Art adapts

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The only thing that has kept me going through being sick and the tons of work we have now is the thought of Christmas. Since the first day of December rolled by, I have been anxiously awaiting the holidays, singing and whistling Christmas songs everywhere I go. This past weekend, once I began to feel better again, I went to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree like I do every year. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to go to the actual lighting ceremony last Wednesday because I was at the Metropolitan Opera House and I was sick. The tree however was still very magnificent because of its enormity and the amount of light it emits. Taking that visit made me thinking about what other Christmas and art related events there are in New York City. There is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, with the Rockettes kicking their heels up, which I’ve only been to once before when I was very young. There is also George Ballanchine’s The Nutcracker, which I have yet to see. The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is the most famous but there are other smaller trees also in places like Park Ave and the Lincoln Center. There’s the giant lit snowflake on the corner of 57th and 7th and there are the lights at the Bronx Zoo. Even the Empire State building shows its holiday spirit by turning its lights red and green. You can pretty much find lights or decoration of some sort on every street. I truly cherish all the holiday moments and smile when I think about it. It truly is “the most wonderful time of the year.”

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*pictures taken from internet

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The Central Park Zoo is filled with exotic and interesting animals in their natural habitats. Through this, we can observe them helping us learn more about the art of their environment and what helps them with their survival. Symphonies of bird chirping and squawking greet you from afar and when you get closer, you can hear each unique and individual sound with clarity. The birds vary in all different colors and patterns and are definitely a must see. Some looked majestic with the fur reflecting the sunlight. A ram and its baby lamb were so intimate with each other showing the protection of a parent over its offspring. The snake’s menacing hisses were ominous and their eyes looked like it was ready to attack its prey. I thought the polar bear was the most magnificent sight because it moved with such grace through the water. As you leave the zoo, you can still hear the sounds of nature ringing in your ears, truly capturing mother-nature at its best.

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Carnesecca Hall was filled with many people that night. I saw many faces filled with excitement, as was I. We were all waiting for the band of the night to show: Maroon 5. I walked passed the many anxious fans to try and find a good seat and after walking around the whole hall, my friends and I found some towards the back. We waited a while before Maroon 5 introduced his opener, Fitz and the Tantrums They had a unique sound with lot of funk but I could see that the crowd was not really into him. I felt bad because the band was giving everything they had but the crowd just wasn’t giving back.

After the opening band was done, everybody was excited for the real concert to begin but we were surprised with a performance by Jason Segel, the comedic actor from How I Met You Mother and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. The crowd was warming up a lot more and by the time he was done, we were all ready for the main event. Maroon 5 came on with a bang. I was never really a big fan; I knew they were good but WOW. They were beyond good. They sang many of their popular songs but to my surprise, they played one that was very dear to my heart, “Through With You”. Yes I do enjoy all his other more popular songs but this unfamiliar tune was one of the first songs my friend taught me how to play on the guitar and I wouldn’t have guessed that they were going to play it that night. Another thing that shocked me was that he sang Alicia Keys’, “If I Ain’t You.” He definitely pulled it off. When the night was over, I must say that I became a bigger fan. I went home to download all of his songs. In the end I am really glad I that I got to go to this performance because it was truly a performance to be remembered.

During the Holiday Season since I don’t celebrate Christmas I don’t really do anything other than enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations and take advantage of the holiday sales. This year however was different. One of my close friends had an extra ticket to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. When she offered to take me I jumped at the opportunity.

That morning we took a tour of Rockefeller Center and saw this years beautiful tree. We walked around to take in the sights of Christmastime When it was time for the show we stood, all bundled up, on the long line that snaked around the block. When we entered the enormous hall, climbed the grand staircase, and wondered at the gorgeous interior, the huge stage and ceiling. The seats were roomy and comfortable, and arranged at an incline so that everyone in the house had a spectacular view. I know I did! Everything from the Nutcracker to the Parade of wooden soldiers was amazing. My favorite however was “Here Comes Santa Claus”. In this part Santa answers a letter from a little boy, and explains how he can deliver toys to all the little children over the world. As he dances, he becomes 5, 5 becomes 10, and so on and so on, until the stage is filled with dancing Santas! The overall experience was very fun and allowed me to experience a different culture.

Jessica Bendinger at BORDERS

This is from an appearance made by screenwriter and novelist Jessica Bendinger at the Columbus Circle BORDERS. Jessica Bendinger is the co-writer and creative consultant of Sex and the City, the writer of Aquamarine, First Daughter, The Truth About Charlie, producer of Bring It On, director of Stick It among many others. She talked about her newly released book “The Seven Rays,” reads an excerpt from it and later on signs copies. Although I am not a big fan of the genre she is associated, it was quite fascinating seeing her. What I learned from this experience is that behind these extraordinary and phenomenal people that the whole world knows are people as ordinary and down-to-earth as us. Perhaps it was the first time I have met such an upscale writer, when the writing world means so much to me

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Walking along Fresh Meadows Corona Park, the leaves begin to blow in outrageous directions. There was something very magical about this place. However nothing is more magical than the giant Unisphere that hovers over the park. The Unisphere is a reminder of the 1964 World’s Fair. It’s a gargantuan structure over 12 stories high. It’s the largest representation of the globe that I have ever seen. When I walk next to the platform, almost directly under the Unisphere, I can see all the way to the North Pole. It is a magnificent view and it is hard to believe that something so beautiful resides in the small town of Queens. As I continue to walk around the Unisphere, I can see the skateboarders skating around the inner fountain, almost like it is a skateboarding rink. Joggers are profusely sweating as they try to finish their last lap. Even though winter is approaching, children are running and laughing in all directions. The Unisphere is a great piece of art and we are lucky it is in our vicinity. I recommend anyone in the Queens area to take a look at the Unisphere because it is so breath taking and exquisite.