Latest news with #Gothamites
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sick of online dating, NYC singles are looking for love via PowerPoint presentations
They've got some hot pitches At the buzzy new dating event Pitch and Pair, Gothamites try to sell the audience on their single friends with three-to-five minute PowerPoint presentations. 'I have a lot of shy friends who are single who are really great catches, and they kind of don't flourish in the typical dating apps or speed dating because they're introverted,' said the event's founder, Joe Teblum, a 33-year-old who lives in Chelsea and works in tech marketing. 'I also saw that there was this trend of people wanting to meet in person especially after Covid.' At an event last week at Slate in the Flatiron District, 16 locals gave presentations to a few hundred in the audience. There were bullet points, short videos and tickers. 'He can explain things without making you fall asleep,' Kedar Venkataramani's cousin told the audience of the 30-year-old, 5-foot-8 intellectual property lawyer who lives in NYC. 'He has a sharp mind, a sharp suit, and zero ego.' The cousin also praised Venkataramani as a soccer enthusiast and tasting menu aficionado. 'He will take you to a Broadway show including 'Hamilton' or 'Book of Mormon',' she said. 'He also Citi Bikes everywhere like it's his personal Tour de France.' The crowd was especially excited about the presentation for Chris Puch, a 33-year-old firefighter who lives in Staten Island and is a pseudo-celebrity on Tik Tok for being a hunky public servant. 'He will cook healthy for you even though I've seen him eat $50 worth of Taco Bell in one sitting, so you don't have to worry about him being too healthy,' said his matchmaker friend, laughing. 'If you guys like to travel, he loves it. He's a world traveler, and he's been all over the world, and he's looking for someone to go with besides himself.' Anand Tamirisa, a 33-year-old who lives in Chelsea and works in investment banking, was another one of the singles on offer. He admitted that he had authored much of the presentation himself, even though it was given by a dating guru buddy. 'I'm working in PowerPoint all day so it's easy for me,' he said. 'I made it in two hours. I even have a ticker on the top and stuff.' His deck included information such as 'Moved to NYC in 2018 after being inspired by Jay-Z,' 'Works in investment banking but doesn't wear a vest,' and, 'Has performed stand-up comedy at world-class dive bars.' It proved effective. By the time he walked off stage, Tamirisa had five new 'follow' requests on Instagram. (At the end of each presentation the matchmaker friend tells the crowd how to reach the single, whether it's via Instagram, email or text.) 'If I end up with one of them it would be a really good story,' Tamirisa said. Pitch & Pair takes place twice a month at venues round town, including City Winery in the Meatpacking District and Second City in Brooklyn. It costs $40 to $60 pitch — with two tickets to the event included — and $15 to $25 to sit in the audience. The next event is August 4th at Caveat on the Lower East Side. Events regularly sell out shortly after being announced — in as little as 34 hours. When Teblum first came up with the idea about a year ago, interest was limited. 'Only one person wanted to do a presentation,' he said of the first event, which was held at Kilo Bravo bar in Williamsburg and only attracted a few people beyond his friends. ts some early iterations, people tended to roast their friends in an attempt to be funny. Audiences sometimes erupted into 'boos.' Now, Teblum tells participants to keep it positive. 'The crowd gets so into it,' he said. 'Like the matchmaker shows a picture of someone's dog or hobby and everyone breaks out cheering.' Still, Sophia Demetriou, who was the first single presented at last week's event, said the experience was slightly uncomfortable. Her former roommate extolled her virtues, including the fact that she has never lost a game of backgammon, can 'serve looks' and is a Pizza Hut connoisseur. 'It was terrifying,' said Demetriou, a 26-year-old fashion designer. 'But I do think this is how people are going to date in the future. It just makes sense.' Solve the daily Crossword
New York Post
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Sick of online dating, NYC singles are looking for love via PowerPoint presentations
They've got some hot pitches At the buzzy new dating event Pitch & Pair, Gothamites try to sell the audience on their single friends with three-to-five minute PowerPoint presentations. 'I have a lot of shy friends who are single who are really great catches, and they kind of don't flourish in the typical dating apps or speed dating because they're introverted,' said the event's founder, Joe Teblum, a 33-year-old who lives in Chelsea and works in tech marketing. 'I also saw that there was this trend of people wanting to meet in person especially after Covid.' 8 At Pitch and Pair events, New Yorkers pitch their single friends to potential mates. Emmy Park for NY Post At an event last week at Slate in the Flatiron District, 16 locals gave presentations to a few hundred in the audience. There were bullet points, short videos and tickers. 'He can explain things without making you fall asleep,' Kedar Venkataramani's cousin told the audience of the 30-year-old, 5-foot-8 intellectual property lawyer who lives in NYC. 'He has a sharp mind, a sharp suit, and zero ego.' The cousin also praised Venkataramani as a soccer enthusiast and tasting menu aficionado. 'He will take you to a Broadway show including 'Hamilton' or 'Book of Mormon',' she said. 'He also Citi Bikes everywhere like it's his personal Tour de France.' The crowd was especially excited about the presentation for Chris Puch, a 33-year-old firefighter who lives in Staten Island and is a pseudo-celebrity on Tik Tok for being a hunky public servant. 8 Joe Teblum launched the events last year. They now attract hundreds and quickly sell out. Emmy Park for NY Post 'He will cook healthy for you even though I've seen him eat $50 worth of Taco Bell in one sitting, so you don't have to worry about him being too healthy,' said his matchmaker friend, laughing. 'If you guys like to travel, he loves it. He's a world traveler, and he's been all over the world, and he's looking for someone to go with besides himself.' Anand Tamirisa, a 33-year-old who lives in Chelsea and works in investment banking, was another one of the singles on offer. He admitted that he had authored much of the presentation himself, even though it was given by a dating guru buddy. 'I'm working in PowerPoint all day so it's easy for me,' he said. 'I made it in two hours. I even have a ticker on the top and stuff.' 8 Firefighter Chris Puch (with Caroline Busch) was a crowd favorite. Emmy Park for NY Post 8 Puch's presentation touted his love for travel and Taco Bell. Emmy Park for NY Post His deck included information such as 'Moved to NYC in 2018 after being inspired by Jay-Z,' 'Works in investment banking but doesn't wear a vest,' and, 'Has performed stand-up comedy at world-class dive bars.' It proved effective. By the time he walked off stage, Tamirisa had five new 'follow' requests on Instagram. (At the end of each presentation the matchmaker friend tells the crowd how to reach the single, whether it's via Instagram, email or text.) 'If I end up with one of them it would be a really good story,' Tamirisa said. Pitch & Pair takes place twice a month at venues round town, including City Winery in the Meatpacking District and Second City in Brooklyn. It costs $40 to $60 pitch — with two tickets to the event included — and $15 to $25 to sit in the audience. The next event is August 4th at Caveat on the Lower East Side. 8 Anand Tamirisa (left, with Jaspreet Mini Hanjra) authored much of his presentation himself, he said. Emmy Park for NY Post Events regularly sell out shortly after being announced — in as little as 34 hours. When Teblum first came up with the idea about a year ago, interest was limited. 'Only one person wanted to do a presentation,' he said of the first event, which was held at Kilo Bravo bar in Williamsburg and only attracted a few people beyond his friends. 8 The night's PowerPoint presentations displayed the fluency many young professionals have with the medium. Emmy Park for NY Post 8 Pitch and Pair is held twice a month, at various locations. Emmy Park for NY Post ts some early iterations, people tended to roast their friends in an attempt to be funny. Audiences sometimes erupted into 'boos.' Now, Teblum tells participants to keep it positive. 'The crowd gets so into it,' he said. 'Like the matchmaker shows a picture of someone's dog or hobby and everyone breaks out cheering.' 8 Sophia Demetriou said being pitched was a bit akward. Emmy Park for NY Post Still, Sophia Demetriou, who was the first single presented at last week's event, said the experience was slightly uncomfortable. Her former roommate extolled her virtues, including the fact that she has never lost a game of backgammon, can 'serve looks' and is a Pizza Hut connoisseur. 'It was terrifying,' said Demetriou, a 26-year-old fashion designer. 'But I do think this is how people are going to date in the future. It just makes sense.'
New York Post
16-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Andrew Cuomo's new plan to punish New Yorkers: He's staying in the race
It's official: Andrew Cuomo has decided to force New Yorkers to endure his whining and pleading and begging for votes for the remainder of the mayoral campaign. Ouch. On Monday, the disgraced ex-gov announced he'll continue his quest for City Hall by running as an independent. Apparently, it isn't enough that he was forced to step down as governor just a few years back by members of his own party. Or that the was then he was soundly defeated in the mayoral primary — again, by members of his party. You'd think maybe he'd get the message: Voters are just not that into you, Andrew. Instead, Cuomo is insisting on making Gothamites put up with his preening and dissembling and waffling for the next four months, even as that forces them to recall all the pain he caused them as governor: Skyrocketing crime rates, thanks to his disastrous criminal-justice reforms. Soaring utility bills, thanks to an insane climate law he OK'd. Congestion pricing, which socks folks who drive into mid-Manhattan, like those from the outer boroughs. The COVID lockdowns and crazy rules (Cuomo chips, anyone?) and prolonged school closures that worsened learning loss among kids. And, of course, his fatal order forcing nursing homes to take in COVID-positive patients that almost certainly led to hundreds of preventable deaths. No wonder New York's share of the US population plunged during his years as governor, costing the state a congressional seat. Now, Cuomo's insistence on staying in the race, along with Mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa, seems sure to deliver the election to socialist antisemite Zohran Mamdani. Thanks, again, Andrew. Meanwhile, recent polls have found fully 70% of voters cite candidates other than Cuomo as their top choice. Nor is he likely to recapture lefties by parroting the guy who beat him, Zohran Mamdani: In a new New York magazine column, Cuomo described himself as 'anti-billionaire.' (An aide denied that, arguing the ex-gov's words were taken out of context.) Back in 1989, after Mayor Ed Koch lost his bid for reelection, he was asked if he'd ever run for office again. 'No,' he replied. 'The people have spoken … and they must be punished.' Cuomo, by contrast, aims to punish the city by continuing to run. New Yorkers should pray that at some point, he takes the hint. Do us all a favor, Andrew: Just Cuo away.
New York Post
01-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
I fled NYC for Florida — Sorry, Mamdani-fearing Democrats, we're full!
Since Zohran Mamdani won last week's Democratic primary and put himself in pole position to become New York City's next mayor, a fresh cohort of Gothamites seems to be eyeing the exit ramp toward the Sunshine State. This Floridian says: Sorry, we're full. For more than five years now, Florida has been the top destination for fleeing northerners, émigrés seeking something more than milder weather and lower taxes. Advertisement These new Floridians arrived to join a freedom movement led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, escaping the insane blue-state policies that the COVID-19 pandemic brought to a head. The newcomers — myself included — made the state redder than it had ever been before. In the 2024 election, President Donald Trump romped in the formerly deep-blue Miami Dade County and turned Palm Beach County purple, losing it by just a single percentage point. Advertisement Pundits pointed to the increasingly Republican Hispanic vote, and that was a factor. But the energized newbies made the shift a GOP tsunami. To this day many Floridians habitually send real-estate listings to their ideologically aligned friends up north — those who longed to join the 'Great Migration' but whose work or family obligations made them stay put. When those friends complained about their deteriorating schools, the congestion tax or rising crime, we'd send back an alligator gif, a Florida flag emoji or a video of tough-talking DeSantis describing the fate of protesters who dare to block Florida traffic. Come join us, we'd say. Advertisement Now a different group is looking in our direction — and we're not feeling so encouraging. These people didn't think the COVID restrictions that kept NYC children in masks outdoors through 2022 were too much. They were fine with cashless bail and New York's sanctuary city status. Advertisement Boys in girls' sports? Who cares! They vote blue, no matter who. But even these Democrats find Mamdani to be a bridge too far. They were OK with the city's leftward drift and the accompanying chaos — yet they know Mamdani's agenda of government-owned grocery stores, higher taxes on 'whiter' neighborhoods, destroying screened schools, disdain for Jews and more will degrade the city to a place they can't abide. But Florida is not the place for them. This new Florida-curious group, we fear, still thinks Democrats' policies work, and that it's just a funny coincidence that in so many major blue cities those policies have led to disarray. Real liberalism has never been tried, you see. Floridians, old and new, understand this is not so. Get opinions and commentary from our columnists Subscribe to our daily Post Opinion newsletter! Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters Advertisement 'I'm seriously concerned' about Mamdani flight, a man who moved here from Connecticut told me. 'His socialist policies — like rent freezes and free everything — are exactly the kind of insanity I left behind.' 'If they move here, they better keep their blue votes at home,' his wife added, 'and learn to appreciate the true reasons why Florida is so amazing.' A lifelong Floridian living on its west coast told me he worries about blue-state newcomers who arrive 'not simply to build a better life, but often bringing with them political agendas that risk altering the character of our communities.' 'Bring your money, leave your liberal views,' as a long-time Floridian in Boca Raton put it. Advertisement Florida has been at the top of the net migration list for years, a point of statewide pride. This spring the Citizens Budget Commission reported that at least 125,000 New Yorkers fled for Florida since 2018 — taking nearly $14 billion of income with them. But money isn't everything. Or, as Florida state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia warned 'all of my Republican friends' on X, 'Georgia 'welcomed' people with tax credits for the liberal film industry. Now they're a swing state' — one that was once solidly red. Advertisement 'It's not about an influx of money. It's about an influx of ideology,' Ingoglia added. 'IF you come, please leave your leftist ideas behind.' One Floridian man suggests handing out 'Don't New York My Florida' t-shirts at the Fort Lauderdale airport — but I say that's too late. Let's distribute them at JFK or LaGuardia and require our wannabe neighbors to wear them on the trip. Floridians have built something great here, and we want to keep it that way. Advertisement 'Kind of left' is too far left for us, and a 'moderate Democrat' is, too. Understand that Mayor Eric Adams might be New York City's voice of civic moderation — but his stances would never fly here. So stay and fight, all you New York Democrats dismayed at your party's leftward swerve. Take your city back! Don't come to Florida and try to 'moderate' us. Do it at home. Karol Markowicz is the host of the 'Karol Markowicz Show' and 'Normally' podcasts.
New York Post
27-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Why buying NYC bonds could pay off — even if Zohran Mamdani becomes mayor
A crazed socialist who knows little about private sector employment because he never held a real job could be running New York City – which seems like the biggest sell signal imaginable if you're one of those Gothamites who own 'tax-free' municipal bonds issued by the Big Apple. But there's a good case to be made for playing an investment long game even if Zohran Mamdani becomes mayor. Full disclosure: I hold NYC bonds, so I've done more than a little work on this issue. Muni's — as they are known in the market – don't get the respect they deserve from investment advisers because of the business media's obsession with the stock market and the next hot tech company. 3 There's a good case to be made for playing an investment long game even if Zohran Mamdani becomes mayor. Jack Forbes / NY Post Design But they deserve your consideration: If you have a few bucks, they offer immense tax advantages. They are triple-tax free — free of city, state and federal taxes — when you buy a bond issued by the city or town where you live. Given the high-taxes in New York City, and New York State, you can see why they're a good deal. If you hold to the time they mature, you don't have to worry about any adverse market moves. You just sit back and clip coupons. NYC muni returns seem a lot lower than stocks, but remember they're not taxed. Here's where things can get dicey if you're a muni holder. It's rare but municipalities have been known to file for bankruptcy and screw bond holders. Puerto Rico did that not too long ago, same with Detroit and Orange County, Calif., back in the 1990s. NYC came close in the 1970s during the infamous financial crisis, but it avoided a full-on default. The city's budget under Eric Adams is pretty solid today for all Gotham's problems. But remember defaults do occur when fiscal leaders spend more than they have. Mamdani, if you take him at his word, wants to spend money like crazy and tax rich people and businesses so much that they will have little choice but to keep moving to Florida. It should be a recipe for default, and at least lower muni-bond prices following downgrades in ratings by bond-monitors like Fitch, S&P and Moody's. 3 Mamdani, if you take him at his word, wants to spend money like crazy and tax rich people and businesses so much that they will have little choice but to keep moving to Florida. / MEGA Bond holders, if he has his way, will be last to get paid and that's if there's any money left from his idiotic spending plans. Fortunately for NYC muni buyers, it's really not Mamdani's call. There are two main types of NYC bonds – general obligations and something known as the Transitional Finance Authority (or TFA) debt, which was set up when the city hit its state-mandated limit to issue more debt so it could build infrastructure and keep the lights on. Both have what's known as 'liens' or first dibs on tax revenues. 3 The city's budget under Eric Adams is pretty solid today for all Gotham's problems. But remember defaults do occur when fiscal leaders spend more than they have. AP The GOs lien, created after the fiscal crisis to give people enough confidence to buy debt, is on property taxes. TFA gets first crack on personal income taxes and sales taxes before Mamdani might get his hands on the money. This is all mandated by state law, not the city's so it would take an act of the state Legislature to change the order of these payments, which is possible, though unlikely. The city and state need access to the market and messing with this would certainly prevent that. Here's where things could get interesting. If Mamdani becomes mayor, prices of NYC munis will fall because of his spending and because people and businesses will likely flee and those bond ratings will tank. Prices will dip since traders will bet there's less money to go around. But remember it pays to hold muni bonds to maturity and collect those coupons while you wait until you get your principal back at maturity. And in NYC, NYC muni holders get paid first. Given the high tax nature of the place, these bonds are often in demand, meaning you can make the case that Mamdani is a buying opportunity. One potentially big caveat: There are a lot of Mamdanis in Albany, so it's possible that Albany could undo all those bondholder protections down the road. Either way if you already own NYC debt, now is not time to panic – even if a rank amateur takes up residence in Gracie Mansion.
