Day: January 2, 2009

No Comment

In the past couple years I’ve sensed a trend toward news reports telling us that some party in the story could not be reached for comment.  We’ve always heard the phrase “no comment” in the news, but lately I’ve seen more phrases like “did not return calls seeking comment” and “could not be reached.”

I may just be noticing this for the first time, or it may really be a trend in this direction.  (Reporters being more specific?  Trying not to bother people more than necessary to print the story?  Perhaps people just have an easier time avoiding the press in an era of cell phones and caller ID.)

Either way, this seems to be the pinnacle (for now) of this type of remark, from the Daily Briefing section of this morning’s Boston Globe:

A 22-year-old man with cerebral palsy was left on a school bus by a driver on New Year’s Eve and spent the entire frigid night alone.

…

Calls to a possible number for the bus company were picked up by an answering machine that would not accept messages.

Wow.  Calls to a possible number were picked up by an answering machine that wouldn’t accept messages.

Best Invention Since… Uhh… Never Mind

Most people who know me are aware I have groceries delivered through Peapod.  Some envy me for it; some mock me for it.  The latter group will enjoy this story more.

One disadvantage of ordering online is that compensating for what’s out of stock is harder.  If I see the Diet Coke shelf is empty, I’ll happily substitute Diet Pepsi.  If I ordered four different cereals, though, and Rice Krispies is out of stock, I’ll just abandon the Rice Krispies that day.  Peapod offers options to indicate these preferences, but there appears to be a kink in the system.

Here’s a selection from my grocery list this evening.  See if you can spot anything problematic:

  • $5.32 Alpine Lace Deli Cheese Swiss
  • $6.11 Boar’s Head Deli Ham Maple Glazed Honey Coat
  • $4.07 Stop & Shop Deli Turkey Breast (Thin Sliced)
  • $2.99 Hellmann’s Mayonnaise
  • $1.99 Iceberg Lettuce
  • $3.79 Ruffles Potato Chips Original
  • $3.00 Country Kitchen Bread Wheat OUT OF STOCK (Delivered 0 of 1)

Blërg!

They omitted the only item on that list that completely derails my sandwich-making plans!  I could make a sandwich without turkey, or even without lettuce, but without bread… that would be chaos.