You're in the Driver's Seat: The Car Show Rolls into New York

In the market for a new car? Just like to check out the latest models? The 2010 International Auto show opens to the public tomorrow with a sneak peek (Friday, April 2), with a media preview held earlier in the week, and the official opening day coming up on Saturday.
The show features more than 1,000 cars, including a wider selection of new, environmentally friendly models. Also new: a free downloadable auto show app for the iphone.
If you were wondering, some automakers actually let drivers, yes, test-drive the cars.
While many consumers use the opportunity as a chance to merely window shop the latest models, others view it as a kind of one-stop shopping showroom.
Companies ranging from Chevy to Chrysler, Dodge to Honda, are represented, as are Jaguar, Porsche, Rolls Royce and Lexus. Our favorite? The mysterious and alluring “Exotic cars,” rumored to be on Level Three.
Watch for such other crowd favorites as Concept Cars; Just Revealed; NY Debut; and the 2009 world Car of the year (Ta Da! the Fiat 500).
In addition to ogling cars, visitors can stop by the classic car museum (April 2-4); enter various contests; and participate in a live game show.
No, we don’t know what that last one means--you’ll have to find out for yourself.
The show is at the Jacob Javits Center (11th Avenue, between 34th and 39th Streets) through April 11. Check autoshowny.com for more information.
Oh, yes, one more thing--despite the all-car, all-the time atmosphere, there’s one thing you can’t do at the show--and that’s actually purchase a car.

Barbie Has a New Career, Lego Comes Out to Play at Toy Fair

Technically Barbie may be in her dotage, but this year she also has a new career as a TV news anchor (her 125th--she's fickle, that girl.) She comes, of course, with the all-important desk and microphone.
The word comes from New York’s Toy Fair, which opened yesterday and runs through Wednesday, Feb. 17 at the Javits Center.
While the general public doesn’t have access to the show, many of the toys will become available by the end of the year. The event showcases the toys that are destined to be under the tree next Christmas, and presages the bestsellers throughout the year.
From Lego we’ll see new Duplo building blocks aimed at younger kids, as well as new Mindstorm robots.
And a new updated version of Chinese checkers is being released by toy company Pressman (what can they possibly do to it??). With the economy the way it is, more families are rediscovering game night, so their timing is canny.
More than 1,100 exhibiting toy manufacturers, distributors and agents set up shop at the event, which feeds into the $75 billion toy industry; almost 32,000 people from almost 100 countries are expected to attend. It’s the largest international toy trade show in the western hemisphere.
Programs throughout the week include such events as the "Toy Trends Tea”; a session on environmentalism and toys; and a guide to exporting.
So even if you can’t be there, the buzz will start soon--so avoid the hassle, parents, and pick up the toys as soon as they hit the market, rather than waiting furtively on line next Christmas Eve.

Ahoy, New York: It's the New York Boat Show

Stop anchoring yourself to your couch, New York, and sail off for the Javits Center. Yup, you guessed it--the annual New York Boat show has arrived. The 105th show, at the Javits Center through Sunday, Jan. 24, is the Holy Grail to boat aficionados. The world’s longest-running boat show is in port from 10 am to 10 pm today and Saturday, and from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. (The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is at 655 West 34th Street; the main entrance is on 11th Avenue and 35th Street; 212 216-2000.)
The show primarily features boats and marine gear for sale. Perhaps with a nod to the economy, it includes an “Affordability Pavilion” (their phrase), with boats costing less than $250 a month. Also in store: boaters (or those who love talk) can enter the “Fish Tales” contest: Share your best fishing tale, and if the judges deem you triumphant, you could win a Fishfinder/Chartplotter. Isn't fishing lingo the best?
New this year: A traveling Nature and Maritime Museum on Wheels. Yes, mom, when dad gets that fanatical gleam in his eyes, you and the kids can slink off to this exhibit. The space is designed to feel like a boat (surprise, surprise) with some pirate-ship-like features thrown in. Nautical artifacts, interactive exhibits, educational displays, and other exhibits designed to highlight ocean and estuary life take center stage.
And clearly, someone over at the Boat Center has a sense of humor; because here are some of the seminars you can attend: "Don’t Wake for Me!" (Basic Rules of the Road, Safety, and Navigational Aids) and "What Knot to Know" (Basic knot tying and uses).
It’s all shipshape over there, so cast away!