bad stomach---probably too much pizza in the last few days---actually that is three out of four meals beginning Saturday night. But what is one to do when out? Faced with the prospect of the "inexpensive" $13.00 bar salad, or the pepironi slice for $3.50. what would you do? That is NY today, no way of getting around it---maybe you can get out with about nine to ten dollars at a "Greek Diner", (if you can find one) but basically if you are cost conscious, pizza is your meal.
Last post Thursday, since then I have ---
1 Friday evening went to Metrograph to see I Am Not Your Negro, the James Baldwin film---obviously very telling---but I am afraid towards the end it gets a bit didactic and repeats the same vision. Surprised to see a short clip from Pajama Game movie as part of Baldwin's vision of a racist America (at least as interpreted by the film maker) but there it was. Afterwards had a beer at the bar in Metrograph's lobby---since I was the only one there, had a nice talk with the bartender--he was black, and he had not seen the movie, or the other movie that Metrograph is showing about music in 1964, the freedom summer, in the south. He seemed comfortable with the "upscale" prices of the restaurant on the second floor. Metrograph continues to stymie me, going there to see a movie seems like an exciting thing to do, but then am floored by its upscale vision of all other things than the movie.
Saturday a heavy session day, then went to see my friend Hannah (she is marvelous) in Elements of Oz, a take on the Wizard of Oz---that looks at the iconic movie from many sides. Really inventive technically---interesting at first, but ultimately for me it ran out of gas. The "thing" itself is fascinating, but does it go beyond that in any way? No real resonance beyond its creation. Said hello to Hannah, afterwards, she seemed happy that I came, will visit with her in January (hopefully).
The play was over by 9:30, thought about going to a bar near the theater (it was near South Ferry) but resisted, walked to Chambers Street from the theater (not a short walk) but could find no where there where I really wanted to go, ended up taking 2 to 14th street--then dilemma, Two Boots or Elephant and Castle, where I could read for a while while I ate. You know what was chosen---the pizza was good, and I was tired enough just to go home after that.
Yesterday, no plans, but as usual on Sunday, Brooklyn beckoned. A little tired to begin the day, but made it out there anyway. First stop BRIC, to see there Biennial Exhibit---art, not political, by artists living in Crown Heights or Bed-Stuy, some of whom were white. Not bad, another part of the exhibit is at Weeksville, much deeper into Crown Heights, must go there soon, no weekend hours, so must go during the week. Not clear about plans after that, finally took the G to Metropolitan from Fulton (a very short trip as the train zooms through Brooklyn) and then the L to Jefferson. Time to go to Cobra Club and watch football. Got a nice welcome from bartender McKenna, had a nice talk with my friend Paul (who is beginning a new job today) and stayed for about 2 hours. Time to leave and go to South fourth for the end of the day, stopping off at the Pizza place (where else) on Graham, where the pizza is really unique. At South fourth, touched base with my friend Harlow and had a long talk with Todd, a film maker who invited me to see his place of work. May do that this week. Left around 9:30, glad I chose to visit the bar, rather than checking out a movie.
Today, not sure, a community group in Sunset Park is protesting the proposed light rail that will connect Sunset Park with Astoria, and I may join them. Not sure, will report soon.
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