Slideshow: Billyburg Burlesque

These performers bare more than just their bodies through burlesque. Originally a form derived to parody Italian opera, the burlesque revival of the nineties has fuelled controversy among feminists. Some see it as the same-old strip tease. But others, like the women profiled here, find it the most intimate form of self-expression and empowerment.

New York Times Great Children's Read

At the 4th annual New York Times Great Children's Read, hundreds of kids gathered at Columbia University and listened to celebrities read their favorite books. But it was a psychedelic modern day version of the Muppet's, Yo Gabba Gabba, that stole the show.

Great Children's Read

At the 14th annual Great Children's Read at Columbia University, New Yorkers of all sizes came together to celebrate a day of singing, reading and buying. The event, held on a beautiful Sunday, was organized by The New York Times, Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and Queens Library. The event was a huge success and drew immense crowds.

Tasting Wine at Bacchus

Upper West Siders discovered last Tuesday whether they were crisp, bold, mellow or bubbly, as they gathered for a wine tasting event at Bacchus, a wine store on Broadway between 71st Street and 72nd Street. A variety of wines from California, to Tuscany was on display. To taste the wines, all the guests received a Riedel Crystal wine glass that they took home at the end of the evening. Some regulars admitted to having more than 20 of these glasses.

10th Annual Czech Street Festival

New York's Czech community may not be as numerous as other immigrant groups, but a stroll down 83rd Street earlier this month showed that the Czechs in the city still know how to have a good time. On Saturday, October 4, the Czech Center of New York organized the 10th annual Czech Street Festival, a mad stew of traditional and modern music and dancing, plus plenty of food and bottled beer--the latter available only in brown paper bags, provided with a wink and a nod from the man beside the potato pancakes.