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Message |
    
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 804
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 8:52 am: | 
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This is largely commuting oriented, since it's such a large part of my life, but everyday I'm reminded of things I never want to do....but I'm not sure WHY I don't want to, I just don't.
1. Rumage through the trashed paper bins at Hoboken Terminal looking for a freebie
2. Sprint (in Full Suit, tie flapping in the wind) to the train, particularly in Penn Station. Less so in Hoboken (outdoors, more casual)...inevitably, I find myself doing this unconsciencly from time to time.
3. 'Graze' the self serve food at the Office Cafeteria.
4. Jam my bag/briefcase into a closing elevator door.
5. Eat Junk food on the train ride home. (Damn! I violate this often, particularly with Doughnuts, that are inevitably STALE, which leaves me regretting this TWICE over).
It doesn't bother me when other people do this, but it happens every day, and each time I see it I think about how its not something I want to do. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 8149
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 9:30 am: |
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Don't drink beer out of a paper sack, either. It's always some guy with his tie loosened, collar open, jacket wrinkled and knees spread wide open as he gazes out the window.
It's just so.... sad. Reminds me of Willie Loman. |
cmontyburns
Citizen
Username: Cmontyburns
Post Number: 1877
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 9:35 am: |
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and to add to greenetree's image: I always like when the guy is on the cellphone, saying things like "ok now put your brother on" between chugs.
The nuclear family.
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Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 807
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 9:48 am: |
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Forgot one....
6. Be on a train with any number of Teenagers....If my work schedule is consistant with HS kids EZ schedule, than I feel I'm not working hard enough and it stresses me out....besides, I can't stand runts at this age, when they are at the height of their annoyingness, and shouldn't be mixed in situations with adults. |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 2883
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 10:54 am: |
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I always wish there could be a "quiet car" on the train, kinda like Amtrak trains have. No talking, no cell phones, no iPods such that you can hear the music around the ear piece. Just the rustle of newspaper, turning of pages and sometimes mild tap-tapping of keyboard. Snores, too. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 8153
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 11:19 am: |
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TS & I took the 9:39 out of Penn last night. In front of us was a teen gabbing away. Next to us across the aisle was a college girl, going back and forth between her friend who wanted to come over and her parents who would not allow the friend to sleep over. Colllege was speaking in a very loud voice. When the parent said "No", she started whining and yelling.
TS, sitting right next to me in the same seat was trying to say something to me, but I swear I couldn't hear a word that she said. I felt like I was in that cell phone commercial where the fathers are watching their young daughters jabbering away, sweating the minutes.
I wanted to slap the •••• out of them both.
I want a cell-only car and a teen-only car. Oh, and a parent-taking-the-kid-to work-with-them-during-rush-hour car. And a parent-with-a-stroller car. And a six-suitcases-coming-from-the-airport car.
Hell. I need my own rail car. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 14781
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 11:21 am: |
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and a bad mood car.
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Bajou
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 687
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 1:50 pm: |
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Greentree:
"Don't drink beer out of a paper sack, either. It's always some gall with her tie loosened, collar open, jacket wrinkled ....
LOL when did you see me .....???
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Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3404
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 2:09 pm: |
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"Don't drink beer out of a paper sack..." yeah, I always get my clothes wet when the bag leaks and beer gets everywhere. What a waste of good beer.
That's why I always drink from the can or bottle now.  |
dougw
Citizen
Username: Dougw
Post Number: 848
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 2:13 pm: |
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LIRR has a bar car - much more civilized. |
Crazy Guggenheim
Citizen
Username: Crazyguggenheim
Post Number: 898
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 2:23 pm: |
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I've seen so many people do this, but I'll never...
Tug on Superman's cape
Spit in the wind or
Pull the mask off the lone ranger
and I'll NEVER mess around with Jim.
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Parkbench87
Citizen
Username: Parkbench87
Post Number: 4448
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 2:33 pm: |
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Crazy,
Also make sure stay clear of that Leroy Brown fellow |
weekends
Citizen
Username: Weekends
Post Number: 125
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 2:48 pm: |
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Regarding your point #1: if it's not a virgin newspaper you won't touch it?
Reminds me of one of those ol' Rock Hudson/Doris Day movies where someone (Doris?) gave birth in the back of a taxi... and had to have a fresh newspaper to wrap the baby in. (Am I imagining this? It sounds insane.)
Ever read the paper at the library?
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Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3411
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 2:50 pm: |
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I didn't get that Smarty was talking about having an unused newspaper, but that he didn't want to rummage through the bins looking for one. I agree. I'll grab a newspaper from a seat on the train, but I won't dumpster dive to get one. |
jet
Citizen
Username: Jet
Post Number: 1140
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 2:54 pm: |
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People make a living by producing & selling newspapers , it's a hard job. Buy the F-ing thing . |
Bajou
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 691
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 3:16 pm: |
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I am all for recycling and I love to see the $200,000.00 salary guys dive into the newspaper bins to save the 50 cents. I have to admit of being guilty of looking for the science section of the Times on Tuesday mornings...
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Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 811
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 3:18 pm: |
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Exactly what Rastro said.... |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1822
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 3:35 pm: |
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I will not eat popcorn out of a bag using nothing but my face.
I've seen people at Penn Station with the long bag of popcorn and they don't take the popcorn out of the bag with their hands to put it into their mouths. Instead, they just shove their faces in the bag - even when the popcorn is low, they just rip the bag a little and keep shoving their faces in it. I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I witness that.
It's like they're bobbing for apples. |
mrmaplewood
Citizen
Username: Mrmaplewood
Post Number: 356
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 3:54 pm: |
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I get cracked up when I dump my snotty tissue in the trash and someone right after me goes diving for a used newspaper. Eew. Hope you don't get my cold, dummy. |
Bajou
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 692
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 4:27 pm: |
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My pet peeve and something I would never do (well I also don't have a spouse) is have the following loud conversation every day:
Person 1: Hi hun!
Person 2: blah blah blah blah
Person 1: I am on the 7:32pm (he/she is always on the 7:32pm)
Person 2: blah blah blah blah
Person 1: Will be in (whereever) at 8:12pm (he/she always gets off at that station at that time)
Person 2: blah blah blah blah
Person 1: Can you come and get me? (he/she always gets him)
Person 2: blah blah blah blah
Person 1: I don't want to walk..it's to hot/cold/wet/dry/dark/bright (depending on the season) (Again he/she never wants to walk)
Person 2: blah blah blah blah
Person 1: What's for dinner? (Who cares it's cooked already so you will have to eat it anyway)
Person 2: blah
Person 1: Oh ok (He/She never likes the answer)
Person 1: So you are going to pick me up? (He/She already said yes 300 times this year)
Person 2: blah blah westbound blah blah
Person 1: Yes on the westbound side (Again he/she should know by now the train always arrives on the westbound side)
Person 1: The WESTBOUND side (going through the tunnel....he/she can't hear you)
Person 2: blah blah blah blah?
Person 1: The westbound side is the side that DOESN'T go to New York. (You spouse is a dufus or a ditz)
Person 2: blah OK blah blah
Person 1: OK see you there (like every day)
Person 2: blah
Person 1: OK
Person 2: blah blah
Person 1: OK
Person 2: blah blah
Person 1: OK
Person 2: blah blah
Person 1: Can't we talk about this when I get home (Why you talked about it all on the train)
Person 2: blah blah
Person 1: OK
Person 2: blah blah?
Person 1: NO
Person 2: blah blah
Person 1: YES
Person 2: blah blah
Person 1: OK
Person 2: blah blah
Person 1: I see you in a few ok (god willing if he/she finds the westbound side)
Person 2: blah blah
Person 1: OK
Person 2: blah blah 
Person 1: yeah you too
I mean save your minutes and tell your spouse that he/she should pick you up every day and you will call if there is a change of plans....
Meeeeow...no wonder I am single LOL
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Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 14795
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 4:27 pm: |
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LilLB, that made me laugh. I imagine they look like horses with their feed bags attached to their heads.
That's also what I thought of when I saw the cereal snacker.
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musicme
Citizen
Username: Musicme
Post Number: 1703
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 4:28 pm: |
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That 11:30 train after a hockey game....yah!!!
At least after a Dead show, the folks were mellow. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1825
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 4:47 pm: |
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I've never even heard of the cereal snacker - they should sell them in Penn Station - they'd make a killing. |
S.L.K. 2.0
Citizen
Username: Scrotisloknows
Post Number: 1748
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 4:49 pm: |
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Bajou-
LOL...thank god for more my Ipod and 6k songs....if I had to listen to such conversations on a daily basis I would probably smack the guy...
wouldn't be easier to say "townside" or "parkside..."
-SLK |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 14798
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 4:55 pm: |
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They'd make a killing in Penn Station, especially if they came with straps that went around the back of your head.
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LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1827
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 5:01 pm: |
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 |
Paper Bag Bandit
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1190
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 5:24 pm: |
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I got a cereal snacker. It's called a ziploc bag. Unlike the "cereal snacker" I don't look like a complete tool using it either.
nyuk nyuk nyuk |
Flameretardant
Citizen
Username: Flameretardant
Post Number: 19
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 10:59 am: |
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After several years of commuting daily on Midtown Direct, I've put together my own list of acceptable and unacceptable behavior for fellow train-riders and myself.
CELL-PHONE USE
Acceptable, as long as you don't speak so loud that I can hear you half a dozen seats away; otherwise, I don't care how long you jabber away or how inane your conversation is.
CONVERSATION, WANTED
Acceptable; see CELL-PHONE USE.
CONVERSATION, UNWANTED
Unacceptable. Don't assume I want to make chit-chat just because you're sitting next to me. Take the hint when I politely nod and then pretend to be sleep.
EATING/DRINKING
Acceptable, as long as you don't spill on me, expect an extra seat to hold your food, barf, or make ME barf with an obnoxious food odor.
EMBARKING/DISEMBARKING
Acceptable: Normal queuing/crowding and moderate pushing. Come on, this is an urban commuter train, not a luxury cruise.
Unacceptable: Excessive pushing. Telling me you're going to kick my ••• if I push you.
LUGGAGE STORAGE
Acceptable: On the floor at your feet, or in the rack above.
Unacceptable: Unless you've bought a ticket for that giant rolling pullman of yours, don't perch it in an empty seat when the train is crowded. Also anywhere in my space (see SEAT USE).
NEWSPAPER USE
Acceptable: I couldn't care less what you read, I couldn't care less whether you found the paper in a dumpster or purchased it. Just fold the pages vertically or hold the paper so I don't have to read it too.
Unacceptable: Spreading the Times out so far that it's in my space (see SEAT USE). Again, try folding the pages ... or buy a tabloid.
SEAT SELECTION
Unacceptable: Choosing one that unnecessarily increases seatmate friction, e.g., sitting next to me in a 2-seater when there are plenty of vacant 3-seaters on the train. Also, sitting in the outside seat of an empty row during rush hour; do you really think you're going to get that entire 2-seater or 3-seater to yourself??
SEAT USE
Unacceptable: Invading my space without asking. Hey, we're all cramped, but respect the boundaries, OK? I'm sorry if you have lots of luggage, I'm sorry if you're obese, I'm sorry if you're uncomfortable - doesn't entitle you to make ME uncomfortable. At least have the courtesy to ask before you plop your overstuffed handbag down on my leg. I'm not unreasonable, I can probably make room. But have some manners, for crissake ...
SLEEPING, WITHOUT SNORING
Acceptable. But don't put your head on my shoulder.
SLEEPING, WITH SNORING
Unacceptable. Do it loud enough and I'll wake you up to tell you so.
Others to add? |
tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 5146
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 11:14 am: |
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Expanding on EATING and NEWSPAPER. Unacceptable is making way too much noise with simple things. You shouldn't be in a life-and-death struggle with your newspaper. Turn the page and be done with it. You don't have to slam pages like a sticky door, tear it up, or shake it out.
As for your popcorn, just take what's on top. You don't have to force your hand all the way to the bottom of the bag each time.
And chew with your mouth closed, fercrisesakes. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3417
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 12:15 pm: |
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I was on a late train last night, and got annoyed about something particularly innocuous. Not sure why.
The train was relatively empty - all the window seats of the threes and two were taken, but very few aisles. And no threes across. A pair of women came on the train and wanted to sit next to me. No problem. I started to move the papers I was working on (the train was pretty empty, so I felt no guilt for this), and the woman who was to sit next to me started to move my things for me.
I don't know why, but I was very put off by this. I was in the process of moving my stuff, she could have waited literally three more seconds for me to get my hand on the stuff she was moving. The train was not going anywhere, and she was not blocking anyone else in the aisle.
I feel much better now. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 8178
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 12:46 pm: |
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Oh, no.
The only time it is acceptable to touch someone else's belongings is when you board an airplane, look in the overhead and find that the only space for your bag is occupied by a coat. You ask, up to 3 times, getting louder each time "who does this belong to?" You should also ask the person sitting directly underneath the coat. If no one answers, the coat may be moved and placed on top of luggage in the compartment. It is preferable to lay it neatly. If the owner, who has been watching you all along without speaking up, jumps up and yells because you touched their coat, cramming it into a ball and wedging on top of the luggage is not only acceptable, it's encouraged. |
Bajou
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 706
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 2:31 pm: |
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Tom:
Brilliant. I can't stand it when people shake their paper like they have to discipline it to be read I mean enough already.
Rastro: I would be peeved too.
Another pet peeve: DO NOT PICK YOUR NOSE ON THE TRAIN....COME ON WE ARE ADULTS!! |
Bajou
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 707
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 2:31 pm: |
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Tom:
Brilliant. I can't stand it when people shake their paper like they have to discipline it to be read I mean enough already.
Rastro: I would be peeved too.
Another pet peeve: DO NOT PICK YOUR NOSE ON THE TRAIN....COME ON WE ARE ADULTS!! |
Duder
Citizen
Username: El_duderino
Post Number: 1021
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 2:41 pm: |
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What's with eating popcorn waiting for or on the train anyway (let alone not using your hands)? How is this an appropriate snack during evening rush hour? Are they showing a movie on the train? I understand a big, chewy pretzel, ice cream, a donut maybe, definitely a slice, all quick snacks at the end of the day. But popcorn? I dunno, I guess I put popcorn in the unshelled peanut category of snack food, something that lasts a while that you can eat mindlessly with your hands while focusing on something else (movie, ballgame, striptease). I just can't understand how popcorn is an acceptable pre-dinner, trainride snack. |
Paper Bag Bandit
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1202
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 2:42 pm: |
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To all the women out there. When you get on the train, turn your damn annoying musical ringer or whatever you have off, and/or REMOVE YOUR PHONE FROM YOUR PURSE IF YOU ARENT GOING TO TURN THE RINGER OFF.
It's annoying as hell to have to listen to some indistinguishable song while you rummage through junk-bin you call a "purse". Thank you. |
The3ofUs
Citizen
Username: The3ofus
Post Number: 23
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 2:48 pm: |
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Glock, I see this same thing happen with guys and their junk-bins, too. Hmmm...the musical ringer/songs usually stop after Orange station, where they turn to just rings. Make your own conclusion. |
Bajou
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 712
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 2:50 pm: |
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Hey Paper....guys have ring tones too... |
Paper Bag Bandit
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1208
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 7:12 pm: |
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I have yet to see a guy looking through his purse (guy+purse=shudder) for his phone. |
Boozehound
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 6365
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 7:57 pm: |
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I guess having bad, bad gas is unacceptable too. Oh well. |
thegoodsgt
Citizen
Username: Thegoodsgt
Post Number: 1003
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 7:30 am: |
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I will never waste time on the Internet. |
KRNL
Citizen
Username: Krnl
Post Number: 90
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 9:04 am: |
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And, golf umbrellas on rainy days. For some reason bearers of these ungainly 'brellas feel compelled to put them under their arms and then turn to the right or left impaling the nearby hapless commuters. |
MeAndTheBoys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 4087
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 9:32 am: |
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I'll "never say never," cuz when I do, it usually comes back to bite me in the •••. |
Ligeti Man Meat
Citizen
Username: Ligeti
Post Number: 713
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 9:48 am: |
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What really gets me going are guys who bring on these huge, gooey slices of pizza with every topping imaginable. They plop down next to you, and then the squishey slurping sounds begin. It's gross. Droplets of grease, cheese and meat fragments are likely to be slopped on you unless you take precautions.
I'm thinking about buying one of those spit shields you see prison guards use when they have to extract a problem inmate from their cell.
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Paper Bag Bandit
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1226
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 10:00 am: |
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Everything bothers you Ligeti. |
Ligeti Man Meat
Citizen
Username: Ligeti
Post Number: 714
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 10:12 am: |
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Let me guess: you're one of those loud chomping sausage-sloppers.
For follow-up: I think man-purses are a great idea. Normally, I carry a briefcase. But on the weekends, what's a guy supposed to do? Keys, book, cellphone, Borders coupons, pens, notepad, various lotions, sunglasses, New York Times Almanac. Are you supposed to cram all this stuff in your pockets?
European men have it right: a pouch, purse or handbag makes a lot of sense. |
Flameretardant
Citizen
Username: Flameretardant
Post Number: 20
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 11:06 am: |
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I'm all for better manners on the train, and I think my list of do's and dont's is appropriate. But as for whether someone should eat popcorn or pizza, I couldn't care less. Maybe pizza is impractical for commuting, but as long as you don't spill it on someone else or take up more than your share of the seats, you're welcome to bring an entire pie onboard. Someone else doesn't like that, tough. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11923
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 11:09 am: |
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Ligetti, try a fanny pack. But then maybe not. A lot of cops use them to carry their off duty pistol. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1852
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 11:13 am: |
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I think the smell of the food that people eat is what bothers me. That Popcorn smells terrible - I don't know why - whenever I've made popcorn at home or go to the movies, it's fine, but that popcorn smells like vomit. Pizza smells. In fact, a simple bag of cheetos, fritos, doritos, and the like, stink.
It's the "stink factor" that determines whether train noshing annoys me or not.
I think I need my own train car... |
mlj
Citizen
Username: Mlj
Post Number: 286
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 11:18 am: |
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Shove an open carton of Tropicana orange juice between myself and the person sitting next to me (yes, someone did this to me - I had to advise him that it was not a good idea). |
Spqr
Citizen
Username: Spqr
Post Number: 100
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 11:28 am: |
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Food on the train: its the stink, the slurping noises, the talking on the phone with full mouths, and the constant rythmic rattling of the paper bag as people jam their hands in to grab another handful of popcorn and stuff it in their gobs while spilling half of every handful on the floor and seat that bothers me. Not to mention the people sitting next to me who have less than full control of their coffee cup which threatens to tip and spill on me. While I have yet to get soaked by hot coffee on the train, the more than occasional threat of it becomes wearing. |
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