New York City is the place to be when the clock hits 12 am.

With all that is happening on New Year's Eve, Live Shows, Musical Event and more. Here are a few places to be at when the ball drops in New York City. Let's ring in the new year with fun and laughter.

285 Kent Avenue.- 285 Kent Ave, Brooklyn NY 11211

8 pm show- Blanche-Blanche, Tonstartsbandht and special guest

Tickets are $8.

http://www.ohmyrockness.com/venuedetail.cfm?venueid=1333

Radio City Music Hall-Nas will be performing

tickets still available 

http://musichall-ny.com/?gclid=CICwz8OuxLQCFUWo4AodwTUARg

The Boom Boom Room in NYC

848 Washington Ave

New York , NY 10014

Tickets are $250.00 with performance by young rapper from Harlem Azealia Banks(Tickets still available)this is a black tie event.

https://standardnyc.myshopify.com/collections/nye-tots

Irving Plaza

17 Irving Place

New York, NY 10003

(212)-777-6800

With performance by Blonde Redhead plus  Beach Fossils. Show starts at 8 PM. Tickets still available

http://irvingplaza.com/event/000049657B4044A4

Terminal 5

610 West 56th St.

New York, NY10019

With performances by Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra (playing Prince's Purple Rain).

Tickets still available

http://www.terminal5nyc.com/

Rose land Ballroom

239 West 52nd St

New York, NY.10019

With performance by Pretty Light. Tickets still available. Show starts at 8 pm.

http://roselandballroom-newyork.com/ResultsTicket.aspx?evtid=1978328&event=Pretty+Lights

Madison Square Garden

7th Ave & 32nd St.

New York, NY. 10001

With performance by Phish. Show starts at 8 pm. Tickets available.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1D00493DB5BB38F2?artistid=748766&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=60&camefrom=CFC_MSG_MSG&brand=msg

Villain

48 North 3rd Street.

Brooklyn, New York 11249

(718)-782-2222

Featuring DJ sets by Onra(Paris), Nick Catchdubs(Fools Gold, BK), Samo Sound Boy(Body High, LA), Nick Hook(Fools gold, BK).

Tickets starting at $35., Includes a champagne toast at midnight and open bar from 8-9 pm. They also have VIP tickets. Tickets still available.

The last Weekend of the year. Here are a few thing to do with the kids before the year is over.

Everyone across the world looks forward to the New Year and think of ways to celebrate and herald in the New Year in a positive way. 

Holiday Circus-Brighten Beach,

Dec. 30, 2012

Last weekend for this festive spectacular that mixes cruel skills with seasonal spirit. Hosted by the one and only SANTA, this show features Acrobats, Jugglers, Animal Acts and a trio of Clowns. A pre-dance party for those early bird.http://www.broadwaybox.com/shows/holiday_circus_nyc_tickets.aspx

Remake the Holiday- New York Hall of Science

Dec. 30, 2012 at 4 pm.

Remake for the holiday is wrapping up it's final week of hands-on recycling fun.  On Saturday Dec 29, kids can enjoy themselves transform greeting cards into festive photo frame. Sunday is Water day, when kids can create boats from recycle goods and bracelet from soda can tabs. 

Admission: Adults $11 and Children from 2-17 $8.http://www.nysci.org/visit/events/event/remake2012

Kwanzaa Celebration at the Brooklyn Children's Museum

Dec. 26-Jan. 2, 2013

Crafts for the pre-school set and a lesson on the Seven Principles of the Holiday. Learn about  African-Inspired Holiday and their tradition. http://brooklynkids.org/index.php/kidsandfamily/kidsandfamilycalendarofevents/calendar/1356498000
http://whatsupnewyork411.blogspot.com/2012/11/being-built-in-1895-by-architects-mckim.html

It's the final Weekend of 2012.

Your last chance to enjoy all the Holiday fun.

                                      Monday Dec. 31, 2012-11 pm.

 New Year's Eve Fire Work at Grand Army Plaza.

Come and Celebrate the New Year at Brooklyn biggest outdoor party.

Filled with live Entertainment, Hot Refreshment and Fire Works. Grand Army Plaza celebration starts off at 11 pm.  Get there early for a prime spot for viewing the fire works that begins at 12 and make sure you bundle up. Situated near Park Slope, where Bars and Venues will be hosting New Year's Eve Events after the Fire Work. This is a FREE event.http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/1471647

                                  Monday Dec 31, 2012-10:15 and 11:15 pm.

    Brooklyn Bridge walk into the New Year

New York City Guide will lead you around City Hall area and the Brooklyn Bridge.  

Free Refreshment for those who gets there early and free prizes.  Registration for the walk begins at 9:45 pm $50. cash or $40 online or call 1(888)-377-4455 http://www.newyorktalksandwalks.com/cgi-bin/calendar/long_calendar.cgi?y=&m=12

                                         Monday Dec. 31, 2012 10 pm.

                    New Year's Eve Bike Ride

Greenwich Village to Central Park. Come join in this FREE Time's Up ride from Washington Square Park to Belvedere Castle in Central Park. Dress up in your BEST festive wear and bring the noise makers with you. Everyone will be rewarded with an outdoor party filled with Music, Dancing and Fire works.. http://times-up.org/index.php?page=new-years-ride

Christmas around the corner and pockets are getting low and you just want a drink. We have 5 SPOTS with the cheapest drinks and Happy Hour.

We have found 5 cheapest Bars for waiting on the recession.

1. Blue & Gold Tavern: 79 E. 7th St near 1st Ave                                                                                  This old standby boasts about $5 shots specials and beer specials.  PBR and mix drinks run as little as $3 all night long.  Family, neighborhood bar owned since 1958. Crowd consistence of regulars, college kids,bikers and regulars.
2. Rosemary's Green point Tavern: 188 Bedford Ave. Brooklyn, New York.                                                 This Williamsburg Institutes's main draw amounts to a Bedford Ave blue-plate special. 32 ounce Bud in a giant Styrofoam cup for only $3.50.https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rosemarys-Greenpoint-Tavern/159882484065982
3. Turkey's Nest Tavern: 94 Bedford Ave. at N 12th st. Williamsburg, Brooklyn New York (718)-384-9774.A no frill sports bar on the edge of McCarren Park. Despite appearances, the crowd is surprisingly hipster-friendly. Cash only
4. Acme Bar & Grill 9 Great Jones St. New York, NY.         Cheap daily-rotating Happy Hour runs from 4 -7 pm. Tuesday features $2 "Acme Beer", Wednesday ladies get two for one, and Thursday are all about $4 Hurricanes.n http://acmenyc.com/
5. The Slide: 356 Bowery at 4th St. (212)-475-7621                                                                               This gay bar takes happy Hour to the next level Worth 60 minutes of open bar nightly.  Happy Hour officially runs from5-9 pm during which time beers are $2 and well drinks $3, but from 5-6 pm the cash register is shut down entirely and patrons drink for free.https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Slide-NYC/315058154603

Turkey's Nest Tavern

Rosemary's Tavern 

Blue & Gold Tavern

Acme Bar & Grill

                                                                                                                                                                                         

The Slide

Have nothing plan with the kids on their Holiday Break. Here are just a few things to do in the Big Apple.

Photo by What's up New York?

 With the kids being home for this Holiday Season and don't have anything plan. We have come up with a few things to do with your children during this Holiday Break

What better then to intrigue the mind of young ones. Museums that will be open during this Holiday Break.

1. Brooklyn Children Museum:  Kwanzaa Celebration,  Wed, Dec 26-Sunday, Dec. 30. Come join them on the Seven Principals of Kwanzaa, Nguzo and Saba.http://whatsupnewyork411.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-brooklyn-childrens-museum-said-to.html
2. Children Museum of Manhattan: The tot spot offers special programming all week. http://www.cmom.org/visit/calendar
3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art:The Metropolitan Family Program, Holiday Food Program.  http://www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/family-programs/holiday-family-programs
4. The Jewish Museum: Whimsical Puppet Creatures  http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/site/pages/calendar_main.php#/?i=4
5.  Museum of Moving Images:Clayton Creatures Workshop Astoria   http://www.movingimage.us/families/visiting
6. Museum of the City of New York: Hands on activities East Harlem          https://boxoffice.mcny.org/public/show.asp
7. New York Transit Museum:  The underground Museum offers a pair of daily programs for tots.                         http://mta.info/mta/museum/pdf/NYTM_ccalendar.pdf

Please check for scheduling. Click on Links.                                                

With so much to do this Holiday Season, here are a few things to do with your children on Christmas Day

            Come and celebrate the Holidays with a City that doesn't sleep.  Join us on things to do in New York on Christmas Day with the kids. Here are just a few: 

Let's not forget the animals. Be with them as they open their gifts on Christmas Day. Bronx Zoo will be closed due to the holidays. 

Prospect Park Zoo:                                                                                                 http://www.prospectparkzoo.com/

Queens Zoo:                                                                                                                    http://www.queenszoo.com/                                                                 

Central Park Zoo:            
   http://www.centralparkzoo.com/

What's more Christmas then, Ice Skating on Christmas day. Why not hit the ice. Here are just a few 

1. Citi Pond, Bryant Park                                                                                      http://citipondatbryantpark.com/
2. Lasker Rinks, Central Park                                                                                                        http://www.laskerrink.com/
3. Van Cortland Park                                                                                          http://www.vcpicerink.com/
4. Rockefeller Center                                http://whatsupnewyork411.blogspot.com/2012/11/rockefeller-center-skating-rink.html

What better then to take in a show with the kids. New York has a lot of small low-key productions for the Holidays:  http://whatsupnewyork411.blogspot.com/2012/12/holiday-shows-for-kids-this-holiday.html

Only a few Broadway show will be open on Christmas Day.

1. Radio City Music Hall:                                                          http://www.radiocitychristmas.com/newyork.html
2. Holiday Circus(Brooklyn):                                                                               http://www.holidaycircus.com/
3. Angelina Ballerina the very Merry Holiday:                                    http://vitaltheatre.org/angelinaballerinaholiday-2012.php
4. The Big Apple Circus: Legendarium:                                                                          http://bigapplecircus.org/

                                                   

Hot Spots in New York City all to familiar to us, also great place to be with the kids on Christmas Day. I had taken my granddaughter and daughter to Madam Tussauds. My granddaughter was about 4 yrs. old at that the time and my teenage daughter wanted to go to Ripley's Believe it or Not! Not soon as we see the display  in the front my granddaughter said, grandma i don't want to go in there. It's not suitable for all ages. 

1. Madam Tussauds:                                                                     http://www.madametussauds.com/NewYork/
2. Harry Potter Exhibits:                                                     http://www.discoverytsx.com/exhibitions/harry-potter
3. Ripley's Believe or Not!                                                                           http://www.ripleysnewyork.com/

Holidays is about giving. With Hurricane Sandy hitting New York City and leaving behind  huge devastation and the shooting of 20 bright first grader and six staff, teacher and Principal in Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Conn. Always remember your gift to you every Christmas is your family. Be thankful  for your childdren. That you are able to have them by your side to celebrate this festive holiday, one can rebuilt from Hurricane sandy, but you can't rebuilt on the death of a child or love one. 

Pizza is the quintessential Brooklyn fast food. Totonno's in Brooklyn is one of the Best

New York is the undisputed pizza capital in the world. Brooklyn has earned a reputation as the Borough with the BEST pizza and we have one.

         Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitano

Totonno's is a family owned business established 1924 and  been a long time residence of 524 Neptune Ave in Coney Island. Established by Antonio "Totonno" Pero, this long time favorite of Coney Island has been using a coal-fire brick oven and has made the same pizza since it opened.

Known for it's legendary booth, for it's irregular hour, pizza served in a paper plate and it's devotion to artisanal pies, served in humble surroundings. 

People from as far as Japan, Germany and Italy of course has come to Brooklyn where it all began. Totonno's took top honors in the Zagat New York City Restaurant Guide. 

Totonno's was among several landmark New York restaurants devastate by Hurricane Sandy, with plans to re-open by the end of the year.

   

                             Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitano

                                 524 Nuptune Ave.

                              Brooklyn, New York 11224

                                 (718)-372-8606

                                  

The Great Lena Horne

Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was an Actress, Singer, Dancer and a Civil Activist. She joined the chorus of the Cotton Club at the age of sixteen and became a Night Club Performer.

She had small roles in numerous movie and more substantial parts in films, Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather.

Returning to her roots as a night club performer, she continue to work as a performer, both nightclub and Television. while releasing well received albums.

She retired in March 1980, but the next year starred in a one woman show, Lena Horne: The Lady and her Music, which ran for three-hundred performances on Broadway and earned her numerous Awards and accolades. She continue recording and performing into the 1990's.

Lena Horne as she was known as, was born on June 30,1917 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York .Horne and her family  briefly moved to Atlanta, they return back to Brooklyn where she attended Girls High School in Brooklyn that has since become Boys and Girls High School.

Ms. Horne continued recording and performing sporadically into the 1990's disappearing from the public eye in 2000. RIP Lena Mary Colhoun Horne June 30 1917-May 9 2010

Union Square Holiday Market. A one stop for all.

One of the beauty of the Holiday Season is all the Holiday Market popping up in all the parks. Union Square Holiday Market is a huge Holiday Market in NYC.  My favorite place to visit for the holidays.

Filled with tons of vendors for both gifts and delicious food..  It's pretty typical of most street fair /market.

Unique hand crafted bags, hats, soap, jewelry, candle and more.

Gourmet Pretzel, Mini Cannolis, Crepes, Meatball Slider, Almond pastry, Bread Pudding, and more sweet goodies. 

Bright Booth filled with amazing Jewelry, Artwork, Home decor, Hand made things, deliciously smelling teas and spices my favorite open booth.

Such a great place to roam and shop for eclectic gifts.Gifts normally can't find in a department store.  Wandering the streets market with a warm drink, takes on a whole new flair. Great place to get stocking stuffer.

Union Square Holiday Market

Union Square and West 14th street.

Nov.16-Dec. 24, 2012

Mon-Fri, 11am-8pm, Sat.10am-8pm, Sun. 11am-7pm.

 cahttp://sarellasuarez.carbonmade.com/aboutption

http://sarellasuarez.carbonmade.com/about

http://kataplin.com/index-new.html

http://kataplin.com/index-new.html

Ralph Bakshi was born Oct. 10, 1938. Mr. Bakshi is a director of animated and live action films.  Between 1972-1992 he directed nine theatrically released feature films, five of which he wrote. 

Ralph began his career at the Terrytoons television Cartoon Studio as a cel polisher, he was promoted to director.  In 1967, he moved to Paramount Pictures and started his own studio.

Bakshi made his debut feature film "Fritz the Cat", released in 1972.  It was the first animated film to receive an X-rating from the Motion Picture Association of America.

Over the next eleven years, Bakshi directed seven additional animated features. 

• Wizard-1977
• The Lord of the Rings-1978
• American Pop-1981
• Fire and Ice-1983
• Cool World-1992
• Cool and Crazy-1992
• Spicy City-1997

He has received several awards for his work.  Including the 1980 Golden Gryphon's for The Lord of the Ring at the Giffoni Film Festival, the 1988 Annie Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Art of Animation, and the 2003 Maverick Tribute Award at the Cine quest Film Festival.

Born in Haifa, British mandated Palestine, his family immigrated to New york to escape World War 2.  They settled in BROWNSVILLE, Brooklyn.  As a child he enjoyed comic books.

During his teenage years, Bakshi took up boxing.  While attending Thomas Jefferson High School, he took little interest in his academics, spending most of his time focusing on "broads", mouthing off and doodling.  After participating in a food fight and being caught smoking, Bakshi was sent to the Principal's office.  Believing that Bakshi was unlikely to prosper at Thomas Jefferson's, the principal transferred him to Manhattan's School of Industrial Art.  In 1956, Bakshi graduated from the school with an Award in Cartooning.

Wear your Heart @ ... A look into Brooklyn latest Fashion

Hearts Clothing line was created in 2008, but in 2010 was the first year they actually started mass producing their product and placing them in stores. Hearts clothing line caters to all individual with a great sense of fashion.  The inspiration behind this wonderful clothing line is "style and Culture".

They like to bring a fresh new style to their consumers when producing quality garments while at the same time keep their clothing line at a limited amount. Hearts Clothing line preserves it exclusivity.

Partnered with Fresh, of GDM, the upside down heart.  Hearts clothing line is a clean-cut, Urban meets fashion. Exposing everyone to the brand, also to the culture that it represents.

Everyone is embracing the New York based brand Hearts Clothing. So take this journey with them, let them continue to make you look good.  

Artists like Young Chris and young Neef from rap duo Young Gunz, Nicki Minaj's hype man, Ed Lover, DJ  Self of Da Union Power 105.1 and Atlantic Records, recording artist Cody Simpson was spotted making appearances in Heart Clothing's, just to name a few.

There are several location displaying Hearts clothing line. Please look at the website for more information

I met Manny Garcia CEO of Hearts Clothing's at his 2013 launched party on Nov. 29 2012 in Brooklyn. Manny a young man from Brooklyn allowed me to come in without him knowing me and take pictures. Humble young man. Thank you. 

http://www.heartclo.com/

http://www.jahmelcharles.com/#!

Holiday shows for kids this holiday Season

There are a lot of small low-key productions that are good for children and you know
 NYC love the Holiday Season. I have here Holiday Shows for kids. Concert and Seasonal.

The Three Bears Holiday-Through Friday Dec. 30.- Upper West Side
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater in Central Park West, enter at 79th St. and Central Park West.
Come join them in their Annual Holiday Show with The Three Bears and their friends to start the season off.

A Charlie Brown Christmas-Dec. 16  2012-Park slope
The Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Ave.
BTW. Union and President St.
The Pig Brooch Theatre Company brings back it's LIVE TV special for it's 4th yr in a row. Join Charlie and all the Characters in Charlie Brown Musical with live trio

Yes, Virginia,The Musical-Fri-Sun through Dec. 23, 2012,  9:30-8 pm.-Midtown West
Herald Square Puppet Theater
151 W. 34th St.
BTW. 6th and 7th Ave 8 floor
Macy's show this year is Nicolas Coppola and his puppet work.  This beautiful production features vocals by Whoopie Goldberg and Mathew Broderick.  Join Coppola and his troupe have turned-life of a 19 Century girl who questioned the existence of Santa.                                                                                                                                                                            

The Colonial Nutcracker- Sunday Dec. 16, 2012-Flatbush

The Brooklyn Center for Performing Arts, Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College
2900 Campus Road
Set in Yorktown during the Revolutionary War, this interpretation of the Nutcracker is a beautiful holiday experience. The Dance Theatre performs this full length version of Tchaikovsky's classic.

Nutcracker Sweets and the Steadfast Tin Soldier-Dec. 22, 23,26 and 30th-Park slope.
Puppet Work Theater
338th 6th Ave at 4th St.
This old Brooklyn Puppet Theater mounts this sweet adaption of Tchaikovsky's Land of Sweets dances and The Steadfast Tin Soldier is inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's famous fairy tale.

 \

Madison Square Park 2012 Tree Lighting Ceremony

Madison Square Park Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Madison Square Tree Lighting Ceremony is a Great family event. With dozen of excited kids, Madison Square Park set it's annual Holiday Celebration with it's 100  Anniversary Tree Lighting.

This year marked the 100 Anniversary of the Tree Lighting in Madison Square Park.  In 1912 Madison Square Park was home to the first Public Holiday Tree in the Nation.

Music by The New York Life Singers and kid friendly Audra Fox.  As they sang, children gathered around the 30 feet high tree and waited with excitement to watch the tree lighting. 

This was my first year attending Madison Square Park Tree Lighting Ceremony and i was just as excited as them.  To see this big tree with more then 10,000 lights. Good feeling to bring in the Holiday in such an amazing way.