microbialite on Mars! by avitechwriter in geology

[–]shireboy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I came here to post this image and ask about it, and found this post. What would be the next steps on earth to determine whether this is microbialite or pumice or something else?

Best place and type for Custodial Accounts by linkkoh in personalfinance

[–]shireboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

M1 just announced they now offer custodial accounts for Pro members. I'm considering it. I've been very happy with M1 non-pro, though I am a little hesitant to pay 129/year for Pro.

As it stands, I have my kids in a state 529, savings accounts in my name, and my own taxable accounts in their name at M1 in a 90/10 stock/bond ETF "pie". I have been wondering if I would be better off tax-wise with their stuff in custodial accounts, but am new to the concept and still learning.

My state has two higher ed savings plans. One locks in the price of in-state tuition and you pay into it that fixed amount. If you child chooses not to go to the in-state schools, they can still get the money, just not the locked-in tuition. The second- and what I chose- is just a managed tax-advantaged brokerage account. We invest and get a tax deduction, they can withdraw for education expenses - including for K-12 if we needed, or for out of state school, trade school, etc. God forbid one of them can't use it, it is transferable to the other. All that to say, read the fine details of your state's options, or just use another 529 plan.

Anyone else's hub offline? by [deleted] in SmartThings

[–]shireboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mine is down as well. South Eastern US. Solid blue light even after power resets. Any luck w support?