And the winner is…

Well, another year…and no Oscar nomination. It shouldn’t be surprising, in that we’re not actors, directors, writers or producers, but still, it just…hurts. We will try to recover from our loss by remembering that we live in one of the cinema’s most beautifully filmed cities. Some favorite screen captures?

Ghostbusters (1984) – It’s one of the most revisited films based in NYC. Shot throughout the city, from Central Park West to Tribeca to some great scenes in Midtown. One of our favorites? A hysterical Rick Moranis at Tavern on the Green. It still cracks us up to think about it.

When Harry Met Sally (1989) – It’s one of those scenes that’s just unforgettable. Well, we think that Katz’s pastrami sandwiches are pretty unforgettable, and the mere mention of Meg Ryan is enough to get us salivating.

Ransom (1996) – Yes, there once was a time when Mel Gibson was known as just an actor with a movie filmed in New York. Ahhh…good times. The kidnap scene at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park is both a parent’s worst nightmare and one of the best representations of the hectic pace of Central Park.

The Interpreter (2005) – As the only film shot inside the United Nations, this film brings a level of realism to the story that had us on the edge of our seat.

Anything by Woody Allen – ‘Nuff said.

Oooooohhhh...Pretty

NYC Sunset from Top of the Rock

Spalicious

After all the holiday hoopla and New Year’s nuttiness, we need a little detoxing...a little special “we” time. Where better to unwind, distress and clarify for the new year than at some of the city’s best spas? Here are some of our favorite joints to twist, wrap and massage away everything that vexes us:

Great Jones Day Spa: Drawing on eastern philosophies of feng shui, this downtown oasis is all about creating a balance between beauty and well-being. No need to stand on your head to get an appointment.

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa: Once presided over by Miss Arden herself, this classy joint on 5th Avenue continues to lure New Yorkers into the red door after nearly four generations.

Cornelia Day Spa: Employing the “Cornelia Touch,” this luxurious day spa offers a primo experience from the breathtaking facilities to their breakthrough products and treatments.

Bliss: Of the many British imports to the city, Bliss ranks high on our list of favorites. With its minimalist and mod-ish décor, Bliss offers a fresh refuge from the urban jungle. With their many body, massage and beauty treatments, this is the place to be for the express train to Bliss.

But Is It Art, Sweetie?

For almost 40 years, New Yorkers have been in debate on the artistic merits of graffiti. From the police (not big fans) to the local artistic collectives (somewhat bigger fans), New Yorkers have taken delight and been dismayed by the work of some of the city’s biggest taggers. A new mobile exhibit from the Martinez Gallery brings together highlights of the city’s best “unwilling collaborations” between private property and these renegade artists. “Road Show” will be running through February 10, and literally is taking the graffiti to the streets with its moving exhibition space fashioned from U-Haul truck. More information can be found at www.martinezgallergy.com

Happy Happy Joy Joy 2007