Shopping
Hookahs and How to Make Them Taste Better

Congratulations! You’ve got a hookah, and I’m sure you’re asking yourself, “What the heck am I going to do with this?” Well, rest easy, because here are some tips and tricks that are sure to keep all of your friends impressed with your new-found hookah-serving ability.
For the twenty-one and up the crowd, you can experiment with different types of liquors in the base, in varying strengths. For instance, rum with coconut shisha (hookah tobacco) is always a crowd-pleaser for the tropically minded. Peach Schnapps with banana shisha makes the best fruit smoothie ever. (Always exercise caution when smoking premium hookah coals with alcohol as you should limit the time you inhale alcohol. Before trying this, you may want to consult with your physician.)
But it doesn’t just end at liquor! Ever tried orange juice? Apple juice? Mixed fruit juice? They all add a myriad of flavors to the tobacco. V8 Splash is also an all-around crowd-pleaser. Pour it into the base. Notice how much thicker it is than water? Good! Thicker fluids make thicker, more flavorful smoke.
Try dropping some ice in the base, or even refrigerating the hose (yes, you read that right). The cooler the temperature, the cooler the smoke, and the easier it goes down.
You can even use a hollowed-out apple in place of the bowl. Hollow out an apple, leaving a taper towards the bottom. Place it on top of the stem and sprinkle the tobacco in. The tobacco should be layered in a circle around the inner wall of the apple. To do this, you will need quality tobacco like Havana Moassel or Al-Fakher. Cover with foil, and place the coal on top as usual, and that’s it! Mixing it with the other servings suggestions is a surefire way to flavor up your night! After carefully preparing a clean hookah with cold water, selecting a flavorful tobacco for the bowl, lighting, and adding the charcoal, the aromatic hookah smoke is drawn bubbling through the water. Cooled and softened after being filtered by the water, light, pleasant smoke infuses the senses, lingering on the air, encouraging slow meditative breathing and sweetening conversation, games of dominoes, or quiet contemplation and study.
Some techniques used to enhance the experience of hookah smoking are adding ice to the water and chilling the hoses beforehand. The lush fruit flavors of hookah smoke can be heightened by the addition of fruit juice or wine to the water in the base, and both customers and proprietors of hookah smoking lounges regularly combine tobacco flavors to come up with their own special blends.
Some tips and warnings given by veteran smokers include the following: always use the proper charcoal, specifically made for hookah smoking-regular charcoal briquettes cause carbon monoxide poisoning, and charcoal that isn’t low-smoke will overwhelm the hookah smoke; only a very small amount of hookah tobacco is needed in the bowl since a little goes a long way; if the smoke or flavor are lacking, it’s probably because the coals aren’t hot enough-when smoking for more than half an hour or so, fresh coals will be needed.
Events
NY NOW® SUMMER 2023

Events
Hip Hop Comes To Times Square

The historic 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop was on August 11. The official festivities kicked off with the Battle Champs competition sponsored by Snipes in Times Square August 13-15th.
They crowned the Kings and Queens of the MCs, DJs, graffiti artists, breakers and beatboxers as judged by some of the legends in each of these core elements of hip-hop.
These events are celebrating the anniversary and supporting the For the Culture Fund to give back to communities that supported hip-hop for five decades.
Food and Drink
The Street Fairs of New York

Street fairs in Manhattan offer international tasty treats, shopping from unique vendors and a chance to explore the city. Here are the dates of street fairs for the rest of the year.
Saturday, August 12
The Great Sixth Avenue Festival
- Where: Along 6th Ave, between 42nd to 56th Streets
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, August 13
60th Street Festival
- Where: On E 60th St, between 5th & Madison Ave.
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Financial District Summer Fair
- Where: Along Broadway in FiDi, between Zuccotti Park & Rector St.
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, August 19
Bleecker St Pompeii Festival
- Where: Along Bleecker St, between 6th & 7th Avenues
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Eighth Avenue Festival
- Where: Along 8th Ave, between 42nd & 57th Streets
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, August 20
Broadway Mall Festival
- Where: Along the Broadway Malls section of Broadway, between 86th & 93rd Streets
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
A.D.A.’s Sixth Avenue Fair
- Where: Along 6th Ave, between Bryant Park & Herald Square
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, August 26
Broadway Downtown Street Fair
- Where: Along Broadway, between Union Square & Waverly Place
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Times Square Summer Expo
- Where: Along 4th Ave, between 9th & 14th Streets
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, August 27
Lower Sixth Ave Community Expo
- Where: On 6th Ave, between 14th & 23rd Streets
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
8th Annual Washington Square Park Folk Fest
- Where:Washington Square Park
- Hours: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 14 – Sunday, September 24
Feast of San Gennaro
- Where: On and around Mulberry St., between Canal & Houston Streets
- Hours: Hours vary
Friday, September 22
Latin Night Market
- Where: Dyckman St between Payson Ave. & Staff St.
- Hours: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m
Uptown Night Market
- Where: Harlem Arches – 12th Ave. & 133rd St.
- Dates: August 10, September 14, October 12
- Hours: 4p.m. to 10p.m.
Vegan Night Market
- Where: Wollman Rink, Central Park
- Dates: Every Tuesday night – until October 10
- Hours: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Smorgasburg WTC
- Where: The Oculus – Fulton & Church St.
- Dates: Every Friday
- Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 pm
Shopping
Why You Should Buy a Salvage Miata

The Mazda Miata is hard to beat for car lovers seeking an affordable and fun roadster. Used Miatas are inexpensive to buy when in clean-title condition but become downright cheap as salvage cars. With the right research, inspection, and rebuilding efforts, a restored Miata can provide the authentic rear-wheel drive drop-top experience on a budget. Here’s why buying a salvage Miata for sale at a car auction can be a great option, especially for those new to salvage vehicles.
What is a Salvage Car?
A salvage car is a vehicle that has been damaged, usually from a severe accident or other mishap (such as a flood, hail storm, or vandalism incident). As a result, it has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. The insurer then usually puts these damaged vehicles up for sale at an auction or through a salvage yard. These cars typically have a title branded with a “salvage” or similar designation.
Many salvage cars have the potential to become roadworthy again but require repairs that address aesthetic issues, structural damage, or other problems. The result of this extra work means getting a car for a substantially lower cost. It’s an approach well-suited to the Mazda Miata.
Mazda Miatas Are Inexpensive to Repair
One key to the Mazda Miata’s success is prioritizing lightweight affordability rather than complex technology (often adding weight). Basic body components like fenders, doors, and bumpers are widely at junkyards for reasonable costs. It’s a wallet-friendly essential that can make a salvage Miata an excellent restoration project.
Miatas Have a Simple RWD Layout
Beneath the Miata’s sporty exterior is a straightforward rear-wheel-drive layout with an engine up front. This old-school configuration makes identifying trouble areas and needed repairs easier. Working on the Miata is a breeze compared to cars with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Miatas Offer Fun and Nimble Driving
This sports car delivers incredible handling and tossable driving characteristics thanks to the Miata’s keen balance and near-perfect weight distribution. It’s a superbly fun vehicle to drive, even at legal speeds. A properly restored Miata will retain all those elements, providing an engaging experience for drivers of all skill levels.
Strong Miata Resale Value
While resale values always take a hit on salvage vehicles, it’s less of an issue with the Miata because these cars are sought after in any condition. Even with a rebuilt title, a restored Miata commands a good price in private transactions thanks to highly engaged enthusiasts and owners’ clubs.
A Thorough Inspection Pays Off
A successful Mazda Miata restoration project begins with a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle under consideration. Look for signs of structural frame damage under the bodywork, which requires specialized equipment and expertise to repair the Miata’s unibody chassis properly. Test all mechanical systems like the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and electrical components for any issues caused by impact forces.
Knowing the complete damage upfront allows you to assess reasonable repair costs and risks before committing to a salvage Miata. Rushing into repairs without understanding what needs fixing can lead to shoddy work, safety issues, and wasted money.
Dig Deep for Damage History
You’ll want to research a salvage Miata’s history before buying. Run the vehicle identification number (VIN) through a service like EpicVIN, CARFAX, or AutoCheck to retrieve a vehicle history report that may include how the Miata was damaged. In particular, you’re looking for details about airbag deployment, water exposure, and accident information. A large number of owners prior to the accident may hint that car had reliability problems, meaning you may want to look at other salvage Miata options.
Although rare, you might even be able to locate insurance claim documentation and police reports that provide further insight into the accident and the resulting damage.
The more historical information you gather, the better your understanding of what caused the salvage title and how extensive repairs need to be. Do your due diligence to make an informed decision.
Consider Professional Help
Hiring an experienced mechanic to carefully inspect a salvage Miata before purchase is the best way to estimate repair costs. A professional inspection involves examining the undercarriage for structural damage not visible otherwise. A mechanic can also diagnose any mechanical problems with the engine, transmission, or other components caused by the accident. They have the trained eye to identify potential safety issues like airbag system issues.
Spending a few hundred dollars (or less) for a pre-purchase inspection can prevent major headaches during the repair process or later. The insights gleaned from a mechanic’s expert eye make it worth the small investment. Ideally, you can find someone familiar with working around salvage cars.
Set a Budget and Have a Reserve on Standby
Before committing to buy a salvage Mazda Miata, it is critical to set a realistic repair budget based on an expert inspection of the existing damage. Collision repairs, especially structural work, can become very expensive quickly. Get written estimates from reputable body shops outlining the full scope and costs of labor and parts needed to fix the Miata properly.
It’s also essential to set aside extra funds for hidden damage that may get discovered during the rebuilding process. There is little value in buying a salvage Miata if you cannot afford to fix it safely. And skimping on repairs could prevent a salvage car from passing inspection, which is necessary for the vehicle to become street-legal. At best, you’ll have money left over once repairs are completed.
Determining a budget before purchasing will also confirm if the project is worth pursuing. Add the repair estimates and projected price of the salvage Miata to see how the combined figure compares to an undamaged example.
Can I Insure a Salvage Car?
Insuring a salvage car can be a challenging and unique process compared to insuring a regular vehicle. Due to its title and damage, it is impossible to insure it right after the purchase – there are some measures to be taken.
Cars that hold a salvage title cannot be registered or insured. To register and insure a salvage car, you must first repair it fully, pass state inspections to obtain a rebuilt title, and provide the necessary documentation to prove its roadworthiness. Obtaining a rebuilt title typically involves meticulous inspections by certified mechanics or government authorities to ensure that all necessary repairs have been completed and that the vehicle meets safety and emissions standards.
Once you have successfully obtained a rebuilt title, you can then explore insurance options for your salvage car. As already mentioned, insuring a salvage vehicle can be more challenging and may come with higher premiums due to the perceived risks associated with its prior damage history. However, specialized insurance companies cater to salvage cars and may offer comprehensive coverage options, including liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance.
Before settling on an insurance policy, it is advisable to review and compare different insurance quotes from reputable providers carefully. Consider factors such as coverage limits, deductibles, and any additional requirements set forth by the insurance company. Additionally, bear in mind that even with insurance, the market value of a salvage car might be considerably lower than that of an equivalent model with a clean history. Nevertheless, for those willing to put in the effort and investment, insuring a salvage car can still be a viable option for owning and enjoying a unique automobile.
Final Thoughts on a Salvage Mazda Miata
While no salvage vehicle project is risk-free, the potential for huge savings off retail prices and the Miata’s sheer fun factor make for a compelling option.
Bargain hunters and car enthusiasts who don’t mind the extra effort can get behind the wheel of a fun-to-drive Miata for less. It’s a smart way of enjoying an authentic roadster experience that doesn’t have to drain the wallet.
Fashion
Clear Heels for Women: Practical and Fashionable Footwear

For many women, finding the perfect pair of shoes to complete an outfit is a daunting task. It can be difficult to find a style that is both practical and fashionable. Clear heels for women provide the best of both worlds; they are stylish and comfortable. Additionally, these clear heels can be paired with any outfit or occasion – whether you are heading out for a brunch date or need a meeting to attend.
The clear heel trend has been around for some time now, but it has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity due to its versatility and comfort.
So in case you don’t have a clear heel yet now, it’s time to invest in a good quality shoe now.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of clear heels for women and how they can help you look your best while feeling great.
The Benefits of Clear Heels
Comfortable clear heels women are one of the most versatile types of footwear available today. They come in various styles – from low-heeled sandals to high-heeled pumps. This makes them suitable for any occasion or season. Furthermore, their transparent design allows them to easily match any outfit without overwhelming it with too much color or texture. Additionally, clear heels tend to be more comfortable than other heel styles since their lightweight construction helps reduce strain on the feet when walking or standing for long periods of time.
Clear Heels For Any Occasion
Clear heels are ideal for any formal event, such as weddings, galas, proms, business meetings, or even just a night out on the town! Their classic style makes them appropriate enough to wear with a variety of different outfits – from suits and dresses to jeans and skirts. This makes clear heels incredibly practical when it comes to creating multiple looks with just one pair of shoes. Plus, because they’re so versatile in terms of style options (from pointed-toe pumps to strappy sandals), you can mix up your day-to-day look without having to buy multiple pairs!
How To Choose The Right Pair Of Clear Heels
When shopping for clear heels, there are several things you should consider before making your purchase: size (length & width), heel height/type (stiletto vs. chunky block heel), material (natural leather vs. synthetic materials), color (opaque vs. transparent) arch support/cushioning, etc. Once you have identified what features work best for your foot type/style preference, then you can start looking at specific brands/designs that meet these criteria – taking into account factors such as price range & customer reviews along the way.
Caring For Your Clear Heels
Like all shoes, proper care is necessary in order to keep your clear heels looking their best – especially if they’re made from natural materials like leather which require special attention in order not to crack or become discolored over time. Here are some tips on how you can extend the lifespan & maintain a quality appearance. Store them away from direct sunlight & heat sources, avoid getting them wet by removing dirt & debris regularly, use protective sprays specifically designed for leather products, polish regularly using soft cloths and never put pressure on areas where glue may have been used during the production process etc. Following all these can help you retain the look of your clear heels for years to come.
Clear heels offer women an amazing combination of fashionability and comfort that make them the perfect choice, whatever occasion arises. With so many different styles available, there’s something out there that is sure to satisfy every taste while still offering great value-for-money thanks to their durability and longevity. Plus, let’s not forget about ease of maintenance which makes life a lot easier too. Just grab a wet towel and clean your clear heels with it. Your clear heels look new again.
So if you’re looking to add some extra oomph to your next outfit, then why not go ahead and invest yourself in a pair of these amazing pieces of footwear? You won’t regret it.
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