History of Empire State Building

Where did the name Empire State Building originate?  When was it built?  How large is it?  In this video, these questions on the skyscraper that can be found at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street are discussed. 

Rent a Grandma

Three days ago much of America marked Mother’s Day in some shape or form.  There are 84.5 million mothers in America, and it has been estimated that a staggering 84.4 percent of these in America will in some way be marking the day.

But what of those whose moms live far away and want to celebrate Mother’s Day with a mom?  There is so much opportunity in New York.  As Thomas Wolfe once said: “In New York the opportunities for learning, and acquiring a culture that shall not come out of the ruins, but belong to life, are probably greater than anywhere else in the world.” 

But what if your mother – or/and your child’s grandma – is far away and you can’t celebrate the day in style, or the way in which you are accustomed?  New Yorkers can now order one.  Manhattan office workers can now book a visit and hug from a ‘Granny on demand,’ just in time for Mother’s Day.  Thanks to the company in midtown Manhattan – KeepTree – a “replacement” can be borrowed for Mother’s Day.  According to GM of the firm, Brody Ehrlich, the idea was developed as they “wanted to try to find people in New York who are separated from their mothers for Mother’s Day and ... give them a chance to have a replacement.”

One can choose from four grannies: worrier, talker, forgetter and tech-savvy insta grandma!  To satisfy all their clients’ demands, KeepTree is recruiting their grannies via Craigslist and thereafter interviewing potential grannies with a trial hug.  Hugs cannot be too loose/short/tight or long.

For those whose moms are in the hood for the special day, why not treat them to a cruise?  Think about how lucky you are that your mom is close by and take her on a sightseeing cruise down the Hudson on a glass-enclosed Bateaux where she can enjoy sophisticated dining and view the Manhattan skyline.

Midtown Burgers

There have always been a variety of burger options in the midtown area.  They come, they go, they stay; they open, they close, they relaunch, etc., etc.  Here, we take a look at what’s new in that world, and what burger lovers in the midtown area can expect to enjoy in the near future.

First off we have Andrew Zurica opening a burger stand at the UrbanSpace food hall.  There, hungry burger-seekers will be able to enjoy “griddle-smashed burgers and bacon-wrapped hot dogs.”  Until now these have only been sold from a truck, at a very inconvenient location.  It might not be the top quality meat but the added cheese and swaddle style that creates a melt-in-the-mouth sensation with its super soft white-floured bun, is quite the culinary delight.

For something a little fancier, there is a fantastic burger option at House Man Restaurant.  It has been deliciously described as follows:

“It involves two thin, crisp-edged patties with a faint line of pink running through each center, fused together with melted swiss cheese and a sweet, delicious black mass of deeply caramelized onion and mushroom. This is all contained in a Martin’s potato roll, the ideal vehicle for a burger because while it’s pleasingly squishy, it knows how to hold itself together under the duress of dripping cheese and beef juice.”

So that’s a good start.  Midtowners certainly won’t go hungry with a lack of burger options.

4 Great Ways to Adjust to a Nursing Home

Moving to a nursing home facility in New York, or anywhere else for that matter, is a big adjustment. Most of us want to feel independent and to enjoy the lives that we already have. But the move can be seen through quite a positive lens if the people around you have a positive attitude and a few creative ideas up their sleeves. Here are some ways that love ones can make the transition easier for the person moving.

          * Books on tape: Many people start to lose their eye sight as they get older. One great idea is to rent books on tape for your older relative. This allows them to continue reading, assuming this is something they enjoy. It also has another added benefit. If they are moving alone, it allows for another voice to be heard during quiet times in their new apartment. This can really help them to feel like they aren’t alone all the time.

      * Take your loved one to the barber shop or boutique as soon as they move in. Schedule a regular visit for them (if they are female, of course) to get their hair done each week. If they have a manicurist on the grounds, schedule this as well. Having your hair done and taking care of yourself can really boost your energy level and make you feel better.

      * Check out the social activities at the center, like the Dry Harbor Nursing Home, and see what’s on tap each week. Do they have a bridge club where your relative can play cards? Do they have lectures each day or jewelry making workshops? Help the person to familiarize themselves with the weekly activities and get them involved immediately so that they won’t feel isolated.

         *  See, as well, if they have an on-the-town program. Many assisted living facilities and nursing homes have programs where they take residence to the mall or to shopping in a van. These can also really help the resident to feel like he can get out and about at times.

These ideas should all help with a smoother transition to the nursing home facility like Dry Harbor Nursing Home. While every transition has its difficulties, there are ways to make the transition more successful and smoother for the resident.

Midtown: The Mesmeric Metropolis

Midtown has been proven to be one of New York City’s “most pedestrian-friendly areas.”  It comprises a variety of types of developments, which render it a great place for today’s millennials to live their lives.  As well as the working day, there are numerous nighttime entertainment options as well.

There is a slew of brunch options to choose from and each weekend, there are almost too many options for social hopping.  From pubs to sports, dancing to seafood and karaoke, everyone can find something to do.

As well, Midtown Park sits right on top of a 6-acre tract of land.  Ultimately this is going to be filled with properties and a public parking garage but there will still be plenty of lawn left to host around 3,000 people at Midtown Park events.

And then of course, when you think Midtown, you have to take advantage of the art and culture there.  Between the museums, galleries theaters and more, you pretty much can’t even say Midtown without saying culture.  Take in a class at the Houston Metropolitan Dance Center or if you are more of a spectator culturist, go for the latest Houston Center for Contemporary Art’s exhibition.

There really is something for everyone.  And it just keeps getting better.

Activities in Midtown

The East River Ferry is always a great activity to enjoy in midtown Manhattan.  New Yorkers and tourists alike will be able to appreciate this boat ride as there is so much to see!

Midtown Manhattan’s Dining Goes Upscale

At least that is the plan…for the Port Authority Bus Terminal in the new year.  for so long the terminal has had a reputation of being one of the most unpleasant places to have to be around but now there are serious talks about the creation of an upscale new food court there.

According to the Board of Directors at the port, a consensus has been reached with the OHM Concession Group that will allow for a 5,943 square foot area to be renovated into this food court.  Jamba Juice will be moving and the lease for Deli Plus’ will not be renewed after the end of January 2016.  In their steads will be a Magnolia Bakery and a gourmet food market, along with a full-service Apple Store.   In addition, there will be more public rest rooms.

It is also anticipated that within the year, Wi-Fi will be installed.