A Ferris wheel lifts spirits in New York's Times Square

NEW YORK: A 110-feet-high (34 m) Ferris wheel spins in the once bustling heart of Times Square, looking to bring some joy to New York City and help turn the economy around.

For 12 minutes, customers can ride the Times Square Wheel for a bird's eye view of the so-called 'Crossroads of the World' in midtown Manhattan, by the red glass steps over the TKTS booth where discounted Broadway show tickets are sold. "I don't remember the last time I've been on a ferris wheel. That was so much fun," said Deborah Johnson after taking a spin.