Tag: Holiday

Disband RIPTA and replace it with the MBTA in Rhode Island

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So today of course is Veterans Day. But my beef isn’t with the holiday. It’s with the differences between the MBTA and RIPTA.

As you might well know I take the MBTA commuter rail into Boston every day. I’ve been working in Boston and Vicinity for some time now and the train is the ONLY way to get there and keep ones sanity. So I shell out $330 a month for the pass on the MBTA commuter rail.

Ok all fine and good. But with today’s holiday the MBTA ran a regular weekday schedule. RIPTA on the other hand is running on a Sunday/Holiday schedule.

If RIPTA wants to be taken seriously they need to run regular service on the soft holidays. That’s one of the things I want ot of RIPTA – be there for your customers.

And then there’s the thing where RIPTA now wants to do away with several fare products – and it’s a money grab on their part. Additionally they want to hike the price of a monthly pass on RIPTA to $70 from $62. Meanwhile as I said I spend $330 a month on a commuter rail pass that also gets me access to MBTA bus service, subway service, etc.

So here’s a proposal – since RIPTA has proven beyond any doubt that they’re not fit to run a transit system I beseech my legislators to study whether it might be worth dismantling RIPTA and inviting the MBTA to provide service throughout Rhode Island. Then I’d have a pass that would work on public transit through MA and RI. That would be something wouldn’t it?

The Holiday Shopping is done!

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So for the past 3 to 5 years I’ve been using Amazon to do holiday shopping. I mean I abhor malls – hate going near them especially around the holiday season.

And I must say I exercised much restraint in the purchasing this year, exactly $506 spread among four people. On average $126.50 per person. But just one gift for one person was $366 so $506 minus $366 equals $140 which divided by the remaining three people comes out to $46.67 per person.

The MIL got a new TV to replace the old cathode ray tv that had a bad red electron gun so everything had a green tinge. That was the big ticket purchase.

Then the nephew got Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Michelangelo Elf and Splinter. Plus a new winter coat and we had previously purchased a TMNT turtle backpack for him too.

The twin nieces got a Franklin Webster’s Spelling Corrector.

And the total time to spend all that money – less than 20 minutes. Most of that was spent looking for the things we wanted to get. All from the comfort of my easy chair aka recliner. Life doesn’t get any better.

TMI Thursday: The War on Christmas

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THE WAR ON CHRISTMAS

First attributions: Via Patently Queer who got it from Just a Jeep Guy

Which religion or faith do you belong to, if any?
Firmly atheist. I don’t believe in any of it.

What is your opinion of seasonal greetings and salutations?
I really don’t care one way or the other.

Holiday music on the radio?
I absolutely abhor holiday music. I’ve pretty much heard it all before and there’s really nothing new. Plus it comes off as a bit too preachy sometimes.

What is your policy for exchanging gifts?
Exchange away!

Gift cards are…
The best shopping for the lazy.

Bonus Questions

Christmas cards/family update letters are…
Gave up on cards a long, long time ago.  The only ‘card’ per se is my facebook Saturnalia greeting now.

Snow is…
Something that is getting a might bit scarce here in southern New England.

Have you been a good little boy or girl?

I’ve had my evil moments but then the election happened and all is well.

RAPID FIRE FAVORITES

Food: Crown Roast!
Dessert: Banana Pudding
Song: A little jazz fusion
Movie: Scrooged
Tradition: Not talking to family. I’ve now managed to piss off the prior generation in my family to the point where they banned me on Facebook. Great fun! But then the elder generation of my family, they sort of went a little bit nuts when they got older.

4th of July 2012

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A very low key, very relaxing 4th. Spent it with friends in the burbs. They did shoot off most of the fireworks last night though.

Today we watched the series “The Revolution” on Netflix.

And me, went through a six of Newcastle Brown Ale. At the current time I have consumed 1/3 of another six pack tonight. So good for midweek.

Had some grilled burgers , squash and corn this evening.

Happy 4th of July everyone!