Are you a true New Yorker yet? Here’s your guide to become one

NY Weekly Staff on May 2, 2022

Being a New Yorker isn’t a title you earn. It’s something you’re given when you’ve migrated to the city and made your way through the process of becoming a New Yorker. However, knowing all these things won’t make you one. 

It’s easy to talk about NYC culture, but do you actually know what it is? People from all over the world are stunned by New York City, but they don’t understand why so many people are fascinated with it. That’s where this guide comes in. We will here show you what 1,000’s of New Yorkers have gone through to experience being a part of the New York culture.

1. Know how to use a public restroom.

If you’re there already, it needs no telling that most of them are extremely gross. But if you follow these tips, you’ll be able to go in and get out as quickly as possible, and maybe even avoid touching anything at all.

1. Be prepared with your own toilet paper, soap, towel or hand sanitizer.

2. Avoid using stalls whenever possible; they’re often clogged or flooded. If you need privacy, just choose a restroom that’s not as busy.

3. Aim right into the bowl! The cleanest part of the toilet is the water in the bowl, so aim right into it. If you miss (and you will), there’s usually enough water to flush the ick away before it makes contact with any of the bowl’s surfaces. (Even though most bathrooms don’t have toilet seat covers anymore.)

4. A plastic bag comes in handy: Use it to cover the toilet seat before sitting down if you’re worried about germs; or wrap dampened toilet paper around your hand if you have to touch something (like a door handle).

2. Learn to hail a cab or just order one with your phone.

New York visitors and new residents quickly realise that ordering a cab isn’t easy. There are so many people who need one that you have to call ahead, or be really lucky. If a cab is available, it will have a light on the roof. If it’s off duty, it won’t be taking any more fares.

Today, you don’t even need to try to hail a cab. Just order one of the many cab services in the city with your phone or online.

3. Be able to have a conversation with anyone

You must be able to have a conversation with anyone at any time. Even if you don’t know them, you can still talk about the weather or whatever is going on around you. The point is, don’t be afraid to make friends out of strangers!

Be able to stand up for yourself against any odds. You need thick skin and an even thicker skull if you want people to respect your opinions on politics, sports, or anything else controversial. Always speak your mind because nobody else will do it for you!

Listen carefully when someone says they like something because they might not mean it. For example, if they say “I love football” then don’t ask them which team they support because chances are good that’s just something they’ve said before without ever actually having watched any games themselves. Don’t take anything personally; just listen carefully before jumping into an opinionated debate with them over which team has the best quarterback in history.

4. Manage your finances smartly

The cost of living in New York is high, so you need to be able to manage your finances. And while this can be said of any city in the country, especially those with large populations, it doesn’t make it less relevant here. When you’re paying for rent, loans, and other expenses every month, you’ll want to try and make sure that you’re keeping up with all of them. 

If you fall behind on one bill, it can set off a chain reaction that could lead to serious financial problems down the road. So before moving to NYC, make sure that your budget is in order and that you’ve got enough money coming in each month to cover all your expenses without going into.

Another thing that you must keep in mind, if you’re a homeowner, is to get homeowners insurance for New Yorkers. Ask any homeowner around you, most of them would answer positively once you ask them if they have any insurance policy tailored to living in the city. It’s fairly obvious that insurance is your safety net whenever things go south. And in a city like New York, where managing your finances could be so crucial, you wouldn’t want to take risks.

5. Learn the subway system

One of the best ways to get to know New York is by subway. It’s fast, it’s cheap, and it will take you everywhere. Learn the system — and how to get around.

Before you ride even one train, you should learn a little bit about the subway system. Know that there are local trains, which stop at every stop; and express trains, which skip stops. And you should get familiar with the colour-coded lines that make up the system.

You can do this by studying a subway map or using Google Maps for transit directions when you need them. But once you feel comfortable getting around on your own, you’re ready for the next step: learning how to navigate without relying on your phone or a map!

Get off at a random station and explore!

An easy way to start exploring on your own is to hop off at a random station in an area you’ve never been in before (or even an area you think you know well). Look around, see what shops and restaurants are nearby, and ask locals for suggestions on where to go next.

In conclusion

We know, we know, the hustle-bustle of the city that never sleeps could be intimidating. But take our word for it—it gets better with time. We hope this guide gives you a nice starting point to channel your “True New Yorker” energy!

How to Keep Your Cats Stimulated in a Small Brooklyn Apartment

NY Weekly Staff on May 2, 2022

Meta Description: Although cats seem low maintenance, they yearn for social and environmental stimulation. Provide enrichment, especially if they’re cooped up for long periods. 

If you’re caring for a new kitty, fostering, or recently relocated to an apartment in Brooklyn, you may be considering ways to keep your cat happy and stimulated in a more confined space.

Cats are relatively easy to take care of—they bathe themselves, sleep for numerous short stretches throughout the day, and find objects around the house to keep them entertained.

However, cats do need substantial stimulation. Otherwise, they can begin to exhibit unhealthy behaviors and health issues.

Here are some signs that your cat needs more enrichment:

  • Aggressive behavior
  • Waning appetite
  • Excessive grooming
  • Property destruction

Although cats seem aloof and don’t necessarily require as much assistance as dogs, their affection can grow deep once you’ve won over their hearts. They’re highly intelligent animals, natural predators, and sweet, feisty companions. Cats, like most intelligent animals, do need a lot of stimulation. 

Here’s an essential feline supply checklist:

  • Veterinarian-approved cat food
  • Water bowl and food dish
  • Litterbox
  • Litter
  • Comb
  • Cat bed

When it comes to stimulating your cat either while you’re at home or away, here are some easy-to-put-together DIY toys.

Boxes

Save your Amazon, FedEx or UPS boxes. Your cat won’t discriminate. They love inspecting the foreign scent of the packaging and the remaining contents inside the box. Plus, cats have a natural inclination to hide and rest in small, confined spaces.

To make the box more appealing to your kitty, cut different size holes and place anything of interest inside the box for your cat to play with. This simple hide-and-seek box will keep your cat’s interest.

Packaging Paper

Don’t underestimate the paper packaging that comes with your packages. Your feline friend is attracted to the crinkly and rustling sound of paper and all its scents permeating it.

Toilet Paper Rolls

Before you pitch your empty toilet paper roll, turn it into a cat toy that will keep your cat occupied for a while. Add cat treats inside the tube and fold the ends on each side. Your kitty will have a new temporary cat puzzle feeder.

A Ball of Yarn

Cats love to hunt and chase smaller objects, and yarn provides the perfect makeshift cat toy. If you have a plush mouse toy, you can tie the end with a string to play with and have your cat chase it. Another idea that doesn’t require your participation is to make a yarn pom pom. Always supervise your cat around yarn because it could be harmful to your cat if ingested.

Keeping Your Cat Entertained While You’re Away

Cat Trees With Scratch Post

A cat tree is a great resting and play post. Ideally, you’ll want to set it up by a window (the buzz of the city should keep your cat captivated) or in the corner of a room where your cat can view all of its surroundings.

Many cat tree options will work with your decor and your cat’s needs:

Toys Your Cat will Love That You Can Easily Tuck Away in an Apartment

Your cat needs social enrichment, carved-out time to interact with you. For the time frames that you won’t get to be home and play with your cat, bring out some of your cat’s favorite toys to fulfill their environmental enrichment needs.

Here’s a good starter kit of toys to stimulate your cat:

If you’re a first-time cat parent or recently adopted a new pet and are looking for ways to cultivate a happy environment for everyone in the household, schedule a virtual vet appointment at Vetster with one of our licensed veterinarians located in Brooklyn.

Two Summers; The Saige Wolley Story

NY Weekly Staff on May 2, 2022

Hip-Hop has changed a lot in the course of the last decade, and it is yet to show signs of slowing in its rapid transformation. The genre-blending that has occurred within Hip-Hop and Rap music in recent years has left me as a fan craving a more genuine and authentic style of rap. Something that resembles the sound that I grew up loving, but isn’t afraid to push the envelope and explore new territory musically. When listening to some new tracks over the weekend, I came across a buzzing artist named Saige Wolley, and he is doing just that. The 23-year-old artist from the Pacific Northwest is surprising listeners with his debut album Two Summers and has been gaining a lot of traction from the hit single titled “Back Porch.”

Growing up in Northeast Portland, Saige Wolley knew from an early age about his love for music. Inspired by classic Hip-Hop artists like Nas and Tupac, he was exposed to raw and honest storytelling and began writing his own poems, short stories, and music as a young kid. Finding a creative outlet and way to express himself gave him the proper groundwork to begin taking music seriously and releasing his own music officially at the age of 18. Spending some time to develop his sound he released multiple singles and some collaborations from 2018- 2022 before settling down to create the album that would become Two Summers.

Two Summers is Saige Wolley’s debut album, and it is nothing short of exceptional. With consistent energy across the project, he still manages to show his versatility as an MC. Finding the happy middle ground between consistency and variety is something that a lot of artists struggle with throughout their careers, and Saige Wolley seems to have mastered this aspect already. Opening the album up with his classic sound that fans of Saige Wolley would be familiar with, he shows a lot of growth in his tone and projection with his voice. Quickly transitioned into “Back Porch,” which is my favorite song on the project. Nostalgic lyrics and consistent flows immerse the listener instantaneously. A hard-hitting drum line paired with an ethereal synth pad makes for an extremely groovy production, simple yet very well executed. 

The Hip-Hop scene in Portland, Oregon, has had very little national spotlight up to this point, but with new up-and-coming artists like Saige Wolley, there is hope. Real conscious rap music comes from self-expression that is based on storytelling. Two Summers is an album unlike any other music coming out of the city of Portland. A unique sound that you can tell Saige Wolley has been perfecting for multiple years. If you are a fan of real rap music I suggest you give Two Summers by Saige Wolley a listen on Spotify or any platform that you listen to music on. As 2022 continues and we near the Summer months be on the lookout for more new music from this upcoming star. Something tells me this is only the beginning. Follow Saige Wolley on Instagram, and listen to his music on Spotify.

“Eternals” Finally Saw Breakthrough As It Breaks Records In Disney+

NY Weekly Staff on May 2, 2022

Photo: Marvel 

The recently released “Eternals” is now available on Disney+, which has given fans an effortless way to rewatch it and potentially give them a chance for reinvestigation.

It looks like “Eternals” has finally found an audience. The film was streamed by about 2 million households during its first five days on Disney+ and broke a record for highest-ever ratings by a Marvel Studios film. 

In just five days, the new Marvel film shattered the previous record for most streams by a Marvel Studios movie. It bested both “Shang Chi” and the “Black Widow,” which held this honor before it.

1.8 million households streamed “Shang-Chi” on its first five days on the platform, while “Black Widow” gained only 1.1 million streams. As for the adversary studio (DCEU), 2.8 million households watched “The Suicide Squad” on its release, and Zack Snyder’s “Justice League” gathered 1.8 million views. 

Marvel Studios had had difficulty selling out the new film because of the pandemic. The film didn’t quite meet the expectation of the television production giant during its worldwide premiere in late 2021. 

The movie received a mixed response from critics and fans alike, which caused it to have an impact on its box office numbers each week. However, the potential for this film, just like any other MCU production, is huge.

The cast and crew of this movie is a who’s-who in Hollywood. Directing the film are award-winning (specifically Oscar) director Chloé Zhao, along with top tier actors like Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie and Kit Harington, to name a few. 

However, there were claims that the film was primarily composed of exposition and way more characters than fingers can count. As such,the movie wasn’t considered by audiences to be a must-watch. 

So it is surprising to see the film perform well on Disney+ with its negative feedback. But we would point out that the pandemic is one of the main reasons for its low marketability. 

With the release of “Eternals” just before Christmas, it is likely that many movie-goers did not wish to sit in a full theater just days prior to visiting their families. Also, with the increase in confirmed cases of the omicron variant, people might prefer staying home.

Plans to Test Hydrogen-Fueled Engine on A380 Jet Announced —Airbus

NY Weekly Staff on May 2, 2022

Photo: CNN

The first zero-emissions commercial aircraft is coming soon! French aircraft maker Airbus announced plans to test hydrogen fuel technology using a modified version of one of their A380 jetliners, which were discontinued last year. 

Airbus is also set to partner with CFM International, a joint venture between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines, for the hydrogen demonstration program.

Airbus will use an “A380 flying testbed fitted with liquid hydrogen tanks” to trial propulsion technology for a future hydrogen aircraft.

‘Flight laboratory’

In a video posted on the Airbus YouTube channel, vice president for zero-emission aircraft at Airbus, Glenn Llewellyn, says, “Our ambition is to take this (A380) aircraft and add a stub in between the rear doors at the upper level. That stub will have on the end of it a hydrogen-powered gas turbine.”

Llewellyn further explains that the aircraft will also be fitted with hydrogen storage and hydrogen distribution, which will feed the engine with the chemical element. 

The “flight laboratory” aims to discover more about hydrogen propulsion systems in real ground and flight conditions, Llewellyn says. This enables Airbus to pursue its plans for a zero-emission aircraft in just over a decade.

Test flights may take place in 2026 should there be no disruptions. This comes over a year after Airbus unveiled three hydrogen-based concepts under the ZEROe banner. 

In a statement, chief technical officer for Airbus, Sabine Klauke, said, “This is the most significant step undertaken at Airbus to usher in a new era of hydrogen-powered flight since the unveiling of our ZEROe concepts back in September 2020.”

“By leveraging the expertise of American and European engine manufacturers to make progress on hydrogen combustion technology, this international partnership sends a clear message that our industry is committed to making zero-emission flight a reality.”

No-guilt flying

2.8% of global CO2 emissions are generated by aviation. Commercial airlines’ global fuel consumption of commercial airlines also rose to 95 billion gallons in 2019, which has pushed the global aviation industry to reduce emissions to half of their 2005 level by 2050.

Many air carriers now seek to reduce the environmental impact of flying using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Plans to use SAF with 10% of its flight in 2030 were announced by British Airways’ parent company IAG. United Airlines also completed its first 100% SAF flight last year.

Airbus, on the other hand, will gamble on hydrogen, which is believed to reduce aviation’s carbon emissions by 50%.

“I strongly believe that the use of hydrogen—both in synthetic fuels and as a primary power source for commercial aircraft—has the potential to significantly reduce aviation’s climate impact,” says chief executive for Airbus Guillaume Faury.

In related news, aviation firm ZeroAvia is also developing a 19-seater aircraft that will launch commercial hydrogen-electric flights between London and Rotterdam in 2024.

Simple Routine to Get Younger-Looking Skin; Dr.Different Anti-Aging Regime for Mothers

NY Weekly Staff on April 30, 2022

As mothers, we want to look our best for our families. Unfortunately, our skin starts to show signs of wear and tear as we age. Fine lines, wrinkles – the list just goes on, and those age spots can make us look older than we really are. But not to worry! This article will discuss some Dr.Different anti-aging products and tips that can help you achieve younger-looking skin.

So, if you’re searching for skincare products, look no further than Dr.Different! Dr.Different is a skincare company based in South Korea that offers a wide range of solutions for your pampering needs! 

Korean skincare has been gaining popularity all over the world for a good reason – it works! The products are packed with high-quality ingredients that hydrate, soothe, and protect your skin. And Dr.Different is a brand that is known for its effective and gentle skincare products. This brand specializes in skincare products that have been confirmed to work and make your skin feel incredible! 

With that said, we will also cover the Dr.Different anti-aging products that give you a younger look you deserve! So if you’re looking to improve the appearance of your skin, read on!

Dr.Different 1st Cleanser 200ml

It is essential to take care of your skin to maintain a youthful appearance as a mother. And for that, Dr.Different 1st Cleanser is a great option, as it contains ingredients that will help to hydrate and soothe your skin. Simply dispense a small amount onto dry hands and massage it into your skin to remove makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities. Rinse with water and follow up with your regular Korean skincare routine.

Do this every morning and evening for the best results. This cleanser is also great for removing makeup and other impurities without irritating it. Panthenol, allantoin, and PHA are all great ingredients to look for in a cleanser, as they will help to hydrate, protect, and soothe your skin. Dr.Different’s 1st Cleanser is a great option that meets all of these criteria!

Dr.Different Scaling Toner (for Oily Skin)

If you have oily skin and are looking for an effective way to get younger-looking skin, try using Dr.Different Scaling Toner. This Toner helps remove dead skin cells and excess sebum, which can clog pores and lead to blemishes. The best thing about this toner from Dr.Different is that it is pH-balanced and gentle enough for daily use!

Apply the toner to your face and neck after cleansing, and pat it dry. You should notice a difference in your skin’s texture and appearance within a few weeks. You can try many other anti-aging tips, but using this Korean skincare toner is one of the most accessible and affordable ways to get started.

Dr.Different VITALIFT

Looking for a cream that makes your skin younger all the while you are sleeping! Get Dr.Different VITALIFT now! The product is a night cream designed to help with lifting and firming the skin and reducing wrinkles and fine lines. It contains retinal(vitamin A), Adenosine and hyaluronic acid, all of which are beneficial for aging skin. The cream is lightweight and absorbs quickly, so it won’t leave your skin feeling greasy or oily. It’s also fragrance-free (This is why we love K beauty products!)

Tips to Make Your Skin Younger as a Mother

As a mother, it is important to take care of your skin to maintain a youthful appearance. Here are some tips for taking care of your skin:

  1. Cleanse your skin regularly using a gentle cleanser.
  2. Use a toner after cleansing to remove any remaining impurities.
  3. Apply night cream before going to bed to help with lifting and firming your skin.

By following these tips, you should notice a difference in your skin’s texture and appearance within a few weeks. Get the younger skin you’ve always deserved!

From Exhibitions to Workshops: Wenjue Lu’s Slow Fashion Exploration in Art and Culture

NY Weekly Staff on April 29, 2022

Born in Beijing and now based in New York, Wenjue Lu is an unorthodox fashion designer unbounded by the realm of fashion. Wenjue combines the authentic traditional art, while retaining its unique historical and cultural significance, with the aesthetic of contemporary art driven by emotive expressions to establish an artistic collective that defies singular definition— focusing simultaneously and inter-sectionally on slow fashion, modern art, exhibitions, and cultural workshops, she initiated her eponymous label(Wenjüe Lu) in 2020 seeking to recover what is being overlooked by this fast-paced time. Wenjue marries her unconventional way of aestheticizing traditional Japanese culture while showcasing the complexity and intricacy of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese fabric mending technique that Wenjue aims to represent, interpret, and educate.

Wenjue studied and obtained her undergraduate degree at Parsons School of Design. Insisting on design and craft on a hands-on basis, she focuses on the possibilities of the naturally-colored fabric, especially on the different shades and textures of white, while infusing her ongoing exploration of her life philosophy into her artistic and cultural creations.

Some mushrooms floating, some fishes flying, some cacti on beach sand, some flowers in the air… a surreal and dreamy scenery was brought to life by Wenjue in her solo exhibition, titled “Poetic Transfigurations”, which opened on February 19th and lasted until March 6th in Chinatown, New York City.

Ranging from soft sculpture, textile art, clothing, to still objects, furniture, and more, Wenjue’s selected body of artworks serves as the blending of words and rhetorical devices in poetry which took over the LATITUDE Gallery space located on Bayard Street. Within the dreamscape carved out with her unique natural colored aesthetic, Wenjue’s works seek to resonate with its viewers’ capability for extracting elegance from the disguised simplicity, using fabrics as her language and various techniques as her rhetorical devices in poetry, filtered through Wenjue’s emphasis on hands-on craftsmanship and natural materials.

Since 2021, Wenjue has been relentlessly hosting cultural workshops instructing attendees throughout New York City on the practice of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese folk hand-stitching technique that dates back to the Edo period(1603 – 1868). Sashiko came from everyday life: Developed in the farming communities in Japan, Sashiko was born from the necessity of mending and patching garments, beddings, and household items. Wenjue explains to us that survival necessity demanded that these items be recycled for as long as possible in the past. Women mended and strengthen damaged and old garments for men during the winter. The technique gradually evolved to account for aesthetic purposes while remaining pragmatic. Different from other popular hand-stitching techniques, practicing Sashiko requires one to adopt distinct sewing gestures with a special Sashiko thimble and needle. The unusual gesture arose from the historical need to efficiently mend garments. The process of Sashiko is equally essential to its outcome, together they mark the respectableness and preciousness of the traditional technique.

Sashiko embodies the philosophies of repairing, mending, reinforcing, and decorating. Wenjue believes the best way to present Sashiko, a culture emblematic of the process of life, is to show the people where and how will this culture manifest in their lives. In Wenjue’s words: “It conveys a spirit ancient but not stale, a way of slowing down and mending life, it is the embodiment of my philosophy of life and attitude towards ideas, and it has become one of the rhetorical devices in my work. It is also an opportunity to spread this beautiful traditional handicraft, and urge people to slow down and discover some subtle and authentic beauties in their lives.” By guiding her workshop participants to create a variety of Sashiko-inspired living goods ranging from tea mats to coasters and bags, Wenjue seeks to encourage each person to form their distinct understanding of the cultural and technical uniqueness of Sashiko.

To keep the lesser-known tradition from being reduced to histories and being isolated from discussion of unique Japanese cultures, Wenjue is also prompting the formation of a vibrant community dedicated to the perseverance and extension of Sashiko culture through her workshops. On top of Wenjue’s unwavering effort to organize and host cultural events lies her vigor and passion for continuously and consciously making art. Within her multifaceted approach to slow down fashion, Wenjue finds it necessary to create, express, and communicate art against the commercial nature of the fashion industry as a way of staying unbounded by the roles and limitations of a fashion designer.

As a fashion designer, Wenjue Lu is not afraid to challenge the mold. She is constantly creating and drawing inspirations on her multi-disciplinary endeavors that combine traditional culture and modern art. The interplay between her cultural workshops and artistic exhibitions constitutes the essence of the slow fashion she pursues: slow, artisanal, communal, and alive.

Mikki Mase’s Incredible Story of Rising Through Adversity and Becoming a Distinguished Business Mogul

NY Weekly Staff on April 29, 2022

Finding success is already hard enough as it is, and it becomes even more difficult for individuals who have a troubled history. After all, society has always had an unfair bias against people who have a checkered past. Yet despite that, one brilliant man has triumphantly beat the odds through perseverance and hard work – Mikki Mase.

Going by Dirty Goth Boi, he is an esteemed entrepreneur who has founded several pharmacies, rehabs, and clinical laboratories. However, before becoming a highly successful businessman, Mikki used to be a homeless person with nothing to his name. He also went in and out of jail for most of his teenage years up until early adulthood. 

Determined to turn his life around, the dreamer moved from New York to Florida in search of better opportunities. There, he had to work at his friend’s tattoo shop, scrubbing toilets and mopping floors without pay in exchange for a roof over his head. Looking back on his journey, the humble young man shared, “I was always hungry, never able to afford food, only eating when someone gave me leftovers. I kept quiet, though, and never asked for handouts.”

His well-deserved breakthrough moment finally happened when he was invited to work in-house for a rehabilitation center. Being a fast learner, he quickly absorbed the ins and outs of the industry. Before long, he was able to open his very own rehab facility. Given his multifaceted skill sets, the remarkable entrepreneur has successfully expanded his empire to include hundreds of pharmacies, rehabs, and clinical laboratories.

Aside from his impeccable work ethic, his unmatched intellect has greatly helped Mikki scale his success. In fact, he consistently scored a genius-level intelligence every year he took the test from when he was still in first grade up until he was 15 years old, and finally stopped taking the exam.

Eventually, Mikki decided to sell his enterprise at the age of 28. While this may seem a surprise to many, the extraordinary individual had always lived a modest lifestyle, and he already felt content with the level of success he had attained. 

This time, he wanted to enjoy and live life to the fullest. As the inspiring individual profoundly said, “For the first time in my life, I was a free man and can see what life is. I retired.”

One of Mikki’s favorite ways to unwind is to go to the casino. He is one of the most recognized high stakes recreational gamblers and is even hailed as the fourth most skilled baccarat player in history.

Aside from that, the dynamic young man has established himself as one of the most sought-after social media influencers in history. Now he is constantly rubbing elbows with A-list celebrities, from hip-hop stars to entertainment icons and athletes.

Mikki Mase is a living testament that everyone can accomplish their dreams with the right mindset and work ethic. Not only that, but he continues to prove to his detractors that he is more than just a degenerate gambler that got lucky. Above all, the bonafide nice guy has incredibly demonstrated that he is a capable business owner who has achieved success through his sheer will and hard work. 

The Flooring Start-Up: How Republic Floor is Bringing Revolutionary Practices and Tech to an Old Industry, Taking the US Market by Storm

NY Weekly Staff on April 29, 2022

Starting a revolution in the business world takes a special mix of passion, dedication, and outside-the-box thinking. Rotem Eylor, Founder and CEO of Republic Floor, has all of those things. And he is leveraging them to bring a revolution to the flooring industry.

Rotem’s story reads like a Hollywood film script. Born and raised in a small desert city in Israel, he served as the commander of a special tactical unit in the Israeli military. After leaving military service, he spent several years honing his business skills as an executive in the international diamond industry.

While some might not see “flooring manufacturer and executive” as a logical next step for an ex-military diamond dealer, Rotem believes his diverse background perfectly positions him to be a disruptor in the flooring industry. And knowing how his background helped him find success, he decided to employ others who had little to no experience in the flooring world, allowing them to create out-of-the-box solutions to problems. 

“Diversity allows us to have a wide and unique range of outlooks not only of our industry but business as a whole,” says Rotem. “As a young and quickly growing flooring company with fresh and cutting edge ideas and patented designs, we can find creative and unique solutions in an ever-changing and volatile industry. That sets us apart from traditional flooring manufacturers.”

Among the innovations that Republic has brought to the flooring industry are new and innovative standards in health, safety, and sustainability.

“Sustainability is one of Republic’s most important pillars,” explains Rotem. “As world-renowned manufacturers, we took it upon ourselves to lead the green revolution of the international flooring community. We maintain the highest green standards, much higher than the European clean green standards, which are the strictest green standards in the world. As a result, our current and future consumers enjoy a visually enchanting product of the highest quality, with a great price point and a sustainability guarantee.”

By removing the wood content from WPC flooring, Republic makes for a more environmentally friendly product called Pure SPC. Republic Floor’s Stone Polymer Composite, Pure SPC, flooring is made by combining a robust stone composite to forge the most potent, most stable, and sustainable flooring product possible and the best waterproof flooring material.

“A floor surface with the luxurious look and texture of natural wood and the strength of the solid stone is our Pure SPC line in a nutshell. Our manufacturing technologies and rigorous QC procedures and standards ensure a product that will last a lifetime, accompanied with a prolonged warranty guarantee,” says Rotem.

The majority of companies that focus on sustainability tend to forget about aesthetics. That is not true at Republic, which manufactures a wide range of stylish and robust waterproof laminate and SPC flooring. Eylor plays an active role in choosing the designs the company will go with, placing quality and unique designs at the forefront of Republic.

The team curates high-definition designs where they add a top layer of high-quality vinyl that can withstand the most advanced embossing and etching techniques. The third layer of super-durable high-quality balancing paper is added underneath to ensure moisture protection from below.

As the first flooring company to go global, Republic currently has 12 locations in major markets worldwide, with Israel being the latest addition to the roster, opening its doors on April 1st, 2022. With expansions in Arizona, Florida, and Germany all set for later this year, Republic has set course to bring its flooring revolution to every corner of the world.

In addition, Republic’s unique “everything in-house” model allows it to control its supply chain, ensuring customers get what they need when they need it. Every aspect of Republic’s business is done in-house, from transportation and manufacturing to design and selection processes. Because Republic Floor handles its deliveries, next-day delivery is guaranteed in most markets where it operates.

“We are the only company in the flooring industry to have complete control over our products and their availability and the overall customer experience, which positions us as a truly cutting edge player in the market,” Rotem explains. “We own our manufacturing plants, possess one of the largest truck fleets in the world (with sea and air capabilities in the works), and most importantly – guarantee timely and accurate delivery, with the majority of the U.S receiving next-day deliveries. These are our reps in the field, our drivers in our trucks, delivering products we manufactured, QC’d, and packaged in our plant. And it is all covered by our amazing customer service teams. We are on a mission to tirelessly strive for perfection and pioneer a true revolution in our industry.” 

The World’s Number One Digital Business Card Is In The Business Of Human Engagement

NY Weekly Staff on April 29, 2022

Launched in 2019 by Jason Alvarez-Cohen and Nick Eischens, Popl is a digital business card that allows you to instantly share your information with anyone you meet. . As a culture, we’re already moving towards paperless engagement, evident in many markets, from real estate and marketing to education and fine art. To some degree, the pandemic silenced social interaction, and then Popl made some noise. Through digital business cards, we’re able to continue nurturing human interaction but with added safety, security, and efficiency, breaking ground in new territory that will surely explore elements of network expansions and social media platforms. At the top of 2022, Popl is just getting started.

Coincidentally, Popl emerged as the answer to rapid interweaving and building community, and instead of exchanging social media handles or calling out cell numbers, Popl ties the knot with one tap. It’s that first handshake without the grip war, and it shares anything the user chooses in seconds. It’s the digital business card we’ve all been waiting for, as Popl streamlines both professional and personal contacts through NFC tags and QR codes. Better still, Popl is for everyone, everywhere, and continues to connect us with every tap-and-go.

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So much of our modern society can feel transactional, and one might find a force like Popl to pose a problem in genuine interactions. The reality is, however, that Popl embraces human engagement. Unlike social media platforms that indirectly isolate our circles, Popl inspires larger networks and strengthens natural interactions through streamlined humanity and direct discussions. Popl strives to empower professionals from all sectors, and however you define the grind, seamless connections are a valuable asset to keep in command when a situation comes along. 

One such scenario can be found in modern real estate, where agents and homeowners alike are experiencing a hypersaturated market. Popl recently partnered with property operation, Compass, to facilitate streamlined communication and lead capture for agents and their teams, simplifying future engagements so save time on clunky business cards and make time for substantial relationships. Popl truly excels at cohabiting existing markets that call for efficient engagements, and the company is only just beginning their stride in becoming the industry standard for a multitude of markets.

In a more social setting, Popl has introduced their Popl Badge, an easy co-pilot for conventions, festivals, and conferences. The badge is equipped with Popl’s signature NFC technology along with a unique QR code that never expires and can be updated via the app at any given time. This useful tool is ideal for massive festivals or business conventions where you and your team need to make a lasting impression and generate new networks.

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Similarly, Popl employs a full spectrum of handy products that put your networking strategies in the driver’s seat, ensuring that the next engagement is fulfilled with style. Their embedded technology comes in the form of a wristband, a card (effectively replacing conventional paper business cards), and the signature Popl phone tag, which sticks to the back of a smartphone for easy access. 

Accessibility has always been at the helm of Popl’s values, seeking to make such dynamic innovation available to people of all backgrounds. In December of last year, Popl introduced their technology to Walmart retailers, successfully entering a new market of buyers that includes families and other demographics. In the same breath, Popl has been actively growing their team appeals, seeking to further develop company-wide units in all shapes and sizes. With Popl Teams, businesses can enhance their communication tunnels by installing a baseline platform that streamlines all channels, making group networking and lead capture efforts more effective and uniform. 

Popl continues to roll out exciting iterations of their designs with plenty of new developments in the pipeline. As we move into a progressively contactless society, Popl is adapting to our instinctual nature of social interaction by keeping things real and authentic, better than we’ve ever known before.  

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