I used Clean Popo once. They sent two cleaning staff and someone who I imagine was the manager? It was $120 for the cleaning. While I have to say that it was quick clean, it wasn't a thorough clean. Corners of the floors were still dusty, the outside of the refrigerator was still dirty (especially the handle and the side adjacent to the stove, etc.

I wouldn't use them again.

I'd really love to find an independent cleaner who people recommend. Why is it so difficult??

I wrote to the PA expressing my concerns about the weekend and late night schedule (specifically on the 33/JSQ line). Here is the response (nothing really of interest):

Thanks for reaching out.

I have passed along your feedback to the Transportation Department, which manages the service schedule. The recent schedule change is necessary in order to allow for work on our capital programs to stay on track, and for post-Sandy repairs to be completed. Our Transportation Division takes a number of factors into account when suggesting changes to the schedule, including travel demand forecasts, ridership patterns, passenger feedback, and connections to other services, to name a few.

As you may recall, the PATH system sustained extensive system-wide damage as a result of Superstorm Sandy. Restoration and recovery alone is estimated to cost $1.3 billion. Though trains are running, our system is still suffering from signal and power problems, and deteriorating track conditions, much of which came as a direct result of the system being submerged in salt water. In some sections, the water sat for days.

At the same time, we are very aware of the growing demand for PATH in the region, and have a number of modernization and capital projects in process to help expand capacity. Though we lost a few months of progress on these programs due to Superstorm Sandy, work is now being done again. You can read about some of these programs here: http://www.panynj.gov/path/path-modernization.html. In the near future, we are also planning on expanding the platform capacity for stations on the Newark – WTC line to allow for 10-car trains. We are currently only able to run 8-car trains on that line due to shorter platforms at Grove Street Station. With the purchase of additional cars, we will also be able to expand our schedule once the Automatic Train Control signal program has been completed.

We targeted our service reductions to inconvenience the least amount of passengers possible. We appreciate your understanding and patience with the new schedule, and thank you for sharing your feedback. The Port Authority of NY and NJ appreciates your patronage of the PATH system.

Sincerely,
Chris

PATH Customer Service

Just went this morning. The croissant was fantastic (and not overly huge).

I agree that the coffee is pretty weak (literally and figuratively). Sometimes I don't want an espresso. And when I'm having a rich piece of bread, I'd prefer a dark rich coffee.

One weird thing, they're still putting up decoration and working on things. There was a guy drilling right above where the microwave/prep area was. And they didn't put a cover over anything. Wall dust from the drilling settling all over the prep area.

However, I AM SO HAPPY IT'S HERE!

True, but what I'm looking for is someone ELSE to do it.

I'm not at the point where I need to have my hardwood floors sanded and refinished, but I would like to have my floors really cleaned.

Does anyone know anyone (or company) who does this? When I lived in the midwest, COIT cleaned hardwood, but it doesn't look like it's available here.

As a Jesuit school, theology classes are required for all four years.

Brewster,

As a former member of the faculty at Prep, I can say honestly that there are, of course, sports minded students at St. Peter's. But for the atmosphere to be referred to as "marine-jock" by Neverleft is inaccurate. Students who are interested in the arts, in service, in extracurricular academic activities, etc. can all succeed at Prep.

While you're not Catholic, please know that students of all faith traditions are welcome at Prep. The theology coursework is rigorous and encompasses scripture, social justice and world religions, among others. The Jesuit identity is important and seeks, as we say, to form the whole person.

As you know, your son should be where he'll thrive. McNair and Prep are both excellent choices. Congratulations!

Our apartment on Sussex, right around the corner from this break-in) was broken into a few months ago. The main deadbolted door was forced open. It turns out the door wasn't even connected to our "alarm" system.

What are people paying with Clean Popo?

I live in a one bedroom railroad apartment. I'd previously paid $90 per clean with an independent house keeper. But I was disappointed with the lack of depth (never cleaned the baseboards, floors never really looked clean, etc.). I can wipe down counter tops and the tub. I want my cleaning service to do the work I don't have time (or want) to do.

Corybraiterman,

I agree that JC mayor et.al. have been totally useless through all of this. Two places I've gotten actual information:

Steve Fulop's Facebook page
Twitter, following @PSEGdelivers (constant updates)

I'm in Paulus Hook and I finally got power tonight. Lots in my neighborhood still out.

So about this DRIVING BAN ... I understand that people have forgotten to obey traffic laws with regard to non-working stop lights. I understand that emergency vehicles need to right of way. But a ban on driving on the city streets? Thank you for stranding everyone indefinitely. Most of us have food and water. Some may not. I was planning to make a break for Queens tomorrow to stay with a friend until our power comes back. Am I going to be arrested? Our tool of a mayor is silent and then decides his one act will be to deny mobility. Thumbs up, Jerry!

The City of Jersey City website does now have information about mandatory and voluntary evacuation areas, as well as information about parking options for those living in flood-prone areas.

http://www.cityofjerseycity.com

Mandatory evacuation is limited to people residing on ground and first floor homes in certain areas. Those in high rise residences are encouraged to take shelter in their own homes. (That seemed a bit of a funny mandate to me.)

I tried to park at the Gotham (Warren and Montgomery), but they only had ground level parking, which didn't really help. I ended up parking at 50 Columbus. There weren't many spaces left, but it's $23 per 24 hour period. Worth it as far as I'm concerned. I'm in Paulus Hook, which is prone to flooding. But I'm also concerned with debris from the forecasted winds. I'd rather be in a covered parking garage than on the street.

Quote:

I'd still recommend ABTees in the heights. They turn stuff around super quickly.

I was right underneath one of the tower loudspeakers when it went off. (Near Harborside Financial Center.) It DID sound like the teacher from Charlie Brown. I couldn't make out anything except the part where I heard the word "test."

It was LOUD. Of course, no one was even paying attention.

Our building (a walk-up) in Paulus Hook was broken into on Thursday. Two apartments were hit. So annoying. For good or for ill, I'm on the fifth floor. I guess I'm too many stairs up to merit a break-in.

UGH! It's back with a vengeance here in Paulus Hook. I didn't smell it as much on the street, but it's blowing in good and heavy into my fifth floor apartment (facing west).

Jesus, this is painful.

I have nothing against picketing. Nothing against union workers.

BUT, it was final exam week at St. Peter's Prep, I'm sure all of the whistling and chanting was conducive to test taking.

Also, it's sort of catchy: "There's a rat in the building! RAT GO HOME!"

The smell is pretty bad in Paulus Hook, too. It almost smells like an electrical fire (which had me wandering sound my apartment feeling outlets and sniffing the cord to my laptop).

What a terrible smell. Here's hoping for the humidity to lift!

My friend and I went in for dinner tonight and it was great. Service was done at a nice pace and the food was really enjoyable. I live in Paulus Hook and I was really surprised at how close it was (I do admit I don't get over that direction very often and I must say there were some gorgeous homes on the block!). There was plenty of parking on the street.

And what reasonable prices! My friend and I both had two courses and cocktails and spent about $60. Totally great. We will absolutely be going back.

Floris (on the corner of Greene and Grand) is wonderfully clean. Basic manicure is $12 PLUS they give you a five minute chair massage.

Best value in downtown.

I absolutely second the ricotta gnocchi and white beans at Satis.

I am utterly OBSESSED with the butter poached lobster gnocchi at the Lighthorse.

And the simple garlic shrimp at Marco and Pepe.

I used to love the Galbi short rib taco from the Krave truck, but the meat doesn't seem very short-ribby anymore.

Off the original topic, but for those interested in the Nike cost of manufacturing and sweatshop abuse:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5uYCWVfuPQ

St. Lucy's Shelter accepts both men's and women's clothing. They'll accept them most times, just give them a call before coming over and someone will meet you out front.

201-565-7201

I have paid all of my parking tickets online and have never gotten any sort of receipt in the mail. It says on the payment page that you should print that as your receipt.

A friend and I went to Shampoo again on Saturday. Single process was $70 and single process with a blowdry was $90.

Both very happy with the color and the experience overall. I think this is going to be my go-to rather than going into the Village.

My normal colorist is at Kayrun Hirsh in the Village, but twice now I've had emergency root touch-ups at ShampooJC on Christopher Columbus. It was the same woman both times, but I'm afraid i can't remember her name.

They only take cash, so if you make an appointment, make sure you bring enough.

Both colorings were A-OK as far as root touch-ups go. The price was less than getting a color in the city, but not inexpensive.

Update:

Thanks folks for weighing in. I'd initially brought my car to Avel Autoworks on Marin. I was given a quote of a bit over $900, saying I needed a new oxygen sensor, the entire front exhaust pipe and gaskets. To be fair, he actually brought me out and showed me the underside of the car. (Although, I wasn't sure what I was looking for.)

I told him I couldn't afford the price and was told that I'd not be able to pass inspection with out all of those things being done.

So, I followed JCList wisdom and drove the car over to Joe's. They were great. I told them I wasn't in a hurry because I don't use my car for work (and I'd brought it late in the day on Monday).

Long story short, my car was ready yesterday. For $550. No replacing the oxygen sensor. And the pipe that I was told at Avel could only be purchased for around $700 was purchased for about $350 at Joe's.

I saved $400. Yay! And I've found a new mechanic! Thanks folks!

If you're looking for somewhere close, I've gone up to Palisades Interstate Park. Beautiful natural and urban views. You can walk down to the river in some places as well. Plenty of parking, too. It's absolutely gorgeous in the fall.

I need a new muffler (or tail pipe). Or both.

I've gone to A-1 Autoworks for a number of things. I never really felt like they were trying to fish for other things to fix, but I've read lots of reviews where people had terrible experiences. Times are lean and I don't need phantom issues with my car.

Does anyone have a trusted auto repair person in JC? I live in Paulus Hook, so it would be nice if it was downtown (so I could walk home from the drop off and walk to pick up). But I'm willing to go elsewhere if it means I can trust the shop.

Thanks!