Monthly Archives: February 2009

Delay For M8 Cars on New Haven Line?

Posted on February 12, 2009 by TJ

The new edition of Metro-North mouthpiece Mileposts, on seats this morning, has an italicized sentence buried fairly deep in a story about the railroad’s 94% customer satisfaction rating. “The arrival of our M8s next year should improve your experience–and our … Continue reading →

Posted in M8, New Haven Line | 2 Comments

JerseyJim’s Nose Knows

Posted on February 12, 2009 by TJ

A welcome whiff of spring weather today, giving my winter overcoat a much needed day off. I took new stock in my morning commute in a top ten assessment of its odoriferous offerings.     Sulfur: The first strong burst of metal, … Continue reading →

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The Trainjotting Reader: GOODBYE, COLUMBUS

Posted on February 11, 2009 by TJ

The latest installment of The Trainjotting Reader comes from Philip Roth, who’s written numerous books describing Newark in the old days–middle class, white, Jewish. You probably know him from that dirty scene in Portnoy’s Complaint. This comes from his first … Continue reading →

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Ridership Up 4% in Record 2008

Posted on February 11, 2009 by TJ

That period of crazy-high gas prices last year was good for Metro-North business, as the railroad announced it clicked tickets for 84 million rides last year–a record for Metro-North. Furthermore, us East-of-Hudson types enjoyed 97.5% on-time arrivals, meaning trains pulled … Continue reading →

Posted in Elliot Sander, Metro North, New Haven Line | Tagged , | 1 Comment

For Whom the Bel Tolls

Posted on February 10, 2009 by TJ

A sad sight greeted me at the Hummerville station this morning, a sight that’s probably popping up near stations all over the area. The Italian restaurant Bel Paese, located directly across the street from the station, had a huge For … Continue reading →

Posted in Hawthorne | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Ye$, It’$ Almo$t Tax Time…

Posted on February 9, 2009 by TJ

There’s a business on my walk to work that is a vestige of the old, pre-gentrified Lower East Side. The name of the business is Check Ca$hing.   Even though I’ve lived in the area for 11 years—or, perhaps, because … Continue reading →

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Atlantic City Express Hardly a Full House

Posted on February 9, 2009 by TJ

A dramatic ribbon-cutting photo op commemorated the inaugural run of the Atlantic City Express Service (ACES!) gambler train late last week. All that seemed to be lacking were passengers. The NY Times reports only a “handful” of paying customers were … Continue reading →

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Straphanger Joe is Running a Little Behind

Posted on February 6, 2009 by TJ

The Toe Tap I’ve got a meeting at 3 pm up at Mt. Sinai on 102nd Street, just past Park. I’m on 23rd and 6th. It’s 2:20 and I’m off.   I’ve done the run before and it’s about 30 … Continue reading →

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An Open Letter To:

Posted on February 6, 2009 by TJ

The Man Who Tried the Emergency Door After I Did at 28th Street Yesterday. We spilled out of the 6 train, a few hundred of us. We waited (im)patiently for our chance to slide through the handful of turnstiles standing between us … Continue reading →

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Springsteen Riding Train Without Keyboardist

Posted on February 6, 2009 by TJ

When Bruce Springsteen’s new album dropped last week, it featured an homage to Danny Federici, the longtime E Street Band keyboardist who died in April. “The Last Carnival” borrows the imagery of a fair packing up and the carnies hopping … Continue reading →

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