amazing weekend...

good choice to go to Invisible Dog on Saturday evening. Play presented with great imagination, then good talk with Kerry, co-producer. about expanding the reach of "downtown theater". Possible further conversations look good. Then on Sunday, did not go to Cobra, instead went to meeting of citizens defending libraries in Brooklyn Heights, very abrasive meeting---tone of discussion very different from what cityboy is used to, but facts came out. Disturbing, then took A train to the junction, then back on L to Cobra---shy about asking friends to sign petition to save libraries, but Susan my bartender friend was wonderful, urged all customers to sign, and they did. Amazing how many Cobra denizens were "pro libraries,
or anti-high end development", but if only they knew. How to get the word out...? Looks like a very active summer, with this group, also Bronx Doc and Mayday, and FUREE. A kind of strength and focus comes to me which I somehow did not expect. Expected the summer to be commitment free, seems like this is just the opposite.
Still one more Spanish class this evening, I have been remiss in working on it, plan to do it this afternoon, after I make copies of library petition. Tonight, after lesson return to upper West Side to see my niece, natalie and meet her boy friend, Jarett, for the first time and his family, who happen to be my neighbors.
Irony in that...? We will see...more to come tomorrow, this week seems pretty fleshed out through Friday, hope to get in a movie somehow....

could things be.....

more exciting? Well, possibly, but I am heartened by Emily's interest in Adam's play---who knows where it might lead? Also, it is possible that Bronx Doc might want to show Assembly's film re the weather underground, could be meaningful Moving from the role of observer to role of mover, cityboy...? Possible, we will see, not sure how much of a commitment I wish to make.
Yesterday, did see 40 shades, one of the grossest and uninteresting musicals that I have ever witnessed. Kaitlin was very good, however, so something was worth it. have to laugh it off, Can't believe that "Dartmouth men" would want to put on a show like that. Afterwards, walked to Lansdowne Road, a bit slow, the twins were absent, had a nice waitress named Myron (yes, she is a waitress) and watched a good deal of baseball, while eating a nice portion of hummas. Not great but.....Returned home tired, woke up this morning feeling a little empty, but things have picked up since then, as I have stated above.
Today, the two plays, Tick Tick and the food play at Invisible dog. Looking forward to being at the second one, also should do some work on my spanish today, in preparation for my course (final) on Monday.
Then of course, return to West Side to see my niece Natalie, should be fun.
Tomorrow, a bit of a blur, want to attend the citizens defending library meeting in the heights, but coming from Bushwick  tough sell, maybe should go to bushwick (cobra) afterwards, on the other hand, want to see what is happening at South Fourth as well. Will report on Monday....

what a .....

night! Last night, of course. Great idea to go to "The Team Makes A Play' Nice movie, brought up a lot of ideas and feelings about theater, career, myself and things in general. Afterwards had great time seeing the Team
"gang' and talking with Emily and her friends.Feeling a sense of strength that is somewhat new. Where will it take me--today, after session with Noagh, went to the Bronx to stop off at Bronx Doc, but was closed. Did not want to immediately return to Manhattan, instead walked up 149nth street, had some rice from the rice guy there, then north on Concourse and then began the trek of the old apartments down Walton Avenue from
153rd to 161 st, First block, all was quiet, no one around...could have been summer of 56, imagined getting out of the heat there, or sitting on the front steps of any of the art deco apartments, munching on some food.
Went as far as 161street, everybody was either black or hispanic, looked like a lot of poverty two or three blocks away from the stadium. Lots of families. Want to return to the Bronx, take other excursions, bus rides, etc.
Not much else, await my voyage to Fifty Shades tonight, also the two plays tomorrow.

so what.....

happened yesterday...did work with noagh for one and a half hours, then home, really tired, rested, finally got up around 8, spent the next couple of hours wandering the neighborhood, stomach much too fill for food, and definitely did not want a beer. Although fairly up at 10, doubted that it would be a good thing to go anywhere, wanted to prepare myself for the next four (but actually seven) days of a lot of moving around.
Heard about children being turned back from immigrant centers in America---back to Honduras or the like, terrible situation in those countries, my God, how can civilization be so ruthless...? How easily one can forget about the less fortunate---we compartmentalize all the time.
Tonight, movie about the Team making Roosevelvis--should be good to see everyone there---first in a series of evening (and afternoon) events in the coming days...any free days, or free time...I doubt it....

Really nice....

time with Emma at Pete's last night; good conversation, lots of talk about the other members of her class. Emma seems to be very aware of what is happening in the city right now. Knows all the neighborhoods, which makes her easy to discuss things with.
Tutoring with Noagh today, first time in a long time, expected to rest most of the day, and head to EST possibly this evening, but now, this looks like a serious project.
Not much else to report--moving forward in the vision of the day (explain that!) Lots of commitments for the rest of the week---actually into next week----looking forward to seeing Natalie on Monday, after Spanish lesson. More to report tomorrow

waiting for....

conformation re this evening from E, figure she should get back to me soon, though a little surprised at why messages stopped after 10 A.M. Oh well, we will figure it out...
Yesterday,,,good spanish lesson, realize I have a long way to go, with only one lesson left, but feel there is a learning curve, will do most of the work on my own this summer, though how much is debatable. But I did feel that it was worth it to be there, like the teacher, maybe will continue in the fall, not much money to work with this summer.
Afterwards, headed to Lansdown Road, pretty empty for the evening, lots of baseball to watch, guess most people left after soccer. Had a great salad, avocado, really super for my stomach, not much contact as my three most favorite servers were not on hand. Was a little up for a beer, but with no money and feeling tired, I simply returned home....slept but then got up around 3, and had trouble sleeping until early morning.
Rest of week, as you know, pretty booked.....Sunday should be first rest day, and then the first two days of next week are also arranged. Wonder if I will get to see any new film of BAM  film festival,,,doubtful at this point. Oh well, let it continue....

so they did.....

offer much in the way of evening excitement. saturday careened from one space to another, from Talia at a crowded South Fourth (where I finally learned a lot about world cup standings and such) to Daniela's party at La Flaca, good talk with Bob, left before the "excitement" followed, enjoyed meeting Page, and then headed up Avenue A to Planet Rose, a loud joint near 14th street that specializes in Karaoke. Sang a little---made Talia happy, I guess, then, kind of full stomach wise, departed for home, very tired.
Yesterday, after wishing David a happy birthday, headed to Bushwick, good time with my friend Sue, then had an "expensive" (for me) salad at Lighthouse, and chatted a bit with Merlin, finally off to South Fourth, packed so headed to East River, where Sarah, who is really sweet, was bartending. Made me feel welcome, was able to watch soccer game in relative peace there. Finally, back to south fourth and a good conversation with Kim and Clint.
Wonder if there will be a Sunday in which I don't follow this pattern, getting very used to it.
Unemployment workshop today, a little sticky, tasks are a bit of a contradiction in terms, will deal with it.
Tonight, another Spanish lesson, will prepare for it in the time that is left, then probably back to Lansdown Road, for some baseball watching, salad, and "the girls". That is subject to change, however. Will check in tomorrow....

David's birthday tomorrow.....

must remember to call him---always impressed by his incredible courage-----a little calmed down now in the library after reading the two articles in this week's NY Magazine. Article on the realtors really scary---fills me with rage---Brownsville article fills me with sadness. what is to be done...?
Busy day today---first stop, my Council person's "shindig" a little down the block on Columbus Avenue. wonder if I will be able to actually make a statement about what I feel is important in the city. After that should head to South Fourth to see Talia at her going away party, will miss her, also will visit Daniela at
La Flaca sometime this evening, then head to Talia's Karaoke party in East VIllage (maybe) in between may check out a movie, also several free concerts around the city today, might take advantage of those.
Last night saw very strong movie about Homeless Youth in Chicago called Homestretch at that great theater
(The Walter Reade) in Lincoln Center.Very moving, all about self sufficiency. Audience was incredibly appreiciative---nobody left after movie--during question and answer period house was totally filled.
Got out about 11---toyed with the idea of going to a bar to hang out, but was tired, and as usual, did not feel like spending a lot of money for a salad---so bought some food and went home. Slept pretty easily. Hope next two days offer a little more evening excitement....

productive day.....

yesterday, got home after midnight, no ill effects----after the morning, went out to Bushwick to tour and work on Mayday Bar and Community Space, hope I can help out, have to find out about where to advertise rehearsal space for them--two sessions at Cobra---Austen incredibly nice to me---can't thank her enough for making me feel welcome---then on to South Fourth and Karaoke---another good night with some good singing, good conversation with Kim and Clint and others, left feeling very strong.
Did not work on Spanish today, not sure if I have the time, am I avoiding it...? Weekend plans kind of a mishmosh---lots to do, places to visit but when.....tomorrow farewells to Talia and Daniela, must see them both, do I have time to fit in a movie in between---what of the plays you have planned...? Brooklyn...? Sorry to be so incoherent, but sometimes feel like a bowling ball careening from place to place. Got labor letter off, now have to be sure to be there on Monday...more to follow.....

so yesterday....

not long after I left internet, got a "tired" fit, and spent most of the day, just feeling tired, could not take advantage of any of the "trips" that I wrote about yesterday, plus stomach pretty upset. Plus determined to spend as little money as possible, which meant no movie. So what did I do? Read quite a bit, then went to the bar closest to 79nth and Amersterdam, my usual "haunt" for baseball. Of course every TV had the Cup on, but the bartender was nice enough to put on the Yankee game for me (bar was not that crowded)---watched the game, and later a little bit of the Pirates-Reds game, had one beer, talked to no one, wow, that bar is one cold place, nevertheless it does serve a purpose; I can watch the game by myself. Left around 9, walked a bit, could not take anything in my stomach, then returned home, very tired, soon went off to sleep with a few wake ups before dawn. Very anxious re tiredness, wondered whether this was not some sort of
"aging" process, but today feeling very vigorous (for want of a better word), and looking forward to the two
planned events of the day, the visit to Mayday space in Bushwick (and will stop off and hang with Austen before that at Cobra) and the Karaoke at South fourth, where I had a brief "triumph' last week.
Woke up this morning, cleared my head, somewhat more relaxed---lots of things to figure out for the weekend and beyond, including my four play commitments in the next two weeks.
Tomorrow, possibly tutoring, money running fairly well, considering the amount of pressure I am putting on myself not to spend it. See what happens.....

world exploding in....

front of cityboy, yet he has no idea of what to do with it. More "open time" than ever before---lots of choices raging before him, but where does he go? Last night had good time at Pete's really like the energy of the place and the niceness of the bartenders----had a nice slice of pizza, then returned home---tired----then awoke at 3:15 with a horrible dream! Won't even recount it here---too horrible---not a lot of sleep after that, got my coffee early, looked at the Voice, then slept a little, very strong feelings waking up---great energy---then Barnes and Nobles and now here. Afterwards...? Not sure, may see play, may play trivia.
If no trivia in Brooklyn I should not worry about playing game at Indian Road, you have done it before, cityboy, and can be done. Otherwise, hope to watch baseball tonight, I don't think there are any World Cup games on today, however I may be wrong. Everybody's playing it, even the non-tv bars.
Wanted to expand more, however, feeling kind of blank---must get back to rest of internet---we will see what arises.

first spanish...

lesson was effective, made me want to do more, will do much studying between now and the next one. Don't know how much can be covered in just two more weeks, may need another session in September, but nevertheless, on my way.
Afterwards, went to Lansdowne Road to see the twins, they were not there, but Caitlin, another server whom I know, was there. She is currently appearing in 50 shades, invited me to come before she leaves, means more money, which I really don't have, nevertheless, will try to make it. Again the conflict arises, should you spend a little more to experience a little more...? Seems like the answer is "yes", but.....
Otherwise, things move on, less structure this week, more time to myself--some of it working on Spanish, will have to do a lot on my own, but this course is laying the groundwork. Tonight will probably go to Petes, to see Cindy Hopkins---have not been to that bar-venue in a while, like the place, should be interesting to see who else is there. Tomorrow...on my own....

revelation!

Possibly, it happened at around 11:30 last night, should be kept somewhat secret, but nevertheless, pumped me full of energy. Feeling bouyant today, even as we watch carefully the money factor. Only one frustration:
where does one find a bar that is showing baseball during the world cup? Nowhere in Williamsburg, I gather, could not even find a baseball game in a 12 to 40 television bar. Did find a nice new bar restaurant called Lighthouse on Grand and Keep, where my friend Merlin bar tends. May go back there tomorrow after seeing Cindy perform at Petes Candy Store. Love to walk around Williamsburg.  Endless walks.../
Saturday evening, went to Bronx Documentary Project for a forum re segregation in the schools, Really like the place, very welcoming vibe, hope to spend more time there during the summer. Nice conversation with Phyllis, a becoming documentary film maker on the 2 train back.
This week: Tonight, Spanish, then probably Lansdowne Falls
Tomorrow: cindy at Pete's
Wednesday: not sure
Thursday: Mayday tour and karaoke.
Other things to be determined.....

upset by....

a tutoring cancellation yesterday afternoon, nevertheless, decided to spend my money to see Nomads, instead of the silly Ethel Rosenberg musical that I am sure trivializes her. Very glad that i did, literally confronted by the whole Downtown Theater community, had a good time, saw great acting, a strong play,said hello to several in it, then off to 12th street bar and a really good conversation with emily and moti.
They may come with me to BDC tonight, but I certainly will go. Tutoring has come to a dead stop, this means much more careful budgeting is at hand. Had planned on an extra $40.00 a week at least till July 1st, now it seems that won't happen. And yet, there are still movies that I want to see, some money must be expended on my arts needs. How to reconcile this...not sure.
Possible idea for a short play, Two young men, one discussing his father who lives in the co-ops accross the street from Grant Houses, father a literary teacher,a  'good man" now retired, but who is incapable of identifying or wanting to change the gang violence only a stone's throw away. What is involvement..? How, in this age of raging gentrification, does a person define what their values are. Good idea anyway...see if it can be worked out...on with life.

Not much ...

new, or possibly a lot. Good time yesterday evening at the final Friends party---positive feelings about next year. Then off to South Fourth, felt very welcomed there, Talia very sweet, she and Dylan encouraged me to participate in Karaoke, did so, to an Everly Brothers song, now possibilities seem immense, left feeling very good, feeling carried over into today, picked up check went to bank and library.
Again, attempt to reconcile New York as a friendly and cultural playground with New York, the machine
destroying the disenfranchised. Picked up a copy of the Indypendant. very critical of many of DeBlasio's
reforms, what is to be done? Tomorrow will definitely attend BDC's discussion of school segragation in NewYork. Tonight, will probably see Nomads, even as I have a ticket for the silly Ethel Rosenberg play.
Rest of time will be waiting, trying to figure out how to best use my time....

Thursday morning.....

all dressed up and.......yesterday night, felt too tired to go to one of my Brooklyn haunts...so went down to the lower east side, thought I would check out the new Philidelphia Ice Cream place on the western border of Rivington. Very crowded, Dixon Place kind of empty, debated between a sports bar, or The Bean. Latter finally won out, because everyone was watching the Ranger game in the sports bars. Decided to have a richer desert than usual, Tiramisu, they have a delicious one, but gorged myself, now, over 12 hours later, still feel full, try not to do that again, cityboy. Afterwards walked up second to 14th, than decided to walk up to 23rd street, passed the apartment building, 307 second where I used to work (69-73) chose second because I wanted to see what was there, after the Tiramisu was less tired than I expected.
Today will go to the Friends party, final one of the year, say my goodbyes---not sure what after that. Earlier this morning Brian Lehrer had a follow up to his Tuesday program about the police raids and gang behavior in the two projects, Manhattanville and Grant, right next to each other around 125th street. Still extremely upset---as gentrification pushes forward, it seems that conditions in the poorer neighborhoods deteriorate.
What must be done, what can be done, what can I do......

will I

have time to finish this post, not sure if I will get a computer extension. Oh Well, strange day, yesterday, had fun at the tribute to Phil and George, ate at Reservoir, very noisy and crowded, not my type of crowd, yet actually like the place very much, bartenders were very nice in spite of large crowd. Woke up today feeling barren, anxious for structure but strangely as the morning wore on, enjoyed the sense of options that are facing me for today, totally open. Maybe some trivia tonight, maybe just a visit to a bar that I have never been to..maybe....strange smell of gas in and around apartment, hope that it has gone away by the time I return. Still upset about the program yesterday, need solutions. Have to find out if the times for the world cup will interfere with the baseball schedule, then off to

unsettled and angry....

after listening to Brian Lehrer show about crime in the two projects Manhattanville and Grant, and the police raid, which bordered on the inhuman. Something must be done, but can it? How can you have two societies
living side by side but totally disconnected from each other. Lots to think about, but what can really be done to improve the situation?  New York seems to be moving closer to a society more like baltimore or Chicago, where the poor are more and more isolated, and take out their problems on each other. More must be done,  will try to stay on this, and talk to people about it.
Besides that, good time yesterday at Graduation, all the students who were graduating very nice to me. another party today at Old Towne for Phil and George---more conversation, after that....supposed to be investigating more Spanish classes after yesterday cancellation from the Y, but have not done that. Allowed myself to be tired this morning, that is all for now......

in an ironic....

twist, just received e-mail that Spanish class that was so important for me to take, has been cancelled by the Y. What does that mean...? Should I just take the 200 or so dollars and live off it? Try to find another class---this opens up all sorts of aspects, but it does not remove from the fact that a Spanish class is important to me. Will have to do some more checking re another class.
Other than that, rest of weekend pretty good---nice time saturday evening at Animals play, and Sunday at my two places. Tonight the graduation, hope I get there on time---not much else to report at this moment.

well I finally....

made the move, put down the money for the Spanish 1 class at the Y, beginning on Wednesday. Ironically not feeling any excitement or frenzy, just matter of fact. So we will see how it evolves.
Yesterday, the two venues, first Jessie's play at Dixon Place, very pleased, some extremely focused work, nice to see Kristen again, her new boy friend is a graduate of Wesleyan, class of 11, knows a lot of people from Wesleyan whom I have made friends with, that means he is from the class of 07---my first important Friends class. Getting a little closer...? Nice to see Jill, she is really terrific! Encouraged her to remain teaching if she wanted to, yes, she is great on stage, but I admire her so much for the school work she is doing. Life is a bunch of splits! Good talk with Evan Cabnet, Jessie's director, he directed the Model Apartment, which should have had an off Broadway run. How can that be fixed...?
Then, on to Debate Society party--great talk with Noel Allain, will try to get he and Lucas together to hopefully integrate the Starr and Mayday. Other interesting conversations as well---last one with Annabelle, good communication, she is really nice, but definitely did not ask for her e-mail after our talk---figure will see her again, felt a little cut off this morning---much better now. Just got Assembly's e-mail about their Under Ground Zero project---did not know they were exploring The Seagull, a play that really resonates for me.
Beginning to feel that any plans for travel are becoming more and more unreal---seems like there is so much to do in the city, and so many people to make contact with. Well, I guess this is the beginning of an interesting summer....

Spent most of....

the day at Friends, very satisfying, things are finishing up, but always feel very popular there; looking forward to Monday, the graduation, and two parties, one on Tuesday and the other on Thursday. Came very close to
registering for elementary Spanish class today, but stopped, wanted to see if there was a senior discount (really necessary?) but could get no help from customer service--kept me waiting on the phone for too long, may go over there later and find out..
Tonight Jessie's play and then party for Debate Society, looking forward to that, hope some interesting conversations come from that, tomorrow, not sure, don't know what time I will get up, seems like there is a party for independent theater at my old fringe haunt tomorrow afternoon, maybe will go, then posssibly see Animals play in the evening, Sunday catching up on the usual visits. Still have not made much use of my beer coupon book, have to let the smoke clear, maybe in the weeks to come.

so different...

after two days at Friends, supremely confidant---nothing seems to matter except that I am there. so where are we going with this? Over for now, except for the parties and graduation (four days of them)  how do we conceive of next year? Will the work come in bunches like this year? Will the "wrongs" be righted..? Should I consider other schools...? Somehow these questions today don't seem important, had a tough day yesterday, did all right and am feeling strong. then, went to Staionary Set's concert at Bowery  and met the "group" from South fourth, had a good time there as well. Today, Much Ado, already got my ticket...tomorrow....
Sunday's celebration of Dorothy's 100th birthday turned out very well---everybody very pleasant and supportive---ship ran things very very well---kind of an amazing kaleidescope to see things in, if you look at it. Afterwards had a good conversation with Judy, rehashing some family history, a few facts shed a little light on some behavior by the Goldman boys.
Monday night, not hungry, another long walk passing innumerable bars between 79nth and 86th street. Managed to get through it, wanted to stop at a bar and watch baseball after yesterday's concert, but could not find one to my liking, instead had pizza near 14th street then went home---[pretty late anyway.
Today, the play, tomorrow most of my time taken up at Friends....