When I first arrived at Omni Wellness I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve never received acupuncture before. I went based on a referral and had an open mind with only one ingrained misconception: all my ailments would be cured at once after being stuck with a million needles. Misconceptions or not, my experience at Omni was a truly rewarding experience.

Plus #1: My health insurance covered my visit, but they clearly stated their willingness to work with me within my budget had it not.

Plus #2: Omni Wellness is conveniently located in at 928 Broadway between 21 and 22nd streets, easily accessible by all forms of public transportation.

Plus #3: Unless you’re a student of Chinese medicine the terminology of acupuncture can be intimidating or downright ridiculous. The acupuncturists on staff (independent practitioners who lease space on site) do a really great job of gauging the knowledge of their clients and communicating with them and to them at their level. Not once during my time there did I feel like I was being fed a bunch of mumbo jumbo.

Plus #4: Omni’s offices were clean, minimalistic and invited you to relax. The lights were low, but not so much that you had to squint in order to see your way around.

Plus #5: The consultation. My acupuncturist, Seanna Sifflet, Lac, LMSW, an amazing and very reassuring person, spoke with me at length about all that ailed me, stressed me, and all that didn’t. This happened before I received my first needle. It was an experience that cleared my head and would’ve erased any unease had I had any prior to receiving treatment.

40 minutes later I emerged from my mini-vacation feeling as if I had been taken away from it all, if only for a little while. I was given my prescription: drink plenty of water and get a good night’s rest. I made an appointment for my next visit and extended my hand for the customary shake. This was promptly dismissed by Seanna who instead gave me a hug. I can’t say I’ve ever been hugged at the doctor’s office, but strangely enough this felt pretty natural. Within two days all but one ailment remained after my treatment. If I wasn’t a full believer before, I definitely am now.

Omni Wellness’ amenities don’t stop at acupuncture. They also have chiropractic, skincare and massage services, rounding out an entire menu of care. If you plan your day accordingly I’m sure you could make a day of it. But unless someone is there to take you home you may not have the desire to ever leave.

Omni Wellness. Wholistic care — and a hug.

Omni Wellness
928 Broadway, Suite 1200
New York, NY 10010
Between (21st / 22nd)
Telephone: 212-777-1318
E-mail: omninyc@gmail.com

A few months back when my wife came to the dinner table excited about the opportunity of a suite for a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden I wasn’t ungrateful, but I was hardly enthused. As a native Chicagoan who’s heart is forever rooted, and maybe even stuck, in the Bulls Dynasty of the nineties I’ve only been excited to watch the Knicks lose. My enthusiasm cooled even more when at the last minute, my teenage son couldn’t attend due to a conflict with his schedule and opted not to invite any of his friends.

Stuck with the unfortunate prospect of my wife’s employee perk going to waste I was charged with the task preventing it.  On the fly, I began inviting friends and friends with family and in no time we had a party.

Being an MSG Suiteholder comes at a premium, but with it comes premium amenities that you’ll never get simply sitting in the stands.  There is a Club entrance, separate and apart from general admission that is staffed by courteous and accommodating concierges willing and able to cater to your needs, such as setting tickets aside for late-comers in your group. Private elevator service whisks you to the suite level high above the nosebleed seats. Amazingly the view of the court is breathtaking and not “way down there.” Our suite featured a wet bar, Wi-Fi, bar seating, a private restroom, and three rows of stadium seating to easily accommodate a crowd of twenty. And if you or your children are afraid of heights (or you’re afraid for your children being that high up), you can relax in knowing that the front edge of your suite features a half wall of glass to prevent the unthinkable. Maybe most important, your suite can come as you like it, stocked with food and beverages of your choosing as per MSG’s suite menu. The wait staff is on duty during the entirety of the event and just as accommodating as the concierges at the entrance. My only advice is to order your food in advance so that it’s there for you at the start of your party. No one likes to be a hungry guest.

After nearly four hours, I was surprised how much I enjoyed myself. The Knicks fans were, of course, disappointed when their team lost, but the kids had a blast doing the wave, screaming with the crowd and playing amongst themselves in a safe and secure space. The experience provided most of the adults an opportunity to catch up on old times or become acquainted for the first. All in all, there was something for everyone. And we weren’t the only ones. Many of our neighboring suites that day were filled with families. It was almost like being at a state park in the summertime but without the grass and lovely aroma of barbecue.

What I learned that day is that a suite at Madison Square Garden is good for more than just closing business deals or entertaining clients. If you’re feeling generous, want to go in with friends or simply have access consider an MSG suite when looking for something to do with friends and family. For sporting events and concerts it can be one of the hottest parties in town — tailor made to your liking.

Madison Square Garden
TheGarden.com
4 Pennsylvania Plaza
New York, New York 10001
212.465.MSG1 (6741)

Photo credit E.Payne

Have you ever walked through a park early in the morning and seen a group of people in a meditative state performing slow, beautifully graceful movements in unison?  If you have, then what you were witnessing was the ancient Chinese martial arts form, Tai Chi Chuan, or Tai Chi for short.  There are Tai Chi studios in NYC, almost as ubiquitous as the yoga studio these days, as well as parks and gardens that offer classes outdoors, which tends to be the more traditional way that it is practiced.  Here is a short list of venues, both indoors and out, that offer classes if you want to learn this practice.  You could also just go to the parks and watch.  While it might not be as lovely as watching tai chi practioners on the beach at sunset, there is something very calm and soothing about seeing this beautiful art form in practice – even in a park in New York City.

Indoor Studios

Ahn Tai Chi Studio

15 East 30^th Street, #301

#212-213-1171

Chu Tai Chi

156 West 44^th Street

#212-221-7333

Tao Yoga & Tai Chi

2 Union Square West, #37

#212-691-7799

Outdoor Tai Chi Classes

Bryant Park – Thursday mornings, 7:30 to 8:30am, May through August, at the Fountain Terrace

40^th to 42^nd Streets between 5^th and 6^th Avenues

www.bryantpark.org

Central Park – Saturdays, 10 to 11:30am

North Meadow Recreation Center (mid-park at 97^th Street)

www.centralparknyc.org

Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Fridays, times vary

1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn

#718-623-7200

Photo credit: Rayko Swensson / Stock Xchng

UPDATE: Grand Opening for this event has been moved to Friday, March 19th.

For the first-time-ever, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to experience some of the country’s greatest young circus artists and hip-hop talent in one spectacular variety show as The Blacktop Circus: Where The Big Top Meets The City Streets hits the stage at the legendary and newly revitalized Paradise Theater in the Bronx on March 12, 2010.

Taking place from March 12th – March 21st, the show will feature an eclectic array of acclaimed young performers, assembled from the blacktop — the asphalt pavements of city streets and playgrounds. The show is the only hip-hop variety show to provide a professional venue featuring these exceptional talents all under one roof.

The performances appeal to people of all ages and demographics, bridging cultural and racial boundaries within the arts. Audiences will recognize many of their favorite acts from appearances on television shows including America’s Got Talent, America’s Best Dance Crew and Showtime at the Apollo as well as familiar live touring shows.

The BlackTop Circus features exciting performances from aerialists, acrobats, dancers, illusionists and athletes bringing their own unique styles and techniques to the stage. Each young performer brings something contemporary, and never-before-seen, to these high-energy, awe-inspiring and gravity defying performances.

With over 26 performers slated to appear, some of them being a:

•    Hip-hop illusionist/Elliot Zimet — renowned for his NY street-smart modern spin on magic, Elliot’s vision of using illusions, birds, dancers, special effects, lighting, and crowd-moving beats has captivated audiences everywhere with his unforgettable presence.

•    New York City’s renowned King Charles Unicycle Troupe — have been dazzling audiences for over 40 years with their high-energy game of basketball on unicycles developed and created right here in the Bronx.

•    The Kenya Safari Acrobats — a fast-paced troupe of eight highly trained athletes take the stage for gravity defying insane antics.

•    Aerialist Extraordinaire/Susan Voyticky – poetry- in-motion describes the elegance and craft of her aerial dance – a visually stunning array of physical strength, style and technique combine in a beautiful display of airs above the ground. Professionally trained in Londonat The Circus Space’s BA Theater. Susan Voyticky began training at an early and is proficient on single hoop and swing trapeze and aerial silks

•    Contortionist/Ricardo Sosa — bending his body parts past human limits, he has the uncanny ability to charm and in an unconventional body ballet, the physical strength, flexibility and grace to amaze.

•    Dance Performer/Kenichi Ebina – his incredible HipHop, Poppin’, Lockin’, Mime, House, Jazz, Contemporary and Ethnic dance styles have made him the only two-time grand champion in Apollo theater history.

NY Metropolista is offering one lucky winner a chance to win a (4) Pack of tickets to the Opening Night, March 12th, of The BlackTop Circus: Where The Big Top Meets The Street playing the landmarked Paradise Theater in NYC.

This family-friendly show, LIVE in the Bronx promises to be a fun event for all!

TO ENTER:

*Tweet about the giveaway and remember to @NYMetropolista

*Leave a comment sharing with us what you look forward to seeing the most!

Winner will be selected on Monday, March 8, 2010 by end of day.

To purchase tickets log onto www.paradisetheaterevents.com or call ticketmaster @ 212-307-7171 or The Paradise Theater box office @ 212-220-1015. Tickets prices from $13.50 for kids, $22 for adults, $20 for mezzanine and $30 for VIP seating.

Photo courtesy of Black Top Circus Facebook Fan Page

It seems that more and more of the younger generation is really embracing musical theater and performing arts. The excitement and success of shows like  Golden Globe winner  “Glee,” the buzz over the new “Fame” feature film, the triumphant teenage cast of Broadway’s “Bye Bye Birdie” revival, and the phenomenal success of the “High School Musical” franchise are all indications of this growing trend.

Kaufman Center is also embracing this moment in offering an abundance of opportunities for young students to pursue their passion for song, dance and drama.

Founded in 1952, Kaufman Center has grown to become one of New York City’s mainstays for performance and arts education, offering classes, workshops and concerts through its Lucy Moses School and Merkin Concert Hall.

Lucy Moses School: Summer Musical Theater Workshop

At the Summer Musical Theater Workshop, a gem in an otherwise crowded landscape of New York City summer camps, children and teenagers are provided with the unique opportunity and inspiration to live out their dream of performing on stage. For five weeks in June and July—Monday through Thursday—campers take part in comprehensive singing, acting, movement and stagecraft classes and rehearsals culminating in a full-scale performance at Merkin Hall, giving each child an opportunity to be a star. Unlike most theater camps where children perform standbys like “Annie” or “Grease,” Lucy Moses students perform original musicals, written especially for them by the faculty. More than 100 original shows have been produced through the Workshop—each year with a different theme, such as “The Little Apple,”  “Myth Mash,” “Island Treasure,” and “Appalachian Spring.” The theme for the 2010 summer session, beginning June 28, is “Classic Stories from Old England.”

Founded and directed by Sean Hartley, the Workshop started in 1990 with 14 campers and now accepts more than 100 participants annually, with more on a waiting list. In January 2010, alumni, interns and faculty from Summer Musical Theater Workshop took the stage at Kaufman Center’s Merkin Hall to celebrate 20 years of creativity and performance.

Registration is still open for 2010 for kids in grades 3-5 (closed for K-2 and 6-8). Teen internships are still available.

Lucy Moses School: Theater Classes & Workshops

Theater classes offered at Lucy Moses are an active and joyful exploration of the dramatic arts. Children develop concentration, stage presence, confidence and teamwork. In the Young People’s Division students explore the dramatic arts through an age-appropriate and sequential theater curriculum. Weekly classes during the school year and celebrated vacation programs offer something to fit everyone’s schedule.

Other theater classes for children and teens at Lucy Moses School include Theater Adventures, fall and spring Musical Theater Workshop, Teen Acting Workshop, Sketch Comedy, and Musical Theater Scene Study, among others.

One of the country’s most respected community schools for the arts, Kaufman Center’s Lucy Moses School provides a multi-faceted arts education for children and adults at all levels of skill and experience. For more information on Lucy Moses School’s classes and registration, call (212) 501-3360 or visit kaufman-center.org.

Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Center Presents: Broadway Playhouse

A student’s exploration of her or his artistic talents at Kaufman Center extends beyond the classroom and into the world of performing arts presentations. Broadway Playhouse concerts introduce children ages 4-11 to classic musicals through captivating medleys, rousing sing-alongs, lively games in which audience members participate, and mini-musicals. Children and their families can sing along to well-known songs and hear the stories behind the making of some of the greatest musicals of all time. Past seasons have featured Frank Loesser, Jerry Herman, Cole Porter, Ahrens & Flaherty, Bock & Harnick, Lerner & Loewe, Alan Menken and Jule Stein.

Sun 03/07/10 at 11:00 am: Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein is one of the most brilliant and innovative composers ever to write for the musical theater. His hits include two comedies written with Betty Comden and Adolph Green (On the Town and Wonderful Town), the classically inspired operetta Candide, and the immortal West Side Story, with lyrics by the young Stephen Sondheim.

For more information, visit: www.kaufman-center.org.

Photo courtesy of The Kauffman Center

Have you ever wondered why some people are great at saving money, while others can’t wait to spend it the minute they have it? I would have to say that I have.  I, like many Americans, am always looking for ways to save more money, but sometimes struggle to succeed in saving more.

According to experts at ING Direct, the answer may be in my temperament. They believe that understanding your temperament can give us a new perspective on life, as well as our finances.

ING DIRECT is offering a two-part discussion of key financial principles, such as financial planning and saving for retirement, and how your temperament influences your financial behavior.

This financial seminar that will be held at the ING DIRECT New York City Café on March 10th and March 16th and will feature speakers Jay Sanders CPA/PFS, CFP and Michael Edelstein, founder of The New Temperament. The seminar will help people to find out how their temperament can affect many areas of your life, especially personal finances.

Seminar Description:

Part I (March 10th): Your Temperament, The Curve and Flow
How much money should you save? How can you use your awareness of temperament to make better money decisions? You’ll gain a new understanding of temperament and important aspects of money and finance.

Part II (March 16th): Further explorations of Money and Temperament
What about money and relationships? Are you and your partner at odds about spending and saving? How does your temperament impact other financial decisions, like investing and managing risk? You’ll expand your understanding of temperament and develop further insight around vital financial issues.

Discover your temperament at www.thenewtemperament.com in advance of the talk.

To RSVP to the event or see more information visit www.ingdirect.com/seminars

Photo courtesy of Aaron Julius Kim Flick’r Photoshare

Growing up in NYC, a school trip to the Museum of Natural History is a staple in your grammer school days- and you don’t just visit once- the museum is way too big for that. So you visit 2, 3 sometimes 4 times to visit different areas depending on what you are studying at the time.

Today I got to relive those days by visiting the Museum with my family. I expected to see a lot of changes, however to my surprise- it hadn’t changed much at all. The dinosaur bones were still tremendous, the evolution exhibit were still naked apes, and the space hall still held tons of  ‘space rocks’.

The thing that did change? Experiencing it through my 4 year old sons eyes. He didn’t care about the scientific or historical facts. To him this trip was an adventure- an adventure he had seen in the movies- literally.

The movie “Night at the Museum” really set the pace for my son. So instead just walking around looking at items in glass cases and having no idea what they were or what any one was talking about- my 4 year old  walked into the the Dinosaur hall in amazement trying to find the exact Dinosaur that chased the bone in the movie and then ran excitedly to the the Indian exhibits to see the little men who were fighting the cowboys.

His highlight was the Easter Island Head, who in the movie repeatedly said “Dum, Dum… you give me Gum,Gum”.  He looked up and said in wonderment “Gum, Gum”. His face was priceless. He talked about it the whole way home. It is amazing what influence a movie can have, and how beneficial it can for a learning experience like this one.

There are many great shows and exhibits you can see at The Museum of Natural History Year round, but if you have a movie lover like my son, perhaps the most unique and thrilling experience you can attend “A night at the museum“.

The experience gives you the opportunity to explore the museum after dark with a group and flashlights- just like the movie. The experience will give memories for a life time.

The experience cost is $129 and includes the following:

• Evening snack and light breakfast
• Cots for all participants
• Fossil fact finding mission by flashlight
• IMAX film or space show
• Take-home activities
• Live animal special exhibition (seasonal)

Participants need to be between the ages of 7-13 yrs old, so my son has  few more years to go- but I look forward to letting him experience his very own night at the museum when he is able to attend.

Photo credit: Carol Cain

For as long as they have been making movies, New York City has been the place to shoot them. Many of the locations of key scenes in movies filmed on the streets of New York City can be visited today, and here is just a very small listing of several to choose from:

Stand over the famous “Marilyn Monroe subway grate”: In Manhattan on 52nd Street and Lexington Avenue, you will find the subway grate that Marilyn Monroe stood over in that fabulous white halter dress from the movie The Seven Year Itch.

Visit the Ghostbusters Fire Station: Hook and Ladder 8, located at 14 North Moore Street and Varick Street, is where you can visit the Fire Station that housed the ghost-busting team in the now classic 80′s flick.

Fake an orgasm like Meg Ryan did at Katz’s Delicatessen: Okay, so you might not want to actually fake a full-blown orgasm in the middle of the restaurant, but you can at least have fun remembering that hilarious scene from When Harry Met Sally while knoshing on classic NYC deli fare.  205 E. Houston and Ludlow Street.

Have a slice of pizza at Joe’s Pizza from Spiderman 2: Tobey Maguire’s character lost his job as the pizza delivery boy there but the deliciousness (and inexpensiveness) of their pizza slices is enough to forgive them for giving Spiderman the boot.  7 Carmine Street at Bleecker Street.

Mulberry Street Bar: This site has hosted quite a few shoots, and all of them mafia related.  Donnie Brasco, The Godfather III and even The Sopranos all had scenes filmed in this classic Little Italy fixture.  176 1/2 Mulberry Street.

New York Public Library Main Branch: The Main Branch is the “big gun” of NYC film location sites, boasting quite a long list of movies that have filmed either inside or directly in front of its location at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.  The list of movies that were filmed there includes The Wiz, Ghostbusters, Spiderman, The Day After Tomorrow, Sex and the City, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s among others.

FAO Schwartz Toy Store: Located at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street, this toy store was featured in Home Alone, but is perhaps most well known for the scene in BIG when Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia play “Chopsticks” and “Heart and Soul” on the huge floor piano there.

Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Opera House: This is where Cher met Nicholas Cage for his dream date at the Met in Moonstruck.  Broadway between 63rd and 64th Streets.

The Empire State Building: Go to the observation deck and relive the moment when Meg Ryan finally meets Tom Hanks in Sleepless In Seattle.  350 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street.

South Street Seaport: This is where Godzilla first steps out of the East River when he goes on his rampage in the 1998 version of Godzilla.  Fulton Street and East River.

Photo by Christian Wagner – Stock Xchng

The International Toy Fair 2010 took place the week, ending yesterday.  Toy Fair incorporated an Eco-Friendly Product Zone, its first, allowing such toymakers and companies to really feature their products highlighting this component.

I found a hand full of eco-friendly toys that I thought were fun and interesting. Here are some of my favorites:

TDC Games: has 500 piece puzzle, with each piece embedded with sunflower seeds. They encourage you to, once completed, soak the puzzle over night in water and then plant them daily until they bloom.

Arttero: Founded by two moms from Madison, WI, award-wining Artterro offers eco-friendly art kits that inspire children’s artistic talent through high-quality materials found in the many different-themed options they offer.

miYim: with products found in major retailers nationwide, miYim offers organic toys for the younger child, ad is currently working to expand their line further with environmentally-friendly toys as well.

Sprig toys: one of my kids’ favorite are their trucks made from recycable materials. Battery-free and eco-friendly, this Colorado based company is working with WHAMO to develop biodegradable, kid operated pre=school toys.

Planet Fred: soft, organic material, and called Bamboo Bears. The company will plant one tree for every six bears purchased through the National Arbor Day Foundation.

There were more companies that had displays, my hope is that next year this number will even larger. Though it is no secret that added the eco-friendly aspect to a products adds to higher manufacturing costs, but with the increase in demand lately among parents looking for environmentally-friendly toys, my hope is that companies will find that the cost is worth it.

Photo credit: Sprig Toys

Postabon, the first user generated discount platform that helps consumers find and share local in-store deals, launched the beta version of its platform in New York City. Users upload information about great local discounts via Postabon’s mobile web app or web site; these recommendations are then placed in a searchable list of relevant, user-tested discounts happening in the area right now.

Finding a great deal on Postabon is as easy as searching by category, proximity, rating or keyword. Postabon’s home screen recognizes the user’s current location and displays a map pinpointing the most relevant user tested deals nearby. Over time, the company will provide increasingly relevant discount results as users create profiles, search, post and vote on deals in their area.

Posting a deal is simple and takes the same amount of time it would take to send a text, tweet or post a Facebook status update. Deal finders are asked to enter basic information on the deal, such as the name of the store offering the discount, the expiration date and one of four deal categories – Eat, Shop, Entertain or Miscellaneous. The deal is automatically geo-tagged and uploaded to the Postabon platform in real time. Users can comment, save and assign ratings to deals. Each post is referred to as a “bon,” the French word for “good,” to signify a good contribution to the Postabon community.

No good deed on Postabon goes unnoticed, so each time a user uploads a deal, they are rewarded with Karma points that push their profiles onto Postabon’s Karma Board of leading contributors. Users can compete for the best Karma by region or deal category each week. Similar to Twitter, Postabon users can follow other users whose recommendations they find valuable and track new deals through a following feed.

Postabon instantly recognizes your location & pinpoints all the best deals taking place right now in that neighborhood. The deals are found for people by people. In the time it takes to send a tweet, shoppers can post info on great deals they find out about events, sales in retail stores, restaurant deals and basically anywhere else they take your money.

The Postabon deals are people-generated & not computer-generated, they include helpful hints like what floor to go to, what the selection is like, etc. Of course, great finds on cheap or free events are in the mix as well. Here’s an example of a free concert user ‘cityshopmom’ stumbled upon: http://postabon.com/pc/deal?guid=2016.

Other future plans include adding more cities to the Postabon network and opening the platform to allow advertisers to share their deals with the community in a transparent matter.

To get started with Postabon on an iPhone, Palm Pre, Android phone or on your computer, visit  www.postabon.com.

Photo credit: Mrktwain from stock xchange