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August 12, 2005
Mr. T on the 3
These days, it is rare that someone will step onto the train whose appearance surprises me. Of course, there was the guy in the Village many years ago who I'd observe wearing nothing but Speedos and a headdress, or the woman spied on the F train from time to time who wears every shade of bright green imaginable, not just on St. Patrick’s Day. Other than that, it is hard to cause double take. Most of the time I just sit back, observe, and then pass out for the duration of the ride—that is, until the appearance of Mr. T on the 3.
The 2/3 is often crowded when I squeeze on at 96th Street, but I usually can locate a seat. A few weeks ago I settled in, rested my eyes for a bit, and then opened my lids halfway to check what stop the train had slid into. There, standing before me, was a sturdy, muscular man with the most poignant wide and close-cut moustache/beard I had ever seen. Complimenting the elaborate facial hair was a neck ringed by masses of thick gold chains, further amplified by thick, chunky cuff bracelets and fingers covered in solid, nugget-like rings. He stood solidly straight in the aisle wearing a muscle shirt and a stare that seemed to read, "Mess with me and these rings will form permanent craters in your face."
Now, I do not think that I am off base by stating that someone ornamented as such is an unusual sight. In typical New York, people just looked the other way. I tried very, very hard not to stare, purely out of curiosity. Who was this man? Was he dressed for an event or was this simply everyday attire?
Since my first sighting, I have seen Mr. T on the 3 several more times. He generally looks the same—the adornments are static, though his wardrobe ranges from professional to workout clothes. I am dying to approach him and learn about his life. Unfortunately, I do not think that this would be a bright idea on my part, unless I can find some creative way of asking, "Yo, what’s up with all the gold?"
Posted by callalillie at August 12, 2005 7:35 AM | City Life
that's awesome. "i loved the a-team!"
Posted by: tien at August 12, 2005 8:12 AM
this is exactly the reason why I would love to start an interview-based blog... whenever I meet someone whom I'm dying to ask personal questions, but too shy to approach in real life, I fantasize about the introductory line, "Can I interview you for my blog?"
Posted by: ms. frizzle at August 12, 2005 11:43 AM
i think you should just say, "yo whats up with the gold?" spunk is usually rewarded...
Posted by: Nancy at August 12, 2005 11:53 AM
The real Mr. T lives about 6 blocks from my parents, in just about the preppiest suburb of Chicago. Think pink polos and girls named Muffy. The irony abounds, no?
Posted by: Maura at August 12, 2005 11:53 AM
From your description, it sounds like this guy is more "Rocky 3/My prediction is pain" Mr. T than "A-Team/I ain't gettin' on no plane, Hannibal" Mr. T. Still, if you ask him something on a crowded subway car, there's no way he puts craters in your face.
Posted by: Jesse at August 12, 2005 12:02 PM
I think that if he had a mowhawk, the Mr. T thing would be more apparent. Ms.F, I think the interview blog is a good idea. I've always wanted to take portraits of these people...I'm just too shy to whip out the camera.
Posted by: corie at August 12, 2005 12:55 PM
Maura-- does Mr. T still look like Mr. T?
Posted by: corie at August 12, 2005 12:56 PM
Man, I really hate to destory the fantasy of TV stars. Its the disappointment you feel when you see Steve Urkel or Ricky from Silver Spoons playing a sex symbol, or Punky Brewster in lingerie, but no, not so much. No more mohawk- pretty suburban family man- definitely fits into the area. He golfs all the time at my dad's country club. No plaid pants though, don't worry. He's got daughters that went to the local high school, now in late teens and early twenties. We used to joke about how scary that would be to pick one of those girls up for a date.
Posted by: Maura at August 12, 2005 2:25 PM
I pity the fool who don't eat my cereal!
Posted by: Mr. T. at August 12, 2005 2:36 PM
Posted by: Neil at August 12, 2005 8:26 PM
If you've seen him enough, you can do the nod of acknowledgement.
Once that's established, you can always ask him where he gets his jewelry.
The other day, I hopped onto a 1 train to see a college kid barefoot on the subway. What the hell was that about?
Posted by: pantrygirl at August 13, 2005 5:57 AM
