Google Maps Now Include NYC Subways

by Jonathon Morgan on

Google Maps just got even more amazing. Now they’re including NYC subway stops. You can view a map of Manhattan here.

As you can see, they’re still working on it. As noted by allterrainbrain, who posted the news on MetaFilter, “full building outlines are available only in some parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, and some subway stops currently list only one of the multiple trains that serve the stop.”

But regardless, this is awesome. I’ve stayed in New York for months at a time, and while it’s more or less easy to go uptown or downtown, trying to go crosstown (or, God forbid, find the train that’ll take you to the right part of Brooklyn or Queens) is tricky — especially at first. Additionally, this is a great reference for anyone who’s in an unfamiliar neighborhood and needs to find the closest station.

Go Google Maps!

Army of Björk in Brooklyn

by Adrienne Wilson on

Just as I start to believe I am a die-hard Björk fan some quirky costume party comes along knocking my theory out-of-whack. For instance, on Wednesday, January 31 the Stain bar on Grand Street in Brooklyn is having an Army of Björk costume party where fans or anyone game to dressing up like the eclectic Icelandic artist can do so and be accepted with open arms. In addition to frosty weather they’ll be offering warm wine (glogg) and enough people dressed up as swans and so forth to gawk and watch all night long.

For all the real fanatics out there planning on attending, please do share a photo after the event.

via Gridskipper

GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of December 24

by Adrienne Wilson on

Before you start rattling off with excuses about how the family was visiting from Buffalo or how you got tied up under the mistletoe, please do me one small favor. Spare the sob story. I don’t care why you couldn’t get here or what could have been more important than getting your travel fix, but you’re lucky that I’m nice and feeling the holiday spirit for I’m giving you the gift of checking out what you missed!

5. Would You Like Polonium With That?:
Folks following the case of the Russian spy that was poisoned might be interested in filling their mouths with the very same cuisine the spy was noshing on when things went awry and sour in his stomach. Iva informs us that the Itsu in London isn’t doing so well at the moment and one can understand why, but the newest location in NYC is thriving. Someone daring enough to try the hamachi?

4. He’s BaaaaaacK! Michael Jackson in Vegas:
I’m not going to say a whole lot here. Erik already did a fine job of that, but in short the King of Pop shall be performing in Vegas. C’mon you know and I know you’re dying to see Mike!

3. Emirates Airlines to Allow Cell Phone Talk on Flights:
Starting in January 2007, Emirates Airlines will be the first to allow cell phones use during flights. If you’re not a fan of cell phones in general or someone babbling in your ear it may be time to invest in some ear plugs.

2. Expense Reports: The Bane of Travel Writers:
Okay, this is funny because if you’ve ever needed a receipt for any job, not just travel writing you can relate. Expense reports are just not fun, but such is what must be done when traveling on the company’s dollar.

1. Not Taking Vacation! Shame on You!:
This is too hard to believe. There are people (American people) who actually don’t take their vacation days off. It is just jaw-dropping. We’re not saying take the one or two weeks and go to Tonga, but geez, give yourself the opportunity to kick back at home and watch the Discovery Channel for crying out loud. Take a break!

Plans for New Year’s Eve

by Adrienne Wilson on

Like many I am still searching for the perfect way to spend New Year’s Eve. I’ve never been huge NYE celebrating type of person so it’s no biggie if I don’t find some spectacular fireworks display, but at the same time it’s always kind of nice. Last year I stayed nestled inside my apartment and the previous year I believe I was sitting on a beach in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica wishing I were somewhere else (long story). Well the Miami Herald offers a small sampling of what’s available across the states and even as far down and out as Australia, Italy and Costa Rica. Go figure. Nothing listed for Chicago so I’ll be moving onto the next list, but for those partying domestically in Key West, NYC, ATL or even Alabama check out their notes.

How to Have A Bad Time In New York City

by Adrienne Wilson on

Let’s face it – hundreds of thousands will visit NYC every year, but few will return home knowing all the tricks of the trade. In fact some may never return after having the worst time possible in the Big Rotten Apple. That is all too bad considering how often sites like the New York Times and Newyorkology publish good material on all the good places to go and good deals to be found and more importantly good how-to information on making it all happen. Well, in today’s edition of the NY Times they feature a very detailed and absolutely funny piece on how to have a never-ever-want-to-come-back type of time in the big city. So if you are the type of tourist that loves being accompanied by a large gray over-hanging cloud, you may want to read this well-written article, but should you decide to take any of the advice given make sure you tell your pals what they’re getting into or go solo. You’ll find that some of your friends may actually want to shy away from chain restaurants to try the local flavor or build up the courage to ask a New Yorker how to get from point ‘A’ to ‘B’ in those scary subway tunnels.

Oh, and after reading if you should feel so inclined to leave a tale or two here it’d be much appreciated. I’m sure there is at least one or two of our readers who have suffered from a nightmarish time in NYC.