And we're off!

This Weekend in Town:

Check it out:
Free Ice Skating at the pond in Bryant Park. The centerpiece of Fêtes de Noël admission is free thanks to Citibank. Open everyday 8am-10:30pm, skate rental is $7.50. It's only there until January 16th, so get your skate on.
While you're there make sure you check out the fourth annual Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. If you find yourself there on a weekend, Le Carrousel with "Its fourteen delightful animals, replicas of classic carousel creatures, revolve to the sounds of French cabaret music" is a must see. And ending shortly is the installation Spirit Totems by Herb Albert. I must pop in and shoot the exhibit myself. Pics to come when I do.
Wow, Bryant Park has a lot going on for itself!

Around the corner in Astoria, the Queens Film Festival makes its way into town from November 17th to the 20th. "The Museum of the Moving Image, Kaufman Astoria Studios, The Mario Gallery and a variety of other unique Astoria venues will be the backdrop for the most anticipated films and parties of the year." Sa-weet! Bring it on.

Must see Movies:
Walk the Line: Run to the theatres Friday. See this movie. If you don't I'm seriously not your friend anymore. For those living in Guam recently, this is the Johnny Cash biopic that I have been dying to see. Love, drugs, rock and roll and redemption. Best thing this November, hands down. FYI, my Astoria buddies, Kauffman @ 7:20 and 10:30 showings.

Breakfast on Pluto: Latest from awesome irish filmmaker Neil Jordan. Has shades of The Crying Game what with the transvestites and all but with more of a glam rock (not as glam as Velvet Goldmine)background to it, but without the melancholy heaviness of The Crying Game. All star Irish cast-Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, Brendan Gleeson with Cillian Murphy(baddy with the drugs and creepy mask from Batman Begins)as the protagonist Patrick "Kitten" Brady. Getting great reviews.

Music:
Check out local indie darling Julia Darling (yes that is her real name and pun intended) at Rockwood Music Hall Wednesday nights in November. She's this month's resident artist and shows are free. She's on at 8, but support local artists, catch the other folks too.

The haps in the'hood:
AMMI: Billy Wilder retrospective wrapped up last weekend in time for Laurel & Hardy! Sweet childhood memories batman! Check the website for more details. I do so enjoy living so close to the museum. Remember admission gets you in to see the exhibits and the screenings as well.

34th avenue has some construction going on.
33rd street seems to have a new lounge opening up. I guess the hipsters are too crowded over at Cafe Bar. As long as it's not like all the others, you know, the eurotrash ones with seemingly unemployed creepy old men sipping lattes staring at people walking by. Please, goddess, let this place just be nice and chill.

over on 35th street the old Tupelo(oh, how I miss thee)is becoming a supermarket. I've heard rumors it will be a C-Town, but I find that unlikely since we have a crappy one on Broadway already. Whatever it is, as long as it sells the basics for reasonable prices I can save myself the journey to Pathmark.

Finally Waltz-Astoria has some pretty nifty events coming up. Poetry readings with a featured reader and open mic, as well as a musical open mic night. AND a Dessert and a Movie night. Get a sweet treat and a drink, stay for the movie. Upcoming? Alphie, the original.

And that's all for now.