Why is it that the Law Enforcement people HATE us 'CAB DRIVERS?" There isn't any reason. They might be "JEALOUS' that there is MORE danger in our line of work! I say ....."We have complete strangers sitting behind us."......Cop says.."so do We!"....I say..."in custody,DUH!" Cop says "OH!" Our necks can be cut at any moment. A police car has a 'divider' in between him and the person in custody. (THAT'S SCARY....WHOAAA!) We the Cab driver in Austin, Texas can get in BIG trouble if we get CAUGHT carrying a firearm. We the drivers are 'mobile cash registers' but yet not allowed to protect ourselves. There was a driver downtown Austin at a red light at 7TH and Trinity. A guy jumps in the Cab...A COP knocks on the cab and gives him a ticket for 'IMPEDING TRAFFIC'. The police in Austin make it difficult to do our job and safely get the drinkers home. I ask WHY?.....Hmmmmm.....Maybe we take money away from the city for not letting them arrest people on 'INTOXICATION OR DRIVING UNDER CASE' hmmmmmm. Instead, they'll ticket a cab driver for sitting at a BARRICADE, out of the moving lane of traffic instead of letting us do our job. They gotta get paid somehow! We endure enough disrespect from drunks downtown.....and yet.....we get them home safely! WHY....WHY....WHY.? It's all about the money! It's hard work!
I was going downstairs at the Airport to load......when out of the blue, I had lights blaring in my rear view. An Airport Policeman. I finally pulled over in a safe spot downstairs. The 'bad little' policeman approached my window....."where are you going so fast?" I replied..."fast?" The cop said "I clocked you at 60!". There was no way I was going that fast in that short of distance! I said.."SHOW ME!". He said "I paced you!" I replied "from a quarter mile in the dark,(there was a slight drizzle)......I'll see you in court.....I'm not a physics expert, but there is no way this car (Mercury Sable) could go from zero to sixty in that short of a distance." He then asked for license and stuff. The cop walked back to his car. Another officer approached my vehicle......I explained that this was a bunch of bull...he said "your gonna talk yourself into a ticket!" I stood behind the car. Waiting....waiting....waiting....waiting...The cop was running me for outstanding warrants(That's all he wanted to do)...waiting...waiting.....HERE HE COMES. He says "I'm gonna give you a warning......" I said "yes sir" Like I really had a ticket coming from that low-life. I'm CLEAN...I'M CLEAN... The officer had the nerve to hand me the warning and say "slow it down next time". What a butt-head! I held my tongue. That is the kind of things we go through. STOP HARASSING US.
If the police understood.......we could be a nice asset to assist crime with our eyes. The more eyes the better. Be our friend and we CABs might just give you COPs a little more respect.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
WHAT INTEGRITY?
It was a normal week-day morning rush of business people at the Airport in Austin,Texas. I was standing next to my Cab in line. A guy(45-50's)(the BOSS) and a girl (early 30's)(probably the secretary?) Not even a simple....... Hello....how you going...Good Morning..... NOTHING. No manners whatever. Do You Know....(YOUR LIFE IS IN MY HANDS!!!!!) PEOPLE!!!!!! Anyways the guy says "Hilton Downtown!" They entered the Cab.....the girl directly behind me and the guy next too. It was silent, like a detention hall full of mutes and hearing impaired people. So quiet...... I could hear the Earth rotate. Anyways....Kept driving. Heading down 7TH street to get to the Hilton. I can see in my mirror the guys body language. He was acting like.......this piece of trash Cabbie is screwing me somehow......I don't trust his kind!....Just say one word, Cab driver..... I did!
"Excuse me sir" I said. He replied "WHAT!" I said to the guy..."what do you have against cab drivers?". He exploded...."DON'T YOU FU**ING INSULT MY INTELLIGENCE, MY INTEGRITY.....".
I took a hard left before he could finish saying whatever he was going to say. Yelled back at the guy...."THIS IS MY OFFICE...YOU DON'T CUSS ME OUT IN MY OFFICE!" The car was stopped now. " GET THE FU** OUT OF MY OFFICE!" The guy exited the cab in anger. The girl followed. I then told them that fare was $15.50. He said "LIKE HELL I'LL PAY YOU!" I said...."what about your bags?" The guy froze and said nothing. The female approached me and handed me a twenty dollar bill. "keep the change." she said. I opened my trunk and grabbed the suitcase. Gave it to the lady and said...."Ma'am, would you like a ride to the hotel......he can walk." She walked to her boss. I got in the car and called the cab dispatch to explained what happened. To get the correct story in first. Nothing happened. Went back to work.
"Excuse me sir" I said. He replied "WHAT!" I said to the guy..."what do you have against cab drivers?". He exploded...."DON'T YOU FU**ING INSULT MY INTELLIGENCE, MY INTEGRITY.....".
I took a hard left before he could finish saying whatever he was going to say. Yelled back at the guy...."THIS IS MY OFFICE...YOU DON'T CUSS ME OUT IN MY OFFICE!" The car was stopped now. " GET THE FU** OUT OF MY OFFICE!" The guy exited the cab in anger. The girl followed. I then told them that fare was $15.50. He said "LIKE HELL I'LL PAY YOU!" I said...."what about your bags?" The guy froze and said nothing. The female approached me and handed me a twenty dollar bill. "keep the change." she said. I opened my trunk and grabbed the suitcase. Gave it to the lady and said...."Ma'am, would you like a ride to the hotel......he can walk." She walked to her boss. I got in the car and called the cab dispatch to explained what happened. To get the correct story in first. Nothing happened. Went back to work.
I'm Outta Here!
This story involves another cab driver in Austin,Tx. This was during the early 2000's. The Cab driver was Southbound on Interstate 35 coming from North Austin. There was a young white male inside the cab in the backseat. (early 20's). The guy then pulled a GUN on the Cab driver. Thinking quickly, The driver put his head down, started speeding up his Cab and said "I guess we're both gonna die!" The guy in the backseat was confused. The robbery attempt was nothing like he thought. The Cab was speeding, hands off the wheel, head down and was showing.that he was ready to 'accept death'. Funny thing there was a Police unit a little ways behind the cab, Speeding up to pull over the speeding Cab. (the cop had no idea what was happening in the cab)
The robber started to freak out(inexperienced), threw the gun in the front seat and jumped out of the Cab. The Cab was about 70 -80 miles per hours at the time and was still accelerating. The robber slid on the highway and suffered severe injuries. The Patrol car was in shock. He didn't know why. The Cab continued to drive drown the highway to the police station, located right off the highway at 8TH street, he was about 1 minute away. Exited and drove up the three level Police parking garage, got to the top and started blowing his horn. Cops ran outside, guns drawn, no idea what was going on. "GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE...TURN THE CAR OFF....GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE!" He obliged and got taken down to the ground and secured. "WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?" asked the officer. The driver tried to explain....."WE GOT A GUN!!" yelled another officer. Finally the story came together....The Gun, THE DRIVER, the guy on the highway....etc....
The robber was taken to the hospital, stayed a week released and arrested. He was under 'protective' watch the whole stay. The driver lived to work another day. To some drivers....death is a blessing! He picked the WRONG CABBIE!
The robber started to freak out(inexperienced), threw the gun in the front seat and jumped out of the Cab. The Cab was about 70 -80 miles per hours at the time and was still accelerating. The robber slid on the highway and suffered severe injuries. The Patrol car was in shock. He didn't know why. The Cab continued to drive drown the highway to the police station, located right off the highway at 8TH street, he was about 1 minute away. Exited and drove up the three level Police parking garage, got to the top and started blowing his horn. Cops ran outside, guns drawn, no idea what was going on. "GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE...TURN THE CAR OFF....GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE!" He obliged and got taken down to the ground and secured. "WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?" asked the officer. The driver tried to explain....."WE GOT A GUN!!" yelled another officer. Finally the story came together....The Gun, THE DRIVER, the guy on the highway....etc....
The robber was taken to the hospital, stayed a week released and arrested. He was under 'protective' watch the whole stay. The driver lived to work another day. To some drivers....death is a blessing! He picked the WRONG CABBIE!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
DON'T CALL ME----LOW LIFE PEOPLE
It was a week-day afternoon in 2001. I was given a dispatched call at a Anger Management location on E. Oltorf in South Austin. I drove to the place and there was a White female(mid-30's). She entered the cab and told me to go over by the old Airport. She also told me that her 'boyfriend was going to pay. Cool, no problem. This lady had issues. She reminded of a drug using hooker. Come to find out she was. We arrived at the house. Boyfriend wasn't there. The meter was around $13 dollars. She suggested....would I be interested in a sexual favor(B.J.). I said no thanks. She said drive around the block and her MAN might be at a friends house. He wasn't there. I was thinking of maybe getting some kind of collateral. We pull up to her house and the boyfriend had just gotten home. She asked for my 'card', stupidly I gave it. The boyfriend walked to my window and said "how much?". $13 dollars I replied. He paid me exact fare and walked away. He was vocally hostile to the girl...."where were you at? Where did you go?" She frantically said "we were trying to find you." The guy said..."get in the house!" I drove off.
Two weeks pass, I'm at the Airport working in my cab. My phone rings......"hello?" It was that girl. "whatcha doin?" she said. "I'm working" I replied. All of a sudden she went from calm lady to evil lady. "I need twenty dollars!" I said "what?" She said that if I didn't give her Twenty dollars she was going to tell my Company and the police I raped her. I didn't panic. YOU CAN'T HUSTLE A FORMER HUSTLER! I played along and said I'll call you back. I went down to load at the Airport. I loaded a fare heading N. Central Austin. During the fare she calls again this time demanding $40 dollars. "I'll call you back." I said. Hung the call up and got to my destination. Got paid my fare and left.
Having a Cell phone, her number she called from was there. I called her back and said that I was up north. I was contemplating in my head what kind of game could I play! Asked the girl did she know where the corner of 45TH and Burnet was and there was a Mobile gas station there. She said "Yeah, I'll be there in 10 minutes and I want $40 dollars." Another person got on the phone, with an aggressive voice "THIS IS SENATOR BARRIENTOS... SHE ONE OF MY EMPLOYEES IN MY OFFICE...YOU RAPED HER AND IF YOU DON'T GIVE HER WHAT SHE WANTS.....I'LL HAVE YOU ARRESTED! I said that it was no problem. I'll be there.
I had 10 minutes to come up with a plan.....(I did) I made a phone call.....(9-1-1, what's the emergency?) I explained to 9-1-1 what was going on. I was being 'blackmailed' and it wasn't going to happen. I was at the Mobile and realized something......I knew if they see a police car there, they would keep driving. Call again...(9-1-1, what's the emergency?) I explained that I had just called and to let whatever Patrol was coming not to pull into the Mobil. The dispatch understood. A couple minutes later, here comes a dirty, beat up Red Ford Explorer. The girl jumps out of the car, pointing fingers, raising all kind of hell. I put my hands up to the side and started to take steps backwards. The so-called "Senator" remained behind the wheel. As I was stepping backwards a Patrol car drives into the lot.(lights flashing) The officer jumped out of the vehicle and told the women to STOP AND STAY where she was at. He told me to go over by my cab and wait. The girl started to 'dramatize' yelling...."HE RAPED ME, HE RAPED ME...ARRRRRGHHH!" Crying like she was wearing 'onion' eye make-up. Another cop walked over to me and asked me...."What Happened?" Told my story.(AGAIN). The other cop was arresting the girl.....She had 'outstanding warrants'....go figure. A cop asked the driver, "your not a Senator!" The driver said ...."who said that?" The girl was yelling..."I'M GONNA GET YOU....YOU RAPER!........whatever. She couldn't fool a blind man on April's Fools Day. I went back to work. Actually Justified by the Law. WOW!
Two weeks pass, I'm at the Airport working in my cab. My phone rings......"hello?" It was that girl. "whatcha doin?" she said. "I'm working" I replied. All of a sudden she went from calm lady to evil lady. "I need twenty dollars!" I said "what?" She said that if I didn't give her Twenty dollars she was going to tell my Company and the police I raped her. I didn't panic. YOU CAN'T HUSTLE A FORMER HUSTLER! I played along and said I'll call you back. I went down to load at the Airport. I loaded a fare heading N. Central Austin. During the fare she calls again this time demanding $40 dollars. "I'll call you back." I said. Hung the call up and got to my destination. Got paid my fare and left.
Having a Cell phone, her number she called from was there. I called her back and said that I was up north. I was contemplating in my head what kind of game could I play! Asked the girl did she know where the corner of 45TH and Burnet was and there was a Mobile gas station there. She said "Yeah, I'll be there in 10 minutes and I want $40 dollars." Another person got on the phone, with an aggressive voice "THIS IS SENATOR BARRIENTOS... SHE ONE OF MY EMPLOYEES IN MY OFFICE...YOU RAPED HER AND IF YOU DON'T GIVE HER WHAT SHE WANTS.....I'LL HAVE YOU ARRESTED! I said that it was no problem. I'll be there.
I had 10 minutes to come up with a plan.....(I did) I made a phone call.....(9-1-1, what's the emergency?) I explained to 9-1-1 what was going on. I was being 'blackmailed' and it wasn't going to happen. I was at the Mobile and realized something......I knew if they see a police car there, they would keep driving. Call again...(9-1-1, what's the emergency?) I explained that I had just called and to let whatever Patrol was coming not to pull into the Mobil. The dispatch understood. A couple minutes later, here comes a dirty, beat up Red Ford Explorer. The girl jumps out of the car, pointing fingers, raising all kind of hell. I put my hands up to the side and started to take steps backwards. The so-called "Senator" remained behind the wheel. As I was stepping backwards a Patrol car drives into the lot.(lights flashing) The officer jumped out of the vehicle and told the women to STOP AND STAY where she was at. He told me to go over by my cab and wait. The girl started to 'dramatize' yelling...."HE RAPED ME, HE RAPED ME...ARRRRRGHHH!" Crying like she was wearing 'onion' eye make-up. Another cop walked over to me and asked me...."What Happened?" Told my story.(AGAIN). The other cop was arresting the girl.....She had 'outstanding warrants'....go figure. A cop asked the driver, "your not a Senator!" The driver said ...."who said that?" The girl was yelling..."I'M GONNA GET YOU....YOU RAPER!........whatever. She couldn't fool a blind man on April's Fools Day. I went back to work. Actually Justified by the Law. WOW!
Monday, January 12, 2009
DON'T DOUBT ME, BUDDY!
This just happened. Jan. 11,2009. I took a fare from the airport(AUSTIN) to a downtown hotel. Dropped off and got paid the standard fare. Drove from the hotel thinking about....where could I get a fare?. It was 5:25pm RUSHHOUR! Went to Congress. Saw a van cab loading in front of 600 Congress.(Cab Stand there) I parked behind him. A couple of minutes pass. See a guy running to the Van cab. Tried to talk to the driver. Little did the guy know, the van cab was already LOADED. He came back to my cab. He told me he needed a cab to the Airport. (BINGO). Cool....let's go! he said we have to go back to 811 Congress and pick up his friend, dog and three bags. Drove up and around the corner to get to the location. He said he was on a Jet Blue flight 6:55pm. It was 5:55pm! I had to cut off a bus and stop in traffic.(it was three lanes wide) We loaded the cab and headed to the Airport. I said that I could get there pretty quick. ....1ST street....to riverside...to 71 etc.... The guy said why not 7TH street. It's faster. Told the guy during rush hour traffic that it wasn't. 7TH street, 1ST street and Airport Blvd all merge at the bridge.....NO WAY!!!! Said to the guy....in my ten years of driving.....Riverside is the better street to take during rush hour. He says ' I fly all the time' I wasn't going to argue, just kept driving my way. We encountered heavy traffic at the first light at Riverside. They started to act like I was going the wrong way. I told them I'll be there before 6:20pm. They said....yeah right...whatever. The vibe I got.....these guys were lovers. Jet Blue now flys to San Francisco. Poor doggie in the mans lap. We made it down Riverside at got to the Airport at 6:18pm....told the guys....less than 20 minutes here...in traffic....They didn't know what to say. It goes to show......NOT ALL CABBIES ARE SCUM. We can do the right thing....even if your the butt-head. We unloaded at the gate......Not even a thanks.........just a 10 dollar TIP. Good enough for me!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
CUT THROAT-NO RESPECT JOB!!!
Who dares says that cab driving is a easy job. There is absolutely no loyalty in the business. Bottom line.....first come...first serve. It is very, very, very, very rare to hear about another Cab driver helping out another strange cabbie to make more money than them. I saw the fare first, is the common lingo. Don't you dare try to pass me....I will go into 'NASCAR' mode. I have to get there first. You don't pay my BILLS! or maybe, TICKETS!!!! Get the hell out of the way. I saw her first! No love...no loyalty...no rules...no mercy....no sweat! Did you know that our job is more dangerous the a policeman's? HOW SO,YOU ASK?...... I the cab driver have complete strangers sitting behind me! Cop says "so do I." Cab says "without handcuffs. The cop says "OH". When you have a Cab with no center 'partisan', your free game. It is....what it is! We the Cab driver is a walking target. Easy game. Example.....if there are 6-8 cars speeding on the highway and the cab is in the middle. They will always....I mean 9 times out of ten...pull the cab over. WHY? It is because I am COLORED AND NUMBERED. Can't hide. Easy money towards a Cops 'quota'. All CABS work a very difficult job that is needed in our world. Can you imagine if there were NO CABS in America? How would we balance the EMPLOYMENT of MINORITIES in America. There are only so many GAS-STATIONS. DOLLAR STORES.
I hate to say it.....the WHITE man is the minority in the CAB business in America. Is that why people 'spit'on us, Cops harass us, God forbid............GIVE US BENEFITS!!!!! Yeah right! I am in it to win it. I make money for me and my family.....the hell with y'all......Donations? I LOL!!!! GET AWAY From my cab....at every corner....they all say VET on every other cardboard sign.....WHY?..........what the hell is your M.O.S.? They say....what do you mean? I tell them take that sign down before I KICK their ASS!
If a person served our GREAT COUNTRY they would know what that meant. If you don't.....Military Occupational Specialty. (what you did.) If there was a retired cop on the corner.......I would write his ass a ticket. Don't ticket me for speeding because you have colored lights on your car. That's quite colorful......GAY?...That's why you enjoy frisking me? I AM NOT A PILLOW BITER.....not saying there's anything wrong with that. Like I said before.....I am 100% LESBIAN, I love females. You don't have to get me drunk....I won't fake it.....I am not burning in my pants. I dipped my penis in 'crazy glue.' Those aren't herpes.....I got racked by a porcupine. WOW! They all think cab drivers are uneducated son of a bitches. We got you home after you wrecked your car drinking and driving. Who's the dumb one.....maybe I should call the cops.....I am your best friend now....aren't I. The appreciation only comes at your misfortunate times. We are some dumb, scum, piece of shit drivers when your not in need of our services. Go TO HELL AND TAKE SOME OF THOSE BADGED SUCKERS WITH YOU TOO!!!!
I hate to say it.....the WHITE man is the minority in the CAB business in America. Is that why people 'spit'on us, Cops harass us, God forbid............GIVE US BENEFITS!!!!! Yeah right! I am in it to win it. I make money for me and my family.....the hell with y'all......Donations? I LOL!!!! GET AWAY From my cab....at every corner....they all say VET on every other cardboard sign.....WHY?..........what the hell is your M.O.S.? They say....what do you mean? I tell them take that sign down before I KICK their ASS!
If a person served our GREAT COUNTRY they would know what that meant. If you don't.....Military Occupational Specialty. (what you did.) If there was a retired cop on the corner.......I would write his ass a ticket. Don't ticket me for speeding because you have colored lights on your car. That's quite colorful......GAY?...That's why you enjoy frisking me? I AM NOT A PILLOW BITER.....not saying there's anything wrong with that. Like I said before.....I am 100% LESBIAN, I love females. You don't have to get me drunk....I won't fake it.....I am not burning in my pants. I dipped my penis in 'crazy glue.' Those aren't herpes.....I got racked by a porcupine. WOW! They all think cab drivers are uneducated son of a bitches. We got you home after you wrecked your car drinking and driving. Who's the dumb one.....maybe I should call the cops.....I am your best friend now....aren't I. The appreciation only comes at your misfortunate times. We are some dumb, scum, piece of shit drivers when your not in need of our services. Go TO HELL AND TAKE SOME OF THOSE BADGED SUCKERS WITH YOU TOO!!!!
Shame on Her!
I was on the late night shift, once again. I was driving north on Lavaca when I was hailed down at the corner, in front a bar, by a bouncer. It was 2000. I know this. Because, It was the only year I drove a VAN taxi. The bouncer slides open my side door and puts a girl in the van. She was fine for the moment,(so I thought). She tells me to go to Enfield and 15TH street. This was a strange request. ENFIELD is the same as 15Th street. I was at the corner of 15TH and Enfield and asked the customer where to. No reply. She was passed out . In the Vans back seat. I thought to myself. I'll get to West Lynn area.(residential) and ask again. I was taking a wild guess. I finally arrive at the West Lynn light, make a right, stop and asked again. NO response. She was out like a lightweight in a Mike Tyson bout. I got out of my Van, walked around, slid the door open and shrugged on her leg. I was asking her "What's your address?" She spoke. She kept saying "I'm sorry." I said sorry...for WHAT! She said sorry again. "I can't tell you that." Passed back out. I thought to myself, what to do. I immediately dial 9-1-1. "9-11, what's the emergency." I explained the situation. The dispatch was telling to make sure that her head was upright and that help was on the way. About 5 minutes pass. Here comes an unmarked unit followed by a firetruck. The officer approached me while firemen attended to the cab. I explained to the officer what had happened, while the firemen got the girl to come to. She was in shocked. Kind of embarrassed. When she told the officer where she lived at. I was about a block and a half away. (lucky guess!). The meter was on the whole time. It was around $25 dollars. The officer asked was I still going to get her home. The officer asked the girl if she was going to pay the meter. She said, "Does he take credit cards?" I wasn't equipped back in 2000 to take cards. I told the officer I'll take her home anyway. It was only down the street. It was my good deed for the day. Plus it was 'primetime' downtown. Primetime means it 2am and the bars were closing. Business everywhere downtown. She was a very gracious. Telling me that she could mail me the fare. We pulled up in the driveway, I got out to open the van door. She gets out looks at me and says that I was a very nice guy. Wraps both arms around me, kisses me on the cheek and says "thank-you" for the 100TH time. By this time I was telling the lady I had to get downtown. She looked at me and smiled and said "I'll go downtown on you!" She wanted to show me her appreciation sexually. I thought to myself, hmmmmmm.......girl passed out in my cab.....awaken up by the law....drunk.....wants to pleasure me.....NO THANKS!!!!! That was a 'lawsuit' in the making. I pulled back and told her thanks, but I have to go. I got back in my cab. DOWNTOWN........HERE I COME!!!!!!!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Respectfully Speaking.
What a person chooses to do for his sexual preference is their choice.(It doesn't matter to me). I am a straight guy and I have three kids to prove it! I really think that it is very disrepectful to call a person a F*GG*T! Who are we to judge.I feel that it is much more polite to call that kind of person... A "funny guy".
In the CAB business, the way I call it.... is a Funny Guy comes from a Funny bar. Very respectful. Insults no one. To each his own. It is what it is... The funny thing is...when you put two and two together. It's another day!
Late one night I got hailed down by a couple of guys in front of a 'funny' bar, downtown Austin, 4th street area. They got in my cab(drunk), and wanted to go to Katz's deli, (a 24 hour, late night food joint. REALLY GOOD!) the place was only 7 or 8 blocks from where I picked up at. Doesn't matter, a fares....a fare! What I always noticed to be funny about these funny guys.....they are very 'FLIRT-A-TIOUS' when they are drunk.(girls and guys). On the way, during the glorious three minute ride. They asked me if they could mess around with each other. (they were trying my patience, a test). I told them not to make a mess and do it quietly. The guys were wowwed. A joke from a Cabbie that doesn't hate 'gays'. One guy quickly asked me if I was gay? I said, HELLL YAAAA!. They said REALLY?. These guys were speechless. I then said that I was a LESBIAN! They laughed and said you go with your crazy Cab self. We arrived at Katz's. It was about $3 bucks on the meter. The guy hands me a TWENTY dollar bill and said thanks for the wonderful ride. They walk away. I drive back downtown.
In the CAB business, the way I call it.... is a Funny Guy comes from a Funny bar. Very respectful. Insults no one. To each his own. It is what it is... The funny thing is...when you put two and two together. It's another day!
Late one night I got hailed down by a couple of guys in front of a 'funny' bar, downtown Austin, 4th street area. They got in my cab(drunk), and wanted to go to Katz's deli, (a 24 hour, late night food joint. REALLY GOOD!) the place was only 7 or 8 blocks from where I picked up at. Doesn't matter, a fares....a fare! What I always noticed to be funny about these funny guys.....they are very 'FLIRT-A-TIOUS' when they are drunk.(girls and guys). On the way, during the glorious three minute ride. They asked me if they could mess around with each other. (they were trying my patience, a test). I told them not to make a mess and do it quietly. The guys were wowwed. A joke from a Cabbie that doesn't hate 'gays'. One guy quickly asked me if I was gay? I said, HELLL YAAAA!. They said REALLY?. These guys were speechless. I then said that I was a LESBIAN! They laughed and said you go with your crazy Cab self. We arrived at Katz's. It was about $3 bucks on the meter. The guy hands me a TWENTY dollar bill and said thanks for the wonderful ride. They walk away. I drive back downtown.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
By the BALLS....
It was late night in the summer of 2004. It was an experience hard to forget. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Traffic, lots of partiers. It was a typical weed-end night. Around midnight, I got waved down by a couple of guys. Early 20's, Drunk college kids. I stopped. They entered my car and said they were headed just north if the University campus. Then it started..., "which street?" One guy yelled, "just drive, you piece of shit cabbie!". I told him to shut the f*** up or we can pull over right here. The other guy said "45TH and avenue G.". The other guy kept yelling dirty and cruel shit. I kept quiet. No need to add gas to the fire. Just wanted to get them to point B and the hell out of my cab. We arrived at the corner of 45Th and Ave. G. The loud guy kept running his mouth. I said that the meter was $8.50. The loud guy said that they didn't have to pay and that there wasn't shit I could do about it. (So they thought). I got out of the car after them and said 8 dollars fellas. The loud guy yelled f*** you cab driver. Walked towards me and got into my face. He started yelling, "What the f*** you going to do about it?". I said(jokingly), you don't have to pay...(he said 'that's what I thought')...if you promise to you Listerine next time". I could hear his friend laugh quietly. The loud guy slapped my face. (now it was on!) I am a street fighter. I fight to win. I don't like to start fights, but I don't like to back down either. I keep a clear head in situations like this. I grabbed onto the guys right leg.(locked on like a Pit Bull.) I am willing to give up my back in a brawl. Adrenaline flowing, you don't feel a thing. He failed to realize that his balls were an all-day target. I had a field day on the loud guy, two thrusts up and a grasp like I was trying to crack two walnuts with my bare hands. The guy was not so tough now. Screaming like the girl he was....his friend on the other hand....was trying to pull me away from his friend. He eventually hit me in the head with his fist. (it felt like I bumped it on the wall or something. No pain. I had my adrenaline pumping.)
I let go of the 'guy'. He fell to the ground holding his balls. I turned to the other guy, MAD as hell, took my right hand, grabbed him by the throat, lifted him in the air and threw him down on the hood of my car. He was frozen. He could not believe what had just happen. I looked him in the face and said...."I could kill you homeboy!". With no idea what to do, the guy SPIT in my face. I wanted to kill him now. I squeezed harded on the throat, lifted my left hand to strike him when all of a sudden, a police car rolled up with his lights on. (I suspected that a bystander in the area saw the commotion and called the police.)(lucky for him.....and me too.) The officer jumped out and yelled "HEY". Came towards the situation and said "James, is that you?" Lucky for me, I do alot of personal clients(His Wife, the Attorney) to and from the Airport. Three more units showed up to the commotion. The officer took me to the side and asked me what had happened. The other officers questioned the other kids. They had to make the kids settle down.(They became much bigger shit, since the police were there.) The first officer, who knew of me personally,(through his wife), knew I was an O.K. guy. I told the officer what had happened from the moment of pick-up. He saw a slap print on my face and ask me if I wanted to press charges. I said that I just wanted my 8 bucks. The officers all huddled and spoke among themselves for around 3 minutes. I was leaning on my cab and the other two guys were sat down on the curb. One guy was still in pain. I didn't even bother to look their way. They were obviously embarrassed.
I was approached by the first officer and he told me that the other officers were going to tell the two guys, Charges would not be filed if they paid the fare and 'tip' too. An officer approached and handed me a twenty dollar bill. He said, "they said keep the change". I took it. After the officers got the two guys information he let them two walk away. One of the guys had a slight limp.(I laughed to myself, inside my mind, of coarse.) The funniest thing was that the first officer said to me...."See you tomorrow morning." I had a 10o'clock pick up at his house for his wife. I left with my twenty and went back downtown.
I let go of the 'guy'. He fell to the ground holding his balls. I turned to the other guy, MAD as hell, took my right hand, grabbed him by the throat, lifted him in the air and threw him down on the hood of my car. He was frozen. He could not believe what had just happen. I looked him in the face and said...."I could kill you homeboy!". With no idea what to do, the guy SPIT in my face. I wanted to kill him now. I squeezed harded on the throat, lifted my left hand to strike him when all of a sudden, a police car rolled up with his lights on. (I suspected that a bystander in the area saw the commotion and called the police.)(lucky for him.....and me too.) The officer jumped out and yelled "HEY". Came towards the situation and said "James, is that you?" Lucky for me, I do alot of personal clients(His Wife, the Attorney) to and from the Airport. Three more units showed up to the commotion. The officer took me to the side and asked me what had happened. The other officers questioned the other kids. They had to make the kids settle down.(They became much bigger shit, since the police were there.) The first officer, who knew of me personally,(through his wife), knew I was an O.K. guy. I told the officer what had happened from the moment of pick-up. He saw a slap print on my face and ask me if I wanted to press charges. I said that I just wanted my 8 bucks. The officers all huddled and spoke among themselves for around 3 minutes. I was leaning on my cab and the other two guys were sat down on the curb. One guy was still in pain. I didn't even bother to look their way. They were obviously embarrassed.
I was approached by the first officer and he told me that the other officers were going to tell the two guys, Charges would not be filed if they paid the fare and 'tip' too. An officer approached and handed me a twenty dollar bill. He said, "they said keep the change". I took it. After the officers got the two guys information he let them two walk away. One of the guys had a slight limp.(I laughed to myself, inside my mind, of coarse.) The funniest thing was that the first officer said to me...."See you tomorrow morning." I had a 10o'clock pick up at his house for his wife. I left with my twenty and went back downtown.
Monday, January 5, 2009
NO JUSTICE FOR ME...
One afternoon at the airport, I got a fare to a downtown Austin hotel(Steven F. Austin hotel). I took a couple there. They were talking about going shopping in San Marcos at the outlet mall the next day. The asked me, how much is the fare to San Marcos? I told them that it was in the 60's. They then asked me, how much would I charge them to take them, wait a couple of hours and bring them back. I said $150. They said that was perfect, could I come back at 11:00am tomorrow. I told them, no problem, I will be here...... dropped at the hotel, got paid my fare and exchanged phone numbers. Went back to work.
It was the next day and I picked them up from the Hotel. We drove about 40 minutes to the Outlet Mall. We arrive, I park, they get out to shop and I play on my lap-top and wait. 3 hours pass. They return. We drive back to the Hotel in downtown Austin.
I was north bound on Congress Ave. headed towards the hotel. There is a straight view of the Capitol, trees line the street left and right. The hotel is located on the northeast corner of 7Th and Congress. I was at the corner of 7Th and Congress, prepared to make a right, looking out for pedestrians. The hotel was on my left side on 7Th. I noticed at the bus-stop on the right directly across the street from the hotel, there were about 7-10 police officers. I paid it no mind. I took the right turn on red, veered to the left and dropped off my clients. All of a sudden, I was approached by an officer(RESPECTFULLY SPEAKING) he said the reason he stopped me....STOPPED ME? Is that I took an illegal right on red. I said, that's illegal? He said that there is a sign posted. He meant, the sign blocked by the overhang of the trees, which block the view of any signs when you were northbound on Congress. I then walked over towards the corner and sure enough, there were signs there that you could NOT SEE! The officers were having a field day giving out tickets to the hard working, tax paying people of America. I though that ENTRAPMENT was illegal? (not in Austin, Texas) I told the officer that the signs were blocked by the overhang of the trees....he knew that, he handed me my ticket. I told the officer that I was going see him in court and I will wear a tie just for him. He smiled and walked away. What nerve, I was thinking to myself. This was a bunch of bull and I couldn't wait for my court date.
After a couple weeks pass, my court date set and I was ready. I had the court set me up for a Jury Trial. I figured that normal people would understand the circumstances.(BOY....was I ever wrong). Also see that the officers were clearly entrapping people. I defended myself, thinking that this was an open and shut case. There I was, at my desk, a jury of 6-8 peers to my left, the prosecutor in the courtroom and the Judge straight ahead of me. We got started and made our opening arguments. I wasn't a lawyer by any means. Where could I go wrong? I was victimized by the system and I wanted justice! We took the stand, me and the officer(lying scum). I was grilled by the prosecution like I committed a serious crime, when the truth was that our law enforcement and justice system plays a DIRTY GAME! I am not in the wrong here. So I thought.
I was on the stand being questioned by the Prosecuter, like a was a threating criminal or something(I took a RIGHT on RED, SCARY!). They asked me have if I had a gotten a ticket before....I said maybe a speeding ticket...They said 'A-ha, This isn't you first'.(No shit) I thought to myself. I explained that I drive on the road anywhere from a 1000 miles to 1700 miles a week. (Shit is bound to happen.) I should be COMMENDED for the percentage of tickets I acquire, compared to the amount of miles and hours I drive. I let the record speak for itself. NO ONE HAS tickets in here? (YEAH RIGHT!) I am willing to bet that I have fewer incidents on my record than the judge, jury, prosecuter combined! (I ALMOST FORGOT.....THEY'RE SO PERFECT! I WAS ENTRAPPED!!
Now the officer is on the stand under oath(like that really matters). He was question about the incedent. And FINALLY the judge asked "Are there any TREES THERE". He replied 'No your Honor, there are only potted plants and such". I quickly objected.."HE'S LYING". But then had to restate. "Objection...he's not telling the truth". Nobody cared. The Judge did mention to the Jury "the law that states---if there is a sign blocked or the view is impeded by any reason....YOU MUST SAY THEY'RE NOT GUILTY!
We stated our cases for a little while longer before the Jury went out for deliberation. They all left. I was sitting alone.....I had brought no evidence what so ever, Didn't think I needed any especially for what the Judge had just told to the Jury. It was a clear case of entrapment. All of a sudden, I was looking around the Courtroom and saw.........pictures of downtown Austin ON THE WALL. There was the intersection of 7TH and Congress on a picture just to the left of the Jury box. I felt excited and couldn't wait for the TRIAL to reconvine. Finally, it was showtime! We had a our final arguement. The Prosecutor tried to make me out to be a rebellious law-breaking criminal. Then I stated my arguement and apolized to the Jury for wasting their time and for being a CAB DRIVER, I then asked the Judge..... "Isn't PURGERY against the law?" no response. Then I pointed to the picture on the wall next to the Jurors box. But to no avail. No one even glance at the picture. The picture clearly showed the trees that the officer(under oath) said were'nt there. After it was all said and done.....GUILTY....PAY MAX FINE! It cost me over $300 of hard earned money. I lost all faith in the Justice system. The jury was done and walked out single filed right past me. All of them looked straight ahead, no eye contact. They were glad to be done with their Jury obligations. It took about 2 hours. The Judge called me up and asked me how did I want to handle payment. I was Mad, rights violated to the fullest, because I drive a Cab. I said I'll pay it right now. Then I asked if there was an appeal process. The Judge said there was, but since I stupidly said I can pay now. I had to pay before I could file an appeal. I paid it and left. That shows how being labeled a 'CAB DRIVER'....means you have no rights, no say, willing to be violated in our own justice system. If any of those jurors need my service....I'll drive right by....like the SCUM I am.
One afternoon at the airport, I got a fare to a downtown Austin hotel(Steven F. Austin hotel). I took a couple there. They were talking about going shopping in San Marcos at the outlet mall the next day. The asked me, how much is the fare to San Marcos? I told them that it was in the 60's. They then asked me, how much would I charge them to take them, wait a couple of hours and bring them back. I said $150. They said that was perfect, could I come back at 11:00am tomorrow. I told them, no problem, I will be here...... dropped at the hotel, got paid my fare and exchanged phone numbers. Went back to work.
It was the next day and I picked them up from the Hotel. We drove about 40 minutes to the Outlet Mall. We arrive, I park, they get out to shop and I play on my lap-top and wait. 3 hours pass. They return. We drive back to the Hotel in downtown Austin.
I was north bound on Congress Ave. headed towards the hotel. There is a straight view of the Capitol, trees line the street left and right. The hotel is located on the northeast corner of 7Th and Congress. I was at the corner of 7Th and Congress, prepared to make a right, looking out for pedestrians. The hotel was on my left side on 7Th. I noticed at the bus-stop on the right directly across the street from the hotel, there were about 7-10 police officers. I paid it no mind. I took the right turn on red, veered to the left and dropped off my clients. All of a sudden, I was approached by an officer(RESPECTFULLY SPEAKING) he said the reason he stopped me....STOPPED ME? Is that I took an illegal right on red. I said, that's illegal? He said that there is a sign posted. He meant, the sign blocked by the overhang of the trees, which block the view of any signs when you were northbound on Congress. I then walked over towards the corner and sure enough, there were signs there that you could NOT SEE! The officers were having a field day giving out tickets to the hard working, tax paying people of America. I though that ENTRAPMENT was illegal? (not in Austin, Texas) I told the officer that the signs were blocked by the overhang of the trees....he knew that, he handed me my ticket. I told the officer that I was going see him in court and I will wear a tie just for him. He smiled and walked away. What nerve, I was thinking to myself. This was a bunch of bull and I couldn't wait for my court date.
After a couple weeks pass, my court date set and I was ready. I had the court set me up for a Jury Trial. I figured that normal people would understand the circumstances.(BOY....was I ever wrong). Also see that the officers were clearly entrapping people. I defended myself, thinking that this was an open and shut case. There I was, at my desk, a jury of 6-8 peers to my left, the prosecutor in the courtroom and the Judge straight ahead of me. We got started and made our opening arguments. I wasn't a lawyer by any means. Where could I go wrong? I was victimized by the system and I wanted justice! We took the stand, me and the officer(lying scum). I was grilled by the prosecution like I committed a serious crime, when the truth was that our law enforcement and justice system plays a DIRTY GAME! I am not in the wrong here. So I thought.
I was on the stand being questioned by the Prosecuter, like a was a threating criminal or something(I took a RIGHT on RED, SCARY!). They asked me have if I had a gotten a ticket before....I said maybe a speeding ticket...They said 'A-ha, This isn't you first'.(No shit) I thought to myself. I explained that I drive on the road anywhere from a 1000 miles to 1700 miles a week. (Shit is bound to happen.) I should be COMMENDED for the percentage of tickets I acquire, compared to the amount of miles and hours I drive. I let the record speak for itself. NO ONE HAS tickets in here? (YEAH RIGHT!) I am willing to bet that I have fewer incidents on my record than the judge, jury, prosecuter combined! (I ALMOST FORGOT.....THEY'RE SO PERFECT! I WAS ENTRAPPED!!
Now the officer is on the stand under oath(like that really matters). He was question about the incedent. And FINALLY the judge asked "Are there any TREES THERE". He replied 'No your Honor, there are only potted plants and such". I quickly objected.."HE'S LYING". But then had to restate. "Objection...he's not telling the truth". Nobody cared. The Judge did mention to the Jury "the law that states---if there is a sign blocked or the view is impeded by any reason....YOU MUST SAY THEY'RE NOT GUILTY!
We stated our cases for a little while longer before the Jury went out for deliberation. They all left. I was sitting alone.....I had brought no evidence what so ever, Didn't think I needed any especially for what the Judge had just told to the Jury. It was a clear case of entrapment. All of a sudden, I was looking around the Courtroom and saw.........pictures of downtown Austin ON THE WALL. There was the intersection of 7TH and Congress on a picture just to the left of the Jury box. I felt excited and couldn't wait for the TRIAL to reconvine. Finally, it was showtime! We had a our final arguement. The Prosecutor tried to make me out to be a rebellious law-breaking criminal. Then I stated my arguement and apolized to the Jury for wasting their time and for being a CAB DRIVER, I then asked the Judge..... "Isn't PURGERY against the law?" no response. Then I pointed to the picture on the wall next to the Jurors box. But to no avail. No one even glance at the picture. The picture clearly showed the trees that the officer(under oath) said were'nt there. After it was all said and done.....GUILTY....PAY MAX FINE! It cost me over $300 of hard earned money. I lost all faith in the Justice system. The jury was done and walked out single filed right past me. All of them looked straight ahead, no eye contact. They were glad to be done with their Jury obligations. It took about 2 hours. The Judge called me up and asked me how did I want to handle payment. I was Mad, rights violated to the fullest, because I drive a Cab. I said I'll pay it right now. Then I asked if there was an appeal process. The Judge said there was, but since I stupidly said I can pay now. I had to pay before I could file an appeal. I paid it and left. That shows how being labeled a 'CAB DRIVER'....means you have no rights, no say, willing to be violated in our own justice system. If any of those jurors need my service....I'll drive right by....like the SCUM I am.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
LATE NIGHT DRIVING-DOWNTOWN!
Working a Cab downtown at night can be quite interesting. The drunk, cocky, arrogant pedestians of the night life. When you drive a cab downtown Austin Texas, street signs, cross walks DO NOT APPLY. There are policeman, standing on corners, acting like on-edge gung-ho macho patrolman, who could care less about the people, breaking the laws or even their safety. I thought Jay-Walking was a fine.(NOT IN AUSTIN). People walk right in front of you on a green light with no regards for their own safety. You HONK.... they give you the finger... and always say "Fuck You Cab Driver!". They are extremely impressed with themselves. Even impressing their friends.....WOW. This kind of behavior will never change unless someone gets run over and killed. Is this what it is going to take? (I AM NOT VOLUNTEERING!) The funniest thing about working the late shift, people disrepect the Cabs all night long, but when the Bars close, we are their best friends. (HEY BUDDY>>>HEY PAL>>>CAN I GET A RIDE?>>>) let's not forget.....I'll Tip you! Who cares! A tip ain't shit. It goes towards the fees and gas we pay.
At night I am very selective. I have Limo tinted windows on my Towne Car Taxi. Nobody can see inside my Cab. I drive around and look for the quiet, composed person or people. If the person or party of people have to much energy.....I mean running out in the streets, jumping up and down, throwing shit in the road to stop me........I KEEP DRIVING! I don't care what age or color the person is......I DON'T WANT THE ENERGY IN MY CAR. How hard is it to stay composed and stop acting like that was your first time out in the public. If you can't handle you liquer....DON'T DRINK>>>DUH!!!!!
Working a Cab downtown at night can be quite interesting. The drunk, cocky, arrogant pedestians of the night life. When you drive a cab downtown Austin Texas, street signs, cross walks DO NOT APPLY. There are policeman, standing on corners, acting like on-edge gung-ho macho patrolman, who could care less about the people, breaking the laws or even their safety. I thought Jay-Walking was a fine.(NOT IN AUSTIN). People walk right in front of you on a green light with no regards for their own safety. You HONK.... they give you the finger... and always say "Fuck You Cab Driver!". They are extremely impressed with themselves. Even impressing their friends.....WOW. This kind of behavior will never change unless someone gets run over and killed. Is this what it is going to take? (I AM NOT VOLUNTEERING!) The funniest thing about working the late shift, people disrepect the Cabs all night long, but when the Bars close, we are their best friends. (HEY BUDDY>>>HEY PAL>>>CAN I GET A RIDE?>>>) let's not forget.....I'll Tip you! Who cares! A tip ain't shit. It goes towards the fees and gas we pay.
At night I am very selective. I have Limo tinted windows on my Towne Car Taxi. Nobody can see inside my Cab. I drive around and look for the quiet, composed person or people. If the person or party of people have to much energy.....I mean running out in the streets, jumping up and down, throwing shit in the road to stop me........I KEEP DRIVING! I don't care what age or color the person is......I DON'T WANT THE ENERGY IN MY CAR. How hard is it to stay composed and stop acting like that was your first time out in the public. If you can't handle you liquer....DON'T DRINK>>>DUH!!!!!
THE MIND OF A FULL-TIME CABBIE.
What does the public think? There are many reasons why a person considers driving a cab for a living. Us drivers already understand that the typicle driver is looked down at like we are the scum of the earth. Why? Can you people imagine the world without cab drivers. A driver drives with many rules set by the city or company they drive for, always with the fear of termination by the company. Slavery was abolished a long time ago...and yet the cab driving industry is sort of like 'LEGALIZED SLAVERY'. We drivers have cab costs and fees and business expenses...like gas(which is not free)and is a necessity, food and drinks(we do have the right to eat too)accidents which are costly, regardless who's fault it was(time is money in the business). Why does a person always threat the driver with "I'll call your company!" If a person doesn't understand how a 'CAB DRIVER" operates and what he goes through, don''t use our nessary service. Understand a driver with fees and costs, averaged less than minimum wage. Is that the American Way? We work harder than an average American. 40 hours weeks?WOW! That would be considered barely working. I average 10-20 hour shifts(just to cover the cost of doing business). If you don't know math......that's 70-140 hours a week and yet we're spit on and looked down at. We provide a needed service that is not appreciated. I will NOT say that all cab drivers are good people, if I did, then I am a big nose lier! But there are a handful of drivers that are. If a person states that they care.....they're a big nose lier. Example....if we drop a person off at the destination and drive around the corner and wreck our cab and DIE. The customer would say "I'm glad he dropped me off already, whew!"
What does the public think? There are many reasons why a person considers driving a cab for a living. Us drivers already understand that the typicle driver is looked down at like we are the scum of the earth. Why? Can you people imagine the world without cab drivers. A driver drives with many rules set by the city or company they drive for, always with the fear of termination by the company. Slavery was abolished a long time ago...and yet the cab driving industry is sort of like 'LEGALIZED SLAVERY'. We drivers have cab costs and fees and business expenses...like gas(which is not free)and is a necessity, food and drinks(we do have the right to eat too)accidents which are costly, regardless who's fault it was(time is money in the business). Why does a person always threat the driver with "I'll call your company!" If a person doesn't understand how a 'CAB DRIVER" operates and what he goes through, don''t use our nessary service. Understand a driver with fees and costs, averaged less than minimum wage. Is that the American Way? We work harder than an average American. 40 hours weeks?WOW! That would be considered barely working. I average 10-20 hour shifts(just to cover the cost of doing business). If you don't know math......that's 70-140 hours a week and yet we're spit on and looked down at. We provide a needed service that is not appreciated. I will NOT say that all cab drivers are good people, if I did, then I am a big nose lier! But there are a handful of drivers that are. If a person states that they care.....they're a big nose lier. Example....if we drop a person off at the destination and drive around the corner and wreck our cab and DIE. The customer would say "I'm glad he dropped me off already, whew!"
FIRST DAY OCT. 1998
I started Cab driving in 1998. I picked up my Taxi in the late afternoon that day. Drove my Taxi straight to the car wash to clean and vacuum, finished, then went to my house in South Austin to show my roomates and girlfriend. We hung out for a while to shoot the breeze. After a while, it was night. It was around 8:00pm that night when I decided to go out in the Taxi and try to make some money. I was wet behind the ears, rookie to the business,a victim of crime waiting to happen. Who cares. I was in it to make an income. I did not know a thing about Cab driving or the things you should look out for. I started to drive around South Austin, listening to the dispatch radio, booked in the zone hoping to get a call. I was driving down a street named Oltorf by South Congress. I saw a black guy hailing me down. The guy looked late 20's to early 30's, carrying about 4 white plastic bags the size fo grocery stores bags. I pulled into the empty parking lot and pulled up to the guy. The guy jumped in the back, behing the passangers seat. I looked back at the guy and asked "where you going". He replied an address in East Austin. I wasn't familiar with any address other than South Austin. He said to go down 7th street to Bolm Road and take a left. I was kind of familiar of main streets though. I said cool. The guy was lost in his mind. He was talking about 'white bread' this and 'white bread' that, 'white man' this and 'white man' that. I told the guy he was my first fare ever, but he kept rambling loudly to himself.
This guy was wierder than wierd. Lost soul or on drugs or something. We finally arrive at the Bolm and 7th intersection. He spoke. He said make a left here, go to the stop sign and make a left again. He was quiet, but still ramblig on about nothing. I'm at the stop sign and made the left. He spoke again. Wow. He said make the first left then first right. I said "you go it". Left then right. I noticed this was a dead-end street with two houses in each side. He didn't say which house, but my instinct told me to pull up in a driveway anyway. The meter was around 14 dollars and some change. I looked back at the guy looked down and saw a gun strapped to his ankle. I then looked at the guy directly in the face and said "nice shoes". He paid me 15 dollars with a ten and a five, got out of the car, slammed the door and walked into the deadend. I thought to myself, this guy wanted to rob me. I showed no fear. It is what it is... I personally have been involved in the criminal side of life, so, it was a language I spoke. Call the man's bluff with no fear and you will be all right. If that was the best the Cab business could throw at me(talking about Karma). I was going to be O.K.. I headed back South. 1o years later, I am still here.
I started Cab driving in 1998. I picked up my Taxi in the late afternoon that day. Drove my Taxi straight to the car wash to clean and vacuum, finished, then went to my house in South Austin to show my roomates and girlfriend. We hung out for a while to shoot the breeze. After a while, it was night. It was around 8:00pm that night when I decided to go out in the Taxi and try to make some money. I was wet behind the ears, rookie to the business,a victim of crime waiting to happen. Who cares. I was in it to make an income. I did not know a thing about Cab driving or the things you should look out for. I started to drive around South Austin, listening to the dispatch radio, booked in the zone hoping to get a call. I was driving down a street named Oltorf by South Congress. I saw a black guy hailing me down. The guy looked late 20's to early 30's, carrying about 4 white plastic bags the size fo grocery stores bags. I pulled into the empty parking lot and pulled up to the guy. The guy jumped in the back, behing the passangers seat. I looked back at the guy and asked "where you going". He replied an address in East Austin. I wasn't familiar with any address other than South Austin. He said to go down 7th street to Bolm Road and take a left. I was kind of familiar of main streets though. I said cool. The guy was lost in his mind. He was talking about 'white bread' this and 'white bread' that, 'white man' this and 'white man' that. I told the guy he was my first fare ever, but he kept rambling loudly to himself.
This guy was wierder than wierd. Lost soul or on drugs or something. We finally arrive at the Bolm and 7th intersection. He spoke. He said make a left here, go to the stop sign and make a left again. He was quiet, but still ramblig on about nothing. I'm at the stop sign and made the left. He spoke again. Wow. He said make the first left then first right. I said "you go it". Left then right. I noticed this was a dead-end street with two houses in each side. He didn't say which house, but my instinct told me to pull up in a driveway anyway. The meter was around 14 dollars and some change. I looked back at the guy looked down and saw a gun strapped to his ankle. I then looked at the guy directly in the face and said "nice shoes". He paid me 15 dollars with a ten and a five, got out of the car, slammed the door and walked into the deadend. I thought to myself, this guy wanted to rob me. I showed no fear. It is what it is... I personally have been involved in the criminal side of life, so, it was a language I spoke. Call the man's bluff with no fear and you will be all right. If that was the best the Cab business could throw at me(talking about Karma). I was going to be O.K.. I headed back South. 1o years later, I am still here.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
New Years Eve 2009
I acquired multiple stories in my cab on new years eve night alone. This is the first story I will share.
It was around 11:45pm and there was a couple hailing a cab in downtown Austin Texas. I saw two people, a girl and a guy, who were over the limit already. The girl, who was drop-dead gorgeous, wearing a black, one piece, mid-lenght dress, with cleavege on D-size breasts and on a scale of 1-10 she was a 9.5(easy) was holding on to the guy struggling to stand, even the guy was slightly drunk, but standing with a slight lean. They were toasted. It wasn't midnight yet. I stopped my cab by them and before I could put the window down on the passanger side and ask if they needed a cab, they opened the door and entered. The girl first(who sat directly behind me) and the guy followed. I asked where they were headed and the girl replied an address in South Austin. I said O.k.. The fare was decent, it was going to be about a $18-$20 and approx. 20 minutes. I started driving with the radio farely low with good old classic rock. The girl then told me I had a nice cab(Towne Car) it was clean and I was pretty cute too. I replied thanks and Happy New Year. The guy said loudly(drunk) HAPPY NEW YEAR! And laughed. The guy was comfortable and it kind of made him sleepy. He didn't fall asleep though. He was more drunk now it seemed. The babe tapped me on my shoulder and said "Hey cutie, can I blow my boyfriend(not in those exact words, more explicit) and you watch?". I told the girl I don't want to see a guys pee-pee. She was persistant and eventually leaned up behind my seat, started to rub my private and said "do you want me to blow you instead?"
I started thinking that this would be wild, but then realized, they're drunk and this would be considered a 'sexual assault' case if I took her up on the offer. In the Cab business I have been offered a number of times, but you just can't do it. I am a normal looking 'cab driver', but when they are drunk, girls and 'gay guys', I must look more attractive or something. If these people were sober and realized what they were saying, this would never happen. I think alot of people have fantasies and with the 'cab driver' these people can say anything they want.(To them we are just'cab drivers') we would probably not see them again.
I got them to their apartment and the cab meter was around $19.00. The guy handed me a fifty dollar bill and told me to keep the change. WoW. I said thanks and have a good night. drove away and headed back downtown. I felt GOOD. Nice BIG tip, propositioned by a knock-out, this was going to be a interesting night, but big party nights usually are. It makes me wonder why a person opens up when they are drunk. Do they show ones real color or are they a 'closet freak' from the get go. Temptation is a mofo, but you have to control yourself. There are many accounts of 'cab drivers' charged with rape because of situations like that one. What would you do? Back downtown and back with another story.
I acquired multiple stories in my cab on new years eve night alone. This is the first story I will share.
It was around 11:45pm and there was a couple hailing a cab in downtown Austin Texas. I saw two people, a girl and a guy, who were over the limit already. The girl, who was drop-dead gorgeous, wearing a black, one piece, mid-lenght dress, with cleavege on D-size breasts and on a scale of 1-10 she was a 9.5(easy) was holding on to the guy struggling to stand, even the guy was slightly drunk, but standing with a slight lean. They were toasted. It wasn't midnight yet. I stopped my cab by them and before I could put the window down on the passanger side and ask if they needed a cab, they opened the door and entered. The girl first(who sat directly behind me) and the guy followed. I asked where they were headed and the girl replied an address in South Austin. I said O.k.. The fare was decent, it was going to be about a $18-$20 and approx. 20 minutes. I started driving with the radio farely low with good old classic rock. The girl then told me I had a nice cab(Towne Car) it was clean and I was pretty cute too. I replied thanks and Happy New Year. The guy said loudly(drunk) HAPPY NEW YEAR! And laughed. The guy was comfortable and it kind of made him sleepy. He didn't fall asleep though. He was more drunk now it seemed. The babe tapped me on my shoulder and said "Hey cutie, can I blow my boyfriend(not in those exact words, more explicit) and you watch?". I told the girl I don't want to see a guys pee-pee. She was persistant and eventually leaned up behind my seat, started to rub my private and said "do you want me to blow you instead?"
I started thinking that this would be wild, but then realized, they're drunk and this would be considered a 'sexual assault' case if I took her up on the offer. In the Cab business I have been offered a number of times, but you just can't do it. I am a normal looking 'cab driver', but when they are drunk, girls and 'gay guys', I must look more attractive or something. If these people were sober and realized what they were saying, this would never happen. I think alot of people have fantasies and with the 'cab driver' these people can say anything they want.(To them we are just'cab drivers') we would probably not see them again.
I got them to their apartment and the cab meter was around $19.00. The guy handed me a fifty dollar bill and told me to keep the change. WoW. I said thanks and have a good night. drove away and headed back downtown. I felt GOOD. Nice BIG tip, propositioned by a knock-out, this was going to be a interesting night, but big party nights usually are. It makes me wonder why a person opens up when they are drunk. Do they show ones real color or are they a 'closet freak' from the get go. Temptation is a mofo, but you have to control yourself. There are many accounts of 'cab drivers' charged with rape because of situations like that one. What would you do? Back downtown and back with another story.
Friday, January 2, 2009
LACK OF RESPECT!
Why is it that a "CAB DRIVER" is looked down at? This is only and introduction to my BLOG, in the future I will provide the readers, cab stories and their experiences.
Did you know that some Cab Drivers do this specific job as a retirement job......military service...city employee...etc.... Sometimes those benefits don't fill the individuals need for their specific way of life.(the cost$$$$). Believe it or not, some "drivers" have retired from or quit better jobs than the ones who ridicule and look down on us drivers like we are the scum of the earth. Some are.......but some are not. DO NOT stereotype all drivers as the same. Myself as a driver has been in the business over '10' years. I'm not rich or poor. I can financially support three kids by two mothers, my wife and my house hold. I don't require food stamps or goverment assistance. Some 'drivers' use this taxi job as a spring board for something else. (it is a real job, but not respected). The public should appreciate the service we provide and understand the risks and rules we live by. CAB DRIVING is not a walk in the park. If you want to succeed in the business you must commit your way of life in exchange for income. We suffer through alot of desparities. Cab fees and gas prices are part of our costs. I look foward to sharing 'Cab' stories from Cab drivers. "TIPPING IS A GOOD THING".
Why is it that a "CAB DRIVER" is looked down at? This is only and introduction to my BLOG, in the future I will provide the readers, cab stories and their experiences.
Did you know that some Cab Drivers do this specific job as a retirement job......military service...city employee...etc.... Sometimes those benefits don't fill the individuals need for their specific way of life.(the cost$$$$). Believe it or not, some "drivers" have retired from or quit better jobs than the ones who ridicule and look down on us drivers like we are the scum of the earth. Some are.......but some are not. DO NOT stereotype all drivers as the same. Myself as a driver has been in the business over '10' years. I'm not rich or poor. I can financially support three kids by two mothers, my wife and my house hold. I don't require food stamps or goverment assistance. Some 'drivers' use this taxi job as a spring board for something else. (it is a real job, but not respected). The public should appreciate the service we provide and understand the risks and rules we live by. CAB DRIVING is not a walk in the park. If you want to succeed in the business you must commit your way of life in exchange for income. We suffer through alot of desparities. Cab fees and gas prices are part of our costs. I look foward to sharing 'Cab' stories from Cab drivers. "TIPPING IS A GOOD THING".
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Entry 1 - 1/1/09
My name is James Coolidge. It is New Year's Day, so I am taking a rare day off, and have made resolution to begin my career as a blogger starting today.
As a young adult, I was a rapper and R&B singer (aka MC Yella) in the hanging with Two Live Crew and performing on stage for the South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas. Those were some wild days in the early 1990's. I tried out for the Baltimore Orioles in 1990. I was an extra in the recent Alamo movie produced by Disney, and was an actor with a speaking role in the Wendell Baker Story. I have had modeling gigs. As interesting as my career has been, no line of work has given me a broader perspective in life than my career as a taxi cab driver in Austin, Texas.
I will journal my thoughts and experiences in my cab between fares and during my off hours to share what a ride this job can be. It all begins with the people you meet...
As a young adult, I was a rapper and R&B singer (aka MC Yella) in the hanging with Two Live Crew and performing on stage for the South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas. Those were some wild days in the early 1990's. I tried out for the Baltimore Orioles in 1990. I was an extra in the recent Alamo movie produced by Disney, and was an actor with a speaking role in the Wendell Baker Story. I have had modeling gigs. As interesting as my career has been, no line of work has given me a broader perspective in life than my career as a taxi cab driver in Austin, Texas.
I will journal my thoughts and experiences in my cab between fares and during my off hours to share what a ride this job can be. It all begins with the people you meet...
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