The Statue of Liberty’s birthday, Oktoberfest, Open House New York, pumpkins, Halloween and more wait for your attention this October.

The Perelman Performing Arts Center has officially opened to the public, marking the final piece in the puzzle of the World Trade Center site.

Events this month include:

• An intimate “Evening with Brian Stokes Mitchell” (October 5).
• 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition (October 14 and 15)
• Actress and creator of the “Red Table Talk” series Jada Pinkett Smith (October 16).

Photograph: Courtesy of TAO Group Hospitality

Magic Hour at the Moxy Times Square, 485 7th Ave, has pink theme’s right now it’s “Pink Pumpkin Patch.”

Until 10/15: The 61st The New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center.

Until 10/15: Hispanic Heritage Month. Look for parades, events, film festivals, and more.

Until 10/31: OctoberFest the Loreley Beer Garden, 7 Rivington Street (between Bowery and Chrystie) will be serving sausages and pretzels as well as German beer from liter steins and boots. On Sundays at 3 p.m., there’s a delicious free pig roast. There’s also a haunted beer garden starting on 10/18.

Until 11/1: If you want a spooky celebrations to be more festive and less frightening, Halloween House try the The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street.

Photograph: Courtesy of Color Factory

Until, 11/1: The Color Factory has 14 immersive exhibits that engage all the senses in an exploration of the art and science of color. The museum works with local artists, designers and creatives to bring the designs to life. This Soho immersive art museum will present Haunted Hues, a Halloween-themed takeover.

Until 11/4: Blood Manor, haunted house’s 20th season at 359 Broadway. This year three new rooms, and brand-new costumes by designers from Abracadabra, Manhattan’s iconic Halloween store. Immersive experience, professional actors, set designers and makeup artists, with twisted characters and jumpscares at every turn.

Until 1/7/24: Manet/Degas, this exhibition examines one of the most significant artistic dialogues in modern art history: the close and sometimes tumultuous relationship between Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas. Born only two years apart, Manet (1832–1883) and Degas (1834–1917) were friends, rivals, and, at times, antagonists who worked to define modern painting in France. Through more than 150 paintings and works on paper.

10/3: Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown, 60 West 37th Street, will present Mean Girls, Rosemary’s Baby, Paranormal, The Exorcist, The Shining, American Psycho and other cult classics as well as Hocus Pocus and Halloween.

10/3 – 15: Off-Broadway Week a bi-annual event that offers 2-for-1 tickets.

10/4 – 11/11:”Dreams of Dracula: An Immersive Masquerade Experience” recreates the classic Dracula universe as a brand new vampire theatrical adventure. Head to Musica NYC, 637 West 50th Street. Two floors and six rooms across 25,000 square feet for a heady mix of immersive theater, dance and decadent masquerade.

10/4: 2023 Empire State Building Run-Up, where about 150 runners will get to race up the 1,576 stars to the 86th floor of the iconic building.

10/ 5 – 6: NYC pop-up “Love Me (Bar)Tender,” with Elvis-themed cocktails, music from Memphis bands and a photobooth. It’s sold out, but sign up here to get alerts.

10/6 – 8: The New Yorker Festival. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Misty Copeland and more. Live conversations, musical performances, and more, hosted by the magazine’s acclaimed writers and editors. The Festival brings together today’s most influential voices for a one-of-a-kind event in New York City.

10/6 – 8: The New York City Coffee Festival will return this fall for its seventh year with food, cocktails, live music, art, and more, including unlimited tastings. Metropolitan Pavilion.

10/9: Columbus Day Parade. The parade starts at Fifth Avenue on the corner 44th Street. It heads north up to 72nd Street (start: 11:30 AM, end: 3:00 PM).

10/12 – 15: The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival has 80-plus events that include more than 500 chefs from around the world. Tastings, classes, dinners, late-night parties, drag brunches and demonstrations. Across the boroughs. This year, The Cookout, will celebrate hip-hop’s 50th Anniversary.

10/12 – 15: New York Comic Con is back. Expect superhero galore at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Eleventh Ave.

10/17 – 31: Black Lagoon is a Halloween pop-up cocktail bar at Pretty Ricky’s (101 Rivington Street). The experience features a curated cocktail menu of eerie Halloween-themed drinks created by Ramage and Hayes, macabre dens festooned with frightfully fun decor.

10/20- 27: Open House New York Weekend Festival. Access the city’s main buildings for 3 days. All sorts of buildings can be visited, from the very historic to modern apartments or industrial buildings that are scattered all over the five boroughs. There will be tours, lectures, performances and events around the meaning of architecture and urban design. All the information about this cool event can be found here.

Photograph: Courtesy of the Balloon Museum

10/27: The Balloon Museum is officially set to take over Pier 36 at The Seaport in 80,000-square-foot space, and is scheduled to run through January 14, 2024. You can expect a 4,000-square-foot ball pit, inflatable lava lamps and the sorts of infinity rooms that you’ll itch to post about on Instagram.

10/31: The Village Halloween Parade where zombies, ghouls, witches, monsters, giant puppets and more take to the streets for a night of costumed revelry. The parade rolls out at 7pm. Sixth Ave becomes most congested with spectators between Bleeker and 14th Sts, so we suggest setting up camp at either the head (Spring to W Houston Sts) or tail (14th St to 16th St) of the parade.

10/31: The Annual Pumpkin Flotilla at Central Park. As is gets dark around 6:30 pm, carved pumpkins are released into the Harlem Meer and will be float around for 30 minutes. The spectacle draws hundreds of visitors to the northeast corner of Central Park.

Boo! It’s time to get your Halloween on with a sweet and sinfully delicious delight – Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey.

Spooky cocktails with rich flavors and bold tastes will have your festive spirit soaring this year. Try these phenomenal recipes to make the most of an incredible holiday.

Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
• ¾ oz. coffee liqueur
• ½ oz. pumpkin syrup
• 2 oz. espresso
• Dash of pumpkin spice

Directions:

• Combine 1 ¼ oz. Skrewball, ¾ oz. coffee liqueur, ½ oz. pumpkin syrup, 2 oz. espresso & a dash of

pumpkin spice into a shaker with ice.

• Shake vigorously.
• Strain into coupe glass.
• Sprinkle with pumpkin spice & drizzle with chocolate.

Pumpkin Hot Buttered Skrew

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
• ½ oz. pumpkin spice syrup
• 1 sugar cube
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 4 oz. hot water
• Star anise
• Cinnamon sugar

Directions:

• Add sugar, butter and hot water to mug and stir until dissolved.
• Add Skrewball, pumpkin spice syrup, star anise and stir.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Pumpkin Paradise

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
• ¾ oz. Zaya Gran Reserva Rum
• ½ oz. orange juice
• ½ oz. pineapple juice
• ½ oz. pumpkin cream of coconut mix*
• 3 pineapple top leaves
• Pumpkin spice

Directions:

• For the pumpkin cream of coconut, blend all ingredients to taste.
• To make the cocktail, shake all ingredients together in a shaker with ice and pour into cocktail glass.

• Garnish with three pineapple leaves and powdered pumpkin spice.

Pumpkin Cream of Coconut Mix Ingredients:

• 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
• 15 oz. can cream of coconut
• 2 dashes vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• ¾ tsp. nutmeg
• 3 tbsp. sugar

Cover art by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

John Catsimatidis went from rags to riches to become the CEO of the Red Apple Group where he began his meteoric rise to billionaire status as the founder of the Gristedes supermarket chain in New York City.   As a child immigrant from very modest beginnings, he struggled to learn English.  He worked at a Sloan’s Supermarket without a pay check where he had to hustle for tips.  He went on to own one small grocery store and turned it into a sprawling empire. He has gone on to be wildly successful in other industries including real estate, energy, sports and media as the owner of WABC Radio in NYC. His book is How Far Do You Want To Go: Lessons from a Common-Sense Billionaire. If you ever dreamed of hitting the Lotto, dream on…or learn the blueprint from this book on how to get to the top…the very top.

Here are excerpts from the riveting, exclusive interview:

Eli Marcus: Tell us what life like was like growing up in West Harlem, John?

John Catsimatidis: Well, it was a mixed community. I was in West Harlem by City College.  I went to PS 192.  We had Irish.  We had Hispanics. Dominicans.  Blacks.  Italians.  Greeks.  We had almost everybody.  We all played together.  We all had a good time together.  There was no such thing as prejudice and there was no such thing as crime.  It was a great melting pot.

Eli Marcus: What inspired you to write this book and what are the main takeaways you wish for our audience to learn from reading it?

John Catsimatidis: I wanted my kids and grandkids someday to know where they came from.  I want them to have respect for their forefathers.   The other aspect is to help make a difference in young kids.  You know who is buying this book?  A lot of grandfathers.    A lot of grandmothers for their grandkids. A lot of fathers, mothers for their kids.  We are hoping that it will make a difference in these kids’ lives.   That was very important to me.  Someday if I have grandkids that they know where their origins are from.  I remember before my dad passed away that we sat down and wrote everything down. The 1860’s.  About his great grandfather, about his grandfather.  So it makes a difference.   We did a DNA test.  I’m 28% Italian. 60% Macedonian Greek.  6% Jewish.  The definition of my 6% Jewish is either one of my great grandmothers or great grandfathers was Jewish.  That’s what 6% means.

Eli Marcus: John, what do you believe are your secrets or not so secret principles that have enabled you to build not only a successful business empire but a very successful personal life as well?

John Catsimatidis: My parents taught me never to do anything to shame the family name.  My father worked two jobs to never have to go to his brothers to shame himself on asking his two brothers.  He worked Monday thru Friday as a busboy.  The reason he worked as a busboy is that he didn’t speak English properly.

Eli Marcus: What is your idea of common sense that you allude to in the subtitle of your book?

John Catsimatidis: How to do the right thing. It’s not about being a Democrat.  Not about being a Republican.  I was Bill Clinton Democrat.  I ran his campaigns in the New York area for quite a few years.  I started as a Democrat.  I helped run Jerry Nadler’s campaign for Borough President against David Dinkins.  Since my daughter married a Republican, we wanted to have peace around the Thanksgiving table.  When I ran for Mayor, I ran as a Republican liberal.

Eli Marcus: In the book, you say that you were insecure in public School.  It’s hard to believe that John Catsimatidis was insecure. 

John Catsimatidis: Well, with a name like Catsimatidis, there were not many Catsimatidis’s around.  People were always cutting their name short.  There is no such thing as a Pappas.  It used to be a bigger, longer name.  We never cut down our name.

Eli Marcus: What role does collaborating with others play in your life and do you have a prime example that comes to mind of a particularly mutually successful collaboration that stand out to you?

John Catsimatidis: I believe in communications.  I believe in talking.  Whether it’s Democrats or Republicans I believe that everybody, they should all sit down with each other.  We work very closely with other radio stations.  We’re syndicated in over 250 stations around the country. Our stream can be heard in 50 states, 173 countries.

Eli Marcus: Can you tell us what is the sink or swim theory you learned from your cousin in Greece when you visited there?

John Catsimatidis: I didn’t know how to swim. Forget about it.   I’m the kid from Harlem.    We didn’t have any swimming pools or go to the beaches much.  So we were on the dock on the island I was born.  We went there to spend two weeks.  My cousin taught me how to swim.  He threw me off the pier! What is the ole expression?  Sink or swim!

To listen to the entire interview on The Motivation Show podcast, click here:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3NVmTDAvGbzooN8TCW7tuN.

With a surge in interest towards renewable energy, the Australian solar rebate system has gained significant attention. However, like a double-edged sword, it’s not just the popularity that has risen, but also the scams lurking within the solar industry. Being vigilant is inevitably a part of extracting maximum value from this system. Let’s set the stage and dive into this topic further.

Understanding the Australian Solar Rebate System:

The Australian Solar Rebate System, whilst an intricate one, serves as an advantageous tool for homeowners across the country. It essentially reduces the upfront cost of installing solar panels, acting as a financial helping hand. However, not all that glitters is gold. With benefits come potential pitfalls and scams that can sneak up on us if we don’t tread carefully. It is crucial to maximize value from the solar rebate by exploiting legitimate avenues.

Identifying Scams in the Australian Solar Rebate System:

Hence, vigilance and knowledge assume paramount importance when it comes to identifying scams. Most of these scams present themselves in rather enticing ways, only to trap unsuspecting homeowners. Be that as it may, we can avoid falling prey to them by understanding the common characteristics of these scams and learning from past case studies. The golden rule? Use a reputable solar installer.

Filing an Effective Application for Your Solar Rebate:

Applications for the Australian Solar Rebate System, whilst they may seem daunting, are indeed manageable. The gumption lies in avoiding common mistakes during the process and arming ourselves with the knowledge to submit a foolproof application. Fortunately, there is an array of resources and tools at our disposal that can assist us in gearing up for a successful application.

Advocate and Legal Support Against Solar Scams:

In terms of legal assistance and expert advice, they essentially serve as our knight in shining armour when outsmarting scams. Should homeowners find themselves ensnared, legal agencies step in to help. Equally important are advocates who amplify awareness on solar rebate scams. Testimonials of Australians who emerged victorious over these scams further substantiate the power of legal and expert guidance.

Harnessing the Solar Energy Movement without Getting Scammed:

Moving ahead, the future of solar energy in Australia is certainly promising, which makes staying scam-free all the more essential. Participating responsibly in the solar energy movement is a path ripe with opportunities. However, staying informed about the evolving tactics of crooks and reiterating vigilance remains critical.

The Australian Solar Rebate System, while a boon for homeowners looking to make a shift towards renewable energy, comes with its share of challenges, most notably scams. As interest in solar energy continues to soar, it is imperative for individuals to arm themselves with knowledge and remain vigilant in their quest for legitimate benefits. Employing reputable solar installers, understanding the intricacies of the rebate application, and leveraging legal and advocate support can provide a shield against potential pitfalls. In the pursuit of a greener Australia, staying informed and cautious will ensure that the advantages of the solar energy movement are harnessed without falling prey to deceitful tactics

As technology continues to redefine traditional norms, the concept of a virtual marketplace isn’t far from everyone’s lips. Forget your dusty, drive-by garage sales, the wind of change has blown in the direction of online garage sales, a contemporary trend resonating with Aussie homeowners. This new-fangled phenomenon seamlessly marries with another prevailing trend – pre-move purging, a systematic elimination of unwanted items before a move. When these two modern elements join forces, they offer a raft of fiscal, environmental, psychological, and space benefits. So, let’s dive headlong into the fray.

The Online Garage Sale Phenomenon

Strutting onto the stage in recent years, online garage sales have taken the world by storm. But what’s sparking this escalating popularity of swapping the lawn for a laptop? A key driver is convenience. Buyers can browse and bargain from the comfort of their homes, while sellers can pitch their wares to a massive audience, not limited by their local neighbourhood. Traditional garage sales, with their geographical limitations and weather dependencies, can’t hold a candle to this.

Benefits of Pre-Move Purging

Let’s turn our attention to pre-move purging, an exercise that allows homeowners to streamline their belonging before a move. Besides the obvious economic perk of making some quick bucks from selling unwanted items, there are hulking environmental benefits too. By rehoming perfectly functional items that would otherwise have wound up in a landfill, we’re giving our planet a much-needed breather. And as the saying goes, empty spaces, happy faces – the act of purging can regenerate mental and physical spaces in our abodes, turning chaos into calm.

Navigating the Australian Online Marketplace

In the sprawling savannah of the Australian online marketplace, there are numerous platforms vying for attention. Web stalwarts like Gumtree and eBay shoulder up against social media behemoth Facebook Marketplace, each offering a unique selling experience. An Aussie homeowner eyeing success in online garage sales might find some hedge-wisdom in taking stunning product photos, penning engaging descriptions, and practising patience.

How to Successfully Combine Pre-Move Purging with Online Garage Sales

Hooking up pre-move purging and online garage sales can be as easy as pie. Kick-off the exercise by being ruthless in selecting your sale items – if it’s gathering dust, it fits the bill. Create appealing product listings, balance between being descriptive and maintaining intrigue. Pricing requires juggling fair market value against your desire to sell, while the logistics challenge can be tackled using a mix of pick-up and delivery options.

Legal and Safety Aspects of Online Garage Sales in Australia

Bearing in mind the legal connotations and safety aspects of online garage sales is paramount for Australian homeowners. While it is largely a free-and-easy landscape, the Australian Consumer Law has rules for private sales and online auctions that all should be aware of. Ensuring safety during transactions, shirking scams, and keep a tight lid on personal data is just as important.

As we wrap up, the combo of pre-move purging and online garage sales is an unwrapped gift to Australians – a virtual golden goose. It’s a nifty way to pocket some extra cash, carve out de-cluttered spaces, and score a victory for the environment. So, why not give it a whirl? As the sands of time trickle, so too will the growth and evolution of our virtual marketplace. And from the looks of it, online garage sales in Australia have a bright and booming future ahead.