Most people have things in their life that they’ve always wanted to do, but for some reason, have never gotten around to doing. I’m no different.

There are all sorts of reasons for putting off these experiences. Some are pretty valid reasons — affordability, time, or physical limitations. Some are not so valid reasons — procrastination, braggadocio, or unwillingness to put forth the effort.

Today’s post is about one of those things that I’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t. I’ve used all the above excuses, at one time or another, but what I realize is that it all comes down to fear Is it time to face my fear?

If I had ever left home to join the circus, it would have been to become a trapeze artist. Those gracefully looking people who fly through the air, leaping from swing to swing, hanging down and catching one another, have always fascinated me.

It turns out that you don’t have to join the circus to have this experience, you can learn to fly through the air at the Trapeze School of New York.

Opening for the 2007 season on April 28th, the TSNY will be setting up their outdoor rigging of tall poles and cable at their new location on top of Pier 40 (Houston and the West Side Highway). The school uses safety harnesses and lines to keep you safe as you climb steps up to a platform 23 feet high above the ground. That’s where you will take your first leap. They assure everyone that it’s a very soft net below.

The view from up there is said to be spectacular, even breath taking, but I’m not sure if it’s actually the view that takes your breath away, or if it’s fear. Surrounding the trapeze area is plenty of space for observers. If you get up the courage to do it, I figure you’re going to want to have lots of people there to witness it.

In you first class, you will learn about the safety gear, and practice hanging by your heads and knees on a low bar. Then it’s time to climb all those stairs to the higher platform. And then. . . you hold the fly bar. . . and jump! (My heart is racing just typing about the experience!) The instructors will be there to give you strong encouragement, but the decision of when to jump is up to you, so any moments of hesitation (fear?) are treated with patience and respect. When it’s all over, you fall into the safety net, and then crawl to the side where you are helped out of the net by an instructor.

Subsequent times on the bar will teach you the knee hang, which is just like hanging on the playground — upside down and arms hanging free. If the instructors think you’re ready, they may also teach you the flipping dismount. And, in that very first class, you will likely have the opportunity for a catching. Deep breath here, that’s moving from a knee hang, into a hanging position — from someone else’s arms. That’s really flying!

As scary as the whole things sounds, it also sounds incredibly exciting! A few other important things to know about learning to fly:

• Ages 6 and up can participate
• It’s an activity that suitable for a wide variety of people, and you don’t have to be particularly athletic.
• Classes are approximately 2 hours long
• Classes can accommodate 10 people
• No special clothing is required, and typical work out wear is a good choice. Loose clothing (that could get caught on something) is discouraged.
• Like any workout, you may be a little sore after this experience. Additionally, bumps, bruises, and blisters are not uncommon.

Classes can be booked online, advanced reservations are recommended as classes to sell out, and at the site. They are offered every day of the week, at a variety of times. You can check the schedule here. Classes are $65, with discounts given for multiple class purchases.

It all sounds so incredibly thrilling to me. Who knows, this may be the year that I face my fear and go flying through the air.

Photo credit: Trapeze School New York

Post from: The New York City Traveler

Celebrate the sand, the sea, and the mythological mermaid at this parade of artistic self-expression. There are no Grand Marshalls in this parade, this year’s parade is being led by King Neptune Reverend Billy and Queen Mermaid Savitri D.  For more information, check out the Coney Island Mermaid Parade website.

In true Coney Island style, following the parade is the annual Mermaid Ball.  The evening will include music, DJs, burlesque, drinks, go-gos, a sideshow and, of course, mermaids.  Doors open at 5pm and pre-purchase $10 tickets are available online or pay $15 at the door.   

Parade Route:  The Parade starts on West 10th Street and the Boardwalk, moves west to West 16th Street and the Boardwalk, then goes north to Surf Avenue and  turns east along Surf Avenue and rolls to West 10th Street where it ends.  Click here for a map of Coney Island.    

Subway:  D, F, N or Q to Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island

Date and Time:  Saturday, June 21, 2008.  Parade begins at 2pm and ends around 5pm.

Photo credit: flickr, flickr

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Outfitted in his signature safari hat, Brill has been leading foraging tours in Central Park since the early eighties, introducing New Yorkers and visitors to the 200+ species of edibles that can be found in the green spaces of Manhattan.  On any given foraging tour you may encounter persimmons, wild berries, field garlic, and, of course those always-tasty-never-psychedelic mushrooms.  Brill also introduces edible roots and leaves to the tour, many of which have beneficial antioxidant properties.  All foraged items are meant to be sampled, of course under the watchful and well-trained eye Brill himself.  

The long arm of the law caught up with Wildman Steve in the spring of 1986.  Two undercover rangers infiltrated a tour, gathered evidence, and, after a foraging in Central Park, radioed for backup and arrested Brill on criminal mischief charges.  Apparently picking dandelions city parks is illegal without a permit.  Parks Commissioner Henry Stern was later quoted as saying, “Parks are to look at.  Our motto is ‘Please don’t eat the daisies.’”  The arrest was met with so much attention and earned Brill national notoriety as a guest on The Letterman Show and CBS Evening News.  All charges were later dropped and the Parks Department hired Brill to lead tours from 1986 until 1990. 

These days, Brill has authored two books, gives lectures, works with children and educators on outdoor education programs, and still has time for a full schedule of foraging tours.  Tours started the beginning of March and run through the year into December.  This spring, “go green” and get back to nature with Wildman Steve Brill.   

Location:  Guided tours take place in Central Park and several other parks in the tri-state area.  Click here for a schedule.

Cost:  Suggested donation of $12.

More Information:  Visit Steve Brill’s website.

Photo credit:  flickr  

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

This Manhattan institution is where you will find historical artifacts and displays on prostitution, burlesque, obscenity and fetishism that were once too controversial to be displayed in their own day. The museum also explores several subcultures while focusing on the history, evolution, and the cultural significance of human sexuality.

Current exhibitions include:

• Sex in Design/Design in Sex From the blatant to the subtly sensual, sex is in most of the design that is presented to the consumer. See how attitudes have shifted from the post-World War era to contemporary times. (through April 27, 2008)
• Action: Sex and the Moving Image This exhibit traces the way sex and sexual imagery have impacted film, television, advertising and more contemporary outlets like the Internet while simultaneously creating the multi- billion dollar porn industry and influencing popular art such as film, social standards, morals and behaviors. (Ongoing)
• Spotlight The first exhibition featuring a sampling of items drawn from the over nine thousand objects that comprise the permanent collection of the MoSex. The vast majority of items reflect America’s changing attitudes about sex and sexuality over the last 250 years. (Ongoing)

The idea of a sex museum in the United States may be new and perhaps bit risqué, but New York City is a perfect, progressive location for such a museum. While it isn’t surprising that most major cities in Europe, from Barcelona to Paris, have museums dedicated to erotic art collections, it is interesting that several Asian countries also have sex museums. Outside of Shanghai is the China Sex Museum, dedicated to the 6000 years of sex and Chinese culture, and India’s first sex museum which opened in Mumbai in 2002.

Lending to its credibility, MoSex has partnered with NYU’s Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality on past exhibits. All exhibits are presented in an educational format but, due to the nature of the subject, the museum is recommended for mature audiences only.

No trip to the New York City’s Museum of Sex is complete without stopping by the museum store where you can find an eclectic assortment of publications, home accents, clothing, and toys that are… ummm… not intended for children.

Location: 233 Fifth Avenue (map) 212-689-6337

Subway: N, R to 28th Street (Broadway); 6 to 28th Street (Park Avenue)

Hours: Sun-Fri 11am-6:30pm (last ticket sold at 5:45pm); Sat 11am–8pm (last ticket sold at 7:15pm)

Cost: Adults $14.50 +tax; students and seniors $13.50 +tax. Click here for a $3 off admission coupon.

Photo credit: personal collection, Wikimedia

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Post from: The New York City Traveler