Last Post of 2007

Hiya. Let's list the haps today.

I walked out of my house and saw the bus fly by my stop at 6:55. What the hell? Bus, you are always late or at the very least on time. You are never early. What gives?

Once I was on the bus, some guy at the next stop got on and paid his fare. After he got his Charlie Ticket back, he lifted it above his head and told everyone, "That's the last time I will use this thing." Not sure if he was getting a Charlie Card or excited he was never going to have to ride the bus again.

On the Orange Line, there was a pretty intoxicated guy talking to everyone. Thankfully, he got off at Sullivan Square.

Here's to 2008.

Vomit at Back Bay Station

Hey, howdy there peeps. It's yer old pal blogging again. I saw something this morning and I need to tell the whole world. Yeah, really.

Someone got sick on the Back Bay Orange Line T platform. I did not see the person that got sick, but I did see what they left behind.

It was chunky. It was pink. It covered a 16 inch diameter on the platform floor.

Thankfully it was closer to the Inbound side. I saw it but did not have to step in it.

Now you know the most exciting part of my commute today.

He Hates The Loop

I saw something curious on the Orange Line this morning. There was a dude who took his aggression out on an inanimate object. Let me set up the scene:

This guy got on at North Station and he pushed his way into the middle of the car where I was standing.

For some reason, the metal bars on the train...you know the ones...you hold on to them if you have to stand...well, nowadays they have these rubber loops on them...maybe three to a bar or so. They are sorta old timey and I find them annoying since I have hit my head on them a few times after I have stood up from sitting right underneath them.

This dude stood right next to me and attacked the loop. He struck at it. He punched it a few times. It was weird.

Then he flipped it upside down so that the loop pointed towards the ceiling rather than the floor. Again, strange...

He got a seat a few stops later while I continued to stand.

Because I was feeling a bit saucy today...blame the holidays...I turned the loop back right side down. I don't think he noticed. Too bad. I was wondering if he would turn his aggression towards me and not a poor, defenseless rubber loop.

Too Much Snow

Not enough shoveling.

I waited for the bus standing on the street. The snow bank did not seem like a safe place to stand. I didn't want to fall under somebody's tires.

The Orange Line was not prompt. We all waited on the platform as the winds blew. Many people turned their backs to the tracks...not sure if it was to keep warm or if it was a silent protest about the delay.

Even though the train took a long time to get to Malden, there were many delays on the line. What were we waiting for?

Dog Barking Bus Stop

On my walk to the bus stop, I encountered a dog. It had no leash. It had no owner in sight.

It made eye contact with me and then proceeded to bark at me as I continued my journey to the bus stop.

Once I arrived, the dog stood next to me and barked at me...and barked at me.

I started to ask the dog questions.

"Why are you barking at me?"

"Who is your owner?"

"Where is your home?"

The dog didn't answer. He kept barking at me.

I decided to ignore the dog as best I could.

It wasn't until Mike came to the stop did the dog run away.

I guess I am not that intimidating. Quite a bizarre start to the morning and I am not sure what to make of it.

Dunkin Donuts Couple

Do you ever get on the T and get involuntarily involved in a couple's argument?

Sometimes that happen.

This morning, there was a couple on the platform and they were nosily bickering with each other. They were complaining about their Dunkin' Donuts order and whose fault it was for the messed up order they received.

When they got on the train, they still talking loudly about how late they were and if they were given the right change back from the D+D cashier.

They took up three seats: Two for them, one for their food.

Thankfully, they did give up their food seat as more people entered the train.

Then, I didn't hear them for a while. Not sure if they stopped talking, or if the heavy coats of others standing around them insulated me from their noise.

As we got closer to Back Bay, the crowds thinned out and they were back talking again. Not sure they ever stopped.

Slushing To Work

Ah yes, the first measurable snowfall of the season...always makes things interesting.

Here's a good thing about taking public transportation. I don't have to deal with the people who are driving and act like they have never seen snow before.

I always disliked driving in this stuff. This morning was easy compared to getting there by car.

My heart goes out to my driving friends.

Text Alerts

Are you going to sign up for text alerts to find out why the T is late?

I think I would rather seek it out than have it sent to me.

Holiday Rush

I don't know about you...but has the subway been packed the last two days?

Is it because people are looking to get out of town for Turkey Day?

Is it because there have been system wide delays?

People were shoving and yelling at each other at State St. No lie.

I have a lot to be thankful for.

School Spirit

Since it is Thanksgiving week, Malden High School is having 'school spirit' week...at least that is what I can tell from what the kids were wearing to school today. Most of the girls were wearing pajamas. I overheard one of the kids saying it was "Wacky Tacky" day. Not sure what that means, nor do I understand why wearing pajamas to school means you are full of school spirit...but I'm not a kid anymore.

My high school had school spirit week and the adminstration asked that certain classes wear certain colors; i.e., Juniors wear white. I guess the thinking behind it is if everybody does the same thing, then we all feel unified....and therefore...we are full of school spirit.

I always felt they were reinforcing conformity...and I wasn't sure I agreed with it.

Still don't.

Examining The Boston Now Selling Techniques

Ok, I know they are not really selling anything...but there are a few techniques in play at Malden Station in the Boston Now paper distribution industry that I would like to discuss.

On the back side of the station, there is the guy who sings and I have talked about him before: The Malden T Stop Singer

On the front side of the station, there is this fairly new to the scene guy who takes a different approach.

• He addresses the oncoming crowds as "America". For instance, he will shout, "Boston Now! It's free, America!"


• He shouts, "Participate, don't discriminate!"


• He spells the word "Now" as a variation to saying the word "Now".
  

There are other things he says, but those three are the best.

Comments:

Although I see myself as an American, I think he should localize his target a bit more. I think it would be better addressed us as "Massachusetts" or more precisely "Malden". I just don't feel like "all of America" as I rush through the doors to get to the Orange Line.

Just because I don't want a paper doesn't mean I am discriminating. I like the guilt angle though. Well played.

The spelling of "Now" really punctuates the theme of the paper. N! O! W! It's not happening later...it's happening...now! Get it before "now" is over.

I still haven't taken a paper from this guy...but after breaking it down...I just might. Just don't call me America.

Yeah That Was Sweet

The bus was beeping throughout the whole ride. I think the driver finally got annoyed by it and turned off the engine at one of the stops.

At the engine shutdown, some guy in the back bus exclaimed, "Flipping Sweet!" (but he didn't say 'flipping').

I think he thought the bus had broken down. His shout didn't get much of a reaction from anybody else on the bus. I wonder if he felt a little embarassed for saying that once the bus started right back up again.

Probably not.

Air Conditioning

Not sure why, but our Orange Line car had the air conditioning on. If I was a little groggy from the hour change, the A/C certainly lifted the fog.

I was wide awake.

Halloween Commute

I enjoy seeing people riding the T in costume. This year wasn't spectacular, but there was enough to comment on.

There were mouse ears on a woman on the bus.

There was a bunny costume including painted on whiskers on an Orange Line woman.

I saw a guy in a Yankees uniform in Back Bay station. He must have lost a bet.

Lastly, the guy who sells Spare Change news on Clarendon St. was wearing an Elvis mask...very surreal.

Happy Halloween.

Best in Baseball

Three long years. I didn't think the curse of Mark Bellhorn would ever be reversed.

The bus came on time today so I had to jog a bit to make sure I caught it. I got a "fist punch" from Mike. He has been my Sox talk partner all year. He never gave up even when the Sox were on the brink of elimination in the Cleveland series.

P.S. I am not a smug 21st century Sox fan. I will appreciate this championship as much as I can. I already told a Yankee fan that works with me that she should start rooting for a winning team. She's from New York...but when in Boston...do as the Bostonians do.

Singing Conductors Bus Detour Pennant Waving

A few notes from the world of commuting to work.

Yesterday there was a woman conductor on the Orange Line who was "singing" out the stop names. Well, she wasn't totally in full-on song mode, but each stop name and connection information she broadcasted over the intercom had a tuneful lilt to it. She could be the next MBTA idol.

I like that you can now put the word "idol" on the end of any organization, and somehow it means you could be the winner of that organization's singing competition.

Today the road that leads to Malden station was being paved, so the bus had to take a scenic tour around, up, and through Malden Square to get to the T station.

The woman who was sitting next to me was reading a book. When she noticed we were not stopping at the station, she looked around and exclaimed, "What the hell happened?"

I told her we were detoured and she shook her head. You could see panic in her face and she was reaching for the stop signal...muttering something like, "Well I'll just get off here."

I could see in her face that she started to slowly understand that we were going to end up at the station eventually.

She reassured me that we were indeed heading towards the T station, which I never doubted but was pleased that she wanted to comfort me.

She then started to sing a little song to herself. More singing on the T...sweet.

When I got to Back Bay, I noticed the red flags and a big 2007 American League pennant waving from the top of the old Hancock Tower. Check it out if you can.

Maybe People Were Tired?

Back in 2004 when the Red Sox won the ALCS, people commuting to work were jubliant. We were letting people cut in front of us. We weren't driving like maniacs down the road. We were waving to each other on the roads.

On the T this morning, it was business as usual. Nobody looked really happy. There was no feeling of joy in the subway car or on the bus.

2004 was certainly different. We beat the Yankees after not beating the Yankees for so long.

This year, it seemed like we should win...unfortunately, I think we underestimated how good the Cleveland Indians were.

I don't know. I was beat this morning. I think everyone else was happy, but just not showing it because they were sleepy from staying up until midnight to see the end of the game.

Hot Bus

I was on "Faint Watch" this morning. The bus had the heat cranking this morning. I didn't think it was that cold. It seemed kinda steamy out there, and the fog sorta reinforced the feeling.

Nobody opened a window. The bus was not filled to capacity, so that may have help us to get through the ride without anyone passing out.

In February, when we really need that level of heat, we won't have it. Save it, my fine bus driver. Conserve the heat until the dead of winter.

Don't waste it on a mild October day.

Unified

It's hard to retire a blog. I just logged into my blogger account for the first time since earlier this week and I found two comments that people had left that were very complimentary. It warms my li'l heart.

I saw so many Red Sox caps on people's heads today...and on people I wouldn't expect like Graphic Novel Reading Guy and Business Man #4. These are just nicknames I have given some of the regulars who share my commute.

In Boston, we don't have much that unifies us...but we have the Sox. For me, that's just fine.

From reading my comments, maybe another unifying force is a collective annoyance for the MBTA. Meh, I'd rather root for the Sox.

Wake Up!

Fun Columbus Day ride on the Orange Line today.

I was sitting next to a woman who was pushing against my right side. I wasn't too sure why this was happening. I wasn't wearing any Axe bodyspray.

Soon, she stood up between the Community College and North Station stops. I was thinking she was getting ready to depart but she surprised me and sat down in an empty seat across from me. I wasn't too sure why this was happening. I did shower this morning.

Two stops later I understood why this woman was acting the way she was. There was a guy who was falling asleep...literally. When the train pulled into State, the guy toppled like a Redwood in an Oregon forest. His head barely missed my shoulder. The fall woke him up for a second, in which he held out his hand to motion an apology.

The next few stops were an adventure because he continued to wobble with each movement of the train. Finally, he moved over to the corner seat and was able to lead against the wall.

Dude, wake up.

Orange Line Disruption

Good story.

I got to the bus just in time to catch my bus. It came on time for once and I thought it was a sign that the commute was gonna be sweeeeet.

Not so fast there, kiddo.

I walk into Malden Center and there is a woman talking into a C.B. radio-looking microphone (I'm totally dating myself, but I don't care. Hey, it's true. I remember the 70s!). I couldn't hear what she was saying because she was broadcasting through speakers that were situated on the platform above.

I walked up the stairs, took my normal stance on the platform, and awaited her message.

"We are shuttling passengers from Haymarket to Back Bay Station," she kept repeating as if it was some sort of transportation mantra.

Many people looked bewildered. Others appeared angry. I shrugged my shoulders and came up with the solution that I would be able to pick up the Green Line at North Station and not concern myself with this shutttle bus nonsense.

The Orange Line came shortly after her announcement. The ride was delayed many times; at stations and between stations. The conductor on the train reiterated the shuttle bus plan and made it clear that Haymarket was going to be the last stop. He also told us the reason for this disruption of service.

"There is a damaged work vehicle stuck between Haymarket and Back Bay."

One person offered a simple solution in response: "Well, move it," he said.

Maybe it was just that simple. Maybe the T didn't think of that.....

When we finally got to North Station, many people had the same idea as me. Chance would have it that an empty "E" line train was waiting for us as the doors opened. Suddenly, it was if the starting gun of the marathon has been fired. People started to run...I mean sprint...for the train. I decided to wait. Heck, I had waited this long, why try to hurry it up now?

A "C" line came right after it. It was slow as ever...but I finally got to Copley.

I couldn't pass up this report.

Step All The Way Into The Train

Ever wonder what the conductor means when they ask people to "step all the way into the train?"

It's not like people are straddling the door with one foot in the train and one foot out of it.

What they mean is once you board the train, you should move to the middle of the car you are in...if you can.

People who enter the car first should remember this instruction. If you enter the train first and there are a lot of people behind you...move into the car as far as possible.

It's a different tactic than stepping all the way into the train...but harder to convey in an announcement.

May You Be Well

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:17
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 50s.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope.

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No school kids on the bus this morning which made for an easy ride again.

The Orange Line had no delays...so all and all it was a problem-free commute.

Taking a look at the date, it appears I have been running this blog for 2 years.

It's been fun. I have certainly learned a lot, but I think I've learned everything I can from this project,

I have come to the decision to semi-retire this blog. I've become less passionate about the subject matter (if passionate is even the right word for it), and looking at my watch for every connection has been getting a little tiresome too.

Not to say I won't post ever again, I just don't think I will post every workday like I have been for the past 450+ work days. I will be on vacation next week, so definitely no posting then. When I get back, we'll see.

Thank you all for reading. May you be well.

Without Kids

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:10
T Departure Time: 7:12
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny and nice. 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

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The Malden Public Schools had the day off for Rosh Hashanah today. I found out that this is the reason why schools were in session before Labor Day. They had school in late August to make up for the day they would have off in September.

The bus came on time and was almost empty. Let's cherish this day.

The Orange Line had some delays and I was sitting in seat that faced east...directly in front of a window. The sun is still pretty powerful, so I sat there blind for a few minutes while we waited to move. (I would have given this trip a "1" on the annoyance scale if it hadn't been for this sun drenched delay).

Meh, it helped me to wake up.

Water Bottle Situation

Bus Departure Time: 7:05
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny and pleasant.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today.

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I had a pretty good commute this morning. The sun was out. I got a seat on the bus. It wasn't too crowded. Life is good.

Close to the end of the bus trip, there was a peculiar situation where an older woman put an unopened, half liter Poland Spring bottle on the seat next to me. I wasn't paying attention; I was looking out the window watching the world go by (remember, life is good?). Then there was a thumping sound made on the empty seat next to me. I turned to look and the nice lady who was sitting across the aisle from me held up her hand and smiled at me a bit. I looked down at the seat and saw the water bottle. I half smiled and turned back to the window.

I am not sure if she thought it was mine; I don't remember bringing a water bottle onto the bus. I think it was left behind and it was rolling on the floor. She must have picked it up and put it on the seat to stop it from knocking into her every time the bus took a turn.

When we got to Malden Center, I picked it up off the seat and threw it out. I mean, I wasn't going to drink it. Even though it appeared to be unopened, I wasn't 100% sure. Plus, it had dirt all over it...and even though that dirt hadn't appeared to contaminate the bottle's contents, I wasn't 100% sure.

I was thinking that eventually someone would have to throw it away, probably an MBTA staff member, so I did it before the bottle caused any more problems. I did what I thought was right.

Drippy and the Mumbler

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:17
T Departure Time: 7:22
T Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and misty. High 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah

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Just to let you know....The puke smell in the Malden Center T station stairwell was nonexistent this morning. It seemed clean from what I could tell.

The Orange Line was an adventure. I got stuck between two characters: Drippy and The Mumbler.

Drippy sat on my right. He had a large container of what appeared to be water tucked inside of a mesh pocket on his backpack. The lid must not have been securely fastened since it was dripping all over the place before he sat down.

The Mumbler sat on my left. He was a large man who wore shorts and Ace Bandages on his lower legs and mumbled odd phrases throughout the trip.

Drippy wanted to read his Herald using both hands and Mumbles was sitting wide-legged...so I had a pretty uncomfortable ride. I think one of my legs fell asleep.

Malden's Funky Odor

Bus Departure Time: 7:05
Bus Arrival Time: 7:23
T Departure Time: 7:26
T Arrival Time: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cooler. Have we had summer's last gasp?
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

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Yay Monday! Awesome!

I sat next to a woman who would sigh every time the bus stopped. I thought to myself, "Uuuuh, this is what the bus does...it stops....why are you so annoyed about that?"

I am thrilled to report that the stairwell of Malden Center's subway station smelled like vomit this morning. That was a nice wake up call. I was unable to make a visual, although that doesn't rule out it's existence.

The Orange Line was fairly uneventful. The announcer lost count of what stop was next and corrected herself with a laugh. I don't think anyone noticed.

She reminded people to take their newspapers with them as they left the train, which is nice.

T Riders Come Lately

Bus Departure Time: 7:06
Bus Arrival Time: 7:26
T Departure Time: 7:27
T Arrival Time: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

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When I started "using" the MBTA again to get to work back in February, the number of people sharing my commute was tolerable. This week, it's been a little much.

Maybe it's like this every September. Maybe it's like the gym in January. All the New Year's resolution peeps crowd the place but by mid-February most of them drop off and then it's back to "normal levels".

I hope that's what happens with the T too. Kids will say to themselves, "I don't have to leave so early." or "I can't take the crowds, I'm leaving later."

These things have a way of working themselves out. I am sure of it.

Happy Friday.

Pointing Out The Obvious

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:22
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny and 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): I have to give it a 4
Feared for my life: No

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It was one of those days, one of those commutes, that you just know isn't going to be good. It starts when you get to the bus stop and there are 7 or so people standing around that you have never seen before but they all want to get on the bus with you.

Where did you people come from? Why are you paying with change?

It also seemed like we stopped at every stop. It didn't feel like we got anywhere quick.

I think the heat was on in the bus and coupled with all the bodies radiating their own heat, it made for a sweaty ride for some people. Not fun. I'm grouchy. Wah.

The Malden T station had a larger crowd than normal waiting for the Orange Line. Are they all college students? Where have these peeps been?

The comment of the morning was spoken at Downtown Crossing by the T announcer. To try to ease the delay of passengers entering the train, he explained that, "the train has more than one door...please use all available doors."

The comment was just on the verge of being obnoxious, but thoroughly steeped in the realm of the obvious.

Funny thing is, it didn't shorten our time at the station. We still sat there for a good 30 seconds after he said it.

Movies Filming in Boston

Bus Departure Time: 7:00
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cooler. 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

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The fall bus schedule has made me feel a little less stressed in the morning. I am happy not to be shoved or squashed or pushed. It has been pretty low key.

The one thing that would make it better would be for everyone to get Charlie Cards. Paying with bills and coins is so 20th century.

There is a movie being filmed near my work, in the Fairmont Copley Plaza. My guess is it's The Women shoot...and not the Bachelor No. 2 shoot.

It's just a guess though.

UPDATE: I guessed wrong! Boston.com sez it IS Bachelor No. 2.

Soy Amada

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:39
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

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It appeared that we were not going to be saved this week. It appeared that we were still on the summer schedule and we were going to be dealing with the same "too many people, too little space" we encountered last week.

As the bus turned the corner in the distance, my spirits sank. It was late and it looked to be alone.

Then suddenly, the lights of another bus turned the corner right behind it. All was not lost. We are back on the fall schedule!

I got on the bus and took a seat. The driver was new and was determined to get us to the T station as fast as possible.

There was a woman on the bus that had a button that read, "Soy Amada"...I guess we all felt loved today. (It means: "I am loved.")

Time Stands Still

Bus Departure Time: 7:06 I guess
Bus Arrival Time: 7:21 ish
T Departure Time: 7:25 probably
T Arrival Time: 7:46 meh
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 60s - man, it's like CA out there.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

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Dude, my watch died. Time of death: 2:50 AM. I looked down to see what time the bus arrived at my stop, and I saw the second hand frozen at 21 seconds.

I guess I gotta get the battery replaced.

I kept time using my cell phone but it just wasn't the same.

No school today for some reason...so the bus was tolerable. I had all these "the bus was soooo packed" jokes lined up for today's post, but I really shouldn't use them.

Oh all right.

The bus was so packed today, we ended up on the baggage conveyor belt at Logan.

The bus was so packed today, not only could I tell what the guy next to me had for breakfast but also what he had dinner the past two weeks.

The bus was so packed today, I think I'm carrying some woman's baby.

I have more...but I think that's a good place to stop.

Have a good long weekend.

Getting Through It

Bus Departure Time: 7:08
Bus Arrival Time: 7:22
T Departure Time: 7:24
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No

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The bus was a little less stressful than yesterday. Oh yeah, it was insanely full of people but because I knew what I was in for this morning, it didn't stress me out as much. I counted down the stops until we got to the high school and all the kids got off. Once that happened, it was smooth sailing.

Just as a side note, I did see a bus that claimed it was "out of service" but was picking up people along the route on Salem St. Did the MBTA hear my plea from yesterday?

On the Orange Line, I sat at the end of the car and was smashed up against the faux wood wall because some guy needed a lot of space. There was a guy who was rapping along to his music aloud. I had to stop myself from looking up every time he broke the silence with some lyric.

I had two dollars burning in my pocket so I got a coffee at the Dunk near my work. There was a woman who greeted me right before walked in and she asked if she could have some change on the way out. After I got my medium with skim milk, no sugar, I handed her my $0.17 as I slid through the double doors. I'm not sure why I did that.

Plea to the MBTA

Bus Departure Time: 7:10
Bus Arrival Time: 7:27
T Departure Time: 7:31
T Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Sunny and in the 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 6
Feared for my life: Not really

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Dear MBTA,

I know you plan to add more buses next week, but we really need them now. Yes, yes...I think it's weird too that Malden's schools are back in session before Labor Day. It never was like that when I was a kid. I am sure it was the same for you. The reality is the kids are back in school and they are using the MBTA bus to get there. Man, it was packed today. I had to stand at the front of the bus with one foot slightly over the yellow line. That's against the rules! If there is any way you could send another bus to head down Salem St. around 7 o'clock, that would really help everyone out. We passed so many stops today...they all had 10+ people waiting at them...some of them many more.

If you can't send another bus, I guess that's just the way it is. I will make other arrangements if need be, but the city's school schedule isn't jiving with the bus schedule this year. Could you help us out?

School Already?

Bus Departure Time: 7:05
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny and comfortable.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Not really

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I don't know why but this morning the kids were all going back to school and somehow they were all on the bus too. I have seen the bus packed with people but this morning set a new record of people per square foot.

Once we got to the high school stop, the pressure valve was released. The working stiffs like me were able to take a seat and take a break for the next three stops.

Tomorrow should be a blast.

I got off the Orange line at Downtown Crossing because I had to go to the post office. After I bought my stamps, I saw two fire trucks race down St. James Ave. I thought to myself, "I wonder where they are going?" with a smaller thought of "I wonder if it will be my building?"

When I got to the building, the two trucks parked outside. I thought I would have to wait to get inside, I was let in with no troubles.

Not sure what the problem was, but an "all clear" message was announced five minutes later.

Orange Line - Stop By Stop

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warm. No too humid though.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

The bus dropped all of us off at the Malden T station and I could see that the Orange Line had just pulled into the station. What I didn't realize until I got to the platform was that it was still there.

So I jumped on thinking the doors were going to close soon. They didn't. We waited. The announcer said there was a disabled train in front of us and we would have to stay put for a while. We did and more people got on. I was standing in the middle of the car and suddenly I was joined by three others. Then, the train doors closed and we got going. Here's how it went from Wellington to Downtown Crossing:

Wellington: The platform was teeming with people and they were all looking eager to get on. The doors opened and wave after wave of people entered the train until we were near capacity.

Sullivan Square: Not as packed as Wellington, but a large enough number of people to raise the panic level. The bodies bobbing and weaving to get a good position in front of a door. The eyes filled with looks of "I am getting on this train if I need to pull people off of it!"

Community College: Usually nobody gets on at this stop during my commute. There were three people on the platform today. They took one look at our car and ran to enter another one.

North Station: Some relief with a few people exiting. Seats opened up and a few of my standing comrades sat down quickly.

Haymarket: A woman entered the train with a raised bandaged left arm exclaiming, "I don't want to do this to anybody, but I have GOT to sit down!" It worked. A man stood up, the crowd parted, and she took her seat.

Downtown Crossing: The grand exodus commenced.
Joy was felt up and down the Orange Line. A large group of new passengers got on, but they seemed to fit right in.

Into The Mystic

Bus Departure Time: 7:07
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and a little muggy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------



I told you the Mystic River was misunderstood. This picture is from the Boston.com article about the river is making a comeback.

Yeah, it's still a pretty yucky river especially in the Everett area, but everybody gets a second chance...even rivers. Or maybe more accurately, mother nature is a strong force and will correct all human mistakes especially when we try working with her.

Taking the MBTA to the Airport

Bus Departure Time: 7:04
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:23
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and still cool out there
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: I feared for somebody else's

------------------------------

Red Sox lose, Yankees win. Ah, yin and yang.

The bus was as good as it has been this summer. Crowded but everyone was tolerant of the lack of space.

The Orange Line had an interesting situation. I got on at Malden Center along with another guy with a HUGE SUITCASE. It was really big. I could have fit in there. Seriously. It had tags on it from previous flights on United that stated it was HEAVY.

I sat next to the end of the subway car and he sat in the next seat over, leaving an empty seat in between us. He then set his suitcase down parallel with the row of seats. Since the suitcase was so huge, it blocked off anyone from using the empty seat.

This layout drew some grimaces from other passengers as they entered the train.

The suitcase became such a fixture that its owner was offering it up as a place for people who were standing it near it to rest their bags. Nobody took him up on his offer.

Then we got to State St. and all hell broke loose. The guy tried to be as friendly and polite as he could, but the other passengers holding on to the poles and bars weren't very happy about his advances toward the doors before the train came to a stop.

Oh, the looks that he got were priceless. Some people were really angry. Most laughed a little after he got off the train.

I hope he had a better time at Logan.

No Sleep 'til DTX

Bus Departure Time: 7:07
Bus Arrival Time: 7:23
T Departure Time: 7:23
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Misty overcast skies. 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Naw

------------------------------

Crisp air, misty skies. Red Sox win, Yankees lose. Bus is late, T is waiting for me.

We had dueling buses today....you know, two buses that ride down the street at the same time and take turns picking up people.

Well one guy tried out both buses. He got onto ours, stayed on for one stop, and then proceed to exit our bus and then got on the other bus.

I guess we were too much for him.

The T was all right. I got squashed between two dudes who were reading their papers with wide arms.

I found my safe place and survived until DTX where they both departed.

Shedding Tears

Bus Departure Time: 7:05
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:24
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

The bus was a little late today...the stop was full of people when I got to it. I left my house at the normal time, but I guess people decided to get up a little earlier. It didn't make the bus come any sooner.

I think I saw a woman crying on the Orange Line. I am sure it wasn't because the T was riding smoothly today. Hope she's feeling better.

More Backpack Fun

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: A bit chilly...certainly has an autumn feel today.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Hey now. That crisp air was an eye opener, both literally and figuratively. Most years I would feel saddness when the indications of summer dying down come around. Recently, I have realized that Boston's real season is autumn. I look forward to it.

Bus was jammed packed today. Soon, the kids will be back in school and they will add another bus to run around the 7 o'clock hour. I look forward to that too.

The person who sat near me placed her backpack on the seat in between us, making the person who wanted to sit there have to ask her to move it. I also saw a near backpack knockdown.

Backpacks!

Orange Line Safety Tip

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and muggy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nah

------------------------------

Ok, hopefully I can do this story justice. Telling a story and typing a story are very different. Before I get into it, the bus was on time and it moved pretty well. Sweet A.

I got on the Orange Line right after being dropped off by the bus....I ran up the stairs and walked right through one of the train's open doors. Because I didn't have time to plan it out, I took the first seat I saw: The end seat right next to the front wall of the car.

This car had the conductor/announcer's compartment right next to it. Through the window I could see that she was in there talking to someone, but I could see who that person was since they were behind the curtain.

Flashforward to Dtown Xing (That's how the kids text Downtown Crossing): There is a woman standing in front of me and she is doing the unspeakable! She's leaning against the door to the announcer's compartment. FOR SHAME! Don't you know that it's strictly forbidden to lean against that door? It's clearly labelled!

Now I know why.

As the subway came to the stop, the door opened. The announcer's mystery companion was getting out there! The woman who was leaning on the door fell in...almost fell all the way in, never to be seen again. It was pretty intense. It happened so fast that I didn't know what was happening.

It turned out she was ok. The companion apologized and all was set right. She went back to leaning on the door.

I always thought they didn't want you to lean on the door because they were afraid the door was going to fly open and I always thought that the doors were pretty secure.

You have to be afraid of who may be opening the door on the other side of it.

Breakfast of Chumps

Bus Departure Time: 7:07
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Mostly sunny and 70
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Not really

------------------------------

I was going to type about how I thought the bus driver didn't have his Wheaties today to explain why he was late but on second thought, there were a few other things in play.

1. When the bus did arrive, it was one the older models
2. It was driven by some guy I have never seen before

Not sure, but maybe there was a larger issue behind the bus's tardiness outside of the driver not having a nutritious breakfast.

The Orange Line was pleasant for the most part. Even though I was on a later train, I saw many of the same faces I always see. It was as if everyone's travel time was shifted 5 minutes later...just like mine.

There was one woman who shouted out to no one in particular when we were delayed right outside New England Medical Center, "This train has been standing by more than it has been frigging moving this morning."
Although I disagreed with her (that was the only delay that I experienced on the line - and for the record it only lasted 20 seconds), I wasn't really in the mood to debate random people on the train.

Maybe tomorrow.

Murky Waters

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny and a little warmer
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

------------------------------

I got to the bus just in time today. Mike told me my timing was perfect. I let him know I didn't plan it that way. Just lucky, I guess.

The Orange Line had an extended delay between Wellington and Sullivan. I got to take in a long glance of the murky Mystic River (they made a movie about it, you know...and it was a book before that). Strange, misunderstood sister river of the Charles...

"Up and over we go
through the wave and undertow
I will float until I learn how to swim"

Just more dirty water.

Are You Saying I'm Fat?

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cool. I am telling ya, it feels like Sept.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I went to the Red Sox game last night so I am a little tired today. The bus driver decided she was going to pick up everyone on the route. It was awesome. I hope you can detect my sarcasm.

On the T, I sat down and had an empty seat next to me. At Wellington, a woman sat next to me and I suddenly felt uncomfortable. I think she was trying to take up as much space as possible.

Let me get this out of the way: She was of average size, whatever that means. I guess what I am trying to say is that she wasn't obese. I have had plenty of people who have sat next to me on the Orange Line who I think would fit the description of the medical term "obese" and they have made riding the T a pretty tight situation for me. I generally leave it out of the blog because I don't want readers thinking I am poking fun at fat people.

So, with that long winded, awkward disclaimer out of the way, I want to say that this woman just had a different idea about social space than what I am used to. I had a hard time reading sitting next to her. I kept bumping into her so I started to lean to the right so I would reduce the number of times I said sorry on the trip.

I think I am getting fat.

Phoning It In

Bus Departure Time: 7:01
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Overcast with just an orange glow of where the sun should be this morning
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Naw

------------------------------

I got to the bus stop early today and waited around. None of the regulars showed up, but an older woman who sometimes takes the bus in the morning came to the stop at 7 o'clock.

On the bus, there was a man with a hand truck. Yes, he had a hand truck and he had it full of boxes and assorted other stuff all secured with bungee cords. He had parked himself in front of the back door, and I took a seat near the front to avoid the scene.

He got off at Malden station where the Boston Now hawker was not so much singing today as he was shooting Boston Now bullets at people as they walked by.

• Boston Now!
  
• Boston Now!
  
• Boston Now!
  

I think he was phoning it in today.

The Orange Line was delay free. Peeps, we should rejoice.

Clear Skies and Crisp Air

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, dry air, and cool...do I feel a hint of autumn? No. Slap that wrist for even mentioning it.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

Sunny morning...the sky is clear and blue and the muggy air has jettisoned out of here.

The bus stop was filled with people I had never seen before. Some wearing cowboy hats, no joke. Other stops were jammed packed with people as well and we stopped picking up people 5 stops before the end.

The Orange Line had my favorite conductor announcing the stops. When we had to standby, she explained the reason in her soft tones was "due to traffic up ahead". She made the delay acceptable...somehow.

I am off tomorrow...so I will type to you on Monday.

Best Wishes From The Conductor

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Light rain, heavier as I got closer to work.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

So, Bonds broke the career home run record last night. I didn't see it, but Mike and I talked about it and how it wasn't really the big deal it should have been.

As the rain got heavier, the slower the ride became. We came to complete, unscheduled stops a few times before we headed into North Station.

Lately, I have had the pleasure of riding on the same Orange Line train with this one conductor. She does a good job of announcing stops and connections, reminds people to pick up their newspapers before they leave the train, and sends out constant best wishes of a good day to all who are listening.

So maybe, just maybe, we will all have a good day today even if the weather isn't cooperating.

Take Your Time With Charlie

Bus Departure Time: 7:08
Bus Arrival Time: 7:23
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Misty. Some fog, but humid.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Man, the bus was late today. I pumped up the level of annoyance because of it.

When we got to the T station, there was an MBTA attendant shouting at people to slow down. I didn't see much of the reasons why she was yelling, but I could hear the buzzing sounds of some kind of gate error as I rounded the bend.

From what I could tell, people were trying and retrying to insert their Charlie Tickets into the gate slot so many times and so quickly that it was causing problems, hence the rather loud instructions from the attendant.

When I got to the gate, I thanked her for the tip and took my time. My Charlie Card works just fine, for the most part. I keep it in my wallet and the only time I have trouble with the scanner not reading my card is when I have a large amount of other stuff in there blocking it.

Usually, it's receipts. (No, nothing good like cash or gold or magic beans)

I saw a woman on the Orange Line give up her seat to a man with a cane. He was relucant at first but he took it and thank her kindly. More good stuff.

Please Take Your Belongings

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy. Cooler. Probably in the 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

Mike was back on the commute. He was gone on vacation last week and it was good to catch up with him. The bus was running well. Most of the stops had 4 or 5 people at them, but right before the end of the ride we got slammed with a stop that had 15 or so. We all had to squeeze together but we were able to accomodate.

When I got to Malden Center, the Orange Line was departing. The next one came pretty quickly so there weren't a lot of people waiting.

I got on the train and there was a seat that both a Metro and a Now on it. I took both of the papers, folded them up, and put them on the floor. I stepped on them so they wouldn't go anywhere.

I guess I hate that feeling when someone encounters a seat next to you that has newspapers on it, and gives you a look like, "Did you leave these papers here?"

So, I took them off the seat and when I got to my stop I picked them up along with the news articles I was reading and threw them in the recycling bin.

No weird feeling and I recycled. Good times.

It's Trending Nicely

Bus Departure Time: 7:05
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:24
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Sunny and muggy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2.5
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Alone at the bus stop again (naturally) and the bus was late today. Not a huge deal because it was Friday and there weren't a lot of people on the bus, but you'd think it would have been early because it was Friday and there weren't a lot of people on the bus. The annoyance scale went up a half point.

I am happy that the Orange Line's delay troubles have gone away. Today marks two days in a row that my ride's duration was within what I consider the normal range.

Oh no, I just jinxed it. Great.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Malden Scenes

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warm
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I think my neighborhood is full of different scenes and kooky characters, not including me. Today I was alone at the bus stop, so I had time to watch an older Asian couple shoot hoops in the playground across the street. The man had a good low post game, but was really trying to help his female companion. She was missing 10 foot jumpers one right after another, but he kept passing it to her until she got one. It was nice to see. I was rooting for her.

There was also an old woman walking up and down the street with a blue and green polka dot shirt with matching socks. I don't think she had any particular place to go; she had grocery bags full of stuff and she was moving from one end of the street to the other.

Bus was good. Orange Line is back to a 21 minute ride.

Sunshine Morning

Bus Departure Time: 7:03
Bus Arrival Time: 7:17
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny and hot
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Was that sun hot out there or what? I think I was just surprised to see it at seven o'clock in the morning....but it felt pretty intense too.

Bus ride was good. Everybody got on without too many snags. It was as smooth as it has been this summer.

A few notes from the Orange line:

All the free papers love Eric Gagne.

There was a kid, must have been 3 years old, who was yelling very loudly when we stopped at Downtown Crossing. It was fun to see people wake up.

A woman dropped her water bottle as she was exiting at Chinatown and a young guy picked it up and handed it to her. Who says chivalry is dead?

The Old Routine

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: A bit foggy, but humid
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

------------------------------

After a bit of a hiatus (still recovering from my sister-in-law's wedding and the Police show on Sunday night), today's commute served as a bland reinstatement of my normal routine.

The bus was uneventful as I sat droopy-eyed, trying to stay awake.

The subway trip was a little more exciting because I sat on a different car on the Orange Line this morning. I usually sit in the second to last car, but since the crowd was a little lighter down the platform I stood where the third to last car comes to its final resting place...and I boarded the train through its doors. There was a seat across from me that was torn apart. It wasn't pretty.

The subway is still take two minutes longer to get from Malden to Back Bay. Boo.

MBTA Rule #5,347

Bus Departure Time: 7:03
Bus Arrival Time: 7:17
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Hazy sun, warm, around 70
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

The bus was a-rockin' this morning. Not sure why people in the back we having such a good time, but they were laughing and singing the Boston Now song (he's back!) and calling out to the driver to open the back door when a passenger needed to be let out.

The pinnacle of their exuberance was shouting out to the driver to hit a bike rider who crossed in front of the bus as it was taking a right turn onto Pleasant St. I believe the quote was, "Hit him, the bastard!" Ahh, summer mornings...they allow people to let loose. Must be the result of too much heat...it effects the brain. :)

Ok, again I'm not preaching, I'm just teaching (somehow by typing this phrase I can be absolved of any accusation of being an "old fuddy duddy").

If you are wearing a backpack and riding the T, do one of two things. Be very careful when you are turning or leaning back or take it off and place it front of you so you can have more control. I can't tell you how many times I have been almost been knocked over big bloated backpack by people not aware of their extended personal space.

I was guilty of inadvertent backpack bludgeoning until my wife pointed it out to me. I guess I almost knocked down a few people while turning around on the Red Line. When my wife tried to tell me about what I had just did, I didn't hear her...and in true scripted, physical comedy style I turned back to face her and knocked the people over in the opposite direction! They didn't laugh much.

Anyway, be careful with your backpacks. You may not know who you are knocking over.

I will be out until next Tuesday. So, enjoy the ride until then.

Upgrade From Yesterday

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warm
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

The T must have read my post from yesterday...which resembled the 95 Theses. Today was a much better ride. Sure I had to wait for the Orange Line a bit and it was a little slower than "normal", but much improved from the day before.

Just a few other notes:

The singing Boston Now guy at Malden Center was not on duty. There was a mute stand-in instead, passing out papers methodically. Does this mark the end of singing Boston Now hawker's reign?

I haven't noticed anyone reading the Harry Potter book on the T. Is it too big to carry around?

I should present my thoughts on backpacks on the T tomorrow. Good times.

Detailed List

Bus Departure Time: 7:05
Bus Arrival Time: 7:21
T Departure Time: 7:23
T Arrival Time: 7:48
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and humid
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 6
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Yeah, I typed it. The annoyance level was at a 6 today. Let's get into the details:

• The bus was late

• The A/C on the bus was off when we got on - It kicked on eventually, but the first seven minutes of the trip were pretty uncomfortable

• The Orange Line was delayed again due to some track/signal/traffic problems

• My evangelist buddy got on at Wellington and was pushing his pamphlets and his beliefs onto everyone on the train with me.

• The Orange Line's wheels make an incredibly loud screeching noise on the tracks between the New England Medical Center and Back Bay stops. The noise is a recent development; it's only been a problem for the last week or two and I am not sure what brought it on. Maybe the warm temperatures have expanded the tracks and it has caused some new awful contact with the train? I now count how many people cover their ears as we ride through it.

That's all. Tomorrow has to be better.

Delayed and Delayed

Bus Departure Time: 7:03
Bus Arrival Time: 7:17
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and in the mid 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

It was cool in temperature outside waiting for the bus at the stop, but once we got on the bus it was different story. The air was dead and sticky. My comrade in riding, Mike, was sweating up a storm. The A/C unit didn't kick in until we were 2 minutes away from the Malden Center T station. It seemed to be an awful joke. I am guessing the unit was set to a thermostat and only kicked on once we reached some preset temperature. If not, the driver was being cruel.

We experienced more delays on the Orange Line this morning. It was bad. I finished the Metro before we went underground. The conductors did not announce the reason for the delays, but hopefully it doesn't continue. For the most part, the Orange Line has been pretty consistent since I started riding it regularly back in February. It would be a shame for it to become flaky.

Signal Problems at Community College

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and uh, moist. See below.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4.5
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

Yep, I said it. Today it was moist outside.

I know people who hate that word.

And when I say people, I mean my wife.

Say it to yourself...slowly...moy-oy-oy-st...MoooooyyyyyssssssT.

Give you the shivers a little bit? No? It creeps her out.

She hates "plug" too.

Where was I? Oh yeah. The bus was rolling today...and like it has for the past few days it dropped me and the rest of us off just as the Orange Line rolled into the station. I joined the mad dash and made it in before the doors closed. Sweet A.

All the running didn't matter much because the ol' subway was delayed due to signal problems at Community College. It was a spectacle! There were conductors coming on and off the train...walking through the sacred "between car" doors that mere passengers are forbidden to use. Walkie-talkies were squawking. Apologies were raining down from the overhead speakers....

The signal problems added 7 minutes to my commute. I guess I'll take it.

Have a good weekend.

MBTA Toe Stepping

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and muggy. Very sticky!
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No, not today.

------------------------------

On the bus, a gentleman motioned to me and moved his bag so that I could sit down. I told him thanks but it wasn't necessary. I guess someone read my bags on seats post.

Here's the real item for today. On the Orange Line as we were pulling out of Haymarket, I could hear women chatting about some guy who was stepping on everybody's toes and not saying he was sorry. Big No No, guy.

Here's the tip: It's summertime. There are a lot of people wearing open toed shoes each and every morning. If you are standing on the T, be very careful where you place your feet. Look down and make sure you are stepping on solid subway floor and not someone precious toes.

If you do step on someone's toes, and believe me it happens no matter how careful you are...often due to sudden stops...say you're sorry. Look the person right in the eyes and say, "I'm sorry." and then say it again so they know you mean it.

I stepped on a woman's toes a month and a half ago on the ride home, and I said I was sorry twice. I saw her expression lighten up immediately...she knew I meant it.

Let's watch out for each other.

Snack Attack

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cool 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

------------------------------

So, the bus wasn't that crowded today. Here's my theory: Since there are other buses that travel down the same street as the one I take every day, people have made the switch and are choosing to get picked up by those other buses. I stand by this theory because I see people who I recognize standing at other stops or who continue to stay put when my bus rolls up to their stop.

Good for them. More space for me.

I saw a kid who I think might be attending summer school, since he gets off the bus in front of the school. (I'm clever) He had two snack size bags of Funyuns with him. I wonder if that was going to be his lunch.

Funyuns (which I guess is the correct way to spell the name of this snack - I thought it was Funions) are one step above Andy Capp Fries in the world of wacky snacks....but one step below Bugles.

Wow, I have resorted to sharing how I rate certain snacks...you know it was a quiet day on the T when this happens.

MBTA Observation about Bags on Seats

Bus Departure Time: 7:03
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy, high 70s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Here's something I have seen many times on the T, but I saw it twice today
so I thought I would comment on it now that it is fresh in my mind.

Why do people put their bags down on the seat next to them on the T? Are they saving
the seat for the first person that comes by and asks them to move the bag so they can
sit down? Isn't it a rule to keep all your stuff within the invisible borders of the seat you are sitting on?

To be fair, I don't think most of these people are selfish seat-hoarders. From what I have witnessed, people will get on an empty car with plenty of seats and they will put their bag on the empty seat next to them. It's no big deal because of the aforementioned abundance of seats. It only becomes a problem later on when there is a stop with a large number of people entering the train and seats become a scarce commodity.

I'm not preaching, I'm teaching. If you don't want to look like a jerk, keep your bag with you while riding the T. Keep it on your lap so people can sit next to you if they wish.

Not Much Luck

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:17
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Cloud cover, pleasant
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Ah, a mid-July Monday morning. I had a good weekend: enjoyed the sunshine and the pool...maybe a little too much since I have a little burn on the top of my back and shoulders.

On the bus route, it appeared we were going to take advantage of the late riser phenomenon that tends to happen on Monday until we ran into a delay. It looked promising; the bus arrived at a number of stops early in the route that are usually crammed with people, but today they had only small gatherings.

One of those small gatherings had a person who hadn't encountered the new(ish) collection system yet, and we were stopped for what seemed like an eternity while he figured it out. The bus driver was doing her best to help him. She did say something funny while working with him.

"You got to leave earlier if you are going to hold up people like this."

Since we were delayed, the stops had enough time to populate themselves to their normal levels and we picked up everyone until the bus was filled to capacity. Wah.
It was a little uncomfortable.

The Orange line car I was in didn't have its air conditioning unit on and it became pretty steamy in there with riders fanning themselves for relief. The unit didn't kick on until we were underground somewhere...around State Street, I think. I guess they had the thermostat set to 110.

RIP Mr. Butch

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny and nice
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I guess some people took the day off today since the bus was pretty empty. We even stopped for everybody waiting on the route. There was a delay at Wellington for a "scheduled adjustment" for a minute or two...but the conductor woman did her best to make up for it by thanking us profusely for riding the T.

And now for my salute...even though it doesn't have to do with getting to work in the morning, I couldn't post today without typing something about this Boston icon.

As I was riding home yesterday, I got a text message from Jim Larkin that read "RIP Mr. Butch".

It took me a second for the message to sink in, but once I understood what it meant I came to the realization that yet another piece of what made Boston fun/different/ours is gone.

Mr. Butch was a fixture in Kenmore Square while I was going to school, and later on in Allston when I was living there between 2000 and 2004.

Although I didn't know him outside of a drunken conversation after a show at the Rat in the mid-90s, it was always good to see his familar face. When I moved back to Boston in '99, it was comforting to know that he still around, doing his thing.

I'll miss you, Mr. Butch. That's my salute today.

Sorry - The Bus is Full!

Bus Departure Time: 7:04
Bus Arrival Time: 7:19
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny and less muggy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

I think our bus is really starting to tick people off. Today marked the second day in a row that we reached capacity early and drove past stops without stopping. I wonder if any of these would-be passengers will be complaining to the T. What would the T do with their complaints if they received them?

My singing Boston Now friend at the Malden Center Orange Line stop was in good voice today. Sadly, the "drop it like it's hot" Metro hawker has disappeared for good, it seems. His absence makes me a little forlorn. He was good for a laugh or two.

Overheard on Someone's iPod: Jay-Z's "Show Me What You Got"

Malden T Station Singer

Bus Departure Time: 7:01
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Soupy.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Not today.

------------------------------

It was a good day to ride the bus. The other 45 passengers and I filled it up by the 10th stop of the route and the driver decided he couldn't take any more. We sped by 3 or 4 stops that had crowds waiting and wanting, which ended up just watching....watching us drive right past them. I think I heard some passengers laughing as they saw the reactions of some of the people as we drove past them.

Ok, there's a guy who hands out Boston Now papers at the Malden T station who needs to be discussed. His technique is starting to grate on my nerves. He sings out to people as they approach the station. I'll do my best to describe it here through extending words by repeating vowels:

"Goooood Morning Everybody...Get Your Boston Noooooooooooooooooow!"

The "now" part of the song is really nasally.

Today, I saw a guy take a paper from the singing hawker and responded with a little tuneful, "Thank Yooooooooooooooooooooooou!"

I need to ask him if he knows any other songs.

No Jackets Required

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:39
Weather as I call it: Whoa, Foggy! I didn't see that one coming.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah.

------------------------------

As I walked out of my house, my neighbor exclaimed "It looks like London out here!"

"Yes, but without the charm..." (I thought this).

It was foggy all right, which led to a peculiar occurrence: People wearing jackets.

It may have been cool this morning...and that's a big MAY I am putting in there...but isn't it supposed to be around 90 later on today? People, people, people...you're way overdressed.

Because jacket wearing was in fashion this morning, I was subjected to a guy wearing an old tweed jacket that smelt like decomposing celery salt on the Orange Line. I didn't get any relief until Downtown Crossing.

Today marks the one year anniversary of the Big Dig Tunnel Collapse. Do people fell any safer today?

No Problems

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:17
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and humid
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Happy Monday everyone. I had a short weekend, how 'bout you?

Got on the bus and discussed the sweep of the Sox in Motown. I wasn't happy about it, but Mike still thinks they're going be ok. We'll see. They should have won at least one game.

The Orange Line was fine. People came and went with no problem. A woman next to me received a frantic phone call and it sounded like she had to convince one of her children to go somewhere today. I think she was successful before we went underground.

Summertime T riding has been fairly uneventful. Maybe this is the way it's supposed to be all the time...

Easing Into the Weekend

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:39
Weather as I call it: Sunny and a little humid
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

I had to run for the bus today...well a little bit. I heard it roaring down the street, and when I saw it...I jogged to the stop to make sure I didn't miss it.

We went through the route without too many delays and I thought I would be able to take an earlier T, but not so much. I had to wait around 5 minutes for the next one.

My friend who was handing out pamphlets yesterday was back on the Orange Line today. Same car, same speech...but today he stayed on the other end of the car. Around Chinatown, he made his way towards me...but he was done talking to people and handing out stuff. He stood there quietly reading his book...the Good one.

I guess everybody likes to take it easy on Friday.

Spreading The Word

Bus Departure Time: 7:03
Bus Arrival Time: 7:17
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cool
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No, but a concern for my spiritual welfare was brought to my attention.

------------------------------

I got to the stop this morning and nobody was around. I felt like I forgot it was the weeked already or something, but the bus came on time and I jumped on and got a seat with no problems.

Once I got on the Orange Line, I took another seat with no problems.

At Wellington, I could see a gentleman handling out pamphlets on the platform. When the doors opened, he stepped on and walked around the car trying to hand out his folded sheets of paper to other passengers. When he inevitably got to me, I said, "No thank you." as politely as I could. He told me that judgment day was coming and that I would not find salvation in my Metro (yeah no kidding).

I watched him go around and ask other people if they would take his pamphlet. He didn't have a lot of takers. At some point, he had exhausted his options...but as new people came onto the T he started the whole process again.

Right before Chinatown, he came my way again. He must not have remembered me because he said "Good Morning" to me again while holding out his message.

This time I took it, and said "Thank you."

I really expected a long speech from him...but he said "God bless you." and continued down the car.

889 Accidents

Bus Departure Time: 7:03
Bus Arrival Time: 7:19
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny and nice
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

I took a seat on the bus today after standing for the past several days. Hey, it's July 3rd, I deserve it.

I grabbed a Metro before running for the Orange Line...the bus dropped me off right in time.

The Metro had an article discussing the number of accidents MBTA buses have been in since the beginning of the year: 889 in total. At first I thought that was a high number, but when you learn that there are about 15,000 one way bus trips a day everyday...it's a pretty small number (multiply 15,000 by 181 days and you'll get what I mean).

I have yet to encounter a bus that I am riding get into an accident. I will be sure to let you know if I do.

I'll be out tomorrow. Hopefully you will be too. I will be back Thursday...hopefully you were smart and took the rest of the week off.

The North Shore Is Where You're Gonna Soar

Bus Departure Time: 7:03
Bus Arrival Time: 7:19
T Departure Time: 7:26
T Arrival Time: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cool. High 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

The bus was its usual packed self today, filled with people who were quiet. There just weren't the normal conversations happening this morning. Everyone seemed dazed from a weekend of fun...or dread.

Hey, it was quiet on the bus and I don't know why so I am making up stuff.

I think we had one too many stops on the ride today because I missed the Orange Line that usually leaves Malden at 7:19 (at least from I can tell from my own blog!) by a few moments.

I took the next Orange Line train and getting onto the train made me smile. There seemed to be a mad dash to get a seat today. It reminded me of musical chairs. It was like the music had stopped and we all had to scramble to get a seat to stay in the game.

And the people who didn't get a seat weren't happy....

Seriously Folks

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cooler...yay!
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: I'm worried

------------------------------

My wife learned about the shooting at the Ruggles T station on the TV news last night. I think she's worried about me...which made me start to get worried too.

I joke and report about if I feared for my life on the T in the morning...but maybe it's not really a joke. When you hear about people getting shot and stabbed on the same line you take everyday, you get to thinking about your own safety. I look around the train car in the morning and none of the people I ride with, from what I perceive, are thinking that this might be their last trip. They are thinking about getting to work on time, dreading the silly paperwork they have to complete, worrying about other small stuff (you know, in comparison to getting killed).

Maybe I'm getting overly dramatic here, but it makes me wonder what the hell is happening to our city, country, world, etc. Do we need to live in constant fear of each other, or can we figure out how to get along with each other? (and I mean that on a one on one up to a world level).

On a completely different and much lighter note, I got a card for a free slice of pizza at Bostone Pizza while walking out of the Back Bay T stop. I have had a slice from there before, and I can tell you it's ok, from what I remember... It's not the best pizza I have ever have, but I feel you should support a local business. The guy who handed me the card along with the little menu was enthusiastic, cheery, and seemed passionate. Hey, he might have been the owner. That kind of effort should get all the support in the world, in my opinion. I might have to stop by today and get two slices.

MBTA Rules That Can Be Broken

Bus Departure Time: 7:04
Bus Arrival Time: 7:19
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy and a little less humid than yesterday.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Only 3 people asked me, "Is it hot enough for ya?" yesterday. What a disappointment.
Heat waves should be measured in this fashion. It isn't a heat wave until 5 people ask you said question. None of this "three days in a row of 90+ degree temps" business.

The bus was packed. It got so bad the driver was letting people on through the rear door.

At Malden station, some guy ticked off one of the conductors by standing in the doorway. The guy was stopping the doors from closing by using his body; leaning against one side of the doorway.

The conductor yelled at him over the intercom, "Will you stop holding the doors open!?!" The guy walked away from the door and sat smugly across from me.

I am not sure how I feel about what he did. On one side, he was holding the door open for people who were running for the train. On the other side, he was holding me and the rest of the train up from proceeding down the line.

Overall, passengers are not supposed to hold the doors open...

I don't know. How do you feel?

Summertime Haze

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Muggy, hazy sun.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I woke up a little later today as planned. When you are not used to it, an extra 10 minutes will do you good. Well, at least today it did.

The bus ride was a mirror image of yesterday. Mike and I stood near the rear door and talked about the Sox losing again.

There is usually a Metro hawker who shouts goofy things like "Get your Metro because I am dropping it like it's hot!" at the Malden Center T stop but he was out today. His replacement was less dynamic.

I thought I would document the haze we are encountering today with a photo I stole using Google Image Search:



I can't for someone to ask me, "Is it hot enough for ya?!??!"

Protect Your Identity on the T

Bus Departure Time: 7:03
Bus Arrival Time: 7:19
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Hazy, steamy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

------------------------------

The bus stop had a small crowd: Mike and me. We talked Sox; apparently they lost last night. If they play on the west coast (they played in Seattle last night), I can't/won't stay up for those games. I need to learn about it the next morning.

We stood in the back of the bus and got into the T station 16 minutes later to laugh at the free paper hawkers with their ridiculous routines to get you to take a paper.

Hey, if you are riding the T and you clip your work security badge so it faces forward so everyone can see it...be careful. I saw some dude staring at this woman's badge so much that she felt she had to flip it around. Not sure what was on the badge, maybe just her name and her company, but I guess that's enough to stalk somebody.

One Bus

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy and warm
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Although it has been a major plot line for this blog since February, my commute's complex two bus "game" has been put on hiatus for the summer. We'll probably start up again in September when the kids are back in school, but for the next couple of months there will be one bus that leaves at 7:00. So, no more guess work. Boo!

I guess I will sleep in a few minutes more.

With the lack of a second bus, the only bus was packed with people...but people who do not pay in change so we moved pretty quickly.

We did have a stop where a woman had a hard time getting by people to get to the exit. As the door closed, she piped up, "Not yet!" so the driver opened the door and she finally stumbled off.

The Orange Line was fine. I got some reading done.

Something in the air is making me want to sneeze (weather.com sez it's grass pollen), and I finally did on the street walking to my building. Someone said "Bless you" after I sneezed. It took me off guard, but I thanked them.

Mysterious Hours

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:09
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Sunny. Low Humidity. 60s Makes you want to call in sick. :)
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: I wish

------------------------------

Summer is here (well later on today officially) and it's been sorta easy going on the T so I thought I would pepper you with a random note. Here you go:

There's a place in Malden near the T station called Artichokes Ristorante Trattoria. You can check it out here and here.

I saw this sign a while ago, but I haven't had the time to type about it until now.

Their hours of operation are from 4:30 to Closings. 4:30 to Closings! (that's plural and I don't what that means...maybe it's a typo).

I wish I could set hours like that. Are they trying to support early dining or do they like the mystery of never knowing exactly when they will close?

Retirees and risk takers rejoice!

Meh, I have always wanted to try it. Maybe I will go there around 6:37?

I will be out tomorrow. Type to you Monday.

Let Me Off First

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy but thankfully not raining
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today

------------------------------

I love it when the first bus, which is scheduled to come to my stop at 6:57 comes later than the second bus (which is scheduled to come to my stop at 7:05, I think?)

It's all messed up.

We only realize this situation when we are sitting on the second bus and the first bus passes us at the next stop.

Meh, the kids are out of school so the rides are fine.

Hey, can we let people off the trains before boarding? At Sullivan Square, I heard a woman yell "Let me off first!!!" She meant business.

I didn't see her but might have been the woman who stiff armed some guy a week ago.

Maybe this woman got stuck on the train once because she couldn't exit the train in time and she never wants to have that happen again.

Effectiveness of T Billboards

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:12
T Arrival Time: 7:33
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy and high 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

It looks like the kids are out of school and it reflects in the bus ride.
No kids = Easy ride.

We did have a new driver today. She likes taking big swings into the stops (and I mean turning the bus with a big swinging motion - not with a baseball bat).

It kinda made me a little car sick after the 15th swing.

My getting to the Malden station platform was perfectly timed with the arrival of the train. Unfortunately, all the seats were taken when I got on so I had to stand. While standing, I noticed there were billboards for the same website all along the banner row on my side of the car (probably on the other side too).

After reading all their quirky slogans, I was hooked. I had to check the site out, even though I would probably regret it later.

So, do yourself a favor and don't check out Windorphins.com.

Street Teacher

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Still cloudy and cooler
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nah

------------------------------

I was late out of the door this morning and I missed the first bus...wah.

The second bus came right after that, and the ride into town was smooth. People paid and took their seats with no issues. I think the bus driver even wished someone to have a good day. Wow.

The subway was pretty calm as well. No whistling today, though.

The best thing I saw this morning was a guy trying to instruct a driver about the rules of the road. He was walking across the street in a crosswalk and as the car approached him, he kept pointing down at the white lines as if to somehow convey to the driver, "I'm walking in a crosswalk and you are supposed to stop!" The vigor this guy had in his exaggerated arm movements made me laugh out loud.

He can't expect to teach anybody with that method.

I'm taking a few days off. I will be back next Tuesday. Have fun.

Whistling While Going To Work

Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:17
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cool, in the 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

------------------------------

Well, the messy meat splatter discussed in yesterday's post was gone from the bus stop this morning. Thank God for raccoons, feral cats, and other critters. They do a good job cleaning up.

While I was waiting for the bus, there was a older gentleman across the street walking backwards with no shoes on and slapping himself on his back using alternating arms. I am not sure if he was exercising or punishing himself. It was bizarre and I kept asking myself if it were real or not. Nobody else at the bus stop acknowledged it...so I didn't say anything.

The bus was packed and the T was quiet except for some guy who thought he could whistle tunes for 5 stops straight. I don't know where I fall on the whistling in public debate, but after 3 stops I had had enough of the whistling.

MBTA Lessons Learned

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:17
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy but warm - 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

Ok, let's start with the ugly:

Not sure what it was, but there was a splattered meaty mass in front of the bench at the bus stop. It could have been puke, dog food, or puked up dog food. So, I bent down and took a taste.....I was wrong, it was cat food.

Gotcha.

It was weird though...one doesn't see that kind of a mess everyday. The woman who was standing at the stop before me didn't acknowledge it. Maybe she was the cause?

I got on the second bus after waving off the first one. Let me type it out so you can read it: The second bus driver runs a tight ship!

"No Canadian coins!" she yelled as a passenger tried to pass a 25 cent piece with a Caribou on it.

Tsk tsk!

"Wait for the green light!" she exclaimed as another passenger attempted to scan her Charlie Card before the reader had reset.

My goodness, the insolence!!

The Orange Line was grand as ever. Another rule of the T is for passengers on the platform to wait for all passengers to exit the train before stepping onto it. I saw an older woman "heisman trophy" a guy this morning so she could get off at Sullivan Sq. before he walked on. She sorta patted him on the chest after the stiff arm. He smiled a bit, and bowed his head in repentance.

He knew the rule.