There will be no shortage of urban energy as the day starts off with sun salutations and moderate Vinyasa yoga open to all levels.  There will be several sessions for beginner and advanced levels throughout the day, live music, as well as a talks and tips from yoga gurus.  The longest day of the year ends with a sunset session open to all levels.  Click here for a full schedule events.  Online pre-registration is required for all sessions. 

Or, if finding your inner peace in the center of the universe isn’t your thing, perhaps naked yoga will help you find your ohm.

Location:  Broadway and 7th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets (map)

Subway: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, S to 42nd Street-Times Square;

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008.  

Cost:  Free

Photo credit: flickr

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Add this to your list of “Free Things to Do in New York City.” Summertime means the kick-off of the ever-popular summer concert series hosted by two of the major television network morning shows: ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s Today Show.

ABC’s Good Morning America hosts their free concert series in the Times Square studio and Bryant Park (map). All concerts are free and open to the public. Viewers interested in attending the free live performances should arrive at the studio or park no later than 7am. Admittance is on a limited first-come basis, so the earlier, the better.

This year marks NBC’s Today Show’s 13th annual “Toyota Concert Series on Today.” All concerts are at the Rockefeller Plaza (map). The concerts are fee and viewing is on a first-come basis, so be at the plaza no later than 7am.

April

• Tuesday, April 29 | Taylor Swift GMA-Times Square
• Wednesday, April 30 | Carly Simon GMA-Times Square

May

• Fri, May 2 | Steve Winwood GMA-Times Square
• Fri, May 2 | Neil Diamond Today-Rockefeller Plaza
• Fri, May 9 | Mary J Blige Today-Rockefeller Plaza
• Fri, May 16 | Josh Groban GMA-Bryant Park
• Fri, May 16 | New Kids on the Block Today-Rockefeller Plaza
• Fri, May 23 | Counting Crows GMA-Bryant Park
• Fri, May 23 | Alanis Morissette Today-Rockefeller Plaza
• Mon, May 26 | B-52s (Special Memorial Day concert) Today-Rockefeller Plaza
• Fri, May 30 | Usher GMA-Bryant Park
• Fri, May 30 | Donna Summer Today-Rockefeller Plaza

Last minute schedule changes may occur. Be sure to check the Good Morning America and Today Show websites for updated schedule information.

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Marc Camoletti’s 1960s comedy centers on a philandering Parisian playboy, Robert, who juggles three flight attendant fiancées, one German, one Italian, and one American.  Each flight attendant works for a different airline and spend the night at his apartment while stopping over.  With the help of his housekeeper, who acts as air traffic controller by running interference, Robert leads each woman to believe she is the only one.  His plans hit turbulence when an old college friend wants to stay at the apartment for a few nights and one girlfriend changes her flight schedule.     

Location:  Boeing-Boeing, Longacre Theatre, 220 West 48th Street (between Broadway and 8th Ave)  map 

Subway:  N, R, W to 48th Street; 1 to 50th Street; C, E to 50th Street   

Days and Times:  Tuesday 8pm (7pm beginning May 5), Wednesday 2pm & 8pm, Thursday 8pm, Friday 8pm, Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 3pm.  Dark Monday.  Previews start April 19th, opening date May 4th. 

Cost:  $26.50-99.50.  On sale through September 7th. 

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

The Lion King, the quintessential Disney-movie-turned-Broadway-show, is entering its 11th year on the Broadway stage and is showing no signs of slowing down. Elton John and Tim Rice’s score with African rhythm and music, beautiful costuming, and a magical set make this production a family favorite on Broadway.

Location: Minskoff Theatre, 200 West 45th Street (between Broadway and Eight Avenue) (map) 212-397-4747

Subway: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, S, W to Times Square-42nd Street; B, D, F, V to 42nd Street-Bryant Park; A, C, E to 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal

Times: Tue 8pm; Wed 2pm, 8pm; Thu and Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm, 8pm; Sun 3pm; dark Monday.

Cost: $51.25 – $251.25

The Little Mermaid was box-office gold for Disney when it was released in 1998 and people are hoping for the same fate from this newly opened Broadway show. So far, the Broadway production has been met with lukewarm reviews and only time will tell if the well-received acting and 10 new songs by Academy Award winning composer Alan Menken can keep this production afloat.

Location: Lunt-Fontanne Theater, 205 West 46th Street (between Broadway and Eight Avenue) (map) 212-307-4747

Subway: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, S, W to Times Square-42nd Street; B, D, F, V to 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center; A, C, E to 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal

Times: Tue 8pm; Wed 2pm, 8pm; Thu and Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm, 8pm; Sun 3pm; dark Monday.

Cost: $41.50 – $251.50

Don’t want to fork over $40 in fear that your kids will pitch a fit 20 minutes into the show and demand to leave? If so, the quirky Broadway production of Mary Poppins is a great choice– it has received rave reviews (from adults and children alike) and the ticket prices start at just $25.

Location: New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd Street (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues) (map) 212-307-4747

Subway: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, S, W to Times Square-42nd Street; B, D, F, V to 42nd Street-Bryant Park; A, C, E to 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal

Times: Wed 2pm, 8pm; Thu and Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm, 8pm; Sun 1pm, 6:30pm; dark Monday and Tuesday.

Cost: $25 – $250

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Highlights include:

• Jan 10, 6pm – Television news journalist Tom Brokaw
• Jan 10, 8pm – "No Country for Old Men" actor James Brolin
• Jan 11, 6pm – Domestic goddess and business woman Martha Stewart
• Jan 11, 8pm – Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis 
• Jan 13, 12pm – NY Times Bestselling author Jeffrey Toobin
• Jan 13, 8pm – Talent from "Young Frankenstein" Mel Brooks and Megan Mullally

Location:  The Times Center, 242 West 41st Street (map) 

Subway:  A, C, E to 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal; 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, S, W to Times Square-42nd Street 

Date and Time:  Jan 7-13, 2008.  Multiple events daily.  Click here for a complete list. 

Cost:  All live events cost $25.  Tickets may be available at the door for events that are currently sold out. 

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

If you missed last year’s ball drop, here is video of Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest counting down the last moments of 2007.

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

B.Y.O.B. and watch the fireworks without the crowds:  If you want to stay on land, Astoria Park (map) in Queens will have great views of the Central Park and Brooklyn fireworks.  Or, skip the crowds at Battery Park and go to Rockefeller Park (map) for views of the New Jersey and Liberty Island action. 

Start your resolutions early:  Instead of racking up a bar bill an ingesting empty calories, start 2008 off the right way.  The New Year’s Eve Midnight Run in Manhattan takes you on a 4 mile course through Central Park.  Pre-funk with a DJ and dancing at 10pm, costume parade and contest at 11pm, fireworks and race begin at midnight.

Time’s Up, New York City’s Direct Action Environmental Organization, is hosting their 10th annual New Year’s Party Ride.  Grab your bike and head to Washington Square Park where fellow riders will meet under the arch at 10:30pm or meet up with the party at one of the other feeder points.  The ride ends with a party and fireworks at Belvedere Castle in Central Park. 

Find inner peace:  Searching for a silent night?  The Jivamukti Yoga Center (map) will have all practice rooms open for meditation from 9pm until midnight.  The silence will be broken at midnight with vegan chai, chanting, and music from Lokah.  Free  

Hang with Ryan Seacrest and be one of a million in Times Square:  If you absolutely must go to Times Square to watch the ball drop… be prepared!  The Times Square are will be closed to auto traffic and entry and exit access points for pedestrians will be very limited.  Arrive early in the afternoon to secure a spot in the viewing area.  Check out the Times Square Alliance site for all of the information.  Pro: You might catch a glimpse of my favorite CNN personality, Anderson Cooper!  Con: There are no public restrooms.

The New York City Traveler wishes you all a very safe and happy New Year!

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

EarthCam has a handful of cameras scattered across the city.  You can check out the "Crossroads of the World" anytime day or night with the Times Square webcam.  Or see the Manhattan cityscape with the Midtown webcam perched high atop a building.  For a full list click here.   

You control the camera pan, tilt, and zoom in Greenwich Village with the See New York City Live camera .  Shots of Christopher Street and the counter of Village Cigars.  Now that’s store security! 

Where’s Kong views the Empire State Building. 

Now you can watch the new Freedom Towers being built. 

RIOT New York has a webcam  view looking at Fifth Avenue from the southeast corner of 45th Street.  A new picture is available every 20 seconds.  If you missed the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, RIOT caught it all on camera and has it available to view. 

If you’re really wondering about traffic in the Holland Tunnel, DOT cameras have all of the action shots.

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Last month CBS announced the creation of the "CBS Mobile Zone,"  a wireless high-speed network that enables New Yorkers with Wi-Fi-enabled cell phones, laptops or other devices, to access the Internet for free, and make VOIP calls. 

The "CBS Mobile Zone" is an ad-supported service that directs users to a homepage that includes breaking local and national news, sports highlights, weather reports, and the ability to search for nearby restaurants, shops and entertainment with community reviews.  CBS, in conjunction with MTA, has embedded transmitters in CBS posters in the area as well as in MTA-owned panels located above subway stations.

The Wi-Fi HotZone covers more than 20 city blocks from Times Square to Central Park South and from 6th Avenue to 8th Avenue.  It is scheduled to be 6-month pilot program.

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

The whole family is sure to enjoy the holiday classic that features the popular songs "You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.”  The show is under the direction of Tony Award-winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray, Henry IV, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels).  And the role of the Grinch is reprised by Patrick Page in a performance that is receiving great reviews.

For the first time in Broadway history, the production will be offering 12 performances a week.  Don’t miss this holiday classic!

Location:  St. James Theatre, 246 W 44th Street  map  (212) 239-6200

Getting There: A, C, or E subway to 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal.  1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, W, R, and S trains to Times Square. 

Showtimes:  Through January 6th

Cost:  Ticket prices start at $100 and go up to a whopping $321.  But today I saw the Times Square TKTS booth offering tickets for 50% off!  

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Post from: The New York City Traveler