MTA: Slippery when everything

Jeez so the most heavily used (and only 24 hour) subway system in the world (ours) can't handle snow (ok) water (floods, sure) trash (track fires, sure, acceptable) and now add to that list colorfully brittle fallen leaves. yep leaves.

Today's New York Times reports that leaves are apparently staging an insurgent attack(my words) on rail steel causing trains to be slowed on select outdoor (below grade) subway lines like the Brooklyn Q, N, and Franklin Shuttle. This isn't as much of a problem for outdoor elevated lines like the Queens 7, Queens N and Queens J, (is somebody sticking it to Brooklyn?) because on those elevated the rain washes the resolute leaves away.

The article details the MTA's efforts to warn of delays and the average rider's understandably incredulous reactions. There's even a scientific breakdown of hot leaves become fatty acids which become waxy buildup on the rails, which some how requires a vacuums train to clean, although the cavity creeps fight crest squad might be a better way to go....



Interestingly what is not mentioned is why or how after 100+ years of service (and in my person 30+ years as a New Yorker) there seems to be no prior sign-age posted by the MTA about delays caused by fallen leaves. I'm pretty sure we've had autumn a few times before in the last 100+ years you'd think the problem woulda shown up before now.

Is it scientific? Are the new wheels of our mostly new subway fleet's extra stainless steelery causing them to get lubed up quicker? (let your minds glide on that) Or as some strap-hangers suggested is it the MTA looking for new and more creative excuses rather than newer and more creative savings methods?

Fall Foliage Fotos Series #16

Fall Foliage Fotos Series #14

Even the transit workers are coordinated.

Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights

Fall Foliage Fotos Series #11

Fall Foliage Fotos Series #10

From Bedford Avenue in Flatbush as opposed to Williamsburg, Marine Park, Bedford-Stuyvesant, etc...

Did you know that Bedford Avenue is the longest avenue in Brooklyn?

Fall Foliage Fotos Series #9 As I like It

The first pic (from a block people some have argued is the ugliest in Prospect Heights) is energized by the ricocheting action between colors, values and gradations


This second pic is from the Clinton Hill Brooklyn Flea (happening today) and a reminder of warmer slightly warmer days


so freakin' cold today and recently.
I've felt colder,
but I agree. It's better to be feeling
than the non-feeling nothing at all.
(unintentional bard nod)
though that judgment can only be made after you've held feelings
So while it's cold out at least I haven't been left numb.


stay warm

Fall Foliage Fotos Series #8

subtle.

Fall Foliage Fotos Series #7

Happy Friday

Fall Foliage Fotos Series #6

From Washington Avenue in Crown Heights (Not to be confused with Washington Aveune on the border of Prospect Heights or in Clinton Hill)

Photo Wednesday 11/19/08 & Fall Foliage Series #05

The photo comes from inside the small but attractive campus of St. Josephs College which is in Clinton Hill. I doubt many people outside students and workers ever see this space, it's nestled between the campus buildings.

I present this secret gem this Photo Wednesday to tell a short story of my grandmother, a feisty lady, who back in the 70's was no different. Over 50 back then, she deciding to start a whole new career and become a teacher to help ends meet. She felt she had to enroll in college, since that would guarantee better pay and assignments. It wasn't easy, she worked while enrolled and eventually she achieved both a Bachelor's and Master's degree.

I was taking Fall pictures when I passed by and remembered my grandmother's graduation was held there.

Fall Foliage Fotos Series #2

here's a festive Friday fall frame. This one from the park in D.U.M.B.o


Happy Friday