Robin Wilton's esoterica

« Update from Chicago | Main | Liberty Alliance... »

22 Jul · Fri 2005

"See something, Say something"

Just got back from Chicago, having, among other things, tried out the public transport system. [Snap verdict: excellent. The subway and bus services are sensibly co-ordinated, so (for instance) at Jefferson Park the buses leave from right next to the subway station, and I'm told the timetables intermesh. A one-day pass for both networks cost me $5.] The police were in evidence at Clark and Lake station; a 'Canine Patrol Unit' van at street level, a pair of dogs and handlers in the ticket hall and another pair on the platform. The passenger information boards have the usual "Please keep your belongings with you" message, but also display the simpler "See Something, Say Something" slogan which is currently also in use in New York. It seems to work. For various reasons (longish story) I set off for the airport carrying a suitcase, rucksack, bum-bag (fanny pack ;^) and a carrier bag from the Art Institute of Chicago's Museum Shop. While waiting for the train, I decided to re-pack some stuff, so (not wanting to open my suitcase up in mid-platform), I headed for the 'low-traffic' area by the stairs, at the end of the platform. The Museum bag went into the suitcase and I headed back along the platform... to be greeted by the dog team. One of the other passengers had alerted them to "someone doing something with a suitcase behind the stairway". All this within the space of about 30 seconds. Fair comment. I was definitely engaged in 'atypical' behaviour, so whoever you are, if you read this blog (what are the odds....?) - good call. Technorati tags: Security, Chicago subway

Posted by racingsnake @ 06:10 PM GMT+00:00 [ Comments [2] ]

Comments:

I don't think it's that atypical for a traveler. But I do agree it's nice to see someone not just ignoring something. One of my habits is to change from business clothes after a meeting into shorts/jeans/Tshirt prior to getting on the plane. While I try to get some privacy in a restroom stall, I guess it's just a matter of time before the SWAT team busts through the door and catches me in my skivvies.

Posted by ThinGuy on July 22, 2005 at 06:52 PM GMT+00:00 #

[lol] You'll have to be really careful how you respond to the order to "assume the position"...

As it happens, I did also freshen up and change in the rest-rooms at O'Hare. That time, the funny looks I got were from a couple of the passengers about to board a flight to Kuwait. I figured out why when they started to go through the Muslim washing routine... the way I had been washing must have looked all wrong to them.

Presumably a bit like going into a Catholic church and genuflecting in the wrong direction, or something.

Posted by Robin Wilton on July 24, 2005 at 05:43 PM GMT+00:00 #

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
« December 2009
	1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30	31

Today