Top Stories of 2009
As 2009 draws to a close, we thought we’d paw through our archives to dig up some of the more interesting stories that we covered during the past 12 months. From swine flu to kindergarten wait lists to a tense race for Manhattan District Attorney, there was rarely a dull moment in Manhattan, especially on the East Side. Below are our highlights, in no particular order. Read more
Summer Guide 2009
Beth Ostrosky Stern is a “born animal lover.” She jokes that when her parents brought her home from the hospital, she had to get approval from the dog, a rescued mutt, before she was welcomed into the family.
Ostrosky Stern inherited that passion and has been working with the North Shore Animal League America for more than four years, spreading the word about the benefits of rescuing pets from shelters. As a model, she first got involved with the league by walking the runway at the organization’s annual fashion show luncheon. Read more
Summer Guide 2009: Great Outdoors
Brooklyn Biking
More than a month before Bastille Day, Brooklyn gets Frenchy with the Tour de Brooklyn, a 23-mile bike ride that starts and ends at Coney Island. The tour promises views of picturesque spots like Greenwood Cemetery and Sunset and Prospect parks. The somewhat newer Tour de Queens and Tour de Bronx will take place later on in the summer, and they are equally free (but possibly less French). June 7, Surf Ave. & W. 19th St., Brooklyn, www.tourdebrooklyn.org; 8 a.m., FREE Read more
Summer Guide 2009: Music
Bronx Underground Festival
Hip-hop, indie rock, skateboarding, dancing and more will happen this summer as part of the Bronx Underground Festival, a series of events taking place in the fest’s namesake borough and beyond. Check out the June 21 outdoor concert at Orchard Beach or the May 29 dance parties where an ’80s outfit will get you reduced admission.
(May 27 to Aug. 1, various locations, www.bronxunderground; times vary, $TBA) Read more
Summer Guide 2009: Theater
Marathon 2009
After 31 years, Ensemble Studio Theatre’s one-act play festival is still going strong, with options ranging from the economy to a showdown between a nun and her most rebellious student. If unproven talent gets you down, the E.S.T. Festival is for you during the summer months. (May 22 to June 27, E.S.T., 549 W. 52nd St., at 10th Ave., 212-247-4982, www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org) Read more
Summer Guide 2009: Film
92YTribeca
Welcome to summer at Manhattan’s bustling new center of adventurous cinema and events for young movie lovers. On May 30, the Y hosts the world premiere of The Awkward Kings of Comedy. Every month, audiences flock to the Iron Mule Short Comedy Festival, while the G.I. Joe Stop-Motion Film Festival shows up in late July. Summer plans also include sing-alongs and screenings of Susan Seidelman’s films with the director in person. Closed in August. (200 Hudson St. at Canal St., 212-601-1000, 92ytribeca.org) Read more
Summer Guide 2009: Books
KGB’s Fantastic Fiction
Enjoy the kind of speculation that won’t end with you losing all your money. A mix of veteran and up-and-coming writers of speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror) read excerpts and short stories once every month for this free event. This summer, highlights include critically acclaimed writer Brian Francis Slattery on June 17 and, for the July 15 reading, writers from the Clarion West workshop at UC San Diego, the premier institute for promising speculative authors. Third Wednesday of the month, KGB Bar, 85 E. 4th St., betw. 2nd Ave. & Bowery; 212-505-3360, kgbfantasticfiction.org.; 7, FREE Read more
Summer Guide 2009: Comedy
This is New York
Strapped for cash but still want to see comedy on a Saturday night? Get some nachos and a can of Tecate as Derrick Comedy Presents a free stand-up and variety show every Saturday at Long Island City’s new comedy club.
May through June, The Creek, 10-93 Jackson Ave. (at 11th St.), Queens, 718-706-8783, www.creeklic.com, 8, FREE Read more
EXTEND TERM LIMITS FOR 2009
From political circles to dinner tables and PTA meetings, the city is abuzz with term-limit discussions. Reasonable people can reasonably disagree on whether or not we should extend the current two-term threshold for city officials in 2009, and certainly here in our office we’ve had a spirited debate on the matter. But given the unknown—and likely bleak—outlook on the economy, we feel voters should be given a third chance to elect Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Read more
