Author: Site Adminstrator

The subway might just be getting a little safer, station by station.

According to Gothamist, the MTA has installed 4-foot-tall metal barriers at 10 subway station platforms—half of which are on the L line. 

We reported back in January that the agency put in the first barrier at platform on 191 Street station in Washington Heights, which services the 1 train, as part of a pilot program to improve rider safety and test to see if the presence of the barriers interferes with the flow of commuter traffic.

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Since then, Gothamist says 10 have been installed at the following platforms:

• 191st Street (1)
• Clark Street (2/3)
• Morgan Avenue (L)
• Crescent Street (J/Z)
• Fifth Avenue (7)
• 57th Street (F)
• First Avenue (L)
• Bedford Avenue (L)
• Grand Street (L)
• Dekalb Avenue (L)

It turns out that these metal barriers are more affordable to install compared to the full-sized doors like those at the JFK Airport AirTrain. Those would cost the MTA about $7 billion and could only be installed at only a quarter of NYC’s stations, Gothamist says.

So cheaper, shorter metal barriers will have to do for now, especially as congestion pricing and the funding that would provide to the MTA is on hold. They’ll continue to be rolled out across the system, at about one or two stations a month, a spokesperson told Gothamist.

What do you think about these barriers? Will they be enough?

* This article was originally published here

Despite the fact that more and more parties in New York play K-pop music and there’s an entire street in midtown where you’ll find some of the best Korean restaurants in the East Coast, there has yet to be a festival dedicated to celebrating the culture of that country as a whole (unlike its Eastern neighbor, which enjoys the notoriety of the massive annual JAPAN Fes). 

That’s about to change with Korea Fest. Set to debut on Sunday, September 8, from 2pm until 9pm at the Culture Lab in Long Island City, Queens, the event’s mission is to familiarize folks with Korean culture—and they are not just talking about music and food. Korea Fest will highlight Korea’s famous skincare and beauty industries while also looking at the country’s technology offerings, K-dramas and more. Also expect dance performances and a DJ to pin K-pop tunes throughout the event.

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“Korea Fest is about highlighting Korean culture [and] promoting diversity and inclusivity,” Sarah Choi, one of the event’s organizers, said. “We believe that of the few cultural festivals that currently exist, South Korea has a massive global appeal and footprint that hasn’t been properly represented.

Food-wise, 20 vendors are scheduled to participate in the festivities, serving Korean favorites like Korean barbecue, Korean fried chicken and less traditional dishes made with a local twist. 

Culture Lab LIC is a 12,000 square foot converted warehouse located at 5-25 46th Avenue. The space features two fine arts galleries, an 80-seat theater, classroom space and an 18,000 square foot outdoor venue, according to their website. They have a robust calendar of events coming up, including a pop-up dog adoption event, free outdoor concerts and more. 

You can get your free tickets to the first ever Korea Fest here. 

* This article was originally published here

“Time doesn’t exist when you’re at an airport” is something many of us have muttered to ourselves while sipping a 7 am cocktail at an airport bar. And whether you’re looking at that cocktail to offer up some liquid courage before boarding your flight or are simply just interested in getting a head start on your vacation, you may soon be cut off after two drinks.

That’s if Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary gets his way, anyway.

O’Leary has suggested that airports implement a two-drink limit for passengers ordering alcoholic beverages in order to reduce disruptive behavior on flights. O’Leary exclusively told The Independent UK:

We and most of the airlines around Europe are seeing a spike upwards, particularly this summer, of disgruntled passengers on board. I think the real challenge is: flight delays are up at a record high this summer, so people are spending time in airports drinking before they board aircraft.

“Passengers fighting with each other is a growing trend on board aircraft,” added O’Leary at a news conference in London. He also claims that assaults by drunk passengers are occurring on an almost weekly basis now, compared to barely happening at all five to ten years ago.

And this isn’t a figment of O’Leary’s imagination–the International Air Transport Association, who runs a campaign titled “One Too Many” which urges passengers to behave responsibly, reports an “increase in the rate of reported unruly passenger incidents.”

Numbers from May 2024 show that there was one unruly incident reported for every 480 flights in 2023, up from one per 568 flights in 2022 and one per 835 flights in 2021.

To combat this, O’Leary suggests requiring passengers to show their boarding pass when ordering drinks at airport bars, similar to when purchasing cigarettes or alcohol in duty free shops, and be limited to only two drinks. He has already called for governments across Europe to implement more effective fines for disruptive passengers.

Whether the drink limit will actually come into fruition or not is unknown, but who knows–you may soon have to put the cocktail sipping on hold until you reach your destination! And this isn’t the only change (potentially) heading to airports–TSA also plans to lift the 3.4-ounce liquid limit. More on this here.

The post A 2-Drink Limit Has Been Proposed At Airport Bars appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

The historic 82-foot Shearwater Classic Schooner provides a timeless perspective to touring the iconic New York harbor waterways. You’ll experience the lives of traditional schooners while enjoying modern-day trappings. Sign up for daily sails, private charters, specialty outings, and family programs.  Enjoy good food and onboard entertainment as you sail past landmarks such as Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the Lower Manhattan Skyline.

Background on Shearwater Classic Schooner

After careful restoration, the 1929 Shearwater Classic Schooner has become a pinnacle of luxury in yachting experiences. Some places she has sailed include the Pacific, Panama Canal, New Zealand, and New York. Theodore Donald Wells designed the boat, while the Rice Brothers Corporation built it.  

During the Second World War, the US Coast Guard used the schooner to patrol for German U-boats. Later, it hosted a research laboratory for the Institute of Environmental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Manhattan by Sail, the current owners, purchased the boat in 2000.  Today, the classic schooner offers unique sailing experiences with its charming combination of classic/traditional and modern amenities. Another feather in its cap is that it is the only designated floating landmark in NYC. 

Where is the Shearwater Classic Schooner, and how do you get there? 

Shearwater Classic Schooner departs from North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place, Battery Park City, New York, United States.

By Train: To get to North Cove by train, take the IRT (1, 9, 2, 3) or IND (A, C, E) to Chambers St. 

By Bus: M9, M10, or M22 will get you to Battery Park City.

What to expect when you visit?

The schooner has a 48-person sitting capacity, so bookings are a good idea. Seating options are plentiful and ad-hoc, including benches, deck boxes, or on the Rangoon teak deck. Alternatively, take the spiral staircase below the deck to appreciate the Gilded Age and Gatsby-era decor while enjoying the NYC Skyline. 

You can bring your food, but not liquor. 

If you suffer from seasickness, please take the necessary precautions.  

The type of cruise you are on will determine how you dress. But generally, dress comfortably and be mindful of the weather. The company encourages wearing soft-soled shoes because boots and heels can scuff the deck. 

The Schooner sets sail no matter the weather. Cancellations are only allowed if the captain feels the conditions are unsafe.

What else can you do when you visit?

There’s a lot more to experience around the area. Once you finish your sail, take some time to enjoy nearby events and venues, including:

• Flex Experience at the One World Observatory
• Mixology Course at Skinos
• Private NYC walking and photography tour
• 9/11 Ground Zero tour
• Governors Island
• St Anne and the Holy Trinity 
• Pier 36 NYC

Get your tickets to Shearwater Classic Schooner

FAQs 

How long does a sail take?

It takes approximately 1.5 hours.

What is the refund policy?

Once you buy the tickets, there are no refunds. Please refer to the company’s terms and conditions for more information.

Are there special rates for kids?

Child rates apply to kids aged 12 and below. Those under two do not pay. However, you must still make ticket reservations to accommodate everyone on board. With a reservation, the child can accompany you on the sail.

Can I take the cruise with my pet?

Small dogs on a leash are acceptable, but only with advance notice. 

Is the vessel handicap accessible?

Yes, it is. 

Shearwater Classic Schooner provides a fantastic way to explore the NYC waterways. You enjoy luxurious sailing in a boat that clings to the traditional schooner heritage while incorporating modern amenities. 

The sailing tours have no age limit, so you can go alone or bring family or friends. You can spend the whole time on the deck, enjoying the fresh air. Alternatively, head down below the deck and enjoy the beauty of the comfortable interior. 

Charge your camera because you will be, without a doubt, taking plenty of photos of the stunning Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and other city landmarks.

And beyond the harbor is a vibrant neighborhood with plenty to do and see.

The post Shearwater Classic Schooner: A Timeless Voyage of The NYC Harbor appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here