Author: Luigi Rosabianca

Explore Social Distance-Friendly NYC Holiday Events by Charter Bus

Post author By Luigi Rosabianca
Post date December 4, 2020

The holidays may look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the season with your loved ones! Rather than scrambling to distance yourself from your fellow subway passengers or hailing cab after cab after cab throughout the day, round up your established pod of loved ones and let a thoroughly sanitized New York City bus rental transport you to these fan-favorite events this holiday season:

Rockefeller Christmas Tree

The holidays in Manhattan wouldn’t be the same without America’s favorite Christmas tree. You can marvel at all 75 feet of this glittering Norway Spruce both online (through the Rockefeller Building’s live stream) and in-person—with a face covering on, of course.

Have your bus driver drop everyone off near the tree-viewing entrances on 49th and 50th Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues, and follow the markers on the ground as you wait in line to have your moment with the tree. These social distancing markers can only accommodate up to four people per spot, so large groups will need to split into smaller pods. Once you’ve reached the bedazzled, 11-ton tree, your group will have five minutes to take in the lights and take as many Christmas-card-worthy photos as you please.

Bryant Park Winter Village

If you haven’t already picked out gifts for your loved ones, why not buy local? That’s right, the Winter Village is still up and running! From handmade jewelry to boutique maple syrups, piping hot cocoa to fresh-baked gingerbread, this outdoor market has a little holiday cheer for everyone.

While you’ll find fewer vendors here than in years past, the new layout allows for wider walkways and more room for social distancing while you wander through the stalls. Hand sanitizing stations are available around the village, and many vendors use contactless payment methods. Oh, and all staff will be wearing masks and face coverings—so you should too.

Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah

Though it’s no longer “NYC’s Largest Menorah” (it now shares the title with the display in Central Park), this huge Brooklyn spectacle is still a sight to behold this holiday season. This menorah towers at 32 feet high—the maximum height it can possibly be by Jewish law—and you need a crane to light each candle!

Stop by any night of Chanukah to catch the celebration at the Grand Army Plaza. Many past years’ customs will still be in place, so expect live music, food vendors, and some small gifts for the kids. Social distancing protocols will be used, but if the crowds get to be too much, grab a hot latke to-go and take a walk along some of Prospect Park’s lesser-known trails.

HolidayMagic at the NYBG

If your merrymakers are lucky enough to be Members, Patrons, Corporate Members, or Bronx Community Partners for the New York Botanical Garden, you’re in for a treat. This year, you’ll have exclusive access to the gardens’ Holiday Train Show! Come by before Jan. 31 to see the model trains zip through miniature replicas of NYC landmarks made from natural materials like birch bark, acorns, and cinnamon sticks. Besides limiting the number of people allowed into this year’s event, NYBG is also implementing an online-only ticket reservation system, as well as increased cleaning efforts and face-covering requirements for all visitors (including children over the age of 2).

Not a member? Not to worry, there’s always NYBG GLOW: the twinkling light display in the Haupt Conservatory! There should be plenty of space to spread out within the conservatory, and there’s a lot to see outside as well. Your tiny tots and children-at-heart are sure to love the illuminated ice sculptures and tap their feet to pop-up performances by The Hip Hop Nutcracker. Like the train show, tickets for NYBG GLOW must be purchased online and in advance, and entry windows are timed to limit the number of people inside.

The Rink at Brookfield Place

From now until the first week of April, you can show off your skating skills to your loved ones and perfect your triple salchow at this downtown outdoor rink. It costs $15 for an hour time slot on the ice and $5 per skate rental—through private skate sessions are reservable for an extra fee. Skaters and onlookers alike must have their temperature taken every day they stop by, everyone must skate at least 6 feet apart, and visitors must wear masks at all times: while waiting in line, while watching the skaters glide by, and while skating.

The rink itself boasts 7,350 square feet of ice (plenty of room to spread out!), and your skaters can always take a break to stroll along the Hudson if it gets too crowded for your liking. And when you’ve had your fill of ice, everyone can warm back up on your completely climate-controlled bus rental, which can include plush reclining seats for your groups’ comfort.

Tags christian, Christmas, grand army plaza, holiday, holiday season, Ice Skating, jewish

Dining Lifestyle NYC

Gift Wine This Season

Post author By Luigi Rosabianca
Post date November 28, 2020

A perfect gift

Wine is a perfect gift whatever the occasion. Personal, respectful, celebratory – it’s always a great choice whether to be shared together then and there or stored away for another day.

A thank you gift

Maybe someone has done you a favor. What better way to thank them than to present a thoughtfully chosen bottle? A classic Bordeaux would tell the recipient they deserve only the best: try a Margaux wine – considered the most elegant of the region, you cannot go wrong. The medium-bodied 2006 Château Rauzan-Ségla with its sandalwood scent and berry notes mixed with sage and cedar is a nice choice, as would be a Chateau Giscours.

A birthday gift

A great gift for a birthday is a wine from the year someone was born. This can get expensive – especially the older the recipient is! But it can be done if you look carefully.

For “milestone” birthdays a special bottle of champagne like a Taittinger Cuvée Prestige Brut works a treat. A serious quality sparkling wine will also be meaningful, such as a Mirabelle Brut Rosé from Napa’s Schramsberg Vineyards.

The gift that gives back

Arriving as a guest to a meal with a bottle is standard practice and carries with it the hope that whatever you bring will end up in your glass, too.

A thoughtfully picked red or white will be equally appreciated, but a star bottle could be a Bergström Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir or head back to Margaux for a Chateau Siran, a fruit- and balsamic-infused wine that is made up of the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot grapes.

Wine experts Millesima name its 2015 vintage “scrumptious” and the best of the producer’s recent output.

Gift for a teacher or colleague

When giving a gift to someone who is not a close friend, when you do not know their tastes, wine is a great option. It’s not too personal and it’s always welcome! It can be offered to others, if it’s not the recipient’s preference, after all. But it’s important to pick out a wine that looks like it has been thought about, even if the cost is not high.

A Provence rosé like a Chateau Sainte Marguerite would be a popular crowd-pleaser, for example.

Festive gifts for the holidays

Wine by the case or a gift set is an outstanding present for a holiday occasion when the family is gathered. It will last into the year to come and the giver will always be remembered.

Millesima’s three-bottle Italy Classic Wine is a lovely curation from three of the top wine regions in the country: Mocali from Tuscany, Latium Morini from Veneto, and Fratelli Revello from Piedmont. Going down the gift set route gives the recipient a chance to discover something new and maybe find new favorites.

About Millesima

Wine merchants Millesima are based in Bordeaux with a New York boutique. The family company has curated a wide range of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines. All of those described in this article can be found on its website.

Tags birthday, gift, gives back, holiday, Margaux wine, wine

NYC Travel

Need a Break from NYC? Try These 5 Destinations

Post author By Luigi Rosabianca
Post date October 23, 2020

Whether your perfect break is lounging on the beach or getting lost in the wilderness, this list has you covered!

New York City is the “City That Never Sleeps.” There’s no lack of entertainment, delicious food options, and activities to take part in within this buzzing city. Even those who thrive on the hustle and bustle could use a break sometimes. Grab your family or friends, load up your suitcases, and recharge in one of these five vacation decorations.

Whether your perfect break is lounging on the beach or getting lost in the wilderness, this list has you covered.

1. Yosemite National Park, California – for outdoor adventurers

If you want to immerse yourself in nature and go on outdoor adventures, then Yosemite National Park is the perfect destination for your NYC escape. Hikers and rock-climbers come from all over the world to experience the rugged terrain of the park. Wander through the groves of sequoias that are larger than life and impose over the landscape.

You’ll also see some of the largest waterfalls imaginable, with Yosemite Falls reaching 735 meters in height. You’ll also have the opportunity to see some of the 400 different species of animals that live within the borders of the park.

2. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida – for the young at heart

Release your inner child and whisk yourself away to the magical kingdom of Walt Disney World in Orlando. There are four theme parks, covering about 40 square miles of land. If you want to explore everything, you should allow at least four days. Meet your favorite Disney Princesses, get a dose of adrenaline on the Tower of Terror, and visit the World Showcase to learn about global culture.

The accommodation is an experience in itself, with villas like those at Solterra Resort. They offer themed rooms, private pools, and arcades and can fit entire families!

3. Washington, D.C – for the history buffs

For those who are interested in American history, Washington, D.C, is the perfect destination and less than 4 hours away. It’s the nation’s capital and has some of the most beautiful and historic architecture in the entire country. With the plethora of museums in the city, you can come back time and time again and always learn something new.

Your trip to D.C is guaranteed to be educational with something to suit all tastes. Some of the informative and fun museums in the city include the National Archives, National Museum of American History, National Postal Museum, and the International Spy Museum.

4. Sanibel Island, Florida – for the beach bums

You don’t get much beach time in NYC. For a relaxing, coastal escape, the beaches of Sanibel Island are calling. It’s been called the “Shelling Capital of the World,” and the kids can spend hours collecting shells while you lounge on the beach. There’s even a shell museum where you can learn everything there is to know about the over 250 different types that you can find here.

The island is home to many different animals within the J.N. Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and you may even spot a crocodile. There are many beaches to choose from, each offering a refreshing retreat from city life.

5. Nashville, Tennessee – for the music lovers

The good old southern hospitality of Nashville, Tennessee, is a breath of fresh air on a break from NYC. The birthplace of country music has tons of famous music venues where you can check out live shows daily. The culture down south is much different from the north-east, making it a great spot to take the kids for a cultural experience.

Tags beach bums, disney, history, music lovers, Nashville, orlando fl, sanibel island, washington

Lifestyle NYC Real Estate

Why multicultural cities are great places to live and work

Post author By Luigi Rosabianca
Post date October 23, 2020

Have you ever thought about all the benefits that living in a multicultural city brings? From the conversations you have to the food you eat, the entertainment you enjoy, and the learning opportunities you have, there’s a great deal to be grateful for if you live in such a city.

You can meet more interesting people

When everybody shares the same background and has been raised with the same set of ideas, what’s to talk about? Multicultural cities are full of interesting people with engaging stories to tell. They’ll open up your eyes to the wider world and make you feel grateful for the good things you have, as well as inspiring you to discover new things. Make friends with people from different backgrounds, and you’ll find yourself rethinking aspects of your own identity, exploring things that you took for granted, and ultimately coming to know yourself better. Meanwhile, your city will benefit from the wealth of different ideas that a diverse community brings. For instance, in the workplace, it makes it easier to find solutions when problems arise and adapt to new ways of doing things. First-generation immigrants have a lot of experience where that’s concerned.

Kids get a better education

Teachers often note that in cities with recent immigrants – especially those who have escaped from war zones and other places where their education was disrupted – everybody works harder, with the immigrant kids’ enthusiasm inspiring others. Kids who come from the same city but have grown up with different cultural traditions or have had different experiences because of their race or ethnicity also improve the educational environment. As the academic Bree Picower noted, they can help identify biases in the system, which may not be evident to those with majority privilege. They can also share different perspectives, which benefit all the children to develop a richer and more nuanced understanding of the information with which they’re presented. That helps to improve the critical thinking skills they will use for the rest of their lives.

It’s a creative space

Where lots of different perspectives and traditions come together, it’s not just good for kids – it creates a fusion of ideas that provides fuel for creative work. It’s no surprise that cities like New York, London, and Toronto are creative powerhouses, nor that many of their most productive arts organizations are known for their diversity. People from different backgrounds bring different folklore and different story formats and unique musical traditions, styles of theater, and so forth. They learn from each other and find new ways of looking at the world. Different religious, moral, and philosophical ideas also enrich creative output and help it speak to diverse audiences. Creative work produced in this way has great potential to travel and be understood in different places worldwide. However, if you’re a creative person – even at an amateur level – there’s nothing like being in the belly of the beast.

Amazing things happen with food

Just as the arts benefit from a fusion of traditions, so does the cooking. From New York to old Amsterdam, there’s a history of innovation in the same areas where one can enjoy a different ethnic cuisine every day of the month. You’ll also find delightful little twists on old favorites where chefs from different backgrounds cross over. Food festivals are also a real treat in cities like this, with something happening almost every week of the year. They provide the ideal starting point for those wanting to sample the best of cuisine they’ve never tried. People who like to experiment at home can obtain a much larger variety of ingredients than they would find elsewhere. It’s not just food, either – if you like coffee, tea, or liquor, you’ll encounter many more variants, and every one of them with a story attached.

It’s easy to learn languages

Did you know that more than half of the world’s population speaks two or more languages fluently? Although most Americans know at least a small amount of Spanish, true bilingualism remains rare outside recent immigrant communities. That puts us at a disadvantage when traveling and limits our access to information, meaning that we miss out on some beautiful poetry and prose which can never be fully captured in translation. Learning another language will open up your horizons and give you a much richer understanding of your own language as you start to understand why words sound and interact as they do. It’s much easier to do so in a multicultural city where you can hear other languages every day and perhaps find native speakers who don’t mind answering your questions or helping you practice.

All these advantages make multicultural cities a great place to spend time, and they are deeply rewarding to live in. We all live richer, more fulfilling lives when we celebrate our variety.

Tags Americans, better education, bilingualism, children, Creative Space, Culture, Family, learn languages, lving, multicultural cities

Featured Lifestyle Opinion Technology

Inner Peace in Outer Space

Post author By Luigi Rosabianca
Post date October 14, 2020

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=pzP57gej&id=E5C1D1150165E28D1DB3D7F383C4FE0ED4AD8F6C&thid=OIP.pzP57gej4I8AR6sraNZWjAHaEo&mediaurl=http%3A%2F%2Fkiwimadepreaching.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F07%2Fsunrise-earth-from-space.jpg&exph=1200&expw=1920&q=Earth+From+Space&simid=608024046342639497&ck=642A2E3C18204475714F2EF1898FA724&selectedindex=61&form=EX0023&adlt=demote&shtp=Gmail&shid=b284200d-ac02-4221-906d-96c502e94bda&shtk=cHJlYWNoaW5nIHRoZSBjb3NtaWMgc2NvcGUgb2Ygd2hhdCBnb2QgaXMgdXAgdG8g4oCTIG1hcmsga2Vvd24%3D&shdk=Rm91bmQgb24gQmluZyBmcm9tIGtpd2ltYWRlcHJlYWNoaW5nLmNvbQ%3D%3D&shhk=HlEFUzY%2Fdybvsu%2FnkbObfVSa72mGAsJ1GG1dM%2BeKvxQ%3D&shth=OSH.RcIjkf3gOZxGeDP5dsJISg

Where Is This Renewed Interest In Outer Space Coming From?

Inner Peace in Outer Space — RICHARD BRANSON https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=0Zmbb757&id=D5E97D47A76582404F4960F6AE36E574F0E3117B&thid=OIP.0Zmbb757AJNI4Rox3QG4aAHaFA&mediaurl=https%3A%2F%2Flajicarita.files.wordpress.com%2F2014%2F01%2Fvirgin_galactic_founder_sir_richard_branson_right__488e8f1432.jpg&exph=1352&expw=2000&q=branson+virgin+galactic&simid=607991116836375375&ck=3F4B7045B4CAD738133108B391F32B38&selectedindex=18&form=EX0023&adlt=demote&shtp=GetUrl&shid=1dbe8993-c528-4706-bbd5-75b6f643e3e2&shtk=U3BhY2Vwb3J0IEFtZXJpY2EsIG9yIEhvdyB0byBGbHkgQXdheSBGcm9tIHRoRichard Branson ZSAuLi4%3D&shdk=Rm91bmQgb24gQmluZyBmcm9tIGxhamljYXJpdGEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbQ%3D%3D&shhk=F0Z2cN9W8k9az91Gdvy12Hac6lMusYKTOTm6ZOTA%2FdM%3D&shth=OSH.F6bPV%252BMN1fNn93%252BJrwZxuQ

Our fascination is no longer limited to interesting scientific endeavors relying on the radio transmissions of go-kart sized satellites.

Every corporate bigwig is bringing his toy rocket to the Board Room sandbox. Elon Musk‘s Space X has established the commercial viability of its Falcon 9 rocket, the first orbital-class rocket capable or flight. Jeff Bezos has undertaken some lofty goals with his Blue Origin. He believes “that in order to preserve Earth, our home, for our grandchildren’s grandchildren, we must go to space to tap its unlimited resources and energy.

Like the Industrial Revolution gave way to trade, economic abundance, new communities, and high-speed transportation – our road to space opens to the door to the infinite and yet unimaginable future generations might enjoy”. Overnight moon rocks, anyone? Do not forget the O.G. of modern space spin – Sir Richard Branson. He still wants you to book your honeymoon with Virgin Galactic.

Epstein cites increased defense spending, growth in satellites, space tourism, and resource extraction as ways the industry can grow.

To further bolster the financial potentials in Space, Bank of America’s Ronald J. Epstein believes the commercial space market will hit $1.4 trillion by 2030. Epstein cites increased defense spending, growth in satellites, space tourism, and resource extraction as ways the industry can grow.

Estee Lauder just signed an accord with NASA

The Space discourse has also entered pop culture, with many designers relying on technical gear imitating modern space suits and licensing agreements branding their clothing with NASA logos and the like. Recently, Estee Lauder just signed an accord with NASA whereby they send ten bottles of Estee Lauder’s ‘Advanced Night Repair’ serum out of this world for a four-and-and-half hour photoshoot shot by NASA astronauts for a cool $128K. The International Space Station runway never looked so good.

Where pop culture goes, Hollywood always follows. Tom Cruise is planning to shoot a movie, at least partially, in space. This past summer, he convinced Universal Pictures to board the project, with Doug Liman, who he worked with on Edge of Tomorrow, set to occupy the director’s chair. Now, we have confirmation that both Cruise and Liman will be taking their trip to space next fall.

So, why this sudden zest for adventure? Perhaps, history can shed some light. The Renaissance was a rather limited period of time and confined to a small geographic area in central Europe. That time celebrated an extended period of peace as well as great wealth distributed across society. Left to its own devices, the human spirit is curious and resilient.

This curiosity can only blossom if we are not dropping bombs or worrying about an empty refrigerator. It’s just possible things are just not that bad after all…

Tags businessadvisory, businessconsultancy, businessconsulting, businessmanagement, financeprofessionals, globalcommerce, innovation, marketing, profitablebusiness, Shieldadvisorygroup, smallbusinessgrowth, spaceexplorations, spaceindustry

Entertainment NYC

Finding a reputable online casino in the US

Post author By Luigi Rosabianca
Post date October 13, 2020

Given the tense nature of the current global climate –

people have been staying safe and spending more time online than ever before. Looking to occupy their time, players have been keeping busy with online gaming to help during these uncertain times, one of these avenues being gambling. Thankfully, online casino players in the US have an incredible amount of choice of where to play their favourite games to avoid boredom. With hundreds of different operators out there, finding the right brand for you can seem like an impossible task.

It needn’t be though-

All you need to know is what to look out for in a good online casino. This includes great customer service, a strong game library, unique features and top-notch cybersecurity. These areas are not an exhaustive list of what makes an online casino great, but they are probably the three most important.

Another thing that can be helpful when trying to assess how good an online casino app is, is comparing it to one that has been well-reviewed in the past. For example, BetMGM casino, which has established itself as a well favourite of US players over the past year or so. It scored extremely well in a review on Gamble USA and even the briefest look at the operator makes it easy to see why.

Available to players in New Jersey –

BetMGM possesses everything an online casino needs to be successful. First and foremost, accessing the operator’s brilliant game library could not be easier. BetMGM boasts both an iOS and Android app, while the site can also be accessed via their website.

The apps themselves are beautifully designed, featuring an eye-catching colour scheme and easy to navigate menus. Player data is also securely stored via SSL encryption – the industry standard for player safety. While there were some issues when the app first launched in 2019 – including slow loading times – things are now much improved. Spending time on the app is a breeze and you never feel like you’re being taken away from the action.

One of the best things about the app –

is that both the online casino and sportsbook can be accessed from a single platform. This is great as it means that your phone or tablet can save storage space, while it also gives gamers loads more options to shape their playing.

BetMGM’s lucrative bonus offers also make it a real favourite for players in the United States. New players are greeted with two generous welcome bonuses. First, a new customer can receive free money by signing up and creating a BetMGM account. Next, a 100% matched deposit bonus is offered to incoming players and there is also a string of offers for existing players offered throughout the year.

One of the real benefits of these bonus offers is that there are no complications and claiming both is straightforward. The only requirement for the player is to create an account at the BetMGM online casino, and $25 will appear in your account. The playthrough requirement attached to this bonus is 30x on slots or other casino games before you can withdraw the funds as winnings. All bonus offers at online casinos come with wagering requirements and the fact you receive this offer just for signing up is extremely generous.

It is also fantastic that not just new, but existing customers are rewarded as well. By valuing its player base, BetMGM is far more likely to retain its players.

The brand is also able to hang onto its player’s thanks to its mightily impressive game library. Table games fans will not be disappointed with different variants of roulette, craps and blackjack all available. BetMGM also has a considerable video poker section available, with games including Texas Hold’em bonus poker, Jacks or Better and Jester Poker. There’s also a live casino and of course, an extensive sport betting section offering mainstream and niche markets.

BetMGM hosts hundreds of different slots with an endless amount of different pay lines and themes to choose from. Slots are arguably the most popular games at online casinos due to their fast-paced nature and potential for large payouts. There are over 500 slots titles available on the BetMGM platform, which include progressive slots that have huge jackpot prizes. Players can be assured of the quality of the games as BetMGM has worked with some of the best providers in the industry such as NetEnt, IGT, Barcrest, Konami and SG Interactive.

With the online casino industry extremely crowded and competitive, brands need to stand out and try and keep players engaged and attract new ones by including some unique features on their platform. BetMGM achieves this, offering players several features to ensure an enjoyable online gaming experience.

When you visit BetMGM, everything is clearly displayed and labelled, making navigation straightforward. Players can access links to the BetMGM sportsbook and the BetMGM poker section all from the homepage. Help is at hand if needed, with the ‘help and support’ and ‘my account’ features located in the top right of the screen. All of the games can be accessed by clickable links clearly displayed at the bottom of the page. Everything is laid out in a professional and organized manner, which just adds to the overall enjoyment of using the BetMGM platform.

It can be frustrating if you need to contact an operator but struggle to get a response due to poor customer service. There are no such concerns with BetMGM. Players can reach the customer service team via a live chat feature, email or on the telephone. The live chat option is excellent, you are put in contact with a customer service agent instantly and they are both professional and knowledgeable. Your query will be dealt with quickly and you can get back to betting without having to wait around for a response.

Overall BetMGM is an incredible operator.

It’s not surprising that it is a favourite for so many players in the US. It contains some of the most popular online casino games available, providing a huge variety to keep players entertained for hours. The app is easy to use and gives gamers the option of gambling on the move with everything available at their fingertips. There is also the matter of a fantastic welcome bonus which gives players the chance to get their bankroll off to a positive start.

Tags Casino, online