New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. New York is the 27th most extensive, the 3rd most populous, and the 7th most densely populated of the 50 United States. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east. The state has a maritime border with Rhode Island east of Long Island, as well as an international border with the Canadian provinces of Ontario to the north and west, and Quebec to the north. The state of New York is often referred to as New York State to distinguish it from the city of New York. New York was inhabited by various tribes of Algonquian and Iroquoian speaking Native American tribes at the time Dutch settlers moved into the region in the early 17th century. In 1609, the region was first claimed by Henry Hudson for the Dutch. Fort Nassau was built near the site of the present-day capital of Albany in 1614. The Dutch soon also settled New Amsterdam and parts of the Hudson River Valley, establishing the colony of New Netherland. The British took over the colony by annexation in 1664.
Ethical Culture is a religion centered on ethics, not theology, whose mission is to encourage respect for humanity and nature and to create a better world. Members are committed to personal ethical development in their relationships with others and in activities involving social justice and environmental stewardship. We believe all individuals have inherent worth and dignity, the potential to grow and change, a responsibility to strive for ethical growth, and a responsibility to create a better world. As an Ethical Community we are all part of something that transcends the individual experience and are enriched through our relationships with others. As such, we have responsibilities to each other, to the Society, and to the community.
Among the major population centers, New York City has an annual mean temperature of 13°C, with a normal maximum of 17°C and a normal minimum of 8°C. Albany has an annual mean of 8°C, with a normal maximum of 14°C and a normal minimum of 3°C. The mean in Buffalo is 9°C, the normal maximum 13°C, and the normal minimum 4°C. The record low temperature for the state is –47°C, recorded at Stillwater Reservoir in the Adirondacks on 9 February 1934 and at Old Forge on 18 February 1979; the record high is 42°C, registered at Troy on 22 July 1926. Annual precipitation ranges from over 50 inches in the higher elevations to about 30 inches in the areas near Lake Ontario and Lake Champlain, and in the lower half of the Genesee River Valley. New York City had an average annual precipitation (1971–2000) of 49.7 inches, with a mean annual snowfall of 29 inches. Albany received an average annual precipitation of 38.6 inches and Buffalo, 40.5 inches. In the Snow Belt, Buffalo receives 92 inches of snow. Rochester averages 86 inches, and Syracuse 110 inches. New York City has fewer days of precipitation than other major populated areas (120 days annually, compared with 168 for Buffalo). Buffalo is the windiest city in the state, with a mean hourly wind speed of about 19 kilometer per hour. Tornadoes are rare, but hurricanes and tropical storms sometimes cause heavy damage to Long Island.
New York: If there is one city in the world that could be described as the pinnacle of achievement, showcasing the highs and lows of one of the greatest nations on Earth while at the same time epitomizing the American way of life, it is perhaps New York City. The largest city in the United States, and probably the most well-known city in the entire world, it is more commonly known as “The Big Apple”, and is so large that it has to be broken down into five distinct boroughs, which themselves are counties, and large enough to be cities in their own right.
Brooklyn: The second largest, yet most populated, borough in New York City is Brooklyn. While technically part of the overall New York City sprawl, Brooklyn has evolved over the years with its own unique culture, architecture, and heritage, completely separate while at the same time completely intertwined with that of its big sister, New York City.
Rochester: Rochester ~Made for Living~ "The World Image Centre" Rochester is built around the Genesee River in Upstate New York, which has a 100 ft waterfall in the middle of downtown (High Falls).
Albany: Albany is the capital of the State of New York and the county seat of Albany County. Albany lies 136 miles (219 km) north of New York City.
Buffalo: Buffalo is rich in tradition, culture, and ethnic diversity. It is located near Niagara Falls. Buffalo is full of activities throughout the day and continues well into the night.
Saratoga Springs: Saratoga Springs is a city in Saratoga County, New York, USA. The population was 26,186 at the 2000 census. The name reflects the presence of mineral springs in the area.
Cheektowaga: Cheektowaga comes from the Native American phrase "Land of the Crab Apple". It is a suburb to the west of Buffalo, and is historically populated by Polish Immigrants.
Binghamton: Binghamton is the home of approximately 48,000 residents. It sits on the border of Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna River passes right through downtown.
Utica: Utica is part of the Mohawk River Valley, settled during the 18th century. Before Europeans, the land was occupied by the Oneida Tribe, part of the mighty Iroquois Nation.
Empire State Building: Tired of staring up at New York City skyscrapers? Check out the view of New York City from atop the Empire State Building. Our advice: avoid waiting in the ticket line by buying your tickets online in advance.
Statue of Liberty: The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States in honor of the friendship established during the French Revolution. The Statue of Liberty has become an American symbol of freedom and welcome to the immigrants who come to the USA looking for a better life.
Grand Central Terminal: Renovations since its opening in 1913 have turned Grand Central into more than just a hub for transportation -- there are shops, dining and more available to visitors. There are group tours available, as well as free tours for individuals on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Rockefeller Center: The Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan, is known for its Christmas tree, ice skating, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Radio City Music Hall and numerous shopping and dining opportunities. Rockefeller Center is a great destination for visitors any time of year.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum: The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers visitors a fascinating look into the immigrant experience. Interactive exhibits, walking tours and movies reveal the hardships and challenges faced by immigrants passing through Ellis Island.
Staten Island Ferry: The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry from lower Manhattan to Staten Island, used by commuters and tourists wanting a view of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty.
American Museum of Natural History: Since opening to the public in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History has evolved and grown. In addition to the Rose Center planetarium and regular exhibits, the American Museum of Natural History hosts a revolving series of new exhibits, so there is always something new to see.
Central Park: Central Park has offered a welcome escape from the concrete jungle of New York City for over 150 years. Take a walk, a boat ride or just enjoy a picnic in Central Park and discover for yourself why Central Park is so popular.
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Over 2 million works of art from around the world and throughout history are housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. An iconic art museum, the Met is well worth a visit.
The Museum of Modern Art: Founded in 1929 as the first museum dedicated entirely to contemporary art, the MoMA is host to an impressive collection of modern artistic efforts. From painting and sculpture to film and architecture, the Museum of Modern Art's diverse collection has something for everyone.
New York City's famous mass transit subway, four suburban commuter railroad systems enter and leave the city: the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, Port Authority Trans-Hudson, and five of New Jersey Transit's rail lines. Many other cities have urban and regional public transportation. In Buffalo, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority runs the Buffalo Metro Rail light-rail system; in Rochester, the Rochester Subway operated from 1927 until 1956 but has fallen into disuse.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV or DMV) is the governmental agency responsible for registering and inspecting automobiles and other motor vehicles as well as licensing drivers in the State of New York. As of 2008, the NYSDMV has 11,284,546 drivers licenses on file and 10,697,644 vehicle registrations in force. All gasoline powered vehicles registered in New York State must get an emission inspection every 12 months. Diesel powered vehicles with a Gross Weight Rating over 8 500 lb that are registered in the NY Metropolitan Area must get an annual emissions inspection. All vehicles registered in NYS must get an annual safety inspection.
Portions of the transportation system are intermodal, allowing travelers to easily switch from one mode of transportation to another. One of the most notable examples is AirTrain JFK which allows rail passengers to travel directly to terminals at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
In May 2009, the New York City Department of Transportation under the control of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan banned cars from Times Square in a move designed to improve traffic flow and reduce pollution and pedestrian accidents. On February 11, 2010, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that the pedestrian plazas would remain permanent.