The very rare Toyota Avalon NYC yellow cab

Have a look at the recently capture Toyota Avalon NYC yellow taxi cab (Medallion # 6E72). This cab is super rare and not long for the streets as Toyota has recently discontinued this model completely from their line-up. For now, you can keep your eyes peeled to the NYC streets and see if you get a chance to witness this huge sedan in person.

MTA now has two separate types of NYC Subway maps

In 2025, the MTA officially launched the “Vignelli'-style” map that they’ve been testing in various parts of the NYC Subway (you can check it out here). It replaces the old geographic-style map with a more stylistic diagram layout that makes it easier to see connections.

The new diagram version is clear enough to do away with a “large type” variant, but if you still want that, the geographic version still exists (for now).

A history of the AT&T Long Lines Building in NYC

Tribeca is home to at least 2 incredible feats of communication engineering, one of which lives at 33 Thomas Street. This monolith is known as the AT&T Long Lines Building and it was purpose-built for long distance communication. In recent years, the building was center to alleged mass-surveillance of Americans by the NSA via the TITANPOINTE program.

Remembering Brazenhead Books

Wow. This just really brought me back to the mid 2010s era of exploring NYC.

I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Brazenhead Books a long time ago. The pseudo-bookstore, illegally run from inside an apartment owned by Michael Seidenberg on East 84th St. You would go to an unassuming normal NYC apartment building, take the elevator up, and enter a slightly cracked door in a hallway to the sights of books stacked at every turn. It was just wonderful.

Michael was often there co-leading a talk or a discussion, but also acting as the sole employee and cashier. Books had prices, but they were never set in stone. His apartment was one of the most unique book stores I’ve ever been to. It was eventually shut down and Michael “retired” elsewhere and eventually passed away in 2019.

Documentary about the building of Lincoln Center

A slightly rosier retelling of the destruction of a community to build today’s Lincoln Center. The archive footage is maybe some of the only existing video of what was formerly San Juan Hill.

NYC's San Juan Hill, before it became Lincoln Center

Lincoln Center recently acknowledged its role in the displacement of an entire neighborhood in NYC with the screening of a film called San Juan Hill: Manhattan’s Lost Neighborhood, directed by Stanley Nelson.

This 60-minute film has a very limited release and I’m trying to find a place to watch it. For now, enjoy this trailer for the film.

Three WTC towers on this Rite-Way demolition truck

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I seriously love these Rite-Way demolition trash trucks. Bright yellow, immaculately hand-painted signage, and this wonderfully drawn WTC tribute that not only includes the old World Trade Center towers but also the new 1 WTC.

Bryant Park’s frozen fountain

In case you’re wondering, yes, it is so cold in New York that Bryant Park’s water fountain is frozen.