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Norma's Weekly Snapshot 
In honor of today's Bike to Work Day, I've designated this week's Special Feature to Biking! From bike tours to rentals and accessories, here's your one stop shop for riding on the pavement!
New Yorkers share my enthusiasm for biking; I look for every excuse to get outside and ride in a city that has become much more bike friendly in recent years. Why not get some exercise on your way to your meeting or brunch with friends, on a method of transportation that is fast and chic?
Norma Knows New York City
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Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors, so they can
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 General Events...
This weekend, visit the Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue) for an exhibit featuring the world's most exceptional watch brands. They will demonstrate how they design and create their masterpieces! From Bulgari to TagHeuer, you can see how time is made!  May 16 The Designer Showhouse of New York
Peruse the designs and displays of top metropolitan designers, set amidst the breathtaking views of the 55th and 56th floors of the
W Hotel downtown! Proceeds benefit Lenox Hill Hospital.
May 21 to 27 Fleet WeekIn its 26th year, it is the city's celebration of the sea services. Nearly 1,500 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate this year. Check the website for events all over the city, including parades and live musical performances.
May 21 Fleet Week Celebration and a Makeover
Honor 4 deserving military heroines while enjoying cocktails, appetizers, and skin consultations.
May 24 Opening of Governors Island
Home to many outdoor summer events, including one of my favorites, the Jazz Age Lawn Party in June.  See/Change EventsAs a supporter of the rebounding Seaport area, I hope that you'll all visit their website for upcoming spring and summer events. I'm looking forward to seeing Mission Impossible this Sunday at their new outdoor cinema.
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Cultural Pursuits...
Through May 17 Warhol: Jackie Stop by the Blain/DiDonna gallery on the Upper East Side (The Carlyle Hotel, Second Floor - 981 Madison Avenue) to view Andy Warhol's exhibit of the iconic Jackie O! Warhol's prints of the former first lady are on exhibit together for the first time. 
May 17 & 18 Mmuseumm Opening Weekend An abandoned elevator shaft in Tribeca hides many of New York City's secrets in the smallest museum in the city. The museum showcases artifacts and objects from around the world.  Through May 18 Radiant Light: Stained Glass from Canterbury Cathedral at The Cloisters You have until the 18th to view Radiant Light at The Cloisters museum and gardens (99 Margaret Corbin Drive). Enjoy a short trip out of town and celebrate the Metropolitan Museum of Art's 75th year anniversary at the Cloisters. The exhibit radiates the stained glass pieces from England's Canterbury historic church.
 May 21 9/11 Memorial Museum The 21st of May will go down in history as the opening of the 911 Memorial Museum (World Trade Center), a historical and education museum honoring the memories of the victims of 911. Through May 23 Portraits of America Extended exhibit at the Gagosian Gallery (976 Madison Avenue), Diane Arbus' photography and Cady Noland's sculptures and installations are on display. Through May 31 ar*chi*tec*ton*ic This curated exhibition at Site109 (109 Norfolk Street) features the works of British artists, Painter Andy Burgess, and Photographer Tom Leighton. The artists use strong architectural lines and vibrant colors in their work to create compelling compositions.
Frank Lloyd Wright and the City: Density vs. Dispersal The exhibition, at MoMA (11 West 53rd Street), examines the tension in Wright's thinking about the growing American city in the 1920s and 1930s... with a 12 foot by 12 foot model of one of his plans. Through June 1st.
Visiting Hermes on Madison (692 Madison Avenue) delights all fashionistas. Experiencing an intriguing art exhibit by Miranda Lichtenstein in this magnificent showroom is an added treat. The exhibit represents 46 photographic images produced from 2012-2013. Through June 4th. Jean-Michel Basquiat Drawing 22 works on paper and two paintings from the collection of Herbert and Lenore Schorr, who were the artist's devoted collectors, supporters, and friends. At the Acquavella Galleries (18 East 79th Street). Through June 13th. Pierre SoulagesFrench painter, engraver, and sculptor, Pierre Soulage's exhibit is on exhibition at the Dominique Levy Gallery on the Upper East Side (909 Madison Avenue). Through June 27th. Everything: Part I First solo exhibit by the famed cartoonist, Lynda Barry, premiers at the Adam Baumgold Gallery (60 East 66th Street). Through July 11th. 
Charles James: Beyond Fashion At The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 5th Avenue); an exquisite exhibition showcasing James' sculptural and scientific approach to the creation of his ball gowns. Through August 10th. Self-Taught Genius: Treasures from the American Folk Art Museum A compilation of 100 of the museum's treasured works (2 Lincoln Square). Through August 17th. Lygia Clark: The Abandonment of Art, 1948-1988 Over 300 of her drawings, paintings and sculptures from the 1940s through the 1990s on display at MoMA (11 West 53rd Street) through August 24th.
Palaces for the People
Spanish immigrant Guastavinos' contribution in tile is seen in some of America's greatest public spaces. View his works at the Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Avenue). Through September 7th. 
Multiple Exposures: Jewelry and Photography
The exhibit at The Museum of Art and Design (2 Columbus Circle) showcases how contemporary jewelry artists transform images in this digital age. Through September 14th.
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Curtain Up...
May 27 Megan Hilty
One of my favorite Broadway performers will debut at the Café Carlyle (35 East 76th Street). I first became a fan of Megan when she starred as Glinda in the award winning play Wicked, and continued being mesmerized by her voice as the star of the TV show Smash. Through June 7th.
New York City BalletThe spring season opened on April 29th at the David H. Koch Theater (Lincoln Center). Through June 8th. American Ballet TheatreThe Spring Season at the Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center) has begun! From Cinderella to Don Quixote... Performances through July 5th. Lady DayTony award winner, Audra McDonald, takes on the role of legendary Billie Holiday in a fantastic performance at the Emerson Bar and Grill in Circle in the Square (1633 Broadway). Through August 10th.
THEATER & FILM:
 May 19 The Cradle Will RockA one night only performance at the Bernard B Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45th Street), legendary star Patty Lupone stars in the Cradle Will Rock, presented by the Acting Company. Ms. Lupone recreates the role that led her to fame: a powerful satire set against the backdrop of townspeople combating a greedy businessman who controls the town.May 20 & 25 King Lear
National Theater presents a live screening of Shakespeare's play, King Lear, performed at Symphony Space (2537 Broadway) and directed by the renowned director Sam Mendes.
 May 21 Stars in the Alley
Experience the magic of Broadway! Shubert Alley's (between Broadway and 8th Avenue and 44th and 45th Streets) annual 90-minute concert features a 12-piece orchestra and is the best snapshot of Broadway theater. Appearances and performances from over 20 shows hosted by Norm Lewis, star of the upcoming show, Phantom of the Opera.
Under My Skin
For those of you that have enjoyed movies such as Working Girl and Big, you'll enjoy this uproarious comedy. The writers of the TV show The Nanny and Who's the Boss have scored again. Through a twist of fate, a successful yet arrogant business man and a single mother switch bodies thanks to the help of an angel...seeing things from the "other side." Through July 6th at the Little Shubert Theatre (422 West 42nd Street).
Cabaret
I experienced the most amazing New York evening recently when I saw Cabaret at Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street). Both Alan Cumming and Michelle Williams are show-stoppers, and the Kit-Cat band is superb! A magnificent revival with performances through July 11th.
The Realistic Joneses
Marisa Tomei, Toni Collette, and Michael C. Hall star in this comical show which asks the question, "what do you really know about your neighbors?" At the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) through July 6th, it has been getting rave reviews. Through July 13th.
Of Mice and Men
A limited engagement of the revived literary Steinbeck classic. Actors James Franco, Chris O'Dowd, and Leighton Meester make their Broadway debuts in this emotional American Depression-era tale. At the Longacre Theater (220 West 48th Street) through July 27th.
Bullets Over Broadway 
Famed Woody Allen film hits Broadway at the St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street). Marin Mazzie and Zach Braff deliver outstanding performances! The musical comedy is loaded with laughs and colorful characters. Through September 28th.
If/Then The Musical
A favorite performer of mine, Idina Menzel of Wicked, stars in this musical about a woman that returns to life in NYC discovering endless possibilities where chance and choice collide. At the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street). Through October 12th.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
I'm looking forward to seeing this again later this month. If you enjoyed Jersey Boys as much as I did, you'll be equally entertained watching this musical as she sings songs from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to those well-known hits as a top recording artist. Through November 16th at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street). 
Rocky We all know the story of Rocky Balboa, and I have to say that I was skeptical about how this could transfer from screen to Broadway... but I was taken by surprise. Rocky knocks it out of the park with the scenic showplace, the sound and lighting, and a terrific cast. At the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway) through November 23rd. Visit previous snapshots for more favorites in theater.
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For the Foodie...
Outdoor culinary festival orchestrated by tops chefs of TriBeCa. Proceeds will benefit the arts education program of the local public primary schools.
May 17 Bloody Mary Bossa Nova Brunch
The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) presents a Bloody Mary Bossa Nova Brunch in their lounge from 11am to 3pm. While dining, you'll listen to the sounds of a great jazz group... I'm going on the 24th before I see the play Beautiful. May 17, 24, 31.
Annual event in Madison Square Park (5th Avenue between 24th & 25th Streets) featuring some of NYC's most popular restaurants and food vendors including
Momofuku Milkbar, Roberta's Pizza, and Red Hook Lobster Pound.
EARLY EVENT ALERTS:
May 27 to 31 New Taste of the Upper West Side
A 7th annual celebration of prominent chefs of the UWS, supporting the maintenance of Theodore Roosevelt Park (Columbus Avenue and West 79 Street). This year, it will be hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli of Butter Restaurant!
May 29 Brooklyn Uncorked
29 of New York State's wineries will showcase their fine wines, along with food samplings from such notable dining spots as Gramercy Tavern and Murray's Cheese.
June 7 to 8 Big Apple Barbeque
12th annual event at Madison Square Park. Celebrate a long standing culinary and music tradition with live performances from emerging and established rock, blues and soul artists.
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If you biked to work, bike home... or head to DUMBO for an after work party featuring popup shops, music, and plenty of local food vendors.
GENERAL RESOURCES:
Bike New York
An organization that promotes cycling in all five boroughs. They have opportunities for learning how to ride and provide resources for bikers of all levels. NYC Bike Maps & RulesLooking for the perfect route... click here for maps of all 5 burroughs. Click here for a website that lists all the rules every city biker should know. PublicAn online resource for all things biking. Cool bikes and accessories for any type of rider. How about another great idea for decorating your bike... a handlebar flower vase. VelojoyWith the phrase "a fresh spin on city cycling," the website includes routes and rides, biking gear, and even city cycling 101 for the newbie. Information every city biker needs to know, all in one place. Check out the innovative picnic baskets for your bike... makes a picnic in Central Park seem even easier! 
BIKING TIP:Lock up your bike! If there's one area you don't want to cut corners, it's in purchasing the right lock. Kryptonite has a NYC series that includes " New York Fahgettaboudit" locks. One of the best strategies is to use two entirely different types of locks in combination together to stump thieves and keep your valuable property safe.
BIKES, ACCESSORIES & REPAIRS: 147 Reade Street
Not only do they have the coolest bikes, but the accessories are in abundance! Great helmets, adorable baskets, mirrors, bells, and reflectors (plus some things you may have never thought of). Check out their wall mount, an easy way to store your bike in a NYC apartment. 55 Chrystie Street
Need a custom bike? A friend of mine had hers built for a reasonable price... all made locally.
250 Lafayette Street, 288 7th Avenue, and 476 Fifth Avenue (Park Slope)
Along with bikes and accessories, they specialize in bike repairs, tuneups, and high performance services. Why not take a Bike Maintenance Class there as well to learn the basics and more advanced repair? All sorts of accessories for the urban cyclist. I really like their Sling Pack Camera Bag... it's stylish and I can easily take photos while I ride without worrying about my camera. Citibike | | Eleanor's Big Apple Helmet |
It's all we're hearing, why not see what all the buzz is about! Take a short spin to test it out, or look at a monthly membership.
Shop online for chic biking accessories... unique and fashionable helmets (think the Big Apple), attachable bags for storage, and plenty of basket choices. They even sell clothing to accommodate the bike, like a stylish skirt that unzips in the back to allow for easy pedaling. I wish I thought of that!
BIKING TOURS: 
Bike the Big Apple
From Central Park at Night to custom tours, tours to get you out and riding about town. Check out their 9/11 Memorial Tour, just in time for the opening of the museum. Blazing Saddles3 hour Brooklyn Bridge or Central Park Tours with a knowledgeable guide. Central Park Bike ToursDid you know that over 300 movies and TV shows have scenes in Central park? Take a Movie Scene Tour for a walk (or cycle) down movie memory lane. ViatorCheck out their Brooklyn Bridge Brunch & Bike Tour... eat your way through Brooklyn as you travel on your bike!
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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