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Madonna Apologizes To New York

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Madonna angered a lot of New Yorkers with recent comments about how the City has “lost it’s buzz.” For decades Madonna has been closely associated with New York, a city she moved to in the 1970s. According to the pop singer, her comments were taken out of context.

But she insists her words were taken “too literally,” explaining: “What I said was taken slightly out of context because I really love New York. That’s where my career started. I was referring to, in a way, missing those early days when the art world, the downtown scene, the music world were colliding.

“So it was a reference to missing that time and a lot of those people. I am not plugged in the way I used to be, and I miss those days.”

Madonna went on to say that she did stand by certain comments, including that New York doesn’t have the larger than life characters it used to.

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New York City Black Cars Must Go ‘Green’

With fuel prices going up and pollution on the rise, New York City has imposed a new standard for Black Cars (aka Lincoln Town Cars.) Beginning on January 1, 2009 all “black cars” that come into service must get a minimum of 25 miles per gallon while driving in the city.

The emission rich black car must go green in NYC.

On January 1, 2010 this will be raised to 30 MPG city driving.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said:

“It is great news for all New Yorkers that the Taxi and Limousine Commission unanimously voted to turn city black cars green. The Commission approved our proposal, part of PlaNYC, to boost fuel efficiency standards in the black cars that service corporate clients to a level currently achievable only by using hybrid technology. This will mean lowered fuel costs for black car drivers who often idle, reduced emissions for residents, and keep us moving towards our long-term goal of creating a truly sustainable city,” said the mayor, who thanked the corporations that use black cars “for their cooperation and leadership throughout this process.”

Black cars account for 2% of New York’s transportation emissions. These cars emit 272,000 tons of CO2 equivalents annually.

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Manhattan Real Estate Jumps 42%

Manhattan real estate is up, up, and away, according to a recent report. Manhattan apartments and condos are up a whopping 41%.

According to the report, the average sale price of a New York City home jumped 28% to $853,000 in the first quarter of 2008, compared with $669,000 in the first quarter a year ago. The increase was primarily due to surging sales in Manhattan apartments (condominiums and cooperatives), where the average price climbed 41% to a record $1.6 million, compared with $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2007.

“The significant increase in home prices in Manhattan clearly boosted the citywide average,” REBNY President Steven Spinola said. “Further, the report shows that Manhattan’s luxury market for high-end properties continues to remain untouched by the slowing national economy.”

Millionaires only need apply to live on the Upper East Side, because an apartment there will set you back, on average, $2.1 million.

There is one major contradiction included in this news; although home prices are up, sales volume is down. That leads one to wonder just how long the current trend will continue.

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Madonna To Play At Roseland Ballroom April 30, 2008

If you’re a die hard Madonna fan, you won’t want to miss her performing live at the Roseland Ballroom on Wednesday April 30, 2008.

Madonna will take the stage at Roseland Ballroom on April 30, 2008.

This is a rare “club show” for Madge. The venue seats 3,500 and tickets are available on a “first-come first-served basis.

If you can’t make it (or don’t have the cash) no worries - her performance will be cybercast live on MSN Music in Concert in the United States, and on May 15 internationally.

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Brooklyn Flea Market

The Brooklyn flea market is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, especially if you love to find bargains on furniture, knick-knacks, crafts, antiques and other goods.

There are over 200 vendors offering jewelry, clothing, textiles and just about anything you might be looking for.

The Brooklyn Flea Market takes place every Sunday at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School (357 Clermont Ave.) The market opens at noon.

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New York Philharmonic Free Concert At Governor’s Island

The New York Philharmonic Orchestra recently announced they will be be giving a free concert at Governor’s Island in the New York Harbor on Saturday July 5, 2008.

This will be the first time the Orchestra has played on the former military base which is near Manhattan.

The performance will be conducted by Bramwell Tovey and will feature festive works by Rossini, Copland, and Rimsky-Korsakov, as well as Tchaikovsky’s famous 1812 Overture. The concert will conclude with a fireworks display.

The concert - along with the ferry ride to get to Governor’s Island are free to the public.

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Reliant Energy Entering New York State

Commercial businesses in New York will soon have another option for electricity. Reliant Energy is coming to New York State and is looking to provide competitive pricing, customer service and innovative products to larger businesses throughout the state.

“We are committed to bringing the benefits of competitive markets to our customers and are pleased to be offering new options to commercial, industrial and institutional customers in New York,” said Jim Ajello, senior vice president, business development. “Last year, we began offering service in Illinois and Delaware and this is a confirmation of our commitment to competitive electricity markets across the country.”

Plans to provide services to smaller commercial businesses are being developed.

Reliant Energy offers commodity supply, risk management, demand response and Green-E Renewable Energy Credits.

To find out more or to see if your business is a “fit” Contact Reliant Energy at 877-235-7954.

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Eric Clapton At PNC Bank Arts Center

Are you in the mood for some Slow Hand?

Eric Clapton will be performing live at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey on Thursday May 22, 2008 at 7:30 PM. The concert is a rain/shine event and tickets cost $44.25 - $199.25.

Tickets are available now at all Ticketmaster outlets.

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Havana Film Festival

Thursday kicks off the ninth annual Havana Film Festival which runs through April 18, 2008.

The Havana Film festival features movies that are made by Latino artists.

“We are getting noticed because we’ve programmed some really strong films and are making this event unique,” says festival director Carole Rosenberg. “It is legal to bring arts materials from Cuba, but transportation can be difficult. Thankfully we have made it easier by forging links between the U.S. and Cuba through cultural exchange programs.”

Along with film screenings, the Havana Film festival has planned entertainment including music and events for all visitors, including children and teens.

Admission cost varies from free up to $10.50, depending on the venue. To find out more about this upcoming film festival, please visit HFFNY.com

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Leonardo DiCaprio Buys Green Condo In Battery Park City

Leonardo DiCaprio wants to be an environmentally friendly New Yorker. DiCaprio is well known for his love of the planet, so it should come as no surprise that he chose a house that is green to fullest extent.

Among the features making the tony residence perfect for one of Hollywood’s first hybrid owners: a pholtovoltaic grid atop the building allowing tenants to soak up plenty of solar energy; park-style foliage planted atop 75 percent of all open roof space; 264 units decked out with locally obtained renewable materials and low- or nonpollutant paints, sealants and adhesives; and air and water filters to make sure its well-heeled residents aren’t sucking in anything nasty with their morning breath of fresh air.

Although DiCaprio wouldn’t say which amenity is most appealing to him—the 50-foot lap pool, the fully equipped fitness center, the dog spa, the in-house branch of the New York Public Library or the ground-floor storefront recently leased by the Action Center to End World Hunger—he did indicate via his publicist he’s impressed with what Riverhouse has to offer.

It’s great to see a high profile celebrity like DiCaprio be so environmentally aware. I guess it won’t be long until we see a wave of green condo sales popping up like organic weeds.

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