To Do: Phillies Game at Citizens Bank Park

To Do: Phillies Game at Citizens Bank Park.
Proposed Date: Sunday, July 29th vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates ("Arrrgh.")

The last Phillies game I went to was at Veterans' Stadium... its been a while. But my dear darling father is, for once, kicking the male children to the curb and giving *me* his spare season ticket.

A Phillies game with my "phather." A phitting phinish to my summer phestivities on the East Coast. Phat. (I am SO phunny!)

To Do: Brazilian Girls - SummerStage

To Do: Brazilian Girls - SummerStage

When: Sunday, July 22, 2007 From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Central Park SummerStage

Brazilian Girls, Cat Empire, HIMALAYAS conducted by Kenny Wollesen & Jonathon Haffner

SummerStage is delighted to welcome back Brazilian Girls, the ultra-hip and wonderfully breezy groove band that first appeared at SummerStage two summers ago. For those who don’t know, only one of the Brazilian Girls is a girl (front-woman Sabina Sciubba) and none of them are actually from Brazil. But the name perfectly fits the globe-trotting vibe of their music, a playful mix of electronica, bossa nova, vintage French pop and rock. Their sophomore set Talk To La Bomb was released last year, and Spin magazine called it “multicultural, cosmopolitan, intellectual dance music: Ibiza meets punk, dub goes tango, trance gets smart.”

I've never been to SummerStage - I've generally found it too expensive - but you can't beat the price of this show... free. It'll be a fun way to chill on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

To Do: One Last Mets Game at Shea Stadium

To Do: One Last Mets Game at Shea Stadium
When: Sunday, July 15 at 1:10 p.m.

What: Military Appreciation Day at Shea

Join the New York Mets as we host Military Appreciation Day presented by Jeep on Sunday, July 15 at Shea Stadium. On Military Appreciation Day, the first 25,000 fans in attendance will receive a Mets cap, courtesy of Jeep.

We encourage all of our fans to bring items which will be collected into a large "care package" that will be sent to our troops serving overseas. We need your participation to make this an amazin' day!

Here is a list of acceptable items for donation:

Phone Cards
Pens - Black or Blue
Baby Wipes
Hand Sanitizers
Toothbrushes
Disposable Cameras
Batteries of all sizes
Chapstick w/sunscreen

I have so many fun memories of the day-glo colored toilet bowl that is Shea Stadium. Playoff wins, World Series losses, scuffles with Mr. Met, questionable eating choices...you name it. I've been on TV, the jumbo-tron... I've even infiltrated the press box and the private club.

I'm still on the fence about where this move leaves my team allegiances... if you have compelling Angels vs. Dodger arguments, let me know. [wink]

To Do: Design + DJs + Dancing at The Cooper-Hewitt

To Do: Design + DJs + Dancing at The Cooper-Hewitt
When: Friday, July 13, 2007 6:00-9:00 p.m.

What:

Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution
Summer Sessions 2007: Design + DJs + Dancing
July 6, 2007 - September 7, 2007, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Fridays
Free with Museum admission - Admission always free for Members

The Cooper-Hewitt plays host to a dance party in its lovely garden on Friday nights between July and September. I've attended in previous summers and it always draws a great crowd of friends and neighbors, young and old, singles and young marrieds with kids in tow. The DJs are terrific and the music is quiet enough that you can be social and chat it up. If that fails to entertain, take in the museum's design exhibitions and permanent collections.

They call the event Design + DJs + Dancing. I'm adding: + Drinks... there's a bar!

To Do: Ride The Cyclone in Coney Island

What: Visit Coney Island and ride The Cyclone as it celebrates its 80th birthday.

When: A.S.A.P.

The Cyclone has consistently ranked at or near the top of every roller coaster top ten list published. It has been proclaimed the world's greatest by a broad spectrum of media institutions and roller coaster aficionados. Time Magazine quoted Charles Lindbergh as saying that a ride on the Cyclone was more thrilling than his historic first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Emilio Franco, a mute since birth, regained his voice on the Cyclone, uttering his first words ever -- "I feel sick"! In April 2001, singer Nikki Lauren became the first person ever to present a live musical performance in the Cyclone's historic loading station.

As soon as I mentioned to friends that I needed to do this, as least two of them reported major health issues (some requiring chiropractic treatment) soon after they rode it.

This only makes me want to ride it more.

I guarantee that I am the only person you know who gets car sick without fail, but simply can't pass up a good roller coaster. The only question remaining is, will this upset my vomit streak?

If I chicken out (not likely,) there's always the Burlesque Master Class.

As a recovering Philly girl, I'm also looking forward to spending time on a boardwalk, like the ones I remember from childhood summers at the Jersey shore. I'll bet there's good eatin' to be done too!

To Do: Guest Bartend at the Gael Pub

Are you here as a result of the Evite? Welcome!



Poke around the site and get up to speed.

I so hope you can make it; its sure to be a blast.

To Do: New York Philharmonic In Central Park - And Fireworks!

What: New York Philharmonic performs free in Central Park - And Fireworks!
When: Wednesday, July 11, 8:00 pm

New York Philharmonic
Wednesday, July 11, 8:00 pm
Central Park - Great Lawn
Mid-Park from 79th to 85th Streets
Ludovic Morlot will conduct the New York Philharomonic:

Berlioz: Le Corsaire Overture
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto featuring soloist Stefan Jackiw
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, "Pathéthique"

The concert will be followed by a fireworks display.

This is just the thing to soothe the sting of disappointment caused by the Metropolitan Opera's performance in Central Park getting rained out.

If you can't make it on the 11th, there's another performance on the 17th:

New York Philharmonic
Tuesday, July 17, 8:00 pm
Central Park - Great Lawn
Mid-Park from 79th to 85th Streets
Sir Andrew Davis will conduct the New York Philharomonic:

Richard Strauss: Til Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks
Puccini, Massenet, Catalani, Weber: Various Arias featuring soprano Measha Brueggergosman
Mussorgsky/Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition

The concert will be followed by a fireworks display.

My standard picnicing rules apply. Please pass the wine, cheese and olives.

To Do: Visit The Cloisters of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

I have long been a great fan (and neighbor!) of the main branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art... its been like a second home to me, and I will truly miss the views from its roof, cocktails and music at the balcony bar, and visiting my Degas ballerinas.

I have always wanted to visit the Met's other branch, The Cloisters:

The Cloisters—described by Germain Bazin, former director of the Musée du Louvre in Paris, as "the crowning achievement of American museology"—is the branch of the Metropolitan Museum devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. Located on four acres overlooking the Hudson River in northern Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park, the building incorporates elements from five medieval French cloisters—quadrangles enclosed by a roofed or vaulted passageway, or arcade—and from other monastic sites in southern France. Three of the cloisters reconstructed at the branch museum feature gardens planted according to horticultural information found in medieval treatises and poetry, garden documents and herbals, and medieval works of art, such as tapestries, stained-glass windows, and column capitals. Approximately five thousand works of art from medieval Europe, dating from about A.D. 800 with particular emphasis on the twelfth through fifteenth century, are exhibited in this unique and sympathetic context.

As soon as the crazy weather straightens itself out (soon? please?) I will hop a bus and get medieval on the Met's ass.

To Do: One Last Game at Yankee Stadium

What: One Last Game at Yankee Stadium

The Yankees organization has spent years developing plans for the self-financed stadium that will rise in Macombs Dam Park, adjacent to and north of the current field. Construction on the planned 51,000-seat park is expected to begin in 2006, and should conclude in time for the 2009 season.

Seems like the thing to do - one last game before they "yank" down Yankee stadium. Ha.

To Do: Thursday Night Campfire with Martin and Craig

What: Thursday Night Campfire with Martin and Craig at the Gael Pub

The Gael Pub
1465 Third Ave.(bet. 82nd & 83rd)
New York, NY 10028-1926
212-517-4141

When: Thursday, May 24th

Martin and Craig bring the campfire along wherever they play, along with the relaxed, informal, no-rules-whatsoever atmosphere that comes along with it. Singing along is inevitable as the song choices combined with the completely-at-ease style with which they are delivered are all but guaranteed to have you tapping your foot, clapping your hands, and singing louder than you ever thought you could.

Expect a broad array of songs from all across the history of popular music, including some you'd never expect to hear in this setting. Expect passionate vocals. Expect masterful percussion. Expect a tapping foot (that would be yours). Expect a good ol' time. See you soon.

I see these guys every chance I get. If you were smart, you would too. They're sublime. I will miss them when I go. [sad face]

Bonus: If you get there at just the right time, you may even bear witness to an awe-inspiring performance by the US Olympic Synchronized Booty Shakin' Team (which consists of a drunken me and my very capable partner in crime.)

To Do: Annie Hall - HBO/Bryant Park Film Festival

What: Annie Hall - HBO/Bryant Park Film Festival

When: June, 18th at sunset

Turning thirty this year, 'Annie Hall' appears as fresh as ever. Neurotic N.Y. comic Alvy Singer looks back at various aspects of his life, including the women he has known. Annie may have been his one great love, but the relationship wasn't meant to be. For most fans, this is Woody Allen at his peak. 'Annie' took Oscars for Best Picture (beating out 'Star Wars'), Best Director (sorry Mr. Spielberg) and Best Script (a little California bashing is always fun). Diane Keaton, at her "la-di-da" finest, won a statuette too. Lobsters anyone? 94 Min. (1977) -- Jim Byerley

I can't believe I've never done this. I'm pretty sure its because NYC in June is generally hot, muggy, and buggy. And right around when they start spraying for West Nile virus. If nothing else, it will remind me of why I'm moving to LA. Ugh. Don't be surprised if I blow this one off...

To Do: Metropolitan Opera Presents LA BOHEME in Central Park

What: Met in the Parks - La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini.
Central Park - Great Lawn - Mid-Park from 79th to 85th Streets
FREE

When: Tuesday, June 12, 8:00 pm

Join thousands of other opera lovers as the Metropolitan Opera returns to the parks of New York City and New Jersey. A summertime tradition in New York since 1967 and in New Jersey since 1987, the series opens with back-to-back concerts in Manhattan's Central Park on June 12 and 13, with six additional performances in each borough of the city and two locations in New Jersey. Met in the Parks concerts are receiving major funding from Bank of America for the sixth straight year.

A Metropolitan Opera parks concert is the perfect way to experience some of the world's greatest music in a uniquely accessible and informal outdoor setting. This year's series presents Puccini’s La Bohème, a timeless story of love among young artists in Paris, and Gounod’s Faust, an epic drama about an aged philosopher’s pact with the devil. Both offer dazzling arias and ensemble pieces that showcase the Met's incomparable soloists, orchestra, and chorus.

All performances are at 8:00 pm ET, free of charge, and no tickets are required.

I do this every year. I pack my Marilyn Monroe lunchbox with essentials, like wine, cheese and chocolate, grab my blanket and head to the park. There's just something about laying under the stars and having a collective experience with what seems like the whole city; it defies description.

Do it.

To Do: 139th Running of the Belmont Stakes

What: 139th Running of the Belmont Stakes

When: Saturday, June 9, 2007 (if/when our tickets come through.)

Belmont Park is the largest track in the United States. It has three racing ovals -- one grand one-mile main track and two generous turf courses. A symbol of the track is the tree located in the center of the paddock. The Belmont logo represents that tree.

Easily the most cavernous and fan-comfortable of the Triple Crown host sites, Belmont's spaciousness provides relative comfort even in the presence of 80,000-plus fans. When the Triple Crown is on the line (as it has been in six of the last 10 years), excitement and headcount rises dramatically, spawned by the chance to see history in the making. Expansive paddock area provides much green, park-like area with tables to those quick enough to claim.

I've been to Belmont several times before, and although I've never won a dime, its totally worth doing and I'm looking forward to going again.

To Do: Visit the Museum of Modern Art

What: Visit the Museum of Modern Art

Proposed Date: Sunday, May 20th

In the late 1920s, three progressive and influential patrons of the arts, Miss Lillie P. Bliss, Mrs. Cornelius J. Sullivan, and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., perceived a need to challenge the conservative policies of traditional museums and to establish an institution devoted exclusively to modern art. When The Museum of Modern Art was founded in 1929, its founding Director, Alfred H. Barr, Jr., intended the Museum to be dedicated to helping people understand and enjoy the visual arts of our time, and that it might provide New York with "the greatest museum of modern art in the world."

I have never been to MOMA. Yes, I'm embarrassed about it.

I will be rectifying this egregious oversight pronto.

To Do: Visit the General Grant National Memorial

What: Visit the General Grant National Memorial

Proposed Date: Saturday, May 19th

Summary: The tomb of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia. Also the source of a really stupid riddle -- don't fall for it!

Who's Buried in Grant's Tomb?
This is an old joke to which the answer is no one. Our eighteenth president and his wife are, however, entombed here. Made of 8,000 tons of granite, with Massachusetts marble for the floors and fine Italian marble for the railings and trimmings, Grant's Tomb sits high above the Hudson River in the midst of a beautiful park. It was once one of the most popular attractions in New York City, although it rarely attracts much of a crowd today.

The weather here has been so great lately that there's positively no reason not to go. I may also hit up the Cathedral of St. John the Divine while I'm in the neighborhood.

To Do: Get My Picture Taken With Smoking Hot Marines During Fleet Week

What: Get My Picture Taken With Smoking Hot Marines During Fleet Week

 

Proposed Date: Fleet Week New York City is scheduled for May 23-30, 2007.

 

NYC is notoriously bad for single women, even smoking hot ones like me. But Uncle Sam looks out for his hot, single, female taxpayers by sending gorgeous representatives of his Armed Services for an all too brief visit to New York City each Memorial Day Weekend:

 

Thousands of Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and international navy ships will participate.

 

Hosted nearly every year since 1984, Fleet Week New York is the City's celebration of the sea services. This annual event also provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness first hand the latest capabilities of today's Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Team.

 

Fleet Week includes dozens of military demonstrations and displays throughout the week, as well as public visitation of many of the participating ships.

 

Additionally, last year 95,000 guests enjoyed visiting the ships, meeting their crews, and learning about their technology.

 

If anyone has any thoughts on how best to make this happen, leave it in the comments!

 

This is your LAST CHANCE, Fellas, to get your picture taken with Smokin' Hot ME...

To Do: Midsummer Night Swing

What:  Midsummer Night Swing

Proposed Date:  Friday, June 22, 2007 6:30 PM

 

Big Joe & The Dynaflows shake up traditional 1940s and 1950s swing with blues, R&B and rock’n’roll!

Dance lesson at 6:30, live music at 7:30.
Lesson: You Should Be Dancing
DJ: Phast Preddie The Boogaloo Omnibus

Purchase a Swing Pass and Save!

Tickets and Passes on sale May 16.

 

I have ALWAYS wanted to do this, but have never been able to scrounge up a capable partner in crime.  Well, this is my last chance, so I'm-a goin' solo!

To Do: New York Transit Museum Store

What:  New York Transit Museum Store

 

Proposed Date:  Saturday, May 12th

 

I need things to take with me that are distinctly New York.  So I'll be hitting up the New York Transit Museum Store, the one in Grand Central, most likely. 

The question is...

 

Do I go with the incredible?

 

Or merely the sublime?

Don't forget to leave your suggestions for things to do before I leave NYC in the comments, ok?

To Do: Pearl River Mart

What:  Pearl River Mart

 

Proposed Date: Saturday, April 28th

 

I'm heading to Pearl River to attempt a shopping coup:  I need birthday gifts for two BFFs, one uncle, and Mother's Day.  Oh, and I totally want to rock a parasol in LA, so I'm browsing for one of those, too.  :-)

To Do: Victorian Gardens at Central Park

What: Victorian Gardens at Central Park

Proposed Date: Saturday, June 2nd (with my bro, sis-in-law, and the three cutest kids on God's green earth.)

Victorian Gardens first opened its gates to the general public in the summer of 2003. The idea to house an amusement park on Wollman ice skating rink was inspired by a small group of industry veterans, who saw an incredible opportunity to utilize the 50,000 square foot facility not only in the winter, but all year long. After negotiations with the Conservancy, Parks Department and the Trump Organization, these private investors established Central Amusement International (CAI), and plans to design Victorian Gardens commenced. CAI executives turned to Zamperla, the industry leader in ride manufacturing, to help make their vision a reality.

With rides that are specifically geared to ages 2-12 years old and can also accommodate adults of all sizes, Victorian Gardens has the unique ability to cater to its niche market in a safe and controlled environment. Our intimate setting allows parents to relax, while their children experience the joy of discovering the magic of an amusement park.

Because we know how precious your children are to you, we value the traditional approach in delivering family fun and entertainment and hold fast to our mission: “to provide a safe, friendly, and clean environment with amusement and entertainment activities in order to create a memorable experience for the entire family”.

You can bet I'll be posting pics of me screaming down this sucker...