Next week marks the 30th anniversary of the infamous Blizzard of '78. My parents were my age during the storm and apparently telling stories about 27" of snow falling over a period of TWO DAYS never, ever gets old. In fact, judging from the amount of coverage that this anniversary is bound to get one would swear that little green aliens fell from the sky on Feb 6, 1978 instead of a couple of inches of snow.
I understand that technology has improved quite a bit over the last three decades. With modern doppler and radar, an eighth grader could probably predict weather patterns better than the meterologists of yore. But baby boomers, seriously, do you have to keep bitching about the Blizzard?
For the love of Matt Damon, I know that it must've been tragic to be stuck inside for an entire week, especially since cable didn't come about until the mid 80's. But let's be realistic here: in the land before fax machines, the state of emergency basically guaranteed you a week of sleeping late and screwing around without your Blackberry going off every 5 minutes. Without telecommuting and the Internet, you could spend the entire week drinking Seagrams wine coolers and your boss would never be the wiser.
The Blizzard of '78 wasn't the Depression, Omaha Beach, or the Tet Offensive - it was a freaking snow storm. Either enter therapy or get over it. All of this talk about the Blizzard has my ears bleeding already.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Farewell to a Friend
I dreamt of Shzaam last night. I can't quite remember what the dream was about, only that it made me a feel a bit uneasy. He was the first thing on my mind when my alarm screamed me back into reality this morning.
I saw Shzaam on Sunday, and likely won't be seeing him for a very long time. His organs are shutting down and food intake is just about impossible. He knows that he's going to die and he's so angry about it. Dying in a hospital, a defenseless victim of the disease, wasn't the way his life was supposed to turn out.
I tried to tell Shzaam how much he means to me. I wanted him to know how much I loved him and the profound impact he's had on my life. While trying to get the words out, Shzaam (pissed off as ever) declared that his family couldn't even bring him the right flavor of Gatorade and that he just wanted to die. I quickly turned the conversation over to his all-time favorite topic: restaurants and food. A smile quickly erupted all over his face when reminiscing about the garlic fries at Flash's and the four-digit tab at Piatini. Ever the phantom gourmet, we talked about the foods that we've eaten and the restaurants that he'll never get the opportunity to try.
Shzaam made a lot of bad decisions about the direction of his life. Though this frustrated me, my friend the Queen Dee taught me to never judge anybody for the decisions they make. While I could never attempt to life a life free of consequences, I certainly learned a lot by watching Shzaam live his. When he passes the world will see him as another AIDS-stricken gay man, but to me he was so much more. Shzaam is my friend and I'm so fortunate that I got to tell him that over the past few months.
Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves. They're not always perfect and it's hard to agree with them 100% of the time. However, people of great character are hard to come by. When such a person enters your life they are truly a gift, and one definitely worth holding on to. Shzaam will be missed more than he can imagine.
I saw Shzaam on Sunday, and likely won't be seeing him for a very long time. His organs are shutting down and food intake is just about impossible. He knows that he's going to die and he's so angry about it. Dying in a hospital, a defenseless victim of the disease, wasn't the way his life was supposed to turn out.
I tried to tell Shzaam how much he means to me. I wanted him to know how much I loved him and the profound impact he's had on my life. While trying to get the words out, Shzaam (pissed off as ever) declared that his family couldn't even bring him the right flavor of Gatorade and that he just wanted to die. I quickly turned the conversation over to his all-time favorite topic: restaurants and food. A smile quickly erupted all over his face when reminiscing about the garlic fries at Flash's and the four-digit tab at Piatini. Ever the phantom gourmet, we talked about the foods that we've eaten and the restaurants that he'll never get the opportunity to try.
Shzaam made a lot of bad decisions about the direction of his life. Though this frustrated me, my friend the Queen Dee taught me to never judge anybody for the decisions they make. While I could never attempt to life a life free of consequences, I certainly learned a lot by watching Shzaam live his. When he passes the world will see him as another AIDS-stricken gay man, but to me he was so much more. Shzaam is my friend and I'm so fortunate that I got to tell him that over the past few months.
Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves. They're not always perfect and it's hard to agree with them 100% of the time. However, people of great character are hard to come by. When such a person enters your life they are truly a gift, and one definitely worth holding on to. Shzaam will be missed more than he can imagine.
Monday, January 28, 2008
For That Squeaky Clean Shine
During my stint as a waitress, part of my job included bussing and wiping down dirty tables. I worked at two different restaurants (one was a chain, the other an independent) and both restaurants supplied me with a spray bottle filled with a vinegar solution to do the dirty deed with. Using a homemade vinegar solution is quick and sanitary, and is obviously a lot cheaper than store-brand cleaning supplies.
Since I'm a neat freak, and tragically low on cleaning supplies, I decided to try mixing my own vinegar solution. I already had an empty spray bottle, though I'm sure you can use a used bottle providing it's been washed out properly. Simply mix a 50/50 vinegar/water solution and you're good to go.
Total cost per bottle - roughly 30c. It kind of makes my trips to the dollar store to buy cleaning supplies seem like an overpriced luxury :).
Since I'm a neat freak, and tragically low on cleaning supplies, I decided to try mixing my own vinegar solution. I already had an empty spray bottle, though I'm sure you can use a used bottle providing it's been washed out properly. Simply mix a 50/50 vinegar/water solution and you're good to go.
Total cost per bottle - roughly 30c. It kind of makes my trips to the dollar store to buy cleaning supplies seem like an overpriced luxury :).
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Memo to Uncle Sam: the Saga Continues
With a Democratic majority, which American do you think is more likely to get a $600 tax refund?:
Candidate A is an inner city police officer. With rising crime rates and job cuts, this officer often works 80 hours a week, giving him the ability to double his $45,000/year base pay. Candidate A pays over $25,000/year in federal income taxes.
Candidate B is a full time college student. The student works approximately 8 hours a week during the school year and is a camp counselor during the summer, earning an annual salary of approximately $3,800. Candidate B did not earn enough money in 2007 to pay income taxes and was entitled to a full refund.
What's the answer? If you chose Candidate B, pat yourself on the back and crack open your Boston Globe.
According to our talented assortement of elected officials, people who get out of bed every morning and work hard to earn a living are not worthy of being economically stimulated. Despite the fact that police officers, public school principals, and contractors routinely clear at least $87k in most American cities, these outrageously wealthy captains of industry apparently don't deserve a break. People who don't pay income taxes at all, however, will get their $600 kiss in the mail in June.
I can't wait to vote Republican this November and rid our nation of these types of asshat economic initiatives.
Candidate A is an inner city police officer. With rising crime rates and job cuts, this officer often works 80 hours a week, giving him the ability to double his $45,000/year base pay. Candidate A pays over $25,000/year in federal income taxes.
Candidate B is a full time college student. The student works approximately 8 hours a week during the school year and is a camp counselor during the summer, earning an annual salary of approximately $3,800. Candidate B did not earn enough money in 2007 to pay income taxes and was entitled to a full refund.
What's the answer? If you chose Candidate B, pat yourself on the back and crack open your Boston Globe.
According to our talented assortement of elected officials, people who get out of bed every morning and work hard to earn a living are not worthy of being economically stimulated. Despite the fact that police officers, public school principals, and contractors routinely clear at least $87k in most American cities, these outrageously wealthy captains of industry apparently don't deserve a break. People who don't pay income taxes at all, however, will get their $600 kiss in the mail in June.
I can't wait to vote Republican this November and rid our nation of these types of asshat economic initiatives.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Not Really the One Who Got Away
When I was a 19 year old sophomore at UMass, I met and fell in love with a senior classmate from Long Island. We were inseparable through fall and spring semester and continued our relationship when he moved back home to work in New York City. Eventually the logistical challenges proved to be too much. We broke up about a year after we met but remained as friendly as one can be when they lose their first love.
Still on speaking terms with him two years later, my sorority sister announces (over the phone) that she is moving from DC to NY to pursue a relationship with my ex. I was pretty hurt that neither one of them bothered to tell me, nor did they even attempt to break the news to me in a semi-tactful manner. I knew that they'd be perfect for each other but their lack of sensitivity didn't even give me the opportunity to be involved in either of their lives. I ended up losing two friends as a result.
I obviously got over it and they eventually did decide to get married. That would normally be the end of the story except we happen to have a mutual friend that was in town this weekend. Since this couple now lives in Stoughton and I'm bound to run into them at CVS, I figured that her visit might give us the opportunity to be civilized and get re-acquainted.
As women a lot of us often ponder what would've happened if they had remained with their ex. They wax nostalgically about the good times they had and how great it felt to be part of a relationship. They often forget how his much his annoying habits bugged you and that your girlfriends may have been right about him all along. While I don't think that my ex is a bad person, he definitely wasn't right for me. The memories of his NY-superiority attitude immediately came rushing back and it deeply irritated me. While it was nice to catch up with him over bowling and a beer, I was grateful that he was going home with the love of his life, and that the love of his life wasn't me.
Ladies, your relationships end for a reason. Sometimes it just isn't right and it isn't anybody's fault. Men do not have the evolutionary capability to change and it's something as women that we all have to deal with. I'm lucky that I'll always have decent memories of my first love, but I'm happy that it wasn't my last. Assuming I don't have anything incriminating in my cart, running into him at CVS may not be so bad after all.
Still on speaking terms with him two years later, my sorority sister announces (over the phone) that she is moving from DC to NY to pursue a relationship with my ex. I was pretty hurt that neither one of them bothered to tell me, nor did they even attempt to break the news to me in a semi-tactful manner. I knew that they'd be perfect for each other but their lack of sensitivity didn't even give me the opportunity to be involved in either of their lives. I ended up losing two friends as a result.
I obviously got over it and they eventually did decide to get married. That would normally be the end of the story except we happen to have a mutual friend that was in town this weekend. Since this couple now lives in Stoughton and I'm bound to run into them at CVS, I figured that her visit might give us the opportunity to be civilized and get re-acquainted.
As women a lot of us often ponder what would've happened if they had remained with their ex. They wax nostalgically about the good times they had and how great it felt to be part of a relationship. They often forget how his much his annoying habits bugged you and that your girlfriends may have been right about him all along. While I don't think that my ex is a bad person, he definitely wasn't right for me. The memories of his NY-superiority attitude immediately came rushing back and it deeply irritated me. While it was nice to catch up with him over bowling and a beer, I was grateful that he was going home with the love of his life, and that the love of his life wasn't me.
Ladies, your relationships end for a reason. Sometimes it just isn't right and it isn't anybody's fault. Men do not have the evolutionary capability to change and it's something as women that we all have to deal with. I'm lucky that I'll always have decent memories of my first love, but I'm happy that it wasn't my last. Assuming I don't have anything incriminating in my cart, running into him at CVS may not be so bad after all.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Only in Cambridge
If you grew up around here and actually work for a living, you've probably heard the occasional People's Republic of Cambridge reference. Whether it's trying to secure voting rights for illegal immigrants or implementing anti-spanking measures, the fine folks of Cambridge have always passionately supported issues that are absolutely, in no way, even remotely relevant to citizens of our Commonwealth's other 350 cities and towns.
When they're not out holding signs for Barak Obama, it seems as if a few of Cambridge's finest have found another worthy cause to back: tax evasion. Local ice cream treatery Toscanini's has been nailed by the Mass Department of Revenue for failing to pay over $100,000 in back taxes. Never an agency to fuck around, the DOR has seized Toscanini's until some type of payment plan or check for 100 large is arranged.
I've never eaten at Toscanini's and while I'm sure that the ice cream is great, people should not be rallying around a criminal who feels that he is too smart to pay his taxes like everyone else. The fact that some douchebag started a blog to raise funds for a private-for-profit business is absolutely maddening. The majority of all Americans are employed by companies that would fall into the "small business" category. Nobody, not even a bunch of self-rightous Cambridge foodies, should be encouraging small business owners to avoid their financial obligations to society.
When they're not out holding signs for Barak Obama, it seems as if a few of Cambridge's finest have found another worthy cause to back: tax evasion. Local ice cream treatery Toscanini's has been nailed by the Mass Department of Revenue for failing to pay over $100,000 in back taxes. Never an agency to fuck around, the DOR has seized Toscanini's until some type of payment plan or check for 100 large is arranged.
I've never eaten at Toscanini's and while I'm sure that the ice cream is great, people should not be rallying around a criminal who feels that he is too smart to pay his taxes like everyone else. The fact that some douchebag started a blog to raise funds for a private-for-profit business is absolutely maddening. The majority of all Americans are employed by companies that would fall into the "small business" category. Nobody, not even a bunch of self-rightous Cambridge foodies, should be encouraging small business owners to avoid their financial obligations to society.
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Tax Man Cometh
We're getting a tax refund, ya'll.
Rather than actually implement solid initiatives to help the economy, President Bush has decided that we'd be much, much, much better off if he simply gave us each an extra $800.
I've already decided what I'm going to do with my $800. Here it goes: I'm going to take $200 of it and convert it into single dollar bills. Then I'm going to take each bill, crumple it up, and throw it into Boston Harbor. I'll put the remaining $600 in a Bank of America savings account where it'll accrue about $2/month in interest.
Another solid option is to invest all $800 into the American stock market. Dollar for dollar though I'd probably be ahead in a year if I just threw 20% of my cash in the Harbor.
This nation is seriously struggling and rather than give us leadership and real life solutions, our politicians think it's ok to simply pay us off. You can give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Or you can teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime (Chinese proverb - yes this blog is outsourcing inspirational quotes).
When we all blow our $800 (and you know we will. After all, how do you think we got into this mess in the first place?) we'll still be as screwed as we were before and a new president will left to clean up the mess. President Bush, however, gets to take credit for a recession, a war we cannot win in Iraq, a failing stock market, massive unemployement, a weak dollar, foreign trade deficits, and a bankrupt Medicare system.
And all I get is a lousy $800.
Rather than actually implement solid initiatives to help the economy, President Bush has decided that we'd be much, much, much better off if he simply gave us each an extra $800.
I've already decided what I'm going to do with my $800. Here it goes: I'm going to take $200 of it and convert it into single dollar bills. Then I'm going to take each bill, crumple it up, and throw it into Boston Harbor. I'll put the remaining $600 in a Bank of America savings account where it'll accrue about $2/month in interest.
Another solid option is to invest all $800 into the American stock market. Dollar for dollar though I'd probably be ahead in a year if I just threw 20% of my cash in the Harbor.
This nation is seriously struggling and rather than give us leadership and real life solutions, our politicians think it's ok to simply pay us off. You can give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Or you can teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime (Chinese proverb - yes this blog is outsourcing inspirational quotes).
When we all blow our $800 (and you know we will. After all, how do you think we got into this mess in the first place?) we'll still be as screwed as we were before and a new president will left to clean up the mess. President Bush, however, gets to take credit for a recession, a war we cannot win in Iraq, a failing stock market, massive unemployement, a weak dollar, foreign trade deficits, and a bankrupt Medicare system.
And all I get is a lousy $800.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Thank You, Swedish Conglomerate
I was at an event in Cambridge last night where about 90% of the people in attendance were not originally from Massachusetts. Noticing my distinct-but-sexy Boston gutter accent, they asked me where I grew up. Stoughton, I replied. 5 years ago if I had mentioned if I was from Stoughton I would've gotten one of the following responses:
Stoughton....where is that?
Isn't that where Alex's is?
Are you in a gang?
That's on the North Shore, right? (no, you ignorant fuck, that's StoneHAM)
Oh....that's how it's pronounced. I thought it was Stof-ton
Nowadays I get this response:
Wow! That's where Ikea is!
Hey, whatever draws the tourists in....
Nowadays I get this response:
Hey, whatever draws the tourists in....
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
WWEPD: What Would Emily Post Do?
This morning I went to a small auto shop on Bolivar Street in Canton to get my annual inspection sticker. Though the waiting room was pretty scrubby they volunteered to take me right away which thrilled me to no end. When they rang me up 5 minutes later thoughts of "this is great! This whole painful process isn't even going to take 10 minutes!" ran through my head. As I was collecting my change an odd sound radiated throughout the waiting room.
It was a man relieving himself in the restroom. With the door wide open. About two feet away from me.
Shocked, I immediately about faced in the opposite direction as the employees walked about as if there was nothing even remotely disturbing about this course of events.
What's a lady to do in this situation? Because seriously, that's just really fucking gross.
It was a man relieving himself in the restroom. With the door wide open. About two feet away from me.
Shocked, I immediately about faced in the opposite direction as the employees walked about as if there was nothing even remotely disturbing about this course of events.
What's a lady to do in this situation? Because seriously, that's just really fucking gross.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
TV Land
Starting in February 2009 the FCC is forcing broadcasters to switch from analog to digital signals. However, don't assume that you need to immediately upgrade to an HDTV set. Unless you're still using rabbit ears, chances are that the changeover will not affect your ability to view TV. Most cable boxes will switch the signal automatically though investing in a converter box may be wise should the cable go out. The government is offering a $40 coupon to defray the cost of your purchase.
If you do want to invest in an HDTV, there are a few things you need to know:
1. If you're a Comcast subscriber you'll need an HDTV cable box; it will cost you about $7/month on top of what you are currently paying.
2. There are three leading HDTV technologies right now: LCD, Plasma, and DLP. While all three technologies will give you a wonderful picture, it's important to take into consideration what type of environment you watch TV in. For example, if watch TV in a room that is very sunny, the sunlight reflecting off a plasma screen will probably drive you batshit. There are lots of guides available to assist you with this decision.
3. Contrast ratio: the higher the ratio, the better the picture. A basic set will have at least 1200:1 contrast ratio while a top of the line set will have something closer to 25000:1. Get as high of a contrast ratio as you can afford.
4. HDMI is the output of choice for peripherals such as cable boxes, DVD players, sound systems, gaming systems, etc. HDMI offers a true high def picture, and is quickly replacing older technologies such as coaxial and S-video . Investing in as set with 2 or more HDMI outputs will help "futureproof" your set. FYI: chances are that when you buy your new HDTV that the sales rep will try to up sell you an HDMI cable for about $20. Comcast will give you one for free if you stop by any of their offices.
5. Prices of HDTV sets vary wildly so shop around and be sure to inquire about price matching. Use the fact that there are dozens of retailers and e-tailers vying for your business to your advantage.
6. Before you ditch your old tube TV look into recycling or donation programs. The average SDTV contains 7 lbs of lead which is wicked bad for the environment if left rotting in a landfill. If you can't give your TV away and it's too big to schlep to the Salvation Army, most scrap metal outfits will haul it away for free.
If you do want to invest in an HDTV, there are a few things you need to know:
1. If you're a Comcast subscriber you'll need an HDTV cable box; it will cost you about $7/month on top of what you are currently paying.
2. There are three leading HDTV technologies right now: LCD, Plasma, and DLP. While all three technologies will give you a wonderful picture, it's important to take into consideration what type of environment you watch TV in. For example, if watch TV in a room that is very sunny, the sunlight reflecting off a plasma screen will probably drive you batshit. There are lots of guides available to assist you with this decision.
3. Contrast ratio: the higher the ratio, the better the picture. A basic set will have at least 1200:1 contrast ratio while a top of the line set will have something closer to 25000:1. Get as high of a contrast ratio as you can afford.
4. HDMI is the output of choice for peripherals such as cable boxes, DVD players, sound systems, gaming systems, etc. HDMI offers a true high def picture, and is quickly replacing older technologies such as coaxial and S-video . Investing in as set with 2 or more HDMI outputs will help "futureproof" your set. FYI: chances are that when you buy your new HDTV that the sales rep will try to up sell you an HDMI cable for about $20. Comcast will give you one for free if you stop by any of their offices.
5. Prices of HDTV sets vary wildly so shop around and be sure to inquire about price matching. Use the fact that there are dozens of retailers and e-tailers vying for your business to your advantage.
6. Before you ditch your old tube TV look into recycling or donation programs. The average SDTV contains 7 lbs of lead which is wicked bad for the environment if left rotting in a landfill. If you can't give your TV away and it's too big to schlep to the Salvation Army, most scrap metal outfits will haul it away for free.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Another Example of Outstanding Customer Service
A few weeks ago I complained to Attorney Lee that the only place left on earth with excellent customer service is Dunkin Donuts. The line for coffee could be wrapped around the parking lot 9 times and chances are that you'll still have a large extra extra within 10 minutes. Eagle Logistics - take note!
Since according to Amazon.com my TV has been sitting in a South Boston warehouse for the past three days, I figured that I would be proactive and call the company to schedule delivery. My conversation with the extra-helpful customer service agent:
Pahkcah02: Yes, I was hoping you could help me. I've been tracking an order through amazon.com. According to their website, my TV arrived in Boston on the 11th. I was hoping you could help me schedule a delivery.
Friendly Customer Service Agent: Yeah, I can't access that information. You're going to need to call the Eagle in South Boston.
Pahkcah02: Great! Can you please give me the number?
Friendly Customer Service Agent: I can't give out that information either. Hold on and I'll try to connect you. (a few minutes of silence). They're not picking up. You're going to need to call back during normal business hours.
Pahkcah02: Well, it's currently 11:15am on a Monday. If that isn't considered normal business hours can you tell me when a more appropriate time to call might be?
Friendly Customer Service Agent: You're going to need to call back later.
Pahkcah02: When, later?
Friendly Customer Service Agent: Later. When they're open.
Pahkcah02: Thank you so much for your help! I'll try again later, ok?
If this was my experience with customer service in Texas I can only imagine what Southie is going to be like....
Since according to Amazon.com my TV has been sitting in a South Boston warehouse for the past three days, I figured that I would be proactive and call the company to schedule delivery. My conversation with the extra-helpful customer service agent:
Pahkcah02: Yes, I was hoping you could help me. I've been tracking an order through amazon.com. According to their website, my TV arrived in Boston on the 11th. I was hoping you could help me schedule a delivery.
Friendly Customer Service Agent: Yeah, I can't access that information. You're going to need to call the Eagle in South Boston.
Pahkcah02: Great! Can you please give me the number?
Friendly Customer Service Agent: I can't give out that information either. Hold on and I'll try to connect you. (a few minutes of silence). They're not picking up. You're going to need to call back during normal business hours.
Pahkcah02: Well, it's currently 11:15am on a Monday. If that isn't considered normal business hours can you tell me when a more appropriate time to call might be?
Friendly Customer Service Agent: You're going to need to call back later.
Pahkcah02: When, later?
Friendly Customer Service Agent: Later. When they're open.
Pahkcah02: Thank you so much for your help! I'll try again later, ok?
If this was my experience with customer service in Texas I can only imagine what Southie is going to be like....
Friday, January 11, 2008
Thursdays with Zayde
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Logan: We Hate to Fly and It Shows
I've been logging a lot of airline miles lately, both for business and pleasure. As I live south of the city, I have my choice between flying out of TF Green in Providence and Boston Logan, though I hardly choose the latter. While non-stop flights are somewhat limited out of Green, and the dining choices are absolutely horrendous, it's a much easier option than Logan. Yes, I would rather travel an additional 30 miles and deal with the occasional layover or two than deal with the nightmare that is Logan International.
Logan's been trying to improve its image as one of the worst airports in America. Unlike most cities, Boston's airport is smack dab downtown, which is a huge convenience if you're a tourist/business traveler that isn't planning on stepping over the city line during their visit. While the dining choices at dining are better than they used to be ($8 clam chowder anyone?) and you can't walk 5 feet without hitting a Hudson News, if you actually have the gall to live, work, and breathe in greater Boston then this airport isn't for you.
Let's start with the delays, shall we? It snows in New England. It also rains, sleets, and gets windy at times. While Logan rarely ever shuts down completely, the shear volume alone pretty much guarantees that your flight will be delayed if our weather doesn't resemble San Diego. With a fraction of the volume, Providence (and probably Manchester) simply doesn't have these problems as often.
While the delays are an inconvenience, cost-wise you'll probably pay more to get to Logan than you will for your actual flight. Parking is roughly $30 a day in the central garage. The next cheapest option is Logan Express, which is hardly a bargain either considering the buses only run every 30 minutes. The few times I've taken a cab I get charged a flat rate of $65 (plus tip), which wouldn't annoy me if it weren't for the fact that I live no further than 21 minutes from the airport. To throw competitive numbers, the E Lot at TF Green is $8/day.
Mayor Menino can squawk all he wants about Manchester adopting the name Boston and the fact that Logan is hemorrhaging business from southeastern Mass. For all of the Massport's PR efforts, it's pretty obvious that they've never attempted to wait for their luggage or make small talk with one of the surly "customer service agents". While we massholes are provincial in nature, it would be nice if it were convenient to fly Logan those few times that we do leave our Boston ancestral homeland. Until then I'll be drinking coffee milk elbow-to-elbow with the natives at TF Green.
Logan's been trying to improve its image as one of the worst airports in America. Unlike most cities, Boston's airport is smack dab downtown, which is a huge convenience if you're a tourist/business traveler that isn't planning on stepping over the city line during their visit. While the dining choices at dining are better than they used to be ($8 clam chowder anyone?) and you can't walk 5 feet without hitting a Hudson News, if you actually have the gall to live, work, and breathe in greater Boston then this airport isn't for you.
Let's start with the delays, shall we? It snows in New England. It also rains, sleets, and gets windy at times. While Logan rarely ever shuts down completely, the shear volume alone pretty much guarantees that your flight will be delayed if our weather doesn't resemble San Diego. With a fraction of the volume, Providence (and probably Manchester) simply doesn't have these problems as often.
While the delays are an inconvenience, cost-wise you'll probably pay more to get to Logan than you will for your actual flight. Parking is roughly $30 a day in the central garage. The next cheapest option is Logan Express, which is hardly a bargain either considering the buses only run every 30 minutes. The few times I've taken a cab I get charged a flat rate of $65 (plus tip), which wouldn't annoy me if it weren't for the fact that I live no further than 21 minutes from the airport. To throw competitive numbers, the E Lot at TF Green is $8/day.
Mayor Menino can squawk all he wants about Manchester adopting the name Boston and the fact that Logan is hemorrhaging business from southeastern Mass. For all of the Massport's PR efforts, it's pretty obvious that they've never attempted to wait for their luggage or make small talk with one of the surly "customer service agents". While we massholes are provincial in nature, it would be nice if it were convenient to fly Logan those few times that we do leave our Boston ancestral homeland. Until then I'll be drinking coffee milk elbow-to-elbow with the natives at TF Green.
Monday, January 7, 2008
If It's on Your A, It Isn't an Asset
Everyone starts of their January 1 with vague financial goals. My financial goal this year is to open and fully fund an IRA. Without the automatic 401k payroll deduction I was used to, I did absolutely nothing for my retirement in 2007. I've already crafted a plan to fund it - now it's up to me to execute it.
In the grand sceme of things, I'm pretty fortunate that the only financial worry I have is how I'm ever going to get the motivation to call Fidelity to start up an IRA. This has to do with proper planning and nothing else. When it comes to financial planning, there are a lot of people in this country who are flat out fucked. I love watching financial TV shows (Suze Orman, Maxed Out, Michelle Singletary especially) and observe how "financial gurus" evangelize those who are struggling under financial woes.
Incidentally most of the people who go on those shows have household incomes in excess of six figures. It's easy to point at them and say "yeah, fuck you. If I made as much money as you my life would be so much easier.". Unfortunately that isn't how it works. How do rich people fall into the same financial traps as those not as well off? Poor planning for starters.
As single women it's especially important that we take control over our financial destinies. If we get sick or lose our jobs we don't have a spouse to cushion the fall. From growing up in a household where my father's income was 100% commission to having a fluctuating income of my own, I've learned a lot about how to avoid the pitfalls that plague so many. If financial planning isn't your thing, in '08 you should have a few specific goals:
1. Set up an emergency fund of at least $500 with the goal being six months salary. If saving six months salary seems unrealistic at this point, start at $500 and slowly build up. At a minimum, $500 will cover most emergency car repairs.
2. Make your lists and check them twice. Supermarkets and retail stores count on impulse spending, which benefits them a lot more than you. Drawing up a list of needed items before you leave the house will help you control expenses.
3. Determine if it's a need or a want, then have a plan to pay for it. If you want a new car, high def TV, or half the Nordstrom shoe department and have the cash on hand to pay for it, go for it. If you don't, think long and hard about ways to acquire it without putting it on the charge card. Are you getting a bonus soon? Can you eBay your unwanted stuff to fund your purchase? While we all work hard and deserve nice stuff, you're doing yourself an incredible disservice by charging up expensive items you may not be able to afford at the moment.
4. Credit is evil, but a necessary evil. Yes, having a credit card is a wonderful way to build your credit history, but only if your balance is less than half your credit limit (it's called a debt to credit ratio). If your cards are maxed out and you can't figure out why, think about the stuff that you routinely charge up. The most likely culprit: restaurant tabs and clothing purchases that you could've paid cash for. Set up an online ID for your credit card so you can track your purchases. Also, most credit cards give you the ability to pay your balances throughout the month. If you get paid bi-weekly, make it a habit to throw something towards your balance every pay day.
5. Set up a retirment account: I can't really comment on this one until I practice what I preach. However, I'm all ears if you happen to be an expert on this topic.
In the grand sceme of things, I'm pretty fortunate that the only financial worry I have is how I'm ever going to get the motivation to call Fidelity to start up an IRA. This has to do with proper planning and nothing else. When it comes to financial planning, there are a lot of people in this country who are flat out fucked. I love watching financial TV shows (Suze Orman, Maxed Out, Michelle Singletary especially) and observe how "financial gurus" evangelize those who are struggling under financial woes.
Incidentally most of the people who go on those shows have household incomes in excess of six figures. It's easy to point at them and say "yeah, fuck you. If I made as much money as you my life would be so much easier.". Unfortunately that isn't how it works. How do rich people fall into the same financial traps as those not as well off? Poor planning for starters.
As single women it's especially important that we take control over our financial destinies. If we get sick or lose our jobs we don't have a spouse to cushion the fall. From growing up in a household where my father's income was 100% commission to having a fluctuating income of my own, I've learned a lot about how to avoid the pitfalls that plague so many. If financial planning isn't your thing, in '08 you should have a few specific goals:
1. Set up an emergency fund of at least $500 with the goal being six months salary. If saving six months salary seems unrealistic at this point, start at $500 and slowly build up. At a minimum, $500 will cover most emergency car repairs.
2. Make your lists and check them twice. Supermarkets and retail stores count on impulse spending, which benefits them a lot more than you. Drawing up a list of needed items before you leave the house will help you control expenses.
3. Determine if it's a need or a want, then have a plan to pay for it. If you want a new car, high def TV, or half the Nordstrom shoe department and have the cash on hand to pay for it, go for it. If you don't, think long and hard about ways to acquire it without putting it on the charge card. Are you getting a bonus soon? Can you eBay your unwanted stuff to fund your purchase? While we all work hard and deserve nice stuff, you're doing yourself an incredible disservice by charging up expensive items you may not be able to afford at the moment.
4. Credit is evil, but a necessary evil. Yes, having a credit card is a wonderful way to build your credit history, but only if your balance is less than half your credit limit (it's called a debt to credit ratio). If your cards are maxed out and you can't figure out why, think about the stuff that you routinely charge up. The most likely culprit: restaurant tabs and clothing purchases that you could've paid cash for. Set up an online ID for your credit card so you can track your purchases. Also, most credit cards give you the ability to pay your balances throughout the month. If you get paid bi-weekly, make it a habit to throw something towards your balance every pay day.
5. Set up a retirment account: I can't really comment on this one until I practice what I preach. However, I'm all ears if you happen to be an expert on this topic.
Friday, January 4, 2008
New Year New Pahkcah02? Not so much...
I'm not really one to do New Years resolutions. After all, people generally promise to change the negative things about themselves (eg: lose weight, stop being single, etc) and hardly ever focus on the positive. While for the most part I'm pretty happy with my life, personal improvement is always something to strive for. Here are my goals in '08:
First off, I'm going to be way more direct with people. While I'm very good at this when it comes to dealing with clients, I am not so great at being direct on a social level. I'm not doing anybody any favors by stringing along boyfriends, going to social events that I'd rather not go to, and putting up with bullshit in general. If it's more polite to be honest then in '08 you're going to hear why I value my opinion.
Secondly, I vow to be a more courteous driver. I can't prevent people cutting me off, tailgating me, or acting like complete ass clowns under the protection of their SUV's. I can, however, control my reaction to these aggressive acts of road rage.
Lastly, I will not tolerate negativity in my life. As a rule of thumb I tend to surround myself with good people. Sure everyone goes through tough times but at this stage in the game I should hope that our quarter-life crises are over and we have some type of roadmap for the future. Success has nothing to do with money or earning a fancy title to silkscreen on your business card; it has to do with setting goals and having the motivation to achieve them. Surrounding myself with successful people in lieu of negative people will only continue to help me personally and professionally.
First off, I'm going to be way more direct with people. While I'm very good at this when it comes to dealing with clients, I am not so great at being direct on a social level. I'm not doing anybody any favors by stringing along boyfriends, going to social events that I'd rather not go to, and putting up with bullshit in general. If it's more polite to be honest then in '08 you're going to hear why I value my opinion.
Secondly, I vow to be a more courteous driver. I can't prevent people cutting me off, tailgating me, or acting like complete ass clowns under the protection of their SUV's. I can, however, control my reaction to these aggressive acts of road rage.
Lastly, I will not tolerate negativity in my life. As a rule of thumb I tend to surround myself with good people. Sure everyone goes through tough times but at this stage in the game I should hope that our quarter-life crises are over and we have some type of roadmap for the future. Success has nothing to do with money or earning a fancy title to silkscreen on your business card; it has to do with setting goals and having the motivation to achieve them. Surrounding myself with successful people in lieu of negative people will only continue to help me personally and professionally.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
