Hi all, today's story comes from a guest, who we'll call Othello. He takes a NJ Transit bus each day, and just as we Long Island Rail Road denizens have to translate terms like "track condition," Othello has to decipher bus euphemisms.
I travel into NYC via NJ Transit bus. The service is mostly reliable, but the rush-hour commute into New York by vehicle is brutal. NJ Transit has no magic wand to fix the the inevitable issues that slow traffic, so we all have to endure delays as a fact of life.
Just as Eskimos have hundreds of words for snow, NJ Transit has many terms to describe the usual, everyday, slow rush-hour service. Here are a few of my favorites.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Guest Post: Stay Thirsty, Friends
Today, we have another great guest story from "The Duke of Albany." The Duke has shared some interesting yarns, including "The Golden Slipper" and "One Man Anti-Terrorism Task Force."
I won't give too much away, but there is no need to ever go thirsty on the Long Island Rail Road. You may be late, you may be irritated, but you won't ever want for a beverage.
I won't give too much away, but there is no need to ever go thirsty on the Long Island Rail Road. You may be late, you may be irritated, but you won't ever want for a beverage.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Nothing Has Changed... WHEW!
Hey TTIV followers. You haven't heard from me in a while, and that's because I've been distracted by a personal situation. But today, I am on the train from Hicksville to Penn Station, and ready to once again share my thoughts, rants, and general exasperation.
My main observation today is that NOTHING has changed.
My main observation today is that NOTHING has changed.
Monday, February 08, 2016
Get Up For Pregnant Women!
We all share the instinct of protecting children, and that sentiment usually extends to expectant mothers. So why is it that when a woman who is clearly with child boards the train, people pretend to not see her?
To be fair, you may not know for sure if a woman is pregnant. She could be, er, "built abundantly," making you unsure if she's with child or not. But we're talking about the obvious case of a glowing lady with a big round belly.
TTIV asked readers about their experiences and opinions on this topic. As is customary here, contributor identities have been changed to Shakespearean names.
To be fair, you may not know for sure if a woman is pregnant. She could be, er, "built abundantly," making you unsure if she's with child or not. But we're talking about the obvious case of a glowing lady with a big round belly.
TTIV asked readers about their experiences and opinions on this topic. As is customary here, contributor identities have been changed to Shakespearean names.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
The Triangle Of Disdain
The Triangle of Disdain |
As some of you know, I'm a recent Citi Bike convert. It's a fantastic New York City quality of life improvement. If Citi Bike were a religious cult, I'd wear a robe, shave my head, and live at the airport. I'd hand out flowers, gear shift knobs, and pamphlets to travelers.
Given the amount of time in Manhattan I spend 1) walking, 2) biking, and 3) occasionally driving, I've noticed a personal behavior pattern. Whichever method I'm using, I have great hostility for those doing the other two.
I call this behavior pattern the "Triangle of Disdain." While trying to get from point A to point B, the "green ball of grouchiness," represented by Oscar the Grouch, falls somewhere on the triangle.
I suspect I'm not unique. Let's have a look at how it works.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Gas Mask Guy
The interesting Penn Station person of the day is Gas Mask Guy. Gas Mask Guy sweeps the very busy Amtrak men's room wearing a mask. He works mornings. I wonder what the hell I'm breathing when I use the facilities.
Never mind. I don't want to know.
Never mind. I don't want to know.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Come Here Often to Repent?
Stood on the corner of 34th and 7th this evening, trying to get to Penn Station. A “Repent Ye Now” guy stood with his tall sign and warned us all of impending doom. In between fervent claims of eternal hellfire and misery, he lowered his voice and attempted to flirt with women passing by.
I wonder what his God would think of that.
I wonder what his God would think of that.