The Long Road Out

There’s a snow removal company in Truckee, California that has a monopoly. Elements it’s called. We’ve had 5+ feet of snow here in three days and it’s still snowing.    For two 26 hour periods in there, we've been snowed in--it's very comfortable in our house, and we have lots of food, and Netflix, and all the rest.  And, we're trying to quarantine in the belief that somehow we're helping hold back the worst of Coronavirus. Who needs self-regulation when you're actually help prisoner in your house (not entirely true--we've climbed out on snowshoes and cross country skis).  Having snow up to the top of your garage door actually has a calming effect--your choices are eliminated.  So, you get the picture: a service provider with terribly low standards of customer care, failing again during this current storm. Elements sent out a message yesterday that should be a reminder to all of us about how to care for your neighbors in times of anxiety, troubl...

There are so many despicable companies and brands in the world.   So it's hard to chose the absolute numero uno  when this much-coveted prize is awarded annually.  But the judges (me) have decided.  My choice is Monsanto--protected by the government, actively poisoning the food chain, guilty of predatory customer behavior, and literally violent to non-customers. Monsanto is still first in the "Worst Corporation of the Decade" ranking, which, surely, this year's victory will help.   They're kind of like the Chicago Bulls in their heyday. It's nice to feel so certain that Monsanto is the absolutely worst company on the planet.   Knowing this makes the judges (me) feel clearheaded and thoughtful, since it would be easy to be confused by the many categories and brands in the runner-up spots: All the defense contractors--whether General Electric or General Dynamics, these guys make money exporting death to bad people, and go out of their way to make sure...

I travel a lot.   I've never been dragged kicking and screaming off a plane by United, Delta, American,  Southwest, JetBlue or Alaska (our current big 6?).   Worse. Here are the real crimes committed by the MBA's (shame on you for taking these crappy jobs at corporate) who get hired by these stale transportation companies: Theft--no other industry takes money for services early, won't allow refunds or changes, and then has no obligation to provide the services you signed on for (ever been automatically rebooked for a connecting flight that leaves two days after the late incoming arrival?).   I'd rather be on YouTube crying, which is what the airlines do regularly to their customers. Violence--I fly business class.   I'm an athlete.   I'm 5' 11"  or relatively average height.  I can barely walk up the disembarkation ramp after any flight 2 hours or longer.   This is physical abuse, and while I don't even play a doctor on TV, I think lo...