My best friend is in town from Tampa for the weekend and I’m playing host. Since we seem to have a zoo theme going on with our visits (we went to Busch Gardens in March, did a safari at Disney in December of ‘06), I’m considering taking her to the Central Park Zoo. Polar bears in the park - who could resist?

Susan Sarandon on stage? As one of her biggest fans, this is something I definitely can’t miss.

Do you think your political activism has hurt your career?
“I think that’s like worrying if your slip is showing while you’re fleeing a burning building. You just have to do what you have to do.” - Susan Sarandon to Newsweek

Read the Rest of the Interview in Newsweek here

The glimpse of sun this weekend inspired me to invest in my first must-have of the season: a brand-new pair of oversized sunglasses. I must admit, I’m usually a gal who does just fine with shades from Target (let’s be real, the two things that are most easily lost are umbrellas and sunglasses), but there was something about the styles at Club Monaco that I couldn’t resist. This particular pair? Well, it was love at first sight. Hello spring, I’m ready for my close up!

“Every New Yorker should eat the street meat, at least once! There’s no turning back after that.”

- Gillian, Photo Editor, Born and Raised New Yorker

Other recommendations for someone who is new to New York? I’m all ears!

My story for Gotham made the mag’s homepage. It’s about Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet, check it out!

Natalie Massenet in Gotham

Noticed an ad on the Subway (yes, I read them) for a 4-mile race in Central Park on April 19th (proceeds benefit the Thomas G. Labrecque Foundation for Lung Cancer Research). Definitely considering it as a get-in-shape-for-spring jump start. I put together a running schedule tonight and followed work-out #1 at the gym. We’ll see how long I can keep it up!

After last week’s episode, Gossip Girl is finally back on track. Tonight, Little J celebrates her sweet 16. With Serena hosting the party and a couple of re-couplings (Chuck and Vanessa, Blair and Nate), you know that whatever goes down tonight on the UES, it’s going to be good.

Daily Intel Recap of Last Week’s Episode (NY Mag)

Loved his trip to Barcelona, but I’m really looking forward to checking out Woody Allen’s return to New York with his next film, Whatever Works, starring Larry David. The premiere is scheduled for opening night at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival.

tribecafilm.com/festival