October 23, 9am-7pm / $24

Sports Museum of America / 26 Broadway / 10004

sportsmuseum.com

Wouldn’t it be cool if you had a friend who always knew what to order at that new French place, which movies are worth the 12 bucks, or what’s happening on any given night of the week? Well, the neighborbee blog wants to be that friend. Founder Anthony Lobosco gathered an intrepid group of “drones” to help you make the most of the five-borough hive we all call home. Contributors can help find a hot new band to check out, tell fans how to get their sports on without going to a game, even recommend the city’s best flea markets. With friends like these, you’ll be busy as a bee.

Tell us about your blog: what is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started?

neighborbeeblog is affiliated with neighborbee.com, which is an internet startup whose purpose is to bring every part of your neighborhood online, from your apartment building to your local bakery (neighborbee is currently in an invite-only beta, and will be launched shortly).

neighborbeeblog was started to highlight all the great things going on in new york city, whether it’s a new boutique or a book signing. We have (thus far) 16 columnists who cover comedy, music, events, fashion, dating, manhattan, film, sports, art, brooklyn, books, food, theater, nightlife, kids & family, and real estate.

What do you love about living in New York?
I love the fact that there is always something going on, always something new to do. - Doug, Sports

What do you think makes a New Yorker?
Understanding the weekend service changes for the subway, which seem to be out of control lately!
- Amanda, Events

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?
They’re generally a well-mannered bunch. -Afroblanco, Music

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?
I miss feeling like a member of the masses — you know, being able to walk out at any time of night, even if it’s 4am, and see other people. Even though those people are sometimes creepy, it’s nice to see that they’re there. - Kat, Books

Do you know any tricks or insider info?
Work from home. - Angela, Fashion

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?
Riding the Staten Island Ferry. -Nick, Nightlife/Photography

Best neighborhood bar?
Professor Thom’s (East Village) - Chris, Manhattan

Best late night joint?
I love a late night run to Crif Dogs, even though on most visits I’m not even eating anything. You’re pretty much guaranteed to bump into a fun mix of characters here as other places begin to shut down.
– Lara, Food

Best fancy schmancy restaurant?
Park Avenue Winter/Spring/Summer/Autumn. So amazingly delicious, and the fact that the menu and decor changes with the season gives you a reason to go back four times a year. Plus, if you do, the waitstaff totally remember you. -Adam, Comedy

Best place to meet members of the opposite sex?
Through friends or a social activity/group, particularly kickball. All of my friends who play have dated at least one other person from the league. It may seem incestuous, but you really can’t argue with the results. -Kate, Managing Editor

Best live entertainment venue?
The subway, those breakdancing kids are so cute! Also I love the comedians on the A when you come home on a Sat or Sun after midnight, they’re perfect for hangovers. - Stephanie, Kids & Family

www.neighborbeeblog.com

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Working out at the Aerospace Performance Center in 10014 will take you more than a few rounds. Formed by fitness heavyweights Michael Olajide and Leila Fazel, the unconventional gym eschews workout machines and instead trains its clientèle to “do what athletes do for fitness.”

“Boxing is one of the most convenient, effective, challenging workouts you can have, bar none,” Olajide says. But it’s not just boxing. They also offer sprinting programs taught by Olympic world champion sprinters, yoga, ballet and “unbelievable impact” jump rope classes. As Olajide puts it, “You name it, we’ve got it here. It’s all about sports performance.”

Olajide is a former champion boxer who was once the number one ranked middleweight contender. He’s also responsible for some of the fancy footwork seen on the big and small screens, having worked as a consultant on films such as Ali, Million Dollar Baby and John Leguizamo’s Undefeated. Partner Leila Fazel is a former ballet dancer and was a luxury spa innovator with the world-renowned Ian Schrager Hotels before teaming up with Michael.

One of their fitness innovations is the “Aeropod”, an original life-sized video imaging space which directs clients to follow a specially shot boxing regimen that focuses on customized goals, “You learn the maneuvers, how to execute and it continues to get faster and more challenging. It’s as much about recall as it is physical execution.”

www.aerospacenyc.com

336 West 13th Street, 10014

Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex is a playland for all ages in the middle of Manhattan. Whether you are a serious athlete looking for off-season training or a sometimes sport looking for entertainment, Chelsea Piers is the place to go. Transformed in 1910 from dilapidated water front, the space was eventually constructed into a sporting megaplex in 1994 by the same firm that designed Grand Central Terminal. The concept was to bring sports that are not readily available to New Yorkers. Now every activity imaginable is under one roof for any to enjoy. Among some of their many offerings are 2 ice-skating rinks, outdoor and indoor driving ranges, the only indoor sand volley-ball court, a climbing wall, bowling alley, and a fitness center that could make an Olympian sweat. If you’ve been searching for a place to play your favorite sport or simply want to try something new, Chelsea Piers won’t disappoint.

Find out what else is in store at www.chelseapiers.com

23rd St. and Hudson River, 10011

Stickball is a true metro game. Manhole covers serve as bases, if the ball hits a roof then it’s a home run, and equipment consists of a whittled-down broom handle for a bat and a rubber ball. City kids and adults have been playing since the 1930’s. The New York Emperors Stickball League, which fittingly operates on Stickball Boulevard in the Bronx, is widely regarded as the most popular organization dedicated to the sport. But that doesn’t mean pick up games aren’t played in neighborhoods daily. “We’re competitive, but it’s a family atmosphere. We hang out and barbecue after games,” says Rich Marrero, who has been playing with the Emperors League for 20 years. Marrero watched his father play stickball growing up, and now hopes to inspire future players. “We try to be role models to the younger generation,” he says. “I grew up in the projects. The older players showed me that you have to do the right thing, stay in school and that the bad life wasn’t the right life. Just because you’re born in the inner city doesn’t mean you can’t get out of it.”

Stickball Boulevardruns between Lafayette and Randall Avenues in the Bronx www.stickball.com

Sure, there’s a flood of sports memorabilia on eBay. But there’s nothing like walking into a room full of the real thing, inhaling that fresh baseball card smell, and drooling over Mickey Mantle’s hat, which he (gasp!) signed with his own home-run-hitting hands. Sports Heroes and Legends is every fan’s paradise. They stock licensed gear, home décor, obscure autographed pieces and more. “Kids should look at collecting as a hobby. Sometimes kids take the money value too far,” says co-founder Dan Sherman. “It’s about owning a piece of history.” Stop by to gawk at a signed Ken Griffey, Jr. jersey or an autographed LeBron James basketball.

10 Giffords Lane at Amboy Road in Great Kills Town, Staten Island
www.sportsheroeslegends.tripod.com

Get behind the 8-ball and feel damn good about it at Amsterdam Billiards Union Square. A true playground for pool sharks, the 10,000-square-foot space houses 26 pool tables and sophisticated décor that includes original oil paintings, oriental rugs and plasma TVs. Between rounds, grab a drink at the 50-foot zinc bar or relax on the leather couches in the lounge. It’s kind of like the grand game room that you would never be able to squeeze into your apartment. “In contrast with bars and restaurants where everyone just eats and drinks and gets bored, [Amsterdam Billiards] is a high-energy night out,” says co-owner Greg Hunt. “It’s a great atmosphere and an easy way to meet other people.” This New York institution resided on the Upper West Side for 17 years before relocating to court the downtown crowd. The hall is open 7 days a week, with a day rate of $5.50-$6.00 an hour, weekday night rate of $7.50-$8.50 an hour, and weekend night rate of $8.00-$9.50 an hour.

110 East 11th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues
www.amsterdambilliards.com

EXTRA:

More from Amsterdam Billiards co-owner, Greg Hunt…

Greg Hunt, his brother Ethan, and comedian David Brenner created a New York institution in Amsterdam Billiards. CiNYC got extra chatty with Greg about his background, the renovation, and the celebrities who have played a game or two at AB. Check out his extended interview below:

What is your background?
I used to work on Wall Street, but I hated working for corporate America. I had an entrepreneurial bug, and I just wanted to start my own business.

Amsterdam Billiards lived on the Upper West Side for 17 years before moving downtown to 4th Avenue. Why did you choose this location?
In New York nightlife, you’re either downtown or in midtown. Nightlife on the Upper West Side is dying. We really wanted to be downtown.

Amsterdam Billiard’s new home is 10,000 square feet and completely renovated. What else can you tell me about it?
It’s much bigger than the average restaurant or bar. We spent 2 million dollars renovating the space, so it’s gorgeous. There’s wood paneling, there are original oil paintings, oriental rugs, and it’s really gorgeous. We maintain a really casual, friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

What celebs have been spotted holding a cue at Amsterdam Billiards?
Over the last 17 years, we’ve had everyone from Jerry Seinfeld to Eric Clapton, Michael Douglas, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, JFK Jr., Rick Moranis, Derek Jeter, Roger Clemens… We’ve become a New York institution over the last 17 years, and we want to build on that.