New Rittenhouse Resident Issued Uniform
July 8, 2008 –
The 64-year-old Ella Rochester, who on Saturday moved into a condominium on Rittenhouse Square, yesterday reported that she was honored by the subsequent issuance of her new Rittenhouse uniform. "When the concierge brought it up, I almost cried," admitted the former Ambler resident, who moved into The Barclay following the finalization of her divorce. "It's like I truly belong now."
 Jane Gillison, head of the Rittenhouse Square Civic Association, described the summer outfit, issued to all female residents over forty. "Ms. Rochester was given a tasteful straw sunhat, collared dress shirt, and pleated slacks," she said, motioning to a stockroom full of the uniforms. "Wherever she goes in the city, Ella will be instantly recognizable as 'one of ours.' " She added that the group's alternate uniforms–which include a teal silk scarf, cotton dress, and thin cardigan sweater–would be distributed within the month. "It's nice to give our ladies a choice," she said, adjusting her straw hat. "We find it really spices things up down in the square."
Rochester, meanwhile, said that the sophisticated new outfit would save her a great deal of time and energy. "When I was in the suburbs, I had to figure out what to wear every single day," she sighed, adjusting the cuffs on her shirt. "But now, I can just put this on, go out, and blend right in with my peers." Her daughter, Theresa, 35, said that her mother's happiness was making her wish for the day that she, too, could move to Rittenhouse Square. "I always noticed that those women kind of dressed the same, and I thought it was kind of funny," she said by telephone from her home in Blue Bell. "But I'm kind of rethinking that now. You know, it's a shame my dad's still back in Ambler. I think he'd really like the khakis and polo shirts they give out to all the men." |
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Public Transportation: The Way to Go!
Tracy Edwards, PublicTransport PA |
In the last few months, public transportation in Southeastern Pennsylvania has gained thousands of new riders, as rising gas prices have made driving an increasingly costly proposition. At a time when it's becoming vital for us to decrease our tailpipe emissions, this is good news for all of us–not just in the Philadelphia area, but on planet earth as well.
Yet as the daily gridlock on I-95 and the Schuylkill Expressway still illustrate, we must do more to reduce our dependency on automobiles. Luckily, unlike in many other parts of the country, we have plenty of wonderful public transportation options.
For those who must commute, traveling by train is a convenient, affordable, and relaxing way to get to and from the office. Time previously spent honking the horn, screaming at other drivers, and ruing the lost minutes can be spent reading the paper, enjoying a book, or simply taking a snooze. And with so many rediscovering the pleasures of rail travel, you'll be in the company of lots of happily like-minded riders.
For those of you whose daily business keeps you in the city, there is, of course, the subway, whose pleasures are similar to that of the regional rail lines. Yet riding the bus is another practical option–as well as a safe, flexible way to get around. There are few areas that SEPTA's buses don't serve–and with a fleet that, through technological advances, is becoming more green and less polluting, Philadelphia's transit agency is rededicating itself to keeping its customers happy and our air clean.
But don't take my word for it! If you're sick of endless gridlock, dirty air, and $4 gas, leave that car in the garage and hop on a train or a bus–you'll be happier, healthier, and wealthier for it!
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Public Transportation? Ewww.
Rick Kemp, American Petroleum Institute |
There's been a lot of talk lately about cutting down on driving, and increasing the use of public transportation. And I suppose that with gas prices putting the squeeze on some people, that's not surprising. But what public-transportation advocates don't want to tell you is that riding the train or the bus is as enjoyable as a Tabasco enema–especially when compared to the cozy, relaxing environs of your own car, truck, or, even better, SUV.
Now, I know what you're thinking: Rick, you work for the gas companies–of course you want me to drive more! But I assure you, friends, my opinion on this matter is based entirely on experience–not outside pressure.
Take trains, for instance.
I've had the misfortune of riding Philadelphia's subways on numerous occasions, and it made me thank the heavens that on the sixth day, God created the Tahoe. For one thing, the stations were a frightening, fluorescent-lit mess–as if I had somehow entered a scene from The Warriors. I couldn't tell what would kill me first: the germs, the stale air, or the muttering nut-job who was, I'm sure, plotting to shove me onto the tracks. Once the train finally moseyed in, things improved only marginally. The cloth seats were filthy; like sitting on a homeless man's lap. Hardened gum spots were accompanied by what one could only hope were stains from a bowl of New England clam chowder. Yet on other rides, I found that SEPTA's plastic seats weren't much better, as they were coated in grime and as comfortable as a broken cinder block. And unlike folks who zip around in automobiles, your companions on the train don't seem to be having much fun. And it's little wonder why: no A/C control, no bucket seats, and definitely no G N' R Lies blasting from the speakers. It's borderline tragic.
The buses, though, are even worse than the trains. Combine the horrible conditions on the subway with dangerous corner shelters, perpetually irate drivers, and abrupt stops every three and a half seconds, and you'll begin to see what buses are really like. And those are just the highlights!
So, Rick, you ask, how can I avoid these public-transportation nightmares? In a word: driving. It's fast, fun, and, even with high gas prices, surprisingly affordable. And even if you're sitting in traffic, you can always sit back, crank up the radio, and party! And when was the last time SEPTA made you want to party? |
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