Wendesday 9:59 p.m.

Banner day for the Chicago Transit - three full fared rides in one day. Almost half a sawbuck spent for this privilege.

As I was going down the steps to the train platform, this young man and woman were ascending the stairs. The man had blackened spiky hair, funky glasses, bell bottomed pants, was wearing make-up I presume and nail polish and the only phrase I caught him saying to his friend was "And you konw I am straight" and he was serious.

Got on the red line and for some reason this train was dirty. It also had a crowded feel even though it was only half full.

At Fullerton there was a young white woman who got on the train and sat across from this black man who was really was into her. I was reading Time magazine about the general who will lead the upcoming/more-than-likely war in Iraq and I could see him eying this woman. Then he says "Temperatures dropping". Only a "C" for effort since at least that is better than "cold out tonight" Then to still try an engage this woman he asked "do you have gum or piece of candy". She replied with "all I have is a mint" which is too strong for our gentleman. At that point I got out of the train at Belmont for the transfer.

As I was leaving the final train for the day, there was a man reading the program from the play I had seen tonight. I almost engaged but c'mon ... this is the "el".