Upper East Side Blogs 15

Father's Day Specials

Lissa Grace — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:32:00 +0000

Sunday, June 17, 2012 is Father’s Day and everyone celebrates this occasion in their own way… you may agree with everything he says, you may finally take him to those garage sales, or get him a nifty tie or pair of socks. If you’re fortunate enough to be in New York at this time the best option maybe to bring him to Upper East Side where there is a great deal of activities and especially brunch specials to celebrate that special guy in your life:

Bistro Chat Noir
22 East 66th Street
New York, NY 10021
Patron and Ultimate Vodka have created fantastic cocktails for our Father Brunch! Treat Dad to our Lobster Benedict or Black Cat Burger! Meow!

Cavatappo Grill
1712 First Avenue
New York, NY 10128
In addition to our regular menu, we'll be serving a Father's Day 3 courses price-fix for $42* per person, choice of: appetizer, main dish and dessert *plus tax and gratuity.

Fig & Olive – Uptown
808 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Come celebrate Father's Day at Fig & Olive with our new brunch 3 courses prix fixe menu ($28) including one brunch cocktail or juice and tea, coffee.

Hi-Life Restaurant & Lounge
1503 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10075
Dad deserves the high life everyday but to be 100% sure Dad is getting special treatment this Father's Day join us at either Hi-Life location for Brunch or Dinner!

IL Tesoro NYC
1578 First Ave.
New York, NY 10028
Enjoy a Complimentary glass of house wine to all Fathers.

Jacques Brasserie
204-206 E 85th Street
New York, NY 10028
Jacques Brasserie will be serving the regular menu for brunch and dinner as well as some Father's Day specials

Match 65 (formerly Paris Match)
29 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10065
Enjoy no corkage fee and bring Dad his favorite bottle of wines or have him bring his best bottles from his cellar and we will open them up & celebrate father's day with you.

Petaluma
1356 1st Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Celebrate Father's Day with exclusive Wine Pairing and Wood Oven Grill specials at your neighborhood restaurant. Complimentary Deserts to all Fathers.

Atlantic Grill
1341 Third Avenue
At 77th Street
New York, NY 10021
Join us on Father’s Day and enjoy some of our specials that have been chosen specifically to meet the standards of every father’s pallet!
Start the day off right with brunch when we are featuring grilled prime steak and eggs, cooked to perfection with a side of grilled asparagus and béarnaise. Every father out there deserves only the best, and here at Atlantic Grill that’s the only type of food we know how to serve.
Bring dad for dinner and indulge in our special appetizers, fit to share amongst the family. Start your meal with spiked gazpacho, or be a little more adventurous and try our surf and turf maki roll, prepared by our world renowned sushi chef. Featured entrees include the freshest seared halibut, served with lobster risotto, fava beans, and summer corn emulsion. Fresh from the farm, we are also featuring a classic New York strip steak.
Dine with us on this special day and let dad eat like the king he deserves to be treated like!

Brasserie Julien
1422 3rd Avenue
(Between 80 & 81)
New York NY 10028
Treat your dad with a 3 courses menu prix fixe and live jazz music played from 2pm to 6 pm
http://www.brasseriejulien.com/fathersday/

Show Your Support for UES Schools!

Lissa Grace — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:46:00 +0000

EveryBlock.com is a website that follows neighborhood news and allows its visitors to connect with neighbors in 16 U.S. cities. Their goal is to help its residents be better neighbors, by providing frequently updated neighborhood news, plus tools to have meaningful conversations with neighbors. All its users have to do is create an account and choose which places you'd like to follow (i.e. home and/ or workplace). This will create a custom EveryBlock homepage, updated throughout the day, will show you what's been happening near your followed places, plus what people in those places are talking about. Join in the neighborhood conversation when you've got something to contribute — a question for your neighbors, a news report, an event listing, or just a heads-up about something people in your neighborhood should know about.

In April, EveryBlock.com agreed to donate $1 to DonorsChoose.org for each new neighbor that signed up for the site. EveryBlock.com is proud to announce that they recently made a $10,000 donation which directly benefits three classrooms in Harlem , Washington Heights and the Upper East Side . DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need.

Because of Everyblock.com success, three New York Classrooms Benefit Following Successful Neighborhood Recruitment Drive. EveryBlock, the place for all your neighborhood news and talk, will proudly donate $10,000 to DonorsChoose.org, which supports their classroom fundraisers in New York , Chicago , Philadelphia , San Francisco and Seattle . The donation, which resulted from the recent EveryBlock neighbor recruitment drive, will help to fund classroom project requests made by local public school teachers to help students in need.

In New York , EveryBlock awarded $1,808 to three classrooms, which allowed them to purchase their requested materials:

Harlem Link Charter School

- LCD projector, portable projector, biographical text books

Support Upper East Side Schools Today!

Street Fairs

Lissa Grace — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:16:00 +0000

One of the highlights on New York City in the spring and summer time, aside from street side, patio and rooftop seating, is the fairs that take place on the streets every year. That time of the year is now! and nothing is better then hunting for unique little treasures of some strangers fold-up table: hats, clothing, food, sunglasses, jewelry, psychic readings, tie dye, spices, scarves, multi-cultural artifacts, bags is just some of the things you will find at these lively little makeshift marketplaces. They usually start in April and continue until October; running from about 11 am to 6 pm. Street fair schedules may change without notice due to inclement weather. Below is a list of all Street Fairs on Upper East Side and all around Manhattan:

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

March of Dimes Parade, 10AM-2PM.
West 62nd Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Columbus Avenue, Columbus Avenue between West 62nd Street and West 65th Street, West 65th Street between Broadway and Central Park West, East 65th Street between Fifth Avenue and Lexington Avenue, Lexington Avenue between East 65th Street and East 23rd Street, East 23rd Street between Lexington Avenue and Madison Avenue.

Friday, May 4th, 2012

Cinco de Mayo at Grand Central Fair, 10AM-4PM
43rd Street
between Lexington and Third Avenues.

Saturday, May 5th, 2012
Lexington Avenue Festival
Lexington Avenue
between 60th and 66th Streets.
Romania Day Festival Festival
Broadway between

Fulton Street

and

Battery PL.

Sunday, May 6th, 2012

Amsterdam Avenue

Fair, 11AM-

5PM
Amsterdam Avenue

between 96th and 106th Streets.

24th Annual Broadway Spring Festival
Broadway between East 86th and 96th Streets.
Saturday, May 12th, 2012

Second Avenue

Festival
Second Avenue

between 14th and 4th Streets.

Times Square Fair, 10AM-6PM
Broadway between 47th and 57th Streets.
Sunday, May 13th, 2012
Broadway Festival
Broadway between 14th and Eighth Streets.

Upper Broadway Festival,br. Broadway between 60th and 65th Streets.
Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

Grad Alley, 5PM-8PM
Laguardia Place between West 3rd Street and Washington Square South, West 4th Street between Mercer Street and MacDougal Street, Greene Street between West 4th Street and Waverly Place, West 3rd Street between Mercer Street and Laguardia.

NYRR- Wall Street Run/Tour, 6:45PM-8:30PM
Greenwich Street between Murray Street and Warren Street, Murray Street between West Street and Greenwich Street, Greenwich Street between Murray Street and Warren Street, Warren Street between Greenwich Street and Church Street, Church Street between Warren Street and Liberty Street, Liberty Street between Church Street and William Street, William Street between Liberty Street and Pearl Street, South William Street between William Street and Broad Street, Broad Street between South William Street and Pearl Street, Pearl Street between Broad Street and John Street, John Street between Pearl Street and Water Street, Water Street between John Street and State Street, State Street between Water Street and Battery Place, Battery Place between State Street and 3 Place.

Saturday, May 19th, 2012
Waverly Place

Festival
Washington Square North

between University and Sixth Avenues.

Lower Spring Avenue

Third Festival, 10AM-6PM

Third Avenue

between Sixth and 14th Streets.
Sunday, May 20th, 2012

Fabulous Fifth Avenue

Festival
Fifth Avenue

between St. John and

12th Street

.

Stonewall

Veterans Greenwich Avenue

Fair, 10AM-6PM
Greenwich Avenue between Sixth and Seventh Avenues

Annual Murray Hill Festival & Taste of

Murray Hill
Park Avenue Avenue

between 34th and 40th Streets.
Friday, May 25th, 2012

Church of St. Agnes Block Festival, 10AM-4PM
43rd Street between Lexington and Third Avenues.
Saturday, May 26th, 2012

Sixth Avenue Festival
Sixth Avenue between 23rd and 14th Streets
Lexington Avenue Spring Festival
Lexington Avenue
between 42nd and 57th Streets.
Sunday, May 27th,

2012

The Annual Spring Jubilee, 10AM-6PM
Lexington Avenue between 23rd and 34th Streets.

25th Annual Livable West Side Festival
Broadway between 73rd and 86th Streets.
Monday, May 28th, 2012

Fleet Week- TSD, 6AM-7PM
Broadway between West 43rd and West 44th Streets

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Electronics Recycling Event
10:00 am- 3:00 pm
30 Waterside Plaza, East River waterfront at East 25th St

INTERNATIONAL CULTURES FESTIVAL/GLOBAL ROLE MODELS
AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS between WEST 42 STREET and WEST 56 STREET
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce 3rd Avenue Community Benefit Festival
12:00 pm- 5:00 pm
3 AVENUE between EAST 66 STREET and EAST 86
Pride Goes East Pride Month Launch Party
12:00 pm- 5:00 pm
ORCHARD STREET

Neighborhood Street Fair
9:00 am- 4:00 pm
EAST 111 STREET
Neighborhood Street Fair
EAST 87 STREET
Neighborhood Street Fair
WEST 26 STREET

Neighborhood Street Fair
WEST 44 STREET

Neighborhood Street Fair
WEST 93 STREET between COLUMBUS AVENUE and AMSTERDAM AVENUE
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Housing Works Open Air Street Fair
Crosby Street between Houston and Prince
Autism Speaks Parade10:30 am- 2:00 pm
SOUTH STREET between FULTON STREET and PECK SLIP, PECK SLIP between SOUTH STREET and PEARL STREET, PEARL STREET between PECK SLIP and FULTON STREET, FRANKFORT STREET between PEARL STREET and PARK ROW, SPRUCE STREET between PARK ROW and NASSAU STREET, NASSAU STREET between SPRUCE STREET and ANN STREET, ANN STREET between NASSAU STREET and GOLD STREET

18th Annual Spring Crafts Festival
BROADWAY between WEST 66 STREET and WEST 72 STREET

Annual Children's Day Block Party
HENRY STREET

SEAFARERS INT. HOUSE - THIRD AVENUE FAIR
THIRD AVENUE between EAST 14 STREET and EAST 23 STREET
Salute to Israel Parade 2011
11:00 am- 4:00 pm
5th Avenue between 57th and 74th Streets
Neighborhood Street Fair
EAST 92 STREET

Neighborhood Street Fair
WEST 95 STREET
Street Fair Cultural Festival
12:00 pm- 6:00 pm
MADISON AVENUE between EAST 26 STREET and EAST 23 STREET

World Science Festival Street Fair
LAGUARDIA PLACE
Monday, June 6, 2011
Taste of Times Square
West 46th Street between Broadway and 9th Avenue
Friday, June 10, 2011
WEST BROADWAY FAIR
WEST BROADWAY between CHAMBERS STREET and WORTH STREET
St. Ignatius International June Street Fair
5:00 pm- 8:00 pm
EAST 84 STREET between PARK AVENUE and MADISON AVENUE
Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, 2011Big Apple BBQ Block PartyMadison Square Park, Madison Avenue between East 23rd and East 26th Streets
Saturday, June 11, 2011
116th Street Festival
EAST 116 STREET between LEXINGTON AVENUE and 1ST AVENUE, 3 AVENUE between EAST 106 STREET and EAST 122 STREET
2011 Hispanic Festival
EAST 106 STREET between 3 AVENUE and LEXINGTON AVENUEFestival of Young Artists
EAST 4 STREET
LENOX HILL NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE 1st AVENUE FESTIVAL
1st AVENUE between EAST 68 STREET and EAST 79 STREETOLD ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL - ANNUAL VILLAGE FAIR
BROADWAY between WEST HOUSTON STREET and GRAND STREET

STUYVESANT PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION SECOND AVENUE FAIR
SECOND AVENUE between EAST 14 STREET and EAST 23 STREET

St. Mark's Church Festival
HAMILTON PLACE
Lexington Ave. Summer Fair
Lexington AvenueHare Krishna Parade
12:00 pm- 2:30 pm
5 AVENUE between EAST 59 STREET and WASHINGTON SQUARE NORTHSunday, June 12, 2011
National Puerto Rican Day ParadeFifth Avenue between East 44th and East 86th Streets
34th Annual Plantathon and Crafts Fair
BROADWAY between WEST 73 STREET and WEST 86 STREET

Eggrolls and Egg Creams Block Party
12:00 pm- 4:00 pm
ELDRIDGE STREET

Neighborhood Street Fair
WEST 18 STREET

TILDEN MIDTOWN DEMOCRATIC CLUB
THIRD AVENUE between EAST 23 STREET and EAST 34 STREET

CB1 FINANCIAL COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY
BROAD STREET between WATER STREET and SOUTH STREET

Neighborhood Street Fair
WEST 20 STREET

Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Museum Mile FestivalFifth Avenue between East 82nd and East 96th Streets
Saturday, June 18, 2011
NY Young Republicans - Times Square Expo
Broadway, Times Square

COOPER SQUARE between EAST 7 STREET and ST MARKS PLACE, 3 AVENUE between ST MARKS PLACE and EAST 14 STREET
Sing for Hope Pop-Up PianosAt street fairs all over New York City
Neighborhood Street Fair
6:00 am- 6:00 pm
EAST 96 STREET
VILLAGE REFORM DEMOCRATIC CLUB WAVERLY PLACE FESTIVAL
WASHINGTON SQUARE NORTH between UNIVERSITY PLACE and 5 AVENUE, WAVERLY PLACE between BROADWAY and UNIVERSITY PLACE
Sunday, June 19, 2011
21st Annual Columbus Ave Summer Fest
COLUMBUS AVENUE between WEST 91 STREET and WEST 96 STREET

21st Annual Columbus Ave Summer Fest-
COLUMBUS AVENUE between WEST 86 STREET and WEST 91 STREET

Neighborhood Street Fair
2:00 pm- 8:00 pm
W 28TH STREET

Neighborhood Street Fair
WEST 108 STREET Between BROADWAY and AMSTERDAM AVENUE
TURTLE BAY FESTIVAL LEXINGTON AVENUE between EAST 42 STREET and EAST 54 STREET
Saturday, June 25, 2011
International Immigrants Parade
12:00 pm- 3:00 pm
6 AVENUE between WEST 43 STREET and WEST 56 STREET

BAMRA BLEECKER STREET FESTIVAL
BLEECKER STREET between 6 AVENUE and BROADWAY

CHURCH OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST - SIXTH AVENUE SUMMER FEST.
SIXTH AVENUE between WEST 23 STREET and WEST 33 STREET
Sunday, June 26, 2011
LGBT Heritage of Pride March and Parade
12:00PM-6:00PM
Down Fifth Avenue from 56th Street to 8th Street, 8th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, Greenwich Avenue between 6th Avenue and Christopher Street, Christopher Street between Greenwich Avenue and Greenwich Street

Heritage of Pride Street FestivalHudson Street between Bethune and 13th Streets
THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY - TIMES SQUARE BLOCK PARTY
WEST 46 STREET between BROADWAY and 8 AVENUE

For July through October Calendar check out: http://manhattan.about.com/od/eventsandattractions/a/streetfairsmay.htm

A Day of Beauty on The UES

Lissa Grace — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:40:00 +0000

Sunday afternoon was not my typical lazy Sunday at home. I attended an event at the Dex New York Townhouse Studio “Beauty and Baubles Garden Party.” It was a day filled with beauty style and friendly faces. We were surprisingly delighted with a day of pampering and gorgeousness, as the warm weather emerges and we take in the fabulousness that Manhattan has to offer.
As we were one of the first to arrive we were quickly greeted with warm welcomes and bright smiles. A lovely display of jewelry from the Stella & Dot Jewelry Collection was showcased to the right side of the room. Instantly, away we were offered refreshments and beverages and made comfortable as we were able to walk about freely and try out anything that peaking our interest. The light and airy studio with a beautiful backyard garden patio was elegant and serene.
We met the fabulous Dex Phillip who is the founder and CEO of Dex cosmetics with over 20 years experience in the industry he has created his own empire and a fabulous private makeup studio with a red-carpet touch. DEX New York Cosmetics is a healthy makeup line with good-for-your-skin ingredients, high performance standards, and photographic qualities that both the fashion industry and general consumer can all benefit and enjoy.
Dex products are a professional line of “camera-ready” mineral makeup established since 2008. It was like every girls dream to walk in and experiment with all the beautiful shades and colors while drinking champagne and nibbling strawberries- Not to mention having your makeup applied by such talented artists as Dex and John. My friends and I left with new looks, gorgeous new makeup and a little bit of bling on our wrists.
As of that Sunday I have officially become obsessed with Dex and his amazing products. Please check out the website or attend an event at http://www.dexnewyork.com/
Dex Studio
46 East 65th Street
(Between Madison & Park Avenue)
212-643-6600
http://www.dexnewyork.com/
Twitter: dexnewyork
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/DEX-New-York-Modern-Mineral-Makeup/16152815138

See of a guest getting her make-up done by the amazinf Dex in this quick video clip from "Beauty and Baubles Garden Party" here:

Fitness in the UES

Lissa Grace — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:48:00 +0000

As summer quickly approaches, you may be actively seeking to amp up your fitness routine to get in tip top shape for the season. As an alternative to traditional fitness or to be used as a supplement to the mundane gym routine, here are some enjoyable and unique activities offered locally around the Upper East Side:

Asphalt Green

Offers a wide array of programs and classes for adults and children, some of which include:
Pool and Fitness Membership
Triathlon
Spinning
Pilates and Yoga
Martial Arts
Download 3-Day free fitness pass: http://www.asphaltgreen.org/pdf/3_days_of_fitness.pdf

Asphalt Green
1750 York Avenue
(At York Avenue & 92nd Street)
212-369-8890
http://www.asphaltgreen.org/

92Y Uptown

Offers a traditional fitness center as well as:
Aquatics
Personal Nutrition Counseling
Basketball
Racquetball
Spinning
Kickboxing
Yoga
And a complete group class schedule: http://www.92y.org/92StreetY/media/DOCUMENTS/Uptown/Calendars/Spring12/AdultActivityschedule_5.pdf

92Y Uptown
1395 Lexington Avenue
(At Lexington Avenue & 92nd Street)
212-415-5500
http://www.92y.org/

Exceed Fitness
The latest trend popping up all over the city are the 1st rate Boutique Fitness Studios. Exceed is one of the newest ones in the neighborhood.

This new Upper East Side's fitness playground, offers high end fitness training complete with a gym, personal training, and group fitness studio.The studio adopts the philosophy that your body responds to movement, not machines.

This facility offers such activities as…
Monkey Bars
Rope Climbing,
Swinging of Kettle bells
Pushing Weighted Sleds

These exercises are preferred over your standard chest presses or lat pull downs; as well as some of the toughest TRX classes (TRX is a form of suspension training which uses total body resistance).

Class Schedule: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=23266

Exceed Fitness
1477 3rd Avenue
3rd Avenue between 83rd & 84th Street)
212-481-5300
http://exceed-fitness.com/

All For 1 Fitness
Similar to classes offered at above, the All For 1 Fitness (AF1F) Studio is offering an Open House on April 16th, with FREE classes all day long!!!

Some of the classes offered include:
Zumba
TRX Suspension Training
Boxing and Conditioning for Kids & Adults!

Are you looking for a great gym deal for Summer/Spring 2011? Come down and try the best gym on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and see for yourself why we have the best personal trainers in New York City.

Open House: http://boxinggymnyc.com/2011/04/05/all-for-1-fitness-open-house-is-april-16th/

All For 1 Fitness
177 E 87th Street, Suite 300
(At 3rd Avenue & E 87th Street)
Tel. (646) 242-4624
http://boxinggymnyc.com/

Soul Cycle NYC
Soul Cycle’s full-body workout has revolutionized indoor cycling and taken the world of fitness by storm. Combining inspirational coaching and high-energy music, Soul Cycle offers an engaging workout that benefits both the mind and the body.

Each Soul Cycle ride delivers an intense FULL-BODY workout with a fun and energizing atmosphere. Not only do riders burn calories and get their hearts pumping, but using the Soul Cycle® Method, riders also work their core and use hand weights to tone their upper bodies. In all of our studios, we ensure that Soul Cyclists are treated to the country's best instructors and staff, trained to deliver unique services and personal attention to all levels of riders.

In select studios, we also offer Soul Bands, our REVOLUTIONARY class that challenges the entire body by using resistance bands that hang above each bike. The 60-minute workout includes several anaerobic intervals and trains the WHOLE body, toning the abs, oblique’s, shoulders, triceps, biceps and back - all while maintaining fat-burning cardio levels.

Beyond providing an intense cardio workout, Soul Cycle also incorporates a mental component of inspirational coaching. By keeping the lights low and riding by candlelight, Soul Cycle creates a cardio sanctuary where riders can come to clear their heads.

Class Schedule: http://www.soul-cycle.com/reserve-east/index.cfm?action=Reserve.chooseClass&siteid=3&n=EAST%2083RD%20STREET

Soul Cycle NYC
1470 3rd Avenue
(3rd Avenue between 83rd & 84th Street)
212-639-1300
http://www.soul-cycle.com/

Should Companies Have the Right to Require Facebook Passwords from their Applicants?

Lissa Grace — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:10:00 +0000

The Boston Globe was one of the first to print a story about a man who was on a job interview when the company asked him to furnish his Facebook log-in username and password, while they attempted to look it up while he was sitting across from them interviewer. Since then many more articles/ blogs have published stories relating to this event; which has clearly enraged a multitude of people as well as peaked the interest of Washington. Although it definitely violates individual’s privacy; it is uncertain if it actually breaks a particular law, and now Facebook themselves has weighed in on the situation.

According to Reuters, Facebook executives are also opposed to this violation of privacy and have threatened to sue these employers; stating that sharing a Facebook password, or asking for someone else's password, violates Facebook's user agreement. An employer who requests such information may face "unanticipated legal liability," Facebook executives said in a statement.

The act of employers prying onto peoples Facebook pages and reviewing their personal information can unleash further acts of discrimination, especially if that company fails to hire this applicant as a result. Personal details such as gender, race, religion, and age can all be displayed on one’s page and are all protected under federal employment law. It seems evident that it would be difficult to prove discrimination in this instance, especially if the company explains they did not hire you because “they decided to go with a more qualified applicant,” and fails to tell you “the real” reason why they did not hire you.

Asking for a user's Facebook password in a job interview is not illegal. Interviewers should be prohibited from asking any question that is discriminatory in nature. Senators are turning to the Justice Department and Equal Opportunity Commissions to investigate the legality; but it is still very uncertain. This practice by employers, however, could be violating the Stored Communications Act or the Computer Abuse Fraud Act; which protect unauthorized user access. Similarly, verdicts in past lawsuits are also being looked at as a benchmark for this issue as well.

In a time of economic distress and an unemployment rate of approximately 8.3%; it’s apparent that companies are going to have the upper hand when it comes to the hiring process. If you are in that percentage bracket, you don’t have a job and positions are not easy to come by in your industry or area; employers can be as demanding as they want when selecting a candidate. Employers are best positioned to seek those with the highest credentials, and without having to offer top dollar or those signing bonuses that they did a few years ago. Is finding that job and pulling yourself out of these financial struggles also worth relinquishing your private information? Relinquishing a log-in and password also allows employers to view information and conversations that you may exist within your account but can also hidden from others when all personal settings are set to private.

The only concern of the company should be is that no individual is tarnishing the reputation of the company by displaying themselves or the company in an inappropriate manner. Many companies require their employees to sign an ethics and/ or compliance agreement which prohibits certain behavior or inappropriate representation of the company. So why is there a need to take it one step further? The more thoroughly I review this case, the less I am able to see how the other side to this argument is justifiable; this is extremely unreasonable. At the end of the day it boils down to if you are in this position and a corporation that does not respect their employee’s privacy is not a company anyone should be working for, especially if they have respect for their own privacy.

St. Patty's Day Parade ON UES

Lissa Grace — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:20:00 +0000

Last Saturday’s festivities in New York gave the Upper East Side a very different look and feel as New Yorkers and tourists alike congregated to partake in the 251st annual St Patrick’s Day Parade. All nationalities gathered in green to watch this event and it was a spectacle. The parade travelled up 5th Avenue from 44th Street to 86th Street, although this event is to recognize the brave men and women who have served in America’s Armed Forces, it is also a time for debauchery and mayhem as not only were the streets flooded, but so were their local watering holed. However, this is just one of many holidays that are designed for overindulgence; as we have seen on New Years, Fourth of July and Halloween (just to name a few). This year the city had a very different feel as the weather turned freakishly warm and sound of bag pipes at 10 am filled your eardrums. Its weekends like this that make me love this city so much. Here are some images of this cheerful day…

Photography by Oronde Bell
http://www.glophotos.com/

The UES Gets Irish

Lissa Grace — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:31:00 +0000

There’s an old Irish saying that says,
“There are many good reasons for drinking,One has just entered my head. If a man doesn't drink when he's living, How in the hell can he drink when he's dead?”
And on Saturday March 17th it’s certainly a great reason to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather and enjoy some drinks after a long and grueling work week. Finally everyone can enjoy the holiday because it finally fell on a weekend. There is a plethora of events and parties this weekend, and if you haven’t planned them yet here are some great ideas for you to experience…

1) St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest and biggest of its kind since 1762, travelling up 5th Avenue from 44th to 86th Streets. Regardless of the disallowance of floats, autos or exhibits, you can either join one of the over 150,000 marchers every year or just be a spectator. The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 17, 2012 beginning at 11 a.m. on 5th Avenue around 44th Street.

The best time and location if you want to avoid the crowds that mob is to wait until later in the day when and catch the end of the march around 86th Street, between 2 and 3 p.m. Areas around 62nd and 64th Streets are only accessible with a ticket. The largest crowd gathers around. Patrick's Cathedral but thins out as the parade travels further towards the 70’s.

For more details see: http://nyc-st-patrick-day-parade.org/

2) Saloon NYC

Hosting the best St. Paddy's day party on the UES! 3 Full Bars, Two Rooms, Dj & the best crowd around! Come before, during, or after the parade! Party starts early and goes late!

Saloon NYC
1584 York Avenue
http://www.saloonnyc.com/

3) NYC Pub Crawl!
There are plenty of holidays around the year that have us hitting the bar and partying all day long, but once March rolls around, everyone's ready for St. Patrick's Day! New York City is one of the top destinations in the country for all things St. Patrick's Day, but this year it's only going to be even bigger as the producers of the World's Largest Pub Crawls put together yet another colossal event in the Big Apple - The Luck of the Irish New York City Pub Crawl! After they managed to get together over 12,000 guests for a Halloween pub crawl that's still being talked about, the sky's the limit for this year's St. Paddy’s Day pub crawl.

PubCrawls.com does not joke around when it comes to these massive parties, enlisting the help of the most popular bars in New York City, guests will be able to enjoy variety in safe and social environments. Be prepared to enjoy drinks specials and meet new friends at some of the top bars that NYC has to offer. The best part you ask? It's the specials! By getting your NYC St. Patrick's Day pub crawl tickets, you'll enjoy the following specials:

$1 [10oz] domestic draft
$2 domestic bottle
$3 well drinks
$4 Jameson's

After 9PM, the party and specials keep rolling on as guests can enjoy:

$3 [10oz] domestic draft
$4 domestic bottle
$5 well drinks
$6 Jameson's

That's one hell of a special if you ask us. What more could you possibly want? Essentially, it's a happy hour that lasts throughout the day (but only if you have our exclusive wristband). This year's Luck of the Irish pub crawl might be the biggest yet, so make sure to be a part of history and get your tickets now!

Need a little more action? Then make sure you follow the Leprechaun to the POT OF GOLD! How? Just visit these PubCrawls.com exclusive venues to have the time of your life!

Time: 1pm – 12 am
Tickets prices vary go to: http://www.pubcrawls.com/index.php for more details

4) Southern Hospitality
Hours: 11AM-6PM
$2 Coors light drafts
$3 Domestic bottles
$3 Green Jell-O Shots
$4 Guinness drafts
$4 Killians
$5 Jameson shots
$7 Irish car bombs
Smoked corned beef and cole slaw specials all day

Southern Hospitality
1460 Second Avenue
(Between 76th & 77th Streets)
http://southernhospitalitybbq.com/

5) The East End Bar & Grill

Hours: 9AM- 12 PM
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Kickoff Kegs n’ Eggs at The East End Bar & Grill

$25 Wristband gets you Unlimited Coors Light and Miller Lite Pints and all the eggs you can eat!

The parade is also only 5 blocks away so it’s easy to get to and from the parade... The wristband also lets you get: $4 Bushmills Shots$5 Jameson Shots$4 Guinness Pints

For more details see: https://www.facebook.com/events/387746801236767/

The East End Bar & Grill
1664 1st Avenue
(Between 86th & 87th Streets)
http://www.eastendbar.com/

6) Sober St. Patrick’s Day

This is a family friendly event for all who want an alternative way to celebrate, featuring contemporary Irish music, dance and comedy. 3-7pm at Regis High School.

Many New Yorkers in recovery, who have long since abandoned this holiday, and those who also want an alcohol-free, family-friendly event, will gather to enjoy the best of Irish culture. Irish step dancers in colorful costumes will twirl around the floor to live traditional music. Actors, pipe bands and musical guests, like KT Sullivan, John Whelan (eight time “All Ireland Champion” button accordion player), and Brian Conway (five time “All Ireland Champion” fiddle player) will serenade the crowd with soulful and lively Irish tunes. Light food and soft drinks will be served.
Tickets are $12 per person
For more details see: http://www.soberstpatricksday.org/

Regis High School
60 East 85th Street
(Between Park & Madison)

7) Watch 6 Nations Rugby: Ireland vs. England:

Kinsale Tavern
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at New York's most authentic Irish pub! Hailed by the New York Times in their feature article "The Lost Art of the Irish Pub", the Kinsale Tavern is ready for St. Patrick's Day.
Begin the morning with the GAA Finals and just a few blocks from the parade route, join us throughout the day and night for Rousing Irish Music and as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day! D.J. Tim Tubridy, will be joining us Live and In Person.
Among other items, our menu will feature Traditional Corn Beef & Cabbage and of course Guinness, Guinness, Guinness (as well as your usual favorites).

For more details see: http://www.kinsale.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=73&Itemid=75

Kinsale Tavern NYC
1672 3rd Avenue
(Between 93rd & 94th Streets)
http://www.kinsale.com/

Subway Inn, A.S.

Come watch the Rugby game here!

For More details see: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Subway-Inn-AS/122663307823573?sk=wall#!/pages/Subway-Inn-AS/122663307823573

Subway In, A.S
143 East 60th Street
(Between 3rd & Lexington Avenues)

8) O’Flanagans Bar

Enjoy live music & dancing from the following bands:

Desi & Marie (during the day)
Spoiled Rotten (during the evening) at

For more details: http://oflanagans.com/music.htm

O’Flanagans Bar
1215 1st avenue
(Between 65th & 66th Streets)
http://oflanagans.com/

9) Dannie & Eddies Bar

Hours: 10:00AM -4:00AM

Drown the Shamrock with all of us at D&E`s this St Patrick’s Day!!We’ll be playing Great Irish Music from Traditional to U2, Slinging $4 Knock your Socks Off -SHAMROCK SHOTS!All Drafts $5 and $6 All day and Night long!... $10 Bloody Mary’s and Long Island Pints- All Day and Night!Doors open at 10am.Let’s make this St Pats day one to remember! :)
For more details: http://www.facebook.com/dannyandeddies#!/events/188681301243221/

Dannie & Eddies Bar
1643 1st Avenue
(Between 85th & 86th Streets)
http://dannyandeddies.com/

10) Dorrian's Red Hand

Hours: 10AM – 11PM
Falling on a Saturday this year, we are more than ready to see and host our favorite friends, families, and locals as we honor our heritage abroad and at home in the most spirited way! We'll have plenty of Guinness, Jameson’s, or whatever your favorite drink is, and a special S., Pat's menu featuring ham and cabbage!Hope to see you!
For more details see: http://www.facebook.com/dorrians?ref=ts#!/events/185571998223264/

Dorrian's Red Hand
1616 2nd Avenue
(Between 84th & 85th Streets)
http://www.dorrians-nyc.com/

11) Johnny Foxes
Join Us on Saturday & Sunday for Brunch 10am-4:30pm for $11.95 Includes Two Complimentary Drinks
Well drinks $5 all night

Johnny Foxes
1546 2nd Avenue
(Between 80th & 81st Streets)
http://www.johnnyfoxesnyc.com/

12) Mad River Grille

Hours: 9AM – 12PM

Keggs & Eggs
$30 All-You-Can-Eat & Drink! Domestic Beer & Breakfast
Drink Specials 12 PM – 4 PM
$5 Bushmills & $5 Paddy Shots

For more details see: http://www.facebook.com/MadRiverNYC#!/MadRiverNYC

Mad River Grille
1442 3rd Avenue
(Between 81st & 82nd Street)
http://www.madrivergrille.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmG7uDDa83Q&feature=player_embedded

13) Sessions73

Live music all day and night featuring:
1-4 PM Afternoon set Morgan Clamp
5pm – Late Night Daddy Nobux

Festivities St Patty’s Grub:
Corn Beef Sliders
Fish & Chips
St Patty’s Skins
Doors open at 10 am

Sessions73
1359 1st Avenue
(Between 72nd and 73rd Streets)
http://www.session73.com/

14) Tin Lizzie NYC

ST. PADDY's DAY LIQUID BREAKFAST SPECIAL!GET STARTED EARLY THIS SATURDAY $30 ALL YOU CAN DRINK FROM 10am -1pm!

12pm-7pm$3 Bud and Bud Light Drafts$10 Pitchers of Bud and Bud Light$35 Domestic Draft Beer Towers$5 Mixed Drinks$5 Orange Chaos Drinks$4 Sweet Tea

10 Pitchers of Bud and Bud Light$5 Mixed Drinks

*Show us your cab fair receipt and your first beer is on us!

Tin Lizzie NYC
1647 2nd Avenue
(Between 85th & 86th Streets)
http://www.tinlizzienyc.com/

Bloomingdales Events

Lissa Grace — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:10:00 +0000

One of my all time favorite stores on the Upper East Side has launched a new customer loyalty program called “Loyallist.” This program takes place for all Bloomingdales retail stores in the U.S. as well as online shopping. Become a member of this program and you can now accumulate points. Reach up to 5,000 points and a reward card worth $25 dollars will be issued to you immediately. The rewards card can be used on all merchandise (except gift cards).

There are three different ways in which shoppers can earn points: For every dollar spent in-store, on bloomingdales.com and at outlet locations, shoppers will earn one point towards their Loyalty Rewards.

An even better deal is extended to shoppers who use their Bloomingdale’s credit card. They will earn three points per dollar for each purchase.

Customers who have spent $3500 or more annually at Bloomingdale’s on their Bloomingdale’s card will earn four points per dollar and will be recognized by their black Bloomingdale’s Reserve card. The best part of this program is that Loyallist members can also earn double points on every cosmetics and fragrance purchase...

The program is launching along with many special events March 8th -18th. This massive promotion on starting on Thursday March 8th will allow shoppers who come in this day to earn triple points on purchases, as well as enter to win a million point giveaways. Some of these highlighted events on this day include special makeup tutorials and demonstrations, free henna tattooing, live jazz music, demonstrations by Magnolia Bakery, even special guest appearances by designers such as Derek Lam (just remember that some of these events require you to call and RSVP in advance):

HOT BUMBLE HAIR TRENDS
March 8, 2012, 11am - 7pm
Come check out Bumble & Bumble's backstage top 10 looks from NYC's Fashion Week. Call 212-705-2899 now to reserve your spot today. With a $50 appointment*, receive a full size Spray de Mode plus a fabulous tote**.* Includes $35 style and $15 towards a Bumble and Bumble product purchase.**One per customer, while supplies last.

RUNWAY TO REALITY - SPRING 2012 BOBBI BROWN FEATURING: ALISON, BRIDGETTE, DILLON, ROBBIE
March 8, 2012
Join us at the Bobbi Brown counter to experience high fashion makeup translated into wearable, beautiful looks for the everyday woman! Meet with the elite artists that helped Bobbi and the designers bring their visions to life on the models at Fashion Week! Choose from various looks from fashion icons such as Tibi, Whit, and Rachel Roy. Please call 212-705-2055 or 212-705-3341 today to book your appointment as space is limited.

MAC: CHEN MAN LOVE AND WATER
March 8, 2012
Introducing MAC's new collaboration with Chinese fashion photographer Chen Man. Man has created a sensual, courageous and playful color collection inspired by her fascination with love and water. Please call 212-705-2615 for more details.

CLARINS MODELS WANTED
March 8, 2012
Join us at Clarins and book your new look today. Receive personalized skin care tips, make-up tricks and receive a tres chic fashion photo. Please call 212-705-2891 to book your appointment.

LANCOME NATIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST TAREK
March 8, 2012
Put away your winter coat and come see Lancôme's hot Spring 2012 collection. Created by renowned artist Aaron DeMay and demonstrated by National Artist Tarek Abbas and his team, you will get the looks from runways and fashion magazines from around the world. Call 212-705-2886 to book your appointment.

SHISEIDO'S PSYCHIC KIM ALLEN
March 8, 2012, 3pm - 6pm
Did you know there is a reason you are drawn to particular colors? Everyone has particular "life colors" that are completely in tune to who you are! Our makeup experts will apply Kim's recommendations for you for a truly customized makeover! Appointment qualifier is 150.00 redeemable in Shiseido products. Please call 212-705-2890 to reserve your makeover and reading as spaces are limited!

MAGNOLIA BAKERY DEMONSTRATION
March 8, 2012, 5pm
Magnolia Bakery's President and Chief Baking Officer Bobbie Lloyd is delighted to demonstrate some of Magnolia's cherished baking techniques. Bobbi will provide tips for creating some of our favorite classic American desserts. Magnolia serves over 120 varieties of baked goods, including cakes, banana pudding, cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, pies and our wide variety of classic and specialty cupcakes. Magnolia Bakery, known for it's nostalgic baked goods and vintage decor, now has eight locations worldwide, including on the first floor of Bloomingdale's 59th Street!

BALLOON AND FACE-PAINTING FUN!
March 8, 2012, 5pm - 8pm
Celebrate the Loyallist Party and bring your children for fun balloon shapes and face-painting from the Twisted Balloon Company! Young World on 8

DVF HOME HENNA TATTOO ARTIST
March 8, 2012, 5pm - 9pm
Come explore the latest collection of DVF bedding, especially the Graphic Batik Bed which is inspired by Diane's travels in Bali and receive a complimentary Henna Tattoo.

DEREK LAM PERSONAL APPEARANCE
March 8, 2012, 6pm
Come meet designer Derek Lam as he introduces his new collection, 10 Crosby Derek Lam, new at Bloomingdale's. Y.E.S. Contemporary Sportswear on 2

AKRIS PUNTO EVENT WITH HARPER'S BAZAAR
March 8, 2012, 6pm - 8pm
Please join Joyann King, Harper's Bazaar Senior Web Editor, and Gigi Stone, Bloomberg News Correspondent, for a special evening to celebrate the launch of the Akris Punto shop at Bloomingdale's featuring a fashion show of the Akris punto Spring/Summer 2012 collection and panel discussion. Akris punto will donate 10% of the event's sales to The Opportunity Network, a non-profit organization that provides access for high-achieving, underserved high school students to college and careers.

For more event listings go to: http://www1.bloomingdales.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=search&storeId=40002&Go=Go

Bloomingdales
1000 3rd Avenue
New York, NY 10022
http://www.bloomingdales.com/
http://www.bloomingdales.com/loyallist
Twitter: @Bloomingdales

Are You Gel’ in? Important Facts that You Should Know

Lissa Grace — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:54:00 +0000

I dream of world where products will exist that women can have perfect hair and nails with very little maintenance involved; oh and of course world peace…And then I thought maybe one of these prayers had been answered: enter the creation of the gel manicure. I cannot tell you how nice it is to find a service/ product that do not require weekly visits to the nail salon, nails polish that does not chip.

Gel nails otherwise known as UV, have been around for nearly the last decade. It has even more grown in popularity in the last two years with the introduction of new shellac brands on the market, and not to mention the approx. $1.9 billion more it brings for businesses. As a result of these great product improvements with the colors, their luminous shiny appearance, plus added advantages of no drying or smudging. The process involves a specialized UV polish accompanied by the use of ultraviolet lamp. After a just a few short minutes it can relinquish these great results.

But now experts and questioning the possible affects of the light. Over the last couple of years there were articles posted in a medical journal and in Consumer Reports have been challenging this very topic, and now the Washington Post.

The outcome of which yielding that a potential risk of long-term gel manicures can leave to possible skin cancer and possible advanced skin aging. Sunscreen containing zinc or titanium oxide may help to mitigate these effects, but are not proven in preventing them.

The Food and Drug Administration categorizes UV nail lights with microwave ovens, mammogram machines, airport X-ray machines, etc. because they all emit radiation. The FDA also has compared it to the use of a tanning bed, but there has been no proven conclusions drawn as far as harmfulness.
It has also been said that the use of all these foreign chemicals in the shellac and the removal of gel in acetone can result in potential nerve damage or infection; however this is also not proven and appear unlikely. Consumer Reports also warns consumers against two chemicals ethyl methacrylate (EMA) and methacrylate. The FDA issued a warning back in the 1970’s after reports of fingernail damage, deformity and dermatitis. Products that do not contain a label or are “cheap” may contain these chemicals. Lastly, Consumer Reports also provides us 10 warning signs to be aware of:

1) Ten warning signs to watch out for:
2) Your salon uses bottles in unmarked containers
3) The technician cannot tell you what’s in the products
4) The products smell unusually strong or have a strange odor
5) Your skin is being abraded or cut
6) The salon is not clean
7) The instruments are not sterilized
8) Licenses for the salon and individual operators are not visibly posted
9) Your skin or nails hurt
10) The gels do not soak off easily in solvents designed to remove acrylics
11) You see swelling, redness or other signs of infection

Romance in Firenze

Lissa Grace — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:12:00 +0000

With all the hoopla around Valentines Day and the excessively inflated prices of perishable goods that are sold to consumers that day; I decided to celebrate this event in at a more convenient time for my busy New York life…

I recently discovered one of the most romantic restaurants in all of Manhattan, called Firenze Ristorante. This quaint little spot was not visible (to me) due to the madness of the on 2nd Avenue subway construction and surrounded by local Upper East Side divey-watering holes between 82nd and 83rd Streets. This captivating Tuscan restaurant has staying power as it has been in business for a total of 30 years.

Heavily decorated with flowers and wine; it is also one of the only places where I have ever seen long taper candles over a white linen table cloth and orchids as center pieces. This very intimate environment soothes you with its dimly lit atmosphere, exposed brick backdrop, and faint audible melodies in the background.

My favorite thing about the restaurant was that specialized service; not only from their notably friendly wait staff but was the little extras that come along with your dining experience. From the moment we sat down we were kindly greeted and handed the coolest glow in the dark menus. We were also served several complimentary pieces of home made bruschetta, fresh olives lightly drizzled in olive oil, as well as your traditional bread slices; which dipped perfectly in that olive oil.

We started out order each with a glass of delicious Monte Pulciano (red wine). The menu has an abundance of veal, chicken and seafood entrees. My date and I both selected veal; the “Vitello Terra ed Mare,” which is veal stuffed with whole shrimp, mozzarella cheese & spinach sautéed in Mushroom sauce ($23.00) and “Vitello Fiorentina,” which is medallions of veal & prosciutto sautéed in white wine & sage on a bed of spinach ($21.00). For desert we ordered a home made tiramisu and a white chocolate cake. Lastly came another complimentary, where we were offered a choice of complimentary Grappa, Limón cello, or Sambuca with biscotti’s.

Everything was divine, the portions were just enough to fill you up (so it’s unlikely you’ll need a doggy bag to take home). By the end of out feast out entire bill was approximately $120 (including $20% gratuity), which is not “cheap” but dining at Firenze was not just another dinner date out; it was an experience.

Although many patrons often come in groups this is equally the most perfect establishment for a very enchanting date night. You will not be disappointed and neither were the many other reviews in Menu pages, Zagat, Yelp or NY Mag. Most importantly, I highly recommend it for an extraordinary evening on the town with that special someone.

Firenze Ristorante
1594 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10028
(between 82nd St & 83rd St)
212-861-9368
http://firenzeny.com/

Trendy Eats to Replace Former Famous Establishment

Lissa Grace — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:23:00 +0000

Famous and world renowned restaurant, Elaine’s soon to be swanky new Upper East Side eatery. The New York Post reports that the developer, Robert Skolnick purchased the 2nd Avenue property in 2011; hoping to transform the establishment with a new vitality.

“As much as we love to pay homage to Elaine, the restaurant was run down and dilapidated, right down to the kitchen equipment. We will do a nice job demolishing and redoing the restaurant,” Skolnick said.

The 14,850 square foot property includes 16 residential units accompanying the restaurant on 1703-1705 2nd Avenue between 89th and 90th streets. No word yet as to a name of the new restaurant coming in, or décor. I am very enthused to see how they transform this space. Stay tuned with new updates for this place as it opens.

Super Bowl XLVI: Blue York City

Lissa Grace — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:32:00 +0000

So the madness and anticipation is over and my beloved New England Patriots end the football season #EpicFail. Fans take to the streets in all New York neighborhoods rejoicing the marginal victory against New England in Super Bowl XLVI with a final score of 21-17 making Giants Champions. This game precedes the 2008 Super bowl when the Giants first defeated Patriots 17-14.

New York Mayor Bloomberg has announced a celebratory Ticker Tape Parade to commence on Tuesday February 7, 2012 at 11 am in Lower Manhattan, beginning at Battery Place and Washington Street and continuing north up the Canyon of Heroes to Worth Street. This had caused a rift since the Giants play in East Rutherford, NJ; and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has even referred to the team as the “New Jersey Giants.” The Huffington Post reported A Quinnipiac University poll found that 75% of New York City adults believe the parade should be in Manhattan. Only approx. 14% we in favor of the parade taking place in New Jersey.

Please feel free to comment as to which side of the bridge you think the parade should be…

So I can’t believe it Giant’s win again and the whole city is bleeding blue. DNAinfo.com had reported that Upper East Side bar known as “Brady’s Bar” on 2nd Avenue and 82nd Street even changed their name to honor the 2012 MVP’er Eli Manning over Tom Brady.

It’s tough being a Patriot in the land of Blue but it’s always amazing to see so many people unite for in the love for the game and their city. It invigorates the Manhattan with a new pulse of energy in what would otherwise be considered somewhat of a dreary month during this time of year.

Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation Breakthrough Ball Gala Event

Lissa Grace — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:04:00 +0000

Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation Breakthrough Ball Gala

Honoring Leyla Aliyeva, Muffie Potter Aston, and Buddy Valastro

The Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation (CCBF) will host its annual “Breakthrough Ball” benefit gala on Tuesday evening, November 1st, 2011 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Proceeds from this benefit help to provide much needed medication, chemotherapy and other life-saving treatments to children at the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology of New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center.

The coveted “Key to Life” award will be presented to Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Founder of IDEA Environment Campaign. Joining her will be the “Breakthrough Spirit” award recipients Muffie Potter Aston, Humanitarian and Philanthropist and Buddy Valastro, Master Cake Decorator and Star of the Hit TLC Reality Show, who will be awarded for their inspirational dedication to supporting children in need. Past “Breakthrough Ball” honorees include Katie Couric, Ted Turner, Toni Braxton, Tiki Barber, Trent Tucker and HRH Princess Ghida Talal of Jordan. The evening will also include a special performance by popular a capella group, Straight No Chaser.

Jamie Niven, Vice Chairman, Sotheby’s will lead a live auction that will feature, among other packages, Super Bowl XLVI Tickets, a Fashion Trip to Paris and a Hampton’s Golf Package with tee-offs at the Hampton’s most exclusive and highly rated courses including Shinnecock Hills, Atlantic, The Bridge and Maidstone. The live auction concludes with a pledge item that gives guests the opportunity to support a child’s chemotherapy treatment for a year.

For nearly 60 years, CCBF has been proud to support the extraordinary team of doctors and researchers of the Division. CCBF’s support has attracted and retained a group of world-renowned experts on the treatment of multiple pediatric blood disorders and cancers, including hemophilia, sickle-cell anemia and leukemia. CCBF researchers have received international recognition for their work and are on the cusp of breakthroughs predicted to change the way the medical community treats children with cancer and blood diseases. Each year, physicians treat more than 1,000 children through more than 10,000 inpatient and outpatient visits. No child is ever turned away for services, regardless of his or her ability to pay.

Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation Breakthrough Ball Gala Event http://www.childrenscbf.org/

The Plaza Hotel
768 5th Avenue, New York
(212) 546-5300

Sometimes Money is Just Money

Lissa Grace — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:01:00 +0000

I must admit that I am not the greatest art enthusiast; however I do believe that the most salient art is the type that has the ability to be the most interchangeable, so that every viewer can relate it to his/ or her own personal experience(s) or identity. And where installation art is concerned, some of it tends to be a little to abstract and obscure for my overly pragmatic mind and my unnerving need to find practicality in everything.

So when I read about the Hans-Peter Feldmann’s $100,000 Hugo Boss Prize awarded for 2010, which was turned into a art installation and on exhibit at the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum from May 20, 2011 to November 2, 2011- Yes, I finally got around to viewing it and writing a blog about it, better late than never, besides I wanted my opportunity to weigh in on this presentation.

Hans-Peter Feldmann is a 70 year old German artist who has made his staple in the conceptual art movement (for those who are unaware, conceptual art embraces the notion or ideology of the art as more prevalent than simply being pleasing to the eye). His work began in the late 60’s and expands through today. His repertoire of work spans from paintings, photography and installation as well as publications. In commemoration of the longevity and admiration of his work he was awarded.

The exhibit presents 100,000 one dollar bills pinned to a large airy room with columns leaving every space completely wallpapered in money. It took nearly two weeks and approximately nine assistants to create. The bills are displayed face up or down in a random pattern which overlap each other.

The art is meant to question the parallels of value and art. Dollar bills are simply pieces of paper as it’s attached to a wall but outside of that room essential reigns supreme in a capitalist environment. Let me just say that I love money and I hope to acquire a lot more of it in my life. I definitely recommend seeing the exhibit because it is a sight that you may never see again in your life; however I do not know that the message was properly relayed as it was meant. Without disrespect, I find the aesthetic to be astounding but it overshadows Mr. Feldmann’s message to the public; and therefore making the art not so conceptual. As such, I have sided with Karen Rosenberg’s June 22nd review in the New York Times entitled “Spendable Art That’s Not for Sale” (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/03/arts/design/hans-peter-feldmann-at-the-guggenheim-review.html)

Hugo Boss Prize 2010: Hans-Peter Feldmann
On display through 11/9/2011
Solomon R Guggenheim Museum
101 5th Avenue
(Corner of 5th and 89th Street)
212-423-3500