Last weekend I attended Bono: Stories of Surrender (concert/monologue/poetry slam) and was reminded of a scene in one of my favorite LOL movies Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping with Andy Samberg. The scene is when Connor's Manager introduces his rather large and superfluous entourage, which includes a 'perspective manipulator,' effectively a short(er) person that stands near him to make him look larger.

I enjoyed the show at the Beacon Theater, but upon reflection, it changed my perception of Bono. Bono is a larger-than-life character, a cultural icon, a pop sensation, and an impactful change-maker for over 40 years. He rubs elbows with world leaders and performs for massive audiences. However, on the Beacon stage, he felt less significant than that. Not just in his stature but also in his singing voice, in his insecurities, and his purpose. It is equivalent of a movie star doing a cameo on a television show (Friends excluded). I guess I don't mind when my perspective is manipulated!

Bono is an amazing rockstar, but maybe not during a week where I attended Madison Square Garden twice for playoff games and took in a Broadway show starring Ben Platt. This week the Loupe will focus on ensuring you are treated like the Rockstar (or Popstar) that you are.

Appointment Trader
Restaurants, Website

In the past, I used to be a meticulous planner, always making sure to book my travel, meals, and entertainment well in advance. But, alas over time, things changed. Perhaps it was the pandemic or possibly the emergence of services like StubHub, but whatever the reason, I found myself wanting more flexibility and spontaneity in my plans.

That's where AppointmentTrader comes in. This innovative site is changing the game by allowing you to eat at top restaurants without any prior knowledge or planning. With AppointmentTrader, you can buy and sell restaurant reservations at some of the city's best and most exclusive dining establishments. Want to go to Polo Bar tonight? Well, not you can. Simply sort by city and date, and you'll find a wide variety of options to choose from.

Whether you're a foodie looking to try out the hottest new restaurant in town, or simply looking for a last-minute dinner reservation, AppointmentTrader has got you covered. You can choose between reservations that are already priced or place a bid on an available reservation, and the site will even try to solicit a reservation for you.

Of course, with such a unique and valuable service, it's no wonder that AppointmentTrader is best kept secret among insiders, and now you're an insider. Looking for a way to enjoy some of the best dining experiences in town without the hassle of planning --- then look no further than AppointmentTrader.

Dorsia
Food, Website

Looking for a way to secure a reservation at that hard-to-get restaurant without the hassle and frustration of calling in advance? Look no further than Dorsia, the exclusive invite-only app that is changing the way we dine out.

With Dorsia, you can easily book reservations at some of the most sought-after restaurants around, with the only catch being that you must guarantee a minimum spend per person. This algorithm works by guaranteeing the restaurant a higher than average ticket price, ensuring that you get a reservation while also providing the restaurant with a guaranteed level of business.

While the minimums may seem daunting at first, they are generally quite reasonable, and they can vary depending on the restaurant and the time of day. As someone who enjoys a good drink and three-course meal, I can attest that the minimums are well worth it for the dining experience you'll receive.

When fellow louper Meredith V. (also my wife) introduced me to Dorsia, I was immediately in. Gone are my days of wasting time calling and hoping for a reservation at our favorite restaurants. With Dorsia's exclusive network of top restaurants and guaranteed minimum spend, you don't have to sweat finding reservations at hot spots or your favorite spots. Just keep in mind that it is an invite-only app, so you may have to wait a bit, or get recommended, before you can start booking reservations. Also, it's only currently available in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles and the app is only available on IOS.

Katana
Transportation

When it comes to living the Rockstar/Popstar lifestyle, few things are as iconic as arriving in a private plane, and avoiding commercial airport terminals. The sheer comfort, convenience, and luxury of flying privately is truly something to behold. Unfortunately, this privilege often comes at a steep cost, especially if you only need a few seats for your travel needs.

But fear not, as Katana is here to solve this problem. With Katana, you can easily search for available seats on private planes or empty-leg charters that meet your specific travel requirements. If you can't find what you're looking for in the system, you can even post your interest and find other like-minded travelers to book a plane with.

But that's not all. If you've already booked a private plane and find yourself with extra seats, you can easily list them on Katana and sell them to other travelers, reducing your investment in this exclusive privilege.

With Katana's help, the rockstar lifestyle has never been more accessible or affordable. When you sign up, you may use the Coupon Code FREE120 to get 120 for Free, no obligations. Let Katana be the first place you look before booking your flights, or certainly, the last place you look before your commercial tickets become non-refundable.

Original Crumbs
Food

Crumbs is back and better than ever! Founded in 2003 by Rockstars Jason and Mia Bauer, Crumbs quickly became a favorite for those with a sweet tooth, thanks to their passion for baking and commitment to using only the finest ingredients. While the company was sold to new owners several years ago, Jason and Mia recently had the opportunity to buy it back and restore it to its past glory.

Now, Crumbs is once again serving up some of the best cupcakes and cookies around, made with the same dedication to quality and taste that made them a household name. From classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla to more unique creations like salted caramel and red velvet, Crumbs has something to satisfy every sweet craving. Their offering for now is in some grocery stores, and online, so you will have to control your impulses.

So if you're in the mood for something sweet and delicious, why not give Crumbs a try? With their commitment to quality and dedication to baking, you're sure to find something that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. The GIANT cupcake devils food was always a family favorite!

Being a Rockstar is only a matter of perspective, so hop on stage and consider AppointmentTrader, Dorsia, Katana, and Original Crumbs found!

Perspective Manipulater