Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Hudson Yards Taking New York Into the Future


A huge transformation of Manhattan’s West Side has begun as ground breaking at the 26-acre rail yards, owned by the Metropolitan Transit Authority, and leased to developers for 99 years for over $1billion got underway on Tuesday. Years of deal making finally led to agreements between the MTA and developers, who plan on creating Hudson Yards, a 15-building, city-within-a-city project valued at about $15 billion.
Plans for the waterfront development included apartments soaring 75 stories high; a futuristic observation deck in the shape of a rocket ship about to launch orbiting over Manhattan at an altitude above the Empire State Building; a landscaped 5-acre plaza.

“Developing Manhattan’s final frontier is the next major step in our city’s ongoing economic revival,” Mayor Bloomberg said. “The Hudson Yards project — whose construction will create at least 23,000 jobs and whose existence will support thousands more — is a testament to our city’s economic strength.”
The Vision for Hudson Yards

TripAdvisor: Finding the Right New York City Hotel


When planning a vacation or a business trip at a hotel out of town, many people check out TripAdvisor to get a sense of the experience of prior guests.  The website offers “unbiased hotel reviews, photos and travel advice for hotels and vacations.”  

Certainly, it's important to take a look at the rankings before deciding on a hotel in New York, or anywhere else for that matter. Shimmie Horn’s Iroquois Hotel, for instance, was recently ranked Number 26 out of 435 hotels in the NYC vicinity (based on 1053 TripAdvisor reviews).  For the year 2012, the Iroquois Hotel was awarded as being a winner of the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.

Those who have stayed at the hotel made the following statements on TripAdvisor, when describing their experience.  These include: “the perfect place”; “great location and very nice staff”; “clean and friendly”; “loved staying here”; “our home away from home” and many more.  Many of Shimmie Horn’s guests rated his hotel a 5 out of 5 star rating as well.  These reviews are current and indicate that the hotel is consistently sticking to its high standards to ensure top level customer satisfaction at all times.

The Chatwal, on West 44th Street, ranked number 17 on the same list.  It has been described by recent guests as: “a really nice hotel in midtown location”; “excellent service”; “retro cool”; a Great NY experience,” “Oasis.” Designed by architect Thierry Despont, it has a cool Art Deco style which still works well today.  Each room in and of itself is a work of art, “capturing the romance of the past while looking to the future.”

The Bowery Hotel in Manhattan’s East Village ranked number 42 on the list of top hotels in New York City by TripAdvisor.  Based downtown in New York’s lower east side, this quaint hotel offers scrumptious meals in its Gemma restaurant for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and more. Perfectly situated between Soho and the East Village, it has been described as having a “homey décor, big windows and large rooms.”

TripAdvisor is definitely a great starting point for those outside of the area who want to book the perfect hotel for their stay in the Big Apple.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

McGraw-Hill Companies Selling Division to Private Equity


The McGraw-Hill Companies have just agreed to sell their education division to a private equity firm, in a move that will certainly have repercussions in the educational publishing world. It has agreed to see the company to investment funds that are affiliated with Apollo Global Management. This is an international firm based in New York City. McGraw-Hill is selling for $2.5 billion.

They expect the deal to be completed in early 2013 and it will leave McGraw-Hill with its financial information properties with the name McGraw-Hill Financial.

Interestingly, McGraw-Hill only named a new CEO of the McGraw-Hill Education division six months ago. Lloyd Waterhouse will continue to lead the company even under the new ownership, while Harold McGraw III will be the CEO of McGraw-Hill Financial.

With this move, Apollo Global Management joins in with Pearson and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (also a subsidiary of private equity) to be part of the large three educational publishers.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Big Apple Getting Ready for Big Holiday Season Tourism

Rockettes for Christmas

After all the flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy at the end of October New York is now gearing up for an entirely different type of flood; that of tourists coming to New York to experience the special magic of the holiday season in one of the world’s most exciting cities.

Everything is open and ready to go, except for just a handful of tourist sites and hotels. In lower Manhattan there are three hotels not yet ready for guests;  the Best Western Seaport Inn Downtown, the Holiday Inn Express New York City on Wall Street, and the World Center Hotel.

In the attraction department there are several major destinations still not ready to open. Those include the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the New York Aquarium in Coney Island, which were all hard hit by the furious winds of super storm Sandy.  But tourists wishing to visit the 9/11 Memorial Park site will be able to, and the subway is almost 100 percent back to normal. Friday will mark the end of gas rationing for the Big Apple.

The season is inaugurated by the incredible Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, now in its 86th incarnation. At the Rockefeller Center one of the world’s largest and most beautiful Christmas trees will be lit on November 28th with 30,000 multi-colored, LED lights hanging off of five miles of wire.  Radio City Music Hall features its annual and unforgettable Christmas Spectacular, featuring the iconic Rockettes dance troupe.
“We had a tragic incident but we are back except for the recovery in parts of the city that are more residential,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company, the city’s marketing and tourism organization.
With New York well on its way to a complete recovery this holiday season should prove to be one of New York’s best ever. Be sure to join in the celebration.



Friday, November 2, 2012

Affordable Higher Education in New York City

Affordable Education in New York City is Possible
Ever wonder which of the long list of colleges and universities located within the borders of New York City are the least expensive for New York State residents?

As expected the long list of New York’s community colleges are the most affordable, and the educations received in these schools, such as CUNY Manhattan Community College or CUNY Kingsborough Community College are top-notch.

SUNY schools are for the most part next in affordability, and at the end of about four years students come away with an excellent degree. Unfortunately they are not located within the city of New York except for the SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx. The closest other SUNY schools to the city are located in Stony Brook and in New Paltz, New York.

Private schools of higher education in New York City include the Swedish Institute of Health Sciences; the Interboro Institute; and the Professional Business College, all three in Manhattan.

After these schools the yearly tuition begins to climb to over $10,000 per year, making it a challenge for working people to afford. However, with good high school grades and financial assistance from the school that bests meets the students requirements, often even expensive schools can be attended, and an excellent, cost-effective degree obtained.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate

During the end of the 1960s key leaders in the real estate industry looked to the New York University to help them create a venue in which they and their colleagues could further their educations in real estate. As a result of that impetus the NYU Real Estate Institute was established in 1967.

Among the many alumni of the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate is Eli Verschleiser, who is today the President of United Realty Trust, as well as a member of URT’s Board of Directors. Verschleiser has been involved in an extensive number of real estate projects, including: organizing the team which won the bid for the 858-acre RFP (request for proposal) for the Master Re-Development of Riviera Beach in Florida; Trump Tower in Philadelphia; and in October of 2010 leading the group which underwrote the first credit-rated bond issuance on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange on behalf of a US-based private real estate company.

Today, the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate, part of the NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies, offers courses and seminars especially created for the most highly motivated real estate professionals in both commercial and residential real estate. Today, they have professional licensing programs, professional certificate programs, diploma programs and graduate degrees. Their real estate conferences draw national attention and their alumni include people from around the world.




Sunday, October 21, 2012

Museum Magnet School Brings Innovative Teaching to New York Students

New York City is famous for its fabulous public school system. One of the aspects of that system that which has proved its value time and time again are its magnet schools, which attract New York’s most talented, motivated, and successful students.

In District 3, from 59th to 123rd Street on Manhattan’s West Side, there are several magnet schools for early childhood development and on through high school.
Museum Magnet School

One of those schools is the Museum Magnet School, or PS 191, located at 210 West 61st Street. In this unique learning environment children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade are encouraged to learn in ways which parallel the museum process: exploration, experimentation, explanation and exhibiting are the methodology of the learning environment.

Fundamental to the school’s operation is its close connection to some of the greatest museums in the world. Children here are able to learn from experts, receiving in-depth and guided instruction in their studies. Using the latest modern, cutting-edge learning technologies together with the fundamental and traditional museum institution, children at the MMS receive an incomparable and inspirational education.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Learn About Harlem History and Culture at the Dwyer Cultural Center

Gaylord Hassan and his Creations at the Dwyer Cultural Center


Perhaps less known than some of New York City’s other “must-see” attractions; The Dwyer Cultural Center is nevertheless a worthwhile stop for every visitor to the Big Apple. Located at 258 Saint Nicholas Avenue, the Center is a cutting edge multimedia cultural hub which is exclusively devoted to telling the story of the history and special quality of Harlem.


Inside the Dwyer Cultural Center visitors will be able to gaze upon rich and dynamic visual art exhibitions and enjoy the incredible design of the performing spaces. Also within the center are studio and rehearsal spaces, a unique feature within the historically rich Manhattan neighborhood of Harlem.


There are a huge variety of activities available throughout the year at the Center, including theater, music, dance, guided tours, films and much more. Call 212-222-3060 for more information.



Thursday, September 20, 2012

Manhattan Hotels: Shimmie Horn

Shimmie Horn
New York City is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Manhattan is brimming with art, culture, cuisine and endless shopping opportunities, making it the busiest, most popular place in the region. Shimmie Horn's hotels, which include the Hotel Chandler, the Hotel Belleclaire, the Iroquois and the Washington Jefferson, are all located in Manhattan, right at the center of the borough.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Newark’s Newest Charter School Opens: The 100 LEGACY Academy


The 100 LEGACY Academy Charter School, in partnership with an independent board of directors, opened a high-quality middle school in Newark, New Jersey this past fall, 2012.

The co-ed school is only one of four new charter choices for Newark students that opened last fall. The 100 LEGACY Academy Charter School sets itself apart from other educational choices in the area by its emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, known at the STEM curriculum. The school also focuses on preparing its students for college, including a mentoring program with the 100 Black Men of New Jersey organization.

“Our goal is simple and straightforward, but it couldn’t be more crucial -- to educate, encourage, and mentor our students, thereby preparing them for college and career,” said 100 LEGACY Board President Michael R. Clarke. “Our school leader and dedicated teaching staff will work tirelessly to ensure that these young men and women of Newark and Irvington have the best chance of becoming successful individuals.”

The school is located at 75 Morton Street in Newark and will service the children and families of the Newark and Irvington school districts. This year the school offers grades 6 through 8, but is planning on adding one grade level each year until they have all the grades through 12th.

The name LEGACY is representative of the school’s goals for its student population:

L eadership Development
E ntrepreneurship
G lobalization
A cademic Achievment
C haracter Development
Y outh Empowerment

“Newark is in the midst of a historic reform of its school system and the development of high-quality charter schools is a crucial element of this turnaround,” said Aquila Haynes, Victory Education Partners’ Director of School Development and Partnerships. “We are confident that this partnership between the school’s Board and 100 Black Men of New Jersey will result in a tremendous education for hundreds of young people in Newark and Irvington through 100 LEGACY Academy Charter School.”

Sunday, September 2, 2012

The Expense of New York Babies


A study has shown that raising a baby in New York City is the most expensive place.  According to Bundle, parents will have spent approximately $1m on their children by the time they move out.  This figure is almost twice as much as the average state in America.  The fact that the city is home to exquisite (and pricey) toy stores like FAO Schwartz, Toy Tokyo and Kid Robot.   But what might come as quite a surprise is that Minneapolis and Tulsa – places that don’t have the kind of allure New York City does – has a bill of $600,000+.



So what should a parent do if they want to significantly slash their child-rearing costs?  Moving to Madison, WI, could help.  The average cost of raising a child there is a mere $200,000.  Milwaukee and Indianapolis aren’t bad choices either for keeping on a budget.



Given this data, it would seem that parents would try to limit the spending they can control, on their offspring.  But this isn’t the case.  Indeed, in another survey conducted, New York City was at the top of the list for parents who spoil their kids the most.  But perhaps this figure was impacted by some of the city’s more extreme shopping sprees, such as those endured by Beyonce and Jay-Z who clearly wanted the best for their babies.  The crib came in at $3,500 and the bathtub – studded with diamonds – cost $5,200.  The nursery measures 2,200 square feet.



Brooklyn ranks as no. 2 for the kids who get the most (in terms of money spent that is).  What is now popular in the borough are the cafés like Sit and Wonder that offer babyccinos – small decaf cappuccinos or frothy steamed milk and foam – a trend that began in Australia around 10 years ago.  Brooklyners were able to enjoy the beverage starting from a few months ago. Although there has been criticism on the drink.  Paul Caligiore, an Australian coffee expert, argued that the beverages: “interrupt workflow, create milk wastage and can be served at a dangerous temperature to a vulnerable consumer.”



Expensive Babies: Impact on the Economy



But if it is becoming so expensive to raise children, how are potential parents reacting to this?  Some people are deciding not to have kids altogether because of the expense.  They have been especially turned off the idea following the 2008 financial crisis which has taken away the option of retirement for many people.  Indeed, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2011, the amount of births dropped to a 12-year low.  This has negatively impacted spending so greatly that industries from pregnancy kits to education and everything-in-between has lost out. It makes sense that consumption increases when people have children.  But the question is, just how much does it have to go up?  Hopefully it will not be on the same scale as New York City so that it becomes unaffordable, overwhelming and thus off-putting for people to start a family.


Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The Iroquois Hotel: New York Luxury for 112 Years

In a city full of history and especially historical buildings like New York, the Iroquois Hotel owned by Shimmie Horn is one that truly gauges the changes and advances made in the hospitality industry, in the nation as a whole.

On July 28, 1911 the New York Times described 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues as
“a block of hotels and restaurants, fashionable clubs and garages… In the block are The New York Yacht, The Yale, The Harvard, and City Clubs…” and the Iroquois apartment hotel.

Construction of the Iroquois began in 1899, and this luxurious apartment hotel opened its doors in October of 1900. The hotel has gone through many changes in the 112 years since its opening and today it is owned and operated by one of New York’s key hoteliers, Shimmie Horn. The Iroquois was designed by Harry Mulliken, and immediately was recognized for its special luxurious accommodations.  Its status as an apartment hotel meant that the building housed permanent residents who desired the amenities of a hotel on a regular basis.

The Wigwam Bar was opened in 1939 and was decorated with pictures of pilgrims and Native Americans. The following year the hotel was leased to the Iroquois Hotel Corporation, led by William H. Peterken, who was well known for his abilities and his “splendid record in New York Hoteldom.”

The Iroquois has often been a gathering place for professional organizations, protests, and a spot for the rich and famous to meet. In 1949, The National Council of the Arts, Sciences and Professionals had their headquarters at the Iroquois, and the group sponsored the international Cultural and Scientific Conference at the Iroquois. In 1950 a protest march against the one year prison sentence Dalton Trumbo and John Howard Lawson received for refusing to say whether or not they were communists, was organized to begin at the Iroquois and end at Pennsylvania Station.

There is a suite at the Iroquois named after one of the hotel’s more famous residents, James Dean, who lived there for two years in the early 1950s. In 1987, a restaurant-cabaret was opened by Jan Wallman. Included in her line-up of performers were many who hardly ever performed elsewhere, including Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, and Woody Allen.

The Horn Family owned the Iroquois since the late 1950s, and in 1996 Shimmie Horn took over responsibility for this icon of luxury, sophistication, and excellent service. Since the turn of the 21st century the Iroquois has been affiliated as one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and a $13 million renovation was undertaken. Today the Iroquois truly embodies the heart of New York’s hotel industry.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Nordstrom Coming to New York City


Anyone who has ever been to a Nordstrom store can explain to the less-fortunate of the world just how amazing it is. Not only do they have terrific selection and amazing customer service, they have almost any shoe size you could want and they willingly return just about anything that you need to exchange.

Now, New Yorkers can get in on the action, as Nordstrom is finally opening a store in Manhattan.  They have announced a 285,000 square foot store that will be opening at 225 West 57th Street. Don’t get too excited quite yet, however, since the plan is for the opening to take place in 2018.

Near Carnegie Hall and the Time Warner Center, it’s a fantastic location for shoppers. It is sure to draw both local and international shoppers. And they won’t be disappointed – guaranteed.

At the moment, Nordstrom operates 231 stores in 31 states.  These include 117 full-line stores, 110 Nordstrom Racks (definitely worth going to at Union Square!), two Jeffrey boutiques and one treasure&bond charity store in Soho.

Shoppers should rev their engines and get ready for the excitement…if they can contain themselves until 2018.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

TOY at the Gransevoort Hotel


If you enjoy dining at new, hip restaurants, then it’s time to get to TOY. Located in The Gansevoort Hotel at 18 Ninth Avenue (13th Street) in the Meatpacking District, TOY includes a Chinese menu with Japanese influence. Executive chef Doron Wong will be running the kitchen in the 7000 square foot dining location that includes three spaces. It has an indoor/outdoor raw bar in the hotel’s lobby; a large dining terrace outdoors and a bi-level main dining room.


TOY is a new venture from Derek and Daniel Koch, twins who specialize in dining and nightlife enterprises, with Jeffrey Chodorow’s China Grill Management.


Try out the 18 vegetable Singapore salad with seared rare tuna, the shrimp “toast” cigars with mustard plum sauce or the hidden lobster dumplings.  A feast for the eyes and the taste buds awaits you here!


Sunday, June 3, 2012

Wild Bird Fund Opens Its Doors on the Upper West Side


If you’re a bird who has fallen on hard times, you’re in luck. A new 1300 square foot upper West Side wildlife rehabilitation and education center has just opened.  Over a decade ago, co-founder of the Wild Bird Fund Rita McMahon started the nonprofit group along with Karen Heidgerd.


Approximately 355 bird species live in New York City or stop their on their way during their migration, and many of these birds get hurt during the flight.  Many birds actually get hurt because of Tanglefoot, a sticky glue that is used in offices to keep birds off of ledges.  As McMahon explained, “It coats their feathers and they get stuck.”


Last year alone, the Wild Bird Fund cared for over 1500 birds and many mammals. It used to be that McMahon and Heidgerd would care for these birds (and turtles, possums and skunks!) in their own apartments. Now, with the rehab center filling, they have a legitimate place to care for the animals.


The Wild Bird Fund is enjoying an open house today from 10-6 at 565 Columbus Avneue at 87th Street.  Learn more about this amazing organization at www.wildbirdfund.com and help them to raise the funds they need to help our wildlife prosper.


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Welcome to New York, Rare Endangered Mexican Pups


While it may not be in New York City, the news of eight rare Mexican wolf pups being born at a preserve in the suburbs is making news.  The Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem just announced the births to the Mexican wolves that are known as F749 and M740.


They include five males and three females.  As Peter Siminski, the coordinator of the Mexican wolf program for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said, "It's always a good day when we learn of the birth of an endangered species. Eight new pups in a world population of around 366 is a 2 percent increase."


As part of the announcement of the pups, the Wolf Conservation Center said, "These pups are not only adorable, they're also great contributions to the recovery of their species."  A federal program helps to reintroduce these endangered wolves into the wild.  The wild population is carefully restocked from pups that are born to wolves in captivity.  If these pups are chosen, they will probably first be sent to a prerelease facility and paired with opposite-sex wolves to raise pups themselves.


While you can’t go visit the pups, you can enjoy seeing a peak at them on a number of webcams that have been set up.  As the birth announcement said, "We'll remain glued to our eight webcams to watch the new parents care for their young and the arrival of more potential pups in the coming weeks."


 




Sunday, April 15, 2012

The New York City Barbecue Cookoff

Whether you’re a grilling fiend or you just hope to get some of the leftovers, you might want to catch the New York City Barbecue Cookoff being held at Staten Island’s Historic Richmond Town on April 22.  It’s actually the first time that a New York contest is being sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, which is America’s largest bbq and grill organizations.

One day before the Barbecue Cookoff, if that’s not enough, Historic Richmond Town will also be hosting the third annual New York City Chili Cookoff! Executive director of the two events, Ed Wiseman, said,

“I think the urban snobbery is gone. When it comes to food and great eats, the walls are breaking down.”
During the Barbecue Cookoff, teams will be competing in four categories that include chicken, pork ribs, pork butt and brisket.  Of the twenty teams that are signed up, there will be a $2500 grand prize and the chance to get into two of the country’s hottest grilling contests: the American Royal Invitational in Kansas City, Mo., and the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, Tenn.

Certainly, the cookoff will be a sight to behold – and one to taste if you’re lucky!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

World Down Syndrome Day Honored in New York

March 21st was World DownSyndrome Day, and as part of that special day, the art exhibit DOWNrightART took place.  The international show was part of the three day celebration of art from March 21-23 that featured movies with Down Syndrome actors and music by Down Syndrome musicians.  On the last day of the festivities, Chris Burke, who played Corky on the TV show, “Life Goes On” played with his band.

One artist, Erik Behnke from Alaska, was featured as part of the exhibit of 23 Down Syndrome artists.  His mother, Linda Thompson, said, "This is so exciting. I am so jazzed" about his paintings being displayed.  She helps him market them through the company Brown Bear Productions.

The celebration was held at the United Nations and started with a speech by U.N Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon. It included discussions about new research into cognitive abilities of those with Down Syndrome and the role of siblings of those with Down Syndrome.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Artistic Sculptures at Lehman College Art Gallery


While this exhibit may be a bit out of the way for many, it’s worth the extra journey.  On display now at the Lehman College Art Gallery is a set of visually dramatic and colorful wooden busts and a dozen or more ink drawings.  The exhibit, entitled “Michael Ferris Jr.: The Bronx Series and Other Works” is drawing a lot of attention, and with good reason.





Ferris Jr. is a native of Chicago who lives in Morris Park and first started making these sculptures in 1994.  He was inspired by mosaic tables that his Lebanese father owned and started incorporating these designs into his work.  Ferris Jr.’s sculptures are all made of wood and their stunning colors and patterns come from the grout that holds the wood together.

Gallery Director Susan Hoeltzel explained, “The work is very visually compelling. Students would be going by and you’ll hear them gasp.”





Ferris Jr., a high school art teacher explained, “I want to make pieces that people respond to. I want people to feel like they’re looking at something amazing. If they are moved by it, that’s really the point of the work ultimately.”





The exhibit will have a special reception on March 19th and the exhibit will run until May 12 at 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West.

 


Sunday, February 12, 2012

Full-Length Renoirs at the Frick


Beginning on February 7, 2012 the Frick Collection will be exhibiting nine of Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s most notable paintings. This will be the first comprehensive study of the great impressionists encounter with the full-length format.



The grand-scale of the artist’s canvases are some of his most ambitious and daring ventures into contemporary subjects, considered by many to be among the masterpieces of impressionist painting.



This special exhibition, which will be at the Frick until May 13, includes works on loan from many of the world’s greatest houses of art. Among the nine works on display will be La Parisienne, The Umbrellas, (in the US for viewing for the first time since 1866) and Dance in the City and Dance in the Country.



The Frick Collection, 1 East 70th Street Between Madison and Fifth Avenues, Phone: 212-288-0700

 


Sunday, February 5, 2012

Honor Black History Month at the Apollo Theater


Celebrate Black History Month by going to the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem where some of the greatest musical artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle and Luther Vandross first got there starts before going on to stardom.



Amateur Night is celebrating its 78th season at the Apollo beginning on February 1st. The theater, which first opened in 1914 as Hurtig and Seamon’s New Burlesque Theater, is offering discounts all during February. The Apollo is offering a $3 discount for Amateur Night; $5 off of Apollo Music Café shows; and on Wednesdays take a tour at 11am of the theater and get a $3 discount with the Culture Spot Coupon.



Every Wednesday night at 7:30pm is Amateur Night at the Apollo. Since this year is a leap year, February has one extra Wednesday so more great talent can show their stuff. All the recent winners of Amateur night are invited back to perform on February 29th to compete for the chance to go on to the “Top Dog” semifinals which are scheduled for May 16th. Then after that the Top Dog winners head on to the Amateur Night Finale to take place on October 31st. The winner of this last show will get the title of Super Top Dog plus a prize of $10,000.



The Apollo Theater is located at 253 West 125th Street. Call 212-531-5300 for more information.


Sunday, January 29, 2012

Millionaires' Magician at the Waldorf -Astoria

Steve Cohen


New York City is a place where magic is in the air and just about anything is possible. There is no place where this is truer than at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel where Steve Cohen “The Millionaires’ Magician” plies is special art for royalty, celebrities, government officials and a huge assortment of other VIPs.

Calling his performances “Chamber Magic” Cohen recreates the intimate atmosphere of the popular parlor performances which were all the rage in the 19th century. The number of participants is limited, no children are allowed, and while Cohen wears a tux his guests come attired in formal cocktail party garb, keeping the atmosphere sophisticated, lively and intriguing.

Cohen uses the conjurers of the past who entertained only the members of the grand aristocracy, as his model, and chooses the more subtle tricks of the mind to the flashy “lights and whistles” magic of venues such as found in Vegas.

“I don’t do big, flashy magic,” he told The New York Times. “My magic is more of a thinking man’s magic. Most of it happens in your head.”

Cohen often flies from coast to coast on private jets in order to astound the likes of people such as the Queen of Morocco, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, and even Martha Stewart. Woody Allen once said Cohen’s performance is “a religious experience.”

Performances take place at 7pm and 9pm on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2pm on Saturday afternoons. General admission is $75 and front row seating is $100.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Take the Ferry to Snug Harbor in Staten Island

Snug Harbor Hedge Maze
Looking for something completely different to do in New York City? How about a trip to Staten Island? Take a 25 minute ferry ride-worth the trip just for this- and go take a look at Snug Harbor. This out-of-the-way New York destination was the former home to elderly sailors.

Today the sprawling 83 acres of Snug Harbor is the home to a wonderful collection of 19th century Greek revival buildings.  Visit art museums here and a relaxing, well-tended botanical garden.

Have fun getting lost, and found, in a traditional hedge maze, and enjoy a visit to a rare, but exquisite, Chinese garden. Not to mention the wonderful, panoramic views of New York Harbor and some of Manhattan’s most iconic skyscrapers in an unforgettable view of New York’s skyline from a less well-known point of view.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

A Bit of Ancient Egypt in Central Park


Right behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Central Park is the oldest man-made object in New York. Known as Cleopatra’s Needle, it was presented as a gift to the United States in 1877 by Ismail Pasha the Khedive of Egypt, and placed in its present position in the park, and unveiled, in 1881.

The obelisk, which is part of a pair whose partner stands along the River Thames in London, was created in 1450 BCE by Pharaoh Thutmosis III for Heliopolis. Ramses the Great added the inscriptions in hieroglyphics 200 years later.  In 12 BC the Romans moved the obelisks from Heliopolis to Alexandria to be decorations for the temple that Cleopatra built in honor of her beloved Marc Antony.  (This is the reason the obelisks are referred to as “Cleopatra’s Needles.”)

Cleopatra’s Needle sits atop Greywacke Knoll in Central Park, where it is surrounded by benches and a landscaped plaza. Stop and rest there; enjoy the scenery while you take in the 180-ton, 68-foot tall, 3,500-year-old obelisk.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Kid Friendly New York

Looking for a fun outing in New York City with kids in tow?  Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few events that should not only engage your kids, but you’ll have a blast, too.
Happy Chinese New Year!

•    Happy Chinese New Year: At 1pm on January 29 you and your family are invited to celebrate the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Dragon at a parade traveling from Little Italy down into Chinatown. Marching bands, floats, and lion and dragon dancers will entertain the crowds, beginning at Mott and Hester Streets. Before the parade begins go down to Sara Roosevelt Park at Canal and Forsyth Streets for demonstrations and performances to help ring in the New Year right. For more information contact 917-660-2402.

•    The History Mystery is a musical theater production which takes children six years old and up on a journey to meet some of history’s most fascinating figures, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Eleanor Roosevelt and the Wright Brothers, when they were still kids.  At the TADA! Theater at 15 West 28th Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway on the second floor. Performances will begin on January 20 and ending on February 19. Call for more info: 212-252-1619.

•    Brooklyn’s premier film venue, the BAM Rose Cinemas is worth checking-out for events especially geared to the younger among us. Call them for more information: 718-636-4100.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Gluten-Free Heaven at Rissotteria

Rissoterria
Whether you are suffering from celiac disease or just don’t want the gluten, the Rissotteria is the place to go to get your fix of amazing breads, cakes and pizza, all 100% free of gluten. Owner Joseph Pace has worked hard and long to make his restaurant a refuge from the world of glutenous bread products.

The prices are reasonable, but the experience for people suffering from celiac disease is invaluable. There is Italian grilled cheese sandwiches called panini, thick and thin-crusted pizza, and the house specialty, a creamy Italian rice served in northern Italy called “risotto.”

There are also available dry mixes and frozen gluten-free foods to bring home and prepare there. There are pizzas, ciabatta, chocolate chip cookie dough, soups, sauces, and pies for the holidays.  You can be served at a table, pick-up take out, or have the Rissoterria’s special food delivered to your door.

Rissoterria is located at 270 Bleecker Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues in Manhattan. Call for more information at 212-924-6664.