The Standard of Living Goes Up--At Least for the Carriage Horses

Two weeks off each year, larger living quarters, and regular doctor’s visits--doesn't seem like a bad deal, huh?
Especially if you’re a carriage horse.
New York’s carriage horses got a bump in their living conditions when the City Council passed a bill yesterday that substantially improves the standard of living for the horses.
Rates will now go up from $34 for the first 20 minutes of the ride to $50. After that, passengers will be billed at the rate of $20 for every 10 minutes, a jump from $10 for 15 minutes. (It’s the first rate hike in the carriage-horse industry in 23 years.) In addition, automatic cost-of-living increases will now occur every three years.
Other changes? The horses will receive five weeks off each year, an additional vet visit, larger living quarters, and warm blankets. New lights and reflective materials will also be added to the carriages, as will an emergency brake system.
In addition, you’ll have to find another way to impress your date below 34th Street--carriages won’t be allowed there. And you’ll also have to find something else to do between 3 am and 7 am—no carriage rides will take place then.
Members of the Horse and Carriage Association say they support the bill. The carriage horse industry in New York has repeatedly come under fire for what critics say is inhumane treatment of the animals; many people have tried to completely shut down the industry. Although animal advocates say the bill doesn’t go far enough, Mayor Bloomberg is expected to sign the bill into law.

You Can Still Reach for the Brass Ring: Trump Saves the Day

New York’s Central Park Carousel, one of the most iconic and best-loved children’s attractions in the city, will continue to twirl for the foreseeable future: Donald Trump has stepped in to save the famous ride.
New York One LLC was recently forced out as the operator by the Parks Department when they couldn’t resolve maintenance issues; Trump stepped in and will pay the fee of $7,500 a month for the next six months to keep the carousel in motion. (Trump already oversees some of the city’s ice skating rinks; keep your eye on anything else that can be tied down, folks.)
The carousel, located near the middle of Central Park around 64th Street, hosts almost 250,000 riders every year.
Believe it or not, in its original incarnation, in 1871, a mule and horse walking on a sort of treadmill in an underground pit powered it.
No, thankfully, they’re not still there. The carousel was replaced around the beginning of the century by a steam-powered model, which burned down in 1924, as did the next model in the 1950s (Um...fire safety prevention, anyone?)
The current carousel is the fourth one to exist on this site. It features 58 whimsical, hand-carved horses and two chariots, which were made by Solomon Stein and Harry Goldstein in 1908.
It’s still one of the best bargains in the city: $2 for a 3½ minute ride. The carousel opens daily for the season starting in April; until then, visitors can head over on weekends, weather permitting.
Fun fact: Visitors should examine the iron fence that surrounds the open sides of the carousel; a band of small, bright horses decorates it.

Like a Banana With Your Hot Dog? Head to Central Park

OK, New Yorkers, it’s time to think green and healthy instead of brown and salty. If you automatically search out a hot dog cart or a pretzel vendor when you’re in New York’s Central Park, start thinking bananas and strawberries instead.
Starting next month, the city will expand its Green Cart campaign in an effort to get New Yorkers to eat healthier--even on the go.
The new carts, loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables, will be located in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, including Fifth Avenue between East 80th and East 81st Streets; Fifth Avenue between East 86th and East 87th Streets, and West 100th Street between Lenox Avenue Central Park West. Part of the choice of locations was an effort to draw in tourists who visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Fifth Avenue at 81st Street) and the American Museum of Natural History (Central Park West and 81st Street).
Produce will come from the Hunts Point Market, and will include goodies at competitive prices, such as three bananas for a dollar; mangoes for $1.50; and a half-pound box of strawberries for $2. And if you’re craving all three, you can now try something new: fruit salad will be offered at $3 a pound. (Whether you want to walk around Central Park or the Museum of Natural History eating fruit salad is another story.)
About 30 carts in Central Park already offer snack foods such as pretzels, peanuts, ice cream and hot dogs throughout the park.
New Yorkers’ reactions to the carts is mixed: Some say they’re not likely to buy a banana while strolling through the park, while other applaud the larger selection of healthier, fresher food.
In any event, now you’ll have a choice. A pretzel with a side order of mangoes, anyone?

Alice in Wonderland? New York's Been a Fan All Along

Now that Tim Burton’s big-screen version of “Alice in Wonderland” has officially opened, New Yorkers are going all out for Everything Alice. But as many New Yorkers already know, we’ve had a monument to Alice—literally--all along.
Wander to the northern end of Conservatory Water (known to many people simply as the boat pond) around East 74th Street, and you’ll see what is perhaps the most famous and certainly the favorite Central Park sculpture of most kids, an homage to Alice in Wonderland.
The statue was commissioned in 1959 by George Delacorte to honor his wife, Margarita. The design is taken from John Tenniel's original drawings for the first edition of the book.
The bronze statue shows the well-known characters that populate the story: Alice, of course, surrounded by The March Hare, The Cheshire Cat, The White Rabbit, Alice’s cat Dinah, and the Dormouse.
The sculptor, José de Creeft, included lines from Mrs. Delacorte’s favorite Lewis Carroll poem, “Jabberwocky,” around the base of the statue.
The surface of the 11-foot-high sculpture has been worn down by the thousands of children who have climbed, scrambled and swung from it.
Of course, if you’re looking for something a little more avant-garde, you can pop into almost any New York drugstore for a selection of one of the limited-edition lines of nail polish or makeup palettes that have been inspired by the film.
And if you want to dine in “Alice” fashion, check out one of the three Alice’s Tea Cup restaurants/stores. (102 West 73rd Street; 212 799-3006; 156 East 64th Street; 212 486-9200; and 220 East 81st Street; 212 734-4TEA.)
Their specialty? Tea, of course--with an equal dose of whimsy.

The Wild Life Has Gotten Wilder in New York's Parks

How do you vaccinate a raccoon?
Very, very carefully.
A plan to vaccinate raccoons in New York City’s Central Park, Riverside Park, and Morningside Park is underway.
Since December, more than three dozen documented cases of rabies among raccoons have been reported. A dog and two people have been bitten by rabid raccoons since the end of last year; all of those bitten received treatment. The raccoons have been sighted largely in Central Park and upper Manhattan.
The New York City Department of Health says the project is to protect both the raccoons and the community around them.
The raccoons will be caught (humanely) by wildlife experts. They will then be vaccinated, tagged, and released in the same location. (Unless, we hope, they were found wandering around a store on Broadway or some such place.)
The whole process will take four to eight weeks, and will be repeated next summer to vaccinate the raccoons born this spring.
Obviously, people, do not touch, pet, or in any way coo over a wild raccoon should you encounter one, whether it be shopping at the Food Emporium or strolling through the park.
And in other news documenting the fact that wildlife in New York is indeed getting wilder, a trio of coyotes was spotted at Columbia University earlier this month.
Coyotes have also been spotted in New York suburbs, proving that despite the many lures of the 'burbs, a wildlife-free zone isn’t one of them.

So This is What Winter's All About: Get Out and Play at Snow Jam

Snow may be falling from the sky…but probably not enough to explain the drifts covering parts of New York’s Central Park today.
From whence the snow? Why, it’s Winter Jam NYC, a free sports festival from 11 am–4pm today near the Bandshell in Central Park (enter at 72nd Street.)
Watch the snowboarders riding the rails at Switch Academy Rail Jam. Head down to the Lake Placid Snow Jam, and strap on cross-country skis or show shoes. Or, what about pretending you’re five and just playing in the snow? ORDA (the Olympic Regional Development Authority, one of the co-sponsors, along with the NYC Parks Department), has been making snow for a week in preparation for the event. So get out there and make snow angels and snow forts and of course, the classic snowball.
Or, if you don’t feel like getting covered in snow yourself, watch “Red Bull Project X,” a documentary about Sean White training for the Olympics in Silverton, Colorado.
And what’s a snow day without hot chocolate? The Pride of New York Winter Market is the place to go. (Free samples will abound.)
In addition, kids can check out the inflatable Slap Shot Booth and perfect their hockey skills; and watch The Skyriders, trampoline acrobats (since when is that a winter activity??)
So come on! Perfect clean snow to play in without worrying about shoveling or getting to work through the resulting slush! How often does that happen in New York?

Fans Pay Tribute to John Lennon in Strawberry Fields Today

Today marks the 29th anniversary of the day that former Beatle John Lennon was murdered outside his New York City apartment. Fans are expected to gather all day in Central Park’s Strawberry Fields to remember Lennon and his music. Hundreds of people generally sing songs and leave offerings.
Strawberry Fields was, of course, named after the famous Beatles’ song "Strawberry Fields Forever,” and has become a Mecca for tourists and anyone wanting to pay tribute to Lennon. The 2.5 acres of park land was inaugurated on what would have been Lennon’s 45th birthday—October 8, 1985. The entrance is directly across from the Dakota, his apartment building on Central Park West.
Lennon was killed by Mark David Chapman on December 8, 1980, outside the building. Other tributes around the country today include one in LA at Lennon’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
And speaking of Strawberry Fields, a tribute of the same name is taking place throughout this month at B.B. King's Blues Club and Grill (237 West 42nd Street) in New York City. “Strawberry Fields: A Tribute to the Beatles" occurs at various dates throughout the month. (Call 212-997-4144 for more information.) The tribute bills itself as a “look alike, sound alike” event, complete with music from the group’s first four albums, starting in 1964, and going through the “White Album,” “Abbey Road," and “Let it Be” years. Appropriate costumes and mop-top hair included.

Goodbye to the Stables? Carriage Horses Will be Trotting Away

What’s more iconic than a horse-drawn carriage ride around Central Park? What says “New York” more then the clip clopping of horse’s hooves near the Plaza?
OK, maybe many things, but that’s certainly up there.
It turns out that, as of this winter, more than two dozen New York City carriage horses may be out of a home and therefore, will be out of work (as will their drivers.)
Shamrock Stables, home to the carriage horses, has been ordered by the city’s Housing Preservation and Development Agency to vacate its current space by the end of December.
Thirteen hundred units of affordable housing, 10,000 feet of retail space, and a new school will be moving into the space on West 45th Street.
Manhattan does have four other stables—all located in the west 30s, 40s and 50s--but they’re all full up, especially during the holidays.
It’s not just that the horses themselves take up a lot of room--the 700 bales of hay they eat every two weeks, as well as a great deal of equipment, also needs to be factored in.
The stables will most likely remain open through the holidays, a peak time for the horse-drawn carriages because of both the influx of tourists and the holiday spirit that seizes many New Yorkers. (Ah, a winter ride through the snowy park…)
Animal-rights activists have long protested the stables and working conditions of the horses in the city, while others feel they are an essential part of New York.
In addition, the stables were definitely ready for their close-up: The long-running TV series ”Law and Order” filmed there several times.

Ding Dong, The Witch is Dead: The Wizard of Oz is 70!

Some movies become more beloved and iconic as the years pass (and no, we don't mean “Ishtar.”) "The Wizard of Oz” falls squarely into that category, however, and this year, the film celebrates its 70th anniversary. Events have already been celebrated throughout the year, but New York is joining in the fun next week with a concert and showing of the film in Central Park.
The concert and screening will take place on Tuesday, September 29 at 7:30 pm in Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield. (Don’t follow the yellow brick road, but do enter the park at 69th Street and 5th Avenue; seating is first come, first served.)
Singer Jennifer Hudson (“Dreamgirls”) and “Dancing with the Stars”’ Julianne Hough will be on hand to serenade spectators with modern (no, we don't really know what that means) versions of the classic Harold Arlen/E.Y. Harburg songs from the movie. A restored, high-definition version of the film will roll on a giant screen after the concert ends, presented by Netflix and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.
(FYI, a special 2-disc collector’s edition of the film will be released on Blu-ray DVD on Sept. 29 as well; and Netflix is also offering free online viewing of the film on October 3.)
In addition, the movie will be screened again this Saturday, Sept. 26, as part of this year’s New York Film Festival.
Flying monkeys and ruby slippers forever!

Can't Get to a National Park? This Week, It Will Come To You

Majestic mountains, pristine lakes, endless geysers and streams…Normally, to visit a national park you’d have to buy a plane ticket—or at least a pair of hiking boots. But this week, the national parks are coming to you--It’s National Parks Week in New York. (Yes, it does seem like there’s a week for just about everything; and yes, it does seem like most of them are taking place right about now.)
The week-long event (Sept. 19-27) offers a number of free public events around the city; the major event, “Feel Free: A National Parks Celebration in Central Park,” takes place tonight (Sept. 23) in Central Park’s East Meadow at 7:00 PM; it will feature highlights from filmmaker Ken Burns' upcoming PBS series "The National Parks: America’s Best Idea." Performers including Jose Feliciano (don’t expect Feliz Navidad), Carole King and Alison Knauss will also be on hand.
Events around the city this week include a program on the impact of the American Revolution on New York at the Federal Hall National Memorial (Wall and Nassau Steets); expect staff in period costumes and a fife and drum corps. (And really, be honest, have you actually ever seen a fife and drum corps before?) You can also go on a tour of park environments at the American Museum of Natural History on Sept. 26 (Central Park West and 81st Street).
(For a full list of events, go to feefree.org)
So who actually needs to go to Yosemite when it has up and come to you?

Live From New York, It's Oprah

Dozens of New Yorkers may suddenly “decide” to walk through Central Park Friday morning in the hopes of glimpsing America’s reigning talk-show host, but sadly, chances are slim and tickets are reserved when Oprah Winfrey comes to town tomorrow.
Winfrey is heading to the SummerStage at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park to broadcast; the show will air live on Friday at 10 am Eastern time. (Again, spots in the audience are by reservation only; don’t expect just to show up.)
Winfrey’s guests will include Mariah Carey, the top-selling female recording artist in history, who will most likely perform a song from her new album, “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.” She will also give Oprah an exclusive interview (topics are expected to include, no surprise, her career and marriage to Nick Cannon.)
Ever-perky Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa are also expected to pop in after doing their own show that morning.
Other (famous) unannounced guests will undoubtedly show up, and Winfrey will also announce her 63rd book club selection. The enormously influential book club has helped a number of books achieve bestseller status, and has also uncovered some controversial selections, like James Frey’s largely made-up “A Million Little Pieces.” Selections from 2008 included "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle,” by David Wrobleski, and Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth.”

A New Chapter for Tavern on the Green, But Maybe Not the One You Expected

New York City’s legendary Tavern on the Green restaurant was ready to enter a new chapter this coming January when it switched to new ownership—but one chapter people might not have been anticipating was Chapter 11: The current owner, Jennifer LeRoy, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
LeRoy’s family has operated Tavern on the Green for almost 35 years. She blames the bankruptcy filing on the current recession, as well as the city's decision to give the restaurant’s license to new owners. The 75-year-old restaurant is due to pass into the hands of Dean Poll, who also runs Central Park’s Boathouse restaurant, in four months.
Twenty creditors and the money owed to them are listed in the federal bankruptcy filing: they include some that might be expected, such as almost $80,000 owed to American Express and close to $2 million owed to the New York Hotel Trades Council. There are other debts, however, that show that just as the rich are different from you and me; clearly, high-end restaurants are as well: More than $53,000 is owed to Atlanta’s Buckhead Beef, and (wait for it) $26,299 is due to Urbani Truffles.
In a somewhat ironic footnote, the public might be interested to know that the 19th- century building originally housed sheep. The Sheep Meadow was originally called "The Green," so the restaurant, when it originally opened in 1934 (yes,the sheep had left by then), was christened "Tavern on the Green."

Famed Tavern on the Green Restaurant Under New Management

New York City’s famed Tavern on the Green restaurant—often noted more for its extraordinary décor and location in Cental Park than for its food—is changing hands.
Dean Poll, who runs the Boathouse restaurant in Central Park, was chosen by the Parks Department last week to take over the restaurant, starting in January. Department officials say he submitted the most impressive proposal for the 20-year license.
A number of well-known names in the restaurant business either pulled out of the running for the license or never made a bid, including Danny Meyer (of Gramercy Tavern and Blue Smoke), who had initially showed interest. While Tavern on the Green was at one time one of the most profitable independent restaurants in the country, its revenues have soured along with the economy.
The 25-million capital investment will cover a renovation that includes adding banquet rooms; an outdoor café serving sandwiches and snacks; and a club room. Green technology will also be incorporated.
Poll is taking over the license from the LeRoy family, which started the restaurant in 1974. Interestingly, the name is still controlled by Jennifer LeRoy, and it could cost Poll many millions of dollars if he wants to keep using it.
Tavern on the Green is located in Central Park, near West 67th Street.

Severe Storm Causes Worst Damages In Decades To Central Park Trees

On the night of Tuesday, August 18, a very brief and violent storm pounded on New York City that left Central Park ravaged with tree limbs scattered and whole trees on their side and uprooted. Officials are saying it’s the worst damage the park has seen in decades. An estimated 500 trees were injured, but thankfully no one was hurt.
Some trees destroyed dated from the 1920s or ‘30s, making the destruction an even bigger shame. The upper half of Central Park was hit hardest. Wood chippers have been hard at work since, eating away at the piles of fallen lumber needing to be discarded. The lumber being mulched into piles are being put to good use to moisten the soil throughout the park. Due to the infestation of the Asian longhorn beetles, the fallen trees unfortunately won’t be used for furniture or firewood. What’s even worse, many trees that lost large limbs are at risk of dying from decay, so those may need to be removed as well.
The storm has also had an unfortunate effect on wildlife, leaving many creatures homeless. Many paths with tree limbs now lying across them have been marked off with yellow tape.
Restoration could cost the Central Park Conservancy nearly $500,000, which will have to be paid by donors. Clean up crews still have a lot of work to do from the widespread damage even a week later.

He Still Won't Grow Up: Peter Pan at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater

Mention the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, and you will either get a blank stare or a look of delight. Located in New York’s Central Park, the theater started life in 1876 as an example of Swedish design at an exposition in Philadelphia. The cottage was purchased by the New York Parks Department and moved to its current site when the event ended. It was completely restored about 10 years ago.
(To file under “Did You Know”: The cottage was brought here at the suggestion of Frederick Law Olmstead, who designed Central Park.)
This summer, the cottage features a new retelling of the “Peter Pan” story, called “Peter Pan & Adventures in Never Land.” What’s new? Well, for one thing, it’s set in New York City; for another, Tiger Lily is now a native of India rather than being Native American. Will Nana the dog, by far our favorite character, make an appearance? No word yet...The show runs every day during the summer (although show times differ).
The marionettes are hand-crafted; the setting is lovely; and although performances are geared to kids 3-9, it’s more of an “everyone” kind of experience, at least once.
PS Yes--it’s air conditioned.
The Marionette Theater is located on the west side of the park at 79th Street, south of the Delacorte Theater. For more information about showtimes, performances, and birthday parties at the Cottage, call (212) 988-9093.

Catch Free Performances At Central Park SummerStage And Celebrate Brooklyn!

Whether you live in Manhattan or Brooklyn, there are two free public concert programs not to miss this summer in these New York City boroughs. Central Park SummerStage, a program of the City Parks Foundation founded in 1986, presents a variety of free performing acts to the public. The performances and events are open to all ages and showcase music, dance, spoken word, and film. These are held in the various outdoor venues in Manhattan’s Central Park in New York City. The series began June 5 and will conclude August 16, so there is still time to catch a show. Some well-known names still to come this summer that are sure to draw large crowds are Jazmine Sullivan, Q-Tip, Chester French, Ginuwine, Bettye LaVette, Bela Fleck, The Pretenders, and Juliette Lewis.
Celebrate Brooklyn! is an outdoor performing arts festival offering free music, dance, theater, and film events in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Bandshell. The program began June 8 this summer with a performance by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne, and will end August 15 with Animal Collective. Several other artists yet to perform this summer are Big Daddy Kane, Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal. The concert series is free but a $3 donation is suggested upon arrival. Celebrate Brooklyn! was launched in 1979.