Jennie and the Manhattan – New York Times

When Wheels Go Round

Q. I have often wondered why white spots are painted on the wheels of subway trains, some of which appear to be half-circles.

A. Imagine you are in the control tower of the subway yard, watching a train pull out. You know the train is moving, but are all the wheels turning? From your location, it could be hard to tell.

Every once in a while, a wheel will stick, explained Charles Seaton, a spokesman for New York City Transit. If it is dragged, the wheel will develop a flat spot, requiring time-consuming regrinding.

Those painted white spots, Mr. Seaton said, make it easy for an observer to determine that a wheel is actually turning.

Jennie and the Manhattan – New York Times.

Under the Hood, a Cozy Rat Retreat

Under the Hood, a Cozy Rat Retreat – New York Times

As if New York City car owners don’t already endure enough indignities — $500-a-month garages, alternate-side parking, the B.Q.E. — it turns out that rats, of which the city has an ample supply, love to cozy up inside car engines this time of year.

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