Wondering what to do in and about NYC this weekend? Here are a couple of suggestions:

I don’t know if I have mentioned this previously but I am going on a cruise in a couple of months. As a result, I have cruise ships a bit on the brain. Imagine my delight when I heard about the Cunard Rendevous - wherein the three “queenly christened” ships — the QE2, QM2 and Queen Victoria — will meet up near the Statue of Liberty on Sunday, Jan 13th (accompanied by a harbor fireworks show). This is a one time even since the QE2 is making her final World cruise trip and the QV is just starting out on her first trip. This I plan to see.

This Saturday (Jan 12)  is the now annual No Pants Subway Ride. Now, I am not planning on participating (my knees will not stand up to the scrutiny) but if you or someone you know, does plan to take part - I salute you! Requirements for Participation, according to the site:

1. Willing to take pants off on subway
2. Able to keep a straight face about it

Want to keep your pants on and stay inside? Then the New York Times Arts & Leisure Week might be the activity of choice for you. They’ve lined up a slew of folks to speak on their work, their lives and just about anything else. Everyone from novelists to judges, actors and designers. Oh, and Martha Stewart. Other than Martha - who is a) on Friday and b) sold out - highlights include: Wynton Marsalis, Paul Auster, James Levine, Cornel West and Frank Rick. Oh, there’s a panel on Young Frankenstein with cast and producers but - you know, like Martha - it’s sold out. You could try though.