Porn star rights Customs’ wrong

by Tom Johansmeyer on

A Brooklyn guy was faced with the worst of scenarios. Coming through customs on a return trip from Puerto Rico, he was cuffed in San Juan. He was accused of transporting child pornography, because a copy of the DVD “Little Lupe the Innocent” was found in his bags. Of course, Carlos Simon-Timmerman claimed his innocence, so in his mind at least, he was staring down two decades in prison for something he didn’t do.

At times like this, you cross your fingers and hope for a knight in shining armor to rescue you. Carlos got his knight … in the form of porn star Lupe Fuentes. He was freed from the can when Lupe flew down to Puerto Rico earlier this month to prove in court that she was 19 when the movie was made. The fact that she produced her passport and photo identification was much more compelling than the pediatrician called by the feds who insisted that the actress was underage.

So, if you’re taking porn through customs, you may want to do a little research. Get the stars’ cell numbers, or keep copies of their documents on file. You never know when you’ll need it.

And, just for fun, do you know what Carlos does for a living?

Ding dong … you’re pizza’s here.

Memorable in Manhattan: Package for first-timers

by Tom Johansmeyer on

You’ll never forget your first time. It may have been thrilling or awkward, but it was memorable. Many are still waiting for their first … their first trip to New York City. If you’re only exposure to this city is what you’ve seen on television or the big screen, this is your chance to experience it for yourself. The Crowne Plaza Times Square‘s First Time in New York Package will make it easy to give up your city virginity.

I don’t remember my first time in the city (let’s just say I was young), but I do remember my first stay at the Crowne Plaza Times Square. It was only a few weeks after Y2K – and the world didn’t end, in case you were wondering. I remember the feeling that came with stepping onto the sidewalk: the rush of energy was incredible. And then, I got sick – probably a combination of weekly travel, 80-hour work weeks and a diet that looked strangely like a menu at a baseball stadium. So, I really saw little more than the inside of my room, from which I stumbled when I was finally able to handle travel again, and grabbed the 1/9 train down to Penn Station for the ride back to Boston.Hopefully, your first time will be more pleasant! Doubtless, it will be. While the Crowne Plaza can’t immunize you from the nagging diseases that could screw up your trip, it can be all the protection you need when it comes to boredom. As part of the First Time in New York package, you’ll receive two 48-hour passes for the Classic New York Double Decker Bus Tour; tickets to the Empire State Building’s Observation Deck, ferry to the Statue of Liberty and the Natural history Museum; a detailed New York City sightseeing map; a New York City’s Official Visitor Guide; and a commemorative picture frame. At $598 for two nights, this is an absolute steal.

Your first time should be a memory to cherish and a story to tell. Treat yourself to two nights in Manhattan, and you won’t be stuck wondering what it feels like when you watch it on TV.

Lebowski Fest really “Ties the Fans Together”

by Gadling Staff on

Each week, Gadling is taking a look at our favorite festivals around the world. From music festivals to cultural showcases to the just plain bizarre, we hope to inspire you to do some festival exploring of your own. Come back each Wednesday for our picks or find them all HERE.

No matter what part of the country you live in, chances are you can roll your way to one of many cities that hosting an annual Lebowski Fest this year. The festival(s) celebrate the Coen Brother’s 1998 film “The Big Lebowski” starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, and Steve Buscemi. Organizers Scott Shuffitt and Will Russell started the first Lebowski fest in 2002 in Louisville, Kentucky. It was such a success that there are now multiple festivals a year in select cities across the country. (If you’ve never seen the movie, I recommend reading this quick synopsis to familiarize yourself with how the below activities cleverly tie the film and festival together.)

I became a huge fan of the film in college, so I made the two hour trip from Nashville to the Louisville festival last July. I followed the advice on the Lebowski Fest site and rented a discounted room at the suggested hotel, which is within walking distance to the bowling alley where all festivities take place. Make sure you book your reservation early as the rooms tend to go quickly.

The first night’s events include a screening of the film, followed by live music or a special appearance from a comedian or actor. The organizers try to bring in a well-known act and you will be pleasantly surprised with whom they are able to round up.

As fun as the official events can be, don’t forget to check out the pre-fest activities are also good fun. Upon arriving to the field outside the bowling alley, you can try your hand at the “ringer toss” where participants throw a suitcase full of the dirty white laundry over the Dude’s car to hit a target on the other side. This is your chance to meet other die-hard Lebowski fans, strike up conversations, and make new friends over a few oat sodas. Some festival-goers even dress the part, donning costumes and personifying their favorite characters from the film. These costumes serve a greater purpose later on in the festival, so be sure to bring a camera.The second night is when the real magic happens. If you’ve purchased your festival tickets in advance and arrive to the bowling alley early you can reserve a lane for unlimited bowling. Lanes are given up on a first come, first served basis.

Even if you don’t get a chance to bowl, this night serves as a social hour and you might even run into certain actors from the film who played minor roles. For a Lebowski fan, this is still an exciting run-in. Sharing a White Russian (or a caucasian) with Malibu’s Chief of Police is something to write home about!

The highlight of the festival is the costume contest which takes place in the bowling alley. Participants are judged by the audience based on originality and quality of costume. There are so many “Dudes” they have to award a prize just for the best Jeffrey Lebowski look-a-like. If you feel confident and can whip out your best Walter Sobchak aviator shades, I say enter that contest and go for it.

Overall, the best part of any Lebowski Fest is meeting new people and interacting with fans from all corners of the world. Sure, you might wake up the next morning with a headache from all the White Russians, but sharing a few laughs, and a few burgers with like-minded people really ties the whole thing together.

In 2010, Little Lebowski Urban Achievers can spend two days in Orlando (May 21-22), Louisville (July 16-17), Chicago (September 17-18), Seattle (October 15-16) or one in New York (November 4). Los Angeles already celebrated this year on April 2-3. Ticket prices can vary from city to city so check The Lebowski Fest website for updated pricing info.

Daily Pampering: Beach resort just 30 miles from NYC

by Annie Scott on


Whether you live in New York City or are just visiting, it may interest you to know that there’s a luxury beach resort less than 30 miles away.

Just west of the Hamptons in Long Island is the Allegria Hotel, which boasts “oceanfront luxury in Manhattan’s backyard.” The LEED certified hotel consists of 112 guestrooms and 31 suites, an oceanfront lounge (called The Oceanfront Lounge) and a restaurant by Chef Todd Jacobs, conveniently located on Long Beach, just 15 minutes from JFK International Airport.

The hotel oozes beach elegance with a white sand, driftwood and periwinkle color scheme, limestone-finished bathrooms, Egyptian cotton towels, custom-made 400 thread count Parisian sheets and a dazzling ballroom with silver leaf ceiling tiles and 73 Kazumi glass chandeliers. On the roof, you’ll find an ocean view fitness center and yoga studio.

Services include a Beach Concierge — a modern spin on the “Cabana Boy” — who can assist you with beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, refreshments, surf rentals, volleyball games and other beach activities.

So, tell your spouse or significant other you’ve just come up with the cheapest luxe vacation idea ever, rent a Zipcar, and go get tan. Room rates start at $250 per night. Click here to book.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

New York City on a budget – is it worth staying in New Jersey?

by Annie Scott on


This past weekend, I embarked on a journey I have often avoided taking: I went across the Hudson River and spent two nights in New Jersey. My goal was to determine whether or not staying in New Jersey is actually a smart, cheaper, just-as-good way to visit New York City.

My snobbish aversion to New Jersey is partially born of fear. I don’t know how to “do” New Jersey, and everyone I know who lives there pays less rent for an apartment twice as big as mine. All this makes me very uncomfortable. That, and the fact that I love living in Manhattan.

Still, Manhattan is expensive — and that goes for hotels, too. Everyone in New York knows full well that it only takes about 15 minutes to get to New Jersey, and yet many of us view it as a whole other country. The fact is, for the frugal traveler, you can get a hotel in New Jersey for a lot less than you can in NYC. The Westin Jersey City Newport, where I stayed this weekend, typically costs 30 percent less than the Westin in Times Square, and you’ll see that kind of price variance and greater across the board. And, as I said, it’s only 15 minutes away. But is it really worth it to stay in New Jersey when visiting New York City?It turns out that some people, particularly Europeans, like to stay in New Jersey. The energy of New York is admittedly hectic, and can be stressful for some. “People like to be able to walk in and walk out,” said Bob McIntosh, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Westin Jersey City Newport.

That makes sense to me. The difference you feel when you exit the Newport/Pavonia PATH station (just one stop from Manhattan’s Christopher Street stop in the trendy West Village) is palpable. There are fewer people, everything’s clean, the views of NYC are stunning and nobody asks you for spare change. Staying the night at the Westin in the spacious, airy room with a view of Manhattan was comfortable and unbelievably quiet — I was impressed. And when you think about it, why pay money to sleep in noise?

The answer came to me the next day when I looked out the window at what seemed like a different country, as I mentioned before in reverse. When you look across the river, the effort to get to Manhattan feels monumental. I had hoped to take a ferry ride across the Hudson and catch some sun along the way, but unfortunately, it was a Saturday. I learned that ferries and water taxis don’t run on the weekends, and the PATH trains don’t run as often as they do Monday through Friday.

Still, I timed my trip from the white tea-scented lobby of The Westin to the World Trade Center via PATH train with one transfer — 22 minutes, and I had just missed a train when I got there. That’s not bad; as a matter of fact, it takes longer to get there from my Manhattan apartment. The PATH train is just $1.75 and runs 24 hours (albeit slower nights and weekends).

During the week, according to the concierge, you can get a ferry for $12.75 or a private water taxi (NY Waterway) for just $7.25. The earliest ferry is at 6:58 AM on weekdays, and the latest return is at 7:39 PM. Alternatively, you can get a car service any day of the week for about $45 plus an $8 toll.

So, is it worth it to stay in New Jersey? Financially, yes — you can often find cheaper flights into Newark, and you might be able to afford a luxury hotel like The Westin in New Jersey even if it’s out of range in NYC. The obstacle is making yourself commit to trekking under or over the Hudson River every single day of your trip, because if you go for a wander outside a hotel in New Jersey, it’s really, really not the same; not the style, not the food, not the people — but after a frenzied day in New York City, that change to a safer, calmer place may be just what you want.

My stay at The Westin Jersey City Newport was free, but the ideas and opinions expressed in this article are only biased by my personal snobbery, not the hotel.