So, I dutifully peruse the news on the economy, Haiti, and healthcare. I stop and think about a shot of Bailey’s in my morning java, and then flip toward the editorial pages. I come to a screeching halt and look at this:

Oh hello sex video ad, fancy meeting you here! Two free videos you say? And 26 amazing techniques with real people demonstrating??? 50% off if I get 4!

Now, I’m not an uptight person, but I didn’t think the ad belonged in the newspaper. Especially one that advertises the fact that if you donate the cost of your vacation paper, it will help fund it’s Newspapers in Education program.

Well kids, this morning you got an education, but probably not the kind your parents wanted. But in the corner of the ad, it does say Warning: Highly Explicit. For adults 18 and over. Thank goodness they’re looking out for you!

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So, lo these many years, I get the Boston Globe delivered to my house. The service has always been mostly good, with an occasional missed paper or rain-soaked mishap. I always appreciate scooping my paper off the front step while I pop out the door and in my Nick and Nora cocktail shaker P.J.’s. (And Dear Santa, if you are reading this, man are they long in the tooth this year. Bring some new ones for Christmas).

About or 6-8 weeks ago, I noticed while picking up the paper that there were tire tracks on my front walk, and ergo the lawn. Which lined up directly with where the paper delivery person apparently rolls his window down and flings the paper with laser precision to my front step.

And so, I have a really nice brick walk that a nice mason named Salvatore built for me a few years ago. And needless to say, cars driving on it for their convenience (or because they are the laziest _____ of _____ ever) is not remotely acceptable.

So in a social science experiment, Meg placed some stray cobblestones leftover from a yard project to prevent vehicles from going a certain distance, that distance being her front walk.

And here are the results of her experiment/investigation:

As you can see, the paper is no longer delivered to my front step, because it’s looks like I’ve inconvenienced the delivery person by not allowing them to drive up on my front walkway. GASP! How RUDE of me to do that?

So I talked to the customer service department, who assured me that the paper is SUPPOSED to be delivered to the front step, and she will ensure that happens.

A week later, no change in service. But guess what? I did get a request for a monetary TIP in my Sunday paper.

Any suggestions for an REALLY appropriate tip, fellow readers?

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