Great evening.....

at the Met, last night---a complete performance of Nabucco, Verdi's third opera, conducted brilliantly by James Levine and performed by a great cast. What an opera! More comprehensive and detailed than I ever expected---I thought that like a lot of Verdi's early operas, I would find a brilliant moment, followed by a kind of "oom pah pah" stretch, but it never happened. The music is inspired from beginning to end. The opera also fascinates because its two parts (as performed at the Met last night) seem like two different operas, the first battle focused and intense, the second, meditative and redemptive. It all focuses around Nabucco being struck by a bolt of lighting, towards the end of the first part---then from all powerful and vengeful he becomes disoriented and later full of peace and forgiveness. It is known that Verdi always wanted to make an opera out of King Lear----but scenes from the second part of the opera, almost seem like Lear scenes. It made me want to listen carefully to all of Verdi's other operas, that he wrote before Louisa Miller, which, I think precede Verdi's three "early" operas, Trovatore, Rigoletto and La Traviata. Much to think about---really a transcendent experience!
Not much else to report since last post-----tonight, the long awaited New Year's Eve; I expect to repeat last year's pattern: begin around 8:30 at South fourth and probably around 11, jump on the J crossing to Essex, where La Flaca is. Will celebrate New Year's there---however I am keeping things open and everything is subject to change. Will let you know...

here in Brooklyn..

I sit in the big library at Grand Army Plaza. First visited the Weeksville Center, looking for the Bric Biennielle that they have there. But the place was closed---very cold, nevertheless interesting just walking around the area---from Utica and Fulton to Buffalo and Bergen. A few really interesting bus trips that I should take that could show me more about that area---hope to have the time to do that. But there is so much to do. Tonight I am going to see Nabucco at the  Met---very anxious to hear this early Verdi (his third opera) piece. Essentially this will be my first time seeing it.
Yesterday, an interesting day---went down to Metrograph and saw Point Blank, the 1967 film directed by John Boorman and starring Lee Marvin. The movie has a cult following---a great reputation---I enjoyed it and found it engrossing, but was not overwhelmed by it. Lots of violence, though possibly justified---the first part of the movie takes place both in real time and flashbacks, this changes in the second part, which seems to be straight  narrative. I wonder if the producers panicked at the idea of too many flashbacks and insisted during production (or after an early screening) that the plot be clearer. Anyway, enjoyed my stay at Metrograph, despite the upuscale vibe of the dining room, every time I go there I feel more at home.
After that, went to La Flaca, very glad that I did, had a good talk with Bobby, my friend the owner (this is our seventeenth year of freindship, unbelievable)  and also some good interaction with Jim, the father of the boy friend of Sam, the bartender. We went over several topics, he seems to be a very open person. Maybe some more contact in the future. Bobby reinerated his invite for tomorrow night, will probably show up there at some point, though my plan is now to start off at South Fourth.  Last year I had a nice "mini-adventure" there between 10 and 11, maybe this will repeat itself this year.
After La Flaca, went to Elephant and Castle, a village restaurant without a TV (and no bar), so it is easy to read there. Had their tuna fish and guacamole sandwich; it is good, but $12.00 (actually $13.07 with the tax.) After the tip to waiter Tony, and very nice guy who knows me from the restaurant, it came to a little over $15.00. Wow! What is New York's future, if prices remain this high? We must discuss Commercial Rent Control in this election. Despite that, I returned home feeling upbeat---I had given myself a good day.
That is all for now...will report on the opera and other things tomorrow.

what to do....

cityboy the idealist planned to go to Brooklyn this morning, specifically Weeksville (Buffalo Avenue and Bergen, for the uninformed) where part of the BRIC Bienielle is taking place, this one more focused on the effects of gentrification in the Bed Stuy-Crown Heights neighborhoods. It should be photographs, paintings, some musings, I expect---sounded like something that I really wanted to do, but woke up without a lot of energy, and now, at around 11, feel the same way. Will I make it? Well, there is always tomorrow and the exhibit runs until next week. We will see.
 Also today the Metrograph Cinema is showing Point Blank, a 1967 movie, with Lee Marvin, directed by John Boorman. The movie has become a kind of legend in its time, on paper about a theif who gets to Alcatraz, but behind that something more. Really want to see it, three chances today only,. hope that I make it.
 Yesterday, had one session, really productive with one of my students---he is a third grader who needs a lot of help with math concepts. I really enjoy the challenges of working with him. Besides that, not much. After Tuesday night's "adventures" , was tired so simply returned home and spent the rest of the evening there. Yesterday, however, did reveal one important revelation: There is a coffee place that just opened on Broadway, and 142nd street, west side. Just another coffee place, with everyone at their computers, etc. you get the picture. But wait! This coffee place has everything, and I mean everything, priced at $2.00. Yes you heard me right, two dollars. Had a nice omelet croissant there yesterday, really filled me up, I should be making many return visits.
That is it for now. The plan for tomorrow is to try to see Nabucco at the Met---that's Friday, and then The Eve. Will be moving around for that one...will report tomorrow...

interesting night....

last night, as the plan was to go to South Fourth and watch a free movie. But no movie this Tuesday because, Mark, the movie person-barista who chooses the movies was apparently off. Still all my
"regular" friends were there, and also a charming bartender named Melissa. so a good time was had by all. Friend H, offered me a computer (she apparently has many of them) but for the moment I said "no" Wonder what it would be like, would it open up a "Pandora's Box"  for my imagination. Will let it rest for now, though as the new year continues, might be ready to deal with it. But the important thing was that the conversation was strong, and I felt really wanted at the "fourth".
  Left at about 8:15, still had room in my stomach for a beer, the original plan was to go to the Starr Bar, the bar on Starr Street (of course) across the street from the Bushwick Starr, that is affiliated with Mayday Space, the Bushwick activist center that has its main spaces in a church near by on DeKalb. At first I thought I was too tired, but as I hit the L, I talked myself into it. Good thing I did, the bar was quiet (so were a few other bars in Bushwick that I passed on the way) but met a nice bartender named Sam, a puppeteer, who bartends. She also bartends at Jalopy, a  bar about as far away from Bushwick as possible (Columbia Heights)  and we talked about travel options from Bushwick to there, and from where she lives in Bed-Stuy. Then joined a conversation with a friend of hers , Paul, visiting from New Hampshire, where he lives. We talked about differences between the quiet and beauty of New Hampshire (which he has found he likes) and the city. Nice conversation, finally left and outside spoke to Anna, actually one of the founders of Mayday (both the space and the bar).
We briefly spoke about the upcoming Mayoral and City Council elections and how the activists of the  space might get involved. I briefly went through my litany of the Mayor's "giving and taking" which she agreed. I mentioned the sale of the Brooklyn Heights Library to create high rise condos, which the Mayor was good with; I was really surprised that she did not know about this. It's interesting what information people allow themselves to take in---I have always seen this event as a demonstration of  the power of the development class--its domination over the Mayor and other city elected officials. At any rate, this conversation made me feel more committed to get involved with Mayday activities---we will see where it leads.
Today, after a session, will probably visit "the twins", my acting friends who are servers at Lansdowne Road. I have not seen them for some time; I am assuming they will not be away for the holidays. Anyway, will report on all tomorrow.

And what of Monday.....

just lost a post (it disappeared somehow) which was all about travels through Brooklyn on Monday. Had to get out of Manhattan, too limited, so went early to South Fourth to have coffee with the terrific barista named Jimmy. Just what I needed, good conversation, lots of jokes, then joined by a few other customers who were very conversational. Left feeling very good, really "concretized"  (my possibly made up word)  enjoying what I had. A stay a little later at the Cave, a large coffee place on Flushing, on the Bushwick border) was less successful but did read the Times---place is very big, one can stay there and read forever (you probably don't even need to order anything) , but poor desert selection. Time to look for a Payless since in the morning I had discovered that my shoes had run out. But first I stopped at Cobra to say good by to barista Adam, and hang a bit there. Good conversation with Eric, who actually is a manager at South Fourth, about books that we are currently reading. No Payless in Bushwick (sounds like a good title for a short story) so took the DeKalb bus into Bed-Stuy, got off at Nostrand, then walked about 10 blocks north to Fulton where I knew I could find a store.
Ten block walk was fascinating (what walk in Bed Stuy isn't?)  Signs of gentrification on Nostrand are few, though as one gets closer to Fulton, brownstone streets do look amazing. Interesting, because Nostrand is part of western Bed Stuy, the closest to Clinton Hill---still prices of brownstones there are sky high---let's not talk about that right now.
  The Payless on Fulton had a poor selection of shoes for me, but must have the shoes. I knew that in the Church Avenue-Flatbush section of Brooklyn that I could find another Payless, so took the bus on Nostrand and segued from Bed Stuy to Crown Heights, to Flatbush, got off at Carleton and began my walk around this neighborhood, one that, if my parents had taught in Brooklyn, I might have easily lived in. Very quickly came to a Payless, found the shoes at the right price---then continued my walk west on Church, hit Flatbush Ave. very soon---determined to get to the Q train, about six blocks west. Stopped on East 21 street, a street with many art deco apartments---like the one I was raised in. Tried to imagine---what? An all Jewish neighborhood in the fifties? Stick ball in the street during the spring and summer. We get further and further away from these memories as we get older. But how to do it---that is how to tell the whole story of a generation that began there or began as I did in the Bronx. Mostly homogenius neighborhoods---at least 90 % Jewish, mostly middle class or lower middle class (mixed). So what is their story, where are they now, very few still living where they were raised, though some have returned very prosperous (that is another story)  Always haunted by these trips back into the "old" neighborhod, but can I do anything with it?  Will be determined at some later date, rest of the day was stopping by BAM, decided not to see a movie, then visited new Alamo movie house---found it very off putting---lost my hat (really annoyed by that---will buy a new one later today) probably lost among the new and obnoxious high rises that are all over downtown Brooklyn now. Returned home, and promised myself I would find a bar in the area to watch the last nfl game of the week, but when I entered the apartment found that I could hardly move--fell asleep quickly, and, unlike the other nights where I was restless---sleep was deep--I guess after those long walks really needed it.
 That is all for now---have some plans for the evening, but they are a little hazy---will report tomorrow.

so many ideas.....

are running around my head---the political, the personal, does one exist without the other? Just read a few articles in this month's Brooklyn Rail---all of them centered on the problems within the Democratic Party that lead to Hillary's defeat. Nothing that I did not know or suspect, but good to read them coming from the minds of other people. Yes, Hillary represented a kind of complacency for many "liberals" that got stronger as the other guy acted out. How many of us are discussing just what kind of people she would have brought into her cabinet---what would she really have offered? Well, let's watch carefully what form the new administration takes.
Three days have passed since my last blog was posted.  A strange three days, filled with contrasts. Saturday was about Salome at the Met. Excellent performances by all the singers in an eratic production that did not stop the opera's intensity. The orchestra really dominates, and I think it is impossible that an orchestra could have played better than the Met's did on Saturday. Great conducting made it a strong experience. Actually sat, not stood for this work---had no trouble getting  a ticket in the Family Circle, many foreigners seemed to be in the house. many around me.
The opera ended at 8 (it began at 6) and I was determined to simply not return home. Where to go?
Decided to check out the two back to back bars on Broadway and 148th street, Wallace's and Harlem Public. Wallace's was closed, Harlem public serving beer but not food, which was just what I needed. The bartender very nice, place filled without about 8 regulars, who were doing their thing. (If you are a bar person, you know what that is) One patron is a well meaning but annoying guy who bothered me, and has in the past---because of his presence and being tired, had to cut my stay short, but did have a nice conversation with two women sitting next to me, and nice greetings from others. Feel comfortable there.
Sunday, in the morning, determined to see Scorsese's movie Silence---went to the AMC Lincoln Center and got my ticket. Seats were narrow and one had to sit through seven annoying (and mostly violent) previews before the movie began. I know Scorsese has dreamed of making this movie for a long time, its plot is very clear---sometimes it moves slowly but its implications are very serious. Essentially a novice Jesuit in goes to Japan in search of converts, but the government is Buddhist and will kill any found Christian. As the young priest visits, he is greeted by the secret Christians warmly, but soon is discovered, and asked to relent. As he persists on keeping his faith, many of his followers are brutally murdered by the inflexible Buddhist government.  Those powers insist that he relent, and reject his Christian faith. Finally, a confrontation with a turned Priest who has now assimilated himself into the Buddhist way of life and is living comfortably, lets him do his blasphemy---and save four people close to being put to death. He remains in Japan as the other Priest did, assimilated into the Buddhist culture and living well.
    The movie proceeds deliberately until the confrontation scene, there is where the passion of the movie is it is a very strong moment. Many questions about faith and refusing to bend in the face of great pressure. No real surety in this world. Of course it is beautifully filmed, but the violence in the film is real as well. Glad that I saw it--the first of what I hoped would be many movies for this week, though now have only seen one.
  Rest of the day kind of ordinary, did try a new bar-restaurant on 142nd and Broadway, one of a group of four or five new ones on Broadway, which includes Harlem Public. Nice bartender, got to watch some sports, decent people to interact with at the bar, Will come back again. Returned home early, too tired to see another movie, just read and listened to music, successful..?Possibly.
 
 

so just learned,,,,,

that protest outside of the apartment house of the woman in charge of the mayor's economics took place last Sunday---I could have been there, but something tells me that this is too close for comfort. Also very cold, but admire the group for doing this---ironically, when I have the most time, there seems to be the least "activism" to do. Well, there is another protest a week from Wednesday, will probably go to that, because I do not see any conflicts.
Last night, had hoped to go to see the work at Abrons Arts, but was simply too tired. Probably all the activity from Wednesday weighed me down, and so by 6 it was clear that I had to rest. So I slept from around 8 to 12---then awoke, and as often happens, felt extremely active. But what to do? Stomach told me not to have a beer at a bar, so stayed inside---what followed was a long night's journey into day. Lots of thoughts, trying to figure out where to go from here, dealing with the "no plan" of the holiday.
No real plan for the afternoon or evening, a lot of options, just found out about a Leonard Cohen concert in Brooklyn, (at Jalopy, a place that I have never been to in the Columbia Heights area of the borough---a little north of Red Hook. Kind of an event I would love to take a "date' or a well liked companion to, but if I go it will be by myself.
  I am continuing to read Malamud's The Assistant. The more that I get into it, the more I am taken by the writer's creation of the universe of the novel. A drab, closed and depressing street in (I assume) south Brooklyn in the late 40's. You get a  real sense of enclosure from the world Malamud creates. This will be my reading project for the weekend, I also have an anthology of new writing from Pushcart that will counter that if necessary.
 At  Barnes and Noble, found the poem that I was looking for last week at Friends. Very powerful, it is called Holy Night and is by Dan Albergotti. Must not forget it.
 Salome tomorrow at the Met? Possibly, one of what seems to be a million options for the next few days. But hard to single in on any one that really draws me in.
 May not report again until Tuesday, since that is when the libraries reopen, but if something is important, may post from a different spot. Have a good weekend (holiday)

yesterday (continued)...

went to the Christmas Assembly at Friends. Okay, but did not see as many graduates as in the past. Those that I did see were very warm and friendly, however. Then "freedom!" which essentially meant going home and sleeping until I was ready to go to the party in Williamsburg.
  Got to the party at around 7:30. John and his wife's new apartment is in "the burg", near Lorimer, a small apartment house that is surrounded by several of the new buildings that have been built in the last couple (really 10) of years. Some good conversation with John, some friends, and a gentelman who lives in Inwood, and we talked about his neighborhood and what is happening there. Left around 9, nice conversation with another couple from the party with whom I walked to the L train. Felt good about the whole evening, even if I did stuff myself a little too much. I am paying for it now.
  Tonight will go to Abrons to see this project that looks interesting and probably stop in at La Flaca afterwards and see what is happening there.
 Have started to read The Assistant, by Malamud---this will be the second time, the first when I was in college, so far impressed by the way Malamud creates the scene of the poor Jewish grocer and his family, just barely making a living in a neighborhood in Brooklyn.
 Seems to be all I have to say now, will continue reports tomorrow...

have been up since....

4, probably earlier, as I got myself ready to leave for the Whitney where Sibyl was having her solstice pageant. Got out of the apartment around 4:55--took a taxi to the Whitney, maybe the second taxi I have taken all year (maybe the first)  and got there by 5:10. Interesting ride down 11th avenue, saw all the immense buildings that have been created in the last 15 years, an amazing (I guess) influx of money into the city. How did they do it? Or perhaps, how did I not do it?  More to ponder, anyway, the cab cost me $17.00 with tip (what I expected, with very little traffic) and arrived in plenty of time. Sibyl's solstice project was very well attended; I only recognized a few people---expected to see more of Sibyl's "tribe" (ERS etc.) but the project was something that definitely had to be experienced as a single person. How was it? Okay, but fascinating to stand on the Whitney Terrace around 7:10 and watch the sun come up---brilliant colors. Afterwards had some coffee in the lobby and a good conversation with friend Sarah and Susan B, (who runs New Georges) and one of the performers in the pageant. Spoke to her about the evolution of not for profit theater, how the Public got their $1.00 rent of the Astor Building from the city, in return for generating not just art but commerce (bringing people into the neighborhood) as well Am I surprised that this was news to her? Or to many others?  Probably, I just assume that all theater people know this. Anyway, left feeling kind of happy, headed east to find a coffee place (I needed some sugar) and read the Voice. Returned home,and here I am in the Amsterdam Library; will at some point head over to Friends for the Christmas Assembly.
    Last night, kind of odd, no sessions, felt tired from being up so much the night before, but had to do SOMETHING---could not go to far afield, it was cold and I wanted to be rested for the early morning trip, so I ended up at the Dive Bar, probably my "favorite" place on the upper west side.
Had their hummus plate, really very good and not overly filling, also a nice talk with one of the servers, Olivia, who goes to the theater a lot.Watched first half of Knick game there to. Came home and was pretty tired, the rest follows the beginning of this blog.
Tonight, there is a housewarming party in Williamsburg that I will attend---really looking forward to it, expect some really good conversation---they will be mostly "theater people" Then tomorrow, my real holiday begins. It will be nice to have space in front of me---feeling a sense of relief as I look forward to my "freedom" for the next two weeks.Maybe something different---some late night adventures, lots of movies to see, will keep you posted...

a strange and.....

fascinating night. Began with a trip to Franklin Avenue Brooklyn, to a bar called The Drink for a benefit for lawyers representing immigrants. Wanted very much to contribute, but when I arrived there the place was packed, and I saw no one that I knew. Very little room to move, groups seemed comfortable with themselves, so I decided to leave. But to go where? Maybe a bar that I had noticed on Labor Day on Rogers near Park Place, but decided to go with a bar-restaurant that I knew: Soda, the oldest bar on Vanderbuilt and an easy place to be. This meant a long walk from Franklin to Vanderbuilt, about 5 blocks, some of them very long, but, despite the cold, I did it. Only to find that Soda was closed, actually locked shut, so I went to my second choice, Plan B, a sports bar a little closer to Eastern Parkway. Glad I did, the bar tender was very cordial, made me feel at home, and while watching the football game, I met an interesting couple, Sarah and John, who lived in the neighborhood. Had a long talk with them, very productive, a good time was had by all. Around 10 I took the subway back to Manhattan, if the weather had been nicer might have walked around a bit, though the streets around Prospect Heights were pretty empty ( well, it was cold)  Coming home on the subway, felt a sense of excitement---a feeling that I had invented an interesting evening and could do it again. Love the idea of moving around the city and letting things happen spontaneously. Yes, a sense (even in these days) that everything was possible.
   Figured that I would go to sleep immediately, and that is what I did, but I awoke around 1, and found myself incapable of getting back to sleep.Why? Maybe the coffee they made me at Plan B was strong---but maybe I just did not want to sleep. Then I began to fantasize directing a production of West Side Story---trying to explain to the dancers that there were no steps for them to do---all the steps were life. How to do that--how to get back to the power and rage that I experienced when I watched it originally. How to translate that into today's dancers. Thought about breaking them down, interacting---stripping down everything to make them build from the beginning. And of course, as I did this, I thought about Robbins, thought about how West Side Story sits in the middle of Bells Are Ringing and New York export, Opus Jazz. Bells was directed with great efficiency---but no attempt to shape the material to Robbins's "genius"---then the groundbreaking West Side Story, and the NY Export, where the dancers never touched each other---contact seemed to be blocked, a strong comparison to West Side where there was so much physical contact between dancers and the love scenes between Tony and Maria had incredible physical being. Was this a dream I was having, or was it real thoughts in real time? Not sure, but then my mind went back to today's reality, (the Presidency, etc,) and what that meant. Did not get much sleep until around 4:30---worried that today I would be tired, but it does not seem so at this moment. No work today at Friends, possibly tomorrow, but no requests yet. Will go to the Christmas Assembly there anyway, and see all the alumni returning, etc.
   Should have one session tonight, then not sure,but tomorrow morning at 5 I will leave for the Whitney for Sibyl's solstice celebration. It would arrive just when my SS money is coming in, have to take it easy today. Also a house warming party in the evening in Williamsburg----if I don't work I should be able to do all of it, if I do---well might be tired. We will see, as the holiday approaches.

first post in almost....

a week---that is because I worked three days following Tuesday---and too tired Saturday to make much of a dent. Still, a lot has happened, and as we wend our way closer to the actual holiday, there are some meaningful events to report on.
    Saturday night, went to the Brick to see Target Margin's production of The Great God Brown, by O'Neill. Not sure what I expected, in the past, I have felt that there "explorations" have been very director indulgent. Not so here, however, The Great God Brown is a great play, very confrontative--and the four member cast played it straight and passionate. The play is about longing, jealousy, emotional displacement, obsession for the one elusive person that would make one happy. It takes no prisoners and the two male leads, the dreamer and the aggressive builder, were played by two incredibly committed actors. Nothing was spared, this WAS the play, Really glad I went, was mesmerized by it. Afterwards, went to a nearbye bar and chatted with the actors and director. Again, really a terrific theatrical experience.
 Sunday, the usual travels around Brooklyn, watching the football games through about 5, Then I tried out a film group in Chelsea---mixed results. The guest film maker chose a wonderful film---Preston Sturges' Sullivan's Travels---only my second Sturges film, I love his quirky choices, his immediate shifts between slapstick and seriousness, so quick you can hardly notice them. These films are totally unpredictable, I doubt if anyone made films like him. So really glad to see this one, Strange, but despite my enjoyment of the film, really no desire, at this given moment, to watch any of his others. Maybe some other time. Film was shown at the house of the son of two theater icons of the fifties---Rip and Gerry. The downer was the discussions both before and afterwards, the moderator needs more control of the group, and he encourages the participants to bloviate. I really had something important to say about the movie, once it was over, but the moderator kept asking the industry guest who chose the film, silly questions and seemed unaware that the rest of us might have had something to say, Annoying, but may still attend again.
    Today, no work, there is a party for one of the activist groups that is happening tonight in Brooklyn. Will try to attend, no other plans at this point. Tomorrow should be a normal day, and Wednesday is the busy one, starting at 5 A.M. Will explain more later....

calm down....

cityboy. Just got the word that I will be subbing in the English Department on Thursday. Just confirmed. A sigh of relief. Even if it has only been two days of not being called, can't help feeling a little restless. The irony is that yesterday afternoon I made a decision to return home and rest with the rest of the afternoon and evening free. Did not check my e-mail, and of course, I refuse to get a phone with e-mail in it. The offer came in about 5:45, and if I had gotten it and responded to it then, would have had a much easier night than the one that I had.
    And what was the night? Well, just one of reflection---a sort of commitment to "nothing" as it were. Not at all hungry, just tired, probably from the last couple of days--as I mentioned in the last post, the previous week and weekend were pretty hectic---all the moving around from place to place in Brooklyn on Sunday---and the sessions and play on Saturday, well quite a lot. Anyway, whether it was because there was nothing planned or whether it was from sheer exhaustion---I spent most of last night resting. A melancholy evening for sure---heard a nice recording of Beethoven's 1st piano concerto---really liked it--listened to some NPR stuff---felt a little bit in limbo. Strange, all that might have been different had I checked my e-mail, but......also shocked that having eaten very little I was not hungry---had to wait until about midnight to get some food, and even that was something light.
     Nothing much else to report---the week gets more structured starting tomorrow---might want to take a look at the Communist Manifesto, the work that the students will be working on when I sub on thursday. Also, might want to bring in a poem that I really like for the poetry workshop.
  So it seems there may be more to do then I had imagined. We will see.

Monday morning....

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.

first day since....

last Thursday not working at Friends, Tuesday was planned, Monday and Wednesday were surprises, one more day this week coming up tomorrow. Finally replaced my cell phone this morning. Not an easy thing to do---must hand copy all the names in my directory into the new phone, and usual anxiety about the new phone and how it works. Still, it gives me a chance to eliminate some names as well---needed to cut down anyway.
Saturday night the play at Friends, another really terrific effort from Steve and the actors. So much pure talent at Friends now, I cannot remember anything close to it since I began there. Great to hear the Midsummer verse again as well. Thought a lot about Balanchine's ballet and Brook's "classic" production while I was watching this one. Brook had one set of actors playing both Theseus and Hippolyta and Oberon and Titania---simply an efficient way of moving things along. Would I do it that way, if I had the chance..? Don't know. Anyway, really enjoyed it, left and went down to Burp Castle in the hopes of seeing my friend bartender Erin, but she was not working that evening. Stayed
anyway, grabbed a beer, read, spoke to no one (this is usually a good place to have a conversation)  and returned home.
Sunday a little more frenetic, began at South Fourth---terrible football game on the TV (they do not have the package)  but had a really good conversation with my friend Kathy---she is from the midwest and spoke of returning home to her parents who probably voted for the President elect.
After that not sure---62 bus to Park and Washington, then Lafayette bus to Bedford---stopped off at Black Swan for a beer; very crowded had to stand for a while---but felt welcome, watched some football and drank the beer, then headed to the Pizza place near BAM that i like very much. Could have stayed around and seen a movie at BAM, but had to return to the internet place on Bedford and North 6th to check plans for the next day. It was a good thing that i did, because there was some planning to do. Had a cup cake at the new place nearbye---very filling, would love to try one of their pies, but probably would bloat very quickly---then returned home.
Rest of the week not clear, should see the play that my friend Hannah is in, that is down by Wall Street, then an interesting work at Abrons Arts, and scads of movies---I really must see the James Baldwin film that will be at Metrograph this weekend and after.
Last night,a good time at the basketball game,(but Friends lost) and then stuffing myself with what I thought was a small portion of Chinese food---but looked like over eating this morning.
Will report soon on the rest.

Saturday morning.....

in the library, yesterday, first day back at Friends after two days off---came home, very tired---determined that I could not possibly go to either Bushwick function last night, simply stayed home and rested----now, feeling pretty energetic, prepared for a full day that should be interesting. Tonight I attend the school play, A Midsummer Night's Dream---with a cast whose work I know very well---they are a multi-talented group, maybe the best put together since I have attended these plays starting 2004. That was a matinee of, ironically enough, the same play---of course it was double cast then, and a little more less structured. Still, it was interesting--this production should be totally new.
   Thursday night I attended then South Fourth tenth anniversary party. Not as much fun as last year's but still nice---great food, Jimmy, the day bartender made some amazing lasagna. Left early, probably happy to get back to the apartment and rest due to the next day's Friends commitment.
   I remember well my first visit to South Fourth, on New Year's eve afternoon, around 4 o'clock. The bartender was the owner, and with very few people at the bar, we were able to have an interesting discussion about why the place was opening, what the community felt, etc. It made me think that this would be a cool place to hang out, but did not return for the Eve, think that I spent it downstairs with a friend and two of her friends. After the visit, I walked around the area, the south side, which had had a reputation pre- 2005, of being very bloody and violent. Here, I found it extremely picturesque and mellow, made me think of some areas of Boston---anyway, got a really nice vibe from the area. Did not return to become a regular at South Fourth until that June, but really grateful that the place exists, many interesting evenings and afternoons there. Sure, I don't come there as often as I used to, but at the same time, my life has changed a great deal. Still grateful for its presence in my life.  
   After tonight, much to come, not sure about Sunday, on Monday, have been invited to my friend Zach's monologue evening at the Cornelia Street cafe. and Tuesday is the BAN meeting, which hopefully I will have enough energy for, after a day at Friends. After that..? Much depends on what work there is---impossible to have a night life if I have a day at Friends and sessions after that.
Well, we will see, and I will report as soon as possible.

great time last....

night at Cowgirls, the bar on Hudson Street where the Asssembly has it monthly hang outs. Able to be there because no work at Friends. Many terrific discussions with members Ben, Jess, Emily and others. Lots of energy both artistic and political. The crossroads of art and activisim. Where is it?  That seems to be the main question that we discussed. We will see how it develops, Glad to tell Ben about deBlasio's 45 Rivington Street problem and others. Best evening out that I have had in a long time. Great to have the time to do it. Two more evenings to follow---today, the 10th anniversary of South 4th street bar, and tomorrow the Bushwick Starr party, and then (if I am not too tired) across the street to the Mayday bar activist discussion world. Will I be able to do both, after a (not too long) day at Friends, and with a full day of sessions and the fall play coming up the next day.? Hopefully yes.
Walking down Hudson Street from the A on 14th to the Cowgirls bar, brought back memories of a girl named Zita (truly that was her name) whom I had a serious crush (maybe hunger for is a better way of putting it) on in 1968. Her apartment was on Hudson, slightly south of 14th, something like 621. Only went there once, a kind of heavy date, but I remember the walk to her house, trying to take everything in the neighborhood in. It was August of that year, we went to Yonkers Raceway, then went back to her apartment and made out for a while. I left feeling a sense of triumph; I had been interested in her for a couple of months, and it looked like after this, we might become a couple. but it did not happen; she very heartlessly broke our next date (with almost no warning) and from then it was all over. What happened to her? I think she married some guy and settled in the DC area. Like me, she was a big opera fan. A good fantasy is being at the Met and having her run into me. She would probably recognize me now, not the opposite. I probably would be curt but not that interested.
Speaking of that, had a nice talk with ___. someone I have liked for a while. Will anything happen from that? Don't know. Confused about closeness, huh cityboy? Well let it happen.
Nothing else really to report---many movies to see, but a bit turned off by the idea of sitting in a movie theater, at this point cityboy prefers real life. Well, the party tonight should be fun, will report on that and other things next time.

library time....

Wednesday---just picked up check from Friends and now here. No work today, this means that I probably can meet the Assembly people (the theater group that I am very f riendly with) tonight. Yesterday, after one session and a full day of subbing, came home and had nothing left .That is usually the way it is---hard choices to make with a lot of things that I have been invited to in the coming evenings. But I would never turn down Friends.
Tomorrow if I can make it, is the 10th anniversary party at South Fourth, would be very nice if I could go. The place has meant a lot to me over the years---do not go there as much as I used to (sometimes five or six days a week---mornings and afternoons too) but over the years I have made a lot of friends and had many good conversations there.
Friday, the two events on Starr Street (yes two, if you want to)
Saturday the play at Friends (really looking forward to it!
Sunday...? maybe just football.
Still have my friend Hannah's play to check out (at least it has two more weeks after this one) and just heard about something at Jack that might happen next Saturday.
That is sort of it for now...should get some coffee and continue my time at the computer---just made two contributions to groups working in the neighborhoods, Equality For Flatbush and Bronx Documentary Center and yesterday made a contribution to SOS Crown Heights. That is good, wish that I could do more---maybe if work continues to be strong, that will be possible. We shall see

Sunday, continued...

After the library at Grand Army Plaza---hunger approached, the question was "where"? First choice on Vanderbuilt, Plan B, a sports bar, not too crowded (I expected more people) but could not find a seat at the bar, and the chemistry was not great---left and went to Soda a little further north on Vanderbuilt.  Laid back neighborhood bar, that had the football games on but televisions not easily seen from the bar. Ordered blt---nice and easy on the stomach, then, as I was about to go, got into a long discussion (and of course, that is why I went there in the first place)  with a thirty something guy, about the neighborhood and the changes in the city in general in the last 12 years. (He had arrived in the city around 2004). No real need to go into what they were---greater gentrification, more bars and restaurants, etc. Told him about BAN and a few other activist projects I was involved with, all in all a good conversation---may return to that bar soon.
Wandered north on Vanderbuilt, looked at the monstrosity that is being built by Dean---really ugly and out of character with the neighborhood--when and if it is filled what kind of stress will it put on the surrounding stores. Will one be able to get in anywhere....? Really ugly. Continued north on  the block, then switched to Washington---the goal was to get to South Fourth, but how? Finally decided that the best way was not the C to the junction and then back on the J, but by the G to its Broadway stop. This meant walking north on Washington about four long blocks, but I was determined to do it.
Once at the stop G came relatively quickly and was at Broadway in a matter of minutes. Thought I might take a bus that goes near the Cafe, but had just missed one, and so walked from Broadway and Union to South Fourth and Berry. Not long, but not short either, especially since it had gotten colder in the past two hours. Remained at South fourth for about three hours, watching the Jets game, chatting with a few regulars and drinking coffee. Thought about going to an event at Mayday bar, but decided it was best to return home---so I did. All in all a good day, nice companionship, lots of exercise through walking, more passion to explore the streets of Brooklyn, like I said a good day.    
       Not at Friends today, not sure how evening will turn out, will report soon.

cityboy and

Merrilly---well last night saw it at 6:30, the film about the 35 years between the opening of Merrily and the present for most of the original cast. Amazing film! I remember seeing it almost 35 years to the date at the Alvin---did not know what to expect---thought the cast would be downtrodden---found to my surprise that they were exhuberant and that the first act had some flaws but was viable. And then the second act. I was blown away---as someone who had lived through the excitement of musical theater that was generated in the late fifties, the second act seemed to be all about that.  Totally authentic---Sondheim's music and lyrics really captured that time. How could the show be closing, I asked myself. This was beautiful and the Times review, the one that counted,  had dealt with the show as if there were no differences between the first and second act. Left the theater feeling great but angry that this show was closing the next day. Tried to see it the last performance, but could not get in. Wondered if there would be a future for it.
Early May of 82, I am in DC, visiting my cousin---she is in law school and I cannot see her until early evening. I look at the theater section of the Washington Post, and there to my surprise is---
Merrily, being done by a student group at Catholic University. I really can't believe it---but there it is. I take the train and see the musical for the second time---still very moved by it.
So it follows, the Arena production in 1990, the Kennedy Center Sondheim celebration in 2002, and finally the Encores version a few years ago. Each time manage to get through the "clunky" first act, (which has been revised a great deal since the original) and then the wonderful second act. And now the movie, which discusses the energy of the young original cast (or at least six of them) and where they are now.  Total exhiliration! I was swept up in the enthusiasm of the young kids and happy that they had resolved their lives to this point. Afterwards spoke briefly to Jim Walton, who was participating in the discussion with the director. The Q and A dealt more, I think with the feelings of the audience then some hard facts about the show and its progress over the years. For instance, one of the reasons that it is done very often is that in the 35 years since the show opened, the number of not for profit theaters has exploded, and this is where it gets done, so there is no "hit or flop" connotation attached to it. These productions are funded and also short---time enough for the Sondheim fans to come out to see it, but not stretched too far in time.
More, maybe later---will add some thoughts the next blog.
Now in Brooklyn, at the library, as I walked east on Sterling Place from Flatbush, remembered when this was an area one did not want to go into---tried to envision the whole set of changes in the area  for the last 45 years. Would love to take an apartment house and look at its population in 1940, 55, 71, 91 and now. See how it changed. It is all mythic to me.
A little bit out of ideas now, will continue to report.

invigorated by...

my session with a five year old kindergarden student. She is a real live wire, and we get along well. First time we really worked for an hour---very fulfilling.
Last night: was tired but went to see The Band's Visit at Atlantic. Was given a seat in the first row, that probably helped keep me awake. But the musical is pathetic. Totally paint by numbers---its amazing to me how the director and book writer, both whom have done really good projects in the past, cannot see through the flaws that the work constantly shows. My friend Kristen is in it; she is great (all the actors in the cast are truly authentic---it is not their fault that the piece is lifeless). Said hello to her afterwards and walked her to the subway---we talked about a few people we knew and plans for her permanent group called the Team. Also said hello to some others from the show, gave them a strong compliment (they deserved it)---walking with her, talking about friends, I felt like I was in a good place. She had to go back to her apartment in Brooklyn, so I said good by to her at the subway---then decided not to get the usual pizza and possibly a beer afterwards and ate at Elephant and Castle. Nice restaurant (no tv) with fairly expensive food. Left after a nice chicken bacon sandwich and nothing else---cost me with tip and tax about $15.00. Gorged myself on butter and bread before the sandwich arrived---big mistake, love the butter but it does not go well with a sandwich. Woke up this morning feeling very bloated--as it approaches 1 P.M. have still not taken in much food. Be more careful, cityboy.
Today and tomorrow, all open, I think the first order of the day is seeing the Merrily We Role Along movie, then perhaps out to Brookyn---another movie? Maybe, also might want to visit the Starr Bar in Brooklyn---things will be cramped starting next week, so should see whatever I need to in the next 48 hours.
Nothing much else to report...will write again soon.

last night at 5....

on my way to Stand and Kayla's house, I am standing on the corner of Bergen Street and Flatbush avenue. The latter street separates Park Slope from Prospect Heights, and was, for most of the seventies, eighties and early nineties, a dividing line between gentrifying and non-gentrifying communities that I very rarely, if at all, crossed. I looked at the small buildings that still exist on the Parlk Slope side of Flatbush and wondered what the rent must have been in those apartments about 35 years ago (early eighties) I think many people would have been frightened to live there. And now....What is it like to look at a street and try to pour the history of the last 46 years into it?  You just stand there, unable to move---a comfort zone created for you because the street and that world has so completely gentrified and become "safer"---while you try to imagine yourself there at different points in time. Stood on Bergen and Flatbush for what seemed like a long time, before proceeding to the Thanksgiving celebration at Stan and Kayla's house.
The celebration: ate too much, lots of converesations---good dialogue with Kayla,who works for the city in the housing department. She cannot imagine a time when in the city's future when the real estate lobby will not be prominent---I could not disagree with her, I could not make her understand (maybe I just stopped the argument when I should have continued) that this could mean the wholesale displacement of communities of color from their neighborhoods (Flatbush, Kensington, the Bronx) within, say a twenty year period. Is that what it means? Is she wrong, can something actually be done to stop this? Am I fighting hard enough to make this happens? Questions abound.
Not sure when I will next be in Brooklyn. Probably one day this weekend---after tonight's play, plans are a little sketchy for the remaining weekend days. More exploration...
Wednesday evening, stopped off at Wallace's for the usual Frank and Beer, not too much happening there, returned home, decided to see a movie at any cost for the rest of the evening (could not stay home) Too tired for a subway trip---ended up at 9 o'clock seeing the only movie in the neighborhood that began at that time---The Handmaiden. This is a Japanese film, beautifully photographed---some soft core porn scenes, basically held my interest---ultimately kind of slight but very skillful. Still have not seen the Merrily film, backed off seeing it yesterday morning, though I was free, (Did not feel like dealing with the memories that the film will bring up)  will try to catch it over the weekend.
Seeing "The Band's Visit" tonight, got my tickets way in advance (only way to buy the $25.00 tickets) now a little sorry I did, there is a free showing of a movie about James Baldwin at the amphitheater screen in the Bunin that I would like to see.
Well, enough of this, will probably report tomorrow on the evening's events.

very tired...

after two days of working at Friends, and doing some tutoring. Woke up this morning with no structure---feeling a little blank, but body is moving very slowly. Rest of the week pretty free with Thanksgiving at the Baum's (my cousins Stan and Kayla). Amazingly enough, I have been going to every one of them since 1991---before either of their two children, Molly and Jessie were born. Have not missed any of them except in 2001, when their whole family went up to Boston to visit Kayla's mom Audrey (who has since passed away). On that day I went out to Aqueduct to "play the ponies" and was really destroyed. Truly, have forgotten that there was a time that I did this. I remember coming home on the subway and it was only three, what was I going to do with all that time and very little money. Ultimately I did see a movie and chatted with a bartender at the Cosi across the street from Union Square theater. I recovered, financially, of course, but still the memory of that "lost day" is hard to leave alone.
Sunday evening, saw The Harvest, by Daniel Hunter at Stage 3 Lincoln Center. It was very powerful and very well acted. Last performance, can't believe that the actors had actually played another one earlier in the day. Really riveting. On Saturday, did go out to Bushwick to see Flako's piece (actually written by William Burke, and directed by him as well) about the Elmo character. A very strong piece, brilliantly conceived---really admired the depth of both Flako's and William's commitment.The Times, critic, Elizabeth V, was somewhat put off by it---hard to understand, I never found it threatening at all. I respect her vision, disappointed that she did not see through all the "hurly-burly" of the piece and get into its richness. Saw many people that I know there (they all go to the Starr on Saturday) and ended up talking to my friend Sarah for quite  a while, both at the theater and in the bar (Left Hand Path) that we were sent to for free beer, near the theater. The bond between the Starr and the Gypsies (Flako's group) is stronger and more meaningful then I thought. Good, meaningful work.
Hope to return to Bushwick soon, not sure when.
  Much to do and see during this break. Of course want to see the movie "The Best Worst etc" about looking back on the original Merrily We Role Along, I saw the third to the last performance in November of 1981 (strange, what a placid time, looking back on it) and loved the second act. Will probably go to see it tomorrow (Thanksgiving morning) at 12:30. Not sure about other choices---might prefer to visit a bar tonight, rather than checking out a play or a movie, will depend on how I feel. Friday, I already have my ticket to The Band's Visit at Atlantic, which my friend Kristen is in.
Movies, plays, bars, walks, football---who knows? Some reading as well---nice to have some "flat time" available to me. Will report on Friday...

kind of tired....

after a frenetic week. Actually ended last night, at the Friends "coffee house" that I attended. Had heard about it from Jen G, but that was mostly about last springs. Saw her on the stairs yesterday and found out that there was one last night--decided to go, although I was tired. Glad I did, saw some very deeply felt material and learned that so many of the women students at Friends have great voices. Nice evening---afterwards, hungry but did not want to hang at a bar, found a bagel place on 3rd and 13th that was serviceable (actually, the tuna fish sandwich was very good) and then a desert (necessary?) at Think Coffee a few blocks away on 4th Avenue. As I left, I experienced the city, full of energy in this neighborhood, and remembered that the city can make you feel totally wanted or terribly alone. Managed to get home and to sleep very quickly, had three sessions today, now quite hungry and somewhat tired, there is a anti-gentrification meeting in Brooklyn an hour away, but I think that I will miss this one, need to just go and unwind after a long morning.
 Tonight, not sure, but might be a good idea to get to Bushwick and do my "diligence" by seeing Flako and William's project (in Spanish, by the way), then perhaps some bar hopping, (though that probably means just one bar). Tomorrow it will be much colder than today; may change my schedule so that I see a movie first (God knows there are enough interesting ones around)  and then watch football. Will improvise, as usual.
Have not seen a play in two weeks, sort of fed up with all the possibilities, and then they end so quickly. Will have more time next week to check things out, still feel rushed and sometimes overwhelmed by all the choices available.
Not much else to say, will report soon.

not a lot of time to post....

just came from follow up check up with Doctor on 161 street---basically everything all right, blood tests show no problems from diabetes, prostate, etc. Pretty good, also heart. Just had an intense picture of my heart---necessary? Possibly, anyway I have a follow up for mid January, the doctor seemed to feel there was no real problem---no rush for anything. Good, have accomplished my health work for the year.
 Two days at Friends, off today because the whole day is dedicated to parent teacher conferences. Back tomorrow. First night in which I will be actually free, not sure how I will spend it. Plays galore to see, but each one comes at me like the next---not one of them stands out as something I must see. So much action on New York stages now, but all leave incredibly quickly. At some point will go out to Bushwick to see my friends' William and Flako's piece.
Otherwise, not much, Not sure what the weekend has in store.
Anything else? Not really at the moment, perhaps I will have more to say on Saturday.

Monday morning....

so what more is there to say about the election. Everyone has their own vision. Can only listen and dialogue where possible. That's all.
Yesterday: awoke with terrible pain in my right foot. This was during the night. Very nervous about ramifications, but by the evening, the pain had mostly gone away, and I was functioning normally.  My life from early Tuesday morning, when I got up early to vote, to Saturday evening, had been pretty intense. Rested most of last night, really needed that rest.
  Saturday evening did not want to "isolate" myself at a movie, where then to do to "hang out"? Luckily picked La Flaca. Bobby, my friend the owner, was not there, but sat next to a very nice guy who was watching the Knick game (I had come there to do the same thing) and had some interesting conversations with him. He is a legal aid lawyer (immigration) and had just been attending an anti-election rally at Fifth Avenue. Discussed the current situation and gave him some input about my favorite hang outs in Williamsburg and Bushwick. (You know what they are if you have been reading this blog).
Sunday that is just what I did. First South fourth, Jet game was on, nothing happening there, only stayed a bit---did not immediately want to go to Bushwick, decided it was time to explore Patchen Avenue. a street in the eastern sector of Bed Stuy---took the Broadway bus that turns on Malcolm X Boulevard, got off around Lafayette. Walked south on that street until Greene Avenue, then east to Patchen. The streets between Malcolm X and Patchen are extremely long. Many beautiful Brownstones on Greene, as on other streets that I spied as I walked up Patchen. Neighborhood fairly quiet at that time (around 3:00 P.M.)  Found the bar, the Welky, which I wanted to explore on the corner of Monroe and Patchen. It seems to arise out of nowhere, somewhat out of character for the neighborhood. Just opened, bartender sitting at the bar, by himself, seemingly doing some "bar work". I decided not to go in----could predict the discussion that I might have with this guy if he were willing to talk. Also stomach fairly full, could not bring myself to order a beer. So I continued south on Patchen, my destination Fulton, from where I would either take a bus or a train to the Junction and pick up the L back to Jefferson and Cobra. Reached Fulton and opted for the bus. Watched as it traveled the most eastern streets of Bed Stuy and arrived at the Junction. Still find this kind of traveling fascinating, want to do more of it before it gets cold---will I have the time?  Got the L back to Manhattan quickly (though I was very tempted to explore in the other direction) and hit Cobra--read some of the Times, too tired to concentrate much on the Steeler-Cowboy game. When I left I was truly exhausted. Just took the L back to Manhattan and 2 home. Asleep very soon afterwards, slept the sleep of sleeps, could feel my body just going with it---this continued all night--I suppose it was necessary after the four days of work at Friends and heavy session on Saturday.
    Return to Friends tomorrow for two days and a final one on Friday. Thanksgiving is upon us soon. It seems very early this year. Must go to the maps and look at where I was yesterday. Will report next time.

Saturday morning....

after four straight days at Friends. Not much to add to the election that hasn't been said. I had worked in the library that day, after a full day, so I was extremely tired, listened all night at home, could barely believe my ears...felt at time like an eight year old child, waiting for his parent to return, hoping that he would, refusing to admit the impossible. But it did happen, many thoughts about it on many different levels---spoke in meeting for the first time on Wednesday morning. Lots of unhappy thoughts in meeting. Trying hard to identify with groups that really feel threatened by the victory. Will see what happens.
Yesterday" saw ,movie Elle, after a long week not sure what I wanted to do, or whether it was even appropriate to focus on something other than the elections ramifications, but did decide to go out to a movie---better than going to a bar and watching basketball. Had to get out of the apartment. Movie is strong, fascinating, about a hell on earth that all the characters inhabit. Verhoeven uses a brief snippet of Magic Flute music to create a contrast---the beautiful flute moment when Pamina and Tamino finally come together and experience purification, or divine commitment. Wonder how many other people watching the movie realized that.
Not sure about the rest of the weekend, What I do tonight depends on how tired I feel after work.
Tomorrow would like to "escape" watching football--probably will say nothing about the election in the coffee shops that I visit. We will see.

here I am...

in the Lincoln Center library, Monday morning, so, as you may have assumed, no work at Friends for me today (do have three days later in the week) . Interesting, having worked so much at Friends in the last two weeks, waking up and getting through the early part of the morning when there is no work creates a very different pace for me and a very different set of feelings. A little raw this morning, things are falling into place now.
Some reports:
Saturday evening, off to Bushwick to see Miles for Mary, the much praised theater piece being presented at the Bushwick Starr. Really disappointed---this is a very realistic visit to a school faculty set up in the late eighties. The cast seems totally focused into these spaces---they make incisions into their roles. But an hour and a half with this group and their griping and mind games playing as they plan a benefit, left me with nothing but empty feelings. These people were just not interesting enough, and the one change from beginning to end---a change that involved only two out of the five most important people in the play---is still pretty mild. I think they got lost in their own vision. Interesting to be at a theater that I attend so regularly and see so many faces that I have never seen there before---also majority of people in the audience much older than the usual group at the Starr. After play, went over to the Left Hand Path,  a little down the road on Wycoff and received my free beer. No tv at that place, but really enjoyed the ambiance, would like to return there some time soon, of course also would like to pay a visit to the Starr Bar---the new place created by Mayday Space. After leaving felt a hunger pain and visited the new pizza place on Wycoff and Troutman, the space that used to house Northeast Kingdom (once the only restaurant in Bushwick, if you can believe that)
Kind of rushed, but did have a nice large piece of artichoke pizza, very enjoyable. Toyed with the idea of staying around, but headed home for some rest.
Sunday, two rounds of football at both South Fourth and Cobra Club. Feel very well liked at these places---enjoy talking football with friend at South Fourth and James, the bartender at Cobra. They know the game well, and make good statements to which I can dialogue with. Hard to watch football all day, though, at some point I feel played out---often on Sunday I am tired around 6 or 7 and want to go home and take it easy, but yesterday, having the extra rest from the one hour gained during the change of time zones for the city, felt no need to sleep so went to see Fire at Sea at the Lincoln Plaza cinema, and intense documentary about the refugees from Nigeria and other African countries that arrive in Sicily from Libya after excruciating journeys. Very intense doc---see the rescues and the way the refugees are treated and processed after the reach asylum carefully. Very odd, that I was the only one in the screening room (one of six in the movie theater); I don't know if I have ever experienced that before---very surreal experience, I kept having fantasies that the movie workers would lock up and leave me there over night. Of course this did not happen, but it is just strange to be watching a movie this way by one self, especially if it is a totally serious movie.
   That is the weekend, not sure about tonight, both Jenufa and  the Harvest are possibilities, but probably will wait until around 5 to make the decision. Will let you know, and tomorrow, I hope to be out of the house by 5:35. to line up to vote at my polling place.

what to do....

on a free day. Tonight will head to Bushwick to see the project of the Mad Ones (always forget the title) which I have heard great things about. Always fun to go out to Bushwick, many friends at the Starr, always seem to meet people I know from "the universe" that is the downtown theater universe that I travel in.
Before that? Not sure, should check out at least one movie that I want to see (there are several) but on a day like today (a really nice fall day) would like to spend most of it outside. Woke up this morning, thought it might be nice to explore Ditmas Park, but it is so far away from Bushwick. Also, energy level is low this morning (have not eaten yet) so that might also play into plans. Really not sure,will figure it out when I leave here.
Yesterday, two "altercations" (seriously), the first in the Saint Marks library with a hostile black man who accused me of taking his space and the second at the in my seat at DUAT, the play that I saw yesterday----no real problems from either (although I got out of the library very quickly)  but the second could have had some serious ramifications---this gentleman who apparently just walked into the play at intermission took my seat and did not understand that he had to give it up, When he finally did, his whole body fell on me (he must have been stoned)  but I absorbed the fall pretty well. Was a little shaken up but continued through the amazing second act of DUAT--the musical that I was seeing. No continuing problems there either, I suppose someone else might have decided to sue Soho rep, but with all the problems that they have now (no permanent space) I don't think they need any more hassles.
But the musical DUAT (or half musical, since the first act is music free) was a very deeply felt look in depth at a black man in his forties. Very inventive, full of  ideas of depth---very deeply layered, with (as usual) a terrific cast. Went because one of the seventh grade students at Friends was in it (he actually has the second most stage time in the play)  but also met my friend (and former Friends student Dylan and his husband, a really nice guy named Todd)  Was lucky enough to get  a free ticket, courtesy of one of the Friends mothers---who was there with her two daughters and a friend, but who really needed to relax and take a break during the two hours of the play. It all worked out very well.
Afterwards, a great piece of pizza at the Two Boots on Avenue A (they are by far the most superior Two Boots) and then straight home---I was tired from the play and the full day at Friends, that went before it.
Tomorrow, probably will visit my Brooklyn "places" (maybe also watch some of the marathon from Bedford Avenue)  and relax watching football and chatting. Perhaps some side trips as well. Sunday might seem like a good day to catch up on some plays and films, but somehow, I am more attached to 'hanging out" and finding enjoyment in real life encounters.
Will report on it soon.

here we are....

Thursday, after three days of work mainly with the middle school (sixth and seventh grade). Feel good, made some good connections with the kids in those two grades, got to like Larry's class (they were the official class during the time) a great deal. No difficult kids. Return to Friends tomorrow and then at least three days next week (Powell house trip). I wonder if any forums are scheduled for the day after the election---or will it just be teaching as usual. There is a discussion group scheduled today, around what I would call "perceived prejudice" , that my friend Jason is leading---sadly I can not attend, because of the session that I have with a third grade student at the library. Really sorry, would like to go. Hopefully there will be some more to attend.

Of course, everyone is thinking and commenting on the coming election. Only five more days, or so Yet I am sure the bars will be fiiled with guys watching football this Sunday, and the next Sunday, come what may. Very little interest in connecting a football saturated society to what is going on in America today.
 Saturday, saw A  Taste of Honey with my friend Robin, not bad, kept seeing Joan Plowright and the others performing at the Lyceum, that Friday evening in late 1960---interesting, Kennedy was just about to be inaugurated---lots of hope and promise in the air---and now?  Play does not have the strength that I felt when I saw it then, but there is still some good stuff in it. It is "workable" I would say. Performances were hard working---girl playing Jo had much less charisma then Ms. Plowright (then living with, and expecting the baby of, Laurence Olivier) but she got the sadness and isolation of the role Mother's role is more important then I remembered it---this actress was direct, made her points. After the play, got a cab for Robin, then walked down ninth, looking for a place to eat, finally settled on a "Greek diner" around 58th and ninth, had a not bad BLT---kind of liked the place---not much else to say. Sunday, spent most of the day at South fourth, watching football having some interesting conversations---was tired around 6, so after wandering around the Kent Avenue corridor from Metropolitan to North 7th (very cold and overdeveloped) returned home via the L. Had hoped to take the 62, and go through Greenpoint and some of Queens, but the bus took forever (really, I waited on North 7th about 25 minutes)  so opted for the L, which, of course, came immediately.
Tuesday evening, a good meeting at BAN---some interesting plans ahead---the Tuner Place protest was reported---sorry that I missed it, sound like it could have been meaningful.
Tenants meeting tonight, then back to work tomorrow---nothing after 3 planned as yet, may want to see something, but may be too tired. Will see. Saturday, off to Bushwick in the evening to see the Mad One's play there. Will report further...

first post in....

three days, much to my surprise was called to work on Thursday---good day, then yesterday the already planned work day. Also yesterday, picked up four more days for the next week. That is already a lot of time slated for November. Really would like to go non stop---do as much work as I can in the next few weeks, don't care if I return home tired. Seeing a play tonight---A Taste of Honey---more about that later--have two other plays slated for the next two Saturday evenings, which as of now, are the only times I can reserve for myself. Sundays are open too, but really like the idea of having unplanned Sundays, moving easily between South Fourth and Cobra, and watching the football games there (small crowds, since neither place has the "every game" football package), just talking to the denizens of the bar, the bartenders, and "hanging out". In between, some interesting walks around Brooklyn. So would prefer not to plan to "see" anything on Sundays.
  No work today, nice to have the whole day open, before the play, and not to be up around 145th street at the beginning of the day (although I like it up there). Do not want to do too much today, so that I will not be tired for tonight.
  Have already read through e-mails and facebook reports about rampant anti-tenant tactics in many buildings in Brooklyn. Also, the discomfort the neighbors of Atlantic Yards and Barclays Center feel because of the building going on, and some of the crowd behavior after the games being played.  Very ugly, why do we allow the power of these forces to dominate the rights of people living in these neighborhoods?  Wish there was something that I could do about it; an important tenant rally is taking place in Ditmas Park this evening, but I will have to miss it. Well there will be others.
   Wednesday evening, participated in the protest outside Chelsea Peers against the RE biggies having a celebration. At first, there were just a few of---felt alone, some of the taunts that the  other protesters screamed seemed vicious; I felt uncomfortable standing there--maybe wanted a more peaceful protest. Felt alone and a little disappointed that I came, finally we were joined by a fairly large group from Sunset Park---protesting became a little stronger, more focused, I felt more like part of a group. Left after two hours, went to the bar restaurant where my friends the twins wait. As usual, they were very warm and generous---and giving---of course did not discuss where I had just come from or any content from the two hours protesting. Yes, cityboy, definitely two different worlds.
Still stunned by the rampant greed of landlords in places like Bushwick or Clinton Hill, that seems to think of nothing but getting people paying lower rent out of there apartments. No more to say.
  Will see A Taste of Honey tonight---remember well the first time I saw it---at the Lyceum Theater with an amazing performance from Joan Plowright as Jo. Angela Lansbury, only a few years older then her, played her mother. I loved the evening, my date was Nancy S, a girl whom I had known from public school who moved away. Stayed in touch because our parents were friends. It was a nice date, we really hit it off well---she was very poised and charming. I had hoped to see her again, and during the next few years made some attempts---she always fended them off easily and with some grace, but never once spent time with me---thus, that evening in the first row of the Lyceum's second balcony remains our only moments together.
  That is all for now-----with all the work ahead, don't know when the next post will be; I usually don't post when I am at Friends, but may decide to do so with all the work ahead. Will keep you posted.

feeling frenetic...

as i sit by the keyboard at the library on Amsterdam and 82nd street. Why? Seems like a lot of activity that I am trying to absorb. Just found out that one play that my friend and I thought of seeing but did not get tickets for because it seemed to be sold out, is not, while another play that we are scheduled to see has a longer running time, and may make for an intense rush to Penn Station, where her train leaves from on Saturday evening. What to do? Maybe nothing---should discuss this with my friend---not a bad idea---lots of shows have tickets on TDF for Saturday evening---guess that is because it will really be when Halloween is celebrated. Anyway, I should try to calm down a bit, don't you think, ultimately all events can be dealt with.
Yesterday evening, was tired, returned to apartment, boiler broke, could have been traumatic, but amazingly enough, was fixed by landlord in the same evening. I went to sleep planning to wake up in the cold, and put on my two heaters, but woke up actually in a kind of moist warmth---very surreal,  a  strange energy pervaded my apartment. Am so used to boiler not being fixed immediately, that I guess this was a shock. But the whole thing seemed so odd.
Anyway, with no work at Friends today, went back to Medical store front (that is really what it is) to get an EKG, early this morning. As usual, waiting room was very crowded, but also, as usual, was taken care of very quickly. Really am getting to like the place, the lab technician, whom I needed to talk to briefly, was very friendly.  Still odd, being the only white person there---but also am coming to really respect and admire both the staff because they get things done so well, and the other patients because they seem so gentle. Will continue to go there.
  Afterwards, walked over to the coffee place, Tazzo, right off the 157th street subway station and hada their coffee; also read a leftover Times.
  Tonight should head over to Chelsea Peers to participate in the action against the real estate biggies meeting for a celebration. Always a little ambivalent about participating, but once I am there, enjoy the closeness and commitment of the people there. After that.....maybe up to Lansdowne to see the twins----will report tomorrow.

the day and the....

dream. Sunday, no movies or entertainment. A good day, spent watching football and interacting. Began at South Fourth---bartender Jack very friendly, clued him in on the documentary  Los Sures, a picture of the south side made in 82, when poverty was rampant. Soon joined by other fans, we watched the first part of the Jet game---time to move on, then walked from South Fourth to Metropolitan and Bushwick, then south on Bushwick to Grand. L train to Jefferson; checked out a few streets around there, especially Troutman Street between Wycoff and Irving---at least three bars now exist on that spot. Why? How many are needed. Then spent an hour or so at Cobra, some good company there--watched most of the first half of the Steeler Patriot game---not really a very interesting game---it was clear that Patriots would dominate. Left, not sure of next stop, did I want to head to BAM to see a movie---reading at Bushwick Starr started at 8, and did not believe that I could stick it out that long in one place. Finally opted for a return to South Fourth---good choice, bartender Olivia always friendly and glad to see me, was able to relax and also had a nice talk with my friend Kim. South fourth sponsors a comedy open mike on Sunday evening, something that I read in AM New York might motivate me to join it. Should I? Have never done open mike before---could be excruciating---but might be necessary. Will think about it.
Returned to the apartment with a feeling of satisfaction. Accomplished what I had wanted---to be present with other people. Yet had a dream that night that was very strange (for want of a better word). In the dream, I am directing a reading of a play and am looking for a domineering older type. I think of an actor named Bryan M, who was very active up until recently---has not done much in the past few years, must be around 80 or a little older. In the dream I call him up, and he is very nice about saying yes and asking for the script. I feel a little bit like I am taking advantage of him..
Suddenly I awake! Did he really say yes. I check my phone, just to see that I really did not make that call. Feel very embarrassed, not sure if this is dream or waking .  For some reason I am very tense---takes a bit of time to calm me down. I try to analyze the dream: why did I put Bryan M in it? Does he represent me or some aspects of me. He had a successful career as an actor and director. I first saw him play Edgar in the Peter Brook production of King Lear. Edgar is a survivor---forced to create a world for himself---but I have seen Mr. M in many other plays as well--he has played autocrats to homosexual theater men. Why him for the dream? I am still stymied by that question.
    Yesterday, hard working day at Friends, but good to see many ninth graders in the classes that I subbed for, and to meet some of the new students who just entered Friends in the ninth grade. Not much afterwards, for I was tired. Today's evening---not clear, maybe one of the sports bars to watch the world series (not too interested) and the first Knick game of the year. Of course it will depend on how much energy I have after sessions. Will report tomorrow or soon, That's all for now

last night at.....

Ensemble studio Theater, a theater where I directed many workshops and readings in the eighties and early nineties, I went to a seven play short play grouping, done by the theater's resident company called Youngblood. Very disappointed, quite frankly I hate the short one act form. Nothing ever really gets done in it. Originally started just for galas or fund raisers by not for profits wanting to show their stable of authors, it has become a kind of staple for companies, but somehow I think it defeats the playwrights. These seven plays were all efficient, and very well acted and directed, but in the end, I felt like I had seen simply seven versions of the same play. A kind of efficient coldness seemed to be part of the whole evening. I went because a gentleman whom I had met at the Bushwick Starr reading the Sunday before was in one, and in the same play was Anne, an actress whom I had worked with in the late eighties, who was once a friend of mine. Saw her briefly after the plays, said hello, she is very talented, missed my friend.
Afterwards went to Lansdowne Road for a beer, hung out there for a while, very friendly place, even if my server friends "the twins" were not there Miss them, should try to visit them soon. Not much else to say, caught the 11 at around 10, and went home.
This evening is still the big choice: do I want to go to the five hour "arts pageant" on East 4th street, which could be daring and erotic, or find a place to watch the really important baseball game between the Cubs and the Dodgers. Two sides of the same coin----will probably take the risk of going to the pageant---baseball I can see any time, but still hesitant. Of course, there are a million other things to do tonight as well, culture wise---never has there been a time in NY when so much to see in interesting and available, but of course, the other side of it---the gap between rich and poor moves more quickly---52nd street, once an obstacle course as you went to Ensemble, now all luxury housing--the whole tenth avenue corridor bewteen 52nd and 55th is like that, as is the first part of West End Avenue---a gruesome stretch of luxury housing as West End moves south into 11th avenue.Who lives in all these buildings? Are there some many people who can afford the 2,500 dollar studio? Very sad.
 More about this some other time, must go now---will report on "adventure" tonight.

quite a day....

for cityboy, which included some lessons, two classes in Friends (Arabic classes, of which I know little, but groups were extremely self-sufficient) and my first real check up in....well, can't really say it.
First: the check up: Had never seen this doctor before, or been to her office, which is on 161 between Broadway and Amsterdam. Walked in, found myself surrounded by other patrons, all of them Hispanic. First thought:"What am I doing here?" Then reminded myself that my prejudices might be meaningless and that this was my appointment, and that (unless I was made to wait a long time) ,I should stick it out. Amazing how the orientation you receive as a child enters into your life so many years later. Staff at check in counter, cordial, not really nice, but I took my application and filled it out. My appointment for the check up was at 2, and sure enough I had my blood pressure et.al taken just about that time. Then waited for my doctor---only waited about five minutes, then was called into her office, Dr. Alexander- a middle aged black women who was very cordial, and made me feel at home. She seemed pleased with my life style and my decision not to take any medication at all. Examination was short but effective. I then went downstairs for some urine and blood work and a sonogram. Here is when I really began to admire the way things worked-the blood technician was extremely thorough and polite, the sonogram monitor was also very friendly, the assistant who told me to come back next week for an EKG was also quite caring. My fellow patients were also very polite and feeling. The whole event took an hour-----and it was a very organized procedure from beginning to end. Left feeling very up---really wanted to compliment the staff on how good the whole experience was.
Tired when I returned to my apartment, did something I usually do not do, bought a large piece of marble cheesecake back with me---gorged on it---very good, but still feeling the effects this morning.
Slept pretty well---no work today, am here in the library.
Tonight, just made a reservation for an evening of short plays (8) at Ensemble Studio Theater, an actor whom I met last Sunday at the Bushwick Starr reading series invited me, and an actress with whom I worked with many years ago, and whom I respect greatly, will also be performing. I really hate the 10 minute play form; feel that they are doing---just don't feel a playwright can really create a meaningful world in ten minutes, but maybe I will be surprised. Thought this was a better idea then just seeing a movie (though I would really like to)  since there will be people there to interact with.
Tomorrow, am facing a bit of a dilemma. Have been invited to a kind of "art happening" at a Theater on East 4th street. The creator of this happening is an artist whose studio I visited during the Bushwick Open house, and after an interesting conversation, invited me to attend. It is a kind of open ended thing---some interaction with audience---some nudity---I really don't know how it will all play out or what role I would be asked to play in it. Will probably go---though I am hesitant.
Not much else, tired after two straight days of work and other "stuff"  Did write a letter to a woman who was concerned with the intense luxury building in Manhattan (she lives on the upper east side)---wonder what effect it will have---that is all for now..

mostly good things.....

have happened since Friday--Saturday being the most interesting day.
Where to begin. After session, off to Brooklyn to visit my friend Liz'z art studio. Spent a lot of time looking at her paintings; her ability to juxtapose colors and use black as an unsettling gash separates her paintings from the others. Spent a good deal of time talking to her about the content of the work; she seemed happy that I saw so much in her paintings. A good meeting.
   Her studio is in the former Brooklyn Navy Yard, so when I got out of the space I landed on Flushing Avenue and Carleton Street. What to do? Return to Manhattan and get ready for going to Dixon Place in the evening, or spend the afternoon in Brooklyn and then return to the lower east side without touching home. My wanderlust (or at least my "Brooklyn wanderlust") got the best of me, and I walked south to Myrtle and then began my "Myrtle adventure" a walk east down that avenue that ended on Throop Avenue in Bed-Stuy---probably more than a mile away.
  What did I see? Well, lots of development, there seem like gazillion new (and expensive) buildings built along the Myrtle corridor---also many between Myrtle and Flushing---the first part of my trip. The corridor closest to downtown Brooklyn has several new apartment buildings, and with that the requisite new eating places and bars (many of them). Then a little before Bedford, the Orthodox Jews have taken over, much housing that seems only slated for them. A little while later come the projects; this happens as we approach Broadway, but right after the first set is an amazingly large empty rectangle----probably near Tompkins, which of courses is being turned into luxury high rises.
The frightening "progress' of northeastern Bed-Stuy.
   On Throop and Myrtle, decided to turn north and follow Throop to the end of Bed-Stuy (about three blocks down) and then watch it drift for its last five blocks, into Jewish Williamsburg (for those five blocks it runs parallel to Broadway). Geography of Brooklyn in that part still seems hard to understand, the "straight" line of Broadway, which is actually running sharply south as well as east still confuses.
  Still time to kill, so took the Broadway bus to WIlliamsburg and stopped off for a coffee at South fourth---had a nice chat with bartender Jack, then walked up Berry to north 5th, stopped in the bookstore on north fifth and Bedford, spent much time browsing there---then over to the L, out at First Avenue in Manhattan, down first to Houston, and over to Chrystie, three blocks later I arrive at Dixon Place.
  Wow! How much walking did I do that day/ Amazing thing is, my body dealt with it very well, no real fatigue until after watching My Old Man at Dixon Place. Which, by the way is a very inventive one act play, written and directed by Jess B (can't really spell the last name accurately, so it will have to stay that way). Great acting from her seven member cast, the script is wonderfully inventive; I hope it has a life after this, but like so many other interesting new work, you wonder if it will have anywhere to go, (Maybe one of the winter festivals: Coil, etc.and then picked up by colleges).
Anyway, had a good time, saw some friends, and headed home pretty tired.
  Sunday, was tired, did not leave Manhattan until around 6, to go to reading at Bushwick Starr---had a nice time, afterwards stopped off at Starr Bar for a coke (can order a coke at that bar, because it is an "activist" bar) Walked on one block in Bushwick before hitting the subway---the air was nice, felt very serene, as if I wanted to be here on that block more. Will it happen...well, with everything else that is going on, who knows?
  Yesterday, a good day at Friends, then able to go to BAN meeting had a good conversation with one of the new participants---looking forward to interacting with her at the next couple of events.
That's all for now...

annoying e-mail

from unemployment department, matching me with an education job in Brooklyn. Don't they realize that I am working when I ask for benefits for only two days? Hope this does not tie up any benefits or make me call them up (a brutal experience, last time, a few years ago)  I doubt this will have much effect on my benefits, but with them, you never know. Kind of puts a damper on a day of feeling very accomplished.
Yesterday, a good day of work at Friends, came home very tired, no movie or anything else, spent most of the evening resting, sleeping intermittently and finally fell asleep. Feeling very strong and accomplished at this moment.
Thursday evening---did go to see Flako's autobiographical statement at Performance Garage, very strong, he showed me some range that I had never seen before from him; also the way he switches from Spanish to English (as others do to) is kind of amazing. Have never had to think in another language or move quickly between the two. We don't value being able to do this in any way. A child could be an excellent translator for a parent yet not do well in school, and we only judge him on the latter. Another form of denial. Anyway, my friend Sarah was there, nice to talk to her, we may also be at the same play tonight at Dixon Place---also, many of the other downtown theater community may be present, should run in to someone that I know. Also, very much wanted to see this piece made by Jess B, whom I don't know well, but whom I have a great deal of respect for as an artist.
After Flako's piece on Thursday wanted to get something to eat, but wanted some company. Knew that Broome Street Bar was nearbye, and liked the vibe when my friend Frank was working there about eight or nine years ago. Wooster street, around the Performance Garage, where Flako's performance took place, now all shrouded with luxury buildings under construction and on the block, already several high end condos. Farewell to the bohemian life that existed when the Performance Garage opened in 68. Of course the" bohemian life" has been gone for some time. Wake up, cityboy, it is 2016. Anyway, went to the Broome Street bar, watched some baseball. When I got there it was crowded, a very upscale crowd, no sign of the "artist" regulars and first generation SOHO explorers whom I met when I was there to visit Frank. Service a little slow, but bartender and head waitress turned out to be very nice---tuna fish sandwich with a salad and a coke---after tax and tip, came to exactly $17.00 ! Utterly unbeievable, this is what NY has come to at this point. Did not mind paying it, since I was budgeted for it, and understand that a bar offers me some things that a coffee place or pizza place does not, but still--just for a sandwich and a coke---seventeen dollars. Where will it end..?
    That is all for now---will report soon--rest of the weekend seems interesting...

last night...

went to La Flaca thinking that last night was the sixth anniversary celebration. Instead, found the place very quiet, my friend Bobby and his girl friend Kelly, very subdued, it seems the party was actually the night before and I missed it. (not that I could go---very tired from a day of subbing and tutoring) . But it actually turned out to be a good thing---Bobby was available and we sat and talked for about an hour, reminiscing about the "cast of characters" who had run through our lives during the past sixteen years, with an emphasis on the first group at Cosi on Union Square, where Bobby bartended and I hung out from about 200-2003. Many interesting people who have gone their ways, and one, unfortunately who passed away. Some have done very well, a few are married with children (which should not be such a surprise, since they are in their early thirties now) anyway, it was a good time and Bobby deserves a lot of credit for making La Flaca work.
After that, walked over to Metrograph, wandered through the lower east side----wow! just when I felt that with so many bars and restaurants between Delancey and Houston, it was impossible to create any more, I find to my surprise, a large number of bars and eating places between Hester and Delancey, in other words south of Delancey, which I always considered kind of a border. But there they were--who?---mostly younger people, crowding those places on Ludlow and Orchard between Grand and Delancey. Amazing! Does it ever end...?  Could have gone to a bar for a beer to cleanse my sugar fit, but opted instead for The Bean at 3rd and Second Avenue. Had a heavy piece of Cookies and Cream cake, or brownie, or something. Not that good, but now at about 11:00 in the morning, am still paying for it, as I feel very little hunger.
Very mild night last night, after the Bean, went to 2nd avenue F station, and to my surprise, the F was quite prompt. Returned home to a fairly warm apartment and it was not until I awoke around 4 this morning that I was surrounded by cold. Still above legal limit for heat, so there is really not much I can do.
Today, absolutely no commitments, would like to see a movie tonight, not sure what, maybe at NY film festival, should check some other schedules out as well. At some point soon, should see "The Thirteenth, but am a little leery of receiving all that injustice---very harsh, brutal and justified I am sure. Still, a tough journey to take. At the festival, a documentary about Jonas Mekas, a revolutionary film maker and his journey from Lithuania to here. He started Anthology Film Archives. Might be viable, would like to attend at least one film festival event at least, this one is very reasonable.
Anyway, will figure it out later, will check in, probably on Saturday with results.

cold, cold....

last night---heat is not on yet (landlord within his legal grounds--somewhat) and even with two heaters, once they are turned off and I go to sleep, I wake up in a tremendous cold. So far no ramifications, and I don't expect there to be any. Physically feel "decent" this morning. Still it will mean a greater electric bill, and I am not crazy about that. Weather looks warmer for the next two days, so nights, possibly will stay moderately warm. Still, can not take any risks with my health. The apartment has a large bay window, which attracts a lot of cold.; when I went out this morning it was actually warmer outside then in. Well, we will see what happens, the super said the boiler man is coming to set the boiler up for the winter (should be ready now anyway) so maybe some heat will sneak in. Annoying.
Good day at Friends, yesterday, will return Friday, maybe tomorrow, though no offers yet.
Saturday, decided to give Hamlet at the Public at try. Got there for 7:00 performance at 6:30, and after a little anxiety waiting, did get in. Not that hard, actually. I am glad; the performance was stunning--a cut down Hamlet in which every word counted---Fortinbras, one of my favorite and one of the most meaningful characters in the play, was cut, but really it did not matter. The vision of the production---fast paced but meaningful---was very well conceived, nothing seemed to be left to chance. Every actor and actress on the same page, lots of working together---Daniel Pierce actually made something out of Polonius,and was great in two other parts as well. But the play centered around the actor playing Hamlet Chuckwuji Iwuji (hope that I got the name right). He gave a fantastic performance, touching all the "Hamlet" bases---no wandering around the role, he knew what every word, every phrase meant, and not in any way a simplistic Hamlet either, he found all the many colors in the role. Even though this production had toured in prisons and homeless shelters and neighborhood recreation centers, there was no sense of "selling" the piece or stressing the obvious. Paced beautifully. Can't say enough about it, along with Troilus and Cressida in the park this summer, shows that the Public is really excelling at Shakespeare, possibly in a way that they never had before.
Afterwards, wanted to watch some baseball, bars in second avenue, packed to the gills. I decided to check out a bar near Friends, the Gramercy Park bar on 20th and second. Not very crowded, bar tender very nice, I had a beer and a pretzel and easily watched the Giant-Cub game. Bartender had constant conversation with patron who cursed a lot---did not like that, but still would go back again. Very laid back place, which is a good thing.
Sunday, rested until Assembly celebration in Fort Greene, enjoyed it, had a nice conversation with Cindy, the woman who traveled with the Assembly and wrote the TDR article about them. She is writing a history of the theater in the sixties; I would like to contribute my memories of that time to her. She was impressed by my knowledge of the era--we exchanged e-mails, will see what happens.
Monday, a "lazy" day, did go to the Dixon Place Little Theater in the evening, very disappointed by three of the four works in progress that they showed---decided not to hang out afterwards, grabbed a piece of fried chicken on 2nd and 2nd, and returned home.
Still have not attended a film festival showing, maybe tonight, but I should visit La Flaca on their sixth anniversary, other things as well. We will see.