The recent snow storms that crippled parts of the northeast had a devestating impact on travel, especially air travel. Jet Blue was hit particularly hard and the airline appeared ill-prepared to deal with the problems efficiently. As they struggled to resume operations and clear their backlogs, the problems snowballed (pardon the pun) and continued to affect passengers well after flights had resumed. None of this is particularly new to air commuters, although the extent of the problem may have gone a little further than would have been typically expected. However, what does set this problem apart from other airline delays was how Jet Blue honestly and openly admitted their culpability. It’s not often that a major corporation admits a mistake, but even more seldom that they apologize as earnestly as has Jet Blue. A friend who has a flight booked with airline and who probably won’t be affected by the delays shared with me the following apology he received. Other travelers who were inconvenienced received similar letters offering “a roundtrip ticket equivalent to the amount you paid when booking.”

Dear JetBlue Customers,

David Neeleman
Founder and CEO
JetBlue Airways

This is a departure from the kinds of things I normally post, but I had to share this story of a Taco Bell/Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in the Greenwich Village section of New York City. News crews were alerted to a problem at the restaurant during its off hours. Apparently, a pedestrian saw some unexpected activity going on within the store: rats running all over! News crews quickly arrived and recorded the rats as they scurried around the restaurant, over the floors, between counters, and over furniture, including the high chairs. The restaurant had previously been cited for rat infestation, but had recently been cleared as having taken care of the problem. These videos should prove otherwise. Read the related story from ABC and watch the videos posted by CBS and NBC. Warning: these videos are not for the squeamish.

Number2.com started as a collaboration between two graduate students, a physics professor, and a “technologist.” Although no longer owned by the quartet, the site still offers free test preparation materials. Would-be students and curious adults can register (no one under 13 without a parent) for preparatory tests for the SAT, GRE, or ACT. There is also a general Vocabulary Builder unit available after registration. Tests are adaptive and become increasingly difficult the better you do. Missed vocabulary words are remembered and repeated. The site also features tutorials, tips, and test-taking strategies to help you achieve higher results. It’s a must-see, completely free site for anyone preparing for higher education.

http://www.number2.com