Friday, November 13, 2009

Adventure 11/17: See *Stars* with NYChar!

UPDATE 11/16: The Inwood Astronomy Project posted updated info about the upcoming viewing trip this Tues 17th night/Wed 18th morning.  They said possibly up to 500 meteors an hour!!!  Click HERE for details.

I'm so excited about the upcoming Leonid meteor shower next week!


Some of my favorite memories have to do with stargazing - sitting in a car in the middle of a cul-du-sac with my mom when I was younger, talking about boys and life; freezing in Herty field with John and Charles, as they drank to every star that shot across the sky (they stayed warm, at least: ); 10 of us walking in the dark next to the lake at retreat, using a random star map from Chris's car to identify constellations we couldn't pronounce; eating moon cakes with Anna; Timon and Pumba.  The shooting ones are the best, because they catch you every time - they shoot by so fast that you don't know if you actually saw it!  But you did: )  No matter how many you actually get to see though, it's just special to feel the awesomeness and see the beauty of God's sparkling diamonds against the dark sky, esp in NYC.
VIEWING:


Some interesting facts from Space.com (Full article here):
  • The meteors are debris from Comet Temple-Tuttle, and the first cloud of comet dust was released in 1567.
  • This year, we should expect to see 20-30 an hour, or 1 meteor every 2-3 min...and up to 500 according to InwoodAstronomy.org!
  • The meteors are likely going to be brighter than usual, so watch out for bursts of light.
I reached out to the Amateur Astronomers Association of NY (same group that sets up at Highline on Tues to see Jupiter and other things!) with a few questions about the best time and location to see the showers this year, and here's the response I got back (from president Rich R.):


  • In the city it’s best to head for an open area away from local lighting.  Among the good sites are the Great Lawn and Sheep Meadow (if it’s open) in Central Park, the Long Meadow of Prospect Park and Inwood Park in upper Manhattan.  If you can get out of NYC, the simple rule is the farther the better...I like the overlooks on the Palisades Parkway and Ward Pound Ridge Park in northern Westchester County.
  • More meteors are best seen after midnight through dawn, because then Earth’s rotation is carrying us towards the meteors. 
Super helpful!  Then I read in TimeOut NY that there is a group (inwoodastronomy.org) heading up to Inwood Hill Park to see it on Tues night the 17th @ 9p, so that's what I plan on doing!  We have to call day of to confirm meeting place and time (917-529-2359).  More details soon.


Interested in coming along?  Let me know!

Weekender: 11/13-11/16

Hello, Fri the 13th and beyond!  Let's see what's going on these next couple of days:


EVENTS
FRI, 11/13

"In celebration of the lighting of the 4th Annual "Holiday Under The Stars" indulge your passion for sweets this holiday season at a very special dessert tasting event at Time Warner Center. Enjoy a world of fine desserts and delectable treats from our esteemed restaurant collection. Signature sweets including double truffle brownies from Porter House New York, nutella profiteroles from Landmarc’s ovens, hot chocolate Italian style from A Voce and Star cookies from Bouchon Bakery are just a few of the treats to be served."


  • 830p: See Korean pop-star RAIN, promoting his upcoming film Ninja Assassin [437 East 9th St bet 1st Ave and Ave A] 













SAT, 11/14
  • 12-7p, until 11/15: Munnyworld Custom Toy Show - KidRobot is launching it's newest line of Munnys, the cute do-it-yourself toy. [41 Wooster St]










  • 2-6p: City Bakery and BottleRocket's Thanksgiving Workshop (food and wine tasting), with proceeds going to City Harvest!  Congrats to Karrie, Cameron, and Tammy for winning a spot to go with me!  Sorry, all sold out now, but will let you know how it is: )
  • 10p: DJ Lani Love plays at Le Poisson Rouge, Free!  Check out this girl's beats, really turns up the party!



















MON 11/16
  • Leonid Meteor Shower tonight (midnight to dawn)!  I'm going to see it - more details coming soon: )
DEALS, etc.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

NYC Thanksgiving 2009!

Turkey!  Cranberry Sauce!  Pumpkin Pie!  Sweet potato casserole!  It's all part of the deliciousness of Thanksgiving, and for those of us staying in NYC for the holidays, here are two major NY events to mark on your calendars.  I'm likely going to both of them, so let me know if you want to come!

Wednesday, Nov. 25th
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation - Manhattan


Central Park West and Columbus Avenue on 77th and 81st streets. Inflation is approximately from 3 p.m. till 10 p.m.   






Thursday, Nov. 26th
Macy's 83rd Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade - who wants to brave the crowds with me?  For the past 2 years, I've always convinced myself to go at the very last minute, which is a terrible idea, but this year, I want to go and actually see the balloons in action!  Anyone live along the parade route??: )
  • Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route Begins: 77th Street & Central Park West
  • Thanksgiving Parade Ends: 7th Avenue & 34th Street
  • Time: Parade starts at 9am
  • Official Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Website: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
  • Tips from About.com: Arrive before 6:30a, bring warm clothes, be prepared for the crowds! Or watch on NBC from 9a-12p. 

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tonight: Free Screening of NINE

Check out this screening for NINE, tonight!  Call to reserve your spot.

Thanks to Becca W. for sending (offer from Gofobo.com)!


Nine

Rob Marshall, Academy Award nominated director of CHICAGO, and an all-star cast including Academy Award winners Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman and Sophia Loren join forces on the vibrant and provocative feature film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical NINE. This inventive new film tells the story of world famous, genius film Director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he reaches a creative and personal crisis of epic proportion while trying to begin his latest production. On the verge of collapse, he finds inspiration from the numerous women in his life including his loving wife, his sultry mistress, his beautiful film star muse, his faithful confidant and costume designer, a sexy American fashion journalist, the village whore from his youth and the spirit of his mother. The movie also stars Kate Hudson and Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson.


Tuesday, November 10, 2009 7:30pm
City Cinemas
210 East 86th Street
(Between 2nd and 3rd Ave.)
New York, NY 10028


You Must RSVP to Attend the Screening
  • Please call (888) 508-8354, between 12 noon and 5 PM ET, to receive your confirmation number.
PLEASE NOTE: This pass will admit you and one guest only, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein: You and your guest must be between the ages of 17 and 54, have this pass with you, and must fit certain pre-defined criteria to be permitted to attend this preview. This determination is made solely at the discretion of the company, and such pre-defined criteria cannot be disclosed to you or your guest for any purpose. No one in any way associated with the media or the entertainment industry will be admitted. All phones/PDAs may need to be checked at the door. Show times may be subject to change or cancellation. PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY, NO LESS THAN FORTY-FIVE MINUTES BEFORE START TIME. Even though this pass does not guarantee admission, arriving early can greatly increase your chances of securing a seat. All parties must be present at time of check-in to be admitted. No one who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, who is unkempt or improperly dressed, or who may interfere with the enjoyment of the film by others will be allowed in. By accepting this pass you agree to keep all information about the movie that you see tonight confidential, which includes refraining from posting any information online or in any other medium. Please initial below to acknowledge you have read and agree to the above terms:_____________

Copyright (C) 2009 In Theater, All rights reserved.

Monday, November 9, 2009

11/12-11/15: 30% Off at Gap, Old Navy, and BR!

Check out this COUPON for 30% off at Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic! Shop starting Thurs 11/12. Valid until 11/15. Plus, 5% goes to Teach for America.

Thanks to Steve L. for sharing!