Finally......

Fringe Orientation tonight---thank goodness, now its just a countdown to next Friday. It will be good to see all the "others" tonight, probably Tony and Shea, and Jonathan, who, ofcourse, I never see during the year, but who are my good buddies during the two and a half weeks of Fringe---yes it is an incredible phenomenon. Afterwards, karaoke.....? Not sure. Have to learn how to use computer to sell tickets, something we did not have to do before, always handled cash. Still wondering why the switch, Perhaps all will be revealed tonight!
Yesterday, after visiting library on Saint Nicholas and 160 street, played my usual scratch off game---no luck---visited several libraries as I returned home. Evening, after much deliberation (in my head) rejected idea of playing trivia at Pete's and decided for a baseball immersion evening at Standings. Went there, kind of cold and empty, but lasted about two hours, left just as it was filling up, place still has its uses, then, even though it was late, went to Williamsburg, hoped that Shayla was working at Sweetwater, she was not, so wandered around nothern part  of Williamsburg----finally got an ice coffee at Bean, just as they were closing, and continued walking for quite a while in the neighborhood. Got home tired enough to fall asleep.
So let us see how tonight plays out....

wednesday....

morning, nice feeling in the air, no humidity, challenge is to keep money down, though an afternoon movie seems like fun. What to do..?
Yesterday, remained in Brooklyn for a while, after library visit, very stimulating just being there, much preferable to Manhattan routine (which I have disrupted today by going to the library in the heights).
BLT at coffee place on Washington that has been there forever, nice old fashioned blt.
Afterwards returned home to prepare for Spanish lesson, arrived tired, but found the session invigorating. Next Tuesday will be the last one before the Fringe, really feel I am enjoying it, should take the next step in September, again money will be an issue. But I really feel I am growing by taking it, thinking about Spanish, doing the exercises for homework is a good alternative to just reading.
Returned home very tired, had a piece of chicken, went to bed...good night!

Have a....

slight feeling of pressure on my left eye. does not prevent my seeing anything, may be just temporary, we will see, am in Brooklyn now, having met ben for coffee at Gorilla, earlier. good conversation as usual, he is fighting for Brick young actors who get nothing while city gives theater a lot of money to move to modern quarters. Not fair.
just found out when training is at fringe, seems like it will be Thursday at 7, hope that gives a lot of time to get to know the computer and its quirks. understand that they are scrambling because of a new box office head at last minute, but still want some order. will probably find out my venue when i come on Thursday.
Just made payment for ticket for middletown on Sunday, the more I think of it, the more imporatant it seems that I go to New Haven---first time out of the city all summer. Late train, but still can be handled. Last two Sundays in the city have been bit of endurance tests, last one before the Fringe
should be refreshing.
Last night at Lansdowne, dialogue morphed into some baseball trivia---somewhat surprising fun, but some obnoxious people there as well. Out in brooklyn now, enjoying it--must get some coffee and start studying for the Spanish classs tonight.

long weekend.....

has left me tired, not sure what will happen today, playing it by ear, though have some tasks: band and checking out train schedule to New Haven for Sunday's trip. Thank god for Sunday's trip to New Haven, the last two Sundays in the city, have been very "dogged' to say the least.
Saturday, tired but went to Henry V, as I expected, pretty amateurish, stayed only an act, then wandered down fourth avenue, still was not hungry, so not clear what to do but walk and look in a few bars.
Could not really find a place where I wanted to be, continued walk up Union to 7th, then to Flatbush, up and around and back to Bergen, where my tired body took the subway home. (One must always go home, I think)
Yesterday, began at home, checked out Fringe Central, some changes in supervision  of box office people, has slowed down assignments, not sure still where I will be working. Got my card (that is nice) Training will be on Thursday---all computerized now so will really need it.
Afterwards took M to Myrtle, walked from Myrtle and Broadway to Wycoff and Jeffereson, (Cobra) in other words, spanned the whole of bushwick. Spent some time with Susan and Danny, then back to Williamsburg, stopped off at new sports bar, Croxley, so so, not sure if I wish to return, then Olivia gave me a nice bagel with cream cheese, then back to Anthology, to see unknown fifties movie called Crowded Paradise. Independant movie---some interesting actors in it, but like most fifties "serious" movies, has a script that is very overheated. Ultimately don't think it was worth it. Finished by walking up second avenue from
2nd to 14th street. Then took bus to the 2, but walked to 23rd street to get 1 instead. Came home, tired.
Today should work on some Spanish, maybe back to South Fourth or explore via my free beer card.
Will let you know.....

tired this....

morning, possibly from the long walk I took last night after watching baseball and chatting at Plan B. Walked from Park Place and Vanderbuilt, down to Fulton, and then west to Flatbush with some wanderings through the very  beautiful (and rich) side streets of Fort Greene. Still remember the old days when walking through those streets meant one had to be very careful, and when streets were mostly empty. But all that has changed now, as we know, restaurants and bars mostly filled, and the world alive with young people. Thought maybe I would run into someone I knew, but it did not happen. Still, felt it was important to walk as much as I could so that I would be really exhausted when I got home.
Last night, prior to that, attended the work in progress that Michael and Abby were showing at space around the corner from BAM. How was it...? A little weird, have to discuss it with others to really come to terms with it, nevertheless, one must say it was inventive.
Afterwards, decided that I wanted to watch baseball, and did not want to return to Manhattan, so I chose Plan B, a bar that I have known  for a while, not the greatest to meet people at, but good for watching baseball. After a bumpy start, settled in to watch Yankee-Toronto game, then a gentleman around my age sat down next to me, He seemed to know everyone there. His name was Al, he had owned a brownstone on the Park Place block adjacent to vanderbuilt since (get this!) 1970. Nice conversation about the evolution of the neighborhood, also he has a sick wife who is recovering from a serious illness, putting some pressure on him. Impressed with his youthfulness, surprised to find out that he was 76, and also was from Baltimore, so we had some interesting things to talk about re that city. Talked a lot about himself, very friendly, but hardly asked me anything about myself. One of those people who are only in touch with their own history. Limited.
But, it kept the time going, so that was good in itself.
Today, Henry V at gallery this evening, hope I find it viable---an excuse to travel in Park Slope---before that had hoped to visit some places in Brooklyn, maybe Cobra, Pine Box or South fourth. Not sure now, that my body seems so lethargic. Have to play it as it goes.
Tomorrow some thoughts about going to Trenton to see minor league baseball, but probably will stay with my predictable sunday jaunts through Brooklyn. Any movies..? Maybe...we will see...

excited....

on this very "cool" Friday morning, Have heard from Ken re 76 street and Luke re visit to Yale. Should be a hard trip home, but will figure out a way of doing it. Other than that, looking forward to Michael and Abby's
work in progress on South Oxford tonight, not sure what I will do after that, very into
"lettting it happen". Always can return to South Fourth, where the karaoke was a lot of fun last night.
Not a great deal else to report, should have more tomorrow, as choices continue to define themselves...

yesterday....

King Lear in the park, a long rainy night, performances in and out, but only second performance of a very difficult play. Marveled at Lithgow's range and instrument, really awe inspiring. Had a few conversations with some women very close to my age---not very inspiring. Have just made commitment to see Henry V at Gallery Players at Park Slope on Saturday. Why? Do I really think it will have some power? Can young untried actors really get something imaginative up? Or do you just want to spend the evening, (or part of it, depending on how long we stay) in Park Slope? Probably all of the above.
Today, not much until the evening, then will definitely attend karaoke at South Fourth, before that....
not sure...maybe use my beer bar book, maybe see something nearbye...maybe.....still no movies, holding out while funds are low, but cityboy, you are really in control of that. Going to Trenton on Sunday....?
Maybe....stay tuned for further developments

Lord it is....

hot, even in this lincoln center library. Wow! it opened almost 49 years ago, I remember coming here in the early days, as I was becoming fascinated by opera (the Met was still on 39nth street at that time) and looking at all the lp's of operas I wanted to get to know. Working in the Welfare Department at that time, having fun, a heady time, first time I remember feeling truly relaxed as an adult, enjoyed what I did, all that was to change as soon as I left the Department of Welfare, but that spring...really hot!
Anyway, on this day,feeling good, went to La Flaca yesterday after Spanish session, not much happening, watched some baseball, ate some wings (very good!) Bobby was not there. This morning got to computer late because went to the delacourt to see if I could get a King Lear ticket. Almost didn't, the line ended right before me, but by chance, one of the ticket receivers did not want only one, so he gave it to me. So I will go tonight.
Still toying with the trip to New Haven, or any other place for that matter, as the days wind down before Fringe. Two weeks on Friday, and Fringe central, so probably will pay a visit soon afterwards. Will report on Lear tomorrow....

quiet day yesterday,

did not go anywhere, body too tired (as expected) but did get in some solid work on Spanish, seems like I am showing real improvement, improvising sentences that I might say to teachers at Friends on my return. Other parts of last night (like inability to fall asleep) kind of grim. Up again, consulting with my "demons", however now, in the middle of the day, they are no more to be found.Why? Finally got a hair cut this morning, somehow, a great sense of relief at doing that, (even though my barber may have scalped me) and looking forward to Spanish session coming up at 7. Between now and then...? Not sure, probably no movie---maybe will go to Lincoln Center Atrium with Spanish and a novel. Then after Spanish, well , have decided that short of really being tired, will not return home, must "hang out" somewhere. Brooklyn.../ It is a long trek after Spanish lesson near Port of Authority. Probably remain in Manhattan---watch some baseball, maybe pay a visit to La Flaca. Tomorrow is the best day for me to t ry to see King Lear in the park. Must get it done quickly---not too many days before the Fringe...will see what happens....

so he did.....

just that and what happened? Well, some very good things, Saturday turned out to be meaningful, followed through on my plan to visit South fourth and "hang' with Merlin during the afternoon---that was fun, had a nice conversation with an actor named Ryan, he knows some old friends who are now living in Cincinatie.
Always easy to talk to someone in the theater. Then to visit Austen at Cobra. Still searching for Adam's (the birthday boy) address. No idea how to find it, but luckily a very nice actor-puppeteer named Alan let me use his smartphone, so that I could contact Adam by facebook. Got the address, not the apartment---thought little of it at the time, but it was to play a greater role a little later. Had to kill a lot of time in the area, Wycoff avenue at around 8, just heating up, crowds approaching from seemingly everywhere. Got to Adam's house,around 9, no Adam, what to do, a little panic, rushed back to cobra, where, luckily, I had not worn out my welcome. And luckily, Alan, was still there, he generously let me contact Adam again by facebook (no phone for him) and all was worked out. Good luck for me, for otherwise I would have walked away enraged, but that did not happen. Once at Adam and Val's apartment,  felt very solid, had a good time and met some interesting people, which usually happens at those parties. left around 11, feeling tired, figured that this time I would get a good night's sleep, but got up very early on Sunday.
Sunday, more of a grit day, visited Cobra but Susan was not there---Matt very friendly, have some mutual friends. Spoke to Danny, good conversation, then decided to walk to Pine Box. Stopped there, watched baseball for an hour, made some nice contacts, like the place, but must have had too much liquid to drink. Third stop was supposed to be South Fourth, but did not happen, my urine was flowing after leaving Pine Box---stopped at another bar on Broadway,managed to use the bathroom and withdraw, but could not go to South fourth after that. Thus began the long trek (and I mean long) trek back home, with at least two more major bathroom stops. Yes it was a brutal day. Ended up home, exhausted, tired (I had walked a great deal)
but not able to sleep until about two hours after returning. Up again in the middle of the night, trying to put things together. I have never had a summer like this, with alternatives to seemingly every moment. Still don' know if I want to contact Luke about visiting Yale in the next two weeks, would like to, but....similarly, really want to go to Trenton for next Sunday's game, but......yes, that is where we are.

feeling up......

last night ended up seeing Jo Firestone's act at Union Hall. I had never been in there before, just out of curiosity, stopped by the bar around 6. Totally empty, but strangely enough, as I was leaning, so Jo sitting on the stairs. Debated whether to stay, and see her act, but glad I did, Thought I would go to Williamsburg after Union, but this turned out to be a better idea. Glad I touched base with her. What next,,,? Lots of action around baseball, things are getting interesting, pennant races are "heating up" for the first time my interest is piqued.
Today, more options than I can conceive of, Adam has a birthday party but no idea where it is. Search it down...? Possibly...? Will consider just about everything, but will play it by the moment. That is about it for now....

just read......

very disturbing artilcle about prison life on facebook. Very sad, really amazing that human beings can behave like this. After the article, bombarded with statements about Stritch's death, whatever, hard juxtaposition to deal with. I guess we have to accept the fact that we are living in alternative universes.
Today, went to Barnes and Noble while apartment was being cleaned (thank God!)  Found out there is a free screening tonight at Videology. One of sort of one hundred options available to me. Good baseball games on as well, what about paying for a movie, maybe a Bunuel or a latin beat one. Will go to library in Sunset Park to do some petitioning this afternoon. Should go back to Van Brunt Street as well. Like to try that place Cake again, sample some deserts. Stomach much better than yesterday, should look up the word "probotic" when I finish writing this.
Yesterday, a quiet one, tired most of the day which precluded Karaoke at south fourth. Read Seagull in the evening, still feel strong affinity for all the male roles. Difficult night, stomach not great but better now, usually needs one day to "right" itself.
Three more weeks till the fringe....

Revelatory....

last night at Magician Bar, after Seagull Machine---good discussions with Stephen and to a lesser extent Nick. Hope to help them show Home/Sick movie maybe at Bronx Doc. Woke up this morning feeling very fulfilled. Earlier had visited Chelsea at the coffee place that she works in, that was meaningful too, yet in another way. Things moving quickly, a kind of peace and satisfaction settling over me this morning, not in a hurry to do much, unfortunately heard Bryan Lehrer's segment on both affordable housing (did not deal with it) and the horrors facing the children seeking asylum from Central America. How does one, in a "comforatbable" world, in which much is offered, deal with this?
So things continue, not sure about tonight or the rest of the weekend, lots of choices, might return to Bronx Doc on Saturday evening to see another movie---really like being there, being surrounded by people from the streets of the Bronx, while the movie takes place.
Seagull last night, much recognition of its vision.
later...

Some more open time....

now that Lucas has canceled our meeting today in the afternoon, that is good, since did not get a good night's sleep last night. Can rest a little bit before visiting Chelsea at coffee place, and then seeing the Seagull-Machine at underground zero tonight. Excited about that.
Yesterday, waited through the early afternoon, then went to forum on NYCHAs' fufture, saw Lucas there for the first time in a while, also had an interesting comment with Megan, who works for one of the other agencies.
Then on to first of four Spanish classes with maurizio, like the guy very much, two good classmates, next three sessions should be challenging. But very tired when I left, went to two places for a little food and desert, but not much happening, did not want to try a bar, too tired. Returned home and went to sleep immediately. this was at about 10.
Awoke sharply around 2, very awake, toyed with the idea of going out to a bar, but did not want to.
Slept a little more then awoke, began to focus on the two performances of My Fair Lady that I saw of the original cast---the first, on a Wednesday matinee in late August of 56, shortly before my thirteenth birthday, complete original cast, probably at their best, a beautiful performance. Thought a lot about second time, in May of 1958---I am two years older, David and I went by ourselves, Edward Mulhare and Sally Anne Howes were now playing the leads. Both were very good, remember being particularly impressed by Mulhare, especially in Act II right before Without You. Somehow could not get that performance out of my mind, maybe because at that point Science (the high school) was very sterile and I needed more.
Could not return to sleep for a long time, the usual reveries and thoughts, no need to go into them here.
Today, feeling optimistic-looking forward to extra time this afternoon and to this evening. Next three days contain a lot of choices, we will see what happens....

so here I am....

pretty intense discussions this morning on WNYC re Obama's commitment to poor people and then an evaluation of DeBlasio's new police procedures. Brought up a lot of feeling. Will continue...
Last night good time at La Flaca, made the right choice, Trivia was beginning just as I arrived, also able to spend some quality time with Bob--should return soon.
Yesterday afternoon with not much to do, decided to go to Barnes and Noble, instead of movie, read a few interesting articles in current New Yorker, browsed, of course, very pleased with myself for passing time that way.
Today, some Spanish prep in the afternoon, then I will try to attend meeting with NYCHA residents on 18th street with Richie Torres, a Council person who sounds very interesting. Must leave early to make my Spanish intermediate classs (my first one) and then, if I am not too tired, will walk over to NYMF and try to see Ryan's musical (that is the musical that Ryan is in). Will see what happens...

so I....

went to the Bronx Doc (after a nice afternoon at Cobra with Austen) Saturday evening, train only going as far as first 149nth street in the BRonx. Expected catastrophe----did not get it. Got off at 149 and Grand Concourse, walked the six or so blocks to Courtlandt, and then to the Center. Got there early, two participants in the freedom summer there---only minimal interest in talking to me. One of them, Dorothy Z was incredibly feisty, particularly in the question and answer session after the movie. I admired that. Movie was very informative---really showed the harsh conditions under which the participants worked that summer. Could not have done it myself. While it was going on, one could hear the black and hispanic people who live nearbye, having what seemed like a party, down the block. Remarkable juxtaposition---watching a movie about ending segregation while being in a "segregated" neighborhood while watching it. More telling than seeing it at IFC, or Bunin. For trip home, managed to avoid shuttle bus to 149nth street, too filled, seemed like a cattle car. Instead opted for number 19 bus, which was not too crowded (I guess most people did not realize that it also would go to Concourse station) and took me to Broadway and 145th street. Kind of warm sharing with hispanic couple as we waited for the bus. Got off, hungry, could have explored Harlem Public, but decided not to--what if they had no food...? Instead just dealt with my tiredness, took 1 to 79nth, bought some food and went to sleep.
Yesterday, got up tired, spent the whole day, fatigued, did not go to cobra, as I had planned, missed Susan, went to Brooklyn Heights ( always great to wander around and look at architecture) and Citizens meeting.
Did not participate much, meeting was long, certain members more involved and made their points, will probably not attend meeting next Sunday. Afterwards, toyed with idea of going to the pub on Henry Street to eat, chose to have pizza instead, then went to Montague and Connecticut Muffin for coffee and desert. Would have liked some contact, did not get any, wanted to walk more in the heights, but tired, finally got to 2 station at Montague and Court. Trains are good there, always come soon, even late at night, returned home, really tired, slept on and off for the rest of the night.

Interesting day....

yesterday, decided not to visit Bushwick, but did go to Red Hook to petition. Fascinating trip, Used to go to Red Hook a lot in the mid zeros, when I would go to the reading series at Sonny's. have not been there for what seems like several years. First amazed at how built up Court Street is between 2nd place and expressway, many news shops, bars (of course) and other things. Then waited for bus in no man's land between the up scale court street and the projects that abut Red Hook. Finally arrived in Red Hook by Ikea, next couple of blocks north to Wolcott on Richards were totally deserted, finally found Carolyn and Michael at library. Things their looked pretty intense, wondered if I really should give it up, but took petition, and since I was the only one aware that Van Brunt Street was the epicenter of Red Hook, wandered (somewhat reluctantly) there, and looked for petition signers. Very hesitant about approaching people, but strangely enough, those that I did approach and who did sign, signed very willingly, were happy to know about the conflict. Mostly (but not all) white males between 25 and 50. Towards the end got comfortable, and realized that if I stayed on Van Brunt through early evening, probably could have gotten more signatures.
But retreated to cake shop on Van brunt, after leaving the White's, and just sat, feeling that I had accomplished a lot. What to do next...? After leaving the shop, felt very tired, not really able to wander around, since in the two hours that I had gotten petitions, I had been totally on my feet.
Decided to watch one (or more) baseball games on Atlantic---finally chose Raven's Head, the nice neighborhood bar that I visit usually when I am around there. Bartenders very nice, really appreciated their interest, but no one to talk to---felt the sterile moment and the Yankee game did not keep my interest. Decided to return home, even if it was only around 8. Went to sleep soon after.
Woke up around 2---feeling very active, but not much to do. Did not want to leave the apartment.
Thus followed about two, maybe two and a half  hours, of examination, and of course, recrimination.
Felt that it was hard to stick out, be determined to do so. sports programs were ludicrous call ins, just going over the obvious. Survived it, now, amazingly enough,for all the sleep I lost, don't feel tired at all.

Tonight, must go to Bronx Doc to see documentary on Freedom Summer. Should be fun, I like the place.
Will also get some more petition signees there, I am sure. Also serve to educate members from the Bronx about the conflict. Tomorrow, another meeting with the CDL people, maybe afterwards the musical at NYMf, have to do it then, as there is much conflict in terms of time. That is all for now, check in Monday.

frenetic is.....

I, just came from Amalgamated Bank, after making a deposit and withdrawal and lost my receipt! A little panic, discovered this on 110th street on 1. Got off, went to the other side, back to 125th street---bank, no could find. So what? Very little chance of fraud. Nevertheless, a little frenetic in the energy department.
Yesterday (refect!) glad i went to the memorial for the writer, great to see Sibyl and Ben again. Felt a strong need for coffee, all during the performance---finally left, wandered east for about seven blocks, found the place I was looking for: Why Not, a coffee place that stays open late. Near Stanton on Orchard. Mellow vibe, several women seated, involved in work; I did not seek conversation with any of them. Read a little-getting turned off on "The Dud Avocado". Wandered north to Houston, then took schedule from Anthology Film Archives, ate at Bean, watched Baseball at that strange baseball hut on 4th and Broadway for about 15 minutes. Still don't know who won game. Tired, took D to 59nth and then 1 home.
Rest of today, as usual, many options. Should help canvas at Red Hook library, would like to also like to see
Susan, since Sunday is up in the air. To go from Bushwick to Red Hook by subway? Can it be done? All possibilities, after that, maybe Bunuel, or explore a few bars. Will let you know.
Experience vast!

so now it....

is Thursday, feeling kind of mellow, sitting here in Lincoln Center Library. Tonight will probably go to Performing Garage for the benefit that Sibyl and Ben (among others) is performing in. Sibyl just announced that she and Mike Iveson are performing their very respected piece (I did not see it) in Great Barrington Mass next week. would love to see it, but have no way of getting there---or back! Well, see what happens tonight, afterwards if don't hang out, will go to Brooklyn to do Karaoke.
Last night---very tired---moments when I was close to (internally) exploding. But of course I did not. Finally ended up at Bourbon---good place to watch baseball---waited out the storm, had a beer, watched some baseball, and after about an hour, decided to move on. Very soon after, met Jonah, a beginning senior at Friends with his twin, a  friend and their mom. Very warm encounter, recommended to the twin that he read two short stories of the holocaust: the Shawl, by Cynthia Ozick, and "hey Girlie" the story that I liked so much in the Bronx Noir. Liked it because, among other things, it took place in my ex-wife's Susan's neighborhood. Written by Joanne Dobson. Felt a need just to lose myself in a mystery, felt optimistic after this chance meeting. Went to Barnes and Noble, wandered through the shelves for about 40 minutes, then was able to return home. Slept fairly easily. Today, woke up, not tired at all.

shortly after...

posting this yesterday, received confirmation from Cat, I am in for the fringe. Rest of afternoon spent in Brooklyn. Saw the very powerful Get on the Bus, the Spike Lee movie about the million man march in 95. Love seeing those black actors do their thing. Excellent acting all around. After that, wandered around Fort Greene to Clinton Hill, walked to bank on Fulton between Bedford and Nostrand. Then, quite by surprise, after deciding not to explore bar which looked cool on Franklin, ran into Fay and Alison, at of all places, Outpost. Good to see them, unfortunately conversation was not continued as they decided they wanted to eat somewhere else in the neighborhood, and though I thought it was the Grand (bar) it was not, so I did not find them. Any songs that represent this event, cityboy? Well, we will keep it under the vest for now.
Walked back from Grand to Flatbush, stopped off at the Green Light bookstore around 9:10, I don't think anyone else was there, the woman working in the store, possibly the owner, gave me a nice welcome. Did she recognize me...? or just being friendly to a customer. Although I have never bought a book there, love the place, it is welcoming, beautifully arranged, love to browse and pretend I have time to read all the books there. Especially interested in Lee Grant's autobiography, one more book about a dying era, those who I admired so much when I was a teen-ager. Must try to find it in the library.
That walk along Fulton, from, say, Washington to Flatbush---must have taken it at least one hundred times, love the architecture and energy---quiet streets, yet full bars. Can't do enough traveling, which brings us to tonight with its myriad of choices. Possibly the Quiz off at Candy store, possibly.....

so here we are....

in library, just e-mailed Cat, requesting a confirmation of my box office assignment. Hope that it comes in soon. Very busy, after yesterday's Spanish session, speaking and thinking in Spanish. Looking forward to first moments with Friends staff.
Yesterday, did Spanish session (wrong one, but learned a lot) then to Lansdowne, enjoyed the rest of the evening. Some very loud and obnoxious and angry guys sitting near me, cursed a lot while a ate at the bar, still watched games, then loudest one left, those still there cheered on the Mets (who desperately needed a win) and one of the guys from before actually had a good conversation with me.So I guess all turned out all right.
Today, not sure, maybe Spike Lee's film at BAM, should go to the early one while everyone is watching the soccer match. After that, still a lot of time, tomorrow fairly open as well, got a yen to go to Belmont tomorrow, but have to be careful of money at this time. Still, feeling bouyed by Spanish learning, very upbeat. Don't exactly know where it will go from here....

so here we....

are, after three days, three days filled with a lot of action---spent very little money as well. First day of living off "credit" posted first credit card check today, more to follow, have to be very careful with my money.
Last night, very strange and potent dream, I am in a theater surrounded by a school full of teen agers and one or two teacher supervisors. I engage them in conversation, they are on some kind of trip, or something, then dream continues with myself and ex-wife visiting some university setting nearby the movie theater for some event---on a top floor we see a young man, sort of a comic, standing by himself, is this what the high school students really came for, then Susan (ex-wife) and I go downstairs, bus comes to go back to center of city, looks like it will be crowded, we get on anyway, though I have doubts, she sits down, after we get on an onslaught of students comes crushing in, I immediately want to get off, she seems unshaken, bus goes on, I panic, finally we get off, I start yelling at her for not picking up on my panic---wake up feeling very anxious.
What does it mean...? Lots of ways of interpreting this, let's skip a while and talk about rest of weekend.
Friday: great day with Jarett and Natlie, two parties, both a lot of fun, ate a lot, probably too much, worried, but survivied.
Saturday: nothing during day, really tired, then went down to La Flaca, spent some quality time with Bobby and his friend, Catherine. watched most of ball game, good way of passing time.
Yesterday a "slow day" but visited Cobra, Susan again very helpful in getting me to show petition to others, many wanted to sign, then took Wilson Avenue bus to Graham and meserole, wandered slowly to South fourth, had some nice conversations there and watched first couple of innings of Tampa Detroit game.
Last part of night: Walked west to Wythe Avenue, wandered north up Wythe, amazed at North Fifth to find almost a little up scale community between Wythe and Kent, many new restaurants all luxury apartments, , former Galapagos space and Public Assembly space, now  a bar-restauarant.
Amazing amount of consumption taking place in Williamsburg---eating, drinking hordes of people using restaurants on these blocks, where do they all come from, do they all live nearbye...? Is there so much money available to spend on these restaurants...?  I am left with these questions....
Thought: though many young people are happy to sign the saving libraries petition, none really want to SEEK
information pertaining to it.
Today, will work on Spanish and see my teacher today at 7, after that...?

heat, heat...

which evokes, what...feeling...memory, however all shaken by e-mail from Cat, asking me about the Fringe box office job, I thought that was confirmed---a little anxious now, takes my mind off some other things.
Sat in Lincoln Center atrium as I waited for library to open, read another short memory from Amina Keegan, very moved by her work---definitely privileged and the life she describes is a privileged one, yet all her feelings and stories are very real to me.
Memory, can remember moments and songs from last year in college in a very strong way.
Yesterday, another extremely hot day----was tired but went to Dale's comedy performance, enjoyed her work, not a wasted or amateurish evening in any sense. Had a coffee fit during first half, ran out and got coffee at a nearbye bodega (any bodegas still left in Manhattan...?) Returned in better shape. Went home, to sleep, then got up towards the end of the night, very restless...still need more excitement in the evening to sleep well.
Today, more reading after library, then probably will go to Brooklyn---maybe to "hang", maybe to see the Spike Lee movie at BAM. Would like to do some Karaoke tonight.
Many options for the weekend, will probably see Jarett and Natalie tomorrow, maybe Saturday as well, Sunday should be the "normal" dual time at Cobra and South Fourth, though the latter could be changed.
Just registered for the Spanish course---happy about that, begins next Monday....

lots of,,,

abrasive arguments at yesterday's FUREE meeting; have decided to become a little more involved. Several people come to the meeting just to be heard, and it is distracting and cuts from the flow of the proposed meeting. This is very mild, actually there were some vicious arguments last night, which was very unsettling to me. If I can help out in any way, I will.
Afterwards, returned to my "white" world, which meant simply walking up Atlantic Avenue (either way, though I was walking towards BAM) Wondered if I should see a movie, decided that I wanted to see Obvious Child, even though it would mean waiting an hour. In that time, wandered around the area, bars of course full. Stopped off at the Book Store on Fulton near BAM, the new (relatively) one, really love that place, never buy, but it is shaped in such a way that one can have a reverie there, dream of losing oneself in books, far away from the conflict at FUREE. But which is real,,,?
Returned to BAM to see the movie, enjoyed it, though I found it (to my surprise) a little bit too picture perfect. Returned home on the 2 (got on at Nevins) really tired---but needed a coffee before I went to bed.
It occurs to me that "returning" home is an idea, would, at some point, want to remain out in Brooklyn longer, could not last night because I had stuffed myself at the meeting. Still, how much can one wander...? No work in the near future, thus, time in the evening does not have to be controlled. Something to consider.
Tonight will go to Dale's project on 36th street. Nice to see her, and maybe some other Fringe people too. Might get some insight into the change of taking tickets at the box office. No word on training for that yet.
Rest of weekend somewhat vague now, plenty of theater to see, much of it cheaper (but not free) than before. This weekend is a tough one to give away. Have to consider the pros and cons of spending money....

exhausted from...

just having teeth cleaned, seemed to take a lot out of me---also extremely hot, wonder whether the FUREE meeting is on tonight, will try to go if it is.
Last night, fun evening with Natalie and Jarett, who seems like a very nice guy. Good conversation, before that a very vital Spanish lesson, could really feel my mind rapping around the language for the first time. Will continue in July; it would be silly not to...payment...? Well it will mean a little more than I wanted, but should be well worth it. Heat continues, will report soon...