tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54547919709749163552024-03-14T09:22:24.889-04:00Newbie NYCA not-so-new resident's smitten-kitten guide to moving to New York City and how to thrive once you land here.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-75591064012690984602010-02-17T23:43:00.007-05:002010-02-18T00:01:02.476-05:00Westminster Dog Show 2010: Dogs Hit the Streets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gi548bqwrMejQ4PLoJWeYtc6yNz9EJpRj-p1ovd4WQ9Gm7Uav21-jpBiZN89VOe6nFoWsVhjJmsZuCKyg4h672Dt16he6Ls-1gjmhkrmaoir3C78HZdllWX2HHugwhmddziDg1GSlt6N/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gi548bqwrMejQ4PLoJWeYtc6yNz9EJpRj-p1ovd4WQ9Gm7Uav21-jpBiZN89VOe6nFoWsVhjJmsZuCKyg4h672Dt16he6Ls-1gjmhkrmaoir3C78HZdllWX2HHugwhmddziDg1GSlt6N/s200/Picture+7.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439443885587569394" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I got a little 'inside doggie scoop' on the greatest dog show ever, the </span></span></span><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2010 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">at Madison Square Garden</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">! </span></span></span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Breeds of all shapes and sizes roamed the streets of NYC in preparation for the two-day event. This is one of those quirky, fun NYC events that everyone looks forward to. It may even rival Fashion Week! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Apparently, it was a tight race between Toy Poodle Walker, Doberman </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pinscher</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> C.J., Brittany Spaniel Tally, and a few others, but it was Scottish Terrier Sadie who took home the champion cup for "Best in Show!" Such a cutie pie. Click </span></span><a href="http://msg.com/photos/westminster-2010-best-in-show/slide/1/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> to check out all of the finalists. </span></span></span></span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Better yet, </span></span><a href="http://blogs.msg.com/themonitor/2010/02/15/westminster-kennel-club-dog-show-dogs-hit-the-streets-of-nyc/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">check out this slide show</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> of all the doggies on the streets of NYC. Congrats again, Sadie!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-71449376715214910292010-01-30T19:01:00.017-05:002010-02-01T14:56:12.948-05:00Atlantic City, Here We Come... on a bus????When I moved to New York City, I vowed never to leave Manhattan. Well, at least not for the first few months. But hey, I've been living here for .... can it really be ... three whole years now and a gal's gotta get some new scenery. <div><br /></div><div>But to Atlantic City, on a bus no less? So not this Manhattanite's style... or so I thought. My luck and pre-conceived notions changed when I got an offer to check out the Greyhound Lucky Streak, driven by bus driver extraordinaire <a href="http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/n-M_cFtIToB/Greyhound+Coaches+Launch+First+Ever+Services/ivDJA_gpk9p/Leon+Batchelor">Leon</a>. Full disclosure, it was a free-of-charge field trip offered to bloggers by the good folks at Greyhound, with no obligation to blog or tweet or FB about it. But after a 27 hour romp, here's why I'd recommend shelling out some (nominal) dough and heading shoreside:<div><br /></div><div>1) The <a href="http://www.luckystreakbus.com/">Lucky Streak</a> bus is a blast. Very comfy, great seats, all clean and shiny... and best of all, WiFi and outlets for you to plug in your computer. Having full internet access made the 3-ish hour trip go by in a heartbeat. And <a href="http://www.greyhound.com/home/">Greyhound</a> is doing a lot to make the buses more eco-efficient, plus getting more tourists on a bus means less cars on the road means less air pollution.. you get the drift. Its also pretty cheap, and they have <a href="http://www.luckystreakbus.com/">special fares and promos</a>, so check it out. </div><div>2) The hotels know how to make you feel special. We stayed at the <a href="http://www.hiltonac.com/">Hilton</a> and everyone was just so, well, darn sweet. A reception at the Top of the Trop at the <a href="http://www.tropicana.net/">Tropicana</a> showed just how hospitable a place can be. </div><div>3) Let's face it, gambling is the main draw (wink). The casinos were pretty cool, I gotta admit. On the first try at the slot machines (my favorite) at <a href="http://www.ballysac.com/casinos/ballys-atlantic-city/hotel-casino/property-home.shtml">Bally's</a> Wild Wild West Casino, I won 82 bucks! </div><div>4) Nothing compares to the boutiques in NYC, but some of the AC shops were open until midnight! Nothing like a little late evening dressing room action. (ok, that sounded slightly dirty...I didn't see THAT side of Atlantic City, darnnit.)</div><div>5) Pampering? Yep. I got a complimentary <a href="http://www.ballysac.com/casinos/ballys-atlantic-city/casino-misc/spa-at-ballys-detail.html">spa treatment at Bally's</a>. The salt water taffy scrub left me blissed out (although I was slightly disappointed it was given with sea salt and not taffy, but it was so divine I'll get over it). My spa specialist described it as a 'human car wash.' Noted.</div><div>6) Just plain getting away for a day or two, in easy breezy style, is a true treat. I feel refreshed coming back into the city. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, Atlantic City as a casual destination for fun, frolic and freedom? Aces. Check out the <a href="http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/">Atlantic City CVB</a> for more details on what to do there. I may just head back when the beach isn't covered with snow... </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-14307629481388124442010-01-03T00:43:00.002-05:002010-01-03T00:44:59.787-05:00Yeah, Empire State of Mind<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:10px;"><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RDYpqdHO0LI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RDYpqdHO0LI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-65812653828739897182009-12-25T01:35:00.004-05:002009-12-25T02:03:19.513-05:00Guiding Your Christmas and New Year'sI spent Xmas eve chowing down Brazilian food with friends in Hell's Kitchen. Yep, nothing says Christmas like a big slab of steak and full on girl talk. I called it an orphan's Christmas, but my friend said that didn't fit her style. "We are adult women living in Manhattan and we can do whatever we want." 'Nuff said. <div><br /></div><div>Still, there may be those out there that want a little more structure to their holiday nightlife. And while the best way to get out and about is with party planning pals, there are a number of good event websites that can guide the inexperienced. A new one I have come across is <a href="http://www.joonbug.com/">Joonbug</a>, which focuses on the club scene. There is also <a href="http://www.newyearsevecentral.com/newyork">New Year's Eve Central</a>, with great tips on New Year's Eve bashes about town. My fav standbys for events are <a href="http://nymag.com/">New York Magazine</a> and <a href="http://newyork.timeout.com/">Time Out New York</a>, both with excellent calendar features. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for my holiday plans, you'll see me walking through Central Park on Christmas, and staying as far away from Times Square as humanly possible on New Year's. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-9614498872193450182009-10-31T00:51:00.006-04:002009-10-31T01:08:14.091-04:00Halloween in NYC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDRLDKgm899Sb5NZwFPIWpihb7EH1QFYA9dCTVqR2m7s-3LpwruKrzLsQFp0AHfLilu42eqOGswDbEhb9W7LHBmzgCi3LKLxqxGwOdjJ1yT6y78dOq12M-WmZ1-oiw-7cK9dvFdvUOpC9/s1600-h/halloween_parade06_04.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDRLDKgm899Sb5NZwFPIWpihb7EH1QFYA9dCTVqR2m7s-3LpwruKrzLsQFp0AHfLilu42eqOGswDbEhb9W7LHBmzgCi3LKLxqxGwOdjJ1yT6y78dOq12M-WmZ1-oiw-7cK9dvFdvUOpC9/s200/halloween_parade06_04.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398626462511811586" /></a>Oh sure, there are the <a href="http://www.bloodmanor.com/">Haunted House</a> tours, the <a href="http://www.halloween-nyc.com/">parade in the Village</a>, the tiny trick-or-treaters traipsing from apartment building to brownstone. But the fact is that in NYC, people dress up like its Halloween on any given day, and freaks and ghouls roam free in a marvelous, all-are-welcome-here kinda way. True scariness can be found in the stories of haunted happenings behind the many, many closed doors of this insanity-inducing island. The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">New York Times</span> put a few together in <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/10/30/opinion/20091030ratner.html">this article</a> for our spooky amusement. Read at your own risk. Oh, and hope that your pre-war one bedroom isn't one of the fright-infested. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-70295048080187670082009-10-18T22:57:00.003-04:002009-10-18T23:09:38.907-04:00Urban Meditation in the BronxThe poetry of this piece of travelogue theater will leave you lulled out of space and time. But the power of it is in the now. The adventurous <a href="http://www.thefoundrytheatre.org/">Foundry Theater</a> has taken a step out of the conventional in The Provenance of Beauty, a performance piece set on a bus trip 'round the Bronx. This <a href="http://theater2.nytimes.com/2009/09/18/theater/reviews/18provenance.html">New York Times review</a> captures the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">essence</span> of this beautiful, haunting urban meditation. Great theater sometimes does expand outside stage. Kudos to The Foundry for expanding traditional notions of performance space, and doing so with such gentle gusto. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-85813763129876464002009-08-08T23:10:00.005-04:002009-08-08T23:33:11.413-04:00VMAs Celebrate NYC Talent<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACD9tBoEca_UngFP85qhba57G5wFDJfPbg75sGJQfJ7QVLTBpp8T0fN31iQfGO2V7_wPreDzriP9aiI2zg6bHUJnS41WfwZbTiJVWdFCnSvhyphenhyphenruTdJXMiFTaYOQD0GYDCJ54X6PgoVzNX/s1600-h/noname.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACD9tBoEca_UngFP85qhba57G5wFDJfPbg75sGJQfJ7QVLTBpp8T0fN31iQfGO2V7_wPreDzriP9aiI2zg6bHUJnS41WfwZbTiJVWdFCnSvhyphenhyphenruTdJXMiFTaYOQD0GYDCJ54X6PgoVzNX/s200/noname.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367801772814127666" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size:13px;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Amidst the busy sidewalks and crowded streets, NYC is flooded with musical talents of all kinds. I just learned that MTV2 and Time Warner Cable are searching for the next best thing in the NYC music scene. Apparently, there is a cool contest going on if you (or your band, or duo group, or anything singsong-y) are looking to “make it” in the industry. If so, try out for “The Best Breakout NYC Artist Award” and go head-to-head with other finalists at the 2009 Video Music Awards. On August 14th, MTV will review the top 20 ranked NYC artists and select 3 to battle it out in front of top MTV VMA talent at a Time Warner Cable MTV VMA weekend pre-party. All types of artists are welcome to enter so <a href="http://www.ourstage.com/go/mtv2nyc">click here </a>to sign up and showcase your talent (or just sign up as a fan to participate in the process.) Break a leg! </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-45830646934477841922009-07-26T23:03:00.002-04:002009-07-26T23:05:07.373-04:00New York en Español... and other languages???<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Times New Roman">This city is a cacophony of multilingual dialogue, with certain sections truly singing like another world. With such a diverse population, it is great to have resources in languages other than New York City American (i.e. Brooklynese, 'Queens' English, etc...) and blogs that cater to those that moved here from elsewhere. After all, that is what New York is about (think Statue of Liberty, ya'll). </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Times New Roman">So it was great to be contacted by Mia, who moved here from Argentina in 2002 and started <a href="http://vivanewyork.blogspot.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; color: #4a2486">Viva New York</span></a>, an <i>en Español</i> guide to life in NYC. She covers everything from where to get the best Jimmy Choo's to what is happening on holidays to just plain how to survive here. Its a great resource. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Times New Roman">I'd personally love to add to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Newbie NYC</span> a list of other NYC-centric blogs written in other languages, but this regretfully only-English speaking gal can't locate them with a simple Google search. So if you know of any, please comment and share. They'll be added to my blogroll for sure. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-62631378244533249382009-06-25T10:51:00.005-04:002009-06-25T11:13:14.860-04:00Rooftop Films NYC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW2WBFwbALEAR-0d3dmtiyBSCGxfCzRumM_ICBdI923jvRIxtKobBXJvmfIePz0C5gU1RqFHZISPDga15lUmYth8pMqwxBrT28FGKHxnSYdbDCnWMtZtrpCiTC7cBJxxruMzawCqgbA4c/s1600-h/events_rooftopfilms01_grid_3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW2WBFwbALEAR-0d3dmtiyBSCGxfCzRumM_ICBdI923jvRIxtKobBXJvmfIePz0C5gU1RqFHZISPDga15lUmYth8pMqwxBrT28FGKHxnSYdbDCnWMtZtrpCiTC7cBJxxruMzawCqgbA4c/s200/events_rooftopfilms01_grid_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351283302703476306" border="0" /></a>I'll be taking in a unique and festive NYC experience on Friday nite, when I'll attend <a href="http://www.rooftopfilms.com/">Rooftop Films</a>' screening of <a href="http://www.humpdayfilm.com/">Humpday</a>. While excited about the film, I'm even more jazzed about being outside on an NYC roof for cinema, sights, and film enthusiasts galore. Rooftop Films will screen around <a href="http://www.rooftopfilms.com/summerseries.html">20 films and 150 shorts in 2009</a>, making it a prolific film festival. There is also music and Q&As and free stuff too. Films are held in various locations around town on Friday or Saturday nights, so <a href="http://www.rooftopfilms.com/summerseries.html">check the schedule</a> and pick a flick.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-38215873668351308192009-06-12T14:53:00.005-04:002009-06-12T15:05:32.500-04:00World Science Festival 2009-June 10-14<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKeOMCNx6htuswwIK7zGZIi9emCW_2feFr4UBxUTx1P1gSYoYQf-Kv1iTp_UyqabM7GuwCqikgWUgZrhDjKnLeOVf5sf4J57iCPTHjCXTbUGmmDw-zd4pDft2MAMeHxovF3sYMyj6MHyK/s1600-h/world-science-festival.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 123px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKeOMCNx6htuswwIK7zGZIi9emCW_2feFr4UBxUTx1P1gSYoYQf-Kv1iTp_UyqabM7GuwCqikgWUgZrhDjKnLeOVf5sf4J57iCPTHjCXTbUGmmDw-zd4pDft2MAMeHxovF3sYMyj6MHyK/s200/world-science-festival.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346518803551163122" border="0" /></a>The <a href="http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/">World Science Festival</a> is an amazing festival held each year at various locations in NYC. So cool, this stuff. <a href="http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/all-events-by-date">Check out the programming</a> and be wowed.<br /><br />Yeah, so I'm a nerd. So what?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-71714141480920083752009-06-01T21:32:00.016-04:002009-06-01T22:40:10.591-04:00Art in NYCI've been seeing an abundance of art recently in this city, filled with creatives extraordinaire as it is. New York has always been the mecca for artists of all types, the list is long of those that have lived, thrived and died here. The tradition continues. <div><br /></div><div>I recently took in the ethereal, otherworldly installation <a href="http://www.armoryonpark.org/index.php/programs_events/detail/ernesto_neto_in_the_wade_thompson_drill_hall/">anthropodino</a> by Ernesto Neto at the <a href="http://www.armoryonpark.org/">Park Avenue Armory</a>. Talk about a head trip. The Armory is enormous and about the only place that can tackle Neto's one square city block, 80 feet high visual missive. Glorious to behold, one section of the piece drips with spice-filled gauze, like the stockings of giants. Walking through its ghostly constructed corridors, you at once feel peaceful and then can't catch your breath. See it before it is gone gone gone on June 14.<div><br /></div><div>You can also catch great art evenings in <a href="http://chelseaartgalleries.com/">Chelsea</a>. The galleries there have receptions most nights, but Thursdays and Fridays seem most popular. I recently took in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kimberly-brooks/america-still-screams-the_b_175144.html">Liz Markus'</a> paintings at <a href="http://www.ziehersmith.com/">Zieher Smith Gallery</a>. Later at the <a href="http://www.re-title.org/exhibitions/archive_RobertMillerGallery4897.asp">Robert Miller Gallery</a>, Patti Smith's photography and Jem Cohen's show were illuminating. The crowd is filled with the ultra-hip, and it is a quintessential New York City experience to walk among them. <div><br /></div><div>Finally, the public art in NYC is beyond compare. There is not enough room here to list them all, but any block is bound to offer sculpture of the highest order. Perhaps the greatest art masterpiece of them all is Central Park, which grounds all of us - creative wannabe's and artists alike - in nature's wholesome breath.</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-3477610623481760252009-05-14T02:32:00.003-04:002009-05-14T02:45:03.494-04:00First Published Article in NYC!Well, big milestone. I got published for the first time in NYC. Wrote an essay on the play <a href="http://www.exitcuckoo.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Exit Cuckoo</span></a>, which I've covered on this blog but not in quite this delicious a length. I am beyond thrilled.<div><br /></div><div>The piece is in the May 09 issue of the <a href="http://www.brooklynrail.org/">Brooklyn Rail</a>, the respected art, opinion, culture and political magazine. If up for it, read <a href="http://www.brooklynrail.org/2009/05/theater/navigating-the-nannyhood-lisa-ramirezs-exit-cuckoo">Navigating the Nannyhood: Lisa Ramirez's Exit Cuckoo</a> and better yet, go <a href="http://www.theworkingtheater.org/">see the play</a>. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-77977468447955933932009-05-03T00:01:00.004-04:002009-05-03T00:34:03.749-04:00Marie's Crisis: Piano Bar with HistoryMon deux, how did this fabulous joint remain a mystery to me for so long? Marie's Crisis Cafe is a piano bar extraordinaire, buried deep in a West Village basement at 59 Grove St. This historical showcase of a late night hangout is home to show tune buffs of varying talents and persuasions. The wooden beamed, low hanging ceiling and tight quarters lend an air of intimacy to this good-time-had-by-all establishment, and you can feel the talents of singers gone by even when the ivories aren't being tickled. <br /><br />Everyone sings at Marie's Crisis, good bad and ugly, but the chorus created is consistently lively and occasionally longing. Stick around long enough, you'll be treated to a solo or two by some of the city's finest chanteuses. In the meantime, practice your do-ri-me's and get ready to belt one.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-62277327465271521952009-04-10T16:23:00.012-04:002009-04-10T17:43:51.822-04:00Must See Theater: Exit Cuckoo Opens April 17Get ready. Some of the most thought-provoking theatre you've ever experienced is about to hit Off Broadway. <a href="http://www.theworkingtheater.org/ExitCuckoo.html#Ramirez">Lisa Ramirez's</a> <a href="http://www.theworkingtheater.org/">Exit Cuckoo</a> is playing April 17-May 17 at the Clurman Theater on Theatre Row (410 W 42nd Street). Exit Cuckoo fearlessly explores the often complicated world of nannies, mothers and children with humor and spot-on accuracy. <br /><br />This production is directed by fellow actor/writer/director <a href="http://www.theworkingtheater.org/ExitCuckoo.html#Domingo">Colman Domingo</a> (<span style="font-style:italic;">Passing Strange, Single Black Female</span>) and presented by <a href="http://www.theworkingtheater.org">The Working Theater.</a> <a href="http://newbienyc.blogspot.com/2007/06/first-one-woman-show-lisa-ramirez-in.html">I've seen the work</a> in many incarnations, and with each production the poignant, important message of actor/playwright Ramirez's work is even more of a revelation. The writing is sharp and exquisite, and the acting prowess of Ramirez allows for the characters to genuinely enter your heart, and speak with full-on truth. <br /><br />Read this <a href="http://www.tdf.org/TDF_Article.aspx?id=246&do=v">Theatre Development Fund article</a> if you want info on the play's development. Tix are available <a href="http://ticketcentral.com/showdetails2.asp?showid=2017">here</a>. Please, without fail, go see.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-71213988669318432362009-03-21T23:31:00.001-04:002009-03-21T23:32:50.168-04:00Still the best movie ever about loving NYC<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0o6QKpNK9Cc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0o6QKpNK9Cc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Ah, New York.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-73049093330472183862009-03-03T22:39:00.005-05:002009-03-03T23:11:01.658-05:00Renting a New York City Apartment: The New NYC Rental MarketYes, the economic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">crashfest</span> has had an impact on even the most enduring complaint in all of Manhattan - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">gutwrenchingly</span> high rents. That is right, that stuff I wrote about all the moo-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">lah</span> you need to prove you have before anyone will even show you an apartment? Ob-so-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lete</span>. Well, sort of. <div><br /></div><div>These days, you can get away with no broker fees, barely much up front, and even - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">dareIbreatheit</span> - negotiating. I recently moved in with a roommate (lots of New Yorkers do it to keep costs down, which goodness knows I had to do. This is still one pricey town). We found an extraordinarily beautiful <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tri</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">plex</span> (quad-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">plex</span>, if you count the sleeping loft) two bedroom for reasonable rent in a great location on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">UWS</span>. I worked with my stand-by broker Alex at <a href="http://www.manhattanapts.com/">Manhattan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Apts</span>.</a> and the management co. for the new pad picked up the broker fee. You can get good no-fee apartments these days in NYC. A miracle, really. Search my list of rental resources for links.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another good option is subletting, an NYC tradition. Many people are leaving town but don't want to let go of their apartments. NYC will always be a desirable place to be, no matter what the market, so they will likely be back. So look for long-term subletting gigs that will help you get your feet wet if you are moving here, or if you just need a crash pad to save some dough. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, you still need good credit, cash up front to cover security/first month's rent, all that good stuff. Some buildings and locations are harder than others to find good deals. There are still unethical rental outfits or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">management</span> companies out there (um, its still New York). But it is getting easier to rent here, so please don't let financial fear keep you suburban bound like it did to me for far too long. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-13126347030880335662009-02-23T17:33:00.014-05:002009-02-23T18:40:49.038-05:00Must See "Must Read After My Death"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUk9Nbds7sUhj8tASMHySpEeW_hei8CUpIdeyC92XhnnihzYjP_SkBsWkjwA1XU5CzBoP2w0utKOKuSpnovztpoQVXFfDKUPq4H51fqc4arg7WZT265ol7qUaHi0QcaYp_mgQldvnKxqDP/s1600-h/mustreadposter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUk9Nbds7sUhj8tASMHySpEeW_hei8CUpIdeyC92XhnnihzYjP_SkBsWkjwA1XU5CzBoP2w0utKOKuSpnovztpoQVXFfDKUPq4H51fqc4arg7WZT265ol7qUaHi0QcaYp_mgQldvnKxqDP/s200/mustreadposter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306135441452098962" border="0" /></a>Went to the NYC premiere of <a href="http://www.mustreadaftermydeath.com/">Must Read After My Death</a> the other night. Its been a long time since I've been so provoked by a film, so challenged and destroyed by the content, so transfixed by the subject. This documentary peek into the private world of suburban angst is also a riveting commentary on American society in the early 60's.<br /><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/bldf8o">Filmmaker Morgan Dews</a> found recordings in a shed from his grandmother Allis - evidence of her philandering, overseas traveling husband; her psychiatric sessions; her family's decline. They chronicle an age when independent, spirited women like Allis were told their desires for success and independence were perverse. Artfully made, with home movie images of the happy family juxtaposed with their harrowing, heart wrenching recordings, this real-life psychological thriller has you spellbound and wondering, just what will become of this family?<br /><br />The film is being released in cinemas in NYC and LA. Simultaneously, it is <a href="http://www.giganticdigital.com/">being made available</a> through <a href="http://www.giganticreleasing.com/">Gigantic Releasing</a> for $2.99 online, an effective new model of independent film distribution. Look for more films to reach a wider audience in this fashion, and hats off to Gigantic for the innovation.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-48903220722044619822009-01-20T07:22:00.003-05:002009-01-20T07:41:14.091-05:00Obama, Welcome to my Old Hometown<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7LhmPgptQxfUagUoKj14tsudAskbFofq4f1ywEwWFiCBNJBymHBtVimG-1HStzaaCYyyxqIH3ifWb_bjLuAB4lh9UqvU4zgtk2kGolQsB3rA9Tx1AH6Fg2Cndm8ZiT1jzON6VsGKjjNE/s1600-h/Obamaposter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293354919752083442" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 132px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7LhmPgptQxfUagUoKj14tsudAskbFofq4f1ywEwWFiCBNJBymHBtVimG-1HStzaaCYyyxqIH3ifWb_bjLuAB4lh9UqvU4zgtk2kGolQsB3rA9Tx1AH6Fg2Cndm8ZiT1jzON6VsGKjjNE/s200/Obamaposter.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/20/obama.inauguration/index.html">Today is perhaps one of the only days </a>I miss Washington, DC just a smidge. I was fortunate to have been part of it all when I lived there - the political process, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerie_Plame">international intrigue</a>, seeing the guts of the governmental cogs and wheels. Oh, sure, <a href="http://www.trulia.com/property/1054047373-1706-U-St-NW-102-Washington-DC">my old apartment on U St</a>. would be right along some parade route, down the street from an inaugural ball... Drat.<br /><div></div><br /><div>I've found a new home in NYC that I love beyond belief. But today, I feel blessed to have known our Nation's Capital as few have, and say 'Welcome home, Mr. President.'</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-64194152013578557202009-01-06T22:47:00.004-05:002009-01-06T23:02:52.265-05:00And in the 'How Could I Have Missed This' Category: ChikaLicious!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF6_klDNvn8YD7pogIBOc8Yqul-Tf1649uVkG46_0PNNOhTNO8fRsGWC5U3VPtUCCmF8bHnNkDWmoKe8lbtybHHgW4Bp0cGFo14OKwLtM4XG07aOIjfnvoyb0VkjqMLnMMpX63VwhfPij/s1600-h/chickalicious060102_400.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288397047347105266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF6_klDNvn8YD7pogIBOc8Yqul-Tf1649uVkG46_0PNNOhTNO8fRsGWC5U3VPtUCCmF8bHnNkDWmoKe8lbtybHHgW4Bp0cGFo14OKwLtM4XG07aOIjfnvoyb0VkjqMLnMMpX63VwhfPij/s200/chickalicious060102_400.jpg" border="0" /></a>A restaurant that only serves desserts. That is all I have to say.<br /><br />Well, no, I'll go on a bit more, given <a href="http://www.chikalicious.com/">this joint </a>dishes up the things I love best, cakes and pastries and ice cream and stuff. At ChikaLicious, A prix fixe menu allows for an amuse, choice of dessert, and petit fours. Located on the lower east side at 203 E. 10th, I'll be heading there as soon as my blood sugar drops after holiday candy overload. Be sure to check out their <a href="http://www.dessertclubchikalicious.com/">Dessert Club</a>, too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-69863707769098519602009-01-01T18:16:00.014-05:002009-01-01T19:29:21.965-05:00Man on Wire Balances the Obsession with Artistry and NYC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTr9ASq-5ZZiq27fK8FS14rGF2dHxGx6kOuASFGBoxGFUdZ_R0D1Gmdh_ajlwsKal-gGZriSaCP7tNAAQTSpWE-kRhRtgvHYxAQL_SkaVE7069x03reDoeVRh5-eyL78fijFv9V9vSaW1/s1600-h/manonwire.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286481310816598338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTr9ASq-5ZZiq27fK8FS14rGF2dHxGx6kOuASFGBoxGFUdZ_R0D1Gmdh_ajlwsKal-gGZriSaCP7tNAAQTSpWE-kRhRtgvHYxAQL_SkaVE7069x03reDoeVRh5-eyL78fijFv9V9vSaW1/s200/manonwire.jpg" border="0" /></a>Perhaps the best film I've seen on the obsession and sometimes madness required to follow one's dream, <a href="http://www.manonwire.com/">Man on Wire </a>artfully explores Philippe Petit's quarter-mile high walk between the World Trade Center's Twin Towers in 1974. It is also a love letter to New York City.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippe_Petit">Petit </a>began dreaming of stringing a wire between the world's tallest buildings upon reading an article on their construction in a dentist's waiting room. He built some notoriety in the time it took for the Towers to be built by performing high-above balancing acts in notorious locations like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But upon completion, the Towers were a quarter of a mile high, hundreds of feet apart, built to sway in the wind. It was impossible, ludicrous to think of such a feat. Certain death.<br /><br />Still, Petit and his cohorts schemed and planned the perfect caper. The film amusingly captures the process of how, amid strict security and impossible odds, a wire could be strung from one tower to another. Petit's love of mischief and sheer chutzpah has him disguised as construction worker, tourist, and even journalist in order to gather the necessary information for the stunt. Even knowing the outcome, the personal accounts and sublime editing leave you on the edge of your seat. When Petit finally steps out on that fateful wire, there is awe. Not only from the great physical achievement, but in witnessing the realization of a persistent and agonizing dream.<br /><br />Less overtly, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1155592/">Man on Wire </a>lovingly explores New York City and just how this city can get under your skin. The shear lust for the place can drive anyone to madness, as the Towers arguably did to Petit. And while left unsaid, the knowledge that the site of Petit's masterpiece no longer stands adds a gentle poignancy.<br /><br />For anyone whose life-long dream of this city sweetly haunts and torments them, Man on Wire dares us to believe that following such fancy is as magically possible as walking on thin air.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-15748537501589695112008-12-20T08:58:00.008-05:002008-12-20T23:15:02.761-05:00NYC Charities: 'Tis the Season for GivingI don't know about you, but all this talk of the economy has me feeling not at all in the holiday spirit. So I've turned off my tv and am making an effort to celebrate all I do have, and how even in tough times I can give a little. I am so blessed to live in the amazing New York City. Unfortunately, some out there are struggling. Here are some favorite places that help:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bowery.org">The Bowery Mission</a>: probably one of the best known missions in town, they provide a ton of help to those in need. Programs range from shelter to food to educating men and women on how to get back on their feet.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.centralparknyc.org/site/PageServer">Central Park Conservancy</a>: to raise the spirit, sometimes there is nothing better than nature. This group keeps Central Park the gorgeous masterpiece it is.<br /><br /><a href="http://cityharvest.org/">City Harvest</a>: rescues food to feed the hungry, and they'll arrange to pick up leftovers to distribute to New Yorkers who really need it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.godslovewedeliver.org/">God's Love We Deliver</a>: improves the lives of children, women and men living with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses by delivering delicious and nutritious meals.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.freshair.org/">Fresh Air Fund</a>: this 130+ year old charity gives inner-city children the joy of a summer vacation. Be a host family or donate to help provide great memories for NYC children in need.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/31/timestopics/HOWITWORKS.html?_r=1">New York Times Neediest Cases</a>: arguably the best paper in the world, the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/">New York Times </a>pays all administrative costs of this charity so that donations can go directly to troubled children, adults and the elderly, many of whom are <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/newyorkandregion/neediestcases/index.html">profiled on its pages</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://nycares.org/">New York Cares</a>: mobilizes New Yorkers into volunteerism. They also run a very successful coat drive to help keep New Yorkers in need warm.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nyfa.org/">New York Foundation for the Arts</a>: provides NYC artists with financial assistance and publicity, and serves the artistic community with comprehensive info on employment opps, grants, and more.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nsalamerica.org/">North Shore Animal League</a>: a great no-kill shelter and helps thousands of pets find new homes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.robinhood.org/home.aspx">Robin Hood Foundation</a>: targets and funds the best programs that alleviate poverty in the city to maximize their effectiveness.<br /><br />And here are a few of my fav global groups that are worth supporting as well:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thp.org/">The Hunger Project</a>: helps those in extreme poverty meet their basic needs and build a better life for their communities. Especially good at empowering women, this is an amazing, high-impact group.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.habitat.org/">Habitat for Humanity</a>: builds homes for those who need them and a classic example of how to empower those less fortunate by providing permanent shelter.<br /><br /><a href="http://ww5.komen.org/">Susan G. Komen for the Cure</a>: the nation's premier organization leading the fight against breast cancer, and the group behind the amazing Komen Race for the Cure. Go pink!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.michaeljfox.org/">The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research</a>: my grandmother had this debilitating disease, and this great group is making real strides in finding a cure.<br /><br />There are many, many others that I am sure to have missed, but you can always find more at <a href="http://www.nycharities.org/">NYCharities.org</a>. Feel free to add more in the comments section, and Happy Holidays all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-7706883024636916132008-12-05T16:24:00.001-05:002008-12-05T16:27:39.685-05:00Kermit sings "New York, I Love You, but..."<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZE51nUR_bVc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZE51nUR_bVc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Thanks for the heads up on this, Robin.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-67865237928862860342008-11-30T20:08:00.006-05:002008-11-30T20:42:45.672-05:00The Few, the Fave Restaurants in NYCYou are never supposed to tell another New Yorker about a great restaurant. Well, you can, but you run the risk of the place being overrun and suddenly your favorite table is always unavailable. But hey, it is tough to find a good nosh spot in this vast city, so I thought I'd jot a few down here (at the risk of ticking off my friends who recommended them. Sorry!) Would love to hear your top restaurant picks, especially on the Lower East Side or Midtown. Here are a few of my favorites:<br /><br /><strong>Soho:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.balthazarny.com/">Balthazar</a>: 80 Spring St. 212-965-1212 (French. Amazing escargot.)<br /><br /><strong>West Village:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.altarestaurant.com/">Alta</a>: 64 W. 10th St. 212-505-7777 (Tapas. Great atmosphere.)<br />Cafe Asean: 117 W. 10th 212-633-0348 (casual but hip pan-Asian, with beautiful, romantic garden in the back.)<br /><br /><strong>Upper West Side</strong><br />Isabella's: 659 Columbus Ave. (At 77th) 212-724-2100 (American food. Iconic restaurant.)<br /><a href="http://www.themermaidnyc.com/">Mermaid Inn</a>: 658 Amsterdam Ave. (At 87/88th) 212-799-7400 (hip and happening seafood.)<br /><a href="http://www.blossomnyc.com/">Blossom</a>: 466 Columbus Ave. (At 82nd/83rd) 212-875-2600 (great vegetarian. Also a location in the Village.)<br /><a href="http://www.josephinanyc.com/">Josephina's</a>: 1900 Broadway (btw 63/64th) 212-799-1000 (American. Great spot near Lincoln Center.)<br /><br /><strong>East Village</strong><br />Banjara: 97 First Ave. (at E. 6th St.) 212-477-5956 (Indian food galare.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-36640536954518118642008-11-22T23:32:00.004-05:002008-11-22T23:58:45.263-05:00Live Hard with LVHRDCool stuff begets cool stuff. At <a href="http://www.lucidnyc.com/">Lucid NYC </a>the other night, I saw a presentation by the viral buzz genius behind <a href="http://www.thehappycorp.com/">thehappycorp</a>. He is also involved in an inspired event series <a href="https://lvhrd.com/">LVHRD</a>.<br /><br />There is a similar premise to Lucid NYC - bring together like minded people in a way that is mind expanding, not numbing. The next happening is Monday, Nov. 24 at 8pm, something to do with on-the-spot fashion design out of material yet-to-be-determined. The event is in the mecca of hip, Williamsburg, at a mystery location. Get more info <a href="https://lvhrd.com/register">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454791970974916355.post-87556599132808337812008-11-10T11:54:00.003-05:002008-11-10T12:30:51.593-05:00Awaken Your Social Self with Lucid NYCThere are enough social things to do on a Thursday nite in NYC to make your head spin. Most are fun, frivolous, fancy. But if you are searching for a night out that mixes the whirl of massive mingling with a drop of social enlightenment, then come to a <a href="http://www.lucidnyc.com">Lucid NYC</a> event.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lucidnyc.com">Lucid NYC</a> is a new social experiment. The model is simple - throw a party in a chic Manhattan loft space and let a few presenters onstage to gab briefly about how they are changing the world. People interface on what they have heard and are inspired to also change the world. Not too ambitious now, is it?<br /><br />Luckily, <a href="http://www.lucidnyc.com">Lucid NYC</a> exists totally without pretension and holier-than-thou preachiness. Every event I've attended has an overstock of humor. Presentations have covered every topic from ending world hunger (<a href="http://www.thp.org">The Hunger Project</a>) to the world's worst automobile race (<a href="http://mongoliaorbust.org">The Mongol Rally</a>). I've learned about <a href="http://www.freegan.info">Freegans</a> as well as a recent corporate innovation exercise at <a href="http://www.wnyc.org">an NPR station</a>. Attendees are of the hip, arty, whipsmart and enlightened variety. Let's just say its a good time.<br /><br />So hope to see you at the next event, which is scheduled for November 20. Check Lucid NYC's <a href="http://www.lucidnyc.com">website</a> for more details.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0