Month: March 2015

The Evelyn

See ‘The Nomad’ when in Nomad!

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For those who happen to be visiting one of Shimmie Horn’s luxurious hotels – like The Evelyn (located in Nomad, Manhattan) or the Tribeca Grand Hotel, it could be a good time to take in a show that is appropriate for the area.

“The Nomad” is currently showing at Manhattan’s Flea Theater (located in the TriBeCa neighborhood on 41 White Street) and has to date received rave reviews.

The musical – with book and lyrics and Erin Courtney and Elizabeth Swados – is not for the slow-paced. The production is quite quick and has a lot going on. It combines both musical theater tradition and Middle Eastern sounds, telling the tale of Isabelle Eberhardt, a romantic and Swiss writer who meets her premature death before reaching the age of 30.

Check it out. It’s definitely something different.

Transportation

Bussing Around the City, Via VIA!

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busWhile it can be somewhat inefficient and time consuming to use the New York bus system, thanks to a new app called Via, there is now another option.  The user friendly app has been described as “a smarter way to get around New York,” and compared to other transportation services is cheaper, charging the traveler a mere $5 a ride.

When Via first got to New York (from Tel Aviv, Israel, where the app was launched) it was only in operation between the Upper East Side and Midtown between the morning and evening rush hours. Now it has extended its timing and its locations, from 6.45 am to 9 pm and between 32nd and 110th Streets. The first five rides cost a flat rate of $5 if the rides are pre-purchased (when they are not, the fee increases to $7).

While to date it has not been as successful as competitor Uber, this could be because it requires multiple passengers. Still, to date, many people need rides in these neighborhoods and thus the SUVs and vans that are offered through the service is doing quite well.

NY News

Is Manhattan Bidding Bye-Bye to Homework?

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homeworkHistorically, homework has been a burden on parents as much as children. But now, if a school in Manhattan has anything to do with it, “homework” will take on a whole new meaning and become something both kids and parents enjoy and may even take benefit from.

PS 116 Elementary in Kips Bay is creating new homework options for its kids that include reading and family time. One parent says she thinks it’s “a great idea.” Others have said that it’s difficult for kids to study for eight hours at school and then come home to do homework for three more. This sentiment was echoed by Principal Jane Hsu who explained that this policy was:

creating opportunities for students and their families to engage in activities that research has proven to benefit academics and social-emotional success.

The only concern is that kids won’t be able to do this. One parent for example explained that her kids are so hooked on video games, getting them to read or engage in family time, just wouldn’t be realistic.

Still, it’s a nice idea.

Transportation

Taxi!

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taxiNew York City’s taxi app Uber is currently on the lookout for 10 employees to join its team. The firm would like to hire: a marketing manager, operations and logistics manager, recruiter and four software engineers.

The firm is trying to “become an integral part of the transportation infrastructure of every city around the world. To help make this vision a reality, we’re rapidly growing our local engineering and operations teams right here in NYC.”

At the present time, Uber has approximately 60 employees in New York City (as well as a new office in Chelsea), rendering it a key player in the yellow taxi market.