Finally spoke....

to an NYS unemployment representative yesterday afternoon. Will this get things done...? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, yesterday, thought I might try to see Pericles, but all sold out (I probably could have gotten in at the last minute, but did not want to "Hang" for three hours. Instead, after some deliberation, saw Happy Valley, the movie about the Sandusky, Paterno and others at Penn State. Very sad, all the way around.
Afterwards, decided that best place for me to be  (not a second movie) was La Flaca. Glad I went, stayed for about three hours. Nice to check in with bob again, he now has a great girl friend named Kelly, and enjoyed descriptions about Tindur and how they met. Should I try it myself once I get my smart phone? We will see. Signature Theater tonight, finally seeing Katori Hall's play Tomorrow? Think I will try to stay most of the day in B rooklyn, probably begin at South Fourth then on to Cobra, then, maybe just back to South fourth to see some of the "night" people. Want to bring my bar book, start divesting it, hope to give away about three by tomorrow. Still, even though will not go to many of the thirty, glad I did it.
Continue on with the day....

so after a...

"long and strange" Wednesday night, had a decent day yesterday, a long wait before trip to Brooklyn, but then a good time with family from the Goldman-Schwarz side. Good discussion with kayla about DeBlasio's first year---accomplishments and non-accomplishments. Borrowed the Dylan book and read much on the way back---good evocation of early sixties era in the west village. Notice that east village is not mentioned at all. Also feel fully rested, it seems that all the fruit that I had since Sunday is really paying off.

Some passionate posts on Facebook re Ferguson---good to see that everyone is being made aware of the problem, Maybe a few of us could get together and talk about it in the future. We are so saturated with the
"holiday spirit" that probably would not take place until January, although it should be sooner.

Still dealing with theater log jam, not sure about tonight, Pericles, possibly, sure about tomorrow evening (Katori Hall's play) Sunday will probably "chill" at my two regular coffee places-bar. Have to give some of the brokelyn free beer coupons away, only four and a half weeks for people to use them. That's all for now....

It's raining.....

and, because Friends is closed, no thinking about phone calls this morning. Nice! Yesterday, got a surprise call at 3 from Friends librarian, asking me to cover the library until 6. Surprised that the library stayed open that long on a day before a holiday, but did it anyway. Quiet, hurt back shelving books on lower shelves, but all seems to be all right now. Tired after I left, did not go anywhere or see anything, instead returned home and listened to some meaningful takes on the Ferguson situation.
Thanks to friend Julie B, will see katori Hall's play at Signature free on Saturday evening, debating if I should reserve for anything else now, maybe Samuel Hunter's new play at Playwrights for Sunday evening. Still not sure about tonight or Friday, tonight might be determined by weather, might want to stay around the neighborhood, in that case maybe a movie at Lincoln Center (fassbender?!) or maybe just pure escapist Gone Girl. Or maybe will head down to the public and see one of the plays there, should not have a problem getting in on a day like this.
Not much else to say, Thanksgiving dinner in Prospect Heights with 'the gang" (family gang) tomorrow, can't believe that we have been doing this now for over 20 years. Amazing! First or second time I crossed Flatbush Avenue and walked east on Park Place, was a little nervous, but of course nothing happened. Now, a different world, entirely. Earlier, possibly will go to Lansdowne and have a large salad while I watch the first football game of the day. Or possibly a movie...not sure, otherwise, problems to solve (I think we should always remember this) but things are looking up....

strange....

wanted to write about some person feelings, but the posts on Facebook from my friends have been so intense that am more involved with that now.Still, wanted to state that Invisible, a Paul Auster novel that takes place in two distinct time zones,and deals with adults who go from 17 to their fifties, is something that I want to reread, yet feel is a little too intense for me now. Much like the three Henry VI plays by Shakespeare. Well, will have to resolve it. What should I do now...? Return to Facebook or muse on about other things. Glad that two of my friends are so passionate in response to the Saint Louis Michael Brown verdict, hope that they and others can create a continuum of vision, see this as part of a larger struggle that appears to go on every day. We are in a cauldron that has not exploded yet, and hopefully will not, but awareness must lead to change.
Yesterday, library at Friends, moved to third floor, uneventful, today will go to Thanksgiving Assembly and to pick up my check. Yesterday hung out at Sweetwaters with Shayla and Helen and Zach for an hour or so, tired after that, returned home, still don't know who won Ravens-Saints football game (does it matter..?) that is all for now, hopefully more tomorrow....

my head is....

splitting, not sure why, maybe the heat in the apartment (landlord does not turn off heat as temperature rises), anyway, biding time while I wait for my library shift at Friends.
Weekend worked well, got a lot accomplished. Saw Generations at Soho Saturday afternoon, very powerful 30 minutes of theater, luckily met Kathy, friend from South Fourth and she got me in; I owe her for that.
Also said hi to Michael, who is in the play, and havn't seen in a while, will visit him at Roosevelt Island when I get the chance (tutoring recedes). Evening saw Stu's one man play, what can I say, Stu is Stu, talked briefly with another classmate of our, Howard, who was also at the play. Wife (his) very silent---why? Interesting that Phi Sigs and Phi Eps who bonded about 54 years ago, still are close and supportive, but the "loner" who was not part of that is usually not included in their rituals.Strange phenomenon, anyway glad I could be of support of Stu.
Yesterday, finally returned to South Fourth, had not been there for a while, good conversations with harlow and Merlin--he is in yet another production in this overcrowded November and December that I will probably miss. After that Adam's reading, will talk with him about this further, glad to hear that Freedom High, my favorite play of his, got a good production in Milwaukee. Went home, would have liked to have visited Silent Barn and see a small project that Merlin was involved with, but decided home was better. Almost went to Ali's show at Joe's Pub, but decided at last minute that food was more important and went to Lansdowne, watched some of Giant game, (left right as first half ended, can't believe they lost). Bartenders there as usual very friendly made me feel right at home---not too much in common with the clientele, and yet I always feel good going there.
Sun just arrived outside library window, I guess it is going to be really warm this afternoon, how to deal with these bizarre changes of the weather....more later...

exhausted but....

free, tutoring canceled today, find myself with a completely free day today and tomorrow (that is two days, right?) however much to do. If you read Wednesday's blog, you will see my interest in the theater; but on Wednesday evening, did nothing but flop into bed,,,two more days of work at Friends after that, state of exhaustion very real. But should try to see Generations this afternoon and Stu's one man show this evening. Tomorrow my friend Adam has a reading of his new play, and in the evening...who knows...? Also want to do some socializing around Brooklyn tomorrow, so we will see how that plays out. Ali Grieb in the evening, possibly, but might be too tired. We will see.
Not much else to say, three good days at Friends this week, will sub in the library on Monday. Looking forward to the holiday, a chance to rest, or just be able to ponder things.
I know what my people are thinking tonight as home from the shadows they wander
Everyone smiling in secret delight, they stare at the castle and ponder....
Go figure....

what to do....

so many plays to see in such a short time. Should really go tonight to Stu Richel's Viet Nam piece, but other plays beckon. Probably need ten days to see about twenty interesting plays. Oh well, there is still a decent amount of time to make decisions, if only all these plays were not presented in a time ghetto (for want of a better word), it would be a lot easier, but now, one really has to be available all the time. Even a retiree with much disposable income and a full day to rest before taking off for the theater, would be hard pressed to see
'everything".
Well, quite a twenty four hour period for you, cityboy! Beginning with Monday evening, the party at Bushwick Starr, lots of fun, much good conversation, had a nice talk with Rachel C, hope that the movie about the Team gets into that proposed theater film festival at Segal Center. Spoke to Flacco, who still wants me to be in his "event" at the Starr----that will be  busy weekend for me with the play at Friends, as well as the Santa Con drinking event which this year will take place, in, of all places, Bushwick. Should be an interesting late night subway ride on the L train that Saturday night. But to get back to the party, spoke to some old friends, made some new ones, my theater commitment really helped. Sorry that I did not see the seven playwright response to stop and frisk at Segal Center, but simply had to rest before the party.
Some sleep in my newly heated apartment and then up at 6 to prepare for what turned out to be a six period day at Friends, mostly with those wild and wacky eighth graders. Will see some of them again on Friday, also committed to working in the library this Monday. Will have to work this out with Genesis today, but probably can manage.As tired as I was after period 8 at Friends, still managed to get to Convent Avenue and tutor my student Robert. When I left, well it was simply home. Got to sleep around seven, thank God.
      Are we in a new place, is what I asked myself when the night was over. This has truly been an amazing couple of days, with the two visits from former classmates, the Bushwick trip and play watching at the Brick on Sunday, and the above. I suppose can't tell until the rest of the week develops......

so I will take....

my friend Bob's advice and (possibly) extend this blog. But first, the meeting with two old friend, Bob, whom I first met in 1957, and Jim, my first (and only) college roommate, whom I first met in 1960. Both men are happily married, both live in a suburb of Washington DC, both were staying at hotels or bed and breakfasts that were within two blocks of each other and within four blocks of my apartment. This lead to a lot of walking through the neighborhood.
First, Bob, a really good conversation about Medicare benefits, among others (conversations, that is), he appreciated my suggestion for a rebate for those receiving benefits who only see their doctors once a year with no referrals after the first visit. Spoke a lot about other things going on as well. Wandered through the eastern part of the upper west side, where we went over the history of it commenting on the blocks that we wandered through, as I mentioned that many of the now beautiful brownstones that adorn each block were once rooming houses, often for addicts and criminals, and real estate on the upper west side was extremely cheap in the late sixties and early seventies.
Sunday morning, a brunch with Jim, both of us have solid memories, spoke a bit about our Hopkins experience, talked a lot about the state of the theater, which, to my surprise, Jim was very aware of. Also discussed politics, "faux liberalism" or perhaps a better way of saying it would be entitled liberalism, or narcissistic liberalism. Again, ended the visit with a walk through the very same streets that the night before I had strolled with Bob.
Sunday afternoon, headed to cobra club in bushwick, Dorian, the bartender is always friendly, watched a bit of the football game, and had an interesting conversation with Lauren and Steve, a couple who live near the bar.
Debated whether to see a play by a playwright whom I casually know at Brick, after much self-debate went to see it---glad I did, not so much because I liked it (did not really) but because it is now out of my way in terms of things to see. Just going through what is out there that has interest (amazing!)
Today, will go to party at Bushwick Starr (benefit that is). No subbing today makes it totally possible for me to attend. Before that my go to graduate center at CCNY to see project of seven black playwrights writing monologues about being stopped and frisked. Should be interesting.....

Disappointed and....

upset, no heat in the evening, this despite a call to Steve (the building manager) yesterday morning At this point the boiler shuts off around 11, and does not come back until 6A.M.. Using space heaters that are adequate to keep me warm, but anxiety builds because it is costing me money via electricity that they use. Does the manager think he can keep this up until March, a long time for cold nights. Will complain more as the days go by, but not looking forward to the evening.
How will this effect the meetings with my friends that are coming up today and tomorrow...? I don't know.
Trying to live as normal a life as possible...see how it plays out.
Yesterday after Friends simply returned home, sleep early (there was heat when I went to sleep at 7).
So fighting a war on two fronts, (this and getting my unemployment money). Will see what happens....

sitting in Friends....

Library now, soon will take over my shift, but enough time to browse the web ad infinitum.
Began the morning in Bushwick at Cobra, wanted to say goodbye to Joanna, who is going to be with
her boyfriend soon in Australia. So I did, long trip out there, though L Train moves fast. She was glad to see me, spoke a while, during a quiet period at the bar, but then the throng came in, and I became a watcher of people. Interesting to see who arrived and asked for coffee. Left around 11.
Yesterday evening, did explore a new bar, a very nice one called Richlane, kind of mellow, a great place for a date, since there are a lot of small tables that are far from the small bar. Bartender Dave really very nice, welcoming then had an interesting conversation with Mike, a cook who lives nearbye, and is helping to organize a restaurant opening in (where else?) Bed-Stuy, Nostrand Avenue to be exact. We went through the litany of bars and neighborhoods, and coffee shops that we knew or did not know, I left, expecting to end up at South fourth in time for karaoke, but stopped at the Bean for a sandwich. As I was finishing it, felt myself collapse from tiredness, knew I could not make it to South Fourth, could just get to the L train. Arrived home tired, but okay. Felt good this morning, feel strong now.
Rediscovered google maps just now, looked at a couple of images of around the Concourse in the Bronx, and also in what was called in 1960 "Northwest Baltimore". Of course that was the Jewish section, rapidly ready for change a few years later..but then...Took the map to Clarinth Road, home of my one date with a girl named Ellen, two years younger than me, got too fussy afterwards, she never saw me again, lost again in Baltimore, March 1961. How is it possible that I remember it so completely. what does it mean...? Now, she is in her late sixties, what has that to do with anything, would I even recognize her...or her friend....? Left to ponder these images one tries to...what....?

Interesting weekend ahead, visits from a high school friend and a college friend. Both now live in the DC area---interesting to see how I negotiate these visits. Both are staying about a block away from each other on the west side (double irony). Tonight, not sure...anyway....

so here I am....

in Lincoln Center library, no work, no lessons, so the day is entirely free. To think, that I could have booked the afternoon library shift at Friends, and by waiting one day, had it taken by someone else. Well, at least i will be there tomorrow for the hour and a half that the library is open, and earlier to pick up check.
Tried to go to Brooklyn this morning, just did not work, instead wandered circuitously around the city, ended up at the libary here in the Performing Arts building, which, as I have said before, I discovered about 50 (yes 50) years ago.
Really good reading at Prelude Continum yesterday, great acting and three amazing scenes written by three super playwrights. Said hello to Lynn, she remembered me, that was nice, spoke of Jake Ann, who now lives in Tampa, where she is trying to raise two boys. Twenty years, things really change. After that, thought I might try the bar that I went in with Michael and company last week, but it seemed crowded and expensive---getting very manic about going into bars alone. Tonight might be a good night to try one of the bars on my bar book list, as time shortens itself. Probably will not see anything today, though again, the number of plays of interest, and those that are closing next week is palpable. Plus the number of plays NOT closing this or next week. Aghast at how many. Still with the unemployment unresolved, reluctant to spend too much, think that karaoke tonight at South Fourth might be more appropriate, also give me some time with people. that I have not seen recently, and like.. Would go there after bar exploration. Makes sense.
No reply from Primary Stages re my offer to add to their memory bank re off Broadway.
Reply from Jim re Sunday lunch, he is happy with the place I have chosen.
No reply from Bob re Saturday, wonder if this will happen.
Could have tried to hook up with Sibyl today, would have been perfect for it, but didn't. Why?
Documentary festival at IFC, some interesting DOCS but time...?
That is all for now.....

Infuriated...

because I could not reach unemployment this morning, to correct their error and continue receiving benefits.
Contacted my state assembly person, no response yet. Now, at computer, just sent an e-mail to oral history project at Primary Stages, proud of the memories that I shared with them about the early days of off Broadway. Hope they respond. No work today, will probably attend forum sponsored by City College Arts group this evening and see Lynn Nottage and others, I remember her from about twenty years ago, wonder if she will remember me; I was a friend of her friend Jake Ann Jones, another playwright.
Spent all day Monday at Friends, feel fulfilled, during weekend attended Fortress of Solitude at Public and really thought it was special. Glad I went and talked to Kristen afterwards. Sunday a kind of strange day, built around Kim's project with NY Theater of the Deaf. Watched some football at the overcrowded  and loud(but I should have known this) Lansdowne Road, still like the place however.
Saturday, high school friend Bob is supposed to meet with me in the afternoon, have not heard from him however, Sunday, first roommate ever, Jim is meeting me for brunch, just arranged the brunch place.
Rest of week will depend on how much subbing I get. It is possible that for the first time tomorrow that I will have neither, should be a day with a lot of options. Miss Brooklyn, need to go there soon.
After forum tonight, might try to use my underused Brooklyn beer book, or might not. Still lots of plays to see, but the money and........also found out that Hopkins classmate Stu Richel has a one man show on, running (of course) at the same time so many other plays are,
So we will try to work it out.

so quickly,.....

here is what happened---worked four days at Friends this week, including two in the middle school. Hard work! Now am on good terms with fifth graders---three of the four days tutored as well, on each simiply arrived home and crashed, and similar was yesterday, although there was no tutoring---too tired to do much.
Monday night interesting time, had a fascinating talk with Eric Ting, director of the Soho play about racism that I disliked so much about two years ago. Really accepted my objections, seems like a really nice guy, by the way, am behind about fifteen plays at this point---have no idea how I can catch up, maybe tonight at the Public.
Sunday, interesting walk up the complete Lee Avenue corridor to bed-stuy, interesting that one block before the projects (marcy) is what seems like the epicenter of a hasidic shopping space. The twain...never meets.
Not much else to say, have a long day at Friends on Monday, after that......not sure, will check in when possible.

lots of tension....

why, well for one that boiler in the apartment house seems to be broken, not a problem now, (except no hot water) but if not fixed for tonight or tomorrow, when it is supposed to be around 25 degrees. Another cold night where I use my two heaters excessively which means higher con ed bills (something I don't need) Could deduct con ed bill from rent, since this has happened before, but usually take the non-confrontational road and just pay the difference. Now I sit in the library, just turned down the chance to see Country House at MTC for free tonight? Why?  AM really curious as to what it is, but are not there better things to do. Last night figured that this evening would be my only chance to see Klinghoffer at the Met, other dates are already booked, now having just checked the Met ticket blog, find out there should be many tickets available even this evening. But this morning, decided that my time could be better spent chcecking out some places in Brooklyn, maybe even stopping into South Fourth, where I have not been for a while. I seems that for every evening I have so many options, sometimes overwhelmed by these choices, in a week there will be four plays at the Public, I would be interested in seeing. How to work it out...?  Nothing is clear, will return to apartment to see if heat is back before heading up to Harlem for my one lesson today.
Last night decided that Six Characters would be too difficult to get to considering how tired I felt, a movie would be better, so I went to the Godard film at Lincoln Center Hard to sit through film, but fascinating, since I have a Godard background, understood the way moments were chopped up and returned to, still not an easy movie to take, though some very beautiful images. Glad I saw it--out of my way, at least---afterwards felt hungry for the first time in a long while, went up to Columbia area and had chicken in soup at Ollie's a cold place for contact but just what I needed for my body. Still have eaten only a bagel today, and am not hungry at all. Slept well (sort of) until it was time to take a shower and then above happened.