In New York, try
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, treat
Theres nothing you can’t do, site
Now you’re in New York,
these streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
lets here it for New York

S. Carter, The Blueprint 3

Well, advice maybe not everyone. But it looks like Bernard Madoff will be getting plenty during his time in prison thanks to this genius undertaking.

[Via Josh Spear]

Although I had an amazing holiday weekend in Missouri, easily the worst part of the trip was traveling. From a cab driver trying to get cute with the route to the airport and nearly causing me to miss my plane, to flight reservation mistakes and flight change fees, bag check fees, added new flight costs, overbooked flights, plane delays, connecting flight delays and more. So after waiting in an extraordinary long line at the cab stand, to sit down in a cab, tell the driver where I need to go and hear, “Welcome home sir, it’s glad to have you back in New York. I hope you enjoyed your trip,” made my day. 

I think that was the first time someone ever made me feel glad to be back home in New York.

A Berlin-based artist has interpreted some of the iconic aspects of living in New York in Lego form. The taxi lights are a great educational tool for travelers.

An amazingly simplistically illustrated story about two children’s obsession with the New York City subway system.

Possibly the most underrated service provider in New York City is perched on at least one street corner on  every block of the city. It’s none other than your neighborhood coffee guy. Not only do they have to contend with the Wal-Mart of coffee, Starbucks, but they also have to compete with every little neighborhood coffee shop as well. These vendors are grossly underpaid and show up no matter the weather in the wee hours of the morning to serve their faithful with their morning libation and a smile (and don’t forget the donuts, mmmm, doe-nuuuts). (more…)

By Kate Ascher

While passing through Barnes & Noble, on the way to the register to pay for a magazine, I stumbled upon a hidden gem. The book is called The Works: Anatomy of a City and it’s by Kate Ascher. It’s a well-designed and organized book that details every aspect of New York City that you’ve probably never thought of.

From how flowers show up at the corner deli every morning to what happens to all that trash, the book has it all. In addition to all of the information the book is filled with fantastic info graphics that make the whole thing easier to understand, follow and enjoy.

The book is a must have for every coffee table in New York City. And if you’ve got kids in the city it’s guaranteed to answer some questions you wouldn’t otherwise have the answers to.

If you plan on ever traveling to, from or through one of New York City’s many airports, this is a must read. (That includes New Jersey’s Newark Airport)