NYCP Blog - News

New Subway Fare Changes - Effective June 28th

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:55:38 -0500

Hey NY, Get Ready for the new Subway Fare Hike we have been dreading for many months and now changing as of this Sunday, June 28th. Yes, I know…this is a recession, we shouldn’t be raising prices but it’s happening. The decision and new hike fares are now set for 2009 and I don’t know for how long before the next fare hike comes along for us New Yorkers to dread. So definitely buy your last old fare MetroCards before Sunday, but don’t stock up on the old fare MetroCards. There’s an expiration date on keeping old MetroCard fares otherwise you loose the value of the card. Here is the new information: From $2, the fare will now go up to $2.25 per ride for Subways, NYCT Bus, MTA Bus, LI Bus & Staten Island Railway. Round-trip Fares will go from $4 to $4.50. Unlimited Ride Metro Cards will go from $7.50 to $8.25 for 1-Day Unlimited, from $25 to $27 for the 7-Day Unlimited, from $47 to $51.50 for the 14-Day Unlimited and from $81 to $89 for the 30-Day Unlimited. Express Bus Fares will go from $5 to $5.50 per ride. The 7-Day Unlimited ride for the Express Bus will go from $41 to $45. MetroCards Purchased Before June 28th Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard Cards purchased prior to June 28th can still be used. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on June 28, 2009, the higher fare will be deducted from your Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard. Unlimited Ride MetroCard To get the full value of a 1-Day, 7-Day, 14-Day or 30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard or the 7-day Express Bus Plus MetroCard purchased prior to June 28th you must begin using the card on or before July 6th. If you buy a 1-Day Fun Pass before June 28th, it must be activated by July 6th and it expires on July 6th. If you buy a 7-Day Unlimited before June 28th, it must be activated by July 6th and it expires on July 12th. If you buy a 14-Day Unlimited before June 28th, it must be activated by July 6th and it expires on July 19th. If you buy a 30-Day Unlimited before June 28th, it must be activated by July 6th and it expires on August 4th. If you buy a 7-Day Express Bus Plus before June 28th, it must be activated by July 6th and it expires on July 12th. For more information on new fares for MTA Transit, Metro North, LI Railroad, Bridges and Tolls, visit http://www.mta.info/mta/09/#umc

Brooklyn Museum Increase Admission Fee

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:56:13 -0500

Brooklyn Museum Increases Admissions Effective March 21, 2009

Brooklyn, NY…March 20, 2009. The Brooklyn Museum announced today that it will increase its suggested admission fee to $10 for adults and to $6 for older adults and students with valid identification, effective Saturday, March 21, 2009. Admission, which has not been increased since 2004, is currently $8 for adults and $4 for seniors and students. Admission for Target First Saturdays, the Museum’s evening of art and entertainment, will continue to be free from 5 to 11 p.m. as will general admission for Members and children under 12 accompanied by an adult. Target First Saturdays are also supported through funds from a major endowment from the Wallace Foundation.

“We truly regret that the challenges created by the economic downturn have made it necessary to modestly increase the admissions fee at the Brooklyn Museum. We are grateful to the Department of Cultural Affairs for its support as we move forward with this suggested admissions increase.

Who doesn’t like ART?

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:45:00 -0600

I was under the impression that everyone loves art, especially teenagers. You know, trying to find themselves, adapting to new things and such. Art is very interesting and personally, I love it. If you’re an art lover and you are between the ages of 10 and 18 or you know someone that may be interested that is within that age range, please pass this along.

Image provided by: www.lgreyhot.com

Event: Art Classes for Teenagers (Ages 10-18)

Date: Starting February 25th, 2008 (10 after school or weekend classes)

Organization: Educational Alliance

Location: 197 East Broadway between Jefferson & Clinton Streets.

Contact: 212-782-2300 ext 378 or educationalalliance

- think24seven

Hanging with David Blaine

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:30:09 -0500

Illusionist David Blaine is still hanging approximately 5 or 6 stories high above Wollman Rink in Central Park today. He still has another 24 hrs plus before his final stunt is completed live on ABC on Wednesday night. Many people are skeptic of his stunts and claim his stunts to be idiotic and that he is an attention seeker and others just marvel on how he can tolerate the stunts he does as unimaginable and near impossible feat. Either way, it’s not everyday that you find someone suspended in the air upside down for 60 hours in New York City. Unaware of what his medical condition would be after this stunt, his goal is to be able to mentally overcome harsh conditions by training your mind to control your body. Here are further details from the official David Blaine Website and ABC News:

From The David Blaine Website:

On September 22nd, 2008, David Blaine will attempt to hang from a thin wire five stories in the air – with no safety net or airbag to break his fall. Hanging on for his life, Blaine will be able to move around over the Wollman Rink and lower himself to interact closely with fans, dropping in upside down.

The challenge concludes with a live ABC primetime special, "David Blaine: Dive of Death," Wednesday, September 24th (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET).

During the special, viewers will join Blaine on a unique cross-country trip, as he makes his way from the east coast to the Grand Canyon, performing his jaw-dropping magic for people in his own distinctive up-close style.

From ABC News:

For three days and two nights, David Blaine will enjoy an unusual view of New York City's Central Park -- one that can only be enjoyed from six stories in the air, while hanging upside down.

The famed magic man will be suspended upside down for 60 hours.

The magician's latest stunt, called the "Dive of Death," began 8:30 yesterday morning as he was hoisted into position. The effort will reportedly culminate in Blaine dropping to the ground at 11 p.m. Wednesday.

Dr. Ronald Ruden, Blaine's physician, told ABCNews.com that when he first heard the name of the stunt, "It scared the crap out of me."

Considering the various health hazards Blaine may face as he hangs in the position for about 60 hours, Ruden's concern is warranted. He said the stunt will be all endurance -- no smoke and mirrors.

"How he does this I'm not 100 percent sure," Ruden said. "He seems to have the ability to use his mind to control his body to not experience pain and discomfort, as well as take away his basic drives to eat and sleep and defy his fear."

Blaine told "Good Morning America" today right before he was hoisted into the air that he always found images of Harry Houdini hanging upside down "compelling to look at."

"I always liked that idea of being upside down," Blaine said. "So I started experimenting on how long could somebody actually be put upside down. And there was no documentation of it. Nobody really had research on it. I invited doctors to kind of look and watch me as I was doing experiments. And although the dangers are high, I think there's a way to override that. "

Blaine said he has prepared for the challenges of the 2½-day hang by losing some weight, performing special exercises and practicing dangling upside down.

But there are certain health considerations that simple conditioning cannot address. During his ordeal, Blaine will not eat or sleep. He will urinate through a catheter. And doctors not involved with the stunt say there are definite risks involved with his attempt.

A special blog from [Title Of Show]

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:36:56 -0500

As many of you know, it was announced that [title of show] will conclude its run at the Lyceum on October 12th.

Thank you for all your support that each of you continue to demonstrate through buying tickets, listening to the CD, reading the blog, blogging, writing to us, sending us videos, taking your inspiration and creating your own work...it means the world to us.

Lots of feelings are being felt: sadness, pride, gratitude...and hope. Guess what: the story isn't over yet.

You may be feeling feelings, too. You also may be wondering what you can do. And here it is:

We want to PACK the houses for the rest of the Lyceum run of [title of show]. If we can sell out these houses, then we have something to work with…and the possibility of another chapter of [title of show]. You can make a difference about what comes next…you can contribute to the shape of the future of [title of show].

What can you do?

*Tell 90 people to come see the show.

*Make and distribute your own [title of show] flyer.

*Post your own video encouraging people to buy tickets.

*Tell your co-workers and classmates and cast-mates and teachers and students and parents and children and friends and neighbors to come see the show as soon as possible.

*Get a group to see the show who has never seen it before.

*Find a creative way to turn your passion about the show into ticket sales.

Time is of the essence.

Remain open, passionate and optimistic.

The adventure continues, people.

Love and gratitude,

Hunter, Jeff, Heidi, Susan, Michael, Courtney, Benjamin & Larry

PS: Keep your eye on the blog for further instructions...

The New Broadway Esplanade

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:18:35 -0500

For the past month I have noticed the construction of this Esplanade before I knew what it was going to be. As the construction was coming along I saw they had paved a green path with a bicycle symbol and I thought, that’s great a bike path at last. Now all these delivery guys and messengers on bikes can stop nearly plowing us to the ground due to being in such a hurry. I even thought I would start skating to work using the bike path. But as construction progressed even more with the sight of gravel shrinking that wonderful bike path, I was really beginning to think, “what are they doing with this?” It wasn’t until last Friday as I was walking past there that I saw the benches and chairs and tables with red umbrellas.

My first thought was that I felt a bigger bike lane was more useful. Then came the thought of, “I thought the city was broke. Of all the things we had to cut back on, we couldn’t save our money to use for something else more useful instead of this esplanade.” And then my final thought was that it’s pretty but I don’t think it’s safe.

As I am reading in the NY Times today, it turns out that this newly featured esplanade is an overnight instant hit for the surrounding office workers and especially tourists who feel that this is part of the NY experience. It’s only been a few days and it’s already a jammed packed spot filled with people brave enough to deal with oncoming heavy traffic of Broadway and the exhaust that comes from it. While some of the locals are a bit weary of accidents waiting to happen for example, a cab or a truck was to loose control and plow into the esplanade and onto the sidewalks. Other locals and tourists are embracing the idea of a new lunch spot in the middle of the street. The $700,000 esplanade reduced the Broadway street traffic lanes by two and extends from 42^nd street to 35^th street. The Times Square Alliance, The Fashion B.I.D and the 34^th Street Partnership have agreed that they will be maintaining the esplanade.

The esplanade is part of a new project by the Transportation Department on making the streets better for pedestrians and bicyclists. Traffic is also being monitored to see if this new esplanade has had an effect on traffic and making sure traffic risks are reduced to a minimal. So what seems to be a short time to enjoy the new and somewhat less enthused esplanade as summer comes to a close it will still be around throughout the winter and ready for people to experience and enjoy next spring and summer.

Olympic Opening Ceremony

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:02:51 -0500

As we all know today is 08-08-2008(8-8-8). It is supposedly a lucky day for us all but even more so for Chinese Culture that sees the number 8 like the way Americans see the number 7. It is no wonder that the hype of the opening ceremony of the Olympic games in Beijing will probably be the most visually spectacular Olympic opening ceremony thus far. Expect elaborate pageantry of costumes, unique performances, stories depicting the rich culture of China and the best pyrotechnic fireworks the will sparkle and dazzle while you cheer for your country in the parade of athletes. So on this eighth month of the eighth day in 2008 and at 8pm, Let the games begin!

New Postage Rates

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Mon, 12 May 2008 05:11:04 -0500

Whether you are a local or visiting NYC, we all send out letters or post cards to our family through mail. As of today, the rate has changed for sending out letters and packages. For regular letters, it went from $0.41 to $0.42 for first class domestic letters. Anything over an ounce will go up an extra $0.17 for domestic letters. Express mail flat rate is now starts at $16.50 and Priority mail now starts at $4.80 for envelops. Other rates will apply depending on how far you are sending your package and the weight of your package. Also, the best stamps to buy is the "Forever Stamp". It's a stamp that will always be valid when rates go up so you are not stuck with stamps that need extra postage. For more information on the new rates, visit www.usps.com

A possible commuting nightmare this evening?

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:47:42 -0500

A demonstration of Prayers and Protests led by Reverend Al Sharpton will be held throughout the city's key transit locations will start at 3pm today. This is in hopes to get through to the feds about the recent Sean Bell trial that has many of the African-American communities outraged nationwide. Similar demonstrations will also be held in Chicago and Atlanta today. Sharpton has stated that these demonstrations will be peaceful and many of the demonstrators are willing to get arrested for these actions in hope for justice.

Areas to avoid:

125th & 3rd Avenue

60th Street & 3rd Avenue

34th Street & Park Avenue

Varick Street & Houston Street

1 Police Plaza

House of The Lord Church in Bklyn

For other related articles, go to:

NY Daily News

NY Times

NY 1

Naked Yoga for Intermediates!

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:16:27 -0500

If you love Yoga and you have done it in the past, you might want to take up some classes just to refresh yourself. Why not refresh naked? You can participate in Yoga, naked!

When:: Every other Wednesday : 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. (ends April 23)

Price:: $25, $35 for couples

Event Phone Number:: 646-460-9397

http://nakedyoganyc.com

New York, ny "Perhaps you've struck a few poses in yoga classes throughout the city. But have you done so without clothes? Go beyond basic downward dogs and other yoga poses at Naked Yoga NYC's intermediate-level class. One catch: The location will only be revealed to those who RSVP. " For more information or to sign up, call 646-460-9397 or visit Nakedyoganyc.com. metromix

Manhattan Public School Shortage!

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:56:28 -0500

There is a shortage in the Public School system in the borough of Manhattan. "Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer says there are not enough seats in public schools for the growing number of students in the borough. He says the Department of Education's planning for new schools doesn't reflect the current construction boom. He points specifically to Lower Manhattan, SoHo, the Upper East Side and Flatiron neighborhoods as being underserved." Stringer says the the numbers speak for themselves. "Over the past eight years, the city approved enough new buildings to add up to 2,300 new students to these four Manhattan neighborhoods alone. And that doesn't even count residential conversions – that's just new buildings," said Stringer. "During the same eight year period, the city added just 143 school seats to just one of these four neighborhoods, Lower Manhattan, and zero new seats at all to the other three." A DOE spokeswoman says the agency is aware of the growing school need and have increased the number of new seats for the district in their current capital plan.

# 7 Train Service begins for Mets Season.

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:37:19 -0500

"The 7 Train was packed for the home opener for the Mets, and fans were joined by the unusual addition of a wax figure of the Mets’ David Wright, from Madame Tussuads Wax Museum in Midtown Manhattan." “It's so lifelike, until you see it up close you don't really get the full effect,” said a fan. But the increased express train service to Shea Stadium is no illusion – in addition to the Manhattan-bound express service introduced last year after weeknight games, this year the MTA added the same express service after weekend games. The new service will run after all home games, and provide a three-stop ride to Manhattan - stopping in Queens at Queensboro Plaza, Woodside and Shea Stadium.

What’s going on American Airlines?

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:04:00 -0500

American Airlines Passengers Face Third Day Of Cancellations

Air travelers face a third day of frustration today as American Airlines cancels hundreds more flights.

www.xplanefreeware.net
“American says it has canceled 900 flights nationwide for today, including 50 flights into and out of the three New York City area airports. At this hour, 37 outbound flights from LaGuardia have been cancelled. However, unlike yesterday, it appears more people called ahead, as the lines are minimal. Passengers waited hours to speak to ticket agents yesterday.”

“Federal regulators called for re-inspections of American’s 300 MD-80 planes — to look for faulty wiring that could cause fires. The groundings have affected an estimated 250,000 passengers. In addition to American Airlines cancellations, Delta has announced the grounding of about six flights today and Alaska Airlines the canceling of about a dozen flights for re-inspections.”
In response to all these cancellations, New York Senator Charles Schumer released the following statement:

“Though the safety implications are serious, the resulting chaos may have been avoidable. The [Federation Aviation Administration] and the airlines need to come up with a plan so this rash of cancellations doesn’t happen again.”

Better to be safe than sorry, but that’s just my opinion

NY1 News

R.I.P Charlton Heston!

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:23:36 -0500

Academy Award-winning actor Charlton Heston actor, star of "The Ten Commandments" and "Ben-Hur," died in Beverly Hills. www.medaloffreedom.com "Born in Evanston, Illinois in 1923, Charlton Heston's first break came when he appeared on Broadway in 1947. But it wasn't until 1952 that he made a national impact, when he was cast as a circus manager in director Cecil B. DeMille's “The Greatest Show On Earth,” which looked at life under the "big top."" "Charlton Heston was a larger-than-life figure and often portrayed those kinds of roles on-screen. From “The Ten Commandments” to “Ben Hur,” he left an indelible impression on movie-going audiences and leaves behind a host of time-honored performances in some of Hollywood’s most cherished films."

Katie Couric might be leaving CBS?

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:15:51 -0500

nwitimes.com"According to the Wall Street Journal, "CBS Evening News" anchor Katie Couric may leave her post as early as January, well before her contract is up." "Except for a brief surge when she took over, Couric has not been able to lift the "CBS Evening News" out of last place among the network newscasts." "The network has begun cost-cutting measures throughout the news department." "Couric's $15 million per year contract expires in 2011. She signed on to CBS in September 2006, after spending 15 years anchoring NBC's "Today Show."" NY1 News