Beneath the bustling streets of Midtown Manhattan lies Track 61, a mysterious rail siding with a rich, yet often mythical, history. Originally part of the Grand Central Terminal's service yard in the 1910s, used for hauling coal and ash, it was reborn as a private platform when the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotel was built above it in 1931. This exclusive access point, complete with a freight elevator large enough for automobiles, was rumored to have been used by numerous dignitaries, including generals, presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt, and celebrities such as Andy Warhol, who famously hosted a party there. While many stories surrounding Track 61 are part of urban legend, the video delves into its true origins, its role in New York's rail history, and the blend of fact and folklore that cemented its status as one of the city's most enduring and elusive urban mysteries.
[WATCH] The Race to Construct the First Subway | The Engineering that Built the World
Before the complex transit network we rely on today, Boston and New York City engaged in an intense race to build the first underground subway system in America. While Boston achieved the initial milestone in 1897 with a straightforward construction project, New York City pursued a far more ambitious vision that eventually created an engineering marvel connecting the entire city. The New York project benefited from the revolutionary work of engineer William Parsons and the electric motor innovations of Frank Sprague, which together paved the way for the 24 hour service that remains a backbone of modern urban life. Decades earlier, the visionary Alfred Beach had proposed his own transit solution, and in a fascinating turn of history, workers rediscovered his long lost pneumatic subway remnants during the expansion of the modern system.
[WATCH] Inside Mama’s Too: The NYC Pizza Shop Slinging Thousands of Slices a Day
Frank Bornman has turned his passion for pizza into a true New York City phenomenon with his celebrated shop, Mama's Too. In this behind the scenes look, Frank explains how he manages his expanding operation while maintaining the high quality and robust flavors that have made his slices a local obsession for nearly seven years. He shares insights into his daily dough preparation, his hands on approach to business, and why he chooses to operate his own courier service rather than relying on third party delivery apps. Whether you are a fan of his signature square slices or his popular sandwiches, this video offers a deep dive into the grit and determination required to run a successful, chef driven pizzeria in the heart of the city. You can learn more about his locations and offerings at Mama's Too.