Things to Do in New York in February

February is a wonderful time to be in New York City, with a variety of events and activities to suit all tastes. Whether you are a local or a tourist, there is something for everyone to enjoy. From cultural festivals and music performances to food fairs and winter sports, here are some of the best events in NYC in February.

1. Lunar New Year Celebration: January 22 to early Feb. The Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in Chinese and other East Asian cultures, and it is celebrated in grand style in New York City. The festivities take place over several weeks, with parades, dragon dances, fireworks, and other cultural events throughout the city. The main parade takes place in Chinatown, and it is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the vibrant energy of this holiday.

2. Winter Jam: February 4, 2023 Winter Jam is a free event held in Central Park, featuring winter sports and activities for all ages. You can try snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing, or participate in snowman building competitions and other fun activities. If you don't have your own gear, there are rental stations available, and the event is staffed by experts who can give you tips and tricks. https://www.centralpark.com/events/winter-jam/

3. New York City Restaurant Week: January 17 - February 12, 2023 New York City Restaurant Week is a bi-annual event that offers visitors the chance to sample some of the city's best cuisine at discounted prices. Over 400 restaurants participate in the event, offering prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. It's a great opportunity to try new restaurants or indulge in your favorite dishes at a fraction of the regular cost.

4. Broadway Week: January 17- February 12, 2023 Broadway Week is another bi-annual event, which offers discounted tickets to some of the most popular Broadway shows. It's a great opportunity to see some of the best theater performances in the world at a fraction of the regular cost. You can choose from a range of shows, from classic musicals to modern plays.

5. New York Fashion Week: February 9-15, 2023 New York Fashion Week is one of the most important events in the fashion industry, and it's a must-see for fashion lovers. Top designers from around the world showcase their latest collections, and there are plenty of events and parties throughout the city. Although many of the events are invitation-only, there are also opportunities for the public to get involved, such as pop-up shops and fashion exhibits.

In conclusion, New York City is a vibrant and exciting place to be in February, with plenty of events and activities to suit all interests. Whether you want to try winter sports, sample world-class cuisine, or experience the best of the city's cultural scene, there's something for everyone.

Will The Nicotine Pouch Trend Catch On In New York?

There’s always plenty to do in New York. From the tourist spots, cultural landmarks and entertainment, to countless bars and restaurants, it’s a place of tradition as much as it is of change. The Big Apple is also a city when a new trend can take hold any minute. An example of this is the popularity of Cafe Cannal, New York City's first CBD Café & Lounge, which has now become a place to smoke, meet friends, and hold events like Pride with a Love is Lit. Yet, while cannabis is now legal and becoming increasingly popular, cigarette smoking is on the decline. One smoking trend to replace this in New York could be the nicotine pouch. We think they will, so let’s take a look at the reasons why.

Convenience

Nicotine pouches are small fiber pouches that fit subtly under your upper lip. Over a period of time, the nicotine in the pouch is absorbed into the bloodstream through the soft tissue of your gums. The upside? Nicotine pouches are discreet so you can use them under your mask in public indoor settings that require them. You can also use them in places where smoke, including vape vapor, isn’t allowed since there’s literally no smoking involved. They’re legal and easy to buy, which isn’t the case for other nicotine alternatives and cannabis products, reports The City.

Market

An article on Prilla examining the state of the nicotine pouch trend more broadly highlighted how retailers are keeping their eye on nicotine pouches and expecting the market to accept them with open arms. In fact, a chain of 108 convenience stores saw a growth of more than 40% as compared to other years. It’s suspected that past social distancing regulations had something to do with this since nicotine pouches are also much easier to find and purchase from legitimate sellers online. Today, even as foot traffic resumes in brick and mortar stores, consumers are far from letting go of the convenience of online shopping, which is why nicotine pouches are still gaining popularity.

Wellness

Tobacco users are starting to move away from tobacco products and look for tobacco alternatives while still enjoying nicotine. As it turns out, tobacco alternatives are proving to be better options. Nicotine pouches do not cause tooth staining, for example, so users don’t end up going to the dentist more often than normal (which should be about every six months according to the American Dental Association, in case you were wondering). Nicotine pouches are also smokeless, which is great news for those who can’t deal with smoke - either due to illness or simply because smoke irritates the eyes, nose, and respiratory lining in general.

Ease-Of-Use

If you live in New York, you’re probably busy 25 hours a day. Between work, school, and other activities, sometimes finding the time for a simple smoke break just isn’t possible. With options like nicotine pouches, you don’t have to take time out of your busy schedule to find a suitable place to smoke. Pouches are also extremely easy to use and transport: they’re lightweight, affordable, and they don’t require spitting - putting it in a napkin as you would a piece of gum is just fine.

With the city just starting to rebound back into full normalcy according to CNN, there are some new habits like the nicotine pouch which seem here to stay. While they’re not yet at the same classic level as cigarettes or the same cultural token as vapes, nicotine pouches are proving to be a burgeoning new product. You heard it here, better keep your eyes peeled for pouch options popping up in stores near you.

Havana Film Festival 2021

The Havana Film Festival NY (www.HFFNY.com), a project of The American Friends of the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba, returned to theaters from November 5 through November 11th to present an exceptional program of 32 films celebrating the diversity of voices and cultural expressions of Ibero =America and its diaspora. All screenings, panels, and specials took place in-person at the Village East Cinema in New York City.

The festival’s opening night saw the NY premiere of multi-award winning Colombian film El Ovido Que Seremos, Memories of my Father by renowned writer Hector Abad Faciolince.

Héctor Abad Faciolince, born in Medellin in 1958, is a Colombian novelist, essayist, journalist, and editor. He is considered one of the most talented writers in Latin American literature, and is famous for his novelized autobiography about his father, El olvido que seremos / Oblivion: A Memoir which was an international best-seller, and its cinematic adaptation by Fernando Trueba, which won the Goya for Best Ibero American Film in 2021, securing the first ever Goya Award for Colombia!

The event began with the press call, where interviews for press were given by the film stars. It then went on with the red carpet before the opening ceremony began. Hosted by Colombian actress Kika Child and NY-based content creator Martin Nuñez-Bonilla, the opening ceremony was filled with interesting people happy to celebrate the artists.

After the opening ceremony, the film began. The story was about a Colombian writer's father. His father was a University MD professor who promoted tolerance and human rights in his country. Throughout the movie, the writer relays his feelings related to his lovely father as he describes his family story and all drama related to the killing of his father. The movie portrays the violence that has haunted Colombia life during the last three decades. What was captivating about this film was the fact that it tackled different societal subjects that many people go through: culture, education, traditions, oppression, social inequality, etc, and was able to address them in an ironic, dramatic and romantic way.

The film was set in two timelines, one in Turin,1983, where the main character Héctor is summoned to a ceremony honoring his father, and another timeline in the writer’s childhood in 1970s Medellín, where much of the film takes place.

 It is obvious from the beginning that we are seeing everything from the point of view of Héctor, who is later nicknamed Quiquín, and beautifully played by Nicolás Reyes. Quiquín is portrayed as a troublesome young boy who’s indulged by his doctor father on a regular basis.

Half way through the popcorn, we realize that the movie has its uneven moments, aspects of plot that feel rather a diversion from any central narrative. However, the key element is the closeness of this father-son bond that is very touching, as is our sense of the growing cruelty of a society that goes after those who are most concerned to improve it.

Overall, the film is not lacking in sentimentality, but the inspiring example of the hero, a man who put his beliefs above his own life, is genuinely moving. 

The event concluded with a small party where everyone was celebrating the outstanding movie and culture. The film festival is still going on through November 11th, and will end on its closing night with the film MAIXABEL from director Icíar Bollaín. Both movies will remain in the theater after the festival if you’re interested in watching them, and you can also purchase the book “Memories of My Father” online or in stores currently.

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Positive Influence of Covid-19 On Pet's & Pet Owners

The COVID-19 lock-down has affected more people around the globe then any pandemic has ever before. Importantly, this influence has had a direct effect on pets as more pet owners have spent less time at work and more time cooped up at home 

Dogs, Cats & other small animals are an essential part of many families and many families couldn’t envision a life without their dog or cat. 

The negative impact of the Coronavirus around the world devastating, but one positive impact all pet owners can take away from 2020 is having more time to directly spend with their loved ones, including their pets.

In this short article, we'll go over the five ways to increase your bond with your pet during Covid-19 and six fun games any pet owner can use right now to take advantage of their increase leisure time at home. 

5 Ways To Increase Your Bond With Your Pet During Covid-19

1. Be sensitive and caring

Any attention you give your pet should always be kind and loving. This can promote a sense of security and safety in your pet and will continue to strengthen your bond. While there is so much negativity and uncertainty in the news, be sure to keep your interactions with your pet’s a positive and pleasing one.

2. More Praise
Praise your pet when you are playing with them and petting the. Use your pet's name to strengthen your message. For example, “What a good dog/cat you are, fluffy!". This is a very easy way to keep your pet’s focus primarily on you and will reduce any external anxieties or worries they have.

3. Refrain from yelling 

Avoid shouting or using harsh tones when giving your pet attention. This could cause your pet to be afraid or worried and may weaken the healthy attention they are getting.

4. Schedule regular playtime

Dogs, cats and other small pets are packs full of energy and they need regular exercise for fitness reasons. Try to play with your pet's as much as possible in outdoor environments (COVID- 19 restrictions permitting)  

5. More cuddles 

Use your extra time at home to spend more time cuddling and caring for your pet. You can easily pick up pet grooming tools to go above and beyond what you would usually do and give your pet that extra special groomed feeling. 

6 Fun Games to Play With Your Pet

If you need additional fun games to play with your pet then we've got you covered.  Although these tips generally apply to dogs, try and be creative and change them up a bit to make them work for other pets, including cats, bunnies and guinea pigs. 

Remember, playing games with your pets' is a great way to keep them active, busy, and will help them sleep at night. The best part is you both get to have fun while sharing important time together during this very unique period in human history.

1. Use a Flirt Pole

This usually works quite well for dogs that are mentally and physically agile. If your dog is very high energy then try this game out to tired them out.  

A flirt pole (or flirt stick) is a long pole with a rope attached to it. At the end of that rope is something that looks enticing and will signal to your dog to chase. 

Overall they are a very inexpensive toy to buy and will often work with cats and other small pets too. 

2. Tug of War

This game definitely applies to dogs a bit more than other pets and involves a strong rope and a bit of muscle. Most dogs love tugging toys and these toys are a smart way to release tension and energy, especially in hyperactive dogs.

Remember though, it's a game and there are clear rules. The game comes to an end if your dog’s teeth touch your skin. This may be a bit trickier to teach younger pups, but over time they'll learn that it's better to have fun and follow a few basic commands at the same time. 

3. Play Frisbee 

An easy game to try, if you've got enough space, is the basic or ultimate version of frisbee. Most pet toy stores will have a variety of frisbees and the principle is exactly the same as fetch. 

Frisbee is great for exercise and teaching your dog simple commands. If you are not able to leave your house due to the COVID-19 restrictions then you can play a miniature version in the garden.

4. Agility Course (works for all pets)

A smart game that anyone can set up at home is an action-packed agility course. This can very simple or extremely complicated, so get creative and let loose.

It's a smart game to stimulate your pet mentally, while simultaneously keeping them fit and mobile in a safe and secure environment. 

The best part about agility courses is you can lay them out for any pet, including, dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, mouse and even pet rats!

If you've had the outdoor space then why not set it up outside your in your garden for the ultimate agility experience. 

5. Bubble Heaven

A fun game to try out with your pet is the bubble game. This is a game that will make everyone in the house smile and anyone can set up. Just pick a pack of bubbles, point them in the air and blow!

Once your pet sees them falling out of the sky, they will jump, climb and swipe at them with a smile on their face. 

Just remember to wipe off any excess bubbles from around your pet's mouth and face afterwards. 

6.  Find the Treats

This is probably one of the best games to try and any pet can get involved.

It's very easy to set up and if you have a few pet's at home, you can play the game with all of them simultaneously. 

Pick lots of hiding places around your house and then set your pet on a wild goose chase to find the treat. It's an exciting, uplifting and tasty game to play and will keep your pet engaged and active for ages. 

Spending more time with your pet is always a good idea. Although we aren’t in direct control of Covid-19 or it’s influence on our lives, one thing we can control is the quality time we spend with our pets.

Use this special time as a reminder of what and who is important in your life and try and get as much fun time going for you and your beloved pet. 

BIO

Hey, I’m Amy and I’m in love with my Pets! I have a diverse variety, including 2 cats, 1 dog, 3 rabbits, 2 guinea pigs, a rat, and a beautiful macaw. I love writing about everything pet-related and spend as much time as I can sharing my personal experiences on my blog: www.UltimatePetHub.com

Digital Dessert Goals, A Sweet Treat!

Having a sweet tooth is an especially notable trait, but during quarantine, it can become even harder to satiate.  Luckily, whether you’re a sweets loving enthusiast, a dessert lover, or someone who only sprinkles sweet treats into their lives every now and then, Digital Dessert Goals, is for you. A two-day online event, which took place on July 31st and August 1st,(and still has tickets available through August 8th on their website), is a virtual dessert event that invites prominent New York dessert shops to explain and demonstrate their most popular products. To make the deal even sweeter, you receive a virtual goody bag with all kinds of delicious surprises inside. 

Vendor: Gracie Baked

Vendor: Little Red Kitchen

Vendor: We the Birds Macarons

The first day of Digital Dessert Goals opened up with Tipsy Scoop, which specialized in liquor-infused ice cream. They showed attendees how to make two of their famous cocktails. First up was the Day Drinker, which contains an array of gummy bear and fruits that were so bountiful in color you could taste the alcohol filled dessert just by looking at it. The second Cocktail, called Party Like It’s Your Birthday, was just as fun and festive as the first. The video demo was incredibly detailed, ensuring you would be left with no questions. Not only did its step by step guidance ease the process, but the video was easy to find and highly accessible on the Digital Dessert Goals website. The 21+ ice cream cocktail tutorial was followed by a 14-year-old boy baker named Michael -- the mind behind the up and coming  Michael’s Desserts. Michael is an inspiration in the baking world, and the world in general as he is a No Kid Hungry Youth Advocate. In his video, he demonstrates how to make homemade ice cream, a skill everyone needs. The Friday itinerary concluded with a DIY nail art tutorial by the founder of Sip Shop Eat. A nail tutorial was the perfect note to leave off on, allowing you to treat yourself after a day of baking and to start the next with a fresh set of hands. 

Vendor: Mini Melanie

Vendor: Spoonable Spirits

The second day of Digital Dessert Goals started with a live workout. This much needed and appreciated activity further justifies a day of baking and munching on your homemade treats. Following the workout, which was sure to get your blood flowing and stomach rumbling, the day continued with an interchanging between two live zoom panels and pre-recorded demos. The live panels, that can still be accessed on the website to be rewatched, covered prevalent topics in the food industry such as how to be a food influencer and how to run a food business. The first panel consisted of speakers from The Hungry Hutch, Brunch Boys,  A Taste of Koko, and Foodie in New York. The second saw speakers from Mini Melanie, Malai, Macaron Parlour, Twisted for Sugar, Third Culture Bakery, and WoodSpoon.  There was also a live demo of how to make Ruby Chocolate Coconut Macaroons, presented by Red Velvet NYC. Just the name of the demo is enough to have you salivating, but once you watch the video and make the tasty dessert yourself you will be left speechless and craving more. 

Vendor: Candy Connections

At 4 pm, the two-day festival concluded with a chance to meet other guests and the Dessert Goals founder Miraya. This festival which typically takes place in NYC and LA saw its tenth event online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sweetness of the event extends past the demonstrations and tips on how to succeed in the industry, but $1 for each purchased ticket was donated to an organization called No Kid Hungry. There is also an online marketplace where you can purchase items from the 20+ vendors. If you have any interest in desserts -- whether you are an adamant fan or passively engage with sweet treats at the end of a meal -- this event will leave a good taste in your mouth. Digital Dessert Goals will have all videos available until midnight August 9th, all you need to do is purchase a ticket and you will have a day sweeter and more flavor-filled than most.

Time To Care

What can I hope for? For years, I was guided by this question and its implicit promises. Every hope for change is dependent on the flexibility of its context. This is why, when this unprecedented global pandemic started, I assumed it would create chaos and, in this chaos, new dynamics that would then inform substantial systematic change.

 But instead, it seems as if the exact opposite is the case. This crisis exposed a network of economic ties that is so firmly established and maintained that its disruption doesn’t even become a significant part of current discourses surrounding the possibility of change. 

 We live in a world of sufficient resources and information that could, assuming their ‘appropriate’ distribution, provide dignifying conditions for each one of us. I believe this is why we are (and rightfully so) blaming governments, with their limited resources, for the lack of distribution measurements: 

 While the majority of these resources is hoarded and protected by an insanely small global majority. As of today, the 5 richest men (!) in the US are in possession of more than $400 billion. To compare, the U.S. Congress just approved $349 billion loans for small businesses that could have been completely paid for by less than 5 US individuals. 

 And yes, although distribution and liquidity are complex determinants in this equation, it is that simple!

 Accordingly, most, if not all, governments are largely dependent on this 1% that is able to determine global finances by individual decisions. Such as those made by Gary Cohn, former Goldman Sachs CEO and 11thDirector of the US National Economic Council. And this is only one example.

Meanwhile, Bill Gates, celebrated for his humanitarian efforts and insights, uses his incomprehensibly large amount of wealth to invest in private institutions, support unequal intellectual property rights and conduct unethical drug testing across India and Africa.

How is 99% of our society not in a position to hold this 1% accountable? Why are we supporting governmental support for ‘struggling’ industries (e.g. 2008) that will maintain an economic system designed to disadvantage most of the human population?

In search for answers, I have had conversations with individuals from different sectors, backgrounds and ideologies. 

What became apparent in all of these conversations is that nobody is emotionally supporting our current system. Not one person of this sample did not become an advocate for change when asked about the lack of ethics or morality in our current world order. Yet, I highly doubt that any of these conversations will lead to just one person adjusting their path, aspirations or behavior. I wondered about the why.

Why do we live in a world of apparently shared beliefs and values that are directly opposing those informing our political and economic system? I believe there is no good answer. Because it simply shouldn’t be that way. Most people believe their job security to be of highest importance, regarding less of the impact their work might have. This is understandable, but it won’t lead to change. 

This is an advocacy for everybody to be the change they want to see in this world. Make ethical decisions when possible and hold those accountable that do otherwise. Right now, each one of us is struggling but there are some that struggle much more substantially than others.

And there are uncountable ways to change this:

Volunteer, if you can, with organizations such as NY Cares or Invisible Hands. 

Value yourself and those who commit to change by joining advocacy networks such as Divest Invest or The Fight Inequality Alliance. 

Vote, if you can, for someone who will represent your interests and not their own. 

Wonder. Worry. Walk the talk. And maybe, just maybe, this world will become a different one.

Metrograph Presents: Made in Hong Kong

Ten minutes through Fruit Chan’s Made in Hong Kong, and I’m hit with the impulse to say the film is 60% frame, 40% story. It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen a film so committed to its aesthetic, a film with words and shots and music married so seamlessly I’m aching to believe that the entire thing is a recording, and that Hong Kong is truly a place where grunge meets grain, and twanging strings accompany your every move.  

But this version of Hong Kong is solely my own. In another ten minutes, it becomes clear that the Hong Kong Fruit Chan knows is much darker, more obscure. His protagonist, an arrogant, heroic delinquent named Autumn Moon, declares early on that “freedom comes first,”—a philosophy that seems easy in this lush, sunny world—but then spends the entire film fighting for it. Autumn wants the freedom to have sex—but the girl he loves is sick, in dire need of a kidney. Autumn wants the freedom that comes with power—but he’s poor, and hindered by a lack of education. Even at night, when most have the freedom to dream, Autumn is haunted by the bloody, unsent letters of a dead girl. He can hardly make a choice without an opposing force shutting it down, but, as the film goes on, it seems that this is the case for everyone living in Hong Kong. The city is plagued by triads, loan sharks, a convoluted health system—everything is off, soiled, even, and Chan communicates that with dirty underwear, milk-white blood, and a vicious, vengeful maiming. More than anything, it seems as if Hong Kong is broken. 

In 1997, when Made in Hong Kong was released, the city was reeling with the aftermath of the Handover, which returned administrative control of Hong Kong from the British to the Mainland Chinese. Today, Hong Kong is embroiled in a series of anti-China protests labelled the Umbrella Movement. It is only fitting, then, that a film that so yearns for freedom is making a comeback. At its heart, Made in Hong Kong is a film that inspires rebellion—a film that decries subjugation. Autumn Moon never quite manages to gain the freedom he so craves. Will Hong Kong? 

Made in Hong Kong will see its first U.S Release this Friday, March 6th, at Metrograph NYC. 

An Exotic Dinner at Utsav

Discard the stereotypes from TV shows and cheap takeouts. After having an exceptional dinner at Utsav, I’d say that Indian cuisine is not only rich in flavor but also in the diversity of culture.

In NYC, restaurants never get tired of branding themselves as “authentic”, but many times it’s just marketing. As a food explorer, it’s my sacred job to go beneath the superficial level. I don’t simply take what’s on the table but ask for the story behind the dish. But at Utsav, I didn’t even have to ask.

What’s on your list if you are dining on a night out? French, Italian, or Japanese? How about try something different this time. If there is a romantic dinner on your calendar, I think it’s time to explore the realm of Indian cuisine. Curry over rice is absolutely delicious, but not everyone can see the sophistication of it.

After being seated, Roob, the manager of Utsav, walked us through the menu with unforgettable hospitality and detailed explanation of each dish. He informed us  that “Utsav” means “Festival” in Sanskrit. In India, a land of cultures and regions with abundant festivals to celebrate, each Utsav is a carnival of sounds, colors, rituals, and feasts. Rooted in this concept, Utsav restaurant is known for serving traditional dishes infused by a festival flair. After seeing how overwhelmed I was by the abundant choices in themenu, Roob delightly explained that the diversity of Indian cuisine was adequately represented by Utsav. From the Ganges River area in northern India to southern India, traditional cuisines of major regions of India was served with authenticity as well as innovation.

Beyond the opulence of choices,what won my heart was the caring flexibility that Utsav catered to each of its  guests. The chefs are willing to learn about your dining preferences and cater to personalized dishes. So don’t be shy and tell them exactly what you want, from the  detailed spice levels, to cooking approaches, you can even explore the secret menu---Utsav got all the ingredients!

Chicken Kali Mirch Kabab, Tandoori Broccoli, and Butter Chicken Kulcha

We were amazed by Roob’s presentation and decided to take all of his recommendations. After a while, a full table of Indian cuisines was delivered. We had Chicken Kali Mirch Kabab, Tandoori Broccoli, and Butter Chicken Kulcha for appetizers. The broccolis were salted with garlic spices which was amazingly appetizing. Then we tried the chicken, which came with crispy golden crusts and homemade green curry sauce on the side. Immediately after the first bite, we already went to grab the next piece, lets just say it was a quick empty plate.

Garlic Naan

Chess Naan

Fish Tikka

Bhuna Mutton

Sea Bass Rasa

Accompanied by the Garlic Naan, Chess Naan, and a bowl of rice, there came the Fish Tikka, Sea Bass Rasa, and Bhuna Mutton as Entrees. The meat was fresh, tender, and juicy. The Naan was so soft and al dente, it tasted like a marshmallow that melted in my mouth. We were already pushed to the limit by the quantity of the food, however, when the delectable desserts showed up, we just had to stuff ourselves a bit more. We had “India’s favorite sweet” Gulab Jamun, the Panna Cotta infused with refreshing mint, and the creamy Mango Mousse that brought us to the peak of satiation. “Unprecedented.” That’s my word for the dinner. As an upscale Indian restaurant, Utsav was unprecedented in its variety and authenticity. Besides, it had elevated the dining experience to another level with Indian’s unprecedented warmth and generosity.

Gulab Jamun, Panna Cotta, and Mango Mousse

Sitting by the glass window and sipping a cocktail, I was intoxicated by the cozy, exotic, and luxuriant dining environment. Capable of accommodating 300 guests at one time, Utsav has one of the most spacious dining lounges you can find in the city. The dining room is surrounded by floor to ceiling French windows, through which you have the overlooking view of a plaza, the Laura Pels Theatre, and street lights at midtown. Utsav has brought India into the city. It has brought the Indian cuisines, culture, festival vibes, romance, and hospitality.

Interview with Melissa Stephens, creator of "Finding the Asshole."

The past few years have been...strange. More and more, it seems that the world is just filled with assholes: big assholes, small assholes, tall assholes and tiny assholes. In fact, don’t be surprised if everyone you know -- including yourself -- is actually a bona fide asshole. It’s a theory explored in the short film series “Finding the Asshole” created by Melissa Stephens, who was nice enough to answer some questions about the conception and creation of her project.

1. What was the inspiration behind Finding the Asshole? Did you draw from any specific real life incidents? The inspiration behind Finding The Asshole is probably my and Tom's frustrations with being a human being in the world. It is definitely based off of real life incidents.

2. What did you find to be the most difficult part of production?

Shooting under time constraints with no money….as you do as a indie filmmaker.  

3. Which of the three chapters is your favorite, and why?

Chapter One - I love because it came out almost exactly as I had imagined in my head and as a director one shots are my favorite.

Chapter Two - the color palette and costume design are so on point. They elevate the piece and the production. Also it's one of my biggest pet peeves when walking on the sidewalk.

Chapter Three - as a filmmaker was such an undertaking and I am very proud of the finished product and how many things are going on at once and the layers of darkness and comedy. I'm pretty stoked there is a dildo scene with a woman giving it to a man and the dance battle is so good.

I couldn't pick one... sorry. I'm an asshole.

4. What is one thing (although feel free to share more) that you want people to experience while watching your series? Are there certain emotions or realizations you want them to take away from your piece?  

You know when it's really late at night and you know you have to be up in the morning but you have some episodes to still watch of your favorite show? It’s the feeling you get when you decide to watch another episode. I want people to feel that...excitement laced with dread. Or uncomfortable joy -- or one of my favorite new sayings: Bats in the Belfry. I don't want people to take away realizations as much as I want people to say... “Yes, this happens to me all the time.” I want to validate the Asshole part of everyone.

Finding the Asshole is out now! Catch it here: https://www.findingtheasshole.com/chapters

Sleeping Beauty Dreams

The legend of Sleeping Beauty has been reiterated by masters since the 14th century, but no one has explored what the princess was dreaming while she slept for 100 years. This question was answered in the New York’s Premiere of Sleeping Beauty Dreams, an innovative artistic performance that unifies dance, contemporary art, and cutting-edge digital technology.

New Yorkers crowded the iconic Beacon Theatre to see artists of different medias draw inspiration from the famous legend and explore the untold story of Princess Aurora’s 100 years of dreams. Combining real-time digital imaging technology, contemporary choreography, electronic music, and new media art Sleeping Beauty Dreams showed that the world of dreams is unique and doesn’t have to be confined by time or space. World famous ballerina Diana Vishneva, performed as Princess Aurora, and Marcelo Gomes, as Prince Peter, are reunited together in a fusion of dance, music, art, and revolutionary 3D digital technology never seen onstage before.

The visuals were a treat for the eyes. Sleeping Beauty Dreams hypnotized the guests with its spectacular imagery colors and it was a feast for the eyes. Every one of Diana Vishneva’s flow of moves was simultaneously interpreted digitally on a screen using motion-capture technology. 

Diana’s dancing was full of emotion and intensity as she showed her active range in more modern fare with Choreography by Edward Clug. The real star of the production was the technology which was a truly multi-dimensional experience and everyone probably spent as much time (or more) watching the video projections as the dancers.

In 2019 Sleeping Beauty Dreams will tour nationally to 20 cities and in 2020, internationally. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information visit www.sbdart.com.

Vote. Because It Matters.

Election day is Tuesday, November 6. New York offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. All other voters are expected to vote in person.

Voters registered in New York can look up where to vote on New York's site or at GetToThePolls.com.

No early voting

New York does not offer an early voting period. If you will be unable to vote in person on Election Day, you can request an absentee ballot by mail or by visiting your local election office.

What to bring

• If you've voted in New York before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.

• If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't provide a copy of your ID with your registration, you may need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include: a current and valid photo ID; or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.

• Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote an affidavit ballot.

McKayla Maroney Speaks at NYSPCC Luncheon

The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (The NYSPCC) held its annual Spring Luncheon on Tuesday, April 17th, at The Pierre hotel in Manhattan. This year’s Luncheon featured an intimate conversation between Olympic Gold Medalist McKayla Maroney and Dr. Mary L. Pulido, Executive Director of The NYSPCC, in McKayla’s first public remarks since revealing her abuse by former U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.

Maroney first broke her silence via the hashtag (#MeToo) movement trending after the Harvey Weinstein scandal. In the letter posted on twitter, Maroney detailed the abuse she endured under Nasser, and passionately urged that "Our silence has given the wrong people power for too long, and its time to take our power back" Her former "fierce five" Olympics teammate, Aly Raisman showed tremendous support as she also suffered the same abuse under Nasser.

In a room of 250 guests, Maroney discussed her road to recovery, her thoughts on USA Gymnastics, Michigan State University (MSU), and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC)’s role in enabling Nassar’s abuse, and what she plans to do moving forward.

“Within the gymnastics world, there’s no question we need to rebuild from the ground up so this never happens again,” Maroney said. “I definitely see a future where athletes are safe and succeeding. My team won gold medals in spite of USA Gymnastics, MSU, and the USOC. They don’t build champions, they break them. But we’re changing that.”

“I at times question if my gymnastics career was really even worth it because of the stuff I’m dealing with now, because sometimes you’re just left in the dust,” Maroney continued.“You have to pick up the pieces of your life. That has been the hardest part for me, but it’s always three steps forward, two steps back.”

Maroney also stressed the importance of prevention and awareness via initiatives like The NYSPCC’s Safe Touches program, and asked the crowd to contact their local representatives to push for legislation that will close New York state’s private school child abuse loophole; currently, private schools are not required to immediately report child sexual abuse as public schools are mandated to do.

“We are so grateful that McKayla chose to share her story with The NYSPCC,” said Dr. Pulido, who also delivered a heartfelt speech about the need to protect children from sexual abuse. “When you hear about a horrific story in the media like the indescribable abuse from Larry Nassar, it’s easy to become discouraged and lose hope. It’s The NYSPCC’s mission to help children who have endured abuse like McKayla’s with our trauma recovery program. We hope that her remarkable bravery both in her sport and in her personal life inspires others to join the fight to end child abuse.”

“McKayla’s remarks were inspiring,” added Karl Wellner, President of the Board of The NYSPCC. “Despite the fact that she is still healing from years of abuse, she showed up today to remind us why the work The NYSPCC does is so important. Programs like Safe Touches, our child sexual abuse prevention program, can ensure that what happened to McKayla never happens again, and her support of The NYSPCC is invaluable.”

Nassar was accused of sexually abusing more than 260 women and girls, and was sentenced in February to an additional 40-to-125 years in prison after approximately 200 of those women and girls spoke in person or through statements in court. 

About NYSPCC

The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC) was established in 1875 as the first child protection agency in the world. The NYSPCC laid the groundwork and assumed the main role in the protective investigation, removal, and placement of abused and neglected children when no other organization was willing. Today, we offer and promote programs aimed at the prevention of child maltreatment and the lessening of its harmful effects.

Since its incorporation 140 years ago, The NYSPCC has investigated more than 650,000 cases on behalf of over 2,000,000 children. The NYSPCC has also educated over 50,000 professionals who work with children on how to identify and report suspected child abuse and neglect.

Photos Courtesy of High10media

Brexit Rant

Mind the Millennial

Another personal rant on Brexit

Persephone is a Greek goddess who spends part of the year as the queen of the underworld and the rest of her time trying to get back. They call me Persephone because I spend most of my year in England and the rest of the time missing my home across the pond. After today, though, that analogy is much more accurate considering England has never seemed more like the underworld than it does right now.

APF

I recently returned to America, right before the Brexit vote, but talk of it has been going on for ages in London. Every day I’d be handed Vote Remain pamphlets by at least two smiling people on the street (a rare occurrence for England) and there’d be countless others wearing I’m In stickers. Groups of American tourists would completely empty them out of these stickers and wear them just for fun, which was a bit irritating because they knew nothing of the actual issue at hand, but they were still spreading the good word. With all this pro-EU sentiment around the country, I just assumed the vote to remain was a given and didn’t dwell on it overly much. All my peers were going out to vote and leaving the EU just seemed like such a stupid thing to do it didn’t seem plausible. I guess in today’s climate, though, it was wrong to assume that people would be decent.

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Brexit is happening and the young people of the UK have been let down. It’s bad enough witnessing everything fall apart from America; I can’t imagine what it must be like for all my friends right in the middle of it. Over there, teenagers and college students dream of working in the EU. They once had 27 countries completely open to them to visit and place roots in, but that option has been taken away.

And that’s only the British citizens. My university sent out an email this morning telling us all not to be scared or panic, not because this wasn’t catastrophic, but because everything will take a few years to be finalized so we can save our terror for later. Most of my friends from the EU who study in London had intended to stay in England after university considering they’re learning a British programme and gaining skills that this country desires, but now their right to even stay in the nation for school is tenable. Every one of my flatmates spoke between two to five languages and now their skillsets are just being thrown out.

I am angry and know exactly who I’m angry at. Old people. I know it sounds crass and generalizing to clump together an entire portion of the population like that, but they’re the ones who voted to make this happen. The vast- and I do mean vast- majority of young people wanted to stay in the EU, but the older generations outnumbered them in the polls and ruined it for everyone else. Personally, I don’t think anyone over the age of 65 should be allowed to vote considering it isn’t their future they’re destroying. It has been agreed that the impact of this decision won’t be fully felt for years. They’ll be dead while we, the grandchildren, deal with the consequences of something none of us wanted.

You might be wondering how something so undesirable could be voted in. The main reason is pure xenophobia. Many avid supporters of Brexit are known racists who have used derogatory slurs. During the campaign they weren’t shy about Islamophobia and used anti-Muslim sentiments as one of their fear tactics to convince British citizens to vote leave. I could bog you down with details about how their desire to “put Britain first” has hurt the nation, but instead I’ll just say that Donald Trump thinks leaving was a good idea. That should be explanatory enough.

Money talks. You’d think that the British people would have listened to it and realized that Brexit is ruining the economy swifter than anyone had guessed and will almost certainly lead to a recession. The pound hasn’t been this low in over three decades. It’s almost as low as my spirits at this point, and now I have to learn a new conversion rate when I go back in autumn. Not to mention my entire family is worried about the funds I already have in banking over there and whether I need to send over more money. What else is getting worse? Import taxes, for starters. And now Brits are going to need visas to visit countries which were once open to them. This is just a minor inconvenience, but now my EU friends will have to wait with me in the much longer International passport line at airports. Well, if we can ever go on trips again, that is.

Toby Melville/Reuters

Scotland, which is in a constant state of wanting to be free of England, is now hoping for independence once more because the majority of their population voted to stay in. Basically the rest of the world is trying to run screaming from England because they ran screaming from us. And to top this all off, the man who is partially responsible for all of this, David Cameron, is resigning. The referendum was a gamble for him and he lost so now his time as Prime Minister will end in shame. Living in London proved one thing to me and it’s that he is a very hated man. There was anti-Cameron graffiti everywhere and that man was the butt of many jokes. Regardless, the options of who will replace him actually seem worse. If you think that’s impossible, google Boris Johnson and it’ll all make sense.

All I can think about right now is the future and it looks like a sea of gray. Something out of a George Orwell novel. Surely this is just the musings of fear and all this chaos will die down in time, but right now I’m scared. I’m scared for the UK citizens who currently live in the EU and now are no longer welcome. I’m scared for the EU citizens in the UK who will be fearing deportation. The immigration laws I have to deal with are crazy enough but this is just madness.

In conclusion, send help. England is calling.