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My wife’s friend invited us to go over to New York, USA to visit her and stay at her place. So we agreed and planned for a visit in Autumn before the winter snow comes and it will be too cold to walk around. My wife’s friend stays at the suburbs of New York City but still within New York state so it is a good place to stay and still able to visit New York City. After extensive search on various websites, we settled for Qatar Airways flight with a stopover at Doha, Qatar. Initially, wanted to try the SIA direct flight but wifey say she does not want to seat in the aeroplane for 19 hours and also the cost was more than double of what we can get on Qatar Airways. We listed down the places of interest we wanted to visit since it was our first time to USA. And since it was NYC, most of the places will be what we saw in the movies and TV. Then we planned for shopping and throw in a road trip to satisfy my desire to drive long distances in USA. My wife’s friend provided some tips on places to visit and my colleague/trusted friend in the office provided me with lots of tips on what to see, where to eat and how to get around NYC as he is a regular to USA. His twin brother stays there and he visits him every year. There was enhanced security check for everyone bound for USA at Doha, Qatar airport. They first check if you have ESTA, if yes, your name will be already on their list. Then it is time to strip down your clothes. No sweater or jackets, remove belt, footwear, keys, coins, wallet, hp and anything from your pockets. Next, empty all your hand carry items in your bag. All electronic devices like laptop, camera, drone, tablet, hp, etc must be placed separately in another tray. They wipe down all electronic devices and put the cloth into the ion scanner to check for traces of explosive/gun powder (I guess). I left my drone in my carry-on bag and when the x-ray detected it, was told to go back to the line and repeat the process again. Passengers were already boarding the plane while I was still going thru the checks. Many ppl were in the same scenario too. Touch down in JFK airport. It was a wet morning. I left SG on Fri night and reached NYC on a Sat morning. Woohoo, as if time stood still. But in fact, it was already Sat night in SG. Have flown exactly 24 hours and the time difference between NYC and SG is exactly 12 hours. The queue at immigration was terribly long, 45 mins before we get to see the officer. And over here, they see u as a family. Ya, whole family stand in front of the officer and he ask questions and stamp passport. For us, he didn’t ask much as it was our first time there, only ask how long we will be in USA. Retrieved our luggage and followed the instruction that Enterprise car rental had provided me. Took the air train to where all the car rentals are located. For Enterprise, got to take a shuttle bus after alighting from the air train as it was further away. The temp was around a cool 14°C. Had booked a Rav4 but there was no Rav4 on site so the guy provided me with a Hyundai Tucson. Less than 10,000 miles on the odo, still got new car smell. Loaded our luggage and drove to my wife’s friend home, another 40+km away. Had to keep awake and ensure I drive the correct direction. Somehow lost my way while I was on the freeway as there was a split 3 ways and I guessed the wrong one. Did a few rounds in a neighbourhood and got back on to the freeway. Entrances to the freeway were not clearly indicated on the road, no big signboard.

took a vacation to New York east coast in June 2019. Went to a few places like Niagara, washington, Montreal, Quebec, boston, new york. 1. First pic New York. I really liked the vibe in New York. quite different from the rest of the cities I have been especially new times square. New york Library. Looks really impressive.... Near rockefeller center And the must see, statue of liberty :) so crowded....

Folks, Thinking of flying to New York for 2 weeks some time in mid December. Do you know of any travel agency or website to get cheap round trip airfare? Thanks in advance.

Hi guys, Does anyone out there own Blaupunkt New York 800 Multimedia Player? This unit comes with 1) GPS navigation 2) USB media player 3) Reverse camera support 4) Bluetooth Parrot Mobile connection 5) DVD player 6) etc This is the product source and specifications. http://www.blaupunkt.de/index.php?id=959&a...cache=1&L=1 Any comments and feedback such as performance, reliability and support for servicing? Thank you very much.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/travel/article/russian-superhighway-could-connect-london-to-new-york Russian superhighway could connect London to New York Published: 27 March 2015 8:24 AM Russian Railways is proposing to build a new train network alongside the Trans-Siberian Railway. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, March 27, 2015 Russia has unveiled ambitious plans to build a superhighway that, in theory, could make it possible to drive from London on one end to New York on the other. According to a report by The Siberian Times, the head of Russian Railways is asking the government to seriously consider his project dubbed the Trans-Eurasian Belt Development, the first modern transportation corridor that would link up the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. Plans call for the construction of a new high-speed railway and the development of major roads that would span the length of Russia, link up with existing transportation networks in Europe and Asia – and cross the Bering Strait. A network that would run about 20,000km in length. The proposal was presented at a meeting of the Russian Academy of Science and was touted, not only as a major transportation route, but as a means to create new cities and jobs in parts of Russia and Siberia that are woefully underdeveloped, and experience the haemorrhaging of young talent who leave the region for better opportunities abroad. The new network could also be used to build pipelines for oil and gas as well as infrastructure for electricity and water supplies, said Russian Railways head Vladimir Yakunin. The lofty proposal, however, comes with an equally sky-high price tag that could be trillions of dollars. Currently, the longest international route operated by Russian Railways is Moscow to Pyongyang, North Korea, a 10,267-km journey that takes about nine days. – AFP/Relaxnews, March 27, 2015.

So here I am in NYC. And the NY International Auto Show is 15 mins away! What do you think is a must see/must do?

How come most villains in real life and reel life like to attack that place? Why none of them go after Ulan Bator, Abu Dhabi or Wollongong?

Another 'dirty old man' can't keep his pants on... IMF chief! Has all the money in the world, can pay for top-class escort, so why do it? But what impressed me was that the NYPD boarded his flight as he was about to flee the country, and hauled him off to be arrested, disregarding his status. And mind you, the complainant was only a hotel maid - yet their police acted swiftly without hesitation. Reminds me of a certain 'romanian diplomat' case, and how we should've done the same... http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/IMF-chief...193440.html?x=0

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20110223/tls-...rk-aeafa1b.html Well done! Will it happen here also????

Dun bother with the local media as they dun provide the full content. Below is the full interview. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/11/world/asia/11lee.html?_r=1

Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, has emerged as the potential site for a United States grand prix between 2012 and 2016. Local reports said talks for a race amid the backdrop of the New York skyline are underway, with a city spokeswoman confirming that "preliminary discussions" with F1 officials started three weeks ago. The story emerged after documents obtained (pdf) by opposition group Friends of Liberty State Park showed plans for a 3.6 mile track within the 1200 acre park providing "the least impact to city functions". "It is a marketing tool to bring people to Jersey City such as foot traffic and revenue to local businesses," the spokeswoman is quoted as saying by hudsonreporter.com. Mayor Jerramiah Healy issued a statement clarifying that Jersey City was approached by formula one. "Jersey City is one of several cities they (F1) are pursuing," said mayor Healy. "There have been a few, preliminary conversations and this is very much in the exploratory phase. "However, this may not be something that is in the best interest of Jersey City or Liberty State Park," he added. F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone's London office could not be reached for comment. Source: GMM

It wasn't that many years ago that no one really took the engineering capabilities of Hyundai all that seriously. Thanks to recent introductions like the Genesis coupe and sedan, the Tucson and the Sonata, as well as consistently improving quality, the Korean automaker is rapidly gaining respect. Today at the 2010 New York Auto Show, Hyundai debuted its first production hybrid model for the U.S. market based on the recently launched 2011 Sonata. As we saw in the teaser photo released last Friday, Hyundai has set its hybrid apart from conventional models with an all-new front fascia. However, the changes go well beyond the new grille and headlights. The new wheels combine with extended rocker panels to improve airflow across the flanks. At the back end, the bumper cover has been reshaped with sharp creases at the corners to control the air coming off and minimize drag, and there are set of really interesting taillamps with a sort of neutron molecule-like quality to them. The body alterations drops the hybrid's projected drag coefficient from the standard Sonata's already slippery 0.28 to just 0.25. As you might suspect, the really important stuff, however, is under the skin.

Reuters - Thursday, March 25SendIM StoryPrint.SINGAPORE, March 24 - The New York Times Co <NYT.N> apologised to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew on Wednesday and paid S$160,000 in damages for an article about Asian political dynasties. An apology in the opinion section of the New York Times' website said that any inference that Lee Hsien Loong "did not achieve his position through merit", was unintended. The article, entitled "All in the Family", was published on Feb. 15 in the International Herald Tribune , the global edition of The New York Times. Lee Hsien Loong is the son of independent Singapore's first leader, Lee Kuan Yew. The New York Times also apologised to Goh Chok Tong, who succeeded the older Lee as prime minister. Davinder Singh, the lawyer acting for the leaders, told Reuters that the IHT's publisher, editor of global editions, and the article's author, Philip Bowring, also agreed to pay damages of S$60,000 to Lee Hsien Loong, and S$50,000 each to Goh Chok Tong and Lee Kuan Yew, as well as pay their legal costs. Singh said the article was "libellous" and the Singapore leaders had demanded an apology, damages and costs. He said it was in breach of an undertaking made by both the publisher of the IHT and Bowring in 1994 that they would not make further similar defamatory allegations to those made in an article by Bowring in the IHT in that year called "The Claims about Asian Values Don't Usually Bear Scrutiny", for which the IHT and Bowring also paid damages and costs to the three leaders. A spokesman for The New York Times Co declined to comment beyond the apology, while Bowring did not respond to a Reuters query for comment. Singapore's leaders have in the past sued and won damages, or out-of-court settlements, from opposition politicians and foreign media including the International Herald Tribune, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and The Economist. Singapore, considered to have the lowest political risk among Asian nations by many risk consultancies, is a hub for manufacturers, banks and expatriates, who value its stability. The ruling People's Action Party has governed for 50 years. Singapore was ranked 133rd among 175 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2009 by Reporters Without Borders. (Reporting by Neil Chatterjee in Singapore and Tiffany Wu in New York; Editing by Nick Macfie and Raju Gopalakrishnan)

Since the introduction of the third-generation Impreza, Subaru has been making incremental improvements to the rally-bred WRX, first with a significant bump in output for the 2009 MY and now the adoption of the STI's widebody design for 2011. And not only does the five-door model benefit from its pumped-up sibling's sheetmetal, but the sedan gets a much-needed testosterone injection to boot. With a 1.5 inch-wider track front and rear, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX's stance is decidedly more aggressive, and with firmer rear subframe bushings pulled from the STI and wider 17x8-inch wheels wrapped in 235/45R17 rubber, the 2011 'Rex is assuredly stickier than its predecessor. The cosmetic mods don't end with the widened fenders, as the front fascia receives a restylized front lip spoiler, partnered with a larger, blacked-out grille and intakes. The whole package only increases the curb weight of the WRX by 34 pounds, and coupled with the "265-horsepower" turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four, the 2011 WRX has the goods to back up its looks... no matter which body-style you choose

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/health/15mind.html When a Parent

(SEOUL) March 21, 2008 -- Combining youthful exuberance with a sporty and sleek design, Kia Motors Corporation today debuted the KOUP concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) during a press conference at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Illustrating the shape and evolution of future Kia vehicles, the simple yet bold and aggressive KOUP exterior is complemented by its realistic and sleek interior design. Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif., the KOUP concept embodies Kia's philosophy of "Exciting and Enabling" with its balanced proportions and fluid design set to evoke an emotional driving experience. 　　　 "The Kia KOUP concept represents the future of the Kia brand and its dynamic vehicles that speak to our core philosophies," said Tom Kearns, chief designer of Kia Motors America (KMA). "Kia strives to appeal to the emotional side of car enthusiasts who seek adventure and want to take a leap into the future with style and advanced technology, and the KOUP effectively delivers." First glance Curb appeal begins with the KOUP's balanced proportions and fluid design. From the tab-shaped and purposeful upper grille to the high-tech and pragmatic headlamps, the front fascia's form gives the vehicle a bold and aggressive stance. The KOUP features an uncomplicated yet dynamic wedge shape along its sides stemming from its glowing, carbon fiber and black chrome enhanced LED lamp lenses. While the KOUP's overall form is simple and precise, it makes a design statement with positive tension created by a "swoosh" that swoops from the C-Pillar forward, down to the A-Pillar and flares all the way back around to the rear deck lid. A trailing horizontal lip along the deck lid tapers up toward the outer ends to meet up with the swoosh from the beltline. The rocker sill has a distinctive "check mark" shape and prominent wheel flares that give the KOUP a strong, lowered stance. The short overhangs and wide stance reflect its well-balanced and responsive character. No element of high-style design is missing in the KOUP concept as illustrated by its greenhouse-integrated, panoramic-view glass with two panels extending from the windshield through the roof to the backlight, appearing as two parallel pieces of glass - similar to a fighter jet cockpit. Segregating the glass panels, an interior mood light runs the full length of the greenhouse. To further the performance-inspired appearance with sporty elegance, carbon fiber enhancements accent the KOUP's chin spoiler, lamp lenses, cowl panel, side-view mirrors, rear bumper insert and rear diffuser, while flashy twin wheel spokes include carbon fiber inserts paired with an open design to show off the Brembo® calipers and cross-drilled rotors. 　　　 Inside the cockpit Conceived artfully and with graphic precision, the KOUP's interior hones in on the desires of auto enthusiasts from the inward lean of the dashboard and Supervision instrument panel, enhancing the performance-inspired driving experience to the custom-designed, race-inspired steering wheel in front of a three-gauge instrument cluster. Carbon fiber accents on the shifter plate and seat tilt-adjust mechanism reinforce sporty performance. Audiophiles and car enthusiasts alike will take heed of eight speakers, including large rear deck speakers matched to a juke box audio system, further harmonizing the driving experience. A built-in Bluetooth-enabled navigation system with Map On Demand (MOD) is just the beginning of the telematics services, including safe driving, car maintenance and life/assistance offerings. The KOUP features a realistic interior design that integrates high-style materials, including rich and supple seat fabrics accentuated with concrete- and black-color trims. As a true driver's car, the front seats contrast the rear seats with opposing colors and patterning and horizontal, padded silicone bars occupy the seat backs for extra comfort. High-tech details are integrated into the interior, including convenient smart key with push button start, and a six-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters. Taking flight Powered by a commanding 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger for greater power and efficiency, the KOUP delivers astonishing torque of 289 lb-ft at a low 2,000 rpm sustained to 4,000 rpm. By injecting fuel directly into the cylinder under high pressure using the Kia GDI system, the intake charge is cooled and combustion behavior is improved. Improved combustion assures excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Lower grille openings enable additional air intake for extra power. 　　　 Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, coil springs and stabilizer bars complement an independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts and an independent dual link rear suspension to provide the optimal balance of ride comfort and engine responsiveness. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling. In keeping with the KOUP's sporty essence, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for quick movements and sharp turns paired with a sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension and strut tower bar offer a tighter grip for more spirited driving. Safety The KOUP concept features all of the standard safety features offered in Kia's regular production vehicle lineup including six standard airbags and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Electronic Stability Control (ESC) paired with CDC stabilizes the KOUP for maximum contact with the pavement. The large 245/40ZR19 tires complete the KOUP's impressive package. Also included is adaptive front lighting and cruise control, adding to the KOUP's advanced safety technology. [Extracted from Kia Global Website]

Source: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20081218/tts-...op-c1b2fc3.html

Due to the increase in fuel prices, even airlines now tighten their belts on fuel usage. source: http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNew...0423-61315.html --------------- Authorities expressed concern that some of the incidents may be prompted by fuel-saving measures. -AFP Wed, Apr 23, 2008 AFP WASHINGTON, US - A REVIEW by federal authorities has revealed a sharp increase in planes, particularly from Continental Airlines, flying into the New York area with so little fuel that they demand an emergency landing. In a report on minimum and emergency fuel declarations into Newark airport last year, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) expressed concern that some of the incidents may be prompted by fuel-saving measures. 'We are concerned that fuel-saving measures may have contributed to the low fuel declarations because of two pilot bulletins issued by Continental Airlines in 2007,' the report said. In the notes to pilots, in February and October 2007, Continental expressed concern with the number of fuel stops pilots were making on flights from Europe into Newark, which is based in New Jersey, and urged a reduction. According to the DOT report, the airline's second bulletin 'further stated that adding fuel indiscriminately without critical thinking ultimately reduces profit sharing and possible pension funding.' The DOT expressed concern that 'these types of bulletins might put pressure on pilots to either not stop for fuel when needed or to carry insufficient amounts of fuel.' Emergency fuel declarations alert controllers on the ground that flight crews need priority in landing because their fuel levels are dangerously low. The majority of the minimum or emergency fuel declarations made into Newark last year - some 66 per cent - were on transatlantic flights, and Continental accounted for 64 per cent, or 96 of the 151 total incidents, the report said. By comparison, 72 such incidents were recorded at Newark's airport in 2006 and 44 in 2005. No similar trends have been noted at other US airports. The report cited the case of a Continental flight from Barcelona in which pilots made minimum fuel declarations to Newark 23 times in 2007. Continental Airlines issued a statement assuring that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules were not violated, and that 'safety was not compromised in any of the situations' evaluated by DOT. 'Neither the DOT nor anyone else has suggested that Continental Airlines has contravened any regulations in its aircraft fuelling procedures,' company spokesman Dave Messing said in a statement. 'Continental uses FAA-approved flight planning programs to ensure that every flight has more than enough fuel to reach its destination,' he said, adding that 'none of the flights studied had less than a 45-minute reserve on board when they landed.' The review, which was prompted by Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, found the majority of flights making the emergency declarations came from Europe and involved twin-engine Boeing 757s, which were not originally planned for transatlantic services. 'We found that minimum and emergency fuel declarations had increased on flights into the Newark area,' DOT inspector general Calvin Scovell wrote in a letter to Lautenberg. 'However, there were no instances where aircraft landed with fuel levels below those required by the FAA.' Mr Messing said all of Continental's Boeing 757s have been fitted with 'winglets, which increase their fuel efficiency by approximately five percent,' and that the airline was the first to make such modifications to that aircraft type. -- AFP

It's finally happening. LTA and Lemon Lim must be smucking... http://www.xxxxxxx.com/news/news.php?newsid=1170 now even Hong Kong is considering.

Photos taken from Kia-World.net - Redesigned exterior and interior establishes Kia's distinctive, aggressive new look - New engine packs powerful punch without sacrificing fuel economy (SEOUL) March 21, 2008 - Kia Motors Corporation today unveiled the 2009 Optima midsize sedan (also known as 'Magentis' in some markets) at the New York International Auto Show. On sale in early fall, the refreshed Optima offers a completely modified exterior, which offers a more aggressive, dynamic style than previous models, and is outfitted with a new engine that provides more power and better fuel economy. For 2009, Optima also is larger than its predecessors, which complements its distinctive new styling and separates itself from other vehicles in the growing midsize segment. "Optima is in a strong position to change the way consumers think about midsize sedan offerings," said Tom Loveless, vice president, sales of Kia Motors America. "Already known for its exemplary quality, safety and value, Optima's sleek new redesign provides consumers with a sporty, fuel-efficient choice and showcases Kia's commitment to providing the best all-around vehicle package." Exterior excitement The 2009 Optima is presented with new front, side and rear styling cues, which build upon Kia's philosophy of creating dynamic vehicles that evoke passion. The fog lamps and lower front grille have been enlarged and the headlamps narrowed to create an aggressively sharper look. Wider side garnishes add sportiness while the acute front lines continue toward the back, ending on a distinctly edged trunk lid. To complete the redesigned rear fascia, taillights are narrowed to enhance Optima's sleeker cosmetic appearance. Also, new for 2009 is the addition of the sporty SX trim, which complements the handsomely-equipped, value-priced LX and luxury-oriented EX trims. Already available with Kia's Rio, Rio5 (5-door), Spectra and Spectra5 (5-door) models, the SX line provides another dimension for Optima buyers looking for a sportier midsize. Along with a sport-tuned suspension, SX upgrades include: a black-bezeled front grille and headlamps, LED outside-mirror turning signals, fog lights and hyper-silver-finished 17-inch wheels. EX and LX V6 models are equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, and are fitted with Goodyear tires.