Hundreds Kiss in NYC in Honor of End of WWII

Hundreds of couples donned sailor's hats and nurses caps and kissed in Times Square to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II. They were re-enacting the iconic Life magazine photograph that was taken on August 14, 1945. (Aug. 14)

American Ballet Theatre

American Ballet Theatre, based in New York City, was one of the foremost ballet companies of the 20th century. It continues as a leading dance company in the world today. A writer for London's The Observer describes the ABT along with the New York City Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet to be a "triumvirate of great classical companies defining the American style on the world stage today".

There are three levels within the company (in ascending order): ABT's Corps de Ballet, the soloists and the principals ; there is also ABT II, formerly known as the ABT Studio Company.

Source: American Ballet Theatre - Wikipedia

ABT website

About New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU)

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) is one of the nation's foremost defenders of civil liberties and civil rights.

Founded in 1951 as the New York affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, we are a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization with eight chapters and regional offices and nearly 50,000 members across the state.

Our mission is to defend and promote the fundamental principles and values embodied in the Bill of Rights, the U.S. Constitution, and the New York Constitution, including freedom of speech and religion, and the right to privacy, equality and due process of law for all New Yorkers.

We believe that all New Yorkers have inalienable rights that cannot be taken away by the government or by majority vote. They are:

• Freedom of speech, press, petition and assembly. Even unpopular expression is protected from government suppression and censorship.
• Freedom of religion. Each of us has the right to exercise his or her own religion, or no religion, free from any government influence or compulsion.
• Privacy. We have the right to be free from unwarranted and unwanted government intrusion into our personal and private affairs, papers, and possessions.
• Due process of law. We have right to be treated fairly by the government whenever the loss of liberty or property is at stake.
• Equality before the law. We have the right to be treated equally regardless of nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, disability, or socio-economic status.

When the NYCLU was founded, civil liberties were under siege. McCarthyism was in full swing, and blacklisting and loyalty oaths were the norm. Government censorship of books and magazines was common, and abortion was a crime. African-Americans, Latinos, and other minorities were subjected to discrimination in education, housing, and employment. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender New Yorkers lived in fear of exposure. Students were virtually without rights. The NYCLU has led the way and helped to create a more open, just, and equitable society.

The NYCLU fights for civil liberties and civil rights through a multi-layered program of litigation, advocacy, public education, and community organizing. We represent ordinary people who have experienced injustice and have decided to fight back. Our clients are men and women, rich and poor, gay and straight, black, white and brown, young and old, religious and atheist, able-bodied and living with a disability, citizens and immigrants. When we vindicate their rights, all New Yorkers benefit.

June Promotion: FREE NY Skyride Ticket!

For the entire month of June, Gray Line New York is giving away a FREE NY Skyride ticket at the empire state building ($36 Value) with the purchase of any Double Decker bus tour.

The NY Skyride is conveniently located on the second floor of the famous Empire State Building and is fast becoming one of the best attractions in New York. As the only virtual tour simulator in the city, the Skyride takes you on an aerial NYC tour unlike any other.

Gray Line Classic New York Double Decker Bus Tour

Gray Line New York

Description: Gray Line New York is the leading tours and sightseeing company in New York City with over 82 years of sightseeing experience. They offer hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tours in Manhattan and Brooklyn as well as night tours, and daily trips from New York City to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.