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This week it was hard to settle on just one thing to write about. So much is happening right now for the family and myself. I could have written about the ups and downs of moving. I could have written about the absurd amount of birthday parties my kids attend and that we have to buy gifts for(which I am sure will come up again sometime in the future). I could have written about the days upon days of rain and wind that keep us cooped up inside and make us all stir crazy. I could have even written about the toy helicopter that was tangled into my hair for a while the other day.(Don't ask....still not sure how my little one managed that!) Then, as I sat and looked out the window of the nail salon while I got my spa pedicure, I thought of something I was extremely compelled to talk about. The Second Avenue Subway construction project.Let me start by saying that while spa pedicures are one of the most amazing things you could ever experience, I am no regular to them. It was a gift for my birthday next week from one of my dearest BFFs in the world. It just so happens that one of my preferred salons is Eve's Nail and Spa on 2ND Avenue and 93rd st. While sitting with my feet in the borderline-painfully-hot water, our view was that of humongous cranes and "diggers" of all sorts. It just got me to thinking that it didn't even affect me one little bit. We have been dealing with this and looking at this for years now, and sadly enough, we are getting used to it! A good majority of us on the UES have been feeling the same way. Many of us deal with the chaos on a daily basis. I happen to live and work only steps away from where all the digging and blasting happens. I can remember a time when my son was amazed by looking at bulldozers, cranes, and dump trucks. Nowadays, they are old hat to him. He is more excited these days by the "sweeper guy". Now that is something we don't get to see every day!The one thing that I can't seem to get over is the number of businesses that are closed or closing due to this chaos. I live it everyday. I work at a place that struggles, and has been struggling, to keep people coming back. It is a scary thought that one day the "for sale" or "everything must go" sign could be up on our door. I feel for those businesses. I also feel for the people who have had to relocate due to the integrity of their buildings being compromised by all of the tunneling. And let's not forget the people whose homes have lost their value since the construction had begun. Sad.In more recent days, I have been more concerned for the parents who have to calm scared children when the blasts go off! This came to a head when, the other evening, I was at work and I heard the horn warning that a blast was imminent. We then heard the double horn warning that it was about to go off. Then we heard and felt a blast that both shook the ground and our nerves, and gave many people the feeling that there was a mistake with the dynamite....or a place crash.People were making calls all over the place and people on the streets came inside. I ventured a short distance to the site of the blast and watched as orange vests gave each other high-fives and hand-shakes to a job well done. Didn't seem like an accident to me.I spoke to my husband at home who informed me that my little guy came running out of his bed into our bed, scared out of his mind! My older two were very nervous and uneasy. After-all, we had begun to get used to the blasting and now this extraordinary boom?!?! My poor little ones. I am almost 31 years old, and I was scared out of my noodle! Imagine what they felt like!Within minutes of the blast, an orange vest walked in. I immediately helped him, then dove right in and asked about the ground-shaking activity. Boy, was I one of the lucky people that evening. This wonderful gentleman spoke to me for 5 to 10 minutes and explained why the boom was so stretched out and loud. Apparently, the blasting that we had all grown to know and love was vertical blasting. These baby blasts were the ones that made holes from the surface going down. That explains why they were short, loud, and sometimes seemingly weak. This new, horrifying blast was what is known as horizontal blasting. This kind of blasting makes the holes underground, going for a short distance, to clear out tunnels going lengthwise. Makes sense, I guess. He also reassured me that this kind of blasting is scary sounding but that once that area is cleared, they move on. Of course my next question was about how the buildings don't fall. I can be obsessive and tend to carry anxiety! He immediately jumped in to how the buildings are reinforced so that they stay strong. Wow. It was just what I needed. I went home and explained to my little ones.The next time the horn went off, 3 children and I waited patiently for the booms and somewhat cheered at how cool it was. All they needed was a little explanation. Fear of the unknown can be a devastating fear. Mommy needed the explanation too! One day, we will all take rides on that new subway line and the memories of blasting, and machines, and orange vests will be distant. One day. For now, we have lost sight of how impressive our building processes and machinery can truly be. Perhaps one day "diggers" will be exciting to watch again too. Perhaps not.For those of us mommies who have little ones who are into watching construction vehicles and have the pleasure of living AWAY from it all, 2ND Avenue is a free and interesting walk when the weather gets nice again. You could even stop in to one of the struggling restaurants along the way to have lunch, and feel good about supporting a business that desperately needs all the support it can get. Although it gets to be tiring to see, I feel good crossing the avenue once in a while to do my part to keep some of those businesses alive....especially when there is a spa pedicure waiting for me on the other side!

Happy Hour in the 'HoodTin Lizzie's Weekend Kick-Off PartyFriday, March 12th from 8:00-10:00pmStop by one of the neighborhood's favorite hangouts to celebrate the grand re-opening of Tin Lizzie's for their customer appreciation happy hour! A few fresh coats of paint and a little artistic vision by a few tipsy Irishmen gave this classic hangout a bit of a face lift for the good times to come in 2010. FREE happy hour for the best patrons on the UES!Tin Lizzies is located on Second Ave. between 85th & 86th St.Vino AfficionadosWine Tasting: South American WinesThursday, March 11th from 6:00-9:00pmStop by your favorite neighborhood lounge to enjoy the wines of South America. Experts from various wineries and vinyards will be in attendence to provide you with insight into each of your wines. A great night our for couples, friends or co-workers!Stir is located at 1363 First Avenue at 73rd St. (More Info) Cheers to BeersHistory of Beer & TastingFriday, March 12th at 6:30pmSam Merritt, founder of the Civilization of Beer, will lead a lively discussion followed by a tasting of that traces the hostoric roots of one of the world's favorite beverages. Beer provided by Brooklyn Brewery.Mount Vernon Museum & Garden is located at 421 East 61st St. (More Info)The Next Generation of Great ArtArt Dialogue: Young ProfessionalsFriday, March 12th at 6:30pmDesigned for young professionals living and working in New York City, Art Dialogue: Young Professionals offers the dual pleasures of looking at great works of art with the chance to meet like-minded art lovers.The Frick is located at 1 East 70th St. (More Info)Saturday StimulationJr. Junior League's Next Generation Philanthropy ProgramSaturday, March 13th from 1:00-4:00pmThis program is designed as a comprehensive introduction for children to the principles of philanthropy--it's never to early to tech your kids how to give back!The New York Junior League is located at 130 East 80th St. (More Info)

In October, victory was won for some Yorkville residents of the East 70’s and East 80’s who use the post office at 1483 York Avenue, otherwise known as Cherokee Station. Back in the summer, the USPS toyed with the idea of closing the Post Office and moving the services centered there to another location, in an attempt to consolidate Post Offices due to a $7 billion deficit caused by low revenue and decreasing mail volume. At the time, there were more than 3,000 offices under review nationally, including 14 throughout the city, and 5 in Manhattan. The USPS considered moving services to Gracie Station, Lenox Hill Station and Yorkville Station, and even Roosevelt Island. Under the USPS proposal, residents would have been forced to travel at least half a mile from the original Cherokee station, and perhaps a river away! Keeping Cherokee station is especially important to our community because many of our senior citizens rely upon its services; they would be severely inconvenienced by having to travel further to the post office.Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney has been instrumental to the development of Cherokee station. Back in 1994, Congresswoman Maloney successfully advocated for expansion of Cherokee station. She secured a space twice the size of the former station, with seven full service windows and 800 more boxes, resulting in a total of 1,000 boxes at the station.Back in the summer, the community rallied to keep the post office open. The East 79th Street Neighborhood Association collected almost 1500 signatures on a petition to keep the post office open. Several elected officials, including Carolyn Maloney, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, State Senator Liz Krueger, State Assembly Members Micah Kellner and Jonathan Bing, City Council Members Jessica Lappin and Dan Garodnick, joined together and wrote a letter urging the USPS to save Cherokee Station. At the end of November, the USPS announced that it would not close Cherokee Station. Congresswoman Maloney proclaimed, “Since New Yorkers can’t walk on water, I am delighted that the Postal Services won’t be closing the Cherokee Station and moving its operations across the East River.”This is just one example of how residents of the Upper East Side, paired with our elected officials, can work for the best of the community. What other issues are you advocating in the community that you’d like to bring to the attention of this blog and the community?

How did I get up here?I contemplated this question as I stood at the top of that snow-covered mountain. I was wearing more layers of clothing than ever before, but the wind seemed to find a way through each layer. To make matters worse, my outfit could not even pretend to be color-coordinated. It looked like I had closed my eyes and grabbed garments at random during a frantic trip to the flea market, but the truth was that I borrowed most of what I had on. This was my first skiing trip in Junior High School. My friends had finally convinced me to come along and they each lent me an item that they no longer used. Jeff had donated his bright green ski pants, while Kenny provided the orange jacket. I’m not sure where the red gloves came from, but that was OK because nobody was asking for anything back. I convinced myself that at least I would be easy to spot in the snow. My parents dropped me off at the bus waiting in the school parking lot early that morning. They had never skied, and were not completely in approval of my new sport, but went along with it just fine. My mother was already discussing ways to accessorize my motley wardrobe, and my dad came right to the point with, “Don’t kill yourself, Bill”.I started feeling butterflies as the bus wound its way up the snowy mountain road. At the mountain, I picked up my boots and skis. Most of my friends owned their own equipment, and I immediately realized that my rentals were not exactly the top of the line. With every step I took in my boots, it felt like a wild animal was chewing at my ankles. My skis were thick and looked like they had been built in the early days of fiberglass. Instead of the fancy springs on the bottom of the skis that would turn them over if they got loose, mine had frayed, canvas straps that fastened around my ankles. I ran in place for about five minutes before I learned how to walk in my skis, creating so much friction that it melted away all the snow beneath me until I was standing in the only patch of bare grass within a 10-mile radius. People readily moved out of my way, and I wondered if my outfit had anything to do with it. Once the crowds had parted, I found myself at the red line waiting for the lift to come. But as I turned to ask the assistant for instructions, the metal chair swept me up and sent me up to the top, sprawled out on the seat with my skis pointing skyward as I held on to any piece of metal that I could find. I had equally little instruction when it came to getting off the lift. I didn’t realize I had to stand up, so I went down the ramp like a catcher in a baseball game until my skis slowly parted and I planted my face down into the snow. With every skier that came after me, I was buried deeper until I became nothing more than a Technicolor streak in the ground. My friend, Andy, dug me out and began explaining how to stop by putting the tips of my skis together. Unfortunately, I was facing with my back to the slope and a stiff wind pushed me slowly to the edge until I finally tilted backwards and began accelerating downwards. “I’m going down!” I declared. Andy looked on in horror. “Wait, Bill, I’m not done yet!”I remembered him saying something about pointing my skis, so I crossed them, but this sent me spinning like a helicopter across the mountain. Snow was flying everywhere, but I tried to make the best of the situation. I rationalized that some people have to ski for many years before mastering a trick like this. The mountain suddenly dropped out from under me, and in the next moment I found myself surrounded by rubber tubing. I looked up from the hole that I was sharing with the snow machine and saw bright, blue daylight. My skis should have come off under these circumstances, but the antique, and likely rusted, bindings held strong. I took my skis off and tossed them up, one at a time, past the rim of the hole. I scurried up to the surface and made it out just in time to see them sliding all by themselves down the mountain in different directions, the canvas straps whipping behind them. One landed softly in a pile of snow on the other side of the slope, while the other launched about 20 feet in the air and struck a tree, sending it twisting back to the ground with a cracking sound. I collected my skis, and half an hour later I was getting close to the bottom of the mountain. Some of the time I skied, some of the time I walked, and some of the time I slid. But most of the time I just fell. It was a painful and demoralizing experience. The tears were frozen to my face, and I repeated over and over again that if I ever reached the bottom, I would never go back up again. I took a break from feeling sorry for myself just in time to look up and see a class of small children gathered at the base of the mountain. They didn’t realize that they were in a direct collision course with a multicolored asteroid. I tried to slow myself down the best that I could but, of course, my skis popped off, sending me tumbling over and over down the mountain. My skis were still tethered to me by the strap and they flipped all around me like a helicopter blade as I gathered snow. I skidded to a stop in the middle of the class as the children now realized that I was a skier and not just a large, badly dressed snowball. I looked up and blew the snow off of my face. All around me were stunned kids with rosy cheeks and mucus dripping from their noses. One little boy stepped forward, wiped his nose with his mitten and said, “Hey mister, you gotta make a pizza wedge!” I thought to myself, “It doesn’t matter, kid. I’m not gonna need the advise anymore.” But on my way back to the rental shop, I hesitated a moment, turned around and ran back to the lift. _____________________Last month, I took my wife, my daughter and sons up to Massachusetts to ski. This was only their second year on skis, but they did better that I could have ever hoped and we all had lots of fun. And every time I see them laughing their way down the bunny slope, or ride with them up the lift, I can’t help but smile as I think back to that first time.

Director Roman Polanski does Brian DePalma. Based on the novel By Robert Harris, this new "suspense" drama plays like one of Mr. DePalma's thrillers, minus the sleaze factor and the thrill. The camera work, and in particular, the score reminded me of films like "Body Double" "Dressed To Kill" and "Raising Cain". Ewan McGregor plays the title character, hired to "ghost" the autobiography of Andrew Lang, the former Prime Minister of England, played by Pierce Brosnan. Mr. McGregor is a very engaging actor and works hard to keep the audience's attention. His simple task of writing a book of memoirs takes on ominous tones after a dead body is discovered and shadowy figures begin to appear. He suspects there is more to the story than what he's been told and the plot slowly begins to reveals itself and I do mean slowly. The movie holds your attention and builds towards what you would expect to be a big revelation at the end. Granted the final moments of the film come as a surprise but after such a long slow build, it all becomes clear too neat and quick and then one final twist in the last shot. Mr. Polanski substitutes an island off the North Sea for Cape Cod and Mr. Bronson's exile for his own. The story of a American puppet Prime Minister is thinly veiled and the film contains a pretty obvious anti-American slant. There is very little action and the drama just drags on and on.Mr. Brosnan is well cast in the Tony Blair...oops I mean Andrew Lang role and it's nice to see Kim Cattrall doing something else beside "Samantha Jones". The fine actor Tom Wilkinson also turns up as an important piece to the mystery. There seems to be a big buzz around this film but to this critic, it's much ado about nothing.

You know there's problems here from the opening shot of New York City. With the Beastie Boys "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" playing in the background, the camera pans from Manhattan to stop at Long Island City, which is in Queens, not Brooklyn. Director Kevin Smith, working for the first time with someone else's script, plays it loose and lazy. There is no chemistry at all between stars Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan. In fact Mr. Willis is content to sleep walk his way through his role taking back seat to the irritating mugging of Mr. Morgan. I haven't seen Bruce Willis with so little energy in a movie since "The Sixth Sense" and he had good reason in that film.This is a tired retread posing as a homage (a word Mr. Morgan butchers for laughs) to the '80's black/white buddy cop films like "48 Hours", and "Running Scared". The best thing is the musical score, lifted right out of "Beverly Hills Cop". The plot is weak. The action boring and even perennial scene stealer Seann William Scott can't save this mess.The film also co-stars Guillermo Diaz, who plays his bad guy role exactly like his character on "Weeds", Kevin Pollack as another detective caught up in the same case , and Rashida Jones, who deserves better than a few scenes as Mr. Morgan's wife, who may or may not be cheating on him."Cop Out" is a washout. Save your time and rent "48 Hours" instead.

An artsy party for the whole family...WhitneyKids: Biennial Opening PartySaturday, March 6th from 4:00-7:00pmGather 'round for the 2010 Biennial Opening party! Explore what's new in contemporary art with your family and neighbors. FREE with museum admission, guided gallery tours and snacks for all.The Whitney is located at 945 Madison Ave at 75th St. More InfoStart your weekend off right...Just Drinks Happy Hour at StirFriday, March 5th from 8:00-10:00pmStop by the neighborhood's sheikest lounge for a two hour open bar to kickstart your weekend this Friday! For just $40 per person, the open bar includes unlimited house wines, well drinks and Bud and Bud Light bottles.Stir is located at 1363 First Ave. at 73rd St. More InfoGet in touch with your green side...Wild Food & Ecology TourSaturday, March 6th from 11:45am-3:45pmWildman Steve Brill teaches his family tradition of foraging for food. Learn how to find daylily shoots, chickweed, garlic mustard, shepherd's purse, sheep sorrel and more right in the middle of Central Park.Meet at The Ramble in Central Park More InfoNew Year's: Round 2Spring Into Norouz: Persian New Year CelebrationSaturday, March 6th at 1:00pmCelebrate the new year all over again--Persian style! Join fellow UES-ers at the Asia Society to kick-off spring with Persian music, dance, storytelling, and arts & crafts.The Asia Society is located at 725 Park Ave. at 71st St.More InfoIt takes two...Argentine Tango PartySaturday, March 6th at 8:00pmSingles and couples of all ages and experience welcome. A group lesson will be held from 8:00-9:00pm and then its full-on tangos, milongas, valses and musica tropica all night long!The 92nd Street Y is located at 1375 Lexington Ave. at 92nd St.More Info

Ooooh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is sooo delightful! Living on the Upper East Side for now 6 years, I had never known some of the charming hidden treasures that our community holds close to heart. You see, I had this preconceived notion that in order to entertain or “be cool” it was imperative that I put my little booty into a yellow cab or make the 6 block trek in my high heels over to the subway and make the journey down town. Friends in town? Lets meet at this hard to get in place on avenue A. Dinner date? Fabulous little place in Soho. Parents in town? Great family style nook in Nolita…You get the point.However, lately, it has been well, cold. Quite frankly with this economy who wants to incorporate $40 in cabs into the night of entertaining? Even worse who wants to wait and wait for that 4 or 5 express train to come and then hear, “All express trains are running on the local track and with limited service”. I can definitely tell you that I for sure do not want to hear this as it is 20 degrees on the platform. Recently in an effort to save money, body heat and valuable night time, I started looking at some of the bars and dinner places here within the Upper East Side, and began to explore other alternate places to meet up with friends and family or go out for my treasured date night with my husband. The results have been unbelievable! I cant even begin to think about the money I have spent hauling it down town or the shoes ruined making that long journey over to the subway to wait and then end up being late!My entertainment explorations were put to a test this past weekend. Originally, I had plans to head south and meet up with friends that were coming in from the ‘burbs and wanted a “swank” night out in the city. Out of habit I thought, perfect, there is this great place in Gramercy with a fireplace and where you can reserve a table for drinks. Phone number in mid dial, I stopped, paused and reassessed the situation. They also are cigar smokers and I immediately remembered one of the very few almost unknown places in the city that allows patrons to smoke inside. Yes, inside.Lo and behold, the place that still allows you to smoke is, no not downtown…. but uptown, on the lovely Upper East Side. Lexington Bar and Books on 73rd and Lexington is one of the very few bars within NYC that still allows you to smoke cigars inside. Your friends will be impressed with this classy find and little known fact all the while having great conversation in an appropriately filled dimly lit loungey space holding either a delicious glass of wine, cold beer or a concoction of your choice. Even better on these cold nights mosey on over to the fireplace and carry your laughs and talks while being warm!Who would have thought that a great and rare find could be found in the baby stroller filled, dog walking enclave that is our community. Entertaining is a blast but doesn’t mean that we northern Manhattanites have to venture down south to show friends, family even ourselves a cool night out on the town.Lexington Bar and Books is just one of the many little finds to be found and depending on your evening outlook or entertainment purposes there is something to be ventured to on the Upper East Side.

Martin Scorsese has undeniably made so many memorable films over the years that bear repeated viewing. Sadly, "Shutter Island" is not one of them. The master director and his muse, Leonardo DiCaprio have turned in an overlong and tedious "thriller" with a twist that's been done far better in other films. There have been so many TV and radio spots for this film I could recite most of the dialog by heart. That, and the long running time sucked all the possible suspense right out of the film. There is certainly a more complex story here than the ads leave you to believe but by the time all is revealed, you're just grateful it's over. I will say that Mr. DiCaprio remains one of the best actors of his generation and there is some fine work done by the supporting cast including Mark Ruffalo, Sir Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Max von Sydow and a particularly good Patricia Clarkson (in a one scene cameo). It just doesn't add up to much by the end of the film. Mr. Scorsese has always given each of his films their own vibrant life but here he actually repeats himself by recreating the atmosphere of "Cape Fear", his remake with Robert DeNiro. Shutter Island" gave him his biggest opening weekend box office. He gave us a disappointment.

Over ten years ago, clinical aesthetician Jillian Wright opened Glow Skin Spa right here on the Upper East Side, much to the delight of UES residents. Just this past September, Glow moved to a townhouse on East 66th Street and was transformed into the Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa, where clients now receive a variety of premium spa treatments under the direction of the owner and namesake herself. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Jillian Wright, and she gave me the inside scoop on her spa, its specialties, and her own favorite treatments. Read on, then make yourself an appointment.Located on the second floor of 22 East 66th Street (between 5th and Madison), the Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa offers a comprehensive spa experience designed to both pamper and improve the functionality of your skin. Including Jillian, the spa has five clinical aestheticians, all with over ten years experience, as well as five licensed massage therapists, plus a manager and front desk staff to accommodate guests. There are four well-appointed treatment rooms that Jillian describes as “comfortable and relaxing.” All of these elements work together to create a personalized, boutique feel to Jillian’s spa, allowing staff to cater to customers’ individual needs. With the needs of her customers in mind, Jillian has developed a wide variety of spa treatments, explaining that her “role is to play skincare detective in order to achieve your skin’s greatest health.”Clients can treat themselves to several different types of facials, which include elements like microdermabrasion, aromatherapy facial massage, LED light therapy, customized masks, and homecare recommendations; massages such as the Swedish, relaxation, aromatherapy, hot lava shell, or detoxifying massage; and body treatments for areas like the back, legs, neck, and eyes. Specialty products from Somme Institute, Bioelements, and Environ are used, many of which can be purchased from the spa for home use. And the names of some of Jillian’s treatments are almost as satisfying as the treatments themselves: the Muscle Melting Deep Tissue Massage, Herbology Body Retexturizer, and Wine or Blueberry Extract Crystal Eye Mask are just a few that caught my eye.Though the spa clearly has expertise in a variety of areas, their particular specialties are facial massage and extractions, which are included in all of their facials. The spa has also become known for its Signature Massage, which Jillian describes as “a combination of Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Thai, all within a choreographed massage experience.”All of these treatments have been developed with Jillian’s personal skincare philosophy in mind. Jillian aims “to incorporate a trilogy of the heart, hands, and mind to encompass all aspects of aesthetics.” This means that she focuses on both internal elements, such as emotional and spiritual health, as well as the external goal of maintaining healthy, well-balanced skin. Jillian explains that, “If you feel good about your skin, you will feel more confident and have greater self-esteem. It’s a snowball effect that positively grows with every step accomplished.”  So, you may be wondering, which of the Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa’s treatments are its founder’s favorites? “I love, love, love the LumiFacial!” Jillian says. “I’m all for getting the most out of your time spent at my spa and this is the way to do it. The results are instantaneous.” Jillian explained that, during the 105-minute LumiFacial, “we choose an exfoliation process suited for your skin type and texture such as enzymes, microdermabrasion or dermaplaning, use steam, do extractions, put you under the light for 30 minutes and then use a polarized current to penetrate active key ingredients into the skin.” The result? “The client leaves with radiant skin.”As for massages, Jillian says she loves the Hot Lava Shell Massage, a 60- or 90-minute treatment in which Swedish and Deep Tissue massage elements are combined with the use of lava shells, each with their own temperature control. Jillian explains that it's like a hot stone massage, but safer for both the client and the massage therapist, and a truly indulgent experience.Visit Jillian’s spa online at http://www.jillianwrightclinicalskinspa.com/ to learn more about her treatments and to make an appointment for what promises to be a delightful and invigoration spa experience.

Once held under lock and key, Lisa Perry is finally opening Madison Avenue’s best-kept secret: The Vault.Late last year, Lisa transformed the former Madison Avenue Citibank into her flagship Manhattan store. Now, Lisa Perry is opening up the vault downstairs to customers offering discounted merchandise from current and past seasons with almost everything close to 75% off!The Vault will feature $200, $300 and $400 racks and a table of pick-me-up items – accessories, books, trinkets - that range in price from $5 to $100. (There are even fake jewelry and money pouring out of the safety deposit boxes.)The Vault will now be open all year long and continuously updated with new discounted merchandise. Lisa will also be selling her vintage finds from her travels throughout the world in the Vault as well.The VaultMonday – Sunday; 10am – 6pm, daily976 Madison Avenue (bet. 76th & 77th St.)212.431.7467-Lauren Dimet WatersSponsored by Uppereast.com

My breakup with Billy Blue was initially painless, comprised of a mere twenty-seven words in the form of two texts messages after our Super Bowl Sunday plans were squashed by his inability to arrive anywhere on time. As my father always said in his pre-John Wayne, Tommy Lasorda-esque days, “To be early is to be on time; to be on time is to be late; and to be late is inexcusable.”Bacchus: No seriously, do your own thing. I’m gonna do my own thing. We prob should just do that going forward. This really isn’t working for me.Billy Blue: Ok.And there you had it. Two New York Aquarians breaking up--emotionless and haste-free.After receiving such a concise response from Billy, I knew that I had made the right decision to walk away—to walk away not only from his traditions of tardiness, but also his need to constantly play with my mind and my heart. Had I been looking for that kind of facet in a relationship, I would have just gone camping with a confused transvestite and a bag of ecstasy for a long weekend.Not only was I certain about my decision to end things with Billy, I was now certain that Billy’s “Monkey Bar” approach to dating that he had always joked about had been in full motion for at least a good week (don’t let go of one until you have a hold of the next). Otherwise, I would have gotten at least a full sentence in response; otherwise, he would have inquired as to why “this” wasn’t working for me; otherwise, there would have some sense of remorse.For the following week I was sorrow-free, refusing to mourn my first “loss” of 2010. With my friends constantly reminding me of why I was better off without Billy Blue (he was a burrough-er, his Barney Rubble nickname was all too accurate, his beer gut was multiplying by each Sunday Funday), I felt a newfound freedom that I had missed for the past ninety days.And because I myself did not practice the “Monkey Bar” approach, I woke up on the morning of Sunday, February 14th Valentine-less. Luckily I had planned something far more interesting than a box of chocolates and a sappy romantic comedy for my annual night of love.Enter Danyelle from Passion Parties. Who needed a Valentine, a boyfriend, or even a blow-up doll when there was a sexpert and her table full of toys to be utilized on this Hallmark holiday? So rather than ordering in Chinese and crying over American Express commercials, I spent my Valentine’s Day testing cooling clit creams, warming anal oils, masturbation sleeves, nipple nibblers, pulsating pocket rockets, and vibrators that somehow incorporated cute, pink bunny rabbits into their quivering silicone cylinders.$200 and a bottle of vodka later I was so confident that I didn’t need a man for Valentine’s Day or the next forty days and forty nights that I declared myself celibate for Lent.Good thing I’m not actually Catholic…

It's about time this project is actually getting off the ground. It's been eight years in the works but Community Board 8 got one step closer to finishing the Andrew Haswell Green Park when it approved the final phase of the project last week. Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20100222/upper-east-side/upper-east-side-riverfront-park-gets-final-green-light#ixzz0gVIyqS9O

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Fashionistas

Fashion Talks: Gilles Mendel

Thursday, February 25th at 7:00pm

Paris-bred Gilles Mendel, heir apparent and head designer of J. Mendel, comes to FIAF to talk about the reinvention of this fifth-generation, family-owned luxury brand. J. Mendel was founded in 1870 in Paris and has been known since then to the world’s fashion elite. A resounding success, the collection demonstrated Mendel’s ability to work in materials ranging from silk chiffon to woolen tweeds, creating refined yet modern designs that have made J. Mendel a red carpet staple and a favorite of stars like Kate Hudson and Demi Moore.

The French Institute Alliance is located at 22 East 60th St. (More Info)

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Rugby Fanatics

6 Nations Rugby at Murphy’s Law

Friday February 26th & Saturday, February 27th

Join us at Murphy's Law for a full Irish breakfast and the 6 Nations rugby matches this weekend.

Friday, February 26, 2010 at 11:00am - Wales vs. France

Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 2:00pm - Italy vs. Scotland

Murphy’s Law is located at 70th St. between First & York Aves. (More Info)

Theater Junkies The Cradle Will Rock

Friday, February 26th at 8:00pm

This 1937 fierce and riveting musical comedy about the fight of the everyman against the power of corruption has a history as exciting as the musical itself. It was originally a part of the Federal Theatre Project, and was directed by Orson Welles, and produced by John Houseman. When the original production was shut down due to what most believe was an objection to the politics of the piece, the theatre was padlocked and surrounded by armed guards. The artists found a way to perform it despite all obstacles, and what resulted was a great and moving moment in theater history.

Theater Ten Ten is located at 1010 Park Avenue (More Info)

American Idol Meets Upper East Side

Songwriters Showcase

Saturday, February 27th at 8:00pm

Come hear Luke James of American Idol, David Brooks, Tatiana Moroz, Joshua Greenway, Lisa Brigacatino Rub, RachelGriffin and Jason Vasquez belt it out to their originals and your favorites at one of the best drinking nooks on the UES.

Crowe's Nest is located at 1804 Second Ave. at 93rd St. (More Info)

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Community Fun for Everyone

Purim Party 2010

Saturday, February 27th at 10:30am

Beth El of Manhattan, a two-Testament Messianic congregation, has celebrated Purim for the past several years with a big party. Come celebrate with us this year on February 27th and join in on the fun! The day starts at 10:30am with a special free Rock n' Roll concert with the worship band during the time of our usual Saturday morning service. Get a chance to hear the classics we all love with from The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, The Eagles, Aerosmith, Cream, The Police, and more.

Beth El of Manhattan is located at 593 Park Ave. (More Info)

Benicio Del Toro channels Lon Chaney in this remake of the original horror classic. The film tries to remain faithful to the original but veers off course mixing bits of "American Werewolf In London" as well as "Werewolf of London" starring Oliver Reed. Mr. Del Toro plays the tortured soul cursed by the bite of a werewolf along with Anthony Hopkins as his father, a man with a pretty obvious secret. Along for the hairy fun is Emily Blount and Hugo Weaving. Throw logic out the window when Ms. Blount, Fiancée to Mr. Del Toro's dead brother is instantly smitten with him and Mr. Weaving is conveniently setup for the sequel should there be one. The film tries hard for chills and thrills but Danny Elfman's score is over the top with mood and menace and the cinematography is so black and blue, you would think the film itself was beaten by a beast. There's a nice mix of CGI as well as old fashioned makeup, courtesy of Rick Baker. In the end, it's not a bad "popcorn" movie as it does have a pedigree cast trying hard to please but for today's over stimulated audiences, it's 'Ho Hum", another monster movie.

Set in the 1910 Russian countryside, this wonderful film is about the last days of famed author, Leo Tolstoy. At first thought, a film about Tolstoy...how dull but fireworks erupt on screen between Tolstoy and his wife Sofia, played brilliantly by Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren. The film plays like a Russian version of "The Lion In Winter" except in this version, it's the lioness that takes center stage. Ms. Mirren is a marvel to watch as the wife of the beloved revolutionary thinker who just wants the best for her family, while her husband's philosophy is to share all with the masses. Married for almost 50 years, this is a very human film about a couple's love versus their ideology. The scenes between Mr. Plummer and Ms. Mirren are filled with a level of acting few can match. Watching these two "giants of the screen" is pure pleasure. The film co-stars Paul Giamatti as Tolstoy's disciple, Chertkov and James McAvoy as Bulgakov, Tolstoy's secretary. Both are excellent and hold their own with Mr. Plummer and Ms. Mirren. Mr. McAvoy, in particular, has the difficult role of trying to remain loyal to Tolstoy's philosophy while acknowledging Sofia's point of view. He is an everyman caught between two gigantic personalities. The story comes from a novel supposedly based on the actual diaries of the principles. Some liberties are taken at the end but for the most part, the film is historically accurate. Besides the acting, the cinematography is breathtaking with beautiful shots of the Russian woods and countryside. If you're looking for something different, "The Last Station" is a great alternative to the Hollywood "top 10"

Bruce Springsteen Night at Saloon Friday, February 19th at 8:00pmA night dedicated to Bruce! B-Street, the best Springsteen tribute band on the East Coast will perform the legend's songs and rock out Saloon! Drink specials and a jammin' good time!Saloon is located at 1584 York Ave. between 83rd & 84th St.More InfoRun/Walk for Haiti Saturday, February 20th at 9:00amJoin in on a four-mile run/walk co-sponsored by the New York Road Runners and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. All entry fees will be directed to New York City's Haiti Relief Fund, administered by the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, which is directing 100% of donations to reputable organizations providing relief in Haiti.Event will be held in New York's Central ParkMore InfoNative American Winter Games Sunday, February 21st from 2:00-4:00pmInterested in Native American culture? Why not become a part of it! Come down to Belvedere Castle and learn to play traditional Native American games. Great for children and adults, and please dress for the weather!Event will be held at Central Park's Belvedere CastleMore InfoRhône Valley: Syrah and Grenache Wine Tasting Monday, February 22nd at 7:00pmGiven its diverse geography and climate, the Rhône Valley holds an assorted mix of vineyards and a great range of noble red and white grape varieties. The North is dominated by Syrah, while the South produces Grenache-dominated wines. In this second tasting, Michael Madrigale will discuss the wide range of wines from the Rhône Valley region, focusing on grape types and the importance of each vineyard’s location within this expansive region.Event will be held at FIAF's Le Skyroom, 22 East 60th St.More InfoSwing Night with Sly BlueTuesday, February 23rd at 9:00pmOur great regular Happy Hour is pairing with NYC’s hottest Swing and Rockabilly Band. A new band to hit the swing scene in NYC, Sly Blue has established itself playing that old jazz with a soulful fire and playful exuberance not readily found.Session 73 is located at 1359 First Ave. at 73rd St.More Info

Another movie franchise in the making, "The Lightning Thief" is based on the first book in a series about a young teen who discovers he is the son of Poseidon. The film is directed by Chris Columbus, who helmed the first Harry Potter movie, and knows a thing or two about fantasy films for young adults. Unlike the Potter books and films which are based on magic entwined with modern teenagers, "The Lightning Thief" and it's subsequent titles are rooted in Greek mythology but share a common bond in a hero who is unaware of his powers or lineage but soon discovers the truth about himself. Using mythology as a background provides fertile plot points that keep the story moving with lots of action (requiring a lot of CGI), clever dialog and cameos galore for stars to ham it up as mythological figures. The image of Pierce Brosnan as a minotaur is a bit unsettling and Steve Coogan as Hades is a strange choice. However, Kevin McKidd as Poseidon, Uma Thurman as Medusa, and Sean Bean as Zeus are perfectly cast. Also co-starring in human roles are Catherine Keener as Percy's mother and Joe Pantoliano as his creepy stepfather. The most important casting choice is of course, Logan Lerman, who plays Percy Jackson. Mr. Lerman does an admirable job of being a young hearthrob as well as action hero. His best friends are played by Brandon T. Jackson (who plays his role like a live version of "Donkey" from "Shrek") and Alexandra Daddario, who plays Annabeth as a young "Xena, Warrior Princess". Mixing modern reality and ancient mythology create an enjoyable family film that will set the table for at least four more films to satisfy the legions of Percy Jackson fans out there.

Whether you're looking for love or just looking for a good time, there are plenty of things to do for all ages in light of the holiday of love!Singles scene…Find-Your-Valentine Singles PartySaturday, February 13th at 9:00pmMix and mingle with fellow single, young professionals who live, play and work on the Upper East Side in Uptown Lounge's private back bar lounge area. Just in time for you to find your Valentine for 2010! To pre-register for event and receive a discount cover of $8, click here. Uptown Lounge (1576 Third Ave. at 89th St.)Add a little TLC to your treats…Pastry Workshop: Valentine’s Day TreatsSaturday, February 13th at 11:00amGet a French taste of the sweet life! Discover the fine art of French pastry and learn the tricks of the trade from a certified French pastry chef in this hands-on workshop. Sample the delicious treats created while enjoying a lovely glass of wine and take home leftovers! Workshop is led in French but English is provided where necessary. More InfoFIAF’s Le Skyroom (22 East 60th Street)Fun for your little one…Kidville's Valentine's Day Party 2010 Sunday, February 14th at 11:00amThe sweetest Valentine's Day party for you and your wee one! Enjoy a special concert by Little Maestros, games, fun foods, candy, gym activities, and more! More InfoKidville (163 East 84th St.)Make your V-Day a little risqué…Valentine's Day Passion Party Sunday, February 14th at 7:00pmUpper East Side Scenester presents a CO-ED night for a Valentine's Day pre-game pump-up prep party! Whether you're flying solo, partnering up or drinking alone, our passion party will provide you with all the accessories for a hot and heavy V-Day to take you through all of 2010. $7 cover for $3 wines and $4 mixed call drinks...and a pleasure chest of toys for you to choose from! More InfoMad River Bar & Grille (1442 Third Ave. at 82nd St.)Have a laugh with your Valentine…My Funny ValentineSunday, February 14th at 7:00pm & 9:00pmFor a special Valentine's Day-themed night of comedy, host Ray Ellin welcomes:Marina FranklinCorrespondent for "The Jay Leno Show," NBC's "Last Comic Standing," Comedy Central's "Premium Blend" and "Tough Crowd," Oxygen’s "Girls Behaving Badly," BBC’s "The World Stand’s Up"Brian McFaddenNBC's "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," MTV Half Hour Comedy Hour, NBC's "Friday Night," NBC Comedy ShowcaseGary GulmanNBC's "Last Comic Standing," HBO's "Tourgasm" w/ Dane Cook, "The Late Show w/ David Letterman," Hour Special on Comedy CentralMore InfoComic Strip Live (1568 Second Ave. between 81st & 82nd St.)

I enjoyed the book but therein lies the problem. If you've read the book, you will not appreciate the "in- between" as interpreted by director Peter Jackson. And if you haven't read the book, you still may not appreciate his vision for Susie Salmon's "in-between. The visuals are beautiful and surreal but they bog down the story and do nothing for Susie's heavenly narration of her murder and the family she leaves behind. Susie's parents are played by Rachel Weisz and Mark Wahlberg. They do an admirable job in roles that are underwritten for the screen. Susan Sarandon plays the grandmother in an over the top performance and Michael Imperioli is stereotyped as the detective in charge of the case. Susie's murderer is played by Stanley Tucci who gives a very creepy performance that was deemed Oscar worthy by his peers. Rose Mclver, as Susie's sister has the most tense scene in the film. I have to save Saoirse Ronan for last, as Susie Salmon. Ms. Ronan is remarkable to watch. She was excellent in "Atonement" and once again shows acting maturity beyond her years. If not for her performance, the film would be unwatchable. She anchors the film and breathes life into this murdered young girl. She manages to rise above her scenes in the "in-between" and I look forward to seeing her work for years to come. I give Mr. Jackson credit for tackling this novel. It's not an easy story to translate to the screen and while he tries hard, he just can't pull it off. This is a story you must interpret for yourself and for that reason, I recommend reading the book and take a pass on the film.