The Amazing Spiderman and His Young Counterpart Hit Midtown Manhattan

The Amazing Spiderman has hit Manhattan once again, joined this time by his mini-me. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone were spotted shooting scenes alongside a young Spiderboy for the upcoming sequel on Park Ave. and 52nd St. early last week.

Though the child's role has been kept quiet, he will definitely play a part in the battle against the villain Rhino, played by Paul Giamatti. The film, directed by Marc Webb, is expected to be the greatest movie ever produced in the state. It has created 3,500 jobs and hired 11,000 extras thus far.

Andrew Garfield, The Amazing Spiderman, with his Mini-Me in Midtown Manhattan

Is That Really Spiderman?

Yes, for those who happened to be in midtown Manhattan last week, it sure was.  52^nd Street and Park Avenue encountered a visit from both Spidey himself…along with what passers-by suspected could have been the new Spider-Boy.  The sightings was part of the filming of “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”.  While there has not been any confirmation or denial that the little boy dressed up as Spiderman is going to be Spider-Boy in the movie, he certainly looked the part.  And it equally remains unknown whether – if he has Spiderman’s little sidekick – he will be privy to the same powers.  But it was certainly fun to watch.

The movie, directed by Marc Webb, is due to be released year.  And there is good news for the state’s economy given that it is anticipated that the movie will generate up to 3,500 jobs along with roles for up to 11,000 extras, rendering it New York’s biggest movie ever to be made.  In addition, last year the franchise of Spiderman was rebooted with Andrew Garfield in the leading role and Emma Stone as Peter parker’s love interest, aka Gwen Stacy.

4 Easy Tips for Energy Saving This Summer

When people start talking about energy conservation and the environment, most listeners begin to sweat. They can’t imagine putting in the effort to compost their left-overs and they can’t envision living without air conditioning in the summer or cutting back on using any of their major appliances. However, conservation and saving on energy doesn’t have to cramp your lifestyle.  There are quite a few basic things the average  person can do that will have an impact on your energy expenses. It makes no difference whether you already see savings from a Retail Energy Provider like IDT Energy or not. You have the power to stay comfortable in your home and save.

Here are 4 surefire ways to conserve energy without compromising your comfort.

1.  Air-dry your towels: Many people spend a lot of time at the beach and pool in the summer. They tend to use a beach towel for two seconds and then to throw it into the hamper. Consider whether your towels really need to be washed before you dump them into the laundry. Maybe they can be used for the beach again tomorrow and maybe you can just air dry them for now. Beach towels are usually thicker than regular bath towels and they require more energy to dry. Why not skip one or two washings a week and save on that energy bill.

2. Cut the Shower Time: Many people don’t notice how much time they spend taking a shower. Studies have actually shown that the typical teenager can spend as much as 45 minutes in the shower. This is a huge water waste, not to mention a waste of the electricity or natural gas required to run your hot water heater, which costs you money. Suds up, rinse and get out.

3. Turn off your computer: "Sleep" is not the same thing as "off" to the computer. Studies have found that 75% of the energy that the home computer uses happens when the owner thinks it’s off. Make sure you actually turn it off.

4. Get your Water Heater Checked: This is a really simple idea. Have your plumber check your water heater to see if it is set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit versus 120. Most homes only need it set to 120 degrees to function properly. Having it at 140 or hotter is just a waste of heating and money. The U.S. Department of Energy actually estimates by lowering your water heater temperature by just 10 degrees, you could save 3-5% in energy costs.

American Girl Place Pajama Sleepover in Midtown Manhattan

Midtown Manhattan’s Benjamin Hotel is currently offering the exclusive “American Girl Place Pajama Sleepover.”

The package includes accommodations in a deluxe studio guestroom with two beds, or a suite. The room features a personalized welcome note, a gift bag with the American Girl travel bed, pillow and blanket for the doll, as well as milk and cookie turn-down services for both the guest and her dolls. The deal also includes access to a personal shopper at American Girl Place New York, amenities from Winks’ Kidzzz Club, an organic wool toddler pillow, and kid-sized robes.

American Girl dolls were released in 1986 by Pleasant Company. They focus mainly on different periods of American history. The company has been awarded the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award eight times.

 

Spring Show NYC Takes Off at the Park Avenue Armory

The Spring Show NYC is underway and collectors, art enthusiasts and tourists are flocking to the 67^th Street Armory to experience rare and magnificent art. The show features exhibits from dealers from all over the world, showcasing exquisite collections and antiques ranging from 5000 BC to the 19^th century.

In a string of private interviews, Gail Shields-Miller explored the exhibits of three of the most prestigious dealers in the show. She discussed each one in her design blog.

At Carlton Hobbs, “the emphasis is on unique, rare and collectible. Every piece has a special story about it and comes with an impeccable provenance.” She explained that Carlton Hobbs “occupies a rarefied strata in the antiques business, and primarily seeks out furniture and art which belonged originally to royal families and aristocrats or famous architects of that period in history.”

Next, Miller visited the Lillian Nassau exhibit, which features Tiffany Studio pieces such as lamps, windows, glass, desk accessories and pottery.
“You can also find European ceramics,” Miller wrote. “There was a fabulous collection of vases that caught my eye… and metal work by such luminaries as Albert Paley. The list goes on with several pieces of studio furniture from such notable as George Nakashima, Phil Powell, Wendell Castle and Paul Evans.”

Last, Miller met with Hicham Aboutaam of Phoenix AncientArt. The antiquities dealer manages a collection of rare, precious items from 5000 BC to 14 AD.

Miller wrote, “Collecting and selling antiquities is not only a business but is a manner in which the world learns about past civilizations. The particular selection at Phoenix Ancient Art includes objects from civilizations that lived in Europe, the Near East, Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Balkans, Eurasia as well as from the Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras in history.”

Bloomberg Plans Midtown Makeover

Michael Bloomberg has made significant changes to the New York skyline during his terms as mayor, and now he hopes to renovate the face of Midtown East.

Mike Slattery, a vice president of the Real Estate Board of New York, supports the mayor’s plan. Indicating a brown brick building on the corner of 42^nd Street and Madison Avenue, he said:

“These are not the kind of buildings that are desirable today.” He pointed across the street and explained: “This is one of the few buildings that have been built in the last 15 years in the district.”

Said building is glass, and twice as tall as the structure across the street. According to Slattery, the
newer building is environmentally efficient, while the high ceilings and open floor space are more modern and high end. Corporate tenants will accept no less, he explained.

The newer building “competes with Tokyo, Shanghai and London. That’s what’s at stake here: New York’s preeminence as a commercial capital,” he said.

Bloomberg’s intended facelift would add five million square feet of office space and generate $100 million in extra tax revenue per year.

 

Four Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

While many New Yorkers expect their bills to rise with the temperature, the summer heat can actually be harnessed to minimize spending. Local companies like IDT Energy offer services and tips to help families keep their energy costs at a minimum.

Here are four ways to conserve energy without compromising comfort during the summer months:

·         Be responsible with your air conditioning. For example, turn it off at night and leave the windows open. In the morning, close the shades to preserve the cool air and keep the sun out.

·         Cook outside, when possible. Stoves and ovens generate large amounts of excess heat, forcing your air conditioner to work overtime. Try using the microwave or toaster oven, or cooking on an outdoor barbecue grill.

·         Air-dry your laundry. The sun and hot summer air are free replacements for your dryer, so hang your clothes up to dry if possible. If not, dry your clothes only partially in the dryer, then let them air dry.

·         Maintain your air conditioner filters. Though simple, this is often neglected, resulting in additional running time and extra strain on the system. By regularly replacing the filters, you ensure total efficiency and minimize cooling costs.