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Close Out the Summer With These Nerd Happenings in NYC
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- Parent Category: Travel Info
- Category: Things To Do
- Published on Monday, 22 August 2016 15:08
- Written by Dexter John Scott
Do you like obsessing over different fandoms? Do you like immersing yourself in the little details that make up your favorite movies or games? Maybe boards games are your thing? Are you desperate to enjoy your last shred of freedom while the summer is on its way out? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be a nerd looking for fun places and events in New York City. Lucky for you, so am I.
When being a nerd, one may feel like the only way to enjoy their obsessions or meet their peers is to go to various conventions. The only problem with that is what do you do if there is no convention or if you cant afford a convention? Well, in NYC there is an abundance of affordable nerd events to whet your whistle.
- The Uncommons
Manhattan’s only "Board Game Café", located at 230 Thompson Street, is a quaint and inviting storefront called The Uncommons. The shops walls are lined with a wide variety of board games that any patron can choose from (there's a colossal wall of games stacked from floor to ceiling). One can usually find themselves partaking in a game of Magic or Cards Against Humanity, while enjoying a cup of coffee sold at their counter. The Café also hosts tournaments and casual meetups for anyone interested. - Star Wars and the Power of Costume
At this exhibit, the stories of all the iconic costumes from the Star Wars saga are on display. Located at the Discovery Times Square Museum at 226 West 44th Street, it boasts costumes from all seven films and gives insight on the creative process behind them. There are stories from costume designer Trisha Biggar, who worked on the prequel trilogy, and interviews with actors such as Samuel L Jackson and many more. This is a must see for any true Star Wars fan. This exhibit is open until September 5th, 2016. - Arcade Classics: Video Games from the Collection
Need some classic video game nostalgia, well look no further than the Museum of Moving Image’s Arcade Classics exhibit. The exhibit’s has more than 30 arcade games released between 1971 and 1993. Attendees receive four tokens upon paid museum admittance and can purchase additional tokens throughout the day; four tokens for a dollar. Also, you can learn more about the history of arcade games to further pad your video game knowledge. The MoMI is located at 36-01 35 Avenue in Astoria. This exhibit is open until September 18th, 2016.
- Pixar: The Design of Story
There is one universal truth in this world: Pixar knows story. Well, maybe not universal but pretty close. The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum at 2 East 91st Street is hosting an exhibit that puts Pixar’s story-writing process on full display. Storyboards and early concept art from their films show how the animated films developed from script to screen. The art is also accompanied with anecdotes from many of the writers, directors and illustrators, elaborating even more on their method. If you are a Pixar fan, you got to check this out. This exhibit is open until September 11, 2016.
Spa Industry Awards Top Spas in US
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- Category: Things To Do
- Published on Tuesday, 04 September 2012 09:22
- Written by Elaine Ing
At the gorgeous Gotham Hall in NYC, The International SPA Association (ISPA) hosted its 18th annual ISPA Media Event. ISPA is the leading source for all things related to the spa industry ranging from gathering key statistics (revenue, spa visits, the number of spa locations, total employment in the industry and square footage) to helping those in the spa industry promote their latest innovations. These annual statistics have become essential for many of those in the hospitality business. The shift towards spa services is growing with such huge momentum that it’s one of the key promotional highlights for many resorts.
In its latest 2012 survey (for 2011 year-end), the spa continued its upward trend with an increase in all areas – revenue rose +4.5% YOY, spa visits +4.1% YOY, total employees +0.2% YOY (remarkable considering that the official overall national unemployment rate has yet to abate). Square footage for spas increased +0.8% YOY.
The annual gathering included trained personnel from ISPA member spas and resource partners who provided a sampling of their latest and unique innovations to members of leading beauty, business and travel media.
“ISPA is thrilled to bring together the spa industry and the media to one location to showcase the spas’ cutting edge and innovative treatments,” said ISPA’s President Lynne McNees. “We know that spas are creating great experiences, relieving stress and improving wellbeing and we are excited to help tell that story.”
Miraval Resort and Spa
Miraval is known for its one-of-a-kind spa treatments. It continues this reputation by introducing The “Naga Thai Massage” is probably the most innovative treatment I have yet to in the US. The massage evolves from the healing principals of the Thai massage which involves stretching and deep massage. The Naga Thai Massage starts off like a traditional massage, basic stretches but then becomes so much more. The therapist uses strands of richly colored silk suspended from above, sort of like a pulley system, as both as an extension of their body and wrapping and supporting your body, taking you deeper into stretches and releasing restrictions that impair full movement. For someone like me who chronically suffers from back and shoulder pain, it brought instant relief. (http://www.miravalresorts.com)
Clarins
French-origin and world-renowned Clarins is found at better spas. The exclusive Clarins-inspired treatments at Miraval uses Clarins’ PRO Formula products. The energizing leg “Path to Renewal” treatment uses aromatherapy to balance and restore energy. (www.clarins.com)
Aspira Spa
Is located in Wisconsin and was named #4 USA Spa in 2011 by Spas of America. “The Indigo Journey” is their latest specialty treatment consisting of a body mask of clays and creams, a balancing massage using chromatherapy and ending with their signature Elderberry facial. (http://www.aspiraspa.com)
Massage Envy Spa
The spa is available in a number of cities. The “Sugar Foot Scrub” is a foot massage featuring towel cleansing, a lavender sugar scrub exfoliation and a moisturizing body butter finish. (http://www.massageenvy.com)
Kohler Waters Spa
As I learned the most effective way for moisturizers to penetrate the skin is through regular exfoliation. The “Lavender Parfait Hand Treatment,” a hand exfoliation uses a honey-lavender salt scrub that is soothing, calming and healing – all at the same time. (http://www.americanclubresort.com/spa/spa_index.html)
Mohonk Mountain House
Just named #2 Resort Spa in the US by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine 2012
If the spectacular view of the Lake Mohonk still doesn’t lull you into a tranquil sleep, try Mohonk’s “Solutions for Modern Living: Attainable Sleep!” an aromatic massage followed by a customized Dead Sea salt bath soak. (http://www.mohonk.com)
The Spa at Regent Palms
With a picture postcard tropical setting, it’s hard not to be swept away. Those who prefer to be pampered an try The Spa’s “Oriental Essence Foot Ceremony” treatment, an exfoliating spiced marmalade scrub followed by an energizing massage using smooth pebbles wrapped in fragrant bags soaked in warm oil. (http://www.regenthotels.com/EN/Palms)
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Offered its unique “Australian Spirit of Sound,” a meditation treatment that incorporates basalt stones, massage techniques all while choreographed to indigenous Australian music and sounds of nature. (http://www.gwinganna.com)
Deborah Lippmann
For the woman on the go, the “Mini-Mani” treatment is an express nail service. (http://lippmanncollection.com/)
HydraFacial by Edge Systems Corporation
Is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that delivers instant results. The machine is a resurfacing treatment that provides cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration for your face with a cocktail of antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. Hydrafacial treatment uses a uniquely designed spiral tip to gently exfoliate with water based serums to cleanse, exfoliate and rebuild, leaving skin perfectly cleansed and hydrated, without the need for harsh mechanical exfoliants.
Precor Fitness Equipment
Demonstrated their new innovation, the “AMT® with Open Stride,” (Adaptive Motion Trainer) which helps you burn calories at a higher rate than any other cardio equipment. (http://www.precor.com/vertical)
With the kids now in school, give yourself a treat!
Travel to Spa Week Spectaculars
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- Category: Things To Do
- Published on Monday, 16 April 2012 10:43
- Written by Elaine Ing
There's no better way to slough off the dull skin of winter to reveal shiny, tanned skin and the matching mani/pedi than the bi-annual Spa Week taking place From Apr. 16th - 22nd, 2012, at many spas across America.
Spring is in full bloom. So shed the down coats and snow boots to reveal your gorgeous self with the coming warm weather.
This national program allows consumers from East to West Coast to take advantage of great savings. Why do it yourself when you can be pampered and primped for Spa Week’s special reduced rate of $50 a treatment?
Ava and Frank's Story Attracts Visitors to Festival in Smithfield, NC
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- Parent Category: Travel Info
- Category: Things To Do
- Published on Tuesday, 25 October 2011 13:49
- Written by Filmfestivaltraveler Staff
The Ava Gardner Museum celebrated its seventh annual Ava Gardner Festival this month, Oct. 7-9, 2011. The event spotlighted Frank Sinatra, whom Ava considered the great love of her life.
An estimated 800 visitors from across the United States experienced an exciting weekend of Hollywood history and glamour in Smithfield, NC.
On Friday evening some 200 attended a gala that began with Sinatra music by Wilmington, NC, crooner Phil Bruschi in the historic Howell Theatre. The evening culminated with an exhibit opening and reception in the museum.
The two key centerpieces of the evening were a "Frank and Ava" cake from Carlo’s Bakery in Sinatra’s hometown, Hoboken, NJ, and an original, never-released recording of "You’re My Thrill" which Sinatra reportedly made in 1949 as a gift to Ava.
