Intern Queen is an annual networking event happening in July for recently graduated students or…read morethose who had graduated within the past 5 years. All participants would need to bring a valid Student ID, proof of graduation like a diploma pic with valid graduation year or even just a transcript showing that you've recently attended school. Additionally, those who wanna drink alcohol are required to show a valid photo ID that they're over the age of 21. Intern Queen staff comes around to check everyone's Eventbrite tickets + Student ID/Diploma/Transcript + Photo ID around 5:30pm. There's a strict bag check policy by security guards to gain entry into the event and/or venue. You cannot bring in any opened drinks or you must finish yours before stepping foot inside. An empty plastic bottle would be okay in your bag though. Staff hands everyone a gift bag full of products by the entrance from sponsors like Tower 28, Saie Beauty + Summer Fridays + Bubble + MCoBeauty. Several different activation stations are being set up inside the basement area. Hair Tinsel + Owala Water Bottle Engraving + Burger Station + Photo Booth + Grab a Drink at the Bar. Long line at Water Bottle Engraving Station. The wait for Hair Tinsel isn't too bad. You can just grab an impossible or a regular cheeseburger. Photo Booth is fast. Grabbing a drink at the bar is a breeze. Lastly, there's a panel with 5 speakers sharing their informative experiences on how to reach out to brands/companies for future job opportunities. This concludes the entire event for Intern Queen. As we're all getting ready to leave the venue, the staff surprises us by handing out more giveaways from MCoBeauty. We get a body cream + body wash + a pack of travel-size body mists on our way out. Our bags full + our stomach full + we're well hydrated + learned new information.

The Intern Queen Party is a fun event for students. Checking in is easy, and everyone gets a goodie…read morebag with cool items. There are different stations where people can get snacks like burgers, water bottles, and other small gifts. Staying until the end for the panel is a great way to learn about networking. The panelists share personal career stories and advice. You learn exactly how to build connections and stand out to top brands. Just show a student ID or proof of graduation to enter.

Enjoy a stroll in the cherry esplanade and enjoy the cherry blossoms after hours with music and…read moreactivities. Always love attending this event for the 4th year in a row

If you're looking for solace in New York and trying to avoid paying for it, come to the Lilac. On…read morethe Hudson at Pier 25, you can sit out on the river and "get away" from the hustle and bustle of the city. I would prescribe anyone with any amount of stress to lay out on the deck with a good book. The staff are helpful, kind, welcoming. They gave me a tour and showed me how the duel engine works. I'm not sure if it is once a year in Fall that they host the Floating Library. Last year think during the month of September they put books everywhere on the boat. The deck is fashioned with makeshift bookshelves and people come to pick a book and read or even donate. That's two things I love wrapped in one, being on the water and having a good solid book to read.

So, this is magical. My friend just moved to the city, so I took her on a tour of TriBeCa and…read moreLower Manhattan. As we crossed over to the Hudson around White Street, we saw a bunch of people on this old tender. A big sign out front said that it was open to the public for drinks and music, for a special celebration. Wha-whaat? Amazing. "Semper Paratus" was our guide, and we hopped onboard without a second thought. What a fantastic decision. There was no admission fee! They were selling beer and wine for five dollars only, and while you drank your beverage, you got to tour the ship at your own pace. They have restored it beautifully-- it seems that not a day has passed since 1933: the bunks were made, there were posters on the walls, and I felt as if I were in a remake of "Steamboat Willie." All of the decks were open for people to go onto, and the top deck required climbing a ladder! (Pre-basic training challenge: attempt to climb the ladder while holding a beer, wearing business casual, and carrying a very large purse containing a laptop and heavy school books.) There was a DJ, dancing, and really friendly people. We were there at dusk and sipped our beers from the top deck while listening to the music and allowing ourselves to be mesmerized by the New York and New Jersey skylines. I would totally recommend checking this place out. It was extremly informative and a ton of fun. They're normally open during the days and the early part of the evenings. From talking to the bartender, it seems as if they regularly serve the adult beverages, too-- but I'm not 100% sure. Either way, definitely an awesome experience.

REVIEW: "Here Lies Love" at the Broadway Theatre on September 3, 2023…read more This highly immersive show took nearly a decade to make it to Broadway, and I have to say it left me a bit cold. Pre-recorded disco pop is just not the way to my empty Sondheim heart. Written by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, this episodic musical covers the 20th century political history of the Philippines in ninety minutes with no intermission. The simplistic plot revolved around Imelda Marcos with Ferdinand more of a shadow figure. Constantly challenging their regime was Ninoy Aquino presented as Imelda's former childhood sweetheart. The set-up felt very much like the demagoguery in "Evita" but on a more shallow level like a Vegas-style variety review targeted to indiscriminate tourists much like Rock-a-Hula on Waikiki. The production's chief novelty is that the Broadway Theatre was turned into a Studio 54-era disco with multi-dimensional screens on the surrounding walls. The seats were removed to allow the actors to perform and move about on modular elevated walkways. Half the audience (including Jamie and me) stood on the main floor for the duration of the show...but that's not all. Between key scenes, we were signaled by uniformed ushers to move to allow for different configurations of the walkways. Periodically we were directed to dance as if no one was watching. All of this led to the inevitability of squashed feet and jousting elbows. It was exhausting, and even though we were past the days of mandatory social distancing, it made me feel anxious. The cast was energetic but frankly not all that impactful. Arielle Jacobs made an especially buoyant Imelda, but understudy Aaron Alcaraz delivered a particularly tone deaf Ferdinand. Conrad Ricamora fared much better as the fiery Aquino. A couple of other performers had standout moments: Reanne Acasio as Aquino's mother Aurora on the ballad, "Just Ask the Flowers" and Moses Villarama, the DJ, leading the chorus on "God Draws Straight", poignant given another Marcos is running the country now. RELATED - Interested in my thoughts on Broadway shows past and present? Here's a collection of reviews I've written: http://bit.ly/31uxyL1

What if David Byrne joined forces with Fat Boy Slim to tell a story of someone famous with a…read moresoundtrack? Would it be danceable? I wonder what that would be like? It depends on what you're expecting. We were on the dance floor. On one side was a young girl and her mother from Manilla, on the other side, a loving father and his son. So many beautiful people, experiencing a musical biographical account of someone's life! The moving dance floor created an interactive experience for those of us on the floor, moving around as directed by a small staff. For those in the audience, I can only wonder what it was like for them to look down on us in the audience. The cast was incredible and the venue was an intriguing transformation. A truly interesting experience. One thing to note, in a dance/nightclub environment the BPM is constant and increases as time moves forward. That isn't the case in this production. This was a real disconnect for me between dance club environments in a Broadway performance. You can't have it all.

A Priest and a Rabbi walked into a bar at 9am... and didn't leave until Midnight. Happy St…read more Patrick's Day everybody!!!!

It might as well be called the bagpipes parade, for the plethora of elegantly kilted bagpipers,…read morewith the only real difference being the colors of the uniforms, and most everything representing and otherwise sponsored by unions, that some would say is a bit... stereotypical. Yet it is what it is, with nary a crybaby in sight about it! In fact, I found the parade emitting a very positive energy, an overall vigorous and wholesome impression. No fights, uncivilized behavior, vulgarity, eyesores, or de-evolutionary displays needing correction. Very organized, with primary content being Catholic, some Masonic, and Police groups, which may in part explain the conduct. Detecting "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling", there were some sparse marching bands with lovely cheerleaders heading them off, and it was also delightful to see stepdancers hopping to action! Followed by The Boyscouts and a Catholic club. The banners are quite elaborate, depicting 'saints', missionaries, catholic clergy, union founders, etc. The meeting with Americanatives was most memorable, imparting hospitality even to cross wielding zealots, and everyone knows how that ended. The parade began with an interview with a perhaps bepinted Cardinal admitting the connections with the seasonal equinox, while the church previously used this date to replace all Pagan significance to The Equinox except what could be exploited, and for conversion purposes. Upon their diminishing influence, they seem to be taking cues from Pagans now! The Dapper Gentlemen - A Dr. from Iona University, the Vice President of Tourism Ireland, another representative for Irish tourism, the chairman of the St. Patrick's day foundation, a representative for "Catholic health", the president of the Uniformed Firefighters Assn. The Lovely Lasses - Laura Merrit, the chief marketer Digeo of Guiness beer wearing an amusing sweater with logo - does she come with it? Mentioning a collaboration with Tipsy Scoop {spirited ice cream!}; the chairman of the parade, and the Grand Marshall who also happens to be the Heineken CEO!; and... the president of Forham University. No "St. Patrick" in a carriage at the conclusion like a Santa Claus cousin, or serpents or leprechauns for that matter, but it was like the entire Irish neighborhood populace of NY was walking in the parade! Almost like a marathon. And families of all persuasions enjoying the afternoon. Personally, I would like to see the addition of floats, folkloric characters like Leprechauns and wee folk {spot the dwarf!}, more arcane & Pagan costumes and instruments, and food displays. _____________ * Apparently, due to religious reasons, the parade is never held on a Sunday.

Got to see Chicago here, which was a great production. The stage was still easy to see higher up,…read moreand the theater design was beautiful with a big chandelier and nice ceiling design. Only issues were the first row after the section break has a big partition, so the front row their feet up so they were front and center in our view. I don't know a way around that, but it wasn't ideal. We saw a huge restroom line after on the upper level so we went down to find out that was the only restroom. Also not ideal. Souvenir section was tiny and right in the walkway so hard to get to. No elevator, but those aren't common. I like the theatre's old school charm, but it is on the smaller side compared to other theaters. You aren't going to pick a show based on the venue, but this one is still a good time.

I must give a massive thanks to the box office staff for giving me a rush ticket on the day I…read moreattended my matinee. I came from work and saw that there were $20 rush tickets for 2 pm performance on 3/5, and was happily seated on the 3rd row of mezzanine. I had a great time at the show. The view was fantastic and sound quality was superb. I still have the cell block tango playing in my mind on repeat. The seating arrangement was a little rough as tree seats did not allow for any wiggle room. It was so hard leaving my seat at intermission. Bathrooms were relatively clean but because there was only one designated bathroom for women, there was a long wait to enter.

First time able to attend the NY International Auto Show at the Jacob Javitz Center (April 3-12…read more2026)...or at least that I recall.. $22 per adult - can purchase tickets ahead of time or at the kiosk at the show. Came the last day of the show. Security line was quick which was a plus. You can bring your own bottle of water sealed and some snacks. Lots of cars to see from Cartainers as you walked in and Old Classics, McClarens. Electric Vehicles (EV) was this year's highlight and focus, high-end cars were up on the 3rd level. There is also merchandise as well for purchase. Toyota presentation was fun, energetic and lively. They gave out reusable bags to carry around and folks could win prizes for trivia during each presentation. Similar for a few other cars... Test ride- 2 outdoor and 1 indoor: Outdoor: 1) Jeep offroad 1 minute experience was fun but quite a wait.. 45 minutes on the line with 5 jeeps. White Rubicon, White Moab, Blue Rubicon, Blue Moab, Red Moab (which I rode in) 2) Toyota had 6 cars: Camry, Grand Highlander, 4Runner, RAV4 Hybrid, RAV4PHEV, and GR86. Lines and wait times were short except for the GR86 convertible...45 minute wait esp since it's 1 passenger...maybe 2 if small people. Indoor: EV Test Track - test ride the 8 EV cars brands. Had to sign up at the main booth and at each car booth (and get a wristband for each). Wait time for some lines were long.... Participants included: Cadillac, Chevrolet, Lucid, Toyota, Polestar, Kia, Ford. After 3 we stopped as it's the same ride but in different car and getting motion sickness from all the test rides esp the hard turns and breaks. A lot of time spent waiting for the test drives vs going around seeing the cars... which I found more interesting. 3 levels of cars - a lot to just look at and some to sit in. Got to sit inside a Chevy Corvette. Kia Sportage was probably the most comfortable to sit in as a drive. May cars didn't offer much leg room for the back seats which is a must. For those going car shopping, depends what you are looking for. Third Level: Kia, Lucid, Ford Mustang, Corvette, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Koenigegg, Zenvo, Nissan Didn't get a chance to see Wheel of Fortune which ran 11am-3pm Celebrity signing autograph with picture taking comes with a cost.. Food was expensive inside.. George's Sabrett Hotdog and pretzel was cheaper with the vendor by the test drive. $6 for hotdog and $6 for pretzel in comparison. Inside: $10 for a slice of pizza! The longest line and more rationale option was chicken tenders and fries or burger and fries- $17 Overall a good time at the show...plan wisely as one can spend an entire day here...we spent about 6 hours here.. but a lot of time waiting for the test drives. Til next year!

Manhattan, NY - this is my first time at the NY Auto Show, the oldest and largest consumer &…read moreindustry auto event dating back to 1900, held annually at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. We came on Easter Sunday and spent all afternoon exploring two massive levels and a couple of concourses of displays and activities. Electric vehicles were aggressively dominant, and from what I hear, the recent few years were all EV-heavy, with every manufacturer pushing their EV lineup. These were especially well-represented by the Korean & Japanese manufacturers (Kia, Hyundai/Genesis, Suburu had some of the most elaborate and impressive exhibits). Ford and Chevy really showed up too. Besides trucks, trucks, more trucks, and SUVs, there was a notable emphasis on off-road EVs (Subaru, Jeep). And honestly, with the current state of world affairs and rising gas prices, I'm strongly considering an electric or hybrid outback vehicle to take me to my homestead outpost and apocalypse bunker! The exotic and super/hypercars are always an exciting attraction, as who doesn't love ogling a Koenigsegg or Lotus or two! Although the selection is small, I'm totally here for all the billionaire boys club cars. The European corner had significantly less pizzazz than the rest of the floor. The German automakers brought mostly dealership-supplied cars. Audi looked like it had somewhere better to be and only gets a participation trophy. Deutschland was decidedly not über alles this time. Although I drive American muscle, I stan small & sleek Japanese sports cars and JDMs, and you get to see a good range of them and other souped up customs at the R2XPO Rides & Rigs exhibit on level 1, my favorite part of the show. It brought rally energy and was a refreshing departure from the corporate polish of the main floor. Actor Sung Kang from the Fast & Furious movies was there to promote his new film Drifter that weekend, and the line to meet him literally wrapped around the entire perimeter of the floor. The movie looks cool but the line looked miserable, so we passed on the meet & greet. The other highlight for me was the debut of the 2027 Nissan Z Nismo. Rad car, short line, they let you fiddle around inside, AND gave out posters. Right on! I must've been giving off mum energy (even though my child was nowhere near) as the Z rep cheerfully advised me that it even has a latch in the back for a car seat. I didn't ask, and I'm still laughing! (I mean, I do have the coolest ride at daycare drop-off though, no cap.) The Corvette area was also fun. Personally, I'm of the mind that such a classic should never be made electric until we are all roving around in hovercrafts - cos your midlife crisis vehicle ought to loudly flaunt the desperate reclamation of one's youth & masculinity with what only real petrol can conjure - but I'll admit their concept models look hella cool and futuristic. (I overheard a bro sneer, "you lost me at electric." Same!) River Pavilion houses a few marketplace vendors and the kids zone, where I stood in line for over 30 minutes so my child could have a 3-minute drive in a toy Jeep identical to the one he has at home and barely uses, while his dad takes him on a shopping spree of overpriced Hot Wheels ("but you can't find these models in stores!"). Come here if you hate yourself but love your kids. In keeping with the electric theme, there are plenty of charging ports around, even on some benches where you can take a break from staring at cars to stare at your phone instead, so that was a nice and thoughtful convenience. Here's the floor guide to help plan your time wisely: * LEVEL 3 is the entrance and main exhibit hall, showcasing the major brands and exotics. Plus Hyundai Ioniq ride-along track. * LEVEL 2 is mostly an open seating area with tables, and leads you to the North Concourse where the Camp Jeep and Toyota driving (ride-along) experiences are. The Jeep climb looks thrilling, but the tallest track was off-limits due to weather when we went. There's also a Starbucks on this level. * LEVEL 1 is more hip: R2X custom rides & rigs, EV test tracks, as well as vendors and NYS state agency recruitment booths. Want to try on some riot gear? This is your moment. * RIVER PAVILION: marketplace vendors and kids zone. We had a blast and the kiddo loved being able to get inside and "test drive" so many cars. 5 stars for the grand scale, organization, variety, and fun for car people and tag-along people alike. I'll be adding that Zenvo Aurora to my vision board!

October 17th, a lazy late Sunday afternoon, I got my ticket ready and headed out the door with…read moreHungry Boy. We've joined the other couple of dozen people here for one purpose - the second annual Bacon Takedown in Brooklyn! Upon arrival, the place had a good amount of people. Once we've gotten on line the place was packed with bacon chompin' lovers left and right. There were twenty-one contestants, whom we've got to tried their homemade creations where bacon was the subject. There were both sweet and savory types of bacon-related samples to try. Here's the rundown of the contestants with their bacon recipes: Jenn Wanous - Baco-avo Goat-lato Jill Strominger - Pig Sty Pie Michael Stewart & Charlie Mirisola - Black Magic Bars Miranda Magagnini - Maccherochini Al Fume Emily Hanhan - Elvis Making Whoopie Pies Ben Mims - Devil's on Horseback Cake Anne Lind & Julia Smith - American Splendor Janine Logelfo & Bill Gagliardi - BBQ Bacon Loaded Meat Balls Becky MacGregor - Becky's Love Bites Robert & Johana Fernandez - Lucky's Wild Rice Krispies Tony Santoro - Candied Pigs in A Fig Cody Burke - Bacon Pot Stickers with Spicy Peanut Sauce Mike O'Neill & Kristine Schmidt - School Lunch Clay Ezell & Vadis Turner - Whiskey-Bacon Bread Pudding Alyson Mance & Rita Sallis -Almond-Bacon Brittle Jesse Forester - Divine Swine Adrian Ashby - Bacon Pecan Waffles with Apple Bacon Syrup Jordan Goldstein - Breakfast Terrine Matt Barber - Hudson Bay of Pigs Sandwich Erin Evenson - Bclyn Blackout Cake Henry Chan and Jocelyn Voo - Strawberry Black Pepper Bacon Donut Holes There were so many samples to try from that I didn't know which one to vote for. But in the end I really liked the Bacon Pot Stickers with Spicy Peanut Sauce, Maccherochini Al Fume and the Almond-Bacon Brittle. Some samples I've tried were really good and creative I felt and some were really creative, but not to my liking. I only went around once sampling from 21 different contestants and I already gotten full from it all haha. As for Hungry Boy, he had room for seconds. Then again it's Hungry Boy, he will always make room for more. A total of 300 lbs of Hormel Black Label Bacon was used for this takedown. Pretty amazing for an event that lasted roughly about 2 hours long. So when it came to voting, there was a vote from the judges and the attendees. People's Choice: 1st Place: Jenn Wanous - Baco-avo Goat-lato 2nd Place: Cody Burke - Bacon Pot Stickers with Spicy Peanut Sauce 3rd Place: Becky MacGregor - Becky's Love Bites Judge's Choice: 1st Place: Mike O'Neill and Kristine Schmidt - School Lunch 2nd Place: Matt Barber - Hudson Bay of Pigs Sandwich 3rd Place: Jordan Goldstein - Breakfast Terrine The winners all received a one-year supply or six-month supply of Hormel® Black Label® bacon, Anolon cookware, Microplane graters and Wusthof knives. Pretty neat. And as for the attendees, they were able to take home any leftover bacon samples, while supplies last. That was pretty awesome. Also shout out to Albert W. and Elaine M., whom we've bumped into at this event! =)