New York Asian Film Festival

This city may be drowning in high-profile festivals of all ilk, but the New York Asian Film Festival stands a head above most shoulders, not only because of the glut of compellingly original films and directors emerging from that continent these days, but because so few ever see the light of distribution on this side of the Pacific, save for in this annual program. Particular must-sees this year include the bubblegum-faced erotic Korean musical Dasepo Naughty Girls; the punk-existentialist romantic comedy I'm a Cyborg but That's OK from no less than Korean director Park Chan-wook (Oldboy, 2003); and the Pakistani slash-and-gasher Hell's Ground.

OZOcar - Eco-Luxury Car Service in New York City

Cancel that taxi or limousine! OZOcar makes getting around town comfortably a lot more responsible with its fleet of well-equipped hybrids. "Each OZOcar comes equipped with high-speed wireless Internet access, an Apple iBook and over 150 Sirius satellite radio stations in the back seat.

OZOcar is the brainchild of Jordan Harris and Roo Rogers, two lifelong friends that share strong social values, a concern for the environment and a passion for style and great design. Harris co-founded Virgin Records US and 'Rock the Vote,' and launched the careers of some of the biggest names in music. Rogers, the founder of Drive Thru Films, has worked with the BBC and MTV and is also the son of famed architect Lord Richard Rogers. Building on the success of Harris' "Green Car to the Red Carpet," a campaign that convinced stars such as Harrison Ford and Cameron Diaz to trade their stretch limos for hybrids, the two are committed to proving that style, sustainability and commerce can exist beautifully together.

Passengers will also enjoy the OZOcar Arrival Pack, which offers a selection of exclusive all-natural amenities and treats." The fleet is made up of Toyota and Lexus hybrids; the default car is the Prius, but when a larger vehicle is needed the Lexus RX400h and Toyota Highlander hybrids are also available (with the Lexus GS450h sporty hybrid sedan coming in 2006). Picture caption: "Angela Lindvall, mother of two, and founder of the Collage Foundation, steps into a Toyota Prius OZOcar during Fashion Week at New York City's Bryant Park."

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Night Hotel

For anyone tired out by the unrelenting tackiness of the neon-lit Times Square, there’s an alternative, this one in basic black. The Night Hotel, a new addition on West 45th between Sixth and Seventh, is, adjusting for the neighborhood, the model of fashionable composure, from the monochrome checks of the lobby floor up to the black-and-white Gothic chic of the perversely cozy bedrooms.

And this being Times Square, of course, it’s ever so slightly over the top. This isn’t monochrome-as-minimalism, in a downtown style, but more a black velvet fantasy, a romantic evocation of a darker, more glamorous Gotham. It’s a smallish hotel, less than a hundred rooms, and like most New York hotel rooms, they’re not overly large — they are, however, well-appointed, with plasma TVs, iPod stereo systems, and generous creature comforts, including 400-thread-count Frette sheets and Molton Brown bath products.

The restaurant, called Nightlife (what else?) serves a notorious Kobe beef hot dog, and room service is available 24 hours a day — though, to be fair, this being Manhattan, there’s a lot more nightlife to be had outside the hotel’s walls. Just don’t be surprised if you find all that colored light a little hard to take, after a night or two at the Night.

Night Hotel
132 West 45th Street
New York , NY, USA

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