“The opportunity to influence the U.S. highway system in a positive way is one that TomTom takes very seriously,” says Charles Cautley, Managing Director TomTom Automotive and Licensing. “We believe that by using TomTom historical traffic data, Delcan and the SHRP2 program will help push traffic modeling in the U.S. to a higher level of quality.”

“The granularity of the TomTom historical traffic data enables detailed analysis of driving behavior since it can focus on a particular route at a specific time of day,” says Richard Mudge, Vice President at Delcan. “By partnering with TomTom, we’ve saved not only time and resources but also increased accuracy at reduced costs compared to using traditional survey methods.”

TomTom’s historical traffic database includes more than 5 trillion anonymous data points, revealing the speeds driven on any stretch of road and over any period of time and day.

Park Here has erected an indoor pop-up park at 201 Mulberry St. in the heart of New York that features warm and cozy temperatures. New Yorkers can escape the cold of winter and step into springtime scenery with green grass, flowers and park benches.

And best of all, the venue has been brought to life with Layar Vision. Around the festival, pointing your device at large Rolling Stone covers will let you watch bonus behind-the-scenes videos featuring celebrities like Jimmy Fallon, Katie Perry, Conan O’Brien, Lil Wayne and even the infamous Snooki as they shot their iconic Rolling Stone covers.

The theme of the RS Fest venue is an outdoor concert in the park, and the area is populated with many small creatures. With Layar Vision, the creatures reveal exclusive live performances of up and coming musical artists like MNDR, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., and more.

With Layar, Rolling Stone has created a new way for fans to experience the iconic magazine covers and go behind the scenes with today’s hottest artists.

On January 1, 2012, new U.S. energy and lighting standards under the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) go into effect, and Philips Lighting – whose light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) light the Times Square Ball – is ready. Consumers may purchase a wide range of Philips LED bulbs for home use, online and at thousands of retail outlets.

New Year’s 2012 marks the 12th consecutive year that Philips Lighting has served as the official Lighting Partner to the world-famous Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. The same technology used in the Ball is also used in the Philips AmbientLED line of consumer light bulbs, which includes such innovations as the Philips 12.5-watt AmbientLED A19, the world’s first commercially available LED to replace the 60-watt incandescent bulb and the only to be Energy Star qualified.

Like the 32,256 Philips LUXEON LEDs that light the glittering Times Square Ball, the commercially-available Philips AmbientLEDs bulbs consume up to 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. That’s why the Times Square Ball stays lit year round, and why consumers can reap significant electricity savings by making the switch to Philips LEDs. For example, if everyone in the U.S. transitioned to energy-efficient lighting in their homes, consumers would eliminate 87.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and generate energy savings of $15.8 billion.

With recent price reductions and the availability in many markets of instant utility company rebates, the price of Philips AmbientLEDs is lower than ever – further adding to its already significant economic impact.

This year, The Rink’s Skate House has been remodeled, open to the general public. Now expanded and brightened, the Skate House offers comfortable seating, lockers and a skate rental desk under an airy vaulted, arched ceiling.

The Rink first opened on December 25, 1936 as the premier artificial outdoor skating pond built in New York City, complete with modern amenities: night skating, piped-in music and a heated house for changing skates. The bronze gilded statue of the Greek legend Prometheus, sculpted by Paul Manship and set in a flowing fountain, looks over The Rink. The annual Rockefeller Christmas Tree stands on the west side of The Rink, a worldwide symbol of the holidays. Rinkside dining has been a quintessential New York experience, from Restaurant Francais and English Grill in 1936 to The Sea Grill and Rock Center Cafe today. Diners are charmed by the sights of children skating (and tumbling!), lovebirds holding hands, and pros twirling center rink.

“After 75 years, The Rink is still enchanting for all who visit it,” said Nick Valenti, CEO of Patina Restaurant Group, which operates The Rink and its surrounding restaurants, The Sea Grill and Rock Center Cafe. “It has been here for generations, leading to memories and long-lasting traditions. We are proud to be a part of its history and look forward to many memorable years to come.”

With a seasonal opening that is anticipated each October, whether it’s chilly or balmy, Rink regulars and newbies alike delight in the first skate. The Rink has become one of the most visited sites in NYC, with over eleven million skaters having graced the ice since its opening.

The Ice Rink has several programs: the ever-popular “Engagement on Ice” offers couples private time to propose on the ice, followed by a rinkside Champagne toast. “Breakfast with Santa” allows children to spend time with St. Nick, by enjoying breakfast with him at Rock Center Cafe and partaking in a skate session with the jolly fellow. Olympic skater JoJo Starbuck hosts a morning “Cool Workout Sessions.” Lastly “Skate-a-Date” begins January 2012, including dinner for two at Rock Center Cafe with VIP skating on The Rink.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center is located on 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets. For schedules and skate rental information please visit www.therinkatrockcenter.com.

“We are extremely excited to show this incomparable residence to perspective buyers,” said Lazenby, the fourth highest grossing real estate broker at Elliman, New York City’s largest brokerage firm.   ”Offering sweeping views of Central Park, Fifth Avenue and beyond, this historic home has three bedrooms and five bathrooms with over-sized public rooms, including a living room, library, and dining room, and the guest apartment across the hall adds an additional bedroom, bathroom, and sitting room with a private terrace,” she added.  In addition to being one of her firm’s top agents, Lazenby is the daughter of the one-time James Bond 007, George Lazenby; the step-daughter of tennis hall of fame inductee, Pam Shriver; and the daughter of Gannett heiress, Christina Townson.

The Plaza was built in 1907 by Henry J. Hardenbergh and was originally envisioned as an apartment hotel with residents holding long leases.  The first guest to check in was Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, who took rooms on the fifth floor as it was considered to be the best floor in the building – and the corner suite, was not only the largest…but with the most desirable views. In the 1930s, John Jacob Astor VI lived in these rooms for several years – and after World War II, the rooms became the Presidential Suite, available on a nightly basis – and where it was occupied by guests such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and John F. Kennedy.

Spanning approximately 5,087 square feet on the most coveted corner of the building – facing both Central Park and Fifth Avenue, the Astor Suite has undergone an almost two-year, multi-million dollar renovation by renowned designer Steven Gambrel of S.R. Gambrel Inc. Gambrel travelled extensively through some of the greatest estates in Europe to gather inspiration for what is undoubtedly one of his most elaborate interior projects.  The oak library, doors, and windows were built by hand in Oxford, England and the same team of artisans who restored Windsor Castle after the fire installed the woodwork in the Astor Suite.

The apartment is filled with 18th, 19th, and 20th century furniture and artifacts; intricate plaster moldings; remarkable antique marble fireplace mantles; and hand hammered leather walls created in France in a one-of-a-kind pattern, silk rugs, and herringbone patterned wood floors.  He sought to incorporate as many authentic details that speak to the history of the building as possible.  However, in contrast to old world details, the apartment boasts “state-of-the-art” technology including a new heating/cooling system with humidifiers for protecting artwork,  a Savant system that can control everything from the music to the lighting in every room from an i-Pad, and televisions hidden behind paintings on a hydraulic lift.  The owner of the apartment, who wishes to remain anonymous, paid almost $30,000,000 for the Astor Suite, which consists of two units, in 2007 and has spent millions to restore, upgrade, and furnish the apartment to the absolute highest standard.  The asking rent of $165,000 includes all furnishings, electronics, artwork, and maid service.

SOURCE Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate

They recently sought out just what effect the hurricane would have on New York City. With the current threat of Irene, the study becomes very topical again.

The professor of climate and water hazards Jeroen Aerts estimates that the flood damage to buildings would be up to $ 22 billion. If the hurricane stagnates businesses, the economic damage would be much more costly.

In a report on the future of New York, Aerts and his colleagues’ Mayor Bloomberg made proposals for the flood proofing of his city.

”He has two options: raising the dikes and flood barriers or see to it that building regulations are complied with, ‘said Aerts Friday. In the short term, evacuation the only option to minimize the damages, says Aerts.

Hurricane Irene battered New York early Sunday, shutting down the city, and millions of Americans sought shelter from a huge storm that halted transport and caused massive power blackouts.

Heineken organized a free secret concert in New York City. On an elevated stage set in front of a giant Heineken billboard, indie rock band ‘TV on the Radio’ performed a five song set for both fans and spectators alike. The Heineken-sponsored event took place at the intersection of Lafayette and Great Jones and lasted the better part of a half hour.

The concert was part of a larger campaign that advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy New York launched this summer for Heineken Light.

Check out the video of the concert below:

Their first stop is New York where the royal couple had a walked in Central Park. There was a so-called photo opportunity with the press site where Filip and Mathilde also ate a Belgian waffle from ‘Waffles & Dinges’.

The future king and queen of Belgium tried the waffle plain, without powdered sugar even! The royal visitors were highly impressed with the quality of the Belgian waffles.

Belgium native Thomas DeGeest runs his own waffle truck—which he parks at various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. DeGeest, 38, was tired of his predictable life. After 12 years as a management consultant for IBM, the native Belgian was faced with a choice: continue the next 20 years in a predictable career or follow his entrepreneurial dream of sharing his favorite childhood treat–authentic Belgian waffles.

Now, instead of traveling the country in a suit and tie, he travels the streets of New York City in an apron, selling freshly made waffles out of a yellow mobile truck.

DeGeest spent a year perfecting his recipes while still employed at IBM, eventually taking a leave of absence when he started Waffles and Dinges in October 2007. A month later, however, he resigned.

Exploring Historic Dutch New York is a travel guide for the Dutch history of the wider New York area.

The book was edited by Gajus Scheltema and Heleen Westerhuijs, and includes chapters by 16 internationally renowned scholars exploring such topics as Dutch art and architecture, Dutch cooking in America, furniture and antiques, and many more.

Gajus and Heleen started working on the book in 2008. They share a strong enthusiasm for the Dutch heritage of the New York area. Gajus is Consul-General for the Netherlands in New York until the summer of 2011 after which he will become the Dutch ambassador to Pakistan; Heleen graduated in 17th century architecture in New Netherland. They took as their starting point the celebrations for NY 400, which commemorated Hudson’s arrival in America in 1609.

“When I arrived in the US as Consul-General four years ago, we started organizing the festivities for NY 400”, says Gajus. “These 2009 celebrations turned out very successfully, featuring for instance a large number of museum exhibitions and many other events. We donated a Pavilion designed by architect Ben Van Berkel, to the city; Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and his wife Máxima visited New York City a week long in September. It all met with great enthusiasm. Moreover, in 2009 more than 30 English language books on Dutch-American relationships were published, many of them of very high quality. However, none of those books would bring you to the Dutch legacy in a comprehensive way”

The book addresses the question: which traces of the Dutch past are still visible today?

“The legacy of the Dutch period is much larger than most people realize”, says Gajus. “We have included all famous Dutch-Colonial houses in the Hudson River Valley area, New Jersey and Delaware. It’s really worthwhile to see them. But we also documented lesser well-known houses. Many of the houses date from after the Dutch period, but continued to be built in the Dutch-Colonial style. During the Revolutionary War, for example, many people left Brooklyn for New Jersey, which now accounts for a large portion of the legacy. ”

The book provides addresses, phone numbers and opening hours of the destinations. The introduction is by Russell Shorto, author of the book “The Island at the Center of the World”, which introduced the history of New Netherland to a wider audience.

An official launch of the book is planned for June 23th, in the Museum of the City of New York, the co-publisher of the book. The following day the editors will present the book in the Netherland Club of New York.

The official website will be launched at the same time, which will contain more information about the relationship between the Netherlands and the U.S. east coast.

The book is a must-have for people who are interested in the Dutch in America and rich Dutch heritage of the New York region.

Exploring Historic Dutch New York
Editors: Gajus Scheltema & Heleen Westerhuijs
Generally available in stores from mid June
Available for pre-order on Amazon.com

The New Amsterdam Plein & Pavilion is a gift from the Netherlands to New York in honour of 400 years of friendship with the United States.

The iconic structure, which brings together New Yorkers, commuters and tourists, was designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel.

Peter Minuit Plaza, where the Plein & Pavilion is situated, receives some 75,000 visitors a day and is part of The Battery, the historic site of the first Dutch settlement New Amsterdam.

The monument at the Peter Minuit Plaza at the Battery will play host public markets, provide seating and shade and a sizable food court and information center for the public. Van Berkel is best known for his work on the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, the design and restructuring of the Harbor Ponte Parodi in Genoa and the Moebius house.