Matt Damon on working with friend Casey Affleck in ‘The Instigators’: ‘Abandon your ego at the door’

In pursuit of bloom times

Bored this summer? Hark. Luck is schlepping your way.

New York Botanical Garden. An “Alice in Wonderland” tea party for 12 mad hatters. Private tour, sandwiches, tea, Champagne. Art by Yoko Ono.

It’s done by a division of the Robb Report called “The Vault.” And that’s what you need to afford it. Looking into that looking glass costs $69,000.

If the March Hare, Tweedledee and whatsisname, the Cheshire Cat and Queen of Hearts show up, know this once-in-a-lifetime bargain will end in late October.

Be grateful. I’m just trying to help you. Praise God you don’t blow it.

Ends with a private tea party someplace. Plus gourmet treats, organic juices, specialty teas and Champagne. Plus a sommelier to help create your own home blend.

Plus a talk on tea’s healing properties plus unexpected features of mushrooms plus whatever’s psilocybin.

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French import

Already up to your rompers in the Olympics? Know Usher’s new concert film just shot there and it’s in theaters Sept. 12.

It’s “Usher: Rendezvous in Paris.” Having already done the Super Bowl, the Champs-Élysées is barely a baguette to him. 

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Short booking

Still bored and cranky, Jane Ubell-Meyer wrote this book in seven days “From ‘Wanting’ to Having It! The Non-Freaking Negotiable Manifesting Method for Love, Cash, Career, and Even Parking Spaces!” The title took six of the seven days.

“War and Peace” it’s not. The thing’s 38 pages. And only $2.99.

My column’s shorter. Also cheaper.

Listen, I’m only trying to help you through this weekend. Be appreciative.

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Inside job

Movie maybe? “The Instigators.” AppleTV+ action comedy.

Matt: “My character’s from Boston. Blue-collar guy. Desperate situation. Working with friends like Casey you abandon your ego at the door. So, creatively, we’re pretty blunt with each other.”

Not sure you care but I’m letting you know. 

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An early start

Need a magazine? Marilu Henner is in AARP’s August issue.

About growing up in Chicago. “We had a dancing school in the backyard, beauty shop in the kitchen and art classes upstairs. Everybody had their first kiss somewhere on our property, and my first memory’s being onstage at 2 ¹/₂ .” 

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Be aware vacations aren’t fun unless you can visit someplace you can’t afford. Millions of Americans will go camping this summer. They’ll also go camping this winter. Why? They can’t afford to pay rent.

For sure mainly in New York, kids, mainly in New York.