Cityscape

“Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Studies suggest early risers are generally happier and more productive than night owls.  Coming up on this week's Cityscape we’ll learn about why that is, as well as hear from people around New York City who are up before the sun rises.

WFUV is hosting a dance party at Webster Hall Saturday night (10/5/13). It’s called the “Rock Your Body Dance Party."  With that in mind, this week’s Cityscape is delving into the history of Webster Hall, as well as looking into the laws governing dance in New York City. We'll also catch up with some Celtic dancers in the city, and hear about a lunch time dance party in the Big Apple.

If you think you have to go outside New York City’s “walls” to go rock climbing, think again. There are plenty of climbable boulders scattered across the concrete jungle. A new guidebook details some of New York’s best climbing spots. On this week’s Cityscape we talk with the author of NYC Bouldering, Garreth Leah, as well as learn all about the geology of New York City. And as long as we’re talking about "rock," we’ll pay a visit to The School of Rock on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

The "moving to New York City" story has become a cliche. We often hear about people who move to the city from other parts of the country. But, let's not forget about those who come here from overseas. On this week's Cityscape, we'll hear about the unique experiences of two people who moved to the city during very different time periods, including the love story of an immigrant from Jamaica in the early 1900s.

If you ever wondered what it would be like to work under the Big Top -- wonder no more. On this week’s Cityscape we’re talking with the founder of the Big Apple Circus, Paul Binder, about his new book Never Quote the Weather to a Sea Lion. It includes a whole bunch of uncommon tales from life in the circus.

When you’re looking for greenery and open spaces, the concrete jungle may not strike you as the place to go. But there are dozens of urban landscapes dotting all corners of the five boroughs that you can visit and explore yourself. Take the High Line. It was once an elevated railroad track for freight trains and now it’s a lush aerial greenway. A new book tours thirty-eight “urban gems” throughout New York City. Our guests this week are Robin Lynn and Francis Morrone, authors of Guide to New York City Urban Landscapes.

Think back to your childhood. What were your dreams? How did you see your life playing out before the realities of adulthood set in? How many of those dreams came true?  On this week's Cityscape, we’re talking about childhood dreams relived and realized.

Day in and day out, we’re being watched, and we’re watching others. Let’s face it -- New York City is prime for people watching. So much happens on these streets that it would be impossible not to be a participant of this spectator sport. On this week’s Cityscape we’re exploring the art of people watching in the Big Apple.

While not as glorified in popular media and guide books as Manhattan or Brooklyn, Queens contributes a whole lot to what makes New York City, New York City. It's home to the city's two airports, the city's only working farm, and a whole lot more. In this encore edition of Cityscape, we're exploring what's touted as the most ethnically diverse county in the United States.

If you were around during the disco era, you’re more than likely familiar with the dance craze the Hustle. Like most dance crazes, the simple moves and catchy tune helped it -- to use a modern phrase -- go viral. But, what is it about other things like sneakers, Apple products and even the Halal cart on 53rd Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan that catch on, drawing lines that scale around several blocks? On this week's Cityscape, we're talking about crazes, from the cronut to the Harlem Shake to the Greek yogurt craze.