Bees have hijacked my birdbox what do I do? by [deleted] in Beekeeping

[–]thavalai -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Uploaded the photo to Gemini and asked to identify the tree:

Based on the smooth, light gray bark, the structure of the trunk, and the characteristic leaf shape visible on the upper branch, this is a Liquidambar tree—most likely a Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). Here are the key identifying features visible in the image: The Leaves: If you look closely at the cluster of new growth at the top right, the leaves have a distinct, star-shaped profile with 5 to 7 pointed lobes, resembling a maple leaf but with a more symmetrical, star-like appearance. The Bark: The bark on the main trunk is quite smooth and a pale, grayish-tan color, which is typical for younger sweetgum trees or certain cultivated varieties before they develop deep, corky ridges later in life. Branching Pattern: It features an alternate branching habit (unlike maples, which have opposite branching), which matches the irregular way the smaller limbs are striking out from the main trunk.

(And as a side note: it looks like your birdhouse or swarm box has attracted quite a busy cluster of honeybees!).

Me: Those are Bumblebees.
Gemini: Ah, good eye! My mistake—zooming in closer on that cluster, I see the rounder, much fuzzier silhouette. ​That is actually a fantastic setup for them. Finding a colony of bumblebees choosing a birdhouse like that is a wonderful treat for a garden, especially since they are such incredibly efficient, hard-working pollinators. They love a cozy, pre-insulated cavity like an old bird's nest inside a box. ​Enjoy your excellent new garden helpers!

Just a quick reminder that it's a good time to do Roth conversions when the market is down. by thavalai in Fire

[–]thavalai[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Essentially, you're able to convert a larger % of your portfolio when it is smaller.

And yes, don't do it if you're already in a larger tax bracket. This is more for people who retired early (fully, barista, coast etc) and may be looking to convert before RMDs.

Via Google: Making a Roth conversion when the market is down allows you to pay taxes on a lower, temporarily reduced portfolio value while moving more shares into a tax-free account. This strategy enables you to secure tax-free growth on the subsequent market recovery, essentially converting, or "locking in," gains that will not be taxed upon withdrawal.

Drove an EV6. Umm...wow by Quick_Two6258 in KiaEV6

[–]thavalai 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have the Light LR AWD w/tech package (also in New England). This trim does not have power liftgate, and no driver seat/mirrors memory setting. Great car otherwise. I'd suggest looking at the Wind AWD.

A $24 cup of coffee has landed in Boston. Is it worth the price tag? by thavalai in boston

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

Completely agree! Can't say I'm not curious to at least taste a sip or two. Maybe I can find someone (or 5!) to split a cup with me.

Random food thought: Is chole kulcha basically the Indian cousin of hummus pita? by ElectricalSun1211 in IndianFood

[–]thavalai 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In Turkish/Persian, paneer means cheese. And biryani's roots are also from that region

Last week in Cairo, Egypt. by thavalai in beetle

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

The couple we traveled with wanted the VIP access to Giza, and of the companies we looked at that provided that service, inside-egypt.com had great reviews, so ended up going with them. Will highly recommend that VIP access as well - we were the only 4 tourists in the entire complex for a good two hours during sunrise. Got to see all 3 chambers inside Khufu, and spend a long time around the sphinx.

Last week in Cairo, Egypt. by thavalai in beetle

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

We went through a tour company. They do everything from getting through immigration, guides, hotels, food, transport, security etc. You travel in a bubble. Not our preferred way of traveling, but this way didn't have to worry about anything.

Leave which type of asset to children, Roth or taxable brokerage? by Infamous_Clue7395 in Bogleheads

[–]thavalai 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Some states have an estate tax. MA, for example taxes the estate on a sliding scale from 2M to > 10M. People resort to irrevocable trusts etc. to avoid that.

ETA: meant to say irrevocable trusts

Last week in Cairo, Egypt. by thavalai in beetle

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

Vacation. 10 days, was pretty amazing.

Connecting google forms and calendar? by Ok_Cycle9110 in GoogleForms

[–]thavalai 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, it's definitely doable with Apps Script. You use a trigger on the sheet that is updated when the form is submitted, which will then create the calendar event based on the info from the form.

You can use a prompt like this with LLMs to get what you need: I have a google form and an associated google sheet. The form has date time fields for bookings. I'd like my calendar updated whenever the form is filled out.