Here are the Capital Area Transit detours for downtown for the weekend of May 2nd and 3rd.
DETOURS
Friday, 5/1/09 – Sunday 5/3/09
4th Annual World Beer Tasting Festival
Street Closure - 200 Block of East Martin St. between Blount and Person St. and the 200 block of South Person St. between Martin and Hargett Streets. These streets will be closed from 9:00 am 5/1/09 until 5:00 pm 5/03/09.
#5 # 22 #32- Biltmore Hills, State Street, Sanderford Rd.
O/B – From MSS, take Blount St., LEFT on Davie St., LEFT on Person St., RIGHT on Martin St., resume route.
I/B – None.
#18 #35 – Worthdale, Poole Road
O/B – From MSS, take Blount St., LEFT on Davie St., LEFT on Person St., RIGHT on Martin St., resume route.
I/B – From Hargett St., LEFT on East St., RIGHT on Davie St., RIGHT on Wilmington St., RIGHT on Martin St. to MSS.
#13 – Chavis Heights
O/B – From MSS, take Blount St., LEFT on Davie St., LEFT on Person St., RIGHT on Martin St., resume route.
I/B – From Person St., LEFT on Davie St., RIGHT on Wilmington St., RIGHT on Martin St. to MSS.
R-LINE – After 6:30 pm, you will not be able to do the alternate evening route down Martin St. to Person St., so stay straight on Wilmington St. You will be able to make the other evening alternate route down by Harrington St.
DETOURS
Saturday, 5/2/09
2009 AIDS Fundraising Awareness Walk/Ride
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Street Closure – The walkers will enter on Wilmington St. from Halifax Mall, proceed north and loop around the Archdale Bldg. onto Salisbury St., proceed south on Salisbury , turn left on Morgan St., left on Person St., proceed north on Person St., and the 1 mile participants will turn left on Lane St. and return back to Halifax Mall. The 3 mile walkers will continue north on Person St., turn left onto Peace St., left onto Blount St., right on Edenton St., right on Wilmington St. back to Halifax Mall.
#1 Capital Blvd.
O/B – From MSS, LEFT on Hargett St., RIGHT on McDowell St. which becomes Capital Blvd, resume route.
I/B – Take Capital Blvd. straight to downtown which it becomes Dawson St., Left on Martin St. to MSS.
#2 Falls of Neuse
O/B – From MSS, LEFT on Hargett St., RIGHT on McDowell St., LEFT on Edenton St., resume route.
I/B – From Morgan St., RIGHT onto Dawson St., LEFT onto Martin St. to MSS.
#3 Glascock
O/B – From MSS, RIGHT on Hargett St., RIGHT on Blount, LEFT on Davie St., LEFT on East St., LEFT on Franklin St., RIGHT on Person St., RIGHT on Glascock St., resume route.
I/B – From Bennett St., LEFT on Glascock St., RIGHT on Raleigh Blvd., RIGHT on New Bern Ave., LEFT on East St., RIGHT on Davie St., RIGHT on Wilmington St., RIGHT on Martin St. to MSS.
#4 Rex Hospital
O/B – From MSS, LEFT on Hargett St., RIGHT on McDowell St., LEFT on Edenton St., resume route.
I/B – From Morgan St., RIGHT onto Dawson St., LEFT onto Martin St. to MSS.
#6 Crabtree Valley
O/B – From MSS, LEFT on Hargett St., RIGHT on McDowell St., LEFT on Edenton St., resume route.
I/B – From Morgan St., RIGHT onto Dawson St., LEFT onto Martin St. to MSS.
#10 Longview
O/B – From MSS, RIGHT on Hargett St., RIGHT on Blount St., LEFT on Davie St., LEFT on East St., resume route.
I/B – From Lane St., LEFT on East St., RIGHT on Davie St., RIGHT on Wilmington St., RIGHT on Martin St., to MSS.
#12 Method
O/B – From MSS, straight on Hargett St., RIGHT on McDowell St., LEFT on Edenton St., RIGHT on St. Mary’s St., LEFT onto Peace St., resume route.
I/B – From Peace St., RIGHT on St. Mary’s St., LEFT on Morgan St., RIGHT on Dawson St., LEFT on Martin St. to MSS.
#15 Wake Medical
O/B – From MSS, RIGHT on Hargett St., RIGHT on Blount St., LEFT on Davie St., LEFT on East St., RIGHT on New Bern Avenue, resume route.
I/B – From Edenton St., LEFT on East St., RIGHT on Davie St., RIGHT on Wilmington St., RIGHT on Martin St. to MSS.
#16 Oberlin Road
O/B – From MSS, LEFT on Hargett St., RIGHT on McDowell St., LEFT on Edenton St., resume route.
I/B – From Morgan St., RIGHT onto Dawson St., LEFT onto Martin St. to MSS.
R-LINE – At 3:00 pm,detour from RCC will be RIGHT on Lenoir St., RIGHT on McDowell St., LEFT on Edenton St., RIGHT on Harrington St., LEFT on West St., resume regular route back to RCC. This should only last until 4:00 pm.
DETOURS
Saturday, 5/2/09
Annual Community Appreciation Festival
6:00 am – 4:00 pm
Street Closure - 300 Block and 400 Block of East Hargett St., between Person St. and South East St. The 100 block of S. Bloodworth St. from Morson to Hargett St., and the 200 block of S. Bloodworth St., Martin St., to Hargett St.
#35 Poole Road
O/B – From MSS, take Blount, LEFT on Davie St., LEFT on Person St., RIGHT on Martin St., resume route.
I/B – From Hargett St., Left on East Street, Right on Martin St., to MSS.
DETOURS
Saturday, 5/2/09
Fallen Firefighters Parade
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Street Closure - The assembly area will be in the 700-900 blocks of Hillsborough St. and the 100-500 blocks of St. Mary’s St. At 10:00 am, the parade route will start on Hillsborough St. to Dawson St. Left on Dawson St. and proceeding south to Nash Square, left onto Martin St. and circle Nash Square park back to Hargett St. where the parade will end. Festivities will keep Hargett St. closed until 4:00 pm.
#2 Falls of Neuse
O/B – From Wilmington St., LEFT on Peace St., RIGHT on Glenwood Ave., resume route.
I/B – From Glenwood Ave., LEFT on Peace St., RIGHT on Salisbury St., LEFT on Martin St., to MSS.
#4 Rex Hospital
O/B – From Wilmington St., LEFT on Peace St., to Clark Avenue, from Clark Ave., LEFT on Enterprise St., RIGHT on Hillsborough St., resume route.
I/B – From Morgan St., RIGHT onto Harrington St., LEFT onto Davie St., LEFT on Wilmington St., RIGHT on Martin St. to MSS.
#6 Crabtree Valley
O/B – From Wilmington St., LEFT on Peace St., RIGHT on Glenwood Ave., resume route.
I/B – From Glenwood Ave., LEFT on Peace St., RIGHT on Salisbury St., LEFT on Martin St., to MSS.
#8 Northclift
O/B – From Wilmington St., LEFT on Peace St., RIGHT on St. Mary’s St., resume route.
I/B – From St. Mary’s St., LEFT on Peace St., RIGHT on West St., LEFT on Jones St., resume regular route to MSS.
#11 Avent Ferry
O/B – From MSS take yellow zone out onto Blount St., take Blount St., RIGHT on Lenoir St., resume route.
I/B – None.
#16 Oberlin Road
O/B – From Wilmington St., LEFT on Peace St., resume route.
I/B – From Peace St., RIGHT on Salisbury St., LEFT on Martin St. to MSS.
R-Line – At 10:00 am, the parade will begin, from Glenwood Ave., LEFT on Jones St., RIGHT on Salisbury St., back to RCC. If Jones St. turn is too hard to make, from West St., stay straight down West St., LEFT on Jones St., RIGHT on Salisbury St. back to RCC.
Showing posts with label CAT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CAT. Show all posts
Friday, May 1, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Art On The Move
I am beginning to realize, with a great deal of surprise, that Raleigh and the Greater Triangle area is a good place for artists. Real, honest to goodness, working artists. I still have trouble seeing this area (and North Carolina as a whole) as anything other than a hick town, small, conservative, small minded. In recent years, I have come to see that it is possible to be an artist here and actually make a living. Now that might entail teaching classes on the side, but that's still art, right? For example, we have First Friday. All of the galleries and museums stay open a little later, offer wine and crackers, hire live music and Downtown Raleigh turns into a big ol' party even on the coldest of nights. First Friday is remarkably kid-friendly too!
We also have loads of local businesses that show artwork. These could be restaurants, coffee shops, you name it. We have a number of artist's collective studio spaces, like Artspace and Antfarm Studios. There was the Red Wolf Ramble, which was a collection of wolf statues all over town, painted by local artists. The NC State mascot is the wolf, for those who don't know.
We also have Art On The Move. The city art's commission and CAT choose twelve original designs by local artists to decorate the sides of twelve CAT buses for six months. I'm happy to say that two of my favorite local artists have been chosen, Anna Podris and Paul Friedrich. I know Anna has had a design on a bus previously, and would take a stab that Paul has too since he's so well known. A big congratualtions to all of the artists! I will do my best to get to Artsplosure to photograph the unveiling of the new buses on May 16th.
Art On The Move
Paul Friedrich's Etsy Shop
Anna Podris's website (I love her owls! I've only gotten to meet her once and she's fabulous!)
Keith Norval (Anna's husband. I took his printmaking class. I love this guy.)
Okay, I have to add this one too. Blue Owl, an encaustic painting by Anna. It's even more spectacular in person. I love this one with all my heart and hope someone will buy it for me someday.
We also have loads of local businesses that show artwork. These could be restaurants, coffee shops, you name it. We have a number of artist's collective studio spaces, like Artspace and Antfarm Studios. There was the Red Wolf Ramble, which was a collection of wolf statues all over town, painted by local artists. The NC State mascot is the wolf, for those who don't know.
We also have Art On The Move. The city art's commission and CAT choose twelve original designs by local artists to decorate the sides of twelve CAT buses for six months. I'm happy to say that two of my favorite local artists have been chosen, Anna Podris and Paul Friedrich. I know Anna has had a design on a bus previously, and would take a stab that Paul has too since he's so well known. A big congratualtions to all of the artists! I will do my best to get to Artsplosure to photograph the unveiling of the new buses on May 16th.
Art On The Move
Paul Friedrich's Etsy Shop
Anna Podris's website (I love her owls! I've only gotten to meet her once and she's fabulous!)
Keith Norval (Anna's husband. I took his printmaking class. I love this guy.)
Okay, I have to add this one too. Blue Owl, an encaustic painting by Anna. It's even more spectacular in person. I love this one with all my heart and hope someone will buy it for me someday.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Mobile TV on the R line
WRAL, Raleigh partner on nation's first mobile DTV venture.
“Once again, Raleigh is unveiling a technology first,” Mayor Charles Meeker said in a statement. “We are proud to be the pilot to offer mobile digital television to the riders of the Downtown Circulator.
“We salute WRAL for being pioneers in mobile digital television as they were in high definition television,” Meeker said. “We look forward to the day when all of Raleigh’s CAT buses will offer this means of information and relaxation. It’s just another reason to take a CAT bus wherever you go.”
I like Mayor Meeker. I really do. He just announced he's running for reelection, for a fifth two year term. I think he's done a great job in this city in the revitilization of Downtown, in improving public transportation, dealing with the crazy drought we had last year, and recognizing that perhaps Raleigh is growing too fast. I will proudly vote for him for another term.
I have mixed feelings about bringing television into the buses. On one hand, I think it's great bringing information to a certain bus riding population that might not be otherwise exposed to this kind of news. On the other hand, my daily commute to RTP is great when it's silent. In the morning, I don't want to hear a lot of chatter and more often than not, and with the exception of Amy Number One wanting to know if I have my notebook and a pencil, the bus is quiet.
I was also hoping that the R Line would use the monitors to announce the next stop since it can be a little hard to tell where you are, especially at night. I guess I'll have to take a spin and see what's its all about before I make up my mind.
“Once again, Raleigh is unveiling a technology first,” Mayor Charles Meeker said in a statement. “We are proud to be the pilot to offer mobile digital television to the riders of the Downtown Circulator.
“We salute WRAL for being pioneers in mobile digital television as they were in high definition television,” Meeker said. “We look forward to the day when all of Raleigh’s CAT buses will offer this means of information and relaxation. It’s just another reason to take a CAT bus wherever you go.”
I like Mayor Meeker. I really do. He just announced he's running for reelection, for a fifth two year term. I think he's done a great job in this city in the revitilization of Downtown, in improving public transportation, dealing with the crazy drought we had last year, and recognizing that perhaps Raleigh is growing too fast. I will proudly vote for him for another term.
I have mixed feelings about bringing television into the buses. On one hand, I think it's great bringing information to a certain bus riding population that might not be otherwise exposed to this kind of news. On the other hand, my daily commute to RTP is great when it's silent. In the morning, I don't want to hear a lot of chatter and more often than not, and with the exception of Amy Number One wanting to know if I have my notebook and a pencil, the bus is quiet.
I was also hoping that the R Line would use the monitors to announce the next stop since it can be a little hard to tell where you are, especially at night. I guess I'll have to take a spin and see what's its all about before I make up my mind.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
At least I wasn't driving.
Forgive me if I fall asleep while I'm typing this. I don't mean to be rude, really. I just had a busy night. Work is getting crazy since it's time to start hiring Easter bunnies.
I went to a new (to me, not new in general) Asian market on Monday. I took lots of photos or lots of weird stuff. I will post all about this In The Kitchen tomorrow, so stay tuned. To get to said Asian market, I had to take the Number 7. The Number 7 bus goes by the Hood, rather than through it, but still there are some real characters who ride that bus. I'm happy to report that not much happened that was news worthy. If by not much you mean:
-the woman breast feeding in front of God and everyone (only my closest female friends, and now everyone with a computer and an internet connection, know that breast feeding freaks me out...it's totally irrational, I know)
-the woman carrying several broken down cardboard boxes
-the three guys with backpacks and sleeping bags who looked (and smelled) like they could use a shower with lots of soap
-the eight year old who was alone and had his bike with him (he was too little to put it on the rack, the driver had to do it for him)
-the man holding the 3 year old girl who was rocking back and forth shouting "MAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMA" trying to get his attention while he talked to a passenger
-and the two men and one woman who screamed at the bus driver that she best stop the bus so they could get off
then no. Not much happened.
Tune in tomorrow for pictures of "food" and a review of the Asian market In The Kitchen.
I went to a new (to me, not new in general) Asian market on Monday. I took lots of photos or lots of weird stuff. I will post all about this In The Kitchen tomorrow, so stay tuned. To get to said Asian market, I had to take the Number 7. The Number 7 bus goes by the Hood, rather than through it, but still there are some real characters who ride that bus. I'm happy to report that not much happened that was news worthy. If by not much you mean:
-the woman breast feeding in front of God and everyone (only my closest female friends, and now everyone with a computer and an internet connection, know that breast feeding freaks me out...it's totally irrational, I know)
-the woman carrying several broken down cardboard boxes
-the three guys with backpacks and sleeping bags who looked (and smelled) like they could use a shower with lots of soap
-the eight year old who was alone and had his bike with him (he was too little to put it on the rack, the driver had to do it for him)
-the man holding the 3 year old girl who was rocking back and forth shouting "MAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMA" trying to get his attention while he talked to a passenger
-and the two men and one woman who screamed at the bus driver that she best stop the bus so they could get off
then no. Not much happened.
Tune in tomorrow for pictures of "food" and a review of the Asian market In The Kitchen.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Hillsborough Street Renaissance Festival
The Hillsborough Street Renaissance Festival is scheduled for Saturday, March 14 from Noon to 10 PM. The street will be closed from Gardner St to Logan Court. Since they will need to set up, expect that portion of Hillsborough Street to be closed all day.
No, it doesn't involve jousting or men wearing tights. It's a celebration to kick off the changes planned for Hillsborough Street over the next year and a half. If you live in Raleigh, do take the time to click on that link and especially watch the video of the changes planned. It's going to be cool, but man that's going to be a mess until it's finished! (Click on downloads->additional files->traffic simulation flyover video Aug 2007)
There will be music, food and fun as we would expect from any self-respecting street festival. There will be an eco-friendly fashion show, an alternative fuel vehicle showcase, and a Kid Zone. They are claiming to have a fraternity, sorority and business BBQ cook off. I am still awaiting confirmation to see if they are going to barbecue actual fraternity boys. I'll keep you updated on that one.
The event is free, but tickets appear to be required for certain parts, like the sorority girl barbecue and the fashion show. Keep in mind also that this is the same day as the Raleigh St Patty's Day Parade. The parade begins at Noon also then ends with a party in Moore Square Park where the townsfolk gets their Irish on with the homeless people.
Basically, what we're looking at here , from a public transit standpoint, is a big ol' mess downtown on Saturday. If you have to take the bus anywhere on Saturday, and I suggest you do NOT, go first to the City's transit website to check the Announcements and Detours, which includes street closures and bus detours. A better solution would be to just join the party, any party, that you might stumble across on Saturday.
The weather on Saturday looks crappy at best. So, bundle up and carry an umbrella.
No, it doesn't involve jousting or men wearing tights. It's a celebration to kick off the changes planned for Hillsborough Street over the next year and a half. If you live in Raleigh, do take the time to click on that link and especially watch the video of the changes planned. It's going to be cool, but man that's going to be a mess until it's finished! (Click on downloads->additional files->traffic simulation flyover video Aug 2007)
There will be music, food and fun as we would expect from any self-respecting street festival. There will be an eco-friendly fashion show, an alternative fuel vehicle showcase, and a Kid Zone. They are claiming to have a fraternity, sorority and business BBQ cook off. I am still awaiting confirmation to see if they are going to barbecue actual fraternity boys. I'll keep you updated on that one.
The event is free, but tickets appear to be required for certain parts, like the sorority girl barbecue and the fashion show. Keep in mind also that this is the same day as the Raleigh St Patty's Day Parade. The parade begins at Noon also then ends with a party in Moore Square Park where the townsfolk gets their Irish on with the homeless people.
Basically, what we're looking at here , from a public transit standpoint, is a big ol' mess downtown on Saturday. If you have to take the bus anywhere on Saturday, and I suggest you do NOT, go first to the City's transit website to check the Announcements and Detours, which includes street closures and bus detours. A better solution would be to just join the party, any party, that you might stumble across on Saturday.
The weather on Saturday looks crappy at best. So, bundle up and carry an umbrella.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
More good news for Triangle bus riders!
I for one am looking forward to the Downtown Circulator. I think this is one of the best ideas the city has had in a long, long time. (Especially since it'll go through my neighborhood.) Go here for more information.
Good news for Wake Tech students.
This article comes just in time. I have to go to Wake Tech on Thursday! I took an online class last semester and still have a current id card.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Kennywood's open!*
As I was coming home from North Hills this afternoon, I noticed the young man sitting across from me. He was young, maybe early 20s, short brown hair. He had a Five Guys hat and red t-shirt. There was nothing terribly remarkable about him, except for the giant hole in his jeans below the zipper. I could tell he was wearing olive green and white boxers. He either didn't notice or didn't care. I suspect it was a bit of both. He was going through the bus schedules. I think he took one of each.
*To those of you not from Pittsburgh, Kennywood is a small theme park in the city. The mascot is Kenny Kangaroo. School districts will close for a "picnic day" at Kennywood each spring. Everyone from the school district goes. They have wooden roller coasters. It's a really cool park. The phrase "Kennywood's open" has nothing to do with the park. Uttering that phrase to anyone who grew up within an hour or two drive of Pittsburgh will cause them to immediately examine the zipper on their pants. No joke. My brother was in a class with a 58 year young guy from the Pittsburgh side of West Virginia. This guy apparently came to class one day with his fly down. My brother said to him, "Kennywood's open." This guy immediately turned around, zipped him pants and no one was any the wiser. True story, people.
*To those of you not from Pittsburgh, Kennywood is a small theme park in the city. The mascot is Kenny Kangaroo. School districts will close for a "picnic day" at Kennywood each spring. Everyone from the school district goes. They have wooden roller coasters. It's a really cool park. The phrase "Kennywood's open" has nothing to do with the park. Uttering that phrase to anyone who grew up within an hour or two drive of Pittsburgh will cause them to immediately examine the zipper on their pants. No joke. My brother was in a class with a 58 year young guy from the Pittsburgh side of West Virginia. This guy apparently came to class one day with his fly down. My brother said to him, "Kennywood's open." This guy immediately turned around, zipped him pants and no one was any the wiser. True story, people.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Letter to all the bus drivers in the Triangle area.
Dear Transit Operators,
Hi! I want to thank you all for the normally stellar job you all do. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but winter is coming. It was cold today. Very cold. You were late today. All of you. Very late. I spent a total of an hour and forty minutes waiting for the buses. Tomorrow morning, the forecast is 29 degrees. I would appreciate it if you all could be on time tomorrow. I don't ever want to wait that long for a bus again.
Cheers,
Meg
Hi! I want to thank you all for the normally stellar job you all do. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but winter is coming. It was cold today. Very cold. You were late today. All of you. Very late. I spent a total of an hour and forty minutes waiting for the buses. Tomorrow morning, the forecast is 29 degrees. I would appreciate it if you all could be on time tomorrow. I don't ever want to wait that long for a bus again.
Cheers,
Meg
Saturday, November 1, 2008
cough cough sniiiiiff ahem
I don't feel good. It's just a cold, but all I want to do is lay on the sofa, eat junk food, and watch crazy old TV shows. I also know I'm sick because I get cranky when I get sick. Like everyone and everything annoys me. A lot. So, bear with me here.
We have a TV channel called RTN that plays old shows. Not the same stuff on TV Land, but stuff like Magnum PI, Ironside, Kojak, Simon and Simon, the Rockford Files, Alfred Hitchcock Hour and Presents (my favorites), and what I'm currently watching...MacMillian and Wife. Coincidentally, this episode of MacMillian and Wife centers around a traveling carnival. Mac had to chase a suspect to the Ferris Wheel, where he found a dead body in a seat. The Ferris Wheel wasn't working so he had to climb it. Just as he got close to the top, another bad guy made it start to move again until the safety bar broke and Mac was hanging on for dear life. Uh huh. See? It's not just me. Oooh, Airwolf is on next.
I felt the need for junk food today, which I rarely keep at home. I went up to the Fresh Market and got the following:
Vanilla Piroline cookies
Raspberry filled "Whippets" (not those kind of whippets, think Mallowmars)
hummus and baba ganouj and tortilla chips for dipping
miniature croissants and a can of almond paste (the bakery was out of almond croissants, so I'm making my own.)
a big bottle of Bolthouse Farms "C-Boost" juice smoothie...oh my god this is good! It has cherries, mangoes (which I normally don't like), apples, maitake mushrooms (!!!), echinacea (which may be misspelled) and 1200% of my daily Vitamin C needs in ONE GLASS!!!!! I know I'll drink the whole bottle this weekend, so that means I'll have 48 days worth of Vitamin C in two days. If that doesn't make me feel better, I don't know what will.
Embarrassed by my purchases, I felt the need to explain to the check-out girl that I wasn't feeling good. I think she thought I was a bit crazy.
On to the bus riding!
I finished my shopping and sat down to wait for the bus. An older woman sat down on the bench next to me and was talking to herself. A guy came over and sat down on the sidewalk and started smoking a cigarette. He had a giant Army olive green duffel bag backpack and was carrying a smaller black duffel bag. He looked vaguely like the kind of guy who would tell you he was crashing with a buddy while he was looking for a new place to live, if you know what I mean. When he got up the bottom of the green bag was dripping and wet. There was a puddle on the ground that hadn't been there before. A man pointed it out, but the guy said he had sat on something wet. Ooooo-kaaaaay. The man that pointed it out was with his very young daughter, 2 or 3 maybe. She was carrying a library book, which he told her not to lose because it cost $100. I'm sure she understood that one crystal clear. My favorite was this guy....he's wearing grey super baggy jeans and a white hooded sweatshirt. He asked me and the old lady if we had been waiting long. He then took out a full sized aerosol can, sprayed his right side, and put the can back into the front pocket. He walked around the brick column of the bus shelter and leaned up against the other column. I saw that he had the sticker on the leg of his jeans. 34x34, even though he looked more like a 30x30. He lifted up his sweatshirt to reach into his pants pocket and I saw that he still had the tags attached to the waistband too. Then I started wondering where he could have boosted them. The bus that runs by Cameron Village also goes to the mall. But why keep the stickers and tags? Luckily, all of the people got on the Number 12. I needed the Number 16. My bus came, I boarded and sat down behind...MSG! I usually see him on the bus on the weekends or evenings. He had also been grocery shopping.
We have a TV channel called RTN that plays old shows. Not the same stuff on TV Land, but stuff like Magnum PI, Ironside, Kojak, Simon and Simon, the Rockford Files, Alfred Hitchcock Hour and Presents (my favorites), and what I'm currently watching...MacMillian and Wife. Coincidentally, this episode of MacMillian and Wife centers around a traveling carnival. Mac had to chase a suspect to the Ferris Wheel, where he found a dead body in a seat. The Ferris Wheel wasn't working so he had to climb it. Just as he got close to the top, another bad guy made it start to move again until the safety bar broke and Mac was hanging on for dear life. Uh huh. See? It's not just me. Oooh, Airwolf is on next.
I felt the need for junk food today, which I rarely keep at home. I went up to the Fresh Market and got the following:
Vanilla Piroline cookies
Raspberry filled "Whippets" (not those kind of whippets, think Mallowmars)
hummus and baba ganouj and tortilla chips for dipping
miniature croissants and a can of almond paste (the bakery was out of almond croissants, so I'm making my own.)
a big bottle of Bolthouse Farms "C-Boost" juice smoothie...oh my god this is good! It has cherries, mangoes (which I normally don't like), apples, maitake mushrooms (!!!), echinacea (which may be misspelled) and 1200% of my daily Vitamin C needs in ONE GLASS!!!!! I know I'll drink the whole bottle this weekend, so that means I'll have 48 days worth of Vitamin C in two days. If that doesn't make me feel better, I don't know what will.
Embarrassed by my purchases, I felt the need to explain to the check-out girl that I wasn't feeling good. I think she thought I was a bit crazy.
On to the bus riding!
I finished my shopping and sat down to wait for the bus. An older woman sat down on the bench next to me and was talking to herself. A guy came over and sat down on the sidewalk and started smoking a cigarette. He had a giant Army olive green duffel bag backpack and was carrying a smaller black duffel bag. He looked vaguely like the kind of guy who would tell you he was crashing with a buddy while he was looking for a new place to live, if you know what I mean. When he got up the bottom of the green bag was dripping and wet. There was a puddle on the ground that hadn't been there before. A man pointed it out, but the guy said he had sat on something wet. Ooooo-kaaaaay. The man that pointed it out was with his very young daughter, 2 or 3 maybe. She was carrying a library book, which he told her not to lose because it cost $100. I'm sure she understood that one crystal clear. My favorite was this guy....he's wearing grey super baggy jeans and a white hooded sweatshirt. He asked me and the old lady if we had been waiting long. He then took out a full sized aerosol can, sprayed his right side, and put the can back into the front pocket. He walked around the brick column of the bus shelter and leaned up against the other column. I saw that he had the sticker on the leg of his jeans. 34x34, even though he looked more like a 30x30. He lifted up his sweatshirt to reach into his pants pocket and I saw that he still had the tags attached to the waistband too. Then I started wondering where he could have boosted them. The bus that runs by Cameron Village also goes to the mall. But why keep the stickers and tags? Luckily, all of the people got on the Number 12. I needed the Number 16. My bus came, I boarded and sat down behind...MSG! I usually see him on the bus on the weekends or evenings. He had also been grocery shopping.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Facelift for a 36 year old. Or at least her blog.
I made some changes here. Let me know what you think. I think the black background was a little hard to read.
In other news, I found this article. In spite of my view of the ineffectiveness of Raleigh's "Finest" and the local government's lack of interest in rectifying said problem, this article reminds me why I love Charles Meeker, our mayor. He's a stand up guy and I truly believe he looks out for all of the citizens of Raleigh. At the end of the day, I'm glad he's in office.
Coincidentally, it's still hard to get to Briar Creek on a bus.
In other news, I found this article. In spite of my view of the ineffectiveness of Raleigh's "Finest" and the local government's lack of interest in rectifying said problem, this article reminds me why I love Charles Meeker, our mayor. He's a stand up guy and I truly believe he looks out for all of the citizens of Raleigh. At the end of the day, I'm glad he's in office.
Coincidentally, it's still hard to get to Briar Creek on a bus.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Hope springs eternal, or so they say.
I had to run to Cameron Village tonight to pick up a couple things. I ran into the Village Deli to get a sandwich and ran into Stacy. Stacy used to work at my vet's office. She, like everyone there, is super sweet and Truman loved them. She asked if I still had Truman. I told her I did not. I think she left before he got really sick. I told her it was cancer after all, which was confirmed by the vet school. We laughed about how he was still a total chowhound even after he lost most of his teeth, apparently lost his eyesight, and in spite of the fact that both the regular vet and the oncologist vet said his appetite should start to go downhill. Stacy was as sweet as ever and admitted to not being sure if she should ask me. I told her it was okay. I also told her I was thinking about thinking about getting another cat, but I'm not quite there yet. I was okay after I got my sandwich until I got to the door. I then boohooed to the bus stop. It's been just over a year since he died, and longer since she worked there. She still remembered him. That's how cool he was. (And that probably shows how much I spent at the vet too!)
I made a pit stop at Great Outdoor to get a headlamp for my trips home from the art studio. I remarkably had a couple minutes to spare at the bus stop. As I was waiting I overheard a conversation about politics and the election between to younger African American guys. They started to talk to me too. It was interesting to hear their points of view were not that different from mine. It gives me hope.
_______________________________________________
This is one of my favorite pictures of Truman, rocking the candy necklace. He was the best cat. I miss him very much.
I made a pit stop at Great Outdoor to get a headlamp for my trips home from the art studio. I remarkably had a couple minutes to spare at the bus stop. As I was waiting I overheard a conversation about politics and the election between to younger African American guys. They started to talk to me too. It was interesting to hear their points of view were not that different from mine. It gives me hope.
_______________________________________________
This is one of my favorite pictures of Truman, rocking the candy necklace. He was the best cat. I miss him very much.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday Monday Monday! One day only!
If you're in the Triangle today, hop on a bus. They are all participating in the Free Fare Day!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
On haircuts, Ugg boots and other fashion mistakes: The Outbound No. 4 Rex Hospital
To MSG:
Yes, I see you. I also see that you cut your hair. It's a good look for you. I'd even go so far as to say you're kinda cute. The bowl cut wasn't really for you.
XOXO,
Meg
Yes, I see you. I also see that you cut your hair. It's a good look for you. I'd even go so far as to say you're kinda cute. The bowl cut wasn't really for you.
XOXO,
Meg
To the girl sitting two seats in front of me:
If it's cold enough for Ugg boots, which it is not today, it's too cold to be wearing a micro-mini skirt. I will grant that you are an indescribably cute young Asian girl, which means you can pull off outfits that most other women can't. However, you still look ridiculous in your Ugg boots.
Cheers,
Meg
If it's cold enough for Ugg boots, which it is not today, it's too cold to be wearing a micro-mini skirt. I will grant that you are an indescribably cute young Asian girl, which means you can pull off outfits that most other women can't. However, you still look ridiculous in your Ugg boots.
Cheers,
Meg
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Moore Square Transit Mall, demystified
I'd like to think taking a CAT bus is simple, but it's not always. There may be times when you need to go to Moore Square, either because you live near there or because you have to transfer to another bus. Once you become a little familiar with the set up, it will feel a little more user friendly. If you're like me, you'll probably only take the same couple of buses and soon you'll know just where to go! Right now I am addressing the CAT bus system. In subsequent posts, I will talk about the TTA and then both systems together.
Moore Square is divided into five zones. Red, Blue, Yellow, Green and Purple. Click here to view a map of Moore Square. All buses enter from the south on Martin Street and exit to the north on Hargett Street, with the exception of the Yellow Zone, which exits to the east and the south on Blount. You should also be aware that your bus entering the transit station may not continue as that bus. For example, I was on the No. 21 coming home from the Farmer's Market one Saturday. To get to my apartment, I can take the 2, 4, 6, 8, or 16. No. 21 leaves from the Yellow Zone. Nos. 2 and 4 leave from the Blue Zone, and the rest leave from the Red Zone. I was expecting the 21 to continue as the 21. Nope. In what turned out to be a great stroke of good luck, it turned into the No. 8 which stops in front of my building. Considering I had more veggies than I could carry, I was pleased.
Also, be aware that the driver will not give you a transfer ticket at Moore Square. This baffles me, but whatever. The rules are the rules. If you know you need another bus, ask for a transfer when you get on the bus. Or better yet, pony up the $2 for a Raleigh day pass and don't worry about it. If you have to get a day pass, tell the driver BEFORE you put your money in the machine.
I have found the City Kitty drivers to be a little less than customer service oriented, possibly due to the characters they serve. I have also found that saying hello when I get on the bus, can be helpful. Even if your driver is grumpy, do not hesitate to let the driver know you aren't sure where to get off. I had to go to the Wake Tech Health Campus the other day and my driver was happy to let me know when to get off.
In conclusion, here what you really need to know about the City Kitty in general and Moore Square in specific:
1. Here is the website for all of the CAT bus schedules. I think the schedules are pretty easy to read. In subsequent posts, I will go over more resources that help you figure out what bus you need.
2. The fare is $1 a trip unless you are a Senior or handicapped, then its fifty cents, or a kid under 40" tall then it's free. Wake County and City of Raleigh and State of North Carolina employees, NCSU and Meredith College students all ride for free with the proper identification. In most cases, it will probably be easier to tell the driver you want a CAT day pass before you insert any money then you don't have to worry about transfers and such. Just don't lose the day pass!
3. Take exact change. Use $1 bills, or better yet...bring quarters. Just don't be the asshole who pays with nickels.
4. There is an information booth in Moore Square Transit Mall. I suggest you use them as a last resort. Their information and attitude is a little less than what you'd expect, if you catch my drift. (Seriously, just email me, it'll be easier!)
5. The CAT drivers will help you figure out where to go if you ask for help.
6. Keep you eyes OPEN in Moore Square and on the bus. This is the time to channel your inner New Yorker. Moore Square isn't bad from a personal safety standpoint, but I can guarantee you I will not whip out my iPhone there either. Keep it simple, don't encourage trouble.
7. You can take a bike with you on a CAT bus. Here are the instructions on how to do it. (Yes, it's the TTA website, but the bike racks operate the same.)
8. Arrive about five minutes early to the stop. The buses will run a bit late on the weekends, but you should not.
9. For as cranky as CAT bus drivers can be, they will stop if they see you at a bus stop. It's not a bad idea to wave at the bus you need. I am acutely aware that I have to hail a bus here in the South and it depresses me on many levels.
10. Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy your surroundings. Keep an eye out for weirdness. Relax. Remember your doing good for the environment and your soul.
Moore Square is divided into five zones. Red, Blue, Yellow, Green and Purple. Click here to view a map of Moore Square. All buses enter from the south on Martin Street and exit to the north on Hargett Street, with the exception of the Yellow Zone, which exits to the east and the south on Blount. You should also be aware that your bus entering the transit station may not continue as that bus. For example, I was on the No. 21 coming home from the Farmer's Market one Saturday. To get to my apartment, I can take the 2, 4, 6, 8, or 16. No. 21 leaves from the Yellow Zone. Nos. 2 and 4 leave from the Blue Zone, and the rest leave from the Red Zone. I was expecting the 21 to continue as the 21. Nope. In what turned out to be a great stroke of good luck, it turned into the No. 8 which stops in front of my building. Considering I had more veggies than I could carry, I was pleased.
Also, be aware that the driver will not give you a transfer ticket at Moore Square. This baffles me, but whatever. The rules are the rules. If you know you need another bus, ask for a transfer when you get on the bus. Or better yet, pony up the $2 for a Raleigh day pass and don't worry about it. If you have to get a day pass, tell the driver BEFORE you put your money in the machine.
I have found the City Kitty drivers to be a little less than customer service oriented, possibly due to the characters they serve. I have also found that saying hello when I get on the bus, can be helpful. Even if your driver is grumpy, do not hesitate to let the driver know you aren't sure where to get off. I had to go to the Wake Tech Health Campus the other day and my driver was happy to let me know when to get off.
In conclusion, here what you really need to know about the City Kitty in general and Moore Square in specific:
1. Here is the website for all of the CAT bus schedules. I think the schedules are pretty easy to read. In subsequent posts, I will go over more resources that help you figure out what bus you need.
2. The fare is $1 a trip unless you are a Senior or handicapped, then its fifty cents, or a kid under 40" tall then it's free. Wake County and City of Raleigh and State of North Carolina employees, NCSU and Meredith College students all ride for free with the proper identification. In most cases, it will probably be easier to tell the driver you want a CAT day pass before you insert any money then you don't have to worry about transfers and such. Just don't lose the day pass!
3. Take exact change. Use $1 bills, or better yet...bring quarters. Just don't be the asshole who pays with nickels.
4. There is an information booth in Moore Square Transit Mall. I suggest you use them as a last resort. Their information and attitude is a little less than what you'd expect, if you catch my drift. (Seriously, just email me, it'll be easier!)
5. The CAT drivers will help you figure out where to go if you ask for help.
6. Keep you eyes OPEN in Moore Square and on the bus. This is the time to channel your inner New Yorker. Moore Square isn't bad from a personal safety standpoint, but I can guarantee you I will not whip out my iPhone there either. Keep it simple, don't encourage trouble.
7. You can take a bike with you on a CAT bus. Here are the instructions on how to do it. (Yes, it's the TTA website, but the bike racks operate the same.)
8. Arrive about five minutes early to the stop. The buses will run a bit late on the weekends, but you should not.
9. For as cranky as CAT bus drivers can be, they will stop if they see you at a bus stop. It's not a bad idea to wave at the bus you need. I am acutely aware that I have to hail a bus here in the South and it depresses me on many levels.
10. Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy your surroundings. Keep an eye out for weirdness. Relax. Remember your doing good for the environment and your soul.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Oh, the places you'll go!
It was brought to my attention that there are those amongst you who might like to take a City Kitty to get around Raleigh but don't know how. Well, dear readers, let me help you. We here at Chez Meg On The Bus feel public transportation should be accessible to everyone! Ride without fear my friends! Over the next few days I will be bringing you my sage guidance and sound advice on getting around not only Raleigh, but the Triangle with ease!
DID YOU KNOW....
you can take your bike with you?
you can get to Crabtree Mall, North Hills Mall and Southpoint Mall by bus?
the City Kitty runs on Sundays?
you can buy a day pass for Raleigh or the Triangle?
Yes, peeps. You can do all of that and more, without driving! I freely admit to having a long standing love affair with public transportation. Perhaps it stems from my long standing desire to feel like I live in a "real" city. I used to take the bus to Crabtree to do Christmas shopping. Parking there is such a nightmare after Turkey Day, so I'd take the bus. I didn't have to worry about where to park or where I left my car! While I was in school, I didn't have a parking sticker for campus and got sick of all of those parking tickets. When I lived to far to walk, I'd take the bus.
I will arm you with the resources you need to ride stress-free. I am fairly certain that all of my friends in Raleigh live within a few blocks or so of a bus line. Unless you tell me otherwise, I will go with that assumption.
Tune in tomorrow for Lesson One: Moore Square Transit Station! See you then!
DID YOU KNOW....
you can take your bike with you?
you can get to Crabtree Mall, North Hills Mall and Southpoint Mall by bus?
the City Kitty runs on Sundays?
you can buy a day pass for Raleigh or the Triangle?
Yes, peeps. You can do all of that and more, without driving! I freely admit to having a long standing love affair with public transportation. Perhaps it stems from my long standing desire to feel like I live in a "real" city. I used to take the bus to Crabtree to do Christmas shopping. Parking there is such a nightmare after Turkey Day, so I'd take the bus. I didn't have to worry about where to park or where I left my car! While I was in school, I didn't have a parking sticker for campus and got sick of all of those parking tickets. When I lived to far to walk, I'd take the bus.
I will arm you with the resources you need to ride stress-free. I am fairly certain that all of my friends in Raleigh live within a few blocks or so of a bus line. Unless you tell me otherwise, I will go with that assumption.
Tune in tomorrow for Lesson One: Moore Square Transit Station! See you then!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Yo, Crip, whassup?
On my way home from North Hills tonight, I overheard the craziest conversation to date.
There were two older gentleman behind me, one on each side. Suffice it to say, they look like they'd done some damage in their day. They were talking like they knew each other. A woman gets on and recognizes the guy on the other side. She used to drive for the City Kitty up until about four years ago. She also recognized the guy behind me. She says, "you don't know me? Why are you looking at me like you don't know who I am?" Honestly, my guess is that he doesn't remember getting on the bus, let alone who drove it four years ago. She says next, "You remember? You had that broken leg. I used to call you Crip. 'Hey, Crip! How you be?'" Nothin. (It was at this point when I looked at her and busted out laughing, to which she replied with laughter as well. Thankfully.) This carries on for a couple more minutes before Crip recounts the story of how he got the broken leg.
Once upon a time, he was stopped by the cops. With six crack rocks in his mouth. (Sweet jesus!) They tell him he's not going to be arrested, he just has to sit in the back of their car for a little bit. (Um...really?) Then he went on about talking to the cops. He was a little hard to understand. Something, something, something...the cops tried to help him...weird segue...he spent 12 days in jail...his leg was broken...something, something. Yeah. Six crack rocks. And he spent 12 days in the pokey. The Raleigh cops are awesome. As hard as he was to understand, it really did sound like he had been rehabilitated. And that really is awesome.
As I was getting off the bus, the woman was saying to him, "you'll always be Crip to me."
There were two older gentleman behind me, one on each side. Suffice it to say, they look like they'd done some damage in their day. They were talking like they knew each other. A woman gets on and recognizes the guy on the other side. She used to drive for the City Kitty up until about four years ago. She also recognized the guy behind me. She says, "you don't know me? Why are you looking at me like you don't know who I am?" Honestly, my guess is that he doesn't remember getting on the bus, let alone who drove it four years ago. She says next, "You remember? You had that broken leg. I used to call you Crip. 'Hey, Crip! How you be?'" Nothin. (It was at this point when I looked at her and busted out laughing, to which she replied with laughter as well. Thankfully.) This carries on for a couple more minutes before Crip recounts the story of how he got the broken leg.
Once upon a time, he was stopped by the cops. With six crack rocks in his mouth. (Sweet jesus!) They tell him he's not going to be arrested, he just has to sit in the back of their car for a little bit. (Um...really?) Then he went on about talking to the cops. He was a little hard to understand. Something, something, something...the cops tried to help him...weird segue...he spent 12 days in jail...his leg was broken...something, something. Yeah. Six crack rocks. And he spent 12 days in the pokey. The Raleigh cops are awesome. As hard as he was to understand, it really did sound like he had been rehabilitated. And that really is awesome.
As I was getting off the bus, the woman was saying to him, "you'll always be Crip to me."
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