My Favorite Novels Set In New York

So much has been written about New York that the city has become an overused setting in literary works. As a resident of the famed city, I am always in awe of the new things I discover every day. When it comes to novels, my city has served as a fitting backdrop for many stories. Let me share with you some of my favorite books set in the Big Apple:

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The Great Gatsby (1925) by F. Scott Fitzgerald

An American classic, this novel is a fitting tribute to the whimsical 1920s. Lavish, controversial, full of mystery, and burning with passion, the story truly illustrated the ups and the downs of the American Dream. Set in Long Island's fictional East and West Egg, Fitzgerald has blazed the trail for writers who want to explore narratives on the extravagant life.

A Visit from the Goon Squad (2011) by Jennifer Egan

While the interrelated stories also take place in different settings, I don't think the narrative will be as gripping if the New York element was left out. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel explored the many characters' complex thoughts, dreams, and experiences through different timelines. It's pretty difficult to explain, but it's really worth your time. People say it's a collection of stories, but if you're a world-builder like me, you might also consider this a novel.

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Open City (2011) by Teju Cole

Set in Manhattan, Teju Cole's debut novel is about a medical student wandering the city he finds strange. While it describes the city in detail, some people might find the defamiliarization disarming. I enjoyed the author's description of what goes on in the city and in his character's lives. Though at times strange, this take on life in the concrete jungle can hit too close to home.

Have you read any of these books? What's your favorite novel set in New York?

Thanks for dropping by! My name is Ron Ozer, and my love for literature led me to New York where I'm currently studying. Aside from this blog, I also share my thoughts on this page.

Five Practical Ways To Saving Money For Travel

With lower airline ticket prices and vacation rental options like Airbnb, the traveling industry is booming like never before. People might feel the need to take a break from their demanding schooling and tiring jobs, and going on vacation could provide them temporary stillness and relaxation. However, traveling doesn’t come with an affordable price tag. Here are some ways to save for that much awaited getaway.

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Open a bank account exclusively for travels. Automatic payments can be set up into the account. Make sure that the money deposited into the account won’t be used for other expenditure. An interest-bearing account is a great option especially when the trip won’t happen soon. It’s said that millennials cannot settle for having just one job.

Get a side job and earn extra income to save more money for travel. While having more than one source of income can be stressful, think of the reward to stay motivated. It could be seasonal jobs related to one’s line of work, or commissioned work—whatever that is, it’s going to make that dream vacation happen sooner.

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Cancel that gym membership and get in shape through online workouts. Going to the gym works for the first months for most people. Thus, it is better to work out at home and save on cash than paying for service that’s barely used. Fitness experts say getting fit is 10 percent exercise and 90 percent eating right. Putting that concept into practice, cut back on monthly food budget by buying in bulk, shopping at farmer’s markets, and only buying foods that are nutritious. Lastly, save money by carpooling or renting out the car. Potentially, an individual can make up to $3,000 a year by doing so.

Ron Ozer loves traveling and considers Israel as his favorite place to visit. For more travel tips, head over to this blog.

Must-See Museums In Tel Aviv

Tourists looking to learn more about and immerse in Jewish history and culture usually plan a visit to Jerusalem or other ancient cities. One would probably never think of Tel Aviv as a historically rich place, because of its high-rise buildings, sun-soaked beaches, and a bustling nightlife.

On the contrary, Tel Aviv is a great city to learn more about the interesting country of Israel. The metropolis is home to must-see museums, such as the following:

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Tel Aviv Museum of Art

Israel’s largest art museum is considered one of the best in the entire world. It was actually opened in 1932, well before Israel was established as a state. The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is the permanent home of the masterpieces of several well-known artists, including Cezanne, Monet, and Picasso. But the museum also has exhibits showcasing the Israeli contemporary art scene, as well as political and social landscapes.

Beit Hatfutsot: The Museum of the Jewish People

The Jewish people has had a rich history; and Beit Hafutsot, with its educational and engaging exhibits, narrates more than two-and-a-half millennia of Jewish history. Those of Jewish lineage can also trace their roots in the museum’s multimedia and family history library.

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Eretz Israel Museum

While Beit Hatfutsot features the Jewish diaspora, the nearby Eretz Israel Museum primarily showcases historical artifacts relating to not just Tel Aviv, but also the Land of Israel.

Travel enthusiast Ron Ozer considers Israel his favorite place to visit. Learn more about the biblical promised land by following this Facebook page.

Yes, Chess Is a Sport—-And a Good One At That

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Chess is a classic strategy game challenging the brightest minds in the world. Despite being recognized by the Olympic Committee and over 100 countries as a sport, many still disregard it as a valid sport.

As with other sports, the objective of a game of chess is to win, and victory requires persistence. It’s possible that there is no other sport where two players are locked in a competitive struggle of such intensity for a sustained period of time. With one lapse in concentration, a good position can spiral into eventual loss.

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The sport is well established and has been organized since 1886. Competitions for the sport are organized at every level such as in schools, universities, counties, cities, leagues, juniors, seniors, nationals, and internationals. While most people think physical fitness isn’t a requirement for the sport, they’re mistaken. As the game progresses, with tension and stress building up, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rates are likely to pose problems. Professional players need to be in good physical shape, so they also employ fitness coaches and nutritionists.

Chess develops memory and improves concentration. It is also a good way to build logical thinking in young minds. Each game is a chance for a player to be creative and imaginative with their moves, while still abiding by the rules of the sport.

Ron Ozer graduated from the MIT, finishing his studies in three years. Chess is one of his interests, along with guitars, traveling, playing poker, and snowboarding. Read similar articles by subscribing to this blog.

Where Does 4:44 Rank On Jay-Z’s Discography?

4:44 is Jay-Z’s 13th solo album, an auspicious number for the rap superstar and culture influencer. But there’s nothing ominous or career-detrimental about this new outing. The album is arguably one of his best yet. Where does it rank among his other 12 albums, though?

Rap critics have lauded this 2017 album for its earnestness, which is very telling of Jay-Z’s real life as a husband, with all his shortcomings and failures. At certain segments the album is brutally honest, self-deprecating, and chronicling various disarrays Jay-Z himself has created.

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In this middle-age-rapper album, Jay-Z proceeds to talk about having stabbed somebody, his encounters with a therapist, raising kids, and infidelity. Critics claim that this is the 48-year-old’s way of putting his house in order, which of course means his legacy, too. He hasn’t lost any of his vaunted rapping bars, wordplay, and wit, and the 10 songs echo with class and melodic structure. 4:44 is surely one of Jay-Z’s best and should cement his legacy as one of the best rappers to have ever existed.

Still, there are much better Jay-Z outputs out there, both in terms of musicality and ambition. Albums that immediately come to mind include 2001’s The Blueprint, considered by many to be the rapper’s magnum opus. Here he addressed, among other things, his beef with the other New York rap superstar, Nas.

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Other notable Jay-Z albums are Reasonable Doubt in 1996, Life and Times of S. Carter in 1999, and The Black Album in 2003. All in all, we can say that the appeal of 4:44 is in its sincerity and maturity. It’s a parent’s album, and as such very aware of things like regret and remorse. But for many, this honest and poised album won’t be possible without a rich rap discography that showed so much more grit.

Ron Ozer graduated from MIT after finishing his studies in just three years. Jay-Z is his favorite musician. Visit this blog for related articles.

Best snowboarding spots in New York

New York is a great place to spend winter in because of the many activities both adults and children can enjoy; an example is snowboarding. Not only are there numerous sublime spots to ride downhill on, but Amtrak also allows commuters to bring with them snowboard gear and equipment. Those going snowboarding can then have the option to either drive or board the train to reach ski and snowboard resorts.

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Here are some of the best places to head out to: 

Kissing Bridge

Glenwood, which is a half-hour away from Buffalo, is home to one of the most visited ski and snowboard resorts in New York. There are 39 trails, with many of them apt for beginners or children. Almost all the trails are also lit for night skiing or snowboarding. 

Hunter Mountain 

Families and thrill-seekers love visiting this four-season resort because of the variety of winter activities that can be done there. For snowboarders, 58 trails offer varying difficulties: huge learning areas for beginners, cruisers for intermediates, and steep and bumpy trails for the experienced ones.

Gore Mountain

The largest ski resort in New York, North Creek’s Gore Mountain also provides numerous choices of trails for snowboarders. There is also a snow sports school where any skier and snowboarder of all ages and ability levels are given lessons on how to ride the slopes. 

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World traveler and New Yorker Ron Ozer is always in search of the next adventure. Read more about one of his hobbies, snowboarding, by subscribing to this blog.

Top places to visit in Israel

A visit to the Holy Land of Israel is any devout Christian’s dream, a way of witnessing and experiencing the world Jesus grew up in during his stay on Earth. Of course, aside from the country’s given appeal to the Christian world, Israel is a great travel destination that’s rich in history, heritage, and stunning natural wonders. Here are our best places to see when in Israel.

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Nazareth

Nazareth is where Jesus was brought up and where the angel Gabriel informed Mary that she was carrying the child of God. Apart from its religious importance, this area located in lower Galilee offers interesting cultural and historical architecture, as well as archaeological remnants that provide a different take on what Middle-Eastern charm means.

The Sea of Galilee

Called the Kinneret by the locals, this “sea” is really the largest freshwater lake in Israel and the country’s main source of water. The Bible says that many of the miracles performed by Jesus occurred here, including his walk on the water.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, located 417 meters below sea level. It is also the saltiest water source on earth since more water evaporates than flows into it. While in the area, make sure to visit Masada for its amazing views and Ein Gedi, a water oasis located in the desert.

Jerusalem

The holiest city in the world houses the three biggest religions. A visit to the Old City allows visitors to marvel at the Western Wall, the Al Aqsa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Tourists who venture outside the Old City should check out Yad Vashem, the World Center for Holocaust Research.

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Ron Ozer is a travel enthusiast and considers Israel as his favorite place to visit. For more on Ron’s hobbies and interest, drop by this blog.