Monthly Archives: March 2007

Word of the Week: Baby-Back Ribs of Death

Posted on March 19, 2007 by TJ

BABY-BACK RIBS OF DEATH: \BAY bee back ribz uv deth\noun\: The body-length turnstiles at some subway stops whose teeth threaten to gnash unsuspecting commuters to shreds. Also known as HEETs (High Entrance Exit Turnstile) and Iron Maidens. (Credit: G. Francis) Usage: As … Continue reading →

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Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know about NYC Commuting

Posted on March 19, 2007 by TJ

There was a very smart, very well-reported story in yesterday’s “Westchester” section of the NY Times, in which Ken Belson analyzes the age-old conundrum of, with readership growing on the Metro North, LIRR and whatever the Jersey people take, why … Continue reading →

Posted in Ken Belson, LIRR, Metro North, MTA, Sopranos | Leave a comment

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Posted on March 19, 2007 by TJ

Sticking with a recurring theme in these cyber-pages, the MTA giveth and it taketh away on this Monday morning commute. Got my very own two-seater on the 8:43, which positively flew (OK, did around 80) along to Grand Central, even … Continue reading →

Posted in 6 train, Immaculate Connection | 1 Comment

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Posted on March 16, 2007 by TJ

Sadly, there’s not a lot of material that connects commuting with St. Patrick’s Day. So here’s the next best thing–some lyrics that pay homage to the strong men and women who did the hard work on the rails so you … Continue reading →

Posted in St. Patrick's Day | 1 Comment

Up to Lexington…125…Feel Sick and Dirty, More Dead Than Alive

Posted on March 16, 2007 by TJ

After visiting the accountant on the Upper East Side last night, I had the express pleasure of taking Metro North from 125th Street in Harlem, instead of my usual Grand Central launching pad. The Harlem MTA station looks like it … Continue reading →

Posted in 125th Street, Apollo Theater, Engine Bob | 1 Comment

Straphanger Joe Perfects the Stare

Posted on March 16, 2007 by TJ

The Cone of Silence I’ve found while conducting the Smile Study that people on the subways are pretty intent on creating their own personal space (aka: their own Cone of Silence) and, once created, at staying in there. This cone … Continue reading →

Posted in Straphanger Joe | 1 Comment

Jersey People Want New Tunnel

Posted on March 15, 2007 by TJ

Today’s Jersey Journal says a “small but supportive crowd” turned out to support a plan to build a new tunnel under the Hudson into Manhattan. Apparently part of the $6.3 billion plan involves “a new train station at 34th Street…between … Continue reading →

Posted in Penn Station | 1 Comment

Summer Bummer

Posted on March 15, 2007 by TJ

This morning, the air-conditioning was on on the 6 train for what I think was the first time this season. Cool air on warm skin brought to mind mental pictures of beaches, outdoor concerts and ballgames at Shea. Won’t the … Continue reading →

Posted in Air-Conditioning, Shea Stadium | 1 Comment

‘Mileposts’ Takes a Roman Holiday

Posted on March 15, 2007 by TJ

The March issue of MTA rag Mileposts awaited us on the 8:17 today, these Ides of March. And indeed, the MTA’s surprisingly witty wordsmith had some fun with the Julius Caesar references. Promising it won’t be “more back stabbing by … Continue reading →

Posted in Mileposts, Mt. Kisco, Tarrytown | Leave a comment

100 Days of Trainitude

Posted on March 14, 2007 by TJ

Today marks my 100th day of riding Metro-North. Some observations: * I used to get really annoyed that it takes so damn long to get from 125th Street to Grand Central. I still do. * For reasons I can’t really … Continue reading →

Posted in Metro North, Slippery Rail | Leave a comment