randomness had an absolutely fantastic week off. Following the well-documented BABB, Lady Crumpet and I took in one of the last performances of Tom Stoppard's "Jumpers." The acting was pristine, the story witty and challenging. So challenging, in fact, that I later picked up a copy of the stage play. I really enjoyed it, but wish that I had it before viewing the production. Being Stoppard, it's a bit heady.

Dearest pal Dennis then came into town for a week of concert shenanigans. Three Costello shows at Lincoln Center that were respectively uneven, good and better. They were all a bit odd due to the venue and the serial collaborator that Costello has become. Full reviews perhaps coming soon. Visiting with yet another pal in Deano and his lovely wife was certainly a highlight of the shows, as well. A Prince show at MSG was thrown in for good measure and it was pretty damn good. Surprisingly so, in fact. Friday was our lone concert-free day and we used it to trek north to the Dia: Beacon.

I have, however, been felled by yet another round of stupid health issues. Two of them, in fact. Dennis gets huge brownie points for putting up with my sorry ass going to the ER for much of Friday night. I'll spare you the needless details, but one is incredibly painful (upside - fun with Percocet!) and the other will require six weeks of intravenous antibiotics (upside - I won't be able to go to the gym!). I'll certainly bounce back fine but I may be a bit more scarce around these pages for a bit. Keep checking, though. You know I can't deny my public...