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Tagged With "NYC&Co"

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Re: November 30, 2016: The Guggenheim Museum, New York

Paul Heymont ·
I'm not a big fan of the Guggenheim's collection, but i do love the building, and wonder why it hasn't become the template for many others. Quite aside from its own beauty, it seems one of the best ways to display art. I'm often frustrated in museums by a labyrinth of rooms, not always well laid out, that keep me from back-tracking to reconsider a painting I'd passed in light of ones I saw further on. The spiral solves that brilliantly. In 1962, my uncle, a painter, took me there to see an...
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Re: November 30, 2016: The Guggenheim Museum, New York

DrFumblefinger ·
Mr. Wright was a genius. A beautiful use of space, nicely illustrated, Jonathan. This is actually one of those places I've yet to visit and hope to some day.
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Re: Shunpiking Through Northern Ohio

GarryRF ·
I enjoy your journeys around " Small Town USA". The US has such a wealth of history. You should write a book so that Brits like me know where to search for new ventures - ready for my next trip across the pond. Thank You.
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Re: Where In The World # 8.8. Some more clues

Former Member ·
None other than the Well House and Gardens Ballyedmond, Gorey, Co Wexford, Republic of Ireland.
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Re: Safe to fly on New Years?

GarryRF ·
Flying is safer than crossing the Street ! More accidents happen at home in the Bathroom than anywhere else! Its just very unlucky for your co-workers - who are just jealous !
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Re: Safe to fly on New Years?

Former Member ·
Yes, the co-workers are jealous. When you return, unless you bring really good swag, they will not want to hear one word about your trip. Spoil sports. The best strategy is to pick out of the ordinary destinations. When I tell them where I am going and the response is " Where ??? What ? Where is that ? ", I know that I am on the right track.
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Re: Touring Historic B&Bs in Charming Havre de Grace

George G. ·
I like the Russian Room and all the outdoor seating areas. Thanks for the terrific article and colorful photographs.
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Re: Grizzly Paw Brewery and Restaurant, Canmore, Alberta

Jonathan L ·
When I lived in Canmore, The Paw was one of my favorite places along with Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. I watched the Grey Cup at the Grizzly Paw.
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Re: More WiFi in NYC Subway...soon...maybe.

Travel Rob ·
This is supposed to be the current list of stations with wireless and Wi-Fi service. http://www.nycsubwaywireless.com/ What I don't understand is if this a free service ,how exactly does Transit Wireless, make money ? Are the phone carriers paying for them? http://www.transitwireless.com...or-transit-agencies/
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Re: More WiFi in NYC Subway...soon...maybe.

Paul Heymont ·
Transit Wireless is a company formed for this project; it's owned by the phone and data carriers, which have paid part of the costs. The other revenue stream is the potential for advertising, and also sponsorships ("WiFi at this station is sponsored by...") Everything here seems to be a big to-do; we've been on lots of European systems that have had full service, including tunnels, for quite a while. We're also way behind on "train will arrive" signs, because the NYCTA way is to design from...
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Re: AirBerlin Black Friday: $499 to Europe R/T!

Travel Rob ·
It's a fantastic deal! Milan is a budget airline hub too so you can go to a lot Europe for not much more. Time to buy those spring break tickets
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

PortMoresby ·
From the Bloomberg article: "Airbnb has been working hard in recent months to change the law in the company’s favor." This limited characterization makes me wonder whose side Bloomberg is on, given any individual NYC host or user has more to loose or gain than Airbnb, since the company will succeed with or without NYC listings. Given the timing of the original law, it seems clear that it's largely commercial interests that back the law limiting just who can participate in the short-term...
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

DrFumblefinger ·
Bloomberg is a big business type publication so I believe they would tend to favor the big corporate guys. And the unions they employee. And the government officials these big corporations tend to grease. I personally believe in free choice. Let people decide where they want to stay. New York City, being one of the most expensive for hotel rooms in the world, needs more consumer choices in my opinion. AirBnB is one of the most innovative products to hit the travel market in a long time.
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

PortMoresby ·
Originally Posted by DrFumblefinger: " Bloomberg is a big business type publication so I believe they would tend to favor the big corporate guys. And the unions they employee. And the government officials these big corporations tend to grease." Indeed, it is. I didn't really wonder.
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

Paul Heymont ·
As a frequent Airbnb renter (about 16 times) I obviously think it's a valuable thing and want it to succeed. I also think that there's room for reasonable regulation that's sensitive to local needs, and that a reasonable compromise can be found. Let's take the case of New York City...there is a real shortage of affordable housing. While it's not caused by Airbnb, but rather by a series of market issues that I won't rehearse here, it's reasonable for the city/state to ban short-term rentals...
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

PortMoresby ·
Everything you say, P, is logical and fair. The problem becomes compliance and enforcement, not a separate issue. A segment of people will always try to game the system and it's impossible to enforce these kinds of regulations in such a complex and populous place. Even here, where I live in a relatively rural place, I suspect I'm the only one in a large county collecting and paying the short-term occupancy tax. I do it, not because I'm honest, but because I don't want to think about possible...
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

Paul Heymont ·
I think my proposal as written could work; in my haste I left out one aspect and that is that Airbnb or similar would be expected to require that a host supply his or her city registration number, or look it up on city website. The company would be subject to penalty for unlicensed listings or for handling rentals beyond the limit. Of course if the host rented through other agencies beyond the limit, that would not be on Airbnb...some city enforcement mechanism would be ended but that's true...
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

PortMoresby ·
Listings on Airbnb are done as independent contractors and while Airbnb can advise their listers to comply, and do, I don't think they will, or even should, be responsible for that compliance. Companies who hire independent contractors , including Airbnb, aren't responsible for those people doing what they're supposed to do. I think it's unrealistic to suppose that what isn't a requirement in other industries, should be in this one. One may want them to be responsible for everyone's...
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

Paul Heymont ·
Well, I see the point of your argument, but even without any liability on Airbnb's part it could work. Part A) If the local jurisdiction (NY or elsewhere) catches you in violation you can be fined, or whatever penalty. Part B) on notification by local jurisdiction that a listing is in violation, agency required to remove listing. I'm sure Airbnb and others would be able to work with that...they're willing to collect taxes and this would be far less burdensome than that!
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

PortMoresby ·
I missed something...what taxes do they collect? None in my case. I collect it, include the bed tax in my price, which Airbnb gives to me in their payment, and I file a return with the county quarterly when I pay them. Income reported to IRS, but my responsibility to pay any tax due. But I think the rest is reasonable. No requirement that Airbnb enforce anything except in response to local authorities that a rental is illegal. In theory, they already remove substandard listings, so much the...
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

Paul Heymont ·
In their negotiations with New York and San Francisco, among others, Airbnb has offered to collect and transmit the taxes imposed. Don't know if they currently have an agreement along those lines in any jurisdiction.
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

PortMoresby ·
I'd love it if they collected the bed tax here. Since they don't, and it's my impression that few here pay it, including it as part of my fee creates an imbalance for me, making it appear as though I'm getting more than I do. I state the breakdown in my listing but hardly anyone actually reads the listings. If they collected it, it would give a fair comparison of the room rate with the taxes added on at the end, as the fees are now. I think, though, despite what seems a good idea from the...
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Re: Back to the Future: Transit Ridership Keeps on Rising

Travel Rob ·
Besides traveling, I never really used public transport on a daily basis until last year.Gas prices in recent years I think have driven me and others to not use the car as much.I dont really miss using a car daily, but I do miss taking as many car roadtrips.I wonder if daytrips by car is down too?
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Re: Back to the Future: Transit Ridership Keeps on Rising

DrFumblefinger ·
When it makes sense to use public transit (financially, convenience, time savings), people do so. When it doesn't they don't. I'm all for free choice and believe most people have the sense to exercise their choices well.
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Re: Arthur Ave -NYC's Real Little Italy

Paul Heymont ·
When my kids were younger, Arthur Avenue made a great end to a day at the Bronx Zoo or Botanical Garden...I'm glad it's still going!
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Re: Top 7 Things to do in Avalon – Catalina Island

Samantha ·
Thanks for the comments everyone. Loved the song! Hadn't heard it for a LONG time. Not being near the ocean is the hardest thing (besides missing family/friends) about being in CO. But that's what vacations are for, right? Thanks again all.
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Re: Selfie-stick backlash at NYC museums

DrFumblefinger ·
It won't interfere with what I do. Selfie sticks are the tools of amateurs!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, August 13, 2015: Willie Walleye, Baudette, Minnesota

Ottoman ·
Thanks for your feedback gentlemen. DrFumblefinger...I agree that walleye (aka pickerel) are probably the best pan fried fish I have ever had. To anyone who has never tried this fish, treat yourself by cooking some up yourself or try it at a restaurant. PHeymont and TravelRob, I'm glad that you also enjoy these types of sculptures. You said it well Paul...there is something "weirdly wonderful" about them. In terms of your question Rob, the reasons I'm not in any of the pictures is...
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Re: March 6, 2016: CCNY Grotesques

GarryRF ·
"The terra cotta gargoyles (animal-like) and grotesques (humanlike) have chipped and flaked. Some fell from their parapets and smashed into a thousand pieces." - NYTimes. http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09...ed-city-college.html
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Re: March 6, 2016: CCNY Grotesques

Jonathan L ·
Thanks for the article Garry. I am planning a longer piece on CCNY and will use the info.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 18, 2015: The Conservancy Gardens NYC

Paul Heymont ·
Quite a surprise! I can't believe, for all the time I've spent in New York parks, that I completely missed these. Thanks for the introduction! Do you know who the sculptor was? I'm reminded a bit of Carl Milles.
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Re: Chip Credit Cards to Change the Way US Tips at Restaurants

Paul Heymont ·
Actually, that's only one way of looking at it...another is that it may push many people (I included) to resume cash tips. The "convenient" suggested amounts, which even now appear on many slips can be very deceptive, both because they usually place the normal or usual amount as if it were the lowest "acceptable" amount, but also because often—not always—they calculate percent not on the restaurant bill but on the total of the bill plus tax. The difference can be significant. Interestingly,...
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Re: Chip Credit Cards to Change the Way US Tips at Restaurants

GarryRF ·
In the UK where we've had chip and pin cards for years we never include the tip with the total. Always cash to the waiter. We know how unscrupulous Restaurant owners can be.
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Re: Chip Credit Cards to Change the Way US Tips at Restaurants

Travel Rob ·
It is safer that the card doesn't leave our sight with the chip cards and cash tips seem to be the answer. I don't know the statistics on the percent of people not carrying cash, but I know several young people that almost never carry cash.
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Re: Chip Credit Cards to Change the Way US Tips at Restaurants

JohnT ·
We've had suggested amounts for years on the machines. I was just in Ireland where tips weren't usually included as an option on the bill I never had the right amount of cash. Frankly maybe I'm lazy but I don't mind having the option on the machine. It's been a while. Nice to see you all (metaphorically that is).
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Re: Chip Credit Cards to Change the Way US Tips at Restaurants

Paul Heymont ·
Note that the tip suggestions on the machines have a habit of creeping up. New York cab tips were about 15% for years, as a standard, and as recently as 2 years ago, a Times survey found that was about the norm. But...when you pay by credit card, the machine offers a choice of 20%, 25% or 30%. To use 15%, you have to go back one step in the process, make a manual entry, and then back to the close-out screen...all while you're trying to get out of the cab and stop holding up traffic. I'll bet...
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Re: Chip Credit Cards to Change the Way US Tips at Restaurants

Travel Rob ·
According to that link I posted above, tipping is up for NY Taxis 10% with those default setting tips and they are expecting an increase at restaurants too now.
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Re: Chip Credit Cards to Change the Way US Tips at Restaurants

Travel Rob ·
Good seeing you JohnT!
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Re: Kiku: The Art of Japanese Gardening at NY Botanical Gardens

Paul Heymont ·
I've never been long on botanical knowledge, sadly, but I've come to love walking through serious gardens, including the Brooklyn Botanic, almost in my backyard. Now you've given me something new to look for there!
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Re: Union Square NYC

Samantha ·
Hi Jonathan, thanks for sharing this info about Union Square. We were in NYC in Oct and had wanted to see this area, but sadly never made it due to time. It is definitely on our list to see the next time we are there - hopefully in the spring so we can sit out and enjoy lunch while people watching We did make it to Battery Park though, and that was pretty interesting. Thanks again for sharing.
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Re: NYC's Laguardia gets builder for new terminal

DrFumblefinger ·
Estimated construction costs of $3.6 billion.... Shall we start a pool on what the real costs will end up being? I'd guess double that.
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Re: NYC's Laguardia gets builder for new terminal

Paul Heymont ·
So you're taking the low end of the pool? LOL! Actually, there is a smallish incentive to keep the cost low as possible, because the consortium's $2.5 billion share is meant to be made back out of operating profits once the terminal is open. So, if they run the cost up, it will take them longer to get their money back. On the other hand, my guess at the scenario is that they'll have arranged for most of any overrun to come from PA or state funds...
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Sami Starkey

Sami Starkey
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JTDudrow

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Re: $240 NY-London, LA $320: Norwegian Air

Travel Rob ·
That is a super deal .In recent the wear coast sales to Europe are few and far between
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Re: $240 NY-London, LA $320: Norwegian Air

Travel Rob ·
Originally Posted by Travel Rob: That is a super deal .In recent years the west coast sales to Europe have been few and far between.Great to see.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan. 09, 2014: Roadside produce stand, Southern Sri Lanka

GarryRF ·
The Aussies have everything that we have in the UK. Full of Brits. Mostly second generation. Vegemite is just the same as Marmite. A touch sweeter and now produced by the World Dominating KRAFT Co. Kraft also bought out a few English Brands and shifted production to Spain and Holland. Demolished the Factory with undue speed ! Don't you just hate it when that happens !!
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Re: Pittock Mansion, Portland, Oregon

PortMoresby ·
Good job, P. I was just about to look for it. I don't think I knew that you visited one. Karl's is there, too. I've been to the one on Santorini and, of course, Shakespeare & co.
 
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