It was a perfect day to spend at the 10-lane, 50-meter swimming pool in the athlete village. Some of the largest men I’ve ever seen (Romania — wrestlers?) were proudly donning their speedo suits and catching some afternoon rays next to tiny gymnasts and divers from Great Britain, listening to Billy Jean. To my delight, I believe I saw the girl from Ipanema, and all her sisters (teammates), too. Their bathing attire is quite different than what you’d find at a local community pool. I’m being generous here. Six-foot plus Brazilian athletes versus 5?10? 300lb. Eastern Europeans: quite a juxtaposition on human form. Things got ROWDY…
The fashionable ‘whale tail’ is a prominent feature in Russian culture. Pictured here is a coach of the Russian women’s quadruple scull (4x)
The Ukrainian quad has two very cute rowers. Most of the boys have been smiling and saying hi to them. Next week should be interesting when the rowing’s over!
Our correspondents in Beijing are getting PUMPED for opening ceremony which begun today.
Jason Read (Gold Medal Winner in Rowing in Athens) has found himself, once more, in the middle of an opportunity of a lifetime at the Beijing Games. You can read about his adventures over at the Wall Street Journal HERE and HERE. Today, he has shared his first of many photos to come. Also, stay tuned for JR’s reports from the Beijing party circuit in week two when their events are over. He’s already sent us a preliminary schedule and it looks like the guy is going to be tuckered out by the end of the ordeal. If anyone can represent our country both on the water and in the clubs, it’s J.R.
The final leg of the Olympic torch relay began today. The flame has traveled 137,000 kilometers through 130 cities in 130 days. Its record setting journey will culminate tonight at the National Stadium where it will ignite the cauldron to signal the start of the 2008 Olympic Games.
Take a look at hottie Jason Read and his Beijing photos thus far:
Where: Caroline's on Broadway, 1626 Broadway, New York, NY (map)
Admission: Ticketed Event
Discription:
Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) proudly announces the two honorees for their 8th annual TRU Love Benefit, which will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2009 from noon to 4pm at Caroline’s on Broadway, 1626 Broadway at 49th Street, NYC. Elysabeth Kleinhans of 59E59 Theatres will receive the TRU “Spirit of Theater” Award for her ongoing generosity towards TRU as well as the off-Broadway producing community in general; and Allan Buchman of Culture Project will be acknowledged with the TRU Humanitarian Award for his dedication to bringing politically and socially conscious works to life in New York theater, and successfully using the arts for social change.
The theme of this year’s benefit is “Opening Doors” in recognition of both the nurturing homes the honorees have provided for the development of new work and new opportunities; and for their dedication to keeping open doors of communication for political and international conversations in New York theater. The event will start with a cocktail hour at noon, followed by a full luncheon. Performances will include representative scenes and songs from shows developed at 59E59 or The Culture Project, including “Gutenberg the Musical”, Prospect Theater’s bluegrass musical” Golden Boy of Blue Ridge”, “Clean Alternatives” with writer Brian Dykstra and “The Exonerated” excerpts performed by celebrity guests. TRU will also present songs from upcoming musicals being developed by TRU producers. Nancy Anderson will perform a song from “Yank!”, the musical debuting off-Broadway in February 2010, and previewing a song from the upcoming Broadway musical “Pure Country”. In addition Brian Dykstra will perform a piece from his play “Clean Alternatives” and Radiotheatre will perform from one of their radio pieces.
The TRU Love “Opening Doors” Benefit will take place Sunday, November 8, 2009, at 12 noon, at Caroline’s on Broadway, 1626 Broadway at 49th Street, NYC, with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at noon, luncheon at 1pm and performances and awards ceremony starting at 2:15. Tickets are $175 for Premium Patron level seats in the first tier, $150 for Patron level 2nd tier and $100 for general admission. Tickets may be purchased at www.truonline.org/store-new.html. Inquiries may be made by phoning 212/714-7628 or emailing TRUnltd@aol.com.
For more information, visit www.truonline.org or call 212-714-7628.
Where: BARNES & NOBLE, 150 East 86th Street, New York, NY (map)
Admission: Open
Discription:
Barnes & Noble will host a book signing in celebration of the national launch of Park Avenue Potluck CELEBRATIONS, authored by members of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and New York Times food columnist Florence Fabricant. A POTLUCK of cider, sweets and other treats for the family celebration will be brought by many of the authors’ favorite purveyors including Eleni’s Cookies, Smithfield, Dean & DeLuca, Taste Caterers, William Poll, Williams-Sonoma, Gristedes, MrsMonogram.com and others.
A percentage of net sales of products in Barnes & Noble stores nationally will support ‘Kids Express’, an individualized program -- funded by The Society of MSKCC – designed to help adult cancer patients communicate with their children about their illness.
Where: La Venue and The Tunnel, 608 west 28th Street, New York, NY (map)
Admission: Ticketed Event
Discription:
California wine country is heading east to New York with the Robert Mondavi Discover Wine Tour. Ted Allen, Robert Mondavi Private Selection Brand Ambassador, is thrilled to engage consumers in the Big Apple with live cooking demonstrations at the Tour and to encourage foodies to open up about their food and wine questions. Additionally, guests are invited to join Robert Mondavi Private Selection’s Avram Deitch and other wine experts at the Robert Mondavi Discover Wine tour to learn anything and everything - from wine making to wine pairing.
Where: SVA Theater, 333 23rd st , New York, NY (map)
Admission: Invite Only
Discription:
Edward R. Pressman Alan & Gabe Polsky
and
First Look Studios
Eva Mendes
special screening of
BAD LIEUTENANT
PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS
A FILM BY WERNER HERZOG
screenplay by William Finkelstein
Holier than seriously commented on BREAKING! The Email Scandal That Just Shook Cornell’s Campus: "Seriously "..." bite me ftard: that IS what they get. The truth will out and the piper be paid. My house is quite normal and needs a little work from time to time, but I don't cheat on my wife and I..."
mike commented on BREAKING! The Email Scandal That Just Shook Cornell’s Campus: "Does anybody else think this looks a bit fake? The email trail is 62 messages ... if nothing else they clearly weren't doing much actual work that day. I'm wondering if we'll see this on snopes.co..."
NOT holier than thou commented on BREAKING! The Email Scandal That Just Shook Cornell’s Campus: "They are going to deal with enough criticism and embarrassment. They are two adults who have to face the consequences. If they want to be together, then they will be, unless this outing ruined the..."
comment on image in NYC Opera Theater Debut Red Carpet gallery:
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Jason Read has been out and about in Beijing, meeting up with princes, keeping an eye out for whale tails, and trying to keep that hot bod of his toned. Bihvhar indeed! 
