Thursday, October 12, 2006

the CTA guy

Lately when I've take Chicago's famous "L" trains (especially to and from O'Hare airport), I have noticed some new messages from the "CTA guy," the recorded voice that tells riders which stations they are approaching or leaving, which way the doors open, etc. Now he also asks us to "be considerate when talking on the phone or listening to electronic devices," warns us about suspicious packages, and informs us that "soliciting and gambling are prohibited on CTA trains." (I didn't realize that gambling was a problem on the L!)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sister, many years ago 3-card monte dealers were a problem on the train (and may still be a problem on some lines at some times of day). I think that is the reason for the "no gambling" announcement.

Anonymous said...

what is 3-card monte? Google doesn't know either.

Anonymous said...

In three card monte, the tosser uses playing cards, typically the red queen and two black cards. The cards are creased down the middle, so they form a shingle shape. The tosser shows the player all three cards, face-up, and then drops them face down on a table. He or she slides the cards around on the table, switching their positions rapidly. The player tries to track the position of the queen as the tosser moves it around. When the tosser stops, the player makes a bet and guesses the position of the queen.
http://people.howstuffworks.com/question590.htm

It is actually a scam and the bettor never wins (although some people appear to win but are actually in cahots with the "tosser". When played on the train the table is a piece of cardboard worn around the waist to form a table.

Anonymous said...

Maureen, thanks for the info on three card monte...it is almost as though you were physically present...were you the tosser or the (cahoots) winner? LOL