Story Archives of 'commentary'

One Computer Too Many

By Laura Strickler on Thursday, March 26, 2009.

cat on hold

Amtrak’s automated telephone agent, “Julie,” answers about 50 thousand calls a day and has replaced 600 call center employees. She’s designed to be engaging via catchy phrases and affirmatives, but some customers are left wanting something a little more human on the other side of the line. Commentator Laura Strickler says she’s spoken to one computer too many.

And the Rain Came Down

By Sherwin Sleeves on Friday, August 15, 2008.

Well, New Hampshire has struggled with all sorts of weather this summer, from tornadoes to torrential rains. Thunder and lightning almost seem a part of the daily weather pattern. Correspondent Sherwin Sleeves has been thinking about the unusually stormy season and files this report:

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The Plows

By Sherwin Sleeves on Friday, November 16, 2007.

As the rain fell on Thursday, and the Friday forecast called for snow, writer Sherwin Sleeves sat down to capture his thoughts on the wintry transition. He sent them to us.

Sherwin Sleeves is a character created by Sean Hurley, a writer from Thornton, New Hampshire.

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Maple Sugaring

By Lois Shea on Thursday, April 3, 2003.

Much of the world seems consumed by war....or at least the watching of it.

But life goes on...and the sap still rises in the maples come spring.

Writer Lois Shea went sugaring recently and shares her thoughts on this New England ritual.

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Holiday Stamps and Patriotism

By Lois Shea on Thursday, December 19, 2002.

It's rare that a trip to the Post Office evokes feelings of patriotism.

Its even more rare during the busy holiday season.

But New Hampshire writer Lois Shea left her post office recently with a new appreciation for her country.

Campaign Finance Reform and the Granite State

By John Milne on Thursday, February 14, 2002.

The U.S. House passes Shays-Meehan campaign finance reform, but even if the bill becomes law it will be too late for what may be the most expensive campaign in NH History. Political commentator John Milne has these thoughts.

Being Jewish in Rural New Hampshire

By Sam Osherson on Monday, November 19, 2001.

According to the latest government figures, less than 1% of the people in New Hampshire call themselves Jewish. For Jews in places such as Manchester or Bethlehem where the Jewish community is vibrant, that statistic is relatively unimportant. But for commentator Sam Osherson, living in a part of rural New Hampshire where no one else is Jewish, has led him to think more carefully about what it means to be a Jew.

Let the Games Begin

By John Milne on Sunday, July 29, 2001.

Some local politicians have been holding their cards close to the vest regarding their future plans.

But as political observer John Milne points out, the future will present itself sooner than we think.

New Hampshire's Do-Nothing Government

By John Milne on Monday, July 9, 2001.

State Political leaders may or may not have affected how businesses view New Hampshire. But as Political Observor John Milne notes, they certainly should have affected how everyone views the state's political leadership.