Weather Update/Thank You’s/Forbidden Broadway Again/Character Man/I’m Sorry

Tuesday==>Yesterday The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, was spared the brunt of the anticipated snow storm, which ultimately had its impact further south, however, it remains very cold here in Manhattan this morning.

Yeah, when I got up this morning at 7:30am it was only 15º, with wind chill down to 7º. Burrrrrrr!

At noon it is only 23º, with wind chill down to 18º, although it is sunny out with wispy cloud cover. Double Burrrrrr!!

Man, I can’t tell you how tired your favorite blogger is of the fucking cold weather, but, then ... I think most of you loyal and faithful readers and followers already know this.

Oh, well ... moving on ...

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who took the time to text, post, or email me about the highly favorable results of yesterday’s semiannual checkup appointment with my cardiologist, Dr. Fred Feuerbach.

THANK YOU!!

Yeah, I really mean it ... so ... again ...

THANK YOU!!

Yep, Bill Norris aka Billi Pod, sometimes also known as “The Little Engine That Could,” is just gonna keep on keeping on here in The Greatest City In The World for as long as he physically and mentally can. 

Moving on ... 

In yesterday’s posting I shared that when I got back to the apartment and finished the daily blog update that I hadn’t anything planned for the evening and that I was considering giving Billi Pod a day/night off to remain in the cozy confines of PHC.

Well, did that happen? I think that most of you know the answer ... of course it didn’t.

At the last minute a comp. tix became available to one of my favorite Off Broadway shows, the revised and updated version of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, playing in my ‘hood, so I quickly booked it.

I had seen the show on February 23rd and gave it an A back then. I am happy to report that it still more than earns an A from Billi Pod.

To those of you new to the blog, this is basically what I wrote about the show back then ...

******************** 

"FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: ALIVE AND STILL KICKING, after an absence of nearly a year, the musical parody returns to NYC with new victims and new laughs==>A

As I had anticipated, it is funny, raucous, often profane and well performed by a stellar cast of Scott Richard Foster, Carter Calvert, Erica Dorfler and Marcus Stevens.

Sooooooo glad its back.

For me the funniest skits involved “Matilda,” “Once,” “The Book of Mormon" (called “The Book of Morons”) and the upcoming third revival of “Les Miz.”

I am happy to report that the new seating in the refurbished first floor space at the renamed Davenport Theatre is comfortable.

Billi Pod says==>If you are a theatre-nut like moi, then you gotta see this show.

This show is playing at the newly refurbished and renamed Davenport Theatre on West 45th Street, has a running time of 1:40, with intermission, and is currently selling tickets through May 11th."

********************

Like I said above, I totally enjoyed seeing the show again and it was just what I was in the mood for.

Moving on ...

Tonight’s entertainment event is an Off Broadway show ...

7:00==>CHARACTER MAN - “A salute by Drama Desk Award winner (Zero Hour) Jim Brochu to the memorable character actors of Broadway, with hilarious theatre stories and personal recollections. Sprinkled with juicy backstage lore, the show spotlights the careers of Zero Mostel, Jack Gilford, Barney Martin and David Burns. It also delivers the iconic songs of groundbreaking composers, including Meredith Willson, John Kander and Fred Ebb, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick and Stephen Sondheim.” (Off Broadway - discounted TDF ticket)

I totally loved Jim in “Zero Hour” and am really looking forward to this new show.

This one-man show officially opens on March 5th at Urban Stages on West 30th Street, has a running time of 1:30, without intermission, and runs through March 30th.

Interestingly, Jim and his longtime partner, Steve Schalchlin (a Facebook friend), live in The Strand, the high-rise apartment building at 43rd Street and 10th Ave, in my ‘hood, that had the fire back on January 5th. They were not injured, thankfully.

OK, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, your favorite blogger still has some errands and stuff left over from yesterday, so ... time to post this and then ... well, you know ...

Oh ... in closing ... your favorite blogger wants to apologize to all of you who access Billi Pod Blogs via the forwarded confirmation email from the website. Yes, way too many recent typos. Sorry ‘bout dat. 

Yes, I need to more carefully proofread before posting. Rest assured that any errors that are later discovered are immediately corrected on the website.

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>4.69 miles (or, 10,260 steps)

Total mileage for 2014==>195.63 miles (average 3.16 miles per day)

GO GATORS & 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.”

Appointment With Cardiologist Went Extremely Well

BREAKING NEWS==>Have just gotten back to the warm and cozy confines of PHC after my 10:00am appointment with my cardiologist, Dr. Fred Feuerbach, who I have been seeing since July 2001, when I was hospitalized due to congestive heart failure. 

This was my semiannual checkup appointment. I have had no problems or concerns, so this was a "routine appointment."

First of all ... Thank You Weather Gods ... the projected snow was not as heavy as anticipated so I was able to make it to and from Dr. Fred’s far Eastside office via the subways, without any problems. Thankfully, there was very little accumulation.

Secondly ... I am happy, and relieved, to report to you loyal and faithful readers and followers that the results of the EKG and fasting bloodwork were EXCELLENT. This is Dr. Fred’s summary, in his own handwriting ...

“Doing very well. Asymptomatic. Bloodwork excellent. EKG fine. Stress test in September looked good. No changes for now.”

He then commented ... “you know, your biggest health risk is riding in a cab or jaywalking.” And, this made me feel really good.

To all of this, this soon-to-be 80-years old guy humbly says==>Thank You My Higher Power, who I choose to call God.

Now, in the name of fair and unbiased reporting I have to admit to being somewhat emotionally drained. I mean ... one never knows how the bloodwork and other tests are actually going to play out.

As I said earlier, Dr. Fred’s office is in the far Eastside, so I actually logged in 2.75 miles on the roundtrip. I left PHC at 8:50am and it was 11:30am when I opened the door to the warm and cozy confines of PHC.

Yes, I am resisting the temptation to crash because my inner Billi Pod keeps reminding me of my obligation(s) to timely report to you loyal and faithful readers and followers out there in the boondocks, wastelands and hinterlands.

So ... let’s move on to Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s Off Broadway show ...

APPROPRIATE, about the estranged members of the Lafayette clan that return to Arkansas and their crumbling old plantation home to settle the accounts of their recently deceased patriarch==>B+

This drama, about yet another highly dysfunctional family, is emotionally powerful with great acting and incredible sets.

I totally disliked each of the adult characters but still felt involved and interested in the family dynamics that evolved on stage.

I don’t want to say any more about the story line because that could be a major “spoiler” and that’s not good.

The show is worth seeing, IMHO, solely for the incredible sets and staging and I can’t say anymore about this either.

I saw the show with my theater-buddy Dian Crystal aka My Lady and she gave it the same letter-grade.

This show is in previews, is playing at The Signature Theatre Complex on West 42nd Street, has a running time of 2:20, with intermission, and is scheduled to run through April 6th.

When the show was over I came back to PHC and settled in to watch the last 90 minutes of the Academy Award’s Ceremony. From what I saw, I thought Ellen DeGeneres did an excellent job.

In yesterday’s blog posting your favorite blogger made the following predictions for the winners in the major categories ...

BEST PICTURE==>“12 Years a Slave”

BEST ACTOR==>Matthew McConaughey, “Dallas Buyer’s Club”

BEST ACTRESS==>Cate Blanchett, “Blue Jasmine”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR==>Jared Leto, “Dallas Buyer’s Club”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS==>Jennifer Lawrence, “American Hustle”

BEST DIRECTOR==>Alfonso Cuaron, “Gravity”

The only one Billi Pod missed on was BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, which was won by Lupita Nyong’o, in “12 Years a Slave.”

Yeah, 5 out of 6 ain’t bad

As usual for awards programs==>I hit the mute button during each acceptance speech, without exception.

Moving on ...

At the moment your favorite blogger has nothing scheduled for the evening. Of course, there are many many options, including giving himself the day/evening off ... so ... 

Stay tuned.

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>3.15 miles (or, 6,903 steps)

Total mileage for the week==>25.78 miles (average 3.68 miles per day)

Total mileage for 2014==>190.94 miles (average 3.12 miles per day)

GO GATORS & 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.”

David Berger Passes The Test/Broadway Showstoppers/Appropriate/Sports/Oscar Predictions

Sunday==>Let’s just skip the usual weather report since most of you already know that snow is on the way for later on this afternoon, tonight and into tomorrow.

Meaning, The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, is gonna be a mess for Monday morning’s commute and for those of us who have things planned ... like ...

At 10:00am on Monday morning I have my semi-annual checkup with my cardiologist at his office at 61st Street, between lst and York Avenues, just about as far away from PHC as I could get, West to East. Even taking the subway clocks in at almost 2 walking miles roundtrip because his office is a pretty long way from the Lexington Avenue subway station.

Why don’t I change it? Well, I did. It was originally scheduled for Thursday but I changed it to Monday because I have some out-of-town people coming in on Thursday.

Oh well ... we’ll just have to see how things work out, won’t we?

Let’s move on to Billi Pod’s comments on yesterday’s very positive events ... starting with ...

Had a great time yesterday with John Scott Reed aka Fabson and his new boyfriend David Berger.

Around 1:00pm they arrived at PHC so I could meet David and then interview him and compare his answers to the findings from my Internet research and covert investigation(s). As I posted yesterday, this was my responsibility/obligation as Fabson’s Godfather.

I am happy to report to you loyal and faithful readers and followers that David did very well, including his response to the most critical question of the interview ...

“If you had to choose between being a FSU Semihole or a Florida Gator, which would it be?”

When he answered: “Why a Gator, of course” I stood up, took off my Gator cap, and announced to the World that he had passed all of the tests and was now deemed to be worthy of being known as Fabson’s boyfriend.

On this festive note, we then headed out for a bite in my Hell’s Kitchen ‘hood. 

We selected Southern Hospitality, a BBQ place at the corner of 9th Avenue and 45th Street. 

The co-founder and co-owner of the restaurant is Justin Timberlake.

The place has almost full. They are known for their large portions and to say that we three ate a lot is putting it mildly.

It was around 3:00 when we finished up.

Scott took the selfie. It is me, David, Scott.

So ... guys ... it was great being with you and I hope we can get together again in the not-too-distant future. Yes ... I do understand that Fabson’s World and schedule is controlled by The Book ... but ... let’s keep trying. OK?

Now about last night’s entertainment event ...

AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS CONCERT @ Pace University - “An Evening of Jerry Herman, featuring the Fred Barton Orchestra and a cast of award-winning singers and dancers==>A

The show was well-performed, informative and totally enjoyable.

Barton had prepared a program that included some well-known Herman songs from his hit-musicals such as “Hello, Dolly!” “Mame,” “La Cage Aux Folles,” and “Mack & Mabel,” songs from his lessor known works such as “Dear World” and then songs that had been cut, for whatever reason(s), from his shows.

Barton's narrative was also very informative.

All of the performers and dancers were excellent, especially Broadway veterans Lee Roy Reams and Karen Murphy.

My discounted TDF seat was great, in the center mezzanine, row C, on the aisle. Perfecto!!

Yeah, your favorite blogger left the auditorium with a big smile on his face.

It was 11:00pm when I opened the door to the warm and cozy confines of PHC. I was a bit tired and starving.

Had time to warm up some leftover pizza and then it was time for a new SNL show, hosted by Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”) .... who I totally love.

Unfortunately, I thought the show, as a whole, was lame and rather disappointing.

Moving on to today ...

Tonight’s entertainment event will be an Off Broadway show ...

7:30==>APPROPRIATE - “The estranged members of the Lafayette clan have returned to Arkansas and their crumbling old plantation home to settle the accounts of their recently deceased patriarch. As they sort through a lifetime of hoarded mementos and junk, the discovery of a gruesome relic and a surprise visitor send the family into a spiral of crackling confrontations, repressed histories, and regret.” (Off Broadway - discounted $25 ticket)

This show is in previews, is playing at The Signature Theatre Complex on West 42nd Street, has a running time of 2:20, with intermission, and is scheduled to run through April 6th.

Just a bit of sports ...

The Yankees got some outstanding pitching from 3 of our “aces” CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, and making his Yankee debut, Masahiro Tanaka. They each pitched 2 innings, giving up 0 runs on 5 hits and striking out 6. We beat the Tigers 4-0.

The #1 Florida Gators beat LSU 79-61 to improve to 27-2, 16-0 SEC. We now have won our 7th SEC Championship.

In closing ... in response to your emails and texts ... your favorite blogger will now share with you loyal and faithful readers and followers Billi Pod's predictions for the winners in the major categories in tonight’s Academy Award Ceremony. 

In the name of fair and unbiased reporting I must reveal that Billi Pod has seen none of the nominated shows and/or performances ... but ... here goes ...

BEST PICTURE==>"12 Years a Slave”

BEST ACTOR==>Matthew McConaughey, “Dallas Buyer’s Club”

BEST ACTRESS==>Cate Blanchett, “Blue Jasmine”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR==>Jared Leto, “Dallas Buyer’s Club”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS==>Jennifer Lawrence, “American Hustle”

BEST DIRECTOR==>Alfonso Cuaron, “Gravity”

That’s it ... I could care less about the rest of the categories ... actually, truth-be-told ... I could care less about the Academy Awards Ceremony ... anyway ... 

It is now time to post this and perhaps do a bit of a walk and wander session before the snow arrives ...

So ... HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE WEEKEND EVERYONE!!

Yesterday was also an excellent walking day ...

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>4.80 miles (or, 10,498 steps)

Total mileage for 2014==>187.29 miles (average 3.13 miles per day)

GO GATORS & 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.”

Mary Chapin Carpenter/John Scott Reed & David Berger/Broadway Showstoppers Concert

Saturday==>Good morning my loyal and faithful readers and followers. Yes ... take a deep breath ... this posting comes to you rather early on a Saturday morning.

Why, I know most of you are asking your inner selves? Well, selves ... because your favorite blogger has lots of things and stuff that need to be done this morning ... so ... let’s get started with ...

Last night's entertainment event ... 

I am happy to report that last night’s concert, NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC with Mary Chapin Carpenter @ Avery Fisher Hall, was a totally enjoyable evening, especially when Joan Baez and Mary performed together.

The program started with Mary performing with guitars and drums as backup. Then she and her singers, including Joan, were joined by the full NY Phil Orchestra and that was simply breathtaking.

The audience was really into the performance(s) and when it was concluded around 10:30pm we gave everyone a roaring standing ovation.

Yeah, it was a very enjoyable and entertaining evening.

Now ... what about today?

Well, in the early afternoon, John Scott Reed aka Fabson and his new boyfriend, David Berger, will come to PHC for a meet and greet session. 

Yeah, I haven’t met David, who is an Analyst with Goldman Sachs, so I have warned them both that there will be an intensive interrogation session, including an examination of David’s tax returns for the past 3 years, and the taking of a DNA swab.

When the session is over we will then catch a bite someplace in my Hell’s Kitchen ‘hood, assuming, of course, that “everything” checks out OK and Billi Pod is satisfied that David is really who he claims to be.

Oh ... come on ... calm down out there ... this is what a Godfather is required to do ... so ... just live with it.

Moving on ... 

Then for the evening is a concert downtown ...

7:30==>AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS CONCERT @ Pace University - “An Evening of Jerry Herman. This concert features the Fred Barton Orchestra and a cast of award-winning singers and dancers with selections from ‘Hello, Dolly,' ‘Mame,’ ‘La Cage Aux Folles,’ ‘Mack & Mabel,’ and more.” (concert - discounted TDF ticket)

I have seen this series several times and have always enjoyed the evening. It is playing at The Schimmel Center @ Pace University on Spruce Street, downtown. 

OK, got stuff to do ... so ...

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!!

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>4.03 miles (or, 8,817 steps)

Total mileage for February==>98.19 miles (or, 214,742 steps - average 3.51 miles per day)

Total mileage for 2014==>182.99 miles (average 3.10 miles per day)

GO GATORS & 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.”