METRO EYE

METRO EYE DAY 18- When one seat is not enough

2012-01-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

Metro Eye on the move this morning, on the metro it’s been awhile since I’ve ridden the metro. Most days this winter, the cold wind and temperatures have kept me away and in the safety and warmth of my car.

On the day when there is much talk of how much solar flares were going pass over the earth I decided it might be better riding the Metro to work, no telling how many people will be on the roads resulting in unusual congestion. As I arrived at the metro station I saw some familiar faces, the older gentleman handing out the Express newspaper, I quickly grabbed one as he extended it to me and was on my way up to the platform to hopefully get on the next available train.

I climbed the stairs and arrived at the top of the platform, they were quite alot of people waiting, which was my first perception. Then I saw a mass movement of individuals from one side of the platform to the other, I could not hear the metro train, because of the music playing in my headphones, but the movement informed me which side of the platform the train was approaching from. As I looked back I saw it and raced to the location I anticipate an entry doorway will be, as the train stopped, I was able to position myself to allow the exiting passengers out but not too far back that I was not able to get in. I made it in as the third person into the doorway as I raced to find a front facing seat, I got into the seat and unzipped my jacket as it was warm in the car unlike the cold air I just experience outside.

As I made myself comfortable in my seat and looked around they were many seats still available, that's when this overwhelming feeling of ‘why did I go through all of that’ “hustle and bustle” to get a seat when I would have been fine just strolling in and achieve the same level of comfort. “Doors closing” is two of my favorites words which told me we are about to be on our way, and there we were rumbling along.

We got to the next station and then the next they were not that many people coming onto the train, I was confused, this time of day and they were still empty seats. As we move along they were a few more people that came onto my train-car.

Then we came to the stop where my true adventure began, it was meant to be, Metro rides are the most adventurous mode of transportation for me. It was the zero hour of my adventure when She entered the train as she started looking for what I imagine is the most comfortable seating, then she looked in my direction and started heading towards me, I panicked, NOOOOOO she is not going to try and fit in this seat with me, as I said a quick silent prayer, or maybe it was a wish, a hope a desire for her not to attempt sitting next to me.

Then it happened she stopped right at my seat and started the lateral movement as she started to lower herself I braced for the impact. As I held my breath I was pleasantly surprised that she fit in with not too much discomfort, then I exhaled, and I felt tightness, as her hips pressed against mine. Then it occurred to me it was comfortable because I was holding my breath may have made myself a little smaller than I am. I adjusted myself as I work my way more into the seat, elevating one leg so as to occupy less room. It was my lucky day though, I only had two more stops to go, as I held my breath again it’s not that bad, soon I will be getting up, ‘Excuse me’ as she gather herself up to let me out. Free free I thought as I work my way out of the train onto the platform and on my way to the daily grind. Metro Eye on the move, another day on the metro…

METRO EYE DAY 17

2011-12-21T10:49:00.001-08:00

Metro Eye, back on the metro another day commuting to work, it was ‘smooth sailing’ today the metro car was very sparse; they were maybe a quarter of the people commuting today. Is it the weather or people just took off for their respective destination for the Christmas holidays, I am of the opinion that it’s a combination of both. The sparsely filled Metro car makes for a pleasant ride most of the way, but I think it convince people to take liberties they normally would not when there is a lot of people on the metro, such action was what I observe today.

As I sat there I observed a man peeling an orange, and in such a closed environment is was hard to ignore as you know the rye from the orange will leave a very strong odor. People were lounged over the seats, enjoying what I can only imagine was a comfortable and enjoyable ride for them, besides the odor it was a comfortable ride for me as well.

I made all the usual observations people doing what have become the norm while riding the metro, Playing with an electronic device, or acting like they are actually doing something constructive. As I become engrossed in a steady rhythmic beat streaming from IPod with The Examiner in my hand, I focus on the less serious news article listed one caught my eye, Pat Roberts chastising a skit on the Last Saturday Night live hosted by Jimmy Kimmle. In this particular skit they had a Jesus character telling TeBow to tone it down, Mr. Roberts insist that if this was a Muslim country and Mohammad was made fun of they would have been bombs thrown. I am so sorry Mr. Roberts but this is not a Muslim country and when it comes to satire when done tastefully all subject matters are open for inclusion, no one suffered or died so let it go.

It was after coming to this conclusion I looked up saw I was at a station ahead of my stop, so I folded my paper and got up and moved to the nearest door. They were a few people gathered on one side of the isle as access to the other side was blocked by a man sitting with his legs fully outstretched, as I looked over at him, headphones on his head not a care in the world wether people able get out the car or not.

Then it happened not sure if it was subconscious or the good in me came out, my big foot somehow kicked his, he immediately look up at me, maybe he thought about responding, but what seems like a very long moment passed before I finally broke the silence with the one truce work I know,’ sorry ‘. It was a way of helping out, putting his mind at ease, as his thoughts may have gone in the direction of “ maybe this guy did not intended to kick my foot which was impeding the progress of others”; I smiled as I saw him gather his feet and sat-up in an upright position. I was out the door heading to work for my daily grind, another day on the metro with Metro Eye.

METRO EYE DAY 16

2011-12-09T12:08:00.001-08:00

Metro Eye on the move today, at the metro early looking at the temperature there is a warning of possible ice. There is a little bit of a wind, most people are covered up with a few layers of clothing, walk is brisk as we move about quickly to generate more heat; when you exhale you can see the condensation of your breath. Metro was running on time it was routine going from the entrance to platform, I boarded the train and got into one of my favorite seats on the car; its 6:10am and the train is fulling up pretty quickly. These folks mean business, the hard working group, early to work, usually starting their day before everyone else.

As they train pull off I raised my head and look around and I observe my surroundings, everyone was in the mood to get to whether they were going work or otherwise. As we arrived at each stop more and more people came unto the train, so much so that the seats were all occupied. Some with double and some with a single occupancy, no complete empty seats were available.

As I look up again after a few more stops, then I saw her sitting next to a kind gentleman, she was sitting sideways, an obese woman, very aware of her voluptuousness, fit herself into the seat side-ways. I can only imagine this was a very uncomfortable position for both her and the passenger sitting next to her. Very difficult position for sure I confirmed in my mind as I reached for The Express, as it was one of those days when I could not decide if I wanted to read The Examiner or The Express so I picked up both.

As I lowered the paper one more time I saw a lone gentleman standing, why is he standing and not sitting when they were more seats available, then it occurred to me that he was even more obese than the woman and he already knew that he wasn’t going to be able to fit into the seat next to anyone.

As I sat and I wondered does this man have the right to demand the handicap seating, should the people who were sitting so comfortably in the handicap seating be aware that this man has some challenges and needed to have the seat, aren't very obese people considered handicap?

As I see people come in and out of the Metro train car no one gave a second look, is there a fixable solution for people who are overweight and cannot utilize the average accommodations, I put my head down and focus on my paper, but the thought kept popping up in my mind, would the person sitting next to me agree to get up her seat maybe share seats with other people to allow this man to get a seat for himself, maybe everyone is like me, thinking about it but not truly willing to do something about it. Should the gentleman sitting next to the obese lady given her the entire seat, should I have gotten up first and give my seat with the hopes that the person sitting next to me would do the same; another day on the Metro with Metro Eye.

METRO EYE DAY 15

2011-12-02T09:35:00.001-08:00

While reading The Express on metro today I saw an article; there is some mention of data coverage in the metro system and the need to improve on the cell network system in the tunnels. I totally agree, it took a major effort of repeatedly sending and resending of messages during the 5.0 earthquake we had some months ago. It’s very important to be able to connect with loved ones during a natural disaster even if it’s in short brief text (SMS) message. It was a brief thought but after today I see an in surmountable level of abuse that is going to put people more on edge over time.

It’s one of the coldest days the second day of December and Mr. Winter is showing his true colors, blasting us with cold air. Metro Eye is on the move in a joyful mood, Mr. Winter is not going to get me down its Friday and it’s the last day of the work week, (as if you didn’t know) and it’s a joy to be going to work with the anticipation of starting on the task of putting the next eight hours behind me.

I made my way into the station and reached the platform noticing there was already a train waiting so I hurriedly ran into the first car, there were quite a number of seats available, non were facing forward but I will give that up for prompt service any day.

I sat in my seat paper in my hand, as I settled in for my daily metro ride then it came flooding into my ears, a loud cell phone talker. She was casually speaking totally oblivious to anyone else around her. I hope this is a short conversation because it’s ‘no way’ I will be able to hear this loud chatter in my ears and focus on reading. I reached into my bag for my iPod, so I can drown out the chattering noise from my ears, as I press on the button to activate it, “I did not charge it last night” it was a brief depressing feeling as I had no option but to endure this annoying woman. With fingers crossed and hoping that she will end her conversation sometime soon; the train started moving and we were on our way.

We got to the next stop then to the following then to the next then to the one after that, there was no relenting she was going and going speaking about all sorts of matters, in my quest to ‘blank her out of my mind’ I have no idea what she was talking about. The insanity continued and it seems to have gotten louder, is it me or maybe the raising off her voice was to compensate for the rumbling noise of the train. Maybe she has a hearing impediment and I am going on was I being insensitive. They have been times when I have had conversation on my cell phone while riding the train and I am always considerate of the people around me, one to keep the volume of my voice down and to keep the exposure of the content of my conversation exclusive.

Then the inevitable happened as we descended into the tunnels towards the city she lost cell connectivity and the loud chatter stopped, almost as if a divine hand from ‘below’ came and snatched the signal from her phone and return what is usually a peaceful morning back to its rightful place of peace and tranquility, I smiled and I returned to my paper.

As I reflect on the article of data coverage in the metro tunnels, I smile as the analogy “be careful what you wish for” came to mind. Maybe the expansion of data coverage should be expanded slowly as the frightening thought of enduring many more loud cell phone talkers made me shutter, can you imagine hearing many of them competing with each other as they try to speak over each other, it’s a frightening thought, but so is another earthquake, another day on the metro with Metro Eye.

METRO EYE DAY 14

2011-12-01T10:53:00.001-08:00

A cup of tea, a glass of milk, a can of soda how important is breakfast to you, MetroEye is on the move, making my way to the Metro station for my daily commute to the ‘Job’ .

It’s a brisk cold December morning, everyone is in a hurry to get to their respective locations, from my experience this is the time of morning with the most rider-ship its usually more competition for seats. it’s that time of day when men are no longer gentlemen and women are down –right mean, each man or woman for him or herself. It’s highly unusual to get a smile from anyone, so as they say when in Rome do as the Romans do. So I act my part but I can’t help defaulting to what I know best , being cordial to other people is second nature to me, so as the train approached the platform and people rush to get to the nearest door, I find myself giving-way to those folks who seemed more anxious to get on the train than everyone else.

It’s about 7:45 and there is mad rush to get on the train as the doors open some men ‘sprint’ ahead of the women to get to the open seats, one man even seems confused as to here he wanted to sit… everyone got seated as I looked around, they were still a few seats available, so we rush in almost climbed over each other to get seated and there are more seats than people. I guess in the one track mindset to get a seat everyone defaulted to a barbaric approach to get to a seat.

The all ‘doors closing ‘ announcement came on the doors closed and we were on our way, rumbling along as the music in my ear from my iPod kept the sounds of the metro and other people out of my ear. As we move along I can see the seats around me fulling-up, as more and more people enter the train. It was a few moments after when I saw her enter the car, tall slender, athletic health conscious I assumed. She raced passed a man who had entered the same time as she did, to sit next to me; I was sitting in one of the only seats with available space.

A quick smile as she sat down, ‘oh a friendly’ individual I thought as she sat down, unfolded her paper and started to read, then I heard a loud popping sound looking over in her direction, there it was silver red and blue a distinctive logo on a Pepsi can. She can’t be serious, in the train this early in the morning, is this breakfast I though, as she grasp the can firmly and swiftly took two gulps (could have been more) from the can and gently set it into her bag… is this a substitute for coffee, is this breakfast, was she that hungry of craving caffeine that much that she is will to break all the rules to have it.

Please, please don’t make it spill, it’s too close to me for comfort I thought as I saw her take a few more gulps. I thought of all the things I would have for breakfast, a can of Pepsi has never been a part of it. I looked up and noticed I had one more stop before I have to exit the train, I hope she finish that soda before I ask her to let me by. ‘Excuse me’ she grabbed her can of Pepsi, bag and paper to let me go by. Pepsi for breakfast, no- way!

As I write this blog post I am having my lunch and enjoying my beverage of choice… how refreshing is this bottle of Pepsi I thought as I’m drinking it, another day on the Metro with MetroEye.

METRO EYE DAY 13

2011-11-29T08:48:00.001-08:00

It’s crowded on the Metro, only standing room but the Metro train is moving though you can feel the frustration in the air, people were cordial. The metro is usually crowded this time of afternoon and you can feel the connection with the other passengers as we are all united in our quest to get home. Some people seem to have already surrendered to the feeling of being at home and have closed their eyes and given into the subconscious. Then they were others who were resisting by keeping themselves occupied with their personal electronic devices.

There I was standing hands firmly clasped around the ‘top hand rail’ as I kept myself steady as the train moved and swayed traversing from one station to the next.

Looking around I see tired looking faces, no smiles, people standing hoping wishing for a seat I imagine, first seat came available I ask the lady standing next to me if she would like to sit she gladly accepted and scoot pass me and sat down.

Then I saw him he was about 5’8” burly guy wearing a black jacket had the look and scars of a boxer, lots of damage on both eyebrows, lots of cuts scars, could not have been a great boxer, possible short career. Successful boxers have a little less scaring as their motive to protect self goes up when they are aware they cut easily. As I observe him it was what he did next that caught my attention, he was standing directly behind a woman, oh that was very close I thought as I imagine he must be her companion, then as the train sway I saw him trust forward almost making contact with her, she moved a few inches forward as she might have felt his presence, ‘are they together’ the thought that dominated my mind at that moment. Then I saw his feet shuffling as he inched his way closer to her. His eyes made contact with me he held his position as he turned his gaze away from me. What was he thinking, is she aware that he was reaching for her, is he going to say anything to me. How would I respond, were my thought as I continue to look in his direction?

It is now clear they are not together, is he one of those perverts that get pleasure from rubbing up against women. Would he being aware of me noticing him cause him to change direction and defer from not engaging in such perverted activity, it didn’t seem he was willing to give up as he maintain his position less than an inch of making contact with the woman.

Then I saw her looking at him, another woman sitting directly across from him ‘Busted!’ she was looking at him with a keen intent stare, one portraying hatred and dislike. I am sure she felt those emotions and she had all right to. It was as if in the stare she was demanding some respect for another woman who in her oblivious disposition was being preyed upon and not even aware of it. Then the seat in from of the woman ‘victim’ became vacant she expeditiously sat down, was she aware and afraid to say something, or was she as I imagined oblivious to what was happening to her.

He finally moved, is he going to exit the train, no he didn’t as I saw him moving along the corridor to the back of the train car I thought is he going to position himself somewhere to prey upon someone else, I felt a buzzing in my pocket, it was my phone, I needed to respond to a text msg. My attention was diverted to the task at hand and I lost track of him as I indulge in a brief important texting conversation. I will not be heading straight home this evening, but it’s time for me to get off this train, MetroEye on the way home from the daily grind.

METRO EYE DAY 11

2011-11-18T07:29:00.001-08:00

It smells in here, they are many things that annoy to the point of vexing, those smells that irritates the nostrils and sends the nerves and brain cells into a damage repair mode. When in a captive surroundings it’s nothing more torturous than an unpleasant smell and that was my experience today.

It’s about 8:00am and Metro Eye is on the move a typical day at the metro, an expectation that everything well be in working order and on-time and the ‘wicked’ realization that each time it’s never the reality. Got to the metro station reaching for my smartcard it’s time to recharge, this is always a scary time for me, I am using a credit card to charge-up my smartcard and I am relying on the Metro ticket machines, from my pass experience these machines working and reading my cards on the first or second try is sporadic at best. So there I was moving from machine to machine trying to get some service. Machine one error reading card, machine two error reading card, this is going to be a long morning , finally machine three and yes finally transaction complete my smartcard is loaded, “would you like a receipt” was the last prompt on the screen I selected ‘yes’, “sorry this machine does not print receipts”. These two things go together, how can machines that are so dependent upon are never working, and when they are only rendering half the service it’s designed to do.

With Smartcard in hand I entered the station, and worked my way up the stairs, a brisk run a quick moment to get some exercise and get the blood flowing, as I crest the platform I saw a train parked with doors opened. I made a quick scan for any available seats, ok there it is a window seat facing backwards, not my preferred seating but It will do, as I sat down and settled in my seat I saw an influx of people board the train, ‘I timed it right’ I thought . Then it hit me, it was a slow build-up, it got stronger and stronger and stronger.

I first have to ask a question, why do people insist in bathing in perfume? If you have applied so much that it fills your nostrils what you think it does to the person next to you, is it necessary to bathe in it. What is the purpose, is it to feel good, smell good to other people, is the theory the more you apply the greater the scent. Is it necessary to apply more for example if you haven’t showered, It was all these thoughts pondering in my head, as I searched for my escape, any vacant seat, as I look up and forward they were non, I looked back and around, the scent was stronger, no luck there either. I am captive to this smell I thought as I try to focus on other things trying to ‘fool’ my sensory organs, telling them that there was no issue; I try to focus on the news in The Express to aid in the effort , it smells in here, it’s really bad. I was so lost in my world of denial that I was most surprised when I looked up from my paper and It was my stop, time to exit the train, oops! A quick sprint to the door, “doors closing” I heard as I slip off the train finally free to inhale the damp air circulating in the metro tunnel what a morning I survived, Metro Eye on the move.

METRO EYE DAY 10

2011-11-15T07:23:00.000-08:00

Door stoppers, I don't like them I hate them, no consideration. Its November 15th I am running late, it’s about 7:00am. It’s late because I had planned to be on the Metro and well on my way by this time of day. It’s one of those lazy mornings, the desire was just not there, but like most responsible adults I must do what is required to maintain my existence and those that depend on me. The metro was unusually crowded, for this time in the morning. Maybe it’s always like this but I am just being impatient today.

Going through my usual routine, getting a news paper for the ride, The Express it is today, iPod is in tow, no time to read the much thicker Examiner today. Up the stairs I walked to the platform, as I approached the top of the platform I noticed it’s crowded, it’s going to be a challenge to get a seat today. Ok I should be an expert at this, I have mastered the art of 'hurrying-up to stop' as I position myself at a location that’s closest to the doorway of the train.

As the train pulled into the station, my prediction was right I was, just in front of the door, as I peer into the train, they were people standing inside the train with to get out. The door opened, I stepped aside to let the people on the train disembark. Oops lost my spot... I should be fine. As we slowly filter into the train, as I my turn came up to board the train, I heard the door chime, the door is going to close on me... they were still a few people standing in front of me one gentleman... take that back 'Door stopper' decided that he was not going to move any further into the train, to make room for the following people behind, 'is this guy for real'

I made it into the car and got me the last window seat, it was a short eventful ride, to my first stop, ok time to get off and find my way to another platform to board yet another train. I got out of my seat and made my way to the door 'excuse me' I bellowed, I got no response as the door stopper insisted on remaining in his position as a multitude of people were trying to disembark, 'doors closing' I heard as I dipped my left shoulder and made my way pass Mr. Door Stopper.
It’s unbelievable that people who share public transportation take no consideration of others who are using the same. With thoughts of the selfishness we all sometimes show I ran up to get into the connecting train, I ran into the train doors closed, hmmm not many familiar faces, as I observed my surrounds, then it occurred to me and almost simultaneously confirmed by the conductor, I had boarded the wrong train... I had to get off the train the very next stop and reverse my travels, another day on the Metro with MetroEye.

MetroEye Day Nine

2011-11-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

Wow! It’s still dark MetroEye is on the move, another day on the metro, it’s November 14th and it’s still dark at 6:15am, wasn't daylight savings suppose to help with this? Happy to start the week of work... ok I lied... but going about the business of getting on the metro. Oops my smartcard needs some funding I thought as I approached the Metro station from my short walk from the parking lot, the one benefit of arriving early, you get your pick of parking at metro stations.

I walked up to the card machine, and yes, I needed to fund my smartcard. Credit card out into the machine, "error reading card" hmmm not a good signed, second card "error reading card" ok third option "error reading card" why can these machines work when you want them to, ok... maybe cash will work, Wow it did. Wiping the sweat from my brow it was time to go up to the platform and get onto the train.
Early morning I had my choice of seats, hmmm left, right, facing forward... I made my choice, right seat facing forward, maybe that way I will be able to observe more people coming in; did you know most stations have a central platform, so the doors open up on the left side. I boarded the train and sat back as the train left the station, train was not full but all the window seats were taken.

It was uneventful until about 3 stops into my journey, and then he walked in, say about 2ft 5in, so cute, little backpack, and a little book in his hand, holding dad’s hand. He's up early I thought, 'poor kid' functioning in an adult world. Then it happened dad put him in the seat with me and sat behind, would mom have done that? That young I know mom would have had baby in her clutches continuing to maintain that bond that most mothers and children have.

As he slide into the seat next to me, he looked at me with some curiosity, I broke into a smile, 'how are you?' he looked at me with this puzzled look. About 3 minutes after I heard his little book feel as I looked over at him he was fast asleep. I thought to myself he is too young to be going through the rigors of adult life, up early and late to bed. Then I heard the driver announcing my stop. I looked back at dad, assuring him than I could easily get by without having to wake him up, as I stepped over his tiny feet, being extra careful not to disturb him. As I looked back with a smile, only to observe dad pushing him into the seat so he could sit next to him. Couldn't he just step over him and take the seat next to him I just vacated. Why did he have to wake him so he can move to the inside seat. I was disappointed but I took comfort in knowing that I would have done it differently, another day on the Metro with MetroEye.

MetroEye Day Seven

2011-11-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

Seat hopping or is it musical chairs, MetroEye is certainly confused. The Metro today is 'empty' today hardly anyone is on the train today, is it because it’s early? It’s just about 6:30am November 9th the sun is on its way up to give us another beautiful fall day. It’s a little chilly starting out though; maybe that’s why they are not that many people jostling for spots on the Metro.

There I was sitting on the metro train, both the Examiner and the Express in my hand, for some reason I am unable to focus. Still digesting the news of Heavy D' death, so young 44yrs hmmmm... Mr. Bumm diddle... diddle de. As the iPod blast a few of my favorite Heavy D rap songs, I just sat back and listen and observe my surroundings.

Who cares about Herman Cain sexual indiscretions, I am not reading about that today, as I took a look at the front page stories, why read about someone who by all measures is on his way out as being a contender for the republican nomination. When my thoughts keep reflecting on some of the tunes playing into my ear... what’s missing ah 'black coffee no sugar no cream' one of my all time Heavy D songs.

Then I saw them entered the train an older couple... sat in the seats behind me, she on the left he on the right, they are both sitting on the outsides. As I pondered to myself 'they are open seats why did they not sit together. After about 5 minutes the man got up and when and sat in an open seat. About 1 minute after the lady went and sat in the seat perpendicular to him, ' that’s odd' are they trying to be discreet?

After what seems to be like about 5 minutes or so, she got up and sat next to the man, hmmm chair hopping or is it musical chairs... then I heard the driver announcing my stop, it was time for me to exit, as I thought are they going to continue playing musical chairs, then I realized the music was with me. Maybe they have settled down to rest, just as the rapper in this sound in my head, but the music will continue to entertain me.

It was time to go another day on the Metro with Metro Eye

MetroEye Day Six

2011-11-08T05:23:00.000-08:00

Green pants, green jacket; Its November 8th around 6:45 am Metro Eye is on the move. I circled looking for one of my favorite parking spots; none to be found. I'm running a little late today, so it’s time to park this car and be on my way. So as I rolled around the parking lot looking, then I saw it and overlooked parking spot, easy access in and out that’s the best option.

Walking to the Metro Station, short brisk steps, MetroEye on the move, as I approached the news stand, 'no Express today I am going to get The Examiner', yes as I picked up was seems to be a unusual thick Examiner, I started up the stairs, gentle man in front of me, ' pick it up' Mr. I muttered under my breath as I wish I he would go a little faster. The Metro Train was in the station. As I crest the top of the stairs, I started looking for one of those coveted window seats, facing forward, as I scourer the first car then the next to no avail. As I contemplated where I am going to sit, I heard the driver announced the train about to leave. ‘I don't have a choice now I dash into the next car, 'there it was a window seat' facing backwards, it’s the next best seat, at least I have window. I took my jacket off, as I wondered is it warming up or am I just hot from my effort of trying to find a window seat.

The train started moving, as I settled down for my ride I open the Examiner, ' Unclaimed property' looked for my name, hmmmm seems like everyone else had some unclaimed property... ok time to move on to some real news. As flip page after page after page, more names and no news, I did not get the full paper I just picked up the supplement, how can I have not seen that. What to do, no news, do I pull out my phone and do what most people were doing as I observed my surroundings. Then I saw it under a seat, the Express, a discarded copy, that will have to do for now. I got up and reached down to retrieve it and raced by to my seat, feeling relieved that now I can go through my metro ride ritual of reading the news.
I sat down back in my seat then it happened, I saw the green pants and green jacket stop at my seat and what I would claim the widest hips started moving into the seat next to me, as I prepared for the collision, ' this is going to hurt' I went as far into the seat as I could to make room. I looked up; it was man or was it ah... as I start to take inventory, bangles, watch, an unusual amount of hair, men’s casual shoes. No denying this is a man, slim by men’s' standards but such wide hips... still baffled and not able to discern the true gender of the person sitting next to me...'Excuse me' I mumbled with a soft but firm tone, it was time for me to exit. MetroEye on the move...

MetroEye Day Five

2011-11-07T04:35:00.000-08:00

Foggy morning its November 7th 6:35am, Walking to the metro; Metro station seems sparce. Seems like the weekend is not quite over for many folks, or was it too early for the usual crowd, maybe the daylight savings time adjustment has cause some issues with some individuals biological clock.

As I work my way towards the station I pick up the Express, and scanned the headlines, there was the leading story of another sex scandal. An individual in authority abusing the trust of soceity for their own sick gratification, why do these individuals pray upon minors is it all about control? They can do these exact actions with consenting adults, is it the fear of rejection, what is this obsession... I had to stop reading that story, its sickening just thinking what these minors had to endure as they must have been 'pressured' to satisfy the urges of some warp minded individual... it was time to move on to a more uplifting story.

The Redskins actually scored points this week, eventhough it was a losing effort its much better than a complete shut-out. Refelecting on some of life lessons I remember my dear Aunt telling me you must always look on the positive outcome of every situation. The Redskins lost but at least they got a touch down and a franchise record 59 yard field goal.

The train was ontime today departing at 6:40am, it was a comfrotable ride not many people on the train many of these individuals on the train were mature, made me think that most of the younger folks will be rushing to work later. As we left the last top before we entered the tunnel I could still see the fog blanketing the area it was foggy everywhere, 'Foggy Bottom'.

The ride was very uneventful people seems to be well behaved and going about their business. As I glanced around everyone was quiet and sitting, reading and listening for the various Metro stops. Then it came my stop; its Monday the work week just started and many more days and hours of metro riding to come, another day on the Metro with MetroEye.

MetroEye Day Four

2011-11-04T05:15:00.000-07:00

Gadgets, Gadgets, why do we need so many gadgets; Its November 4th and I am making my way to the Metro station, is it the time of morning or is it because its Friday seems to be less people at the metro station today. Not a very cold morning for November, it’s about 51degrees in the Washington DC area. Walking to the metro in a festive mood its Friday music blasting in my ear the temptation to do a little dance as I think about the next several hours I will be at this very location but going in the opposite direction.

No smokers, wow! deep breath as I inhale the cool morning air, I reached for The Express and then for The Examiner as I scan both front pages trying to decide which newspaper I am going to read first, it’s a debate I have most mornings, I usually decide to read the paper that slant the representation of the topics in the news I most agree with or interested in. There were the weekend related news, the topical political news, and many of the weekends movie reviews. Music still blasting in my ear still in a festive mood I decided to read the movie review for the new Eddie Murphy due out today in The Express.

I climbed the stairs to the platform only to be welcome by a large crowd waiting for the metro, I glance over on the other side of the platform there was an empty train, lights off just parked, did that driver take off for the weekend was he/she somewhere having a good time, leaving us dependent metro riders to wait for an extra few minutes for another train to arrive.

It was 7:15am no working train in site, I can feel the crowd becoming anxious... then in the distance I saw the lights, the metro train was finally approaching , folks started to position themselves closer to the edge of the platform anticipating where the train would stop, this must be the window-seat seekers. As I maneuver myself into position; I will do my best to get one of those seats, they are truly the best seats. If you are the first to a seat you get to establish yourself in that seat. It’s amusing seeing people come in and then looking for the most comfortable seating as they are no empty seats and they have to share. What must be their thought process, ' am I going to be able to sit in this seat next to this person and be comfortable or should I sit next to the small statured person on the right'.

The Metro started moving comfortably seated and riding along, two stops later, older woman entered the train, my estimation about 55yrs old, slight strands of grey and a fairly low haircut was the deciding factors. As she sat next to me, she reached into her bag and took out an Andriod phone. She started typing, some important message I suppose, as I glance up from my paper. Then almost immediately she reached back into her back and retrieve a BlackBerry, she started typing on that device as well. I was amazed, older woman embracing technology and just as savvy as any younger person around. She then put both devices away only to pull out an iPod from which she made what I can assume was a music selection.

She then opened up the newspaper and started to work on a crossword puzzle, in what I assume to be just about 2 seconds after, she reached back into her back and out came the Android device, followed by the BlackBerry, this cycle continued for some time.
I then glance over at her crossword puzzle to see if she had actually completed any of it, it was blank, no different from the first time she opened the paper.

It’s this a case of gadget overload, are the gadgets we accept as making our lives easier preventing us from not accomplishing anything, are they causing us more stress to maybe ‘gray’ earlier in life, was I wrong about her age? My mood change from a position of admiration to a feeling that I am watching the development of an addiction in progress, as I glanced up almost every one's head was down into their respective devices. Another day on the Metro, I am so happy it’s Friday, tomorrow Saturday I will make an effort to limit my device usage... I look forward to it.

MetroEye Day Three

2011-11-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

MetroEye: Late start today, and in a major rush to get to the Metro station from the parking lot. This time of day they are too many people trying to do the same thing. Through the pass into the station, up the stairs, it was slow going, no fast run today, something I do with the illusion that I am actually getting some exercise. There was a lady climbing the stairs in front of me, who was in no hurry, could she be an executive, someone who felt that there was no rush, she refuse to go any faster.

The train had arrived and both sides of the stairs were crowded so there was no escaping this woman, I had to walk at her pace, no stepping aside to let me go by, she was in her own world an no one else mattered. Are people always that selfish do they not consider that other people may need to get by. I finally made it up to the top of the platform.

It was a search; which car has an open 'coveted' window seat facing forward. As I scan I finally saw it, then it was a mad dash to beat the next person to that seat. Wow, deep breath as I settled in my seat then I looked up and there she was.

A familiar face, a bit of anxiety, followed by excitement; The Examiner, went away as she sat next to me, I was so excited that I forgot I had headphones in my ear, as we greeted each other, it was conversation non-stop, 'did you know this did you know that...' it seems like it was all about 5 minutes and we were at my stop.

Excuse me this is my stop I have to go, it was as if she was disappointed, “I prefer to get up when the train stops..." was as if she didn't want to let me out.

It’s November 3rd and I am late, a mad rush up the escalators another day of my commute on the Metro.

MetroEye Day Two

2011-11-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

Its November 2nd, MetroEye is on the move, into the sea of black, have you ever notice that almost everyone wears black clothing in the winter, black jackets black hats black ties.

The Metro was unusually crowded today 7:55am and there seems to be a sea of black, in what was a 'brisk' morning at 39 degrees. The train was moving and everyone seems to be in a solemn mood, moving slowly and in no hurry to get to their respective destinations.

As I glance around there seems to be quite a lot of older people on the metro, is this evidence of the graying of America, are we truly working 'later and later' in life, is this something I have to look forward to, there must be some balance, is the dream of riding off into the sunset just a dream, will it ever materialize. It’s a frightening thought as I ponder will this be my future, will I be one in the many, would the demands of society cause me to face the cold dark days and not enjoy that sunshine I hope not.

As I sat back and got comfortable for my ride, my attention turned to the Express in my hand and the front page story, of a violent night in DC and the surrounding suburb of Forestville. I can only imagine that this 'scary season' people are more on edge. People get it together it’s senseless from symbolic celebration of the 7th billionth person on the planet, to the removal of 8 people in one night, brings it all into perspective.

It was intense; thinking about how vulnerable we are that I skipped pass the Kardashian stories and focus on the lighter side of life. KD (Kevin Durant) playing flag football and having fun, are we going to have a basketball season starting sometime soon?

Train stops I looked up from the paper, it was my stop, lady sitting next to me didn't seem too pleased that I was rushing her to get to the door... another morning on the Metro.

MetroEye Day One

2011-11-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

It’s November 1st just about 8:00am the approach to the metro station seems very slow today. The inquisitive nature of people still gets me upset; It’s my turn to go into the parking lot then I saw the police, blocking the entrances, with a sigh I drove to a secondary parking lot; not a bad start. The walk to the metro station was uneventful, except there seems to be an alarming number of young adults smoking, is it the temperature, don' they know they are killing me in the process, seems like every day I have to pass through more and more groups of smokers at least the trains are no smoking. Metro was on time today, nothing eventful happen, saw a few familiar faces, it’s amazing the fact that you see the same people 'day in and day out', sometimes even more than some of your closes friends and there is no connection , no conversation, I guess having one thing in common is not sufficient to foster any connection. The customary reading of the Express and what seems to be the never ending coverage of the Kardashian Clan can we move on to another sex scandal I hope not, the 'Black' American (his preference) Herman Cain is going to be losing his high polling numbers for sure, sex and the American Psyche is like water to a horse in the desert.

The seating was comfortable no pretty smiles everyone seems to be in a somber mood, winter is here, what happen to that daylight savings time. It’s time to exit the train, and off to the daily grind, its 8:48.