The signs are clear — Chinatown is struggling. For decades, the street signs in Manhattan’s Chinatown have featured both English and Chinese street names. Now, the number of bilingual street signs are shrinking as the neighborhood becomes increasingly gentrified. In this video, Chloe Chan, the co-founder of Mott Street Girls, and Wellington Chan, the executive […]
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The One With the Truth Behind America’s Funniest Friend
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage Matthew Perry.” The announcer’s voice was followed by a roar of applause and a collective standing ovation as 53-year-old actor Matthew Perry walked on stage at The Town Hall in New York City. But I didn’t recognize him. As someone who has watched all 10 seasons of […]
Tips for enjoying Korean BBQ in the most Korean way
When I worked as a server in a Korean barbecue restaurant in Koreatown, customers used to ask the following question after they ordered their food: “Does it come with Banchan?” They would look at me expectantly, as if they’ve already heard about the unlimited, free Banchan — small side dishes that will come with their […]
The war in Ukraine reaches New York dance studios
After decades of immigration from the former Soviet Union, the ballroom dance world in the United States was predominantly Slavic in origin. But in February 2022, everything changed, as Putin’s war in Ukraine divided dancers living in New York City. Complicated allegiances and an interwoven heritage have now put a tight-knit community on uncertain ground.
A virtual tourism experience in ZEPETO
Danavel Wenz Torres, a 25-year-old living in the Philippines, went to the airport to travel to Paris on an ordinary day in March. She turned on the camera and started vlogging. Masks were not required, and no one checked if she was vaccinated. After spending a while at the airport, pretending to wait for her […]
Outraged Chinese diasporas protest against the zero-COVID policy
If you went to the New York Halloween parade this year, did you see a group of 30 people dressed up in white medical suits and holding signs with Chinese characters? The long-going zero-COVID policy and violence against citizens in China have aroused anger of the Chinese diasporas. Most of the protesters were students and […]
Neighborhood needles: knitting and needlepoint communities on the Upper East Side
The Upper East Side is home to many luxurious fashion labels and stores selling exotic fabrics and intricate designs. It also houses the city’s largest community of needlepoint and knitting in the city. For those that prefer a craftier and more personal take on fashion than top brands like Chanel and Dior found on Madison […]
You Are Not Alone: An Interview with Emi Nietfeld
It’s a breezy Wednesday afternoon outside of Ninth Street Espresso, a cafe in the heart of Alphabet City in New York’s Lower East Side. We’re outside of 30-year-old Emi Nietfeld’s favorite cafe, where she wrote most of her recent memoir, “Acceptance.” Since the book’s release in August, Nietfeld’s days have been filled with publicity, but […]
Dogs help create community at the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
We visited the 32nd Annual Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade wanting to learn more about the dog community. At the event, we interacted with numerous dog owners and dogs of all shapes and sizes and unique reasons for attending the parade. For some, the parade is an annual tradition, for others, it’s a new […]
Finding home in a bowl of borscht
“Not everybody likes this joke” Alexander Martynov, the 48-year-old owner of Prague’s Ukrainian restaurant The Borsch says, his smile widening. “I’m saying they lose their borscht virginity here.” If you happen to wander into The Borsch, located in the Vinohrady area of Prague, you’ll find a colorful display of culture and cuisine. Printed pillows hang […]