Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

Red Carpet Screening of Edward Norton’s New Film on March 25

New York Red Carpet Screening: Leaves of Grass

Thursday, March 25, 2010

07:30PM

Sunshine Cinema 143 East Houston Street (at Eldridge Street)  New York, NY

After-Party: LEVANT EAST at THOR The Hotel on Rivington 107 Rivington Street (between Ludlow and Essex) 10:00-Midnight Gen Art invites you to the red carpet screening and after-party for “Leaves of Grass” directed by Tim Blake Nelson and starring Edward Norton, Keri Russell, Tim Blake Nelson, Melanie Lynskey, withRichard Dreyfuss and Susan Sarandon. * Ed Norton and Tim Blake Nelson are confirmed to attend.  Others expected.

This special screening is a part of the celebration of the15th Anniversary of the Gen Art Film Festival.  Tim Blake Nelson’s debut feature film “Eye of God” opened the 2nd annual Gen Art Film Festival in 1997 at a capacity filled New York Premiere. Tim has gone on to direct, and act, in many highly acclaimed films.  Gen Art is proud to be able to continue to work with and support great cinematic talent such a Tim.

At the after-party, complimentary beverages will be provided by Stella Artois & Menage a Trois wines. Synopsis: When Ivy League classics professor Bill Kincaid receives news of the murder of his estranged identical twin brother, Brady (both played by two-time Academy Award® nominee Edward Norton), in a pot deal gone bad, he leaves the world of Northeastern academia to travel back to his home state of Oklahoma. Upon arrival, he finds that reports of his brother’s death are greatly exaggerated, and he’s soon caught up in the dangerous and unpredictable world of drug commerce in the backwaters of the Southwest.

In the process, he reconnects with his eccentric mother (Academy Award® winner Susan Sarandon), meets a wise and educated young woman who has bypassed academia in favor of the gentler rhythms of life (Keri Russell), and unwittingly helps his troubled brother settle a score with a pernicious drug lord (Academy Award® winner Richard Dreyfuss) who uses Tulsa, Oklahoma’s small Jewish community for cover.

Leaves of Grass follows a twisting narrative path merging crime drama, drug comedy, classical philosophy and sudden violence in pursuit of answering one of humanity’s oldest questions: What does it truly mean to live a happy and constructive lifeä

Leaves of Grass hits theaters on Friday, April 2nd. For more info on the film.

Club Review: Brooklyn's Newest Swing Club Picks Up Where Club Casbar Left Off

Brooklynites have bitched and moaned – literally – after authorities shut down Club Casbar almost exactly a year ago when the New York Times ran a pictorial and long-winded essay on the on-premise club and local authorities used a vague sex ordinance that prohibits unprotected and anal sex soon thereafter to shut it down.

 

However, to the rescue come Jack and Jill, a well-known local swing couple that has routinely hosted both on- and off-premise parties in Manhattan, under the name of Adult Socials Lounge. The couple held a grand opening of a new on-premise swinger club near the intersections of Broad Street and Atlantic Avenue last weekend – and judging by the loyal outpouring, the club, called Club Amantes, reportedly is a runaway success with dozens of singles and couples frolicking to the new hideout.

 

Friday night was open to single men and couples – and as expected – the place was reportedly packed with single men oglers willing to pay 0 cover charge to attend (the first weekend attendees got free membership to the club for a year – priced individually at ) co-mingling with obliging couples. The ratio of single men to couples was reportedly healthy and not too overbearing for the club and the evening passed off without any incidents – except of the wild kind of course.

 

Saturday night was reportedly slower – or looked slower – sans the crowd of single men but the wide variety of various ethnic couples made the place a saucy and spicy place where variety was the spice of life. As expected, more black couples than usual were in the house, and there were some 'repeat offenders' from the night prior that came for sloppy seconds.

 

More about the place: It is hard to find (which could be a good thing) among the rough and tumble that is so desolate about Brooklyn and the only drawback is that you cannot walk to and from the Subway which is a long haul and not recommended in the area that could look a bit out of a Michael Jackson 'Thriller' album!

 

However, there are plenty of private cabs that are available should one travel on the Subway (Atlantic Avenue) but we suggest carrying phone numbers of some cab companies or private sedans that could be ready to whisk you away to the subway ( one way). For those who drive, there is plenty of parking in the area though one would hesitate to drive up in a Benz.

 

The inside of the club has been extensively redone (it used to host private adult parties before J&J took over the reins) and those who had attended parties there before reportedly expressed satisfaction at the renovations. As soon as you walk through the security entryway, there is a bar to the right and a dance floor beckons you. But you have to walk through the dance floor and the carousing couples perched in love seats to get to the coat check. Once you are done with that chore, the ushers and the club staff are extremely friendly and polite and will show you around the club and do all they can to make you comfortable. Jill is the one who has the requisite social graces to make this place shine not to mention the various stages of dress (or undress) you get to see her as the night progresses! She's also known to partake in some of the action – be it girl-on-girl or a select couple or gent who may fancy her calling. She does put on quite a show is what we were told! And the source was first-hand!

 

There is a bar right at the very entrance and the bartendress is one of the nicest and politest girls in the biz you will ever meet. She looks like a young Sigourney Weaver! Of course, the night is BYOB but the club does sell some hi-energy drinks by the can and offers free juices.

 

There are two sets of tiny bathrooms and one very small shower but that didn't seem to pose much of a hurdle as most of the action was in the playrooms beyond the dance floor and the snacks tables.

 

There are four private rooms cordoned by light see-through curtains and three large public play areas and enough sitting room around the place. There is also a smoking room.

 

The club is comfortable and cozy and can be a great romantic place for couples that want to re-connect  – with each other or other couples they may have met before or just laid their eyes on.

 

Did we just say laid?

 

Have fun.

 

[Check out the club's website at http://www.clubamantes.com.]

 

 

Did Someone Say Burgers?

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The 200-seat dining room features a chandelier made of “RARE” insignia branding irons. Playing off the idea of grilling, the room boasts bright oranges, reds and flame motifs on the side walls and tall thin stainless light fixtures shooting up from the curved banquettes. On the main wall gigantic photographic images loom large, featuring grilling paraphernalia that illuminate when the lights go up.

As New Yorkers continue to prove they’re bonkers for burgers in any size, shape or form, the owners ofRare Bar & Grill decided to expand, and set down roots inside the new Fashion 26 – a Wyndham Hotel, which opened in April 2010. Whether it’s sirloin, strip, Ribeye, Kobe, or chuck, the burgers at Rare are perfectly juicy, mouth-watering examples of this American staple.
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The brand new 280 key Wyndham Hotel provides the perfect base for the new Rare location and brings a great neighborhood restaurant to an area seriously lacking anything of its kind. In addition to the restaurant and the rooftop bar, the owners of Rare will also run the entire Food & beverage program within the hotel, as well as outside catering.

The team’s hotel-only concept plans to open in additional hotel locations as they continue to expand their reign over New York’s burger scene.

The unique customer base consisting of travelers and locals alike is guaranteed to make their restaurants a welcome destination for years to come.
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Rare at Fashion 26
Inside Fashion 26, a Wyndham Hotel
152 West 26th Street NYC | 212-807-7273 (p) 
www.rarebarandgrill.com

 

Touch Foundation Fundraiser

 

On Tuesday, November 9th, over 300 young professionals came together at the hip Meatpacking club Griffin to raise funds for theTouch Foundation. Guests sipped specialty cocktails from Bulldog Gin and Avion Tequila while viewing a fashion preview presented by Fashionjunkii showcasing Ghanaian designer Aya Morrison’s first ready to wear collection, Lady Marmalade. The night raised over $11K dollars for the Touch Foundation, which will be used to help train Tanzanian doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals.

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Photos by Jamal Momon
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The health care situation in sub-Saharan Africa has a devastating impact on the lives of the region’s people.
The Touch Foundation exists to confront this challenge.

Touch Foundation, Inc.
875 Third Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10022 
www.touchfoundation.org

 

 

Chefs Cooking for Hope

Come to a culinary extravaganza to sip award-winning wine and sample delicious food from more than 50 of Boston’s most popular restaurants and some of New England’s favorite wineries at the 13th annual "Chefs Cooking for Hope." Hosted by the Friends of Dana-Farber, this foodie’s delight takes place Thursday, March 3, 2011, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at 125 High Street, Boston. Admission is 0 per person and proceeds benefit adult and pediatric cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. For tickets call (617) 632-3909 or log on to www.dana-farber.org/friends-chefs. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala

The Cristian Rivera Foundation presented Dr. Mark Souweidane with $30,000 at its Second Annual Gala, which took place at NYC event space Quo on Tuesday, October 19.party pic
Dr. Souweidane Accepting Award 

The money raised from ticket sales is funding promising clinical research that Dr. Souweidane feels will revolutionize the treatment of Pontine Glioma. Dr. Souweidane, who also received the Foundation’s Vision of Hope award, has dedicated his career to the goal of curing this inoperable brain stem tumor.

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Dr. Souweidane Accepting Check

This substantial donation was just one of the night’s many highlights. Guests got the chance to bid on unique items in both live and silent auctions, including boxing gloves autographed by legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and a date with “Las Gemelas Lulu y Lala” from The Luis Jimenez Showon X96.3. Celebrity Chefs Alex Garcia and Ricardo Cardona,recipients of the night’s Outstanding Service Awards, fed the night’s guests with food donated from top NYC restaurants.

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Current Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz
 

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DJ Camilo, John Gungie RIvera and Anthony Mason
 

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Dr. Souweidane and Guest on Red Carpet
 

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Jim Jones, Frankie Nunez, Dr. Ben Velasquez, DJ Tedsmooth, DJ Lucho
 

The Cristian Rivera Foundation raises awareness and funds for Pontine Glioma through an annual gala, as well as other fundraising events and the sale of signature blue wristbands and t-shirts. For more information on the Cristian Rivera Foundation, call 212-779-2222 or visitwww.cristianriverafoundation.org and www.cristian-rivera.com.

Ultimate Cocktails, Spirits & Wine Blast

 

On October 15, 2010, the founders of the Ultimate Beverage Challenge, F. Paul Pacult, Sue Woodley and David Talbot,hosted more than 1,600 of their closest friends and fans at their first ever ULTIMATE COCKTAILS, SPIRITS & WINE BLAST at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.

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The Ultimate Beverage Challenge/Ultimate Blast team: 
founders David Talbot, Sue Woodley, F. Paul Pacult 
with Assistant Judging Chairman Sean Ludford of BevX

The hotel’s grand ballroom was completely transformed into the city’s largest nightclub featuring spirits, wines and cocktails prepared by some of the best bartenders in town, find this Event Bartenders with the best expertise in party serving and jamming cocktails.

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The jazz band and the floor of Ultimate Cocktails, Spirits & Wine Blast

Guests entered an elegant, dramatically lit space to the sounds of a live jazz band and were free to roam the more than 55 tables and five cocktail lounges that featured tastings of more than 250 spirits, 95 cocktails and 60 wines.

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The Broker’s Gin table

Guests could choose from artisanal single malts, well-aged cognacs, single estate vintage wines or indulge in a Mai Tai or perfectly chilled Manhattan made by some of the city’s hottest mixologists (Jim Meehan/PDT and Ryan McGrale/Flatiron Lounge, Charlotte Voisey just to name a few)

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Meghan Balser from Pegu Club at the Remy Cointreau Lounge

And if you wanted to sit back with friends and share in some communal toasting, you didn’t have to go further than one offive ultra-swank lounges hosted by Chatham Imports, Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Rémy Cointreau or US-SINO Liquor Group,who presented a portfolio of Chinese spirits many of which have never been tasted in the United States.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR NEXT YEAR’S ULTIMATE BLAST:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011
at the Marriott Marquis, New York City.

See more images here. 
Photos by: Michael Gold/TheCorporateImage 

 

Jeweled Plug – Sex Toy Day

Sex Toy Day

Did you know that more than half of all women have used a sex toyä And over 40% of all men have tooäparty pic 
Free Waterproof Pocket Rocket.

This helps to indulging self love and to reach more often to orgasm with much greater ease. Studies have found that masturbation helps to have a higher self esteem and body confidence than woman who don’t. Using sex toys can relieve headaches, and pain in general. There is an amazing sex shop called Plug Lust where you can find great accessories and options for beginners and more advance in sex toys experience. They also help a lot to relax the body, to flood your body with endorphins and to block pain sensors. They are actually safer than actual sex, you can’t get pregnant or contract an STD from one, however you do need to keep a good maintenance and cleaning of it so you won’t develop an infection.

Sex Toy Day was created to celebrate and support the use of these toys. That’s why My Pleasure is giving away this easy way to lengthen penis and another 1000 vibrators absolutely free. No strings attached. Really!

My PleasureMy Pleasure was rated one of the top five Internet sellers of Sex Toys by the New York Times. www.mypleasure.com/.

 

Wives More Likely To Cheat On Holiday

It’s that time of year again; a time when Britons will be jetting off far and wide to enjoy the roasting temperatures of foreign shores. But even when holidaying with their spouses, new research from married dating site IllicitEncounters.com shows that most cheating spouses are reluctant to give up their unfaithful ways.

 

Over a third of cheating spouses have been unfaithful on holiday

Over a third of cheating spouses have been unfaithful on holiday

 

The study of 800 men and 800 women revealed that 33% of cheating spouses have had an affair while on holiday, and 6% have dared to cheat while on holiday with their spouse. The majority of respondents expressed their wish to have an illicit holiday fling, although they had not done the deed yet.

The findings also indicated that married women are more likely to stray when holidaying with friends than married men; a sure surprise to those husbands who always saw their wives’ girly getaways in an innocent light. 16% of the site’s female membership said they had been unfaithful whilst abroad with friends; only 11% of men admitted the same.

In addition, 63% of cheaters said they would prefer to holiday with their illicit lover, as opposed to their married partner; just 18% felt they wanted to get away with their husband or wife. The study also found that an overwhelming majority of philandering spouses would choose the Maldives over any destination for an illicit liaison (27%).

“Sunshine is a real aphrodisiac.” says Sara Hartley, representative at IllicitEncounters.com. “We have always seen an increase in activity on the site during the summer months, so it strikes me as no surprise that wives and husbands who cheat at home would struggle to stay faithful while abroad.    For men, the sight of all those scantily clad beach bunnies may prove too tempting, and we know, from our female members, that waiters in particular tend to oblige when it comes to innocent, and not-so-innocent, flirting”

In a blow for families, male cheaters appear to be happier to spend more on taking their lover abroad than their wife and kids. IllicitEncounters.com found the average male member spends between £2500 and £3000 on a holiday with his mistress. In comparison, Gad Capital Unsercured Finance found that the average family holiday spend is around £2,076. The majority of female members on IE would choose to go Dutch with their lover. Check out this Multi Month Loans`s piece on cash loans at multimonthloans.co.uk and learn more.

Jenny*, 34, from Shropshire, describes her experience of adultery abroad, “I had only been married for four years, and although things were less exciting at home, I never expected that I would cheat on holiday. A group of single friends and I went to Spain last August, and while we were there, the three of them frequently bought men back to the hotel. However, on the last night, I met an ex-pat Londoner at a local bar, and we got drunk together. I just didn’t wish to deny myself the excitement; it all happened very quickly, but it was so exhilarating to feel that freedom again. I have no intention of telling my spouse; I joined the site straight afterwards and have had several extramarital affairs here at home.”

IllicitEncounters.com was set up in 2003 to provide a platform for married people to find lovers. The site expect their membership to reach half a million later this month.