How to find Broadway's best


11 can't-miss shows for your next New York visit

By Michael D. Gutenplan

Ah, spring. From kids on break to lovers taking a romantic weekend on the winding streets of Greenwich Village, New York is alive with tourists. Many won't leave without at least one New York theater experience.

Because so many shows are available and prices can be so high, a good recommendation can make the difference between a fabulous evening and an uncomfortable two-hour nap.

It you're a first-timer, you probably will prefer a more traditional Broadway experience. Many shows come and go but a handful seem to run forever, and with good reason. The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Rent and the Disney shows The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast are the new gold standards on Broadway, and they're all solid starter shows.

Each is uniquely different and offers the novice theatergoer a chance to experience Broadway at its best. You'll get amazing scenery, memorable music, exciting drama and world-class dance in a package with all the glamour and glitz you came to see.

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The perks of motherhoodIn 'The Mommy Brain: How Motherhood Makes Us Smarter,' Katherine Elliso...
The perks of motherhood

In 'The Mommy Brain: How Motherhood Makes Us Smarter,' Katherine Ellison sets out to prove that moms really may know best. Read an excerpt

Juggling carpools, soccer games and homework can drive you crazy. But what if being a mother actually makes you smarter? That's exactly what new research into this little explored topic has shown, says Katherine Ellison, the author of the new book 'The Mommy Brain: How Motherhood Makes Us Smarter.' She was invited on Today to discuss her book, just in time for Mother's Day. Read an excerpt.

A few weeks after my first son was born, I had a troubling dream. It was September 1995, and I was on leave from my job as a foreign correspondent in Rio de Janeiro. In my nightmare, space aliens had landed in Brazil's capital, Brasilia, but I stayed home, unable to decide whether the story was worth pursuing. The dream was the perfect showcase for my fear that I'd traded in my brain for my new baby.

It was just that fear that had kept me, and so many of my peers, from having babies at all, right up until we'd almost lost the chance to choose. The problem was that I'd come to depend upon my brain for so many good things, including my livelihood, my self-esteem, and my freedom to marry for love. And I knew that becoming a mother made me subject to a modern affliction called Mommy Brain which, like a 'senior moment' is a cheery synonym for abrupt mental decline. The phrase summons the image of a ditsy pregnant woman who weeps at Kleenex commercials, or of a frazzled mom with nothing in her head but carpool schedules and grocery lists. ('If you've left the crayons to melt in the car / And forgotten just where the car keys are / There's a perfectly good way to explain: / You see, you've come down with 'Mommy Brain,' reads a poem by one self-alleged victim.)

Along with varicose veins and thickened waistlines, diminished cerebral capacity would appear to be a risk inherent in women's reproductive fate. That's certainly how many nonparents perceive pregnant women and new mothers. When researchers showed audiences videotapes of a woman in various workplace situations the same woman, the same work, but in some scenes wearing a prosthesis so that she'd appear pregnant the 'pregnant' woman was rated less competent and less qualified for promotion. We mothers also perpetuate this bias. 'Mommy Brain!' is our frequent alibi when we say something dumb. 'Part of your brain exits with the placenta!' one friend advised me early on.

The pessimistic chorus wasn't always this loud. The phrase 'Mommy Brain,' which is of relatively recent vintage, followed the historic flood of women into the workplace beginning in the 1960s. This change brought new scrutiny from others and a new self-consciousness for mothers. Today nearly three-fourths of mothers with children aged one or older are at work outside the home, frequently in jobs requiring mental sharpness, making many of us more vigilant than ever before about fluctuations in our mental acuity. And not only do our jobs require more brain power; rearing children today amidst information overload and furious debates over nearly every aspect of parenting takes more smarts than ever.

 

8 Male Behaviors She Secretly Loves
It's hard to establish the exact characteristics that members of the opposite sex find attractive. While women fanatically ready themselves in anticipation for a date, men may drool over a sweaty gym bunny instead. Likewise, women aren't always known for being the most straightforward when it comes to dishing on what they think is hot in a man. Most men have been nagged by girlfriends about some characteristic or other; but wouldn't it be great to find out some of those behaviors are actually what keep your woman interested? Read on to find out if which of your male behaviors she secretly loves, and you may think twice about changing your ways. 1- Being a man's man A woman doesn't date a man in order to have a competitor for prettiest hair or shoes; it's likely that the differences between the two of you are what attracted her in the first place. It is true that when you go out to the ballet or to a nice dinner, shed like you to dress well and act better, but what she doesn't admit is that, for the most part, she appreciates your masculinity, however unfinished it may be. 2- Saying no Having a mind of your own is a good thing, even if it means making her angry now and again. Guys tend to think that women want a boyfriend they can lead around by the nose, and who will do whatever hes told. Women want a guy who has something to offer in terms of opinions and conversations. They also want a man with a personality. 3- Having a strong sexual appetite Though doubtful point for me. But occasionally women like this active men and hide it professionally. 4- Being independent You should recognize that if you have no other interests, hobbies or things to do, she will likely feel stifled in the relationship. Not only does your woman appreciate having space as much as you do, it is also sexy for a man to be independent and self-sufficient. A needy or unambitious mate is not attractive to most women. So, while you need to set aside time for your lady friend, making time for your career and hobbies can be just as important to a relationship. 5- Being jealous Remember: When it comes to jealousy, a little will go a long, long way, so use it very sparingly. Be aware of its power and allure: She can get really hot over a man whos protective of her assets. 6- Showing occasional vulnerability Everybody likes feeling needed sometimes, and since women aren't often in the position where they can protect their boyfriends, it's nice to see you need help in other ways. It may sound silly, but sometimes helping you out in these little ways can make a woman feel good and more attracted to you. It's not that she wants to be your mommy -- that's likels to be your mommy -- that's likely the last thing on her mind. It's just that if you need help and she can offer it, she'll feel powerful, helpful and important. 7- Hiding your feelings Sometimes, however, the fact that you're a little bit mysterious or elusive can be a major turn-on. Half the fun is figuring out how to crack the case. Women enjoy the challenge of figuring out what you're thinking without having to be told. So keep it a mystery; share the important stuff, and don't feel pressured to give it all up when she asks you to. She might not hate it as much as you think. 8- Occasionally objectifying her Women want to be respected for their brains and abilities, just like men do. Women enjoy a compliment, just like men do. When it comes to looks, there are few better compliments than a man whose gaze wanders south of a woman's face or strays to watch her walk away. Even a crude compliment will go miles from a trusted source. So don't think you have to be squeaky-clean or even upstanding to get her attention. If you notice her, she'll be flattered, and flattery will get you everywhere. Since we know women like attention, and since women like men, it's likely that she smiles to herself when she thinks of you and your quirky antics. So don't always take what she says at face value; in most cases, she actually likes you for you.