Contrasting seatmates
A 20-something blonde woman boards at Wilson on a 25-degree morning, wearing and open red blazer and a green T-shirt. She holds a black-and-white striped clutch purse with black-and-white polka dots. Around her neck is a white silk scarf with polka dots in different shades of pink.
She parks on a seat next to a snoring man who is all bundled up against the cold. He sports a black knit cap pulled all the way down to his neck, obscuring his face. A gray scarf wraps his neck and covers where his mouth would be, were it visible.
Wow. You're really reaching for blog entries now.
Posted by: m2 | March 17, 2005 at 07:53 AM
You know, I've given some more thoughts to comments" on yesterday's post and now this comment.
Here's the deal: I just call them as I see them. This blog is about things "seen and heard on the Chicago Transit Authority." Sometimes the stories are really great. Sometimes they are more pedestrian. Just like life. So I will generally post every day. And some posts will be more interesting than others. Just like people are.
Posted by: Kevin | March 17, 2005 at 08:38 AM
I agree with you Kevin!
Every post doesnt have to be something negative in somebodies life. It can just be something that you have observed and wanted to share with others.
And I think M2 should start contributing to the blog, if he has so much to say.
Posted by: Kim | March 17, 2005 at 08:45 AM
I think it is refreshing that some days the only thing that happens on the CTA is people not dressing for the weather. It is because of this blog that I will no longer sit in hobo corner. At least the red line is not always a freakshow.
Posted by: eelaras | March 17, 2005 at 09:42 AM
I posted a comment in response in the other thread. I disagree. I don't think posts have to be negative, and of course it's your blog so they can be anything you want. But I find this really boring. Just weighing in.
Posted by: Anna | March 17, 2005 at 09:50 AM
I liked your observation and was impressed that you (a) noticed the contrast at all and (b) remembered what they were wearing.
Tell M2 to rent 'The Hunter' if he gets bored.
Posted by: Mike | March 17, 2005 at 09:54 AM
Anna, I just read you comment on yesterday's post. You said you're not interested in me explaining what people are wearing. Sure, I agree. Doing just that IS boring. That's why I try to contrast what they are wearing with either the weather or their seatmate - or both. I think what makes this post interesting (at least to me) is the fact that this gal boards wearing practically no coat in cold weather, and sits next to a guy who is not only bundled up, but whose hat is totally covering his face. I'd call that a bit unusual, wouldn't you?
But hey, to each her own. Regardless, thanks for reading, Anna, and everyone else, for that matter!
Posted by: Kevin | March 17, 2005 at 10:08 AM
Kevin -- keep doing what you're doing; it's *your* blog (and ours, to the extent that we choose to contribute). It's not like this is a TV show that has to pander to an audience to keep the ratings up....
Posted by: Steve | March 17, 2005 at 10:15 AM
don't change kevin! reality is always better than trying to make stuff up in order to pander to your readers...
maybe Anna ought to check out the comments people post in the "Add Your Crazy Commuting Stories Here" section. there are lots of good stories there that she may find less "boring as all hell"...
Posted by: kt | March 17, 2005 at 11:33 AM
I liked your post. I wish you'd taken a picture.
Posted by: ovidsen | March 17, 2005 at 01:45 PM
I find it interesting that people who are complaining about negative posts are posting negative complaints...
Posted by: Christine | March 17, 2005 at 03:41 PM
If you don't like these sort of entries, filter by category in a newsreader, you n00bs. That's right. All the category info is in the XML. Get a clue and a healthy helping of self-sufficiency.
Posted by: tom sherman | March 17, 2005 at 11:07 PM
Kevin, ignore those stupid idiots...if they think they can do better, they need to do their own blogs. Your blog rocks and I read it everyday. I hope you don't change a thing, because that's what keeps your blog unique and interesting.
Posted by: Gman | March 18, 2005 at 12:32 AM
No, Kevin, I didn't find it unusual. Shrug.
Wow, I share my opinion in a non-violent manner and am called a "stupid idiot" and it's implied I haven't read the rest of the blog. I have read the blog, and felt this post wasn't up to snuff. So what?
What a friendly place. People are a lot nicer on the train then the are on here.
Posted by: Anna | March 18, 2005 at 12:45 PM
And she's got the Victim Card in the hole!
Posted by: tom sherman | March 18, 2005 at 02:25 PM
And you like being mean to people for no reason! Thank you!
Posted by: Anna | March 18, 2005 at 02:34 PM
Just remember, oh ye who continually criticize the blog: Everytime you point a finger, there are three pointing back at you. Just a thought.
With that said, there's been a heckuva lot of negative energy on this blog lately (I'll admit I'm as much to blame as the next guy or gal). Can't we all just get back to reading K's observations and commenting on what we see on the el rather than bashing each other?
Just another thought.
Posted by: Christine | March 18, 2005 at 02:36 PM
I criticized the blog once. Once! Not "continual" in the slightest. It was taken with grace and no hard feelings by the poster. Other commenters are the ones who got their feathers ruffled, for some reason. I have no idea why people would go out of their way to deliberately insult someone. My comment was about the content, not the person who wrote it. I will never understand deliberate meanness towards someone, especially someone you don't know.
I'm not playing the victim, just wondering why some people like to be mean.
Posted by: Anna | March 18, 2005 at 03:42 PM