Singing and Dancing...

You know I always wonder what it is that motivates someone to sing and dance on the bus, or even worse so close to the tracks at the train station. During my morning trip into downtown ATL and my return trip I would encounter three different individuals that just knew they were the winner of "The Voice", "American Idol", and "So You Think You Can Dance". Now don't get me wrong do your thang if you can actually sing and dance, but these folks were not the business!! Now there was one particular case in which the guy was singing Miguel's new joint "How Many". For my folks that are familiar with this song, one might would've had wanted to ask this gentleman "How many drinks did YOU have this morning?"  And to make matters worse this dude was inches away from falling into the tracks. All I could was shake my head, because Lords knows I did not need to see that type of accident go down that early in the AM.

I kid you not folks, I couldn't make this stuff up even if I wanted too, trust me!! I have come to realize that singing and dancing is just a part of riding the train and/or bus. But I must admit these individuals who do sing and dance are actually quite brave and willing. Brave because they are clearly putting on a show in front of total strangers in a very public space, and willing because they are not getting paid for this AT ALL!! To each is own!

Maybe these folks think they will be the next Tyrese....mmmmm don't think so....but at least they made a valiant effort....

Until next time... #MARTAandBARTTales

A Film Worth Seeing..."Fruitvale Station"

Seeing that this blog is about my MARTA and BART travels, I wanted to throw a small curve ball in the mix. In addition to this blog I also have a movie/film blog Black Savant Cinema where I give film reviews, feature new upcoming films, etc. So I was a bit torn about this specific post because it deals with an actual situation that took place at the Fruitvale Station (a stop on the BART) in Oakland, California. But what the heck, I can make it work!!

New Years Day 2009 would be a day to remember for the family of 22-year old Oscar Grant III. Fruitvale Station is an independent drama film (directed by USC graduate Ryan Coogler)  based on the true story of Oscar Grant, the young man who was fatally shot and killed by BART police offices at the California Fruitvale transit station. 

(Fruitvale Station in Oakland, CA)

Even before hitting theaters this film has already garnered success winning the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and winner of Best First Film at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. So let's just its a MUST SEE on my list!! It is stories like this that open your eyes and mind to the jaw dropping events that take place at your local transit station. 

Check out the trailer below:

Even though this was not my personal experience, I felt it was still appropriate to feature on the blog. It's a story that should not be forgotten, and one that tells a heart-felt tale of the importance of family and the rarity of second chances.

So stay tuned Fruitvale Station is schedule to be released in theaters on July 26th, 2013.

Books and Headphones...

AM Ride:

Once again MARTA does not fail me by providing my entertainment for the day. Now my trip to campus was actually more quiet than my trip home. As I boarded the train at HE Holmes, I would take my corner seat and open my book to read. And you know that feeling when you feel like someone has invaded your space...BINGO that's what I felt. Seated right behind was a lady (probably in her late 30s/early 40s) leaning over her seat over my shoulder, it was if she was reading along with me. Now grant it I know the book is interesting (hence why I am reading it), but "BACK BACK!" So as I looked back to hopefully see the woman lean back she does the exact opposite. As a matter of fact she proceeds to tell me "Ma'am I wasn't finished reading that page..." REALLY?!?! I guess I had interrupted her flow, my bad!! So what did I have to do, close the book so neither she can read or me!! Why Me?

PM Ride:

Now the ride home was even more interesting....As I boarded the Georgia State station I would be greeted by a female police officer standing front and center. I guess they beefed up security just in case we had a "naked gymnast" of our own. And I kid you not, we didn't have a naked man, but we did have "America's Non-Singing Idol" on board. And sista girl really thought that she could blow...hot air...Even with my headphones she was still louder than my music. And after two threats from the police officer she finally calmed down, well actually she began to hum. But thank God she was getting off soon because I would have literally lost my mind!

So what did I learn today...We can't possibly share reading a book...and...Soundproof headphones along with an ALEVE are a MUST!!

Trust me when I tell I can't make these stories up...#marta-bart-tales

Just Had to Share...Naked Gymnast on BART

Now here is a story that I probably would have fell out if I had actually witnessed for my own eyes. But I just had to share, because it's things like this that just make your ride on public transportation that more entertaining!!

24-year old acrobat Yeiner Garizabalo made his acrobat debut in a San Francisco train station in front of many who just wanted to get from point A to B! Garizabalo who by the way was all the way live naked climbed on top of the turnstiles and proceeded to perform a number of gymnastic stunts. Can imagine having to be "privy" (sarcastically) to that show. The actual event actually took place on May 10, at the 16th Street Mission Station, but was uploaded to YouTube on this week.

See the video below:

Let me just say, I do not know what I would have done if this man came anywhere near! God forbid he even get close enough to where he touches me!! Can you just imagine some strange man, let alone a naked man, jumping on you?!! I would probably have a fit!! SMH!! For more of the story click NAKED MAN HERE !!

As I have said before you never know what you may see or hear while riding the MARTA or BART!! #marta-bart-tales

Summer MARTA Travels...

Since I have started back taking MARTA regularly, I find it very interesting the many different people that I meet during my travels. On today’s journey this gentleman sat next to me on the train (mind you there were plenty of open seat available) and proceeded to give me a history lesson. He would talk about everything from Islam, to John Henrik Clark, Egypt, Kemet, the Bible, God, to making sure I do my part in helping the Black community. It was actually quite interesting :-)! But the icing on the cake was he made sure to tell me to stay focused, stay motivated, and keep up the good work!! He would also (genuinely) tell me, “I know you are going to do great things!!” Amazing how total strangers see the good in you!! #BART/MARTATales

Welcome to BART & MARTA Tales!!

Welcome to BART & MARTA Tales!!

As someone who is riding the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transport Authority) regularly now and will soon be riding the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) I figure I would share my travels with you all! On any given day many things can happen from good to bad...crazy to mild!!

Thanks to a good friend/professor/mentor, I figured I would share these stories with the masses. It is amazing the people that you run into and the stories that develop. I figure it can serve a multipurpose, to educate, entertain, and potentially bring awareness to what goes on a simple mode of transportation.

So come join me!! Trust me you are in for a treat!!