Category Archives: Consumer activism

Grammar Police on patrol

For those whom this might amuse: From: Jonathan Kamens <jik@kamens.brookline.ma.us> To: info@commutercheckdirect.com Subject: Typographical error on “Commuter Benefits Order Fulfillment” email OK, so admit it, I’m ridiculously picky, and this is a ridiculously trivial thing I’m writing to you about.  Still, on the off chance that someone there might care about it…   The “Commuter Benefits… Read More »

Administaff disappoints

A little less than a year ago, my employer, Tamale Software (since acquired by Advent Software, in what I would happily classify as the fourth successful acquisition of the five in which I’ve been involved), decided to outsource its human resources function to the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) Administaff (note: Tamale used Administaff, but Advent doesn’t,… Read More »

Citi Smith Barney incompetence

November 14, 2008 Branch Manager Chase Group 2775 Sand Hill Road, Suite 120 Menlo Park, CA 94025 To whom it may concern: I am writing to complain about Citi Smith Barney’s poor service, incompetence, gouging me out of a bogus $95 fee, and then trying to snow me into believing that it wasn’t your fault.

Recs for downtown Boston businesses: Long’s Jewelry, Minuteman Coin & Jewelry, Watch Hospital, Downtown Barbers

I went for a walk downtown today to get a new battery for my wife’s watch, and I was pleasantly surprised to have positive experiences with four different businesses.  So here’s a shout out to… Long’s Jewelry and Watch Store at 100 Summer Street (617-426-8500).  I stopped here first.  The woman who helped me was friendly,… Read More »

Virgin Mobile makes amends

My letter to the CEO of Virgin Mobile paid off, although it took them two months to respond.  I got a voicemail message from a woman there apologizing for the way my problem was handled and letting me know that she was sending me a new phone and putting a $10 credit on my account to… Read More »

Virgin Mobile sucks

I sent the letter below to the CEO of Vigin Mobile over a month ago.  Thus far, there has been no response. Can anyone suggest a decent, inexpensive prepaid cell phone service?

Why we’ve stopped buying red meat

My wife and I have recently made the decision that, at least for the time being, we will no longer buy any Kosher butchered red meat (although we will probably continue to eat red meat out of our house and buy pre-prepared fleishig foods). I am writing this article to explain our decision, to (a)… Read More »