Oct 16, 2024 • 8 min read
16.10.2024 - 17:41 / matadornetwork.com
Leaking fire hydrants were a common sight the years I lived in New York City. Usually they rarely got more than a passing look, if that. Yet a fire hydrant in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn got a different life in the beginning of August that has seen a space the size of a square of sidewalk concrete turned into a popular draw for locals and travelers: the “Bed-Stuy Aquarium.”
Hajj-Malik Lovick and Je-quan Irving created the Bed-Stuy Aquarium as a way to beautify a trash-filled tree pit on the corner of Hancock Street and Tompkins Avenue that was flooded from a constantly flowing hydrant, local media site Hell Gate reported on August 8. They cleaned up the pit and then released a bag of goldfish from a nearby pet store into the cycling water to make a spot where people could find calm and feed and watch the fish.
It divided locals and people from afar. One person tried to “rescue” the goldfish early on, saying the water was too chlorinated and not large enough of a space. After she avoided confrontation with Lovick directly, she instead went to Reddit.
“I’m aware of the optics of this; uppity white transplant lecturing older Black man about his neighborhood,” the post reads, according to Hell Gate. “That being said, I’m still having a hard time with the animal cruelty of this…There’s no world where these fish survive much longer than a week.”
Other Reddit threads devolved into online arguments about animal rights, gentrification, fish needs, and what happens in the winter or when it rains and floods over. Later attempts to take the fish by the person who tried to remove them the first time were successful, which led to a neighborhood watch of sorts where people in the neighborhood took turns keeping an eye on the makeshift pond.
Still, in late August, a late-night vandalization killed some of the fish and damaged the set up, which had grown into a more traditional outdoor aquarium set up with plants, rocks, and decoration.
Once again, the Bed-Stuy Aquarium was rebuilt, this time with a couple thousand dollars raised through GoFundMe, which was also used for a backpack giveaway and fish adoption event over Labor Day weekend. The Bed-Stuy Aquarium is now more popular than ever. It’s even listed on Google Maps as a cultural landmark. Videos of the spot have racked up millions of likes on TikTok, and a dedicated Instagram page has 12,000 followers.
A post shared by @bedstuyaquarium
With colder weather coming, there are plans to relocate the fish indoors this fall until next spring, when it will again be rebuilt and filled, according to USA Today.
To see it for yourself before the season is officially over, head to 408 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216.
Oct 16, 2024 • 8 min read
I recently traveled between the US and Greece, and I wasn't going to let travel constipation ruin my dream vacation.
Yosemite National Park has ended its reservation requirements ahead of schedule, allowing travelers to drive into the park without having to book in advance.
As small businesses across the U.S. prepare to comply with new federal regulations, travel agencies should take note of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).
Visit Florida launched a new campaign Monday to inform tourists that many parts of the state are open and ready to welcome visitors after hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, October 15, 2024, and here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
Earlier this year, American Airlines promised that it would enable online redemptions for systemwide upgrade certificates.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Cherie Luo, a content creator and entrepreneur. Luo spent 5 years working in tech in Silicon Valley. She graduated from Stanford Graduate School of Business in June. Business Insider has verified her employment and education history. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Amtrak passengers with plans to see foliage around New York state may need to pack extra patience in the coming weeks.
Japan Airlines is giving free domestic flights to international tourists, making travel to smaller cities and hidden gems far easier.
Oct 9, 2024 • 6 min read
It's the last day of Amazon's second Prime Day of 2024, which means you have another chance to score big on all your favorite camping deals through tonight, October 9. From backpacks to sleeping bags to water purifiers, we're seeing big savings on some of the best gear for your next outdoor adventure.