Bailey Kennedy who writes at Paperbackgirl.com attended Wednesday’s reading that featured two great Irish writers, Colum McCann and John Banville, and notes:

The q+a session rounding out the evening had everyone in fits of laughter thanks to Banville’s dry wit and McCann’s gregariousness. The first question was directed at both writers and focused on the anxiety of influence as Irish writers. Banville leaned toward the mic and said, “We have giants or nothing. There are no mediocre writers. It is like the Easter Island statues are standing behind us saying ‘what have you done little man?’”

You can read more of her recap here and watch the video above for an excerpt from that Q&A. In addition to addressing the Irish writer legacy topic, they discuss the influence of their backgrounds in newspaper journalism on their writing and McCann answers a question about his relationship with New York City after writing Let the Great World Spin which he confesses: “I think I’ll probably go away for awhile just in order to love it again.”

Upcoming Readings:

Lady Gaga has a poker face, do you? Ellen Leikind, author of the new book PokerWoman: : How to Win in Love, Life, and Business using the Principles of Poker, offers women tips on using poker strategies for life and did a segment Wednesday morning (shown above) on WPIX. Ellen is also POKERPrimaDIVAS™ instructor at the 92nd Street Y, where she teaches women to apply the lessons of poker in business, personal, and professional lives, as well learning the basics of the game in prep for your participation in a poker tournament!

Some of the lessons Ellen imparts? In poker, you have to be brave and assertive, and know what you want. And in your job, “if you’re looking for a promotion, you have to ask for it.” WPIX featured some more tips:

• Stop betting like a girl and go all in!
• Creative bluffing (the differences between little white lies vs. deception)
• How to play to win, instead of playing not to lose
• Knowing when to fold’em…and get out of a dead end job or relationship
• Overcoming losses and getting back in the game

What other ways can you apply the practices of poker to your life? Cashing out while you are ahead? Leave your own ideas in the comments.

The next POKERPrimaDIVAS™ class begins May 3, register here. If you prefer the dominos to cards, Mah-Jongg For Beginners classes are coming up as well; the next ones begin on Apr 13.

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In December of ‘09, William Hurt was here for Reel Pieces with Annette Insdorf to talk about his career and newest film, The Yellow Handkerchief, which was screened in full for those in attendance. For those not in attendance last December, the film opens today in New York City at the Lincoln Square Cinemas, City Cinemas 1, 2 & 3, and Regal Union Square.

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This bulletin will be updated with the latest available information, please check back often.

Update for Saturday, February 27:
All 92Y and 92YTribeca programs will be taking place as scheduled