The Efficient Secretary: 1916 vs. 2009

Richard's Grammar and Composition Blog, by Richard Nordquist, is worthy of your Favorites list. But his latest post is particularly entertaining, as he cracks open a copy of "The Efficient Secretary: Practical Suggestions, Information, Helps to Stenographers and Others Wishing to Become Secretaries, Ideas, Economy, Loyalty, Typing, Filing, Getting a Position" by Ellen Lane Spencer, published in 1916.

The author asserts, among other things, that, "It is but natural and right for a business man to want a good-looking, healthy secretary."

Find out how you're doing by 1916 standards -- read it here.

5 French Hookers in Brooklyn Subway Station

Subway advertising is routinely reviewed for racy content. But this time, they let full-frontal nudity slide when five naked babes got hung in the spotlight at Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Street subway stations. Find out why in the New York Times.

Get Your Cheer On at Grand Central

Hey, don't look so glum. It's still the holiday season, y'know. There's still magic in the air.

Nourish your soul and take a side trip through Grand Central Station to see their holiday light show. If you've never enjoyed it before, here's a hint at what you'll see from the folks at the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Online Games that are Easier to Play at Work

Wish you could play some online games at work, ay? But you know those flashy game screens will inevitably draw attention to themselves. That's all that busybody brown-noser around the corner needs to see -- she'll be reporting you for playing games at work before you can say "Pogo".

This blogger knows a way to play that's much less conspicuous.

"9 to 5" The Musical Coming to Broadway 4/09

What secretary doesn't love the '80s big-screen comedy "9 to 5" starring Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda? Now a musical version of "9 to 5" is coming to Broadway. Learn more here.

Brunch in Your Bathrobe at a Brooklyn Spa!

Been thinking it's time to treat yourself? Or that your sad Sundays need a shot in the arm?

Here's a mini-getaway we wish we'd thought up ourselves: at Body by Brooklyn in Clinton Hill, you an indulge in a delicious brunch and a sumptuous afternoon of relaxation.

For $54 per person, guests receive brunch from a menu of delectable choices, including a Spinach & Feta Omelet, Croque Monseur, Shrimp, Mozzarella & Tomato Frita and more. Then patrons are welcomed to the Wet Lounge, where everyone receives unlimited access to the Cedar Sauna, Turkish Aroma Steam Room, traditional River Rock Sauna, Thermal Hot Tub and Arctic Cold Plunge Pool. Guests can lounge for a few hours, or stay the whole day!

Body by Brooklyn is located at 275 Park Avenue on the corner of Washington Ave. and Waverly Ave. in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.

The facility is open from 10am-10pm Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and 10am-midnight Friday and Saturday. Appointments can be made by calling 718-923-9400 or visiting www.bodybybrooklyn.com.

Incentives to Spend Labor Day Weekend in NYC

NYC & Company, New York City's marketing, tourism and partnership organization, today urged residents to make the most of the extended Labor Day weekend and to "Go Local" by discovering the City's five boroughs and taking advantage of the last chance to enjoy many summer activities ending this weekend.

Read about some of the fun giveaways happening and attractions you might have forgotten today at The Wall Street Journal.

Wednesday Night Booze Cruises -- Tourist-Free!!!

Sure, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises has been operating its famous boat tours around New York City for millions of tourists for more than 63 years. But now through August 27th, they're running Wednesday night booze cruises especially for locals -- and for a good cause, too.

“New Yorkers for New York” cruises opt for a happy hour setting, with two bars serving up cool summer cocktails. Enjoy your own city with your neighbors and get "spirited" right over Hump Day, and know that $5 of your ticket purchase goes directly to Food Bank For New York City.

Cruises board Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and sail from 6:45 – 8:15 p.m.

Each cruise will feature a bar and rollicking party music. The $27 ticket price includes one complimentary cocktail or other beverage choice.

Tickets for “New Yorkers for New York” cruises may be purchased at the Pier 83 box office, by visiting www.CircleLine42.com or by calling 212-563-3200.

"The Singing Office" Puts Crooning Co-Workers on TV

Joey Fatone and Melanie Brown are set to co-host a new reality/talent show TV gig called "The Singing Office", where different groups of office workers will be pitted against each other in singing competitions. Read more here.