Bill, David and Claude Monet on Friday

I think it only proper to disclose at the beginning of this posting that David is largely responsible for most of the narrative, including the times and correct French names and references. I gave him this responsibility early on and after some griping and grousing, he accepted his assignment, so, without further ado --

It was a lovely morning on Friday, a bit chilly but not a cloud in the sky. We left David’s pad at 27 rue Lecepede (on the Left Bank) at 10:00am and took a bus to the rail terminal Gare Lazare where we bought round-trip tickets for the 55 minute trip to Vernon, where we would catch a bus to Giverny, the location of Impressionist Claude Monet’s residence.

The train ride was great. We zipped through the country-side as I was zoned-out listening to my Nano through David’s new Bose earphones. If I may digress a minute - I remain impressed with the quality of the public transportation system in France. The equipment is up-to-date, they run on a timely schedule, the cars are clean and the rides are very smooth. It was about 12:50 when we arrived in Vernon. We made a quick connection for the bus to beautiful Giverny.

In 1883 middle-aged Claude Monet and his wife and their 8 children from two families settled into a farmhouse in Giverny, located about 50 miles west of Paris. Monet would spend 40 years in his pastoral paradise which included a Japanese garden and a pond full of floating lilies. He died in 1925.

We first wandered around the gardens and then circled his lilly-filled ponds. Took lots of pictures. Then we went into his home which has been well-maintained. All of this took a couple of hours.

Had a nice lunch at an outside patio at a bistro at the Hotel La Musardiere. Then we walked to the Museum D’ Art American which displays works of various American artists who have formed a colony of artists in Giverny.

We caught the bus back to Vernon for our 6:05pm return train ride back to Paris. It was 6:50 when we got back to the terminal in Paris. I had thought we could come back to the apartment but David had something else in mind and I am so glad he did - he wanted me to see the sunset from the vantage point of the Basilica Sarce-Coeur in Montmartre. Wow!!

We had been there during my 2007 visit so I knew it would be quite a hike up stairs and steeply rising streets so I tried to talk David out of it, but he was determined to give me this opportunity, even though it would be extremely physically stressful on him. Bless his heart! That is called FRIENDSHIP. So, we took the subway from the train terminal and then a funicular (a cable car) up and up to the viewing point.

It was awesome to catch the sun going down as the city stretching out beneath us came to life. After resting a bit we took buses back to David’s pad, getting there around 9:00pm.

We opted not to go out, electing instead for a sandwich and stuff.

What a great day. We made tentative plans for Saturday - I will be on my own during the day and David will do stuff in the apartment and around the ‘hood.

Much more to come - be warned!!

Billi Pod
wanjr@aol.com

So long and farewell to The Fucksox!! Yes!!

Way to Go Rays!! Would anyone, and I mean anyone, have predicted the final outcome of the ALCS back at the beginning of the baseball season? I mean, really, the newly renamed Tampa Bay Rays beating the defending World Series Champions, those hated and reviled Boston Red Sox aka The Fucksox, and going from worst to first and on to the World Series?

No one, not even the most rabid Rays fans, and rabid being a word not often associated with this franchise, would have put this young and inexperienced team into the World Series. But, they are there and I have a very good feeling about their chances of winning the whole thing in 7 games.

Unfortunately, the 6 hour time difference between the east coast of the US and Paris did not permit me to watch the game, but I will be back in The Big Apple on Wednesday afternoon with plenty of time to get settled back in and watch the first game of the World Series.

About my Paris Adventure - having a wonderful time and will post more details (no doubt more than you, my faithful and loyal readers need or want) later on in the day.

Go Rays!!

Billi Pod
wanjr@aol.com

Yeah!! - I Am In Paris

I am so happy to report that I am in Paris. The Norris Travel Curse didn’t strike during any phase of the trip. The flight over went fine, except for a screaming baby the last 2 1/2 hours. The duffle arrived with me and I had no problems with clearing immigration/passport control. I had no trouble with the train into Paris or the walk from the train station to the bus depot or the bus ride to David’s Left Bank apartment. It was 11:00am when I arrived, or 5:00am on my NYC body-clock.

My body-clock is still on NYC time because, of course, I couldn’t/didn’t sleep on the flight over. During the mid-afternoon I got almost two hours sleep and that has helped a lot.

We have been on two different re-orientation walking tours and tonight we had a great meal at the same ‘hood restaurant where we ate on the first night of my 2007 trip.

At 11:00am tomorrow, Friday, we will head out via train for a day-trip to Giverny to see Claude Monet’s home and garden.

I regret that I was unable to make connection with Gisela Cardonne-Ely at JFK. Our departing flights were in different terminals.

OK, I have to admit that I am now tired. It is midnight Paris time and I will try to crash.

Go Gators and Go Rays.

Billi Pod
wanjr@aol.com

Ready for My Paris Adventure

I am in the final phase of preparing for my highly anticipated trip to Paris to spend a week with my former law school roommate David West of Gainesville, FL, and Paris, France.

I will leave the apartment tomorrow, Wednesday, a little earlier than usual so that I can make it to the international terminal at JFK to, hopefully, have time to catch up with longtime friend and colleague Circuit Judge Gisela Cardonne-Ely of Miami, FL, who will be on a layover to catch a flight to Rome. Her flight leaves at 5:00 and mine leaves for Paris at 7:00 from the same terminal. My SuperShuttle pickup time is 2:30, so we should be able to connect, unless, of course, The Norris Travel Curse decides to rear its ugly head early.

Here are the details of my upcoming adventure --

October 15 - Wednesday - 7:00pm - depart JFK - Delta #8581

October 16 - Thursday - 8:50am - arrive Paris - Charles de Gaulle

David West
27 Rue Lacepede
Paris, France
33-970-449-516 (from the US)

October 22 - Wednesday - 01:15pm - depart Paris - Delta #8550
03:15pm - arrive JFK

Monday night I was able to spend some time with Sandy Mullon of Anna Maria, FL. She and her friends had a nice upstate trip to see the foliage and to visit Woodstock, among other places. Sandy and I went to see “Rock of Ages,” which I described in an earlier post. Our seats were in row D, far house right, about 6 feet from the blaring (and that is a mild word) speakers. Luckily, just before the show started we were able to move a couple of rows back and over. That helped a lot.

The house was packed and the audience was full of younger energetic people who were really into the show. Frankly, so was I since I knew all of the rock songs they played. I am also happy to report that I wasn’t the oldest guy in attendance but I am sure I was the oldest guy who really enjoyed himself.

When the show was over we had a late dinner at Angus McIndoe and then I walked Sandy back to her hotel, the Algonquin, on 44th Street. I walked back to the apartment while listening to the last innings of Phillies/Dodgers game, which, as you know, the Phillies had a comeback win, putting the Dodgers in almost an impossible comeback position, in my opinion. I hope I am wrong.

You also know that The Devil Rays beat the Fucksox on Monday night and then tonight they put on another ass-whipping, beating the woeful Sucks by a score of 13-4 in the cess-pool known as Fenway Park. They lead the ALCS 3-1. All the way Rays!!

I will have my trusty iBook with me in Paris and David has wi-fi access so I will be able to post, so ...

Talk with you from Paree.

Go Gators and Go Rays.

Billi Pod
wanjr@aol.com

Attention!! - What Would Happen If ...

Dear loyal and faithful readers - I know that I have failed to keep you abreast of the frightening underbelly of the looming presidential election. I have been too self-centered these past several weeks, opting to immerse myself in a pity-pot over the failure of the Yankees to reach the post-season. I admit to being mired in funkdom.

Well, I am happy to report that the other night, after taking some new and stronger meds, I found myself once again able to return to my first loves, internet research, prognostication, and fair and unbiased reporting.

So, I want to share with you the results of my efforts regarding the future of this great country after the upcoming election. The fact that the same results are reached, regardless of who wins, is indeed frightening, but it is my job to report - you decide.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF...

Barack Obama becomes President:

1. After long, costly and divisive recounts in North Carolina and New Hampshire, John McCain finally concedes to Barack Obama. The stock market surges with the news.

2. Upon his inauguration, Obama states once and for all that he is not a Muslim, disappointing Hamas leaders, who really regret throwing away their endorsement over what they saw as “coded phrases” during his campaign.

3. Critics of Obama are soon vindicated, however, when the president appoints William Ayers, Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Oprah to cabinet-level positions, saying at a press conference simply: “Suckers.” The stock market tanks again.

4. Joe Biden spends his first two months as vice president checking in at the Oval Office every day to see if there's anything he can do, only to be turned away, muttering under his breath about Scranton or broken kneecaps or something.

5. All of President Obama’s attempts to alleviate the ever-worsening economic crisis come to naught, from the Great Additional Bailout of February ‘09 to the Even Greater More Additionaler Bailout of March ‘09.

6. On April 3, 2009, China finally makes good on its promises to buy the U.S. outright and turn it into an amusement park.

7. Shortly after being deposed by his Chinese overlords, Barack Obama admits, finally, that he is in fact Muslim. “Suckers.”

John McCain becomes President:

1. After long, costly and divisive recounts in Wisconsin and New Hampshire Barack Obama finally concedes to John McCain, insisting that it is time for our fractured nation to heal. Seven state Supreme Court Justices resign in protest. The stock market disintegrates.

2. While Chief Justice Roberts recites the presidential oath at the inauguration, McCain becomes flustered, throws up his hands and screams, “if you think you can do it better, fine. I didn’t want the damn job anyway.” He then storms off the stage and locks himself in his nearby condo.

3. Sarah Palin does her best to fill the power vacuum, but she soon begins publicly criticizing herself for succumbing to Washington-style big government. She soon steps down under the pressure of her own accusations.

4. Following presidential chain of command, Nancy Pelosi becomes president, but spends her first two weeks gloating, completely missing the economy’s last great freefall.

5. Completely broke, the U.S. has no choice but to accept China’s offer to buy it outright.

6. A bleary-eyed John McCain comes out of hiding and attempts to declare war on the Chinese. He fails.

So, there it is - I report - you decide.

Billi Pod aka The Fair and Unbiased Reporter
wanjr@aol.com

KAPOW - GATORS AND DEVIL RAYS - KAPOW!!!

When I settled in to watch the 8:00 broadcast of the game between the 11th ranked Florida Gators and the #4 ranked LSU Tigers I had no idea that the outcome would be a 51-21 ass-kicking by the Gators. The game wasn’t even as close as that final score. The Gators kicked butt in every single aspect of the game behind the leadership of QB Tim Tebow.

Make no mistake about it, the Gators are back in the hunt for the National Championship.

The Tampa Bay Rays vs. The Boston Fucksox game also started at 8:00 on TBS so I was able to alternate between the two games, but honestly 98.9% of my energy and emotions were directed at the Gator/LSU game.

When the Gator game ended I switched channels and watched the rest of the baseball game, which turned into a nail-biter, to say the least. It went into extra innings with the score tied 8-8. The Rays won in the bottom of the 11th inning when B.J. Upton hit a sacrifice fly into shallow right field to allow the winning run to score from 3rd base. It was 1:36am. Wow!! Way to go Rays! The series is now tied 1-1 and the next game is Monday afternoon in ancient and fetid Fenway Park.

Unfortunately, things look pretty grim, in my opinion, for the LA Dodgers who now trail the Phillies 0-2. The series has moved to LA.

Just briefly - my show this afternoon, “Bedroom Farce,” was very funny and very well performed by an outstanding cast. I was really in the mood for something light and funny and this show fit the bill.

It was about 4:30 when I left the theater on 42nd Street & 9th Avenue and the weather was terrific - cool and clear, not a cloud in the sky. I felt great, so I walked the 2.5 miles back to the apartment.

I am happy to report that Sandy Mullon and her posse arrived and are now in upstate New York looking at leaves and stuff. They will be back in the City sometime tomorrow.

Wow, what a great day/evening.

Go Gators and Go Tampa Bay Rays!!

Billi Pod
wanjr@aol.com

Wednesday - Baseball & My Schedule

Well, the NLCS didn’t start off well for the Dodgers. They just lost to the Phillies in a very interesting game by a score of 3-2, and, yes, I stayed in tonight to watch it.

Tomorrow at 4:35 will be the second Dodgers/Phillies game and then at 8:37 will the first game of the ALCS, the Tampa Bay Rays vs. the Boston Fucksox, and, yes again, my current plans are to stay in and watch both games. Hey, don’t be judgmental, I am a baseball fan, what did you expect?

This afternoon I had a great late lunch with student/bartender/manager John Scott Reed at a very nice restaurant down in TriBeCa called the Landmarc (yes, that is the correct spelling, it is marc not mark). After lunch I had planned on seeing the movie “Ghost Town,” but at the last minute I changed my mind and came back to the apartment and started doing things and stuff in preparation for my Paris Adventure which begins next Wednesday.

Yesterday, Wednesday, was another entertainment doubleheader and both shows were very interesting. At 2:00 was the new show at the 59th Street Theater called “Body of Water” by Lee Blessing. I described this show in an earlier posting but briefly, it involves a man and a woman who wake up in a beautiful house on a body of water. They don’t know who they are, what they are, or where they are. They are visited by a 20s girl who may be (or may not be) their daughter. The show was 100 minutes, without intermission, and the sold-out house was spellbound by the writing and the acting. The problem - when it was over we still didn’t have an answer. As we were exiting the theater almost everyone was talking about the show. Lots of different opinions about the plot.

The second show was a 7:30 performance of a show called “An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein” at the Baruch Performing Arts Center downtown at 25th and Lexington. It was 10 vignettes with a very talented group of younger (read 20s) performers, some, of course, better than others. It was 90 minutes without intermission. It didn’t blow me away but I am glad that I saw it.

When the show was over I decided to walk back to the apartment via Lexington Avenue, a total distance of just under 2 miles. It was a little brisk, but nice. I felt good.

Over the weekend Sandy Mullon of Anna Maria, FL, will be in the city with some female friends, Dee Brady and Alyce, and they will go upstate for a foliage tour. When they return Sandy and I will get together and do some stuff, including a show and dinner on Monday night.

So, this is how the weekend is shaping up --

Friday - stay in, do stuff and watch baseball. Stop IT!! I said don't be judgmental, dammit.

Saturday - 2:00 - “Bedroom Farce” - Off-Broadway. “THREE BEDROOMS, FOUR COUPLES, ONE HILARIOUS SLEEPLESS NIGHT. Trevor and Susannah are on the verge of a break-up - and they're determined to take their friends and family down with them! After Trevor and his ex-girlfriend, Jan, are caught kissing at Malcolm and Kate's housewarming party, all hell breaks loose. Susannah flees to her in-laws who are trying to salvage their anniversary celebration; while Trevor pays a midnight visit to Jan's in order to explain his misdeeds to her husband, Nick. As the evening progresses, this unstable pair travels from bedroom to bedroom, raining hysterical havoc on everything they touch and assuring that no one will get any sleep.” (complimentary ticket).

8:00 - The Gators vs. LSU @ The Swamp. The second Rays vs. Fucksox game is also at 8:00.

Sunday - 5:00 - “Love Child” - Off-Broadway. “The Marvelous Primary Stages presents a World Premiere, Love Child written and performed by Daniel Jenkins and Robert Stanton. It's opening night. The cast is unruly, the crowd is restless, and the play is obscure, but Joel has a larger worry: his mother is in the front row. The real and theatrical worlds collide in Love Child, the new comedy about the night a classic play spoke so loudly to its audience that its audience felt compelled to talk back. Daniel Jenkins (Mary Poppins, Big River) and Robert Stanton (The Coast of Utopia, All in the Timing) take you on a wild ride when they portray everyone on stage, backstage and in the house, all coming together on one riotous night in the theater.” (complimentary ticket)

8:27 - Dodgers vs. Phillies

Monday - As I mentioned above, Sandy and I have a show booked for 8:00 Monday night. It is a new Off-Broadway show called “Rock of Ages” - “It's the late 1980s and the final countdown is on for a legendary Hollywood rock club facing its demise at the hands of eager developers. When a young rocker hungry for his big break and a small town girl chasing her dreams land on the scene at this infamous venue, how far will ambition drive them? And will it be lights out for the club and all the regulars and rockers who have made it their home? Rock of Ages takes audiences on a musical trip with a story set to blazing hits from iconic rockers such as Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. The show features big chords, big dreams and big hair.” (discounted TDF ticket).

After the show we will probably have dinner at Angus McIndoe, my favorite theater district restaurant.

Sandy leaves on Tuesday. I have nothing scheduled for that day because I leave the next evening for Paris. My flight leaves JFK at 7:00pm.

Go Gators!! Go Dodgers!! Go Tampa Bay Rays!!

Billi Pod
wanjr@aol.com

Awesome Philharmonic Concert

The New York Philharmonic concert on Tuesday night was one of the best. I am happy to report that the “Arm-Tugging Women” were nowhere to be seen, in fact, my seat was on the aisle and seated to my left was a charming woman in her 60s and we had a nice chat before the concert and at intermission. The concert was sold-out.

The concert started with Bartok’s “The Wooden Prince Suite” and it was a nice 20 minute introduction for the rest of the evening. The second number was Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2, performed by 23-year old Rafal Blechacz, who looked no older than 16. It was a wonderful performance and when it was over the audience gave him a standing ovation. I can’t imagine what his emotions must have been - to be performing with one of the world’s premiere orchestras before a sellout crowd in Avery Fisher Hall in New York City, and to receive a standing ovation and multiple curtain calls - OMG!!!

After intermission came the highlight of the concert, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” As I previously posted, this is one of my favorite classical music compositions and the orchestra was at its very best from the first note to the last. I was transfixed during the entire 40 minute performance. I can’t remember a louder response from an audience as we rose to our feet clapping and yelling “Brava.” There was such a buzz as we made our way out of the hall and it seemed as if everyone was smiling, like we collectively were thinking ...”This is why I come to Avery Fisher Hall.”

It was cold and windy as I made my way down to the street level. Despite that, I just couldn’t make myself go downstairs to the subway because I didn’t want to get “From the New World” out of my head, so I started walking back to the apartment. I didn’t plug in my Nano as I usually do when walking, again, I didn’t want to erase the “New World” euphoria. Had thought I would take the subway at 53rd and 7th Avenue (about 1/2 way home) but when I got there my body/mind said “no way Jose” so I walked the rest of the way back and I am glad that I did even though it was windy and cold.

You know, it is 24 hours later and I am still smiling about the concert and how lucky I am to be living in the Greatest City in The World.

More reporting on entertainment things and stuff to come later.

Go Gators and Go Tampa Bay Rays!!

Billi Pod
wanjr@aol.com

The Rays vs. The Fucksox and Stuff

And so it shall be after the Fucksox won a very exciting game against the LA Angels by a score of 3-2, scoring the winning run in the bottom of the 9th. The ALCS should be very interesting and I still think The Rays have a chance to go to The World Series, hopefully against The Dodgers. Time will tell.

You know, I am not certain why I felt compelled to write the “All Politicians Are Whores” post. I think it was largely due to my frustration with what is going on in politics, state and national government, and in both political parties. We are in deep trouble on the world stage, in the financial world and on the domestic scene and all we are getting from either side of the aisle is rhetoric and pontificating. I feel that Democrats and Republicans are equally at fault but we, the American Voter, are responsible for allowing our “system” to destroy itself. What do we have to do to restore faith in the Democracy our forefathers gave birth to and died to protect? I don’t know, I really don’t. I wish to hell I did, but I just don’t and I am scared. No joke.

Wow! Well, maybe on to lighter subjects, like entertainment and stuff, so ...

Saw some very good theater over the weekend starting with the Off-Broadway show “Boys Life” on Saturday night. As I have previously posted, Jason Biggs of “American Pie” fame headed the very talented cast in this comedy/drama about 3 young men making their way in the city in the mid-80s. They were friends from college days. I liked it a lot and the house was sold-out.

Also on Saturday the Gators bounced back and kicked butt, beating Arkansas 38-7. Our next game is H U G E. We play #3 ranked LSU Saturday at The Swamp with the kickoff scheduled for 8:00pm on CBS. Go Gators!

Sunday was a theater doubleheader. My first show was an Off-Broadway comedy/drama called “The Night Carter Was Bad,” which I detailed in a previous posting. It was a 90 minute show and explored the difficulty some guys have in making commitments regardless of their feelings for the other person. I liked the show. Hum ... trouble in making commitments ... where have I heard that before, I wonder?

The second show was at 7:00 in a very small theater down on 26th Street. The show, “Pick Me, Choose Me, Love Me,” was also detailed in an earlier posting. It involves a gay young man who comes to NYC to escape his angry and dominating mother in order to have a chance for a career in the theater. A group of straight friends help him make the transition from small-town USA to The Big Apple. It was very well written and performed and was only 75 minutes long.

Now about the upcoming week --

Tuesday - 7:30 New York Philharmonic Orchestra @ Avery Fisher Hall. The program is: Bartok’s Suite from The Wooden Prince; Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2; and, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” This is a different series from the concert last Wednesday. I have checked and my seat is in a different row, so I doubt I will be between the two “Arm-Tugging Women.” Oh, please God, let it be so. I am looking forward to the concert because “From the New World” is one of my very favorite classical works..

Wednesday - 2:00 “A Body of Water’ - Off Broadway. “Who are we without our memories? Avis and Moss awake one morning in a house set in the forested hills above a picturesque body of water. The weathers great, the views magnificent. However, neither of them seems to know whose house this is or who they are. Will a stranger at their doorstep be able to help? A Body of Water is a haunting new drama that explores the slippery nature of reality and conviction. The cast features Michael Cristofer (Tony Award®, The Shadow Box), Christine Lahti (Emmy® and two Golden Globes® for her role in Chicago Hope) and Laura Odeh (The Rivals)” (discounted TDF ticket)

7:30 - “An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein by Shel Silverstein” - Off-Broadway. “An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein is a provocative, farcical, cynical, and sometimes raunchy look into human relationships and interaction through a series of vignettes created by the late great author, giving a showcase to his incredible talent and irreverent wit. The ten sketches feature a cast of unlikely and neurotic characters from a husband obsessing that his wife is a bag lady, from two ladies of the night offering a bargain, to a courtroom scene where we learn the meaning of "meat and potatoes," and finally to a blind blues man and his talking dog, leaving us with a tail of "human" nature. An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein was first produced by the Atlantic Theatre Company in 2001, shortly after Silverstein's death. (discounted TDF ticket). Man, this should be fun.

The remainder of the week is unscheduled at the moment but I have a good idea that it will somehow get filled.

And, a week from Wednesday I head out to Paris.

Go Gators and Go Rays!!

Billi Pod
wanjr@aol.com

Monday Night - Way To Go Rays

The third out was just made and the Tampa Bay Rays win 6-2 over The White Sox to advance to the American League Championship Series against either the Fucksox or the LA Angels. Wow!!! Who would have thunk it?

I decided to stay in tonight to watch this game and I am so glad that I did. But, this didn’t mean I let down on my entertainment mania, oh no, no way Jose. This afternoon I saw the just opened “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” starring Michael Cera of “Superbad” and “Juno” fame. It has gotten mixed reviews but I found it to be charming.

Will now watch the Angels/Fucksox game (guess who I will be rooting for) and between innings will work on another post about the weekend and about what is already scheduled for this week.

Go Gators and Go Rays!!

Billi Pod
wanjr@aol.com

All Politicians Are Whores

Yes, I know that is a strong statement but before you tune me out, read my credentials and then judge --

I held my first elective office in the 7th grade and held other offices during high school, including a statewide office for Key Club International. As an undergraduate I was chairman of a campus political party. After graduation I was on the staff of a successful campaign for Governor of Florida and then served as an Administrative Assistant on the Governor’s staff.

In law school I was chairman of the student bar association and then after law school I become General Counsel to the Governor. Later I served on the campaign staff for an unsuccessful run for US Senate.

Before becoming a judge I was a lobbyist for the Florida citrus industry and as a judge I was elected Chief Judge for 3 terms and served as Chairman of the State Judicial Conference.

OK, enough about me - I just wanted to establish that I have experience being and dealing with politicians, and yes, I have worn the mantel of Whoredom myself, more times than I would like to admit.

So, you ask, what the fuck am I talking about? I am talking about Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s ploy to change term limits so he can run for a third term, that’s what. He is seeking a vote by the New York City Counsel to do just that. Now, don’t get me wrong, I think he has done an outstanding job in the extremely difficult position as Mayor of the Greatest City in the World and I recognize that these are difficult, even scary, times. Rudy Giuliani made the same argument after 9/11/2001, but, ultimately no action was taken.

For the most part politicians are for term limits so long as the limits don’t effect them or their parties’ agenda. In New York City the people twice voted for term limits for all of the major elected political offices, limiting the office holder to two (2) four (4) year terms. Several years ago there was a movement to change the limits by a vote of the City Council (just like this current proposal) and Bloomberg’s response to that proposal was to call the attempt “disgusting.”

Oh, and speaking of opportunism - prior to his election as Mayor, Bloomberg was a life-long Democrat. He changed parties so he could have an easier path to City Hall. Last year, in order to distance himself from the debacle known as the Bush Administration, he changed his party affiliation to Independent. Nice.

There is legal precedent for the City Council to repeal or modify voter-imposed terms limits but I am certain there will be a legal battle to the bitter end.

And, folks, can there be any more whorish decision than John McCain’s decision to name Sarah “Madam Aw-Shucks Wink-Wink” Palin as his Vice-President? Come on now - do you REALLY believe she has the credentials to become President of the most powerful nation in the World? Be honest, do you? Don't shift focus to Obama or Biden, this once - just ask yourself about her - does she? In your heart you know the answer.

So, Mayor Mike, welcome to the Table of Whoredom. You will be seated next to Karl Rove, Rudy Giuliani and John McCain on your right and Bill Clinton, Elliot Spitzer and Ted Kennedy on your left. Oh, the old geezer across the table is “Boss” Tweed, you remember him don’t you? And, don't worry, there is a never-ending number of politicians who will be seated at the table with you in the future - you will have plenty of company.

Case closed.

I only report - you decide.

Billi Pod aka The Fair and Unbiased Reporter
wanjr@aol.com

Early Saturday Morning - Things and Stuff

Earlier in the day I had my every 6-8 week finger-prick at my cardiologist’s office to monitor my coumadin level (OK, as usual) and then got my annual flu shot. Hey, remember, if you are over 50 - get your shot now!!!

When I got back to the apartment I settled in and watched The Tampa Bay Rays win their second game against The White Sox, putting them up 2-0 in the series. Way to Go Rays.

Then it was off to the theater district to see the Broadway revival of David Mamet’s “Speed the Plow,” which I had never seen. The blurb had said it was ...” an outrageous take on sex and power in Hollywood”... and, frankly, that kinda sounded a warning bell in my head, like the phrase “dark-comedy” does. Also, I am not a huge Mamet fan. Well, it was a terrific theater experience and the two male leads, Jeremy Piven and Raul Esparza, were outstanding. The 90 minutes whizzed by. Wow!!

After the show was over I walked back to the apartment while listening to the Fucksox/LA Angels game, which, dammit to hell, the Fucksox won 7-5, to lead their series 2-0. Oh, well ...

Have an interesting weekend lined up, as follows:

Saturday - 8:00 “Boy’s Life,” an Off-Broadway comedy/drama starring Jason Biggs about 3 college buddies making their way in NYC. (discounted TDF ticket).

Sunday - 3:30 “The Night Carter Was Bad” - Off-Broadway - “Big beers, tipsy walks on building tops, and pillow fights litter this dramatic comedy about the misbehavior and haphazard love life of a commitment-phobe named Carter. Stumbling through an office romance with a dancing personal assistant leaves him justifying overtime hours to a girlfriend who suspects he's being bad. This racy romantic comedy explores wild office shenanigans and one man's inability to commit in this disarming, funny and sometimes quite rueful new play.” (complimentary ticket).

7:00 - “Pick Me, Choose Me, Love Me” - (Off-Broadway) “Think your life is screwed? Relive your own dramas with this manic, musical tale following gay LJ as he journeys from dysfunctional family members to fast friends, all the while referencing ‘The Little Mermaid,’ ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and ‘Sex & the City!” (complimentary ticket).

On Tuesday I saw “Young Frankenstein” for the second time. The first time was in its last preview performance before Opening Night, with a very expensive ticket. I liked it then. This time was with a discounted TDF ticket in virtually the same location in the orchestra as my first ticket. I liked the show this time, too, and I really was in the mood for something zany and funny, which this show is.

Wednesday was a New York Philharmonic concert and it was OK, even though it included another one of those “World Premiere” atonal pieces of dreck that I hate so much. Had a rather unnerving experience, though, before the concert began, at intermission and then at the end. What you ask? My seat was the second-in from the aisle. Seated to my right, on the aisle, was a lady with a cane who proclaimed herself to be legally blind (I later learned she was 77). We started talking.

In a few minutes I felt a tug on my left arm and I interrupted my conversation and looked to my left and seated there was another older woman, also with a cane (I later learned she was 76). She started asking me about the program and we chatted until there was a tug on my right arm. And this went on and on as they were obviously vying for my attention. It did stop, thankfully, once the concert started.

At intermission I bolted out of my seat. Neither woman left and I noticed that they just stared straight ahead, no interaction between them. I got back to my seat just minutes before the concert began but the tugging resumed until the orchestra started playing. Oh, God. It was really awkward for me because I didn't know how to react.

As soon as the concert was over the lady to my right tugged on my arm and asked me to help her get up, which I did. As she was leaning on her cane she said to me: “tell that lady I said goodbye,” and then she slowly walked out as the orchestra got ready to play an encore.

When it was over I told the lady on the left what the lady on the right had said and her response was: “she is such a bitch and she’s a little crazy too.” Whoa. I asked if they knew one another she said yes, they had been friends for 25 years until this summer when, among other things ...”she stole my boyfriend.” OMG!!

I got the hell out of there as quickly as I could. Please dear God, don’t let them be subscribers to the same series as I am, please please please.

Thursday night I saw a very well written and performed Off-Broadway show called “Outside Inn” - “Paul, a disillusioned German civil engineer unintentionally participates in the death of his boss, a Svengali-like tycoon. Rather than going to the police, Paul runs away to a small town in Arizona. With his mistress Marina by his side, he steals the identity of his former boss and flees across the Mexican border. The husband and wife Paul and Marina leave behind must face a future alone and a past that continues to haunt them.” (complimentary ticket).

Damn, this has gone on much too long and it is getting very late, so ...

Go Gators and Go Tampa Bay Rays!!

Billi Pod
wanjr@aol.com

Way to Go Tampa Bay Rays!!

What a story - winning the first game in their first appearance ever in the post season, beating the Chicago White Sox by a score of 6-4. A very impressive start. At the beginning of the season no one, and I mean no one, would have predicted that The Rays would win the AL East (hello Yankees and Fucksox).

Will they be able to go the whole way? I don’t know, but my gut tells me that they will not go down easily. They will give 110% until the very last out in the very last inning.

If you believe in cheering on the underdog, then hop aboard. It should be a very interesting ride.

Go Rays!!

Billi Pod
wanjr@aol.com

Thursday - The Vice-Presidental Debate

As most of you faithful and loyal readers know, I spend almost 75% of my waking time searching the print news and online sources for vital information to share with you so that you may be privy to the intricacies of modern-day life. This is an emotionally draining task, especially when I uncover important information that has been overlooked by the mainstream media, the so-called journalistic elite. But, when I find “important stuff” and share it with you, it becomes worth the time, effort and emotions. As I have long said - “Nothing is too much for YOU!!”

I recently found two extremely news-worthy items, one relating to tonight’s debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden and the other about Palin’s family history. This is information you need to have so you can become better informed voters. So, here it is:

RULES OF THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

1. Candidates will be cued to enter as the laser light show subsides, and should be on stage no later than the intro guitar riff to “We Are the World.”

2. Questions will only be asked about Alaska.

3. No reflecting light from watch into opponent’s eyes.

4. Each answer requires one piece of fluff or filler but cannot contain more than three.

5. Dan Quayle has no relevance.

6. References to Jesus or “God’s Will” limited to answers to questions about the economy, health care, education, and urban crime.

7. Candidates are forbidden from telling moving anecdotes about [insert name] of [insert city and state], who has three children and was laid off last May.

8. The first candidate to reach seven sound bites wins.

9. Everybody goes home with a PBS National Debate Participation Certificate.

Source: Confidential (thought to be Karl Rove)

And now the breaking Sarah Palin family news item:

“PALIN UNVEILS 9/11 FIREFIGHTER COUSIN, REFORMED LESBIAN NIECE, AND NATURALIZED MEXICAN HALF BROTHER

CARBONDALE, PA - A month after introducing to the nation her developmentally disabled newborn and the 19-year-old son preparing for military service in Iraq, Republican vice presidential nominee and conservative Christian woman Sarah Palin delivered a speech Monday flanked by three heretofore-unknown relatives, including a naturalized Mexican half brother, a formerly lesbian niece, and a New York City firefighter cousin who saved several lives during the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. “John McCain and I will take on the Washington establishment and give the government back to the people,” said Palin, who several times gave the “thumbs-up” sign to her African-American coal-miner uncle seated in the audience. “We envision a better and brighter future for hardworking, selfless Americans like Ted, Anne, and Guillermo here.” Palin has a campaign stop scheduled next week in Texas, where she is expected to introduce her stepsister Linda, who, it is reported, usually appears with a $35 barrel of offshore-drilled crude oil wrapped in an American flag.”

Source: Fox News and The Onion, Vol 44, Issue 40.

So there you are my loyal and faithful readers. As I have said so many time - I report and you decide.

Billi Pod aka The Fair and Unbiased Reporter
wanjr@aol.com

OMG!! - September, What a Month!!!

I have just finished reviewing my log (log, not diary - real guys don’t keep diaries) for the month of September 2008 and it confirmed my feeling that it was an awesome month entertainment-wise. I find that during the month I saw/attended/did the following:

6 Broadway shows (Gypsy, Spring Awakening, Equus, 13, To Be or Not To Be, and Young Frankenstein); 11 Off-Broadway shows; 2 New York Philharmonic concerts, including the Opening Night Gala; 1 movie (Burn After Reading); and 6 Yankee baseball games, including the final game ever at The House That Ruth Built. The Yankees record for my September games was 5 wins and 1 loss, making their season record for the 33 games I saw an abysmal 19 wins and 14 losses. It must get better next season, guys, it just has to.

I had a great time with my daughter Kathi Bendeck and her husband Dr. John, of Columbia, SC, during their Big Apple visit from September 2-8 - we did theater, walking, dinner and museums. I also gave them plenty of free time by not “hovering.” Had a nice but too brief time with Dwight & Joanne Wells who were visiting from Key West, FL.

Ahem - noticably absent from my log is any reference to John Scott Reed and/or Benjamin Sears - guys - WTF????

Oh well, when all of the events described above are factored in I find that I attended some entertainment event every single day/night during the month, a pretty awesome statistic, in my humble opinion.

September also marked: my oldest grandson Alex Falletta's 28th birthday; my sister Ann Parker’s 71st birthday; 5 years since my dear friend Ray Coker of Lakeland, FL, left us: and, 7 years since the horrors of September 11, 2001. On September 30th Howard Kilgore of Bartow, FL, passed away. Howard was married to Mary Frances, my first wife and Kathi’s mother, for 43 years. He was a good guy and will be missed by his family and friends, including me.

And, in accordance with my promise to keep my loyal and faithful readers up-to-date I posted 15 times to this blog. Yes, you are indeed welcome.

I have lots of other things and stuff to write about but will post this and then write another post when I get back from tonight’s New York Philharmonic concert.

Go Gators and Go Tampa Bay Rays!!

Billi Pod
wanjr@aol.com