There are 2,027 bridges in New York City according to the NYC Department of Transportation.

The Bayonne Bridge is almost identical to the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, but it is actually two feet longer.

Statistics: New York is the third most populous state in the United States! http://ping.fm/ygksf

Why are New York Yellow Cabs yellow? Because John Hertz, read a study that concluded yellow was the easiest color for the eye to spot.

The Outerbridge Crossing, connecting Staten Island and New Jersey, is actually named in honor of Eugenius Harvey Outerbridge.

Trivia: New York has been named after England's Duke of York. http://ping.fm/yjGkd

New York’s Niagara Reservation was the first state park in the United States.

Horseheads, in New York, is the first and only village in the United States that is dedicated to the service of the American military horses

Amazing Trivia: The first pizzeria in United States was opened in New York City, in 1895, by Gennaro Lombardi.

Statistics: Central Park attracts 25 million visitors per year! http://ping.fm/VMwOg

FACT: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (“The Met”) contains over 2 million works, making it one of the largest art museums in the world.

The first Boy's Club was established in New York City in 1876.

FACT: The New York City Marathon is the largest in the world, with 37,850 finishers in 2006! http://ping.fm/EfsHX

Statistics: Almost 35 million vehicles pass through the Holland Tunnel each year. http://ping.fm/8c0Ab

The Big Apple is a term coined by musicians meaning to play the big time.

European settlers who brought seeds to New York introduced apples in the 1600s.

The New York subway system is the largest mass transit system in the world with 468 stations and 842 miles (1355 km) of track.

Amazing New York Trivia: The Holland Tunnel is a designated National Historic Landmark. http://ping.fm/8c0aF

The first Eagle Scout was Arthur R. Eldred from Troop 1 in Oceanside. He was bestowed the honor in May 1912.

Since 2005, New York City has the lowest crime rate of the 25 largest US cities, and one of the safest cities in the US overall.

New York History: The first underground section of the Subway was opened in 1904. http://ping.fm/7nK3K

Ten Mile River Boy Scout Camp in Narrowsburg is the largest council owned camp in the country.

Unlike most major subways systems around the world, the New York Subway runs 24 hours a day. http://ping.fm/j8oM1

Joseph C. Gayetty of New York City invented toilet paper in 1857.

The oldest cattle ranch in the US was started in 1747 at Montauk on Long Island.

FACT: 36% of the current population of New York City was born outside the United States. http://www.directoryofnewyorkcity.com/blog/

Adirondack Park is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Olympic Parks combined.

The Bill of Rights which contained the first 10 amendments to the Constitution was passed at Federal Hall.

Hong Kong is the only city in the world with more completed skyscrapers than New York City. http://ping.fm/0UYLm

In 1807 The Clermont made its maiden voyage from New York City to Albany making the vessel the first successful steamboat.

New York was the first state to require license plates on cars.

New York City is now the most populated city in the USA with more than 8.2 million people. http://ping.fm/4vgJ4

Do you know that, dairying is New York's most important farming activity with over 18,000 cattle and or calves farms!

Niagara Reservation became the first state park in the United States.

Do you know that, the first American chess tournament was held in New York in 1843. http://ping.fm/N199f

The 641 mile transportation network known as the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway is the longest toll road in the United States.

Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh was the first publicly owned historic site.

New York State is home to 58 species of wild orchids.

New York has over 70,000 miles of rivers and streams.

The first public brewery in America was established by Peter Minuit at the Market (Marckvelt) field in lower Manhattan.

Mount Kisco's landmark, a statue of Chief Kisco, was once an elaborate fountain for watering horses. The statue stands at the intersection of Routes 117 and 133. D.F. Gorham, a strong supporter of prohibition, presented it to Mount Kisco in 1907. The inscription on the base to the statue reads "God's Only Beverage for Man and Beast."

The name Canandaigua (pronounced Can-an-DAY-gwa) is derived from a Native American word meaning the chosen spot.

Horseheads is the first and only village in the United States dedicated to the service of the American military horse.

Did you know that New York's highest waterfall is the 215 foot Taughannock.

New York's largest lake in Oneida measures 79.8 square miles.

On July 28, 1945 an Army Air Corps B-25 crashed into the Empire State Building at the 79th floor level.

Gennaro Lombardi opened the first United States pizzeria in 1895 in New York City.

Rochester is known as both the Flour City and the Flower City. The community is home to the first abolitionist group, bloomers, marshmallows, Jell-O, French's Mustard, baby shoes, gold teeth and the mail chute.

The Genesee River is one of the few rivers in the world that flows south to north.

Sam Wilson, a meatpacker from Troy who's caricature Uncle Sam came to personify the United States is buried at Troy's Oakwood Cemetery. During the War of 1812, he stamped "U.S. Beef" on his products which soldiers interpreted the U.S. abbreviation as meaning Uncle Sam.

The first presentation of 3D films before a paying audience took place at Manhattan's Astor Theater on June 10, 1915.

The Catskills are the home of the legend of Rip Van Winkle, brown trout and flycasting.

Hartsdale has a pet cemetery established in 1896 and containing 12,000 plots.

In November for Boy Scouts and in March for Girl Scouts the annual Urban Camp-Outs are hosted at the Empire State Building.

The first capital of the United States was New York City. In 1789 George Washington took his oath as president on the balcony at Federal Hall.

Did you know that "The first railroad in America ran a distance of 11 miles between Albany and Schenectady."

Did you know that "John Babcock invented both the indoor rowing machine and the sliding seat during the winter of 1869/1870."

Did you know that The "New York Post" established in 1803 by Alexander Hamilton is the oldest running newspaper in the United States.

Did you know that "The first international sports hero, boxer Bill Richmond of Staten Island, was born August 5, 1763."

Did you know that "The first daily Yiddish newspaper appeared in 1885 in New York City."

Did you know that Oneida has the world's smallest church with the dimensions of 3.5' X 6'.

Did you know that Power Mill Park situated outside Rochester has a house on Park Road shaped like a group of mushrooms.

Did you know that New York City has 722 miles of subway track.

Did you know that Sam Schapiro began the Kosher wine industry on New York's Lower East side with their famous extra heavy original concord wine in 1899.

Did you know that In 1807 The Clermont made its maiden voyage from New York City to Albany making the vessel the first successful steamboat.

Did you know that "Dairying is New York's most important farming activity with over 18,000 cattle and or calves farms."

Did you know that "The Woodstock Music and Arts Fair was actually held in Bethel."

Union College in Schenectady is regarded as the Mother of Fraternities because Delta Phi is the oldest continually operating fraternity and Kappa Alpha and Sigma Phi Societies were started on the campus.

The Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan is the only school in the world offering a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing.

Did you know that In 1979 Vassar students were the first from a private college to be granted permission to study in the People's Republic of China.

Did you know that "A brewer named Matthew Vassar founded Vassar College in Poughkeepsie in 1861."

Did you know that "The 641 mile transportation network known as the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway is the longest toll road in the United States."

Did you that The first American chess tournament was held in New York in 1843.

Did you know New York City was the U.S. capital from 1789 to 1790?

New York Fact: The first known name for Manhattan was New Amsterdam, which referred to the southern tip of Manhattan, a Dutch trading port.

Interesting New York Fact: New Yorkers travel an average of 40 minutes to work each day.

New York Fact: More than 47 percent of New York City's residents over the age of 5 speak a language other than English at home.

Interesting Fact: New York's Central Park is larger than the principality of Monaco.

The Federal Reserve Bank on Wall Street contains vaults located 80 feet beneath the bank and hold about 25% of the world's gold bullion.

Interesting New York Fact: More than 250 feature films are shot on location in New York City each year.

New York Fact: 46 million visitors came to New York City and spent approximately $28 billion in 2007.

Interesting New York Fact: An average of 4.9 million people ride the New York City subway each weekday.

New York Fact: There are more than 13,000 licensed medallion taxis work the streets of New York City.

There are more than 20,000 restaurants in New York City and the average cost of a dinner is $43.00 including a drink, tax and the tip.

New York Fact: Approximately 790,000 companies operate in New York City.

Did you know Dutch explorer Peter Minuit purchased the island of Manhattan from the Algonquin tribe for trinkets and tools worth about $24?

Did you know New York City has 722 miles of subway track? http://ping.fm/tj0P9

Wants the perfect NYC deal: luxury clothing with affordable prices? http://ping.fm/6cznv

New Yorkers worries about the impact our decisions have on our planet. Why change to green cleaning? http://ping.fm/KC5lN

"Not only is New York the nation's melting pot, it is also the casserole, the chafing dish and the charcoal grill."

Looking for an affordable and eco-friendly way to revive your wardrobe? Here’s our guide to NYC shops. http://ping.fm/ID2Bt

James De La Vega: The most revered street artist in New York? http://ping.fm/PaYfd

Choose the food cart with the longest lines when buying street foods in New York. There’s a good reason why people choose to eat there.

Helpful Advice: Walking is the best way to explore New York. It’s a densely packed place but not that huge. http://ping.fm/yQ1IE

A new edition to the NYC Earth Day offerings for 2010 is the Terracycle Green Up Shop! check it out now... http://ping.fm/uaCVf

New York International Children’s Film Festival: Best Bets 2010

Is your child a future movie director or film critic longing for something off the beaten track? Are they sick of Pixar and Hannah Montana? Are they interested in oddball short films or Japanese animation? Look no further, the New York International Children’s Film Festival, going on now through the end of March, has the right film for every age group and interest. In its thirteenth year, the NYICFF prides itself on promoting intelligent and provocative films for 3-18 year olds, and is the largest festival for kids in North America. Our list breaks down key demographics to aid your search for your kids’ next favorite movie.

Manga-Obsessed Nine-Year-Old: The Festival opens with the US premiere of Summer Wars, a full length animated flick from emerging Japanese director Mamoru Hosoda. A math prodigy solves a riddle sent to his cell phone and is drawn into a virtual world called Oz, complete with avatars, kung fu jackrabbits, and nuclear launch codes. A perfect fit for any anime fan. Sat March 13 at 11 am, IFC Center.

Angsty Teen: The trickiest age group to please, especially with a film festival with “Children” in the title, Flicker Lounge: for Teens and Adults Only contains the best short films with an over-12 age requirement. daring and thought-provoking, these films treat teens like the sophisticated audience they are. Sat March 13 at 2 pm, Symphony Space.

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Make a Difference: Volunteer in a New York City School

I just finished my training to become a volunteer at Learning Leaders.

I found out about them from Ms. Bertilia Diaz, the Parent Coordinator at Hamilton Heights School in Harlem. She was so enthusiastic about them that I had to check them out. I had been trying to get involved as a volunteer in my son’s previous school but was incredibly frustrated when I found that I couldn’t even give away free services because nobody ever called me back. I did not want to pursue another dead-end opportunity to get involved.

Well, I was pleasantly disappointed in my determination to be frustrated again when I walked in for my training that first day. I was met by a great group of parents with similar interests, hot coffee and fresh bagels with cream cheese in the school lobby. After our yummy breakfast, we all moved onto the school library where we met we Luis Lopez, one of the Program Coordinators for Learning Leaders. Mr. Lopez was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and drew you into his high energy almost immediately. For some reason that I never quite got, parents and schools have been pitted against each other in New York City for too long – each often viewing any input from the other as “interference”. Mr. Lopez understands that at a very basic level since he coordinates volunteer opportunities for parents and has had personal experience as a public school parent. Learning Leaders works very hard to help parents and the schools to work together for the greater good of the children and the community at large.

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Calling All Monsters: Tim Burton at The MoMA

If you haven’t made it to The Museum of Modern Art to see the Tim Burton exhibition yet, you still have another eight weeks to get on line! The show, described by the gallery guide as: “…over seven hundred rarely or never before seen drawings, paintings, photographs, moving image works, storyboards, puppets, concept artworks, maquettes, costumes, and cinematic ephemera…” has been a mob scene since it was unleashed at MoMA in November. On a recent Friday, admission tickets for the exhibit, which are timed at twenty-minute intervals, were sold out by one o’clock in the afternoon.

The main approach to the gallery is lined with video monitors showing a selection Burton’s short subject work, which tends to back up the line of visitors. “Just so you know, you can see all the videos on Youtube!” barked out one of the ticket takers, trying to keep the line moving. No one paid much attention though, already engrossed in the shorts, unaware yet of the really, really good stuff waiting within.

As a terrific foreshadowing effect, the curators have the first room in the gallery illuminated solely by “black light” and featuring a spinning miniature Carousel (2009) — complete with demented carnival music composed by collaborator Danny Elfman— and a selection of Burton’s “Predatory Clown Series” (1985-94). The idea of a sinister menace underlying the surface of everyday life and popular culture echoes throughout the show. No one is safe from monsters disguised as Superman and Snickers Bars and everyday clowns! Oh my!

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How To Be A Road Warrior: NYC Biking One Pedal At A Time

Biking has really been one of the biggest joys in my life– whether it was the first time without training wheels around my cul-de-sac, or traveling across state lines through the vast U.S. countryside. Traveling by bike is my chance to feel the wind on my skin, make personal connections with my landscape, to be a driver of my own physical power.

Since moving to New York City, this love of biking has taken me many places from Pedicab jobs to cross country trips; riding is a powerful tool not only for fossil-free commuting and exercise, but for personal growth.

A lot of New Yorkers are baffled by urban cycling, especially in Manhattan where the pace of cars and pedestrians is enough to trigger your dormant vertigo. But let’s demystify it: being a city cyclist is about always looking three steps ahead – to the pedestrian that’s about to step off the curb, the door that’s about to open, the light that’s about to change. Once you widen your scope of awareness, the chaos will coalesce and become an orchestra that rises and falls to your movements on the road. Your reflexes will quicken, adrenalin will fuel your decisions, and you will arrive at your destination, alive and proud.
Below are 10 tips to get you started, but there is always more to learn – contribute to the discussion!

WHAT TO WEAR

1. A no-brainer: wear your helmet. In fact, wearing a helmet is the new not-wearing-a-helmet. I mean, it’s your life – over 52000 cyclists have died in automobile collisions since the feds starting keeping track 80 years ago.

2. For long commutes or day rides, wear synthetic materials instead of cotton. This will keep your skin dry and body temperature regulated. Layer up, because even if it’s cold you will begin to sweat up those NYC hills.

3. For winter biking, never underestimate the importance of a balaclava. Although it may make you look like a bank robber, it will greatly increase your stamina for freezing wind! In any season, sunglasses are also essential for keeping wind and particles out of your eyes.

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5 Ways To Blend In While in New York City

For millions of people, walking around New York City is a difficult enterprise to undertake. Whether you’re new to the city, or just visiting, there are people ready to give you the evil-eye at the slightest sign of incompetence. Do yourself a favor: before you venture out into the city next, read this list, strictly follow its advice, and you’ll be a local in no time.

1. Pronounce Houston Street correctly: “How-ston.” Houston street runs across Manhattan, east to west, and more than likely you’ll come across it in your travels. For some strange reason, mispronouncing this street is the number one way to look like you’re from somewhere else. It’s not pronounced like the city in Texas. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. Most likely New Yorkers wanted to separate themselves as much as possible from the Lone Star State. You threaten to secede? Fine. We’ll pronounce incorrectly the only influence Texas has in New York City.

2. Know where you’re going before you leave your house/hotel. Yes, New York is big, and at times can be a bit overwhelming. With the presence of the internet, however, there’s no excuse for at least having a good idea of where you’re going. Look at a map, study it, and have some familiarity with how the streets work.

Google maps are perhaps the best way to do this. If you put in directions from your hotel to wherever you are going, then click “transit,” Google Maps gives you a very accurate description of which subways and busses you can take, when they leave, and where to transfer. If you’re really dedicated to this idea, use “street view” and “walk around” for a bit. The only downside to this is that you can’t get a slice of pizza this way…not yet at least. (Go, Google, go!)

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