two days after....

return from Baltimore, I remember the grueling trip. Amtrak to Wilmington, local to Philly. Short stop in Philly station for some food. Wrestled with the idea of parking carrying bag and wandering around the city near the station for a while, but finally decided not to---took septa local to Trenton and then a New Jersey transit "express' that only took one hour to get to NY. Incredibly cheap, but the 5.5 hour trip did seem to take its toll. Yesterday a little tired, did tutor one student, but spent evening in apartment, not really able to sleep, but without much energy. A short walk down Amsterdam from about 79nth to 84th did not change things, and appetite was really not up for a beer.
So had some yogurt from 16 Handles and returned home.
This evening, plan is to go to La Flaca and watch a great deal of the Mets game with (probably) Bob and others. Lots of interesting movies to see, don't really know when I will get to them, weekend unplanned but lots of options. Will report as it goes along.

leaving Baltimore....

this afternoon---must wait for assigned AmTrak time, otherwise would leave earlier.
So what has this trip accomplished? Kind of in love with the streets surrounding the hotel and the Mount Vernon area. Love the architecture, kind of enjoy the quiet. Nice sense of separation from the
"grungier" parts of Baltimore. Wonder what it would be like to live there for an extended time, however will probably not be able to find out.
Time to return to NY, get back to the "real world" two tutoring sessions tomorrow, one the next day.
Yesterday, after Pratt, not much else, went to Owl Bar for lunch, gorged myself on a blue cheese salad, silly, had very little appetite for dinner, neither did Robin, ate a really nice French restaurant, then returned to hotel, thought I might hang out at the bar, but was too tired, remained in hotel room.

Somehow a lot of anxiety in the night, as I woke several times between 11 and 6. Why? Not sure, keep looking out at the window at Parking Lot across the street from the hotel---see no people, is that why?
So we continue, will take the trip this afternoon, not sure how to spend time until then, may go over to Station North part of town, explore there, maybe.....

second day...

in Baltimore, now again at Pratt, around 11, lots of heat in the city, will meet Robin for dinner around 6.
Yesterday, walked to ball park from hotel, must be about 10 blocks, almost due south. Went down Howard Street to see what was there. Lots of street people on the block, also people waiting for light rail, which travels on the street. Struck between street people congregation in the same spaces where lofts and apartments for young professionals have been created. What is it like to live in those buildings? Do the street people remain through the evening, or are they dispersed? Thought about this as I walked to Camden Yards, got a nice ticket in the upper deck, right behind home plate for $15.00. Wandered around the ball park before seating, ramps in the back are vast, looked at different areas that surround the ball park, then went to seat.
Game began, first batter was Nick Markakis, former Oriole and one that was liked very much by fans; we all got up and stood for him as he took his place at the plate---a very moving moment---shows both the game and the fans at their best.
Game was a "pitchers duel", no scoring for first six innings---you might call it a close game, but for me it was just another example of two weak hitting teams playing each other.
Had a great time, really great to be in a ball park rather than watch on TV, and follow each play from its beginning to its end, with my eyes. Still left after six innings for various reasons---walked east on ball park street, than another, until I came to Charles. Moved very quickly down the first few blocks of North Charles, by 300 block, several bars and restaurants were open, drawing, I suppose because it was Monday, a fairly small crowd. Some runners out, some young professionals returning home; since I am not accustomed to streets with few people on them, I walked incredibly quickly.
Arrived at my Hotel, the Indigo (very pleasant stay, by the way) and went upstairs to chill out. Returned to lobby a few minutes later and sat at the bar for a while, ordered a beer, but really too full to drink much of it.
No real conversation there, so I returned to my room and fell asleep.
Today, before library, wandered around the streets near the hotel, what the city calls the Mount Vernon area. Fairly placid, some, but not many people on the street---interesting how many new apartments are being built in the area. Wonder how filled each of the buildings are.
What would it be like to live in this area? Very quiet at night---streets fairly empty, yet one never hears of any crime in the area. Some of the brownstones on the streets surrounding the hotel, are very beautiful.
Will continue this exploration in the time that I have left.
What about after this? Afternoon could be spent in the library, or in the Walters, which is free to all. Still remember meeting Karen C at Walters on that Saturday after our (at least for me) "amazing" hook up the night before.
(but we were friends before that). Long memory after 51 years, but still remains, Had to bring it up. Will continue tomorrow, before my trip home...

at the Pratt library...

arrived in Baltimore by bus around 11:30. Nice trip, really very short, hard to sit cramped up in one place (the bus did not stop) but with very little traffic, trip was very effective. Checked in at Hotel, really nice, seems to have everything (Flat screen TV; don't have to leave the room, if I want) and close to Camden Yards, which I will go to tonight, and hope that the rain leaves the game alone

Now I sit in Pratt Library, the city's major library, located only a block away from the hotel. Library seems to be a microcosm of city---some intellectuals around, but especially by the computers,  many poor people, who have really no other way of getting on the internet. There is something startling about the diversity of the people, many seem "poor" in a way that is very different from what you seem in NY. Mostly different in dress and speech. They seem to occupy an almost different sphere. Somewhat unsettling, but that is what a free library is supposed to be, open to all.
Yesterday, went to Brooklyn, visited the library, then met Ben B for coffee, really super conversation about the Assembly project and other things theatrical---glad that we met. After that, returned to city (manhattan) and went to Standings the baseball bar that was pretty empty except for myself and Gary, the owner. Some good baseball talk.
Getting tired after that, decided not to go back into Willamsburg, instead headed home.
Did not sleep much last night, as I debated the merits of this trip, and whether I really wanted to take it. However once the morning came, the ambivalence disappeared, and I got to the bus early.
So, here I am, not sure what I will do between now and the game, don't want to vegetate in the hotel room, though it seems somewhat "easy"  Would like to find some place to sip coffee, will probably end up at Starbucks. That is all, will continue report on the visit tomorrow.

last night at the...

movies, Some Came Running at the Walter Reade, made in the late fifties, part of the Frank Sinatra brief weekend retrospective. An odd experience---really sophisticated and laid back moments that look so interesting---but also moments that seem labored and obvious. Great performance from Sinatra, and Shirley MacClaine as the unsophisticated girl who can't let him go.Left with a strange, detached feeling, went to Lansdowne Road, for sports, as usual, pretty loud and gross, but Mel, a terrific waitress bartender was there to greet me, so that made it all worth while, Stayed amidst the chaos for about two hours, watched two baseball games closely, and had a portion of french fries, which I really did not need.
Usual night last night---odd dream, about Friends, got over it and just had a nice tutoring session with a new student.
Today, will try to get into James' musical at NYMF, then maybe go to Bushwick Starr for work in progress tonight at 9. Will see....

beautiful day marred....

by passing construction on northwest corner of 82nd street and columbus on my way to the library,
Horrible smell emanating from there, smelled like waste---worker I passed had a mask on, now, a half hour later, can still feel the stink that I absorbed. Hope there are no after effects. Another example of how real estate needs overtake all others in the city.
Last night; Attended FUREE meeting, long, lots of venting from many of the participants, still have not gotten used to that---meeting was held in the projects on York Street, three blocks away from the extravagance that is DUMBO---during the meeting while others were venting I thought of how when the meeting ended, I might visit one or two of the bar restaurants two or three blocks away. Of course, the majority of the people at the meeting, lived in the projects---when the meeting was over, they would simply return to their homes---understand the difference between me and them. Several high end new residences with terraces are either across the street from the projects, or on the next block. Still stunned by the closeness, but not much I can do about it. Next block north is very nice, placid, seems like a very different world. But the project area itself, populated with people, both when I left and when I arrived, seemed very mellow and friendly. Will try to attend next meeting with head of the project for the city, just as a matter of support.
Afterwards, not clear about what to do, could not see a tv in any of the Dumbo establishments that I checked, hated to leave Brooklyn, but decided that the best place for me to watch the Mets game would be La Flaca, so jumped on the F, and was there very quickly, game was on, of course, good to see Bobby again, and a few others that I have become friendly with there. Good choice----afterwards was not ready to return home, walked (as usual) to the Bean, had a very rich cup cake, and then took the subway home. Slept well, and got up late, body tired, but feeling quite optimistic about things until event mentioned above.
Tonight, plan to see the Sinatra film, Some Came Running, which I did not see in 1959--Lincoln Center having a Sinatra festival, it is kind of short, don't think I can see any of the others.Also today want to go to Theater Row and get tickets for musical theater play that my friend James is in, that he also wrote, and maybe Annie Baker's play as well.
All is planned for the trip to Baltimore Monday morning, we will see what happens....

oh what a....

night! Yes, perhaps a defining moment! Evening began with a subway trip to Bergen Street in Park Slope, stopped off at Coffee, had their defining cafe americano---then on to Plan B, to make sure that I had payed my bill on Sunday (thought I had not, but apparently I had) then to library briefly before taking off for Kingston Avenue and fund raiser for SOS. Once 3 train passed Franklin, the train was predominantly black, but as I got off at Kingston, thought I saw my actress friend Kristen---it was her---she walked me to the fund raiser that was being held in a neighborhood bar on Kingston near Saint Johns Place---she joined me and we went in, payed our contribution, and sat down in a quiet place. Had a good conversation with her; she is doing very well on the "downtown theater" circuit; we discussed pros and cons of getting a better paying job in a superficial television sitcom that would enable her to make some good money and then come back to NY and do theater. Will that happen? Would she be happy with it?  Well, no matter, Roosevelvis, her two character play with Libby, will be shown in London, Boston and Minneapolis and she has some other work as well. She left to return to her apartment, and I stayed, had good conversations with Heather and Kenton, both of SOS. Really liked the vibe from the party, volunteered after Baltimore trip to help out at SOS with some data entry. Left, feeling very "up" waited on Kingston for bus that would take me to Graham and Broadway, It came, and thus began a long and winding (but very fascinating) trip north through the rest of Crown Heights, and then all through Bed Stuy, until arriving at Broadway. As it was dark there was much I could not see; should take same trip in the afternoon, sometime soon to get a better look at the surroundings, Throop Avenue has many tenements on it even as they are around the corner from some beautiful brownstones. At Broadway, wanted to take the bus into Williamsburg to meet Emma, but bus was slow, therefore I walked from Graham all the way to South Fourth and Berry. Interesting walk, there are still patches that are basically undeveloped, even as the area around them has gotten wealthier. Geography of Brooklyn never ceases to amaze me.
Got a message from Emma that she could not make it; hopefully will see her after Baltimore trip---but Kim and later Cliff were at South fourth and had a good and long conversation with them. Walked to north seventh, took the L back to Manhattan, both the L and the connecting 3 were very prompt; seemed like I arrived at 72nd street in a very short time.
Tonight; FUREE meeting, not sure after that, I am invited to a performance at Silent Barn in Bushwick---may go (have to get some facts before I leave this computer) or may do something else; we will see,,,,

should be....

meeting Emma M tonight, sometime in the mid-evening. Should be fun. Would like to tell her about my meeting with CJ and girl friend in Baltimore, last time. Rest of day, not sure---just found out there is a fund raiser for SOS (Save Our Streets, Crown Heights) on Kingston Avenue around 7; should go there, also visit Plan B, to make up for beer order that I think I never payed for (forgot to sign my name on receipt---I think). Then head north to Williamsburg---probably will hang out at South Fourth while I wait for Emma. That is the plan as of now.
Yesterday, had a really heartening session with my student, seven year old Jonathan. His reading skills really seem stronger. Too bad I am only seeing him once a week in the summer, but even so, he seems to be building confidence that he can take with him into his classroom when he begins second grade in September. Returned home to a cleaned apartment and felt very tired---too tired to really travel, so I rested for a while, listened to Yankee game on Radio, then went out for a beer. Thought that the Dive Bar on 95th street and Amsterdam would be good, but found it very crowded---went to Thalia Bar in the middle of their trivia night. Had an Amstel light, and followed (but did not play) in the game. Most teams were 40 and under---saw one team made up of "middle aged" folk, kind of heartening to see (I don't think they did that well)  but the rest were all, as I said, much younger. Did not ask to join a team, but offered one answer to nearbye table, which was promptly rejected. (It was a wrong answer anyway, but I thought I had it) I think of the eighteen questions that I heard, I only got one correct. So it is probably a good idea that I did not play. I had picked up the Voice at a kiosk nearbye, and was reading about a Spanish coffee shop that has been in business for about 30, on a block that covers 160th street and Broadway, and is now being thrown out by the new owners. Focused on that while the Trivia game was going on; seems that these worlds were very diverse. Did the people playing trivia know about the street that was bought up and evicted all the businesses on it? Another example of the "two worlds" in the city that people seem to inhabit.
Anyway, that seems to complete things, will continue, tomorrow...

was the night....

a disaster...? Not quite, but when I got to the Starr at 8, expecting an interesting Reading of a New Play, the door was locked---what did that mean...? Was the Reading canceled...? Finally, after waiting around for a few minutes, a couple who lived in the apartment house, let me in (although they questioned where I was going) and I walked up to the Starr, only to find that it was locked. What happened, did I read the e-mail announcing the reading, wrong. Ironically enough I can't find the e-mail, so I can't even check it. Since I was in Bushwick, decided to go to Pine Box Rock Shop, a bar nearbye on Grattan and watch some baseball. Arrived there and found it very mellow, watched some of the Kansas City-Pirate game with a guy named Alex, later it got more funky and crowded; I was getting tired and left. Mixed feelings about returning on Wednesday for Trivia---have not played trivia for a long time. Anyway, that will work itself through as we get closer to it.
Took L back to city, but stopped off at Bedford, and took a brief walk around one or two blocks. Why? Not sure---maybe simply did not want to return to Manhattan so quickly.
As for tonight, will see how I feel after lesson--probably will go to a baseball bar to watch the first of the Baltimore-Yankee important series. Which bar.../ That will depend, probably a Manhattan one, maybe Standings, or Lansdown Road, or....La Flaca another possibility. We will see.

busy day....

yesterday----first a walk in the heat to Jack and also a walk in search of a Chase Bank. Did not find one. Took Fulton Street bus to Nostrand, but could find nothing in this newly gentrified area---waited for bus to take me back to Fulton and Waverly---but did not come, so I walked the full distance in the heat.
Meeting very productive, met a lot of interesting people, glad I came, anti gentrification network taking shape. Not sure what role I will play in it---still ambivalent about marching (although less so with current Mayor) but offered to do some important office work for the group-- just inputting new members; I could do that very well.
Problem still haunts me---to be of it and not of it. Explanation later.....
Saturday evening---a play at HERE called At the Table---unique for me because I knew no one in the cast or involved in it; simply seemed interesting. It was---eight actors played with incredible authenticity in this play which dealt, to some extent, with privilege and the role race plays in it. Was glad I saw it---strange to see a "straightforward" play, that is one in which the narrative never shifted.
Afterwards, walked to Sixth Ave and Houston, had a pizza slice, too tired to "hang out" decided instead to go home---usual problems with sleeping, however that did not deter me from the long day I had yesterday in Brooklyn.
After meeting, walked up to Plan B where I had a beer and watched Yankee baseball, left (possibly without signing debit card check) and then felt very hungry as I walked to the Chase (finally) at Flatbush and Grand Army Plaza. Then bus to BARK, a nice hamburger decided to attend BAM film called Sherman's March---but it was at 7, and it was only 5 when I bought the ticket. What to do..?
Read a lot of Atticus Lish's novel, very strong---and had an ice coffee at Annex, that new place on Fulton, that everyone seems to go to.
Movie was bland---I guess you can say disappointing, however, I did not feel emotionally ready to absorb the Amy WInehouse movie, which was my other choice. The blandness of the Sherman movie was much more suited to my mood, so when I left after an hour, I was not particularly upset. Lots of attendance for the movie at BAM, surprised---theater was over five sixths filled---must be a lot of interest in the revivals that the cinematheque shows. Took the long and winding subway home, still had trouble sleeping, even with all the tiredness my body was experiencing. What can you say...got to see it through.
Finally used Fan which I have been withholding from myself and it made a big difference.
Today, after library, not sure---do not want to go to a movie today----going to a reading at Bushwick Starr tonight, should be fun--will probably rest before hand, but maybe not...should finish the Lish novel, as it is due on Wednesday. That's all for now...

so the carnage.....

just read in Baltimore Sun about an out of work father who killed himself and his two boys---why must this stuff go one...? Yesterday, listening to the one year anniversary program of the Eric Garner death---actually heard his cries on tape---finally hit me in all its horrors.
Question: can I or anyone of my generation consider my life as a success (or something close) if this problem still continues, 52 years after the March on Washington? Do all of the material acquisitions that have been acquired have any meaning in the light of what is still going on. Can it be solved...?
Statements must be made--tomorrow will attend meeting at Jack dealing with rampant gentrification in Brooklyn---see how that plays out.
Yesterday, before listening to WNYC,  went to library to find out about possible future children to be a replacement tutor for for a few weeks in August, will find out more about that on Monday, after visit to library (on 145th and Amsterdam) walked over to 147th and Riverside and read the L Magazine's very funny take on the last 12 years in Brooklyn. L will now not have a print version, too bad, will miss it, even if it was getting slighter and slighter by the week. 147th and Riverside a great place to read in the summer, lots of shade and a sense of things being very mellow.
Evening: attended Assembly's work in progress at Ohio Space, sorry to say I was very disappointed---kind of a stale take on family problems, narcissism and ageing. Characters very repetitive. Love that group, really do not want to say anything bad about their work, did mention to Ed that the father's character was very obvious. Maybe will meet with Ben or Emily in the next few weeks. Hope they take my discussion seriously, though they seem very locked into the project's vision.Thought of a lot of different things during the moments in the play that I found repetitive. Konstantine in Act IV of the Seagull; why I did not have enough money to produce a longer run of Home/Sick. Nice to say hello to Ben's parents--they seemed very gracious.
Afterwards, had a beer at Formerly Crows, again treated very graciously there, watched the end of the Yankee game, decided to leave--then, faced with a decision--to eat "out" and spend about $10.00 plus, or to take some chicken in for about $3.00, budgeting properly. Chose the latter, pleased about how I managed my money, but was in too early---had trouble falling asleep, finally made it but did not sleep fitfully, should stay out longer tonight.
Rest of day: plan is to go to Bushwick Starr for a work in progress this afternoon, then have my ticket to At The Table at HERE, a play about which I have heard good things, but unlike most of the plays that I see, I don't know anyone in it.
Tomorrow the meeting at Jack...after that....?

The carnage.....

continues----just read about the death of Sandra Bland in Texas; how can we train policemen to behave this way? It is simply frightening. Sometimes I feel that all the "art" in the world is useless as long as this brutal kind of racism is going on. And it isn't as if we allow it----these policies are made by others, nevertheless, something must be done. So I will continue with this blog describing last night, a night completely cut off from any racial problems---but it is important for me to stay involved.
Last night; did join the rush ticket line at 10 by 12; arrived at 6:30---surprised at how many people were there---I was about number 8. Had two good conversations: one with an actor named Zak who was in Two Gentelmen at Theater for a New Audience Home in Brooklyn, and the other with a Saint Anne's sophomore named Fred, who goes to the theater a lot and also knew two or three people that I have had contact with in the past. One of them, his Shakespeare teacher named Nancy, is the very same women with whom I worked on  my first scene in Milton Katselas' class in September of 1965. Wow! I was just at the beginning of things then, she was a bit older than I, understudying in a Broadway play called The Right Honorable Gentleman (not a success) at the Billy Rose (now Nederlander) theater. Actually did some rehearsing in one of the dressing rooms there. The scene was from Barefoot in the Park; I think I was totally awed by the situation---we performed it for Milton and the class---he gave us both good criticism---I never spoke to her again (that is the way it is in theater). I wonder if she has any memory of this at all.
The play 10 by 12 was a little less then I expected, mostly about a tech---that morphs in act II into a deep appreciation of just the process of doing theater. Some very moving moments, others that just seemed to go over ground that any theater person would be familiar with. Story that ends the play is about a bunch of young actors, fighting it out to get the play on while dealing with regular jobs to pay their rent. Anyone who loves theater will appreciate it---yet it also can be seen as a bunch of (probably) white kids from prosperous families, living in a "post racial" world where what I describe in the beginning of this blog is disregarded. The two people who recommended that I see this strongly were both young---probably more exited by the play than I was.
Afterwards, a long walk, stopped off at the Bean, walked from Canal and Broadway to Canal and Allen, to 14th and 2nd. Baseball returns tonight.
Tonight will see my "buddies" at Assembly---looking forward to some good stuff, will keep you posted......

so here we go.....

Thursday---a lazy day so far, simply stayed around the apartment until about 11, then down to Lincoln Center Library where I am now.Last night did not go down to Soho Rep to try to get a rush ticket to 10 by 12, the plan is to go tonight. If I get in, it will mean four plays in three days, as tomorrow I have the Assembly Project at Ohio Space and Saturday just made reservation for At the Table (don't really know why---don't know anyone connected to---just sounds interesting) and should visit Bushwick Starr for work in progress in the afternoon. So much theater! Can you deal with it, cityboy..? Are not we being a little too obsessive about all of this? Possibly. but decision has been made, so I should be there.
Last night, awoke from nap around 6, not a lot of energy, so figured I should not try to make the play at Soho Rep, instead decided to visit friend Erin, who bartends at Burp Castle on Wednesday. Good choice, we hung out for about an hour, that bar is always an easy one to socialize in and the energy for quiet conversation is excellent. Nice, focused conversation, left feeling very "whole". Also bumped into Friends faculty Erin and Stefan, spoke to them briefly--this added to the niceness of the evening.
Not much else to say, will remain here probably after computer use, try to "be cool" in preparation for tonight's play. If I don't get in, several choices, there is a movie (free) at Abrons Arts, or I could go to Williamsburg and hang out with Shayla (Sweetwater) and then do Karaoke at South Fourth. So it won't be a tragedy if I don't see the play, however have a feeling that I will, will report back on this tomorrow.
Tomorrow WNYC is devoting much time (maybe the whole day)  to the Eric Garner tragedy, will try to listen to as much of it as I can....

took the plunge...

after thinking seriously about spending a little more money to stay at the Hotel Indigo in Baltimore, which had gotten very good reviews---decided to do it and have made my reservations for a week from Monday to a week from Wednesday. Good to stay in a hotel with a 24 hour person at the door, that was my main concern about not returning to Biddle Street, which actually I liked very much, but when one came in late, one did not know if they were the only person in the hotel. This is also closer to Camden Yards, as I hope to go to a ball game (Atlanta Braves) one of the two days, the other will probably have dinner with Robin. Hope to move around a bit as well, maybe visit Hopkins the second day in the morning. Not sure about when I will leave, prefer to take Amtrak to Wilmington and then go local all the way. Maybe actually move around Philidelphia as well. At any rate, we will see how all this progresses. Feeling kind of manic after taking this "plunge"---also introduced myself to Jess B, an actress whom I know from the "downtown theater group" whose work I see very often.
Last night----not too hungry around 8, finally went down to La Flaca, just as they were ending their Harry Potter-Friends trivia night (did not participate)---got a chance to check in with Bobby and Kelly, and had somewhat of a long conversation with bartender Page---she lives by the library on upper Amsterdam, and has visited the new bars that now line the east side of Broadway between
142nd and 143rd street---cannot believe that is happening---but it is.
Left around 10, found all star game really boring (well it is) and walked up Orchard to Houston to
Second, got an Anthology Film Archives Schedule---and walked to 14th street---took the crosstown bus to Seventh. Returned home by subway, slept decently, will say no more.
Tonight, we will see, tentative plans are to try to get in to 10 by 12, second choice, some trivia--actually leaning more towards that, but 10 by 12 is recommended by all who have seen it, and discussing it only strengthens my "cred".

free love it....

said on the poster outside Cobra, as I approached it yesterday before heading to Bushwick Starr for a reading, and that meant that my friend Susan was bartending. She was, and it was great because I had not checked in with her in a long time. We caught up, then I had an interesting conversation with a guy named Richard, who is a medical librarian at NYU, and has roots in the city. Good conversation that ended only because it was time for me to go to William's Reading at the Starr. Very much a work in progress but a fun one, with super actors, later I spoke to one, Zoe, who urged me to see 10 by 12 at Soho Rep, will probably go  and try ty get a rush ticket one of the three free nights that I have this week. Left the Starr on a high level of exhiliration, but where to go after that. Did not want Pine Box; then at Lorimer, thought that Pete's Candy Store might be good, but too crowded and too hot, tried Richlane but seemed the same, figured I would just head back to Manhattan when came upon a basically empty bar right off Bedford called Wild Ginger. Bartender was very friendly, we watched Home Run Derby together while I had a kind of heavy beer. Like the place, even if it was empty---great television reception, might be fun to visit during baseball season. Returned home in a good mood.
Tonight, not sure, did not sleep particularly well last night, so might be tired; only game on is the All Star game, which I generally do not like, but might watch it tonight. Then it is two nights with no baseball, since the teams take the extra (Thursday) off. One of those nights I will try to get into 10 by 12----right now I am feeling very energetic...will continue soon...

What now...

so much seems to be going on. Reading tonight at Starr---looking forward to that.
Just read about continuing violence in Baltimore and what the new police chief is faced with as he takes over. Still planning to visit sometime in the next two weeks (probably Monday 27 to Wed 29) but have yet to make any plans or put down any money. Still hoping to stay at Biddle Inn, though would not mind staying near Hopkins. All to be figured out
Some weekend reports.
Saturday: Planned to attend Ford retrospective at Museum of Moving Image, but subways were so bad on Saturday afternoon, that I could not make it---stopped off at a diner in LIC that I had been meaning to go to for a while--had ice coffee and a very rich cheese danish---enjoyed it while watching the game, but have a feeling I payed for it later.
Finally did get to see a movie--What Happened Miss Simone, a really intense and brilliant look at Nina Simone's life--great to see how involved she was with the Civil Rights Movement. Afterwards stopped at Formerly Crows, a place that is really friendly and really has some fairly inexpensive (for a bar) food. After that, still only 8 o'clock, for the next hour wandered around the west village, around Hudson, Greenwich Street, Westbeth, touched all the bases. For moments one can almost forget the high prices of the present and remember when apartments in those houses rented for $50.00 for a one bedroom, when artists in their twenties in the early and late fifties could live freely there. Time really stops, as I walked the not too crowded streets, only to be interrupted by the current noise from an outdoor cafe. Returned home fairly early--somewhat bombed out by the intensity of the Atticus Lish novel that I am now reading (it got mellower on Sunday) and spent a very restless night waiting for Sunday morning. Hot! I refuse to use even ancient fan that I have---had a dream that included the late Meir Ribalow whose play, Marmalade Skies, I produced in September of 83. In the dream he looked young as he did then.
Yesterday decided to build the day around visit to Zach at DBG bar in Greenpoint. Stayed there from about 1 to 4, good conversation, glad to hear that he is in a play by Lynn Nottage, who I really like. Then went to Cobra for a very rich donut and coffee, read a lot of Sunday times, then walked to DeKalb, bus to Broadway, Broadway bus to Williamsburg. South Fourth, usually where I hang out there was pretty crowded, did not want to stay---instead walked up Bedford and finally had  a slice of Pizza at Two Boots on Driggs. Returned home very tired--it was relatively early, but slept better and began the day, today.
Rest of week to include Assembly Play (should make reservation for it right now) the event tonight, and another event on Saturday at Bushwick Starr, Sunday's "Take Back our Streets" meeting at Jack
Have to decide whether to see 10 by 12, at Soho, and whatever else...report back tomorrow.

amazing evening...

at Jack, as I returned to Flako's piece, How to Make it in Black America--quite a few people in the audience that I knew, good discussions around problems of racism, classism, etc. One gentelman who was there heads an anti-gentrification group of activists who are meeting at Jack next Sunday, told me about the meeting---invited me to come---I am planning to. Flako glad to see me---I feel it is important to attend theater events that deal with race and class in the city, as too few do. It is so easy to simply "move out", emotionally of that problem by attending movies, plays or concerts that (however serious and possibly brilliant) simply avoid examining it. Look, Lincoln Center Movies is having a Judd Apatow festival this weekend; should I attend one of those films (which i have not seen before) and simply "forget" the problems of racism? Well, as Flako said, it is important to continue the dialogue, and not avoid it.
Afterwards, did not want to go home immediately, walked around the corner to the Hops bar, but as usual, decided not to go in. Not too crowded, still I am somewhat intimidated by it. Instead went to
"old reliable" Mullanes, knowing that the crowd would be less interesting, but as soon as i got there and ordered my beer, a young man named Douglas involved me in a conversation---interesting guy who does auto mechanics and lives in Sheepshead Bay---and it continued for most of my stay. I told him about the play (he is black) and urged him to go and see it in the next two days. He was with two friend, who were also very nice. He comes there every Friday, and invited me to meet him there again---possibly I will, anyway, it was just the conversation and experience that I needed--left to get on the two or three train feeling quite happy about the way the evening went.
Next two days are totally open---but don't feel compelled to create a structure for them, the energy seems more towards just finding a place to hang out and read, and letting what happens, happen.
Could go to Thunder (trenton) game tomorrow at 5, but won't make up my mind until time comes.
Anyway, we will see...

so today...

listened to Lehrer re broadcast on race problems, some interesting callers and panelists but not much that is different----anyway, will go to Flako's piece at Jack tonight, am sure something galvanic will happen, glad that I am returning to the play, a little apprehensive as to how things will play out---but should be interesting.
Last night: did attend first part of Shakespeare Druid production of Richard II, very bored by it, acting very dutiful, but nothing very interesting going on; can't see why they took an almost uncut version and then asked people to sit through Henry IV Part I. Direction efficient and straightforward but acting lacked any kind of sting. Left immediately at intermission, it was raining heavily, caught 11 bus, took me back to 79nth street and Amersterdam, grabbed a slice of pizza from the Jewish Pizza place that just opened (not very good) and then went to the bar next door where they were offering 1 dollar bud lights. Had one, watched the Saint Louis-Pirate game, then met Vlad, who had graduated from Friends in 05---he is now a therapist in the South Bronx, told him about Bronx Documentary Project---good conversation---glad I ran into him.
After that, went home.
Time to browse other sites, will make a report, tomorrow...

frustrated....

at this given moment---one of my Facebook Friends posted about bailouts that banks received from the government, this was in response to Greece crisis, but now, as my money seems to be depleting, not the greatest thing to read. Also, Lehrer's program that I missed last night will be rebroadcast tomorrow morning, should listen to at least some of it---lots of ideas come in my head, as I hear the comments, also today's show brought up some meaningful points---lots of ways to look at this problem.
Tonight, found a way of seeing first part of Druid Shakespeare's History project for a reasonable price, so I will go today to Part I, will see part II next week if part one works for me. Have never really been a fan of English acting---blurbs and interviews with people involved have really said very little about how the piece is different---at any rate will report tomorrow.
Last night, after last tutoring session with Mila, was tired but refused to leave Brooklyn, actually walked all the way from Cambridge Place and Fulton to Vanderbuilt and Prospect Place to go to Plan B, the sports bar where I could watch the Yankee-A game. Was there for about a little over an hour, treated nicely by bartender, no conversation, place seems rather cliquish, bill for a salad with cheese and a coke came to over
$16.00. Amazing! After tip it was 19, then another $6.75 for a after walking down Flatbush (north---god how many new restaurants have opened in the three blocks between Prospect and Bergen to Donut factory, and then to Coffee on Bergen, in the beginning of Park Slope, for a great (but expensive) cup of Cafe Americano.
So much for the "mystery" of Brooklyn, which you constantly tout to yourself every time you make a visit there---but, will be in Brooklyn at least twice more in the next three days, so maybe the excitement that you think is possible there will pan out.
Tired, today, will stay around neighborhood until it is time to go to Shakespeare---maybe watch a little baseball if I can find a cheap place to do that....

interesting portion of,...

Brian Lehrer show today about teachers teaching middle school and high school kids how to relate to Eric Garner---Ferguson---Baltimore police situation. Have some ideas of my own. Good program schedules for tonight at 7, where Lehrer will take calls from people from all over the country re this issue---will probably have to miss it because session with Mila goes to 7, and will be in Brooklyn, try to play a podcast of it tomorrow---would like to hear what people are saying re this.
Last night, finally saw Sound and the Fury at the Public---glad I did, found it much fuller and more vivid then last time---also much more familiar with the cast and their work---loved the flow of the whole piece, a totally realized piece of theater---afterwards felt awed---wondered where I was in all this, then grabbed a slice of pizza---went to see late baseball at Professor Tom's, hey I really like this place but people around me kind of obnoxious, did not stay as long as I might have liked.
Got an e-mail from Bushwick Starr today, now two days are set for next week, Monday and Saturday---no shortage of things to do and see, "non-structured" days seem to be working. Thinking about the trip to Baltimore in about two weeks---Boston seems like a bit of a pipe dream to me now, but who knows....anyway, not much more to say, will check in tomorrow...

the romance....

of the night, is that what cityboy found last evening, after he left the Dive Bar?  Possibly---lets back track a little. Finished the novel, We Are Not Ourselves in Bloomingdale Library. Returned to apartment, too tired to go downtown or to Brooklyn. Had a nice experience three weeks earlier at the Dive Bar (discounting bathrooms) so decided to check it out again, watch some baseball. Arrived, hoping to find bartender Rebecca, with whom I had had a nice talk three weeks previous. She was not there, but Olivia, another bartender was very accommodating, worked hard to find me a baseball game---made me feel at home---had a frank and a beer, watched for a while, decided to leave, but could have stayed at the bar. But it was just 8:30, much to early to return to apartment, no interest in a movie, where to then.? Decided to walk north on Broadway, check out (look into windows) the numerous bars that line the street---move up towards Columbia.
Arrived at 110th street, followed a black mother and her talkative child west on 111street, crossed Riverside to 112th, got a very specific feeling from the area, people out, much room on the street---finally returned to Broadway, walked up to bookstore on 114th--it has been there forever---on the bench outside was "The Letters of Leonard Bernstein"; I knew just where to look---Sondheim's letter to Bernstein in October of 57---after the opening of West Side Story, "Lenny" went to Europe, Sondheim was writing him a report about the recording session run by Godard Lieberson and a few adventures regarding illnessses, substitutions in the musical, etc. One interesting note, Carol Lawrence got ill during Somewhere, and her standby, Stephanie Augustine had to take over in mid show. Reading the letter---I felt that I was at home, knew all the references, a sense of belonging took me over. Wandered around the bookstore for about 15 minutes, by the end it was empty except for myself and the cashier. She saw me as I left, gave me a very warm smile---did not follow up.
Wandered to next block, 115th street, remembered that Paul Auster wrote in one of his memoirs that during a frantic summer in the late sixties, lived in a small apartment on this block. Stood there, thinking about that, feeling that there was not much distance between that moment and where I was now. Yes, it is about 48 years later, but...still, it was as if I could understand and identify completely with him.
Finished the walk by walking south on Amsterdam, passed the immortal Hungarian Pastry Shop, outside full, inside lighted (finally). Remembered how I never went in until my first "date" with
E. in March of 87. After that, particularly during the days after my mother's death (summer 88) went in there a lot, remember reading Updike short stories that summer, also while I was reading plays for the Playwrights Conference would take the 104 up Broadway, then go to Pastry Shop and try to read at least one of them. Somehow stopped a while ago, seems like a strange part of my past, don't know if I would go in today, at that time (late 80's and before) it was a phenomenon---the only place one could go into and sit for a long time, now of course...feel more at home at that place on Fulton Street in Brooklyn across from the bookstore.
Finished up along Amsterdam to 106th, checked out a few other bars, finally got in the subway and returned home---it was after 10, I had got what I wanted from the evening.
Tonight, plan is to try to see Sound and Fury, if not check out some games probably at Professor Tom's or maybe afterwards. We will see...

so what was....

it like, the weekend, that is. Remember...?  Friday, went to Brooklyn early, hung out with barista Jimmy and company at South Fourth, good to stop back there for some coffee...after that traveled over to West for a bagel and cream cheese---place was crowded, not as fun as my first visit with Ellie, then not sure what the future held or where to travel, walked up Lorimer and decided to take the bus south into the Bed-Stuy, Clinton Hill border---walked quite a bit from Grand to Broadway before the bus came---noticed how Throop and Harrison (which becomes Tompkins) are perpendicular to Lorimer, parallel to Broadway, while Bedford  which will soon be parallel to those 2, is perpendicular, about 10 blocks over, to Broadway. Optical illusion..? Possibly, anyway, arrived at Franklin and Lexington, wandered around, noticed a few new coffee places and restaurants, and then moved to Bedford and South to Jefferson where the Corner Grind sits, had some of their excellent ice coffee and decided if I was going to  Joe" Pub that evening to return home, rest a bit, and then go.
Which is what I did, got a ticket for Ali Grieb at Joe's Pub, 12 dollars but angry because I had to paly a cover around the same. Had my two spirites (would Joe Papp, for whom the pub is named, be appalled at those prices they charge) and watched Ms Grieb, good presentation but kind of generic in vision, hearty-hearty party vision a little overused by now. But she delivered the songs well,
Afterwards had Pizza and watched baseball at Standings--some good conversation there, but usual suspects---still, a good place to go for baseball immersion.
Saturday, hung around until cookout, went there, ate a lot, watched baseball, returned to the city and saw Stray Dog, the movie about the Viet Vet who grapples with his brutal memories and helps other returning vets from later wars. nice strong informative movie, great insight into the pain and guilt of a former soldier who had no choice but to enlist in the army in 68.
Sunday, knew I was going to Brooklyn in evening to see Flako's piece so to my surprise, stayed on UWS for the whole morning and afternoon. To be honest I was tired, but got out to Brooklyn early, outside the theater the police were breaking up a black CUNY and other NY colleges dance. Watched the very apolitical black young people strolling out of the party. Then the play began, very militant. encouraged participation, felt a little threatened but participated in the dialogue, always good to see Flako, will return on Friday (probably) want to participate more, and observe how the new audience creates dialogue with the performers (that was part of the play)
Walked from Waverly to Flatbush and Nevins---Fulton Street near BAM alive with "revelers" or at least  "eaters".  Got a three train immediately and went home.
Today, not sure what will happen after this, totally free, do I want to contact Monica about a visit, or should I just go with the flow. Brooklyn....? Lansdowne Road....the Dive....(with its shitty bathrooms).
Not sure, will reveal all tomorrow.

traveled with....

poverty last night, as I rode the 19 bus from 149nth and 3rd avenie to 145th and Broadway.
How did this happen? Tutoring lesson in Brooklyn canceled yesterday, with evening totally free, it seemed like a no-brainer to visit  Bronx Documentary Center and see Rubble Kings movie.So I did. I expected less of a mixed crowd, but apparently a large facebook display brought a lot of college kids from the suburbs, in addition to neighborhood residents. (one of them will be the college room mate of Max F at Wesleyan this fall). Full house, maybe too full, but movie strong and fascinating, dealt with taking control of the destiny of the poor kids in the south bronx--how the gangs realized that they were being exploited and banded together to stop the violence. Question and answer session was a little self-congratulatory, nobody referenced today until I brought it up. Positive feeling of the movie does not say how it game way to Guiliani-Bloomberg police offensive and the current state in the poor neighborhoods, where gangs from different projects fight each other. I brought that up (somewhat clumsily, I might add) and it was addressed, but vis-a-vis the other questions it seemed irrelevant (my conclusion). Left right after, said hi to Mike, who seemed happy to see me---I really like going to that place, and should remember to become an (inexpensive) member fairly soon.

For the trip back, decided not to get on 5 or 2 train at local station (149nth and third) but waited for the 19 bus to take me to Broadway and 145th, then a walk to Russell's,  the bar next to Harlem Public. Bus  ride, short in time, seemed long and anxiety making, it is not often I travel with mostly poor and middle class black and Hispanic people, though the neighborhoods we traveled through are gentrifying, it seemed sad that so many of these people seemed poor. Don't expose myself to that a lot, still feel anxious about it. Of course I could have taken a taxi, but we don't do that, remember--too expensive.
Arrived at Broadway and 145th, headed the 3.5 blocks to Russells, to my surprise, the blocks were pretty empty---Russell's semi crowded, had on both baseball games (and, of course, a soccer game). Nice bartender immediately took my offer (frankfurter and a beer) and I sat at the bar, watching the finish of both games---no conversations at all---a racially mixed crowd at the bar, more me than women, wish there was more contact, but still like the place. On the way back to 145th street passed several millenial couples, train
came fairly quickly.
So there you have it---I like being part of Bronx Doc, but understand that it takes me into a different class and race environment than I (who travels around the city a lot) am used to. Still plan to return when the next interesting presentation takes place.

first the bad...

news, a New York State Judge has okayed the expansion of NYU---something conservationists did not want---another victory for hard, cold real estate in the city, yes I know, NYU needs the space for its keeping itself update, but the state always sides with the more powerful,in NY,; that is something that I would like to see changed.
Yesterday, did go to reading, enjoyed it and seeing Sarah, Lucy, Eliza and Bailey, among others. Lots to talk about after the reading, should get in touch with Sarah and have coffee with her sometime soon. Had a nice conversation with Ann N, who was directing the last reading; I was too tired to stay for that---hope it went well.
Came home around 6, very tired, rested, not a lot of energy, had a nice snack and then decided to read
We Are Not Ourselves in a coffee place----needed to be outside the apartment and not very bar oriented last evening. Went to nice coffee place near Bar Thalia, read there----then waited for bus to come home---fifty years on the upper west side, kind of amazing when you consider it.
Many, many choices for the weekend. Six interesting documentaries (not counting the one I think I will go to tomorrow at Bronx Documentary Center) also a John Ford retrospective at the Museum of Moving Image. Never in my time in NY, has there been more cultural options---the city explodes with "culture"---but is that a good thing?  Could not see everything even if I tried.
Tonight will be tutoring in Brooklyn until 7. After that...? Could walk to either plan B (baseball immersion) or the neighborhood bar further down on Franklin---it always calls seductively to me but somehow I always manage to avoid it.One TV, possibly not in use, but many more options for contact and conversation. Could also check out some other places...Freddy's deeper into Park Slope.
Also maybe Trivia at Pine Box---don't go there enough, like it there---but at this point so many eating and drinking choices the whole thing becomes ludicrous.
One more option: Symphony Space is having a Gilbert and Sullivan sing along tonight, could return to Manhattan and experience it, since I love Gilbert and Sullivan---yet probably would get annoyed by it---would like to be in a leadership position when it comes to G and S. Also, kind of reaks of an upper west side "event"; not exactly what I feel comfortable with.
Anyway, a lot depends on how much energy I have to expand after the session with Mila.
Really enjoying the novel that I mentioned above, We Are Not Ourselves---strong story about a couple of Irish middle class Queens people, both professionals but both come from loveless marriages and fathers who dominated and could be cruel if necessary. So they live in a kind of strange, mostly loveless stasis. Really keeping me occupied, it is long, so I probably will read a lot of it on my travels during the long weekend.
Library will be closed after Thursday---may not post again till Monday, but may find time and place to do so. Hopefully...