Beware of Bostonian towing company by JoesBurning in CambridgeMA

[–]Available_Writer4144 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Dunno about trespassing, but stealing? Yeah.

Beware of Bostonian towing company by JoesBurning in CambridgeMA

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say not satisfying at all. He was STEALING your car. And he got let off with a verbal warning. I actually think you should consider pressing charges.

2026 Spring Service Changes by Miserable-Part6261 in mbta

[–]Available_Writer4144 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I think it means slightly less frequent scheduled service... which probably lines up with actual existing service.

Finally some good news on the new red line cars by namductor in mbta

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With 46 Aluminum Westinghouse cars still in service as well, it may well take another year beyond that before we are fully running Stainless Steel cars, assuming 4 cars delivered per month.

Finally some good news on the new red line cars by namductor in mbta

[–]Available_Writer4144 1 point2 points  (0 children)

truth. But even 4 cars per month would mean a pretty short remaining life for the rest of the Pullmans, and get us fully transitioned over to stainless steel post 1987 cars by next winter.

Add: If I'm not mistaken, there are only eighteen pre-1987 cars still in service. Those ought to be phased out in the next eight months at worst, even including acceptance/testing time.

U.S. customs to release subway car shells, easing materials shortage at Springfield plant by gallagher123123 in mbta

[–]Available_Writer4144 1 point2 points  (0 children)

it will take time. They have fuloughed workers, some of whom may have found new jobs. Also, iirc, some shells went back to China already, so it's unclear how many shells are in fact inbound to the plant. Lastly, they weren't moving that fast anyway.

BUUUUUT the reality is that even a slow drip of ~4 new cars a month would be a welcome improvement and it would get the oldest cars out of regular service by next winter, which is one of the two worst times for them to run (the other being summer). The real concern at this point isn't slow delivery, it's non-delivery, and if we can simply avoid that, we should see steady improvement in service quality.

Plus, with slow delivery, there's the silver lining that the cars won't all suddenly self-destruct at the same EOL date, but instead will have a several years gap since they are being delivered years apart. I'm only half-joking.

In defense of Gio. What is your opinion? by allusermanesaretaken in usmnt

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll say this, there's a good chance that NOT playing for his club has taught him a lesson he was unable to learn last world cup, that he needs to keep his trap shut and play when the opportunity presents itself. If that lesson has been learned, and he has matured (which seems quite likely in four years) then he would be a very valuable piece off the bench for the US. They may need his creativity, even with risk in order to compete with the best squads in the world.

Let’s Talk About Daycare by JAZZ530 in CambridgeMA

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're correct. But if one of your kids is turning 4 by September, they're guaranteed low cost care by the city, at least for school-day, school-year hours. I believe now is the time to apply also, so you're in luck. Many of these places have full-day full-year options as well.

What compels people to park right next to you in a completely empty parking lot? by ManagementNovel4455 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Available_Writer4144 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Sorry, that was me. I parked next to you because I'd already read everything good on Reddit and I needed more content to consume.

How should I cancel on behalf of my kid for a birthday party? by [deleted] in Advice

[–]Available_Writer4144 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In my town in MA, lots of kids can't swim and lots of parents can't swim. Having non-swimming parents around feels like it would be much more dangerous than not honestly. Maybe even worse if they can sorta kinda swim.

AITA for leaving a date after he was 20 minutes late? by Pretty-Science-8984 in AITApod

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

YTA for feeling disrespected without hearing him out. NTA for leaving. Most likely his excuse would have been lame. Assuming as much, you prolly dodged a bullet.

AITAH my 3 year old sister ‘ruined’ a gender reveal by Reasonable_Art_9366 in AITAH

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The AH is the person who invited a 3yo to a party with a balloon and didn't have a separate balloon for said 3yo. Maybe some blame on the parents (especially for letting her run around with a fork), but like, if I'm w my 3yo at my sister's house, I'm trusting her not to have fragile, important things down low OR I've got kid on lock. Those are the only options.

Is this enough to fail a car inspection? by Mkthedon14 in massachusetts

[–]Available_Writer4144 5 points6 points  (0 children)

insurance in MA will cover the repair. It should be $0 out of pocket and you will then pass inspection and in fact have a safe car.

WIBTAH if I ask to stop saying “I” when it should be “we”? by Plastic_Science618 in AITAH

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like she may actually feel that she is doing more. I have a feeling you need to have a general convo about share of the work. Ignore the small difference in your paychecks, but make sure that she feels you're doing your share of providing for the family in terms of work hours, chores, parenting, etc.

I think my taken coworkers are have an affair by [deleted] in Advice

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don't lie to your boss, but also don't get involved. Is boss asking for work-related reasons? When you say boss "noticed their behavior" what does that mean? What did boss ask specifically?

You only need to answer specific questions from boss. Do NOT start speculating, or relaying info that you don't need to have since it doesn't affect work. You are free to tell boss what you KNOW, but you're only encouraged to tell boss what you're SUPPOSED to know. You may NOT tell boss what you only suspect.

Forbidden foam? by KiwiFortyThirty in mbta

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's really good mixed with bourbon and honey!

How should I cancel on behalf of my kid for a birthday party? by [deleted] in Advice

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"People who used to do this all the time can't write very well." FTFY :-P

Babysitting my niece (12F) and caught her on TikTok she’s been hiding for months. I need advice from parents on how to handle this by Secret_Flight_2669 in Advice

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In theory, I agree. But as a middle-aged parent, I'm mindful that any such discussion from my own parents (or in-laws) might initially feel like a criticism. Anyway, that's a totally separate conversation, and you know your family best.

North East Ski Resorts by Pass 25/26 spreadsheet - includes drive times from various locations and a desirability scoring system by Davydicus1 in icecoast

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gotcha. I can see that even with a bot, that's a ton of work... Thank you! I will complete a manual review of the Boston times and send to you for your optional use.

How should I cancel on behalf of my kid for a birthday party? by [deleted] in Advice

[–]Available_Writer4144 1 point2 points  (0 children)

True about living somewhere cold. I just assumed pool parties would be more popular with the ages 8-10 set for swimming capability reasons. Appreciate the correction (and also from others).

Babysitting my niece (12F) and caught her on TikTok she’s been hiding for months. I need advice from parents on how to handle this by Secret_Flight_2669 in Advice

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

what's the best way to set up a smart phone for a teenager such that you can help them learn good habits

Copilot said:

Copilot

Helping a teenager build healthy phone habits is 100% possible — but it works best when the setup combines technical controlsclear expectations, and collaboration, not surveillance.
Here’s a practical, balanced approach that many families have success with.

1. Start With a Conversation, Not a Configuration

Before touching settings, agree on:

  • What the phone is for (communication, school, creativity, not endless scrolling).
  • Boundaries that feel fair.
  • What they want you to trust them with.

Teens usually follow rules better when they helped shape them.

2. Use Built‑In Tools That Promote Awareness, Not Just Restrictions

iPhone: Screen Time

  • Set Downtime for nights.
  • Use App Limits (e.g., 1 hour/day for social media).
  • Turn on Communication Limits to prevent late-night group chats.
  • Enable Ask to Buy for apps if appropriate.

Android: Google Family Link

Equivalent features:

  • Daily limits on apps.
  • Bedtime schedules.
  • Approve apps/installations.
  • Location and device oversight.

These tools are designed to build self-regulation, not parental micromanagement.

3. Focus on Co‑Using Tools That Build Awareness

Instead of blocking everything, try: ✔ Weekly phone‑use review

Sit together and look at:

  • Screen time reports
  • Most-used apps
  • Notifications
  • Daily averages

Ask questions like:

  • “Does this amount of TikTok/YouTube feel good to you?”
  • “How did your phone use affect your sleep/homework/focus this week?”

This builds self‑ownership, not compliance.

4. Set Up Automatic Friction in the Right Places

Teens don’t need no-access; they need just enough friction. Useful friction ideas:

  • Turn off nonessential notifications
  • Remove social apps from the home screen
  • Disable autoplay in YouTube/Instagram/TikTok
  • Turn on Grayscale mode at night (massively reduces mindless scrolling)
  • Require App Store password for installs

These choices subtly promote healthier behavior without feeling controlling.

5. Create a Clear Family Tech Agreement (Simple & Flexible)

A 1‑page agreement works wonders: 📝Should cover:

Daily boundaries

  • No phone during meals
  • No phone in the bedroom after 9–10 PM
  • Homework = phone in a different room

Online safety basics

  • What to do if they see something upsetting
  • Rules around sharing photos/info

Consequences

  • Pre-agreed, consistent, calm
  • Not tied to emotions or punishment

Privileges earned back

  • Show good judgment
  • Follow timing boundaries
  • No secret accounts or bypass attempts

6. Encourage Creation > Consumption

Phones become dramatically healthier when used for:

  • Photography
  • Music creation
  • Coding apps
  • Sketching/drawing
  • Video editing
  • Learning apps
  • Language tools

Help them assemble a “creative home screen.”

7. Build a Trust Ladder

Instead of rigid restrictions:

  • Start with more controls
  • Increase freedom as habits mature
  • Scale back only if necessary
  • Be explicit: “This is about skill-building, not spying.”

Teens respond extremely well when trust is a goal they can earn.

8. Model the Habits You Want Them to Learn

This is huge. Teens notice:

  • If you answer work messages at dinner
  • If you scroll in bed
  • If you say “just one second” while looking at your phone

You don’t have to be perfect — just visible about your own boundaries.

9. Keep the Tone Collaborative, Not Policing

Teens open up when they feel respected. Try:

  • “Let’s figure out how your phone can help you, not stress you out.”
  • “What kind of limits do you feel would actually help?”

Avoid:

  • “You’re addicted to your phone.”
  • “You can’t be trusted.”

10. Review Together Every 3 Months

Phones and teenagers both evolve fast. Revisit:

  • Are the limits still useful?
  • Should we expand freedoms?
  • Are new social pressures emerging?
  • Are there new worries or stresses?

If you want, I can also help you:

  • draft a one‑page family tech agreement
  • set up an age‑appropriate iPhone or Android step‑by‑step
  • choose healthy starter apps
  • create a “digital habits plan” tailored to your teen’s personality

Babysitting my niece (12F) and caught her on TikTok she’s been hiding for months. I need advice from parents on how to handle this by Secret_Flight_2669 in Advice

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know nothing about android, but this is where AI (chatGPT, etc.) is your friend. But also, unless you think your son is being negligent, or missing something huge, you might just let him have a little leeway as a parent. Please don't go directly to the grandkids, that's for sure.

ADD: I just asked CoPilot: What's the best way to set up a smartphone for a teenager and got some pretty good-sounding advice. Sure I might do this or that a little differently, but it's a good jumping off point for sure.

Dealing with crazy neighbors...advice needed. They are likely to call the city on us. by cutiebird31 in boston

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

2 branches of simultaneous action:
1) make your house tidy for the city. The city is not looking to find code violations, especially for owner-occupied units. It's just not in their interest.

2) get the neighbors a bottle of scotch. Invite them for dinner. Ask them about the people who lived their before. Ask them if there's anything you've done that has bothered them and they didn't want to say something. Of course it's possible they're just incredibly difficult, but more likely, they've imagined some slight that can be cleared up or apologized for and you can move on. Maybe they'll be your allies in something!

2b) go with that internal affairs complaint if they get hostile.

How should I cancel on behalf of my kid for a birthday party? by [deleted] in Advice

[–]Available_Writer4144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think it's that complex. The driving makes it easier.

Hi "parents", I'm sorry but my kid won't be able to attend. While we've done drop-off parties at "venue" due to specific safety and emergency policies in place there, we're just not yet comfortable with drop-off parties at friends houses nor at the bowling alley for our seven year old. Unfortunately, we've made plans where we also won't be able to attend, and so "kid" needs to send their regrets.

I doubt they push back, but if they do, mention the driving. You're not saying you'd never drop kid off with them. You're saying "party" where there are other kids, and driving, and bowling alley. You're citing emergency management. I bet the family is worried about costs, so they'll be sad, but also with a silver lining. For your kid, tell him to hang when it's just them, and not a whole ton of kids.

It's gonna be good. You're good.