Jay "Jonesie" L.'s Profile

I was in the process of moving and needed my hair washed, blow dryed and flat ironed - my regular stylist was booked.  I called PBC and told the receptionist what I needed and explained that my hair is thick, curly and long (midback) and asked that she book me with someone experienced with my type of hair.  Receptionist assures me that I am in good hands (keep that in mind).  When I arrive the student stylist (we will call her SS #1) comes to get me and immediately I know that I am in trouble.  SS #1 takes me to her station and begins asking what I need and I tell her the same thing I told the receptionist.  

She takes me to the back room and begins washing my hair.  SS #1 was done in 5 minutes and not once did I feel her fingers anywhere near the roots of my hair or even close to my scalp.  When I wash my own hair it takes at least 30, and for my regular stylist about 15 (including the pre-wash, main wash and rinse).  Next comes conditioner.  As she's applying conditioner she's telling me that her daughter has hair like mine, blah blah blah.  3 minutes later the conditioner is being rinsed out (my hair was not even combed through/detangled).  

Now we are going back to the main room for the blow dry.  I am telling myself that I will have to go  home and re-do everything I paid HER to do.  While SS #1 is trying to blow dry she realizes that my hair is tangled (having long, thick and curly hair this happens if I don't wash and condition properly) and I can see the scared look on her face in the reflection of the mirror.  Another student stylist (we will call her SS #2) has watched this whole fiasco happen and she steps in, takes a look around my hair and scalp and tells SS #1 that she didn't wash/condition my hair good due to the residue she can see on my hair, and she then recommends that my hair does not get blow dryed because it is still technically "dirty".  

I end up going home and having to do my own hair, so the money that I paid to PBC as well as the time spent here was a waste.  

While I understand that all students need practice, had the receptionist listened to me explain my hair type I believe that she would have placed me with SS #2 and I would have left a happy patron.

The prices for food are reasonable, the service from the staff is great, and the outdoor eating area is a plus!  For eat in orders you'll get chips and salsa, and the thickness of the chips is great (not super thin, not too thick).  My orders have been made fresh (nothing sitting under a heat lamp here) and so far the food has not disappointed me.  Catering is offered and breakfast is served as well.

The value of the meat packages cannot be beat.  These guys have no problem substituting things that you don't want.  The wait is never long, and they even give you a free sack of potatoes (who can pass up free food?!) with purchase.  I don't purchase any seafood from them (it is a bit overpriced) but for poultry, beef and pork North Side cannot be beat.

A friend insisted that this was one of the better meat markets in the Oakland area.  Sadly I cannot agree.  I chose a reasonable meat packet (a little over $60) and the few pieces of meat that I cooked from this order had a funny taste (I tried some of the chicken on one day, and the turkey wings on another).  I don't know if the meat that they gave me was tainted - but even my husband noticed.  I threw everything away for fear of food poisoning (note: I did not get food poisoning but because the meat tasted bad I was not going to take a risk) and have not been back since.

This review is for the laundromat - JK Laundry

Ok, so I needed to wash two huge comforters that would not fit in a standard sized machine.  I came here and this place looks like it has not been given any renovations, or even general attention and maintenance since it opened.  The first row of washers had two machines out of order.  The second row had one.  The third also had one.  I finally stopped counting the out of order machines.  

I realized I forgot dryer sheets so I put my money in to the vending machine to buy a box and what do you know - nothing comes out.  I moved that stupid selection lever about 20 times and kept banging the machine but still nothing.  I go next door (to JK Cleaners) and the guy at the counter says there is nothing he can do, as he is not the owner.  Okkkkaayyyy, but you work here so you must have a phone number or contact info, right?  He does not even try to give me the information.  It's not even about the money - it's about principle.  I will never, ever, evereverever come here again.  If I had the option to leave NO STARS trust me I would have.

What do you know about Exotic aroma oil and candles; and coconut body butter?  If the answer is nada, you need to come to The Body Shop.  Guaranteed to set the mood!

SFO has always been my preferred airport in the Bay Area, but now with the BART connection it is even sweeter.  How convenient to leave my car parked with a relative and take the train directly to the terminal!  It sucks that there is no free Wi-Fi (and the rate to connect from here is outrageous and overpriced), however many of the restaurants stay open till midnight, which is a plus.  I usually board with Delta or AA and to date have had no delays.  Baggage claim can be a bit slow but overall still a great airport.

This airport is one of the larger I've been in.  I had a Northwest flight and this was one of two (yes, two) layovers.  It was colder than a witches tit in here, and I had on a sweater and a jacket!  Our plane had to be de-iced, so we were stuck at the tarmac waiting to take off for over an hour (minus one star) and upon my return flight there was a delay so I missed my connection (minus another star).  Overall it's an ok airport, but I know better to use this as a connecting point during the winter months.

A lot of people complain about MIA, however I've never had a bad experience flying international from here so I can't.  There are many places to eat, little shops and boutiques to blow your hard earned cash, and even outlets to charge your laptops or cell phones (a huge plus).

I've always had a short wait to get through security, and the employees were honest and helpful (I lost my wallet and the employee tracked me down and gave it to me - with all of my money in it).

The women's restrooms needed some serious attention (a mop, bleach, and Lysol - minus one star) but I've seen worse at the local gas station.  It only takes me about 45 minutes to get from MIA to Montego Bay so that's another bonus for me.  I hope my luck continues when flying from this airport.

Jamaica Station has been closed for years - which is too bad because it was my local hangout spot.  The drinks were reasonably priced, food was good, and after hours the music and people kept the vibes nice.