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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This Is the No. 1 Tourist Destination Letdown in the U.S.—but Here's How to Visit It Properly
The day after I graduated from college, my sister and I flew to New York City, meticulously plotting out our visit hour-by-hour in a spiral notebook. But the moment we got to the city, we ditched the plan and beelined for Times Square. Hours later, she was live on MTV's TRL (yes, this was 1999!) announcing the No. 1 song—and we instantly believed this was the place where dreams come true. A few years later, my office was smack dab in the middle of Times Square. While my co-workers complained about the constant hoards of tourists, I secretly loved stepping right into the excitement, always remembering that every individual in the crowd is experiencing that magical first moment of looking up and feeling the power of the bright lights and big city, or as I always call it, that first Felicity moment from The WB hit drama. Now that I've lived here 22 years, I know and understand the reputation of that the district around the intersection where Broadway and Seventh Avenue has. For global travelers, Times Square a must-see, standing among the skyscrapers and screens among the street performers and costumed characters luring travelers (and SNL comedians, as Colin Jost told Travel + Leisure). And for locals, it's the one place to totally avoid. So when I learned analysts at CasiMonka named Times Square the "biggest tourist destination letdown" in the world—with reviews calling it "expensive" and "touristy"—I instantly got defensive. As perhaps the most famous New Year's Eve destination in the world for its ball drop, a tradition since 1907, of course anyone who visits the city year-round craves a piece of that thrill, inherently turning it into a 'touristy' place. Plus compared to where many travelers are coming from, the cost of living is higher. But like anywhere else, there are budget-friendly options that still give you the ultimate Big Apple experience, if you know where to look. In fact, one of my most frequented spots is the Hershey's Store because I'm always handed free chocolate as soon as I enter! I was so obsessed with this that when I worked near Rockefeller Center for four years at a company that provided car service home, I'd turn it down just to unwind and walk through Times Square savoring that sweet treat in hand. While dining anywhere in New York City can cost a pretty penny, some of my favorite affordable options are also in Times Square, and their diversity showcases the global influence of the city's cuisine. At the top of the list for a full-service meal is an outpost of Japanese ramen shop Ichiran with individual wooden booths for each diner. Its classic Tonkotsu ramen is $22 flat, as a no-tipping establishment. The Italian sandwich shop All'Antico Vinaio serves up Florence-style quick bites, and whenever I have family in town, we always go to Tony's DiNapoli for family-style Italian homecooking. There's also been a recent surge of authentic Asian eats, giving the city's Chinatown and Koreatown serious competition. An outpost of one of the world's most inexpensive Michelin-starred restaurants Tim Ho Wan serves dim sum, while the Taiwanese soup dumpling favorite Din Tai Fung opened its largest restaurant yet in Times Square last year. So many of my favorites in the city are within the district, like Four Four South Village for Taiwanese beef noodles, Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns and Kung Fu Kitchen for no-frills dumplings and noodles, The Handpulled Noodle for customizable noodle entrees, and Dim Sum Sam for wonton noodle soup. There is also the famous Restaurant Row on 46th Street with longtime mainstay Becco for Italian, while Don't Tell Mama is always fun for a dose of entertainment with your meal and Joe Allen is popular for the the theater community for its wall of Broadway flops, as Kristin Chenoweth told T+L. Of course, Times Square overlaps with the Theater District, with 41 Broadway theaters featuring the world's best musicals and plays, many with star-studded casts. Right now you can catch George Clooney in Good Night, and Good Luck and both Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal in Othello. There's never been a better time to take in a show as this current season is Broadway's highest-grossing in history. While tickets prices can be high, over two decades, I've seen hundreds of shows, never paying more than $100 (often less than $50!), with the exception of four, which were still under $200. Most theaters offer lotteries or rush tickets, and platforms like TodayTix and Theatr also offer deals, and Broadway Inbound for groups. There's also the famous TKTS booth under the Duffy Square's red steps for discounted same-day seats. With so many shows to choose from, it can be hard to navigate, but Wicked, Gypsy, Hamilton, and The Great Gatsby are great for first-timers, whereas my personal recommendations for the season are Maybe Happy Ending, a robotic-look at human nature fresh off its best musical Tonys win, and Just In Time with the beguiling Jonathan Groff in an enthralling homage to Bobby Darrin. Theater lovers should also make time to visit the Museum of Broadway, also in the neighborhood, and can even put on your dancing shoes for one of 50 daily drop-in classes at Broadway Dance Center—I've never felt more like a Broadway star that when I tap danced in the neighborhood! Other empowering city moments: practicing yoga with hundreds of strangers for the annual Solstice in Times Square and running through its streets during the New York City Half Marathon. While the constant hubbub can be overwhelming, I've found calm within th area's coffee shops, often spend my days writing at Bird and Branch, which offers a fun coffee flight, Frisson Espresso, where I'm bound to overhear conversations from Broadway folks, and Bibble and Sip with cutesy desserts that are equally tasty. Like any other city hub, the hotel options can be pricey and room merely functional. But there there's also been a resurgence of boutique-style hotels, like the Civilian Hotel with a cozy artsy atmosphere and Kimpton Theta whose rooftop Bar Sprezzatura is like an Italian seaside getaway, and elevated The Times Square EDITION with The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens with a refreshed menu that includes frozen s'mores. "The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens feels like a sanctuary in the neighborhood," Susmita Baral, a senior editor at T+L said. "Aside from having quality food and a charming aesthetic, it truly transports you to a zen space." Despite being pulled in so many directions in Times Square, every night there's a unifying moment at 11:57pm, when all 92 digital screens from 41st to 49th Streets sync up with the work of contemporary artists for three minutes in Time Square Alliance's Midnight Moment—definitely worth experiencing. While my status of being a 'real' New Yorkers is threatened by admitting that my favorite neighborhood to work and play is Times Square, I will always remind travelers and locals alike to pause and look up and remember the words of Frank Sinatra, 'If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.' And there's no better place to find yourself than in the heart of New York City than Times Square. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Ananda Lewis Broke Barriers As An MTV VJ. Her Life, Cut Short At 52, Should Be Celebrated
Ananda Lewis during 2005 MTV Movie Awards - Arrivals at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, ... More California, United States. (Photo by Jason Squires/WireImage) I, like millions of others who grew up in the 1990s, wanted my MTV. Sure, we were there for the videos. But the video jockeys, known as VJs, elevated the experience with the style and spice you could see, and not just hear, like radio DJs. Ananda Lewis was my favorite MTV VJ. She was more than a trailblazing television host. In many ways, she was an advocate for issues of the day as well as a 'TV friend' during my most formative years. Tragically, at the age of 52, she lost her battle with breast cancer on June 11, 2025. While breast cancer deaths are on the decline, the CDC estimates 42,000+ women and 500+ men are expected to succumb to the disease this year alone. With Ananda's passing, her legacy of charisma, intelligence and commitment to social issues should be remembered and reflected on. At a time before social media was commonplace—when only a few voices earned a platform to speak for a generation—she connected with music fans around the world, to both amplify artists' voices and spotlight critical social topics, through specials like True Life: I Am Driving While Black—all with an understanding of the power of media to drive change across the U.S. There are many reasons that her life deserves to be celebrated. Ananda Lewis joined the MTV Network in 1997. Known simply by her first name, which means 'bliss' in Sanskrit, America got a taste of her style, voice and vibes, and she quickly became a standout host on the uber-popular Total Request Live (TRL), MTV Live, Hot Zone and MTV Jams. In the prime of the network's cultural heyday, Ananda was able to connect with audiences while introducing the latest music videos, and conducting interviews with a seemingly never-ending list of celebrities. Her storytelling brought authenticity and depth to MTV's programming. Way before diversity was a department or a buzzword, she brought a unique multicultural look, original name and flawless style to an American youth seeking visual inspiration. In 2000, she was featured in People magazine's list of the world's '50 Most Beautiful People.' In 2001, she launched the Ananda Lewis Show, albeit with unfortunate timing, on the day before the 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A few years later, she followed up that eponymous show as the chief correspondent for an Entertainment Tonight spin-off, The Insider. SANTA MONICA, CA - AUGUST 6: Singers Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick and JC Chasez of NSYNC and ... More MTV VJ Ananda Lewis attend the Second Annual Teen Choice Awards on August 6, 2000 at the Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Air Center in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) Ananda was born in Los Angeles, California, and attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts before heading to the nation's capital to matriculate at Howard University. As an activist with the Youth Leadership and Development Institute, she worked with teenagers across customized learning programs designed to support at-risk youth. It was that passion which led her to audition for BET's Teen Summit, a groundbreaking series focused on social issues affecting young Black Americans. As the host of Teen Summit, Lewis got the opportunity to interview a wide range of special guests, from NBA legend Kobe Bryant to First Lady Hillary Clinton, hitting new angles of journalism that directly addressed and resonated with young viewers. Dave Chappelle and Ananda Lewis at the Los Angeles DVD Block Party to celebrate the June 13 release ... More of "Dave Chappelle's Block Party." Comedy superstar Dave Chappelle attended the Los Angeles DVD Block Party at the Best Buy in Culver City, California to celebrate the June 13 release of "Dave Chappelle's Block Party. Chappelle posed for pictures and signed autographs with the unsuspecting shoppers. An uncensored and unrated full-length movie about throwing the ultimate block party, "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" arrives on DVD June 13 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc for Universal Home Video) In 2020, Lewis first revealed she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, sharing the news in an Instagram video with the hope to encourage women to get a mammograms. Eventually, her cancer, progressed to stage 4, yet she reflected resilience and grace as she faced her illness, and her optimism shined through as she found moments of joy in the midst of adversity. As a Black female voice in media, Ananda Lewis's impact broke many invisible barriers. She challenged stereotypes and in many subtle ways paved the way for the generation that followed. With the outpouring of fans' reactions to the news of her passing, her life serves as a reminder of the importance early detection and self-care, but also the fragility of life. She is survived by her son, Langston, born in 2011. As we remember Ananda Lewis, let's honor her by continuing the work she championed—advocating for equity, amplifying underrepresented voices, and prioritizing pushing the envelope.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ananda Lewis, Beloved Host of MTV's ‘TRL' and BET's ‘Teen Summit,' Dies at 52
Ananda Lewis, a prominent MTV VJ from the '90s and early 2000s, has died. Lewis's sister Lakshmi Emory posted the news to Facebook that she had lost her years-long battle with breast cancer. She was 52 years old. 'She's free, and in His heavenly arms,' Emory wrote. 'Lord, rest her soul.' Lewis announced in 2020 that she had been diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer after not getting regular mammograms due to a fear of radiation. In a 2024 CNN interview, she revealed her cancer had progressed to Stage IV after choosing not to have a double mastectomy. Lewis was one of the first big video jockeys on MTV. She began her career by hosting BET's 'Teen Summit' for three seasons before moving over to MTV in 1997 to host 'TRL' and 'Hot Zone.' She got her own show – aptly titled 'The Ananda Lewis Show' – in 2001 that ran until 2002. BET remembered the former host following news of her death. 'As the host of BET's 'Teen Summit,' she didn't just lead conversations—she sparked change, empowering a generation to speak up, love themselves and think deeper,' the post read. It continued: 'Ananda brought brilliance, beauty and authenticity to every space she entered. Her impact lives on through the countless lives she touched, both on and off screen. We honor the life and legacy of Ananda Lewis—an unforgettable voice, trailblazer and truth-teller.' In 2004, Lewis joined 'The Insider' – a nightly show spinoff of 'Entertainment Tonight' – as a correspondent until 2005. She then left the industry altogether to pursue a career in carpentry. She returned to hosting duties in 2019 with TLC's revival of 'While You Were Out.' In an October 2024 interview with 'Good Morning America,' Lewis said she wanted people to remember 'that I loved hard, and lived loud and didn't back away from problems. And loved this life and was OK with letting it go too.' She is survived by her sister, Emory, and her son Langston. The post Ananda Lewis, Beloved Host of MTV's 'TRL' and BET's 'Teen Summit,' Dies at 52 appeared first on TheWrap.
Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
MTV legend Ananda Lewis dies at 52 after breast cancer battle
Ananda Lewis, the celebrated MTV VJ and host of 'Total Request Live' and 'Hot Zone,' has died at the age of 52 following a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Her death was confirmed by her sister, Lakshmi Emory. Lewis passed away at her Los Angeles home on Wednesday morning. A prominent television personality of the late '90s and early 2000s, Lewis joined MTV in 1997, quickly becoming one of the network's most recognizable faces. She hosted 'TRL,' MTV's flagship countdown show, and 'Hot Zone,' where she conducted exclusive interviews with major musical artists. In 2001, she launched her own daytime talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show, which ran for one season. Lewis revealed in 2020 that she had been diagnosed with stage III breast cancer, a condition she delayed screening for due to fears about radiation from mammograms. By 2024, she shared that the cancer had progressed to stage IV and had metastasized. Despite her illness, Lewis remained candid about her journey, using her platform to raise awareness about early detection. Born in Los Angeles in 1973 and raised in San Diego, Lewis graduated from Howard University in 1995. Her media career began with BET's Teen Summit, which led to her being noticed by MTV. After leaving the network, she also worked as a correspondent on 'The Insider' and later stepped away from the limelight to pursue carpentry. In 2019, she made a brief return to television as the host of TLC's 'While You Were Out.' Ananda Lewis is survived by her son, Langston.
Business Standard
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Taylormade Renewables Marks Shift to Infrastructure-Led, Recurring Revenue Model Powered by Patented Clean Technologies
VMPL New Delhi [India], June 5: Ahmedabad based Taylormade Renewables Ltd (BSE: 541228), a leading Indian clean technology company, has announced inauguration of its first Build-Own-Operate (BOO) industrial wastewater treatment plant in Tarapur, Maharashtra scheduled on June 19, 2025. This milestone reflects a deliberate move away from Taylormade Renewables Ltd's(TRL) one-time EPC contracts toward a long-term, annuity-based growth model--anchored in asset ownership, recurring revenue, and scalable impact. Strategically located in one of Maharashtra's largest chemical clusters, the Tarapur facility is engineered to manage complex industrial effluents using TRL's patented TRL RAIN™ technology--a zero-chemical, self-cleaning system designed for high-efficiency Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). The plant enables high water recovery, minimal sludge generation, and environmental compliance across industries including chemicals, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. FY25 revenue surged 51.65% YoY to Rs. 71.19 crore; net profit reached Rs. 12.30 croreTransition to Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model positions TRL as an infrastructure-backed clean-tech BOO plant to be inaugurated on June 19, 2025; plant is fully operational following receipt of Consent to Operate (CTO).Facility powered by TRL's patented TRL RAIN™ system for Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) in high-effluent expansion underway at Tarapur; new BOO projects fast-tracked in Dahej and Sayakha, Gujarat. With this development, TRL demonstrates its capability not only as a technology provider but also as a long-term infrastructure operator--delivering stable cash flows, scalable impact, and regulatory reliability. Encouraged by early performance, the company has initiated a brownfield expansion at the Tarapur site and is accelerating similar BOO projects in Dahej and Sayakha, Gujarat, slated to become operational in FY26. Dharmendra Sharad Gor, Chairman and Managing Director of Taylormade Renewables Ltd, said, "At Taylormade Renewables, we are building BOO plants throughout Gujarat in the first phase--we are building a future-ready platform for industrial sustainability. Our transition to the Build-Own-Operate model, backed by patented technologies and proven execution, positions us not just as a solutions provider but as a long-term infrastructure partner. We are focused on delivering outcomes that are technologically superior, financially sustainable, and environmentally responsible. With a growing portfolio of BOO projects and deep-rooted innovation capabilities, TRL is structurally positioned for scale--with consistency, credibility, and purpose at every step." TRL commands over 70% of India's solar thermal market, supplying proprietary parabolic solar systems for industrial cooking and heating applications. Its collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) remains a national benchmark in public-private clean energy integration, fuelling the Net-Zero Mission. The TRL RAIN™ system is part of a growing patent portfolio that includes three granted and six pending patents. This flagship ZLD technology is supported by TRL RAIN ULTRA™, a high-efficiency solvent recovery solution that achieves 99.98% ethanol recovery in a closed-loop, low-energy format, particularly suited for ethanol, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. In another landmark innovation, TRL has secured a patent for its sugar juice concentration technology that achieves over 55 brix concentration at low temperatures without chemicals--delivering full ROI in less than a year while significantly reducing energy use and effluent output. FY25 was a milestone year for TRL, as the company reported its first consolidated financial results, including the performance of its subsidiary, Taylormade Enviro Private Limited (TEPL). Total revenue for FY25 was reported at Rs. 71.19 crore, registering a 51.65% Y-o-Y increase. EBITDA stood at Rs. 18.16 crore and net profit rose to Rs. 12.30 crore. The company is also executing a Rs231.50 crore infrastructure project in Andhra Pradesh, with billing expected in upcoming quarters. Looking ahead, TRL is building a nationwide platform of BOO assets, embedding its patented technologies into every facility to ensure high lifecycle value, environmental compliance, and consistent returns. As these assets mature, they are expected to deliver compounding income streams, a strengthened balance sheet, and increased shareholder value.
