We all have seen this clock whenever we visited Union Square. Like most tourists, I thought the 15 digits represented the US Debt. While the digits are very close, current US debt is about $21,000,000,000,000- so the clock is off by 1 digit.

The following video explains what each clock digit means.

• Let’s say the first 7 seven digits are 1133483 – means that it has been 11 hrs 33 mins and 48.3 seconds since midnight.
• The 8th digit isn’t really that important.
• And, the last seven digits are 3112612 – meaning there is still 12 hrs 26 mins and 11.3 seconds until midnight.

I am sure all of us have seen these wifi stations all over Manhattan. But, when you come down to Queens, there’s barely one or two in every other neighborhood. The further you go from Manhattan, the less you see. I don’t think I have seen one in Jamaica, which is in the border of NYC and Long Island. The same goes for Citi Bikes. Only accessible Citi Bike stations are near Astoria, which is one stop away from Manhattan. I wonder what these stations could indicate socio-economically. For example, compared to Jamaica, Astoria’s rent prices are very high, it has way more fancy food places and parks, and it’s very close to Manhattan.

This picture was taken near Jamaica, Queens. It is a picture of a new apartment building being developed. Recently, there have been many residential apartment buildings being built in this area. To my surprise, some of these buildings are aesthetically pleasing and provide very elegant office spaces. But, even with the beauty of the buildings, I can’t help but wonder about how high the rent could be for these apartments.

This area is also becoming increasingly popular among South Asians to move in and look for houses because the area is filled with South Asian owned groceries, bakeries, clothing stores, etc. And, landlords know that very well. My own landlord lets go off old tenants when their contract expire and look for South Asian tenants who would be willing to move in even if she raises the price by 200-300 dollars.

This place also isn’t too far from Long Island City, where Amazon would’ve built its headquarters. If another tech giants decides to move into Queens, we could be talking about exponential raises in rent and living expenses.

Whenever people think of nicest views in NY, they usually think about top of the rock or freedom tower. Why pay when you can get that for free? I think Dumbo, Brooklyn is one of the best parts of New York. You want views? You got it. You want good food? You got it. You want to play soccer while enjoying the sunset and downtown Manhattan? You got it. You want high rent prices? You got it…

This picture was taken on a day I was exploring Dumbo- this place brings back happy memories from high school. I usually visit to play sports or ride a bike. I didn’t expect the weather to be really nice in the middle of winter. Just like the previous posts mentioned no matter how trashy New York seems, there is a beauty to it and you can find that by exploring.