Cox is dreadful. Started to write out all the problems we've had with them over the past year, but the list is just too long for an online complaint. (By the way, here's a challenge: see if you can spot a place on the Cox website for customer complaints. Good luck in your search.)

We pay more than $250/month for service. That's insane. We've had several rate increases already this year.

Their techs are subcontractors who really don't give a rat's patootie about the customer experience. They're late, rude and mostly don't show up at all. When they do, they almost inevitably give you an excuse for why they can't do whatever it is you need.

A large number of the channels we pay for just aren't there. Program info is wrong or missing. The signal stinks. And, again - the idea of taking care of customers is utterly foreign to them.

Saddest of all is the fact that your only alternative is Century Link.

The only bright light in this overall ugly picture is the online customer service chat system. Yet, even though the reps are available and seem to be trying to help, they can't do much more than to remotely reset your cable receiver.

The only advice I can offer is to be aggressive in contacting them. Get a name and phone number from everyone you deal with. Call often.

Really nice folks! Sandwich was good, but what I loved was the kindness. One woman behind the counter heard me say my car had broken down outside the store (dead battery). I tried to buy water, and she said, "you're having a bad day, it's on me!" It was an unexpected kindness, and because of it, I'll be a regular customer!

Really good food! The gorditas and street tacos are fantastic - spicy mix of great flavors. The guacamole is the best we've had around here in a long time. Spouse had the carnitas, and loved them.

The gentleman who waited on us was the nicest, happiest person we've been around in a long time - he made our visit particularly wonderful!

This is real Mexican food in a place that is warm, friendly and not fancy. Definitely worth stopping by.

Flew US Airways (American) from Phoenix to Des Moines. Knew the flight would be on a regional jet, but was surprised to find the interior hadn't been upgraded since at least America West days. The seats were beaten to death, with every ounce of cushioning worn away over the years. Might as well have spent two hours seated on an bare seat frame - it really was that uncomfortable.

I know there's a big merger and lots of change, but please don't forget that without customers, the whole thing is merely an interesting exercise. Next time, I'll look more closely at the type of aircraft, or just choose another airline entirely.

The upside: flight attendants were pleasant folks, pilots got us there safely and on time, no luggage lost. Flight departed a few minutes late but with the help of a tailwind, delivered us on-time in Des Moines. (Where I promptly found an ice pack to - quite literally - ease the pain in my ass.)