sadness all around....

while my brother seems to be recovering nicely from his health problem, all around politically and economically the "forces of evil" are closing in. What do I mean by that?
In Baltimore, the policeman charged with the murder of Freddy Gray has been found not guilty of all charges...not even depraved indifference. Really disappointed that the judge could not impose some penalty on the defendant, the officer driving the van who gave Mr. Gray the "rough ride". Then there is the Supreme Court ruling which prompted the passionate dissent by Justice Sotomayor.  Again, how much licence are we giving the police to unfairly impact the poorer communities of the city.
Not even a fourth justice could have voted with them? Unbelievable!
Finally, I am writing this post from the 53rd, (formerly Donnell) library, the one that was closed by the former mayor and sold to a major hotel chain. The city received around 50 million dollars for it, a penthouse is now selling for about 10 million dollars more than that. Approaching the library from sixth avenue, one has to cross the entrance to the new residences---they seem to be bathed in wealth a message to passers by that wealth is "the thing". Walking into the library the first thing you see is a security guard---and the entrance floor is incredibly antiseptic. However, in all fairness I like the layout of the second floor (down, not up)  it seems, if it is not too crowded, like it could be a welcoming comfort zone for library visitors. Lots of room to move (of courses, the library just opened this week)  and a decent appreciative ambiance. Computers are plentiful, so, as long as I am free in the mornings, despite my turn off at the location, I will probably come here fairly often.
More reports to follow...

So here we are, the two worlds, The world of New York culture, which I inhabit with great energy, but totally cut off from the political reality which makes up the first paragraph of this post. Why must one cut off, the other. This evening, i will try to see a take on Chekhov's Uncle Vanya at the Invisible Dog in Brooklyn. Could be a fascinating world, but totally cut off from the political and racial reality of the day. Chekhov excites me, can you imagine is someone invited me to Fiddler or Phantom---how do you simply "enjoy" these works in this society?

Last night, went to Lansdowne Road to watch baseball (talk about a non political environment) and found that more people were watching soccer (of course!). Still, had a nice time, was able to focus on two baseball games, and was greeted and treated warmly by my waitress friend CC. Have built up a nice friendship with her.  Nothing really earth shattering, but nice to be there---walked from the restaurant (44th and tenth) to 57th and 10th, then waited about 25 minutes for an 11 bus, had a nice conversation with another patron waiting, (a middle aged black woman) who warned me about going out into the middle of the street to look for the approaching 11. (Street was empty, by the way). Bus finally arrived and returned home.

Tonight will get on the waiting list for Minor Characters, will arrive around 6:45--hopefully will be close to the start of the line---usually people get in. Rest of week......will see