DId I say I was going to study for the MPRE yesterday? Well I fell asleep while doing a practice test. I wonder if that could possibly happen to me while I am taking the actual exam.
That means more work for me today. The only thing is we are editing the journal and thats occupying my time this morning. If you can believe it, I am taking a break in class, well, my makeup class. I had two make up classes today and had to choose one to go to, it wasnt supposed to happen since Professors usually check the registrar's office for student conflict. Either the system did not work in this case or one prof. did not check.
Oh, yesterday, I was reading Red Eye and there was a column where the columnist discussed people who bring big bags on the cta. She asked people to respond, many did, berating the backpack carriers, laptop laden briefcase toting people and other huge bag carriers. Well, I decided to respond as well and my email is reproduced below:
http://www.redeyechicago.com/public.htm
Hi Kyra,
I am in law school at Northwestern Univ. and as a result, have a lot of books to carry.
Personally, I would rather have two sets of books, one at home and one at school, (like one of my classmates did in our first year) so I dont have to carry anything but until Congress appropriates more money for me or my father becomes a surgeon like my classmates father, its one set of books.
I was on the bus one day when a lady gave me the looks and said I may tear her panty hose with my book bag!!! I looked at her..nicely and given that we Northwestern people are nice, did not say what I would have said if I wasnt so constrained, which is "here is $5, go to walmart and buy yourself extras just in case my backpack tears your pantyhose."
No matter how I carry my books, rollerbag, bookbag, shopping bag or no bag, no one will be happy. People don't even seem to be happy when they see you carry your bag!! On another note, I once entered the #3 on my way to school, I left my book bag at the front of the bus on the lugguage space (some buses have them) and sat in the back. Seeing how beautiful Chicago is, my concentration was outside admiring the city when I realized we were stopped at Randolph and Michigan and my bag was about to be tossed out because it was an "unattended lugguage" and could pose a terrorist threat to the good citizens of bus #3 and the people around us.
I still carry my backpack while I am still in school but not to worry Chicago, I graduate next semester and will suffer you no more but I must warn you, I will be trading in my backpack for a briefcase!!
Dozie Okpalaobieri
Lived in Bronzeville and now take the CTA/Metra out to Wheeling.
By the way, taking the metra is a different story altogether!!!
I got that off my chest and she did reply...nice lady!! The original article is below:
November 1, 2005Fighting oversized items on the CTA? It's in the bagThey're big. They're bulky. They can hurt people. I'm not talking about club bouncers. I'm talking about supersized bags on the CTA. Some people board the "L" and buses as if they're headed on a four-year mountain expedition. They could probably fit a sleeping bag, an inflatable tent and a lifetime supply of beef jerky into their biggie bags. Even when these riders exercise caution, they often smack fellow riders in the face or bruise ribs as they seek out seats. The issue has inflamed quite a few "Going Public" readers. Just ask Leslie Mitchell. The 5-foot-2 rider says she has suffered repeated attacks while on the "L." "I've been clocked numerous times in the head by tall men's (and women's) briefcases, backpack, designer handbags," writes 36-year-old Mitchell. "My calves have been permanently dinged by those damn rolling suitcase-size computer totes." Rider Joan Gorrell suggests that the backpacks serve no real purpose. "Shopping bags are an occasional necessity for all," writes Gorrell, who lives in Jefferson Park. "People with luggage on the way to the airport have a legitimate reason—but the backpackers—urrrggghhhh!" But before the backpackers go ballistic, I'm sure nobody is suggesting that all big bags—unless airport-related—should be banned. Of course we should make an exception for local students who are wielding a wide load in the interest of education ... as long as they don't block the doors. But for those of us who are not studying or traveling out of state, it's time to unload the excess baggage. I've come up with some big, bulky ideas about how we can do that. Riders, feel free to weigh in on the discussion. Bring in the baggage sizers Airlines have no problem asking passengers to limit bag size, so why can't the CTA? Why not place baggage sizers outside "L" turnstiles and in front of bus stops? No hard and fast rules on dimensions, but I would say that if you could carry a 5-year-old onboard in your bag, then it's too big. Ladies, oversized handbags are all the rage, but if you're able to transport your entire makeup and medicine cabinet stash in those things, it's time to downsize. That, or risk the ire of one Logan Square rider who's really peeved over purses. "I cannot count the number of times I've felt a poke in MY armpit or MY ribcage from some dumb broad's enormous leather bag," writes 25-year-old Jennifer Bacher. "Hold it in front of you, or put it on the damn floor." Punish carry-on crimes So, you still want to tote a Sherpa's load for a four-stop odyssey to work? Think it's not your fault if some 4-year-old and his grandpa get gouged in the eye with your backpack strap? Under my new rules, riders who harm others with their packs would walk a gauntlet down "L" or bus aisles while being poked and pushed by their peers. If you don't accept this punishment, you'll be ejected from the CTA until you get a smaller bag or learn how to maneuver without mowing down innocent bystanders. Mandatory show & tell I can already hear the executive types complaining that their employers are the ones forcing them to cart laptops, mobile phones and a tome of documents on their daily commute. It's not their fault they need another seat just for their briefcases. I hear you, brothers and sisters. At the end of the day, we're all working for The Man. But my new bag policy is prove it or lose it. Every rider with an overly heavy load would have to open their bag for their fellow riders, announce its contents and let the majority rule on whether or not it's justified for their job. So if you're really hiding your rare rock collection or a hundred Beanie Babies in your briefcase, repent now and save yourself some shame. How would you deal with big bag-wielding bullies? Do you feel entitled to your behemoth bags because you've paid your way to ride on the CTA? Send your opinion—along with your name, age and neighborhood—to kkyles@tribune.com. E-mail Kyra Kyles at kkyles@tribune.com
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