so went...

to Tempest last night---mixed bag----some wonderful theatrical effects, but the acting at times tended to be repetitive. Cotter Smith, in a medium sized role as the usurping Duke of Milan was surprisingly good---liked the comics as well---though hard to factor in their scenes. Play seems to me a very difficult play to stage, in so many ways. Listening to the language saw how many times in how many ways, the idea of one person's power over another is explored. Basically glad I went. Afterwards, stopped for a beer at the bar on 80th and Amsterdam, watched the Yankee-Angel game, bar was pretty quiet, a couple of couples and then some single guys talking. Its a serviceable place, though not much happens there, still can watch the game in peace. Thought it was better to stop there then to simply go home.
Today, Reading of new play at Segal Center, at 2---should be fun, There are two other readings today as well; might stay, might not, depending on a lot of things. Might go to Bronx Documentary Center to see Rubble Kings movie tonight, if feel not too tired,
Not much else is going on...will report on "adventures" tomorrow.

nice day today.....

sort of a quintessential early summer day with a nice breeze and very little humidity (why did I want to write "humility") Well, anyway, just got a ticket to The Tempest, tonight, which means I will be staying in the neighborhood all day, won't have to use my just expired metro card, which means I can extend it for a day. Important?  Somewhat, anyway seem to have forgotten all the problems of the world, and just "coasting" as the day continues.
Yesterday, after library, did just as  I thought I would, walked down the Parkway to Franklin, south on Franklin, Amazing difference from the north side of Eastern Parkway on Franklin to the south, which still seems like a lower income west Indian community. Continued on Franklin till it ran out, then over to Bedford, a street that once past Crown, shows very little signs of gentrifying. Passed Ebbets Field Houses, a large middle income project that faces the east side of Bedford (as the ballpark did) and you can see that all the businesses on that part of Bedford are designed to service the people who live in those houses. Probably more signs of gentrification on either Nostrand or Rogers, two streets that I did not explore yesterday, that lie directly east of Bedford. At some point, I think it was either Maple of Midwood Street walked the long block to Flatbush (some beautiful architecture on that block, some "stately" apartment houses, and continued south on Flatbush, lots of simple businesses, and a few coffee places as I continued, stayed on Flatbush all the way up to Caton Avenue (the park is over by then) and then back to Bedford on Caton, lots of apartment houses on that block. Then jumped on bus (49) heading south, not sure where I would get off, but noticed that after Faragut Road, neighborhood seems to change, much less traffic, much more mellow, this is the beginning of the "second" part of Brooklyn, one that seems more like a series of small towns far away from all the building and "hot" neighborhoods.
Got off the bus on Avenue J, very rarely go that far south. Two blocks of homes, no apartments, then hit East 18th street ; at that point Avenue J becomes very commercial, there is the famous Pizza Place right by the Q train stop, but all the other business, food places, etc, are hasidic. Interesting mix of people from Hasidic to Islamic to Hispanic to.... Street really bustling----the 6 bus travels from west to east on that street, ends up in East New York---terrific contrast from East 18th street---thought I might take it, but decided not to, maybe some other time, always some anxiety re traveling from
"well to do" to "poor" neighborhood, even if the subway is right at the end of the line. Should do it sometime in the future.
Rest of day, took Q back to Cortelyou Road, stopped off at a few places there, then to Brooklyn and a visit to South fourth, always a good place to end Sunday's travels, to say goodbye to Dylan the bartender and "hang" with friends Alison and Bill. Long talk with Alison, first in a long time, really fun.
So ends my day of travels...will report on the rest of this day tomorrow...

lazy day....

tired this morning, toyed with the idea to going to the game and a half at citi field, but decided not to, instead, made it to the Slope and stopped off at Coffee, the place on Bergen that I like so much, had their Americano, read a bit, then hiked to library where I am now.
After this...? Not sure, might want to watch baseball, but also considering a walk south on Franklin, into the southern zone of Crown Heights, which i found so interesting while I was tutoring on Brooklyn and Maple. Old Jewish neighborhood, can't get over my passion for those old apartment houses---they seem to be calling me, will see if it happens, Also toyed with the idea of taking train to Utica, walking up to Ralph and taking bus north through eastern end of Bed-Stuy, to Bushwick border, then maybe walking to Cobra. Nothing definite yet, might want to go to a baseball bar, but stomach is kind of full at this moment.
Yesterday, visited Brooklyn "activist" fair, good visit and discussion  with Michael, stayed until Flaco did his poetry, arranged to see his show at Jack next Sunday, then managed to survive in the rain until arriving at Ohio Space around 7, got in to Merlin's show, adaptation of The Idiot, kind of bland, but glad I went. Raining and cold after the show, however did not want to go home, ate at
Greek diner on 95th and Broadway, and then came back. Was hassled by smell of smoke from downstairs "neighbor" something has to be done to stop this man from leaving his marijuana and smoke smell throughout the lower vestibule of the apartment house.
Tomorrow, the plan is not to use metro card, stay in west side zone, will go down to Delacorte at around 11, and see if I can snare a ticket to The Tempest---seems like a good day to see it---then to library or whatever until the play begins.
No movies yet, would like to see the one about Nina Simone, maybe a few others, can't get myself to go.
Plenty of plays to see in the next three weeks---the week beginning the 13th will be particularly cramped---amamzing how much is going on in theater for these first three weeks, and after, too.
That is all for now, will report on rest of the day tomorrow....

so it finally.....

happened, just got the word by e-mail that I will be running a box office at the Fringe this year beginning 8/14, Friday (of course). GM Christian told me in the e-mail he had contacted me twice re this, have no idea why it did not get to me, now have to shift gears a bit, actually did some fantasizing as to what I might do if I did not work the Fringe, but that can all be put to rest now, as I will be part of it. Bummed out a little now, but can begin to see the summer straight in terms of voyages i might want to make. (Boston, return to Baltimore) Not sure yet.
Last night, went to FUREE meeting, glad I did, Michael, fellow Hopkins graduate, was running the meeting, did it very well, people there were very friendly, enjoyed the contact, and good to see some people (like Selena) who I had not seen in a while. Will participate in his walk around Fort Greene tomorrow, which is part of activist group fair for most of the afternoon. Jack, the theater company I like very much, should be there too. Hopefully will get into some good discussions and focus on problems of gentrification et. al.
After the meeting, decided to find some "excitement" in Park Slope, which meant finding a bar where the Yankee game was on. Interested to see what has made the Astros so good this year, Really did not find out, since their offense was kind of muted, but did get to hang out in a new bar on 5th near 12th called Monro---nice, laid back place had (as usual) a nice talk with bartender, since things were slow. She is a milennial, moving from Bushwick to Bed Stuy next week, naturally we discussed neighborhoods and subways etc. No other conversations to be had, left around 9:30 returned home, and went to bed, kind of a rough night---but things seem to be better now. Rest of day not sure, may need to rest this afternoon, tonight will go to David Greenspan's monologue on Gertrude Stein at Target Margin theater. Hope this is interesting, have never quite picked up on him, however I have not seen what was considered one or two of his best monologues. According to critics he logically and imaginatively explains Stein's vision---certainly I need this after the two projects that I saw that made very little sense (though a lot of created energy was expanded)  in the past few months.
Tomorrow there is the fair and then will try to see Merlin's project at Ohio Space. Will probably rest this afternoon, can't get excited about seeing a movie, maybe a trip to Trenton on Sunday. Will see...

pleasant and....

relaxing evening last night, sort of just what i needed. Decided that I could not make my brother's friend Loudon's performance at subculture. Hope it will be done again, so I can see it, as I really do think it is important, but was too tired around an hour and a half before, so I opted for an evening at La Flaca--really owed them a visit. Missed Bobby but had nice conversations with fellow bar members, watched the Met game at my leisure, and had a nice but not too filling BLT. At nine, decided to move on. Stomach needed some sugar, but rejected bar choice because I had actually had my fill of baseball for the evening, instead went to Bean on third street and second avenue, actually walked there from La Flaca, Had a coffee and a smores cookie and continued reading the book that I found in the library by Jonathan Kozol. Really effective, about his father's long battle with dementia, beginning really at age 88. His mother comes off looking really good as well, being coherent into her hundreds Strong writing, good reminiscences about his father as the psychiatrist for O'Neill and his wife, Carlotta. Had no idea Kozol's father was so accomplished; sort of figured that he was more like the children of my generation (he is actually about 6 years older than I)  whose accomplishments took their parents' sucesses (if there were any) one step further. Anyway, focused on the book and then walked up second avenue to fourteenth street-second avenue filled with restaurants, all of them packed on this Wednesday evening.By third avenue I was tired enough to take the bus to seventh and then get on the 1 back to the apartment.
Today, FUREE meeting, before that, may decide to visit Susan at Cobra (if she is still there), and after may stay around the west slope and watch some Yankee baseball. As weekend approaches, still some movies I would like to see (the Nina Simone one in particular) and also toying with the idea of going to Trenton for a Thunder game on Sunday. Well, we will see....

If only I had known...

that Bushwick Starr was having a reading last night, would have planned to go...but the e-mail got to me to late, so that after Steve's Reading and a little bit of hanging out at a nearby bar, was confused as to the next move. Then the rains came, luckily I was indoors in one of The Bean's (the ninth and first avenue one) and avoided the intense rainfall. When that was over, found myself really tired and decided to simply return home and get some rest. Fell asleep at around 8, woke up around midnight, my body seemed depleted---aches in legs and a sense of incredible fatigue. Also pretty dehydrated.
However depleted I may have felt, it did not stop me from going out and buying a cold fruit drink and picking up the Voice, still tiredness continued. For the first time I wondered if this meant I was slowing down; however monitored my body today, and it looks like it is coming around to its old self. Still planning to try to see Loudon at Sub Culture this evening---so if I am strong enough to do that, things must be pretty good. Will determine this as the day goes along, first a tutoring session with Jonathan at the library on 145 street; that i think I should have no trouble making.
Received a call from fellow Hopkins grad and FUREE member Michael telling me that there would be a meeting on Thursday, which I will try to attend. Have not been participating much recently, will this change...? Not sure, also there is an "Activist" fair near BAM on Saturday which I will probably attend. Speaking of Saturday, it now seems to be the only day on which I can attend Merlin's play, now that Thursday is spoken for. Also, would have enjoyed watching Jerome Charyn at Barnes and Noble on Thursday, read from his book about the Bronx, but FUREE meeting cancels that out as well. So next couple of days seem set, may try to visit Cobra before the meeting to hang out with my bartender friend Susan, assuming that she still works on Thursday. Not a difficult trip from Bushwick to the Slope, thanks to the G. Oh right, this is the slope west of 4th avenue, a bit of a walk from the G but still do-able. Stay tuned for further info....

last night....

did not turn out exactly as I expected. Hoped to go to Dive Bar to see my new bartender friend Rebecca, and watch baseball, but when I got there place was packed with screaming soccer fans, have to remember that while US women's group is playing, it will be hard to watch baseball (really amazing---shows one how much times and tastes have changed). Next game for US women is Friday; will be seeing David Greenspan's play that night, but should be over early, try to go to a bar or restaurant where at least one tv is watching baseball (la Flaca would be a good bet for that) .
A little crestfallen, having a bit of a sugar fit, I went to nearbye coffee place and had a blondie and some delicious coffee---then a bit confused as to next move---finally decided to check out a movie at Lincoln Plaza called Eden, it had gotten good reviews in the past week, so went. Found it interesting, but rather cold and uninvolving. Left slightly before the ending, then walked home (no bus) just to make sure energy was a bit depleted (it wasn't). Not a very deep sleep last night, but not tired now.
Today, this afternoon will attend reading of Steve A's play at Paradise Factory, looking forward to it, after that simply not sure of what I wlll do or where. Last night's movie was so impersonal that I am pretty turned off on going to another one, though Rubble Kings movie at 42nd street---the doc about gangs in the Bronx in the seventies is supposed to be good, and the kind of doc I find very interesting.
So maybe...but maybe not...

busy in Brooklyn....

have just come from a tutoring session with Mila (the intractable one) Feeling very up as I walked from Fulton and Cambridge Place to the main library where I sit now. Somehow a much more focused feeling then I experienced last Thursday when I was here for two hours. Yes, a good tutoring session really changes my attitude, makes me feel much more focused and proud of myself.
 Not sure how day will continue, but essentially feeling very optimistic about it.
Saturday, did go to Clubbed Thumb, Men in Boats, essentially liked it, a little gimmicky, but great to watch the 10 talented actresses do their thing, stage full of life. Afterwards spoke to Kristen; enjoyed our short conversation, she was very nice---then went to Bean for coffee and a buttered bagel, which seemed to be more appropriate then a beer.
Yesterday---interesting day, saw The Flick in the afternoon, resistant to experienceing it, yet if you give it time, it becomes meaningful. Annie Baker is so skillful at creating full portraits of people, the play was beautifully acted, all three hours and twenty minutes of it---can't believe that two hours after that another performance started. Afterwards went to Formerly Crows, a bar that I don't often visit, but had a good time and watched some of the Met game, spoke to a few people who are also connected with South Fourth (same owner). The place has a relaxed vibe which was good for me.
Then checked in at Sweetwater, only to find out that Shayla had worked the afternoon, so headed over to South Fourth where the usual suspects were holding forth. Stayed there about 3 hours, watched some baseball, another interesting talk with Phoebe, talked a bit with late bartender Dylan, a really nice guy who is leaving for two months. Went home feeling far more fulfilled than I had on Saturday---that evening (saturday) I had trouble falling asleep---have to remember that I should feel
VERY tired before I decide to return home
Again not sure about tonight, should check Shakespeare in the Park calendar, don't want to see it tonight, think I will head to Dive Bar (95th and Amstedam) and continue dialogue with bartender
Rebecca, while I watch some baseball.. Good place, but I do fear that the bathroom will break down again, causing (for me) havoc. Well, we will see,,,

so my friend...

Frank posts on facebook his reaction to the tragedy in Charleston. He talks about "unlearning", and" being  complicit" but what exactly does he mean? For people in a comfort zone (myself included) these words should be the beginning of a much more detailed discussion. Hopefully we can work on that and discuss that the next time he comes to NY.
Yesterday: ticket to my friend Elena's project at the Duplex did not come through, so I ended up going to Bronx Doc for their 3rd anniversary party and a one day photo exhibit. Always interesting getting there and coming back, walking through what must be considered a poor neighborhood. Tried to observe the people on the streets, a few middle class, but most seemed to be people living in poverty. Many seemed very normal, helpful to me when I asked a question, going about their business, one block on Cortlandt Street between 150th and 151st seemed somewhat threatening as I walked back to 149nth street (the big street) by myself at around 9:45. But nothing happened. On 149nth near the subway entrance, you can see the people standing outside MacDonald's---a few people drunk, poverty level seems high. But that is not the whole of the story. Should attend more projects at Bronx Doc in the coming weeks maybe explore the neighborhood a little further.
Student Jonathan canceled his session today, but we did some nice texting yesterday evening. Hope he is learning from this.
Woke up this morning with legs feeling very stiff, much better now, stayed in bed a much longer time than usual.
Tonight will go to Clubbed Thumb to see play that my friend Kristen is in, hope to say hi to her afterwards, tomorrow, will finally see The Flick at Barrow Street, should be interesting---then maybe visit with Shayla
at Sweetwater and finish the night at South Fourth.
Starting a decently interesting book called Off the Radar---all these books are somewhat stimulating to me but not that much, seem to be avoiding reading anything I find "serious", see how that evolves

of course, enraged...

about South Carolina shooting---very sad.
Yesterday, did not make commitment to see the play at Vineyard. Stayed on computer for another hour at least----then embarked on a journey that ended up at the Corner Grind at Bedford and Jefferson--so I walked there from Grand Army Plaza---lots of reserve in the legs. Coffee and rest, a little disappointing, then walked again to Fulton and Grand, finally took bus to downtown Brooklyn, where I finally bought a much needed belt from the two dollar store.
At that point tiredness set in, and I returned home by 6, too tired to make any plans for the evening, but rest did not come---so at nine thirty I wondered through the upper west side, down to 86th and Columbus and then back to the apartment, for about an hour. Listened to baseball rap up and finally fell asleep. Not a very satisfied sleep and early morning, though at the moment, I am feeling very "up". Weekend just about all worked out though this evening is open. Might go to MOMA for their free time, or Jack for the play and Bronx Doc for some food and short films or.....Have to remember that if I walk a great deal during the day, I may be too tired to do much in the evening. Especially important with all the free time that I have this summer. Must conserve.
All this seems a little indulgent when played against event in Charleston---wish i could make some contribution---still have to consider available options, also find out about the Fringe, well, we will see....

so will he....

do it? Do what? Have just made a committment to see The Flick on Sunday afternoon, that will mean (at least) three plays in a row: Erin Markey's project directed by my friend Elena on Friday, Men on Boats on Saturday evening, and  now the Flick. But what of tonight, now made free by postponement of movie at Bronx Museum of Arts? Should I see Gloria, which has 30 dollar first row tickerts. Am I going to far with this. Last night saw the striking A Human Being Died Last Night at BAM fisher, really remarkable documentary theater, left feeling very shaken. So here we are. Now sitting in the Brooklyn Public Library, after two cups of coffee (and that is all) including one at my favorite place for coffee, called, Coffee, on Bergen Street in Park Slope.
Did not do much after play last night, rejected opportunity to watch Baseball at Mullane's which would have been the closest place, instead had coffee and a really nice parfait at coffee place on Fulton, kind of upscale place that has opened recently, toyed with the idea of walking around a bit afterwards, but was tired enough to just take the train and go back to Manhattan, always want to extend my Brooklyn  stays a little longer---might go to new film festival at BAM tonight or also do my "due diligence" by going to what seems like an interesting movie at the Human Rights series at the Walter Reade. Oh well, decisions, decisions.
Getting to like the "freedom" part of my time off, finally getting a bit used to it. Sense of surpise...?
Hey just got an idea; think that Jack might have cut rate tickets for their show tonight, better check it out, oh what a theater freak you are, city boy.....

so last......

night at Taste of Bushwick very crowded, but much to explore. Found out about a coffee place and a new Italian bar restaurant that I would like to try on Central Avenue near Flushing. Incidentally, got to Morgan Avenue not by L, which I assumed would be pretty crowded around 6, but by the J to Flushing, then walked the nine or so blocks to Bogart. Not really a bad walk, some interesting architecture on the way, glad I did it. Had some nice conversations, but the Bushwick Starr people were pretty involved in the proceedings so they did not have much time to talk. Next year does seem interesting, however, then went to Pine Box, a nearbye bar, very crowded, had a nice talk with a guy named Owen as we watched the first quarter of the baseketball playoff. Then to back room to hear a guy named Mike Visser play for the " taste" people---not bad, actually, took in the beautiful night, really could wish for closeness, wandered around East Williamsburg for a bit, and finally around 10, returned home. Basically a good time.
Today, not sure, will probably try to see play at BAM tonight, if not maybe some trivia---seems like there is enough to do, slept pretty soundly last night, no crazy dreams, more info to come as the day continues.

strange dreams last.....

night, hard to understand, awoke feeling anxious, in the first, it is somewhat late at night, I am standing with two young people I don't know at Canal Street, a border, waiting for an express bus. The bus will take them to some isolated place in the Bronx, I don't want to go there, I realize that if I do, I will be isolated, instead I get off around 77th street somewhere on the east side, right before the bus goes deep into the Bronx. In dream 2, I am at a WBAI like station, singing the opening chorus from G and S's the Pirates of Penzance---it is being broadcast, I am all by myself with a pianist, and I am singing Samuel, the Pirate King's Lieutenant's solos in that first piece, a little embarassed that I am being allowed to do this, but aware that at my age I am still singing those segments which I know by heart, well.  So what do the dreams mean..? No idea, can't find many connections in images or words or whatever. First dream may relate to the discomfort I feel about my downstairs neighbor, a mysterious man who sends up smoke odors (at least I think he does) and does not answer the door bell or talk to people.Second dream seems odd, made me think of Steve Hannan, who did this role in Central Park in 1980, and whom I have met occasionally.Woke up feeling very strange, tried to put the dreams together, but could not.
Tonight, will go to Bushwick for Starr's party, sounds good, a lot to eat, and probably some good conversation with many from the downtown theater world who will be there.
Yesterday night, tired but went to Diner on 94th for tuna fish, wanted to watch baseball afterwards, found myself near Dive Bar on Amsterdam, a little cautious about coming in, but did and found a very friendly atmosphere, the two women next to me were teachers at Bronx Science (math) and were interested in my memories and stories about the school from when I was there. Had a good time talking to them, then it seems that the bartender's father had also gone to Bronx Science and still lives in the Bronx, had a nice talk with her, had to leave a little early because men's bathroom, which should be better for a bar like that, was stopped up. Gave Rebecca (the bartender) a nice tip, because she was so welcoming.
Not much else, "too much freedom", result of rejecting jury duty, still feel that I needed it, will report on Bushwick experience tomorrow.

surprised myself.....

by opting out of jury duty, due to (of all things) age. Yes, I thought that I would participate in it anyway, but as time went on, and I got restless, when I had the chance to withdraw, I did. Not a cop out (I think), though I could have added something to a jury if I had been selected. Well, served on two major trials before, one in 88 and one in 90. Think I was worried about how this would effect my work with Jonathan (only one cancellation necessary, could have handled that), and a would have prevented me from picking up check from Friends (which I did, money now safely in the bank).
Anyway, feel kind of relieved, feel that time I was willing to spend waiting to be called for a jury selection, and earning a few bucks by my presence, could be better served if discovered freely. Relaxed now.
Weekend, filled with conversations with many. Yesterday, went to TBD in Greenpoint (fun walk from the Lorimer stop) to hang with Zach, we took apart (as usual) all that was happening in theater and beyond. Lots of fun, later joined by one of his friends and the conversation continued.
Saturday had a good coffee date with Ellie, she is very dynamic, always doing things, we seem to know the same people, will go to her project on Friday, should be good---and then we were joined quite unexpectedly by Jenny T, who I had not seen in about a year---the latter kind of warm and effusive---joined our conversation---things seem to be going well for her. All this happened in a bar-coffee shop on Union called The West, glad I found it seems like a good place to read and hang out (but not as good as South Fourth).
After that, decided to return to the city to watch baseball at Standings, pretty good time, nice chat with fellow patron Andrew and Sam, an animated and friendly bartender. Finally went next door and "hung" with Erin, the bartender there, listened to her talk about changes in her life, interesting, then went home.
Yesterday, in addition to talk with Zach, had interesting conversations at South Fourth with Harlow, Pheobe and a new guy named David, a would be photographer. whom I steered to Bronx Doc Project, think he might do well there.
So here we are, spirits high, enjoying the "nothingness" of time, tomorrow Taste of Bushwick party, glad I don't have to run there from jury duty. Will check in tomorrow.

today is a free....

day. Play it by ear.
Horrible article in Baltimore Sun about two thugs who murdered a sixteen year old girl in her grandmother's home. For absolutely nothing. Rediculous! Sort of colors everything else around.
Yesterday, put on one of my new set of dungarees, went to party at Mumbles, lots of fun---goodbyes for the summer---told every one that I as leaving things open...true? Not sure. Hunger pangs began at party, could have stayed and ate at Mumbles, but instead, opted for Professor Tom's, wanted to watch Red Sox game, did not realize that NBA final was about to start. Went there, bartenders very friendly, again made me feel at home. Watched some of the game, but left as basketball game began; too crowded and noisy---not a very good game anyway, from what I heard.
After that, not ready to return home, but to go....where? All the city before me, kind of tired, got some yogurt and fruit at one of the nearby yogurt shops, walked a bit, felt tired, finally took subway home at eighth and Broadway.
Rest of day, not sure, might go to Lincoln Center library and read some of Tony Tanner's Shakespeare book, tonight tentative plan is to go to Ars Nova and see the work of someone that I met briefly at Jack a few weeks ago. Should be over by 8:30, not sure what to do after that, could go to Lansdowne Road and watch some baseball.
Possible jury duty on Monday; I have to call in Sunday to find out, Although I can get out of it due to my age, might want to see if I can get on a case and make some money; even a little will implement what I have now.
That's all, let us see how things progress....

Lazy afternoon.....

this morning, finally pushed myself to go down to Old Navy, bought two pairs of dungarees, first in a long time, will take the heat off those that I have been wearing out.
Sitting in Lincoln Center Library, on the computer, have one tutoring session today, and then will go to the staff and faculty party, probably at Mumbles (will have to confirm this).
Still another statement on the ay report, about people being kept up all night for the so that the building can continue, sounds inhuman to me.
Yesterday, returned from Brooklyn to seventh avenue to see CPD's musical evening, which I was invited to on facebook. Nice guy who I got to know at last summer's fringe---three music pieces, I was not feeling well so that may have had something to do with it, but I felt alienated and out of place as I listened to the three pieces (they were well performed, by the way). Also very tired, so that may have had something to do with it. Returned home and went to bed.
Woke up this morning with a restless feeling. WNYC had the Zipcar  founder on---made me want to explore renting a car this summer, maybe take it up to New London to see an Eastern League game. Have not driven since a lesson in 1995---a long time, have been scrupulously avoiding it but it might be meaningful for me to take a car trip this summer---see how this plays out---don't think that I would have a problem driving.
Other than that, just let things continue, tomorrow looks like a totally free day....

Third day of....

"freedom"---felt it strongly last night when I realized that I could stay out as late as I wished, no worrying about being called early in the morning, or having to leave around 7 for Friends. Totally different mind set. Seems like there are an amazing amount of choices available to me, but nothing certain comes to my mind. No real plans until the Fringe (if it happens) of course some tutoring, but not a great amount. Do I want to see movies, plays, or just walk endlessly through the city? Not sure---waiting for the "revelation" to let me know, if indeed, it chooses to arrive.
Yesterday, determined to see a complete basketball final game, I accomplished that goal at South Fourth, a great place to see and think about it because there were only about six of us watching.
Went because my buddy and good actor Merlin was there, bartending, had seen his performance in the Stein plays (ugh!---sorry just not that esoteric) and wanted to compliment him on his hard work and check in with him. Was joined by a few other serious basketball watchers, and we watched the game, which was actually kind of boring by my standards, Golden State didn't even begin to play until the fourth quarter. Game ended and I returned to Manhattan, walking up Bedford, as I usually do to the L.
Today, after session will probably go back into Manhattan and see Colin's musical evening---have not seen him since last summer's fringe, nice and interesting guy, excellent musician, would really like to be supportive. Will get tickets at the last moment, hope that does not exclude me, I doubt it, but if so, then will simply find a sports bar and watch some games.
Will report back tomorrow.

return from....

Baltimore, around 10 last night. Fascinating trip, don't know how much I can actually describe here, yesterday was mostly all walking in different neighborhoods. Calm and placidity seem to dominate; no real sense of violence in the last two months having much effect on the neighborhoods that I visited. Streets very calm. The few people that I interacted with had very little to say about problems.

Love the quietness and softness of the Baltimore streets. So many of them that i walked through are simply brownstones or small houses. Apartment houses are usually only four stories. "Luxury"  apartment houses in mostly downtown stick out like a sore thumb.
Saw Marley, the musical at Center Stage based on the life of Bob Marley on Saturday evening. Lots of energy, very good acting, musical goes on about a half hour too long, a little too episodic, but the music is great. Biggest surprise of the evening was meeting CJ, Friends class of 09 in the dining room where he is a server. Was there with his girl friend Tina; she seems very nice and committed to him. Did not recognize him at first; he seems to have evolved into a very different person, but I was very glad to see him, and he felt our meeting was meaningful to him, since he has separated himself a lot from those years at Friends. Hope that this may bring him back into contact with some of the class.
Graduation tonight, always fun...looking forward to it.
Very tired this morning, after yesterday's long walk and then trek from Baltimore station to Philadelphia station to trenton via local, but saved a lot of money so it was all worth it. Amtrak is simply to expensive for me at this point.
That is all for now---more, hopefully as I re-assimilate myself to New York in the coming week.

interesting morning....

for the next three months will wake up without either knowing that I was going to Friends, or might be via early morning phone call. That makes both nights and days different. See how that plays out.

Interesting: most recent Magpie, Friends lit magazine, in this issue there is much more emphasis on bonding between sexes, sex itself and romantic feelings. Almost startled me as I read it as previous issues (or at least as I have construed them) seem less about feelings and more involved with intellect.
Web site spoke of "accomplishments" of "D.D."  Repugnant, if you ask me. Another man with absolutely no ethical vision of the city.
Last night tired, after session with Robert, returned home, rested, then planned to watch the NBA final in one of the neighborhood bars, only to find out that they were packed. Decided instead to go to the Greek place across from Symphony Space. Like their BLT, decent ambiance. Read "Insight" Friends newspaper. Two good articles, one on Freddy Gray issue (but no student comments) and a good review by Riley about the musical.
Rest of the day will mostly revolve around plans for tomorrow's Baltimore trip. Have to leave house around 6:30 to arrive at bus place (now located at 33rd and 11th)  to embark. No taxi from my apartment, plan is to take subway to 34th, then walk or perhaps catch crosstown bus to 11th avenue. Determined to do that.
What to expect in Baltimore...? Not sure, will visit with my two friends, Robin and Michael, who is in Marley musical that I am seeing.Possibly hang out with Michael and some of his actor friends from the show after the performance. Trying to understand the general atmosphere in the city in light of the recent upheavals. Alternative universes...? We will see. Any impact from Sandtown Winchester on non-effected parts of the city...?  Will try to talk to people, decide if I will return for at least one more visit.
That's all for now, report on Monday...

two days....

from now I will be riding on the Bolt Bus to Baltimore. Not sure exactly how I feel about this trip, wonder what I will find there. None of the three people that I have spoken to since the Freddy Gray incident have demonstrated any kind of anxiety about being in the city. So I guess it is up to me to find out. Remain in Baltimore until Sunday at 5. Saturday will see the musical at Center Stage that my friend Michael is performing in; Sunday, not so sure how the day will be spent, probably some walking and a visit to a Sports Bar to watch baseball in the afternoon. Return Sunday night in time for graduation on Monday.
Yesterday, missed Senior Dinner because I was too exhausted after an (unexpected) day of work and a tutoring session in Brooklyn. Simply had no more energy. Did get to see the short film at Kyra and Alli made during senior project showings---glad I did, it was a lot of fun. Today will attend final assembly (last chance to see underclassmen before the year ends, then not sure about afterwards, my friend Merlin is in a play at Connelly in the east village---want to see it, because of trip, tonight seems the most viable evening to check it out, we will see.