NYCP Blog - Times Square

Love & The City

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:06:20 -0600

Love is in the Air

I must confess that Valentine's Day is my least favorite holiday. I find that it doesn't bring people together like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It comes across as a tattered holiday and often a filler to produce more money in cards, candies, flowers, etc during the quiet months. However, New York City tends to be a hopeless romantic around this time of year offering sights, events and other happenings worth being a part of. So whether you are a local or a tourists, here are some romatic ideas for you and your special someone:

The 2009 City Bakery Hot Chocolate Festival - Stay warm with the many exotic flavors of Hot Chocolate this bakery has to offer including a Love Potion Flavor. Check out details of this event at www.hot-chocolate-festival.com

Art & Love in Renaissance Italy - What better way to re-discover the essence of love by going back to the time period that enhanced it the most. See art work of venus & cupid and other art works that celebrate love & marriage. Exhibit ends Feb. 16th. www.metmuseum.org

Empire State Building - Every year at the Empire State Building, 14 couples walk down the aisle on Feb 14th. This is an event you have to plan in advance if you are considering marriage. Otherwise, relive the moments of "Sleepless in Seattle" or "An Affair to Remember" by heading up to the Observation Deck and being on top of the world with a loved one. www.esbnyc.com

Valentine's in Times Square - If you looking for love then look no further at the cross roads of times square. From the temporary "Valentine to Times Square" heart sculpture being exhibit from Feb 13th - 22nd at Duffy Square, to a series of Love Banners created by 12 top graphic designers and don't forget the discounted deals on restaurants and hotels or even seeing a Broadway Show in Times Square. Love will be everywhere in this area. For further details on the various events in Times Square visit www.timessquarenyc.org

The Marvelous Wonderettes

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:13:04 -0600

This musical really showcases how marvelous the singers really are and there is no wonder as to how they came up with the title of this musical. The show consisted of four actors and their energy was huge without any special stage effect. I’ve seen a lot famous Broadway musicals and I have never heard of this show. However, it was fantastic and I am so glad I chose to see The Wonderettes.

The four characters in this show reminded me of the time I have spent with my friends in Korea. The characters love each other but sometimes they are jealous of each other and they sometimes fight. The plot of this story takes place at the Springfield High School prom in 1958 and each of the four girls wanted to be prom queen. They sang classic 50’s and 60’s hit songs that reflect their hope and love stories. These songs were fantastic. I wasn’t born in 50’s or 60’s but it was really familiar songs to me because my parents loved and listened to it too. I already knew most of the songs. The most interesting part of the show was when I get to pick the queen. Before the show started, a staff worker gave us a small paper that is written the four girl’s name so I could really pick who should be the queen of prom. It was fun!

When one of them was singing, she gave me goose bumps. I don’t think I can’t forget that amazing moment in my life. I don’t usually stand up for clapping after show however as soon as the curtain fell, I stood up and gave them clap until I felt pain on my hands. They were that great! I think the marvelous wonderettes is perfect to enjoy with your family and friends. It will remind your parent’s young life and maybe even your own in our modern time. I guarantee your mother; grandmother and even your kids are going to love this show.

By Yoomi Lee (Korea)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! HAPPY 2009!!

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:05:55 -0600

It is finally the end of 2008. End of the political elections, stock markets near crashing, new Olympic records, the fight for gay marriages and much more that set the tone for 2009. So to properly ring in the new year of 2009, there are many parties throughout NYC that are being offered and will cost you a lot of money. But none of them can match the fame of the one that's viewed worldwide and that is to watch the ball drop on New Years Eve in Times Square. So here are some Tips, Q's & A's and Info on attending this yearly historic event courtesy of The Times Square Alliance:

Where is the Ball lowered?

The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball descends from a flagpole at the top of One Times Square. It can best be seen along Broadway, from 43rd Street to 50th Street, and along Seventh Avenue, as far north as 59th Street.

What streets will be closed for the celebrations?

The New York Police Department will begin closing down access to Times Square starting at 43rd Street and Broadway and moving north as revelers arrive. The exact times that these blocks close to pedestrian and vehicular traffic will depend on when the revelers begin arriving. It is likely that there will be no vehicular traffic on either Broadway or Seventh Avenue as of approximately 4:00 p.m. Vehicles will most likely have difficulty traveling across town after 6:00 p.m. above 42nd Street as far north as 59th Street. If you are planning to come to Times Square and join in the festivities, you are advised to enter from Sixth or Eighth Avenue. Your chance of getting a viewing spot near the Ball (at Broadway & 43rd Street) increases the earlier you arrive. The blocks will be closed off as they fill up northward, street-by-street, as the police deem necessary.

Will there be areas in Times Square designated for the disabled?

Yes. The police will set aside a viewing area for the disabled, located on the northwest corner of 43rd Street. However, this area will fill up quickly, and it is advised that disabled visitors arrive early in the day. For a listing of the access points from which you can enter Times Square, please click here.

Where is the best view?

The earlier you arrive, the better your view and the closer you will be to the action. The sound system is set up in the Bowtie area (where Broadway and Seventh Avenue cross), and the video screens on One Times Square (where the Ball is lowered) are easily visible. There are additional screens set up at Broadway and 50th Street, Broadway and 52nd Street, Broadway and 54th Street and Broadway and 58th Street.

What is the best way to come to Times Square?

The best way to come to Times Square is via public transportation. To get to Times Square, the # 1, 2, 3, 7, A, B, C, D, E, F, N, Q, R, W, V and S shuttle trains all service the Times Square area. Please note that the MTA has advised revelers not to use the 42nd Street Subway Station on New Year's Eve due to crowding conditions - you are advised to exit at one of the surrounding stations and enter Times Square on foot. It is expected that the MTA will keep all subway stations open on New Year's Eve. Some entrances and exits may be closed as crowd conditions require. After 7 p.m. on December 31st, the N and R train station at 49th Street and Seventh Avenue may be closed until after midnight. Trains may also bypass some stations, depending on how the crowds build. For further information nearer the date of the event, please call or visit the MTA at (718) 330-1234 or www.mta.info.

Other useful sources of information:

Port Authority Bus Terminal (212) 564-8484?New York City Transit Authority (Local Bus Service) (718) 330-1234?Amtrak (800) 523-8720?Metro North (212) 532-4900?Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) (718) 217- LIRR

For questions on New Year's Eve about access, please contact the NYPD sub-station at (212)-239-9803 or the Times Square Alliance Dispatch Office at (212)-452-5218. Please call ONLY on New Year's Eve.

How do I enter Times Square on New Year's Eve?

Please click here for a list of all access points.

When should I get there?

Revelers begin to gather in the late afternoon on New Year's Eve, December 31st. The best advice we can give is to get there as early as possible. We cannot predict how quickly the viewing areas will fill up. Prime viewing areas may fill up early in the afternoon.

At approximately 6:00 p.m. EST the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball will be raised to the top of the 77-foot flagpole at One Times Square (Broadway at 43rd Street) and lit. At exactly 11:59 p.m. EST, the Ball will make its 60-second descent down the flagpole to signal the start of the New Year.

Please Note: Revelers who arrive very early in the day, before the police have established viewing areas, may be moved by the NYPD when barricades are put in place.

Here is the timeline for last year's street closures and viewing areas. This information may be helpful for planning your trip to this year's event:

3:45pm - 7th Avenue & Broadway closed to vehicular traffic from 43rd Street to 49th Street (cross streets were closed at 3:30pm).

5pm - All cross streets closed to vehicular traffic except 57th Street, 58th Street & 59th Street. 42nd Street closed to vehicular traffic.

5:30pm - Viewing areas filled north to 48th Street, south to 40th - 41st Street.

6pm - Viewing areas filled to 52nd Street.

10pm - Viewing areas filled to 58th Street, south to 38th Street.

10:30pm - Viewing areas filled to 59th Street.

Will there be portable public restrooms available?

No.

Is alcohol or champagne allowed?

No. Public drinking is illegal in New York City. Police will confiscate alcohol.

Will there be food and drink vendors in the square?

No. There will be no licensed food and beverage vendors in Times Square. However, there are hundreds of restaurants in and around Times Square (see below).

Will there be restaurants open in the area? Can revelers return to the same viewing areas after dining?

Many restaurants located in the Times Square area will be open on New Year's Eve - be sure to consult our Interactive Map and Guide to locate a restaurant - and make your reservations well in advance. Please remember that if you dine at a local restaurant, you will not simply be able to come out and watch the Ball lowering at midnight. Revelers will arrive in Times Square early in the day, and while you are dining, designated viewing areas will fill up on a "first come, first served" basis. Furthermore, no one is allowed to stand in the emergency lanes or on sidewalks. Please remember that if you leave your viewing area to dine in a restaurant, you will not be able to return to your spot in a viewing area.

Are theaters, stores and restaurants going to be open?

Some Broadway theaters will be open on New Year's Eve. The TKTS booth will open at 10 a.m. on New Year's Eve. You can check the schedules for Broadway and some Off Broadway shows at www.telecharge.com or www.ticketmaster.com, and check out our Interactive Map and Guides. Stores and restaurants will be open at their own discretion, so please call them ahead of time. Please remember that if you leave your viewing area to dine in a restaurant, you will not be able to return to your spot in a viewing area.

Which Times Square restaurants and hotels have a view of the Ball?

Renaissance New York

DoubleTree Guest Suites

Marriott Marquis

TGI Fridays

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

Sbarro Pizza

Olive Garden

2 Times Square

Please check out our Interactive Map & Guides for contact information for the above venues.

What security procedures are in place?

The New York Police Department will control all access points to Times Square. No bags or backpacks are permitted. Emergency Service squads, drug and bomb sniffing canine units and counter-terrorism personnel will be present in Times Square on New Year's Eve.

Where can I find information on Times Square New Year's Eve parties?

There's no more electrifying place on the planet than Time Square on New Year's Eve. Check this page for details on New Year's Eve parties you can attend at the Crossroads of the World. More >>

What is the history of the Times Square New Year's Eve event?

Revelers have been celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square since 1904. To learn more about the celebration's history, check out our History of New Year's Eve in Times Square.

What can you tell me about the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball?

Plenty. Check out this page: About the New Year's Eve Ball.

What should I wear and what should I bring?

Dress warmly. Remember that you could be spending an extended period outdoors in potentially below-freezing conditions. You should be well-prepared and well-insulated. Many layers, synthetics (such as Goretex and polypropylene), wind-resistant and water-repellant outerwear and a good hat are the keys to staying warm.

Finally, remember to drink lots of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Not only is public drinking illegal in New York City, but both caffeine and alcohol will dehydrate you. Dehydration is very common and can sneak up on you in cold weather.

Are tickets needed for this event?

No. This event is open to everyone. However, to get the best view, arrive early in the afternoon.

Will there be a Webcast?

TBD - check back for more info.

Are there still hotel rooms available in the Times Square area?

There are more than 16,000 hotel rooms in the Times Square neighborhood - ranging from large hotel chains, to small quiet retreats or suite hotels for extended stays. There are also several youth hostels situated in and around the Times Square area. Book your stay now to avoid disappointment. For a complete listing of hotels in the area visit our Interactive Map and Guides. You can contact the hotels directly about rates and availability, or contact your travel agent for more information and reservations.

How much confetti is dropped in Times Square on New Year's Eve?

More than 1 ton of confetti.

Can I volunteer to help prepare for New Year's Eve?

Absolutely. There are many opportunities to help the Times Square Alliance prepare for New Year’s Eve. Once you’ve signed on, you will be contacted with specific information about the various volunteer projects that you can participate in. Projects include helping with mailings, putting together gift bags, general office support, and much more. There will be weekday, evening and weekend volunteer dates throughout November and December. If you would like to help out, please email us at volunteers@timessquarealliance.org. Please be sure to include your name, phone number, email address, and general availability (evenings, weekends, or weekdays.)

Met Opera Season Begins on 125th Anniversary

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:02:38 -0500

Renée Fleming Stars in Opening Night Gala on September 22 in first performance of Met’s 125th Anniversary

Gala performance to be transmitted live in HD to 600 theaters in North and South America as well as to Times Square and Fordham University’s Lincoln Center Plaza, and broadcast live on Metropolitan Opera Radio SIRIUS channel 78; Music Director James Levine, Marco Armiliato, and Patrick Summers conduct, with Ramón Vargas, Thomas Hampson, and Dwayne Croft singing leading roles in scenes from La Traviata, Manon, and Capriccio; Legendary designers John Galliano, Christian Lacroix, and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel create costumes for Fleming.

The Metropolitan Opera opens its 2008-09 season on September 22 with a gala performance that kicks off its 125^th anniversary, starring Renée Fleming in three fully-staged scenes, including some of her most acclaimed portrayals. Costumes for Fleming have been specially created for each of the scenes in the Opening Night Gala by three of the world’s legendary fashion designers: John Galliano, Christian Lacroix, and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.

The program opens with Act II of Verdi’s La Traviata, and continues with Act III of Massenet’s Manon, and the final scene of Richard Strauss’s one act opera, Capriccio. Met Music Director James Levine conducts the second act of La Traviata, which has two scenes: the first at Violetta’s country house and the second at a grand Parisian mansion in the elaborate staging by Franco Zeffirelli. Ramón Vargas sings the role of Alfredo Germont, and Thomas Hampson that of his father, Giorgio. Christian Lacroix has designed two costumes for Fleming, one for each scene.

The Manon act is also in two parts: the first is the spectacular “Cours-la-Reine” scene featuring the heroine’s famous “Gavotte,” followed by the searingly dramatic scene in the church of St. Sulpice. Ramón Vargas is Manon’s lover, the Chevalier des Grieux, Dwayne Croft her cousin, Lescaut, and Robert Lloyd the Chevalier’s father, the Comte des Grieux, with Marco Armiliato conducting. Fleming’s costume for scene one and an additional cloak for the second scene are by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.

The musically transcendent finale of Capriccio, conducted by Patrick Summers, music director of the Houston Grand Opera, concludes the evening, with Fleming in a costume created by John Galliano.

For the first time, The Met: Live in HD, the highly successful series of performances transmitted live in high definition (HD) into movie theaters, will carry the Met’s opening night. It will be transmitted to 600 theaters in North and South America, including Mexico City’s Auditorio Nacional, and Buenos Aires’ Teatro 25 de Mayo --- both new additions to the Met’s HD network. American mezzo-soprano Susan Graham hosts the evening, the red carpet, and live backstage interviews. The HD director for this performance is Gary Halvorson, who directed five out of the eight HD programs last season. Last season, the series of eight HD operas was attended by over 935,000 people worldwide. This season, the series has been expanded to eleven Live in HD transmissions, including the Met premiere of John Adams’s Doctor Atomic and five other new stage productions. The Met’s HD series is generously supported by the Neubauer Family Foundation. Information on theaters carrying the series is available at the Met’s web site, www.metopera.org.

Live transmissions of Opening Night Gala to Times Square and Fordham University at Lincoln Center and broadcast live on SIRIUS

As a highlight of its 125^th anniversary celebration, the Met will transmit the opening-night performance onto multiple screens in Times Square and Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus, where thousands of people can experience it for free. In Times Square, multiple giant screens will carry the live performance, including the Astrovision (Panasonic), Reuters, Nasdaq, and MTV screens. The opera will be broadcast live on Metropolitan Opera Radio on SIRIUS channel 78. The performance will also be streamed live on the Met’s website, www.metopera.org. The free outdoor airings of the Met’s opening have proven a popular attraction for thousands of New Yorkers since the new tradition was begun with General Manager Peter Gelb’s first season in 2006.

Due to construction on Lincoln Center Plaza, the Opening Night Gala will be presented in a live plazacast on the North Meadow at Fordham University at Lincoln Center. The Fordham plazacast is free admission, but tickets are required. Approximately 1700 tickets will be distributed beginning Sunday, September 21 at noon at the Met Box Office, with a maximum of two per person.

Nature Matching System

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:33:22 -0500

Remember to take your daily dose of color!

The giant grid of color, inspired by fresh fruits and vegetables, is one of the largest public art projects ever at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Through the "NMS - Nature Matching System" developed by Tattfoo Tan, thousands of daily visitors can visually learn the colors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The "Remember to take your daily dose of color" vinyl mural covers 180 feet of Windows at the intersections of 8th Avenue between 41st & 42nd Streets. The mural will be on display until fall 2008.

Opening of Exhibit Event

Join us this Thursday, July 17th at 1pm on 41st Street & 8th Avenue (Port Authority Bus Terminal) to meet the artist, Tattfoo Tan, and hear the music that kicks off the Port Authority popular "Tunes in the Terminal" series, also sponsored by the Times Square Alliance and Fashion Center BID. While supplies last, attendees will receive free fruit with Nature Matching Systems stickers.

Rent

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:17:49 -0500

“Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes.” It’s the time of convert one year and the lyrics of "Seasons of Love" that the main theme music in musical RENT.

The long-running broadway hit musical RENT is one of the famous musical in the world. It’s also famous due to the story being based Puccini’s opera La Bohem and how this 19^th century opera changed popular rock musical in broadway .

It tells the story about the youth of New York living of under the shadow of society. The young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side. So, you can see the traditional social problems, as the drug and AIDS in U.S.A. But all of the story isn’t always dark. Because there is love and hope even that can’t through the most difficult part of life. “Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes/ Measure, measure you life in love”. This lyrics is simple, but it has an aftereffect.

Unfortunately, this great musical is going to close. According to website, their last performance is September 7^th. After that, we can’t see the RENT on Broadway anymore. But the story of RENT remains fresh in our memory. So if you are still missing this show, make sure you catch it quickly since tickets sell fast and before you know it, September comes and RENT is over.

Written by Sekwan Chung (Korea)

Disney’s The Lion King still roars 10 years later

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:07:45 -0500

Disney’s Lion King on Broadway is celebrating it’s 10^th anniversary. And in the 10 years I have been in and out of NYC, this was the first time I finally went to see the Lion King. The whole production was nothing short of breathtaking. Just the beginning intro, “The Circle of Life” was so incredible as my jaw dropped in amazement. The costumes are so elaborate and it transforms the actors into the animals that is portrayed in the story – it was beautiful and the set design is so stunning, the audience is really whisked away to the deserts of Africa. From the swaying grass to the other animals and the colors of the costuming really had me studying everyone and wondering how they did it. It is so imaginative and innovative.

As for the story line and music of The Lion King, this has been one of my favorite Disney stories of all time. And the way it was interpreted on stage was by far much more imaginative and mesmerizing. I really felt an impact on some of the scenes, I honestly thought I was going to cry. Besides the introduction being one of those impacting scenes, the death of Mufasa was another one that was very dramatic and also when Simba finds himself through the memory of his father, Mufasa. I can sense the emotions of these actors running deep within these scenes. The acting and singing was truly amazing and the choreography and movements of how to be a lion or a giraffe or gazelle is brilliant. Some of the old songs really brung back memories and some of the new songs I haven’t heard before and I fell in love with now. But still my all time favorite song is ‘Hakuna Matata’. The worry free philosophy song still has me humming that tune and saying that phrase since the movie came out. This is a show that is perfect for family entertainment. It gives the kids the music they love to hear and the characters they love to see and perfect for adults to enjoy the same details with a different and deeper meaning. For my friend and I, it was pure joy to be able to watch this amazing production that I hope will last another great 10 years on Broadway.

Here’s another thing to not miss. In honor of celebrating The Lion King 10^th year celebration, there is a special exhibit taking place at The Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle. The exhibition will display the evolution of the groundbreaking production of Disney’s The Lion King. Behind-the-Scenes photographs, costume sketches and costume displays, puppets and even wax figures will be featured in the exhibit. The exhibition is open to the public from 9am to 9pm daily. This is definitely an exhibit you should see since it’s a once in a lifetime exhibit that will occur honoring Disney’s The Lion King 10^th anniversary. I personally will be going to this since I am really interested in the costumes. The exhibit will end on April 27^th.

10 NYC Buildings Worth Seeing!

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:14:03 -0500

1. Conde Nast Building 4 Times Square, Manhattan, by Fox & Fowle Architects, 1996-1999. This 866-foot-tall skyscraper in the heart of Times Square is what Bell calls "environmentally correct," with state-of-the-art air quality and energy conservation systems. 2. Brooklyn Museum Entry pavilion and plaza, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, by James Stewart Polshek, 2004. The glass and steel circular structure modernized the museum's imposing 19th century Beaux Arts facade while making it inviting and accessible, a suitable centerpiece for Brooklyn's burgeoning hipster art scene. 3. Prada New York 575 Broadway, near Prince Street, Manhattan, by Rem Koolhaas, 2001. A wave of zebrawood is the centerpiece of Prada's flagship store, in Soho. "It displays the merchandise, it doesn't sell it." 4. Rose Center for Earth and Space At the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, Manhattan, by James Stewart Polshek, 2000. This illuminated 87-foot-diameter sphere, which appears to be floating in a huge glass cube, houses the Hayden Planetarium and Space Theater. 5. Apple Store SoHo 103 Prince St., Manhattan, by Ronnette Riley and Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, 2002, with Apple's creative team, including CEO Steve Jobs and others. If you're looking for the Apple Store on Prince Street, you'll be forgiven for doing a double take or maybe even walking right past it. The exterior is a 1920s stone and brick post office, with the original "STATION A" signage above the entrance. The inside is distinguished by clean, white space and an inviting glass staircase to a glass bridge upstairs. 6. Grand Central Terminal 42nd Street and Park Avenue, Manhattan, by Reed & Stern and Warren & Wetmore, 1903-1913, restored by Beyer, Blinder & Belle, 1998. The famed train station's Beaux Arts Classical design is known for its arches, clock, constellation ceiling and cathedral windows. The building's beauty was restored in a project completed in 1998, and the corridors were enlivened with exhibition space and interesting places to eat and shop. Free tours ($10 suggested donation) sponsored by the Municipal Arts Society, Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.; meet at the information booth on the main concourse. 7. Morgan Library Expansion 33 E. 36th St., at Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, Renzo Piano, 2006. Piano's expansion of the Morgan Library, a 1906 Beaux Arts building designed by McKim, Mead & White, is considered one of his masterpieces, with glass walls linking the old and new. 8. Chrysler Building 405 Lexington Ave., at 42nd Street, Manhattan, by William Van Alen, 1930. This building is not as well-known as the Empire State Building, but Bell thinks it should be (even though it doesn't have a public observation deck). It's a phenomenal example of Art Deco architecture that is both elegant and fun, from the distinctive tiered crown, easily picked out from the city skyline, to the enormous gargoyles shaped like radiator caps. 9. Hearst Tower 951-969 Eighth Ave., near 56th Street, Manhattan, by Sir Norman Foster, 2004. This 42-story tower was built atop the original six-story home of the Hearst media empire. The diagonal gridwork and see-through glass panels, with no vertical supporting columns, make this sleek design unique in the world. 10. Seagram Building 375 Park Ave., near 53rd Street, by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson (design architects) and Kahn & Jacobs (associate architects), 1958. "It was this building that transformed our skyline." The building is a perfect glass box, elegantly proportioned and set back 90 feet from the street.

Lunar Eclipse Tonight!

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 04:06:56 -0600

www.space.com Tonight, February 20th, 2008, there will be a lunar eclipse for all to see. This makes it the third time this year that we get to see this amazing thing happen with the moon and the earth. USA Today says, "As is the case with all lunar eclipses, the region of visibility will encompass more than half of our planet. Nearly a billion people in the Western Hemisphere, more than 1.5 billion in Europe and Africa, and perhaps another half-billion in western Asia will be able to watch — weather permitting — as the brilliant mid-winter full moon becomes a shadow of its former self and morphs into a glowing coppery ball." www.nomad4ever.com

There is something different about the eclipse this time, "the planet Saturn (magnitude +0.2) and the bright bluish star, Regulus (magnitude +1.4) will form a broad triangle with the moon's ruddy disk. Careful watchers will notice the moon changing its position with respect to the star and planet as it moves eastward through the Earth's shadow."

The moon will enter Earth's much darker umbral shadow at 1:43 on Feb. 21 by Greenwich or Universal time, which is 8:43 p.m. on Feb. 20 in the Eastern time zone, 7:43 p.m. Central time, 6:43 p.m. Mountain time and 5:43 p.m. Pacific time.

Seventy-eight minutes later the moon is entirely within the shadow, and sails on within it for 51 minutes (about average for a total lunar eclipse), until it begins to find its way out at the lower left (southeastern) edge.

The moon be completely free of the umbra by 9:09 p.m. Pacific time or 12:09 a.m. (Feb. 21) Eastern time.

Please read more

-think24seven

Skate with your date...

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:31:01 -0600

www.viewimages.com So, the weekend comes and you're like: what to do? Where to go? That sort of thing! Here's something fun that you and your date will actually enjoy and you can both do together; until the April 13th actually, so you really have lots of time to squeeze this into your busy calendar. Where: Rockefeller Center When: Now until April 13th, 2008 Address: 601 5th Ave. New York, NY 10017 Phone: 212-332-7654 Since the Christmas tree is no more, there are other things you can do you know! For $75 you and your date can skip the loooooong line (yay) and get "free" skate rentals at the Rockefeller Ice Skating Rink. We're not done yet: You also get a two course dinner for two at the Rock Center Cafe. Doesn't get any better than this folks. You can choose from their delicious appetizers and ravishing main courses. Reservations are required. -think24seven

Rent: One Last Time

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 06:09:15 -0600

Even if you do reside under a rock, it would still be impossible to have not heard about possibly the biggest thing to ever hit Broadway: the late Jonathon Larson musical, Rent. Image provided by: canberratheatre.org Spawning a movie and a soundtrack that rivaled a Britney Spears' album's success level (pre-break down, obviously), I was curious to see what the Rent hysteria was all about. Never a huge fan of musicals, I was surprised at how moved I was by this production. Dealing with issues such as AIDs, cross-dressing, and the lack of work that is penetrating our youth's culture, Rent manages to get across a message of hope and inspiration without preaching. Perhaps what effected me the most was the sensitivity that these issues were handled with, exploring the darker side of our youth's culture minus judgement or heckling. Image provided by: cpa.psu.edu The actors are vibrant, the sparse set effective, and the music goosebump inducing. As of June 1st, this 12 year phenemenon will bow out for good...see how you can experience Rent for the first, or last, time by visiting their website. Rent is performed at Nederland Theater, on 208 West 41st St., or see if the Rent tour is going to appear at a venue near you. -Stefanie Botelho

On the 7 -Service resumed ahead of schedule!

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 04:29:09 -0600

Image provided by: www.weblogs.amny.com Good news "7 Train" users, Service from Times Square to Flushing and vice versa has now been resumed; two weeks ahead of schedule. "Express service has been suspended since January 11th, because of major track and signal work. The MTA says the work was able to be completed ahead of time because of good weather. " -think24seven

Need a furry friend?

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 03:45:50 -0600

Then hurry on over to Times Square, right next to the Virgin Megastore. There you will find a nice little shop filled with cute little puppies -that are up for adoption. The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive is trying to get New Yorkers to adopt pets, free of charge. Who doesn't need a pet? They are cute and loving and really, that's all a New Yorker wants, LOVE and since it's Valentine's season, why not adopt a pup and make a friend for life. Image provided by: www.fairequal.net Here are some adoption centers you can go to: 1. Bide-A-Wee New York , NY 10016 212 532 4455 2. Center for Animal Care & Control New York , NY 10029 212 788 4000 3. Metropolitan Maltese Rescue New York , NY 10011 212 242 1151

Here are some stats:- Over 4 million dogs enter shelters every year - The overwhelming majority of dogs adopted from shelters aren't puppies. In fact, most are 2-3 years old. - With a shelter adoption, you're saving more than one life - you're making room for another dog, or allowing another dog to be kept at a shelter for a longer period of time, giving them a better chance of being adopted, too. But make sure you hurry on over because the last day is Thursday! A New York puppy needs a loving New Yorker! Check this out: The milliondogmosaic - think24seven

New Condom line, just in time for Valentine’s!

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:53:00 -0600

Yes! That’s right New York City. Get your groove on tonight, especially now that’s it’s Valentine’s today.

The Department of Health has adopted a new look for their condoms and wants New Yorkers to be as safe as possible.

“The condoms are being given out at various locations today, including Times Square, Wall Street and City Hall. ”

There will be new advertisements on TV, radio stations, subway cars and check cashing outlets to encourage New Yorkers to participate in safe sex.

-think24seven

The SNOW is here!

nospam@example.com (NYCP) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 06:36:12 -0600

Photo provided by: www.f-secure.com

Apart from some rain, New York City has had pretty good weather this Winter season. February came and it was 62 degrees just last week. We all thought Winter was over or at least attempting to be over. Boy were we wrong! Winter has returned with a vengeance, with freezing temperatures, high winds and now, snow. It's supposed to snow from now until the rush hour period. Can you imagine what that's going to be like?

Photo provided by: www.chadhuck.com

Bundle up New Yorkers, it can get worse!

- think24seven