Get ready for the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival
Film buffs have a date in New York City April 1 to May 31 this year for the Tribeca Film Festival. The festival was founded in 2002 by the actor Robert de Niro, along with producer Jane Rosenthal and the well-known philanthropist Craig M. Hatkoff. The thrust behind the project was to rejuvenate the Manhattan
Tribeca film festival
neighbourhood of Tribeca area post the 9/11 attacks (TriBeCa means ‘Triangle Below Canal Street).
Eight years later, it has become one of the most important film festivals in the world. Not only does it give directors and producers a chance to show their work to a savvy New York audience, but also the calibre of the festival is such that the panels, discussions, workshops and other related events are some of the most awaited of the year. One of the
unique elements of the festival is the ‘Artists Awards’ whereby established artists donate their works as prizes to budding filmmakers. The Tribeca Film Festival has also travelled abroad; this year a mini-version was held in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
Tickets are best bought on-line at www.tribecafilm.com and can be picked for as low as US$10. If you can, try and see a show in the Tribeca Cinema, which De Niro purchased in 2003 as the flagship venue of the festival. Tribeca hotels and accommodation is also avalable online.
Add comment February 3, 2010
Getting around New York City
If you are flying into New York City for a Christmas Shopping trip for the firt time, you might be a little apprehensive about the local transportation system. NYC certainly sounds and appears to be a big city and it indeed it. The thing is though that NYC is a great city for getting around.
NYC Subway – The subway system is much safer to use these days and it is cheap extensive and trains run often. If
NYC Transport
you are staying in Manhatten, as many tourists so, you can pretty much get everyhwere you want using the subway system.
Local Buses - A lot of visitors use the subway because it is easier to immediately know the routes. The bus service though is very good and can sometimes be more direct. The real benefit though is that you get to see a lot moe of NYC by travelling at street level rather than undergound.
Add comment November 25, 2009
Budget flights into NYC
There are several airlines who offer cheap and budget flights into NYC and these can save really save you a few dollars.
The main choices are:
- Southwest Airlines – Fly into La Guardia airport to a wide range of destinations. You can book directly online with Southwest and the earlier you book the better.
- Airtran – Fly from and into Newark and La Guardia and also offer we wide choice of locations.
- Jetblue – fly from and into all 3 NYC airports including JFK. Destinations are to all parts of the U.S.
Between the 3 airlines above you can get to most parts of the United States at if you book early enough, at a fairly decent price.
Add comment September 7, 2009
Summertime in Central Park
Central Park used to have a reputation as a rough and dangerous place years ago, but these days it is a quite amazing place to hang out in the summer time. If you stick with the lower side and keep to daylight hours then you should be able to enjoy the beautiful summer weather in the park.
I used to walk to and from work through Central Park a few years ago and expect in the summer months to see:
- Dozens of roller-bladers learning, getting fit and sometimes themselves travelling this way to work.
- Several people out in boats on the lake.
- People playing instruments and practicing to play in different corners and places.
- A number of people playing sports including a spot of baseball, throwing a footbal around or kicking a soccer ball around.
- Sunbathers using the vast space to enjoy some relaxation.
- Joggers using the very large central lake as a route for running around.
- Tourists visiting well-known parts such as Strawberry Fields.
Central Park is almost like a mini city in its own way. I cannot think of anyway better on a sunny day and it is one of the things I love about living here!!!
Central Park NYC
Add comment July 27, 2009
Experience The Beast Speed Boat
If you are a true daredevil you definitely have to go on board with ‘The Beast’. Captain Mad Dog guides his speedboat through the harbor during a half hour race. Skyscrapers and other sights passes you. By the Statue of Liberty, ‘The beast’ stops for a short while to give you the opportunity to shoot some nice close-up photo’s of the Statue.
Before you know it, you are back on track with a high speed of 90 kilometers per hour. ‘The beast’ can hold 145 passengers at a time and is the largest and fastest speedboat in New York. It has more than 90 speakers, and people are entertained with popular music. Many people from all over the world are coming to New York to experience this
Beast speedboat NYC
crazy mad boat ride only daredevils can handle. You can make a ride with Captain Mad Dog every weekly day from the 3rd of May until the 28th of September from noon to sunset.
In the month October, people can also enjoy ‘The beast’ during the weekend. The boat departs from the Hudson River in midtown Manhattan. The departure time is every hour from 12pm to 7pm and the departure time are on a first-come first-served basis. The ticket price for adults is $21.99 and the price for children is $15.99 per ride. The return is the same has the departure point.
Add comment July 3, 2009
Join us down at the Tribeca Film Festival
After the attacks of 9-11 movie star Robert de Niro and film producer Jane Rosenthal organized a new film festival in the TriBeCa area in New York in Lower Manhattan. The Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2002 and held in this area because of the consequent loss of vitality in this neighborhood. The aim and mission is ‘to give the international film community and the general public the possibility to experience the force of film by redefining the film festival experience’.
The festival was also established to celebrate New York City as a big filmmaking center. In 2006 and 2007 there were over 250 films and 1.000 screenings. Because of that, the Tribeca Film Festival has now become one of the leading film festivals in the world. Documentaries as well as narrative features and family-friendly films will be shown.
Furthermore, there are panel discussions with persons of the entertainment world and a music lounge which is produced with ASCAP, in order to showcase up and coming artists. A distinctive element of the Tribeca Film Festival
Tribeca movies
is the Artists Awards program where upcoming and renowned artists are celebrating filmmakers by providing original works of art that are given to the filmmakers competition winners. Some artists who have participated this program are Chuck Close, Alex Katz and Julian Schnabel.
Looking for Tribeca accommodation?
1 comment June 15, 2009
The Mermaid Parade arrives at Coney Island
The Mermaid Parade is an annual event, held nearby the sea in Coney Island New York on the 20th of June at 2pm. This event is the nation’s largest art parade and officially, the parade was celebrated because the summer is started.. The Mermaid Parade was founded in 1983 by Coney Island USA which is a non-profit art organization. Their purpose is to defend and maintain the honor of the American culture through innovative and extraordinary performances.
During this event, people wear handmade extreme costumes. Every year there are, Neptunes, various sea creatures, the occasional wandering lighthouse, Coney Island post card or amusement ride, antique cars, marching bands and
Coney Island
drill teams. People throw fruit in the sea to calm the Sea Gods. After the parade, is the Mermaid Parade Ball, this is where participants can come together and enjoy the live music, purchase raffle tickets and watch acts performed by some of New York City’s hottest burlesque stars.
They also produced other festivals like Coney Island Circus Sideshow, Ask the Experts, Burlesque at the Beach, The Coney Island Tattoo and Motor Festival and the Creepshow at the Freakshow.
During this event, people can eat everywhere since Coney Island is the birthplace of the Hot Dog. Of course there are restaurants such as Coney Island Surf and Turf, Nathan’s Famous and Totonno Pizzeria Napolitano.
Add comment June 2, 2009
The New York International Fringe Festival
The New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC) is a large multi-art festival in New York. The festival is held from the 14th of August and lasts until the 30th.
This event is the largest multi-art event in North America and has more than 200 companies performing from all over the world in more than 20 venues.
NYC festivals
FringeNYC is organized by The Present Company. People can participate this festival as a volunteer, intern, donor, sponsor, advertiser or staff person. To make this event a huge success there are more than 200 shows, 1500 volunteers, 4500 artists and audience of 75.000 people needed to make it all happen. The performances are from 2pm to midnight and in the weekends from noon to midnight.
It all started in 1996 when The Present Company produced Brian Park’s Americana Absurdum. The company started with only one employee and those who hung out after our daily jobs.
It doesn’t matter if you are an alumni, a fan, a volunteer, a participant, a staff member, a writer, an actor, a dancer, a teen, child or senior. The New York International Fringe Festival is accessible for everybody.
The entrance price depends on the type of ticket. The prices vary from $8 to $500. The $500 ticket allows you to see all the shows. For visiting 5 shows the price is $ 70.00 and for 10 shows it is $ 120.
Add comment May 18, 2009
Top 5 famous buildings in New York
If you happen to be visiting New York, a must see are 5 famous buildings in New York. This includes the highest tower of the United States, the oldest building in and the highest skyscraper of New York.
1. Chrysler Building – The Chrysler Building is one of the highest and most striking buildings in New York. Allegedly, this building is inspired to the bonnet of the first Chrysler car. It has 77 floors, is 319 meters high and in 1930 it was the highest building of the world. One year later the Chrysler Building was in height defeated by the Empire State Building. Address: 405 Lexington Avenue, New York.
2. Empire State Building – The Empire State Building is now, with its 380 meters, the third tallest building in the United States. It has 86 floors that offers a breathtaking view. Since 9-11, this building again is the highest building of New York. Address: 350 5th Avenue, New York.
3. Columbia University – Columbia University is the oldest institute of higher education in New York and the sixth oldest university of the United States. It was established in 1754 by King George II of England. In 1784, the name of
Chrysler Building in NYC
the university has changed in Columbus University, named after Christoffel Columbus, who discovered America. Now the institute has about 23.000 students. Address: 116th Street and Broadway.
4. Flatiron Building – The Flatiron Building which is situated on Broadway is one of the most famous skyscrapers of New York. The form of the building explains the name. The Flatiron Building opened its doors in 1902 and was one of the first skyscrapers in the world. It is a good example of the Chicago style with a renaissance façade.
Adres: 175 Fifth Avenue, New York
5. Freedom Tower – After the terrorist attacks of 9-11, which has destroyed the WTC towers, people wanted a new skyscraper to symbolize the pride and immunity of America. The tower is designed by the architects Daniel Libeskind and David Childs and will be 541 meter high.With 90 cm thick walls in the stairways, biological and chemical filters in the ventilation system, a 61 meter high pedestal of concrete and steal against bombings, this tower will be the safest skyscraper in the world. The Freedom Tower is expected to be ready in 2011.
Add comment May 11, 2009
Empire State building run up
The Empire State building run up is an annual event that is found in 1978 by the New York Road Runners Club.
Each year, hundred invited runners from all over the world come to New York to take part in this event. During this race, participants run up 86 floors and 1.576 steps before they reach the ‘Observatory deck’ on the top floor. The vertical distance from lobby to the 86th floor is about 320 m.
Only invited people can join this race and the participants will be selected, based on athletic ability and background. They have to be familiar with “Tower running”. This is a sport which involves running up tall structures such as
The Empire State building
skyscrapers. The record of the Empire State Building Run Up is on Paul Crake’s name, who is a Australian professional cyclist. He did the job in 9 minutes and 33 seconds in 2003. Suzy Walsham completed the woman’s race in 2007 in a record time of 13 minutes and 12 seconds. Normally, visitors of the Empire State Building reach the top floor within 1 minute by elevator.
During the last edition of this event, 249 participants raced up the 86 floors. People of all ages were standing at the starting line, ranking from to 75 years old. There is no entrance price for this event, only that invited people can participate. Since the start of the race in 1978, 3.662 were finishers.
1 comment April 20, 2009
