Littleviews' Recommended Links and Activities

>>  The best part about living in New York is being exposed to experts who share your passions. One of my passions, as you can tell, is associating with creative people, writers and artists in particular.

The following list of recommended sites is hand-picked by me and will grow over time. Recommendations provide what I think are unusual opportunities, or are exceptionally good in expressing an insider's viewpoint of the city.

Questions? Ask away . . .
Karen Little
March 11, 2010

ResortMaps - The Best U.S. Travel Information Anywhere ResortMaps: Before you travel anywhere in the United States (or, for that matter, the United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, or Costa Rica), check the ResortMaps' website to see if it has a map of the area. Each map is highly graphical. In my opinion, these maps provide the *best* way to acquaint yourself with new destinations. Although not geographically precise like standard maps, their graphical overviews let you see at a glance where important sites and resources are located. ResortMaps are available for free at the destinations they support. I find, however, that it is much better to understand a new destination BEFORE you arrive. Well, lucky for us, all of their maps are available online, supported by MapsAlive's interactive features. Even better than online access, full-sized, printed maps can be purchased for $.99 each, including postage. Frankly, I recommend buying every map that supports a region well before leaving home. I've relied on ResortMaps for years and wish they were available for every popular location. That said, if you are organized, enjoy selling, and want to invest in a franchise, see what ResortMaps has to offer. So far, there are no maps for New York City, but I think the city has potential!

Ed Levine's New York Eats Ed Levine's New York Eats: Ed Levine knows his way around cheap eats, from the juiciest burgers to the most succulent hot dogs and cheesiest pizzas. Want to spend more on food? He can dish on steak, ribs, and seafood, too. Littleviews' highly recommends Ed, who is a self-proclaimed "Missionary of the Delicious." Bookmark his site as a resource to help you find fabulous New York City food (no matter your budget). And, of course, for additional options, visit Littleviews' own Simple Dining. EdLevineEats.SeriousEats.com

Backstage - the Actor's Resource Backstage: Whether or not you are an actor or producer, Backstage's publications are a must read for people interested in the theatrical arts. Want to know what's coming up? Read its casting calls. Interested in knowing about how students are being trained for the profession? Also read casting calls where you'll find listings for student productions. All articles are written clearly and honestly, with insights and advice for the theatrical profession being equally useful for workers everywhere. Many are humorous, as was a past article about the use of chickens (padded bras) by dancers and actresses. (Note that automated Google ads in the subject area provided links to livestock producers.) While Backstage's website is comprehensive, I recommend that you purchase its weekly print publication (under $3), available at newsstands throughout New York City. It's inspiring and informative, and if nothing else, it makes a great souvenir. www.Backstage.com

Zina Saunders' Amazing Website About New Yorkers, Publishing, and Illustration Zina Saunders' Interviews and Images: Ms. Saunders produces an excellent journalistic site featuring interviews with New Yorkers. What puts her interviews over the edge, however, are her illustrations. I have no idea where she finds the time to produce this marvelous publication, which obviously takes a lot of effort. The result of this effort, however, is predictable. Her site is simultaneously inspiring and entertaining to read. Given her background as an illustrator, you'll be especially interested in the information she shares about the print media and those who contribute to it. drawger.com/zinasaunders Zina produces another website, Overlooked New York, that contains a series painted portraits and interviews with people who have found fascinating and often off-beat ways to embrace and celebrate life in New York City.

Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School - Brooklyn Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School: This site promotes drawing classes where models are burlesque dancers, circus acts, fetish queens, and ultra-hunky men. Although founder Molly Crabapple calls her lively endeavor "anti-art," her classes provide the closest experience most artists will have that replicates the golden age of illustration in the late 1800s through the early 1900s. Have you ever wondered how the impressionists felt when they were on location (i.e., in bars and dance halls) with sketch books in hand? You'll find out here when you are a part of a crowd who enjoy what I'll call "decorative" figure drawing. www.DrSketchy.com

New York Hack - The Life of a Cab Driver New York Hack: Melissa Plaut is a highly unusual person in that she is a New York City cab driver and a gifted writer. To find out more about her very unusual perspective, read her blog (and see her photos) for free, or buy her book, Hack: How I stopped worrying about what to do with my life and started driving a yellow cab. Amusing. Informative. F*kin honest! Probably one of the best insider's look at the city available. newyorkhack.blogspot.com

The Society of Illustrators The Society of Illustrators: This organization not only has one of the best art museums in town, which is housed in an old, upper East Side mansion (worth looking into just for itself), it also hosts weekly, nude, figure drawing sessions for between $15 and $20, complete with jazz and a bar. www.SocietyIllustrators.org

The Art Student's League The Art Student's League: This incredible school is taught by professional artists, all of whom have top-notch portfolios. The purpose of the organization, founded in the late 1800s to serve the emerging publishing community, has been to expose students to working artists and keep everyone up-to-date with technique and execution. Note that prices are very reasonable and provide the opportunity for a tourist to have two to five days of instruction during a single week, even if they can't take advantage of a class for an entire month. www.TheArtStudentsLeague.org

MediaBistro - the Best Writer's Resource in the World MediaBistro: If you are a writer, photographer, designer, or are in any way connected to the publishing industry, you owe it to yourself to join this organization. Its library of information, transcribed from years of workshops, panel discussions, and interviews, provide a generous insider's view of the industry. Its classes (one day and ongoing) and special events are equally excellent. Need to advance your career or network with the best and brightest? MediaBistro, which was founded in New York City, is the place to do it. www.MedisBistro.com

The New York Botanical Garden New York Botanical Garden: There is certainly more to do here than look at flowers, or at its stunning buildings and landscaping. The New York Botanical Garden offers a wide variety of classes and workshops, including "Botanical Art and Illustration," most of which provide rare and enriching experiences. www.NYBG.org