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By now, you must have heard about the global IT outage that has got governments and individual businesses scrambling.

Not to get too much into technical details but, to put it simply, the blackout has affected all of Microsoft 365’s apps and services, which are used by a variety of different companies. As a result, transit agencies and local businesses can’t seem to operate properly this morning.

The good news: in an official statement, Microsoft 365 assured all that the company is working on fixing the issue.

“Multiple services are continuing to see improvements in availability as our mitigation actions progress,” the company said on X. 

The bad news: New Yorkers are currently dealing with service disruptions across the board. To try and mitigate the disaster, we break down how, exactly, the outage may be affecting you: 

Local transit

Although all subways, trains and buses are running, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced that the information systems that usually blast out information about bus and train timing are not currently working. Basically, you won’t be able to know when your train is coming… but rest assured that it will, eventually, come.

“Some MTA customer information systems are temporarily offline due to a worldwide technical outage,” the MTA announced in an official statement. “Train and bus service is unaffected. Please listen for station and crew announcements.”

Airports

Travel hubs seem to be greatly affected by the outage: over a thousand flights have been cancelled all around the U.S. as a result of the issue.

In terms of New York specifically, the Port Authority is currently advising not to even head to the airport unless your flight is confirmed.

You can check your flight status online. Click here for JFK Airport-related news, here for LaGuardia and here for Newark’s flight tracker.

911

Although all 911 services are available, some counties have had to switch to backup systems for the time being.

Also to keep in mind: a lot of city services are controlled by Microsoft 365 so, although police officers are able to use their radios, many don’t have access to their computers or work phones.

UPS and FedEx

Waiting on a package? You might want to get comfortable: both UPS and FedEx warned of potential delays in deliveries as a result of the outage. The tracking tool on the FedEx website seems to be down at the moment, although Bloomberg reports that “the company is implementing contingency plans.” 

Although UPS drivers are still on the road, the company’s computer system is affected so your parcel might not get there until tonight or, perhaps, later this weekend. Clearly, that Amazon Prime Day order you’ve been patiently waiting for isn’t going to be there for quite some time.

* This article was originally published here

We love ourselves a good road trip–especially since New York was named the 2nd best state in the U.S. for summer road trips–but there’s one route on Long Island that’s particularly spectacular: the North Fork Trail Scenic Byway!

On the North Fork Trail you’ll wind your way through wineries, charming hamlets, quaint towns, expansive farms, wild wetlands, and stunning ocean views. 

Starting from Southold, roughly 80 miles and two hours from Manhattan, and ending in Orient Point, this road is a 36 mile picturesque journey that ends with an uninterrupted view of the Atlantic Ocean stretching into the horizon.

And the best part: it’s beautiful year-round!

Our favorite times to take the trip though are in the summer and fall seasons, because not only is the weather (and the fall foliage) stunning, you can also make a pit stop on the side of the road to grab yourself some freshly farmed fruits and veggies (because everyone knows snacks are essential on a road trip!).

But beyond the gorgeous views the journey also leads to seaside restaurants, award-winning wineries, lighthouses, and farmers markets.

The North Fork Trail is arguably the prettiest drive in Suffolk County and truly a scenic road trip like no other!

Route 25 starting in Southold and ending in Orient Point

The post This Stunning Drive Through Long Island Runs Past Lighthouses, Quaint Towns, Wineries, & Seaside Restaurants appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Afropunk Festival, a celebration of alternative Black music and artistry, has become one of the most exciting live events in the world. Not everyone knows that the party, which is now global, actually started in Brooklyn, and it’s officially coming back for two days next month.

This year’s festival, AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN, will take place from August 23-24 at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park. 

RECOMMENDED: A massive, outdoor raga festival is happening this weekend in Brooklyn

Afropunk is taking over in collaboration with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, the longest running free performing arts festival. This year’s event will reimagine the future of Black life, creativity and community and will be a precursor to Afropunk’s 20th year anniversary, scheduled to take place in 2025. 

Although the full lineup hasn’t been announced yet, the festival will be headlined by the legendary Erykah Badu for the first time since 2018.

If previous iterations of the celebration are anything to go by, it’s safe to expect that the lineup will be iconic and absolutely worth the wait. Last year, featured artists included Teyana Taylor, Joey Badass, Baby Tate, Sudan Archives, Flying Lotus and other icons of the alt scene. Before that, Tierra Whack, Doechii and many others took the coveted stage. 

Afropunk started in 2005 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and has traveled to Atlanta, Paris, London, Dakar, Johannesburg and other major cities throughout the world. Although the festival began as a space for Black punks specifically, it’s since grown to include other alternative scenes and communities throughout the diaspora. 

Tickets to AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN are available now to Afropunk Festival email subscribers at a reduced price until 2pm ET on Saturday, July 20. For everyone else, tickets will be released on Saturday, July 20 at 3pm ET on Ticketmaster. For updates on the lineup, make sure to follow Afropunk on Instagram. 

* This article was originally published here

Picture this: you walk into the Shiner Theatre at the Sheen Center for Thought & Culture at 18 Bleecker Street near Elizabeth Street and it’s completely dark. Someone escorts you to an “airport,” through a lounge, to a boarding gate and on an airplane seat on a flight from New York to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Yes, that’s all still happening in total darkness.

As you’re sitting there, you’ll start learning all about Alberto, a fellow passenger that happens to be a blind musician flying home to Argentina. Alberto stars revealing his life story, taking you straight to the heart of Odd Man Out, the immersive Off-Broadway theater production that just extended its run through August 11. 

Written by Martin Bondone, Odd Man Out first premiered back in 2019 in Argentina at the Teatro Ciego, a venue with a 15-year history of setting up live experiences in complete darkness.

The production made its move to New York to the delight of attendees earlier this summer, but not everyone seems to be able to withstand the intensity of a two-hour show carried out in the dark.  

As reported by NBC New York, audience members who feel overwhelmed are encouraged to step into the “lobby, where they can still experience the show through a headset and blindfold.”

Although virtually “taking away” one of their five senses, the show banks on spectators’ reliance on their four other forms of perception: the venue features a 3D -surround sound experience, a chemical company was tapped to create some of the scents used during the show and, once the fictional plane “lands” in Buenos Aires, passengers will be offered food and wine from the country.

Clearly taking the concept of immersive experiences to its most literal limit, Odd Man Out is a very different kind of theater production—clearly unlike the traditional Broadway shows that constantly attract tourists to this great town of ours. Perhaps, the production’s departure from the norm is more than enough of a reason to snag tickets for it. 

* This article was originally published here

With all the responsibilities of being an adult, there are moments when you want to break free and indulge in activities that bring out your inner child in NYC—even if it’s just for a day! Luckily, we have everything you need to do that! From amazing free concerts and top-notch dining options to gorgeous secret gardens and unique experiences that feel like they belong in another world, our energetic city truly offers something for everybody!

Check out these 10 nostalgic activities that will transport you back to carefree days, reigniting your inner child! As adults, we all love those moments that give us a dose of dopamine. So, step into a world filled with bubbles or spend hours playing your favorite arcade games…we won’t judge! Explore our top picks for letting loose in and around New York City.

1. Float away from reality at Bubble Planet

The most enchanting experience has opened just under an hour from Midtown. This whimsical ‘Bubble Planet’ is the perfect place to bring out your childlike side with over 10 bubble-themed rooms, where you can discover every kind of bubble imaginable. Don’t miss the VR experience that shows you what being inside a giant bubble would be like! This experience can be found at the American Dream Mall, where there’s also an indoor amusement park, water park, and more so plan to spend the day there for plenty of fun!

Feel like a kid again—grab your tickets now!

2. Classic arcade games + cocktails? We’re in!

NYC has many cool arcades that bring back all the nostalgic, carefree childhood moments with bright neon lights and high-energy pop music. Most of these spots even have a full bar, so you can sip on a delicious cocktail while you play your favorite classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Atari Pong, and Jurassic Park or enjoy a game of pool or shuffleboard.

Read our full article on the best arcades in NYC!

3. Grab your crew and venture to the biggest inflatable theme park

Grab your friends for this adults-only night at the world’s biggest inflatable theme park! This viral experience is coming to Queens at Citi Field. At 24,000 square feet and 32 feet tall, it holds the Guinness World Record for the ‘World’s Biggest Bounce House. ‘ Let’s gooooo!!!

Grab your tickets for adult-only nights!

4. See a thrilling Broadway show!

Catching a Broadway play is a must, whether you’re a local or visiting the city for the very first time. If you’re looking for a show to bring out your inner child, consider the award-winning ‘The Lion King,’ ‘Wicked,’ ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,’ ‘Back to the Future,’ ‘Moulin Rouge,’ or ‘Aladdin.’

Check out our full list of Broadway shows!

5. Go to one of these incredible rooftop pools

We can’t think of a better way to escape our endless to-do list than spending a day at one of these luxurious hotel pools around the city. We don’t know about you, but we’re ready to soak up the sun and those views from a rooftop oasis or chill at the pool with a glass-bottom, sandy beach, private cabanas, and tons of lounge chairs. One of these destinations just might become our go-to for playing hooky from real life in the near future!

See our favorite spots to take a dip! Want to go on a road trip to swim in a 70-ft waterfall? Check out Lower Falls in Robert H. Treman State Park!

6. Visit Luna Park in Coney Island for an incredible day of fun

Luna Park in Coney Island is a total blast for kids, and adults will love it too thanks to all its nostalgic vibes. The park reopened in March with some really cool upgrades. It’s a fun day out with friends or an epic date night with your S.O. You can really let loose and feel like a kid again, no matter your age!

Plan your trip!

7. Go back to the prehistoric times!

Plan a weekend getaway and step back in time and reignite your love of dinosaurs at the Dinos Alive Exhibit: An Immersive Experience this summer! Discover over 80 life-sized moving replicas like the T-rex, Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Velociraptors, and so much more! Get ready for an extraordinary trip to Schenectady into the world of these magnificent creatures! This exhibit takes you back millions of years as if you stepped into a time machine.

Step back in time!

8. Have a ball at this playful pop-up filled with balloons

At Balloon Story, everything is made out of balloons—from arctic landscapes with penguins and glaciers to tropical jungles with elephants and monkeys. This amazing experience at the Park Avenue Armory is only in town for a limited time, so don’t miss it before it pops out of NYC!

Grab tickets now!

9. See this burlesque parody of Star Wars

Star Wars fans, mark your calendars for the return of the Empire Strips Back experience! Plan your trip to Albany’s Hart Theatre at The Egg Center for Performing Arts. Set in the Star Wars universe, this adults-only production gives a sultry spin to some of your favorite characters. Venture to a galaxy far, far away to see sensual Stormtroopers and dazzling Jedis in a… shall we say, whole new light? While this is a nostalgic treat for Star Wars lovers, this one’s strictly for adults!

Get your tickets now to space out in a galaxy far, far away!

10. Visit one of these incredible museums!

Spend hours exploring one of the many museums in NYC at your own pace and rediscover the best moments of your childhood. We could spend hours exploring these exhibits! Many of our favorites even offer free admission days, so you won’t have to spend a dime!

Check out our top museum picks!

The post Feel Like a Kid Again With These Fun Experiences In and Around NYC appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here