Billi Pod Blogs

Chekhov Can Be Funny & Something New.

2012-02-17T14:30:00.005-05:00

First of all==>Happy Friday to all of my Worker Bee friends here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World and out there in the hinterlands and boondocks.

Hope each of you will have a great weekend ... just remember that you cannot ... repeat ... cannot ... leave your jobs until at least 5:05pm ... but then you know that, don’t you ... but ... still ... just a friendly reminder.

Speaking of weekends ... and we were, weren’t we ... Billi Pod has scheduled doubleheaders for both Saturday and Sunday ...

Saturday - 2:00==>CQ/CX; 8:00==>THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE.

Sunday - 3:00==>BAD KID; 8:00==>ONE MAN LORD OF THE RINGS.

The specific details will be, of course, in later postings.

Tonight I was able to schedule a repeat visit to ...

8:00==>THE INEXPLICABLE REDEMPTION OF AGENT G, about a man looking for answers and revenge in Vietnam. (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

As you loyal and faithful readers know, I gave this comedy show an A rating when I saw it this past Wednesday night. I am so happy that I was able to score another comp. ticket and that my ticket service let me do it. Sometimes they get a bit "testy" over repeat visits early-on in a run.

Now about last night’s entertainment event ...

Last night’s CHEKHOVEK, 15 scenes from the works of Anton Chekhov, was a very pleasant evening==>B<==the cast was excellent.

Yes, Billi Pod learned that Chekhov can indeed be funny/amusing. The scenes in the first act were a lot funnier than those in the second act. The second act got a lot more serious, but that was OK.

Interesting observation==>the house was virtually sold-out and I would estimate that 85% of the audience were females over the age of 60. Most of them appeared to be there with a female friend. I guess Chekhov is a draw for that demographic.

I want to close this posting with a new feature that will be in the daily postings for awhile. These items are a result of Billi Pod’s internet research in fulfilling his responsibilities as a fair and unbiased reporter to you loyal and faithful readers out there in Nowhereland. Since this blog was created (2008) I have tried to keep my reader/fan base on the cutting edge of what is important in cyberspace ... so ...

Yes, you are so very welcum ...

GO YANKEES AND 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-178

A Warning To You Worker Bees & HURT VILLAGE==>BARF!!

2012-02-16T16:10:00.006-05:00

Welcome to Thursday everyone out there in the vast hinterlands, boondocks, and morass known as cyberspace.

Yes, my Worker Bee friends, you have only the rest of today and then tomorrow until your weekend begins. Billi Pod knows that you are already getting excited ... but ... remember ... you have to remain focused on your tasks, mundane though they may be.

A friend of mine, who is not a Worker Bee, has been urging me to remind all of you Worker Bees that you need to constantly remember and understand how lucky you are to even have a job in today’s troubled economic times. And ... damn I hate to write this ... but ... as a fair an unbiased reporter I must ... the harsh reality is ... once a Worker Bee loses his/her job ... the odds here in the US of A are virtually 99.8% that you will never ever be rehired in any capacity, for even the most unpleasant and menial tasks.

So ... all of you Worker Bees ... you are again reminded of your lowly status in this harsh reality of life in the 21st century. Actually, for Worker Bees it has always been thus ... but ... you are again reminded ... you are so welcum ...

On to other more important things, like Billi Pod’s report card on yesterday’s entertainment doubleheader, which was ... alas ... another mixed bag ... starting with ...

HURT VILLAGE, about a Memphis family in the projects who are about to be relocated==>is a bag of s**t.

I can’t remember when I disliked a show so quickly. It began with the opening scene which featured a 13yr old girl rapping and spewing the n-word, the s-word and the f-word. Nasty and unpleasant.

It got only worse with stereotypical portrayals of alleged ghetto life laced with the n-word, the f-word, the s-word and homophobic slurs. Folks ... if this had been written by a white playwright there would have been riots in the streets in protest ... and I am not joking about this ... riots ...

The only saving grace was an acceptable performance from Tonya Pinkins in the role of Big Mama, the family matriarch.

I fled at intermission, along with a lot of other people. Stay away from this!!

I do have to comment that the new space, now called The Pershing Square Signature Center, is awesome and is worth seeing even if you are not scheduled for a show there.

Thank you Theater Gods ... the second half of the entertainment doubleheader saved the day for Billi Pod ... it was ..

THE INEXPLICABLE REDEMPTION OF AGENT G, about a man looking for answers and revenge in Vietnam==>A

This show is extremely funny and very well performed. Interestingly, it also addressed the issue(s) of racial stereotypes but, unlike HURT VILLAGE, it did so with an even and humorous hand. The 80-minute running time flew by.

As I reported in yesterday’s posting, the producing company is called Vampire Cowboys, and I think you will find the following mission statement to be interesting ...

“Vampire Cowboys is a ‘geek theatre’ company that creates and produces new works of theatre based in action/adventure and dark comedy with a comic book aesthetic. The company actively pursues the mating of different genres with varied theatrical styles to create an eclectic structure to tell its stories. We aim to bridge the gap between mass media entertainment and the performing arts, exposing the community to challenging, thought-provoking live entertainment rooted in today’s pop-culture vernacular.”

And, folks, this is just what they did with this show.

Billi Pod highly recommends it and will see it again, if he can, before its run ends on March 4th.

So there you have it my loyal and faithful readers ... one show was a bag of s**t and the other was a bag loaded with fun and, I guess, this just goes with the territory when you see as many shows as Billi Pod does here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

Which leads me to answer several emails and snarky texts ... yes ... I know I haven’t posted the entertainment stats for 2011 or for January 2012. Both will be forthcoming ... I promise ...

Tonight’s entertainment event is also in the “WTF Is This Category” to be brutally honest ... it is ...

8:00==>CHEKHOVEK - “Five actors and one musician perform nine of Anton Chekhov’s, the Russian master, most famous and theatrical short stories. Desire, death and foolishness abound in a comedy in 15 scenes.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

Really?? Checkhov==>comedy<==Really?? We will see. This is playing at a theater in the Upper Westside known for cutting-edge work ... so ... we will see.

Still no word on whether AJ Burnett aka Loser Boi is gonna be history. Let’s do it guys!

GO YANKEES AND 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-177

POETIC LICENSE Report Card and Today’s Doubleheader Info

2012-02-15T10:37:00.005-05:00

OK my loyal and faithful readers ... let’s get right to the important stuff ... like ...

Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s POETIC LICENSE, exploring how one person's past can shape his art, his family and his future in academia==>A<==a thought-provoking drama where the “truth” is uncertain even at the end.

Yes, hidden secrets are uncovered, characters are a bit over-dramatic, and anger boils over to yelling, screaming and cursing ... still ... the story line is believable and the show is extremely well acted. The 80 minute running time flies by. See it!!

When the show was over I had the opportunity to meet and shake hands with the playwright, Jack Canfora, and that was nice.

When I got back to PHC I prepared (meaning warmed up) my first full meal from the recently opened neighborhood gourmet deli, Well Green Market, which consisted of chicken breast, brown rice, mushrooms and veggies - nice - tasty. I estimated its cost at an eye-rolling ... $6.00. Can you beat that? I think not ...

This morning it is gray and overcast in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In the World ... 40º @ 8:30am.

Billi Pod has a highly “diverse” doubleheader today ... starting with ...

2:00==>HURT VILLAGE - “A hard-edged drama about a soldier returning to the projects in Memphis, where many of the residents, including his family, are being relocated and the community is disintegrating.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

The running time is 3 hours and the show has received very mixed comments from some of my theater-buddies. It is playing at The Signature Theater Company's newly opened complex located less than a 1/2 block from my building.

Then for the evening is a show which couldn’t be more different ...

8:00==>THE INEXPLICABLE REDEMPTION OF AGENT G - “It’s been 10 years since Agent G has been in Vietnam, where his family and friends were all viciously slain. He’s now come back looking for answers and a good bit of revenge.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

What isn’t to like about a show whose production company is named Vampire Cowboys? It is playing at a theatre on my block.

I am happy to report that the countdown to the beginning of Spring Training has begun. It is only 4 days until pitchers and catchers report to the Yankee training complex in Tampa. Billi Pod is more than ready!!

There are “reliable” insider stories that The Bronx Bombers are close to reaching a deal with the Pirates that will rid our team of AJ Burnett aka Loser Boi. Oh, we will have to eat a good part of the $33M remaining on his two year contract but it will be worth it just to get rid of him. Good riddance to bad rubbish!!

GO YANKEES!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-176

Tuesday’s Report On RENT And Josh Grisetti

2012-02-14T15:07:00.003-05:00

It was 34º and kinda hazy at 8:00am in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. It is now 2:00pm and it has warmed up a bit to 45º and I just got back from doing the last of my errands, the weekly restocking trip to my grocery store, Food Emporium, located just a 1/2 block away from my building.

Why didn’t I do it yesterday, you are no doubt breathlessly asking, since Monday is Billi Pod’s usual errands and stuff day? Well ... its pretty simple ... on Tuesday Food Emporium gives a 5% discount to senior citizens over the age of 65. This is in addition to any other savings and/or discounts. Over a year’s time that 5% saving adds up to a lot of Off Broadway shows and other tickets on my ticket services ... so now you know ...

And speaking of food ... yes ... we were speaking of food ... I am happy to report that a new Gourmet Deli has just opened on 42nd Street, about a 1/2 block from my building. It is called Well Green Market and it is just the kind of place that Billi Pod cherishes because it offers a cooked-food bar and a salad bar, both at $6.99 per pound. It also offers breakfast, stir-fry, panini’s, gourmet sandwiches, hot wraps, prepared salads, custom made salads, fresh fruit and a well-stocked grocery section.

It is manned by a very nice and courteous staff of Koreans who seem very anxious to please. The lack of such an establishment has been the major quibble Billi Pod has had with his current apartment location. Now that has been taken care of ... nice ...

Last night was able to use my exchange ticket for RENT, the revival of Jonathan Larson’s award winning 1996 musical playing at the Off Broadway theater complex New World Stages. My FaceBook friend Josh Grisetti is now in the mostly new cast, in the lead role of Mark.

As you loyal and faithful readers will recall, about two weeks ago I had purchased a TDF ticket to see Josh but when I got to the theater I learned he was out of the performance due to flu. Much to my surprise the box office staff gave me the necessary information to get an exchange ticket through Telecharge and that is what came down yesterday.

When I saw the show back in December, before Josh joined the cast, I gave it a B+. Well, this time it earns an==>A.

It was a terrific performance from Josh and the basically new cast. Totally enjoyed it. The ensemble cast is excellent, especially MJ Rodriquez as Angel.

The house was about 80% full with a mostly 20s-30s highly enthusiastic audience. The sound problem I mentioned in my first posting has been corrected.

As I said earlier, this show is definitely worth seeing. I think Josh will be in the cast until at least May.

Tonight’s entertainment event is ...

7:15==>POETIC LICENSE - “A biting drama set against the cutthroat, ‘publish or perish’ world of academia, exploring how one person's past can shape his art, his family and, in this case, his future.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket).

This show is in early previews, so no advanced buzz. It is playing at the 59th Street Theatre Complex, which is, as you know, one of my favorite venues.

I will end this posting by sharing the best way I know to wish everyone a==>HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-175

Worker Bees Head Back to Work - Yesterday’s Doubleheader Report ...

2012-02-13T15:22:00.003-05:00

It was another bright and cold morning in the Big Apple==>28º @ 8:30am as all of my Worker Bee friends began their lemming-like treks back to their cubicles, offices, wait-stations etc. OK ... guys, gals and whatevers ... your weekend is over ... so get back to work ... and stop the whining ... just get on with it ...

As I am writing this posting it is 2:00pm and the weather has warmed up a bit to 39º but the high is predicted to only reach 40º. I have spent most of the morning and early afternoon doing my usual errands and stuff and, trust me, it is really windy and cold in Hell’s Kitchen.

OK ... enough with the weather ... let’s move on to more important stuff ... like ... Billi Pod’s Sunday doubleheader. I know you loyal and faithful readers out there in the hinterlands and boondocks are dying to know if Sunday’s doubleheader was better than Saturday’s so-so doubleheader.

Well ... Billi Pod is happy to report that Sunday’s doubleheader was totally AWESOME!! So ... let’s begin with the first entertainment event ... which was ...

THE NAVIGATOR, about a man whose GPS starts giving him 100% correct advice on his life-issues and future==>A.

The show was very funny and also thought-provoking once you buy into the concept that maybe being “right” all the time isn’t necessarily everything one imagines or wants it to be. It was very well acted.

The show runs until the end of the month so Billi Pod says==>see it!

The running time for the show was 75 minutes so when it was over I braved the bitter cold and came on back to PHC for my usual fruit and cheese snack and then headed back to the same complex for my second doubleheader event, which was ...

THE THREEPENNY OPERA - “The 1920s Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht classic about Mack the Knife==>A.

WOW!! The incredibly talented cast made the 3 hour running time fly by. In today’s times the show is still very politically incorrect so I can only imagine what the reaction was when it originally opened in the mid-1920s.

The house was virtually sold-out and few, if anyone, left at the only intermission. The show runs through Feb. 29th and Billi Pod says==>see it!!

Man, it was freezing cold on the way back home, about a 15 minute walk. Picked up a couple of slices. It was 11:30 when I opened the door to the warm and cozy confines of PHC, thus ending an awesome entertainment doubleheader. I couldn’t have planned it any better.

As I am writing this posting I am also on the phone with Telecharge trying to use my ticket exchange option to see tonight’s performance of RENT at New World Stages. My FaceBook friend Josh Grisetti is over his bout with the flu and has returned to the cast in the lead role of Mark.

Unfortunately there is a communication problem/issue between Telecharge and the New World Stages box office so I am not certain if things are gonna work out for tonight’s show.

If not, then I will head to one of the multiplex movie theaters in the ‘hood to finally see THE DESCENDANTS with George Clooney.

Wow!! The ticket exchange did indeed work out and I will be seeing RENT tonight at 8:00. AWESOME!!

For you new readers ... RENT is - “Returning to NYC after its groundbreaking 12-year Broadway run, RENT, set in NYC's East Village, is a modern take on the classic Puccini opera, La Boheme. It tells the unforgettable story of a group of young artists learning to survive, falling in love, finding their voices and living for today.”

Really charged about finally getting to see Josh and the new cast ...

I want to close this posting by sharing something that I posted almost two years ago about Timmy Tebow. This is verbatim from my posting on April 25, 2010 ...

“Oh, and congratulations to Timmy Tebow for being drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the NFL Draft. Billi Pod’s prediction - give him 2 years and he will make all of the doubters and nay-sayers look like fools. Just remember where you read it first.”

Oh Yeah ... you are so very welcum ...

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-174

Billi Pod’s Saturday Doubleheader Was Only So-So==>Dammit!!

2012-02-12T11:10:00.006-05:00

Man, it is really bright and cold this morning in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World==>22º @ 7:30am. The high is forecast to be only 33º but at least it isn’t snowy and slushy and that is good.

RIP WHITNEY HOUSTON!! Another multitalented person whose career ended in shambles due to drug and alcohol abuse. At age 48, she left us much too soon. RIP.

Moving on ...

In the name of fair and unbiased reporting Billi Pod has to inform you loyal and faithful readers out there in the hinterlands that yesterday’s entertainment doubleheader was only so-so and that is probably giving it the benefit of the doubt.

I have only myself to blame because I was forewarned about LOOK BACK IN ANGER, the drama about four people struggling to live together and love each other in 1950s England==>I F**KING HATED IT!!

Totally unlikeable characters screaming, yelling and cursing at each other got tiresome quickly. About 10 minutes into Act I Billi Pod knew that he had made an egregious mistake, that he should have listened to his theater-buddies and taken their advice to stay away from this dung-heap masquerading as classic theater drama.

OMFG!! The clock slowed down to a crawl and Billi Pod felt as if he had been consigned to purgatory. When intermission finally arrived he and dozens of others headed out of the theater.

Came back to PHC, had my usual fruit and cheese snack and basically just killed time until it was time to head down to The Village for the second part of the doubleheader. I dressed as warmly as I could, with my heaviest hooded jacket, thermal underwear, fleece-lined pants, heavy sweater and gloves.

When I got down to The Village and started the rather long walk West on Christopher Street to the theater I am happy to report that the wind wasn’t a big factor and that was good. It was tolerable.

THE THING ABOUT DAN, about two friends who are waiting for Dan, the friend who keeps their lives running smoothly - the problem is, Dan is sleeping with their wives==>B.

Wanted to like it more. The acting was OK but the story line totally not believable. Major downer==>at a critical point in the play the actors are in the dark and they are whispering their lines, which were basically indecipherable and I was in the second row. A lady sitting behind me was audibly (no pun) upset. Oh, and Dan never appears.

The small theater was sold out. The running time was only one hour. As I was leaving the theater I heard a lot of mixed feelings about the show and some bitching about the whispering scene.

The wind had picked up and it was brutally cold during the rather long walk back to the subway station. There was no uptown 1 train service at the Christopher Street station due to “weekend repairs” so I had to walk further East to the A,C,E train station. Not fun.

When I finally got back to the warm and cozy confines of PHC I had to tell my inner self to calm down ... that sometimes even Billi Pod will make mistakes in his entertainment scheduling ... unfortunately inner self was not easily placated and even this morning is making snide inner comments about what Billi Pod has scheduled for today’s doubleheader.

OK, inner self ... why don’t you just calm down so we can share the information with my loyal and faithful readers ...

3:00==>THE NAVIGATOR - “What if your GPS started telling you the answers to everything? Especially during a time when you don’t seem to have the answers to anything?” (Off Broadway - $9.00 TDF ticket)

I think this sounds very interesting. It has just received a rave review from the TheaterMania on-line critic.

The running time is only 75 minutes so I will come back to PHC for my usual fruit and cheese snack even though my second show is in the same theatre complex, located on West 36th Street. The second show is ...

8:00==>THE THREEPENNY OPERA - “In this 1920s classic, by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, Mack the Knife asks the question: What's a greater crime - robbing a bank or founding one? Mack the Knife is joined by whores, beggars, thieves, cutthroat capitalists and capitalist cutthroats.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

I really like this opera/operetta and am looking forward to this production. Little, if any, advanced buzz.

So ... there you have it my loyal and faithful readers. Why don’t we just cross our collected fingers and wish Billi Pod a better doubleheader than yesterday? Thanks!

Let me close this posting with a recent photo of new Mom, Gina, and my darling great-granddaughter Saylor. Love to you both.

GO GINA AND GO SAYLOR!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-172

Scary Elevator Incident and Billi Pod’s Upcoming Doubleheader.

2012-02-11T11:10:00.005-05:00

Good morning all of my loyal and faithful readers.

It is majorly nasty weather in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The Word, this morning==>32º @ 8:00am, rain and light snow.

It is now 10:00am as I am writing this posting and it is snowing much heavier. No doubt about it ... it is gonna be a slushy day/night, which ain’t good because both of my entertainment events are kinda far away from mass transportation. Plus ... there are massive service schedules this weekend on several of the subway lines. Oh well ... ain’t nothing Billi Pod can do about it ... so ... let’s move on to ...

Yesterday evening I had one of those OMG!! WTF!! scary moments you dream about (or have nightmares about) if you live in a high-rise apartment building like 420 W. 42nd Street. What am I talking about you are no doubt breathlessly asking?

Well ... it goes like this ... I was heading out to my Carnegie Hall concert, which had a 8:00pm starting time. I was leaving a bit early because I wanted to pick up my ticket before the Carnegie Hall lobby area got too crowded and then have time for coffee at a local cafe.

Got on the elevator. It stopped at the 30th floor and a guy about my age got on. He had one of those yappy small dogs on a leash. Down we went.

We stopped at the 24th floor ... but ... the door didn’t open. Hummmmmm ... that’s kinda strange, thought I. I waited a minute and then pushed the lobby button ... and ... nothing happened. WTF!! I then pushed the button to open the door ... and ... nothing happened. WTF!! We weren't moving!

The other guy said (and I am not making this up) ... “Oh my God, I had a nightmare about this last night.” I have to admit that my heart began to pound. Small dog started to yap, of course. The guy already had a panicked look on his face

We pushed the door button ... the up button ... the down button ... and ... nothing happened. OMG!! WTF!!

We hadn’t pushed the alarm button because we weren’t certain if that would totally shut down the system ... but it was time to do something ... so I called the lobby desk on my cellphone ... and the call didn’t go through ... OMG!! WTF!!

OK ... now it was time to hit the alarm button ... my heart was really pounding ... no joke ... pounding ... OMG!! WTF!! ... then ...

On its own the door opened and we both literally jumped out. Whew!! The door closed but the car remained on the 24th floor.

I pushed the down button, not sure if another car would come to the floor since one was already here. Luckily, one did arrive and we hopped on it. Little dog was still yapping.

When we got to the lobby I reported the situation to the doormen on duty and they got this startled look on their faces and said they would immediately address the issue.

Whew ... it was scary but Billi Pod survived, so he headed out to Carnegie Hall, where he picked up his ticket and had time for a leisurely cup of coffee ... but ... honestly ... the elevator issue was still whirling in his head.

Billi Pod totally enjoyed the AMERICAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA concert @ Carnegie Hall. His comp. seat was in the rear orchestra section. Nice!

Major quibble==>the second hour was an operatic work by Bizet called Djamileh, an hour in length. Of course it was in a foreign language. Carnegie Hall doesn't have the projected subtitles like most other classical venues ... instead ... the libretto is provided as an addition to the PlayBill program.

The problem was ... the lighting in the Hall during the performance was so dim you couldn’t read the libretto. Now this wouldn’t have been a huge distraction for a shorter work ... but for a full hour it was a major problem for a lot of people. In fact ... after about 30 minutes into the piece people began to get up and leave, something you very rarely ever see at Carnegie Hall.

Billi Pod stayed until the end because the music was beautiful and that is what he focused on.

When I got back to PHC the questionable elevator was back in service (the building has three) but I opted not to use it.

Today is yet another entertainment doubleheader for Billi Pod ...

2:00==>LOOK BACK IN ANGER - “A shocking and vibrant drama about four people struggling to live together and love each other in 1950s England.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This show has gotten very mixed reviews from the critics and from my theater-buddies. I had put off seeing it but when it showed up on one of my services I decided to give it a try. As I mentioned above ... the nasty weather may make getting there an issue.

After the show will come back to PHC to have my usual fruit and cheese plate and then will head down to The Village for the second part of the doubleheader ...

8:00==>THE THING ABOUT DAN - “A warped and wistful play about two men, Paul and Zip, who are running as fast as they can away from themselves. They are waiting for Dan, the friend who keeps their lives running smoothly. The problem is, he's sleeping with their wives.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This theater is on West Christopher Street only 2 blocks from the Hudson River so I know in advance that it is going to be very windy and cold getting to and from the venue. Frankly, had I known about the bad weather I probably wouldn’t have booked this show ... but ... since I did through one of my ticket services ... I gotta go.

Oh, do you get the feeling that Billi Pod is through with Winter and is now ready from Spring to arrive? Well ... you are right ...

GO YANKEES AND 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-172

TGIF For All Of My Worker Bee Friends

2012-02-10T15:50:00.004-05:00

The weekend is just about to begin for all of my Worker Bee friends out there in cyberspace and I couldn’t be happier for you.

Just remember that tomorrow you must complete all of your chores and assigned tasks before retiring to your recliners in anticipation of two consecutive nights of beer, popcorn and reality TV.

HAVE FUN, and, of course, Billi Pod will be having fun, too, because he has back-to-back entertainment doubleheaders scheduled for the weekend, the details of which he will share with you Worker Bees later ... so ... as he said ... HAVE FUN out there in the boondocks and hinterlands.

It is bright and brisk in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World==>44º @ 3:00pm.

Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s BAIT N’ SWISH, about two gay friends on a quest to find the perfect mate==>B+.

Most of it was laugh-out-loud funny as the two performers switched from character to character. Yes ... some of the characters bordered on stereotypes but it was done in good nature and not mean-spirited. The two actors were excellent and there was obvious chemistry between them.

My only quibble is that it is a bit long ... two acts with an intermission. IMHO at least 15 minutes need to be cut. The final performance of the extended run is tonight. The theater manager told Billi Pod that she hopes to reschedule them for May. If she does, this is a show definitely worth seeing.

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

8:00==>AMERICAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA @ Carnegie Hall. “Orientalism in France - Works by Saint-Saens, Franck, Delage, Ravel and Bizet reflect Europe’s end-of-the-19th century fascination with the Orient and Eastern culture.” (complimentary ticket)

Ah ... yes ... beginning the weekend with a classical music concert in one of the outstanding concert venues in The World ... with a complimentary ticket ... ah ... yes ...

As I mentioned above ... I have an awesome entertainment doubleheader scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday and I will share the details with you loyal and faithful readers in tomorrow morning’s posting.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

GO YANKEES AND 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-171

A Warning About PFC

2012-02-09T13:30:00.001-05:00

First==>An Apology And Then Reports on Billi Pod’s Awesome Doubleheader.

2012-02-09T12:39:00.004-05:00

Let me start this Thursday posting with a sincere and heartfelt apology to those of you loyal and faithful readers out there in cyberspace who read Billi Pod Blogs via the forwarded confirmation email generated by the blog website. For whatever reason yesterday’s initial posting was fraught with errors - grammatical, spelling and context.

As soon as I read my printout copy of the email I recognized most of the errors and made immediate corrections to the posting on the website. Unfortunately, these corrections do not generate confirmation emails.

Over the years since the blog was created (2008) I have tried to make it interesting and informative, but sometimes I do get a bit careless, like yesterday ... so ... if you will forgive me Billi Pod will make every effort to produce a better product for your edification and enlightenment out there in the hinterlands ... yes ... I know that many of you loyal and faithful readers rely on Billi Pod Blogs to brighten your otherwise drab and mundane lives ... so ... Billi Pod will man-up to his responsibilities in the future ...

Moving on ...

Yesterday was an AWESOME entertainment doubleheader for Billi Pod and both shows lived up to his expectations and then some ...

First was THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the Andrew Lloyd Webber masterwork approaching its 10,000 performance==>A.

When I picked up my ticket from the ticket service rep. I was stunned to find that it was in the orchestra, Row P, seat 22, and not in the upper nosebleed section as I had anticipated.

I am happy to report that the show has not, in my humble opinion, aged and that the performance was full of energy, supporting the sublime Andrew Lloyd Webber score.

Hugh Panaro, in the role of The Phantom, was spectacular - what a terrific voice. He is one of the few actors to have been cast as both The Phantom and Raoul in the Broadway production.

Trista Moldovan, as Christine, held her own and projected both aggressiveness and vulnerability in this difficult role.

When the show was over the audience gave the performers a well-deserved standing ovation. I am so glad I was there.

Had time to come back to PHC for my usual fruit and cheese snack. The weather had begun to get really nasty and when it was time to head out for my 7:00 show it had begun to lightly snow.

VENUS IN FUR, the comedy/drama that goes behind the scenes at an audition, where a man and a woman blur the lines between fantasy and reality==>A.

Let me say right up front that at times I had difficulty in discerning between fantasy and reality on the stage. The show is fast moving, profane, thought-provoking, disturbing, and extremely well acted by Hugh Dancy and Nina Arianda.

The audience was really into the show and gave the two performers a roaring standing ovation.

The New York critics were generally favorable to the earlier production and I predict that they will like this one too.

When Billi Pod got back to PHC he had a nice feeling in his inner self about the AWESOME doubleheader he had just completed.

As I said ... it briefly snowed late yesterday evening but today is bright and clear==>32º @ 8:30am.

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

7:30==>BAIT N’ SWISH - “What happens when two friends set out to find the perfect mate? Gay speed dating, a trip to Boise and a slew of outrageous drag queens. Two plays, one intermission, forty-nine characters, four folding chairs, a whistle and a buzzer.” (Off Broadway - $9.00 TDF ticket).

Yeah ... I know ... but ... my friends say it is a lot of fun. We will see.

BREAKING NEWS==>despite this dire warning provided to me by my youngest grandson Chris Falletta aka Topher ...

Billi Pod will be heading back down to Bartow, FL, in PFC aka Polk F**king County, in March to participate in his 60th Summerlin Institute Class Reunion.

I will arrive in Bartow on Thursday afternoon, March 1st and return to NYC on Sunday afternoon, March 4th. Of course, I will schedule face time with new Mom, Gina, and great-granddaughter Saylor. More specific details in a later posting.

GO YANKEES AND 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-170

Billi Pod’s Awesome Broadway Doubleheader.

2012-02-08T10:18:00.013-05:00

OK, my loyal and faithful readers out there in cyberspace ... let’s get right to the important stuff this morning, which is ... Billi Pod's AWESOME Broadway doubleheader scheduled for today.

I have to pick up one of the tickets early so this posting will be a bit shorter than usual (hold the f**king applause out there ... don’t make Billi Pod come over and bitch-slap you ... because I know who and where you are) ... so ... we start first with ...

2:00==>THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - “Winner of seven 1988 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterwork is a timeless story of seduction and despair. Set at the Paris opera house, a beautiful soprano becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius.” (Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This performance unexpectedly appeared on one of my ticket services and there was no way I could pass it up even though I have seen the show numerous times over the years and I feel confident that my seat will be in the upper nose-bleed section of the theatre.

This Broadway classic celebrated its 24th year on Broadway on January 26, 2012 and will have its 10,000th performance at the 2:00pm matinee on this coming Saturday, February 11th. The performance I will be attending will be number 9,996.

AWESOME!!

And then for the evening is ...

7:00==>VENUS IN FUR - “Goes behind the scenes at an audition, where a man and a woman blur the lines between fantasy and reality, seduction and power, love and sex. A crackling exploration of sexual control and desire.” (Broadway - discounted TDF ticket)

This show had a very successful Off Broadway run and then a brief, but well-reviewed, run on Broadway. It moved to another Broadway house and returns for another limited run and today will be its first preview performance(s).

All of my theater friends who were lucky enough to have seen it in its earlier production all gave it rave reviews, so Billi Pod is looking forward to it.

So ... there you have the details of this AWESOME Broadway doubleheader ...

Yes ... I said==>AWESOME!!

And now we will move on to ...

Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s THE CONFUSIONS OF YOUNG TORLESS==>C+<==way too long with too much screaming and cursing. Acting was generally OK from a cast of young performers in the lead roles. About 1/4 of the small house left at intermission but Billi Pod stayed to the bitter end ... not sure why ... I guess it was because of the cast ...

Oh ... forgot to give the usual weather report ... it was 32º @ 8:00am and light snow is forecast for later on in the day.

Big Blue’s parade through “The Canyon of Heroes” went without a hitch and that was AWESOME too. The local papers all reported an estimated crowd in excess of one-million.

Will give a report on an upcoming trip back down South in tomorrow’s posting ... so stay tuned.

GO YANKEES AND 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-169

Billi Pod Reports on Monday

2012-02-07T14:02:00.005-05:00

It was 41º @ 7:30am in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. Bright and cold.

Yes ... a beautiful but cold morning for The Big Blue parade through "The Canyon of Heroes" which began at @ 11:00am downtown, ending up at City Hall Plaza.

Yes ... Billi Pod has been watching the event unfold from the cozy and warm confines of PHC. The relatively nice weather has brought out record crowds of die-hard Giants fans and, at the moment ... Eli Manning is King Of The World ... at least here in Gotham City.

Can you believe this ... we haven’t even finished the award ceremony and already the “pundits” are talking about the odds for and against The Giants making it back to Super Bowl XLVII. Come on guys ... why don’t you just give us the opportunity to live in the moment ... OK?

Anyway ... for your enlightenment out there in the boondocks and hinterlands, the early morning odds to win the 2013 Super Bowl are:

Green Bay Packers - 5-1

New Orleans Saints - 6-1

New England Patriots - 7-1

New York Giants - 10-1

and ... way down the list

New York Jets - 20-1

and ... at the bottom of the list ... tada ...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 150-1

Moving on ...

As you loyal and faithful readers know ... last night’s scheduled entertainment event was THE MOST HAPPY FELLA @ 8:00pm at the NYU Skirball Center in The Village. Was really looking forward to this show.

I guess it was around 7:00pm when I left PHC and headed over to The Port Authority Bus Terminal to catch a train down to The Village. It is only a 4 stop trip and I made great time. As usual, I played a bit of solitaire on my iPhone.

Leisurely walked from the subway station to the venue and I estimate it was around 7:30 when I got there. It was a bit chilly but tolerable.

Decided I would go on inside the venue even though it was a bit earlier than I usually do ... so ... I took out my iPhone to check my messages and emails and ... then ...

OMFG!! The iPhone was 100% dead. OMFG!! I had recharged it before leaving the apartment, as I always do. Punched buttons and even shook it ... nothing ... OMFG!! It was dead. I had my recharger-battery system with me, so I took it out of my backpack and plugged it in, hoping that perhaps it would jump-start the iPhone back into operation.

Nothing!! Nada!! Zilch!! OMFG!!

Now I knew I had a serious problem. The issue was ... do I simply ignore it and go on inside for my event and then try to “fix” it when I get back to PHC after the 2+ hour show ... or ... do I run down to The Apple Store further downtown in SoHo, at Prince and Broome, and see if they can fix it for me?

Damn ... I really wanted to see this show ... but I also knew that if I went inside I would have extreme difficulty focusing on the show because of my concern over the status of my iPhone.

Now ... I have to say to you loyal and faithful readers ... to those of you who don’t have iPhones ... I know you can’t understand why I was so bent-out-of-shape ... but ... those of you in the iPhone Universe truly understand and identify with my conundrum.

Well ... Billi Pod headed south to SoHo at a brisk pace. Then ... OMFG!! When I got down to The Apple Store location I learned for the first time that it was closed for renovation. Man ... why was Billi Pod being punished like this? OMFG!!

Then ... I noticed the sign that said there was a temporary location about 2 blocks further south ... so off I went.

Found the temporary location and went up to a nice young man wearing all of the usual Apple gear and explained my problem to him ... or rather ... my iPhone’s problem. When he told me that all of the technicians were booked until 3:00am my heart virtually stopped pumping ... but ...

He said ... “I’m not a technician, of course ... but let me see your phone for a minute.” I gave it to him and he did a procedure which he called a “butt-kick” which involved holding down two buttons ... and ... presto ... the Apple logo lit up and the phone was alive again ...

We talked briefly about what it would entail to get a new phone immediately and I decided that I wouldn’t do it just then ... but ... trust me ... a new phone is just around the corner.

I thanked him profusely and left the store ... it was 8:15 and I had missed my show. Damn!!

I wasn’t in a mood to head back to the apartment, so I walked over to the Spring Street subway station and caught a train back to the Port Authority Bus Terminal and went to one of the mega-plex movie theaters and got a $9.50 senior ticket to see the recently released movie CHRONICLE.

CHRONICLE is about “three teenage boys who accidentally gain superpowers, with one of them becoming a destructive megalomaniac.”

Had about a 30 minute wait until the previews began so I spent the time playing solitaire on my now operational iPhone. (It is still functional as I write this posting)

The show has received generally good reviews and I enjoyed it a lot and have no problem recommending it to you loyal and faithful readers.

So ... that was yesterday’s entertainment event ... finally ...

Today’s entertainment event is ...

7:30==>THE CONFUSIONS OF YOUNG TORLESS - “In an elite late 19th century Austrian military school four adolescent boys become enmeshed in a dangerous rite of passage.” (Off Broadway - $9.00 TDF ticket).

Yes ... I know ... sounds like a bit of a downer doesn’t it? But, it is playing at The Looking Glass Theater on West 57th Street and I usually like the stuff they do there ... so we will see ...

Ending on a sad note ... my longtime friend and fraternity brother Joe Heyck of Tampa, FL, died on February 2nd. He was 76.

Joe and I go way way back to the University of Florida where we were both, at the same time, members of: Kappa Alpha Order; Florida Blue Key; and the University of Florida Hall of Fame.

Joe had a long and distinguished career with the Tampa-based law firm of Allen, Dell, Frank, and Trinkle. He is survived by: his wife of 47 years, Marilyn; two children; and 4 grandchildren.

Seeya later Alligator!!

GO YANKEES AND 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-168

Billi Pod Says==>Way To Go BIG BLUE!!

2012-02-06T13:20:00.005-05:00

Yes ... my loyal and faithful readers ... major congrats go out to Big Blue and Eli Manning for their super-exciting and nail-biting 21-17 win over The Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, beating The Pats for the second time in 5 years.

Here are the headlines in the local papers ...

SUPERMEN!! MVP Eli, Tuck lead Giants past Pats.

New York Post

ELI SUPER IN BIG BLUE II - Manning again MVP at Brady’s expense.

The Daily News

THE TITLE COMES BACK - A Final Manning Rally Caps an M.V.P. Effort

The New York Times

But OMFG!! It seemed as if every 2 minutes they went to commercial break ... I know ... I know ... but come on guys ... it’s about the game ... not selling TV ads ... and ... oh ... wait ... Billi Pod’s inner self has just advised him in no uncertain terms that the event is indeed about selling TV ads and that without them there would be no Super Bowl ... right ... sorry inner self ... my bad ...

Anyway ... Billi Pod totally skipped the pre-game and half time programming ... at half time he actually switched channels for 30 minutes.

The big victory parade is scheduled for Tuesday at 11:00am starting downtown and passing through what is known as “The Canyon of Heroes” and ending up at City Hall Plaza for all of the ceremonies and stuff.

Yes ... Mr. Lard-Ass aka Governor Christie ... the victory parade is gonna be in New York City not over “there” in your pathetic cesspool known as New Jersey ... so stop your whimpering and crying and man-up for God’s sake ...

It is estimated that at least one million people will be along the parade route. Will Billi Pod be there, I know you loyal and faithful readers want to know? Nope!! No way!! Will watch it on the tube from the cozy confines of PHC.

Now that the football season is officially over Billi Pod has already begun the mental countdown to the beginning of baseball’s spring training.

Moving on to ... Billi Pod’s report card on yesterday afternoon’s pre-Super Bowl entertainment event ...

LOVESICK OR THINGS THAT DON’T HAPPEN, the musical comedy about that dreaded day (for guys) known as Valentine’s Day==>B

I thought that the cast and musicians did an excellent job but the humor got kinda old rather quickly and the show felt a bit too forced. Having said that ... it is still worth seeing.

As many of you readers know, Billi Pod regularly reads the comments on the theater-related chat board known as All That Chat

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/

and he sometimes posts under the user name of: ReverseSnowbird.

Well, yesterday one the the guru’s of the board, who posts as jesse21, made reference to a production that was being staged down at the NYC Skirball Center. It is a revival of the highly acclaimed Frank Loesser musical THE MOST HAPPY FELLA.

jesse21, whose opinions I trust and almost always agree with, gave the show a glowing review and mentioned that there was a performance for Monday evening (usually a very slow time) and ...tada ... senior citizen tickets were only $5.00.

This was all Billi Pod needed ... he immediately booked the show ... so ... his entertainment event for tonight is ...

8:00==>THE MOST HAPPY FELLA - “Before online dating, mail-order marriage provided confusion, heartbreak and romance. This Frank Loesser musical explores the love triangle between an older wine maker, a young waitress and a handsome foreman, in the rolling hills of Napa, California.” (Off Broadway - $5.00 senior discount ticket).

This production is part of the NYU Music and Performing Arts Department at The Skirball Center, down in The Village.

It is cold again in The Big Apple==>32º @ 8:00am but it has “warmed” up to 45º at 1:00pm, so Billi Pod has no excuse for not getting out there and doing his usual Monday errands and stuff ... so ...

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS AND GO BIG BLUE!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-167

Saturday's Tripleheader and Much Much More Stuff

2012-02-05T11:46:00.006-05:00

Good morning everyone.

I am so happy to report that yesterday’s tripleheader was as mega-entertaining as I had hoped it would be.

Yes ... I will even begin this posting with the often overused description==>AWESOME!! And, Billi Pod hopes that after you read this entire posting you will agree with the use of that term ... so ... let's get right with it ... like ...

The first event was THE LITTLE ORCHESTRA SOCIETY concert @ Avery Fisher Hall in the Upper West Side==>A.

It featured a journey through dance related events from around the globe and performances by a very talented group of young dancers from The Young Dance Company.

It was excellent at only a bit over one hour in duration. Yes, there were lots of small kids in the audience but no problem, at least from where I was seated, which was in the second tier.

It was about 12:15pm when I left Avery Fisher Hall. My next entertainment event wasn’t until 3:00, down in The West Village so I went up to the Apple Store at Broadway and 65th Street and just wandered around looking and touching things I wanted to buy (but didn’t).

Then I took the 1 train down to The West Village and went to one of my favorite coffee shops and had coffee and one of their devilishly sweet brownies. The weather was OK. Cold but not windy so when I finished my sweet-sinning experience I spent about 90 minutes just wandering around The Village. It felt sooooooooooooo good.

My second show was at 3:00 ...

PSYCHO THERAPY, about couples therapy that goes awry==>B+.

I thought it was extremely well acted and very funny most of the time but it has a totally unbelievable story line that tries to touch too many bases/issues.

The show has a 90 minute running time so I had time to return to PHC for my usual fruit and cheese snack plate ... then it was time to head back out to the Upper West Side for my third and final entertainment event of the day/night ...

BOB: Blessed Be the Dysfunction That Binds, a one-person drama about a dysfunctional Italian family dealing with their special needs son/brother==>A-.

I found most of this to be very disturbing and very in-your-face. The son’s emotional and mental “problems” often lead to extreme violence directed at everyone around him.

The playwright/performer was excellent playing multiple roles. The play has been extended for 7 more performances so I can say that it is worth seeing if you are in the mood for an emotional roller coaster ride.

It was just a few minutes before 10:00pm when I got back to PHC. Yes, I will admit to being a bit physically and emotionally tired but I quickly got over it after having some pizza and my favorite libation==>Fresca.

So my loyal and faithful readers, I hope you will agree with my use of the word AWESOME to describe yesterday’s tripleheader but then ...

I report - you decide!!

This is what I have on my entertainment agenda for today ...

3:30==>LOVESICK OR THINGS THAT DON’T HAPPEN - “An uproarious collection of modern love songs and stories on the most dreaded day of the year: Valentine's Day. Examples: Amy gets dumped by Chuck right before prom; Susie and Stacy are bridesmaids and think the groom is gay; Brad and Doug have a bro-mantic moment in the elevator; and, Brian and Jessica wake up after a night only one of them remembers.” (Off Broadway - $9.00 TDF ticket)

This is playing at the 59E59 Theatre Complex, one of my favorite venues, as you know.

Then ... will come back to PHC for ...

6:30==>GIANTS vs. PATRIOTS IN SUPER BOWL XLVI on NBC.

None of my AA buddies opted to host this year, so I will watch the game from the cozy confines of PHC. At half-time will grill a steak on my George Forman grill to go with a baked potato and some grilled onions ...

Ain’t gonna watch any of the half-time show ... the tube will be on mute the whole time.

Billi Pod’s prediction==>Giants 27, Patriots 20. GO BIG BLUE!!

Now, on to some other stuff that I want to share with you loyal and faithful readers out there in the boondocks and hinterlands ...

What, you are no doubt breathlessly asking ...

Well ... folks ... as most of you know Billi Pod has a limited list of news sources that he trusts and relies on, and they are (in no particular order) ...

The New York Times;

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart;

The Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert;

The O’Reilly Factor with Bill O’Reilly; and

The Onion

In the recent issue of The Onion there was a brief news article that I feel compelled to share with you because it, frankly, confirms something that has been swirling around Billi Pod’s mind for a number of years. Here it is in its entirely ...

Study Reveals Majority of Male Suicides Occur While Trying to Put Fitted Sheet On Bed -

“BALTIMORE - According to a study published Monday in Psychological Bulletin, more than 83% of male suicides take place when a male, regardless of age, is faced with the task of putting a fitted sheet onto a mattress. ‘In the majority of these cases, males will end their lives after trying in vain to get the short side of the sheet onto the long side of the bed, and at least one-third kill themselves after struggling with the final corner only to realize it is their own weight preventing the sheet from stretching far enough,’ said Johns Hopkins University psychologist Dr. Khalil Mazarhi, adding that the suicide victims are usually discovered in close proximity to fitted sheets that are either partially covering a mattress or balled up in a corner of the room. ‘The tragic irony of this phenomenon is that a significant number of males will actually use the sheet to hang themselves.’ The study concludes with a recommendation that, for personal safety, fitted sheets only be handled when a second person is present.” THE ONION - February 2, 2012 - VOL. 48 ISSUE 05.

Frankly, this is indeed troubling because it has been ignored by the mainstream media. Billi Pod believes Congress should address this issue and consider enacting legislation that would make it a federal crime for any male to attempt to put a fitted sheet onto a mattress.

Interested in your feedback on this issue.

OK ... now let me close by giving a HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout-out to SANDY MULLON of Anna Maria, FL (yes, I know she now lives inland ... but she will always be an Island Girl to Billi Pod).

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS AND GO BIG BLUE!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-166

Details on Saturday’s Tripleheader

2012-02-04T00:39:00.005-05:00

Yes, everyone out there in cyberspace, as I suggested in yesterday’s posting ... today, Saturday (it is after midnight as I post this), is gonna be an awesome entertainment tripleheader for Billi Pod, in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

Not only do I have a diverse array of events but they will require Billi Pod to travel up and down the Isle of Manhattan multiple times ... so let’s get right to the details ...

The first event on the schedule is a rather different program at Lincoln Center in the Upper West Side ...

11:00==>WEST SIDE STORY AND OTHER MUSIC OF THE AMERICAS CONCERT @ Avery Fisher Hall - “This Little Orchestra Society concert features young dancers from The Youth Dance Company performing to Bernstein, Copland, Hamlisch and others.” (concert/dance - complimentary ticket)

What hooked me to this event was, of course, ... “West Side Story,” which is, as you loyal and faithful readers know, in the top 5 of Billi Pod’s all-time favorite musicals.

They will repeat this performance at 2:00pm, so I have assumed the running time will be a bit under 2 hours, meaning I will not come back to PHC when the performance is over because my next entertainment event is downtown in The West Village ...

3:00==>PSYCHO THERAPY - “Lily's fiancee blows off couples therapy but her hot young ex-boyfriend jumps in to fill the void. When the trio ends up on the couch together, only a therapist can untangle the kinks of couples therapy, for three.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This is playing at the Cherry Lane Theatre down in The West Village. It has generated very mixed buzz and reviews. We will see.

The running time is 90 minutes, so I will probably come back to PHC for my usual late afternoon snack of fruit and cheese.

Then, my third entertainment event is back up in the Upper West Side @ Broadway and 78th Street ...

8:00==>BOB: Blessed Be the Dysfunction That Binds - “You are invited to meet a special needs brother and his family and share their crisis, craziness, laughter, tears and triumph.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

Now, in the name of fair and unbiased reporting, I have to admit that I have very mixed emotions about this show. There has been virtually no advance buzz ... again ... we will see.

So, there you have the tripleheader in the raw details but let me make some additional observations for your further edification and enlightenment ...

I will travel 5 segments on the subway, for a total of approximately 9 miles. The awesome thing is ... with my senior discount monthly unlimited-ride metro card ($54.00) the estimated total cost is only $2.75 ... yes ... total transportation cost for the 5 segments will be $2.75.

Now ... if you factor in the service fee of $4.00 per show Billi Pod’s total out-of-pocket expense for a classical music concert/performance and two Off Broadway shows comes to ... tada ... $16.75. Think about it for a minute ... only ... $16.75 ... AWESOME!!

And this is one of the main reasons why Billi Pod can afford to live in New York City and why he intends to remain here for as long as he is mentally and physically able to get from point A to point B.

Now ... moving on to Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s ...

LEO, the mind-bending and witty one-man show of acrobatic physical theatre that defies the laws of gravity, is just that and it earns an==>A.

It is virtually impossible to adequately describe this utterly delightful show in which the performer, Tobias Wegner, finds himself in a room where gravity runs amok, chalk drawings come to life and a suitcase holds more than it initially appears.

On one half of the stage, Wegner performs live, utilizing his impressive strength and balancing abilities to strike various poses. On the other side of the stage is a large screen onto which a live feed of Wegner is projected -- except that it is from a different vantage point to make it appear that one of the walls of the room the performer inhabits is actually the floor ... and thus ... gravity runs amok.

The running time is 70 minutes and it races by. Folks, Billi Pod highly recommends this show ... so ... catch it if you can.

OK ... it is almost 1:00am, so it is time to post this and then crash in anticipation of the tripleheader.

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS AND GO BIG BLUE!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-165

TGIF For All Of You Worker Bees

2012-02-03T13:15:00.005-05:00

Billi Pod Says==>TGIF for all of his Worker Bee friends here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, and out there in the boondocks and hinterlands.

Please know that Billi Pod is happy that you have something to look forward to other than the mundane workforce lifestyle you were consigned to at birth.

Billi Pod wants all of you Worker Bees to understand that he appreciates your ongoing contributions to the global economy that make it possible for Billi Pod to maintain his glorious lifestyle as a retiree in New York City.

Yes, one of the reasons that Billi Pod created this awe inspiring blog is to help bolster the admittedly fragile self-esteem in the universal Worker Bee community.

Yes, Worker Bees everywhere, your work, tedious though it may be, does not go unrewarded because it has produced and maintains Billi Pod.

Thank You!!

Yesterday’s matinee performance of HONESTLY ABE, a musical about the early life of Abraham Lincoln, was, honestly, only 1 level above a high school production and for that it earns only a==>C.

This is unfortunate because the young cast really put in a 100% effort into the show. The staging was embarrassingly awkward, largely due to the structure and design of the stage at The Actor’s Temple Theater.

I think there were more performers on stage than members of the audience and that is not a good sign.

Oh well ... moving on ...

Last night finally had some face time and catching-up time with my friend Justin Allen Pifer, who came over to PHC after his after-work gym session.

We talked about a lot of things and stuff, including his recent awesome trip to Dubai, Jordan and Petra and then we had a bite at The Theater Row Diner, which is right next door to my building.

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

8:00==>LEO - “A mind-bending and witty one-man show of acrobatic physical theatre that defies the laws of gravity.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This is playing at a theater on my block and has received generally very favorable reviews. Looking forward to it.

Speaking of looking forward ... Billi Pod has scheduled another tripleheader for Saturday and will post the awesome details later tonight after he gets back from his show.

I will close with a==>HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout-out to my daughter (and recent grandmother) Kathryn Bendeck of Columbia, SC. To quote her husband, Dr. John: “Half a century, plus 7.”

Hey, lady, don’t get upset with me ... I didn’t say it ... all I am doing is fulfilling my role as a fair and unbiased reporter.

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS AND GO BIG BLUE!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-164

Good News For The Gator Nation (for a change)

2012-02-02T18:13:00.005-05:00

OK my loyal and faithful readers who are also part of The Gator Nation, let’s get started by sharing some good news regarding the future of the Gator football program and by this I mean the results from National Signing Day. Yep ... the results are now in and they have been analyzed ... and ...

The Gators are ranked number 3 ... yes ... NUMBER 3 ... in the nation, behind Alabama and Texas. CHOMP! CHOMP!

The top recruiting classes for 2012 are:

1. Alabama

2. Texas

3. Florida

4. Ohio State

5. Stanford

6. Michigan

7. USC

8. Florida State

9. Miami

10. Oklahoma

Alabama, Florida, Stanford, Florida State and USC each signed three five-star players.

Not bad for Coach Muskrat in his first year of recruiting, not bad at all.

GO GATORS!!

Now, moving on to Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s ...

NAKED OLD MAN, the one-man show about an eighty-two-year-old man who invites three of his closest friends, all recently deceased, to spend the evening with him==>B-.

Billi Pod really wanted to like this show a lot more but ... the “I’m old but I’m not afraid to die - oh ... wait ... yes, I really am f**king afraid” story line got a bit tiresome even at only an hour. David Margulies was just adequate and that was a bit of a surprise, too. There was no nudity, thank God.

Today's entertainment event is a rare Thursday matinee ...

2:00==>HONESTLY ABE - “This new musical shines a light on the early and little known life of President Abraham Lincoln. Set in Indiana in the early 1820s, and based on historical fact, the show uncovers young Abe as a lanky, prankster boy who loves to read and who can tell quite a story. Abe dreams of quitting the family farm and becoming a riverboat captain. Will his dreams come true?” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket).

This is playing at The Actor’s Temple Theater on West 47th Street and I think that it is a showcase production with a young cast. Looking forward to it.

Oh ... it has gotten colder again, in the low 40s so I guess Winter isn’t over.

Tonight my friend Justin Allen Pifer (a Penn State grad, no doubt in need of closure) will come over to PHC when he gets off work and we will have some catching up face time and then grab a bite at a restaurant in da ‘hood.

Time to head out to my matinee ... so ...

GO YANKEES AND GO BIG BLUE!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-163

Billi Pod Survived GOTTERDAMMERUNG!!

2012-02-01T11:28:00.006-05:00

Billi Pod survived his opera evening, GOTTERDAMMERUNG @ Lincoln Center, last night, which began at 6:00pm and ended at 11:45pm. He was back at PHC at 12:15am.

As I had mentioned in earlier postings, there were two intermissions ... the first was 38 minutes and the second was 28 minutes. Actually, it felt good to have the opportunity to walk around a bit. It helped me keep focused.

I thought that the show was extremely well performed, particularly Deborah Voigt in the role of Bruunhilde. Her voice held up and she is actually both age and weight appropriate for the role, something that is often an issue with Billi Pod.

The tenor Jay Hunter Morris also gave an outstanding performance in the role of Seigfried, although he is a bit on the pudgy side, IMHO.

The Met orchestra brought out the beauty and might of Wagner’s complex score and the men’s chorus in Act II was outstanding.

I wasn’t blown away by the staging or the set, which consisted of 24 movable planks and computerized video. At least this production moved along without any glitches, which had been a problem earlier in the Cycle.

I think that I mentioned in an earlier posting that my full-price ticket was in the rear orchestra, house left.

When I finally got back to PHC I have to admit that I had a pretty good feeling about the evening and, yes, it was worth the price of the rather expensive ticket. Billi Pod did, however, acknowledge to his inner self that he will probably never ever see another production of GOTTERDAMMERUNG ... and that is OK.

Tonight’s entertainment event couldn’t be more different ...

7:30==>NAKED OLD MAN - “An eighty-two-year-old man, played by the wonderful David Margulies, invites three of his closest friends, all recently deceased, to spend the evening with him.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket).

I think the concept of this show is extremely interesting, don’t you, but ... please God ... don’t let there be any full-frontal nudity ... please ...

While we are talking about the theater ... I want to share a link with you for an article written by Michael Musto in The Village Voice ... if you are a theater-nut like moi most of the things mentioned in the article will certainly ring a bell ... so ... check it out ...

WHY I HATE THEATER! APPALLING!

http://www.villagevoice.com/2012-02-01/columns/why-i-hate-theater-mike-musto/

And, speaking of appalling ... the results of the Republican primary vote in Florida really stuck it to Newt, didn’t it? He should call it quits, but he ain’t gonna do it because of his oversized ego, among other reasons.

New York City is getting into a frenzy over The Super Bowl on Sunday. Really looking forward to it and it should be a nail-biter to the final whistle. I still believe The Giants are gonna win.

Oh ... Timmy Tebow is gonna be on Jimmy Fallon tonight for you loyal and faithful readers who either stay up late like moi ... or have TiVO.

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS AND GO BIG BLUE!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-162

What Went Down With STONE AND STONE??

2012-01-31T12:58:00.004-05:00

You know ... it is fun and also interesting for me to record the often mundane things and stuff that routinely happen in Billi Pod’s daily life in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In the World. I have tried to be honest and forthcoming about what goes on ... the good ... the bad ... the interesting ... the boring ... the WTF ... the bland ... the “senior moments” ...the “I can’t believe that just happened” ... etc etc etc stuff.

What Billi Pod Blogs does is to provide a record for me, something I often refer back to, even as far back as 2008, when this blog was created. And, of course, it provides enlightenment to you loyal and faithful readers who reside out there in the hinterlands.

Why am I writing about this now? Well, this is an intro into what went down last night regarding my scheduled entertainment event STONE AND STONE, the twin brother’s performance at The People’s Improv Theater. So ... let’s begin ...

I had never been to this venue before. I got there at around 7:40pm and the lobby/bar area was already jammed with mostly the cool 20s-30s crowd. Checked in at the box office and got my ticket, which was just a small piece of paper. I just happened to notice that the regular ticket price was $10.00. They told me that we would be let into the theater no earlier than 7:55.

Made my way to a space as close to the entrance as I could get and started texting to pass the time. Then ... I heard a voice that said ... “Oh My God! Is that you Bill?” I turned around and there was one of my best AA buds that I hadn’t seen in over a year. I will give him the name of “Bob” but that isn’t his real name - you understand.

OMFG!! I had really missed seeing Bob at the meetings I attend over on The Eastside. We hugged and began immediately talking as best we could over the ever increasing noise. I learned that his job was now downtown and that was why we no longer went to the same meetings.

It was really getting more crowded ... uncomfortably so, in fact. This was his first visit to this venue too. Bob said he was really charged about seeing STONE AND STONE ... and I told him that I was too.

At 7:55 the double doors opened and the teeming masses, including us, made our way to the theater entrance, down some steep stairs and into the rather cramped performance space. There was no ticket-taker (odd, thought I). We scored two seats in the front row, dead center. The space quickly filled and soon there was standing room only.

Bob and I kept talking. Then it was show time. A guy came out and made the usual pre-show speech, including reference to the fact that since this was a “free” show, they would pass around a jar for any contributions we wished to make.

Bob and I exchanged puzzled looks ... then a troupe of 8 young performers took the stage and I remember thinking that this was obviously the opening act for STONE AND STONE. I would guess they did about 8 short sketches and each one was funny and very well performed. Hummmmmmmmm ... they performed longer than I thought an opening act would ... but ... then they left the stage;

It was time for STONE AND STONE ... BUT ... we could see another troupe getting ready to come on stage. WTF?

Bob and I exchanged puzzled looks and I saw him turn to the young guy seated next to him and they exchanged words and then Bob turned to me and said ...

“Man, we have f**ked up big time. We are in the wrong f**king place. STONE AND STONE are in the space above us.”

And just then the second troupe took the stage and since we were directly in front of them in the first row we just couldn’t get up and leave. Also, we had no way of knowing whether they would let us into the other space.

Oh well ... we exchanged rather bemused smiles and settled back in to try to enjoy the rest of the show, which, in all honesty, was also quite good, funny and extremely well performed.

As we were leaving the theater I mentioned to the box office manager what had happened to us and he looked at me and said ... “well, sir, I personally warned everyone over the PA that we had two shows going on at the same time and to be sure you were at the right one.” Obviously, Bob and I had missed that announcement. Oh well ... we both laughed, exchanged contact info, said it was great seeing one another and split.

I will make every effort to see STONE AND STONE in their March performance ... they only perform once a month at this venue.

The evening wasn’t a bust because I got the opportunity to reconnect with Bob and to see two very talented Improv groups.

OK ... to the few of you loyal and faithful readers who are still with me ... let me move on to tonight’s entertainment event ... which is ...

6:00pm==>WAGNER’S GOTTERDAMMERUNG (“Twilight of the Gods”) @ Metropolitan Opera House @ Lincoln Center. (Opera - full price expensive ticket)

This is the final part of Wagner’s “Ring Series.” Yep ... it starts at 6:00pm, has 2 long intermissions (to allow everyone the “opportunity” to have mega-expensive dinner(s) with mega-overpriced wine) and gets out at 11:30pm ... gasp.

As I had posted earlier, I have seen The Ring Series: Das Rheingold; Die Walkure; Siegfried; and Gotterdammerung twice and had no interest in seeing it for the third time but, for whatever reason, I opted to buy a very expensive orchestra seat ticket for this performance.

I like classical music at lot, as you know, but I have never been a fan of opera, but ... and a huge but ... I like the music from opera, without the usual overweight and often age-inappropriate performers. In other words Billi Pod likes “Opera Without Words,” especially all of Wagner’s works ... so ...

Billi Pod will make sure his iPhone is charged, that his charger is in the backpack, along with some protein snack-bars and that he has a cup of extra-strong coffee just before leaving PHC at 5:00pm.

At least when I finally get back to PHC the results of the Republican primary election in Florida will be in and, hopefully, Newt will be history.

Let me close with a HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout-out to my fraternity brother and long-time friend BOB KENT aka BK, who lives in Jacksonville, FL.

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS AND GO BIG BLUE!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-161

Errands Monday and Report Cards On Yesterday’s Doubleheader

2012-01-30T16:41:00.006-05:00

Good Monday afternoon everyone.

I apologize to all of my loyal and faithful readers for the delay in today’s posting but today, being Monday, is my usual errands and stuff day and I thought that I would get them out of the way before working on my daily blog ... well ...

It seems as if everything took longer than I had anticipated and nothing worked out exactly as I expected. I won’t bore you with too many details other than to share that they all revolved around getting the necessary hardware and stuff to frame and hang the artwork I had gotten out of my Bartow storage area a couple of weeks ago.

One of the few downsides of living in a metropolitan area like New York City is ... no shopping malls ... meaning a lot of walking and a lot of subway rides to get things and stuff. My first store was on 57th and 7th Avenue and it didn’t have what I wanted/needed so I headed further uptown to 97th and Columbus Ave. and they only had part of what I wanted/needed. Damn!!!

So I came back to PHC, went online and was able to order the rest of the stuff. Why I didn’t think about doing that first I really don’t know ... but I didn't.

Anyway ... at least I have made the first step toward overcoming my artistic sloth.

As most of you loyal and faithful readers know, yesterday was another entertainment doubleheader for Billi Pod.

His first show was MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET based on a chance (but true) meeting between Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley, in a recording studio.

When I first saw this show back in March 2011, during its Broadway run, I gave it an A. I am happy to report that it also works very well in the smaller Off Broadway venue at New World Stages, so my report card is==>A.

Each of the performers bore a passable resemblance to the rock ‘n’ roll legends they were portraying. Each of the characters performed their gold record hits in basically a jam-session format.

I have to admit that once again it brought back a lot of memories since it is set in 1956, when I was a mere 22 years old and just beginning to really get into rock music. I left the theatre with a happy smile on my face and my ears ringing.

As planned I didn’t go back to PHC but rather headed down to the Astor Place area for my second show.

Had time to check out John Scott Reed’s aka Fabson new apartment location. Fabson is leaving Brooklyn to return to Manhattan, where he belongs. His building is located on 10th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues. It is a happening area and I will post more about it later. Also had time for some coffee and something sweet, again as I had planned.

Met up with my theater buddy Dian Crystal just before the show. She was traveling without her usual posse.

OK ... OK ... I know ... you are tired of waiting for me to report on my second show GOB SQUAD’S KITCHEN, a reconstruction of Andy Warhol’s firms and lifestyle, set in 1965 ... well folks ... even though more time has transpired I am still uncertain just WTF was going on ... so ... Billi Pod’s report card is==>WTF.

It was certainly different to say the least. Unfortunately Billi Pod did not get selected to appear onstage with the cast ... dammit ... Neither Dian, but she really didn’t want to do it, whereas, Billi Pod did ... oh well ...

As I posted yesterday, it is a multimedia presentation that breaks the 4th wall multiple times. I will be very interested in the reviews once the show officially opens.

Now ... moving on to today ... or rather ... tonight ...

8:00==>STONE AND STONE - “Twin brothers perform at The Peoples Improv Theater.” (comedy show -complimentary ticket).

I think that the following press release about the show is very interesting ...

“On a quiet morning in 1983, twin babies were placed in an open basket in the Hudson River on the New Jersey side. They passed over the calm waters to the island of Manhattan where they were discovered, rescued, and later raised by a beautiful and kindly beggar-woman. One day during their eighteenth year, the twins went to play in Central Park. While rubbing sticks together to create a spark, a whole bush caught on fire and a mighty voice spoke out to them. The twins asked the bush what they should do. “Should we found a nation for twins?” asked Adam. “Or discover the cure for gout?” asked Todd. “No!” said the flaming bush. “You must go to Wesleyan University together, start a comedy show and then hit the New York comedy scene. Now!” And that is what they did.

Always dressed in double-breasted blazers, the Stone twins, Adam and Todd, created a two man comedy act called "Stone and Stone" during their sophomore year at Wesleyan University. Since graduating in 2005, they have performed at comedy clubs and theaters throughout New York

City.”

I think this should be fun.

OK ... still got things and stuff to do ... so ...

GO YANKEES AND GO BIG BLUE!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-160

A Sunday Doubleheader For Billi Pod

2012-01-29T11:33:00.006-05:00

Good morning to all of my loyal and faithful readers out there in the hinterlands. Hope your weekend is going well ... mine is.

On this bright, brisk and windy Sunday morning in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, it was 38º at 8:30am and now two hours later it has dropped down to 36º. Burrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Hope it doesn’t get any colder because Billi Pod has an entertainment doubleheader for today that will require him to leave the cozy confines of PHC around 2:00pm, not to return until around 10:00pm.

Oh well ... ain't nuttin' I can do about the weather ... so ... moving on to ...

Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s IONESCOPADE, the vaudevillian collage of playlets and poems by the absurdist master Eugene Ionesco, playing at The York Theatre==>B+.

It is different, a lot of fun, with an excellent cast. The use of the word absurdist in the press blurb is certainly fitting, and, Billi Pod has to admit that some of the bits were, for him, basically unfathomable ... but ... the performers were incredible and that saved the day.

If one is to enjoy this show one has to let the inner critic go and just let the performers take you to wherever they want ... then you will have a lot of fun and become one with the show.

The show is in very early previews and will probably earn an A once it opens.

Had a nice visit with The York Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director, Jim Morgan (a FaceBook friend), before the show and at intermission.

As mentioned above ... Billi Pod has a somewhat “different” doubleheader schedule for today. First is ...

3:00==>MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET - “A treasure trove of the greatest rock 'n' roll, gospel, R&B and country hits based on a chance meeting between Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

I saw this show during its very successful Broadway run and enjoyed it a lot. In fact, a lot more than I had anticipated. It has now moved Off Broadway and I thought I would give it another look-see.

When the show is over I will not return to PHC but will, instead, head downtown to Astor Place for the second part of my doubleheader. Will have time for coffee and probably something sweet.

Then ...

7:00==>GOB SQUAD’S KITCHEN - “Gob Squad returns to 1965 to reconstruct Andy Warhol’s films and lifestyle.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

Yeah ... I know ... and it is really Gob Squad, not God Squad. I already have a kinda strange feeling in my gut about this show.

It is a multimedia work and it is my understanding that audience members are selected to perform on stage, to directions given them via headphones.

Hummmmmmmmm ... does Billi Pod want to make his Off Broadway debut this way? Oh ... wait ... I made my debut when I did TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD way way Off Broadway, up in Yonkers. Well, if selected I will give it another shot, being the professional that I am ... right ...

Anyway ... will also be on the lookout for my theater buddy Dian Crystal. Don’t know whether she will have part of her posse with her or not.

To update you loyal and faithful readers who religiously (as you should) keep track of Billi Pod’s scheduled activities ... I have just added a Thursday matinee ... yes, it is unusual for a Thursday ...

Thurs - 2:00==>HONESTLY ABE (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket); Evening==>meet up with Justin Allen Pifer for face time and dinner in da ‘hood.

You are sooooooo very welcum.

GO YANKEES AND GO BIG BLUE!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-159

Billi Pod Says==>You Gotta See RUSSIAN TRANSPORT!!

2012-01-28T14:07:00.011-05:00

A Happy Saturday afternoon to all of my friends and loyal and faithful readers.

Yes, it was nice and warm this morning in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

Actually ... just kidding because it was a cold and breezy 38º @ 8:00am. But ... I must say that it is much warmer at 1:30pm - 45º and sunny.

Hummmmmmm ... may be just right for a bit of wandering after I fulfill my reporting responsibilities to all of you loyal and faithful readers. We will see ...

OK ... so let’s get down to business with Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s entertainment adventure ...

RUSSIAN TRANSPORT, the family drama set in the Russian Jewish community of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn==>A+

Folks ... this is the BEST straight play (meaning non-musical) I have seen in a long time. The story line is powerful, believable and engrossing. Yes ... it is another mega-dysfunctional family dealing with virtually overwhelming daily problems, with a lot of shouting, yelling and cursing ... but ... and a huge but ... the playwright makes the audience care about the characters and what happens to them.

All of the characters speak some of their lines in Russian but this is not a distraction ... rather ... it just adds to their believability.

The staging is spot-on even though the front 3 rows have a bit of a problem seeing what it is happening in the second level bedroom.

The cast is stellar, led by a young star-on-the-rise, Raviv Ullman, playing the 18 year old son. Folks, remember the name because this young man is gonna make it big-time, trust Billi Pod on this ... he is gonna be a star in the very near future.

If I have the opportunity I will see the show again and I HIGHLY recommend it to all of my theater friends in the greater New York area==>see it ASAP!!

Billi Pod’s entertainment event for tonight couldn’t be further from last night’s event ... 180º different ... without a doubt ...

8:00==>IONESCOPADE - “A vaudevillian collage of playlets and poems by the absurdist master Eugene Ionesco, filled with mime, farce and parody.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket).

This is being presented by the York Theatre Company, one of my favorite theater groups. My theater buddies who have seen this show have all highly recommended it. Looking forward to it.

I want to share with you something very funny forwarded to me by my friend Renzy Hanshaw of Orlando ... this is funny and very topical ...

A NEW WORD IS BORN -- I knew someone would find a name for our election process for this year ...

“ELECTILE DYSFUNCTION: the inability to become aroused over any of the choices for President put forth by either party in the 2012 election year.”

Thank you Renzy!!

In closing I want to share with you what my entertainment schedule will be like for the upcoming 9 days - more details will be in the daily postings, of course ...

Sat - 8:00==>IONESCOPADE (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket);

Sun - 3:00==>MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket);

7:00==>GOB SQUAD’S KITCHEN (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket). Yes, it is GOB, not GOD.

Mon - 8:00==>STONE AND STONE (comedy show - complimentary ticket)

Tues - 6:00==>WAGNER’S GOTTERDAMMERUNG (Metropolitan Opera - full price expensive ticket) - gets out at 11:30pm

Wed - Feb 1 - 2:15==>Eye Doctor Appointment;

7:30==>NAKED OLD MEN (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

Thurs - Meet up with Justin Allen Pifer for face time and dinner in da ‘hood.

Fri - 8:00==>LEO (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

Sat - 3:00==>PSYCHO THERAPY (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket);

evening open at the moment.

Sun - 3:30==>LOVE SICK (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket);

6:30==>SUPER BOWL

Yep ... this is why Billi Pod loves living in The Big Apple.

Have a great rest of the weekend everyone.

GO YANKEES AND GO BIG BLUE!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-158

What Happened Last Night???

2012-01-27T11:15:00.006-05:00

It is gloomy and nasty out this Friday morning in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

But at least it is a Friday for all of my Worker Bee friends who are counting down the hours as they trudge through their mundane tasks in their cubicles, or at their assigned tables, or in their classrooms, or in ... whatever ...

Just remember guys and gals ... as a Worker Bee your weekend cannot ... repeat ... cannot ... start any earlier than 5:05pm ... as Billi Pod has constantly reminded you. Soooooooo ... keep at it until the designated time arrives.

Anyway ... now on to more important and interesting things ... like what happened to Billi Pod last night. What, those of you not on FaceBook are doubtlessly asking? Well ... this is what went down last night ...

It was 7:30pm and I had just braved the rain to reach my theater, The New World Stages on W. 50th Street, to see RENT with my FaceBook friend, Josh Grisetti, in the lead role of Mark. I picked up my TDF ticket and went downstairs to the theater areas. Just before I gave my ticket to the ticket people I checked my email ... and ...

OMFG!! There was a FaceBook message to me from Josh telling me that he wasn’t in the show tonight because he has the flu. OMFG!! I was there solely for the purpose of seeing him. OMFG!!

I went back upstairs to the ticket booth and told the nice box office lady about the message from Josh and that I really needed to exchange my ticket if at all possible. I even showed her the message from Josh. Frankly, knowing the hard-ass reputation of The New World Stages, I figured I had less than a 10% chance that they would let me exchange the ticket.

Well, my loyal and faithful readers ... to make a long story short==>nice box office lady gave me all the necessary info on how to exchange the ticket for a later date. WHEW!!

Thank goodness I had checked my email before I actually went inside the theater because otherwise I wouldn’t have found out about Josh’s absence until just before the curtain, if then, because I probably wouldn’t have bothered reading the PlayBill since I am so familiar with the show.

So, Josh==>thanks for taking the time to message me and GET WELL SOON!!

I left the theater and sloshed my way back to PHC. Man, was it nasty out.

Spent the rest of the evening alternating between doing crosswords and watching the CNBC programs on Mark Zuckerberg (the founder of FaceBook) and Bill Gates. The Zuckerberg program was very interesting but the Gates one was merely a pandering biopic on what a “wonderful person” Bill Gates is. Sorry, folks, that doesn’t work because==>once The Antichrist, always The Antichrist.

Moving on ...

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

8:00==>RUSSIAN TRANSPORT - “This family drama, set in the Russian Jewish community of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, involves a family which is shaken by the arrival of a dangerous uncle.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

All of my theater friends who have seen this have given it good reviews so I am looking forward to seeing it. It is playing at a theater on my block and that is nice, especially if the weather doesn’t clear up.

WIT opened last night and received mostly very favorable reviews. The only negative one was by The Wall Street Journal, which is not surprising since this rag has a negative view/opinion on EVERYTHING in the World, regardless of what it is.

Let me close with the latest picture of my darling great-granddaughter Saylor ... she is growing up so quickly ...

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-157

Billi Pod’s Doubleheader Was Intriguing!!

2012-01-26T14:19:00.004-05:00

Good afternoon all of my loyal and faithful readers out there in the wastelands, hinterlands and morass known as cyberspace.

It is overcast and 38º at 1:00pm and the forecast is for rain later on in the afternoon and into the early evening ... not the most enticing of expectations. At least it ain’t snow ...

I think it is time to get past Thursday and move on to Friday ... what do you think?

Anyway ...

Yesterday’s doubleheader was intriguing to say the least, starting with the Broadway show ...

WIT, which follows a brilliant and exacting poetry professor as she undergoes experimental treatment for cancer==>A.

Cynthia Nixon was awesome in dealing with her character’s impending death ... not an easy topic for the mostly over-65 Wednesday matinee audience. My only quibble with the show, this production and the original one I saw several years ago, is that it is a bit long. IMHO I think 15 minutes could/should be cut.

I have to share with you loyal and faithful readers a thought that kept running through my head during the show ... and that was ... how interesting would it be if all of the characters switched genders, with the lead character being a 45 year old guy dying from prostate cancer and the male doctors all becoming female?

Think about it ...

Anyhow ... then for the evening I went down to The Village for my evening entertainment event, which was ...

THE NIGHTMARE STORY, about a young boy who must journey to a distant mountaintop to retrieve a flower that will magically revive his comatose mother==>A.

The show featured a highly talented cast who each played multiple characters along with playing musical instruments. There was a lot of laughs and some contemplative moments. I can certainly see why it won the 2011 NYC Fringe Festival Overall Excellence Award.

I totally enjoyed it and the 50 minutes flew by.

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

RENT, an Off Broadway revival of Jonathan Larson’s award-winning musical. (Off Broadway - discounted TDF ticket).

It is playing at New World Stages. I saw it back in December and loved it. I am seeing it again because my FaceBook friend Josh Grisetti has just joined the cast in the lead role of Mark.

Over the years Josh has developed almost a cult following that came about largely due to his highly regarded performance in the revival of ENTER LAUGHING, that had its premiere at The York Theatre, which is, as you know ... one of my favorite venues.

So ... Josh==>BREAK A LEG!!

On Tuesday Jorge Posada made his retirement from The Bronx Bombers official. It was a very emotional press conference, to put it mildly.

Posada's departure reduces the "Core Four" to just a dynamic duo, as he follows the path set by Andy Pettitte's retirement 12 months ago. Only Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera remain.

Posada did it in style and on his own terms and Billi Pod admires him for that. He contributed sooooooo much to maintaining the pinstripe legend.

Make no mistake about it, Jorge==>YOU WILL BE MISSED.

GO YANKEES!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-156

Billi Pod Has Another Awesome Doubleheader!!

2012-01-25T17:56:00.005-05:00

Happy Hump Day to all of my loyal and faithful readers out there in cyberspace.

I don’t know the reason ... but ... Billi Pod experienced difficulty this morning in sitting down in front of this beloved iMac to create the daily edition of Billi Pod Blogs.

Yes ... yes ... he knows that he has a responsibility to bring some excitement to those of you languishing in the hinterlands ... but ... for whatever reason he has been mired in sloth today ...

This is being written around noon and will not be completed before it will time for him to head out to the first of his entertainment doubleheader ...

2:00==>WIT - “Follows a brilliant and exacting poetry professor as she undergoes experimental treatment for cancer. A scholar who devoted her life to academia must now face the irony and injustice of becoming the subject of research.” (Broadway - complimentary ticket)

Tony and Emmy Award winner Cynthia Nixon stars in this Broadway premiere of the show that had a very successful Off Broadway run several years ago. She will be totally bald for this show.

I saw the Off Broadway version with Kathleen Chalfant, and, frankly, wasn’t sure I wanted to see it again, but ... when it showed up on one of my ticket services I couldn’t miss the opportunity to see a Broadway show with a comp. ticket ... so ...

Tonight’s entertainment event is going to be something very very different ...

8:00==>THE NIGHTMARE STORY - “A blend of storytelling, live folk music and shadow puppetry in this Ukrainian-based folk tale about a young boy who must journey to a distant mountaintop to retrieve a flower that will magically revive his comatose mother.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This show won the 2011 NYC Fringe Festival Overall Excellence Award and I am rather confident it will fall into the “love-it or hate-it” category.

I want to give a somewhat brief report on last night’s HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, which was the first performance of the new cast, including Nick Jonas as J. Pierrepont Finch ... so here goes ...

It gets a PLUS because Billi Pod was very pleasantly surprised with Nick’s performance level for his first show. Billi Pod had seen Daniel Radcliffe twice (first in very early previews) and thought he was very unfairly snubbed by the Tony Nominating Committee.

Nick seemed to be very comfortable on stage and the rest of the cast interacted well with him. He danced well and his vocals were more than adequate. He will only get better as he becomes more confident with his character’s development.

I thought Michael Urie as Bud Frump was excellent and that Beau Bridges held his own, contrary to some early chat board buzz.

There has been some concern about the possibility of some problems with young female audience members overreacting during the course of the show, in a rock concert mode, but that was not an issue last night. Oh ... there was a lot of shrieking when Nick made his entrance and during his curtain call, but other than that, shrieking was not a factor.

You do have to be advised that security is very present outside the theater before and after the show.

Is it worth seeing with the new cast members? Billi Pod says==>YES!!

OK my loyal and faithful readers it is now time to post this and then have my usual fruit and cheese snack before heading downtown to The Village for this evening's show ...

Oh ... in response to several inquiries about Billi Pod’s opinion/thoughts regarding the Oscar Nominations ... well ... surprise surprise ... he doesn’t have any because ... the only movie he saw that is at all involved in the process is MONEY BALL ... so he doesn’t have anything to add ... at least not at this time ...

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-155

Nick Jonas and Beau Bridges Tonight==>AWESOME!!

2012-01-24T13:40:00.005-05:00

It is 44º, bright and clear @ 8:00am in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. No rain in the forecast and that is majorly good.

Billi Pod is happy to report that he got most of his errands and stuff done yesterday even though the weather was kinda nasty and unpleasant.

So ... let’s move on to the important stuff that you are no doubt breathlessly awaiting ... like ... tada ...

Billi Pod’s report card on YOU ONLY SHOOT THE ONES YOU LOVE, the one-man show written and performed by Jeffrey Sweet==>A.

This show, playing at The Barrow Street Theatre, is extremely well written and performed. Sweet gives the audience an intriguing history lesson into the development of the improv. comedy scene in Chicago and what impact The Second City Theatre there has had on the comedy scene worldwide.

The audience was really into his performance and the house was almost sold-out. It was a very pleasant evening.

Oh ... when I picked up my ticket the attendant smiled at me and said ... “hope you made it up to your show OK the other night” ... referring, of course, to Billi Pod’s senior moment last Saturday. I told him ... yes ... and we both laughed.

Billi Pod’s entertainment event for this evening is ...

7:00==>HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING - “Wily window washer J. Pierrepont Finch (now played by Nick Jonas) enjoys a comedic rise up the corporate ladder.” (Broadway - discounted TDF ticket)

Jonas is joined by Beau Bridges, in the role of J. B. Biggley. This is my 3rd visit to this excellent revival and tonight is the first performance with all of the new cast members. I am really looking forward to it.

Wow!! Just checked and it is up to 52º at 1:00pm and it is still bright and clear.

You know what==>I think I will just head out and wander a bit ... the first time I have been able to do this in quite some time ... so ...

Talk with you later!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-154

Billi Pod Says==>MONDAY SUCKS!!

2012-01-23T12:12:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone out there in cyberspace

Yes ... Monday does indeed suck ... but ... Thank God it is finally above 32º in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

Billi Pod has tons of errands, things and stuff he has to do today ... the only problem ... it is gray, nasty and misting rain. Barf!!

It is supposed to be in the lower 50s later in the day ... we will see if that happens.

Really exciting football game last night, which, as you know, The Giants won in overtime and are on their way to Super Bowl 45 vs. The Patriots. Bring it on!!

These are the headlines in the local papers ...

“SUPER! - Giants outduel Niners, Pats next” - New York Post

“ONE MORE TYNES! - Giants boot Niners in OT, set up Super rematch with Pats” - The Daily News

“REMATCH - Giants and Patriots Win by a Foot and Will Reunite in the Super Bowl” - NY Times

Moving on ...

Billi Pod’s report card on yesterday afternoon’s THE FALL TO EARTH, about a mother and daughter who are trying to make sense out of their son’s/brother’s suicide==>B.

Yes ... the acting is excellent but this grade may be kinda generous because I really wanted to bitch-slap the ditzy mother character who is involved in some totally unreal scenes, including pinching a female police officer.

Interesting note - the audience was about 80% female-over-60.

Tonight’s entertainment event is ...

8:00==>YOU ONLY SHOOT THE ONES YOU LOVE - “A 75-minute solo show written and performed by Jeffrey Sweet that weaves an anecdotal history of improvisation and comedy in the 20th century, transporting us from Chicago to New York to Toronto to Russia to London and back again.” (Off Broadway - $9.00 TDF ticket).

This is playing down in The Village at The Barrow Street Theatre, and, yes ... I double checked the date, time and venue location ... if you read yesterday’s blog you will understand what this means. If not ... then go back and read it ... It Is So Ordered!!

Sad news about Joe Paterno. It is a shame that his legacy is now and forever tarnished. The Daily News had this headline that pretty much says it all ...

“SAD. OLD. BEATEN. BR0KEN. - The coach who won and lost it all”

And ... speaking of sad, old, beaten and broken ... the circus show known as The Republican Party moves on to Florida, a state known for its political manners and decorum, for the January 31st primary vote.

Yep ... Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert couldn’t have scripted it any better than this.

Well, my loyal and faithful readers, even though it is still nasty and ugly out at noon, Billi Pod has to brave the elements because he really has to do things and stuff now ...

Later!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-153

My Tripleheader Report Card And My Senior Moment ...

2012-01-22T12:06:00.006-05:00

Good morning my loyal and faithful readers out there in the hinterlands and in the vast wilderness known as cyberspace.

It was 19º @ 8:30am this morning in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. Yesterday’s slush has now turned to ice making it extremely unpleasant out there. Not only unpleasant but also a bit dangerous because it is reported that portions of the sidewalks in Manhattan are now covered with what is called “black ice.”

What is “black ice” those of you living in the South are no doubt breathlessly asking?

It refers to a thin coating of glazed ice on a surface that it is virtually transparent and extremely dangerous. One minute you are walking along ... the next you are flat on your ass ... or worse.

Trust me ... when I go out later in the day I will take extra precautions. This is the one danger that Billi Pod fears about living up here during the Winter. For him, at his age ... a slip-and-fall could have catastrophic consequences.

OK ... OK ... catastrophic is a pretty harsh word ... but you understand what I mean ... don’t you?

Anyway ... moving on to providing you loyal and faithful readers with the usual report cards on yesterday’s entertainment events ...

Billi Pod’s tripleheader was a mixed bag ...

First was the 3:00 show OUTSIDE PEOPLE, the dark comedy about a young American who falls in love with a young Chinese woman in Beijing==>C.

It just didn’t capture me and I found it to be a bland version of the soon-to-close Broadway show CHINGLISH.

Yeah ... it was a very much been-there-seen-that theater experience. The acting was OK but I just didn’t care about any of the characters.

When the show was over I had about 2 hours to kill until my next show. This show was playing in the Union Square area so normally I would have just walked down to The Village to the theatre where my next two shows were scheduled ... but not with yesterday’s weather ... no way ...

So ... I took a rather convoluted subway ride down there. The sidewalks and crosswalks were really slushy and nasty. Went to a coffee shop I like and had some coffee and a sinfully delicious brownie. Was just killing time until my 7:00 show at The Barrow Street Theatre, the first of two shows there.

Got just a bit restless at the coffee shop and thought that I was perhaps overstaying my welcome ... so I decided to go over to the theater a bit early because I knew that the lobby of the Barrow Street Theater was warm and had some seating.

It was 6:15 when I went inside the theater. Was a bit surprised that the lobby was empty. Hummmmmm ... this is kinda weird ... anyway ... went up to the box office to get my ticket ... and ...

When I told the box office attendant that I wanted to pick up my ticket for CEMETERY GOLF I got a confused and blank stare from him. I repeated the request as I was fishing the ticket vouchers out of my backpack. I held one of them in my hand for the attendant to see and then ... we both simultaneously said ... OH SHIT!! Not joking ... this is what we both said.

It was a senior moment ... my shows were not at The Barrow Street Theatre but rather at The Drilling Company Theatre uptown at Broadway and 78th Street. OMFG!! How could I have been so stupid. OMFG!!!

I do have two shows scheduled at The Barrow Street Theatre, but they are for next week.

The attendant kinda smiled and said ... "hey, no problem man, you have plenty of time to make it up there" ...

And, thankfully he was correct because the 1 train station is just a block away from where I was. I have to admit that I spent the entire time on the train mentally bashing myself for being so stupid. I also thanked The Theater Gods for my decision to go to the theater a bit early.

Well, it was 6:45pm when I arrived at The Drilling Company box office ... no problems ... so ... now on with the other stuff ...

CEMETERY GOLF, about growing up in the deep south in a fundamentalist family with an evangelical pastor for a father==>A.

Totally enjoyable although I am rather certain the author/performer will probably spend eternity in Hellfire. The title comes from the father's hidden vice of playing golf in a cemetery adjacent to his church.

Then ... the second show ...

HONOR AND FIDELITY, about a woman’s journey to find her cultural identity by unraveling the history of her family's past==>B

I wanted to like this a lot more and to give it a higher grade but in retrospect I found the story line to be difficult to follow and the characters hard to differentiate in a solo performance.

It was around 10:30 when I got back to the warm and cozy confines of PHC. It was bitterly cold and very unpleasant during the short walk from The Port Authority Bus Terminal to my apartment building.

Yes ... an interesting day to say the least ... a tripleheader ... a senior moment ... Hellfire and brimstone ... and snow ... and ... well ... anyway ...

Oh ... in case you are wondering ... I only wrote about the senior moment because of my responsibility as a fair and unbiased reporter. I could have covered it up and no one would have ever known ... you are soooooooooooo welcum ...

Anyway ... today’s entertainment event is ...

3:00==>THE FALL TO EARTH - “Kenny lived his life in secret. His mother and sister travel to an unfamiliar town looking for answers for his suicide. With the help of a local policewoman they uncover tragic truths about him, their family and themselves.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This is playing at the 59E59 Theatre complex, one of my favorite venues. It has gotten very mixed reviews from the critics and from my theater-buddies. We will see ...

When the show is over I will come back to PHC and settle in to watch the 6:30pm GIANTS/NINERS game on Fox. I think this should be a nail biter right up to the final whistle. Even though The Niners are slight favorites Billi Pod believes Big Blue will win by a touchdown and advance to The Super Bowl. GO BIG BLUE!!

You know ... I have not written about the fiasco known as the Republican primary race because ... what can I say that would make any sense?

I do have to ask my Republican family members (you know who you are) and my Republican friends this simple question==>DO YOU HONESTLY BELIEVE NEWT GINGRICH IS ELECTABLE AND WILL YOU VOTE FOR HIM?

Really? Honestly???

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-152

Billi Pod Has A Tripleheader Today!!

2012-01-21T11:49:00.003-05:00

Good morning everyone.

It was 23º and snowing in The Big Apple @ 8:30am this morning. And, as I write this posting at 11:00am, it is still snowing.

The forecasters say to expect a 4-5 inch accumulation by mid-afternoon. That’s enough to make getting around a bit tricky.

This nasty weather is kinda bad news for Billi Pod’s Saturday tripleheader ... yes ... that is correct ... I said tripleheader ... so take a deep breath and calm down ... it is a tripleheader and this is the schedule ...

3:00==>OUTSIDE PEOPLE - “Set in modern-day Beijing, this dark comedy is the story of a young American man who falls in love with a young Chinese woman and the impact this foreign culture has on his deepest fears and desires.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

Hummmmm ... this sounds a lot like the recently closed Broadway show CHINGLISH, doesn’t it?

Anyway, I wanted to see it and it is playing downtown in the Union Square area. When the show is over I will find someplace for coffee and a snack and then head down to the West Village for my evening shows ... which are ...

7:00==>CEMETERY GOLF - “A solo performance back to the Deep South with preachers shoutin' from the mountaintops, mamas pickin' switches, and Hellfire is just a heartbeat away.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

The advance buzz on this show is very good.

It is playing at The Barrow Street Theatre which usually has pretty good stuff.

Then ... at the same theatre is ...

8:30==>HONOR AND FIDELITY - “A woman’s journey to find her cultural identity by unraveling the history of her family's past, set at a boarding gate at JFK airport.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This show also has a running time of approximately 60 minutes.

Now, I want to share with you loyal and faithful readers the fact that I had scheduled the two evening shows about a week ago. Late yesterday afternoon OUTSIDE PEOPLE showed up on one of my ticket services and I immediately booked it.

Well ... as soon as I had booked it the thought hit me ... WTF have you done butt-wipe ... it is supposed to snow and be majorly nasty in the afternoon ... what were you thinking? Or better yet ... why the f**k weren’t you thinking??

But ... it is done and all I can do now is talk to the Weather Gods and ask that the snow stops no later than 2:00pm. Are you listening Weather Gods? Please ... no later than 2:00pm.

Anyway ... moving on to last night’s entertainment event ... which was ...

AMERICAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA @ Carnegie Hall: Stravinsky Outside Russia==>highly entertaining.

My seat, as expected, was in the upper nosebleed section but not as high up as Thursday’s American Cancer Society Gala Concert.

The individual soloists and the choral group were excellent and the orchestra did its usual highly professional job. It was a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment, and, yes, Billi Pod stayed for the complete concert this time ... thank you for asking.

In closing==>I am happy to report that Alex aka Army Guy made it safely back to his base in Kuwait.

Now ... awwwwwwww ... YES ... a tripleheader in the snow ... bring it on!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-151

Confession Time==>Billi Pod Is Sometimes A Wimp ... gasp ...

2012-01-20T16:06:00.005-05:00

What does this mean, you loyal and faithful readers are no doubt breathlessly asking? Well ...

This morning I had a “session” with my dentist, Dr. Steven Gualtieri, whose office is in Midtown East, close to where I once lived.

Dr. G. is an excellent dentist, highly professional and very patient-orientated and I have been seeing him for over 10 years ... but ... OMFG!! It still doesn’t make it any easier for Billi Pod, who is such a f**king wimp, to be reclined in that dental chair, mouth wide open, staring at a drill and silently praying for salvation. Yes ... even willing to sell what is left of his soul to the Devil to make it all go away. Wimp!!

Yes, the procedure ... a second filling ... was virtually pain free and was completed in less than 45 minutes ... but ... as usual ... I felt mentally and emotionally drained when it was over and Billi Pod was ... shamefully ... afloat in wimpdom.

I staggered back to PHC and flopped down on the couch and immediately went to sleep and slept for over an hour and a half ... which ... as you loyal and faithful readers know ... is something Billi Pod almost never ever does ...

Feel a lot better now although the area is still a bit numb. Thank God this was my final session. I hate being such a wimp.

OK ... OK ... I know ... l know ... no one likes going to the dentist (except the Bill Murray character in the movie “Little Shop of Horrors") and this is totally boring and uninteresting ... so ... Billi Pod will move on to ...

Last night’s American Cancer Society A TRIBUTE TO HOROWITZ @ Carnegie Hall was entertaining but overly long due to awards and “thank you’s” to everyone in the World.

It was hosted by Donald Trump, who pledged $100,000, and stage and screen star Julie Andrews, each of whom received "Lifetime Achievement Awards" from The Society.

The house was sold-out, and, as I had anticipated ... my comp. seat was in the upper balcony.

When the awards and thank-you’s were finally over the music part of the program started. The featured performer, Lola Astanova, started off with 3 works by Chopin and they were excellent ... but ... in the name of fair and unbiased reporting ... I have to admit that for me, solo piano works get a bit tiresome after awhile.

Oh, don’t get me wrong ... I love piano works with orchestras but ... solo piano concerts are not my forte.

Intermission came at approximately 9:45pm and the second portion of the program was to be works by Scriabin and Rachmaninov. Billi Pod made a judgment call that he had had enough so he headed for the stairs down to the exit, 5 floors below. He was joined by a steady stream of like-minded folks, too.

Don’t get me wrong ... I am glad I went and the first part was entertaining but ... enough was enough ...

Anyway ... moving on ... tonight Billi Pod will return to Carnegie Hall for yet another classical music concert ...

8:00==>AMERICAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA @ Carnegie Hall - Stravinsky Outside Russia. “Six pieces that represent Russian composer Igor Stravinsky’s work in France, Venice, Los Angles, and beyond.” (complimentary ticket)

This sounds interesting. I like Stravinsky’s work.

Hummmmmm ... think I feel the need to return to wimpland ... perhaps to even suck my thumb for awhile... so will close this posting out ...

Oh ... it was 23º @ 8:00am and it hasn’t risen above 30º as of 4:00pm, as I write this posting. Snow is predicted for later in the day/evening - burrrrrrrrr!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-150