Author Archive

Sunday, August 3rd, 2008

The Illustrated Man

I am fascinated by tattoos because I can’t get one. My wife would divorce me if I did; it’s written into our contract. I once explained this to my son, and he suggested I get a temporary tattoo. Which makes sense. Still, ever since watching Steve McQueen in Papillion, I thought it would be cool […]

No Comments » - Posted in F Train, Straphanger Joe, The Missus by timcol

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

Three’s Company or a Crowd? Ask Straphanger Joe.

THE POWER OF NOW
At 9:10 a.m. I enter the F-train from my usual spot: the no-man’s land between the two stairs going up to the main level of Roosevelt Station in Jackson Heights.
Inside, a roomful of open seats becomes the setting for a game of musical chairs—and the music has just stopped.
When everyone’s finished jockeying […]

No Comments » - Posted in 23rd Street, F Train, Jackson Heights, Neighbors, Open Seats, Roosevelt, Seat, Straphanger Joe, getting a seat by timcol

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

The Accident That Happened, The Altercation That Never Did

A high-pitched scream came from inside Starbucks. An Asian woman visible through the hole in the store was pushing at her cheeks with her palms and staring at the floor.

2 Comments » - Posted in F Train, I Thought My Commute Sucked, Starbucks Story, cell phone, mishaps by timcol