Shackman Associates New York

What Happened to the Friendly Skies?

2008-08-04T16:02:00.006-04:00

As airline carriers are seeking out ways to counter the rising fuel costs, the friendly skies have hit our wallets harder than ever. Airlines are letting their FEE-dom ring, with new charges for what once were standard amenities.

Want a pillow? It will cost you. Airlines are now charging $7 for that scratchy blanket and understuffed pillow.

Forget about packing clothes. A $15-$50 fee for each checked bag has travelers feeling naked.

Mouth drier than the Sahara? Enjoy $2+ non-alcoholic drinks like water. $7 if you need a little something to take the edge off.

Show your fellow passengers how VIP you are by dropping an extra $14 for additional leg room.

The amenities, now dubbed “a la carte” options, are about as pleasant as your 2 hour delay at JFK.

Cheers!

Sound Off

2008-07-22T15:51:00.003-04:00

Renowned artist David Byrne is sounding off. After teaming up with the public art organization Creative Time, Byrne has created quite a stir with his latest bizarre installment. Titled “Playing the Building”, the sound-based interactive exhibit has been sending tingles up the spines of all who come into contact with it. The exhibit is simple – a single wooden organ situated on the cavernous 2nd floor of the Battery Maritime Building. The organ is attached by wires to the building's windows, columns, walls and pipes, which when ‘played’ creates one eerie sounding performance. But don’t expect this organ at your local worship – the howls, squeals, and rattles of the organ are best left for Halloween, not holy hour.

I Love New York

2008-07-17T08:00:00.002-04:00

46 million people visited New York City last year, drawn in by the bright lights, Broadway shows, and of course, the weakened US Dollar. Check out the stats:

Ranking as the top 5 markets where NYC is the #1 destination –
#1 United Kingdom, #2 Germany, #3France, #4 Scandinavia, #5 Italy.

Top 5 Broadway shows that we can’t get enough of –
#1 Wicked, #2 Jersey Boys, #3 The Lion King, #4 Mary Poppins, #5 Mamma Mia.

The influx of tourists has also brought in increase in spending, up 34% from last year to nearly 28 billion dollars at the close of 2007.

Who says old age has to come with a price tag? According to Crain’s New York annual NYC statistic guide, they’ve concluded that New Yorker’s 19.7 million residents are healthier than the average American. So much healthier, in fact, that we live a full year longer than our fellow American. Just good genes? Doubtful. Reports show that our City’s superb hospitals, avid anti-smoking campaigns, and amount of walking have all added up to one healthy bod.

New Yorker’s also have a creative edge that no one else can match. A whopping 91% of registered voters in NY reported that they’ve been to a cultural or sporting event in the past year. Over 50% said they’ve been to an art museum. With New York also ranking as the #1 most diverse city in the world, it’s no wonder that New Yorker’s have a cultural outlet like no other.

Just a few reasons why I Love New York.

Freedom for Lady Liberty

2008-07-15T09:00:00.001-04:00

7 years after the Statue of Liberty’s crown officially closed for business, the federal government is entertaining the idea of reopening Lady Liberty’s crown to the public. While the pedestal of the statue has remained open since 2004, the crown and narrow staircase leading up to it has been closed after the September 11 attacks, for what we have been told, indefinitely.

But things are finally looking up! The Park Service is currently taking bids from engineering firms to have the structure comply with current safety codes. Although the process could take longer than we hope for, with the bid time taking up to a year, New Yorker’s and visitors alike are excited at the prospect of once again climbing to the top of Lady Liberty and seeing what she has been keeping an eye on for over 100 years.

Central Park Pizza Party

2008-07-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

It’s like any other Saturday. You’re stranded in Manhattan (because you are too broke to go to the Hampton’s), and you head over to Central Park to get some sun on your pasty skin (because your cubicle is in the deepest darkest corner of the office, guaranteeing 0% sunlight 100% of the time). You grab your book and blanket, and sit down in the Park for some quality R&R. Then it hits you. You are starving, but you are trapped in the middle of Sheep’s Meadow, and the only way out involves dodging 3 Frisbee games, 2 kite flyers, a crying baby, and a dog off his leash.

Fear no more, park dwelling junkies! Slice, the trendy pizzeria offering deliciously healthy pizzas, now delivers to Central Park! So go on, enjoy your day off, and let Slice do the work. Check it out here!

Happy Independence Day USA!

2008-07-04T08:00:00.002-04:00

Rough Riders

2008-07-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Looking for a place to cool off this summer? Why not take it underground? No, I’m not recommending a late night rendezvous in the local subway car, but I am telling you to get off your butt and watch some girls kick butt at New York’s only all-female roller derby league.

Gotham Girls Roller Derby, comprised of a mash up of rocker / model / athlete chicks, gathered from all across the city’s tough streets to create one mean team. So if you’re cruising for a bruising, roll over to this month’s derby matchup which is sure to be a fierce fight to the end.

Warm Up to Summer

2008-06-30T11:30:00.000-04:00

If you haven’t been to P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center – get there. Now.

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Center’s “Warm Up” series. Every Saturday until Labor Day, Warm Up offers live music and DJ acts that have become one of New York’s most anticipated events. With the series becoming so popular, people across the globe are even taking notice. The Observer (UK) ranked it as one of the “20 Hottest Beach Parties in the World”. Even the New Yorker’s bible, Time Out, voted Warm Up the “best club” in New York City (if you consider a club one that closes by 9pm).

And if this hasn’t knocked your socks off yet, the 10th anniversary of the series will be bringing forth the wildest collection of bands and DJ’s yet – punk, funk, electronic and psychedelic – creating a 6 hour musical phenomenon for you to get your groove on.

Gray Skies

2008-06-27T11:11:00.003-04:00

With Café Gray officially vacated from the famed Time Warner Center, the third-floor space will welcome another renowned restaurant slated to open in the current space early next year. A Voce, the second restaurant to open under the same name, will be setting up shop at the new uptown location. Offering modern Italian cuisine, the interior of A Voce will feature a modern-industrial look that will no doubt impress even the toughest of critics.

Waterfalls Open!

2008-06-26T12:12:00.003-04:00

Today marks the official first day of the Waterfalls! Check 'em out.

Park It

2008-06-18T09:10:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, the Mayor of New York declared Park Avenue a ‘No Driving’ zone every Saturday of the summer. The closures, stretching all the way from the Brooklyn Bridge to 72nd Street, will give way to cyclists, tourists, and pedestrians who will no doubt enjoy the car-free Avenue. Fitness, dance, and yoga classes as well as bike repair and water stations are among the outdoor recreations passerby’s can enjoy. While there is some speculation that that the closing of Park Avenue will just create a parking lot in the rest of the city, there is no doubt that New York City’s biking elite will enjoy the 7 mile stretch of cab-free cruising.

The Buzz Around Town

2008-06-05T12:51:00.003-04:00

The rain couldn’t keep us locked up for one more night as we ventured over to the Palace Hotel for a summer BBQ celebration in the Courtyard. And in true Palace style we feasted – Lobsters, a raw bar, crab legs and the best mac & cheese on the east coast were just a few of the delectable choices for us to divulge our taste buds with. And while we dabbled with the ice cream station, and enjoyed our corn on the cob, we perked an ear up for some good Palace gossip. Not to be confused with our favorite show Gossip Girl (also shot at the Palace Hotel), this gossip came in the form of a brand new cocktail bar situated in the Courtyard of the hotel for the entire summer. Say it isn’t so? A full bar for us to wash away our work stress right inside of the tree lined courtyard off of Madison Avenue? Our sources say it’s true, but only time will tell. More updates to come…

Quit Horsing Around

2008-05-28T11:57:00.003-04:00

As summer quickly approaches, we thought it would only be fitting to send an ode to a Hampton’s pastime that was once reserved only for NYC bankers and their millions. Polo. Not to be confused with the “casual Friday” staple, Polo has landed in a somewhat unlikely location. Stationed on Governors Island, the Manhattan Polo Classic will be competing with the view of Manhattan as their backdrop for the first time in over 70 years. Are you a NYC Banker? Weasel your way into the VIP tent where a gourmet lunch and Veuve champagne is yours for the taking. Once the match is over, take some time to walk around the tiny 172-acre island (22 city blocks for us New Yorker’s), and check out the sites.

Crowds and the City

2008-05-28T11:55:00.002-04:00

Thousands of faithful fans came to Radio City Music hall from all over the world to show their support for the cult that is Sex & the City. Over 6,000 people showed up to try and catch a glimpse of the fabulous 4some of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. Dressed in their finest Manolo Blahniks, fans braved thunderstorms and extreme heat to be the first to see the movie premier in all its glory. With only enough seats for 2,000, the mob turned unruly, with many being turned away before they even reached the door.
Luckily for us, there are plenty of watering holes nearby (like the Oak Room at the Plaza) where fans could sip on Cosmo’s and dream of their fairytale wedding to Mr. Big.

Happy 125th Birthday Brooklyn Bridge!

2008-05-21T15:57:00.002-04:00

Now That's a View

2008-05-16T11:12:00.005-04:00

As the temperatures in New York slowly rise to sweltering summer heat, New Yorker’s ascend as well. With rooftop bars still all the rage, three new noteworthy bars have grabbed our attention.

#1 Highbar – Slated to open early next week, this midtown rooftop on West 48th Street welcomes rooftop revelers with a stellar view and simple backyard grill food like hot dogs and hamburgers. Drawbacks? No pool. See #2.

#2 Pooldeck – With its grand opening earlier this month at the Empire Hotel, this rooftop bar has, you guessed it, a pool. While the space itself isn’t massive (reps say it can hold a max of 150 guests), it will be a refreshing addition to the city. Drawbacks? Too small to get your groove on. See #3.

#3 230 Fifth – Okay. 230 Fifth is not the newest roof on the block, but we still feel it deserves our attention. With over 1,200 square feet of rooftop space, complete with an up close view of the Empire State Building, this rooftop still takes the cake as the place to see and be seen among New Yorker’s.

Rinkside Sips

2008-05-04T20:41:00.001-04:00

It’s official. Rockefeller Center’s iconic skating rink has officially closed to make way for their summer Rink Bar. The closing of the Rock skating rink signifies the formal end to winter, welcoming in its place signature cocktails and summertime snacks. The Bar, surrounded by gardens previously occupied by the ice, is still one of the best kept secrets of New York. The Rink Bar also includes the famous view of the gilded statue of Prometheus, surrounded by a water fountain and unobstructed views of Rockefeller Center. And as we wipe away our winter memories with their signature mango mojito, we can’t help but count down the days until our city’s Tree returns.

Duck and Hide

2008-04-29T10:08:00.004-04:00

While many other cities have already welcomed the Duck to their home turf, none can beat New York’s. This half boat/half bus has been spreading its wings throughout the city, offering a unique tour of both land and sea. The 1 hour tour begins in the heart of Times Square, followed by a trip to the Hudson River for a taste of the high seas. Want to give the duck a spin? Be forewarned – each guest on the Duck is equipped with a “quacker”, which the company’s ensures will give each guest a “quacken good time”. There are a few other words that come to mind when I hear the outbreak of quacking devices by 50 tourists in duck hats as I’m trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll down the block… Foie Gras and duck confit to name a few.

Going Local

2008-04-28T16:17:00.003-04:00

While Los Angeles may be the hub of all things celebrity, New York has proven they can hold their own. NYC & Company has launched a “Just Ask the Locals” campaign where our favorite celebs tell us their hot spot of the hour. From restaurants to shopping to nightlife, superstar locals like P. Diddy, Robert De Niro, Matt Lauer and Ivanka Trump have all cast their vote on what’s hot in the city that never sleeps. The campaign will be featured throughout JFK Airport and New York’s Port Authority, but don’t blink your eyes – Hot spots like these are here and gone in a New York minute.

Yo Mario!

2008-04-24T16:31:00.001-04:00

Noted as the only time you’ll get anything for free in New York, Mario (you know, of Mario & Luigi) was stationed outside Midtown today hailing cabs for our busy New Yorker’s. Mario’s free rides are thanks to the promotion of Nintendo’s new racing game - Mario Kart Wii. The game, due to hit stores on April 27, is packages with a Wii wheel controller, which creates the feel of a real race car when steered. But why buy the game when a simple New York cab ride will simulate racing through obstacles (aka pedestrians) at record speeds, risking life and limb at every turn? Sign me up.

Earth to New York

2008-04-18T16:07:00.003-04:00

Looking for something to do this weekend? Why not help out our fellow Earth. Grand Central Terminal is hosting an all-weekend festival to celebrate and school us in easy ways to go green. With more than 60 environmental companies, non-profit organizations, and Earth Day New York sponsors, there will be plenty of product samples, Yoga lessons, and volunteer opportunities to satisfy all 8 million of us New Yorker’s. Still not sold? Experience the wall climb – on the side of a 36 foot, vegetable oil powered bus. We aren’t sure if the bus will be moving while we scale it, but we hope it will be.

Hands off the Pope Mobile!

2008-04-14T11:06:00.001-04:00

The vatican is not taking any chances with the Pope this week after seeing what happened to the olympic torch recently.

Gettin' Figgy With It

2008-04-11T16:43:00.001-04:00

Along with the beautiful weather we’ve been experiencing this week, comes another beautiful restaurant that we couldn't afford to pass up. Last night Fig & Olive opened their 3rd location, in the heart of midtown, with a private reception and tasting of their most scrumptious creations. The 5,000 square foot space boasts a collective of olive oils, a 50-foot marble bar, and 2 floors to get your fig on. On tap for the evening was their signature raspberry mojito, but they also boast an extensive wine list (which we had to sample, to confirm that is was indeed extensive).

Polar Bear Attacks New York Subway

2008-04-09T14:33:00.002-04:00

So, the headline isn’t exactly true, but eye catching none the less. This is exactly what NYC art student Joshua Allen Harris had in mind when creating inflatable animals out of garbage bags. While to the naked eye the animals look like nothing more than a pile of garbage on a subway grate, they quickly take on a life of their own with the updraft of a subway train going by below ground. As the wind blows upward through the grates, Harris’ animals fill with air and inflate to life-size animals. After the train has left the station, the bags gracefully deflate into just another piece of trash. Keep an eye out – included in Harris’ entourage is a 6-foot giraffe, ready to jump up on unsuspecting dwellers.

Cherry Watch

2008-04-05T11:44:00.000-04:00

As the winter months wither away, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden is flourishing in the annual month-long Cherry Tree celebration. Beginning this weekend, BBG’s 220-plus cherry trees will be flowering into breathtaking blooms. Along with the blossoming buds, the Garden will be showing its appreciation to the Asian ancestry of the Cherry tree with Japanese calligraphy lessons, traditional tea ceremonies, and Asian-inspired gifts at the Hanami gift shop.