job. Subbing lower school spanish tomorrow. A heavy schedule---six half hour classes. also have to go to one of the neighborhood libraries and try to find a Spanish book that I will teach tomorrow. Could wait until tomorrow morning, but want to be very prepared. Ironically, this has thrown the rest of my day into a kind of strange holding pattern. Was looking forward to a day doing "nothing", in other words, just letting the thoughts fly and not forcing anything, I think I was going to try to read one of the Elizabethan plays written by one of Shakespeare's contemporaries, but now, want to get to work on my Spanish.!
Yesterday, did go to protest outside real estate-entepreneur summit---stayed for about two hours, really pleased that I went---there were about 16 of us, and a number of photographers,( at one point they seemed to outnumber the protesters) but we got our point across, many people stopped and took flyers, and I felt a solidarity with my fellow protesters. I think something really is being accomplished---the word is getting out---like so many other issues now, more people are beginning to see that they can contribute. Felt invigorated doing it---lasted about two hours; the protest lasted another hour---afterwards I went into Juniors (right across the street) and had coffee and a decent (but not great) piece of marble pound cake. Cost me around $9.50 with tax. So it goes in NYC.
Not much more to say---rest of day consists of library and maybe a movie or play at EST. All will be decided at the last minute as the day progresses. Will let you know....
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
exhausted after....
yesterday's stint at Friends---two rambunctious classes that needed constant supervision to keep on track. Then a session in Harlem---came home around 7. sleeping at about 8. Actually slept better than usual. Still, my body is just coming around---have eaten very little should take in more as the afternoon wears on.
Tonight I join the picketers outside a real estate summit in downtown Brooklyn. Always ambivalent about joining them, however I am a member of BAN, and it is important for me to give my support.
Actually this summit is for self-starters as well as real estate people. I think a lot of them (the self starters) don't see their role in displacement---kind of a tunnel vision that they need to be shaken from. Perhaps tonight will make them more aware.
On Monday, went to BAN meeting to make signs for this rally but no one was there but Chicago (a young woman visiting from Japan) and myself. Had a nice talk with her---I had known her previously but it was difficult to talk to her because she was just learning English. On Monday she was much more fluid in her speech, found that it was easier for her to understand me and comment back--she was going to watch the debate (enough about that) at a bar on Fourth Avenue in the slope, and I could have come back with her but felt turned off by the whole thing. also she said that the bar would be packed---and I did not want to be with a bunch of shouting people (especially in a neighborhood like Park Slope) crowding each other out. Anyway, will probably see her again tonight so we will see what happens after that.
No real plans for Monday after I walked Chicago to the F station on 23rd street, so that meant some wandering. Stopped off at the Greek diner on 23rd approaching seventh---had a tuna fish sandwich which, along with tax and tip (and no coffee) came to $9.00. Disgraceful! Where will it end? If there is no commercial rent control in the near future, in ten years the same sandwich will cost $14.00. There has got to be a more active vision among people in the city. After that walked to the village--stopped off at Two Boots for a pizza slice (the sandwich just did not fill me up) and at some point returned home. Heard some of the debate on radio---turned it off while candidates were discussing their policies re policing----annoying because neither of them said that it is actually the cities and state governments that create and train their police force. All the president can do is use the "bully pulpit" or maybe offer support in a coming election to a state or city official in order to see a federal policy put in place. Hopefully a much more compassionate one.
That is all for now; will report on March outside summit meeting tomorrow.
Tonight I join the picketers outside a real estate summit in downtown Brooklyn. Always ambivalent about joining them, however I am a member of BAN, and it is important for me to give my support.
Actually this summit is for self-starters as well as real estate people. I think a lot of them (the self starters) don't see their role in displacement---kind of a tunnel vision that they need to be shaken from. Perhaps tonight will make them more aware.
On Monday, went to BAN meeting to make signs for this rally but no one was there but Chicago (a young woman visiting from Japan) and myself. Had a nice talk with her---I had known her previously but it was difficult to talk to her because she was just learning English. On Monday she was much more fluid in her speech, found that it was easier for her to understand me and comment back--she was going to watch the debate (enough about that) at a bar on Fourth Avenue in the slope, and I could have come back with her but felt turned off by the whole thing. also she said that the bar would be packed---and I did not want to be with a bunch of shouting people (especially in a neighborhood like Park Slope) crowding each other out. Anyway, will probably see her again tonight so we will see what happens after that.
No real plans for Monday after I walked Chicago to the F station on 23rd street, so that meant some wandering. Stopped off at the Greek diner on 23rd approaching seventh---had a tuna fish sandwich which, along with tax and tip (and no coffee) came to $9.00. Disgraceful! Where will it end? If there is no commercial rent control in the near future, in ten years the same sandwich will cost $14.00. There has got to be a more active vision among people in the city. After that walked to the village--stopped off at Two Boots for a pizza slice (the sandwich just did not fill me up) and at some point returned home. Heard some of the debate on radio---turned it off while candidates were discussing their policies re policing----annoying because neither of them said that it is actually the cities and state governments that create and train their police force. All the president can do is use the "bully pulpit" or maybe offer support in a coming election to a state or city official in order to see a federal policy put in place. Hopefully a much more compassionate one.
That is all for now; will report on March outside summit meeting tomorrow.
Monday, September 26, 2016
lots to discuss....
including a voyage around Brooklyn yesterday, but first frustration. Why? Have just been asked to sub on a full day schedule, while yesterday I accepted what might be a half day's schedule for the same day. Irony, irony---why do two teachers have to choose to take off on the same day, and why do their schedules have to intersect? Well, it will probably work itself out, and most likely I will be able to "extend' the schedule to find some other work in the afternoon of the day. So it goes.
Yesterday: decided to make the first stop in Brooklyn the Cortelyou street fair. Found myself on the F, not the Q but close enough---decided to get off at Fort Hamilton Parkway stop, found myself at the
"base" of Ocean Parkway, a quiet area, not really talked about much. Beautiful old apartment houses and some new ones---walked down Ocean Parkway from Caton to Cortelyou---to the west the area seems serene---totally cut off from the more frenetic Park Slope-Prospect Heights vibe. Who lives here, what do they do; how did the neighborhood evolve from the fifties and sixties. Next challenge will be to take the D to ninth avenue stop (I think it is near 36street) and travel by foot into Ditmas Park. Hard to envision that area, an imortant walk, hope I make it soon.
Arrived at Cortelyou and the street fair was in full blast. Stayed about an hour and a half, just wandered around, crowd, I would say about 50% white, 30% black, the rest Hispanic and Muslim. Cortelyou crosses PS 139; I subbed there from 2002 to 2004---very frenetic school with kids of all races and creeds packed together. I miss that sometimes now, though I am very happy at Friends. Something about the "grit" of the public school session and the exhaustion that followed that I miss.
But don't need to complicate things, and feel so much a part of the Friends experience, that I will stay where I am.
Left Cortelyou around 3---Q train to Atlantic. Off at Atlantic to Fulton to find the pizza store I like a lot. Had my slice--debated next move, finally walked north on South Portland ( a beautiful street) to Myrtle. Walked a bit east on Myrtle---several new shops and bars (no surprise there) and finally jumped on the bus that wended its way east through Bed Stuy and into Bushwick. Myrtle is one of the first Bed-Stuy streets to bond into Bushwick---right before Stuyvesant Street, I think. Exited bus around Evergreen; thought I might go to a free theater festival at one of the Bushwick coffee shops, but arrived and nothing seemed to be happening (and did not see anyone that I knew) so left, and walked the five blocks to Wycoff and the three blocks to Jefferson Street and Cobra. There I read the Times and watched the Jet game for quite a while, by mid 6 I felt it was time for my next move. That would be the L to Bedford and the walk down same to South Fourth. Tired, but decided to do it---glad I did--ran into my friend Pheobe an artist who hangs out there, but whom I had not seen in a long time. She was friendly, with her family, we talked for a while. Later joined by the bar manager Eric who had brought along a friend from Austin Texas, talked with him for a while and former bartender Dylan, who recounted to us his adventures wedding hopping for the past few weeks. By 9 it was time to go, but glad I stopped in---a good place for me to be on Sunday evening.l
Not sure about the rest of the day---have a semi meeting to help make some posters for the protest march on Wednesday---not sure what else---really hope to miss the debate---everyone and every media outlet discussing it--would really just like it to go away.
Will report tomorrow....
Yesterday: decided to make the first stop in Brooklyn the Cortelyou street fair. Found myself on the F, not the Q but close enough---decided to get off at Fort Hamilton Parkway stop, found myself at the
"base" of Ocean Parkway, a quiet area, not really talked about much. Beautiful old apartment houses and some new ones---walked down Ocean Parkway from Caton to Cortelyou---to the west the area seems serene---totally cut off from the more frenetic Park Slope-Prospect Heights vibe. Who lives here, what do they do; how did the neighborhood evolve from the fifties and sixties. Next challenge will be to take the D to ninth avenue stop (I think it is near 36street) and travel by foot into Ditmas Park. Hard to envision that area, an imortant walk, hope I make it soon.
Arrived at Cortelyou and the street fair was in full blast. Stayed about an hour and a half, just wandered around, crowd, I would say about 50% white, 30% black, the rest Hispanic and Muslim. Cortelyou crosses PS 139; I subbed there from 2002 to 2004---very frenetic school with kids of all races and creeds packed together. I miss that sometimes now, though I am very happy at Friends. Something about the "grit" of the public school session and the exhaustion that followed that I miss.
But don't need to complicate things, and feel so much a part of the Friends experience, that I will stay where I am.
Left Cortelyou around 3---Q train to Atlantic. Off at Atlantic to Fulton to find the pizza store I like a lot. Had my slice--debated next move, finally walked north on South Portland ( a beautiful street) to Myrtle. Walked a bit east on Myrtle---several new shops and bars (no surprise there) and finally jumped on the bus that wended its way east through Bed Stuy and into Bushwick. Myrtle is one of the first Bed-Stuy streets to bond into Bushwick---right before Stuyvesant Street, I think. Exited bus around Evergreen; thought I might go to a free theater festival at one of the Bushwick coffee shops, but arrived and nothing seemed to be happening (and did not see anyone that I knew) so left, and walked the five blocks to Wycoff and the three blocks to Jefferson Street and Cobra. There I read the Times and watched the Jet game for quite a while, by mid 6 I felt it was time for my next move. That would be the L to Bedford and the walk down same to South Fourth. Tired, but decided to do it---glad I did--ran into my friend Pheobe an artist who hangs out there, but whom I had not seen in a long time. She was friendly, with her family, we talked for a while. Later joined by the bar manager Eric who had brought along a friend from Austin Texas, talked with him for a while and former bartender Dylan, who recounted to us his adventures wedding hopping for the past few weeks. By 9 it was time to go, but glad I stopped in---a good place for me to be on Sunday evening.l
Not sure about the rest of the day---have a semi meeting to help make some posters for the protest march on Wednesday---not sure what else---really hope to miss the debate---everyone and every media outlet discussing it--would really just like it to go away.
Will report tomorrow....
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Really nice day...
at friends, yesterday, great final period, a music class, the young upper school musicians were led by Javon, a cellist, who conducted while the group worked on a Bach inclusive piece. Great fun watching them create their own order---students very adult---fascinating to see kids I have known since fifth grade really growing and maturing. I was very happy being there, left on a high.
Otherwise, not too much to report, am at library now, maybe one session---just found out about some free theater in Bushwick tomorrow, should check it out, maybe will report on Monday. This evening will probably try to see The Black Crook at Abrons, but still feeling tired. Got another invite to a gallery opening on Gansevort Street at the same time. Oh, cityboy, you are so popular!
I guess...anyway, will report on all this next time, probably Monday.
Otherwise, not too much to report, am at library now, maybe one session---just found out about some free theater in Bushwick tomorrow, should check it out, maybe will report on Monday. This evening will probably try to see The Black Crook at Abrons, but still feeling tired. Got another invite to a gallery opening on Gansevort Street at the same time. Oh, cityboy, you are so popular!
I guess...anyway, will report on all this next time, probably Monday.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
sickened by....
picture of the black man being shot by police in Tulsa. Had not seen it until one of my friends put it on facebook. What can you say...? Helpless feeling...where do we go from here...how can this behavior be stopped?
Last day before two work days at Friends. Looking forward to it. Yesterday, got a last minute tutoring call for 6, and this prevented me from going to help at FUREE. After that went to bar that is attached to Harlem Public and watched baseball and had one of their really good franks. Both bartenders very nice to me, made me feel welcome, one, who had taken care of me often in the spring, welcomed me back and invited me to go to her friend's bar (where her friend bar tends) in the next couple of days. Nice to be remembered, then left, feeling tired, but walked to 157th street station. Returned to the apartment around 9:30, fell asleep quickly, but then as has often been the case, woke up several times during the evening feeling lots of energy but nowhere to go with it. Did not help that before I left Wallace's (the bar) I had an order of french fries. They make great fries but really unnecessary for my stomach. Payed for it this morning. Guess I just need more stimulation in the evening to sleep well. Hard to do it without a tv or computer---just the radio. Still alone with my own thoughts, sometimes it is important to figure things out without distraction. Every evening is a little different. Anyway, went through my agenda for the day (already followed through) and soldiered through. Tonight several choices if I am not feeling tired, maybe even a movie of not great interest will stimulate me enough to chill out during the night.
That is all for now. Next two days will be spent working at Friends, so there may be a break. Will report as soon as I am free.
Last day before two work days at Friends. Looking forward to it. Yesterday, got a last minute tutoring call for 6, and this prevented me from going to help at FUREE. After that went to bar that is attached to Harlem Public and watched baseball and had one of their really good franks. Both bartenders very nice to me, made me feel welcome, one, who had taken care of me often in the spring, welcomed me back and invited me to go to her friend's bar (where her friend bar tends) in the next couple of days. Nice to be remembered, then left, feeling tired, but walked to 157th street station. Returned to the apartment around 9:30, fell asleep quickly, but then as has often been the case, woke up several times during the evening feeling lots of energy but nowhere to go with it. Did not help that before I left Wallace's (the bar) I had an order of french fries. They make great fries but really unnecessary for my stomach. Payed for it this morning. Guess I just need more stimulation in the evening to sleep well. Hard to do it without a tv or computer---just the radio. Still alone with my own thoughts, sometimes it is important to figure things out without distraction. Every evening is a little different. Anyway, went through my agenda for the day (already followed through) and soldiered through. Tonight several choices if I am not feeling tired, maybe even a movie of not great interest will stimulate me enough to chill out during the night.
That is all for now. Next two days will be spent working at Friends, so there may be a break. Will report as soon as I am free.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
stomach better.....
pretty quiet night, stomach wise--slept well----today could be a quiet day. May go out to Park Slope to help with banners for a march against gentrification on Thursday. I won't be on the march, because I am working.
Yesterday---attended BAN meeting that was mostly a preparation for a protest to be held next Wednesday (28) outside a real estate-tech start up meeting. BAN meeting was very poorly attended---only about 4 ore 5 of us. Much talk about gentrification in both Sunset Park (industry city) and downtown Brooklyn. My vision of the real estate developers in charge of these two entities is that they are very soulless. Anyone who can't pay 3,000 dollars for a one bedroom is meaningless to them. There is no ethical or human vision to be had. Expressed that at the meeting---a little dangerously but felt it was necessary---wanted to shake things up. Afterwards felt that I had crossed the line. Did I?
A dream: very focused dream last night---I am at a party for a man named Jon Green. He was two years behind me at Hopkins, a good friend, particularly in my last year, the year I practically recreated the world of undergraduate theater at Hopkins. . In the dream, I am visiting him in the present, I think it is a birthday party for him---he does not know that I am coming; one of the things that I assume about him is that now he is very wealthy. I am a little awed by this, don't know how he will respond to me. I get to his house in the suburbs, climb the stairs among his party guests, none of whom know me, and see him at the top of the stairs. I shout "Tajamoro thrown from a horse? There is not a horse in all Japan that can throw Tajamoro!" This was his first line in a play called Rashomon, a play that he performed, and I produced at Hopkins in December 1963. He recognizes the line, repeats it (with some corrections) and I face an older he at the top of the stairs. Dream ends.
So what does it mean? clues? Name Jon Green---could mean that I am green with anger---or envy. Earlier in the day read a memoir by Reynold Levy, in which he praises two contributors to Lincoln Center--very wealthy men. The play that I remember him in, Rashomon, is a dramatization of a very well known Kurosawa movie---a story of rape and suicide is retold four times. A woman, who at the time I thought was very important to me was in the play, in a small role. So we are dealing with then and now, a vast swath of time to be covered. My adult life.In the dream, he is the establishment, I am the rebel- still amazed at how strong the dream vision was. Actually slept very well last night, much better than the two nights before.
That's sort of it.
Today, not sure what the rest of the afternoon holds, want to go to help with the banners and discuss last night's group with my friend Michael who is one of the leaders of the march.
Will report tomorrow.
Yesterday---attended BAN meeting that was mostly a preparation for a protest to be held next Wednesday (28) outside a real estate-tech start up meeting. BAN meeting was very poorly attended---only about 4 ore 5 of us. Much talk about gentrification in both Sunset Park (industry city) and downtown Brooklyn. My vision of the real estate developers in charge of these two entities is that they are very soulless. Anyone who can't pay 3,000 dollars for a one bedroom is meaningless to them. There is no ethical or human vision to be had. Expressed that at the meeting---a little dangerously but felt it was necessary---wanted to shake things up. Afterwards felt that I had crossed the line. Did I?
A dream: very focused dream last night---I am at a party for a man named Jon Green. He was two years behind me at Hopkins, a good friend, particularly in my last year, the year I practically recreated the world of undergraduate theater at Hopkins. . In the dream, I am visiting him in the present, I think it is a birthday party for him---he does not know that I am coming; one of the things that I assume about him is that now he is very wealthy. I am a little awed by this, don't know how he will respond to me. I get to his house in the suburbs, climb the stairs among his party guests, none of whom know me, and see him at the top of the stairs. I shout "Tajamoro thrown from a horse? There is not a horse in all Japan that can throw Tajamoro!" This was his first line in a play called Rashomon, a play that he performed, and I produced at Hopkins in December 1963. He recognizes the line, repeats it (with some corrections) and I face an older he at the top of the stairs. Dream ends.
So what does it mean? clues? Name Jon Green---could mean that I am green with anger---or envy. Earlier in the day read a memoir by Reynold Levy, in which he praises two contributors to Lincoln Center--very wealthy men. The play that I remember him in, Rashomon, is a dramatization of a very well known Kurosawa movie---a story of rape and suicide is retold four times. A woman, who at the time I thought was very important to me was in the play, in a small role. So we are dealing with then and now, a vast swath of time to be covered. My adult life.In the dream, he is the establishment, I am the rebel- still amazed at how strong the dream vision was. Actually slept very well last night, much better than the two nights before.
That's sort of it.
Today, not sure what the rest of the afternoon holds, want to go to help with the banners and discuss last night's group with my friend Michael who is one of the leaders of the march.
Will report tomorrow.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Monday afternoon....
hard to express what I am feeling now. Main problem of the day was that I had cheesecake last night, very rich and my stomach has not recovered. Really. Have had one very good session with someone I am helping with her english---should feel upbeat about that, could feel my creativity coming through as I guided her during the lesson. But this over eating puts a kind of kibosh on anything. This, and some of the comments I have read on facebook, plus the fact that the ESDC is accountable to no one but the governor. We don't need another tall building, which hopefully he won't sponsor. The system has to be changed.
Does the above make any sense as I juggle two or three topics that are in my head. Let's try to be a little more normal:
Saturday night: Three different invitations to see friends or projects of friends, but all were in Brooklyn, by six I realized that I did not have the energy, after two days at Friends and teaching in the morning to cross the river. So I opted for a movie---Mia Madre was starting just as I approached the Angelica---got my ticket and went in. A fine movie---very serious---very skilfully made---the director-writer moves the audience along with him never pandering or stopping to make a point. Two stories, a director (female) copes with her mother's serious illness while she tries to direct a movie about the takeover of a factory and the conflict between the new owner and the workers. An American actor is imported to play the owner, he is grossly narcissistic--lots of problems as he attempts to fit in. John Turturro plays the actor---a wonderful performance, he captures every narcissistic tick from every conversation that he has ever heard. Still the movie is serious. Lots of intergrity---glad I saw it---afterwards walked from Angelica to La Flaca; my friend the owner Bobby not there, but I was able to watch a lot of the Met game (my goal) and have some guac. Returned home tired---not a bad night.
Sunday: highlight was a long walk after starting out at South Fourth---began there and walked up Roebling as it turns into Lee, up Lee until it turns into Nostrand and continuing South on Nostrand to Halsey. Still fascinated by the streets of Bed-Stuy---the western edge of the neighborhood highly gentrified by now, yet as one moves south one sees many older black men sitting in front of their apartments houses---watching the day go by. I wonder what stories they have to tell. Is it possible that this neighborhood was once tough? That was its reputation---pockets of poverty still seem to line the blocks, though the brownstones on the streets that run perpendicular to Nostrand are really beautiful (and very expensive by now). As I walking on Nostrand, thought that before it gets too cold, I should make this north to south walk on each of the streets that move east to Ralph avenue.Halsey Street bus took me through those streets until it crossed Broadway into Bushwick. There I went to Cobra---watched football, then had a salad nearbye and called it quits early. Returned to ny--that is when the cheesecake incident kicked in.
Just received an offer to sub Friday---feeling better---time running out on library computer---remember not to have cheesecake again---will report tomorrow
Does the above make any sense as I juggle two or three topics that are in my head. Let's try to be a little more normal:
Saturday night: Three different invitations to see friends or projects of friends, but all were in Brooklyn, by six I realized that I did not have the energy, after two days at Friends and teaching in the morning to cross the river. So I opted for a movie---Mia Madre was starting just as I approached the Angelica---got my ticket and went in. A fine movie---very serious---very skilfully made---the director-writer moves the audience along with him never pandering or stopping to make a point. Two stories, a director (female) copes with her mother's serious illness while she tries to direct a movie about the takeover of a factory and the conflict between the new owner and the workers. An American actor is imported to play the owner, he is grossly narcissistic--lots of problems as he attempts to fit in. John Turturro plays the actor---a wonderful performance, he captures every narcissistic tick from every conversation that he has ever heard. Still the movie is serious. Lots of intergrity---glad I saw it---afterwards walked from Angelica to La Flaca; my friend the owner Bobby not there, but I was able to watch a lot of the Met game (my goal) and have some guac. Returned home tired---not a bad night.
Sunday: highlight was a long walk after starting out at South Fourth---began there and walked up Roebling as it turns into Lee, up Lee until it turns into Nostrand and continuing South on Nostrand to Halsey. Still fascinated by the streets of Bed-Stuy---the western edge of the neighborhood highly gentrified by now, yet as one moves south one sees many older black men sitting in front of their apartments houses---watching the day go by. I wonder what stories they have to tell. Is it possible that this neighborhood was once tough? That was its reputation---pockets of poverty still seem to line the blocks, though the brownstones on the streets that run perpendicular to Nostrand are really beautiful (and very expensive by now). As I walking on Nostrand, thought that before it gets too cold, I should make this north to south walk on each of the streets that move east to Ralph avenue.Halsey Street bus took me through those streets until it crossed Broadway into Bushwick. There I went to Cobra---watched football, then had a salad nearbye and called it quits early. Returned to ny--that is when the cheesecake incident kicked in.
Just received an offer to sub Friday---feeling better---time running out on library computer---remember not to have cheesecake again---will report tomorrow
Saturday, September 17, 2016
What a....
difference three days make. Thursday around 7 in the morning, I receive a call from Friends---they need me to sub that day. Amazing! On the fourth day of school. Not ready at all, so rushed through bath and beyond and got there in an hour (actually less) Got to see all the faculty, very warmly welcomed back. Nice day---went home and rested and prepared for Friday, a day for which I was actually scheduled to sub at Friends (senior day meant many teachers on the senior trip) Nice day yesterday, ending in a fun (but somewhat exhausting) homework session with about twenty 8th graders at the top of their form. There are always some "hypers" in the group, but they are actually the most fun. Really like that group, looking forward to working with them again. Returned home after work, rested, no trip to Brooklyn or Lower East Side. Next scheduled day there is Thursday (maybe sooner, who knows); it was really good to be back.
Of course everything changes on days when that structure is strong---often feel like a different person. Everything happens in the present---must continue that way.
Rest of day (Saturday) free---may go to see my friend Steve talk at Molasses, a book store in Brooklyn, It is part of the Assembly group get together. Have to stop now, really getting hungry, and baseball game should be on soon, have to find a bar that will play it. Will report soon,
Of course everything changes on days when that structure is strong---often feel like a different person. Everything happens in the present---must continue that way.
Rest of day (Saturday) free---may go to see my friend Steve talk at Molasses, a book store in Brooklyn, It is part of the Assembly group get together. Have to stop now, really getting hungry, and baseball game should be on soon, have to find a bar that will play it. Will report soon,
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
last night...
at first BAN meeting of the year (meaning the school year, September) lots of plans and commitments made. Four possibilities to support change: tomorrow at 9A.M. city hall, next Thursday the march to preserve housing sponsored by FUREE and two protests against real estate and others in the next two Wednesday's, one in Brooklyn and one in Queens. Plus tonight, planning to go to the meeting, or forum, or discussion about racism in Park Slope. My brain feels a sense of furious input. All of a sudden, complete focusing on these issues---how will it all play out? How much time will I have for other things..? Anybody's guess. Last night awoke and all I could think of was Focus, Focus, Focus. Anyway, that is how it is at this moment (Whew! think I needed to get this off my chest!)
The meeting was well attended, lots of issues were discussed---people there seemed very idealistic.
Afterwards, went to the Greek diner on 23rd and 7th and stuffed myself with coffee and a large cheese danish (those things are volatile!) while watching the Yankee game. (Thank god you can watch it there) . Came home after that---but have a tremendous food hangover this morning---totally stuffed.
Anything else to add? Not much, have to see how all this plays out---subbing on Friday, looking forward to that......
The meeting was well attended, lots of issues were discussed---people there seemed very idealistic.
Afterwards, went to the Greek diner on 23rd and 7th and stuffed myself with coffee and a large cheese danish (those things are volatile!) while watching the Yankee game. (Thank god you can watch it there) . Came home after that---but have a tremendous food hangover this morning---totally stuffed.
Anything else to add? Not much, have to see how all this plays out---subbing on Friday, looking forward to that......
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
just rsvp'd....
for a discussion on racism to be held tomorrow night at a synagogue in Park Slope. Sponsored by the Council Person from that area. I of course, don't live in Park Slope (slept over a few times there in the seventies) but I assume I can come anyway. Will I be turned away if I reveal I am from the upper west? I doubt it, but if so, can always get in on a trivia game at a bar in Williamsburg. But I hope to participate.
Yesterday, turned out to be a very odd day and evening. By 6:30 felt tired, and so made no attempt to go to see anything, yet by 7:30 revived. Where to go, how much stamina left for the evening? Checked out movies around Lincoln Center, some possibilities, but not too excited. Saw a bus going east on 65 street. Why not take it across town and visit the world of the upper east side, a world I very rarely visit. So I did--got off at 5th and 66th street. Immediately walked east. Before Madison, saw some small apartment houses with mail boxes. Thought to myself: "In 65, or 66, you could have gotten a very cheap apartment there, and under certain logic, could still be living there to this day, depending on the history of the building. Amazing concept! Yet still a possibility. Rents even in that area in the mid to late sixties were accessible to young people (this would end soon after) and the rent control system meant that the low rentals would remain in place. Strange vision, yet it remains in my mind.
Continued east to first---wandered down first to 72nd street. First avenue all high rises and luxury in that area now. As I walked east, still wondered at the "tenements" that still remain on the side streets. Again, people my age probably moved in around the late sixties or seventies and have still remained there as rent stabilized tenants. Interesting contrast on the whole upper east side from 59th to 96th between the luxury and the tenements that sometimes sit side by side. Who lives there now? Could not get a bead on that from the trip last night. Anyway, hopped a first avenue bus at 72nd street to about 83rd. Made my way west, again checking out the architecture on the side streets until I hit the Barnes and Noble on 86 street and Lexington. Remained there for about an hour, browsing until the store closed. Saw some books I would really like to read, but since money is a bit tight now, refrained from buying them (would have to have used my credit card---want to keep that low for now)
Last part of trip: Lexington from 86th street to 79nth. Street fairly quiet---not a great deal of foot traffic- when I returned to the upper west around 79nth and walked home to 76th, could feel the contrast between the upper west and the upper east. Broadway not too crowded either, but a very different energy.
Today, not much happening until BAN meeting at 6:30, Will try to occupy myself fruitfully until then---afterwards, depending on how much energy that I have left, will determine where to go.
That's all for now....
Yesterday, turned out to be a very odd day and evening. By 6:30 felt tired, and so made no attempt to go to see anything, yet by 7:30 revived. Where to go, how much stamina left for the evening? Checked out movies around Lincoln Center, some possibilities, but not too excited. Saw a bus going east on 65 street. Why not take it across town and visit the world of the upper east side, a world I very rarely visit. So I did--got off at 5th and 66th street. Immediately walked east. Before Madison, saw some small apartment houses with mail boxes. Thought to myself: "In 65, or 66, you could have gotten a very cheap apartment there, and under certain logic, could still be living there to this day, depending on the history of the building. Amazing concept! Yet still a possibility. Rents even in that area in the mid to late sixties were accessible to young people (this would end soon after) and the rent control system meant that the low rentals would remain in place. Strange vision, yet it remains in my mind.
Continued east to first---wandered down first to 72nd street. First avenue all high rises and luxury in that area now. As I walked east, still wondered at the "tenements" that still remain on the side streets. Again, people my age probably moved in around the late sixties or seventies and have still remained there as rent stabilized tenants. Interesting contrast on the whole upper east side from 59th to 96th between the luxury and the tenements that sometimes sit side by side. Who lives there now? Could not get a bead on that from the trip last night. Anyway, hopped a first avenue bus at 72nd street to about 83rd. Made my way west, again checking out the architecture on the side streets until I hit the Barnes and Noble on 86 street and Lexington. Remained there for about an hour, browsing until the store closed. Saw some books I would really like to read, but since money is a bit tight now, refrained from buying them (would have to have used my credit card---want to keep that low for now)
Last part of trip: Lexington from 86th street to 79nth. Street fairly quiet---not a great deal of foot traffic- when I returned to the upper west around 79nth and walked home to 76th, could feel the contrast between the upper west and the upper east. Broadway not too crowded either, but a very different energy.
Today, not much happening until BAN meeting at 6:30, Will try to occupy myself fruitfully until then---afterwards, depending on how much energy that I have left, will determine where to go.
That's all for now....
Monday, September 12, 2016
Whew! Just completed...
my unemployment application for this year---always kind of annoying, but at least it is done. Should be getting my monetary declaration soon---I expect about $125 per week, a little less than last year.
Today is my birthday. Nice feeling---kind of straightforward, positive vision of life. Yesterday's voyage around Brooklyn probably helped---will discuss later.
Weekend: Saturday evening---as planned, saw the Charles Burnett movie The Glass Shield, which centers on a black police recruit in LA being assigned to an all white sherriff's office. A tough, brutal and amazing film, great performances by everyone---certainly of the four films that I saw last week, this has to be the strongest and best defined by far. Intense---never lets up, shows the two worlds, black and white. Burnett is a master film maker--he spoke afterwards in a q and a---a very unassuming man---told of a police precinct in LA in the sixties and seventies where black prisoners who were held were routinely abused and sometimes killed. Frightening! I left feeling very tired---movie was an intense nightmare, but I had to see it---it is etched into my consciousness. Had pizza afterwards---thought about hanging out, but fatigue was strong, so I returned to the apartment. Fell asleep early, and then of course, awoke about 12 or 1, feeling very strong but no where to go. This is the problem that arises when I get to sleep early--usually wake up in the middle of the night and find myself unable to return to sleep, with only my thoughts (and the radio, if I want) to dialogue with. I think that is why it is important to stay out later---I will sleep better..
Sunday: up early, read the news---did not want to see another movie (definitely not!) and simply took to my old "Sunday football travels" as yesterday was Football's first Sunday. First South fourth for free pizza, and some conversation, then Cobra, which was okay, then explored the new "Starr Bar" the bar that is part of the activist space on Saint Nicholas called Mayday. Beautifully furnished bar right across the street from the Bushwick Starr---no coffee as yet---surprised me, but as I was the only one there, had a nice conversation with bartender named Tara--she is a poet, so we had a lot of literature to talk about. Enjoyed the visit---then walked over to the salad place on the corner of Irving and Starr and had a nice salad---people who made it very nice there. Time to return to South fourth---walked to Wilson, and waited for Brooklyn 60 bus, expected a ten minute wait, it turned into about 40, finally walked to DeKalb (now pretty tired) and took that bus (it comes often, than God) to Broadway, then the J at Kosciosko to Marcy. 5 stops, a really short trip (about 7 minutes). Debated whether I should stop at South Fourth, but did, found my friend film maker Todd there, talked to him for quite a while---he has a sister who just graduated from Hopkins who has been struggling with cancer for the past year. Now she is cancer free. Tremendous compassion from me. A good talk---nice to consider him a friend. Only at South Fourth! Finally it was time to return home---a long journey in and around Brooklyn, but one where I found myself.
Today, after this: not sure, might go to Dixon Place to Little Theater---there work in progress evening--but maybe not. Want to keep it open for a while, Improvisation? We will see
Today is my birthday. Nice feeling---kind of straightforward, positive vision of life. Yesterday's voyage around Brooklyn probably helped---will discuss later.
Weekend: Saturday evening---as planned, saw the Charles Burnett movie The Glass Shield, which centers on a black police recruit in LA being assigned to an all white sherriff's office. A tough, brutal and amazing film, great performances by everyone---certainly of the four films that I saw last week, this has to be the strongest and best defined by far. Intense---never lets up, shows the two worlds, black and white. Burnett is a master film maker--he spoke afterwards in a q and a---a very unassuming man---told of a police precinct in LA in the sixties and seventies where black prisoners who were held were routinely abused and sometimes killed. Frightening! I left feeling very tired---movie was an intense nightmare, but I had to see it---it is etched into my consciousness. Had pizza afterwards---thought about hanging out, but fatigue was strong, so I returned to the apartment. Fell asleep early, and then of course, awoke about 12 or 1, feeling very strong but no where to go. This is the problem that arises when I get to sleep early--usually wake up in the middle of the night and find myself unable to return to sleep, with only my thoughts (and the radio, if I want) to dialogue with. I think that is why it is important to stay out later---I will sleep better..
Sunday: up early, read the news---did not want to see another movie (definitely not!) and simply took to my old "Sunday football travels" as yesterday was Football's first Sunday. First South fourth for free pizza, and some conversation, then Cobra, which was okay, then explored the new "Starr Bar" the bar that is part of the activist space on Saint Nicholas called Mayday. Beautifully furnished bar right across the street from the Bushwick Starr---no coffee as yet---surprised me, but as I was the only one there, had a nice conversation with bartender named Tara--she is a poet, so we had a lot of literature to talk about. Enjoyed the visit---then walked over to the salad place on the corner of Irving and Starr and had a nice salad---people who made it very nice there. Time to return to South fourth---walked to Wilson, and waited for Brooklyn 60 bus, expected a ten minute wait, it turned into about 40, finally walked to DeKalb (now pretty tired) and took that bus (it comes often, than God) to Broadway, then the J at Kosciosko to Marcy. 5 stops, a really short trip (about 7 minutes). Debated whether I should stop at South Fourth, but did, found my friend film maker Todd there, talked to him for quite a while---he has a sister who just graduated from Hopkins who has been struggling with cancer for the past year. Now she is cancer free. Tremendous compassion from me. A good talk---nice to consider him a friend. Only at South Fourth! Finally it was time to return home---a long journey in and around Brooklyn, but one where I found myself.
Today, after this: not sure, might go to Dixon Place to Little Theater---there work in progress evening--but maybe not. Want to keep it open for a while, Improvisation? We will see
Saturday, September 10, 2016
just read another....
article discussing (that is an incredibly weak word) Hillary's participation in the Libya problem. Also discusses the 2014 massacre of Palestinians by Isreali forces and Hilary's denial of it. Sad, that after all these years, the idea of killing is a kind of "normalcy" among certain people. Somehow when I was growing up, the idea of a "better" world (more peaceful) seemed to have meaning. It is hard to congratulate one self on having reached a certain age in solid health, when this is still going on. I had hoped that this blog would reveal the good time I had last night at Bushwick, now the whole story seems superficial. Self versus the world. What is the most important image?
Anyway, yesterday, returned from Brooklyn, rested, went back out to Bushwick to the Starr. Saw Shasta's project---a black sexy show---lots of pelvis moving, somewhat integrated audience, took me a while to get into it, but lots of good cheer among the audience (there was a lot of audience participation) and it was good to see people of the Starr---Noel and Megan for the first time in a while. Really like the theater, happy to support them. Towards the end, found myself for the first time in a long time participating in the dancing with most of the audience. Very happy about that.
Afterwards, headed to Left Hand Path, the bar connected to the theater,a few blocks down, that gave out one free beer with the ticket. Nice bar, no tv, good ambiance and good beer. I was joined by a fellow audience member who had come to the theater with her friend. The three of us talked: the woman whose name was Dionne was a yoga instructor, her place is across the street from the library where I give my lessons. She also is good friends with the mother of three of the girls who go to Friends, two of whom I know well and am very fond of. Great coincidence, good conversation. Left to go back to Manhattan, feeling very up (and quite tired)---really enjoy the Bushwick experience---want to return there often, and try out other places or hang out at those that I know.
Today, will see "The Glass Shield" a movie by Charles Burnett that I have always wanted to see at the Reade---not sure what else, tomorrow, probably will make my football "rounds" in Bushwick and Williamsburg. Aside from what I wrote above, am in a pretty good place, will report Monday, or maybe tomorrow, if I find myself near a computer.
Anyway, yesterday, returned from Brooklyn, rested, went back out to Bushwick to the Starr. Saw Shasta's project---a black sexy show---lots of pelvis moving, somewhat integrated audience, took me a while to get into it, but lots of good cheer among the audience (there was a lot of audience participation) and it was good to see people of the Starr---Noel and Megan for the first time in a while. Really like the theater, happy to support them. Towards the end, found myself for the first time in a long time participating in the dancing with most of the audience. Very happy about that.
Afterwards, headed to Left Hand Path, the bar connected to the theater,a few blocks down, that gave out one free beer with the ticket. Nice bar, no tv, good ambiance and good beer. I was joined by a fellow audience member who had come to the theater with her friend. The three of us talked: the woman whose name was Dionne was a yoga instructor, her place is across the street from the library where I give my lessons. She also is good friends with the mother of three of the girls who go to Friends, two of whom I know well and am very fond of. Great coincidence, good conversation. Left to go back to Manhattan, feeling very up (and quite tired)---really enjoy the Bushwick experience---want to return there often, and try out other places or hang out at those that I know.
Today, will see "The Glass Shield" a movie by Charles Burnett that I have always wanted to see at the Reade---not sure what else, tomorrow, probably will make my football "rounds" in Bushwick and Williamsburg. Aside from what I wrote above, am in a pretty good place, will report Monday, or maybe tomorrow, if I find myself near a computer.
Friday, September 9, 2016
writning this from...
Brooklyn today, why? Because the monotonly of going to my neighborhood library to visit the computer or even to the Lincoln Center Library, another on that I often use, just got to be too much.
Promised myself that I would do something DIFFERENT. And I did. Left Mahattan around 9, took L train to Jefferson stop, went to Cobra, only to find Joanna, a barista who is a friend, working there this morning. Much good cheer (I know that sounds like a cliche, but it will have to do for now) and good conversation. Yes, Cobra and South Fourth, my two "family" places that I have created for myself in the last few years. Very welcoming. Also, owner Nikki came by and the three of us talked about early memories of going to school. Yes, just a welcome change from the past few days. And here I sit in the library near the Lorimer stop, when this is over, I will browse the books.
Last night: thought that I could go to Bushwick Starr, but overcome by tiredness around 4---stayed home for a while, finally decided to see a movie nearbye, if the time was right. Though I had stomach cramps, I decided to see Complete Unknown, the Joshua Marsden movie at the Lincoln Plaza. Missed a few moments, and came in, somewhat surprised that the theater was at least half full. Did not miss much---the movie itself is a take on the "elusive female" vision, so vibrarnlty created in films like Vertigo, Mississippi Mermaid and Pierrot le Fou. How did this one measure up. Certainly not as good as the others, but still interesting, I was drawn in from the beginning to the end, and the actress playing the "changeable' woman was beautiful. Glad that I saw it---left the theater at around 10, wanting to go to Williamsburg or somewhere like that, but the body wasn't willing---still very tired, so simply returned home. Another night of ups and downs---probably why I forced myself to go to Bushwick this morning. But it has all worked out well so far. I have to remember to follow my imagination on days when i am completely free.
Tonight, looks like I really WILL go the the Bushwick Starr tonight--hopefully i will enjoy the show and hang out a litttle afterwards. Tomorrow some lessons, and I want to see the Charles Burnett film at Lincoln Center tomorrow around 6. Will report (I think) tomorrow.
Promised myself that I would do something DIFFERENT. And I did. Left Mahattan around 9, took L train to Jefferson stop, went to Cobra, only to find Joanna, a barista who is a friend, working there this morning. Much good cheer (I know that sounds like a cliche, but it will have to do for now) and good conversation. Yes, Cobra and South Fourth, my two "family" places that I have created for myself in the last few years. Very welcoming. Also, owner Nikki came by and the three of us talked about early memories of going to school. Yes, just a welcome change from the past few days. And here I sit in the library near the Lorimer stop, when this is over, I will browse the books.
Last night: thought that I could go to Bushwick Starr, but overcome by tiredness around 4---stayed home for a while, finally decided to see a movie nearbye, if the time was right. Though I had stomach cramps, I decided to see Complete Unknown, the Joshua Marsden movie at the Lincoln Plaza. Missed a few moments, and came in, somewhat surprised that the theater was at least half full. Did not miss much---the movie itself is a take on the "elusive female" vision, so vibrarnlty created in films like Vertigo, Mississippi Mermaid and Pierrot le Fou. How did this one measure up. Certainly not as good as the others, but still interesting, I was drawn in from the beginning to the end, and the actress playing the "changeable' woman was beautiful. Glad that I saw it---left the theater at around 10, wanting to go to Williamsburg or somewhere like that, but the body wasn't willing---still very tired, so simply returned home. Another night of ups and downs---probably why I forced myself to go to Bushwick this morning. But it has all worked out well so far. I have to remember to follow my imagination on days when i am completely free.
Tonight, looks like I really WILL go the the Bushwick Starr tonight--hopefully i will enjoy the show and hang out a litttle afterwards. Tomorrow some lessons, and I want to see the Charles Burnett film at Lincoln Center tomorrow around 6. Will report (I think) tomorrow.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
far more relaxed.....
today---as the apartment is being cleaned. So I sit here in the library, killing time and doing my hour or so on the computer. Why this lack of restlessness so prevalent in the last few days? Let's review what happened last night.
Began the evening at Lansdowne Road, of course my friends "the twins" C and M were there. Always good to see them; they have been so appreciative since I saw their one act. Very warm, am beginning to see the difference between them (they are identical, so it is hard to tell). I think M is a little more determined about her career---anyway, will visit them again at the bar-restaurant soon.
Thought that this would be my night (it often is) but game got boring, and I ate quickly. Decided that I should go down to Sunshine Cinema to see the Jerry Lewis movie that I was anxious to check out. That is what I did---really glad about it. The movie, Max Rose, was very moving for me; I grew up watching Jerry (and Dean) and his footprints are all over my vision of life from age 7 to 14. So just the many close ups of him moved me deeply---similarly Claire Bloom, who appears as his faithful wife in flashbacks radiated a terrific glow. And the charcoal sketches of her when she was younger (I remember seeing Limelight at age 9, and being fascinated by her) were really stunning. Movies like these---where actors whom I remember in their twenties are now in their eighties, can open up a whole trove of memories for me. End of the movie a little soft, but otherwise, I bought into the plot and the circumstances. Left the theater feeling very moved; also it is important to note that there were only three of us watching the 9:25 showing---all males around 60 plus.the movie will play only one performance per day starting Friday, so I am glad I saw it yesterday., Must call my brother, probably after this session, and tell him about the movie---I am sure he would want to see it---Jerry was part of his life as well.
Plan for tonight is to go to Bushwick Starr to see the one woman show that is playing there. Don't know much about her, but always enjoy going to the Starr. Sure to see some people I know there. Of course, this is all tentative--watching the ball game on tv from Yankee Stadium yesterday at the bar, realized how empty the place was. Might want to go to tomorrow's game. We will see.
Began the evening at Lansdowne Road, of course my friends "the twins" C and M were there. Always good to see them; they have been so appreciative since I saw their one act. Very warm, am beginning to see the difference between them (they are identical, so it is hard to tell). I think M is a little more determined about her career---anyway, will visit them again at the bar-restaurant soon.
Thought that this would be my night (it often is) but game got boring, and I ate quickly. Decided that I should go down to Sunshine Cinema to see the Jerry Lewis movie that I was anxious to check out. That is what I did---really glad about it. The movie, Max Rose, was very moving for me; I grew up watching Jerry (and Dean) and his footprints are all over my vision of life from age 7 to 14. So just the many close ups of him moved me deeply---similarly Claire Bloom, who appears as his faithful wife in flashbacks radiated a terrific glow. And the charcoal sketches of her when she was younger (I remember seeing Limelight at age 9, and being fascinated by her) were really stunning. Movies like these---where actors whom I remember in their twenties are now in their eighties, can open up a whole trove of memories for me. End of the movie a little soft, but otherwise, I bought into the plot and the circumstances. Left the theater feeling very moved; also it is important to note that there were only three of us watching the 9:25 showing---all males around 60 plus.the movie will play only one performance per day starting Friday, so I am glad I saw it yesterday., Must call my brother, probably after this session, and tell him about the movie---I am sure he would want to see it---Jerry was part of his life as well.
Plan for tonight is to go to Bushwick Starr to see the one woman show that is playing there. Don't know much about her, but always enjoy going to the Starr. Sure to see some people I know there. Of course, this is all tentative--watching the ball game on tv from Yankee Stadium yesterday at the bar, realized how empty the place was. Might want to go to tomorrow's game. We will see.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
entering the no man's...
land between labor day and school beginning. A lot of "aimless" time. Actually today, even at this early hour (12:35) has been pretty productive. Good lesson with student Robert--worked with him on a report about his last trip to the Museum of Natural History, nice collaboration, felt very creative working with him, advising him. He and I have a good rapport---still other students need to be contacted for the weekend. Well, school, at least the Public Schools, begin tomorrow Should be contacted by some of my parents fairly soon, We will see.
Yesterday: went to sleep after library visit---woke up feeling tired---legs felt pretty "boney" that is without the heft that I usually experience them. Hard to determine where to go, however, in spite of a tired body, decided to trudge it out on the subway and watch baseball at Standings. Good idea, since to my surprise, the bartender was my friend Erin, who usually works next door at Burp Castle, but was covering for someone at the baseball bar. Had some interesting conversations with her, while watching the games, also there was a very nice guy who is a Kansas City fan; always enjoy talking baseball with him. Erin and I discussed uses and values of the smart phone---I don't have one, don't want one---feel that all the information would distract me---prefer to organize my non-subbing days around going to the library to work on the computer for about an hour and a half; this creates a structure for me---a smart phone might leave me finished with everything early in the morning---and then what would I do? She, however explained that she likes the smart phone very much---she needs some help in organizing and this helps her. Also, she is a "tech" person, unlike me. So I refuse to have in my apartment a computer, smart phone, i pad, etc. What do I have instead? Space! When I wake up at 2:30 each morning I am alone with all my thoughts, nothing separates me from then. I have to think, I have to plan. Lots of feelings evolve around that time---sometimes this is difficult, but I don't want them to be blocked. Must live through them. This is where it stands for now.
Tentative plans for rest of the week:
Today: visit "the girls" at Lansdowne. Probably that is all.
Thursday: best day to visit Bushwick Starr---don't know there performer., but always enjoy being there, probably seeing people that I know.
Friday: somewhat open---good time to see the Jerry Lewis film, at that point playing only one performance at the Sunshine Cinema. Maybe La Flaca afterwards.
Saturday see the Charles Burnett movie at Lincoln Center---that is really important,have wanted to see it for a long time.
Sunday; Football (I guess---it will get me some free pizza) not sure what else.
Monday (a special day, you know why, cityboy) probably go to Dixon Place to see their Works in Progress evening. Usually lots of people there that I know.
Tuesday: BAN meeting.
That is the tentative plan, always subject to change, of course---what about some wandering in Brooklyn? What week is complete without that. Will of course, let you know...
Yesterday: went to sleep after library visit---woke up feeling tired---legs felt pretty "boney" that is without the heft that I usually experience them. Hard to determine where to go, however, in spite of a tired body, decided to trudge it out on the subway and watch baseball at Standings. Good idea, since to my surprise, the bartender was my friend Erin, who usually works next door at Burp Castle, but was covering for someone at the baseball bar. Had some interesting conversations with her, while watching the games, also there was a very nice guy who is a Kansas City fan; always enjoy talking baseball with him. Erin and I discussed uses and values of the smart phone---I don't have one, don't want one---feel that all the information would distract me---prefer to organize my non-subbing days around going to the library to work on the computer for about an hour and a half; this creates a structure for me---a smart phone might leave me finished with everything early in the morning---and then what would I do? She, however explained that she likes the smart phone very much---she needs some help in organizing and this helps her. Also, she is a "tech" person, unlike me. So I refuse to have in my apartment a computer, smart phone, i pad, etc. What do I have instead? Space! When I wake up at 2:30 each morning I am alone with all my thoughts, nothing separates me from then. I have to think, I have to plan. Lots of feelings evolve around that time---sometimes this is difficult, but I don't want them to be blocked. Must live through them. This is where it stands for now.
Tentative plans for rest of the week:
Today: visit "the girls" at Lansdowne. Probably that is all.
Thursday: best day to visit Bushwick Starr---don't know there performer., but always enjoy being there, probably seeing people that I know.
Friday: somewhat open---good time to see the Jerry Lewis film, at that point playing only one performance at the Sunshine Cinema. Maybe La Flaca afterwards.
Saturday see the Charles Burnett movie at Lincoln Center---that is really important,have wanted to see it for a long time.
Sunday; Football (I guess---it will get me some free pizza) not sure what else.
Monday (a special day, you know why, cityboy) probably go to Dixon Place to see their Works in Progress evening. Usually lots of people there that I know.
Tuesday: BAN meeting.
That is the tentative plan, always subject to change, of course---what about some wandering in Brooklyn? What week is complete without that. Will of course, let you know...
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
much to report....
re the weekend, full of ups and downs. So let's begin with Friday evening:
Went to Bronx Documentary Center to see movie on Jackson Mississippi's last abortion clinic---a powerful movie---really harsh in that it demonstrates the fervor of the anti abortion movement (perhaps a little too much) , and shows how dedicated the abortion clinic doctors and social workers and organizers are. Very upsetting---returned home via the 2. Too tired to "hang out" and had to get ready for the next day. At Bronx Doc I sat between two middle aged women, one black, one white. Both lived in the Concourse in the 160's. The black women had been there for quite a whil;, I wanted to question the white women as to when she moved in (she was Jewish, a small possibility that she was actually raised in that apartment and never left) but she was not near me after the film, and I also felt she might be defensive about answering my questions.
Saturday, after lesson, went to Cobra to hang with Susan, my former bartender now moved to Richmond VA, returning for a one afternoon stand at the club. Really good to see her---she discussed in detail her life as a social worker in Richmond, and also some adventures in NYC this weekend. We were joined by Chelsea and Wallace, a couple who used to live in the neighborhood and be Susan's regulars. Wallace talked of some band dates that I might go to, and we discussed a "processing fee" that her landlord had asked the couple to pay when they signed their last lease. I said it might be bogus, and encouraged then to check it out---I gave them some web sites that help tenants where they might get that information. At the same time, had a good conversation with a painter who dropped by named Jason---he invited me to his open house when they take place in Bushwick during the first week in October. Already some many commitments during that time. Just as things were sailing along and I was feeling very popular, decided to leave---thought that I might go to Metrograph to see a Kurosawa movie that I have never seen before (High and Low) but felt too tired. Yet did not want to return home. Result: I returned to Manhattan, stopped off at Standings but found that they were watching mostly college football---not my crowd---hated the obnoxious screaming of the UCLA fans.
Wanted baseball and got hungry at the same time, so went to Professor Tom's a bar on second right off 14th that I had enjoyed previously. Got my wish---Yankee game, which I wanted to see, was on, but stuffed myself with a spinach avocado dip---left very full and at the same time, emotionally undernourished. Worried all night that I ate too much. Woke up Sunday morning feeling very full----finally let my stomach get back into good shape, vowing that I would not eat like that again.
Sunday, first a movie "Morris From America" at the Angelica---a black father and son in Heidelberg Germany where he coaches soccer and the son has to stay. Some nice takes on hitting puberty and some good father and son talks, I was never bored, but movie was slow and deliberate---glad I saw it (it will probably leave the Angelica soon) but would have liked something a little more sophistacated.
The plan was to arrive at South Fourth around 5---was able to do that---refused to have a beer and watch more baseball. Olivia was there and basically had a good time. Stayed until about 8:30. A nice talk with a subway engineer named Eddie and read most of the day's Times. Returned home around 10.
Monday morning, stomach much better because I really took it easy on Sunday. Would it rain? No, so it was time to go to the West Indian Parade and table with the Brooklyn Anti-Gentrification Network.
That I did---energy was very intense, but people I spoke with (almost all black) were very friendly and courteous. Overate, of course (pork!) but stayed at the table for about 3 hours. Then came an interesting walk through the northern part of Crown Heights---walking north on Rogers for about 4 blocks---the apartment houses on Rogers are not art deco---seem pretty rudimentary, maybe the poorer Jews and Irish lived on them in the 40's and 50's. When did the neighborhood change? Continue to be haunted by that question. Needed coffee---found a spot on Rogers and Park Place or thereabouts, walked in to find a completely young white crowd immersed in their computers. I took two steps, then headed out---could not deal with a completely alternative universe that seemed to be presented to me. While walking passed many black groups still on their way to the parade. Everyone very cordial and friendly. While walking on Park Place from Rogers to Nostrand, one fellow stopped me, spotted my Brooklyn is not for Sale polo shirt (I had been wearing it all day) and complimented me very warmly. All along the route from Eastern Parkway to Fulton, got some nice compliments about the shirt, including one from a black policeman. Arrived at Fulton, then took the bus to the BAM area,where I had ice coffee and read at the usual place. (I can't think of the name; it is right across the street from Green Light book store---a great place to browse. Also while I was at Greenlight, Soraya, a member of BAN, chatted with me. She asked me about the march; about the police behavior at the march (I told her they were professional, and non-harassing) and we spoke a little about BAN and life in Prospect Lefferts where she lives. Finally returned home around 7, very tired. I could have gone out, maybe to the opera movies at Lincoln Center but quite frankly did not want to take in anything "meaningful" at the time. Slept intermittently until around 3 Tuesday morning, then awoke---lived through a really restless two hours and then began my day.
So that is it---thanks for getting through it (if you are reading this) and will report about tonight, tomorrow.
Went to Bronx Documentary Center to see movie on Jackson Mississippi's last abortion clinic---a powerful movie---really harsh in that it demonstrates the fervor of the anti abortion movement (perhaps a little too much) , and shows how dedicated the abortion clinic doctors and social workers and organizers are. Very upsetting---returned home via the 2. Too tired to "hang out" and had to get ready for the next day. At Bronx Doc I sat between two middle aged women, one black, one white. Both lived in the Concourse in the 160's. The black women had been there for quite a whil;, I wanted to question the white women as to when she moved in (she was Jewish, a small possibility that she was actually raised in that apartment and never left) but she was not near me after the film, and I also felt she might be defensive about answering my questions.
Saturday, after lesson, went to Cobra to hang with Susan, my former bartender now moved to Richmond VA, returning for a one afternoon stand at the club. Really good to see her---she discussed in detail her life as a social worker in Richmond, and also some adventures in NYC this weekend. We were joined by Chelsea and Wallace, a couple who used to live in the neighborhood and be Susan's regulars. Wallace talked of some band dates that I might go to, and we discussed a "processing fee" that her landlord had asked the couple to pay when they signed their last lease. I said it might be bogus, and encouraged then to check it out---I gave them some web sites that help tenants where they might get that information. At the same time, had a good conversation with a painter who dropped by named Jason---he invited me to his open house when they take place in Bushwick during the first week in October. Already some many commitments during that time. Just as things were sailing along and I was feeling very popular, decided to leave---thought that I might go to Metrograph to see a Kurosawa movie that I have never seen before (High and Low) but felt too tired. Yet did not want to return home. Result: I returned to Manhattan, stopped off at Standings but found that they were watching mostly college football---not my crowd---hated the obnoxious screaming of the UCLA fans.
Wanted baseball and got hungry at the same time, so went to Professor Tom's a bar on second right off 14th that I had enjoyed previously. Got my wish---Yankee game, which I wanted to see, was on, but stuffed myself with a spinach avocado dip---left very full and at the same time, emotionally undernourished. Worried all night that I ate too much. Woke up Sunday morning feeling very full----finally let my stomach get back into good shape, vowing that I would not eat like that again.
Sunday, first a movie "Morris From America" at the Angelica---a black father and son in Heidelberg Germany where he coaches soccer and the son has to stay. Some nice takes on hitting puberty and some good father and son talks, I was never bored, but movie was slow and deliberate---glad I saw it (it will probably leave the Angelica soon) but would have liked something a little more sophistacated.
The plan was to arrive at South Fourth around 5---was able to do that---refused to have a beer and watch more baseball. Olivia was there and basically had a good time. Stayed until about 8:30. A nice talk with a subway engineer named Eddie and read most of the day's Times. Returned home around 10.
Monday morning, stomach much better because I really took it easy on Sunday. Would it rain? No, so it was time to go to the West Indian Parade and table with the Brooklyn Anti-Gentrification Network.
That I did---energy was very intense, but people I spoke with (almost all black) were very friendly and courteous. Overate, of course (pork!) but stayed at the table for about 3 hours. Then came an interesting walk through the northern part of Crown Heights---walking north on Rogers for about 4 blocks---the apartment houses on Rogers are not art deco---seem pretty rudimentary, maybe the poorer Jews and Irish lived on them in the 40's and 50's. When did the neighborhood change? Continue to be haunted by that question. Needed coffee---found a spot on Rogers and Park Place or thereabouts, walked in to find a completely young white crowd immersed in their computers. I took two steps, then headed out---could not deal with a completely alternative universe that seemed to be presented to me. While walking passed many black groups still on their way to the parade. Everyone very cordial and friendly. While walking on Park Place from Rogers to Nostrand, one fellow stopped me, spotted my Brooklyn is not for Sale polo shirt (I had been wearing it all day) and complimented me very warmly. All along the route from Eastern Parkway to Fulton, got some nice compliments about the shirt, including one from a black policeman. Arrived at Fulton, then took the bus to the BAM area,where I had ice coffee and read at the usual place. (I can't think of the name; it is right across the street from Green Light book store---a great place to browse. Also while I was at Greenlight, Soraya, a member of BAN, chatted with me. She asked me about the march; about the police behavior at the march (I told her they were professional, and non-harassing) and we spoke a little about BAN and life in Prospect Lefferts where she lives. Finally returned home around 7, very tired. I could have gone out, maybe to the opera movies at Lincoln Center but quite frankly did not want to take in anything "meaningful" at the time. Slept intermittently until around 3 Tuesday morning, then awoke---lived through a really restless two hours and then began my day.
So that is it---thanks for getting through it (if you are reading this) and will report about tonight, tomorrow.
Friday, September 2, 2016
much better today...
as yesterday was by far the best of my "post fringe" days. Why? Brooklyn, of course. I went to Cobra to meet friend Adam G---arrived about 1:30 about an hour too early (I have great time concepts--maybe a little too great) but found my friend Whitey there--had not seen him and his girl friend Emily, two people I became friendly with at Cobra, in about a year. Really great to see him, he revealed to me that he and Emily are getting married in about 5 weeks. Great news! Lots of conversation, then Nikki, Cobra's owner told me that Susan, a former bartender and friend who moved to Richmond, after her father's death, will be back at Cobra to bar tend tomorrow. All of a sudden, structure in place for Saturday. Then, as I continued to wait, had a nice conversation with morning bar tender Matt, who invited to some shows he and his band are doing in September---will probably go to the one in Crown Heights on the 23rd. Really feeling good; Adam arrived kind of late, but we had a good discussion and made tentative plans for me to join a group that he is starting.
Left to go back to the city to see the play I had made a reservation for called, The Wolves, but as soon as I hit the J, found myself feeling very tired. Considered missing the play---just was not in the mood for it---but did I really want to miss this? Got to 42nd Street where the play was playing, had a pizza slice for energy and arrived at the box office to pick up my ticket. But the idea of watching a ninety minute non intermission piece seemed overwhelming to me; I was still feeling fatigued, so I told the box office woman that she could do what she wanted with the ticket, I was giving it up.
Was this the right move? Did I miss a special play? Don't know, but really just made it home on the subway----fell asleep very quickly and slept pretty well through the night. Right move---yes! because I needed the rest---I feel very refreshed this morning---I was really in no position to sit through ninety minutes of any play.
That is all for now...probably will not blog until Tuesday as library is closed tomorrow for the Labor Day Holiday. Many plans for the weekend---Caribbean Day Parade--manning a space for BAN, weather permitting of course, lots of movies to see, doubt if I will see a play. Will be social as well, as Susan's return to Cobra should bring back some of her regulars and a stop off at South fourth on Sunday, as well as the cook out (possible?) on Monday. Labor day always the "end of summer' for me---everything fall begins on the next day, at least in my head. That's it for now...
Left to go back to the city to see the play I had made a reservation for called, The Wolves, but as soon as I hit the J, found myself feeling very tired. Considered missing the play---just was not in the mood for it---but did I really want to miss this? Got to 42nd Street where the play was playing, had a pizza slice for energy and arrived at the box office to pick up my ticket. But the idea of watching a ninety minute non intermission piece seemed overwhelming to me; I was still feeling fatigued, so I told the box office woman that she could do what she wanted with the ticket, I was giving it up.
Was this the right move? Did I miss a special play? Don't know, but really just made it home on the subway----fell asleep very quickly and slept pretty well through the night. Right move---yes! because I needed the rest---I feel very refreshed this morning---I was really in no position to sit through ninety minutes of any play.
That is all for now...probably will not blog until Tuesday as library is closed tomorrow for the Labor Day Holiday. Many plans for the weekend---Caribbean Day Parade--manning a space for BAN, weather permitting of course, lots of movies to see, doubt if I will see a play. Will be social as well, as Susan's return to Cobra should bring back some of her regulars and a stop off at South fourth on Sunday, as well as the cook out (possible?) on Monday. Labor day always the "end of summer' for me---everything fall begins on the next day, at least in my head. That's it for now...
Thursday, September 1, 2016
a restless time.....
but lessons are beginning to take their shape. Takes a little bit of the stress off, but I continue to run from place to place. Today--should meet Adam G in Bushwick for a talk about a group to discuss current issues (race and class) and the see the play The Wolves, which I ordered tickets for during the Fringe. Don't know how I feel about going to it---the tickets were so cheap ($l.00 plus a three dollar service charge) that I simply took them. So will go and figure it out.
Last night: as usual, decisions had to be made. But I wanted to play trivia at Pine Box Rock Shop, and pushed myself to go. First took M train to Flushing Avenue---fascinating spot as it intersects with Bushwick vis Flushing, east; Bed-Stuy via Marcus Garvey; Jewish Willamsburg to the west and hispanic and gentrified Williamsburg to the northwest. Never dreamed that Graham and Broadway would be actually in walking distance of the projects of Bed Stuy. My goal was to walk up Graham from Broadway to Metropolitan, but a bus was coming and I was tired. Then took L to Morgan and Pine Box. Atmosphere noisy but bartenders were very friendly and helpful. Waited about a half an hour for trivia, when it came, I played, actually came in fourth with some help from Julie, a friendly bartender. Proud of myself for doing this; I shall return for more---liked the vibe from the bar.
Jumped on L and arrived home via the 3, in decent time.
Not much more for now--interested to see how my visit with Adam and plans for a discussion group turn out...will let you know...
Last night: as usual, decisions had to be made. But I wanted to play trivia at Pine Box Rock Shop, and pushed myself to go. First took M train to Flushing Avenue---fascinating spot as it intersects with Bushwick vis Flushing, east; Bed-Stuy via Marcus Garvey; Jewish Willamsburg to the west and hispanic and gentrified Williamsburg to the northwest. Never dreamed that Graham and Broadway would be actually in walking distance of the projects of Bed Stuy. My goal was to walk up Graham from Broadway to Metropolitan, but a bus was coming and I was tired. Then took L to Morgan and Pine Box. Atmosphere noisy but bartenders were very friendly and helpful. Waited about a half an hour for trivia, when it came, I played, actually came in fourth with some help from Julie, a friendly bartender. Proud of myself for doing this; I shall return for more---liked the vibe from the bar.
Jumped on L and arrived home via the 3, in decent time.
Not much more for now--interested to see how my visit with Adam and plans for a discussion group turn out...will let you know...
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