Barnes and Noble Appearances: Phil Jackson “Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success”

On May 21^st, 2013, Phil Jackson was at Barnes and Noble to promote his new book “Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success”. The book chronicles his life and NBA (National Basketball Association) experiences. As the title alludes to, the championship teams he coached as well as played for are a part of the story.

As early as 8:00am, there were 10 people were gathered outside the 46^th Street and 5^th Avenue location. By 12 noon, the crowd was around the corner. Each person in line had the book and was told to keep the receipt as proof they purchased it at that specific store.

Crowds began to move into the store at 12:15pm or so. The guards moved the line quickly to try to accommodate all those in line. Every so often, a cluster would be allowed into the store and directed to the upstairs escalator. On the second floor, the line was positioned toward the back aisle of books near the window.  The fans were instructed to have the title page open to be signed and take their photos while on the line.  When the person approached the table, the receipt was taken and the person got to briefly meet Phil Jackson.  Jackson was courteous and acknowledged those whose books he signed. After this experience, the rope right ahead led out of the appearance area.

Looking back on the autograph, one comes to the realization of who they just met. Phil Jackson coached numerous NBA champions. During his playing days, he was a member of the New York Knicks. These facts are well-known and now so will the day of May 21^st 2013 for those who got to meet him.    

  

Bryant Park-Word for Word Series Week 1

Bryant Park is one place in New York City to relax. After the ice rink is cleared to make room for the lawn, there are programs for visitors to enjoy in the spring season. One such example is the Word for Word Series in the Reading Room. This is a question and answer session with an author that also allows those in attendance to buy the author's book.

2013 Season: For Week 1, TV talk show and radio host Wendy Williams discussed her 6^th book “Ask Wendy”. Inspired by a 1-hour segment on her radio show, “Ask Wendy” advises her audience on how to deal with a variety of problems. The book’s chapters deal with queries about online issues, kids, friendship obstacles, and those around the workplace. For each topic division, the approach taken to an answer is best described by the author: “Tough talk equals straight understanding”; this essentially means an honest and direct method is needed to solve your problems.

After the book was discussed, fans asked their own questions. At the end of the "Q and A", those with books had the chance to get them signed by Wendy Williams. Williams also obliged the attendees of the event by taking pictures with them as she was signing.

About Wendy Williams: Wendy has had a 23-year career in radio, hosting shows on stations such as Hot 103.9, W.P.L.J, and KISS. Her talk show -“The Wendy Show”-is currently in its 4^th season. Her latest project is preparing for her role as Matron Mama Morton in the Broadway musical “Chicago”(the limited run begins June 25^th, 2013 and ends August 11^th, 2013).   

Broadway –“The First Act Always Ends With Jazz Hands”-Lonny “Rock of Ages"

Today, I want to describe the thrill of the New York City theater scene. It is such an important part of me as it is to the city’s many tourists.

 Broadway and Off-Broadway offer a diverse array of plays and musicals. Playbill.com gives you a list of the performances as well as news on those shows. Any information you need is there: synopsis, cast members, and running times. There is even a link to the official website.

Once decided on seeing a show, check the ticket information.  If only available through the box office of the venue, you have to go to that theater and buy tickets from them. Have a date and ticket price range when making the purchase. Also bear in mind that certain actors appear in select performances as there are usually 8 performances per week for any show; which includes 2 on Wednesday and Saturday.   

The other option is the TKTS Booth. This Times Square set-up offers a vast selection of entertainment options. There are two electronic boards on either side of the tickets booth that let you know what shows are available. Please note that the discounted ticket prices vary from show to show. When in line for performance purchases here, always have a plan A, B, C should your show not be available, has only obstructed view seats left, or does not have enough seats in the row for your group.  Not all shows are available at the TKTS Booth.

 Once you have your tickets, locate the theater. The address is generally listed on the ticket if you are not familiar with the location. Broadway shows have marquees of the show’s poster below the theater name, which help in locating the theater. Be aware that lines formed outside the venue will sometimes overlap with other shows as 3 theaters share the same block; get in the correct one. After the doors open, the lines will file into the theater. A lot of the times, the theater doors will open a half hour before the performances.

Walking into the theater, the ushers will direct you to your seat. You enter on the orchestra level. Up the staircase are the mezzanine and balcony seating. Upon finding your seat, you can read the Playbill given you to learn more about the cast of the show, and others that you can see later. In the Playbill, there may be notes inside that announce understudies for regular performers unable to be at that specific performance .You never know who you may see as understudy today but will be a star tomorrow.

The houselights will blink on and off about two minutes prior to the start of the performance. The announcer for the theater tells you to turn off your cell phones, unwrap any candy wrappers before the show begins, and be aware of the emergency exits. Instructions are delivered in a variety of styles-my favorite being comedic : ‘In case of fire, do not start singing  “pyromania” as we do not own the rights to that song’ - “Rock Of Ages” and the sound of a phone ringing and candy being unwrapped at “Noises Off”.

The show then starts. It is usually 2 acts with an intermission. Special event shows run 90 minutes without an intermission. No matter the format, it is an experience one doesn’t forget. It even leads to seeing another one later.