Terrific Time With John Scott Reed

Man, I can’t believe it ... it is a beautiful morning in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World==>56º @ 10:30am. Will definitely do some walking around this afternoon.

I am happy to report that yesterday afternoon’s staged reading of LUNCH AT THE PICCADILLY, about the rowdy residents of Rosehaven Convalescent Center, was totally enjoyable.

The reading was part of the York Theatre’s Developmental Reading Series. I hope the show finds a life/producer.

Attended the reading as a member of Dian Crystal’s posse, which included Marty Kosarik, Vera Olichney and moi.

Then for the evening I went over to The East Village to check out John Scott Reed’s (aka Fabson) new pad, located on 10th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues.

He is still in the process of getting settled into his new space, which he shares with a roommate of the opposite sex, but it already has that “Fabson” feeling.

Frankly, with so much going on in his life work-wise (Fashion Week, Sundance Film Festival, Red Carpet etc etc etc) and otherwise, I am amazed he has survived the past 3 weeks.

The apartment has access to an outdoor courtyard and that will be nice come summer. Bottom line==>Billi Pod likes his new pad.

And speaking of likes ... Billi Pod also likes his new ‘hood, which has a young and energetic feeling that was definitely lacking in his former ‘hood in Brooklyn.

When we finished the tour of his new pad we went to a terrific restaurant called Frank, located on 2nd Avenue @ 6th Street. Dinner was super excellent and we were able to do a lot of catching up. He even let me talk a bit about me ... and that was nice.

So, Fabson==>welcome back to The Isle Of Manhattan==>where you belong.

Tonight’s entertainment event is ...

7:00==>RATED P FOR PARENTHOOD - “A series of comic and musical vignettes chronicles every stage of modern-day parenting, from conception to college.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This is playing at a theater in my ‘hood and is in previews with little advanced buzz.

The upcoming weekend is going to be basically a classical music frenzy, with concerts on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. In fact, I am considering adding another for Friday night ... we will see about that.

So, my loyal and faithful readers ... I really feel the need to get out of PHC and wander ... so ... I will close this posting with yet another thing for you to consider/ponder ...

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-184

RIP==>LOYAL MYRA OLIVE HASS

RIP==>LOYAL MYRA OLIVE HASS, age 95, who passed away on Sunday at The Rohr Home in Bartow, FL.

Myra was a life-long resident of Bartow and a close friend to me and Ginger Flowers of Atlanta, Ga. Myra was the owner and operator of The Studio, an art and frame store that served the art community from 1968 until 1997. Most of my art works currently on display in PHC at 420 W. 42nd Street were framed by Myra.

Goodbye Myra - you will be missed. Love, Bill and Ginger.

It is hard to transition to something like entertainment ... but ... I have to ... so ...

Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s CALL ME WALDO, about what happens when an ordinary electrician begins channeling the spirit of Ralph Waldo Emerson==>B.

The funny story line begins to drag a bit by the end of the 95 minute show. Brian Dykstra’s character’s name is: Gus Sakellariadis - I dare you to try to pronounce it ... go ahead, give it a try ... see ... that is what I meant ...

Gus uses the f-word every third word, regardless of who he is talking to and this gets a bit old, too. Despite these quibbles, the show is worth seeing.

Today is yet another doubleheader ...

2:30==>LUNCH AT THE PICCADILLY -“A new musical about changing the world one rocking chair at a time. It follows the rowdy residents of the Rosehaven Convalescence Center as they fight to keep their home in the face of a corporate takeover.” (Off Broadway - free ticket).

This is part of the York Theatre’s Developmental Reading Series. These shows are usually well performed, for a reading.

Billi Pod is seeing this show as a part of Dian Crystal’s posse. Unfortunately he will be unable to join the posse for what he anticipates will be another eggplant pizza frenzy because he has something else planned for the evening ... which is ...

8:00==>meet up with John Scott Reed aka Fabson at his new pad in The East Village.

As you loyal and faithful readers will recall, about a month ago Fabson finally owned-up to his earlier poor decision-making and left the wilderness known as Brooklyn to return to where he belongs ... The Isle of Manhattan.

The Bloomberg mandated quarantine period is now over so it is safe for me to finally have some face-time with him.

His new residence is on 10th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues in a very “happening” area of The East Village. After he gives me a tour of his new pad we will catch a bite somewhere in his new ‘hood. 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-183

Billi Pod Is A KLUTZ!!

You know, my loyal and faithful readers==>Billi Pod is nothing more than a 100% KLUTZ, it is as simple as that.

What am I talking about, you are no doubt breathlessly asking out there in the hinterlands and boondocks? Well ... here goes ... you remember about a week ago I posted that I had ordered some metal frames for the remaining 3 paintings that I had shipped up here from my Bartow storage area. When I ordered them via the internet I knew they would have to be assembled. No big deal.

The stuff arrived early this morning ... and ... thought I ... no problemo ... right ... all I had to do was: put together 3 frames (9 x 12, 20 x 24, and 24 x 30); put the paintings into the frames; attach the hanging thingy on the back of every frame; and, then just hang the paintings on the hangers I had already nailed into the walls. No big deal ... right ... it should take no longer than ... say ... about 30 minutes ... right??

Wrong!! Without boring you loyal and faithful readers with too many more details ... let me just say that: (1) directions are included for a reason (2) I never follow directions in putting things together (3) going back and starting over sucks (4) and, I am a total 100% KLUTZ!! with the finger dexterity of a 6 month old baby. F**K!!

What should have been a 30-45 minute project took over 3 hours ... but ... at least it finally got done ... but ... I hate being such a f**king klutz. The paintings do look good in their new frames and on the walls in PHC. Glad it is done.

Now, on to more important things ... like ...

Last night’s concert, REFLECTIONS OF LIFE WITH SPECIAL GUEST CLAY AIKEN @ Carnegie Hall, was wonderful. My seat was in the 3rd level, front row, a bit to the side. OK.

The first half was the world premiere of a 45 minute work called “Flowers Over The Graves of War,” performed with a full orchestra and a 150 person chorus. It was very moving.

The second half was even more interesting and featured Clay Aiken, who didn’t sing, but instead narrated a series of works which were “a reflection on the power of song” in the lives of children. There was the same orchestra but a new chorus, this time with 200+ members on stage plus another 100+ members singing from the upper tiers of the Hall. It was fantastic and that is putting it mildly.

The picture is one I took just before the second half began.

It was a wonderful evening’s entertainment and I left Carnegie Hall with a smile on my face. Would definitely have walked back to PHC had the weather not been freezing cold.

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

7:00==>CALL ME WALDO - “Extraordinary things happen when an ordinary electrician begins channeling the spirit of Ralph Waldo Emerson. A warmhearted comedy about an average guy experiencing a mid-life crisis.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket).

I think this sounds very interesting and one of my favorite actors, Brian Dykstra, is in the cast.

Oh, AJ Burnett aka Loser Boi is now trying to blame his dismal tenure with The Bronx Bombers because ..."I let too many people tinker with me." Really?? How about it was because you basically sucked you scumbag Loser Boi.

Still have a few things and stuff to do left over from yesterday ... so ... I will close with a question that has to have occurred to many of you computer nerds/geeks ...

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-182

Back to Work & Billi Pod’s Awesome Sunday Doubleheader

Yes, my Worker Bee friends, I know that it is President’s Day ... but you cannot use this as an excuse for not showing up for your mundane jobs and assignments. Now ... stop your whining.

You know that holiday’s have virtually no effect on your obligation to maintain the Gross National Product in order that we poor retirees can maintain our lifestyles without worry and/or concern ... so ... as I said ... stop your whimpering and whining and get to work.

Stop it now ... don’t make Billi Pod come over there and individually and collectively bitch-slap you.

Moving on to more important things ... like ... yesterday’s totally enjoyable and awesome entertainment doubleheader ...

First was BAD KID, the story of a Goth boy who dreamed of being anywhere but the middle of Texas in 1991==>B+<==extremely well written and performed, funny but also kinda in-your-face, too.

The writer/performer, David Cragg, brings to life his colorful cast of characters in a 80 minute work that is hilarious and also heart-wrenching at the same time.

My only quibble is that he fails to bring the audience up-to-date as to how he finally gets to where he is today ... performing in New York City to an almost full-house.

That minor flaw aside ... Billi Pod says==>definitely worth seeing. It runs on Friday’s and Saturday’s through March 10th.

When the show was over I raced back to the ‘hood to meet up with my longtime AA buddy, Joe (not his real name) at a 5:00pm meeting that Joe chaired in "celebration" of his 10th AA birthday. YES!!!

Then ... the second entertainment event was ...

ONE MAN LORD OF THE RINGS, where the writer/performer Charles Ross recreates the enchanting world of Middle-earth with nothing more than elbow pads and his imagination==>A+<==absolutely amazing performance that totally entranced the virtually full-house audience.

What Ross has done is take segments of the films, those snippets that you remember for both their visual impact and/or memorable dialogue, and strung them together to create an hour’s worth of fast-moving and extremely funny material, all delivered breathlessly (well, almost) by a solitary figure throwing himself about on a bare stage, without props of any kind.

I can’t remember when I was more transfixed with a performance. The audience gave him a well-deserved roaring standing ovation.

Unfortunately, the show was only booked for this weekend. If it ever reappears in this area you gotta, and I mean, gotta see it.

When I got back to PHC I mentally thanked my Higher Power for allowing me to have yet another wonderful day in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. I am soooooooooo lucky/fortunate ... I really am.

It is another bright and cold morning==>31º @ 7:30am but the cold will not interfere with Billi Pod’s usual errands and stuff day.

Tonight’s entertainment event is ...

7:00==>REFLECTIONS OF LIFE WITH SPECIAL GUEST CLAY AIKEN @ Carnegie Hall - “Distinguished Concerts Orchestra and Singers International present works by James Eaken and Greg Gilpin.” (9:00 TDF ticket)

Yeah, that’s right. I will see Clay Aiken perform, and an orchestra and chorus, for only $9.00. How can you beat that, I humbly ask you?

This concert is the first of 5 classical music concerts I have already scheduled for the upcoming 9 days. More details later.

Oh ... MLB approved the deal and he passed the physical ... so ... AJ BURNETT AKA LOSER BOI is officially no longer a Bronx Bomber ... and Billi Pod says==>good riddance to very bad rubbish!!

With that thought in mind ... I will close with what is no doubt going through Loser Boi’s mind right now ...

Yes ... you f**king are!!

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-181

Report Cards On Saturday’s Doubleheader

Good morning everyone.

I hope everyone’s weekend is going well out there in the hinterlands and boondocks.

It is bright and cold in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World==>35º @ 8:30am.

Yesterday’s entertainment doubleheader was just as different and diverse as Billi Pod had anticipated. Both shows were in his immediate ‘hood

Before the first show I met up with my theater-buddy Dian Crystal and her posse, which this time only consisted of Vera Olichney. As it turned out, our seats for the show were together and that was nice.

CQ/CX, about an up and coming reporter at The New York Times whose dreams of becoming a famous journalist come crashing down when he becomes the center of a plagiarism scandal==>A.

This show is based on the Jayson Blair “scandal” that rocked The Gray Lady in 2003. I found the story line to be intriguing as well as thought-provoking, with its rapid-fire dialogue and insider feeling. The acting is excellent and the set design terrific.

Our seats were in the front row, which I usually hate, but this time the location made us feel as if we were part of the on-stage action.

In doing a bit of background research for this posting I was somewhat surprised at the number of negative reviews, mainly focusing on how undeveloped the main character is. Well, all I can say is that Billi Pod, a fair and unbiased reporter, does not share those views ... so ...

Billi Pod says==>see this show.

When the show was over Dian and her posse, which now included Billi Pod, went to a pizza place known as Claudio Pizzeria, at the corner of 43rd Street and 10th Avenue.

Billi Pod was cajoled (when was the last time you saw that word?), or perhaps even forced, into trying a slice of eggplant pizza. As many of you know, when you are a part of Dian’s posse it is virtually impossible not to obey her commands/wishes/demands/desires.

Billi Pod tried to convince her that real men don't eat eggplant in any form but she was having none of that argument. Bottom line ... Billi Pod ordered a slice and ate all of it. In the name of fair and unbiased reporting he has to acknowledge to you loyal and faithful readers that it wasn’t as barf-inducing as he had anticipated/expected.

When we finished Dian and her posse went on a walk around the ‘hood and I came back to PHC. When they finished their walk they came up to the 41st floor and joined me in PHC, where we chilled until it was time for our second show, which was ...

8:00==>THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE by Edward Albee, a drama about the arrival of an unexpected guest and her mysterious companion giving the question ‘Who are you?’ new and desperate meaning==>B.

Lots of yelling and shouting and unbelievable interaction between characters who are supposed to be friends. For me the show was saved by the appearance of Jane Alexander in the last moments of Act 1.

Act II is much more compelling as the audience tries to answer the question “who are they?” about the unexpected guests. For Billi Pod it was a typical Edward Albee play in that it both involved him and also pissed him off at the same time.

Dian’s posse gave it a C and a C-, while our theater buddy Daniel Nickle gave it an A.

I was a bit surprised to discover in my posting preparation research that the show originally opened on Broadway in 1980 and ran for only 12 performances. I believe the critics this time are going to be more favorable in their reviews. We will see.

When I got back to PHC I felt really good about the day’s events and the interactions I had with friends etc etc etc. Yes ... it was a good doubleheader, all things (meaning eggplant) considered.

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

3:00==>BAD KID - “Is the story of a Goth boy who dreamed of being anywhere but the middle of Texas in 1991. Preferably somewhere in London wearing fishnet gloves and a cape while standing alone in the rain. In this funny and moving examination of rebellion, sexuality and friendship, David Crabb reflects on what it means to grow up different and alone, just like everyone else. (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

The show is playing down in the Village. When the show is over I will come back to my ‘hood to be present at an AA meeting to be chaired by one of my buddies who is celebrating his AA birthday. YES!!

Then for the evening is ...

8:00==>ONE MAN LORD OF THE RINGS - “One Man (Charles Ross) recreates the enchanting world of Middle-earth with nothing more than elbow pads and his imagination, playing numerous characters and re-enacting key scenes from the film trilogy.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket).

This one hour show had a very well received run in New Jersey and I am looking forward to it.

Eggplant pizza==>OMFG!! Why can’t I get this thought/image out of my mind ... why??

Since today is Sunday Billi Pod thinks it would be appropriate to close with the following ...

really ... give it some thought ...

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-180

Billi Pod’s Saturday Entertainment Doubleheader & So Long Loser Boi

Good morning everyone.

I am happy to report that my return visit last night to THE INEXPLICABLE REDEMPTION OF AGENT G was even more fun than the first time, on Wednesday.

Folks ... hurry up ... you gotta see this show ... trust Billi Pod on this ... you gotta see this show before its run ends on March 4th. Yes, I know that I am sounding a bit like a shill, but you loyal and faithful readers know that isn’t the case ... so ... see this show ...

Today is going to be yet another potentially awesome doubleheader for Billi Pod in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. Both shows are in my ‘hood. The first event is ...

2:00==>CQ/CX - “An up and coming reporter at The New York Times has dreams of becoming a famous journalist, but in a flash, they come crashing down when he becomes the center of a plagiarism scandal.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This is based on a true story. The show has gotten generally favorable reviews and I am looking forward to it.

Before the show I will meet up with my theater-buddy Dian Crystal and her posse. They have the same scheduled events. After CQ/CX we will have a bite in the ‘hood and then come back to PHC and chill until it is time for our second show ... which is ..

8:00==>THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE by Edward Albee - “At a late night party, the hosts are entertaining their friends with a round of Twenty Questions and another round of drinks. When an unexpected guest and her mysterious companion arrive, the question ‘Who are you?’ gains a whole new and desperate meaning.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This show is playing at the new Signature Theater space. I haven’t found much advance buzz so I really don’t know what to expect, except that it is an Edward Albee play, whose works usually entertain me and piss me off at the same time. We will see ...

So, I hope you loyal and faithful readers will agree that today sounds very interesting. Will, of course, report in detail tomorrow.

I am extremely happy to report that the deal between The Bronx Bombers and The Pirates has been finalized and AJ Burnett aka Loser Boi is history (bad history at that). The deal is subject to approval by MLB and Loser Boi passing a routine physical. Neither is expected to be a problem.

So==>SO LONG LOSER BOI ... don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.

And ... now in closing ...

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-179

Chekhov Can Be Funny & Something New.

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!!

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