Entertainment Stats for December==>AWESOME

Good afternoon everyone out there in the wilderness known as cyberspace. Yes, we have a second posting for today.

I have just compiled the entertainment stats for last month and I, again, humbly think they are pretty AWESOME for a 77+ year old guy ... but ... it is up to you loyal and faithful readers ... because ... I report - you decide.

So ... here they are ...

In checking my daily log (log, not diary - real guys don’t keep diaries) I find that during the month of December 2011 Billi Pod attended/saw/did the following:

6 Broadway shows (One A Clear Day You Can See Forever; Follies; The Road to Mecca; Sister Act; Stick Fly; and Lysistrata Jones); 18 Off Broadway shows; and, 10 Classical music concerts (6 by the New York Philharmonic).

There were 11 entertainment doubleheaders during the month.

Billi Pod was fortunate to have been invited to join John Horne and Amanda Edge of Anna Maria, FL, and their 30+ posse for an awesome 4+ hour luncheon at Maloney and Porcelli, a trendy Midtown East restaurant.

He also had several opportunities to be with Dian Crystal and her posse and to have face time with John Scott Reed aka Fabson.

Unfortunately, during the month there was no face time with --

Worker Bee #2 - whose name rhymes with Beers; or

Worker Bee #3 - whose name rhymes with Cipher.

Nor was I able to spend quality time with any of my AA buddies (you know who you are).

I also made a major change in my travel philosophy by deciding to stop checking my luggage, opting instead to buy a carryon bag, for the first time. As you know, my purchase ultimately gave way to an awesome bag gifted to me by Dr. John.

There were 1,614 blog page views and Billi Pod posted 25 times to this blog. This is, of course, in addition to daily postings on FaceBook.

Was out of town for 3 nights down in Columbia, SC, to be with Dr. John, Kathi and Bill III aka The Bill for Christmas. The highlight was Christmas Eve dinner, an awesome prime sirloin tenderloin prepared by Dr. John.

During the month there were only 3, repeat, 3 day/nights that Billi Pod stayed in without attending some entertainment event and each of these was directly related to football.

IMHO, this stat alone supports why Billi Pod loves living in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

So, there you have it ... pretty AWESOME in my humble opinion ... but ... as I said ... it is up to you loyal and faithful readers ... because ...

I report - you decide.

GO GINA AND GO ALEX!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-133

November 2011 Was Another Awesome Entertainment Month for Billi Pod

Billi Pod will start this posting on a foggy and kinda gloomy day in The Big Apple with his entertainment stats for the month of November 2011.

If you loyal and faithful readers will take the time to stay with me during this rather long posting I think you will agree that November was another AWESOME entertainment month for Billi Pod ...

But ... it is up to you ... because ... I report - you decide.

In checking my daily log (log, not diary - real guys don’t keep diaries) I find that during the month of November 2011 Billi Pod attended/saw/did the following:

6 Broadway shows (Godspell; Lysistrata Jones; Seminar; Bonnie & Clyde; Hugh Jackman, Back On Broadway; and, An Evening With Patti Lupone and Mandy Pitinkin); 22 Off Broadway shows; 5 Classical music concerts (3 by the New York Philharmonic); and, 1 movie (Moneyball).

There were 8 entertainment doubleheaders during the month.

Billi Pod had a great dinner with his dear friends David Huddleston and Sarah Koeppe, and their friend Judy Haskell, at Sardi’s, the legendary theater district restaurant.

During the month Billi Pod was extremely fortunate to have several events where he was part of Dian Crystal’s posse, which also includes Vera and Marty. Thank you My Lady.

He was also able to spend some quality time with several of his AA buddies (you know who you are), including a terrific Thanksgiving dinner party.

Unfortunately, during the month there was no face time with --

Worker Bee #1 - whose name rhymes with Peed; or

Worker Bee #2 - whose name rhymes with Beers; or

Worker Bee #3 - whose name rhymes with Cipher.

Billi Pod was out of town for 2 days/nights, down in Florida.

There were 1,613 blog page views and Billi Pod posted 30 times to this blog. This is, of course, in addition to daily postings on FaceBook.

During the month there was only 1, repeat, 1 day/night that Billi Pod stayed in without attending some entertainment event, and this stat alone typifies why Billi Pod loves living in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

So, there you have it ... pretty AWESOME in my humble opinion ... but ... as I said ... it is up to you loyal and faithful readers ... because ...

I report - you decide.

Today, being a Monday, will be my usual errands and stuff day. It was really nasty looking at 8:00am - foggy and overcast. At 11:30 it has cleared up a bit but it is still hazy.

Now ... Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s THE DOOR, about two men waiting in a room with only each other and a banging door for company==>A-<==extremely well acted with a very provocative story line.

This is part of the Brit’s Off Broadway series at the 59th Street Theatre complex.

It clocks in at 50 minutes and has several plot twists that keep you focused. I had no problem with the accents. See it.

Well, to all of those NFL neigh-sayers==>Timmy Tebow and The Broncos did it again, didn’t they? Yes they did.

Oh, the last time I checked, the final score does not include your “sacred” style-points, does it? No, it doesn’t. What counts is winning ... and ... Timmy is a WINNER. BELIEVE BUTT-HOLES BELIEVE!!

Tonight’s entertainment event is ...

8:00==>RENT - “Rent tells the story of struggling young artists living on the edge and reaching for glory in New York's East Village.” (Off Broadway - discounted TDF ticket)

In 1996 the original Broadway production of Jonathan Larson’s rock musical won the Tony for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Yes, I saw it way back then and loved it so I am really looking forward to seeing this Off-Broadway production which has received generally favorable reviews.

The Gators playing Ohio State in The Gator Bowl==>how ironic is that?

BREAKING NEWS==>just got off the phone with a Yankee representative who called to assure me that I will be able to have a seat under an overhang, the exact location to be determined in about 3 weeks. That works fine because the payment deadline is now January 9th. Nice!!

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-103

It’s Sunday Night==>Billi Pod Reports His Entertainment Stats for October

It is a nice Sunday evening in New York City and Billi Pod loves living in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, and this is why ... stay with me ... OK? ... please ...

I will start this rather late posting by giving you loyal and faithful readers what you have been breathlessly anticipating==>Billi Pod’s entertainment stats for the past month ...

In checking my daily log (log, not diary - real guys don’t keep diaries) I find that during the month of October 2011 Billi Pod attended/saw/did the following:

3 Broadway shows (Chinglish; How To Succeed In Business Without Even Trying; and Man and Boy); 16 Off Broadway shows; 3 Classical music concerts (all New York Philharmonic); 1 movie (50/50); and, 1 Yankee post season game, which we lost

The Yankee’s 2011 season record for games attended by Billi Pod: 23 wins and 19 losses - not good, in fact, very barfy. He will, however, renew his 41-game season ticket package.

Billi Pod was able to spend quality time with several of his AA buddies (you know who you are) and with John Scott Reed.

Of course the downside for the month was losing my dear friend Gil Goshorn of Gainesville. I went down to Gainesville to be with Gil’s wife, Linda, and their family and friends.

During the month there were 5 days/nights that Billi Pod stayed in without attending some entertainment event, each as a direct result of the baseball post season and/or the weather.

Billi Pod was also out of town for 3 nights during the month, which includes part of his trip down to Florida.

Another interesting group of stats - during the month there were 1,732 blog page views and I posted to the blog 28 times.

I think these are pretty awesome stats, and they reflect the reason why I live here, but, as always, it is up to you loyal and faithful readers, because ...

I report - you decide.

Now, on to other things ... like ...

Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s CHILDREN by A. R. Gurney - “A wealthy family is celebrating the Fourth of July in their summer home off the coast of New England, when an estranged son unexpectedly arrives.”

The grade is==>B<==wanted to like it much more but it was yet another dysfunctional family comedy/drama filled with the usual clichés - family secrets, too much booze, overbearing father-figure, anger, yelling etc etc etc.

The 4 member cast is excellent, however, especially the woman who plays the family matriarch.

Having said this==>It is worth seeing.

What can I say about the GATOR/GAMECOCKS Game? Well, about the only thing is==>Thank God Coach Muskrat didn’t embarrass us again on national TV.

Hopefully we can get a win next week against Ferment University, to prepare ourselves for the final ass-kicking game of the season against Half Ass U. That one ain’t gonna be nice folks, trust me on this.

Billi Pod had a wonderful time this afternoon at his entertainment event ...

2:00==>NEW ENGLAND SYMPHONIC ENSEMBLE AND CHORUS @ Carnegie Hall - “Works by: Haydn, Ray, Wilberg and Hanson.” Comp. ticket

My comp. seat was in The Dress Circle which is the second level above the orchestra seating. I was in the first row, aisle seat, middle section. Awesome.

Going in I had toyed with the idea of just staying for the first half and then heading out to a movie, but ... the first half was really excellent, with a small chorus and a lone piano ... so ...

I decided to stay and I am sooooooooo glad I did because as good as the first half was ... the second half doubled it. There was a full orchestra and a 170+ person chorus. The sound was awesome.

It was 4:00pm when the concert was over. I felt really good. The weather was clear but just a bit brisk. Billi Pod decided to walk back to PHC, a distance of about 1 1/2 miles. It felt nice.

Have had my usual afternoon fruit and cheese plate, although a bit later than usual, and have been working on this posting for you.

So, my loyal and faithful readers, I will post this somewhat tardy posting and then settle in to watch some football. Both the Giants and the Jets games are going to be on.

Hope all of you Worker Bees had a great weekend. Please remember to go to bed early and set your alarms for not later than 6:00am so you can be at your desks/cubicles at the required 8:00am beginning-of-work time. It Is So Ordered!!

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-81

Another Eclectic Entertainment Doubleheader For Billi Pod

What a beautiful fall day in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

Terrific weather for the New York City Marathon as multi-thousands of runners embark on a 26.2 miles adventure loaded with sweat, unimaginable aches and pain, frustration and then euphoria at the finish-line. How do I know this you are no doubt breathlessly (pun intended) asking?

Well my loyal and faithful readers, need I remind you that Billi Pod (not his name back then) ran in, and finished both the 1978 and the 1979 marathons? Before you nonbelievers begin to scoff==>I have pictures to prove it.

When I finished the 1978 marathon I remember thinking that I didn’t know you could have so much pain and still be alive. Truthfully, I hadn’t done the proper amount of training. I honestly don’t remember my exact time, I think it was in the late 5 hours. I vowed to train better and run again in 1979 and to have a better finish time.

And, I did and guess what ... my time in ‘79 was virtually same as ‘78 because I developed serious leg cramping at the 20 mile mark, in The Bronx, and thought that I wouldn’t be able to finish. Well, I did but only with a lot of running-walking-running in the final 6.2 miles.

The nice thing ... this 77 year old guy can say this about The New York City Marathon==>”Been There, Done That - Twice.”

Now, on to other things ... like ...

Billi Pod’s report card on GODSPELL==>A<==as in Awesome!

A great cast, headed by Hunter Parrish as Jesus. The energy and enthusiasm of the cast swept over the audience, seated “In the Round.” Just before the show started I counted 12 empty seats and they may have been filled after the show started. Yes, the audience was 100% into the show.

My seat was awesome, a single seat by itself in the 3rd row, on the aisle, directly in front of one of the guitar players and right next to an area where the actors gathered off-stage. I actually had visual interaction with several of them, including Hunter Parrish.

It was a wonderful evening’s entertainment and Billi Pod doesn’t understand the negative carping on some of the theater chat boards. Get real people!

Folks, if you want to have fun, laugh, sigh, smile and enjoy ... see this show!!!

When the show was over I raced back to PHC to catch the final half of the LSU/’BAMA game, won by LSU in overtime. It was a very exciting game to watch. I was pulling for ‘Bama because The Bill is a huge ‘Bama fan. For some reason it seems that I can cheer for his teams but he never can for mine ... go figure. I guess this is just the many roles in being a father.

And, speaking of my teams ... yes, The Gators won their game over Vandy but folks ... Vandy hasn’t won a game at The Swamp since 1941, yep, that’s the correct date.

Yes, there was actually angst, worry, fear and dread among Gator fans about the possibility of losing to a program derisively known around the SEC as the "Commode Doors."

Without a doubt, the Gators are struggling. Coach Muskrat’s team is disturbingly devoid of quality talent and depth and we will get our butts kicked by both South Carolina and Half Ass U.

Billi Pod predicts the future to be==>we will eke out a win over Furman to become bowl-eligible, accept an invitation to The Outhouse Bowl where we will play North Dakota State Junior College, winning 6-3 in triple overtime.

Yep ... just remember where you read it first.

Now about today ... Billi Pod has yet another eclectic entertainment doubleheader ...

3:00==>WILD ANIMALS YOU SHOULD KNOW - “A tale of ruin and redemption that takes a magnifying glass to the sometimes blurry line between predator and prey.” (Off Broadway - discounted TDF ticket)

The incomparable Tony Award-winner Alice Ripley (Next to Normal) heads up the ensemble cast.

Before the show I hope to meet up with my theater buddies Dian, Vera and Marty.

Then for the evening is ...

7:00==>SUICIDE, INCORPORATED - “A darkly funny new play takes us to an unorthodox writing service that specializes in crafting the perfect suicide note” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

Yeah, I know ... but ... the advance buzz on this show has been very favorable.

I will close this posting by wishing that all of my Worker Bee friends have an enjoyable remainder of the weekend.

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-74

Billi Pod’s Entertainment Doubleheader Was TOTALLY AWESOME!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some random thoughts before closing ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Talk with you later ...

GO GATORS!!

Billi Pod

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

ALEX-60

Saturday 9/10/11==>NYC In A Lockdown Mode

Good afternoon my loyal and faithful readers out there in cyberspace.

Make no mistake about it==>tension is growing in The Big Apple as the time winds down to the 10th anniversary of the horrors of 9/11/01.

It is reported that the NYPD has sent high-response security teams as far North as The Bronx and South down to Battery Park City, all as a result of a reported Al Qaeda car bombing threat.

Security has been amped up on city streets, subway platforms and train stations.

Despite the gridlock and delays it appears as if we New Yorkers are taking it all in stride.

Billi Pod will not allow those limp-dicked terrorists to intrude on his lifestyle in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. FUCK THEM!!

So ... now let’s get on to other things ... like ...

Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s THE WORLD IS MY CHEESECAKE==>B+<==funny, thought-provoking and very well acted. I am glad I saw it.

Wish I could say the same for the limp-bat Wankies who lost their third 1 run game. Bartolo Colon pitched a gem of a game but to no avail after Jeter made a costly error that lead to the 2-1 loss to the LA Angels.

We have blown 3 consecutive chances to distance ourselves from the now second place Boston FuckSox.

Tonight our ace CC Sabathia will be on the mound for the 9:05pm (EST) game.

Tonight Billi Pod has something rather unusual on his entertainment pallet. What, you are no doubt breathlessly asking ... well ... it is two ... yes ... two back-to-back evening shows ...

First there is ...

7:30==>SWEET AND SAD - “The Apple Family finds themselves together again for the first time since Election Night, 2010. Over Sunday brunch on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the Apples find themselves talking about loss, memory, remembrance and the meaning of compensation.” (OFF BROADWAY - $9.00 TDF ticket)

This show is in very early previews so there isn’t any advanced buzz. It is playing at The Public Theatre downtown, one of my favorite venues.

And then, also downtown is ...

10:30==>SILENCE! THE MUSICAL - “Campy, raunchy and mounted on the cheap, this tuneful parody of 'The Silence of the Lambs’ is sweet, tangy and very tasty.” (Off Broadway - discounted ticket).

I know it sounds crazy but the reviews have been great and the people I have talked with who have seen it have all loved it.

I scheduled the doubleheaders because the GATORS vs. ARCADIA HIGH SCHOOL game isn’t ... surprise surprise ... being carried by any of the local stations.

Oh, I know they are really playing UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) ... so calm down ... OK ... calm down ...

I now want to share with you loyal and faithful readers my plans are for Sunday, September 11, 2011 ...

Around noon Billi Pod will subway out to the vast wilderness known as Brooklyn for lunch with John Scott Reed.

I will do this if he gets off his lazy ass and sends me the directions to get to his place, as requested yesterday ...

Then ... maybe ... I will finally get a chance to see his new apartment ... hopefully that is ...

Billi Pod will then subway back to Manhattan and meet up with his theater-buddy Dian Crystal for a show - 7:00==>A BLUE SKY LIKE NO OTHER - “This one-man show is a tribute, with music, to the members of the NYC Fire Department who lost their lives to save the lives of others on 9/11/01.”

After the show we will catch a bite somewhere in The Gramercy Park area.

Early Sunday morning I will post 3 emails I sent to family and friends and my then 150+ newsletter readers regarding September 11th and the week following. They will be in their original and unedited form.

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-17

Manhattan Is Returning to Normal

Good morning everyone.

It is a beautiful Monday morning in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. It was 62º at 8:00am and the sky is cloudless and azure blue. What a change from yesterday.

Billi Pod is happy to report that things are returning to “normal” in Manhattan. Unfortunately, things are not going as well out there in the outer-boroughs where thousands are without power and flooding is rampant.

Mass transit is up and running so there is no excuse for you Worker Bees not being at your jobs. Sorry.

We were indeed fortunate that Irene lost a good bit of her punch when she came ashore. Manhattan is lucky that the center of the then tropical storm passed to the East of the Island.

In retrospect I have to admit that I had a great amount of anxiety over what might happen. Whew!!

As I posted yesterday, I was really getting antsy about being in PHC for such an extended period of time. I was feeling as if Billi Pod had become a ... gasp ... couch potato ... why? Well ...

I watched the first game of the YANKEES/ORIOLES doubleheader and the Yankees got shutout 2-0, although Bartolo Colon pitched a very good game.

Then it was The Little League World Series Championship game==>CALIFORNIA vs. JAPAN. It was a very exciting game with California winning 2-1 in the bottom of the 6th (the final regulation inning) with 2 outs. Way to go guys!!

It was around 5:00 when the game was over and Billi Pod was totally antsy. He just had to get out of PHC and do something ... anything ... just get the f**k out ... so ...

Out he went to see a movie ... but ...

It was very eerie-feeling on the streets. Most of the stores and restaurants in the Times Square area were closed. Pedestrian traffic was minimal, mostly confused-looking tourists. Very few cars and, of course, no busses.

The wind was gusting and the sidewalks were more littered than usual because all of the trash cans had been laid-down on their sides to prevent them from becoming airborne. No rain ... but it was still nasty and icky feeling.

Anyway ... the movie was==>30 MINUTES OR LESS, starring Jesse Eisenberg.

For those of you loyal and faithful readers who don’t keep up with important stuff, the story line is: “Two slacker buddies are forced to rob a bank because one of them has been strapped to a bomb by an inept wannabe criminal.”

Reviews have been very mixed, but==>I loved it ... yes ... LOVED IT! Gross, profane, shocking, but gut-busting funny. It is just the kind of humor that Billi Pod loves. I needed this show. It is definitely not a date-movie.

When the movie was over I came back to PHC. The wind was still gusting. No rain but it was very unpleasant during the short walk back to the apartment.

Was able to catch the last innings of the second game of the YANKEES/ORIOLES doubleheader and, thankfully, the Bronx Bomber bats came alive with 5 homers to support a decent outing from Ivan Nova, who won his 14th game. The final score was 8-3.

The Yankees have a final game tonight in Baltimore and then they head to Beantown for a 3-game series with The FuckSox. And, yes, Billi Pod’s future entertainment schedule will be predicated on watching each of these 7:05pm games.

Today, being Monday, it is errands and stuff. My entertainment event is ...

4:00==>La BELLA FAMILIA - “The play centers on Bella, a Puerto Rican hit woman, her family and the neighbors from hell.” (free ticket)

This is a staged reading and the Director is my FaceBook friend David Lee.

At this point I am not certain what, if anything, I will do for the evening. Either catch another movie: CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE, starring Steve Carell, or just stay in and watch the Orioles game ... who knows?

Again==>thanks to everyone out there in the vastness of cyberspace for your concern and support.

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.”