Michael Frye

The booths and banners have come down at the Javits Center, but the ninth New York Comic Con is still alive in our hearts purchased props, posters, autographs and photos. One of our favorite parts is seeing all the cosplayers tease their Halloween costumes a couple weeks in advance, tugging at our heartstrings and often blowing our minds. This year, we've compiled a bounty of the best photos, and this video, to keep the celebration going as you hang up your foam Blades of Chaos and Buster Swords. Here's our look at the best cosplay of the 2014 New York Comic Con.  RECOMMENDED: New York Comic Con guide

Well, going by the sub-zero temperatures and the slush on the sidewalks, it looks like winter is finally here for real. While this kind of weather can make the commute just as bothersome as those rain-related annoyances, a fresh snow blanket does bring a certain beauty and charm back to the city, as you can see from the wonderful photos that were drifting into our Instagram feed this morning. So forget the winter blues—go forth, grab some of the best hot chocolate or winter cocktails the city has to offer and make a day of it. A photo posted by Melody Joy Munn (@melodyjoymunn) on Jan 1, 2015 at 7:48am PST A photo posted by nickcicero (@nickcicero) on Jan 1, 2015 at 7:15am PST A photo posted by Stephanie Diani (@stephaniedianiphotography) on Jan 1, 2015 at 8:11am PST A photo posted by Tomik Dash (@tomik2.0) on Jan 1, 2015 at 8:05am PST A photo posted by Pavel Push (@pavelpush) on Jan 1, 2015 at 8:03am PST A photo posted by sylvia725 (@sylvia725) on Jan 1, 2015 at 8:04am PST A photo posted by Jeff Silberman (@jssilberman) on Jan 1, 2015 at 8:14am PST A photo posted by Alberto Verdugo (@averdugoh) on Jan 1, 2015 at 8:08am PST A photo posted by @flook on Jan 1, 2015 at 8:13am PST A photo posted by Danny Forest (@dannyforest) on Jan 1, 2015 at 8:08am PST A photo posted by Allison Davidson (@allieedavidson) on Jan 1, 2015 at 7:43am PST A photo posted by @patra_c on Jan 1, 2015 at 7:53am PST A photo posted by

Almost every other month, New York City gets just a little smarter and and even funnier at StarTalk Live! when Cosmos’ Neil deGrasse Tyson and Bob’s Burger’s Eugene Mirman grace New York stages at BAM, the Bell House, and—this time around—the Beacon Theater on November 18th. StarTalk has been an ongoing and growing local phenomenon starting from radio programs to selling out live shows with the goal of discussing scientific concepts in a comedic way and lighting things up for, you know, us "normal people." Tomorrow’s show introduces newcomer, and undeniable genius, Richard Dawkins, and StarTalk alumni and comedian, Jim Gaffigan.  While the show’s topic is never introduced beforehand, we can guess that this discussion will cover evolution and religion with Dawkins on board. Richard Dawkins is a huge name for the evolutionary biology field with his wildly popular book The Selfish Gene, and is somewhat controversially known for his identifying as an atheist. Dawkins has appeared all over the world in public debates, television series and documentaries praising evolutionary education and criticizing organizations that work against science literacy. Jim Gaffigan is a stand-up comedian and recent author with his new book Food: A Love Story. “Mr. Universe” first appeared on StarTalk Live! back in 2012 with Sarah Silverman and Dr. David Grinspoon where they discussed our favorite solar system, Google satellites and space lobsters. This new formula has led to a hilarious and insightfu

Just in time for Halloween, J.K. Rowling released an eerie essay this morning, detailing the background of Harry Potter villainess Dolores Umbridge. Just reading the latest entry brings all the wizarding nostalgia flying right back (accio childhood!). Here in New York, there are some wicked events that true Potter fanatics can take part in to keep the fandom alive. The Metropolitan Museum of Art hosts a muggle-guided Harry Potter themed art tour throughout the year. Immerse yourself in The Goblet of Fire by attending a real Yule Ball with wizard rock group Harry and the Potters. The Bell House hosts an annual PotterCon, and film star Rupert Grint is further proving his acting chops on Broadway. J.K. Rowling has also strived to keep the story alive with her fan site Pottermore which has been growing a reputation as the Silmarillion to the Harry Potter universe.  In her new 1,700-word entry, we learn not only what makes Umbridge tick, but we also learn about Rowling's personal connection with the witch, and how one of the most malicious characters in the series is rooted in the author's own past. But the Umbridge story is just a piece of the Halloween treat, with over 5,500 words detailing Thestrals, various Ministers of Magic, Trelawney and much more.  We spoke to one of the best sources for Harry Potter news, Kat Miller, Marketing and Creative Director at MuggleNet about what she hoped to see in the new story.  This new story by J.K. Rowling is supposedly a backstory to Dolor

George R.R. Martin, slayer of your favorite fictional characters and wedding planning enthusiast, assumed the throne at 92Y on Sunday to talk about his new book, The World of Ice & Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones. Fantasy fiction fans (say that three times fast) have claimed Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series (better known, perhaps, as Game of Thrones due to the HBO series adaptation) has made him the J.R.R. Tolkien of our time. As such, The World of Ice & Fire, which has been in the works since 2008, has evolved into the Silmarillion of Westeros. Topped off with beautiful illustrations and maps, this book will have you praying to the old gods and the new for even more. Here are just a few of the things we learned about George R.R. Martin last night at the Kaufmann Concert Hall.  1. He originally wanted illustrations in all the books Unlike many visual companions, which are published for films and less-illustrated fiction novels, The World of Ice & Fire was actually written by Martin and intended to live side-by-side with his A Song of Ice and Fire series. Martin discussed his love for illustrated books and comics, and said he is troubled that traditional novels don’t allow room for art alongside the story. He wanted every book in the series to have illustrations, so with this book, he was finally able to work with popular fantasy artists such as Chase Stone, Magali Villeneuve and Marc Simonetti, to create Westeros as he originally imagined i

The only thing we like more than dining in New York is spending four whole days eating our way around the world! The 2014 Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival is a 130,000-square-foot cuisine utopia jam-packed with all kinds of events from tastings, classes, parties, workshops, and one of our favorite things to do in NYC - brunch. Not only will this festival get your mouth drooling and belly stuffed, the NYCWFF raises funds annually for the hunger-relief programs Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign and Food Bank For New York City, having donated more than $7.5 million to date.  There are more than 100 events happening for every budget over the four days of the festival. Remember the infamous Cronut? Its creator, Dominique Ansel, will host a brand-new event rightly dubbed Dominique Ansel's Wonderland. Even football fans can rejoice as NFL Hall of Famer Joe Namath and avid Jets fan Mario Batali put on a family-friendly tailgate party where you can rub shoulders with Jets players past and present. Grab a taco and tequila on Saturday night and meet one of Food Network's biggest names, Bobby Flay. Plus there are plenty of vegan- and vegetarian-friendly experiences, including the Fresh & Raw Vegan Dinner hosted by Matthew Kenney, Daphne Cheng and Tyler Kord at the Park Lane Hotel. Get your empty stomach over to Piers 92 and 94 from October 16-19 for the 2014 NYCWFF and start eating. Click on the guide below for all the delicious upcoming events. Bon Appétit! Get