736 Manhattan Ave. BrooklynForget those big box stores!
If you are in need of a last minute gift or stocking stuffer for a child, we have one of the best mom and pop toy shops around: The Greenpoint Toy Center.
The friendly spot is overflowing with fun stuff and makes me feel the wonder and excitement I used to as a little kid.
on OvationI am officially in love with the Nutcracker, not only is it a beautiful ballet set to great music, but it has continually inspired Van to walk!
While I have to say Ovation has done a terrible job of programming the Battle of the Nutcrackers (hard to find to DVR, only air the same one in a row, and little to no info on their site including when and how to vote – voting was over before I knew it), it’s a yearly program I’ve begun to look forward to.
I’ve only seen three of the five I vote in my mind for the Russian Mariinsky production which boasted the most spectacular and innovative costumes and sets. Just look at the Arabian dance!
If you’ve missed them, I finally found a press release with information and here goes:
“The Viewers’ Choice will be revealed on Christmas Eve, December 24th. Christmas Day, December 25th, will bring a special surprise Nutcracker premiere, accompanied by an all-day marathon of the other productions. “
on Funny or DieIt’s been a long time since I first recommended the Derek Waters’ Drunk History videos.
The series is getting lots of new attention with their latest entry, a laugh out loud, drunken telling of Twas The Night Before Christmas starring hunk of the moment, Ryan Gosling (who I might add, I crushed on way before it was cool when he starred in the High School on the seas show, Breaker High).
I’ve also been getting caught up with other videos in the series including the story of Tesla and Edison starring John C. Rielly and Crispin Glover.
My only issue with these awesome videos? Way too much vomit!! I have to cover my eyes. (The Christmas one, thankfully is puke free).
by Low (1999)True, Low’s Just Like Christmas is far more Midwest-indie than my tastes tend to run – and I can vividly imagine it as the soundtrack to a precious, folksy Volkswagen commercial, but it’s undeniably, a sweet Christmas ditty.
Very nice to see new, catchy compositions for the Holiday are being written not just as an after thought to make money but artfully and with genuine heart.
We experienced some technical difficulties the past fews days, but now we’re back on our feet (thanks to Jim).
by Otis Redding and The DriftersWhite Christmas is a great holiday classic, cheers to Irving Berlin! But it’s roots are in the old fashioned Bing Crosby era sound and while there’s nothing wrong with that, the song really takes on new dimensions with more interesting renditions.
My favorites are The Drifters who lend a toe tapping doo-wop sound, while the incomperable Otis Redding spins his heart broken soulful magic and suddenly White Christmas is the best song ever!
It’s one of the holiday’s most covered songs, so if you don’t agree with my favorites, you can likely find one that suits you (Rick Astley, NKOTB, or Kenny G, perhaps?)
“Carnival of the Animals”Since I go during the day, I can never get great photos of the stunning Bergdorf Goodman windows (which are always the best of the season).
Other, wiser people got some great shots at night which you can easily find online (just try flickr or instagram). Image posted is from Bergdorf’s own site.
Really though, nothing beats seeing these detailed, whimsical pieces of art in person.
If your visiting or a local be sure to pay a visit before they are taken down. They’ll take your breath away.
995 Manhattan AveWith QQ Mermaid Fashion as a very close second, Corner Frenzy! (I like to add the exclamation point) is the best named local business.
It’s also one of the most unusual in a hood packed with unusual (several local store fronts seem to feature nothing but a rotating collection of dirty carnival stuffed animals and cardboard boxes).
It’s primarily a laundromat, part ice cream shop, part smoothie spot and part empanada restaurant.
We’ve enjoyed the soft serve but why, oh why did it take me so long to get their empanadas?!
For a mere 4.50 I ate like a king.
Each filling: chicken, beef bean and rice and cheese was distinct and delicious.
The menu varies day to day, consisting of what they have made, but don’t worry it’s all tasty.
I’ve never been the hugest empanada fan but that’s because rarely are they so perfectly soft and doughy.
Be sure to say yes to the hot sauce, a homemade concoction of tongue tingling yumminess. She should bottle this stuff and add it to the store’s list of goods.
Probably the best deal around and with the most friendly service too!
Made in MadagascarIn a world over run with sea salt chocolate. This one rules.
Available at the Bedford Cheese Shop and other schmancy places like that, these would make ideal stocking stuffers.
Plus, Madecasse is a company with a conscience.
Born out of peace corp experience, they make the chocolate in Africa where the ingredients come from allowing the local area to benefit from their natural resources.
Read more on their site.
by Doctor Octoroc (2011)I continue my week of great Christmas songs!
Eight bit cover songs seem to be the it thing lately but you won’t hear me complain about it!
Especially when artists are making once mediocre Christmas songs into listening awesomeness like Ryu the Red Nosed Ninja.
Apologies to Rudolf, but it’s just never been one of my favorites.
As a spacey, spooky video game like tune, though it’s transformed!
The entire album, 8 Bit Jesus, is available here.
A great way to support an artist directly while gaining some nerdy holiday listening cheer.