This is so cool! - People Power 2009!!!

Do you know that you can participate in New Year's Eve in Times Square by helping to power the "2009" sign!?

At 1540 Broadway, Charmin has staffed (maintained) public restrooms for the holidays. It's actually kind of amusing the way they make an event out of 'going'. Anyway, I digress, Duracell (Proctor and Gamble sister company) has a Power Lodge where you can ride a 'snowmobike' (an exercise bike with a snowmobile facade). The energy you generate will be stored and used to power the '2009' sign which is the sign that lights up when the ball finishes it's 'drop'. They need more than 230 pedal hours to light the sign for 10-15 minutes. After that the electric grid will take over. You can spend as much time as you like, there is no minimum or maximum. So even if you only have the stamina for a few minutes you can still say 'I helped' when you see the sign light up on the New Year.

I haven't been on a pedal bike for over 20 years but I decided to commit 1 hour total time. Of which, I have done 45 minutes so far in 15 minute increments and I expect to complete my final 15 minutes tomorrow. So, although I will not be shoulder to shoulder with way too many people for my comfort in Times Square on New Years Eve; when I see the sign light up from the comfort of my living room I'll be able to say "I helped, Yay Me!" as London Tipton would say (if you have ever watched the Disney Channel you will probably know what I'm talking about, if not, you won't :).

1540 Broadway is between 45th and 46th Streets. It is open to the public free, 7 days a week from now until 31 December. Sunday - Wednesday, 10am - 9pm; Thursday - Saturday, 10am - 11pm (I think they may close early on Christmas and New Years Eves). The Duracell Power Lodge is on the 3rd floor. Depending on when you go you may have to stand in line to get inside but if you are not planning to use the restroom; once you get up the first escalator you can tell the folks waiting for the restroom that you are going to Duracell and bypass the line. If you take a free picture in the Charmin Sled, they will give you an 'I Powered 2009' frame to put it in when you get up to the lodge. You will also get a sticker like the one pictured above when you get on a bike.

So, if you are in or around New York; come on, donate a few minutes. It's really cool, it's 'green' and if your New Year's Resolution is to lose weight, you'll get a head start on it.