OLD_New York Stories of Interesting Places

Illness Reversed by Almudena Toral

Laughter therapy clubs are spreading like gunpowder around the world. Vishwa Prakash has been a laughter therapist for nine years. Every Wednesday evening a group of 15 to 40 people gather in his textile design store in Midtown Manhattan for a free 45-minute laughter session. People come for reasons ranging from entertainment to stress relief to physical and mental healing.

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Clubhouse by Samantha Stark

A clubhouse in the South Bronx eases troubled minds.

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Tattooing, Graffiti, Art: Tuff City by Ashley Welch

Tuff City, a tattoo shop located at 650 E. Fordham Rd in the Bronx, offers the services of nine tattoo artists, most of which have a graffiti background. The shop has been in existence for 20 years, but moved to this location four years ago.

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5 Pointz Forever? By Alva French

5Pointz Aerosol Art Center in Long Island City has been considered a mecca for graffiti artists, hip-hop performers and aficionados for more than 10 years. Yet as the urban art center battles for its existence, some graffiti artists wonder where the big-name celebrities are to defend the haven against developers eager to transform the property into an apartment complex.

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School lunch 101: East Harlem Students Eat Vegetarian, Locally Sourced Food by Matt Draper

East Harlem School serves an entirely vegetarian, locally sourced lunch each weekday to its 130 middle school students. EHS, which has been dishing up veggie meals for 15 years, made the switch to an uber-healthy menu this year with the help of a new chef. While the new meals are more nutritious, are the students eating – and enjoying – their lunch?

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Saint Luke’s Church and Theatre in New York City by Léa Baron

Saint Luke, a Lutheran Church, opens its doors to the needy twice a week as a soup kitchen, as well as renting out space for offices, and a school. In addition ; surprisingly it has hosted a theatre in the basement for more than 25 years. Currently, four plays are being performed on the Saint Luke’s theatre, but one in particular is unique. : « My big gay Italian wedding ».

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Chef Jonah Chasin Brings a New Twist to Vegetarian Lunches at The East Harlem School: Swapping Canned and Frozen for Fresh Foods by Al Barbarino

The East Harlem School has been serving all vegetarian meals for several years. Last year they took on a new chef – Chef Jonah – who stopped the use of canned and frozen goods and now makes everything from scratch. Check out the video to hear from Jonah and the kids who eat his meals every day at school.

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Times Squares Square Dancing, A Gay Dance Club Which Offers More Than Just Dance Steps by Sherrina Navani

The tradition of Square Dancing with a gay twist. The Times Squares Dance Club, launched 27 years ago as an alternative social gathering to the drug ridden gay club scene. The club is also therapeutic for members who struggle with personal issues.

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El Carmelo Residence, A Safe Heaven For Newcomers by Jose Bayona

In downtown Manhattan, a women-only residence run by four Carmelite Sisters nuns is a safe heaven for newcomers to the big city. Compassion for others is the terms that best define El Carmelo Residence.

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UFC Fighter Renzo Gracie discusses Mixed Martial Arts by Paul Bufano

Renzo Gracie, member of the Gracie family of Brazil, is a Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitor in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

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Getting to know El Carmelo Residence by Cesar BustamanteAlmudena Toral

When people think of nuns they imagine a life of strictness, service, and solitude. But in the ones at El Carmelo Residence dispels that
myth. The immigrants and students can they help will attest that these nuns are kind, friendly, and far from cloistered.

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