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People Send Us This Stuff
(Editor's note: We get lots of e-mail. Some of it is about stuff we've written, which is cool. Some of it is general bitching about the city, which is fine, too. But then there's the rest: chain e-mails, press releases, solicitations, ruminations on Obama's secret socialist plans, letters imploring us to find Jesus, etc. Good stuff all, but sometimes it's hard to find a place for it in the paper, what with the diminishing page counts and all. And that's a goddamn shame. So, without further ado, allow us to present Non Sequitur, letters to the editor about whatever. This letter, presented exactly as it hit our inbox, comes from Dave K. of Germantown. Enjoy — and if you know the answer to this riddle, feel free to let Dave, and us, know in the comments.)
Am I the only one that thinks the blue and white âLOTIONâ phone sign hanging on the Northeast corner of 10th and Arch is a bit strange? Actually, very strange. Its been there for years now, and there used to be a sort of working pay phone there. A few years ago I showed to my Connie, who had been with Verizon, a real phone company, for some time. Being concerned that the company could possibly make a real dumb sign above one of its devices, she decided to check it out. It accepted coins but did not work. So she called the toll free number on the plate on the phone for help. None available — the number was for âthis is Dunkin' Donuts Hon, we don't have any pay phones.â For awhile I thought that maybe the phone worked just for Laotians or something — a signage error by a forgetful diversity seeking telecommunications giant perhaps.
I had forgot about this mysterious pay phone sign until I walked by that way the other day and discovered that the âLOTIONâ sign was still there! The phone itself is gone, just the steel housing remains.
Any explanation of this weird decoration of our cityscape would be appreciated.
[...] NON SEQUITUR. Letters to the editor about whatever. :: The Clog :: Blog Archive :: Staff Blog :: Phi... [...]
(Editor's note: We get lots of e-mail. Some of it is about stuff we've written, which is cool. Some of it is general bitching about the city, which is fine, too. But then there's the rest: chain e-mails, press releases, solicitations, ruminations on Obama's secret socialist plans, letters imploring us to find Jesus, etc. Good stuff all, but sometimes it's hard to find a place for it in the paper, what with the diminishing page counts and all. And that's a goddamn shame. So, without further ado, allow us to present the first-ever Clog addition Non Sequitur, letters to the editor about whatever. This letter, presented exactly as it hit our inbox, comes from Randy R., a hero and a gentleman from Washington Square. Enjoy!)
Green light at the corner of 7th and Market. Morning rush hour. A delivery truck is in front of my car. But it can't make the right turn onto Market Street because a horde of pedestrians is passing through the crosswalk. As usual, they're taking their sweet time, as if this is a lazy morning stroll in the park. They keep coming, like a disinterested herd of bison, with no regard for the line of traffic waiting on them. The light is now yellow. The truck can't move, which means I can't move—nor can the ever-increasing trail of cars behind me. I'm watching the faces of every one of these pedestrians. Not one offers even a cursory glance at the mounting vehicular logjam to which they're contributing. The light goes red. The truck bolts around the corner. I'm still on 7th Street. One green light—one vehicle through. In my frustration, I honk my horn—not at the truck driver, but at the oblivious mass that—along with Philadelphia's perpetual constructi on and its medieval prohibition on right-on-red—helps create the city's daily congestion.
A police officer sipping his coffee at the corner as he watches the entire sequence walks around to the driver's side of my car. Signaling me to lower the window, he then chews me out in a tone just shy of a yell. I tell him that I was honking at the pedestrians exhibiting not the slightest ounce of urgency in crossing the street and holding up an entire line of traffic. âPedestrians have the right of way!â he snaps. Sure they do. But we motorists also have to get to work—and it would be the decent thing to do, as well as beneficial to the city's ubiquitous traffic problem, if pedestrians would hustle as half a dozen or more automobiles sit paralyzed in their path. The police officer continues angrily that I'm guilty of âunauthorized use of a car horn.â Apart from the rather sizeable gray area concerning how, from whom, and, most critically, how long it takes a driver to obtain authorization to honk the car horn in relation to its timely use, I muse to myself that this entire problem could be eradicated if, instead of reprimanding motorists at the mercy of pedestrian sloth, the officer could suggest to the street-crossers that they make an effort not to render intersection turns nigh unto impossible.
I walked many a mile as a full-time pedestrian in Philadelphia, so I've seen life in the slow lane from both sides. And when I was hoofing it to work, or any destination on the far side of an intersection, I generally operated under the imperative that insouciance and asphalt don't mix—but that apparently made me an anomaly: a 2005 study from Portland State University reported that the average walking speed for pedestrians under sixty years of age—the vast majority of people on whom I was waiting at the green light—was 4.85 ft/sec, which means that they should traverse the 64-foot-wide Market Street in approximately 13.2 seconds. I twice timed myself crossing the same street and found that, using my considerate they're-waiting-on-me stride, I made it from curb to curb in 11 seconds. Now, an improvement of 2.2 seconds doesn't seem like a lot, but when extrapolated across every pedestrian who leaves the each side of the street at a different point in time at each intersection, and then repeated at each succeeding intersection encountered, the data clearly indicate that the average pedestrian doesn't give a rat's ass about clogging traffic.
Which is why I suggest that pedestrians should have 11 seconds to cross Market Street before they're fair game. (Narrower streets would require accordingly less time.) Many of we city dwellers have twenty- or thirty-mile drives to the office, and these lethargic slugs make an all-consuming ordeal out of merely getting to the expressways. Let's see if they can put a little courteous oomph in their step when a three-thousand-pound vehicle that's already waited the majority of a green-red cycle is bearing down on them like a Brunswick on a baby split in the tenth frame. That seems just and equitable to me.
We could examine the psychology behind why most pedestrians show apathy in the face of idling traffic: Is it pure indolence? A sense of entitlement to the green light? The culture of insensitivity that has obliterated the Golden Rule? But I never really cared why the chicken crossed the road—as long as he did it quickly and got the hell out of my way.
I wasted too much time reading this in its entirety. Captain Rush-rush here could have been more courteous and saved my time by being more concise. I can boil your point down to one sentence: People walking make me mad and I want to run them over because there a lot of them and they are slower than my car. You're welcome.
"A sense of entitlement to the green light?" Philadelphia has its share citizens feeling entitlements but none are greater than those driving the motor vehicles through a highly residential city.
Wow. Just Wow. My main question is: why is he living in the city if he has a 30 mile commute? I feel for you, the editors, who have to read this garbage day after day (and you probably can't really comment back to these crazy people).
Market Street is 4 lanes wide and the crosswalk is heavily used at that intersection because pedestrians are coming and going from the Federal complex. The cop was right as pedestrians do have the right of way, most especially while in a crosswalk on a green light. Pick a different northbound street and stop your bitching.
As a pedestrian myself, I agree. If you're not an entitled twit, no, you don't jam up an intersection sauntering through a green light. It's obnoxious. Try stopping on the curb to let cars go by and get roared at by some psycho whose folks did a crap job on that whole every-toy-in-kindergarten-ain't-yours principle. If you can't make it across Market in 12 seconds and you're not on a Rascal, using a walker or crutches, or toting a baby in a basket on your head, then count yourself among the ever-growing numbers of the inconsiderate. It's hard to misinterpret your message.
This is a very interesting post. Great work!!
I completely agree. Pedestrians can suck it!
Good letter. Funny how some people don't have a sense of humor.
I'm still wasting time on this letter. First, you assume all pedestrians start crossing the street neatly the moment the light turns green and the reason for the congestion is lollygagging. Wrong. As someone who has run to catch a light, I can tell you that many pedestrians make it across the street in under 5 seconds, but they may not start until the 7th second of the green. They're not lollygagging, but they are part of the stream of pedestrians in your way. Second, you live in the city and you haven't learned to avoid Market Street, yet? Turning onto Market is an exercise in futility and frustration. You're better off finding another route out of the city.
Steel your hearts, Clog readers:
Blogger-about-town Brendan Skwire (of Brendan Calling) alerted CP to a kitten emergency at his house, and asked us to pass along the info:
Baby Henry has an eye infection and needs a trip to the vet and a loving home ASAP. Brendan's already adopted a bunch of cats from the neighborhood and has no more room for Baby Henry.
Brendan says: "Weve actually done a bunch of the legwork already, getting the little cat used to human touch by petting him when we feed him. Contact me through comments, and PLEASE share this post with other people you know who love cats."
Click here if you or someone you know might want to adopt Baby Henry; then click here to watch a video of a kitten wearing a tiny hat, eating a tiny ice cream cone, because you probably need something to make you feel better right now.
Brendan - Unless someone else comes forward very soon to adopt/get vet care for Henry, is there is *any* way at all to get him to a vet or clinic ASAP, and work on adoption later? There are some relatively reasonably (even low)-priced ones in Philly, eg the PAWS Clinic http://www.phillypaws.org/Spay-Neuter-Wellness-Clinic/ Girard Vet Clinic 215-232-0831 Dr. Marsh @ Schneider Veterinary Clinic (215) 226-0610 etc., etc. Depending where you are, you might want to contact one or more of the Philly TNR/stray cat rescues listed on the PCCC site http://phillycats.org/ (under Members) in case they can help. Apologies if you've tried all this already - I hope things work out for the little guy.
thanks for doing this, City Paper. i just realized people have to register to comment at my place, so for convenience sake, they can reach me at bfskwire AT gmail DOT com. thanks again, on behalf of baby henry.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Philly City Paper, Philly News Now. Philly News Now said: ADORABLE/SAD ALERT: Adopt Baby Henry!: Steel your hearts, Clog readers: Blogger-about-town Brendan Skwire (of Bre... http://bit.ly/aWh4Fg [...]
I don't understand why the cat hasn't been taken to the vet yet. Or give him to the humane society! He can't just exist like that! If he has, then that's great. But what's the status?? Updates, please!! Like Dan S. said, VET CARE COMES FIRST, adoption SECOND. (or the animal will clearly die or be very sick and you will be responsible.) Please give an update on the situation - I can donate money if needed.
We received this adorable request in the City Paper mailbag and thought it just the kind of thing we should pass along to the Clogosphere. Nick A. is in Washington, is writing a report on Pennsylvania and has requested that we send him some information on our dear state.
Dear Pennsylvania,
Hi, my name is Nick A. I'm from Conway school in Washington. I'm doing a state report about your state Pennsylvania. It would be nice if you could send me information about Pennsylvania so I can write on my state report. You can send me the information to this address.
Conway School
c/o Lisa del Bosque
19710 State Routes 534
Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Thank you Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
Nick A.
Please keep in mind that Conway is an elementary school (even if it is "Home of the Cougars").
In the name of good holiday cheer, we'll give you a little peek into the old editorial e-mail box.
Name: Shawn Curtis
Subject: Letter to the Editor
Neighborhood: Fox Chase
I would just like to say how disgusted I am at your newspaper. I thought it was going to be a regular newspaper with some cool facts about Philly and stuff. Then I start flipping the pages and I see titles of articles with curse words, and then I go to the last pages of the newspaper where the ads are basically pornographic.What goes on in your mind when you allow trash like this into the hands of people? Your newspaper was free at the library, any kid could pick them up at anytime, and you have this trash, or should I say sinful content in it.
God has no pleasure it such things. Your creator must be very upset with you and the people who send you the ads.
(Revelation 21:8) "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
All this drunkness, immorality and sin will be judged one day. Trust me, there is a hell. And you must be converted to Christ or face condemnation for all eternity. You'd do better if you would give your heart to God, stop serving Satan and make your newspaper a Christian newspaper. I shall pray for the salvation of your soul and the rest of Philadelphia as well.
A few points: Yes, Shawn, there is a hell. Some people say it's in or around Fox Chase. And I just checked with our creator, Bruce Schimmel, and he just gave us a big thumbs-up, so don't sweat it out for us, Shawn-o.
Oh, and Merry X-mas from all of us here at City Paper/The Clog/Meal Ticket/Critical Mass/Askadelphia, etc.
O dear Brian and Chris, did you not hear about the hell Auschwitz? I think you have enough Jewish people in Philadelphia, isn't it? The question is whether this is true. Yes, it is true. De 28:34,35 So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head. 59 Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. 60 Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee. 61 Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed. The hell is more terrible. No place for human being - actually. Are blessed in my Lord Jesus Merry Christmas
uhm, but yes, this man is probably a bit of a nut. -cgw
Well he's right about one thing: Your paper is pretty damn terrible.
cp rocks, but, to be fair, have you ever been to fox chase? it's actually a very nice community. -cgw
Glad to hear of the thumbs-up for making it easy for perverts to patronize the trafficked sex slaves at asian massage parlors, as advertised in City Paper. They are not doing it by choice, ask any expert in human trafficking. Does CP need to earn advertising revenue from illegal businesses enslaving women?
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The SEPTA strike is a great inconvenience to the general population. I am sure that the Septa board Members and the Union Leadership are not similarly inconvenienced by the lack of public transportation. Just look at the army of SUVs around the Bellevue during the talks.
I would like to suggest another approach to the union action. Instead of walking off the job, why not continue to operate the system as usual only REFUSE TO COLLECT FARES.
This would have a two-fold impact; 1. Put a halt to the revenue stream while 2. Retaining the popular support of the people whose livelihoods depend on reliable public transportation.
Each time SEPTA has gone on strike, they have actually lost ridership.
Why not take an action that helps the people as well as yourselves, guys? Would that not be enlightened self interest?
Please Adivise.
Thoughts?
Social comments and analytics for this post... This post was mentioned on Twitter by xdeliriumx: AWESOME idea. SEPTA employees, instead of strike, just refuse to collect fares! Philadelphians- http://bit.ly/QcRo2 PLEASE RT!...
I agree with David G as well. But as to Emynona's comment - by boycotting SEPTA, we don't show the strikers anything. All we do is hurt SEPTA more, which gives the TWU more incentive to strike next time, as they'll have more leverage with SEPTA. Unfortunately, the workers have very little vested in how healthy SEPTA is, so they could care less if there is a boycott. They just want to milk the cow dry. The real question to ask is, what can we do to send a message to the TWU?
Boycott. And we should also make demands. No fare increases and Willie Brown should have to step down as union leader. This happens to us every 4-5 years people don't forget? 2005 7 days and back in 1998 40 days in a heat wave!!!! Don't treat this as in isolated incident!
[...] Here is the original post:Ã Well that's an interesting idea: The Fare Strike :: The Clog … [...]
I agree with David G, the worst that would happen with that idea, is for those cashiers and drivers to lose their jobs altogether. What I suggest is a real boycott! Even after the strike ends, let's not ride with Septa for a few days, that'll show them. We can't continue to be manipulated by and dependent on a system that has no consideration for its riders!
I like it. I imagine it would be hard to implement though.
I suspect the letter writer's idea is that the "strike" would entail the workers not collecting a paycheck (as they're not collecting one now, either) in addition to not collecting fares.
Right. Work for free. That from the good natured folks who are threatening to shut the Regional Rail lines Friday morning.
Thoughts besides it being insanely illegal, grounds for termination, and an all in all terrible idea?
I personally love it. It's a nice alternative to #SeptaBoycott. Tried to make that tag work all morning...
What? And have the union workers, who are striking, collect a paycheck while they strike? Or are you suggesting the union workers would work for free during their strike?
That would require the Septa drivers to work which we all know they are very much adverse to doing.
[...] View post: Well that's an interesting idea: The Fare Strike :: The Clog … [...]
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