So, it is...

over---ended around 5 tomorrow, then attended the final party (hot and crowded) at Drom yesterday evening. Can't remember a time of such concentrated work---50 box offices in 12 days. Just received a cancellation of a lesson planned for today, which means more free time (maybe to rest). How will I use it? Now that Fringe is over, must find an interesting book to read from the library, So many promises to myself about "serious" classic authors (Faulkner, Eliot etc.) will see what is possible.
The week is pretty open, should catch up with friends and places and neighborhoods that I have missed because of Fringe work---tomorrow, BAN meeting. All of this to be seen how it plays itself out.

Saturday...

and yes, one day to go. Hot today---two shows down already, feeling very tense and tight after the first one, much more relaxed after this one, may meet my friend Robin, after final show, she is seeing Annie Baker's John this afternoon, and then the Flick tomorrow (really should be the other way around to get the full power of Ms. Baker's vision, but that is how it turned out)  Should be tired, but might be able to do it anyway, might really be good for me to be out of the Fringe Zone (lower east side-alphabet city) for a while. Anyhow, we will see.
Yesterday, after Fringe---visited Erin at Burp Castle, next to Standings---nice conversation but brief, cut short by two of her other friends coming in and a lot of new customers, making the day not "slow" for her. Returned home after that, slept well, a little hung over, not by alcohol, but by eating too much, anyway, had no trouble being at Fringe on time.
Hotmail, is for some reason, out today, which is a drag, since I need my e-mail.
Next report, Monday, maybe will have some Fringe retrospective feeling, but basically it will be nice to have my own time (a little less structured) again

amped up.....

three more days of Fringe, then back to the real world. Really looking forward to it, Right now, I am feeling very intense----lots of energy for next three shows coming up. Already been to 145street Library, Fringe Central, Amalgamated Bank on 14th very near to fifth, and finally back to venue on East 4th street and now here in the library. Too much energy---going like it can't be stopped. Must call one of the parents of a new student---promised him last week I would call him today.
Not much else to say---not sure what next week will bring; will have meeting of BAN on Tuesday night, try to check out SOS Crown Heights, maybe see some movies etc. Lots to do; lots of choices.
Each night after Fringe, the mind is stimulated, but the body is tired, so usually return home Last night did stop off at Standings, the baseball bar I frequently attend, met a nice guy named Tom there, a white sox fan, and we chatted for a while while watching the end of the Pirates-Marlins game. Then went home--not too interesting, huh?
Well, such is life at this time---hopefully will have more to report and more imagination to reveal when the Fringe reaches its end Sunday.

This morning....

my two students missed their lesson-we had set it up last week---very strange, they and their mother are usually very reliable. So I went all the way up to 145th street and Amsterdam for nothing. Actually something, I took out a book of John Updike's short stories, have already read one or two of them---very disappointing---I have always liked Updike's short stories---these seem rather bland. Well, maybe it is me (or maybe not). Not much else to report, this is the first break of three that I have from Fringe work today---very hot again as usual---yesterday, spent last break having a coke and hummus at nearby bar---tried to watch Yankee game---loud conversations were a distraction---after I returned the equipment to the Fringe office, too tired to do much, but with an intense sugar need, went to gelato place on second between eighth and ninth street---had their cookies and cream---did not want to have a beer at Standings, even though I could have checked on the baseball scores---left feeling slightly "woozy" but nevertheless, successfully took the subway home. Woke up tired, but am in good shape now.
Not much else to say, Fringe continues its dogged journey of its last week, still have not seen anything since Monday a week---may not see anything until Encores, which will be announced soon.
Next week, with Fringe over and tutoring hopefully expanding, should be very interesting...

Fringe sails....

into its second week, I am going strong, it seems. Sunday morning, woke up after a long day (five shows) Saturday, feeling kind of woozy---but worked through it, Sunday was a good day---and woke up this morning around 5, amazed at how full of energy I was. Already did my laundry and deposited half my Fringe fee, before I took off---tough and long week a head, but don't think I shall have any problem handling it. Four shows, much better than the weekend five--problem has always been the breaks, usually a little less than two hours, can go to library during one of them, but others are more challenging. Since I eat fast, only can spend so much time in coffee shows or pizza houses. Well, this has always been the problem with Fringe since day 2 eight years ago. Can deal with it.
Other things----most nights too tired to "hang" after last show, but last night did go to Standings to check in on baseball scores, drink a beer, watch a little bit of the Pirates-Giants game and say hi to Sam, the bartender.
Only two fringe shows that I have attended were the first and fourth night---I have spoken about them previously--probably will see very few, if any shows for rest of Fringe's run. Might catch some (maybe Fuente Ovejuna) at Fringe Encores---but in the next few weeks, so many other options....
That seems to be all on my mind for now--miss the trips to Brooklyn, but those will return after the Fringe...

good day...

at the Fringe, yesterday, accomplished the five shows with no major problems. Other staff is very good to work with. Woke up this morning, body feeling kind of "crunched" (I guess that is the best word to describe it) took a little time for me to get it into gear, ate sandwich early to build energy. Just had some ice cream across the street from the 64 East 4 street main stage, after bringing in first performance---now at library. All should go well for the rest of the day (hopefully not too many long breaks); now have to find charger, which I was supposed to return to Fringe Central---did not realize it, now no one is sure where it is. How to work it out...? We will see.
Interesting article in Gothamist about problems that Farina administration at the Department of Education inherited from the past administration, and how they are not really trying to solve them.
Too bad, expected more from the current mayor. Then switched to article in Nation in which the writer contrasts his experience watching the Nets with his experiences as a young man living in a "SKeevy" area very close to where the Barclay Center is now. Found it very "intellectual" kind of self serving---really did not read the whole thing. I don't like it when a wrtier discusses changes in Brooklyn in the last twelve years, without commenting on the amount of wealth (and dislocation) that has poured into it. So now he lives in New Jersey...so what?
Not much else to report, most of the time have been too tired to do much after Fringe is finished, though mind is hungry, body is kind of tired, just get home and wait for the next morning. Did go into Standings yesterday during the break between the fourth and fifth show and watched baseball with a beer for a while. Day before visited the bar right near the theater and had a surprisingly good mac and cheese plate. But mostly events, plans etc, are on hold until the Fringe ends, a week from Sunday.
So it continues...hope will not be too censured for not finding charger---or maybe by now it has been found...

so it is all....

fringe now---four shows, sometimes five, with breaks; lots of moving around the area---including this visit to library on Jersey Street off Lafayette. My venue is 64 East 4th, kind of manageable, good people sharing the space with me. Not much else to say---probably won't get a chance to see many fringe shows, but being where I am will bring me more good conversations.
Tuesday night: final meeting of BAN before Fringe. Very intense work on messaging for the day of action. Glad I participated. Left feeling disheartened--bit events since then have demonstrated that there is more
dissentive (is that a word?) feeling in the city and that it is building. Will attend not the next meeting, but the one after that, first tuesday aftter the FRinge.
All action and no reflection...sort of...will continue soon...

the previous 48 hours....

have been all fringe. Came down to fringe central after lesson, as I had planned, found out that fringe box office supervisor Stephanie was having trouble covering one venue (ironically it was the one that I boxed officed last year) so I volunteered to take two shifts on Saturday, ended up doing all Sunday shifts (five of them) as well.  So the weekend was all action; very pleased with myself for doing it, now Monday morning, kind of exhausted. Yet interestingly enough, last night, returned to the apartment at around 11, should have been exhausted and slept easily into the morning, but that is not what happened. Instead at 2A.M. awoke to find myself full of energy, ready to go, amazed that my body, which I believed that I had taken to the limit the day before would be so unwilling to be tired. Yet there it was---alone in the apartment, much time consider all things that have brought me to this point (that is pretentious, I know) but at that time, without any computer or smart phone, that is all to be done. My body simply refused to be sleepy---though in all fairness, the heat may have had something to do with it. Finally around 4, must have dozed off. Woke up around 8, body finally feeling the "strain" of the last two days of fringe work, yet, have to state I really enjoyed myself at the Robert Moss (the theater that I covered) and am looking forward to starting again on Wednesday at my "own" venue, 64 east 4 street.
After finishing fringe on Saturday, headed for Tavern on the Green, despite tired state, made it, first time I have ever been in the place, much more laid back than I had imagined, kind of pleasant, in its own way, bartenders very courteous and service quite good (and prices quite high). Could see myself dropping in after a Lincoln Center performance or something similar. Joined Arlene's group, she was in good spirits, had nice conversation with her friend Francine, who lives in Hoboken. (don't know much about Hoboken life, have, in all its years of gentrification, never visited there). Left a little early, tired, wandered around the Center for a bit, then returned home, expecting to be asked to work the next day (which I was)
So I am all fringe, it seems---it is easy to get caught up in its completeness, but that is the point, for two weeks it invades your life, dominates it--don't know if I can attend meeting tomorrow night or not. Today, will probably go down there after library, depending how I feel...

not a lot of time to write....

yesterday after the two lessons, went down to FRinge Central, got my badge, said hello to all---and found out that there might be a need for me today to help out. Have not heard as yet, so if Fringe does need me, I hope it is in the afternoon, so I can go to Arlene's fiftieth party at Tavern on the Green.
Should be fun, don't think that I have ever actually been in the place, though I have been hearing about it all my life.
Yesterday, decided to see Fringe play th Burning, a civil rights piece created by a troop from Birmingham. Deeply felt, very well acted by a terrific integrated cast that seems to come from Birmingham (how much talent is out there at this point?)  Writing is very straightforward, the two little girls approaching teen age hood at the center of the play are very convincing characters, as the play progresses so does the audience's fear of what my befall them in this boiling situation. But after an hour the play filled itself with redundant scenes with characters who were hardly fleshed out before, and the two girls disappeared from the stage. Very bad. Ending very moving, but hate the indulgence of the creators and their inability to realize that a lot of their scenes towards the end simply repeat the original statement of the play. Left, had a pizza slice nearbye, and went to Standings to watch end of both city teams' baseball game---enjoyed that, had a nice chat with Andrew, a really nice guy and knowledgeable baseball enthusiast. Headed home around 11, can't not remark what a circus the lower east side, with all its restaurants and bars has become---garish, loud, I guess superficial---same with most of east village, packed last night.
Not much else to say, will probably check in with Fringe after library and hang around for rest of the afternoon...after that...we will see...

a little annoyed that....

e-mail from fringe did not come completely through--nevertheless I think that I was able to read all of it---just the codes for opening the i-pads and the i-phones--should be a lot easier than I conceive.
Just received a request for another tutoring session on Tuesday---should be a heavy day for me---three students, a visit to venue 11 early in the morning (but no problem since I am up very early anyway), and then the meeting with BAN---and then maybe a fringe show. Long day.
Yesterday: morning restlessness gave way to a very solid lesson with Yasaly---she also brought her older (by a year) sister Emily along. Very pleased to see Yasaly pointing out to Emily how she missed an "ed" at the end of the word "overwhelmed". Seems like all the work that we have done and the time that we have spent together has really registered on her---a very fulfilling moment.
Returned home, slept a bit then off to the BAN meeting---good work by all as we discussed possibilities for the action on the seventeenth---got some interesting news about the privatization of some NYCHA houses that have already been sold to developers. Good group, glad that I am part of it.
Continued on to the Fringe opening party at DROM on Avenue A---stayed about an hour. Most people there were I assume, actors from the plays being presented. A few conversations but really very little contact. Left around 11:30---stopped off at Two Boots (the original) and had a really distinct piece of Pepperoni Pizza---then returned home via the F.
Before BAN meeting stopped off in Chelsea Library---decided to take out Vivian Gornick's memoir, The Odd Lady and the City. Glad I did, some remarkable insights about figuring life out when one is in one's early sixties or seventies. She writes very sparse and beautifully. I can identify with much that she writes, unfortunately there is absolutely no political perspective in the book. I know that she was not shooting for it, but for all her sincerity and truthful insight---it seems to me like an avoidance. Have read about half of it, looking forward to experiencing the  rest of it on my travels through the city today.
That will be all for now...fringe is beginning without me---can I bear it...? Well, I will have my moments beginning Wednesday--will report on tonight's adventures

Thursday.....

one more day to Fringe.
Tonight: will attend BAN meeting from 6:30 to around 9, then off to DROM for Fringe beginning party. Kind of an interesting contrast---from the activists to the artists---and never the twain should meet...? Possibly. Anyway, tonight will reveal all.
Yesterday: after lesson with  Yasaly, decided not to return home---a train to 14th street, and eighth---had a nice (but expensive) smoothie on 8th and 15th corner, then walked across town---first time traversing 15th between 7th and 6th---kind of an amazing block with all kinds of interesting architecture---always wonder what block was like 45 years ago. It looks great now. Never knew anyone living around there in the 70's. Crossed 15th street, stopped at Barnes and Nobles and finally arrived at the wine bar Veloce where I met up with Monica---our one summer meeting before school starts.
Interesting conversation, we discussed many students and teachers---interesting to get her take on them which is sometimes very different than mine. Her child is approaching 3--should be an interesting time for her. Also got some news about some of the graduates---more about that some other time. Lots of energy in the conversation---looking forward to beginning of school year.
Afterwards, interesting walk south and second and then first. Ran into 2013 graduates Amina and Peter while I was sitting outside a starbucks---had a good conversation with both of them. Then crossed Houston as I pondered whether I should go to a movie---found an interesting place on Allen with fairly inexpensive food and a TV watching an important baseball game, but had already had hot dog from Nathan's so just had to watch through the window---will try it again some time.
Saw End of the Tour at Angelica--the move about David Foster Wallace and David Lipsky. Written Donald Margolies, a playwright whose work I know well. Had that kind of intellectual patina that he brings to some of his plays---perhaps needed a little more gut. Ultimately enjoyed it, made me consider some aspects about the drive for fame that artists have, but a bit too intellectual and clinical in the long run. Wallace comes off as being so self aware and balanced in his conception of himself---hard to believe this man was driven to suicide about 10 years later. Am glad I went, needed simply to be in a movie theater for a time, after all the evenings in the past few days I have simply spent watching baseball---definitely needed to move in a different zone---returned home pretty tired---went to sleep quickly (that is good for me) and slept well to the morning.
So today begins, will report on events tomorrow....

so Fringe is on....and the action begins.

harder this time, because there is tutoring as well. All of a sudden have gone from the extreme of having too much time on my hands, to the extreme of having to make every moment count. Fringe begins on Friday; my box office assignment begins next Wednesday. So I am both "in" and "out".
Weekend could be anything, this gives me a chance to have extra lessons on Monday and Tuesday but might also do some substituting if the Fringe needs me on Sunday (or the evenings of the other days).  Also have to deal with i-pad, not always my friend, but I did okay with it last year (with some help) and understand how to use the prompts. Just roll with it; the actions are really very simple and consistent.
Yesterday, had the training session, saw a group of people who I usually only see at the Fringe every summer; it was nice to see them again. Afterwards went to Standings and watched some baseball. Came home feeling pretty relieved---nice to have gotten the training out of the way. Not sure what the next few days will bring.....tonight, may meet Monica and then possibly check out a movie or....

the rest of....

yesterday included a crummy bagel and cream cheese sandwich from one of the coffee spots on Washington Avenue, followed by a trip on the 26 bus, one of the four fascinating buses that move from downtown Brooklyn into bed-stuy and then into Bushwick. Then the L to Jefferson and a visit to Cobra, where are suspected that Susan, one of my favorite bartenders would be subbing. She was, and then had a very good conversation with her, Emily and her friend Paul. Left feeling good, then off to Williamsburg, after deciding that a movie was not in the cards. Hung out at South Fourth, had a good conversation with John, who joined a protest group earlier in the day protesting the city's lack of commitment to building a park in the Bushwick inlet. Glad to see he is becoming more politically aware, then William K, the playwright arrived, and we spent the next half hour discussing theater.
Tried to watch the Pirate-Dodger game but could not (still don't know who won, should check that)
and then went home. Walking down Bedford Avenue saw many young couples, almost amazing how many of them were in that place and time. Usual need to remain in Brooklyn for a few more minutes, but was tired, so both L and 3 trains were very accomodating on the way back.
Four more days to Fringe; looking forward to tomorrow's training session.
L magazine's final print issue had interviews with Brooklynites about the Brooklyn of the late nineties and now. The question was asked, what place mostly represents Brooklyn to you at this point in time. I think if I had to answer the question I would say that it was impossible to choose one place.
On one hand the beautiful brownstones make one feel that one is experiencing something unique, on the other, every time one sees a new building in construction (and one sees many) one is reminded that Brooklyn is becoming an enclave for only one class of people.
That is all for now. After the lesson this afternoon, may see a movie or just improvise my way through the evening. Should visit La Flaca and see how Mets fare against Colorado.

hard to describe....

all the events that have taken place between yesterday's post and now, main event, finding myself inside the "new" Yankee Stadium for about an hour. It all happened this way: after a nice hot dog at Wallace's not sure of my next move, but determined that it might be a good idea to check out exhibit at Bronx Museum. How to get there from 148th and Broadway? Simple, walk down to 155th street and take cross town bus over the bridge to Grand Concourse and walk the rest of the way. So what happened? Bus came quickly, passed the stadium, I was intrigued by what was happening on the concourse that fronts the entrance---a couple of sellers invaded my space, and offered me $10 tickets to the game, which was now entering its fourth inning. Almost by momentum, I finally accepted the offer, and found myself entering the "dreaded" edifice, which I had sworn never to enter. Found out that the seat I had bought was one in the bleacher, had no intention of going there, explored the very crowded concourse, felt a little woozy, held myself together, and finally found a place to watch the game, in the back of the first deck reserved, between left field and third base. Sight lines really good, interesting following the ball with my own eyes, instead of the tv's. Remained for about two innings; when Smoak smoated the bases loaded home run off Nova, figured that was it, I could leave, so I did.
Wow! What a couple of hours. (actually about an hour and a half).
Returned home, prepared for trip to Brooklyn to see LynneN's play at Brooklyn theater in Fort Greene, my friend Zach was in it, said hello to Lynne, she was very gracious, the play is very intellectual, probably needed a better cast to bring it totally to life, still glad to see it, my friend Zach acquitted himself well, afterwards we talked for about 15 minutes outside the theater---he left for a cast party, I for a beer at Mullane's (must you always choose sports bars, cityboy?)
Today, spent the morning tired, finally got myself out to Brooklyn to use the computer in the library, this is where you find me now, reader.
Not sure what the rest of the day holds-have been promising myself a movie for a while, today might be the day, but also I am in Brooklyn where travel holds infinite possibilities.
We will see...report tomorrow...need to find something to read besides fringe program,,,

Wow!

Really blown away by Annie Baker's new play, John, at the signature. She really builds on the vision she started in The Flick---here, the writing is much more potent and intense---moments in the second act really made me feel so vulnerable---probably the best and deepest new play I have seen in a long time. Funny, her vision makes that of some of the other "bright" playwrights whose work I have seen at downtown and Brooklyn theater sites, seem very small. Of course, most of them are writing while they have other "civilian" jobs, and event the rehearsing and preparation for those plays, takes place on the fly, while Ms.Baker is supported by her writing, and was given a what I am sure was a long and unrushed rehearsal period. Nevertheless, John is much more fulfilling than the others, any way you look at it. Georgia Engel finds something totally unique in the role of the woman who runs the bed and breakfast---such incredible vulnerability and sadness in her performance. Can't say much more--really glad I chose to see it.
Rest of yesterday was given over to visiting the Fringe, picking up a program and grid, wandering around a bit, and drinking lots of ice coffee. After the play, went into Lansdowne Road, surprised at how empty it was, but had a beer and watched the Baltimore-LA game until I was tired. Slept well last night.
Today, after library, plan is to find a bar-restaurant to watch Yankee-Toronto game, then head to Brooklyn for this evenings performance of Lynn Nottage's play that my friend Zach is in at Irondale Center. Maybe a movie as well, though probably don't have the time, and should not take in so much "art" as to create an overload. Nothing to read yet, can't get heavy a few days before the fringe, have the fringe program so I can look over the 200 or so productions and see if I can make some choices for my days off. Also try to get acquainted with the works at my venue. Wouldn't mind finding a book to read as well...

Friday.....

morning, beautiful day, lots going on this weekend.
Yesterday, arrived at vigil sponsored by SOS on Lexington and Tompkins Avenue around 5:15, felt nervous, but greeted warmly by everyone there. Vigil and speeches lasted about half an hour. Interesting: the two blocks of Lexington between Nostrand and Tompkins probably directly center of Bed-Stuy, are all low rise city projects. Never realized that. Anyway, had a good talk with Heather, the staff social worker, hopefully will be able to visit their offices and help out in the next couple of weeks.
Lots of walking yesterday, since the plan was to get from vigil to Samantha's project in Ditmas Park. But how? Walked south on Marcy from Lexington to Fulton (Marcy's architecture much different than Nostrand's, by the way) then jumped on A to Hoyt Schermerhorn, turned around to take C or G one stop near BAM, only to discover that I had gotten on an A, disguised as a C---so there I was back at Nostrand and Fulton, needing to pee, and hungry. what next?  Another train ride? Decided to walk south on Nostrand, found a Connecticut Muffin---bought a bagel and peed, moved on to Eastern Parkway, grabbed a pizza slice on Nostrand and Union---finally jumped on 5 train at President for three stops to Church---then grabbed a bus going west to coffee venue where Samantha was having her presentation. Traffic on Church brutal, but got there in time, only to find out that Samantha's
ceramic project had been canceled, so there I was "all dressed up with nowhere to go". Did have some of the place's ice coffee---very good---but then what. Returned via Q to Prospect Heights and watched a few innings of baseball game at Plan B, not much happening there, then hiked to Bergen Street---had to fight with myself to get on the subway---hate leaving Brooklyn, but finally took to
2 back to the upper west side and home. Whew!
Not a wasted day by any means, really like the people at SOS, very touched by the way the welcomed me---anxiety I may have felt about participating was really silly.
Today, will see John, by Annie Baker, tonight---before that a lesson and possibly a visit to Fringe Central to pick up a Fringe magazine and take a look at the projects at my venue.
Will report tomorrow...

so much going..

on, don't know where to begin. Got an e-mail from SOS about a meeting to protest gun violence in Bed Stuy at Marcy and Tompkins tonight. Should I go? Maybe follow that up by going to Samantha's ceramic outing at the restaurant on Church Street at 7. Not that far, but not that near. Those are possibilities.
Got my fringe assignment this morning. Wow! Totally different from years before, does not begin until the Wednesday of the second week, but then it goes straight through without a stop---I don't think any day has less than four shows. So instead of starting immediately on the first weekend, I have that time free (can get in some tutoring) and also the first two days of the next week. Quite a marathon once you get started, eh cityboy? Well, let's see how it evolves. Will visit Fringe Central tomorrow, pick up a  schedule, browse through it carefully and then......
Last night, went to Delacourt for Cymbeline---no problem getting in---expected a kind of "send up" of the play, it is such a difficult one to get a handle on, but even though the first part of the evening was going in that direction, Lily Rabe hunkered down, and her performance---deadly serious---provided a center and took the audience on the journey (sometimes painful) of Imogen. Play got stronger as the evening progressed, by the end, I was really moved, despite all of the shenanigans in Sullivan's production. Sat next to an interesting woman, in her early fifties, former OT worker now ushering at the Met. Kind of an embryonic vision of both opera and Shakespeare, but we had some good conversations.
Not much else to say, have to run soon---still trying to process my Fringe assignment. Again, 12 days in a row without a break---not much to say, but should be exciting to try it.

remember the days when....

life choices consisted of nothing more than what movie or play to see in the evening. Gone are them. Fringe approaches, got word on training night (tuesday) and hopefully soon will learn what venue I have been placed in. Countdown, about 8 more days, not every moment taken, but there is a sense of the limitation of time.
Yesterday evening: attended BAN meeting on 24th street---lots of passionate people there. Discussion around date and activity to protest gentrification and other aspects that effect disenfranchised of Brooklyn and other boroughs. Most had important ideas to share, I was more of an onlooker, still ambivalent re marching, however would like to help out in other ways; also don't know what my availability will be for that date. Not much determined except for date---next meeting will be next Thursday, the night before Fringe begins, should go right from that meeting to Fringe beginning party---a strange contrast, but one that I am living with now.
Tonight, figure I had better get to Cymbeline, or at least try to get to it. Very few free evenings left. Not hungry to see it, but it sounds like a fun take on the play, a group of actors enjoying playing a Shakespeare that is really impossible, rather than a serious take on the work. At least that is what my fantasy is of it.
Always enjoy Raul Esparza, should be fun watching him do his thing.
Tomorrow: plan is to visit Samantha's ceramic group, won't do ceramics, but want to show my support--and discover a new place---this one on Church Avenue, kind of south for me, but any excuse for new exploration in Brooklyn, I am up for.
Friday: John, Annie Baker's play, have had tickets for a while.
Saturday evening: Lynn Nottage's play at Irondale with my friend Zach in it---not sure what the afternoon will bring.
Sunday: Nothing yet (maybe better off that way)
That is this week. There are also plays at Jack and Ohio Space that sound interesting, but really no time to see them, also Awake and Sing, sounds so intriguing at the Public, I love Odets, would love to see a production of the play that worked for me, but Saturday afternoon, seems to be the only time free.
Plus a lot of interesting movies---what can you say---overload.
Still trying to figure out where my place is with BAN.
Anyway, will report on all tomorrow...

frustrated.....

because I could not find a quiz for Spinellis' Eggs, on google that was sponsored by Scholastic. There is one quiz, however, and maybe Yesaly could use that. We will see later on.
Yesterday, after lesson, not sure what I wanted to do. Went over all my choices, the many sports bars that I have visited in the last few months, a few places in Brooklyn (too physically tired) and Cymbeline, which I have only a few evenings left to visit. Nothing really registered as a "must".
Ultimately decided to visit Lansdowne Road, the bar on 44th and 10th, with the friendly bartenders and wait staff, and lots of tvs with baseball on. Had a pretty good time, Justin, the head bartender is an intense mets fan, so he was going crazy with joy, as the mets poored on run after run against Miami, while the Nationals continued their incredible slide downward. Stayed about two hours, could have checked out a movie afterwards but too tired, and not in a movie "zone". Left around 9:30, could have stayed longer. Instead of waiting for 11 bus across the street, wandered over to 11th and 45th for the new outdoor-indoor mall like series of restaurants. Lots of people on the streets, two new luxury buildings between 10th and 11th on 45th street...when will it end?  Went to their ice cream shop, had a really nice (and rich) cup of....(can't even remember its name) and then decided to go home Still, have discovered another place "to go", or, in this incredibly gentrified city, another place to go.
Today, see two students, then will go to BAN meeting---should be interesting, out around 8:30 then what...? Not sure, probably another sports bar (but not last night's) will depend on energy level.
So, the summer continues, countdown: 10 days to the Fringe.

and so we went....

to the protest--arrived shortly before 6, just a few people there, no one spoke to me, should I go home and just make a contribution? But soon Katie, who was one of the organizers introduced herself to me, others followed, and soon I felt like one with the group. Later, Michael, my Hopkins buddy and leader of FUREE joined, and we spent a good deal of time together. Protest consisted of some chanting, giving out flyers to people walking down the street and possibly having a dialogue with them (this was pretty successful) and discussions among ourselves. An assemblywoman came along, joined us, engaged in dialogue and offered some help for the woman we knew who was being illegally evicted. All in all, very glad I came, really good and enthusiastic group, something was accomplished. Can't really believe the venom that the landlord of this house spews. The situation in Brooklyn is really unfortunate---will do everything I can to help.
Next meeting of the group is tomorrow; will be there.
Rest of day, went to South Fourth after protest, had good conversation with friend Harlo, earlier went to library at Grand Army Plaza and then watched the Yankee game at Mullane's the bar near BAM, staff always very nice there.
All in all, a very good day, lots of exercise (body somewhat tired) now it remains to be seen where my commitment to these groups will lead.
Today, one lesson, then not sure, think I will have to conserve energy, probably not go to Brooklyn, but...who knows..?

cityboy gets the message....

and the message is that there is to be an "action" protesting tenants being mistreated on Myrtle Avenue and Willoughby Street. So how do you feel about that cityboy...?  Really not the protesting type, concerned but let other people do it---yet I will go and participate--albeit with a lot of anxiety. What do you fear...? Being arrested..? Being identified as a "radical"---yet that is hardly what you are, merely a compassionate person who is enraged by the dislocation of  people who do not deserve it. Yet my "bourgeois persona" is very strong. Nevertheless, at this point, plan to be there and participate. We will see what happens.
Last night, went to La Flaca, long and arduous train ride, had to get off A at 34th street and walk down to 6th to catch F. A brutal trip, crowds on 34th are almost impossible. Anyway, made the switch and arrived at La Flaca, watched first five innings of game, then, after Bobby left, felt I wanted to move on as well. Decided to see a movie, checked times, decided that of all the movies that I wished to see, Listen to me Marlin was the most appropriate. But would I get in? Film Forum is very popular among the sixty and seventy somethings, and I figured all the Brando admirers would be out in full force. But with a half hour to go, had no trouble getting a ticket, and found the auditorium fairly empty with about 15 minutes to go. Ultimately the crowd was larger, and when the movie began, the theater was almost filled.
The movie was oddly dissappointing. Maybe because I had heard so much about it and the reviews were good---still I found it somewhat diffuse. Felt detached a lot of the time. Still, some interesting points that show why Brando needed to become an actor when he arrived in New York from Omaha, feeling almost as if he had no personality, and how he later came to hate acting---saw it as a stunt and nothing else. Forgot about or rejected the challenge of creating a role. And then there was the failure he felt as a parent---being an abused child, he probably wanted desperately not to be that kind of parent to his children, but events (the movie does not make this clear) seemed to turn against he and his children and one was in jail and the other a suicide. Horrible for him to live with this. And yet, no pain in the movie itself, maybe that is what I missed. Still, needed to see a movie---got home late and very tired, but went right to sleep.
Will report tomorrow on the "action"---am definitely going now, so all will be revealed then.

saturday afternoon....

one tutoring session canceled but several scheduled for next week---thought of going to free movie about Geoffrey Holder, but line was too long, and it was hot, instead decided to come to library and use computer.
Yesterday, after session returned home, rested, and then went down to la Flaca to watch baseball game, that was the evening, basically enjoyed the way it was spent---will probably go there again today for night game (mets).
Not much else to discuss, not sure how I will spend tomorrow, should at some point this week,visit the Save Our streets office in Crown Heights---also a meeting of   BAN is possible on Tuesday. Will keep you posted....