Wednesday January 12th, 2011

Happy Snow Day New Yorkers! As a native Californian, turned part time Coloradan to now full blown New York transplant, I was surprised to learn that work would be canceled due to a few inches of snow. Not that I'm complaining, but come on, it's snow and the media is making it out to be the great snowpocalypse! No joke, that's what they're calling it. I came in to my office regardless to enjoy the peace and quiet, and do some writing, ahem I mean work, in solitude.Because today is kind of a sleeper I found one story that is sure to put some smiles on your beautiful faces as you're curled up next to the fireplace drinking hot cocoa. Or, if your apartment is anything like mine, your radiator with a bottle of Jack Daniels.


Check out the video below of a flash mob wedding that took place at the Prudential Center Mall in Boston last weekend. As if the mall isn't bad enough, the mobbing began like one normally does, with some singing, lots of dancing and an inconspicuous keyboard player lurking somewhere in the background. This took a turn down lovers lane when a flower girl appeared, throwing rose petals on the ground before the couple sauntered happily down the 'aisle' arm in arm to complete their nuptials. In front of hundreds of unassuming mall going strangers. And it was a Jewish wedding no less, complete with make-shift chuppah! Mazel Tov to the happy couple!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujlkqLoV5Ng

And in case you are out and about and want to enjoy some fun in the snow activities, I've listed a few ideas below for all to enjoy this winter season. Enjoy and happy snow day!

Skiing

Emilio’s Ski Shop ski and snowboard trip
You don’t have to relegate yourself to Wii to go skiing on the cheap. This package includes a round-trip bus to nearby Hunter Mountain and lift tickets. You’ll have to cover the costs of gear rental, but the trip is still a lot more affordable than airfare to Vail. Buses depart from four locations; check website for details (718-544-0404, emiliosskishop.com). Every Tue–Thu, Sat, Sun through April; 6am–7:30pm. $84.95.

Belleayre Mountain Adirondack Trailways Ski Day-trip
This deal doesn’t cover equipment rental, but in addition to a round-trip bus ride from Port Authority and a lift ticket, you get a beginner’s ski or snowboard lesson. Those of you who are bored of the bunny slopes will have to fend for yourselves. Bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal, 625 Eighth Ave between 40th and 42nd Sts; visit website for dates and times (845-254-5600, ext 1361; catskillshighpeaks.com). Dates and times vary $81.
Sledding
Riverside Park
Daredevils can take a ride down the super-steep slope near Hippo Playground (Riverside Dr at 91st St). If you’d rather go easy, there are plenty of smaller hills in the northern part of the park. Word to the wise: 104th, 108th and 116th Sts tend to be popular (and crowded) spots, so plan accordingly. Riverside Dr at 91st St (212-870-3070, riversideparkfund.org)

The Nethermead, Prospect Park
Tree-lined edges make this open stretch of meadow feel forestlike—even though you’re in the middle of Brooklyn. Take your sled for a few leisurely runs down the gently rolling hills before returning to the warmer pastures of civilization. Enter at Prospect Park Southwest and 16th St (prospectpark.org)
Ewen Park
This is another steep one, but the trek uptown is worth it: Stairs installed in 2001 make climbing to the top of the park’s wide hill a cinch. Johnson Ave at 232nd St, Bronx (nycgovparks.org)

Ice Wheels Run
Don’t have a sled? Build your own—made of anything that’ll slide down a hill—and join event organizer Fluff McFluffster for the second winter version of his Central Park Big Wheel race. After your butt goes numb, guitar jams and spoken-word performances from Moth StorySLAM champs will keep you entertained. Central Park, Fifth Ave at 105th St (fluffsstuff.com). Jan 15 2–4pm; free.
Snowball fight
NYC Snowball Fight Club
If you’re lucky enough to be off work after the season’s first blizzard, join this group for snowball-filled versions of classic childhood games like dodgeball and capture the flag. Afterward, stomp over to a local bar and vote on superlatives like “Best Arm,” “Sorest Loser” and “Sexiest Snow Bunny.” Date, time and location TBA. Visit NYC Snowball Fight Club’s Facebook page for updates. Free.
Tubing
Snow-Tubing with Brewery Tour and Tasting
Instead of strapping into boards or boots, take the low-tech approach and try an inflatable tube. This day trip to Connecticut’s Woodbury Ski Area includes tube rentals and a three-hour lift ticket. Afterward, warm up with a tour and unlimited samples at the Thomas Hooker Brewery. Buses depart from the East 30s; location announced upon reservation (zogsports.org). Sat 18 8am–7pm; $100. Mar 5 8am–7pm; $100, before Jan 22 $90.
Snowshoeing
Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe
Granted, the tennis-racket-shaped shoes look ridiculous, but they’ll make a snowy hike much easier (the large surface area helps with balance and prevents you from sinking). This package covers round-trip van transportation, equipment rental, trail fees, a beginner’s lesson and guides. Meet in front of Apple Bank, northeast corner of 73rd St and Broadway (212-579-4568, outdoorbound.com). Jan 2, 8, 15, 23, 30 7:15am–6:30pm; $89.
Ice-skating
Wollman Rink
With the Manhattan skyline in the background and no time limit for skating, this storied spot reminds jaded New Yorkers just how magical winter in the city can feel. Central Park, enter at 59th St and Sixth Ave (212-439-6900, wollmanrink.com). Mon, Tue 10am–2:30pm; Wed, Thu 10am–10pm, Fri, Sat 10am–11pm; Sun 10am–9pm. Mon–Thu $10.50; Fri–Sun $15; skate rental $6.25. Through April 3.
Citi Pond at Bryant Park
Brave the lines at the Bryant Park rink and take advantage of free admission. You can bring your own skates for a completely gratis ride or rent a pair—either way, the price will make falling flat on your face a little less painful. Bryant Park, 40th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-661-6640, citipondatbryantpark.com). Sun–Thu 8am–10pm; Fri, Sat 8am–midnight. Free admission, skate rental $13. Through Feb 27.
Bear Mountain Ice Skating & Hike
Take your blades on the road with one of Outdoor Bound’s day trips to this state park, where you can drink in the mountain view while gliding around a rink. Save some energy—afterward, you’ll hike 1,200  feet to the top of Bear Mountain. Meet in front of Apple Bank, northeast corner of 73rd St and Broadway (212-579-4568, outdoorbound.com). Sat 18 8:45am–6pm; $75.
Ice broomball
NYC Social Sports Club
Harry Potter fanatics aren’t the only ones using brooms for sport: Ditching sticks for modified sweepers and pucks for balls, players in this hockeylike game attempt to score goals and stay upright as they dash around the rink in sneakers.  World Ice Arena at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Avery Ave at 131st St, Flushing, Queens (212-929-5353, nycsocialsportsclub.com). Jan 11–Mar 15 session, register by Tue 21; $250. Jan 9–Feb 6 session, register by Tue 21; $125. Feb 27–March 27 session, register by Feb 17; $125.­
Ice hockey
Pickup games at City Ice Pavilion
If you’re an avid hockey player but can’t commit to a league’s schedule, grab your gear and swing by New York City’s only NHL-regulation-sized rink for a pickup game. Bonus: For those brave enough to play goalie, there’s no fee. City Ice Pavilion, 47-32 32nd Pl between 47th and 48th Aves, Long Island City, Queens (718-706-6667, cityicepavilion.com). Mon, Tues, Thu, Fri noon–1:20pm; $20. Fri 10–11:50pm, Sat 10–11:20pm; $25.
Game time/instructional hockey lessons at Chelsea Piers
Former players and those looking to hone their skills can enroll in this once-a-week class, which also includes a conditioning component. You’ll work on offensive and defensive strategies—just don’t expect to learn the Flying V. Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, W 23rd St at Eleventh Ave (212-336-6100, chelseapiers.com). Next session starts Jan 5 8:30pm; 13 weeks $475.


Wednesday Headlines

Tuscon Fox-Affiliate Turns Attention to Media Circus Following Shooting

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/tucson-fox-affiliate-turns-attention-to-media-circus-following-shooting_b5201


Can Obama Do Empathy In Tuscon?
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-01-11/obamas-tucson-memorial-presidential-speechwriters-on-what-he-should-say/?om_rid=NsfkaV&om_mid=_BNLa9MB8XP-iAK


No 'Death Grip' On Verizon iPhone
http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheat-sheet/item/no-death-grip-on-verizon-iphone/gizmos/?om_rid=NsfkaV&om_mid=_BNLa9MB8XP-iAK


David Nelson, 'Ozzie and Harriet' Star, Dead
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1655763/david-nelson-ozzie-harriet-star-dead.jhtml

Will & Kate: Tea Towels Are AGo!
http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20395222_20456750,00.html

Michael Jackson Doc Ordered To Stand Trial
http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/822223/michael-jackson-doc-ordered-to-stand-trial

Book Tells Inspiring Tale Behind Kings Speech film

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70B3I120110112


DVR's Give Conan The Lead Among Young Viewers
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iV4BpUGbBT4O58vVEdQxarI5qU4w?docId=038bc3a6e56f4c0fa492e3e0c42f5d80


Daniel Craig Is On Board For Next 007 Movie
http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/12/daniel.craig.007.ppl/


Five Actresses Up For The Dark Night Rises Role
http://splashpage.mtv.com/2011/01/12/dark-knight-rises-actresses/

Featured Event- Street Pianos Benefit Concert - Tonight!
http://newyork.timeout.com/music-nightlife/music/658169/street-pianos-benefit-concert