I think I witnessed at least 3 near-blinding incidents on Wednesday. Standing outside the subway, I watched as time and again somebody would open their ubrella in the crowded stairwell and it would pop open into somebody else's face. So here are a few words to the wise.
Umbrellas are constructed in such a way that they have pointy protrusions in every direction. Conveniently, they are carried so said protrusions are at eye-level. Now, you may forget these facts when you are trying to avoid getting soaking wet; an honest effort would be appreciated.
If you can, try to open your umbrella in an uncrowded area, or wait for a clearing. From what I can see there are two main opening techniques:
The Overhead - this method is performed by reaching far above your head and then directing the opening action directly upward. This works extremely well for taller people, but do not attempt if you are short or in a stairway.
The Forward'n'Up - the open is initiated in the direction you are currently facing. Then you swing the umbrella above your head or to its disired position. There is more to say about this technique. It helps avoid eye injury to people standing around you. If the handle is held to the side of or close to the body, its attack range is significantly reduced. Take care to swing the opened umbrella slowly, it will help to reduce inkuries of those standing directly behind you.
Finally, while super convenient, the push-button umbrellas are usually the most likely to cause an injury. Consider muffling your open by slowing down the spring loaded action.
Oh, final word on rainy weather, keep away from street puddles! There's little chance your umbrella will help you out when a cab goes buzzing by and you are in the splash zone.
4.23.2010
4.15.2010
Another word on clothes
With the changing of the seasons, there is also a change in style. Goodbye heavy coats & knits, hello bright colors khakis. I do not hold any objections against khakis, and even own a few pairs. They are, however, not practical for etummocing, let alone living in New York city.
Just in case nobody has told you this: NYC is not clean. Set aside the litter, there is still probably a good few millimeters of filth coating the the streets and sidewalks of this city. While most people only get to exercise their cutesy animal voices on dogs and squirrels, New Yorkers sometimes speak to rats in the same way.
Over the course of 2 shuttles and a train it is very easy to get some signifigant markings on your pants. Clip the cuff of one pant leg with the opposite shoe - black streaks. Brush into the side or bottom of an unclean railing - a similar, yet bigger effect. Sit in a seat that appeared to be clean or forget to look altogether - jackpot! You can now audition for the role of "homeless person #3" in an upcomming episode of Law and Order.
Thus, the need for a darker NY wordrobe.
Retummocs feel an extra amount of pressure, as the khakis run wild in suburban offices. Although, recently I've been seeing people working at other companies at my building wearing jeans and even shorts to work. Jeans I am truly jealous of, but shorts? What job could you hold in this biotech campus that would allow you to wear shorts?
Just in case nobody has told you this: NYC is not clean. Set aside the litter, there is still probably a good few millimeters of filth coating the the streets and sidewalks of this city. While most people only get to exercise their cutesy animal voices on dogs and squirrels, New Yorkers sometimes speak to rats in the same way.
Over the course of 2 shuttles and a train it is very easy to get some signifigant markings on your pants. Clip the cuff of one pant leg with the opposite shoe - black streaks. Brush into the side or bottom of an unclean railing - a similar, yet bigger effect. Sit in a seat that appeared to be clean or forget to look altogether - jackpot! You can now audition for the role of "homeless person #3" in an upcomming episode of Law and Order.
Thus, the need for a darker NY wordrobe.
Retummocs feel an extra amount of pressure, as the khakis run wild in suburban offices. Although, recently I've been seeing people working at other companies at my building wearing jeans and even shorts to work. Jeans I am truly jealous of, but shorts? What job could you hold in this biotech campus that would allow you to wear shorts?
4.07.2010
Tunnel vision
When getting around the city is so dependant on timetables and transfers, its easy to lose sight of what's going on around you. You focus on what may seem essential. "Did the shuttle make it past 34th street by 7:41?" "Is this train going slower than usual?" Or "Grand Central Navigation plan: pass the old lady, at hallway intersection find pocket between closet case business man and poorly dressed intern with backpack going perpendicular to me - watch out! Slow moving tourist with a stroller." So as your thought process becomes that of a Cylon Hybrid, you may forget to appreciate your surroundings.
I have been taking a course near grand central over the past few weeks, and been graced with the opportunity to eat in the food court. I haven't found anything outstanding, but once you get past the questionably sanitary conditions, it slows you down and you begin to observe again. Mostly I could overhear people discussing their itineraries for the rest of the day. Others are meeting up for a quick bite or reconnecting after spending the day apart. And then there is me, realizing how jaded I have become. The people who I usually curse for being in my way most likely came halfway around the world to come and take pictures of the ceiling like one would want at Sisteen Chapel. I am here every day, and could stand to give them their moment.
Optimistic that I have redescovered my sense of appreciation and sympathy I am now also conflicted. Do I smile politley as weave between people? Or would that be depriving them a true New York experience? I've worked hard and suffered to achieve my NY lifestyle and mentality. I should use that, right?
Either way I have been reminded that Grand Central is not just a venue for the stampede of commuters and etummocs, its a tourist hotspot, a movie set, a place of business and intersection for many walks of life. Those additional perspective make it more bareable for the time, so maybe I should stop to eat some oysters every now and again,
I have been taking a course near grand central over the past few weeks, and been graced with the opportunity to eat in the food court. I haven't found anything outstanding, but once you get past the questionably sanitary conditions, it slows you down and you begin to observe again. Mostly I could overhear people discussing their itineraries for the rest of the day. Others are meeting up for a quick bite or reconnecting after spending the day apart. And then there is me, realizing how jaded I have become. The people who I usually curse for being in my way most likely came halfway around the world to come and take pictures of the ceiling like one would want at Sisteen Chapel. I am here every day, and could stand to give them their moment.
Optimistic that I have redescovered my sense of appreciation and sympathy I am now also conflicted. Do I smile politley as weave between people? Or would that be depriving them a true New York experience? I've worked hard and suffered to achieve my NY lifestyle and mentality. I should use that, right?
Either way I have been reminded that Grand Central is not just a venue for the stampede of commuters and etummocs, its a tourist hotspot, a movie set, a place of business and intersection for many walks of life. Those additional perspective make it more bareable for the time, so maybe I should stop to eat some oysters every now and again,
3.25.2010
Revalation 7:30
Late last week I discovered something that will undoubtedly change my etummoc forever, or rather until they change the timetables. I think that comes next month, but have never been affected by such changes.
So, for the past 2 years I was under the impression that I had only one shuttle option to get to Grand Central in the morning. If I missed it, which happens a lot, I could take a cab or take a bus to the subway. Those options are either expensive or slow.
I've been riding the Harlem line more and more and have found it to be more reliable. The shuttle from north White Plains always waits (not that it ever needs to) and is much bigger. I thought that the last train that comes right before the shuttle leaves came from the north until I started to associate my fellow riders with destinations. Turns out the last train comes from Grand Central and I now have a 2nd shuttle option.
The test run went off without a hitch last week and I've taken it every day since, minus the one morning I was running SUPER late and cabbed it. Getting out the door by 7:30 is 10 times easier than leaving by 7. Don't get much extra sleep but I am at least more human than zombie. I don't think I'm even going to try for the 7am shuttle. Yeah there's a chance I could get into the office earlier but its a small time window. If I miss it my commute grows to nearly 2 hours and i'd rather sleep in the comfort of my own home over sleeping on the train.
So, for the past 2 years I was under the impression that I had only one shuttle option to get to Grand Central in the morning. If I missed it, which happens a lot, I could take a cab or take a bus to the subway. Those options are either expensive or slow.
I've been riding the Harlem line more and more and have found it to be more reliable. The shuttle from north White Plains always waits (not that it ever needs to) and is much bigger. I thought that the last train that comes right before the shuttle leaves came from the north until I started to associate my fellow riders with destinations. Turns out the last train comes from Grand Central and I now have a 2nd shuttle option.
The test run went off without a hitch last week and I've taken it every day since, minus the one morning I was running SUPER late and cabbed it. Getting out the door by 7:30 is 10 times easier than leaving by 7. Don't get much extra sleep but I am at least more human than zombie. I don't think I'm even going to try for the 7am shuttle. Yeah there's a chance I could get into the office earlier but its a small time window. If I miss it my commute grows to nearly 2 hours and i'd rather sleep in the comfort of my own home over sleeping on the train.
3.17.2010
Coincidence
Every now and then our industrial design team has hired a graphic designer, whose name I can never remember. She lives in brooklyn so we are often taking the same route during our etummoc.
(Hold on, as I'm sitting here on the train in GC a preson on the intercom just asked, "can somebody give me a break test please?" Does Toyota make trains? More imortantly, did Toyota make this train?)
So, on Monday we rode back into the city together. She gets off to catch a 4 or 5 express at 125th so she doesn't have to deal with big crowds, and she gets a seat. I always go into grand central, but always wondered if there was a time advantage for one of these options.
I made my usual charge towards the subway, and made it onto the platform to see an express just leaving. However, another express showed up one minute later. The cars that passed by me were pretty empty, so I was excited at the prospect of not having to breathe through a stranger's ear.
The train stops, and I look through the window to see my designer friend / coworker seated and waving to me. We were both amazed at the odds of us both catching the same train and selecting the same car. She also mentioned that she had not waited at all for a train. So I guess there is really no advantage in ideal conditions, but I bet it varries.
PS: We were able to stop at 125th on the way out this morning. The break test must have been fine. I may still conduct a little research though.
(Hold on, as I'm sitting here on the train in GC a preson on the intercom just asked, "can somebody give me a break test please?" Does Toyota make trains? More imortantly, did Toyota make this train?)
So, on Monday we rode back into the city together. She gets off to catch a 4 or 5 express at 125th so she doesn't have to deal with big crowds, and she gets a seat. I always go into grand central, but always wondered if there was a time advantage for one of these options.
I made my usual charge towards the subway, and made it onto the platform to see an express just leaving. However, another express showed up one minute later. The cars that passed by me were pretty empty, so I was excited at the prospect of not having to breathe through a stranger's ear.
The train stops, and I look through the window to see my designer friend / coworker seated and waving to me. We were both amazed at the odds of us both catching the same train and selecting the same car. She also mentioned that she had not waited at all for a train. So I guess there is really no advantage in ideal conditions, but I bet it varries.
PS: We were able to stop at 125th on the way out this morning. The break test must have been fine. I may still conduct a little research though.
3.10.2010
Bright side
Could it be true? Is spring really here? The days are getting longer and warmer, and wool coats are starting to look a little silly. I'm not going to call it quite yet, mostly because there is still snow that hasn't melted up in Tarrytown.
Maybe its me or maybe its the harlem line, but I'm having a hard time coming up with anything interesting that has happened on the train recently. Perhaps I should try a local train or two and see if there is any relationship between number of stops and entertaining situations.
I can't say the same for flying though. Coming back from my vacation, I encountered two characters that I couldn't help but notice. Prior to boarding there were numerous announcements about boarding procedure to ensure we got out in time. They really stressed the importance of not holding up others in the aisle. This got me thinking that they were trying to beat air traffic in some way or another.
My zone is called and when I get into the gate, I notice these two women in front of me moving very slowly. I don't know how I missed it before, but they are carrying 1 purse 3 shopping bags each, filled with clothes, cutting boards, and cups. Also one of them thad a large, pink stuffed bunny. They kept dropping items as they shuffled down the walkway. Then, all of a sudden I hear a loud "rrrrrrrriiiip." One of their bags busted open, spilling clothes all over the place.
I was, of course, trapped behind them, without a clear way to get around. When they get to the plane door, they got a little lecture about the number of carry-ons they had, and were each able to drop down to 1 purse and 1 shopping bag each. I tried to pass them during this exchange but there was a bit of a line to board, and they just went right back in front of me.
About 3 rows down, they realize they don't know where they are sitting and stop to check their purses. Digging and digging they don't move aside at first, but then half step into empty seats. I made my move. Dart past them and get into my seat, glad to be rid of them.
A few minutes later they shuffle towards me, and this is when I notice the two vacant seats next to me. I had a little hope when they passed me but were corrected by the flight attendant and settled in.
The plane pulls away from the gate, and I first observe them doing that catholic thing, touching their head and chest, in order to say a little prayer. We pull forward, they do another prayer. We turn onto the runway, another prayer. The engines kick in, prayer. We lift off the ground and they both instantly fall asleep - one of them snoring.
I get my noise canceling headphones on and make it through the rest of the flight without noticing them much. We land and I bolt off the plane. Somehow we got in 30 min early, after taking off a little late, so I really shouldn't complain. That whole experience just stuck out in my mind as everything not to do when boarding. At least it was more interesting than my fellow retummocs lately.
Maybe its me or maybe its the harlem line, but I'm having a hard time coming up with anything interesting that has happened on the train recently. Perhaps I should try a local train or two and see if there is any relationship between number of stops and entertaining situations.
I can't say the same for flying though. Coming back from my vacation, I encountered two characters that I couldn't help but notice. Prior to boarding there were numerous announcements about boarding procedure to ensure we got out in time. They really stressed the importance of not holding up others in the aisle. This got me thinking that they were trying to beat air traffic in some way or another.
My zone is called and when I get into the gate, I notice these two women in front of me moving very slowly. I don't know how I missed it before, but they are carrying 1 purse 3 shopping bags each, filled with clothes, cutting boards, and cups. Also one of them thad a large, pink stuffed bunny. They kept dropping items as they shuffled down the walkway. Then, all of a sudden I hear a loud "rrrrrrrriiiip." One of their bags busted open, spilling clothes all over the place.
I was, of course, trapped behind them, without a clear way to get around. When they get to the plane door, they got a little lecture about the number of carry-ons they had, and were each able to drop down to 1 purse and 1 shopping bag each. I tried to pass them during this exchange but there was a bit of a line to board, and they just went right back in front of me.
About 3 rows down, they realize they don't know where they are sitting and stop to check their purses. Digging and digging they don't move aside at first, but then half step into empty seats. I made my move. Dart past them and get into my seat, glad to be rid of them.
A few minutes later they shuffle towards me, and this is when I notice the two vacant seats next to me. I had a little hope when they passed me but were corrected by the flight attendant and settled in.
The plane pulls away from the gate, and I first observe them doing that catholic thing, touching their head and chest, in order to say a little prayer. We pull forward, they do another prayer. We turn onto the runway, another prayer. The engines kick in, prayer. We lift off the ground and they both instantly fall asleep - one of them snoring.
I get my noise canceling headphones on and make it through the rest of the flight without noticing them much. We land and I bolt off the plane. Somehow we got in 30 min early, after taking off a little late, so I really shouldn't complain. That whole experience just stuck out in my mind as everything not to do when boarding. At least it was more interesting than my fellow retummocs lately.
3.03.2010
Defrost
On vacation for the rest of the week. Looks like florida isn't going to be too warm, but anything is better than this cold.
I feel spring just around the corner...
I feel spring just around the corner...
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