Trees the Season

(From left to right: South Street Seaport, Bryant Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, Botanical Garden, Rockefeller Center)

With just near every New Yorker dashing throughout the city on last minute gift-runs, why not take a moment to take in the greenery of the Season. All throughout the City, many magnificent trees will be shining through the Holiday season, leaving us all with a little extra cheer.

South Street Seaport: Nicknamed the “Seaport Chorus Tree,” this 50 foot Douglas fir has the Big Apple Chorus performing in front throughout the season.

Bryant Park: Truly Canadian, this tree was shipped from Quebec and decorated by a designer from Toronto.

Metropolitan Museum of Art: This 20 foot Spruce is adorned with 18th century Neapolitan angels and hundreds of crèche figures.

American Museum of Natural History: Themed “Fold the Museum”, over 500 origami animals were created by volunteers to cover this tree.

Botanical Garden: Enjoy the elaborate train show and gingerbread displays that surround this 26 foot Fraser fir.

Rockefeller Center: The granddaddy of them all, this tree lighting in November marks the unofficial start of the winter holidays.

Topsy Turny

Don’t miss it! The second annual Major League Dreidel Competition will once again take place at Fontana’s on Eldridge Street. Come one, come all, as competitors will go for gelt as they spin the dreidel. Shmaltz Brewing Company will also be on site in case you prefer a different type of spinning sensation.

In case you need a brush up on your spinning technique, let’s revisit the official rules of Spinology:

1. The release: When a spinner winds and discharges the dreidel from their fingers.
2. The orbit: When the dreidel is spinning at its peak speed, tightness and control. A good spinner will have an orbit of 6 seconds, a true master over 8. The orbit is the most crucial phase of a spin, demonstrating the spinner’s true dreidel dexterity.
3. The wobbles: The conclusion of a dreidel’s orbit, when the dreidel loses speed, tightness and control.
4. The finish: The conclusion of a dreidel’s wobble, when the dreidel comes to a complete rest on its side, inside the Spin Zone.

Let It Snow...

With only one week until ChristmaHanuZwanzaka, New Yorker's today welcomed their first snowfall of the holiday season. While it wasn't quite enough to make a snowman, we still relished in the thought of a white Christmas.

Let There Be Light

Today marks the official lighting of Rockefeller Center's most beloved resident. Before the actual lighting of the tree, stars Beyonce and The Jonas Brothers will also be lighting up the stage with live performances. The 30,000 solar-powered LED lights will be shining every night from 5:30pm til 11:30pm through January 9th.

Who would have thought New York as a Buyers Market?

It is now. I recently read a Crain's New York Business article quoting numerous hoteliers as "feeling the pain" through declining vacancy rates. They lay the blame directly at the door of Wall Street, but seriously, does the stock market solely run your company's meeting budget? If it doesn't, then right now is the best time of all to be in New York. The forecasters who predict a 20% increase in the cost of rooms for Europeans are forgetting the law of supply and demand. The power of the Dollar and Euro may be in question, but the power of negotiation is reaching peak value. The market adjusts and just yesterday, while walking back to the office, I saw the same restaurants I know so well do the same business as always. Why? They, like all of us, adjusted for the times and are providing more value to their customers than ever. The strengths of New York have always been its diversity and resiliency. Wall Street's struggles will never put the city that never sleeps to bed.

Merry Merry Manhattan

New York's most beloved Christmas tree is on its final course to Manhattan today. A 74-foot tall Norway spruce was hand chosen to decorate Rockefeller Center this season, where it will remain through the New Year. While the official lighting isn't until December 3rd, crews will be 'pining' away through the upcoming weeks to 'spruce' up the 8-ton tree.

Congrats, Mr. President

In a historic moment, on November 4th Barack Obama has been elected to be the 44th President of the United States of America. Having spent 4 years at Columbia University on the Upper West Side of New York City, he is no stranger to the Big Apple and what it has to offer. Officially taking office on January 20th, 2009 we would like to congratulate him on his success.

Happy Halloween!

Channeling Chanel

Chanel in Central Park? A somewhat unlikely combination, but not this fall when the spaceship-like Chanel Pavilion lands smack dab in the middle of it. Zaha Hadid, a London based artichect, was hired to design the 7,400 square foot steel structure, pieced together with white plastic panels. Already on display in Hong Kong, the exhibit will travel from New York to Moscow to Paris over the next year. The sleek, timeless style pays homage to the haute couture brand Chanel. The free exhibit is on display through November 9.

It's Halloween for Hounds

In celebration of man (and woman’s) best friend, this Sunday Times Square will welcome our furry friends to the Fourth Annual Dog Day Masquerade. The afternoon of canine camaraderie will include a costume contest while also raising awareness for one of the City’s largest animal adoption agencies, Animal Haven. What’s better? The infamous Naked Cowboy will be on hand to judge the costumes, with best in show going to the pup that best encompasses the aura of Times Square.

Fall Into Autumn, Part III

It’s once again that time of year to lace up your skates and head out to the rink. This week marks the opening of a number of rinks throughout the city for you to take a spin on. And while you’re at it, why not learn a little bit of the history behind these famous rinks.

World’s Fair Skating Rink – Located in Queens, this ice rink was constructed for the 1939-40 World ’s Fair, and became the first year-round skating facility in the park system.

Abe Stark Rink –Abe Stark named this Coney Island rink after himself when he became a pseudo-celebrity for his sign in Ebbet’s Field (home of the Brooklyn Dodger’s) advertising “Hit Sign, Win Suit. Abe Stark. Brooklyn's Leading Clothier.” Only one suit was ever awarded.

The Pond at Bryant Park – The newest rink on the scene, this Manhattan rink constructed in 2005 welcomes free ice skating. Surrounding the rink is a free standing holiday marketplace modeled after Europe's Christkindlmarkts.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center – More renowned than the Rink itself, Paul Manship’s highly recognizable bronze guilded statue is displayed prominently over The Rink at Rockefeller Center. Featuring the Greek Titan Prometheus, some sources site it as the fourth-most familiar statue in the United States, behind the Lincoln Memorial, Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty. Manship was not particularly fond of it.

Wollman Rink – Perhaps the most famous of city rinks, Wollman Rink was opened in Central Park in 1949, thanks to a $600,000 donation by Kate Wollman. Now owned by the Trump Organization, the rinks official name, Trump Wollman Rink, welcomes nearly 4,000 visitors a day.

Fun Fact: Before Central Park was constructed in the 1870’s, city dwellers would skate on the famous Lake, which was drained to lower levels so no one would crack the ice.

Wine & Food Festival Update

Update: The Bobby Flay demo was great! We were practically within touching distance of Master Chef Flay, who sliced and diced his way to a full Thanksgiving meal. We even got a surprise visit from Giada De Laurentiis, who arrived a bit early for her own demonstration to say hello to the crowd. And of course, no celebrity visit is complete without a book signing, which we scored inside of Chelsea Market where all of the culinary stars were ‘stirring’ about.

Food & Wine & Celebrities, Oh My!

What pairs best with food and wine? Celebrities of course. Enter the New York City Wine and Food Festival, kicking off today with a matchup of the best of all things culinary. Tastings, book signings, and cooking demos will be held around the city this weekend (catch us at the Bobby Flay demo at Highline Ballroom this Saturday). Plenty of giveaways and celebrity sighting are a given, but if you watch (and smell) closely enough, you may even learn a thing or two.

Looking for a Celebrity Chef for your next private event? Ask us about dinner in the test kitchen of one of New York’s most famous chef’s– who will create and execute a menu just for your event!

Fall Into Autumn, Part II

5 Years of Horror. Need I say more? This Lower East Side autumn mainstay has once again come to give New Yorker’s a run for their money. Dubbed ‘Nightmare New York’, this classic walk-through haunted house isn’t for the faint of heart. Their newest fear factor - SAW V room – is a chilling ode to goblins and ghouls from back in the day. Check 'em out, now through November 8. Boo.

Intrepid Makes Waves

The two year renovation of the Intrepid is finally complete! New Yorker’s will welcome back the acclaimed 41,434 ton steel air-craft carrier today, which was commissioned to serve in World War II. Behind the Scenes is what it’s all about, with guests now able to view areas like the Foc’sle (aka the area of the ship that controls the anchors) and crew quarters, giving a real perspective on life aboard the Intrepid. While the official opening date isn’t until November 8, the partnering Museum next door is full steam ahead for incredible events at this one-of-a-kind venue.

Word on the Street

Say what? Magnolia Bakery to open a 3rd location near Rockefeller Center? Say it isn't so.

The latest Word on the Street is that Sex & the City's favorite cupcake shop is slated to open on 49th Street and 6th Avenue before the end of the year.

Sushi Goes Italian

From gray skies to sunny Rome, a great new addition is about to hit Midtown Manhattan. Obika’, the cheese-tastic eatery first opened in the Eternal City, will be landing in the IBM Building this December. Modeled after Japanese sushi-bars, Obika’ is replacing fish with cheese to create delicious concoctions like Mozzarella rolls (Rolled and Sliced Mozzarella di Bufala Campana with Speck and Radicchio) and its own Mozzarella Bar. Bon appétit!

Did Ya Know?

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Batman

Our favorite Illusionist is at it again. David Blaine, the Brooklyn-born magician, will be dangling above Wollman Rink in Central Park – The same spot where he will remain hanging for the next three days. While this is just a stint in the long list of ridiculous stunts (remember the 72 hours emerged in ice?), Blaine is claiming this one to be the most difficult. Calling on sheer willpower inspired by his hero, Harry Houdini, he will hang without sleep or food for the next 60 hours. We checked out David in all his glory this morning, and must say, this one is better left to the winged-creature of the night.

Fall into Autumn, Part I

In ode to my favorite season/holiday/weather in the New York City, this next month will be dedicated to welcoming Fall. Now presenting - Fall into Autumn, 2008.

Just in time for fall, they City Borough’s are heating things up with some food and fun for the masses.

Check out the Queens County Farm Museum Apple Festival, featuring cider-press demos, hayrides, and apples tastings. This year the Musuem plans on breaking the nation’s record for the largest apple cobbler ever baked.

Pick Your Own at the Greenbelt Pumpkin Festival in Staten Island. Along with pumpkin picking, face painting, arts and crafts and a Victorian carousel will be offered, free of charge.

To inspire your inner goblin, the Puppetry Arts Theatre in Brooklyn is presenting its third annual Haunted Halloween Carnival. The theater will be providing puppetry workshops, along with a super-spooky haunted house and silent auction.

The New York Botanical Garden will be offering lessons on how to prepare the garden for the frigid months. Hang around and take some sketches of the beautiful fall foliage.

Pin Up

Looking for a place to wear two-tone shoes, slide across freshly waxed floors, and knock down the competition? Typical run-of-the-mill bowling alleys are no longer making the cut?

Enter the latest in luxe bowling. The newest bowling venue in the city, boasting 26 state of the art lanes, will be setting up pins this October. The main floor is situated into private suites separated by dramatic draping, and includes 2 large screen TV’s, lounge seating and its own billiard table. The venue will also feature an upscale private room, labeled the Luxe Lounge. The Lounge, featuring 4 lanes of bowling, a private bar with lounge area and a 3D (24 foot!) movie screen will be sure to show your employees how VIP they are.

Bullseye Bodega

The official opening day for the Target Bullseye Bodegas proved to be too much to handle. Today swarms of New Yorker’s looking for a bargain bombarded the Bullseye pop-up stores in an effort to snag chic wares for less coin. Over 22 designers are selling their chic wares in the 4 pop-up Target brand stores located throughout the city, with one each in Union Square, Midtown, Soho and the East Village. We took a stroll over to the Midtown store (located in the former Delta Sky 360 Lounge) to take in the show. Sigerson Morrison flats and Anya Hindmarch clutches were flying off the shelves faster than Delta’s fee hikes. Too bad this store will be here and gone in a New York minute.

7 Years Strong, In Memory Of

Meet the Mets

As if the opening of the new Mets Stadium isn’t enough to get us pumped up for next year’s season, Citi Field Stadium has announced a 60,000 square-foot event space which can be available for exclusive events for those in the know. Even home plate is not off limits, but only if you have a special NYC connection (and lucky for you – we do!). So come and Meet the Mets up close, word on the street is Shackman Associates has the hook up!

Beams of Hope

Today officially marks the placement of the first beam for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. While not slated to be completed until 9/11/2011, the beam is giving New Yorker’s hopes of rebuilding the past. At 7,700 pounds, moving the beams to their current location has been no easy task. Before the beams make their way to the Big Apple, they are sent around the country where tens of thousands of people can sign it and leave messages of hope. The first set of signed beams will be displayed at the upcoming Jets verses Giants home opener at Giants stadium later this week.

Byrne Baby Byrne

Musician turned Artist turned Biking Enthusiast David Byrne has done it again. Normally, we don't like to lavish one single person with too much praise, but this guy won't stop catching our attention (not that we're complaining). Byrne, best known as the front man for the popular band Talking Heads, and most recently with his "Playing the Building" installation (see below), has taken it to the streets. Today, the New York City Department of Transportation has installed nine new bikes racks, created by Byrne, throughout the city’s streets. Aimed to increase bicycle use and beautify the streets, the racks are inspired from New York neighborhoods and activities. The dollar-sign named “Wall Street” is located in the heart of Wall Street. The guitar “Hipster” design is in the vibrant musical neighborhood of Williamsburg, and “Jersey”, a design of a car’s silhouette near the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel, are just a few of the neighborhood friendly installations around the city.

What Happened to the Friendly Skies?

As airline carriers are seeking out ways to counter the rising fuel costs, the friendly skies have hit our wallets harder than ever. Airlines are letting their FEE-dom ring, with new charges for what once were standard amenities.

Want a pillow? It will cost you. Airlines are now charging $7 for that scratchy blanket and understuffed pillow.

Forget about packing clothes. A $15-$50 fee for each checked bag has travelers feeling naked.

Mouth drier than the Sahara? Enjoy $2+ non-alcoholic drinks like water. $7 if you need a little something to take the edge off.

Show your fellow passengers how VIP you are by dropping an extra $14 for additional leg room.

The amenities, now dubbed “a la carte” options, are about as pleasant as your 2 hour delay at JFK.

Cheers!

Sound Off

Renowned artist David Byrne is sounding off. After teaming up with the public art organization Creative Time, Byrne has created quite a stir with his latest bizarre installment. Titled “Playing the Building”, the sound-based interactive exhibit has been sending tingles up the spines of all who come into contact with it. The exhibit is simple – a single wooden organ situated on the cavernous 2nd floor of the Battery Maritime Building. The organ is attached by wires to the building's windows, columns, walls and pipes, which when ‘played’ creates one eerie sounding performance. But don’t expect this organ at your local worship – the howls, squeals, and rattles of the organ are best left for Halloween, not holy hour.

I Love New York

46 million people visited New York City last year, drawn in by the bright lights, Broadway shows, and of course, the weakened US Dollar. Check out the stats:

Ranking as the top 5 markets where NYC is the #1 destination –
#1 United Kingdom, #2 Germany, #3France, #4 Scandinavia, #5 Italy.

Top 5 Broadway shows that we can’t get enough of –
#1 Wicked, #2 Jersey Boys, #3 The Lion King, #4 Mary Poppins, #5 Mamma Mia.


The influx of tourists has also brought in increase in spending, up 34% from last year to nearly 28 billion dollars at the close of 2007.


Who says old age has to come with a price tag? According to Crain’s New York annual NYC statistic guide, they’ve concluded that New Yorker’s 19.7 million residents are healthier than the average American. So much healthier, in fact, that we live a full year longer than our fellow American. Just good genes? Doubtful. Reports show that our City’s superb hospitals, avid anti-smoking campaigns, and amount of walking have all added up to one healthy bod.


New Yorker’s also have a creative edge that no one else can match. A whopping 91% of registered voters in NY reported that they’ve been to a cultural or sporting event in the past year. Over 50% said they’ve been to an art museum. With New York also ranking as the #1 most diverse city in the world, it’s no wonder that New Yorker’s have a cultural outlet like no other.


Just a few reasons why I Love New York.

Freedom for Lady Liberty

7 years after the Statue of Liberty’s crown officially closed for business, the federal government is entertaining the idea of reopening Lady Liberty’s crown to the public. While the pedestal of the statue has remained open since 2004, the crown and narrow staircase leading up to it has been closed after the September 11 attacks, for what we have been told, indefinitely.

But things are finally looking up! The Park Service is currently taking bids from engineering firms to have the structure comply with current safety codes. Although the process could take longer than we hope for, with the bid time taking up to a year, New Yorker’s and visitors alike are excited at the prospect of once again climbing to the top of Lady Liberty and seeing what she has been keeping an eye on for over 100 years.

Central Park Pizza Party

It’s like any other Saturday. You’re stranded in Manhattan (because you are too broke to go to the Hampton’s), and you head over to Central Park to get some sun on your pasty skin (because your cubicle is in the deepest darkest corner of the office, guaranteeing 0% sunlight 100% of the time). You grab your book and blanket, and sit down in the Park for some quality R&R. Then it hits you. You are starving, but you are trapped in the middle of Sheep’s Meadow, and the only way out involves dodging 3 Frisbee games, 2 kite flyers, a crying baby, and a dog off his leash.

Fear no more, park dwelling junkies! Slice, the trendy pizzeria offering deliciously healthy pizzas, now delivers to Central Park! So go on, enjoy your day off, and let Slice do the work. Check it out here!

Happy Independence Day USA!

Rough Riders

Looking for a place to cool off this summer? Why not take it underground? No, I’m not recommending a late night rendezvous in the local subway car, but I am telling you to get off your butt and watch some girls kick butt at New York’s only all-female roller derby league.

Gotham Girls Roller Derby, comprised of a mash up of rocker / model / athlete chicks, gathered from all across the city’s tough streets to create one mean team. So if you’re cruising for a bruising, roll over to this month’s derby matchup which is sure to be a fierce fight to the end.

Warm Up to Summer

If you haven’t been to P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center – get there. Now.

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Center’s “Warm Up” series. Every Saturday until Labor Day, Warm Up offers live music and DJ acts that have become one of New York’s most anticipated events. With the series becoming so popular, people across the globe are even taking notice. The Observer (UK) ranked it as one of the “20 Hottest Beach Parties in the World”. Even the New Yorker’s bible, Time Out, voted Warm Up the “best club” in New York City (if you consider a club one that closes by 9pm).

And if this hasn’t knocked your socks off yet, the 10th anniversary of the series will be bringing forth the wildest collection of bands and DJ’s yet – punk, funk, electronic and psychedelic – creating a 6 hour musical phenomenon for you to get your groove on.

Gray Skies

With Café Gray officially vacated from the famed Time Warner Center, the third-floor space will welcome another renowned restaurant slated to open in the current space early next year. A Voce, the second restaurant to open under the same name, will be setting up shop at the new uptown location. Offering modern Italian cuisine, the interior of A Voce will feature a modern-industrial look that will no doubt impress even the toughest of critics.

Waterfalls Open!

Today marks the official first day of the Waterfalls! Check 'em out.

Park It

Yesterday, the Mayor of New York declared Park Avenue a ‘No Driving’ zone every Saturday of the summer. The closures, stretching all the way from the Brooklyn Bridge to 72nd Street, will give way to cyclists, tourists, and pedestrians who will no doubt enjoy the car-free Avenue. Fitness, dance, and yoga classes as well as bike repair and water stations are among the outdoor recreations passerby’s can enjoy. While there is some speculation that that the closing of Park Avenue will just create a parking lot in the rest of the city, there is no doubt that New York City’s biking elite will enjoy the 7 mile stretch of cab-free cruising.

The Buzz Around Town

The rain couldn’t keep us locked up for one more night as we ventured over to the Palace Hotel for a summer BBQ celebration in the Courtyard. And in true Palace style we feasted – Lobsters, a raw bar, crab legs and the best mac & cheese on the east coast were just a few of the delectable choices for us to divulge our taste buds with. And while we dabbled with the ice cream station, and enjoyed our corn on the cob, we perked an ear up for some good Palace gossip. Not to be confused with our favorite show Gossip Girl (also shot at the Palace Hotel), this gossip came in the form of a brand new cocktail bar situated in the Courtyard of the hotel for the entire summer. Say it isn’t so? A full bar for us to wash away our work stress right inside of the tree lined courtyard off of Madison Avenue? Our sources say it’s true, but only time will tell. More updates to come…

Quit Horsing Around

As summer quickly approaches, we thought it would only be fitting to send an ode to a Hampton’s pastime that was once reserved only for NYC bankers and their millions. Polo. Not to be confused with the “casual Friday” staple, Polo has landed in a somewhat unlikely location. Stationed on Governors Island, the Manhattan Polo Classic will be competing with the view of Manhattan as their backdrop for the first time in over 70 years. Are you a NYC Banker? Weasel your way into the VIP tent where a gourmet lunch and Veuve champagne is yours for the taking. Once the match is over, take some time to walk around the tiny 172-acre island (22 city blocks for us New Yorker’s), and check out the sites.

Crowds and the City

Thousands of faithful fans came to Radio City Music hall from all over the world to show their support for the cult that is Sex & the City. Over 6,000 people showed up to try and catch a glimpse of the fabulous 4some of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. Dressed in their finest Manolo Blahniks, fans braved thunderstorms and extreme heat to be the first to see the movie premier in all its glory. With only enough seats for 2,000, the mob turned unruly, with many being turned away before they even reached the door.
Luckily for us, there are plenty of watering holes nearby (like the Oak Room at the Plaza) where fans could sip on Cosmo’s and dream of their fairytale wedding to Mr. Big.

Happy 125th Birthday Brooklyn Bridge!

Now That's a View

As the temperatures in New York slowly rise to sweltering summer heat, New Yorker’s ascend as well. With rooftop bars still all the rage, three new noteworthy bars have grabbed our attention.

#1 Highbar – Slated to open early next week, this midtown rooftop on West 48th Street welcomes rooftop revelers with a stellar view and simple backyard grill food like hot dogs and hamburgers. Drawbacks? No pool. See #2.

#2 Pooldeck – With its grand opening earlier this month at the Empire Hotel, this rooftop bar has, you guessed it, a pool. While the space itself isn’t massive (reps say it can hold a max of 150 guests), it will be a refreshing addition to the city. Drawbacks? Too small to get your groove on. See #3.

#3 230 Fifth – Okay. 230 Fifth is not the newest roof on the block, but we still feel it deserves our attention. With over 1,200 square feet of rooftop space, complete with an up close view of the Empire State Building, this rooftop still takes the cake as the place to see and be seen among New Yorker’s.

Rinkside Sips

It’s official. Rockefeller Center’s iconic skating rink has officially closed to make way for their summer Rink Bar. The closing of the Rock skating rink signifies the formal end to winter, welcoming in its place signature cocktails and summertime snacks. The Bar, surrounded by gardens previously occupied by the ice, is still one of the best kept secrets of New York. The Rink Bar also includes the famous view of the gilded statue of Prometheus, surrounded by a water fountain and unobstructed views of Rockefeller Center. And as we wipe away our winter memories with their signature mango mojito, we can’t help but count down the days until our city’s Tree returns.

Duck and Hide

While many other cities have already welcomed the Duck to their home turf, none can beat New York’s. This half boat/half bus has been spreading its wings throughout the city, offering a unique tour of both land and sea. The 1 hour tour begins in the heart of Times Square, followed by a trip to the Hudson River for a taste of the high seas. Want to give the duck a spin? Be forewarned – each guest on the Duck is equipped with a “quacker”, which the company’s ensures will give each guest a “quacken good time”. There are a few other words that come to mind when I hear the outbreak of quacking devices by 50 tourists in duck hats as I’m trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll down the block… Foie Gras and duck confit to name a few.

Going Local

While Los Angeles may be the hub of all things celebrity, New York has proven they can hold their own. NYC & Company has launched a “Just Ask the Locals” campaign where our favorite celebs tell us their hot spot of the hour. From restaurants to shopping to nightlife, superstar locals like P. Diddy, Robert De Niro, Matt Lauer and Ivanka Trump have all cast their vote on what’s hot in the city that never sleeps. The campaign will be featured throughout JFK Airport and New York’s Port Authority, but don’t blink your eyes – Hot spots like these are here and gone in a New York minute.

Yo Mario!

Noted as the only time you’ll get anything for free in New York, Mario (you know, of Mario & Luigi) was stationed outside Midtown today hailing cabs for our busy New Yorker’s. Mario’s free rides are thanks to the promotion of Nintendo’s new racing game - Mario Kart Wii. The game, due to hit stores on April 27, is packages with a Wii wheel controller, which creates the feel of a real race car when steered. But why buy the game when a simple New York cab ride will simulate racing through obstacles (aka pedestrians) at record speeds, risking life and limb at every turn? Sign me up.

Earth to New York

Looking for something to do this weekend? Why not help out our fellow Earth. Grand Central Terminal is hosting an all-weekend festival to celebrate and school us in easy ways to go green. With more than 60 environmental companies, non-profit organizations, and Earth Day New York sponsors, there will be plenty of product samples, Yoga lessons, and volunteer opportunities to satisfy all 8 million of us New Yorker’s. Still not sold? Experience the wall climb – on the side of a 36 foot, vegetable oil powered bus. We aren’t sure if the bus will be moving while we scale it, but we hope it will be.

Hands off the Pope Mobile!

The vatican is not taking any chances with the Pope this week after seeing what happened to the olympic torch recently.

Gettin' Figgy With It

Along with the beautiful weather we’ve been experiencing this week, comes another beautiful restaurant that we couldn't afford to pass up. Last night Fig & Olive opened their 3rd location, in the heart of midtown, with a private reception and tasting of their most scrumptious creations. The 5,000 square foot space boasts a collective of olive oils, a 50-foot marble bar, and 2 floors to get your fig on. On tap for the evening was their signature raspberry mojito, but they also boast an extensive wine list (which we had to sample, to confirm that is was indeed extensive).

Polar Bear Attacks New York Subway

So, the headline isn’t exactly true, but eye catching none the less. This is exactly what NYC art student Joshua Allen Harris had in mind when creating inflatable animals out of garbage bags. While to the naked eye the animals look like nothing more than a pile of garbage on a subway grate, they quickly take on a life of their own with the updraft of a subway train going by below ground. As the wind blows upward through the grates, Harris’ animals fill with air and inflate to life-size animals. After the train has left the station, the bags gracefully deflate into just another piece of trash. Keep an eye out – included in Harris’ entourage is a 6-foot giraffe, ready to jump up on unsuspecting dwellers.