Friday, October 28, 2011

Thursday Was A Funky Day & My Travel Plans

I have to admit that Thursday was one of the longest days I can remember. To begin with, it was ugly, nasty, gloomy and raining for the entire day and into the evening and that in and of itself made the clock slow down.


Frankly, I was still processing the loss of my dear friend Gil Goshorn and I spent a lot of time just staring into space and emotionally sucking my thumb.


Yes ... while I will admit to being in a funk for the entire time I am also pleased to report that I was able to make all of the necessary plans for my trip down to Florida for Sunday’s Memorial Service.


When all of the plans and stuff were completed, it was around 4:00pm and it was still very nasty out. I had a New York Philharmonic concert scheduled for 7:30pm in the evening. My ticket was a comp., as part of my season ticket subscription series, meaning it was free.


As my departure time arrived it was still raining and I made the decision that I would not brave the elements. Yes ... yes ... I know ... I know ... but folks I just wasn’t in the mood, I just didn’t want to leave the cozy confines of PHC.


So, Billi Pod settled in and watched Game 6 of The World Series and, man, what an exciting game it was as The Cardinals kept battling back to send the game into extra innings. They ultimately won in the bottom of the 11th inning on a walk-off home run by David Freese.


Game 7, the final game, is tonight and Billi Pod predicts that The Cards will win.


OK, now ... my plans are as follows:


Saturday 10:30AM - depart LGA

Airtran # 782

02:21PM - arrive Orlando


William A. Norris, III

4339 Watermill Ave.

Orlando, FL 32817

407-657-8586


Sunday Drive up to Gainesville


2:00pm - MEMORIAL SERVICE


Baughman Center

982 Museum Rd

Gainesville, Fl 32611


Overnight in Gainesville with Chuck and Ramona Chance.


Monday Drive from Gainesville to Orlando Airport


02:19PM - depart Orlando

Airtran #785

06:00PM - arrive LGA


And, of course, looming over all of this is the forecast for rain and possibly snow tomorrow in The Big Apple. Please, God==>keep The Norris Travel Curse away - PLEEZE!!!

Tonight Billi Pod will meet up with John Scott Reed for the 8:00pm performance of The Tiger Lillies @ St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn.


Justin Vivian Bond will participate in “Sinderella Songs,” sardonic and sexually explicit songs about the classic fairy tale. (Off Broadway - discounted TDF ticket)


After the show we will catch a bite in the ‘hood and then I will come back to PHC, finish my packing and, hopefully, get a few hours sleep before the 7:15am pickup by my car service. I am providing extra time because of the potentially bad weather, just to be safe.


In closing I want to report that I have talked twice with Linda and she is doing well.


Those of you loyal and faithful readers who know her understand==>she is one tough and very emotionally strong lady.


Also I want to thank everyone for the thoughtful emails, posts and texts. They really meant a lot to me.


GO GATORS!!


Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

ALEX-65

Thursday, October 27, 2011

GILBERT S. GOSHORN, JR. (1934-2011)

My dear friend Gilbert S. Goshorn, Jr., a retired Judge, died peacefully at home on Wednesday afternoon - he was 76 years old.


Our friendship began at The University of Florida in the 1950s and continued through the years.


At the University of Florida Gil was an ATO, active in campus politics, a member of Florida Blue Key and was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame. He was a Gator to the bone.


After a very successful practice in Titusville, FL, Gil served as a Judge in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court. He later served as a Judge on the Fifth District Court of Appeals and was Chief Judge of that Court from 1991 to 1993.


He was a member of the Judicial Qualifications Commission and was also Chairman of that body 1997-98.


Following his retirement he and his devoted wife, Linda, moved to Gainesville. Gil found time to do mediation and some appellate work.


When Linda makes the final arrangements, I will head down to Gainesville to participate in the memorial services to commemorate a “life-well-lived.”


Rest In Peace Gilberto.


Bill

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Tuesday’s Doubleheader Was Fun

I am happy to report to you loyal and faithful readers that yesterday’s entertainment doubleheader was fun, just what Billi Pod needed.

IT’S JUST SEX was a staged-reading with laughs and drama. Once again Billi Pod must ask the question ... “Is there such a thing as a happy marriage?” Answer: “No, not in the minds of playwrights worldwide.” Jus sayin ...


Then for the evening, at a theater on my block, was the Musical’s Tonight! production of ALL AMERICAN. This was also a staged-production, much like what is produced in the York Theater’s Musicals In Mufti Series.


This show was originally produced in 1962 so it is ... tada ... dated, but that didn’t matter because it has an extremely talented and likable cast. It was very entertaining and well-performed. Again, it was just what Billi Pod needed for the evening and I am so glad I saw it.

Tonight’s entertainment event is a Broadway show ...


8:00==>MAN AND BOY - “Frank Langella stars as an amoral financier on the brink of personal and financial destruction who tracks down his estranged son in the hopes using his Greenwich Village apartment as a base to make a company-saving deal.” (Broadway - discounted TDF ticket)


Langella portrays yet another dislikable person, which seems to be his forte. The show has received very favorable reviews and I am looking forward to it.


This is Billi Pod’s entertainment schdule for the remainder of the week and weekend ...


Wed - 8:00==>MAN AND BOY on Broadway.


Thurs - 7:30==>NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC concert


Fri - 8:00==>THE TIGER LILLIES & JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND @ St. Ann’s Warehouse in Dumbo - meeting up with John Scott Reed for the show and then a bite in the ‘hood.


Sat - 3:30==>GATORS/BULLDOGS on CBS


8:00==>SEMINAR starring Alan Rickman. A Broadway show in previews.


Sun - 2:30==>TOMFOOLERY @ York Theatre Musicals in Mufti. My FaceBook friend Josh Grisetti is in the cast


7:30==>VENUS IN FUR. A Broadway show in previews.


Wow!! I think this is pretty awesome, don’t you? Well, it is, of course, up to you to decide, but ...


Folks ... this is just another reason why Bill Norris aka Billi Pod loves living in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In the World and why he will be here for as long as he is physically able to put one foot in front of the other.


GO GATORS!!


Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

ALEX-63

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

You Just Gotta Keep On Keeping On ...

Good morning everyone, from The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.


You know, my loyal and faithful readers ... so much is going on with some of my family members and with some of my closest and dearest friends that it makes it extremely difficult for me to remain focused.


It is so frustrating when things happen and there is nothing you can do about it - when there is nothing you can do to make things better/easier - when the only thing you can do is just ... keep on being you ...


Billi Pod will just try to keep on keeping on ... so ...


In response to several snarky emails and posts about my use of the words “dreary” and “dead-end” in reference to the employment situations of my Worker Bee friends, I will give you an example of what I mean and let you, as usual, be the judge. For example ...

Worker Bee #1 - whose name rhymes with==>Peed - his job involves polishing celebrity shoes and serving coffee;


Worker Bee #2 - whose name rhymes with==>Beers - his job involves emptying colostomy bags and searching for lost keys;


Worker Bee #3 - whose name rhymes with==>Cypher - his job involves booking rooms at Motel 6 and forwarding mail; and,


Worker Bee #4 - whose name rhymes with==>Bris - who doesn’t live in NYC - his job involves collecting and packaging manure.


And, trust me, these are just a few examples of the typical workplace life-style of the Worker Bee colony. Sorry ‘bout dat, but I only report and it is up to you loyal and faithful readers to decide if Billi Pod's use of "dreary" and "dead-end" was appropriate.


Moving on ...


Last night’s UNTUCKED: 5 SHORT PLAYS ABOUT LGBT CULTURE was a mixed bag. The writing was OK but most of the acting was just barely above the High School Drama Club level. Thankfully it was only 75 minutes.


Billi Pod was back in PHC in time to watch the final 4 innings of The World Series. It was a very exciting game, won by The Rangers 4-2, giving them a 3-2 lead. Game 6 will be in St. Louis on Wednesday and the weather is predicted to be iffy.


Today is an entertainment doubleheader, something rather unusual for a Tuesday ...

4:00==>IT’S JUST SEX - “A thought-provoking look at monogamy, infidelity, lust, trust and the boundaries of relationships. With the kids away at camp, three couples get together for an innocent cocktail party. But as the liquor flows, games are played, secrets are revealed, trust is tested, boundaries are broken and reality gets swapped for fantasy. (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)


This show ran for two years in LA, mostly to sold-out houses, it is reported.


Then ... for the evening ...


7:30==>ALL AMERICAN - “This 1961 musical by Charles Strouse and Mel Brooks is set at a college more devoted to football than to science until a Professor applies principles of engineering to create a championship team.” (Off Broadway - $9.00 TDF ticket).


This is playing at a theater on my block and it sounds like a lot of fun.


For various reasons I didn’t get all of my errands and chores done yesterday, so Billi Pod will post this and then try to finish things up.


So ...


GO GATORS!!


Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

ALEX-62

Monday, October 24, 2011

Back At It Worker Bees

I deeply regret that all of my Worker Bee friends out there in the vast hinterlands are now back in their dreary routines at their dead-end jobs, but, this is the role of Worker Bees in our society - sorry ‘bout dat.


Billi Pod sincerely hopes that each and everyone of his Worker Bee friends had a productive weekend - doing their laundry, grocery shopping, mowing their lawns, washing their old Prius, paying bills, watching TV, correcting their kids, and rereading Billi Pod Blogs for inspiration and spiritual guidance.


As for Billi Pod ... well ... it was the usual awesome weekend that ended with last night’s ...


THE HOUSEWIVES’ CANTATA at The York Theatre. It was entertaining and very well performed, a nice way to end a totally enjoyable weekend.


An additional plus for the theater event was running into my friends Bob & Lillian, confirmed theater-nuts like moi. We hadn’t seen each other in some time so it was nice to have the opportunity to do some catching up.

This being a Monday, Billi Pod will spend most of the day doing the usual errands and stuff and then tonight is ...


7:30==>UNTUCKED: 5 SHORT PLAYS ABOUT LGBT CULTURE - “The five stories cover the rainbow of gay characters, subcultures and perspectives - from the gay pick-up bar scene... to young urban female professionals ... to a special friendship formed in a waiting room of an STD clinic ... to legends about mermaids that actually come true ... and, a very special gay Cinderella tale.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket).


This is playing at the theater at Baruch Performing Arts Center at Baruch College on the Eastside. I really like this venue.


It runs for 75 minutes meaning Billi Pod will be able to be back in PHC to watch most of Game No. 5 of The World Series, now tied at 2-2.


Speaking of sports ...


Way to Go Tebow!! He took the Bronco’s to a comeback win over Miami in a typical Tebow fashion, passing for 2 TDs and running for a critical two-point conversion.


Yes, apparently he had a rocky start but, remember, it is the win that counts and ... folks ... Tebow is Tebow. And ... Timmy Tebow is a winner, “style” be damned. Hopefully he will continue to improve.


Wish we had him back in Gatorland. We will need all the help we can get this Saturday for GATORS/BULLDOGS.


GO GATORS!!


Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

ALEX-61

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Billi Pod’s Entertainment Doubleheader Was TOTALLY AWESOME!!

Billi Pod is soooooooooo happy to report to you loyal and faithful readers out there in the hinterlands that Saturday’s entertainment doubleheader was totally==>AWESOME<==like, two of the best shows he has seen in a while.


So, let’s get right to it with Billi Pod’s report cards on ...


THE COMPLETE WORLD OF SPORTS (abridged)==>A+<==extremely well performed. Even if you are only marginally interested in sports you still gotta see this show.


It clocks in at 2 hours, with an intermission, and that was a bit too long for the younger audience members who began to get a bit restless. It is important to understand that even though the show portrays itself as being “kid friendly” this definitely is not, repeat, is not a kid’s show.


What the performers do is place the world’s sports scene under a microscope and in doing so expose many many humorous and thought-provoking anomalies. Lot’s of inside sporting references too.


Trust me folks==>see this show. You won’t be sorry.


BILL BOWERS - BEYOND WORDS==>A+<==my friends were right - this is a great show. Laugh and tear-inducing moments abound.


I had been forewarned that it was general admission seating so I showed up a bit early and snared a front row seat. The show was sold-out.


In the name of fair and unbiased reporting I have to reveal that Mime is not one of Billi Pod’s favorite entertainment genres but Bowers intersperses the Mime with vocal performances and that combination really worked for me.


I know I don’t have to mention this to all of you theater-nuts out there ... but ... I will anyway ... in the Mime scenes you really have to pay careful and close attention or you run the risk of suddenly not understanding what the f**k is happening on stage.


So, Billi Pod says==>Catch this show before it closes on Oct. 30.

So, I hope you will agree with me that the entertainment doubleheader was AWESOME, but there is also something else to consider. What is it you are no doubt breathlessly asking? Well, I paid a total of just $9.00 in services fees to see these two shows. Yes, two outstanding theater works for less than the cost (Senior discount) of a movie.


AWESOME and just another reason why Billi Pod loves his life and life-style in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.


Billi Pod’s entertainment event for tonight is ...


7:30==>THE HOUSEWIVES’ CANTATA -“A cabaret-style revue that follows the stories of three women ... one of whom takes the journey to become the first female President of the US.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket).


This show is part of the York Theatre “Musical in Mufti” Series. Remember, I have previously told you that “Mufti” means "in street clothes, without the usual trappings."


Some random thoughts before closing ...


Wow!! Did Albert Pujols have an incredible game last night!! He hit 3 HRs, went 5 for 6 and had 6 RBIs to lead the Cards to a 16-7 win over The Rangers.


The 3 HRs in one game tied him with Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson for the MLB post season single-game record.


Michigan State’s 37-31 win over No. 4 Wisconsin was breathtaking. They won the game on the last play on a Hail Mary pass.


No. 3 Oklahoma’s upset loss to Texas Tech is gonna throw the BCS standings into absolute turmoil.


The countdown to GATORS/BULLDOGS in Jacksonville on Saturday @ 3:30pm has begun. OMFG!!


The upcoming week is gonna be outstanding. Have already scheduled: 3 Broadway shows; 1 Off Broadway show; and, a New York Philharmonic concert and ... there is more to come, trust me ... but you already knew that didn't you? Anyway ...


Talk with you later ...


GO GATORS!!


Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

ALEX-60

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Billi Pod Has A Saturday Doubleheader

Good morning everyone.


It is a beautiful fall morning up here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.


This impels Billi Pod to say==>Have a great weekend all of you Worker Bees out there in the hinterlands and in the vast wilderness known as cyberspace.


And ... now that October 21, 2011 is officially over worldwide we can all acknowledge that The End of the World didn’t happen and that nut case Harold Camping was wrong yet again, just like he was about May 21, 2011. At least this time people didn’t quit their jobs, give away their possessions, empty their bank accounts or, commit suicide.


It is going to be interesting to see how this false prophet attempts to talk his way out of this and what his next prediction(s) will be. Oh, rest assured ... there will be many more predictions.


Yes ... yes ... I know ... I know ... Billi Pod has spent way too much time on this issue but he just finds the whole issue/process fascinating.

Anyway ... moving on ...


Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s SWIMMING IN THE SHALLOWS==>B+<==funny, thoughtful and well acted.


The theater is so far West that it is almost in The Hudson River ... not joking. The house was sold-out and the audience was mostly early 30s and very much into the performance. Too bad it closes tonight. Billi Pod is glad he was able to see it.


Billi Pod has an entertainment doubleheader today ...

2:00==>THE COMPLETE WORLD OF SPORTS (abridged) - “The popular Reduced Shakespeare Company returns to answer some of life's more daunting questions: Is bowling actually a sport? How about poker or competitive eating? Who invented curling? And perhaps most vexing, can Muggles really play Quidditch? No sport is safe.” (Off Broadway - discounted TDF ticket)


This is the theater company that has given us: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged); The Complete History of America (abridged); and, The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged). I love their work and am really looking forward to this show.


8:00==>BILL BOWERS - BEYOND WORDS - “A collection of Mime, Music, and Monologues in a poignant journey that continues Bowers' ongoing investigation of silence in our culture, set against the backdrop of ‘Small town America.’" (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)


All of my theater friends who have seen this show have liked it a lot so Billi Pod is looking forward to it.


In response to your emails, posts and texts, let me close this posting with ...

First of all ... thanks for all of the positive and supportive comments ...


BUT ... even though President Obama has announced that all of the troops in Iraq will be coming home by the end of the year ... Alex and his Company will not be among them. I really can’t go into more details.


I do deeply appreciate your thoughts and concerns.


GO GATORS!!


Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

ALEX-59

Friday, October 21, 2011

A Photo From "Way Over There"

I want to begin this posting by sharing with you loyal and faithful readers a photo that my grandson CWO2 Alex Falletta aka Army Guy sent me from “way over there.”


I think that it speaks for itself and no other comments/observations are necessary.


Last night’s World Series Game #2 was exciting with The Rangers getting the go-ahead run in the top of the 9th. Not sorry I stayed in to watch it.


Billi Pod’s entertainment event for tonight is ...

8:00==>SWIMMING IN THE SHALLOWS - “Three unconventional couples fight for their dreams and desires, sometimes with unconventional consequences. A funny, absurdist look at the conflicts between what we need, what we want and what we love - the three of which rarely come together.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)


The buzz is mixed for this show but it sounds interesting to Billi Pod, so ... we will see.


GO GATORS!!


Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

ALEX-58

Thursday, October 20, 2011

We Are Still Here

Well, guess what==>it didn’t end==>we are all still here!!!


Yep, at 6:00pm on the East Coast as the new day of Friday, October 21, 2011 was breaking in other parts of the World, it didn’t end. Christian broadcaster and so-called “Prophet” Harold Camping was wrong yet again.


Last time he was wrong, on May 21st, he had a stroke afterwards. I wonder what’s gonna happen to him this time?


You know, Harold, maybe you will finally understand that The Good Book says that no one, meaning ... no one ... meaning ... NO ONE ... is gonna know when The Old Man In The Sky decides to pull the plug ... so ... how about keeping your mouth shut in the future, OK?


Anyway ... moving on to other things ...

Last night’s LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA concert @ Avery Fisher Hall was excellent - a great evening.


There were no OWS protesters, either before or after the concert. One reason, I guess, was because the weather was really nasty.


I was very surprised at the number of empty seats at this concert by a internationally renowned orchestra lead by Sir Colin Davis, one of the icons of classical music.


I also learned that there were comp. tixs being offered on several of my ticket services. Make no mistake about it folks, the damaged economy is really hurting the classical music entertainment field.


It is early evening as I write this delayed posting. Had thought about catching a movie, but have decided to just stay in and watch Game Two of The World Series.


Hey, out there ... don’t be judgmental ... remember that Billi Pod is a mega-baseball fan.


GO GATORS!!


Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

ALEX-57

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

New York Philharmonic Concert Was Excellent

It is a gray and nasty day in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.


Last night’s NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC @ Avery Fisher Hall concert was excellent, especially Mozart’s Symphony No. 38, “Prague.”

Around 7:00 some OWS protesters showed up in the plaza area. I would estimate their number to be no more than 300, if that. I was already inside The Hall. There were no problems that I could discern.


When the concert was over, around 9:30, the plaza area was clear - no protesters in sight.


The weather was pretty nice so Billi Pod walked back to PHC, a distance of one mile.

Tonight’s entertainment event is more classical music ...


8:00==>LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA @ Avery Fisher Hall - “Sir Colin Davis conducts an all-Sibelius program - Violin Concerto and Symphony No. 2.” (discounted TDF ticket)


I saw this group perform during one of my trips to London and they are outstanding. I am really looking forward to this concert.


Have no clue, of course, if any OWS protesters will reappear.


Billi Pod will have his trusty but now ancient Walkman with him so he can listen to Game One of The World Series, in the event he decides to walk back to PHC after the concert.

Oh, in response to some rather rude and vulgar emails and posts ... I did not, repeat, did not suggest that Tiger fans were pedophiles ... I said that it is alleged that most Tigers are pedophiles ... get over it guys ... anyway ...


GO GATORS!!


Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

ALEX-56