Bartow Girl Makes It Big-time In The Big Apple

Lauren Purcell, who grew up in Bartow, FL, about a 1/2 mile from my former home, has just been named Editor-In-Chief of the "Everyday with Rachael Ray" magazine, effective January 9, 2012.

Wow!!! Lauren is the daughter of Michele Purcell and the late John Purcell, who we lost way-too-soon. John and I were law school buddies.

Lauren and her sister Anne Purcell Grissinger, a management consultant, moved to The Big Apple together about 15 years ago. The two sisters created a side-business of writing about and providing entertainment advice. Anne is now devoting her time to raising a family.

The link to the story is ...

http://stage2.mediaroom.com/meredith/index.php?s=2311&item=97291

CONGRATS Lauren. I know your Mom is beaming with pride, as are all of your friends and family==>AWESOME!!

On this happy note let me move on to ...

Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s KISSING SID JAMES, the comedy/drama about two “lost souls” and their weekend in an English seaside town==>C<==after awhile all of the screaming, shouting and cursing becomes tiresome. Acting is acceptable but it has a totally unbelievable story line.

I disliked both of the so-called “lost soul” characters. One positive note, without giving away too much ... it does not have a rom-com ending.

The show was over at 10:30pm and it was absolutely freezing with a howling wind. Very unpleasant.

At 8:30am this morning it was 23º - the coldest morning of this Fall/Winter.

As I mentioned yesterday ... today is yet another entertainment doubleheader for Billi Pod ...

2:00==>THE VIENNA BOYS CHOIR @ Carnegie Hall. “The Vienna Boys' Choir is one of the oldest boys' choirs in the world. For nearly five hundred years it has been one of the enduring symbols of Austria and Vienna.” (full price ticket)

This annual holiday concert is part of Billi Pod’s holiday tradition for the 7th straight year. He has an excellent seat in the center orchestra, 4th row.

Then for this evening is ...

7:00==>THE ROAD TO MECCA - “Set in South Africa, the reclusive Miss Helen (Rosemary Harris) has become depressed and appears increasingly unable to care for herself. Pastor Marius Byleveld, who embodies the village's conservative values, is determined to get Miss Helen into an old-age home. A young teacher is just as determined that Miss Helen remain free.” (Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This show is in very early previews. Now, in the name of fair and unbiased reporting, I am rather confident that Billi Pod will find the underlying story line to be quite disturbing. Not that he has anything to worry about ... but ... still ... old-age home??? ... someone wants to put someone there ... against their will??? ... yeah ... I know ... not that Billi Pod has anything to worry about ... I mean ... whatever ... anyway ... where was I?

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS AND GO TIMMY!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-116