today is the....

day of all days, the day that we single people dread, the day you have to be SOMEWHERE---New Year's Eve. Yet despite a little sadness in the early morning after waking, as I sit here in the library, I am feeling very invigorated. Just went through schedules of COIL, American Realness, and Under the Radar, trying to at least look at the schedules of what I want to see---trying to balance that out with the possible subbing and tutoring that I will have during that time. It is going to be intense! Also, your banana bag people are doing something at Bushwick---friend Sarah is involved with something happening at Abrons (after Realness festival) dealing with Mourning Becomes Elektra, and just got invited to another project at Dixon Place. Would also like to see what The Changeling is and also possibly (but not probably) King Charles III. (Don't bet on it!) So things are moving along, just have to get through this evening. Just found out that two very good friends will be bartending at South Fourth after 9, and then at some point will visit Bobby and the group at La Flaca. Lots of unknowns here, could be an interesting group of people at the bars, but then again, could not, and cityboy, you know you get bored very easily. Can't go to a coffee shop and read on New Year's Eve, can you (well, I guess you can, but will there even be one open?) Well, let's let the day speak for itself.
Last night, after sessions, returned home, went to Lincoln Center---would have liked to have seen a Sirk film, but arrived a little late for one and did not want to spend two hours waiting for the next, so I got a ticket to the Mizoguchi film, had only seen Sansho the Bailiff, a magnificent film, about 44 years ago (Richard Goode, my friend, recommended it to me and my then girl friend Susan and I saw it at the New Yorker).
This film far more staid and controlled---I found myself outside of it for most of the time, respected it but not very involved, it killed time, but not much else. Actually left about 15 minutes before the film ended.
Tired, went home and right to sleep.
Will finish at 2, not sure what happens between then and arrival in Williamsburg in the evening. May walk around possibly visit the Heights, a place I do not go to often. Something else may evolve. will report on this and tomorrow's party at the Singer's on Saturday.

Wednesday morning....

feeling very refreshed, not much to report since last post, after sessions yesterday, felt tired, stopped off at friendly internet place on 148th and Broadway, then hungry so went to Wallace's across the street, had my basic frank and a beer, no contact---returned home and essentially slept, just very tired.
 For today, hope to have some 'culture" in the evening---maybe one of the Sirk movies or even possibly Philharmonic if I can get in on Senior ticketing. Tomorrow is the big deal--New Year's Eve, the amazing elephant in my room. Can go to two bar parties---South fourth and the La Flaca, lots of people I know will be at the latter, but still, mostly it is a question of just getting through the night,waiting for the god damned bell to drop, a little celebration and hugs and then heading home.
Will, (can) tomorrow be different..? Well, one never knows.  
   Once January begins, world will be full of things to do and see. The three theater festivals---and don't even ask me what else. What about politics? People are picketing Gracie Mansion today, and many Wednesday's to come to protest his lack of compassion for those being threatened by gentrification. That part of it is not attractive. How far do I want to go..? Next BAN meeting is the second Thursday of January---will see then.
  Not much else to say, feeling pretty upbeat about my life---will continue...

pain seems to....

be subsiding, probably a result of my carrying that heavy bag back and forth to Boston. Feeling better now, though some stiffness in the back. Lots of events in the next two days.
Trip back from Boston arduous, but a little better than the trip going. Only took Amtrak to New Haven, really needed the break---had a decent pizza slice,  then trip back to NY via the Metro North train a little bit more viable. Took subway back to apartment, had no real problems, then went out and bought a banana shake, really needed it before going to sleep.
Very tired on trip back, probably result of my not sleeping very much Sunday morning. Slept well enough yesterday, not feeling particularly tired today.
So, was the trip necessary..? Well, yes in the fact that it enabled me to experience Natasha and Pierre again---certainly love the music and the energy of the whole piece, will give me something to discuss with theater friends (that is always important). Also, remarkable coincidence of meeting up with Bill and Nancy and later having coffee and sharing things with them was also important. Neither of those things would have happened if I had rejected the trip and spent the two days in NYC.
But a lot of restlessness. The hotel was far enough away from Harvard Square that on Sunday, once I got to Harvard I was stuck there for about two hours before entering the theater. Spent a lot of time wandering through the COOP, that brought back memories from the past (Bonnie, Susan) and was too restless to just read something to pass the time. Reaquainted myself with Harvard Square and the blocks surrounding it---stores very familiar to me have gone but atmosphere, filled with kids, remains. Spectators at ART always amaze me. The majority of them seem neither young or old, almost all in the middle aged zone, very different from NYC, where audiences seem either completely under 40 (downtown theater) or sixty or over. At ART it seems like there is just a tremendous supply of middle agers in the surrounding areas to come see their work.
  So trip seems to be a mixed bag, maybe I am simply so enmeshed in my NY city experience that traveling just doesn't work. Or maybe it is Boston. Want to go to DC possibly in the winter, and of course, there is Baltimore, always feel comfortable there.
That seems to be all for now, have the rest of the day to live through, report tomorrow on how it went.

moday, around 11--

preparing to leave Boston (Cambridge) simply waiting for the 3:20 train, so hotel that I stayed in (nice for the price) has internet, so here I am.
Some pain in the back and legs, a little slowness getting up, this is new, is it because I carried the heavy bag with me through the stations?  Have to carry same bag in the station on the way back  then to New Haven and then on the subway home. Doable without taxi's.
Better be---you know how determined I am not to use them in NY. Well, let's see what happens.
Trip to Boston has its ups and downs. Very restless on the Amtrak train. Believe it or not, bus might have been perferable. Something taught and focused about the bus ride. Train was not filled, a sense of coldness, alienation seemed to be present.No problem with the ride itself, very efficient. But a lot of time to let my mind wander.
Finally arrived, long walk from T station to hotel---almost disastrously lost my way, but was saved by meeting a couple who steered me on the right direction. Hotel itself is very nice, did a lot of television surfing before leaving for Harvard Square. Can't imagine having that many channels in my home, might go crazy, or apathetic---is it necessary, but so many people consider that normal.Eventually left for ART, very early, of course. Spent about two hours wandering around the square, lots of time at the co-op , broswed what seemed like one million books---finally went to the Loeb to see Natasha and Pierre. Looked around, so no people from NY whom I might have known, ambivalent about saying hello to the three actrors in Natasha whom I had met previously---none of them knew me well, however, this was not necessary. Out of nowhere arrived Bill Brown, my classmate from Hopkins and his wife Nancy. Spent the intermissions talking with them, then we all went out to Ihop in Harvard square to get a bit afterwards (actually I was the only one who ate, they just had decafs) then they drove me back to the hotel. A really nice couple, the conversation was very relaxed and friendly; their take on the musical was different from mine, since they don't go to the theater alot, were amazed by the interactive staging, which, of course was very "normal' to me. May see them in NY when they visit; they are both retired, seem to have as much money as they need, live a very (what seems to me) relaxed life going out, visiting friends,enjoying grand children,  seems to work for them.Glad that I ran into them.
   But its was really for the musical, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, that I made this visit. How was it...? Much more expansive then the production that I saw at its second performance at Ars Nova. A bit too much "pizazz' for my taste, but understand why they are doing it. Glad that part of Andre has been expanded. Still love the music, loved the marvelous esprit of the cast, they seemed to be having a great time. Ending of the piece is really beautiful, though, to be frank, I missed Dave Malloy himself in the piece as Pierre.Something about his presence at the piano, both playing Pierre and conducting the others, that made perfect sense to me. Will miss that in NY as well. But this is why I chose this visit, wanted very much to reaquaint myself with this piece, did not want to wait until production comes to NY (did not even know it would when I decided to go) so, despite some strangeness in my mood here (some memories of past visits coming back as well) I think this is what I was supposed to do.
Will return to NY this afternoon, lots of sessions scheduled for the next two days, hope I will be in good shape for those, will see how things develop...

so tomorrow....

I leave on my one day trip to Boston. Now it is becoming more real to me, must start to plan packing stages and such. Still not sure how I feel about it, probably need the trip more than I can imagine, for it should stimulate my imagination which is very important. Return early Monday evening, (it will be colder so remember to pack your sweater) and continue sessions Tuesday into the week. No real plans for the rest of the day, should be some preparation and maybe a movie. Think I need to be with people in the evening, so perhaps the Dive Bar on 96th and Amsterdam or something like it. Might end up in Brooklyn, but not sure.
Wednesday evening, saw 45 years, the movie with one of my idols from college, Tom Courtenay and Charlotte Rampling. Movie for someone my age is full of memory's of their early work juxtaposed with their current physical presence. A good solid movie, Courtenay's break down at the end, totally unexpected but brilliant---Ms. Rampling is brilliant all the way through. Some holes in the plot, but will talk about that some other time. Glad I saw it, afterwards, went to La Flaca, Bob was there, as was his former roommate Ed. I had had some good conversations about life with Ed before he left for Florida, so it was good to see him , also about eight years ago, he had told me about his twin girls, who had serious health issues after they were born, and the courageous and passionate doctors who helped Ed and his wife and the two girls through it. Now here were the girls, looking great, at La Flaca. Really nice to see. Also nice to see Jenny, who was working there that one day. May spend New Year's Eve at La Flaca, not sure about that at this point.
Yesterday, a bit of a downer, city is so strange on Xmas day. Passed AMC Lincoln Square at about one, amazing how many people were heading to that movie theater. They must do enough business on Christmas to justify their existence all year. Did not go there, and given the choice between a Douglas Sirk revival and the new Macbeth, chose the latter, an intense and sometimes bloody, but beautiful to look at response to the play. Lots of good insights in the movie, some changes but basically faithful to the material. Having a camera and a large cast means you can focus on some things a play director can't, in this case children, running around the castle and in the armies, adds a certain kind of depth to the vision of the play. Acting very good, Michael Fassbender really becomes a heartless animal in the second part of the movie. Left. somewhat exhausted, but glad that I saw it.
Evening, Dada Woof, Papa Hot, Peter Parnell's play at Newhouse. Lots of talk about aspects of the gay middle aged experience. Some of it extraneous, but the two scenes at the end were very moving. My friend Johnny P played a supporting role, always laugh when he is on stage. Great credit should go to actors Patrick Breen and John Hickey for navigating roles that move quickly from slick casual to fierce emotions. A necessary play...? Possibly, any way, saw it for free, gave me some things to think about.
As I said earlier, not sure about the rest of the day. May post from Boston, if I can find a computer, otherwise will tell all on Tuesday...

so here we...

are, back in Manhattan at the Lincoln Center library. Can't believe that less than two hours ago, I was around Grand Army Plaza at Flatbush. But how did I get there? More interesting story. Decided to visit Jimmy, great barista--all purpose adult at South Fourth, since I rarely get there during the day. Payed my visit, then thought the Brooklyn Library would stay open until 3--took the slow route from South Fourth to get there, that is, Broadway bus to Utica, the south on Utica to Eastern Parkway. Then 3 to Nostrand, when I got off and walked to the library, only to find out that it was closing in about 25 minutes, no time to use the computer. So I returned to the city, where the libraries (including this one) are opened until 3.
    Loved the bus ride, the 42 bus goes down Broadway until Utica begins, then south on Utica. Fascinating trip, looking at all the architecture and the changes that are happening along that route.
Then the walk from Nostrand to the library, west on Eastern Parkway. Somehow felt incredibly relaxed and happy to be there--all cares and rage seemed to disappear. Would have liked to stay in Brooklyn, but only place I could get my e-mail was here, so I returned to the upper west side. Corresponded with my facebook friend Tess, who had returned my message with a harsh defense of DeBlasio. A little unsettling the first time I read it, it is actually tamer than I thought, but I responded in what I think was a mannered and polite way, hopefully some good will come out of this.
Reading a great book, Tales of Two Cities, a compilation of mostly essays by writers about gentrification et. al. Great essay by a woman named Sarah Jaffe, about living in Crown Heights. Also a very moving essay by DB Gibson, gives a horrifying account of a family in Bushwick under siege by a vicious landlord. Feel privileged to be outside of all that, in the safe comfort of my West Side apartment. But what is to be done...?
What about the rest of the day? Return to Brooklyn, go down to IFC to see 45 years. |Sunday I leave for my short trip to Boston, almost seems like a fever dream, not sure why I did it, but must go. Probably need the break. Library closing soon, will report again on Saturday.

just replied...

to Facebook friend (and nice person) Tess, re her post that she "doesn't get" why people are so down on DeBlasio. I explained in a "private" message, that as the months of his term have gone on, he has constantly supported rapid gentrification and development in emerging gentrifying neighborhoods mostly in Brooklyn. Community groups in the Bronx are frightened by his "affordable housing vision"  Again, I think it is a question of how much a person allows themselves to know, how informed on all the issues they want to be.
She lives in Manhattan, so how much she understands about the Brooklyn problems, or even the Chinatown problems near where she lives, is not clear. Anyway, hopefully some interesting discussion (remember not to crow because you are more informed than most) will come out of this.
Last night, did go to the Met, saw La Donna del Lago and basically enjoyed it.  Cast took what could be silly emotions and really played them for passion, very impressive commitment by the five leads. Singing was really wonderful. The opera contains some beautiful music, all of it of course in the same style, which can be tiring to the ears. Yet there are moments when one really hears stunning originality from Rossini, and other moments that really look forward to Verdi's Trovatore or even Aida. Did not meet any one that I knew, which was a bit of a downer, also too tired to hang out or check out a bar afterwards. Nevertheless I enjoyed myself, felt that the choice was meaningful---something very nice about being at the Met.
Today, some sessions in the afternoon, then would like to check out the Brooklyn Public Library, the one at Grand Army Plaza this evening, pick up a few plays that have just been published that they have in the shelves that nyc libraries don't. Not sure where I will end up..tomorrow, Christmas Eve, may be totally open, would like to catch up on a few movies, but it should be a beautiful day, nice time to be out..we will see

last night....

did go to Jack for Xmas show ( a really short show, but fun in its own way). A good choice, many people I knew were there. After the performance, wandered around the hall and had good talks with several friends, all women, two out of four directors, whose work I really like. Nice place, Jack, always love going to Brooklyn, always find some member of the downtown theater group (for want of a better word for it) to compare notes with. Left feeling fulfilled, then looked at watched and found to my surprise that the whole event, the show and the conversations hadn't taken more than an hour and fifteen minutes, so here I was all psyched up from some groovy theater conversations, but now completely on my own. What to do, or really where to go from there. Around the corner the "Hops" bar was not crowded but for some reason did not go there. Hunger came on, had to eat, but where..? I was at  Greene and Washington and so opted for either bus or subway to Black Swan, on Bedford, right off Lafayette. Got bus easily, arrived at a crowded bar, did not want a table, like the bar energy, ordered buffalo wings, but only because least expensive salad was $14.00. (Where have you gone, Black Swan well prepared $10.00 Caesar salad?) So the wings came, watched football (NFL game of absolutely no consequence) and basketball (Knicks, but on small tv). Staff was very polite, owner stopped by and said hello, but really nothing happened, no interesting conversations struck up with other bar attendees. So we go from one extreme to another, the world at Jack, where I am welcomed and have many people to talk with, but alas, when the conversations end, my friends who admire me go there way and I go mine. I like Black Swan, am basically comfortable there, but very few conversations in the last couple of visits. Still, sometime will visit an older bar, even though I know it is a bit barren, then taking a risk on a new one. Anyway, stayed until about 9:30, then home via the G, A, and 1. Went to sleep soon after.
Today, it is time for the Met---would like to see the Rossini opera La Donna del Lago---anxious to hear some Rossini music that I have never heard before, want to let it seap all over me, as I absorb it in the Family Circle.  Yet today I received an e-mail from Save our Streets Crown Heights, about a demonstration around 6 at Dean and Schenectedy. Should really make that a priority, might have time to return to the Met, but it that is a stretch. Should I abandon my Met plans to show my support to an organization that I admire...? For some reason I can't do that, at least I don't think I can do that now.
Would like to contribute to SOS, however, and maybe I can find another way of doing that soon.
That's all---holiday moves closer, just reserved a free ticket for Dada Woof Papa Hot at Newhouse for Christmas night, so structure in place, maybe a movie too or a long walk. Will figure that out when the time comes....let it happen

long weekend.....

did go to Xmas Assembly at Friends, different feelings about it, sat with a few from the class of 09 (my favorite class, so far) but not sure what my relationship is with them now. That's the question, an encounter with someone of 17 is so different then an encounter with someone 24. Saw a few of the 15 graduates, that was nice, then left and had a coffee and chocolate chip cookie at the second avenue place near the school.
Returned home, and waited for my trip to Brooklyn.
That evening, did go to the Brick to see How to Get Into Buildings, a quirky play that leaves one distanced, although its language has a potency to it that is meaningful. Nicest part of the evening was being recognized by Mike I, long time friend of Sibyl K and long standing member of ERS. Was quite surprised that he recognized me, but felt really good about that. After the play, walked over to Graham Avenue, and toyed with either going into Basik or Mother's which did not look very crowded and seemed friendly, but opted for Pizza place on east side of Graham, had a really great slice, and then felt too tired to "hang", so went home.
 Saturday evening I had hoped to go to Bushwick Starr to see Flako's all spanish piece, but the four sessions that I had left me extremely tired, could hardly move as I returned to the apartment, really sad about that, slept a bit, could do nothing else, then decided to try the Dive Bar on Amsterdam and 96th, glad that I did, had a nice hummus place, good and friendly service from the bartenders, (good, especially since they were pretty packed and moving all the time), and a good talk about football and Brooklyn neighborhoods with the guy sitting next to me at the bar, who turned out to be a cop. Mission fulfilled (somewhat)  
  Sunday, a long day which began with my trip to north Bronx for a session, and continued with a long trip to Vinegar Hill (a nice group of streets near the water in Brooklyn, might be fun to explore at some time)  to hear Ron Singer read some of his work (nice) and then a determined search to find something to do in order to remain in Brooklyn. Found a nice Pizza place in Dumbo, cheap pizza and seats where one can actually watch some football, then off to BAM area, where I ultimately committed to seeing the movie Spotlight, however it was to begin some two hours after I made the decision. so had to improvise something for that time. Ended up in bookstore on Fulton, a few blocks east of BAM, spend a decent amount of time there browsing until it was time to return to BAM and the movie. Movie was a good choice, it is very action packed and well paced, enjoyed all the performances, particularly Michael Keaton's kind of newspaper everyman, a complete reversal from his Birdman performance. Movie really moves well, I wonder if it slights the pain that the victims of the predatory priests felt because it focuses so much on the five reporters, trying to make the story happen. Anyway, it was a good choice for the night, very tired after it ended, walked over to Nevins Street station and luckily a 2 was coming in. That was it.
Today's evening plan is to attend Christmas play at Jack, if I can get there in time, and if there are tickets available. Should be fun---this is my group. That will be all for now, two weeks of "independance' coming up---no worries about being called to work or responsibilities of getting up early. New found "freedom"?
We will see....

Friday morning....

last day of Friends, did not get called to work, but will go to the holiday assembly around 2. A cold chill this morning; finally, some kind of winter weather is in the air, but it is supposed to be warm again next week. Spent the morning before coming to the library thinking about the many students I am now tutoring----should be a busy Christmas vacation.
Yesterday, not much, pretty tired, continued reading Anne Roiphe's novel, which I am almost finished with---still basically enjoying it---returned home, Sheila then came over and cleaned the apartment, reminded me that she has been doing this for 30 years now (that's amazing, but true) as she asked for a little more money. Did give her a $5.00 bonus this time. Maybe I should add the five to the fee, will see, feeling kind of open to giving, so might happen. Returned home to cleaned apartment, tired but really did not want to bring food in and hang out at the apartment, instead went to Greek Diner on 95th and Broadway, the best of the few diners left between 72nd street and 96th street. Like the place because it always seems filled with people, all from different class (and race) stratas. Had the usual, blt, and coffee. Nice night, still needed some sugar, toyed with the idea of going to coffee place across the street from the Thalia, but decided not to. Missed a bus around nine, then waited on 97th and Broadway for the next 104, it took twenty minutes! Amazing, they used to come almost once every three minutes, how things have changed. But the night was very mild, so it was no problem to wait. Returned home and fell asleep soon afterwards.
Today, what will happen after the assembly? What grads will return...? Whom will I see...?  and what happens after that. Tonight, a few choices, all (thank god) in Brooklyn. There is the play at the Brick presented by New Georges, am familiar with the work of many of the actors, but don't any of them personally, still friends of mine who do know them might be there---also there is a benefit party at
Mayday Space in Bushwick, will possibly head there after the play, which should run about a little over an hour. Will I have enough energy for both...? We will see.
Tomorrow evening should head to the Bushwick Starr for Flako's piece. More info tomorrow...

sad day....

when the jury in the William  Porter trial is locked and so a mistrial is declared. Also just listened to the Lehrer show on WNYC.  For the first time really heard first hand accounts of how responsible people are locked into the shelter system  The DeBlasio administration is giving them a head up by creating the link system, but all the other DeBlasio policies favor gentrification so strongly that it really does not matter. Really sad.
Yesterday, four sessions, really tired today, returned home with a little energy but could just get myself to Bourbon Street bar, a bar that I know nothing will ever happen in (or at least has not happened yet). I go there because it is easy to watch sports, hoped that the Knick game would be a little more interesting than it was---but left after third quarter with Knicks substantially in the lead.
  Yesterday took out a new book by Anne Roiphe, about an elderly shrink---interesting so far, am familiar with the themes of her two past books. She creates an upper class world of intellectuals all living on the upper west side, sometimes I feel she sees them as empty, other times i feel she embraces their entitlement. Still, no awareness that the city is filled with "others", that poverty might lurk only a few blocks away.
This brings up the whole issue---are works of art that avoid the issues of poverty or race and class really avoidances. Even if they are "serious" within themselves. Don't know, simply feel a "cut" there,
What happens today...? Not sure, now I find out that a friend has an 11 o'clock show at the Flea theater. Tonight might be the only time that I can go. Should I?  All this running around, where is it getting me?  Still, nice to have so many options. Anyway, shall report on more tomorrow or Saturday.

At last! Here I sit...

in the Lincoln Center Library at around 11, (the library is all but deserted, as many people who use it seem not to be aware of the new early opening time) for the first time since Friday, 12/4---in the other seven work days I have been at Friends, lots of hard work, and some frenetic middle school classes, but all around good feeling. Last night attended double concert at the Vineyard---really good on both levels, the jazz group really excelling.
Today, interesting sense of freedom, of courses the vacation is coming up, so will have a decent amount of time free to catch up on...what...?
Rest of the week shifts into view, there are two plays that I would like to see: both in Brooklyn, one at the Brick, I think called How to Break Into Buildings, and the other at Bushwick Starr (always enjoy going out there) a Spanish play that Flako Jimenez, who included me in his last year's project at the Starr is directing and performing in. Saw Flako Monday, briefly when he appeared in a short scene from a work in progress at Dixon Place Little Theater. Attended that even though I was tired from a full day in the Friends Library followed by a tutoring session at the Lincoln Center Atrium.
Yesterday, called to work a half day at 8:45 A.M., surprised, had already planned my "non-Friends" day, when the call came. Returned to apartment at around 2, then back to library on 145street for two lessons, then back to Friends for concert---how did I do it...? Especially since at 6:25 found myself on a subway N train at 34th and Broadway that was not moving. What did I do? Got off and simply walked the next 17 blocks down Broadway---checked out many new restaurants and bars on that stretch, what do they say..."if you build it they will come. definitely true re bars and restaurants all over. Another symptom of  our "progressive" mayor bonding of the "two cities".
Holiday coming up, need a rest from all my "activisim", but will I get one. Should be interesting to see how these next two weeks play out....

Why am I so....

excited about traveling through Brooklyn? Let's move back a while. Have been working at Friends for the last four days, and also have one period of work tomorrow. Lots of energy expanded, yesterday, after working there, had three students in two hours. Quite a lot, eh, cityboy? Yet today, able to walk a great deal.
The walk that I am referring to took place around 5:40 P.M. in the darkness as I traveled down Marcus Garvey boulevard, one of the longest north south Bed-Stuy streets. The event that I was going to was a vigil at Gates and Marcus Garvey but it never happened. Still the walk, from Fulton to actually Van Buren and then back to Gates was fascinating. On most of the east west streets that Garvey borders on, lots of beautiful Brownstones from one end of the block to another. Remember that most of those blocks have about six more west-east streets before they meet up with Broadway..
First part of the block, say between Fulton and Halsey has a few signs of gentrification, a yogurt shop and what looks like a new bar, also, somewhat in the middle of nowhere one finds a new Mexican restaurant on one of the corners. However, after Jefferson Street shops seem more to represent the "old" less gentrified Bed-Stuy. Still, streets were for the most part very quiet, not well traveled, and I felt pretty secure. After I saw that the vigil had not developed, thought about following the street all the way north to Broadway, but hunger and need to hit library for computer use, made me jump on the first bus down Gates avenue and take it back to the BAM-Fulton area. And has that area been built up in the past few years. Amazing!
Just heard that Councilman Steve Levin, against the wishes of many of his constituents, has voted for the sale of the Brooklyn Library in Brooklyn Heights to be replaced by. of course, a luxury high rise. Sure, Levin got some "concessions" from the developers, and added a few things that were not there before, but in the main, the developer makes a lot of money from the deal. So we will see how this all plays out, does it mean the end of Levin's political career?  Will he go the way of Christine Quinn..?
Time will tell, it will be interesting to see how the fallout from this commitment by Levin plays out.
Rest will be figured out later....

greetings from the...

Bronx. Here is Bronx Central Library on Kingsbridge Road---after a session (and a very productive one) on Gun Hill Road. Walked all the way west on Gun Hill to Jerome (quite a hike!) then south on Jerome (seems to be millions of  99 cent stores on that block) until Bedford, to get a nice BLT at the one diner around there that I really like. Very crowded and frenetic place, yet were able to bring me a blt and coffee with great service. Left a very generous tip. Could hardly walk after that, but took number 2 bus about six blocks to Kingsbridge and the Concourse and then walked southeast to library. From the window one can see the old Central Library a block away on Bainbridge Avenue. That is the library that I went to often when I was attending Bronx Science. Memories of the Bronx then, a time when it was mostly white. Most of the areas I traveled in today where all black and hispanic---basically all working class. Gentrification in the Bronx.../ Don't bet on it---it still seems a long way away. Will probably return to the apartment after this is over, then not sure what will happen after that.
Yesterday night: respected my need to see a movie, saw Brooklyn at the AMC Lincoln Square, a movie factory that is packed for the Saturday 7 o clock or thereabouts show. Movie starts out slow and is very deliberate, but is really meaningful as it moves towards it ending. Left feeling very moved as the heroine has to decide which of the two men who want her she will return to (it is the fifties, so moving on without either of them is not a possibility---still, there are hints of her individual strength towards the end of the movie.
Experience itself was strange and a little alienating---too tired to find a bar to hang out in afterwards, went to sleep quickly, but felt a little barren this morning. A play or any live performance is still more meaningful to me than a movie. Yet I want and need to see several more. Today..not sure, time is running out on the Frederick Wiseman doc In Jackson Heights, though I don't know if today is the right time to see it. Well, we will just take it as it comes.
Rest of day not clear---some good football games on at 4 o'clock, but must go to an all sports bar to see them. That, a movie, South Fourth...? Lots of unanswered questions, as we wend our way to the evening...

a weird dream....

yesterday evening, still haunts me---essentially the dream had me interacting with a middle aged man, someone I sort of knew, who lived in the east nineties. He has a very dull personality and seems uninterested in getting into an exciting mode. But here's the thing: he is (in the dream) an heir to the Oscar Hammerstein II fortune, so he has no financial problems, just lives on his money. Surprised that such a person would seem so defeated by life or live life so blandly. Other parts of the dream:
as a child, driving with Mr. Hammerstein and his son to pick up something at the Saint James theater, where the original King and I played; watching a play by a friend of my friend Sybil, and then being told by the friend after the performance that someone I had criticized was someone whom she had worked with on this production for three years. Finally last image, going into my apartment with a friend, only the apartment I am entering is 2E and 620 Thwaites Place, the apartment I was raised in!
Makes sense? Woke up feeling kind of barren, but after a session, and waiting for another, feel better now.
Last night, Anniversary party at South Fourth, had a good time, caught up with some people, ate a little too much, generally very glad that I went. Also I am reading an interesting group of short stories by a young writer named,Andrew Malan Milward. Only reading the first, but it is very interesting. Will see what happens with the others.
Tonight, no plans---maybe will finally catch up on one of the movies I wish to see, maybe Brooklyn (in Brooklyn..?) or Spotlight or one of the lesser known ones. Not much else to report as the day moves forward, more to come in the next few days...

pretty normal....

day today, as I sit at the computer in the Lincoln Center Library which has now wonderfully chosen to open at 10:30 A.M. All to the good.
What else..? Yesterday evening was spent at the BAN meeting, a lot of ideas discussed, group is continuing, I offered to help Coby with some data entry during christmas (don't think that I can do it until then)  some annoyance with two of the participants who insisted on something that is happening in the future without adding any doubts to it. Did not confront, maybe another time. My life with BAN still seems undefined. I am not part of their struggle, yet I want to stop the "horror" of aggressive gentrification. Really admired Imani last night for including in the struggle young white people being priced out themselves. Anyway, will see how this plays out.
Afterwards had to do"something" ended up going to bar on Amsterdam and 80 Street called Bourbon Street---a souless place that I do attend at times, because it is not too crowded and has plenty of tvs to watch sports. Pretty crowded yesterday at about 10, mainly due to $1.00 budweisers. I bought one, then gave the bartender a two dollar tip, as a result, she was really nice to me (always tip bartenders a little more than they deserve---you never know what that will result in) watched football game, left thinking Lions would win, returned home to hear on radio the last sad moment in which the Packers took the game away from them. Bar is convenient, but the people there are less interesting than the ones at the Dive Bar on Amsterdam and 96th street. So why did I not go there..? Too tired to take bus there and back. Returned home, awakened around 3 by drip from upstairs radiator, which had been gone for a few days. Woman who lives there has been away for at least two weeks. no keys to super or landlord, so super will have to turn off the heat during the day; only way to stop the leak. It will probably return late at night, leaving me with an annoyance as tomorrow approaches.
Tonight, after session, might see a movie, but at some point will head to South Fourth for their ninth anniversary party. Can it really be nine years (or 8 and a half for me as a regular) since I discovered the place. Many good times there, have made a lot of friends. I go there less often now, probably because so much of my afternoon work is around 145street in Harlem. Looking forward to it.
Not much else to report, busy day tomorrow, will see what happens...

not a lot...

happening today, as I "recover" from yesterday's marathon. Body tired, moving back into shape, did my laundry and picked up a smoke detector in the morning, have a session (maybe two) and then a meeting of BAN this evening.
Yesterday after library, simply returned home, collapsed, spent the rest of the night in bed.
Not much else to report, weekend is a bit vague at this point, but will definitely try to go to the South Fourth party tomorrow night. Possible play at Brick on Saturday. And what about all those movies that you claim you want to see..? Any time...?  Also a new student who lives in the Bronx, just a few subway stations from where I was raised> Will take this trip on Sunday.

That's all for now....

a long...

but very meaningful day--am writing this blog entry on a day that I usually don't---a day I subbed at Friends. Called about 7:45 to cover a History tenth grade class, got there around 8:20; Kristen, the History chairwoman was pleased. Not that much subbing in the last few days; some of my issues appear to be unfounded---should look at things a little more realistically, Some days there are very few absences. At any rate, felt integrated into the community, accepted, and have at least one more day this group to work. Am comfortable with this. Calmer, definitely After day at Friends, did one and  half hours of tutoring at 145th street library.Finished with that now, tired, but invigorated. Time to go home, will report on night and whatever tomorrow...

restless.....

that is the only way to describe the way I feel at this moment. Not sure if there will be any sessions for me this afternoon, not sure what the evening will bring.
Yesterday, continued with plans for the Boston trip, now everything is in place but the departure, did buy my ticket ($25.00) for Natasha and Pierre last evening, so that is set. Train seems too expensive at this point, probably will settle for bus ride to Boston, will leave early in the morning, hopefully to avoid traffic, though on the Sunday morning, after Christmas Friday, things should be very quiet.
Last night, too tired to really go anywhere---the drip from the ceiling has debilitated me, probably also long walk on Sunday. The result was that I was stuck in the apartment, apart from a short visit to Barnes and Noble in the early evening. Feeling at odd, but things turned around when I tuned in to Exploring Music with Bill McLaughlin on WQXR. First a Haydn string quartet (excerpt) then the first movement of the Mozart "Dissonant" quartet---and then, well an incredible choice, the cavatina (slow movement) from Beethoven's Opus 130--a beautiful piece, so plaintive and filled with longing---I was blown away and transcended listening to it. McLaughlin coupled that with the last movement of the Opus 59, number 3--a virile and tough work, totally the opposite of the Cavatina What a great juxtaposition! Felt revived and well defined---at least for a while.
Tonight, should get myself out at any cost. Interesting movie at Lincoln Center film, a movie with Tom Courtney (remember him from the Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner) and one of the other elderly british female stars. Hasn't been reviewed yet, which makes it more interesting. May try to see that, or possibly play some trivia in Brooklyn. That is how things stand now, will report later...