United Nations Day, October 24th, was first declared in 1948, and honors the anniversary of the effective date of the Charter of the United Nations. This day is devoted to promoting and celebrating the aims and achievements of the U.N.

The United Nations Headquarters is located along the East River, at 760 United Nations Plaza, on First Avenue between 42nd & 48th (map it). The complex consists of the Secretariat Building, the domed General Assembly Building, the Conference Building and the Hammarskjold Library, and is considered international territory. Bank Ki-moon of South Korea is the current Secretary General of the U.N., and then are currently 191 Member Nations.

Guided public tours of the complex are offered. Visitors enter the headquarters building at First Avenue & 46th, and start the tour with a brief familiarization of the Organization and its structure. A guide will then take you through a visit to the chambers of the Security Council, the Trusteeship Council, and the Economic and Social Council, providing information about what occurs in each of the rooms. Visitors also get a look at a fabulous art collection, all donated by members of the U.N., that includes paintings, murals, tapestries, mosaics, and sculptures.

The tours ends with a stop in the General Assembly Hall (in photo above), the largest room, and the one we must frequently see in televised events. The impressiveness of what happens here is not lost on me.

Post-tour time can be allocated for shopping at the Postal Counter (commemorative stamps), the Bookshop, and the Gift Shop. While I generally avoid most gift shops, there was plenty of interesting stuff here.

The guided tours are conducted seven days a week, except ion January and February when there are no weekend tours. Tours are offered 9:30 am – 4:45 pm, Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 4:30 pm on Saturday and Sundays. The tours last about an hour. You can check the tour information line at (212)963-TOUR (8687) for up-to-date information, as hours can change.

Tour prices are $13 or adults, $9 for seniors, $8.50 for students (under age 30) with ID, $7 for children ages 5 – 14. For safety reasons, children under age 5 are not admitted on tour.

The UN Headquarters can be reached by subway: 4, 5, 6, or 7 to Grand Central Station, then walk to 42nd & First.

If you can’t make it to New York City, you can take an online tour here.

Does the Headquarters Buildings look familiar? You may have seen it featured in movies: North by Northwest, Live and Let Die, The Peacemaker and The Interpreter, the last of which was filmed in the complex.

Photo credit: United Nations

Post from: The New York City Traveler

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

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

“NYC Sound Tracks,” an eight-episode series on MSG and MSG.com that finds the most talented New York City subway performer, will be holding an open call for talent.  Auditions are on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 from Noon to 4pm at Foley Square (map) in Lower Manhattan.  Even if you have no musical talent to speak of, go down and cheer on your favorite performing artist.  For more information check out www.msg.com/soundtracks.

American Idol will be traveling across the United States and Puerto Rico this summer auditioning for its eighth season.  Auditions are being held on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 in East Rutherford, NJ at the IZOD Center at the Meadowland (map).  Auditions are a little different this year, you must pick up a wristband then return on a specific day for the audition.  For more information check out www.americanidol.com. 

And just to get the creative juices flowing, here is a video of some of New York’s most unique street and subway performers set to the music of Matt Pless.

Photo credit: flickr,

___________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

There was a rumor going around that the Naked Cowboy has gotten too big for his britches (figuratively speaking, of course) and was no longer the Times Square fixture he once was.  Fear not, even after appearing in a Chevrolet commercial and filing a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Mars (the company that makes M&Ms), he performs for the masses that adore him.  Here is the Naked Cowboy, doing what he does best, just a few weeks ago in Times Square.

Photo credit: personal credit 

___________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

Sunday, June 22nd | The Rally  Hosted by comedians Judy Gold and Bob Smith, this kick-off to the week’s festivities will include performances by well-known performers and motivational speakers from the LGBT community as well as the obligatory attendance by the drag queen cheerleaders.  Bryant Park (42nd St. & 6th Ave).  2-6pm.  Free.  

Saturday, June 28 | Rapture on the River  This will be the fifth year of this women-only dance event.  The music of DJ Susan Levine will be featured as well as other musical guests.  Pier 54 (13th St at the West Side Highway- Hudson River Park).  6-11pm.  Advance tickets $20, at door $25.

Sunday, June 29 |  PrideFest  Back for its 15th year, this street fair has vendors, entertainers, and activities for all ages.  Hudson St. between Abingdon Sq. & West 14th St. (map).  11am-7pm.  Free.

Sunday, June 29 | The March  The march began as an annual civil rights demonstration after the 1970 Stonewall Riots and has grown into a celebration of the gay community.  Transsexual actress Candis Cayne from ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money will be a Grand Marshall at this year’s 39th annual NYC LGBT parade.  Parade route: From 5th Ave. & 52nd St. to Christopher & Greenwich St.  Noon-end, moment of silence at 2pm.  Free.  

Sunday June 29 |  Dance on the Pier  Party the night away at the official NYC LGBT Dance on the Pier.  Music by Joe Gauthreaux and Tracy Young, followed by fireworks at dusk.  Pier 54 (13th St at the West Side Highway- Hudson River Park).  4-10:30pm.  $55 each when purchased before June 29th.  $75 each when purchased day of, available only at Universal Gear. 

Gay Pride is being celebrated around the United States this month.  Check out The Hawaii Traveler for the pride festivities in Honolulu. 

Photo credit:  See-Ming Lee via Flickr, Flickr, and Flickr

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

“Live, Love, Be” is the theme of this year’s Brooklyn Pride event.  There is a full day of events on Saturday, June 14th with a festival in Prospect Park from 11am-6pm and a Night Parade from 6-8pm.  More information can be found on the Brooklyn Pride website. 

Washington DC’s Pride Fest finishes this weekend with a parade and festival.  To find out what’s going in the Beltway, check out The DC Traveler’s post (and a few really great photos) on Capital Pride.

NewFest, the LGBT Film Festival is celebrating its 20th year and runs through Sunday, June 15th.  For film schedules and more information, go to NewFest.org.

Photo credit: Tom Legrady via flickr 

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

It is estimated that The Puerto Rican Day Parade has over 80,000 participants that march, over 2 million spectators, and is viewed on local and international channels, making it a truly international event.    

The parade has been marred by violence in the past.  In 2000, violence was at its height and last year, police arrested over 200 people, some of whom police believed have gang affiliation.  In 2005, Mayor Bloomberg asked some Fifth Avenue businesses and apartment buildings to refrain from boarding windows, citing that it was insulting.  But some businesses continue to board up and close for business on parade day.      

The parade always features celebrities and local politicians.  Geraldo Rivera, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, and Ricky Martin have all made appearances in past years.  This year’s Grand Marshal is labor leader Dennis Rivera.       

Location: Parade route is on Fifth Avenue from East 44th Street to East 86th Street.   

Date and Time:  Sunday, June 8, 2008.  Begins at 11am.

Photo credit: PSilver for flickr

__________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler