Some people have no shame

Last night.

7:17 Union-Oshawa. Before I start my story, since when did this train get so full?

Anyhoo, I was seated in a quad with a dude zoned out with headphones on and two women, slightly older than I, who sat opposite each other. To my left was a quad of three with a bag copping a seat (photographic evidence below!!!) I did ask the woman to remove it as people were standing and she said she was saving the seat for someone. The train left Union with that bag on the seat. Man, these people are shameless.

Speaking of shameless, the two ladies sitting next to me hadn't seen each other since high school. It was the only explanation for why one of them began the arduous task of relaying her entire life story beginning with the breakdown of her marriage and then the birth of her two teenage children.

Without disclosing too much about myself, I'd like to point out that childbirth and decisions about how many children one should have are sensitive topics for me especially if people are going to throw out opinions about postpartum depression. Unless you've gone through it yourself, please don't pretend you know what it's like and please don't offer opinions about women who did/do suffer from it and all the things you would have done/do if it happened to you. We are not "weak", "selfish" and "insecure" women who obviously had "broken homes as children" or "distant husbands". The fact that we survive and manage to raise well-adjusted children speaks to our strength, thank you very much.

In a nutshell, you should be able to piece together how uncomfortable and awkward it was for me to be subjected to this conversation. At no point did I say anything to these women because who I am to dictate what people can talk about on a train? Part of it was my fault as I really didn't want to search out another seat on what was a crowded train but when they moved onto discussing couples who decide to only have one child and what a selfish decision that is, and how hard it will be on that only child when their parents are dead, to have "no family left" and no "siblings to turn to". I had to get up and leave.

Why can't people just talk about horrible bosses? Leave the heavy shit for the coffee shop.

Check out the front page of the newspaper

I'm making my own and will put it up at the Oshawa GO station

When you see it, you'll know who did it.
I think the glass wall of the platform shelter is the best spot. Oh, and one outside of Union Station.

The semantics of train friendships

**Real names have been changed

Those of you who ride back and forth each day like you've been sentenced to two hours of solitary confinement need not keep reading. I've already heard why many people choose to ignore the people they see each day (I was one of you, remember?). The one point that sticks out is it avoids drama. Yeah, well, epic fail for me.

Ideally, I'm looking to capture the attention of those who do have train friends and to discuss the logistics of circles and the breaking of circles.

Train friends do not just happen. Like every friendship, it takes time to build. It's also a tricky semantic because only four people can sit in a quad and I'm not a fan of cross-quad yelling. A shout of hello, sure. But not an entire discussion.

It's not a secret that I have train friends. I just choose not to write about them. And there are people I know on the train from having had casual one-on-one conversations with, that, if I'm on a late train and I see you, and you're up for talking, I'll come and sit with you (you know who you are). In fact, I'll ask you if you're up to talking. I don't assume you're in the mood.

My morning train has a routine. Four of us do try to sit together. There are two others who like to sleep and read, so they don't feel slighted if they're not in the same quad as myself and two others. It became a routine over time - almost two years. I started talking to Charlotte first and then we got to talking to Mamma D and then Blondie C and over the course of a year, this is just how it went down everyday.

Often we get a random who joins us and forces the fourth to sit somewhere else but it's not a big deal. I tend to get irritated if I'm the one being forced to sit somewhere else because of randoms but hey, the seats aren't assigned and you snooze, you lose.

I've since made new train friends outside of my six, core, train friends. I'm open to talking to anyone. But that doesn't mean that so is everyone else.

I guess where I'm going with this is that I know someone who've I've engaged in conversation on the morning train is feeling slighted that "our group" doesn't go out of our way to accommodate this person, or maybe it's because I haven't made an effort to go out of my way to accommodate this person.

I'm not sure how to deal because I feel responsible for someone's feelings being hurt. I knew something was up because of a BBM this person sent me, it was sent in jest, saying they can't be part of the cool crowd. I felt bad she felt that way so I tried to explain why she probably feels that way. I don't think I handled it the right way and probably made the situation worse because I explained that I like to sit with my friends (I know, oh dear). So I've invited the person out for coffee.

I'm looking to hear how others would have handled it. It really is difficult to have four separate conversations at once.

This is a friendship I would prefer to foster separate from the train and I've pulled that off with Jill, Uncle and Bouncer (the two who don't sit with me all the time and the third who has his own train group).

Oh ... wait ... okay, so the BBM that came back completely ignored the coffee request. I guess the damage is too far done. I'm still hoping it's a yes after the person cools down.

He had me til he put his feet on the seat

TTC workout

Jered Stuffco (Love the name!) was getting fat. His three-hour TTC commute and desk job left little time for the gym, so he decided to spend his subway rides productively by working out.



Source: Toronto Star

Reason #419 why "My dad is awesome" :

In response to my "failed" stand-up career (which was never a goal):

Jean-Baptiste aka the Crazy Acadian aka Dad has left a new comment on your post "Wasted bandwidth":

My daughter has one of the quickest wits you ever did see.

I always said she'd make a great politician. They're the best set of jokers out there.

Her mother and I never understood the stand-up thing because the only way to make money is to do movies or have a shtick like that bald Canadian guy who opens empty suitcases for a living. Howie something. Most Canadian comics have it tougher. What's a white, straight Canadian girl gonna do? Dress up as a moose? It would never work.

Just drop my van off at the GO lot, Frank. Thanks

This picture had me excited.
I thought, yes! Finally! A parking donkey gets his due but no, this was a tow truck driver bringing a vehicle to the Whitby GO lot.

I'm sure there's more to this story. I don't know why anyone would have a vehicle towed to a commuter lot when if it was a dealer service drop-off, they could drive it there unless there's no one to shunt the car, which explains the tow truck. I've drunk too much wine and I'm over-analyzing this photo way too much. I know. I'll stop now.

- Pic courtesy of DS

Wasted bandwidth

This text exchange, which originated this afternoon but didn't pick up steam until tonight, should remind people that because I've put my mobile number online, it means I want people to text me and I will engage in a conversation. If you're not expecting a response, put the phone down.

I've omitted the text headers (as numerous people have said they find them annoying) and my replies, as always, are in green.

* * *

So you like to mess around with people when they text you, eh?

Do you always state the obvious?

How long did it take you to come up with that? I texted you hours ago LOL

Sorry, I have this thing I do from 9 to 5. It's called a job. It keeps me busy.

So you're just reading my text now?

No. I didn't read anything. I was just sitting here and I got this vision and it was written in arial font with a point size of 10 and it said, "So you like to mess around with people when they text you, eh?"

I'm not even holding a BlackBerry. I am telepathically communicating with you.

Right. I bet you make up your text conversations because they are all read too well rehearsed. Or, you spend a lot of time thinking about your answers.

(long intentional pause by me)

Hello?

Oh, sorry, I like to take my time and think about my answers before I text them.

That's what I said.

I am in awe of your super brilliance.

I am in awe of how you've managed to dupe people into thinking you're this hilarious comic.

I can't recall calling myself that.

Oh, wait. Former stand-up comic. Which essentially means you failed.

Actually, what I needed to do was pay my rent and working clubs for $75 a night plus a percentage of bar tips doesn't afford much in Toronto.

Right. You failed in being able to establish a comedy career.

Maybe if that had been my ambition but it was something I did as a hobby while going to college.

Still a fail.

Anytime someone writes "former", it means they can't follow through with something.

Yes. I didn't follow through with a stand-up comedy career because I had no desire to be famous.

So you write a GO train blog instead. Pretty sad my friend.

I disagree. I enjoy writing the blog and it's awesome to know people enjoy reading it. I've always liked to entertain.

But you just couldn't make money from it.

I don't make money from the blog either.

At least advertisers know a loser when they see one.

Not a goal of mine.

What to be a loser? That's the only thing you've won at! LOL

I have no desire to make money from a website.

Then I don't get it.

Get what?

Why you even bother.

Well if I didn't bother, I wouldn't have the opportunity to meet charming assholes like you.

I suggest you watch your mouth.

I never did understand that saying. I can't even see my mouth.

Don't change the subject.

LOL, you act like I started this conversation.

You wrote back didn't you?

Isn't that what you expected? Why else would you have texted me if you didn't expect a reply?

Anyway, good luck loser.

Thanks for the waste of time!

They may be the best damn people, but they can't park worth a damn

update - photo is not of oshawa go lot


Supposedly the Oshawa GO lot. Early summer. Those are a lot of trees ... mmm ...

'Drunk' woman drove along rail track in Mercedes then broke down in front of train

From the UK:

It was only by good fortune that the Metro train – containing 20 passengers – was on the opposite side of the track.

Karen Angus, an alcoholic mother-of-three, had drunk wine and taken antidepressants when she got behind the wheel of her car.

While crossing the Metro line at Fawdon in Newcastle, she managed to somehow drive onto the tracks on the night of February 24, 2009.

CCTV footage was shown to Newcastle Crown Court that showed Angus driving her silver coloured saloon 765 yards (700m) along the track from Fawdon towards Wansbeck Road Metro Station.

Prosecutor Debbie Breen told the court: "At about 11pm the Metro driver Alistair Joel saw headlights appear on the other side of the track.

KEEP READING

All your space belong to me, plus I'm wearing gloves and opened toe shoes. This weather has me confused

Pic courtesy of JC

Bee biddy banana biddy, bo bo fiddy fiddy ... gotta kick your bag-a-biddy

Squiggles writes:

So this morning, before the bare-assed crack of Dawn, I boarded my usual train and sat in my usual section. Not long after I was settled and the train rolling, I noticed a quartet of biddies on the train who were having volume problems.

After I put in the earphones and started listening to my aural entertainment, I could still hear them. Well, one in particular. Nice oxblood boots, but a horrible voice. And someone that has an opinion about everything. Which everyone on the train heard.

I started praying to Jeebus that it is a day-tripper event that these biddies were heading to and that they do not understand that everyone at that hour craves quiet. These quiet cars cannot come soon enough.

Anyhoodles, I got my revenge. By Union she placed her one bag that sat on her lap into the aisle, next to another bag she had there. No one tried to tuck them under the seats. I walked up beside them so that when the train stopped and people moved, I would be in position. I rushed to stop some Twinkie from jumping the seat to stand in front of me. This is important! I have a mission!

I kicked the bag (aka purse). I hooked my foot to it and when I walked, it came along with me. Then I kicked it into the quad behind her.

She probably never even noticed. She was too enraptured with her conversation about measurements.

Made me feel better. And fingers crossed she doesn't come back.

Better makes plans for Monday!

From the Toronto Star:

The union representing most of York Region’s bus drivers is warning commuters to start planning an alternative ride on Monday.

Drivers for Miller Transit and First Transit are expecting to receive an offer Tuesday from their employers and then to vote Wednesday and Thursday on whether to accept it.

But the union is not optimistic the offer will be enough to avoid a strike set for midnight Sunday.

Drivers will vote on the offer whether or not the union bargaining committee recommends it, said Ray Doyle, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587.

“We are anticipating they’re going to turn it down,” he said.

Full story

Prospect of riding GO so awful, woman gets drunk and steals bike

From Twitter

http://see.sc/4ffriH

Article Snapshot:

A 26-year-old Milton woman was arrested Saturday at the Bradford GO station lot for being drunk in a public place.
South Simcoe Police attended the GO Station Lot on Holland Street East in Bradford for a report of an intoxicated female stealing a bike.
Police arrived on scene to find she had fallen from the bike and appeared disheveled and struggled to get up off the ground with minor injuries.
A strong odour of alcohol was prevalent on her breath and she exhibited signs of extreme intoxication.

This woman was from Milton. That's a long bike ride home when you've gotten on the wrong train. And on the wrong corridor. Just a presumption. At least she wasn't trying to steal and a car and drive.

Suggestions for your next Pick3 numbers

Photo linked from flckr; BruceK

Occupy Stupid

From: 1905571XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 15 2011 9:30 AM

Saw most hilarious placard on train this morning. Bunch of hipsters from Coburg heading into the city for Occupy Toronto and after I pointed out their spelling error, the sign was put under the seat and of course, I didn't take a picture before I said something.

They had written "Congradulations on taking a stand. Make sure your signs show educated opinions."

I see the university degree paid off. They glared at me for the whole train ride like somehow it's my fault they couldn't spell. I also wanted to ask them what their sign meant seeing as most people would come with signs already written or designed, so it's a pretty sad attempt at warning people!

End of vacay ends with high note

We left the chalet early and decided to find a place for breakfast. There's not much open along Highway 60 or 11 at 9am on Sunday so we headed into Huntsville, just outside where Deerhurst Resort is located.

At the junction of 60 and 11 is a big box lot of stores and nestled in there, across from Wal-Mart (in cottage country! I'm still amazed to see big box stores in cottage country) is a small diner called Coffee Cabin.

With my breakfast special came a latke. With one bite, I was transported back 25 years when a neighbor of ours would make these every Christmas/Hanukkah season. The latkes at this place were just as good as Anna's, if not better. I wound up ordering a side order of 3 more.

As I've said before, I'm a foodie and when I find good food, I like to let others know. The breakfast we had at this place sure beat what we would have had at Tim Horton's! I was determined to find a place other than Tim Horton's!

Unacceptable service? LSW passengers start petition for a more comfortable ride

Passengers at the Clarkson GO station in Mississauga say their platform is dangerously overcrowded and their train ride uncomfortable now that the 7:58am trip fills up in Oakville.

- Toronto Star

Click here for photo

Commuters at the Clarkson station in Mississauga are accusing GO Transit of sacrificing their comfort, convenience and safety to riders one stop west at the Oakville station.

Nearly 700 people have signed an online petition and 57 have contacted GO directly since a Labour Day service adjustment to the 7:58 a.m. train that runs express to Union Station in 27 minutes.

The train used to originate at Clarkson so riders there were accustomed to a comfortable ride, usually in a seat. Now the train starts in Oakville and Clarkson passengers find themselves standing in the aisles and on the staircases. Many worry that the platform at Clarkson has also become so crowded that it’s tough to stand back from the yellow line when a VIA train whooshes through the station fast enough to throw someone off balance.

Full story

Rain, rain, go away ... but look... How cozy!

This morning I woke up to rain but then I stood at the top of the stairs to peer down at the sitting area off the kitchen in this chalet.

Perfect for book reading, right? Which is what I did for most of the day.

Mimico parking donkey

Really?

How hard would it have been to park in the actual spot?

Breaking News! The benches, now sporting a coat of fancy gun metal black, have returned to the Bay Teamway

Why was I the only one that could see this for the crisis it truly was?

But can't we all use the exercise? Airport trains expected to make walk to platforms longer for GO customers - MP

The latest sketches of the Weston station show that GO commuters will have to walk an extra 250 feet (76 metres) across the ARL platform to access their trains, said Sullivan. That’s in addition to a longer walk to the station for many commuters because the Weston GO stop is being moved south of its current location on John St. to the south side of Lawrence Ave. W.

“In the winter it will turn a lot of people into drivers.”

- NDP MP Mike Sullivan

What's this all about? Read the Toronto Star for more.

Across the blogosphere, I found this rant

- Image linked from the rant-bot

daily rant – 00046 – GO (away) Train

Kid in handcuffs?

from Kelly
to cj@thiscrazytrain.com
date Thu, Oct 13, 2011 at 11:33 PM
subject Wednesday @ Whitby - Kid in Handcuffs

Hey Cindy,
Wednesday evening, I was getting off at Whitby (from the 4:53 Union train) and saw three GO cops who had corralled a kid in one of the vestibules and had him in handcuffs. Anyone see what went down? I've never seen GO cops detain any one like that. He seemed pretty calm and harmless at the time. Just curious!
Kelly

View from the hot tub and deck. Aww yeah...

Can you feel the excitement?! New poll is up.

Many TCT readers are curious what the fare payment of choice is among fellow commuters.

Well, now you can tell everyone!

Make your mark. Top right. Just above the Twitter feed.

Poll results. Poor cheese and crackers. Lost by a mile

Cheese and Crackers. Smoked by Pop Tarts.

What's best for breakfast on ye ol' GO?

Pop Tart
18 (7%)

Granola Bar
37 (14%)

Fruit
12 (4%)

Cheese and Crackers
2 (0%)

Tuna or Egg Sandwich
14 (5%)

Bagel or Toast
30 (11%)

Nothing! Eat at home/work/in the PATH but not on the GO
141 (55%)

Votes: 254

Off Topic: Seen This Yet?

That's right, we know who really has the balls in this relationship.

My husband and I did the Nightmares Haunted Tour as part our seventh wedding anniversary get-a-way and I just read this morning that the company who operates the place has a Flickr photostream of photos showing patrons scared out of their minds.

When we went, we had this family from Mexico behind us where the grandmother held onto my husband for dear life as she screamed like a banshee the whole time. I kept yelling, "Está bien! Relajarse!" A wasted effort, unfortunately. My husband eventually had the grandmother, mother and aunt clinging to him by the time we reached the exit.

Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy

I know Skin Man has been waiting on pins and needles for another text exchange and I promise not to disappoint!

The parentheses aren't mine. The person texting me actually typed those little descriptors in his text messages. I felt like I was having an IRC chat circa 1995.

I've stripped out the message headers ie. date & phone numbers so it flows better for you to read. My replies are in green.

***

hi (said in a slow drawl) (puts cowboy hat on)

WHAT?

howdy (inserts toothpick into mouth)

John Wayne is dead, dude.

you sure look good in them jeans but they'd look better on my floor (moves eyes slowly down your body)

Game on then.

do you like horses? whiskey? good country music?

Yes. Yes and yes.

Several minutes roll by ...

(grabs your wrist, slide it up alongside my head, push into a tango position) i hope you dance.

Hate that song.

(quiet chuckle) you're good. (whispers in your ear) dinner is by candlelight, come with me to the dining room.

Is this where I roll 6 for strength?

are you feeling weak in the knees?

No, but I am feeling something in my stomach.

(quiet chuckle) butterflies are completely natural.

This is more like cramps.

aw, well, i can take care of that (fetches hot water bottle from bathroom)

It's more like nausea. Let me guess, you're gonna text-pantomime getting on your horse, clopping over to Shoppers Drug Mart and "fetching" me some Gravol.

lol. you got it.

(roll eyes)

that's better. why not just play along? no harm done.

Dude, I'm already past GO. You, on the other hand, should go directly to jail.

if loving you is a crime, then baby, i'll do the time.

Hey, I've got a great line for you to use on the next person you randomly text message.

i didn't randomly text message you. i know who you are.

Awesome. Anyway, write this down, or pantomime that you're writing it down: "I've got passion in my pants and I ain't afraid to show it. Coz I'm sexy and I know it".

i like.

Me too.

can we get back to our dinner and dance now?

Sorry, I don't like cowboys. Didn't your mamma tell you not to be one when you grew up?

(laughing) no. i figured you'd find this funny.

I do. In a creepy way. Still makes me want to bathe in bleach, tho.

:(

Oh cheer up. You get a branded "A" on the ass for effort.

:)

Okay, that's enough now.

:-p

No tongue.

<:)?

What's that?

sexy pirate.

What does that have to do with cowboys?

i can't draw a cowboy with letters and punctuation.

I can. Give me a bit. What's your email. It may not work in text message.

ok. xxxxxx@gmail.com

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gold stars!!! but you stopped at the waist. i wanted to see this 'passion in my pants' you mentioned.

Oh, sorry. I can't make my text that small.

Stop! Fingers away from the BBM!

Hey, we're all friends on BBM but dudes, ignore the bogus broadcast message.

It's a hoax.

Here's how the note reads:

This is the real broadcast from BlackBerry© All rights reserved. Broadcast this message to every single contact on your BBM© We need our active users to re-send this message to everyone on your contact list in order to confirm our active users that use BlackBerry Messenger, if you do not send this message to all your BlackBerry Messenger contacts by 12pm EST tonight then your acount will remain inactive with the consequence of losing all your contacts.

RIM says:

A hoax chain BBM message is currently circulating. This did not originate from RIM and we recommend that you simply ignore it and please do not forward it. Thanks for your support.

Your first clue? The broadcast message is riddled with grammatical and spelling errors. It wasn't sent from some anxious RIM executive rapidly typing with one thumb as he speeds down the 401 towards Waterloo. Your BBM is safe.

Secret Agent Man

AO snapped this photo of a Secret Agent Man on a TTC subway car Wednesday.


He should be drinking a martini.


See this private dancer? A dancer for money?


He won't give her any. But he totally wants to sell her insurance.

Bag Beatdown. Some people need one

From: 1905449XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 12 2011 05:50 PM

Hey cj, I just saw the most disgusting piece of shit "man" I have ever seen! An elderly woman was walking thru the path when this guy shoved her. Being a classy lady she politely told him , " "you almost tripped me sir" to which he replies: "well walk fast you f*cking c*nt!" I couldn't believe it. I am still sick to my stomach thinking of this guy. The thing that makes me most mad, is that I didn't say anything or do anything, I just let the ass bag walk way. I promise I will never hold me tongue for someone like that again, I hate the way I feel right now. People like that shouldn't get away with that sort of behavior!

He was probably like 30-40 and she was like 80!!!!! I'm sad to think that someone would actually call some ones grandma a c-word

From: 19054427423
To: 1905449XXXX
October 12 2011 05:58 PM

It probably happened so quickly that your reaction or inability to even think to speak up was slowed by shock. What a rat bastard. No respect these days!

Happy Anniversary to me

This is where I'll be Thursday to Sunday. We've rented this right-on-the-water chalet in Muskoka. With a hot tub. With a wall to ceiling stone fireplace. With a speedboat.

I guess my husband has to come, too. It's only been 10 years.

I'll post photos of the sunset, if we get one. The weather might be crappy. All the more reason to use the fireplace and celebrate wine o'clock!

The silence is deafening

from sammy_XXXXX@rogers.com
to cj@thiscrazytrain.com
date Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 8:44 PM
subject Helen Keller would kick my asssss

Howdy!!! I have a great story for you! This afternoon I took an early train (Milton 430) and was seated a quad across from this woman who earlier had been on the platform talking on a cellphone indicating she was going to visit someone. I could tell from her mannerisms this was her first train ride. You can tell because these GO virgins are either super-excited or super-skittish. Kind of like when you bring a cat home from the pound for the first time. So we're moving along and I guess she was starting to get nervous because she spoke to the man across from her who had been staring out the window. She wanted to know how long the train ride was but he ignored her. This floored me. So again, she leans over and says, "Excuse me". The guy doesn't move. Doesn't look over. Doesn't take his eyes away from the window. She slumps back in her seat so I speak up and tell her we should be in Milton in about 55 minutes or so. She smiles and of course, speaks loudly back to me, startling the whole train of people... because she's a newbie and doesn't know the rules. The guy still doesn't flinch. We get to Milton and the woman thanks me as she goes by. The guy stands up and I'm ready for him to bust out some sign language only to see him pull ear buds from his ears that were black with black cord and he wound these things behind his hair (which was long, black and he was dressed in all black). Son of a bitch, eh?

Cue crickets

Didja text me?

You did?

Didja send a picture, too?

YOU DID!

Well guess what?

I didn't get it.

So if it's dry 'round here, blame the folks at RIM. However, my email is working. I know it's not as fast or fun as texting, but it's reliable. Just sayin' ....

Presented without comment

The more things change, the more they stay the same

from tXXXXXXXXX@hotmail.com
to cj@thiscrazytrain.com
date Fri, Oct 7, 2011 at 2:11 PM
subject A historical note

Something which might be of interest (or not)... while doing some unrelated research online, I came across a copy of the North American passenger rail timetables from 1910. Looking at trains from Toronto to Whitby, I found the fastest train (making eight stops in between) took 60 minutes, compared with 51 minutes for most off-peak trains today (making seven stops). It's good to see a century of progress and advances in technology have saved us all of nine minutes.

Regards,
Tom

Mister Rogers rides the GO Train

My battery died for my BlackBerry which means I have no photographic evidence of the Mister Rogers doppelgänger who sat right next to me on this evening's 520 LSE to Oshawa.

I don't know if he was dressed for an early Halloween costume party but he had khaki slacks on, a light blue Mr Rogers button-up vest, white dress shirt, tie and white canvas sneakers!

He got off at Scarborough. He even had the hair goin' on.

My husband is shouting that I have to disclose that I am a wikipedia fanatic. I wikipedia everything and everyone. I am fascinated that so many people know so many things about a particular topic or person.

So of course I had to wiki Mr. Rogers. Found this bit interesting:

In 1963, Rogers moved to Toronto, where he was contracted by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to develop a 15-minute children's television program: Misterogers, which would be his debut in front of the camera. The show was a hit with children but lasted for only three seasons. Many of his famous set pieces—Trolley, Eiffel Tower, the 'tree', and 'castle'—were created by CBC designers. While in Canada, Rogers brought his friend and understudy Ernie Coombs, who would go on to create Mr. Dressup, a very successful and long-running children's show in Canada, and similar in many ways to Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Mr. Dressup also used some of the songs that would be featured on Rogers' later program.

And even more interesting, he considered the SNL parody of his show 'amusing and affectionate'.

For my GO Bus peeps. If only ...

Note. This isn't language I use, but I love this.

Overheard and Overboard

This morning's 7:21 - OSH to UNI train was cancelled and as many of you LSE people know, the 7:53 - OSH was 30 minutes late.

I'm not sure what to make of the people who got on at Whitby as the train headed east to Oshawa. These people remained on the train when it arrived in Oshawa and did so, as one woman told us boarding, so they could get a seat. But what about the free ride people? Did you pay for your trip from Whitby to Oshawa? And then from Oshawa to Whitby? Probably not. To me, this is fare-jumping. To others, it was a brilliant, strategic maneuver; a way to stick it to GO Transit for the inconvenience.

Kudos to the woman on the first coach, near the doors who told people boarding at Pickering that she'd gladly make room for them if only the people with backpacks would take them off to free up standing room. You go girl.

TTC lucky charm

One of my Twitter followers writes:

Seriously. Dude had socks with cloverleafs. WTF is a leprechaun doing on the streetcar in October? Also, he was drunk. http://pic.twitter.com/NMth9i9h

Two days left to go on the breakfast poll!

Oh c'mon, you know you're excited.

Pop tarts lost by a mile and it's turned out that most of you jokers do not want most of us to eat on the train. Nope, you want most of us to spend our cold, hard cash on fast food.

I made a Jewish apple cake last night and ... AND ... you're gonna be amazed ... I remembered to bring a slice with me to work!

Of course, seeing as my LSE train was delayed 30 minutes this morning, I could have easily eaten it on the platform but no, I waited until I was at my desk.

The next poll question is about fares. I know you can hardly contain yourselves.

Jewish apple cake baking.

Sooo good.

Tour de Bird - 9 hrs 40 mins 17 secs

That, my friends, is how much driving I did for turkey.

Traffic was a mess both Saturday and Sunday. Monday was almost a write-off but we were smarter this time and avoided every highway that had a "4" in it. It took longer but at least we were moving.

I managed to get through nine hours at my parents' place without my mother suffering a single meltdown. It was touch and go there at around 6pm when the turkey came out of the oven raw near the legs, but thank the christmas baby jesus the breast was cooked because that's what saved dinner. Three hours later, I checked everyone for signs of salmonella poisoning. It was all good. A follow up phone call on Sunday morning insured everyone was still alive. And so, my mother learned that some kitchen utensils shouldn't be bought for a $1, such as turkey thermometers. Dollar stores will kill you. Swear to god.

The in-laws? Where to start? 1. Father in law is a chef. This makes the entire lead-up to dinner an Olympic event. I learned years ago to stay the hell out of his kitchen. 2. I managed to choke down a brussel sprout without suffering a cardiac arrest (I hate those things with a passion, but it's a written rule that I have to eat at least one, or else I'm insulting a thousand years of British tradition or something to that affect). 3. English people (yes, that's where the Smith comes from) are impossible to understand after an entire bottle of Lindeman's Bin (pick a number). I spend more time trying to figure out an appropriate time to laugh when everyone is talking all the while trying to remember which friggen fork I'm supposed to use to eat my meat with.

In-laws - Part 2 (due to divorce) - involves a routine more akin to lying in a hammock while a slave feeds you grapes. The hours drag on and I spend most of the afternoon planning our after-dinner exit strategy. The food usually involves some Newfie concoction that I manage to swallow, all the while agreeing that the chicken was indeed tender and absolutely Aunt So and So's mustard cake was to die for. I still don't know what I ate but I keep checking for an oil slick every time I get up.

Feel free to share your thanksgiving tales. I'm interested. If we didn't have to drag a sewing machine with us, we would have taken the GO train to St Catharines and saved ourselves the traffic headache. I hear it's quite the train ride.

Off-Topic: So ... what are you doing October 18th?

Save the date!

If you live in Durham Region, now is your chance to literally walk up shit's creek.

The Giant Colon is coming! To Oshawa!

Red means stop. No, really, it does. It's not a suggestion

from ash.XXXXXXXXXXX@gmail.com
to cj@thiscrazytrain.com
date Fri, Oct 7, 2011 at 9:26 AM
subject Friday Morning Fun

Dear CJ:
I know this isn't entirely related to the GO train but I do commute to work every day and I'd like to tell you my story about my morning walk to work from Union Station today.

According to the Ontario Driver's Handbook:
RED LIGHT

"A red light means you must stop.......wait until the light changes to green and the intersection is clear before moving through it. Unless a sign tells you not to, you may turn right on a red light only after coming to a complete stop and waiting until the way is clear". i.e. WAITING UNTIL THE ROAD IS CLEAR OF PEDESTRIANS!

Today at 8:15 a.m., I'd just arrived at Union Station after my commute in from Ajax. I have to walk from Union to the King and Spadina area every morning and take the same route every day. This route takes me along Station Street and through the intersection at Lower Simcoe and Front Street.

At morning rush hour, this intersection is extremely busy, congested with cars and people alike. I, along with many other people, am waiting for the walk sign to cross Front Street. The light turns green and the walk sign illuminates. I'm at the front of the pack so I step off the curb and walk about 5 steps and then from out of no where this car comes barreling around the corner and the driver doesn't stop as required by law. It's a good thing I have really good peripheral vision otherwise, I would have been really up close and personal with the front end of this douchebag's car.

I'm not sure if non-GO commuters ever read your blog but for the love of God, obey the traffic laws before you kill somebody! I would have been really upset had I missed out on Turkey Weekend.

Yours truly
MyHeartIsStillPounding

---

Since most of GO-ers drive to and from stations, your email holds a lot of merit.

Thanksgiving

Each year, due to my husband's blended family, we are subjected to Thanksgiving weekends I have dubbed The Tour de Bird. There is no rest for me. We are expected to be in Toronto, St. Catharines and Beeton during a three-day span. I'm also subjected to a rainbow of different personalities. Interacting with my mother, who gets so worked up over this food holiday, requires an incredible amount of rum. To prepare, I usually start drinking at 6pm on Friday and don't stop til about 4pm on Monday.

Unlike last year, I find fellow commuters to be less excited or perplexed about their turkey plans this year and for this, I am grateful.

Have a nice long weekend, you turkeys.

Door Donkey Battle - the saga continues

From: +1905434XXXX/TYPE=PLMN
Received: Oct 6, 2011 5:21 PM
(no subject)

Am on 510 lse. Third coach I think. Anyway, two female door donkeys right in the door with their bags and purses on the floor in front of them. Very narrow space to get onto the train. One door donkey doesn't move after I ask her to move, just keeps reading her paper. I pick up her purse and shove it at her and tell her it's one thing to stand because you don't want to sit, it's another to stand and put your shit in the way so you can claim your spot at the door. It's rude. I'm sick of this crap and I shouldn't have to walk through people or over people's stuff to board a train that isn't full yet. Why can't these asses wait on the platform??? I get you like to stand but how about us who like to sit? Why not just let us get by?? So door donkey is mad I touched her "property" and starts giving me attitude and picking a fight and she's mad because I decided to sit right where I can look at her.

I tell her that she purposely blocked the doorway. That it's dangerous too because someone could trip. So as the train moves out of union, her and her donkey friends regress to high school and start talking about me and laughing. I don't care. I made my point. I don't get these people. We need to start fighting back. I used to think I was the only one irritated by this crap until I found your website. Why is it so hard for these women to move out of the way??? The CSAs need to start babysitting these inconsiderate idiots. How about some courtesy messages to let people board and not block the doorways and aisles with purses and bags? Thanks for letting me vent.

User submitted fun

In regards to the Pop Tart debate, there's a song about the flavours:



In regards to Prince, there's a sign referencing one of his songs:

Getting a seat on a crowded commuter train is akin to the strategy of war

From the blog of Brendan Nelson
UK Blogger

A few days ago, on an Overground train from Highbury to Kensington, I had a shocking experience – I failed to get a seat.

If you know how crowded the Overground can get at rush hour, this might not sound all that surprising. Believe me, though, I was good at getting seats. I’d learnt the ropes and tend to overanalyse behaviour on public transport, so it had never been a problem. But I’d been away for a few weeks and my seat-acquisition skills had gone beyond rusty – they were useless.

So, as a form of therapy, I decided to try to work out the “rules” of the seat-acquisition game on the Overground. Here they are, in illustrated form.
The theatre of conflict

The Overground train arrives and dazed commuters spill on to the platform. Everyone stands aside to let them pass. But this act of kindness is the exception, not the rule. Once you all step into the carriage the competition for seats begins. You are now in a theatre of war.

Know your enemies

You share the strategic space of the carriage with many other players. Here’s a brief rundown of who they are:

Aspirants – People standing who want to sit down. This includes you.
Civilians – People standing who don’t want to sit down, maybe because they’re not going far.
Occupants – People currently sitting down. Don’t be fooled though: they’re still in the game.

In a typical combat situation (or “rush hour”) here’s how the players might be distributed across the theatre of conflict.

KEEP READING

Tickets, yes. Tow, no

Here's two donkeys parked in the Oshawa northwest lot thoroughfare this morning. There's a white SUV in the background behind the black Nissan. Both got tickets.

Sure, I fistpumped and yelled out a yes! But then I began to look at this more subjectively.

Here's how awkward it was to navigate around these cars.

Many probably think they should have been towed. I'm most certain Bob's Towing in Oshawa would have been happy to oblige. But, as someone pointed out, these may be VIA rail customers who took a train after GO's morning rush. This explains why the cars were there overnight. I don't have suggestions for VIA customers. These people probably park out of desperation.

A note about enforcement. As frustrating as parking donkeys are, GO Transit is ill-equipped to deal with the recent onslaught of these parking infractions at Oshawa.

According to several readers who have called and complained, all have been told that GO is doing what it can to clamp down on illegal parking, but at the same time, has to accommodate for the fact that some of their lots just don't have the capacity to accommodate everyone.

When speaking with GO, I was told that customers are being advised to find other ways to get to their stations either by carpool, bus, taking an earlier train or driving to a different station.

For those frustrated with the situation in Oshawa, Whitby has a parking garage with many spaces available. It's not a considerable distance to drive to Whitby. It just means changing your routine. It's those who take trains past 8:00 am who have difficulty parking at Oshawa. GO isn't going to be making extra spaces at Oshawa anytime soon, so driving to Whitby may be your best bet.

Face Time Donkey

From: +1416803XXXX/TYPE=PLMN
Received: Oct 5, 2011 9:29 AM
Subject: no subject

Back in June I'm taking the 8:30LSE to union from whitby, sitting on the end seat of the downstairs three seater. This noisy ass couple gets on with Apple FaceTime blaring over the speaker. The lady (phone pictured) proceeds to wave the camera around so that her relations can see us sleepy and annoyed fellow passengers. I don't appreciate being on display for your your overseas family (assumption because she said good night to them), you "Face Time Donkey".

October 24

Mark it on your calendars, folks. October 24th. GO Transit's strike deadline.

I keep my Milk Calendar handy just for occasions like this. That's right, I old-school it. While y'all fiddle with your iPhones (in memory of Steve Jobs 1955-2011) and key shit into your Blackberries or whatever device you use, I flip to my Milk Calendar and scribble in dates.

This month's recipe is Southwest Haystacks and the Honda prize is a generator. A generator! Do you know how handy a generator is? I have no idea how to use one but I'm sure it's a fantastic prize. I don't even know how I'd handle a win like that.

Years ago, my husband and I bought a Princess Margaret Cash or Cars lottery ticket and we received a letter that we had won a Bugatti. For days my husband fantasized about his new car. When the courier showed up with the box, my husband was confused. I thought perhaps the box contained further information about how to claim the car. Nope.

Inside the box was a Bugatti all right. A Bugatti rolling suitcase. My husband was so mad he punted that rolling suitcase out the back door. I retrieved it hours later.

You know what? That rolling suitcase has lasted us 12 years.

Since I got scolded for redirecting people to a new browser window when linking to external sources, go ahead and read the Toronto Star article about the strike deadline. Just don't quit your browser. If you do, just come on back to ye ol' Crazy Train.

425 LSE Carryokey

I'm gonna it say how my dad pronounces it.

I don't know what coach I'm on. All I know is that I have a bitch of a sinus headache. Earlier today, I was certain I was suffering from high blood pressure because I never get headaches that cause my vision to blur. But no, according to the doc at the walk-in, it's just sinus and a touch of vertigo. Concentrating at work proved impossible so I'm on this early train and being treated to a round of carryokey by three clowns behind me.
To which, I have turned around once and given the stare of death.
Really?
Bitch, you can't sing.
Shut up.
(Le sigh).
UPDATE: A woman just asked them to tone it down.
So far, so good.
If my dad was here, he'd be all like, don't make me pull this train over.
Yes, it's that annoying.

Discretion, girl you don't have it

Who the hell arranges for auto insurance on a train ride?
Not only did this woman disclose her entire driving record, but her name, date of birth, workplace, phone number and... AND... Was perfectly content to give out her driver's licence information until the agent said it wasn't necessary.
Then, after listening to this once, all of us in this quad were subjected to an encore performance when her call dropped as we rambled through Rouge Valley.
I don't know about you, but if I had a shitty driving record, I wouldn't want to share that with strangers.
Maybe some people have no shame but all I wanted to do this morning was read my damn book and not listen to someone fight a quote price.
How about you?
Then the piece de resistance, girlfriend gets all pissed when the quote was too high and ends the call saying she'll stick with the online process.
The hell? What a waste of 45 minutes!
She owes me reading time.
I'm coming to Manulife to collect.

You know it's getting bad when the garbage can parks like a donkey

That, or these two are having serious intimacy issues.

- Thanks to DH for the pic. Rouge Hill

I guess I should've known, by the way you parked your car sideways, that it wouldn't last

Before I launch into this text exchange I had, be aware that I am the biggest Prince fan to ever live. You may want to familiarize yourself with the lyrics of Little Red Corvette or else you'll be lost.

Don't worry. The picture will eventually make sense.

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:20 AM

oh my god. these people can't park. there's a car in the oshawa lot parked sideways!!! do u have a # i can phone? i don't have internet on my phone

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:21 AM

You know what they say about people who park sideways... had a friend like that. She was also the kind of person who believed in making out once and then love 'em and leave em' fast.

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:22 AM

um, ok. what an idiot. i had to park in a row at the end with no lines!!!

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:24 AM

If a person parks their car sideways, it means a relationship won't last.
Anyhow, to answer your question I don't have a number for you to call but I guess you can try GO's main line 1800GETONGO.

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:24 AM

this is ridiculous. i should just call a tow truck myself. i might just go back to my car and drive to whitby. i don't want a ticket.

what does relationships have to do with idiot parking?

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:25 AM

Whitby's a good idea.

Baby, have you got enough gas?

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:25 AM

yeah, why? it's not that far.

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:26 AM

Well if it was Saturday night, I guess that would make it all right. I say, what have you got lose?

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:29 AM

hey!!! i know what you're doing.

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:30 AM

What am I doing?

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:34 AM

i can't remember all the words but i'm pretty sure you're gonna ask me if i have a pocket full of trojans

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:35 AM

Are some of them used?

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:36 AM

what the hell is the name of the song?

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:36 AM

And honey I said ...

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:37 AM

dammit.

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:37 AM

You need a love that's gonna last.

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:37 AM

Prince!

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:38 AM

Believe it or not, I started to worry, wondered if I had enough class.

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:38 AM

little red chevette!!!

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:39 AM

The hell?

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:39 AM

the song.

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:40 AM

How old are you?

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:40 AM

42

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:42 AM

So when you were a teenager, a Chevette was a hot car?

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:42 AM

yep. so were irocs. transams

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:43 AM

When I was a teenager, a Chevette was something you drove at night. Alone.

From: 416848XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 09:44 AM

crap. i meant corvette. i don't think prince would write a song about a chevette. i got the cars mixed up.

From: 19054427423
To: 416848XXXX
October 04 2011 09:45 AM

I have no idea how you managed that. I don't think I can ever forgive you.

It's like a game of Russian Roulette

GO bus drivers and other transit staff have been given the green light to strike.

Apparently we learn Wednesday the date of the new strike deadline. Will it be Friday? Will it be next Tuesday? How about November 4th? Whatever it is, my money's on black.

I'm one of the lucky ones who can work from home should the system come to a grinding halt, but I don't think we'll see a strike and if we do, I suspect it will be short.

I could be wrong. But the timing is interesting, seeing as Election Day is Thursday.

I wonder if "Dad" Dalton is gonna pull out his soapbox tomorrow afternoon?

Full coverage at the Toronto Star's website

Off Topic: Funny graffiti on well-meaning sign

Comments

Lots of backlash over the embedded commenting format so I'm putting it back to a pop-up window.

If your browser is set to prevent pop-ups, this can be turned off in your browser and you don't need to ask your IT overlords how to do it. A simple search in Google will tell you how.

Every company has different rules for what they deem as inappropriate content. Ideally, the way things were did work for many readers who like to read on their lunch hour or during a break in their work day.

So pop-up comments it is!

On a side note, I can't figure out why images don't work for some. The only thing I can think of is that your IT dept has blocked the blogger.com and blogspot.com domains.

Rookie train ride this morning on the 6:45 LSE to Union

Text message from 416272XXXX
October 04 2011 07:14 AM

Lookout! rookie train driver getting his learners permit this morning on the 645 LSE to union. 7 stops at guildwood station... start, stop, start, stop.

This driving! Jerking us around... everyone smirking, laughing under our breaths.

Soft spoken CSE comes on the speaker... you can hear her stifle her laughing "the -- the doors are closing (giggle) the -- the next station stop Eglinton".

He is getting better with each stop, but you can tell he drives a train like Dr Sheldon Cooper. Release the brake slowly, hit gas, hit brake, slowly off gas, slam brake, ease off brake... there we go! complete stop at station! slam brake once more! Ha ha ha

This guy must have driven subway cars on university line.

5 stop starts at union big platform, can't miss eh?

CSA laughed her head off.


From: 19054427423
To: 416272XXXX
October 04 2011 08:34 AM

LOL! How late was the train?


From: 416272XXXX
To: 19054427423
October 04 2011 08:39 AM

On time ... guy had a lead foot. Just not too swift at docking the starship enterprise, here. Brake, gas, gas, brake, brake, gas, brake ... open doors

Oh na na, what's my name?

from bmXXXXXXXX@rogers.com
to cj@thiscrazytrain.com
date Sun, Oct 2, 2011 at 9:34 AM
subject The name game

Hi there!
A friend sent me a link to your site this morning. Hilarious! You're living my dream. I always wanted to have a website about all the stuff I've seen on the train over the years. I'm retired now but I rode the LSE from 1977 to 2007. Thirty years!
I'd like to tell you about the name game.
I guess the game started in 2005. A train buddy and I used to play this prank on people who would wear their company electronic key cards from their belts. Ones where their face was visible, but also their name.
I usually would go first.
Let's say I saw a name. What I would do is I would come right up to you (usually when everyone was waiting for the train to pull into Oshawa - so end of the line) and I would read your name and then yell out, "Oh my god, Carol Johnson! How are you? How's the family?!"
This was always met with a blank stare and I could see them mentally going through their brain's rolodex to place me. Then I would turn to my train buddy and ask, "You remember Steve, right?"
Nine times out of ten, the person would bold-face lie and admit he or she did remember Steve. Hilarious, because most people don't want to admit they can't remember someone. So then I would start talking about my family and I could see the person getting more and more confused.
My train buddy and I would then head off to our cars.
I'm sure we caused many people many a sleepless night as they struggled to place us.
I'm sure not many people would appreciate this game but our main target as the subjects for this prank were the door donkeys. Great name for them by the way!

Regards,
Bill M.

The Cat Herder

Last night 5:20 Union-Oshawa LSE. Received a few texts about the cat herder. He even had cowboy boots. And the carrier got a seat!

Here's what he does on the weekends, I bet.

GO driver helps disabled motorist escape car fire

Photo from GO Transit

I'm sure GO Transit won't mind if I borrow this photo of Nick Stojanovic.

The Mississauga native was behind the wheel of a GO bus last Friday, making the run on his Hamilton-QEW route, when he saw a car on fire near Park Lawn, in Toronto's west end.

Nick tells the Spectator newspaper:

“I saw a car on fire, traffic was moving really, really slow. I saw people passing by this car. I saw a man lying next to the car and nobody was coming out to help him. He was outside of his car trying to get onto his wheelchair.”

To read the rest of the article, visit the Hamilton Spectator website.

People mover

Kristin sent this video link in. Why? Because I had told a story about a dude using a bike bell down in the PATH to part the crowds so he could haul ass to Union Station.

This Japanese video shows how a guy walking with a bike bell manages to get people to move out of his way when he rings it.

A loose translation, "Look at these assholes get out of my way when I ring this bike bell."

That's all you need to know. The video simply speaks for itself.

The Duke on the GO

Text message from 416565XXXX
To 9054427423

I want to send a quick shout out to the guy on the 8:25 LSE Pickering this morning who was drinking coffee from a John Wayne beer stein. Let him know that he can buy the matching clock and radio from Sears. Do a quick search and you'll find them.

---

Here they are:


Collect the whole set!

Connect 4!

So far, over 175 of you have clicked on the link provided in a post earlier today.

You will learn real quick why I hate this game.

Exxon Valdez blows a leak in Whitby

from rxxxxxx@rogers.com
to cj@thiscrazytrain.com
date Mon, Oct 3, 2011 at 7:14 AM
(no subject)

So this morning, on the 6:53 from Whitby, I drag myself to the train as per usual and sit in the two seats in the midsection train when this woman sits next to me and starts doing her make-up. Not just her mascara or lipstick but her entire face. Which is ok if you're running late or whatever, but then she pulls out the blotting papers and starts wiping the oil slick off of her face. I think I vomited in my mouth a bit. There are some things that should be kept private and well that is definitely one of them.

Sincerely
A grossed out Whitby Girl

Shout Out: Mind yo' business

from Steve_XXXXXXXXXX@sympatico.ca
to cj@thiscrazytrain.com
date Wed, Sep 28, 2011 at 11:04 pm
subject get a grip

A train buddy and I have one of those travel size Connect 4 games. The kind you buy your kids to play in the car. Tonight we were playing our usual game (Barrie line) on the ride home and this woman sitting in the same quad as us was getting annoyed at us because we were playing a game of Connect 4! Rolling her eyes, etc!
At one point she muttered the word, "childish". Since when was it a crime to play Connect 4 on a train? Who says it's for kids?
We weren't being loud. We weren't chest bumping each other after a move.
Some people need to get a grip. And you lady, with your three Coach handbags, need to learn to let things go.
- Rutherford Guy

---

OMG. I hate Connect 4. I could never win at the stupid game and my husband always beat my ass. One time, in a fit of rage, I threw the game off my 8th floor balcony. I took up Scrabble a few weeks later. I've kicked his ass so many times that my husband now leaves the room when I pull out the game and crawls into the linen closet where he cries in a fetal position.

Steve, here's an online version of Connect 4! for you.

When you park like a donkey, wind gets you back

This is a parking donkey's car in an unnamed GO lot.

Anonymous sent this in. He parked beside this donkey, opened his door partway so he could squeeze out of his car when a strong gust of wind blew his door open, slamming it against parking donkey's car.

Yep. It left a mark.

So what is Anonymous to do? Was the scratch his fault or is it the parking donkey's for not trying to park properly? Or was it the wind's?