THE BOSTON GUILLOTINE -- by Steve Nadis
Boston is famous for its bad drivers, even more so than for its Baked Beans, Red Sox, and Celtics. There was even a book that came out a while ago about the classic bad driving maneuvers such as the Boston Guillotine, the Somerville Pancake, the Charlestown Garrote, etc. I've bicycled in this city for 30 years and have seen 'em all.
On the streets, that is. But today I got it on the aisles of Whole Foods. A doddering old guy, who looked like an Emeritus classics professor at Harvard, cut me off at the cash register line, thrusting his cart in front of him and almost taking my head off in the process. He acted calm and collected--in classic Boston drivers' textbook fashion--as if he had no clue about what had just transpired.
I've known for sometime that on the streets of Boston it's constant warfare. The battle evidently has moved inside to cushier surroundings, but make no mistake: the moves are equally ruthless. And be on guard for mild-mannered academics of retirement age behind the wheels of a shopping cart.
The elders in Greece not only use underhanded tactics for cutting the line but will even dare you to speak your mind. Thus causing a commotion and giving the old folks the satisfaction of something to brag about at home.
I just smile at them, "You only needed to ask." That usually brings on their angry retort, but a humbling example has been set for an old dog with impolite tricks. (Comment this)