Here we go again, someone felt into the subway track again, fortunately to her, the swift response from the train operator, stop the moving train just in time to save the woman from her death.
What is going on with the MTA stations? There were numerous incident of people fell from the platform recently? Is it because of the insufficient lighting? The platform over crowded or disoriented because of the intense high temperature underground? Perhaps it is because passengers simply not paying attention while on the platform? There are many variables. Not to mention intoxication.
We all knew the narrow platforms are dangerous place. We should pay extra precaution while waiting for the train. Unfortunately some times we ran into rude people, they brush across and pushes you off balance. Although that behavior is rare, never the less it does happened.
With the cash trap situation with our MTA, to erect a safety wall like those we found at the tramway at the airport terminal is unthinkable, so what is the next best solution? I do not know. What is your recommendation?
No matter what it is. I think most importantly each individual should responsible for their own safety, if you wanted to stay close to the ditch and not paying attention. You are playing with fire.
The accident happens in NYC is different than the accident happened in the Atlanta subway accident, the Atlanta passenger was visually impaired, so she does have a good reason to fell into the track. On the flip side, why is she not being supervised?
Come to the MTA, there is never a dull moment. We have not even including the bus route, and rider’s experience. There are so many stories we are not even beginning to touch the surface.
Stay Tune.
Chance Encounter NYC
Monday, August 30, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Hail to the Mayor Bloomberg
Everyone is focusing their attention on the creation of the Islamic community center. It is dominated the news. Not even the Long Island railroad delay can trump the Mosque. I rather talk about our Mayor on his third term finally willing to take a firm stand on the issue.
His eloquent speech firmly supported the location for the Masque last night at the gala dinner for the Muslim community at the Gracie Mansion, caught my attention, and my support.
While we are all sensitive about the site so close to September 11 central, we should remember that our country’s foundation in part is base on the principle of religious freedom. Remember the Catholics when they try to establish a foothold in our new world not long ago?
The teaching of Islamic faith is about peaceful existence, not violent. Every religion has its extremist. Reflects on the decade of violence in Northern Ireland, does that means that the Catholic and Protestant community thru out the world are extremists too? You can figure that out yourself.
We all feel the lost of innocent after September 11th, we stand by the family lost their love ones. However if we believe in faith, why can we forgive embrace peace, then we are going toward the real healing.
As for Governor Paterson and Bishop Dolan and all others, this is a real issue; please stop your nonsense political games. We should lead by example that we are not Hippocrates, we do not hate, we embrace peace, and religious freedom.
I also stand behind our Mayor on his harsh words to the owner of the Empire State building. The building is already the icon of the city skyline for the last 75 years. It will remain the Icon of our city no matter what. When the world trade center was still standing, the honor is share by both. What is the different now? Judging by the computer generated drawing of the proposed building. I think it lend a breath of fresh air to the city skyline. It projects a new out look of a modern and futuristic city. It did not diminish the prominence of the old Iconic building.
So hail to the Mayor. Take a stand.
Chance Encounter NYC.
His eloquent speech firmly supported the location for the Masque last night at the gala dinner for the Muslim community at the Gracie Mansion, caught my attention, and my support.
While we are all sensitive about the site so close to September 11 central, we should remember that our country’s foundation in part is base on the principle of religious freedom. Remember the Catholics when they try to establish a foothold in our new world not long ago?
The teaching of Islamic faith is about peaceful existence, not violent. Every religion has its extremist. Reflects on the decade of violence in Northern Ireland, does that means that the Catholic and Protestant community thru out the world are extremists too? You can figure that out yourself.
We all feel the lost of innocent after September 11th, we stand by the family lost their love ones. However if we believe in faith, why can we forgive embrace peace, then we are going toward the real healing.
As for Governor Paterson and Bishop Dolan and all others, this is a real issue; please stop your nonsense political games. We should lead by example that we are not Hippocrates, we do not hate, we embrace peace, and religious freedom.
I also stand behind our Mayor on his harsh words to the owner of the Empire State building. The building is already the icon of the city skyline for the last 75 years. It will remain the Icon of our city no matter what. When the world trade center was still standing, the honor is share by both. What is the different now? Judging by the computer generated drawing of the proposed building. I think it lend a breath of fresh air to the city skyline. It projects a new out look of a modern and futuristic city. It did not diminish the prominence of the old Iconic building.
So hail to the Mayor. Take a stand.
Chance Encounter NYC.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The bus travel nightmare
How often when you took an unfamiliar bus route either in town of out of town, their schedules were often too confusing. I have had many experiences in the past in this matter, and often end in frustration.
I had the pleasure recently took one of the off route bus trip to a small resort town in PA, about an hour and a half away from NYC. The information on the web for public transport is almost non-existed. There are link to the train and bus companies web site, but there were no information to the town, nor there are any indication if there was a stop at all. When I eventually stumble into information I was looking for, there is only information getting out of town, but not getting there, I suppose the town does not want any one visits on the weekend.
The schedule they put out is confusing at best, there were stops printed on the back of the route map but not necessary guarantee the bus will stop. The schedule did not mention the bus would be running on a reduced schedule over the summer weekends. You have to search hard on the brochure for it. Being a resort town I thought they would want more visitors on the weekends.
Granted there were a lot of information to be communicated to their riders, I thought they would want their visitors to know when to get on and off the bus, and on the right time for their return trip, but that obviously was not the intention of their schedule. It was to be put out there, so they can confuse their riders.
While traveling oversea, I often found their public transport schedule are far more user friendly. It is usually very simple and easy to understand, without the requirement of knowing the native language of the country you travel in. It is efficient, and helpful.
Besides the schedule, try asking for information at the bus terminal information desk. You will experience the worst of the system had to offer. Information attendants with ultimate rudeness attitude, as if you were interrupting their peaceful existence when approached, ticket agents does not know the routes of the company they supposedly serving. Am I in New York City? How disappointing. At the least a smoking breathing, cold mannered, coughing ticket attendants is sometime expected in a third world country; the inefficiency of the bus system for the number one global city of the world, is totally unacceptable in my book. I am not sure if I will ride the bus to any small town in the continental USA any time soon.
One very frustrated local rider.
Chance Encounter NYC
I had the pleasure recently took one of the off route bus trip to a small resort town in PA, about an hour and a half away from NYC. The information on the web for public transport is almost non-existed. There are link to the train and bus companies web site, but there were no information to the town, nor there are any indication if there was a stop at all. When I eventually stumble into information I was looking for, there is only information getting out of town, but not getting there, I suppose the town does not want any one visits on the weekend.
The schedule they put out is confusing at best, there were stops printed on the back of the route map but not necessary guarantee the bus will stop. The schedule did not mention the bus would be running on a reduced schedule over the summer weekends. You have to search hard on the brochure for it. Being a resort town I thought they would want more visitors on the weekends.
Granted there were a lot of information to be communicated to their riders, I thought they would want their visitors to know when to get on and off the bus, and on the right time for their return trip, but that obviously was not the intention of their schedule. It was to be put out there, so they can confuse their riders.
While traveling oversea, I often found their public transport schedule are far more user friendly. It is usually very simple and easy to understand, without the requirement of knowing the native language of the country you travel in. It is efficient, and helpful.
Besides the schedule, try asking for information at the bus terminal information desk. You will experience the worst of the system had to offer. Information attendants with ultimate rudeness attitude, as if you were interrupting their peaceful existence when approached, ticket agents does not know the routes of the company they supposedly serving. Am I in New York City? How disappointing. At the least a smoking breathing, cold mannered, coughing ticket attendants is sometime expected in a third world country; the inefficiency of the bus system for the number one global city of the world, is totally unacceptable in my book. I am not sure if I will ride the bus to any small town in the continental USA any time soon.
One very frustrated local rider.
Chance Encounter NYC
Monday, August 9, 2010
Being On Time
How often we got stuck in places waiting alone for friends presume we will wait patiently or not be gauche as to object to their tardiness.
I recently had a similar experience, and wanted to get an opinion from you. In these days of mobile communication readily at hand, there is absolutely no reason not to notify other of your delay arrival. I usually try every effort under my control to honor an appointment on time because I believe punctuality is not only necessary, it is manner, and etiquette for a polite society. The restored King of France, Louis XVIII once said that ''Punctuality is the politeness of kings. We may not all be Royalty it certainly is proper manner.
We all experienced situation out of our control causes lateness. Perhaps it is getting stuck on traffic or involve in an accident. Having a little lie down lost track of time etc, we all experience the unexpected. However, deliberately making people wait is not excusable.
A lot of people have the attitude of assume their time is worth more than others. Late for a personal appointment, of any nature, is the height of rudeness and vanity at worst. May be next time you should be kept waiting in a public meeting place alone or a change.
Emily Post declared in her Etiquette (1942): “Let no one believe such nonsense as that it is smart to be late. It is true that lateness is on occasions tolerated in those whose compensating assets of talent or charm are sufficiently great. But even so, very few of us find amiability unstrained and our enthusiasm undimmed after repeated experiences with those who are never on time.” Bravo! So next time if you are late without a proper announcement, please do not expect any one will be there to meet you at all.
Chance Encounter NYC
I recently had a similar experience, and wanted to get an opinion from you. In these days of mobile communication readily at hand, there is absolutely no reason not to notify other of your delay arrival. I usually try every effort under my control to honor an appointment on time because I believe punctuality is not only necessary, it is manner, and etiquette for a polite society. The restored King of France, Louis XVIII once said that ''Punctuality is the politeness of kings. We may not all be Royalty it certainly is proper manner.
We all experienced situation out of our control causes lateness. Perhaps it is getting stuck on traffic or involve in an accident. Having a little lie down lost track of time etc, we all experience the unexpected. However, deliberately making people wait is not excusable.
A lot of people have the attitude of assume their time is worth more than others. Late for a personal appointment, of any nature, is the height of rudeness and vanity at worst. May be next time you should be kept waiting in a public meeting place alone or a change.
Emily Post declared in her Etiquette (1942): “Let no one believe such nonsense as that it is smart to be late. It is true that lateness is on occasions tolerated in those whose compensating assets of talent or charm are sufficiently great. But even so, very few of us find amiability unstrained and our enthusiasm undimmed after repeated experiences with those who are never on time.” Bravo! So next time if you are late without a proper announcement, please do not expect any one will be there to meet you at all.
Chance Encounter NYC
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Is Ther Hope For Us All?
It’s been depressing to read or watch any news in the paper. I have yet seen one piece of news that offers me a beacon of hope that our beloved country is not a sinking ship.
While I try to focus my blog on events happen closer to home, all I encounter is bad new of our MTA system, the stupid business choice they made. Why didn’t any citizen call for firing or retiring the entire board of morons, because the holes were too deep for any replacement climb out of it alive? What is your take on it? Perhaps you have a better solution than theirs?
I believe if there is a will, there may be a way out of this mess. Another fare hike is not going to solve the budget problem. Time to take action. MTA need a complete overhaul.
The other disgusting piece of news in the media is our infamous, embattled New York Rep. Charles Rangel. Him being accused of unspecified violations into his fundraising, taxes and financial disclosure statements. Not to mention the 4 rent control apartments he occupied in Harlem, in his own district. Do you smell rats dropping?
For month he insisted that he is innocent, and did nothing wrong. As deadline to avoid public hearing approaching, Rangel's has a change of mind; his lawyers have been negotiating with the ethics committee in an attempt to avoid the public hearing. Why now, if you said you were innocent all along Rep. Rangel.
I think if your dealing looks suspicious, and your action looks like the work of a crook. Most likely you are one. Therefore stop wasting our time and tax money have to prosecute you, time to step down graciously, Instead of insisting on your day in court, miracles are reserve for those live their life righteously only.
I am so sick of all these politicians in recent year abusing their office and our trust. Is our country finally at the point similarly to the fall of the mighty Roman Empire?
Care to comment?
Chance Encounter NYC
While I try to focus my blog on events happen closer to home, all I encounter is bad new of our MTA system, the stupid business choice they made. Why didn’t any citizen call for firing or retiring the entire board of morons, because the holes were too deep for any replacement climb out of it alive? What is your take on it? Perhaps you have a better solution than theirs?
I believe if there is a will, there may be a way out of this mess. Another fare hike is not going to solve the budget problem. Time to take action. MTA need a complete overhaul.
The other disgusting piece of news in the media is our infamous, embattled New York Rep. Charles Rangel. Him being accused of unspecified violations into his fundraising, taxes and financial disclosure statements. Not to mention the 4 rent control apartments he occupied in Harlem, in his own district. Do you smell rats dropping?
For month he insisted that he is innocent, and did nothing wrong. As deadline to avoid public hearing approaching, Rangel's has a change of mind; his lawyers have been negotiating with the ethics committee in an attempt to avoid the public hearing. Why now, if you said you were innocent all along Rep. Rangel.
I think if your dealing looks suspicious, and your action looks like the work of a crook. Most likely you are one. Therefore stop wasting our time and tax money have to prosecute you, time to step down graciously, Instead of insisting on your day in court, miracles are reserve for those live their life righteously only.
I am so sick of all these politicians in recent year abusing their office and our trust. Is our country finally at the point similarly to the fall of the mighty Roman Empire?
Care to comment?
Chance Encounter NYC
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
My self defense on Romance
There was a comment on my blog recently from a dear friend told me that he was pleasantly surprise to discovered that I am a romantic. For many of you out there been following my blog or know me personally, care to give your in put? Am I or am I not a surprisingly romantic.
I suppose my friend is correct to say that, “Edward: you generally tend to act as if nobody gets close enough to you to warrant romantic consideration. In many occasions I was known as the infamous monster walked away from perfectly loving ideal romance with no apology or explanations. However hand had two sides, it may look like a perfect relationship on one side, may be totally different underneath.
In contrast to popular believe I am indeed open to anyone worthy of a romantic consideration, otherwise the jet is waiting at JFK 24/7. Why am I not willing to work it thru, may be I am not giving the person a chance. There is a lot of “may be” and “if” alone that route. I on the other hand believe in density. When you met the right one. Magic happens. You will know it.
I learn from very young age I will never waste time nor invest my emotion on anyone that is not a perfect 9 (Let’s be realistic, there is never a 10). I made many mistakes in my youth diving for fire like the fire flies dance around the hot flame, perhaps that taught me to put up this brave front, eventually lead to the misunderstanding that I was this monster with a heart cold as stone. The fact is, when loneness catches up with me, I would rather weep alone in the dark than openly in public. I believe if density chooses, I will one day met that special some relit the fire in my heart.
Romantic encounter came with a price, most often associated with heartache, and disappointment. Am I willing to walk down that road, and take the chance again? There is not a doubt that I will; I am patiently waiting for my turn.
Now you have it. In defense of myself, I do take chances to let someone in my life. When it happens I will take that plunge head on into the sea call Romance.
Chance Encounter NYC.
I suppose my friend is correct to say that, “Edward: you generally tend to act as if nobody gets close enough to you to warrant romantic consideration. In many occasions I was known as the infamous monster walked away from perfectly loving ideal romance with no apology or explanations. However hand had two sides, it may look like a perfect relationship on one side, may be totally different underneath.
In contrast to popular believe I am indeed open to anyone worthy of a romantic consideration, otherwise the jet is waiting at JFK 24/7. Why am I not willing to work it thru, may be I am not giving the person a chance. There is a lot of “may be” and “if” alone that route. I on the other hand believe in density. When you met the right one. Magic happens. You will know it.
I learn from very young age I will never waste time nor invest my emotion on anyone that is not a perfect 9 (Let’s be realistic, there is never a 10). I made many mistakes in my youth diving for fire like the fire flies dance around the hot flame, perhaps that taught me to put up this brave front, eventually lead to the misunderstanding that I was this monster with a heart cold as stone. The fact is, when loneness catches up with me, I would rather weep alone in the dark than openly in public. I believe if density chooses, I will one day met that special some relit the fire in my heart.
Romantic encounter came with a price, most often associated with heartache, and disappointment. Am I willing to walk down that road, and take the chance again? There is not a doubt that I will; I am patiently waiting for my turn.
Now you have it. In defense of myself, I do take chances to let someone in my life. When it happens I will take that plunge head on into the sea call Romance.
Chance Encounter NYC.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Tire of talking about the MTA
I do not want to sound like an old broken record about our infamous MTA. I just can’t help it. They got me steaming this morning.
With all the bad publicities and record number of station agents being lay off lately, we would think that the agents would button up a little. Instead the stations conditions are worst than ever. During the recent heat waves, the condition down under is unbearable. As customers we understand the heat is out of MTA’s control, we just have to deal with it. However rude station agents is another story.
I have encountered a situation this morning at rush hours is totally unacceptable:
I understand from time to time, in the winter, or in the summer, the turnstile some time malfunction. Regardless if I have use my card or not, when I was rejected at the turnstile, I went to the station agent for assistance She scanned my card, and realized there is nothing wrong with it, since I am a monthly card holder. She then told me that I have to wait for a few minutes and try again.
I am not a tourist, and it is during rush hours, I have to get to work, I do not have the time to wait for another 10 minutes before I try again, all she needed to do is to open the gate and let me through. Instead she insisted that I wait.
Where did MTA have these agents from? Who and what are they? Are they the judge or God? In the rush hour situation, and I am obviously not out there to cheat MTA for the fare. Why on earth they want to waste my time to wait for their mechanical malfunction, it is not my fault their turnstile. Have you encounter the same treatment before? Care to share you story?
As far as I am concern. They should all be fire and start over. If I treated my customers the way I was treated this morning, I would be on the street faster than a firing bullet. Do they still deserve their jobs, not to mention the latest news showing some agents got over time pay while on vacation, on our expense.
I hate to say it. MTA. You have a larger problem than just budgeting. The agency needed a complete over hull.
I do not like to see any one loose their job, however most station mangers I encountered in the past four years living in Manhattan are unpleasant. They do not deserve to have a job, give it to someone that cares about their customers. Hey Station Managers and MTA, please learn a lesson from the traffic controllers and the auto industry works. Union may not be able to protect you, if the city rises up against you
Chance Encounter NYC.
With all the bad publicities and record number of station agents being lay off lately, we would think that the agents would button up a little. Instead the stations conditions are worst than ever. During the recent heat waves, the condition down under is unbearable. As customers we understand the heat is out of MTA’s control, we just have to deal with it. However rude station agents is another story.
I have encountered a situation this morning at rush hours is totally unacceptable:
I understand from time to time, in the winter, or in the summer, the turnstile some time malfunction. Regardless if I have use my card or not, when I was rejected at the turnstile, I went to the station agent for assistance She scanned my card, and realized there is nothing wrong with it, since I am a monthly card holder. She then told me that I have to wait for a few minutes and try again.
I am not a tourist, and it is during rush hours, I have to get to work, I do not have the time to wait for another 10 minutes before I try again, all she needed to do is to open the gate and let me through. Instead she insisted that I wait.
Where did MTA have these agents from? Who and what are they? Are they the judge or God? In the rush hour situation, and I am obviously not out there to cheat MTA for the fare. Why on earth they want to waste my time to wait for their mechanical malfunction, it is not my fault their turnstile. Have you encounter the same treatment before? Care to share you story?
As far as I am concern. They should all be fire and start over. If I treated my customers the way I was treated this morning, I would be on the street faster than a firing bullet. Do they still deserve their jobs, not to mention the latest news showing some agents got over time pay while on vacation, on our expense.
I hate to say it. MTA. You have a larger problem than just budgeting. The agency needed a complete over hull.
I do not like to see any one loose their job, however most station mangers I encountered in the past four years living in Manhattan are unpleasant. They do not deserve to have a job, give it to someone that cares about their customers. Hey Station Managers and MTA, please learn a lesson from the traffic controllers and the auto industry works. Union may not be able to protect you, if the city rises up against you
Chance Encounter NYC.
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