almost nothing to say....

that is not about the protests in Baltimore. Really ugly stories about racism from the police. But just the idea that this neighborhood (and a few others in Baltimore) has been allowed to remain in this situation is what is really repugnant. I have always seen Baltimore communities as being vital and friendly to all, but the insulation or ability to desensitize seems to have dominated. Hopefully the intellectual community at Hopkins will step up and try to make some sort of contribution into the area. They could send volunteer students to help the children of the area with their basic skills. I don't
believe the problem is unsolvable but input is so very necessary,
Not much else to report. Had decent time at bar next to Harlem Public last night, but simply watched the games, would have liked to go to South Fourth to visit Merlin, but simply too tired. Was tired as I returned home, then awoke at 3, full of energy, took another two hours to calm down.
Must continue my 'activism" (or course I have not done anything yet) and try to solve this problem.

Last few minutes....

have gone to Baltimore Sun web site to read articles about current status of the Freddy Gray death. Again, a tremendous outcry about this only being a symbol of poverty, but what can we do about it? John Angelos,son of Peter, has some telling statements to make on his tweet, and the Baltimore Sun editorial is passionate in trying to explain circumstances and economic conditions around Freddy Gray's death. But it took a death in the hands of police to bring these points up, again, what can be done on an everyday basis to improve the situation. In August we will be 52 years removed from the March on Washington. Yet the situation continues. Lots to be done in Baltimore, lets see what they do.
On a more irrelevant topic: after library yesterday walked to F train down seventh avenue, moved through the Sunday crowds (basically family) stopped off at Barnes and Noble, took the F to Delancey and arrived on time to see half of my friend Julia's performance in her play. Enough said---last performance (naturally) brought self congratulatory speeches from those involved, well maybe I am being too harsh since I was an outsider---but would prefer a little humility. Afterwards, found a bar on Clinton and Stanton, a former coffee shop, went in to watch basketball, friendly bartender names Natalie---did what was necessary, seems like a possible nice place to hang out (what isn't) then off to South Fourth, Sunday night regulars, tame but noisy, got to see a lot of people I had not seen in a while, good---nice conversation with Lee, whom I have known for all of my seven years at the place, good to catch up. He recommended another Bar, Splittys, on Myrtle near Clinton, might check it out at some point. Went home feeliing good.
Wish that there was some group, some forum that would allow a continuing dialogue on the problems in Baltimore, Brooklyn, whatever. Right now, don't know of one...we will see...

Brooklyn, again....

So Don Carlo has Fontainebleu, I have Brooklyn. What is it about this place, makes me want to incessantly wander around. Got off subway at Bergen, went to a place called coffee, had a delicious americano with cream, sat and read (last time I was there around the same time in Feb.placed was packed, this time served right away)---then walked up Flatbush to the Central Branch, here I am. As I passed sixth avenue, thought to myself: how wonderful just to walk up this street for about 20 blocks; seems to be all that I want at some point, just to wander through Brooklyn. Anyway, here I am at the library, after that....not clear.
Last night, got my ticket to Don Carlo, oh what an amazing opera, what a great 4and a half hours spent at the Met. Great cast, totally into an ensemble vision, could quibble with some of Hytner's choices directorially, but he grappled successfully with the operas many challenges. But what an opera! What a massive piece of work. Probably the only opera to be openly political---the issues brought up in the opera about one country taking charge of another and randomly destroying what is left of the first civilization, could easily be about America in Viet Nam, or what is happening to the rebels in Syria at the current moment. Combination of music and text remarkable, probably the essence of God and Christ is invoked more than in any other opera. Should write more about it, mabye on another site---anyway, glad I chose to visit the Met and see the opera, this was its last performance for the year, not scheduled for next year, so who knows when I would have had the chance to experience it again. Sense of finality, just as with Meistersinger and Iceman Cometh, feel that I have completed my undrerstanding and my vision of the piece, have absorbed it as much as I need---therefore no need to experience it again. Two more weeks of the Met season, am interested in Cav and Pag, wonder if I can fit it into my schedulثلإ

Saturday morning....

only one session beginning at 12. Kind of happy about that, could definitely use the time----not much sports until 4 when the Yankees Mets game begins. Several of my fifth and sixth grade students not coming in today because of the three days of the math test---they need to relax. So just one first grade student, the irripressable Jonathan.
Yesterday, after library, returned home to rest, then went to Richard's concert---without saying, he was terrific---as he played Gollywog's Cakewalk I could really see the scene in our fifth-sixth grade class in what must have been Spring 1954, with him playing it in this small anti room. I think he still has the same feelings about it that he had then. Had a nice talk with the woman sitting next to me, a retiree named Louise, who lives in the Carnegie Hall neighborhood. Left quickly, was pretty tired, did not want to hang out, looked into a nearbye bar to see that Yankees had won handily, and went home by subway (cold!!!)  Short conversation with a guy on the subway who saw me carrying Michael Stewart's Liar's Poker---sometimes I think that everyone wants to talk to me. Played with the idea of going to one of the sports bars to hang out and watch late games, but decided it was best and most economic to grab some chicken at West Side Market and head home.
Today, when I leave the library, possibly go into bar next to Harlem Public, love their hot dogs---maybe the Bronx Museum to look at photos in their exhibit---that sounds really interesting, don't know if this is the right day for it. Tonight, am planning to see Don Carlo at the Met, no tickets yet, will get them close to performance time---a long opera, but really feel that this is the right day to see it. Tomorrow, possibly two plays (I thought we were thinking economically, cityboy) and maybe South Fourth for the night baseball game. Should be an interesting 48 hours....

almost worked...

today, but did not, kind of ticked off about it---should not have happened, but it did. Here is why: Yesterday evening attended Dance Concert at Friends, some really good stuff, amazing to see this facet of so many of the students---tremendous commitment.! When I left, somehow determined to see a film at Tribeca Festival, so walked from Friends to 23rd abd 8th, to Bow Tie Cinemas, where festival was being held. One 9:15 movie had a wait line, decided to join it and got in. The name of the movie was Slow Learners. Very obvious after 40 minutes, so thought of leaving but did not want to embarrass the director and possibly some actors who were there, so I stayed---ultimate rom-com, very obnoxious and obvious. Imagine my surprise when I noticed a phone message---it was from Hassan, asking me to work today, and had been left obviously while I was watching the film. I got back to him by phone and text, no answer, it was 11, I figured he was sleeping, would contact him in the morning, happy to get the job, hoping that he had not contacted anyone else.
Finally got to him about 6 in the morning, only to find out that he had asked someone else and that person had accepted. What a bummer! Really would have liked to come in, probably was his classes, eighth grade, whom I really like. Amazing! the one time I decide to do something that turns off the phone during the whole week, is the one time someone calls from Friends with an assignment. Kicking myself for making the decision to go to that movie, but remember being just so determined to see Something after the Dance Concert could have easily gone to a bar and watched what baseball there was to watch, but somehow rejected that.

Anyway, today I got a ticket for Richard's concert tonight---think I am happy about that, he is playing music by five composers, including Debussy, I think it is the Children's Corner. I wonder if the Gollywog Cakewalk is included in that, I heard him play that for the IGC class we were both in when we were 10. Remember it well, Mrs Hoffman, our teacher said: "Would you like to hear a treat?" and Richard proceeded to the piano and played the aforementioned piece. It was PS 96, and we were in some anti room on the fourth floor.

With time on my hands, visited Liz Yamin's exhibit at the Painting Center. She gets better and better, sharper and sharper--how can someone create such intense and removed visions, so beautifully juxtaposed?
Well, feel a little better now, back to other web sites, will report on all next time....

frenetic half....

hour on the internet, four comments on pictures from Facebook Friends, two texts re tutoring, the action seems fast and furious---did not expect this--anyway, really wanted to report on last night---had a really nice time visiting my friend Erin at Burp Castle a televisionless  quiet bar right next to Sports Bar Standings. Have not seen her for many weeks, we talked about neighborhoods, adventures with landlords, and a few other things. As I was talking to her I felt a kind of excitement---happy that my energy was not exhausted from work and that this evening I was free to visit. Trade offs are inevitable.
Today, thought if possible I would go to see a Sturges movie at Film Forum at 12:30--did not happen, tonight looking forward to Dance Concert at Friends, again glad that I will be in full energy mode when I experience it---any possibility of seeing a Tribeca film aftwerwards. (concert ends at around 8:30). Will depend on energy level, I guess, could also go to South Fourth for some 10:00 Karaoke...could also...
well you know.
So it is an overstuffed time, would love to go to Bushwick Starr tomorrow for Big Green festival, but will probably miss it, my friend Richard Goode is giving a concert at Carnegie tomorrow, should make that.
Also should try to catch Liz' showing at the art gallery before it closes on (of course) Saturday.
Apartment very cold last night, no heat, contacted handyman, asked him to put it back on (legally he should do so) we will see what happens.
So onward.....

so here....

we are at the Lincoln Center library, while my apartment is being cleaned, on this very nice Wednesday late morning. Much to report---no work at Friends today for the first time---but will tutor later this afternoon.
After that...well, still have a kind of Tribeca Film Festival baby lust---but not sure if I will get to see a movie at the festival which (of course) ends on Sunday.
Since Thursday:
Friday---day at Friends which i was anxious about, working three periods with three different kindergarten classes, but all turned out well, totally exhausted after those three periods, but was able to accomplish much of what the teacher wanted. Body pretty dead after that, went home and slept, Saturday, some tutoring, then watching a little bit of sports at the bar on 149th and Broadway (great Franks there) then coming home, resting, and going to Abrons Arts to see the play Sibyl wrote the text for. Artistic, but hard to sit through, I don't like self appointed geniuses (though that is a pretty strong way to describe the actor creator of this piece) but mind wandered much of the time. Sat with Michael and Abby, afterwards, went to La Flaca, spent some quality time with my friend and owner of the restaurant Bob, and watched the Mets win another.
Sunday, pretty free day, went to Spelling Bee at Friends, really over whelmed by how good it was, can't believe the original cast of adults had more affinity for the material. After, hit sports bar Standings on 7th, watched some baseball and basketball, then off to Fort Greene to see a reading of an antil lynching play at Jack. Some good conversation followed the short (fifteen minutes) play and then spoke more with Alex about the constant gentrification Clinton Hill and other areas in Brooklyn (I pointed out the one south of Eastern Parkway) and what could be done. Hope to return for next anti lynching play in about a month, then took bus to Mullane's yet another sports bar, watched ESPN game and some basketball--and ate an overpriced Cobb salad.
Monday, subbed for Chris at Friends, then tutored, then went home, yesterday, subbed for Kate, enjoyed the kids (sophmores) again want to library, returned home not too tired, wanted to do something, not strong enough to go to Brooklyn, Bunin theater in Lincoln Center had an Agnes Varda movie about LA decided to see it, interesting enough, talked about minority artists in many of the poorer sections of LA, however the doc was getting repetitive, after an hour I left, also getting very tired---returned home, went to sleep pretty easily.
Report over---will see what this evening brings....

feeling kind of...

exhausted today---last 48 hours included work at Friends (journey to Centre Street) and three tutoring sessions yesterday, after a three period day. Spent this morning in a kind of sour mood, not helped by the new Indypendant, which has several articles criticizing the mayor's housing vision---seems to point to more displacement and power for the real estate industry. Sometimes, really feel that I am fighting a juggernaut.
Not much else to say---some reports---
Tuesday, was asked to escort Friends students to Mock Trial which they participated in. Good experience, kids worked hard, but the other team was slightly stronger. Impressed by the way the judge handled the trial.
Tired afterwards, no dining, grabbed a pizza instead at the stand on Saint Marks and Third, and then needed some sugar so stopped at Think Coffee on 13th and 4th. Imagine my surprise when Samantha, classs of 09
approached me and told me that she was in the shop with three of her classmates, Erica, Tory and Lauren.
Had a nice time talking to all of them---forgot to tell them about the two days this winter that exemplified the difference in attitude at Friends, the Day of  Concern, and Spirit Day. Hopefully I will see them around again, and get a chance to talk further with them.
Yesterday after the tutoring went into the bar on Broadway and 149nth, the one next to Harlem Public.
Nice beer,  frank and french fries (should never order them, I know, but after the three tutoring sessions, I needed to indulge). Bartenders very considerate, watched a little of the Mets game, but got bored, no conversation, left feeling glad that I went, rest was sleep.
Looks like two tutoring sessions today, after which, again not sure. Will I get to see Buzzer at the Public, which I feel I should. What about one movie at Tribeca Film Festival? Possibly, again hard to make any
commitments in advance, not sure even about Saturday, since I don't know how many students I will have.
Tomorrow at Friends three kindergarten classes in a row, not sure how or what I will feel after that.
Looking forward to the musical Sunday afternoon.

last post...

Wednesday morning, ironically enough the evening procedure for Wednesday mimicked Tuesday, felt tired after second (or third?) tutoring session and simply went home and rested. Thursday after the one class at Friends, did get to visit Bob at La Flaca, nice to check in with him and the others, there.Might be there more often in the future, especially with Sibyl having two pieces at Abrons Arts.
Rest of week went as planned, not much action after Friday's full day at Friends, Saturday had three tutorees, wanted to attend Memorial for George Aureo but last student came late, and was tough to work with---stopped off at bar on Amsterdam near 96street, watched a bit of the Yankee game (everyone was watching golf) and rested, then walked to Ars Nova to see Small Mouth Sounds, the play that Rachel directed and Jesse was in. While it was extremely well acted and directed (cast amazingly well) thought the play, which the critics seemed to love, somewhat controlling and lacking any really interesting characters.
Still enjoyed being there, spoke to Jesse for about 10 minutes after the play, she seemed to be happy I was there---left feeling pretty good.
Yesterday, tutoring session with Chaya, might have been the last one, have to check with Kara, then some enormous walks, fololwed East New York Avenue east from Brooklyn, crossing the five streets before Utica, again fascinated by the many art deco buildings that are there, mostly Caribbean population, took bus on Utica to Subway station, then to library on Eastern Parkway.So many interesting bus rides to take in the next few months, I hope. After library, went to Plan B again, watched Mets game, had an expensive salad, had a decent time there, wandered over to my now favorite place for coffee in brooklyn, Corner Grind, on Bedford and Jefferson. Love the coffee there, amazing! Then met Frank---had a beer in the garden of Washington Commons---nice, liked the energy coming from the place, don't know how I would have felt if alone--probably not as good. Prospect Heights area now awash with bars, all of them filled on Sunday afternoon. Finished the day by walking down to Fulton from Saint John (second time in the day) and deciding to see the Noah Baumbach movie at BAM, always fun to see a movie there, movie was better than Frances Ha, entertaining but I still feel he has no real awareness of most people or what is going on in the city. Then home.
Today started slowly then just found out I will be taking Charlie B's students to the mock trial tomorrow, happy about that...maybe work in the day as well...two for one...we will see, tonight Assembly's party...

raw and...

rough night last night----had a meaningful tutoring session with a new student. She is a fifth grader in a charter school, he needs math input desperately. My perception is that she is not learning disabled, that she can learn the material if taught, but somehow she has not. Probably my most challenging student---anyway, left the session feeling intense, but sleep soon caught up with me, and after a pepperoni pizza slice at the two boots on 96th street, headed home for the night. Slept pretty quickly, but awoke at around 11, went out and bought some juice---toyed with the idea of hitting a bar for a late night beer, but decided against it---too tired, and there is something so unwelcoming about the bars around here (upper west side) or perhaps unwelcoming is too harsh a word, maybe "arbitrary" is a better word. If only I lived in Williamsburg, could probably easily find a late night place to "chill" and be accepted. (For Williamsburg, you could also substitute Bushwick, Bed Stuy, etc) Of course you would be much further away from your tutoring base, anyway, with things as they are, cityboy, "you aint goin nowhere".  Rest of evening full of fits and starts, awake and alive at 3, finally asleep around 4:30, , re-awakening around 6 (no phone call from Friends) and feeling very tired. Now around 11, seemed to have worked things out---last night now into a kind of "focus" and ready to live the rest of the day. Return to Friends tomorrow for a possibly only one period but a full day Friday, should be fun. No evening plans as yet, possibly will visit Bob at La Flaca, and help him cheer on the Mets, definitely owe him a visit, hopefully some good conversation will ensue....

It's Tuesday....

and quite a bit has happened. Two days of work at Friends, the events (TEAM benefit, Passover with the Baum's, Sybil's project at Cultural Center) Lots of moving around.
 Most interesting day perhaps was Sunday. Morning free, then decided to go to Cobra in Bushwick, stayed there around an hour, left with  second Chocolate muffin in my tummy, needed desperately to walk off all this sugar. Walked over to Hart Street, thought I would stop and browse at a bookstore on that block called (no irony) Molasses---could not find it, however, and continued towards Broadway down the seven or eight block grid that we call Bushwick. Not clear what to do at Kosciosko and Broadway, but found myself on Malcolm X boulevard, and decided to take Utica Ave. bus to parts unknown. That turned out to be Eastern Parkway and Utica. Got off, decided to walk west (towards Grand Army Plaza and the Library) but as I was standing on said corner, noticed the line for the 14 bus, one that begins on the Parkway and Utica, and goes straight to the epicenter of Brownsville and East New York. Line was all black, most people looked incredibly poor, could not remember when I saw such a mass of poor people as I had there, and I move around the city a lot. Really shows one how cut off parts of the city are. For myself, I walked west on the Parkway to Nostrand (quite a walk---first two blocks seem residential and mostly black---do not look gentrified---and then the neighborhood becomes Hasidim City)  Lots of new buildings in the Jewish area, turned north on Nostrand, passed a few new coffee places (one right next to the other) and used the bathroom (and bought a coffee I did not need) on a place further north. Crossed to Rogers and then Bedford on one of the avenues closer to Fulton, awed by the beautiful brownstones that lined some of the side blocks; was this really once an area where people did not go out at night? Unbelievable. Bought a belt in the bargain store on Fulton off Bedford, and took the bus to BRIC--which is always opened and a great place to relax and use the bathroom. Toyed with seeing Kubrick's The Killing, but too tired, returned home by a somewhat circuitous route (too complicated to describe here) and rested before yesterday's day at Friends.
Not much else to say, today already have three tutoring sessions planned, and will let night happen as it comes---finally baseball season so any bar should have a game on for most of the evening. May go and hang out with Merlin at South Fourth if energy allows it.
Finally, Sunday reinforced my love of wandering though the city, particularly Brooklyn, looking forward to many more trips as the spring progresses.

exhausted as I sit...

here at the Lincoln Center Library, after yesterdays long day, subbing at Friends, and then one tutoring session at the library. Mental as well as physical, even the internet seems to be replaying itself over and over again. Possibly it is the events that follow: The Team party tonight, Passover supper on Saturday, Sybil's project on Monday, and then a week later, the Assembly benefit--if I can get them to lower their admission price.
Tuesday night, saw a really remarkable piece at the Brick created by Howard Fishman and Sarah Hughes, and directed by her. Glad I got her e-mail just in time. Piece was devoted to the work of Connie Converse, an incredible songwriter from the forties and fifties, who never found acclimation, lived a mysterious and single life, and then simply "disappeared". Left letters and missives to her friends as she left them, but simply disappeared from sight. The play itself was lovely, beautifully staged, with a great atmospheric setting and four singer actors who gave it an incredible glow. Really glad I went, afterwards Sarah invited us to join her at Northern Belle, a restaurant-bar next to Alligator Lounge (well, not next to, but pretty close). Had a nice talk with her and then an even more interesting discussion with Howard, another person and Rebecca, who is part of the Brick resident acting group. Jumped on the subway just in time since the L was ending at Lorimer in about 10 minutes. Really nice time.
Before the play, arrived early at Bedford L stop, wandered around before hitting the Brick, shocked to find that North Ninth past Bedford, is practically all new apartments. What can you say, still enjoyed to walk, now with the weather (finally) improving hope to walk even more.
Tonight Team Benefit 10 year anniversary, looking forward to it, hope to see much of my "crowd" or community, if you will. This will be held in a Gowanus space, so visiting that world should be interesting in itself. More reports next time...