Happenings for the Week of November 13th

Monday, November 13th, 2006

Gilded Splendor: The Liao Dynasty and Its Place in China's History (A, C, E)
Explore the recent archaeological finds which have illuminated China’s little-known Liao Dynasty through a guided tour of the Asia Society's Fall 2006 exhibition "Gilded Splendor: Treasures of China's Liao Empire (907-1125). Following the museum visit, Morris Rossabi will lead a discussion on "The Liao: Nomad Rule in China."
@ Asia Society
725 Park Avenue (@ 70th Street)
Tour begins at 4:30. Lecture at 5:30
Free, but reservations are required.
For more information: contact Lili Cole at e-mail lcole@asiasoc.org or call 212.327.9353

Lounge Around at Latitude (P)
Drinks after work anyone?
Let's Lounge around at Latitude for a drink or three. We'll have the whole 3rd floor in the VIP lounge so invite your friends to party!
To spice things up a we'll have a fun social game and cards will be handed out as you enter. The matching pieces are held by prospective new friends in the crowd.
Ages: 20 - 40's
@ Latitude
783 8th Avenue (between 47th and 49th Streets)
3rd floor
6p
Cost: $15.00, pre-payment required
For more information and to sign up: realpeople



Special Christopher Guest Marathon (code: EFFCGTOOF7) (A, C)
In honor of the release of the upcoming For Your Consideration join us for two films from the makers of the mockumentaries which have turned into new cult classics. At 6:30 PM Best in Show: Prissy poodles, droopy-eyed bloodhounds, and neurotic Weimaraners compete for the gold in this largely improvised comedy that takes place at the Mayflower Kennel Club. At 8 pm, A Mighty Wind. Mockumentary mastermind Christopher Guest is back and this time he has chosen the fascinating world of folk singing to spoof. A 1960's folk trio appropriately named the Folksmen reunite after 30 years for a show at Carnegie Hall to memorialize the death of a legendary folk music producer.
@ JCC Manhattan
334 Amsterdam Avenues (@ 76th Street)
6:30 - 10p
Cost: $10.00
For more information or to register call 646-505-5708

Williamsburg Spelling Bee (E, S)
Step up to the mic and rule
@ Petes Candy Store
709 Lorimer Street (between Frost and St. Cono Strada/Richardson Street)
Signup at 7pm, Bee at 7:30
No cover, 2 drink minimum
For more information: petes

Tuesday, November 14th, 2006



James Patterson discusses his new book, Cross (L)
Cross is the high-velocity Alex Cross adventure that Patterson's fans have waited years to read and the pinnacle of the bestselling detective series of the past two decades.
@ Barnes and Noble
600 Fifth Avenue (@ 48th Street)
1p
Free
For more information: bn

Singles Party (P)
Come join us mingle.. and meet some new folks.
Have a few drinks, dinner and some good conversation.
Ages: 40s plus
@ Shalel
65 West 70th Street (between Columbus and Central Park West)
down the stairs - follow the candles
6p
Cost: $15.00, pre-payment required
If you bring an extra male: $20.00 (total for you and your friend, but you must email your names in advance)
For more information and to RSVP: realpeople

Prototypes. Models and Mock-ups. Physical Tools in a Digital Age (A, E)
Opening exhibit and artists reception
@ Center Gallery
Fordham University at Lincoln Center
113 West 60th Street (@ Columbus Avenue/ 12th Avenue)
6 - 8p
For more information: archlab

Paintings & Parlors: Art at Home in 19th Century New York (A, C, E)
Art historian Catherine Roach will discuss mid-19th century popular art and its place in a private home like the Merchant’s House.
@ Merchants House Museum
29 East Fourth Street (between Lafayette and Bowery Streets)
6:30p
Cost: $10.00
For more information and to make reservations 212-777-1089

Jane Fonda: My Life So Far (code: T-LC5WL05-01) (L)
She chronicles her accomplishments, as well as her personal struggles, in her new memoir, My Life So Far.
Jane Fonds has enjoyed tremendous success as a stage and screen actress. She now focuses on activism and social change, working on issues such as adolescent pregnancy prevention, reproductive rights and programs for children and families.
@ 92 Y
1395 Lexington Avenue (@ 92nd Street)
8p
Cost: $25.00
For more information and to sign up: 92y

Wednesday, November 15th, 2006



Artists Reception (A)
Deidre Scherer: Surrounded by Family & Friends
Exhibit explores family and mortality through her six life-sized fabric and thread works, which depict intergenerational and non-traditional families from culturally diverse groups.
@ Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Museum
One West 4th Street (between Broadway and Mercer)
5:30 - 7:30p
Free

Explore Olive Oil and Wine (D/F, E)
Bottlerocket teams up with O&CO (sister company of l'Occitane) for a delicious class devoted to the surprising and subtle flavors of grapes and olives. Each attendee will taste 5 wines and 5 olive oils. Regional, olive-based foods will also be sampled. Long associated in history, agriculture and geography, olives and grapes are both greatly influenced by the places where they are grown. Transport yourself to the sun, sea, vineyards and olive groves. Taste and learn.
@ Bottlerocket Wine
5 West 19th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
6 - 7p
Cost: $40.00
For more information and to sign-up call: 212.929.2323

Beyond Kurtis & Kaftans: Can Indian Fashion Walk the Global Runway? (E, C)
Can Mumbai join Milan and Paris as a fashion epicenter? While the 'made in India' label is ubiquitous, the Indian design label is yet to emerge globally. Is Indian fashion limited to 'ethnic' or 'exotic' appeal? Or will Indian designers be able to transform India from a location for production and sourcing into a home for world class fashion houses? What is the reality of retailing Indian designer brands at Bergdorf or Saks? This interactive panel discussion with designers and visionaries shaping India's future in fashion will address these topics and examine the key challenges, players, and trends today.
@ Asia Society and Museum, 725 Park Ave (@ 70th Street )
6:30 - 9p
Cost: $30.00
For more information and to sign up: 212.517.ASIA



Book Launch Party: Signs of Life (A, C, D/F, E, L, M)
This book is a moving collection of photos of the hand-made signs that appeared in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina. Hand-made signs – sprayed on the houses, on cars, on refrigerators were some of the first ‘signs of life’ to appear after the flood waters receded. It shows not only the traces of the violence of the storm, but also that much devastation remains one year later.
Complimentary drinks, music by the Hungry March Band and viewings of photos from book
@ Galapagos Arts Space - back room
70 North 6th Street( between Kent and Wythe Streets), Williamsburg, Brooklyn
7 - 10p
Free
For more information: galapagos

Thursday, November 16th, 2006

Breaking into Editorial Photography (E)
This seminar will give practical information and insider tips on how to get those magazine jobs and build a career as an editorial freelancer.
@ Media Bistro.com
494 Broadway (between Spring and Broome Streets)
6:30 - 9:30p
Cost: $65.00
For more information and to sign up: media

Wine Tasting: Pickin and Sippin Holiday Wines (code: T-MM5LK11-01) (D/F, P)
Swirl, sniff and sip your way through fun and a social evening. Taste six to eight wines from various regions while experts offer instruction. Non-kosher and kosher wines will be served.
@ Makor - Steinhardt Building
35 West 67th Street (between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West)
6:30 - 8:30p
Cost: $35.00
For more information and to sign up: 92y



Saturday Night Live Star Jon Lovitz (A, C)
Lovitz opens up his life onstage, delivering a night of irreverent stand up comedy based on life, religion, Hollywood, and his own perspective of the world followed by brief set of original songs geared toward the defamation of some of his favorite personalities.
@ Comix
353 West 14th Street (between 9th and 10th Avenues)
8p
Cost: $35.00
For more information and to buy tickets: comix

Glow in the Dark Cosmic Bowling and Laser Night (S)
Experience the retroactive lights and dance music. Enjoy bowling like
you’ve never experienced it before.
@ Chelsea Piers
23rd Street and West Side Highway
8:45 - 11p
Cost; $30.00
For more information and to sign up: adventures

Friday, November 17th, 2006



A Laura's List Event - A Pre - Turkey Day Happy Hour (P)
Join us and our friends from Sharyn's Joey Thai Dinner Club and Outdoorbound for cocktails ...
The weekend is here...kick back, relax and enjoy.
@ Nolita House
Nolita has a neighborhood atmosphere where guests can experience comfort food, artisan cheese with pairing wines.
47 East Houston Street (between Mott and Mulberry Streets)
5p
Drink specials: 2 for 1 between 5-7p
Please RSVP to: nyckid135@yahoo.com - include your name and names of any additional guests

Soundings: Treasures of the Collections (A, C, E)
A seaport depends essentially on communication, and this exhibit explores all of the languages of communication used in the port, drawing on striking artifacts in the collection. Included: scrimshaw, ship plans, paintings, maps, toys, newspapers and other publications, signal flags and more.
@ South Street Seaport Museum
12 Fulton Street (between South and Front Streets)
5 - 9p (extended hours)
Free
For more information: southstreet

Opening exhibit and artists reception (A, E)
Can You See It and Twists
Can you see it exhibit focuses on the art of communication: codes and languages, maps and signage. The transmission of information and movement of ideas – how those ideas are introduced into the human pyche.
@ Ch’i Contemporary Fine Art
293 Grand St (between Roebling and Havermeyer Streets), Williamsburg, Brooklyn
6 - 9p
Free
For more information: chi

Shabbat Dinner and Comedy Evening (code: BSHABT00F7) (D/F, R)
End the workweek with a traditional and relaxing Shabbat meal.
Enjoy some laughs after dinner with the hiliarious antics of the NYC improv group, Comedy Sportz.
Jewish singles in their 30’s
@ JCC Manhattan
334 Amsterdam Avenue (@76th Street)
7p
Cost: $35.00
For more information and to sign up: jcc

Saturday, November 18th, 2006



Ice Skating in the Park (S)
Learn how to skate, skate to your favorite showtunes, shop or just eat and drink while watching others skate
@ Bryant Park
between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
8 - 12a (hours vary)
Free
For more information: skating

Singles Hike and Wine Tasting: Tom Jones Mountain (S)
Join other single outdoor enthusiasts as we follow a series of trails in a hilly area known for its numerous lakes and impressive views.
This is a rigorous 5 mile hike! Then we'll enjoy wine tasting at a real farm winery in New York's Hudson Valley. Our wines are made from our own vineyards, orchards and from across the state. We'll sample Chardonnays, Cabernet Franc, barrel fermented reds, and delicious fruit wines including Hard Apple Cider. Every wine is produced in a "limited edition" with almost every bottle spoken for as soon as its made.
Time: 8:45 - 6p
Meeting Place: 73 & Broadway, NE corner (in front of Apple Bank)
Cost: $69.00
For more information and to sign up: outdoorbound
Save $5.00 - after signing up email: info@outdoorbound.com and let them know you found out about trip from laura’s list.

Potocki Vodka Tasting (D/F)
@ Chelsea Wine Vaults
The Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue (between 15th and 16th Streets)
1 - 5p
Free
For more information: chelsea

Hansel and Gretel (A, M)
Two sweet-toothed siblings. One witchy woman. Endless musical delights. In this enchanting opera based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, City Opera updates the story to run-of-the-century New York City.
@ New York State Theater in Lincoln Center
Columbus Avenue @ 63rd Street
1:30p
Tickets: $25.00 - $125.00
For more information and to buy tickets: opera



Opening exhibit and artists reception (A, C, E)
Shag: Donna Con Bambino
The paintings celebrate consumerism and consumption on vividly colored, sharply rendered panels, the characters drink, smoke and eat in lavish, stylish surroundings.
@ Jonathan Levine Gallery
529 West 20th Street (between 10th and 11th Avenues), 9E
6 - 9p
Free
For more information on the artist: shag

Sunday, November 19th, 2006



Hike and Mat Pilates (S)
We’ll get off to a great start with an invigorating, moderate-intensity 5-6 mile hike through gorgeous woods & mountain trails. Next, back to Manhattan for a private session at the newly expanded Bent Pilates Studio.
The Pilates mat class is a one-hour workout focusing on the core.
Bring: Your lunch, snacks, 2L water minimum per person, a backpack, yoga mat (we will leave mats in the van during the hike).
Wear: Comfortable athletic clothing (synthetic is better than cotton), layers, jacket, gloves/hat/scarf if you chill easily. Hiking boots are recommended but athletic shoes with good tread are acceptable.
Time: 8:45 - 5p
Meeting Place: 73 & Broadway, NE corner (in front of Apple Bank)
Cost: $85.00
For more information and to sign up: outdoorbound
Save $5.00 - after signing up email: info@outdoorbound.com and let them know you found out about trip from laura’s list.

Photography Exhibit: Ecotopia (A, C, E)
In a time of rampant natural disasters and urgent concerns about global environmental change, this exhibition demonstrates the ways in which the most interesting and engaging contemporary artists view the natural world.
@ International Center of Photography
1133 Avenue of the Americas (@ 43rd Street)
10 - 6p
Cost: $12.00
For more information: photo

Nathan and the Zydeco Cha-Chas (C, M)
Nathan Williams’ blend of zydeco follows the bluesy tradition started by Clifton Chenier. His compositions offer a rich experience for listeners as well as dancers, often incorporating touches of reggae, R & B and rock.
@ Connolloy’s
121 West 45th Street (between 6th Avenue and Broadway)
Music starts at 7:30p
Cost: $22.00 (at the door)
For more information: zydeco

Trapped in the Closet: The R. Kelly Sing-A-Long (C, M)
Every chapter of R. Kelly's Trapped in the closet soap hip-hopera ends with a sudden and inexplicable cliffhanger. You've seen the videos online or on DVD, but you haven't really experienced Trapped In the Closet until you've rapped along with R. Kelly in a theater full of a hundred friends and a bevy of props hidden around the room.
@ Galapagos Arts Space - backroom
70 North 6th Street (between Kent and Wythe Streets), Williamsburg, Brooklyn
8p
Free
For more information: galapagos

Monday, November 20th, 2006

5th Annual Food and Wine Tasting Extravaganza (D/F)
An evening of delicious food delightful wines and delectable desserts from the most renowned masters of gourmet kosher cuisine.
@ The Roosevelt Hotel - Grand Ballroom
Madison Avenue (@ 45th Street)
7p
Cost: $100.00
For more information and to sign up: food

Speed Dating (S)
Come and meet other young single professionals
Ages: women 21-33, men 24-35
@ Suspenders
111 Broadway (@ Wall Street)
7:30p
Cost: $37.00 (use the name - laura when registering on-line and save $5.00)
For more information and to sign up: dates

Key to Activities

A Art
C Cultural
D Dance
D/F Drink/Food
E Education
L Literature
M Music
NP Non-Profit
P Party
R Religious
S Sport