When the weather heats up and New York City tourists start to flock to the High Line, Central Park, and other local hot spots, it is inevitable that these so-called "monks" will show up in force, ready to scam anybody foolish enough to fall for it. The way the scam works is simple:

1. A man with a somewhat Asian appearance, orange robe and modest clothing walks alone through the park
2. The scammer picks a target, usually a tourist or group of tourists
3. The scammer hands you a card with some text about being on a spiritual journey, or that his monastery needs money to help spread peace, or something else uplifting. It boldly asks for donations of $20 or more.
4. The scammer pretends to not know English in order to deflect any questions.

I've personally witnessed several tourists fall for this, and have stepped in to stop dozens from being scammed. If you are a local, you should do the same. If you are a tourist, please don't fall for this scam.

This incredible street film titled What Happened on Twenty-third Street, New York City, 1901 was captured by none other than Thomas A. Edison on August 21st, 1901. From the Library of Congress:

"The scene as suggested by the title is made on 23d Street, New York City. In front of one of the large newspaper offices on that thoroughfare is a hot air shaft through which immense volumes of air is forced by means of a blower. Ladies crossing these shafts often have their clothes slightly disarranged, (it may be said much to their discomfiture). As our picture was being made a young man escorting a young lady, to whom he was talking very earnestly, comes into view and walks slowly along until they stand directly over the air shaft. The young lady's skirts are suddenly raised to, you might say an almost unreasonable height, greatly to her horror and much to the amusement of the newsboys, bootblacks and passersby. 50 ft."--Edison films catalog.

With many less-expensive, imported options available, it's refreshing to hear that some of New York City's most iconic buildings still choose a family-run, local fashion design business to outfit their uniforms for employees. In this short video from our friends at The Real Deal, meet the Busch family and CEO Jennifer Busch, owner of I. Buss & Allan Uniform, still in the Fashion District of Manhattan.

For more than 100 years, the Busch family’s designs have helped shape how tenants think of their buildings. I. Buss & Allan Uniform, a company founded in 1892, designs building staff uniforms for some of the city’s most well-known real estate companies, including the Durst Organization, Solow Building Company, Jack Resnick & Sons, Douglas Elliman and other major property managers. The company is even responsible for the burgundy suits that greet visitors at the top of the Empire State Building.