Thanks, Amtrak, for demonstrating how to apologize badly

I recently wrote about a series of poor experiences I had with Amtrak and most notably about their horrendous response to my feedback about those experiences. I decided to send a complaint letter to the CEO of Amtrak. Of course, I knew the CEO was never going to see my letter, but every large corporation… Read More: Thanks, Amtrak, for demonstrating how to apologize badly »

Review: Fitbit Ionic vs. Garmin Forerunner 35

I recently replaced my Fitbit Ionic, which I wore for a couple years, with a Garmin Forerunner 35. Before the Fitbit, I wore two different Pebble models, so I’ve had long-term experience with four different fitness smart-watches. Here are my thoughts about both watches and how they compare. A good overall framing for this review… Read More: Review: Fitbit Ionic vs. Garmin Forerunner 35 »

Amtrak classifies valid customer feedback as “venting,” ignores it

Due to a tragic accident on December 5 in which an Amtrak worker was electrocuted, Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor service was negatively impacted throughout the day, with many trains delayed or canceled. I was scheduled to take an Amtrak train from New Haven, CT to Boston, MA on the evening of December 5. Because of the… Read More: Amtrak classifies valid customer feedback as “venting,” ignores it »

Carolyn Hax currently broken in comics aggregator; please complain to WaPo

The comics aggregator is currently unable to display Carolyn Hax columns because the Washington Post RSS feed that the aggregator uses to find out about Carolyn’s columns has been broken for several days. I have complained repeatedly to the Post’s customer service department but they have not acknowledged my complaint or addressed the problem. I… Read More: Carolyn Hax currently broken in comics aggregator; please complain to… »

“Mallard Fillmore” removed from comics aggregator

When I look at the content of the “Mallard Fillmore” comic strip, two words inevitably come to mind: “ok boomer.” Bruce Tinsley, the author of Mallard Fillmore, has a nationwide platform which he mostly uses to publish endless variants of stupid “get off my lawn!” jokes, as befitting someone of his age. If it were… Read More: “Mallard Fillmore” removed from comics aggregator »

“Ask Amy” has been removed from the comics aggregator

The advice column “Ask Amy”, written by Amy Dickinson, has been removed from my comics aggregator and will not be coming back. Advice columnists draw from three wellsprings: advice, compassion, and judgment. All three have their place, and different responses call for different measures of each one. Good columnists accompany all three with a healthy… Read More: “Ask Amy” has been removed from the comics aggregator »

2019 Boston City Council At-Large and District 9 Endorsements

The 2019 preliminary election for Boston City Council is this Tuesday, September 24. The eight at-large candidates and the two district candidates from each district who garner the most votes will move on to the final election in November. I live in District 9, so I have carefully considered all the District 9 and at-large… Read More: 2019 Boston City Council At-Large and District 9 Endorsements »