Are gym membership fees draining your savings? Take a free yoga class at Yoga to the People, located on St. Marks Place.
Yoga to the People's mission is to eliminate any barriers that prevent people from practicing the strengthening and calming exercise. As they believe that putting a price on a yoga class conflicts with the spirit of the practice, they are a donation-based studio. Unless you do not own your own mat (mat rentals are $2), the invigorating one-hour yoga class can cost you as much or as little as you would like!
Four floors of yoga studios accommodate the hundreds of people who trek there each day. I loved the ambiance of the studio, which is just as good as its price; the room, the lighting, and the music perfectly contribute to the ideal relaxing environment. On Sunday evenings, yoga instructors set an especially spiritual and relaxing atmosphere with candle-lit yoga classes. This is my favorite time to go, and it especially is a great feeling to relax after a busy weekend and unwind before the week begins!
Before going to Yoga to the People, I had never taken a yoga class before. What I thought was great about it was the class is ideal for all experience levels. As a beginner, I was able to catch on quickly enough through the instructor's detailed instructions. Now, after having taken class more often, I still believe that each class is a challenge, which is one of the reasons why yoga is my favorite way to exercise!
If you do not have enough time to make it down to St. Marks Place, you are not out of luck. iTunes offers free downloads for several Yoga to the People class pod casts!
Yoga to the People's excellent classes and instructors leave you feeling fit and fabulous - it's no wonder why it's so popular!
Check out the class schedule at YogaToThePeople.com
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
City Steals: Kayak in the Hudson
Manhattan is literally overflowing with exciting attractions – you can even venture out into the Hudson River through the New York City Downtown Boathouse’s FREE kayak rentals!
All equipment is funded through donations and the labor is provided for free by a dedicated group of volunteers, so you can head to the boathouse with an empty wallet and still take part in all of the exciting activities they provide!
Kayak rentals are first come/first serve, but the boathouse holds a number of kayaks to prevent long waits. Most of the kayaks are self bailing sit-on-top kayaks, while some are of the traditional cockpit type.
No kayak experience? No problem! The boathouse provides free introductory lessons. Check out their calendar for class times: http://www.downtownboathouse.org/calendar.html
After participating in the walk-up kayaking a number of times, and if visitors have gained the required experience and strength, they have the option to embark on a three-hour guided trip that journeys further out into the Hudson River. The trips usually cover 4 to 5 miles, so be prepared to get a good workout!
The boathouses are located at Pier 40 at Houston Street, Pier 96 at 56th Street, and 72nd Street in Riverside Park. To verify changing times and locations, be sure to visit www.downtownboathouse.org.
All equipment is funded through donations and the labor is provided for free by a dedicated group of volunteers, so you can head to the boathouse with an empty wallet and still take part in all of the exciting activities they provide!
Kayak rentals are first come/first serve, but the boathouse holds a number of kayaks to prevent long waits. Most of the kayaks are self bailing sit-on-top kayaks, while some are of the traditional cockpit type.
No kayak experience? No problem! The boathouse provides free introductory lessons. Check out their calendar for class times: http://www.downtownboathouse.org/calendar.html
After participating in the walk-up kayaking a number of times, and if visitors have gained the required experience and strength, they have the option to embark on a three-hour guided trip that journeys further out into the Hudson River. The trips usually cover 4 to 5 miles, so be prepared to get a good workout!
The boathouses are located at Pier 40 at Houston Street, Pier 96 at 56th Street, and 72nd Street in Riverside Park. To verify changing times and locations, be sure to visit www.downtownboathouse.org.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
City Steals Sidetrack: Make Some Extra Cash in NYC
While we may not have the time to work a second job, we do have some nights and weekends to spare. Here are some ways you can earn a little extra cash while in New York, with less of a time commitment:
1. Sell back your books. Used book stores such as The Strand (12th Street and Broadway) and Book Off (41st Street between Madison and Fifth Avenue) will give you cash for your used books. While The Strand tends to return a higher percentage of the original price, Book Off is only a short walking distance from our internships. Amazon.com and Ebay.com are also excellent places to sell used books.
2. Become a tutor. College students make excellent tutors because we are in our prime learning years and the information is fresh in our minds. You can find tutoring positions on your own (for example, through craigslist.com) or go through a tutoring agency, which often will pay up to $35 per hour. A tutor’s hours tend to vary, but many of these jobs are only a few hours per week, which makes them easy to coordinate with any schedule.
3. Write an Op-Ed. As we are all journalists-in-training, this is a perfect way to hone our journalism skills and make some extra money at the same time. Some newspapers will pay more than $100 for its op-ed contributions. The New York Times, however, offers $450, but that means that your op-ed will be one among the 1,200+ that the Times receives each day. Tough odds, but hey, it’s worth a shot!
4. Sell old clothing. There are tons of consignment stores around the city that are looking for new items to add to their inventory!
5. Transcribe. Yes, transcribe. We may not want to do it outside of our internships, but if you want to earn some extra money on the side, you can find these jobs on craigslist.com and mediabistro.com. They pay well too!
6. Join a Focus Group. Market research companies such as Focus Room are looking for people to test products and services such as cosmetics, banks, foods, and more. They only require a little of your time and feedback! Register on focusroom.com, provide some information about your interests and lifestyle, and they will contact you for studies that you will fit. These generally pay between $85 and $500 per trial.
1. Sell back your books. Used book stores such as The Strand (12th Street and Broadway) and Book Off (41st Street between Madison and Fifth Avenue) will give you cash for your used books. While The Strand tends to return a higher percentage of the original price, Book Off is only a short walking distance from our internships. Amazon.com and Ebay.com are also excellent places to sell used books.
2. Become a tutor. College students make excellent tutors because we are in our prime learning years and the information is fresh in our minds. You can find tutoring positions on your own (for example, through craigslist.com) or go through a tutoring agency, which often will pay up to $35 per hour. A tutor’s hours tend to vary, but many of these jobs are only a few hours per week, which makes them easy to coordinate with any schedule.
3. Write an Op-Ed. As we are all journalists-in-training, this is a perfect way to hone our journalism skills and make some extra money at the same time. Some newspapers will pay more than $100 for its op-ed contributions. The New York Times, however, offers $450, but that means that your op-ed will be one among the 1,200+ that the Times receives each day. Tough odds, but hey, it’s worth a shot!
4. Sell old clothing. There are tons of consignment stores around the city that are looking for new items to add to their inventory!
5. Transcribe. Yes, transcribe. We may not want to do it outside of our internships, but if you want to earn some extra money on the side, you can find these jobs on craigslist.com and mediabistro.com. They pay well too!
6. Join a Focus Group. Market research companies such as Focus Room are looking for people to test products and services such as cosmetics, banks, foods, and more. They only require a little of your time and feedback! Register on focusroom.com, provide some information about your interests and lifestyle, and they will contact you for studies that you will fit. These generally pay between $85 and $500 per trial.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
City Steals: Just Around the Corner
Want to read any book you want, go to a movie screening, take health and fitness classes, take knitting classes, or listen to music, all for free in a cheerful and peaceful park?
Hidden beneath the skyscrapers of midtown Manhattan, and just a few blocks south of Fox News Channel, is a quaint escape from the bustling commotion of Times Square and is the perfect location for some free fun.
Located on 42nd street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Bryant Park is especially unique in its seating arrangements as it offers nearly 2,000 movable chairs, making it easy for visitors to take advantage of the free wireless internet access the park offers. Other amenities include a promenade, gardens, a lawn and a French-style carousel. While it is enjoyable to spend an afternoon there in warm weather, Bryant Park is best during the holiday season. With an ice-skating rink and a holiday market, Bryant Park creates the perfect winter scene. (Perfect for fall or spring interns!)
Just along the eastern edge of the park lies one of the most prominent and prestigious libraries in the United States. A library card for the New York Public Library is free for individuals living, working, or attending school in New York State, which means that all interns are capable of gaining free access to this astonishing collection of books. Check out the book of your choice and read it under the shade of the beautiful trees and landscaping of the park. Even if you are just strolling by, the library is worth a visit just so you can get a sight of the detailed majestic architecture. The library also holds computer and software classes for library members! Visit www.nypl.org for more information.
HBO will be kicking off its Bryant Park Summer Film Festival tonight with “The Sting.” Bryant Park will host the film festival’s free screenings every Monday throughout the summer. While the films begin at dusk, the lawn opens at 5:00 for blankets and picnicking. Check out the film schedule at http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/film-festival.php
Are gym memberships and fitness classes taking too much out of your savings? Attend free Tai Chi or Yoga classes in Bryant Park! Tai Chi classes typically take place from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., but the proximity of the park to Fox News Channel would allow interns to reach their desks in time for a 9 a.m. shift. Yoga class times tend to vary, so you can be sure to find a time that best suits your schedule.
If you want to get a head start on the winter season, attend one of Bryant Park’s free knitting classes to learn how to knit a scarf, gloves, or a sweater! Yarn and needles are provided by the instructor. Visit the class schedule on Bryant Park’s website at http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/classes.php for more information.
What can create a pleasant atmosphere better than some good music? Some of New York’s best pianists venture to Bryant Park for Piano in the Park. Refer to the schedule to see who is playing! http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/piano.php Also, be sure to check out “Bryant After Work,” which showcases a variety of musicians at the end of the work day, ranging from violinists to jazz musicians. The schedule can be viewed at http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/afterwork.php
Whether it is before work, on a lunch break, after work, or over the weekend, Bryant Park is an excellent place to visit. It clearly has plenty to offer!
Hidden beneath the skyscrapers of midtown Manhattan, and just a few blocks south of Fox News Channel, is a quaint escape from the bustling commotion of Times Square and is the perfect location for some free fun.
Located on 42nd street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Bryant Park is especially unique in its seating arrangements as it offers nearly 2,000 movable chairs, making it easy for visitors to take advantage of the free wireless internet access the park offers. Other amenities include a promenade, gardens, a lawn and a French-style carousel. While it is enjoyable to spend an afternoon there in warm weather, Bryant Park is best during the holiday season. With an ice-skating rink and a holiday market, Bryant Park creates the perfect winter scene. (Perfect for fall or spring interns!)
Just along the eastern edge of the park lies one of the most prominent and prestigious libraries in the United States. A library card for the New York Public Library is free for individuals living, working, or attending school in New York State, which means that all interns are capable of gaining free access to this astonishing collection of books. Check out the book of your choice and read it under the shade of the beautiful trees and landscaping of the park. Even if you are just strolling by, the library is worth a visit just so you can get a sight of the detailed majestic architecture. The library also holds computer and software classes for library members! Visit www.nypl.org for more information.
HBO will be kicking off its Bryant Park Summer Film Festival tonight with “The Sting.” Bryant Park will host the film festival’s free screenings every Monday throughout the summer. While the films begin at dusk, the lawn opens at 5:00 for blankets and picnicking. Check out the film schedule at http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/film-festival.php
Are gym memberships and fitness classes taking too much out of your savings? Attend free Tai Chi or Yoga classes in Bryant Park! Tai Chi classes typically take place from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., but the proximity of the park to Fox News Channel would allow interns to reach their desks in time for a 9 a.m. shift. Yoga class times tend to vary, so you can be sure to find a time that best suits your schedule.
If you want to get a head start on the winter season, attend one of Bryant Park’s free knitting classes to learn how to knit a scarf, gloves, or a sweater! Yarn and needles are provided by the instructor. Visit the class schedule on Bryant Park’s website at http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/classes.php for more information.
What can create a pleasant atmosphere better than some good music? Some of New York’s best pianists venture to Bryant Park for Piano in the Park. Refer to the schedule to see who is playing! http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/piano.php Also, be sure to check out “Bryant After Work,” which showcases a variety of musicians at the end of the work day, ranging from violinists to jazz musicians. The schedule can be viewed at http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/afterwork.php
Whether it is before work, on a lunch break, after work, or over the weekend, Bryant Park is an excellent place to visit. It clearly has plenty to offer!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
City Steals: Museums in Manhattan
Neil Cavuto, Megyn Kelly, Alexis Glick, Gretchen Carlson, Bill O’Riley…
Let’s change things up a bit.
Vincent Van Gough, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse.
There are plenty of other talents that we can admire, especially in New York City. Changing the pace from journalism to art can be highly rewarding and beneficial; it can set an example that there are multiple ways to express ourselves – not just in writing or speaking, and it can even encourage us to be more expressive in such areas that we are already trying to enhance.
New York is home to many of the world’s most treasured works of art. With a number of museums to choose from, New York will always serve as a gateway to immersing oneself in rich culture and fascinating history.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Located on the eastern edge of Central Park, also known as “Museum Mile”, the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcases more than two million works of art spanning over 5,000 years. This museum is a popular attraction particularly for its diverse and elaborate galleries; the Met includes European, American, Islamic, and Medieval paintings, as well as European Sculptures and decorative arts, arts of Africa and Oceania, Modern art, and Asian art. It also offers visitors a fascinating Greek and Roman exhibition and a striking Egyptian art wing, where museum-goers have the chance to enter an ancient Egyptian tomb. Those who have a passion for fashion enjoy the Met’s Costume Institute. Other unique and exciting attractions include an “Arms and Armor” wing, a Musical Instruments gallery, a Textile Center, a Photographs Gallery, and The Libraries.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has something to suit everyone’s interests. It has a donation-based entry fee, which means you could pay as much or as little as you want at the door. Even pocket change guarantees entry!
www.metmuseum.org
American Museum of Natural History
Simply fascinating.
The American Museum of Natural History, located on Central Park West, gives visitors a completely new perspective on the world around them. From exhibits as modern as global warming and climate change to showcases dating back to dinosaurs and even the creation of the planets, this museum highlights the incredible workings of nature and life.
This museum is also donation-based, so you can see the world (literally) for as little as you wish!
www.amnh.org
Here’s a list of museums with free admission:
Forbes Magazine Galleries
A gallery holding intriguing collectibles such as toy soldiers, monopoly games, and trophies.
http://www.forbesgalleries.com/
Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology
A showcase of contemporary as well as historical clothing at a college preparing the fashion leaders of tomorrow.
http://www.fitnyc.edu/aspx/Content.aspx?menu=FutureGlobal:Museum
National Museum of the American Indian
Learn about the history, art, culture, language, and lifestyle of Native Americans in this interesting museum established by Congress in 1989.
http://www.nmai.si.edu/
Goethe Institut
Located just across the street from the Met, German culture and language can be experienced for free on weekdays.
http://www.goethe.de/ins/us/ney/enindex.htm
Sony Wonder Technology Lab
A museum of entertainment and technology located in Midtown.
http://wondertechlab.sony.com/
Free on Thursday:
Museum of Arts and Design
A collection of innovative crafts, art, and design.
http://www.madmuseum.org/
Free on Friday:
Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
Not only is the MOMA the most popular modern art gallery, but one of the top museums in Manhattan. Free on Fridays from 4-8
www.moma.org
American Folk Art Museum
This museum holds centuries worth of visual expression representing the diversity of the American heritage and community values. Free admission is on Friday after 5:30
http://www.folkartmuseum.org/
International Center for Photography
Free admission of Friday from 4-8 p.m.
www.icp.org
The Morgan Library
A fascinating collection of ancient manuscripts
www.themorgan.org
The Museum of Moving Image
A celebration of the transformation of film over the years
www.movingimage.us
New York Historical Society
Explores the history of the United States through New York. Free 6-8
p.m. on Fridays.
www.nyhistory.org
Whitney Museum of American Art
Celebrate the art that was the result of the combination of cultures
into one unique heritage. Pay as you wish 6-9 p.m. on Fridays.
www.whitney.org
Saturday Deals:
Guggenheim Museum
A very popular collection of modern and popular international art. Pay as you wish on Saturdays from 5:15-7:45 p.m.
www.guggenheim.org
Sunday Deals:
The Frick Collection
View Henry Clay Frick’s collection in his mansion on Fifth Avenue. Pay as you wish from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
www.frick.org
Let’s change things up a bit.
Vincent Van Gough, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse.
There are plenty of other talents that we can admire, especially in New York City. Changing the pace from journalism to art can be highly rewarding and beneficial; it can set an example that there are multiple ways to express ourselves – not just in writing or speaking, and it can even encourage us to be more expressive in such areas that we are already trying to enhance.
New York is home to many of the world’s most treasured works of art. With a number of museums to choose from, New York will always serve as a gateway to immersing oneself in rich culture and fascinating history.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Located on the eastern edge of Central Park, also known as “Museum Mile”, the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcases more than two million works of art spanning over 5,000 years. This museum is a popular attraction particularly for its diverse and elaborate galleries; the Met includes European, American, Islamic, and Medieval paintings, as well as European Sculptures and decorative arts, arts of Africa and Oceania, Modern art, and Asian art. It also offers visitors a fascinating Greek and Roman exhibition and a striking Egyptian art wing, where museum-goers have the chance to enter an ancient Egyptian tomb. Those who have a passion for fashion enjoy the Met’s Costume Institute. Other unique and exciting attractions include an “Arms and Armor” wing, a Musical Instruments gallery, a Textile Center, a Photographs Gallery, and The Libraries.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has something to suit everyone’s interests. It has a donation-based entry fee, which means you could pay as much or as little as you want at the door. Even pocket change guarantees entry!
www.metmuseum.org
American Museum of Natural History
Simply fascinating.
The American Museum of Natural History, located on Central Park West, gives visitors a completely new perspective on the world around them. From exhibits as modern as global warming and climate change to showcases dating back to dinosaurs and even the creation of the planets, this museum highlights the incredible workings of nature and life.
This museum is also donation-based, so you can see the world (literally) for as little as you wish!
www.amnh.org
Here’s a list of museums with free admission:
Forbes Magazine Galleries
A gallery holding intriguing collectibles such as toy soldiers, monopoly games, and trophies.
http://www.forbesgalleries.com/
Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology
A showcase of contemporary as well as historical clothing at a college preparing the fashion leaders of tomorrow.
http://www.fitnyc.edu/aspx/Content.aspx?menu=FutureGlobal:Museum
National Museum of the American Indian
Learn about the history, art, culture, language, and lifestyle of Native Americans in this interesting museum established by Congress in 1989.
http://www.nmai.si.edu/
Goethe Institut
Located just across the street from the Met, German culture and language can be experienced for free on weekdays.
http://www.goethe.de/ins/us/ney/enindex.htm
Sony Wonder Technology Lab
A museum of entertainment and technology located in Midtown.
http://wondertechlab.sony.com/
Free on Thursday:
Museum of Arts and Design
A collection of innovative crafts, art, and design.
http://www.madmuseum.org/
Free on Friday:
Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
Not only is the MOMA the most popular modern art gallery, but one of the top museums in Manhattan. Free on Fridays from 4-8
www.moma.org
American Folk Art Museum
This museum holds centuries worth of visual expression representing the diversity of the American heritage and community values. Free admission is on Friday after 5:30
http://www.folkartmuseum.org/
International Center for Photography
Free admission of Friday from 4-8 p.m.
www.icp.org
The Morgan Library
A fascinating collection of ancient manuscripts
www.themorgan.org
The Museum of Moving Image
A celebration of the transformation of film over the years
www.movingimage.us
New York Historical Society
Explores the history of the United States through New York. Free 6-8
p.m. on Fridays.
www.nyhistory.org
Whitney Museum of American Art
Celebrate the art that was the result of the combination of cultures
into one unique heritage. Pay as you wish 6-9 p.m. on Fridays.
www.whitney.org
Saturday Deals:
Guggenheim Museum
A very popular collection of modern and popular international art. Pay as you wish on Saturdays from 5:15-7:45 p.m.
www.guggenheim.org
Sunday Deals:
The Frick Collection
View Henry Clay Frick’s collection in his mansion on Fifth Avenue. Pay as you wish from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
www.frick.org
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Introduction
Reporting live from New York City, on Fox News Network, we are….
Interns.
As we immerse ourselves within the exciting and fast-paced environment of the top national news network, we could not be any more proud of our accomplishment and enthusiastic about the summer ahead of us. We are preparing for our careers as journalists and paving our future by learning from the absolute best in the industry.
However, once our shifts end and we exit the doors of the News Corporation building, we are merely college students in New York City. This pairing of occupation and residence is not typically complementary. We are in the midst of the most extraordinary city in the United States; it is truly incredible how such a small island could be overflowing with countless cultural attractions, history, breathtaking sights, exciting events, and memorable activities.
Needless to say, New York City is the center of attention, and it is highly difficult to divert our own attention away from its booming energy. However, the city’s liveliness does come at a price - a very high price - as Manhattan is notorious for being extremely expensive. And, as interns, there is one problem that we all will face: empty pockets.
Before I began my first year at New York University, I anticipated that my tight (or lack of) budget would prevent me from taking advantage of all that the city has to offer. But I was wrong. Manhattan may drain tourists’ funds, but that is only because their tourist guidebooks direct them to the overpriced attractions that they “absolutely cannot miss!”
So, my advice to all of my fellow interns is to throw away your NYC tourist guides, as they are the wrong place to resort to when formulating your night and weekend plans. Instead, follow my blog "City Steals," as I will share New York’s best cultural attractions, events, health and exercise activities, sightseeing, entertainment, food, and leisure activities – that are all free, and what I like to call “city steals.”
Check back every Thursday for the latest “city steals!”
Interns.
As we immerse ourselves within the exciting and fast-paced environment of the top national news network, we could not be any more proud of our accomplishment and enthusiastic about the summer ahead of us. We are preparing for our careers as journalists and paving our future by learning from the absolute best in the industry.
However, once our shifts end and we exit the doors of the News Corporation building, we are merely college students in New York City. This pairing of occupation and residence is not typically complementary. We are in the midst of the most extraordinary city in the United States; it is truly incredible how such a small island could be overflowing with countless cultural attractions, history, breathtaking sights, exciting events, and memorable activities.
Needless to say, New York City is the center of attention, and it is highly difficult to divert our own attention away from its booming energy. However, the city’s liveliness does come at a price - a very high price - as Manhattan is notorious for being extremely expensive. And, as interns, there is one problem that we all will face: empty pockets.
Before I began my first year at New York University, I anticipated that my tight (or lack of) budget would prevent me from taking advantage of all that the city has to offer. But I was wrong. Manhattan may drain tourists’ funds, but that is only because their tourist guidebooks direct them to the overpriced attractions that they “absolutely cannot miss!”
So, my advice to all of my fellow interns is to throw away your NYC tourist guides, as they are the wrong place to resort to when formulating your night and weekend plans. Instead, follow my blog "City Steals," as I will share New York’s best cultural attractions, events, health and exercise activities, sightseeing, entertainment, food, and leisure activities – that are all free, and what I like to call “city steals.”
Check back every Thursday for the latest “city steals!”
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