What American city is Brooklyn Bridge located in? Unique facts about the bridge
Its construction marked a turning point in urban connectivity and construction of bridges. The Brooklyn Bridge is situated in New York City. It links Manhattan and Brooklyn boroughs and crosses the East river.
Let's have a look at some of the unique facts about the bridge:
Record-breaking engineering marvel
During its inauguration in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was not simply the first permanent structure to span the East River, but also the longest suspension bridge in the world by far, measuring 1,595.5 feet across its main span.
The two stone towers, which were 276.5 feet above the river, were taller than any offices in New York then, which radically shifted the shape of the city and made the towers a sensational place of recognition at first sight.
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The first bridge to use steel cables
Brooklyn Bridge became the first ever in history to utilise the galvanised steel wire in its cable design which made a change in the design of an initial iron and then, use of steel in making it lightweight and long lasting.
The four main cables are of almost 16 inches (405 mm) diameter, made with over 5,000 steel wires and are exceptional technical achievements of their time. This innovation contributed to the influence of bridge-building worldwide, paving the way for longer and sturdier suspension bridges.
A home for wildlife above the city
Set in the heart of the city, the bridge is a haven for wildlife lovers as well. Peregrine falcons, once destroyed by pesticides, have now returned to nest at the top of its towers, joining pigeons and other birds in finding refuge above the urban hustle.
It is a testament to both nature's resilience and the bridge's enduring legacy.
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A hub for crowds, and protests
In the current day, it holds more than 116,000 automobiles, 30,000 pedestrians, and 3,000 cyclists daily. Its broad walkway has also been the witness of some of its most notable protests, starting with early marches in favour of women suffrage to current movements, the bridge has been the stage for various protests.
Unique public spectacles and urban legends
In order to prove the strength of the bridge, P.T. Barnum marched 21 elephants and 17 camels across the deck in 1884, quelling doubts about its safety.
This contributed to marking the Brooklyn Bridge as a historical achievement.
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Indian Express
a minute ago
- Indian Express
Thousands of years of civilization alive and visible in Delhi, says Ecuador Ambassador
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Its monumental architecture, intricate carvings, are truly breathtaking. But beyond its physical beauty, what moves me most is the story it tells about India—its culture, its values, its spiritual heritage, and its contributions to humanity through the ages. Every visit to Akshardham is a reminder of how deeply rooted Indian identity is in history, reflection, and devotion. It offers a unique perspective—not only into Hindu philosophy, but into the broader soul of the country. What are the three things that stood out in Delhi during your stay here? First, the profound spirituality of its people. In Delhi, spirituality is not something abstract — it's a living force that shapes daily life. Whether through temple visits, rituals, or simple gestures of compassion, people carry their values with a quiet but powerful dignity. This spiritual depth is something I deeply admire. Second, the genuine warmth and friendship extended to foreigners. From the very beginning, I was welcomed with openness and sincerity. The friendships I've built here — across cultures, professions, and backgrounds — are among the most meaningful aspects of my diplomatic mission. There is a generosity of spirit that is unique and unforgettable. Third, the striking contrasts that coexist in the city. Delhi presents a complex mosaic where wealth and opportunity stand alongside inequality and hardship. These contrasts are not easy to ignore, and they call for reflection. Yet, they also reveal the resilience and vitality of its people—how they adapt, create, and strive, often with remarkable dignity. Any memories here that you'll never forget? Delhi has offered me unforgettable experiences that go far beyond official meetings or diplomatic engagements. What has truly stayed with me are the spiritual spaces I have visited and the conversations with people deeply rooted in India's philosophical traditions. I have found peace and perspective in places like the ISKCON temple, the Jain temples, and the gurdwaras — especially Bangla Sahib, where the spirit of service and equality is deeply moving. One particularly meaningful experience has been my visit to the Art of Living International Center, where I was introduced to meditation and breathing techniques that embody India's living wisdom in a contemporary context. Delhi also provides opportunities to appreciate the contributions of Islamic culture to India's artistic and intellectual landscape—visible in its architecture, calligraphy, music, and traditions of hospitality. At a diplomatic level, it was a great honor to present my credentials to President Droupadi Murmu, a moment of deep symbolic and institutional significance. I was also privileged to greet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a social event—a brief but memorable exchange with the leader of this extraordinary nation. In one of my spiritual and cultural visits, I came across the Encyclopedia of Hinduism, a remarkable work compiled under the guidance of Swami Sarasvati Ji and published in English. It offers a vast yet accessible insight into Hindu philosophy, traditions, and the spiritual foundations of Indian civilization. It is my personal dream that this monumental contribution can one day be translated into Spanish, to help Spanish-speaking audiences engage more deeply with India's profound heritage. Favourite food in the city? Delhi is a culinary universe in itself, and discovering its food has been one of the most enjoyable parts of living here. I have developed a deep appreciation for North Indian cuisine, and butter chicken, with its rich flavor and comforting warmth, has become a personal favorite. There are several places I enjoy visiting. The Spice Route at The Imperial is not just a restaurant — it is an artistic and cultural experience, where every corner tells a story, and the food reflects a journey through Asia. I also appreciate the modern elegance and fusion style of Bo Tai in Qutub, as well as the vibrant atmosphere and traditional flavors at Parikrama, a revolving restaurant. At the same time, I find the street food culture in Old Delhi to be extraordinary. Walking through the narrow lanes, and discovering hidden gems and time-honored recipes is like tasting history. The way food is celebrated and shared in this city speaks volumes about its soul. How is Delhi different compared to other cities that you have visited? Delhi stands out for its intense diplomatic and public engagement calendar. Among the many capitals I have served in, I can confidently say that Delhi is one of the most active and vibrant in terms of events, conferences, and outreach activities. There is a constant flow of invitations — from chambers of commerce, ministries, universities, think tanks, and cultural institutions —that reflects the city's dynamic role in shaping not only India's national agenda but also its international relations. As a diplomat, this offers unique opportunities to engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders and to deepen bilateral ties in meaningful ways. One striking aspect is that there is hardly a free day in Delhi — even weekends are filled with events, receptions, cultural programmes, or working meetings. The city moves at a remarkable pace, and being part of that rhythm is both challenging and stimulating. If you have to introduce Delhi to someone back home, how would you do it? I would say that Delhi is not just a city—it is an awakening. It's a place that challenges you, surprises you, and ultimately transforms you. Living here means engaging daily with complexity, beauty, history, faith, and humanity in all its forms. 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The friendships I have built here have been deeply meaningful—marked by warmth, openness, and a genuine willingness to connect. I will also miss the spiritual atmosphere that is so present in daily life. Whether through visits to temples or quiet conversations about philosophy and values, Delhi offers constant reminders of the importance of introspection and inner strength. Another feature I have grown fond of is the presence of green and historic spaces, particularly in Lutyens' Delhi, where grand avenues and public gardens offer moments of serenity in the midst of urban life. Places like Lodhi Gardens and Nehru Park have become personal favorites. And I will always carry with me the memory of paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. It was a deeply moving experience—one that reminded me of the timeless relevance of his message of peace, truth, and nonviolence. Gandhi's legacy continues to guide not only India, but also the conscience of the world. Delhi touches your heart in quiet, enduring ways. It is not just a city you live in—it is a city that stays with you.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
The great ice debate: Why Americans pile it on while Europeans keep it chill
A debate sparks between America and Europe over ice in water. Americans expect ice, while Europeans often don't serve it. This difference reflects cultural norms and historical habits. The US embraced ice commercially, while Europe values tap water quality. The debate highlights differing preferences and environmental considerations. Travelers should understand these customs. It is all about tradition and personal choice. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The humble ice cube—a hero at the bottom of an American glass, a rare sight in Europe 's cafés—has ignited a cross-continental controversy that's far more than a culinary afterthought. Every summer, as American tourists clutch tepid water in Paris or Rome, social media inflates with incredulity, memes, and gentle mockery under the hashtag #IceWaterDebate. But what lies beneath the surface of the cube? Authors and experts see more than a trivial travel squabble: the ice divide is a window into culture, climate, and even people have traced this chilly divide as deeply as Amy Brady, author of Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks - A Cool History of a Hot Commodity. Brady recounts how America's love affair with ice began in the 19th century, when Boston's 'Ice King,' Frederick Tudor, pioneered the mass harvesting and global shipping of New England lake ice. 'The US became the first nation to make ice a household staple,' Brady writes, describing how, by the early 20th century, 'no respectable American home or hotel would serve drinks without it.'American travelers to Europe have expressed surprise and sometimes frustration at the European tendency to serve drinks, especially water, without ice. On platforms like TikTok , US tourists share clips highlighting the scarcity or outright absence of ice cubes in European beverages, a stark contrast to US customs where ice is often generously added to drinks. This has led to a viral, humorous, and sometimes bewildered conversation dubbed the " Ice Water Debate " between the two the European perspective, serving drinks without ice is common and tied to local preferences and historical habits. Europeans, particularly in northern countries, often drink tap water straight or with minimal chilling, as they trust the quality and prefer the natural flavor unaltered by melting ice. For example, Scandinavian countries consider access to clean tap water so reliable that ice is not deemed necessary for hydration. Europeans also point out that many public places and hotels offer free water refills and emphasize hydration through readily available tap American habit of filling glasses with large amounts of ice stems partly from a preference for extremely cold drinks and the use of ice to dilute the drink slightly as it melts. This habit dates back to commercial ice availability and cultural norms that celebrate chilled beverages, especially in warm climates or fast-paced lifestyles where refreshing coolness is prized. The debate touches on dietary and environmental considerations as well, with some Europeans noting that the US consumption of ice might contribute to higher energy and water on water consumption habits also highlight the differences. Studies indicate that water intake in some European countries is below recommended levels compared to the US, though accessibility to clean water is widespread in Europe. This paradox is partly due to differing drinking patterns and social customs around hydration versus beverage suggest this debate is largely about what individuals are accustomed to rather than objective advantages of one approach. European residents emphasize that the absence of ice does not reflect a lack of hydration but a cultural norm where water quality and drinking practices differ. American travelers are encouraged to adapt to local customs and understand the reasons behind these differences, which ultimately relate to each region's infrastructure, climate, and if you're parched in Provence or sweating in Seville and the server delivers a cool—but never cold—glass, you're not being shortchanged. You're sipping on centuries of tradition, personal preference, and maybe a pinch of passive-aggressive iced or not.
Deccan Herald
4 hours ago
- Deccan Herald
Visitors to Chitradurga fort find digital hurdle difficult to breach
Hubballi: A section of visitors to the historical Chitradurga fort either return without seeing the legendary 'Obavvana kindi' or argue with guards at the gate to gain free entry as self-ticketing (by scanning QR code) fails to issue tickets due to poor internet connectivity and lengthy process of uploading details on the ASI-pay ministry of culture, under which the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monument comes, has launched self-ticketing only system across India to minimise deployment of human resources at ticket counters, reduce operation cost (purchase of ticket rolls and vending machines) and reduce queue fort is one of the 25 monuments across India to pilot this initiative. However, forget the benefits, visitors to the fort are facing hardships..A security guard at Chitradurga fort said seven out of 10 attempts fail due to poor takes at least 8-10 minutes for each transaction to complete as visitors have to fill in their details along with uploading identity proof and mobile numbers on the ASI-pay app..'Many visitors don't carry smart-phones or do not have phone-pay/G-pay. The network coverage at the fort is poor. So, it becomes very difficult to manage the crowd,' said another many as 16 centrally protected monuments in Karnataka have entry them, two monuments — Chitradurga fort and Tipu Sultan palace in Bengaluru — allow visitors only under self-ticketing have to scan a QR code placed at the entry gate via digital payment apps and buy the 25 monuments selected by ASI across India for this pilot project, two are in ASI intends to implement self-ticketing system across all 250 centrally protected ticketed monuments in the country..A senior ASI official said the key main intention of the Ministry of Culture to implement ASI-pay app is to give Indian visitors Rs 5 discount and foreign visitors Rs 50 multiple ASI officials and guides at Hampi and Vijayapura informed DH that the app, instead of helping visitors, was resulting in hardships..'Earlier, we used to deploy two staff to issue tickets at Vijayapura monuments. Now, with the government insisting on self-ticketing, we are deploying five staff on weekends to help tourists,' said a Dharwad circle officer of app has also reduced mass booking of tickets. Only five persons can book a ticket per a guide at Hampi, says visitors are facing problems while booking tickets at Lotus Mahal and Vittala temple complex due to poor network coverage..'A majority of visitors buy tickets at the counter though they are a bit costlier than booking through QR scanning method,' he says and adds the process should have been as simple as making a digital ASI officer at Hampi circle said the complaint had been brought to the notice of higher-ups..'The network issue wasn't brought to our notice, we will look into it,' he says..A senior officer in Bengaluru circle, under which Chitradurga fort and Tipu Sultan palace come, says they are just following orders from the ministry of culture..'We have been asked to issue tickets at these monuments only via QR code scanning. Officials in Delhi or regional directors can take a call on reactivating booking counters,' he says.
