If this past weekend's weather is trying to tell us something, it's that winter is quickly approaching, heck even the holiday lights have been strung about the city--when did that happen? And, here in Spain, the main event comes January 6th, with Three Kings Day, when the kings come into the port to spread goodies and holiday cheer to young and old. Why not get in on the parade action and be royal-like for the day?

The city's Institute of Culture is calling for participants for 2010's kings parade. They are looking for float pages (8-12 years old), royal mailmen (over 13), technical support (over 18) and more. Sign-ups end December 4th at 2pm, get the kiddies signed up if you'll be in town over the holidays by visiting the Cabalgata page.

I will be in NYC over the holiday season, catching Billy Elliott on Broadway and some good eats -hopefully- at places like Pastis, Babbo, Keens and Chicama on E. 18th -well, going to see just how far I can stretch my mom's hospitality and wallet- and getting some chocolate goods from MarieBelle on Broome -a personal favorite from the days when I worked at Canal and Varick- also hoping to get some food at another fave, Cafe Noir and stop by Tropicalia in Furs in the E. Village and the Nublu club, where you can hear great Brazilian forro music, after seeing it on Beyond Ipanema one of the In-Edit Beefeater music docs.

If anyone else has some NYC spots I should check out, it has been a while since I have been back, so I am OPEN to suggestions!