an interesting day...

yesterday, right after leaving this library and picking up my laundry, headed for Bushwick to participate in a protest outside a building in Bushwick that in which the tenants are being dealt with in a predatory way. Half of the tenants have had their gas shut off for the past six months, only now is is their a court order demanding that the landlord bring in new stoves with gas within the next month. Testimonies abound---many groups were there in support; had a good conversation with members of the Brooklyn Legal group that helps prevent this kind of thing. It was a very upbeat action; the woman who organized it was very nice in thanking us for coming, but it is sad that this is happening. Left the protest feeling invigorated and defined. Got off the J at Lorimer, looked for a coffee shop that I remember going to a year before on Lorimer near the J, but could not find it, found myself walking north on Lorimer---a much longer walk between the J and the L (my ultimate destination) then I had figured, nevertheless as always on my walks through Brooklyn, a great deal to see. Noticed two luxury buildings on Lorimer, both right across the street from two low lying projects---oh well, that is NYC now. Had a coffee in a nice place near the Brick theater on Metropolitan, read a bit, and then took the L and then the 1 back to the apartment.
In the evening I went to the Assembly party at Nick's apartment on Christopher Street. Lots of theater talk, though I did mention what I did in the afternoon, and the few people whom I mentioned it to, were interested. But most of the talk was about what everyone was doing (several at the party were going to Edinborough) and everyone's immediate plans. Lots of good energy---again, felt nice when I left---walked a bit around the west village (but I was tired) and returned to the apartment. Well defined day, in contrast to some of the other days this week where I felt a gap in the afternoon. This should continue.
Today, after I leave here, will go out to Brooklyn to help flyer for the protest march in Flatbush two weeks from today. This will my first flyering out in the Flatbush neighborhood---fascinated by the architecture there and the juxtaposition between old and new---like the people who will be out there with me, should be fun. Not sure about the evening---a friend from the apartment may want to have a beer with me---if not..?
Tomorrow, fringe meeting, will finally find out what my responsibilities at the Fringe will be this year. Hope they make it clear, will report soon after...

Friday morning....

after the convention---some good statements on facebook that I could respond to---like that. I am trying to put together my feelings about Hilary's speech. I n theory, I think she realizes that she cannot openly compliment her "Centrist" faction, but in order to win the votes of the Bernie delegates and followers, she has to move "left". And I think if she wins, this part of the democratic party will truly hold her accountable to meet their needs. Okay, let us see what happens.
Last night, went to Bronx Documentary Center---touched base with Mike, the guy who conceived and runs it---very nice guy, looked at the exhibit which shows real time horrors from the last 100 years. Very strong---difficult to absorb, but very glad it was shown. After that not sure, took 5 to east side---thought I might end up in Williamsburg, but too tired---wandered around third avenue in the eighties---finally found a salad place where, for $8.70, I had a large chicken Caesar salad. Pretty good, though I would have liked to spend a little less money (forget about it)---enjoyed looking at the architecture that lines the blocks between 3rd and 2nd avenues in the east eighties and seventies ( more varied than you might think) and then took 6 to Astor Place, decided not to have a beer in a sport bar, instead returned to Burp Castle and had a beer there. New bartender, he was nice, sat by myself (counter was filled) and read the interesting book on the south side of Chicago---no real conversation. Pretty tired, then left and went home---fell asleep quickly.
Today--will attend Assembly party in the evening, should be fun and meaningful---there is a protest in Bushwick  a little later in the afternoon. Have some errands to run, but hopefully I can be there.
Will report tomorrow,

anything to be.....

gained....in the Lincoln Center Library, a little bit at odds---this morning listened to some of the reports and comments from yesterday. Feel the whole thing is a bit silly. Am willing to wait to see if Hilary gets elected (this I hope) and then pass judgement as she selects her cabinet, her advisors, etc.
Before that, it is all conjecture.
Last night, somewhat tired, but I managed to get to Standings, the baseball bar that I frequent; bartender Sam was there---very nice guy, knows that I am only a one beer man, even if I spend about two hours watching the games. Which is what I did--got restless--then headed next door to Burp Castle, the quiet bar where my friend Erin was working. Had a nice time talking with her-discussed the forum at Brooklyn Museum last Sunday---also had a nice conversation with two of her regulars about Woody Allen's new movie and then a good conversation about Philidelphia with a guy who just wandered in. Left feeling good, but where was I to go. Hungry, so headed over to Two Boots for my slice of peppironi pizza (undercooked) and then got some ice cream at the waffle place on second and B. Still not too tired, walked down Clinton (more new building on the street) and then over to the F train on Delancey and Essex. Went home, reluctantly, but figured it was time (I was getting tired)  and my stomach could not take any more input. Read a little bit of the book The South Side, a book about segregated Chicago that looks like it will be very interesting. Then went to bed.
Today, after library session__not sure, there is an opening at the Bronx Documentary Center that sounds interesting---and since I have not been there in just about a year, and it is free, might check it out. A few other choices as well---but right now, that seems like the best. Later, in the library, after this session, might check out a copy of Troilius and Cressida and see if some of Sullivan's choices came from the text or were imposed. Still glad that I saw it on Tuesday night. The "imposition" really centers around the character of Cressida---the way it was staged on Tuesday makes her an unwilling
"betrayer" of Troilius---I have always read it more that she is simply intrigued by Diomedes her Greek captor. Anyway, we will see.
That is all for now---let's see how things develop for the rest of the day.

where are we....

going? What is happening in the city? What is happening to us?
Last night: Troilius and Cressida in the park. Where to begin? Got there at 6:30---had no trouble getting in---on the line sat next to a very nice couple---she teaches at Woodside, he is a copywriter; they live in Sunnyside.
The production--this is a very difficult play to bring off--a true ensemble piece---found the first act a little "streaky"---performances somewhat obvious---had trouble with the vision of Cressida as a kind of privileged private school girl---yet the play evolved fairly, Second act was much stronger--the final scenes had an incredible impact---the acting was far more focused---director Dan Sullivan really understands the play and allowed its brutal and unfair strength to show itself. At the center of  all this was Bill Heck's Hector---an actor of incredible charisma whose death was really frightening. Audience gave them a very deserved strong ovation. Also liked Max Casella who caught the garbage mouthed Thersites very well. Sullivan's updating seemed a little gratuitous at times, but ultimately got out of the way of the action. The play itself is a stunning piece of writing---some of the lines are so aware and the language so amazing, that I was in awe.
Now the bad news: the voice over from the Public's artistic director, blatantly asks the patrons to thank Bank of America--I find that really repugnant---you know the abuses that Bank of America participated into cause the bank destruction of 2008. How can this man honestly ask us to be greatful to the Bank? And why does the audience---a 90% white audience, most of whom look like they graduated from Ivy League Schools or somewhat similar ones---who probably know the difference between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton--sit there in silence. Nothing, not even a reference---it is as if they had no awareness of Bank of America's role in the 2008 breakdown. And while the artistic director of the Public has raised the standards of production and performance in Central Park immeasurably in the past few years---why must I, as an audience member be forced to hear this blatant statement praising this bank, every time I see a Central Park production. Very sad, even sadder that I don't even know who to discuss this with---or what kind of reaction I will get from my theater friends. I feel like Dr. Stockman in Ibsen's An Enemy of the People. (possibly a little far fetched). Want to continue this dialogue, but where?
This morning---two articles in the Village Voice stressed that the city seems really divided into two sections, two visions. The one on Bronx Borough President Diaz pointed out that he is interested in undermining, possibly destroying the small businesses that line Jerome Avenue, a little bit north of Yankee Stadium. In this way, he is in "cahoots" with the Mayor. A "populist" supported by the current Governor of the State? I doubt it. A lot of money has been poored into the Bronx in the past few years. The second article was about Mr. Tusk, and independant "technocrat" with a hatred of left wing populism (according to the article) who is campaigning against the current Mayor---although with no real alternative selected. But who will ask for his support in the coming election? Anyone who wants to show that deBlasio has failed the very people he was supposed to help (the middle and lower classes of the city) would have to reject his philosophy. And the people that I support in Brooklyn,the anti gentrification---displacement, black lives matter people want blood---they are everything that he does not want. So where do we go from here?
Wow! Got a lot of venting out---time to go back to a theater web site---maybe somebody saw the third understudy for the genie in Alladin, and wants to tell us about it. Would be a relief....

so It's Tuesday......

kind of relaxed as I sit in the library at Amsterdam and 82nd, writing this. Yesterday after I left the Lincoln Center library was "strange' the best way I can describe it. By 3:30 was tired, rested a bit, thinking that I would be in good shape to go out to Bushwick for the reading last night. But it never happened. Woke up about 5 with a stomach ache and also it was dark and raining hard. A little nervous about trekking out to Brooklyn in the storm---worried that there might be a power outage in the area, or a breakdown in the subway. Also tired, so I did not go. Nothing to do except wait until hunger took over---so I continued tor rest, listened to the Yankee game and pondered my options for the rest of the week. Finally got restless and left the apartment around 9---took 104 to 96th---then walked north. By this time, a little hungry, so the question was where? Passed a bar on the east side of 106th that has always seemed interesting to me, but a little noisy and crowded, so I passed. Next a Greek diner on 109th street---pretty empty but I had a book with me---checked menu---a tuna fish sandwich would have cost about  7.25---before tax and tip, really made me sick, so I passed it. Finally settled on a "burger bar" on Broadway (east side) near 111th. Had never been in there before. It is an interesting place---actually a large table area and a decent bar area--place somewhat crowded but there was room---very much a young crowd; I was able to take a very light pilzner to a table and sit and watch two baseball games there. Definitely a bar where one should be with "somebody"; since I was at a table, I was left alone---did not really feel alienated but not great either (of course not cityboy, why should you have feltl good if no one was talking to you?) Left after it looked like the Yankees had sealed the deal (they did); had a large and overpriced pizza next door and returned home.Listened a bit to rap up of convention first day and slept--still kind of tired from the day but awoke around 4 this morning with my energy restored. But what can one do at 4 in the morning, especially on the upper west side (a different answer if I lived in Williamsburg). Had a strange dream, about being cast in a play, not learning my lines, and on the day of the performance, the theater being destroyed. You figure it out.

This morning, listened to Convention takes on NPR---better to get information that way rather than listen to the whole thing while it is happening, definitely do not want to hear the speech of the former president this evening---though role call (if it is allowed to happen) might be interesting.
Just heard that the city has purchased a lot of anti-terrorist equipment for the NYC police---supposed to protect them from attack but also might be used against protesters---at least that is my take on that---more on that some other time.
Today, a good day to see Troilius and Cressida at the park---really want to see it and this might be my only chance, but also ambivalent---would like to explore some other choices---maybe I should go to south fourth just to be with people. Not sure. Park or movie? Manhattan or Brooklyn? Will probably just let it happen. Will report tomorrow.

after the exhausting....

weekend, just trying to pull everything together. Last week was full of waiting and holes. Since Friday, it seems like I have been on the go every second.  So what happened?
Saturday, after library, went to meeting at Flatbush library on Linden Boulevard---more planning for August 13th march. Productive, but people from the previous two meetings were missing. That was troubling to me, because some people who were very assertive last meeting were simply not present, so the tone of the meeting was much more benign. Nevertheless, a lot was done, planning for the march---where it will go, where the group will meet and how to publicize it were all worked out. I committed myself to contacting WBAI, a radio station that I think would be very responsive to this march. Should go to there web site soon. Also, going to reading tonight at Bushwick Starr, which, by its name, figures to be very afro-centered. Will give out some flyers for the march there--will be interesting to see how many of the artists involved are aware of the march, or of the Equality for Flatbush group.
As I was walking here today, considered the gap between the "two worlds" that I travel in, the activist world, and the theater world. None of my theater friends were at the forum; sometimes feel hesitant to even discuss this role that I play with them. Would not bring flyers to the Bushwick Starr, except that the reading itself, seems, from everything that I read on the web site, to be afrocentric.
 Continuing Saturday: after meeting, went to Plan B, the sports bar in Prospect Heights, had a beer and watched a bit of the Yankee-Giant game. Good bar for watching sports--nobody to talk to, could have gone to Soda Bar, right down the street, but somewhat hesitant to go there. Why? Not sure, might not have been baseball, but might have had better conversation.
Left plan B not sure of where the next stop would be---thought of attending the Shakespeare project at Brick, but that started at 9, did not want to wait around---finally decided, somewhat reluctantly, to check out the new Woody Allen movie, Cafe Society. playing at BAM. Not sure what I would think, so it more of a time killer than anything else, but actually I enjoyed it a lot. Very skillfully written, and also its "look" amazing as it captures a wealthy depression environment. Costumes, hair styles, amazing---extras (several hundreds of them, it seems) look authentically thirties, no hint of the present in their look at all. Also brings up meanings of Allen's films---the central character is a young untried guy, going to Hollywood, and of course he is an idealist, but---gt this---it was never mentioned in the reviews that I read---for most of the film he is a successful man about town with a family. And the ending, which some people read as romantic, I found very complaisant. Much more to write about and talk about this film---with its very specific value set. Hope to write more or talk more about it in the future, certainly while I would not wholeheartedly recommend it, I would urge anyone who wants to write a screenplay, or be in movies, to see it.
  Sunday, the "Day" my 6 hours at the anti-gentrification forum. Got there early, decided to give out flyers. For about 4 hours, stood outside the museum, serving as the "welcoming comittee"  to those going to the forum and entering the museum. Had to find out that those going to the forum were not expected to pay---museum was not asking for an admission contribution from them. When I found out, about 30 minutes into my comittment, ---I was able to articulate to those entering how to not pay and where to find the forum.  Talked to a lot of people, really felt my communication skills helped shepherd people in, and get some people to the forum who were not planning to go. Very tired (and hungry) by 4:30, thought that I would go to my friend William's reading at Bushwick Starr at 8, but really too fatigued to do that. When I returned to the main square, where the forum was taking place, was very happy to see how many people were there, and how passionate the discussions were. I think more and more people are picking up on how serious the problem of gentrification in Brooklyn really is. This is a good sign, but walking around the upper west side, get such a feel of complacency; maybe one or two people are involved in changing things.
   That will be all for now; have some other sites to visit; should contact BAI about the march on the 13th---will report on rest of the day and Bushwick visit tomorrow.

so things got....

better, yesterday, beginning with a trip to Burp Castle to give Erin a few flyers for tomorrow's forum at the Brooklyn Museum. Ran, totally accidentally, into my friend Rob, who had been a music teacher at Friends for two years, a few years ago. He now teaches in China, back for a brief visit, brought his friend Sarah, a lawyer, to Burp as well. Good conversation, Sarah and I discussed all the theaters in the area. May hang with Rob before he goes back to China. Then headed to Sunny's. My friend Tom was playing with his latin band there. Arrived early, chatted with kate, a musician who bartends there, had a beer, and finally listened to Tom and his excellent band for about an hour. Left around 10:50--walked to bus stop on Van Brunt (cityboy hates to take taxis) and waited for bus. Area for the most part very quiet, a little threatening at the beginning, but ultimately liked the quiet and felt comfortable in it as I waited for the bus. Should make another trip before Fringe, if possible---want to explore and learn more about the neighborhood.
Today, meeting in Brooklyn at a new library, it is on Linden Boulevard, a street that I have long wanted to explore. Another street from my childhood, that is one where, if my parents had been teachers in Brooklyn, I might have lived in. Love those art deco apartments, would love to know their story for the past 60 years. How the neighborhood changed and evolved during this time. When did the Jews leave...? What was the last cry, When was the last String Quartet (Beethoven?) played on an lp player. Mysteries...mysteries---no answer.
After meeting, on my own, find a place to watch Yankee game. Shakespeare at the Brick might interest me, but it is  late, don't know if, with my heavy schedule tomorrow, I can handle the time.
 Tomorrow, forum at Brooklyn Museum, should be exciting----afterwards, try to catch reading of new play at Bushwick Starr. Should be interesting---see if I can make it.
Will report all on Monday.

"different"? Not quite.....

Yesterday afternoon, a "triumph"! Bought sneakers at Payless (159th street and Broadway) for reasonable price, felt good, really had abused the old ones. Stopped at Columbia Library for a book---could not find anything that turned me on---ultimately took out Ann Beatie's most recent short story collection---I loved her short fiction in the late seventies---really captured the ennui and thwarted vision of the "bright" kids of the sixties, now transitioning into their late thirties, and still trying to find some meaning in their lives. Very meaningful to read in the summer of 79. Now--these new stories---hope that they work-will probably stop off at Library near Lincoln Center and try to pick up another to read on my travels as well.
But on returning to the apartment, felt tired, and immediately all plans to visit Brooklyn and do some flyering went out the window---ended up going to Dive Bar on 96th---thought that was the best of the choices around here,, but immediately sat next to a very obnoxious older man----made statements that were infantile and annoying---finally he and his wife left---really frustrating. Thought that i might be able to talk to Olivia, the waitress whom I spoke with after seeing  The Crucible, last Tuesday, but she was busy, and just wasn't worth the effort to stay around in the hope that things might calm down,---also, I hate their men's room with a passion---it is really rudimentary---strange that such a solid bar and restaurant should have such a garbage men's room---but that is how it is. I left, took a bus to Lincoln Center---stood outside the Lincoln Center outdoors venue---heard one of the really good bands from South Africa-and walked around. Amazing juxtaposition---the newest luxury building on the corner of 63rd and Amsterdam is right across the street from the Amsterdam projects. Talk about rich and poor! Stood around for a while, watching people go into the newer building (They did not seem so rich; maybe it is cheaper than I thought) and listening to the music. Pretty fatigued, managed to keep things going until around 10, and then went back to the apartment.
       Today, I had hoped to go out to Bushwick---say hi to my barista friend Joanna at Cobra Club and then use the library out there---but that did not happen. I have been invited to hear a musician friend of mine named Tommy, he lives in Greenpoint, play at Sunny's the cool bar in Red Hook. Since I had such a good time there after the play last Saturday, jumped at the opportunity to go---so that is the plan. But I think I was overwhelmed with the idea of going to Bushwick in the morning, and then Red Hook this evening---also want to take it easy before what looks like a very busy weekend. But once my library stay is over---not clear how I will spend the time. Have avoided mid day movies, but maybe now, just to make the time pass, might be necessary. Might have lessons to teach tomorrow, have to check, but ironically when I don't have lessons planned, seems like too much time on my hands---will try to work that out better next week.
     Last night after Dive Bar, did stop at Barnes and Noble, looked at the New Yorker, strong article  about police shootings in the Comments section. At one point, I was thinking about the possibility of a movie, maybe Lisa Miller's or Woody Allen's new one, but after reading about the girl friend of the man killed in Minneapolis talking to the cop, just as her boy friend was shot,  I was shattered. Could not see myself getting involved in a movie simply dealing with the "problems" of white people. Seemed cheap and insensitive.

Tomorrow the meeting at the library on Linden Boulevard then maybe the Shakespeare play at the Brick, if I am not too tired. Sunday, the whole day at the anti gentrification forum---then possibly the
reading of William's play at Bushwick Starr. Will definitely go to Monday's reading there. So that is it---will report tomorrow on trip to Red Hook.

a little more relaxed today.....

as I write this, still have not determined if I will flyer for Sunday this evening around Eastern Parkway. (could also do it tomorrow evening as well). But the plan is to some point head to brooklyn, to at least deposit some of these flyers with stores that might want them. So this evening (this afternoon, really) exists in a blur----maybe I will hit a museum---and then head to Brooklyn.
No teaching today---tomorrow is going to be real hot, so will the weekend, so that should be taken into account as well. Have finished Middlemarch---also just ended the bio of Kenneth Tynan (glad I read it---he was a real dynamo, but also lost in his own ego) and am "stuck" with Charyn's short story collection---he is fun to read and his Bronx references resonate with me, but there is not a lot of differences in the stories--one sometimes feels like he is pulling off a trick that is easy for him with this collection, not digging deep enough to make each story telling in itself.
Yesterday evening, went to Burp Castle in search of Erin, my bartender friend in the hope of depositing some flyers for Sunday's forum with her, but she was not at the place. Could have stayed at burp and just had a beer---group that was there looked like an interesting bunch, but instead hustled myself next door to the more familiar (and much more masculine) Standings. Watched most of the Yankee-Oriole game and the Giant-Red Sox slugfest there--bartender Sam knows me and is very friendly--most of the time I was alone, but actually had a very interesting conversation with the two Red Sox fans sitting next to me towards the end of my stay. Very satisfying. But it was time to go---then what? I quickly got hungry---did not just want another pizza, but to eat--where? Walked up second to 14th, then east to first, thought that I would explore first avenue corridor going south from 14th street. Interesting walk, but no where to eat---finally decided on the greek diner (one of the few left) on 23rd and 2nd---a very dependable place with good service. Had my blt there and proceeded home. Pretty tired and went to sleep quickly, but up in the middle of the night, with my usual restlessness---a harsh sense of being alone----which of course subsided once the morning began.
 Plan for tonight: I must do something "different". Which means what? Go to a bar or restaurant that I have never been to, (how about the one on 5th and 23rd in the south slope)---do something to challenge the "nonrmalcy" of the baseball bars that I attend. That is the plan, I think I have to push myself a little bit to move out of my generalized "relaxed" spots. If not the bar I suggested above, maybe one of the Clinton Hill or Bed Stuy ones that I have often passed.
That is all for now, will report how all this turned out on tomorrow's blog.

tough time....

as the weekend approaches----have the flyer for the anti gentrification forum at my apartment, will make copies this afternoon, then give them out---but to whom? Tonight will visit my friend Erin, who bartends at Burp Castle, and lives in Bushwick, and is a bit of an activist---she will probably want one, might come, and might spread the word. Important, because I think a lot of people who might want to go or think about the issues presented at the forum, simply don't know about it. Yet flyering, especially in Brooklyn, near the museum, makes me nervous. Ambivalent about doing it, hate it when people walk away from me, I think if one is going to flyer, one needs to get into a "flyering head", where the avoiders become meaningless. Can I do this?  These are the questions I seem to face as we head to the weekend. Will feel angry at myself if I "chicken out". Thursday is open, but......
So it goes.
Last night, tired, played with all kinds of choices in my head before deciding on Lansdowne Road, where all the games were on TV. Said Hi to my friend CC who was bartending in the back and is excited to be preparing for her performance in the one act play festival at 59 east 59th street. Did not spend a lot of time with her, but know that she is happy about what is happening, and that I will be coming (probably some time in week 1). Nothing much happening at the bar, did watch baseball for about two hours, felt that I enjoyed that, however my sandwich came with french fries (I should not have asked for them) and I could not deny myself. Result: a possible beer at another bar could not happen, returned home around 11, read for a while, but then awoke in the middle of the night---had to get it together---managed to "chill" and go back to sleep.
So where will this end? Or how will this resolve itself---could use some support for my participation in the conference. But try to remember, cityboy, that this is a problem that you are only peripherally involved in---those that are making this happen are on the front lines---it effects them directly. And while the services in your rent stabilized building are just that---"stabilized" you are not dealing with the predatory vision of those realtors who have just bought apartment houses in Brooklyn.
All right, enough! Let's get on with the rest of the day..

last night---

a good time at South Fourth---God, that place is amazing!--celebrating Lana's leaving the city and moving to Michigan with her husband to be, Andrew. Who is Lana? She has been a bartender there for nine years, very much part of the South fourth community, and the first summer that I hung out at the place---2007---we had many conversations as she took the morning to early afternoon shift on Saturdays and Sundays. A really lovely person---well life moves on at South fourth---good talks with many people last night, no conversation about the republican convention or the killing of police, just a lot of friendly banter and catch up.
On the way back to the subway, met two students who graduated Friends in 2012, Joe and Alex---they looked incredibly different from their high school selves---spoke with them briefly, had to orient myself to their new looks.
Today,already a trip to the dentist for a teeth cleaning---and I have just printed the flyer for Sunday's forum at Brooklyn Museum. I will have copies made and maybe on Thursday, hand some out around Eastern Parkway and Franklin. Do I dare to take the risk? Would love to have some company.
Today, will finish up at library in a while, then back to apartment, then probably to check in with my friend CC at Lansdowne, where I can watch the ball games. Interesting ball game night, lots of meaningful games to check out.
That is all for now---will report tomorrow

very upsetting...

the murder of the three police officers in Baton Rouge----this by another "loner" killer. There seems to be no way of preventing these attacks---we have sent these men to Iraq and encouraged their violence---now they return disaffected, and this is what happens. I don't feel there is any way even the most astute of authorities can predict who the next person will be. Very difficult.
All of this dominates a report that was supposed to be "full of wonder" from my trip to Red Hook to see "Nothing is Going to Change My World" at the barge on Conover Street. First trip to Red Hook in about three years (at least) observed many new buildings but overall wanted to explore more than I had the chance to. The park off which the barge lives is very placid and beautiful---really worth exploring. The play was very well acted---the writing was sharp, but each scene went on too long. Afterwards, went to Sunny's; met my cousin Stan there (he was playing blue grass) spoke to him and talked to a few involved in the play as well. Left feeling very happy that I had made the trip---had no trouble getting a 61 bus at around 11. Before the fringe begins--would like to return there and "hang out" at Sunny's for a while.
 Yesterday, first fringe orientation; they are taking a very different approach this year; almost all ticketing will be done by phone. They have created sections "fringe lounges" instead of a Fringe Central that they hope will bring more fringe goers together, but seem to me more of an idea then a realistic vision. My job will not have changed that much---but there will be some gradations. Hopefully another orientation session will clarify things. We shall see.
Today, a "nothing" day, that is no tasks---probably will spend most of my time in the library or other cool places. Tonight is bartender Lana's last night at South fourth, and there will be a party for her which I will attend. Should be fun an meaningful. That is all for now...

difficult night....

last night, decided that I was too tired to troop to Red Hook (I think I will try tonight)  so rested for a while, wanted to consider all my choices for the evening, considering that I was very tired---finally decided on Armstrongs up on 148street and Broadway, looked good when I arrived, greeted nicely by  bartender--both baseball games on---however the gentleman seated next to me recognized me from a past visit--an irishman, he would not stop talking to me, probably a little drunk, and by the time I was there for an hour, felt I needed to leave. It was getting crowded anyway, but had had enough. Paid my check and left---felt very annoyed---wanted much more congenial company---took train to 125th, got out and walked a bit, then returned to subway---to be frank, I was physically tired and wanted to get home, but felt really bummed out that I was "stuck" with this guy during my stay at the bar.
    Today, woke up feeling better, helped my coffee friend Jesus with a little math while I was picking up my free coffee----listened to David Rothenberg's show on WBAI---he had the biographer of the recent Mary Martin bio on his show. Good conversation, brought back memories-author will be speaking at the Barnes and Nobles this Monday---the one on 86street and Lexington. Might go and add some anecdotes, don't know how welcome I would be made to feel--anyway, it is a possibility.
   Rest of day---will "take it easy" (whatever that means)  an make the trip out to Red Hook (train and bus) probably around 5, have not been there in about 5 years, when I ate my Sunday brunch at the bar-restaurant on Montgue and Hicks would often walk from there into Red Hook, long walk along Columbia Street (probably built up now)--then a strange no man's land as Van Brunt began and finally, Red Hook proper. Maybe I should walk again, we will see.
  Tomorrow, First Fringe meeting, looking forward to that, it will be at 4---later will go to South fourth, where I now go every Sunday that I can. Looking forward to hanging out with bartender Olivia and perhaps a few other acquaintances (Harlo?) The rest of the week is pretty open, leading up to Saturday's meeting with the Flatbush group, and Sunday's anti gentrification program at Brooklyn Museum. My friend William has a reading at Bushwick Starr later that evening, hope to make both, but the forum at Brooklyn Museum is the must. Some flyering for the anti displacement afternoon../
Possibly, next week--certainly have some friends who might like to know about it.
  Monday coming up, will review weekend activities.

Friday afternoon....

have just finished a session and also attended a dance concert that my friend Shayna was in this morning at the New Victory (a beautiful) theater. Dances were a little slow, but nice to see Shayna doing something interesting. Tonight, if not too tired will head to Red Hook to try to get into Maria R's piece. If tired...? Who can say.
Yesterday: stayed on computer at Lincoln Center Library for quite a while after posting---exhausted every possible web site of interest. Returned home with a lot of time on my hands (about 3 hours) before leaving for the theater where Flako was having his entertainment. Did some reading but at times had to face the "void". Interesting, I find that there is really no repose for me---mind works furiously, constantly. Rested a bit, always seem to need some rest in the middle of the day (possibly because I usually wake up around 5) then got myself together and went to the 3LLD center.
     Flako's piece is essentially the same one that I participated in in December of 2014. Did I feel angry for not being included in this one? Not at all---actually the man who read the short poem that I read in the first production, read it much better than I did. He really phrased it well, listening to him, I finally understood the poem. But I gave up a chance to attend a reading of a playwright that I find interesting---spent a lot of the evening being disappointed about that. Anyway, my friend Sarah was there, as well as a few other acquaintances, so had some good conversations. Have not been at that venue for about three years, and of course the neighborhood has exploded with (what else?) luxury apartment houses. More exclusion. Returned home right after performance since I was tired.
  Not much else to say---lets see if I can get myself up for going to Red Hook tonight, however tomorrow might be better (both performances have no tickets left, so it means waiting list time, but that is not really a hassle) because I am free Sunday until 4 when the first fringe meeting takes place.
Anyway, we will see, whatever, I will definitely not stay home this evening as the first day of the second half of the baseball season beckons.

shattering article...

in Harper called Baltimore Bleeds by a black gentleman teaching at Howard and living in the Park Heights Area of Baltimore. Really points out how we (white people) are protected in ways that black citizens are not. Statement about how the money for Baltimore goes into projects like the Harbor, which attracts mostly white people while south Baltimore Sandtown residents (where Freddy Gray was from) and neglected. Somehow this short piece was much more frightening then Between the World and Me. What is one to do...? One thing---keep on participating and helping individuals and families any way one can. I guess for you, cityboy, that means continuing your tutoring of the kids at the library, among other things.
Park Hieghts and environs, now an all black poor to middle class neighborhood, which when I was in Batlimore at Hopkins (1960-64) was still heavily Jewish. Dated and thought about many young women from there during my time at Hopkins. That was probably the last era of the neighborhood being all Jewish and safe. Sad---what happened. Baltimore is on my mind, though I probably won't visit there this summer.
Yesterday, had my one session (second one canceled) and then slowly took the 1 home. The 1 was very slow yesterday, so I got out and walked down Broadway for several blocks, then got back on the 1 and did the same thing. I felt tired, but strangely I found the walk very invigorating. Felt very free and relaxed. Returned back to the apartment, rested a little still tired but determined to do something---decided on the documentary playing "down the street" at the Bunin theaters (the ones inside Lincoln Center) called Indian Point, made by the remarkable Ivy Meropol. Her documentary about being the granddaughter of the Rosenbergs, called Heir to an Execution, was very important to me. Here she studies the reality and problems of the Indian Point Powerplant, and presents many sides of the story. The engineer who believes in the plant and is dedicated to keeping it safe is a very solid adult, so too are those who live nearby and believe it should be shut down. Also the environmentalists who believe that the waste from the plant is endangering the fish in the Hudson. Very articulate documentary, very well flilmed---learned a lot, always involved.
Tonight will see Flako's piec at 3LD (just got my ticket); other than that totally free; tomorrow with a performance that a friend is in in the morning, possibly a session, and then probably the play in Red Hook, should be a very hectic day. How will it all turn out...? We will see

today is...

Wednesday....yeah, yeah, yeah, so what? Another day trying to negotiate this strange city with its massive contradictions. Where to begin...?
Yesterday night: The Criucible---an overwhelming second act of this production has left me "brutalized".
Never has the brutality of the play, the horror of what Proctor is facing, been brought home so clearly. Von Howe (the director) seems uninterested in the psychological and erotic aspects of the play (they are there) and instead creates a brutal mano a mano between Proctor and Danforth. First production I have seen that gets Danforth (and his cohort Judge Hathorne) out from behind the table and into the front of the stage, this coupled with Ciaron Hinds unbending performance as Danforth and  Ben Whishaw's Proctor's assent from a "little man" to a hero was overwhelming. The brilliance of Miller's writing is that all of Danforth's rigid assertions as to his "right" to pass judgement on the whole town of Salem, are so strongly articulated. Miller could have created two stereotypical characters in Danforth and Hathorne, but he didn't, the result being that they are totally unflinching leaders. Would like to see a playwright in today's world taking an interest in creating a character who was a "developer" or a hedge fund investor, investing in companies that removed rent stabilized tenants from apartments. Someone who believed that what he was doing was absolutely right--totally immoral--but forcing today's audience to consider them. This is what is absent from the writing of today's "downtown theater" people for all of the ingeniousness. Left the theater with an incredible respect for Von Howe's vision of the play, he definitely was able to expand all previous productions that I have seen. Still, really admired the one at Friends in December of 2012, and remember vividly my first encounter with the play on a Wednesday afternoon in August of 1958, at the now defunct Martinique Theater on 32nd and Broadway. Play took place in a rectangle with audience on all four sides. Very passionate production directed by Word Baker (he would later direct The Fantastics) and strong performances from Noah Keen, Ford Rainey and David Metcalf. That production emphasized (or did not shy away from) the erotic content of the play; it did contain the short scene between Proctor and Abigail (it has now been cut from all versions) that began the second act where Abigail repeats her love and urge for Proctor as he tries to deny it. This made her a much stronger participant in the courtroom scene---here the Abigail was all but forgotten as the conflict between Proctor and Danforth became stronger. 
After the play, hungry, had a pizza at a nearby pizza store then decided to go to Dive Bar on 96th; felt more of a chance for contact there; I was right---a waitress named Olivia saw my program and we proceeded to talk about this production and more. Our time was cut short because of her work, but may be able to chat with her again on her other shifts.
Just got the word: Fringe training on Sunday afternoon---good!
Tonight, not sure, there is the Shakespeare at the Brick which sounds interesting, but what if it isn't. These things can vary so much in clarity and strength. Hate the idea of being stuck in the theater with something that is awful Also, might just need a rest after the strength of last night's performance.
Rest of week, still not sure, will probably see Red Hook project one of the days.
That is all for now...will report tomorrow.

As I approached the...

library, I felt very upbeat because I had just obtained a rush ticket for The Crucible for tonight. A nice seat in the orchestra, while others in front of me were getting partial view box seats Why? Maybe because I asked directly for a rush, and did not specify where I wanted it. That is always my style. Maybe other reasons, but the ticket is mine.
Frustrations abound: can't seem to find the right post that shows the true flyer for the anti gentrification Flatbush march on August 13. Messages go back and forth, I don't see why the person who was picked to do the drawing on the flyer could not have been at the meeting last Saturday. Now a lot of e-mails are being thrown around and but none of the changes that we spoke of have been incorporated, as far as I know. Maybe I still have trouble processing the right way to use the internet.
Then there are the "night" issues---much theater to see, but also could be flyering for the event on July 24 at the Museum. Somehow, all these schedules and different choices are making me woozy.
Well, we wills see how it all plays out.
Yesterday, visited Mike at FUREE, actually he had to go to the projects on Third Avenue so I accompanied him there and we walked as we talked. Things seem to going okay at FUREE, nice to see one of the members who Mike is working closely with at the projects as we passed by. Left Mike at the Park Slope location of FUREE's lead not for profit sponsor (names are quickly escaping me as I write this) and wandered to coffee shop on fourth and Garfield and read some of Middlemarch, Amazingly, I am approaching its end. I think I understand what Eliot was getting at in the novel.The true question the novel raises is how does a woman who is bright and sensitive, but who can only exist in a closed framework of marriage, survive and deal with all of this. For Eliot in this novel, marriage is not the end all---indeed the two women who she most focuses on feel a tremendous sense that they are trapped in this world that they once believed in so hopefully. Would like to read some criticism of the book once I finish it.
After coffee,walked through the Slope (fourth avenue to Prospect park) and then across Union to the library. Every time that I move through a street in the slope, I try to imagine it for the last 40 years. Is this really the slope that I discovered in the late sixties, a kind of strange, quiet (seventh avenue) exotic neighborhood that really did not even touch sixth avenue and where some of the people my age (twenties) were moving to and enjoying it? Remember how cheap it was...? Memories, memories---stayed in the library for about an hour. Hungry for some "action" but passed by Soda on Vanderbuilt (I walked north after I left the library) and settled for a nice sandwich at Outpost---while I was there read first act of Hayley Feiffer's play about a playwright father figure that was presented last year. Not sure what I wanted to do after leaving Outpost, had some room for a beer, and god knows there are enough places around there to have them. but was hit by a fatigue wave, felt the best thing would be just to go home and rest. Which is just what I did, fell asleep quickly, woke up around 12, walked around the block and got some yogurt, then returned home and slept till about 5. Woke up feeling refreshed and with a fairly relaxed (not overwhelmed) stomach. All in all a good choice to get home early and stay there.
Baseball season is at the half way mark, with no baseball scores to receive on the radio or contemplate standing changes, I feel kind of empty. All star break has always been off putting to
me, but never have I quite been annoyed at the stoppage of games. Well, must wait until Friday.

So, tonight The Crucible, will report on all tomorrow....

happy in spite of the....

chaos, because went to Fringe web site and saw my name on the staff list. That means that I will be hired to run a box office in August (did you really think otherwise, cityboy?) Something to look forward to---even if it does occupy a different world then the activist one that I have been participating in.
   Saturday,  after library, went to meeting to organize Flatbush march in August. About eight of us were there--unfortunately not two of the people who I liked from the meeting previously. Decided on poster, also planned the march. Without police supervision, which I was not too happy with, but will go along with it. Fringe will begin the day before so that it is possible that I won't be able to take part at all. Vision is very much Imani's; sometimes I disagree with him, other times I think he likes to show the rest of the group that I am wrong (when I talk about something re the group). Yet in spite of this, I think he likes and respects me----I have to remember that he is much more involved in all these problems than I am; I can retreat to the comfort of my small apartment on the upper west side, or my interest in baseball or theater, in a way that he and the others living in Flatbush, and seeing and hearing the harassment on a daily basis, can't. Left feeling very tired, toyed with the idea of seeing a movie, decided against it, returned home around 7 in a very fatigued state, went to bed almost immediately---awoke many times during the night. A restless one.
  Dream early Sunday morning: I am in a city bus riding from Manhattan to the Bronx. I am sitting in the back, near me are a man and a woman in their twenties, holding each other very closely. I am returning "home"---it is late at night---dark blue, wondering if the bus will let me off close enough to where I live. Bus goes from Manhattan to the Bronx, finally stops under the subway (2 line) near Lydig Avenue, maybe a little south of that; I prepare to get off and walk to Thwaites Place, where I was raised. At that point I awake--shocked at the fact that in the dream I interpret my "home" to be the apartment and street in which I was raised. Freaked me out.
  Sunday---my "free" day. After chatting with my brother on the phone, headed to Standings, only to find that just two baseball games were on, because the "important" soccer game was coming up. Stayed a bit, then stopped for coffee nearbye--then to Williamsburg where I wandered around near McCarren Park for about an hour. Always interested in the geography of those streets---walked into Greenpoint, a few blocks north on Manhattan Avenue, but feeling tired, decided to wait for 62 bus to get to South Fourth. Which is what I did, then "hung out" there for a while, had a really nice talk with bartender Olivia, we went over passed friends from the bar who we had not seen in a while. Left an walked to L; had to have ice cream before I took the subway---really good chocolate cup, but kind of heavy for where my stomach was, still paying for it (slightly) now.
 One more thing: discovered a typing "station run by the city on the south east side of McCarron.
 On an old typewriter, one can compose ones thoughts. Wrote about 5 lines, think that I will return and use it again. Good to know that it is there.
 Today, meet with Mike at Furee, then--not sure will things will go....

Friday's events....

went to SVA show for graduating Masters of Teaching Art--my friend Samantha was one of the graduates, glad that I went, saw a lot of interesting paintings and showing--I was very impressed by the way each artist described their vision. Samantha's was a series of rocks with drawings inside the paper---very telling. Really was impressed with all the work---art is like a poem, to be taken very personally by the viewer.
After that was over, had some time to kill, started to rain, went to Two Boots for a slice then had coffee nearby--read a lot of the short story by Delmore Schwartz that I had started on the train back from Providence. Interesting, am now (Saturday morning) reading Middlemarch, and I will have it with me the whole day. Some very telling and perceptive (for that time) writing on page 716. This is a hard book to read, but moments show you how aware George Eliot was of the world that offered women very little freedom at that time. Different from  Jane Austen...? Somewhat, should read a little more of Austen before I make that final decision.
 When rain finally stopped, walked from Bank street and Seventh to Standings (2nd and 7th). Crossed eighth street between fifth and sixth---amazed at how many new restaurants and bars have opened on that block simply in the past year or so. When the Fringe office was located on 5th and Eighth street, barely anything occupied the block between fifth and sixth, just a few coffee places. Now it is filled with people on a Friday evening (of course) Anyway, got to Standings, watched baseball for a couple of hours (said hello to my friend Ryan and his wife and son, but no real conversations) and had their pizza, much better than the Two Boots.
 This morning, read more of the Tynan bio,  then here at library, later the library on Corelyou to talk about march on 8/13 and the poster that is being created for it. Anti gentrification teach in scheduled for tomorrow at Brooklyn Museum has been put back two weeks---good! Need a rest tomorrow, everything is far too frenetic for me, also will give me a chance to spread the word and maybe even do some flyering for it.
Tomorrow, want to have some unstructured time, check in with David (my brother) and give him my travel-baseball reports---hit the library in Brooklyn and maybe "hang" at South fourtrh for a while in the early evening. Maybe my friend Harlo will be there and we can discuss Village Voice article about kiosks with wi-fi.
  That's all for now...

In the library....

going through e-mails that came in in the last two days, lots of work---many things happening, of course, really upset about the Dallas tragedy---impressed with the statement that I heard earlier this morning by the police chief.  Hope to get more news as it comes in.
   Boston trip---bus not bad, after moving from hostile person who took the seat next to me---a lot of anxiety after that, but settled in next to a teen-ager and things went okay from there. But trip very efficient, took exactly 4 hours and a quarter, and that is with a lot of traffic in NYC and a good deal between NY and New Haven. Rest of trip good sailing. The teen ager next to me actually had just graduated from Bronx Science, so I shared some comparisons from my day there. We discussed student loans, and I told him about the need for commercial rent control in the city. Good companionship.
 Arrived in Cambridge in the early afternoon, found the guest house easily---walked a bit around Inman Square before returning and preparing for trip to Fenway Park. That trip will probably be the last one I make, so pushed and frantic was the atmosphere at the ball park. This is the "new" Fenway, updated by the owners who took over in the early 2000's Not good,  Park overcrowded on a very hot day---hordes and hordes of people moving about---over expensive food and drink not even approaching decency. Got a ticket for $35.00 from a nice older patron, but too restless to stay there, watched the first inning of the game from the standing room section behind home plate probably the best place to watch the game from. Very relieved and exhausted when I left after inning 1. Then was hungry again, found a starbucks in the nearby Barnes and Noble, and opted for a turkey-swiss sandwich. Opened it, found it terrible in taste, plus a small fly seemed to be hidden in the sandwich itself (at least it is the way I perceived it) No, I did not go back and demand a refund or a new sandwich---figured I might as well grin and bear it and get out of there. Returned to the Cambidge House around 9, stayed up for another hour, and then went to sleep, actually slept well in the comfortable bed that was provided.
   Left the next morning around 10, was able to get 11:25 train to Providence, spent the time until 4, when the Amtrak train left wondering around downtown. There has been a tremendous amount of building in the downtown area since I was last there (1992?) Area full of "luxury" hotels, a big mall right near the station, and what looks like a glut of high rise apartments. This is the "wave of the future" , apartments for well to do people near downtown, my impression is that they are totally cut off from most of the world around them. A de facto segregated world, maybe people liiving there have the best intentions, but it seems to me like a "controlled" neighborhood. Only in Providence for three hours, but seemed like a long time, absorbed a great deal of the energy of that neighborhood, and finally took the Amtrak at around 4. That trip long and arduous and a little late, bus seems to be much more "human" these days---but don't want to deal with traffic jams on my way back to the city, hence the train.
   Rest of day, should go to Samantha's opening in the afternoon, may see many members of the class of 09 there---how do you feel about that, cityboy?  Not sure about the evening, what it will bring. Tomorrow, some lessons, then the meeting in the library in Brooklyn tomorrow afternoon. Sunday is the anti-gentrification day at the Brooklyn museum.
 Should report tomorrow...

Tomorrow, Boston.....

one day wonder, returning on Thursday early evening. A really short trip---did it have to be taken? Still a little ambivalent, but excitement mounting up. Took the 7 train to the new stop a few blocks away from where Bolt Bus departs, just so I would not be confused or confounded tomorrow morning. Complicated until you know it, but probably the best way to get there, will leave early tomorrow.
               Reports: Friday night War, at Clara Tow theater---really interesting play as Brandon J touches all the bases, racial, economic and otherwise with his writing. My first experience with his work---do definitely want to see another play of his and read those that have already been produced. Great performances by those two "old pros" Michele Shay and especially Charlane Woodard. Final fifteen minutes are "breahtaking" really very strong.
          Saturday, free morning, decided to go to Ditmas Park to explore and maybe find a drug store that will sell me Gillette sensor razors very cheaply. The latter did not happen, but walk was fascinating, from Caton Avenue to Newkirk---Marlborough Road between Albemarle and Berverly Road---almost seems like a suburban street---totally quiet and removed. Strange that one can be on Church Avenue amidst all the jangle of the commercial street, and almost immediately move into a quiet street of all private houses. Anyway, wandered south to Newkirk. Energy in this part of Brooklyn is completely divorced from the more "urban" sections like the slope of Fort Greene. Very quiet pace. Could imagine living there..how? Jumped on Coney Island Avenue bus and took it to Kings Highway. Coney Island Avenue still a very "sleepy" street, not much activity there, or foot traffic. Tired, took Q back to Manhattan and then 2 train home. Returned home around 3. One more trip to Brooklyn that evening? Possible? You bet---even I was surprised that I was doing it but sure enough, went out to Jack to see Amina's play about teaching  The Animals. Certainly a play by a beginning playwright, but very ambitious, tries to tell the story of five teachers in a suburban Connecticut school, with one scene for every month. Playwright knows the inns and outs of being a teachetr---the jubilation and frustration that almost seem linked together. Play goes on to long, and occasionally repeats itself, but there are some very telling and funny scenes. Glad I went, then finally went to Hops Hill, right next door, a bar that I had always wanted to go into but was a little bit intimidated up to Saturday. Of course, it helped that the place was almost empty, but bartenders were nice, beer was good and got to watch some of the Yankee game. Will probably feel more comfortable going there again at some point.
    Sunday: Rounndabout, She Loves Me. Oh, but I hate the attitude of the theater, charging incredibly high prices and claiming to be idealistic---all these rich people making donations for the "50th" anniversary of the place. Knew Gene F, who conceived of the place, luckily started out at a time that theater was dead in NY. He was really a very limited guy, who simply did not believe in his own mediocrity. And out of that, Roundabout was born. My friend Tom played Sipos in the play, he was wonderful, cast was basically very good, maybe a little too upbeat, but fine, audience seemed to feel a need to believe from the beginning that the play was perfect, no sense of discovery for them. Very different feel, being in that theater, but have not seen a Broadway play in a long time. Waited for Tom near stage door, but did not realize the really big crowd that would wait for the leads,. Unfortunately missed him---hope to see him soon and tell him how good I thought he was.
    After the matinee headed to South Fourth. Nice time there with Olivia, Harlo and others. Found out that for the first time in many years there would be no fourth of July cook out, but decided to go anyway---a nice holiday Sunday.
       Monday, not much in the morning, watched a bit of the Red Sox game at Finnerty's in the early afternoon, then off again to South Fourth where I had a good conversation with bartender Lana (have known her now for nine years---she is moving to Michigan to get married soon) and friends Todd and particularly Kathy, who I had not seen in a while. We compared plays that we had seen---she saw the new play at the Public----Privacy--payed $100.00 for it---Wow! Way out of my ball park. Left to go to Sunshine Cinema to see Les Cowboys, a movie that takes Ford's The Searchers for its starting point. About seven people in the audience. Movie very intense, beautifully filmed, very cold in its tone. Afterwards walked across Houston to one train. Nice walk, area pretty calm, considering it was July 4th. Went home and went to sleep.
   Long weekend, now over--woke up with some revelations about my relationship with my father, which still feels like there are a lot of unanswered questions. Oh well, will see what happens, Will probably not blog until Friday, unless there is some place to do it in Boston. Report of that trip should be interesting.....

What now....

cityboy?  Friday morning---three days without formal plans. (July 4th is the cookout at South fourth)
Just nixed a chance to get fairly inexpensive tickets to Hadestown for either Saturday day or evening. Why? Somehow did not want to be locked in to it. But if I don't buy them today, miss them for the rest of the weekend. Nevertheless, will wait it out.
Yesterday, after library visit in morning-early afternoon, found myself tired, returned to the apartment and rested for about an hour. Got up feeling very tired, but determined to attend BAN meeting at
6:30. Arrived early---meeting basically centered around the Brooklyn Community Anti Gentrification forum that will be all day Sunday July 9th. Up to the meeting, I knew nothing about it, however I expect to volunteer and participate all day. There is also a Sunset Park action for the next week, but I have to find out about that by contacting its organizers. So this means that once I get back from Boston, Thursday evening, I will be pretty rushed. Friday open, but on Saturday, should have three sessions then the meeting in the library on Cortelyou about planning for the August 13th march.
Sunday is the forum---that should keep me busy all day. Was asked (informally) to flyer for the meeting outside Brooklyn Museum tomorrow evening when they have their First Saturday open house, but decided not to. Nobody else was doing it, and quite frankly, I just don't like flyering. Works against my image or something. I have contacted two women whom I spoke to at the Friends Reunion in May, and hopefully they will come and bring some people. Will discuss it on my travels around the city during the weekend, but try to keep it separate from my theater friends. Yes, the great "split" between the two worlds. Anyway, when the meeting was over, went over to the Greek place where I could watch a little of the Met game, have a nice cheese danish, and had an informal chat with a kind of odd dude basketball nut about the signing of the new basketball player by the Knicks.
Returned home, exhausted, I had a headache all during the meeting, and went to sleep.
      Then awoke around 2, headache better, found myself unable to sleep, you know what that means, cityboy---we ponder about our fate, about our relationships with others,  sometimes the restlessness and feelings that it produces are incredibly intense, but this is not Williamsburg or the East VIllage, can't just go out and have a coffee at 3. So I remain, trying to figure out things, and wait for the night to end  (O, Endless Night from the Magic Flute). Ironically, because the library is closed on Saturday for the holiday, I feel restless, not relieved, almost angry at the lack of structure that a Saturday without tutoring makes me face.
    Tynan's Biography, written by his widow, Middlemarch, by Eliot, a baseball book by Bret Boone, and the New York Review of Books (great to carry on the subway) are my companions for the weekend (so far). Would like to really read a chunk of Middlemarch (almost done) and am fascinated by what the Tynan book will tell me. Great way of reliving theater in the fifties and sixties, with all the stars and heroes that I grew up worshiping. Only at Tynan's High School years now, so have to move with it. But should be meaningful hearing about his interactions with Oliver, Brook, et, al.
  Time to go must check out reservation for Wednesday at the Boarding house where I will stay in Boston, will finish my time at this computer soon, probably no report until Tuesday, should be interesting.