Reported in Newsday earlier today: A Long Island Rail Road strike is now more likely than ever, union officials said after a hostile bargaining session with MTA that broke off abruptly in less than two hours.
Both sides should be ashamed of themselves. Get your sorry asses back to the table and hammer this out. Stop playing with thousands of livelihoods.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Yet Another Subway Incident
I witnessed a violent assault this evening on the subway. I don’t know how this stuff just follows me. Usually, I witness silly or strange things, but this was different. And it could have been worse.
Monday, June 23, 2014
There are RULES! Subway Edition
I've spent a lot of time talking about the Long Island Rail Road, and haven't given nearly enough attention to the NYC subway system. Therefore, in this post we'll explore some subway rules. But before we get started, here's a photo of the interior of a typical subway car, for those who do not regularly ride mass transit.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
LIRR Workers Potential Strike
Long Island Rail Road workers are threatening to walk off the job if they don't get a new contract and a big fat raise. I'd like to see them get jobs in the private sector and try this tactic.
I know little about unions and how railroads operate, but I really wish there was some competition. Seems to me that most everyone lives lean and a few fat cats get fatter.
Maybe it's more like the private sector than I thought.
I know little about unions and how railroads operate, but I really wish there was some competition. Seems to me that most everyone lives lean and a few fat cats get fatter.
Maybe it's more like the private sector than I thought.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
The train is a good place for oral hygiene
On the train, just had the privilege of watching a woman floss her teeth. Not sure if I should be disgusted or impressed by her dental hygiene.
This also suggests to me that people believe they are invisible.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Have a Seat
Today on TheTrainInVain, we're going to talk about train seat maladies. Every now and then, whether you're on a newer M-7 train, a double-decker, or an older train, you'll come upon seats that are not desirable for your derrière. Let's look at a few.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Bluetooth Headsets
I don’t really see those obnoxious little Bluetooth earpieces much anymore. They were always a great leading indicator of who to avoid on the train.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Thoughtless in Stereo
On the train, suffering in stereo. A lawyer behind me is conducting trillion dollar deals on his phone, and a woman in front of me is detailing relationship problems.
Not in the mood for it, I've asked both to keep it down, and received smiles of appreciation from others. The quiet lasted a minute before their voices crept back up.
Headphones aren't helping. My best hope for peace is a targeted two-pronged meteor strike.
The Serial Yawner
On the train, guy in the seat behind me has been yawning vocally for 20 minutes. It sounds like Herman Munster's laugh. I wish Lily would quiet him down.
Friday, June 06, 2014
Intern Season
On the train, realizing it is intern season. Interns have a lot of energy. Time for some schooling.
Thursday, June 05, 2014
Penn Station Evacuated - Suspicious Package
Just got an advisory email from the LIRR that Penn Station has been evacuated due to a suspicious package. What a crazy world. Thanks to the brave men and women of the NYC Police and Fire Departments, for going in when everyone else is going out.
Several New RULES
From time to time, my blog posts detail the RULES, both obvious and obscure. Here are a few new ones. I hope you find them constructive. Feel free to share your own.
Guy Dinging and Whooshing on His MacBook
On the train, guy across on his MacBook, using iMessage to text. Hearing every "ding" of incoming messages, and every "whoosh" of outgoing messages. It must be a very important conversation, because he's banging the keys furiously like he's tenderizing a steak.
Wednesday, June 04, 2014
Groovin and Boppin
On the train, there is a young girl heavily bopping to the music in her headphones. I mean, she is moving. She must really like the song.
Oh by the way, she's also holding a half empty iced coffee cup. I THINK there could be a connection.
Sunday, June 01, 2014
The Ironies Of The Quiet Car
I sat in the quiet car to Manhattan on Friday. The quiet car is usually pleasant in the morning, given that the majority of riders are veteran commuters. Calls and electronic noise are at a minimum. People respect the RULES.
I've noticed that the quiet car has several ironies. But before I explain what I mean, I need to clarify some things for the non-commuting reader. The quiet car is always the west-most car. Since trains go in two directions, the quiet car is the first car on west (NYC) bound trains, and the last car on east (Nassau and Suffolk County) bound trains.
