due to usual facebook feeds about the current situation---no need to really go into them here---they are well known---still, the worst are depressing and somewhat scary. I truly believe that the system of checks and balances will ultimately work to stop the intensity---interesting that now even the financial giants are coming out against the administration---everyone pushing towards the left. Must, I remind myself, take it day by day.
Yesterday, a somewhat remarkable day for cityboy---beginning with a morning and afternoon subbing for a second grade class---far more hands on then being with the middle and upper school. Things started off a little wobbly but by late morning the class had congealed and I ended up liking the kids a lot.
After that there were two events that I hoped to attend if I was not too tired, and amazingly enough I was able to attend them both. First a basketball game that the Friends varsity played against Grace Church, at Grace Church school. This was the first time I had ever been in the school---it looks like a castle in the middle of fourth avenue, and actually going in there was very similar---I found the atmosphere to have almost a hermetically sealed grandeur---though I only visited the gym which is way down below the first floor and the rooms off the lobby, nevertheless that is the vision that came to me. I watched most of the game, then left to go to a BAN meeting on 24th and 7th; it seemed the easiest way to get there was to walk---I did that---stopped off at the Strand to browse a bit and then, despite my fatigue, made it to the meeting. A good meeting, a lot was discussed---everything in terms of the city and its problems, no Federal carping, but no action was immediately decided. Lots of talk about City Council races that BAN might get involved with or try to influence. Ironically, the very industries who are being so aggressive in taking land from the city or now rushing to stand against the new President's ban on Muslim countries. So it will be continued; I am very glad that I was strong enough to go---a slice of pizza that was offered (there is food at every meeting) did not help my already filled stomach, but I took it anyway---not the greatest idea---I really have to make an effort control my food intake, even if I wanted to congratulate myself for a day of hard work I should not have overeaten---my stomach is small and needs to be protected.
Sunday was a good day, nice conversation at South fourth; I left not feeling it was necessary to see a movie to add to the excitement, and this evening, quite by accident, I am attending Wallace Shawn's new play at the New Group. This should be very interesting; the cast is amazing---several of the actors I have been following for almost forty years---from the time they were playing college kids. Somewhat amazing. This is the first performance in NY---had hoped to see a later one when the cast was more congealed, but this should be interesting as they try to find their way. That's it for now---my personal pride at feeling strong because of yesterday is of course muted by the events we are all following.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Saturday, January 28, 2017
three days of work....
at Friends, the energy that I expand and the feelings that I live through on the days that I am subbing at Friends, are completely different from those which I experience when I am home, with perhaps only one hour of tutoring ahead of me. Why? Hard to say, but on Wednesday, my first day "back" at Friends after 4 non-days, I just experienced myself in a completely different way. Love the focus of the environment, even if often I have a lot of time on my hands. I would like not to feel so restless on the days that I don't work, maybe the learning experience of this week will allow that to happen.
Often now I go to the coffee shop inside the hotel around the corner from me. This means that I can watch CNN while I am drinking the coffee. Constant evaluation of the new President; it makes me very glad that I don't have a TV in the apartment at this time.
Outside events: not much since I was tired after the work at Friends, but last night I did go to Jack, in Brooklyn to see a monologue written and directed by someone that I know. A spoken word piece about 60 minutes long--hoped that it would sustain my interest---at times it did, the imagery was fairly strong and evocative, but as usual for such things, it went on too long. That's the problem with pieces that or abstruse to begin with; it gives the writer a chance not to edit, but to indulge. But it was nice to be in Brooklyn again, actually only one person there that I knew, and I was tired afterwards so
just jumped on the C (usually do not take it;' prefer to either walk to Flatbush or take a 25 or 26 bus to Flatbush and Nevins) and returned home.
The nice thing about going yesterday, is that I am totally free today, after my sessions can do just about anything I want. But what is that? For the past few days I have promised myself that I would catch up on some movies, but something always comes up. Today? Not sure.Tomorrow? No football so possibly will go to the Bronx to see the Friends basketball team play---also this will give me an opportunity to explore Riverdale, a place where I hardly ever venture to. But this will depend on when I get up tomorrow and how I feel. Lots of unknowns, will report next blog.
Often now I go to the coffee shop inside the hotel around the corner from me. This means that I can watch CNN while I am drinking the coffee. Constant evaluation of the new President; it makes me very glad that I don't have a TV in the apartment at this time.
Outside events: not much since I was tired after the work at Friends, but last night I did go to Jack, in Brooklyn to see a monologue written and directed by someone that I know. A spoken word piece about 60 minutes long--hoped that it would sustain my interest---at times it did, the imagery was fairly strong and evocative, but as usual for such things, it went on too long. That's the problem with pieces that or abstruse to begin with; it gives the writer a chance not to edit, but to indulge. But it was nice to be in Brooklyn again, actually only one person there that I knew, and I was tired afterwards so
just jumped on the C (usually do not take it;' prefer to either walk to Flatbush or take a 25 or 26 bus to Flatbush and Nevins) and returned home.
The nice thing about going yesterday, is that I am totally free today, after my sessions can do just about anything I want. But what is that? For the past few days I have promised myself that I would catch up on some movies, but something always comes up. Today? Not sure.Tomorrow? No football so possibly will go to the Bronx to see the Friends basketball team play---also this will give me an opportunity to explore Riverdale, a place where I hardly ever venture to. But this will depend on when I get up tomorrow and how I feel. Lots of unknowns, will report next blog.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Tuesday morning....
no work at Friends, kind of surprised by that since the day was pretty nasty, but nothing like the way the radio network meteorologists predicted; listening to them one might have expected a weather holocaust---brutal winds and rain---nothing like that--it rained all of last night, but on my two trips out, the temperature and humidity were pretty comfortable. No great shakes, I stayed in last night, reading a Harlan Coben mystery novel---it got me through---but I really could have gone out and survived it I had wished to. Still, did not want to play with possible subway flooding or take a trip to another borough because with all that water one could not predict anything---so remained indoors, read the book and then finally listened to a music program on WQXR which is profiling Mozart piano concertos this week. Those I really love; in the spring and summer of 1967, I immersed myself in Mozart's compositions---so I know the concertos really well. That was a strange time for me, working at the post office, trying to come to terms with my "failled" acting career--not sure where the future would lead me. By the summer, I had gotten a social work job at Riverdale Children's Agency, a foster home care agency, where I would remain for about 15 months. Good learning experience, liked the kids the supervised, my supervisor, a black man named Mr. Dean, was very encouraging.
That was also the year of my first "major" affair, with my friend Pat, Our relationship existed in two parts; from early January 68 to mid February, and then from early April to mid June. A good experience for both of us---we remained "in touch" for a couple of years, until she moved to Cape Cod, where I think she still lives.
Pat lived on Saint Marks place, a little east of its beginning on third avenue, and I lived on Irving Place, about 10 blocks away. But it was 1968, and the contrast between the two neighborhoods was startling. One could not imagine a more placid or removed area then Irving Place and all of third Avenue north of 14th street. But once you crossed fourteenth street and moved south---you had entered the world of the counter culture---the six blocks I would travel from 14th to Saint Marks was a mad whirlwind of hippies, prostitutes, crazies and everything else. Going back to my apartment from hers, I would always breathe a sigh of relief once I crossed 14th, I knew that nothing would happen to me there. Wow, I remember those walks so well.
Tomorrow I begin three days at Friends with a light schedule, that hopefully I can "beef up" to get full days. Not sure about tonight, but might visit the Gramercy Bar on 2nd and 20th where I had a good experience two weeks ago. Will report on it soon.
That was also the year of my first "major" affair, with my friend Pat, Our relationship existed in two parts; from early January 68 to mid February, and then from early April to mid June. A good experience for both of us---we remained "in touch" for a couple of years, until she moved to Cape Cod, where I think she still lives.
Pat lived on Saint Marks place, a little east of its beginning on third avenue, and I lived on Irving Place, about 10 blocks away. But it was 1968, and the contrast between the two neighborhoods was startling. One could not imagine a more placid or removed area then Irving Place and all of third Avenue north of 14th street. But once you crossed fourteenth street and moved south---you had entered the world of the counter culture---the six blocks I would travel from 14th to Saint Marks was a mad whirlwind of hippies, prostitutes, crazies and everything else. Going back to my apartment from hers, I would always breathe a sigh of relief once I crossed 14th, I knew that nothing would happen to me there. Wow, I remember those walks so well.
Tomorrow I begin three days at Friends with a light schedule, that hopefully I can "beef up" to get full days. Not sure about tonight, but might visit the Gramercy Bar on 2nd and 20th where I had a good experience two weeks ago. Will report on it soon.
Monday, January 23, 2017
cold outside....
the weather prediction is for a very intense storm staring late afternoon and continuing through tomorrow. Will this effect my three days at Friends? Will I be called tomorrow, or will Friends even be open tomorrow, if the weather is so bad? We will see. I had two possible choices for the evening, one, an event at South Fourth (discussion about the current political "events") or 2, a concert at Carnegie Hall, led by Daniel Barenboim, both Mozart and Bruckner. However, with the weather prediction, it might not be possible to go to either, so I just got a mystery out of the library (I very rarely read them) in case I am stuck in the apartment tonight. One other novel, the one that I am reading about Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings is really good, but if I am "trapped" inside the apartment, I want something that I can lose myself in completely, simply a "page turner". Looking outside the library window it looks deceptively calm, but on my ten block trip here a few minutes ago, the wind was pretty intense.
Yesterday, after the library, I grabbed a roast beef sandwich at a grocery on Underhill Avenue in Prospect Heights, then walked north to Fulton (an easy trip) and continued my way to Bushwick. Through an assortment of subway lines (too complicated to go into here) I arrived at Cobra Club just as the opening kickoff was happening. I remained there through most of the first half and then, though tired, pushed myself to South Fourth. Good thing that I did, had some good conversations with a number of fellow bar people, felt welcome, and watched the first half of the second game. (both games were ultimately blow outs, disappointing because the teams, in theory seemed equally matched). A woman named Holly who lived about two blocks away, was leaving her apartment---she seemed like she was in her mid-thirties and informed us she had just bought a house in Bed-Stuy (she is white, by the way) The way things are now there, the house must have cost at least 1.5 million. How did she do it? I did not ask---but the gentrification continues.
I left feeling satisfied, some good contact, stopped off at the Internet place to see how a few of my facebook comments were received and returned home.
That's it, I will report about how and where I got through this night at the next post.
Yesterday, after the library, I grabbed a roast beef sandwich at a grocery on Underhill Avenue in Prospect Heights, then walked north to Fulton (an easy trip) and continued my way to Bushwick. Through an assortment of subway lines (too complicated to go into here) I arrived at Cobra Club just as the opening kickoff was happening. I remained there through most of the first half and then, though tired, pushed myself to South Fourth. Good thing that I did, had some good conversations with a number of fellow bar people, felt welcome, and watched the first half of the second game. (both games were ultimately blow outs, disappointing because the teams, in theory seemed equally matched). A woman named Holly who lived about two blocks away, was leaving her apartment---she seemed like she was in her mid-thirties and informed us she had just bought a house in Bed-Stuy (she is white, by the way) The way things are now there, the house must have cost at least 1.5 million. How did she do it? I did not ask---but the gentrification continues.
I left feeling satisfied, some good contact, stopped off at the Internet place to see how a few of my facebook comments were received and returned home.
That's it, I will report about how and where I got through this night at the next post.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Brooklyn, once again....
had to return a book to Central Library, so here I am, will try to wend my way from here to Bushwick and then to South Fourth to watch the two chanpionship football games that are on today.
Kind of an adventure, getting from here (Grand Army Plaza) to Wycoff in Bushwick, but will figure out a way of going, without leaving Brooklyn. Could be any kind of adventure.
Yesterday after the library, went to Signature Center to pick up ticket to Everybody, the new Brandon Jacobs play (had to go there because I did not want to pay a service charge on the internet) and then returned home. In the evening I traversed all of the one block to the theater where the play that I was seeing, the Oregon Trail was playing. An interesting play, very well acted, the central character is a young woman who evolves during the course of the play from Junior High School to adult hood. She also fantasizes about a distant relative with her name (Jane) who traveled from Missouri to Oregon. The two stories play off each other as the play continues. For the play's first half hour, I found myself detached, some funny lines, but not a lot of depth. But as the play evolved, the story of Jane (in the present) and her post college self, a bright woman at a stopping point in her life, paralized by her inability to find a job or to center herself, became very moving. The playwright creates this woman and her sister with a lot of depth, and is both honest and compassionate in hert treatment of her. In the end, I was very moved---afterwards, said hi to my friend Emily, who played the Jane character who goes to Oregon. Once again the five actors were amazing. A good experience.
After the play, did not want to go home or to a greek diner for privacy (as I had done the night before) and so opted for the Dive Bar, on 96th and Amsterdam; I suppose out of a number of places on the upper west side, I find this place the most palatable, and you can see why; even when very crowded the servers and bartenders are relaxed and friendly, and the people there run the full spectrum of ages from young to old. Crowded as usual, but after a few minutes, I was able to find a place at the bar, and ordered my hummus plate, necessary as my stomach was a little leery.
I observed all around me, watched some basketball, but found no one to talk to. All right, kind of tired anyway, and so after the hummus, returned home.
That's the report, will report on today's "adventure" at the next possible time.
Kind of an adventure, getting from here (Grand Army Plaza) to Wycoff in Bushwick, but will figure out a way of going, without leaving Brooklyn. Could be any kind of adventure.
Yesterday after the library, went to Signature Center to pick up ticket to Everybody, the new Brandon Jacobs play (had to go there because I did not want to pay a service charge on the internet) and then returned home. In the evening I traversed all of the one block to the theater where the play that I was seeing, the Oregon Trail was playing. An interesting play, very well acted, the central character is a young woman who evolves during the course of the play from Junior High School to adult hood. She also fantasizes about a distant relative with her name (Jane) who traveled from Missouri to Oregon. The two stories play off each other as the play continues. For the play's first half hour, I found myself detached, some funny lines, but not a lot of depth. But as the play evolved, the story of Jane (in the present) and her post college self, a bright woman at a stopping point in her life, paralized by her inability to find a job or to center herself, became very moving. The playwright creates this woman and her sister with a lot of depth, and is both honest and compassionate in hert treatment of her. In the end, I was very moved---afterwards, said hi to my friend Emily, who played the Jane character who goes to Oregon. Once again the five actors were amazing. A good experience.
After the play, did not want to go home or to a greek diner for privacy (as I had done the night before) and so opted for the Dive Bar, on 96th and Amsterdam; I suppose out of a number of places on the upper west side, I find this place the most palatable, and you can see why; even when very crowded the servers and bartenders are relaxed and friendly, and the people there run the full spectrum of ages from young to old. Crowded as usual, but after a few minutes, I was able to find a place at the bar, and ordered my hummus plate, necessary as my stomach was a little leery.
I observed all around me, watched some basketball, but found no one to talk to. All right, kind of tired anyway, and so after the hummus, returned home.
That's the report, will report on today's "adventure" at the next possible time.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
So where are we...
now? At the library at 145street.
Reports from yesterday: after posting, watched a little bit of the post inaugural action---heard some of Trump's speech-- did anyone notice the contradictions between the speech, in which he claimed he was determined to "help the little guy" and his cabinet selections, who seem to have no interest in anyone poorer then themselves.? Wonder whether this will come across to his supporters.
So watched a little bit, while my apartment was being cleaned, then retreated to bookstore, when I returned home to my clean apartment I listened a bit to NPR and their reporting of the moment. Turned it off because the interviewers and people making comments seemed very superficial---very uncomfrontative, and slept a little.
Then awoke, and had the problem of figuring out what to do for the rest of the day. Happily, I chose to watch the Friends basketball team play Dwight---at the Dwight athletic center---which is located in the most fantastical space: 109th street and first avenue. Adventure going there; many routes pondered, finally decided to take the 3 to 110th and walk the rest of the way. Good idea, since this route shows one several new high rises, some with doormen that have been built in this once terribly poor section of Spanish Harlem. 110th between first and second has two of them. I find this amazing, and ask myself who would choose to live in them? Not because of the older inhabitants of the neighborhood, but there seems to be nothing really "there" to make the choice meaningful. Anyway, that is just my take---arrived at the gym and sat with the Friends group, mostly sophmores who had come to cheer their friends and played in the JV game from before. Enjoyed the game---the gym seemed very cold, a nice contrast to the always overheated gym where the games are played at Friends. Left feeling very up (even though Friends had lost) but then had to decide where to go from there; it was only around 7:15. Too tired to go to Brooklyn and a little turned off on seeing a movie, I opted for The Dive, on 96th and Amsterdam, but alas, arrived there to find it much too crowded, settled instead for the Greek diner on Broadway nearbye, and had my customary BLT and coffee. Good choice as I am reading a really terrific novel by Stephen O'Connor called Thomas Jefferson Dreams of Sally Hemings---all about the relationship of those two. I am really caught up in it, as both characters are being made very believable. Used the quiet of the diner to read and then returned to the apartment.
Good dream last night, very upbeat---I think it was a carryover from the Friends game, several Friends students (I could not see their faces) were being very helpful to others. Kind of vague, I know, but kept me in a very manic state as I dreamed it.
Tonight the play that my friend Emily is in---tomorrow football and "others'. will report soon.
Reports from yesterday: after posting, watched a little bit of the post inaugural action---heard some of Trump's speech-- did anyone notice the contradictions between the speech, in which he claimed he was determined to "help the little guy" and his cabinet selections, who seem to have no interest in anyone poorer then themselves.? Wonder whether this will come across to his supporters.
So watched a little bit, while my apartment was being cleaned, then retreated to bookstore, when I returned home to my clean apartment I listened a bit to NPR and their reporting of the moment. Turned it off because the interviewers and people making comments seemed very superficial---very uncomfrontative, and slept a little.
Then awoke, and had the problem of figuring out what to do for the rest of the day. Happily, I chose to watch the Friends basketball team play Dwight---at the Dwight athletic center---which is located in the most fantastical space: 109th street and first avenue. Adventure going there; many routes pondered, finally decided to take the 3 to 110th and walk the rest of the way. Good idea, since this route shows one several new high rises, some with doormen that have been built in this once terribly poor section of Spanish Harlem. 110th between first and second has two of them. I find this amazing, and ask myself who would choose to live in them? Not because of the older inhabitants of the neighborhood, but there seems to be nothing really "there" to make the choice meaningful. Anyway, that is just my take---arrived at the gym and sat with the Friends group, mostly sophmores who had come to cheer their friends and played in the JV game from before. Enjoyed the game---the gym seemed very cold, a nice contrast to the always overheated gym where the games are played at Friends. Left feeling very up (even though Friends had lost) but then had to decide where to go from there; it was only around 7:15. Too tired to go to Brooklyn and a little turned off on seeing a movie, I opted for The Dive, on 96th and Amsterdam, but alas, arrived there to find it much too crowded, settled instead for the Greek diner on Broadway nearbye, and had my customary BLT and coffee. Good choice as I am reading a really terrific novel by Stephen O'Connor called Thomas Jefferson Dreams of Sally Hemings---all about the relationship of those two. I am really caught up in it, as both characters are being made very believable. Used the quiet of the diner to read and then returned to the apartment.
Good dream last night, very upbeat---I think it was a carryover from the Friends game, several Friends students (I could not see their faces) were being very helpful to others. Kind of vague, I know, but kept me in a very manic state as I dreamed it.
Tonight the play that my friend Emily is in---tomorrow football and "others'. will report soon.
Friday, January 20, 2017
beginning of the weekend.....
as the inauguration approaches---nothing to do but sit back and wait. Not clear about rest of the weekend plans, except Sunday, when I will probably watch one of both playoff games. Not very "protesty" of me, I admit, but not sure what I can do so soon after the new President takes office.
Still lots of concerns about the situation in this city, which seems to have been pushed under the rug by all the inauguration activity.
Did not work again today---not sure how I will spend the rest of the day---choices to make--apartment being cleaned in a little while, so have to be out of the apartment.
Last night, would have liked to go to concert at Friends, but last session ended too late, and the subway was slow---so I decided to go to Lansdowne Road to say hello to my friend Mel. She was there, greeted me warmly and we had a nice conversation about what was happening. Good time at the bar-restaurant, except that, like all of them, if you want food it is becoming so expensive. Took the hit on my pocket book in order to "hang" with Mel, but wonder how long I can continue to do this. Lots of ebbs and flows in my pocket book. At any rate, somewhat tired, that factor will probably determine the choice that I make for the evening.
Tomorrow, will see the play that my friend Emily is in---at a theater about a block from my house (always weird finding myself in my apartment twenty minutes before the play) but should be good to see her. Not sure about the shape of the rest of tomorrow.
While I was resting last night, had some visions of Baltimore, from my time there, remembered driving around the Park Heights area when it was all Jewish--that changed around the late sixties, a few years after I was gone.
Does not seem that there is much more to report, but will come back with news tomorrow.
Still lots of concerns about the situation in this city, which seems to have been pushed under the rug by all the inauguration activity.
Did not work again today---not sure how I will spend the rest of the day---choices to make--apartment being cleaned in a little while, so have to be out of the apartment.
Last night, would have liked to go to concert at Friends, but last session ended too late, and the subway was slow---so I decided to go to Lansdowne Road to say hello to my friend Mel. She was there, greeted me warmly and we had a nice conversation about what was happening. Good time at the bar-restaurant, except that, like all of them, if you want food it is becoming so expensive. Took the hit on my pocket book in order to "hang" with Mel, but wonder how long I can continue to do this. Lots of ebbs and flows in my pocket book. At any rate, somewhat tired, that factor will probably determine the choice that I make for the evening.
Tomorrow, will see the play that my friend Emily is in---at a theater about a block from my house (always weird finding myself in my apartment twenty minutes before the play) but should be good to see her. Not sure about the shape of the rest of tomorrow.
While I was resting last night, had some visions of Baltimore, from my time there, remembered driving around the Park Heights area when it was all Jewish--that changed around the late sixties, a few years after I was gone.
Does not seem that there is much more to report, but will come back with news tomorrow.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
tired...
after a long day subbing at Friends, yesterday---I held my breath this morning from 5:30 to 7:30 as I hoped that I would not be asked to come in. Body wanted rest,.Of course, if asked, I would have come in--but yesterday was quite a marathon, working with three fifth grade classes and one seventh grade---last period, so full of obnoxious energy going in all different directions---male and female---well, you get the picture. Remained at Friends to watch part of varsity basketball game, which became a rout---Friends won easily. Not much to do after that, just returned to the apartment and relaxed---read the several articles in the Village Voice (much better since a new ownership took over) and took it easy.
Similar to Tuesday when, after one session, I returned home and took it easy. Long weekend was pretty hectic---now I have to start planning for this one. I think it will be a strange weekend in the city, with many in Washington with the marchers---wonder how this will effect patrons at theaters and movies around the city? I will probably be an observer---as far as "the arts" goes, there is not really one event that interests me at this point---maybe I should catch up on some movies that are around, that I have missed, Will probably just take it as it comes.
Tonight, if time allows may go to the concert at Friends, otherwise may visit Lansdowne Falls or some other pub and watch basketball---will report on all this soon.
Similar to Tuesday when, after one session, I returned home and took it easy. Long weekend was pretty hectic---now I have to start planning for this one. I think it will be a strange weekend in the city, with many in Washington with the marchers---wonder how this will effect patrons at theaters and movies around the city? I will probably be an observer---as far as "the arts" goes, there is not really one event that interests me at this point---maybe I should catch up on some movies that are around, that I have missed, Will probably just take it as it comes.
Tonight, if time allows may go to the concert at Friends, otherwise may visit Lansdowne Falls or some other pub and watch basketball---will report on all this soon.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
spent the morning...
in the library "improving" draft of statement rebuking the gentrification article that appeared in the Daily News last Sunday. Proud of my changes, let's see how much of them are kept for the final statement.
Saturday night:off to Porto, the new play at Bushwick Starr. A wonderful work---the playwright has written a firmer and far more human work than the one that she wrote before. A great cast and especially my friend Julia---who creates a many layered, totally convincing portrayal of a thirty something "independant" woman, trying to figure out how close she wants to come to intimacy. Rest of cast exceptional as well. Found myself sitting next to three ERS persons and they were all very friendly. Mike and I had a really good discussion about the changes in theater for the past,say, thirty years, and of course, I go back much further than that. The play is about the difference between being with someone and being alone. Ironically, being alone is exactly how I found myself when I left the theater---I usually "hang" with someone when I leave the Starr, but this time I did not want to "leach" on the few people I knew there---none of whom I felt close enough to ask what bar they were going. Ended up at Pizza place for food, and finally watched some of the football game at Cobra---but no conversations. Returned home and waited for the next day.
Sunday, began slowly, decided that I would try to see the Fever at the Public, the piece created for Under the Radar by my friend Michael and Abby. I knew I could not get a ticket, but figured if I got there early enough, I might get a cancellation. Apparently arriving at 3, one hour before the production began was not good enough---I was two away from getting in. Left feeling frustrated but had saved about $26.00---went to cobra for first part of football double header and remained there for the first half. Nothing really happening there, so switched to South Fourth, where the company was vita-and watched the end of this very exciting game there. Second game was also close, but frankly, one football game was enough for me---sort of played out---so I returned home.
Yesterday, I would call it a "rest" day---remained close to the apartment when I was not in it. Heard many radio programs about the inauguration and the events and passions rotating around it. At one point, had simply heard enough, had to stop, but rejected a movie after a supper in the atrium, and returned home tired. I slept surprisingly well, which brings us to the moment now.
This evening, another improvised arrangement---like to be near my phone so if assignment comes from Friends, can answer it immediately. Maybe I will return to the bar that I had a nice time in two weeks ago, on second and 20th, a little south of the school on second and 21st.
Will report tomorrow or soon.
Saturday night:off to Porto, the new play at Bushwick Starr. A wonderful work---the playwright has written a firmer and far more human work than the one that she wrote before. A great cast and especially my friend Julia---who creates a many layered, totally convincing portrayal of a thirty something "independant" woman, trying to figure out how close she wants to come to intimacy. Rest of cast exceptional as well. Found myself sitting next to three ERS persons and they were all very friendly. Mike and I had a really good discussion about the changes in theater for the past,say, thirty years, and of course, I go back much further than that. The play is about the difference between being with someone and being alone. Ironically, being alone is exactly how I found myself when I left the theater---I usually "hang" with someone when I leave the Starr, but this time I did not want to "leach" on the few people I knew there---none of whom I felt close enough to ask what bar they were going. Ended up at Pizza place for food, and finally watched some of the football game at Cobra---but no conversations. Returned home and waited for the next day.
Sunday, began slowly, decided that I would try to see the Fever at the Public, the piece created for Under the Radar by my friend Michael and Abby. I knew I could not get a ticket, but figured if I got there early enough, I might get a cancellation. Apparently arriving at 3, one hour before the production began was not good enough---I was two away from getting in. Left feeling frustrated but had saved about $26.00---went to cobra for first part of football double header and remained there for the first half. Nothing really happening there, so switched to South Fourth, where the company was vita-and watched the end of this very exciting game there. Second game was also close, but frankly, one football game was enough for me---sort of played out---so I returned home.
Yesterday, I would call it a "rest" day---remained close to the apartment when I was not in it. Heard many radio programs about the inauguration and the events and passions rotating around it. At one point, had simply heard enough, had to stop, but rejected a movie after a supper in the atrium, and returned home tired. I slept surprisingly well, which brings us to the moment now.
This evening, another improvised arrangement---like to be near my phone so if assignment comes from Friends, can answer it immediately. Maybe I will return to the bar that I had a nice time in two weeks ago, on second and 20th, a little south of the school on second and 21st.
Will report tomorrow or soon.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
have gone from....
one extreme to another----what do I mean by that---well starting Wednesday, cityboy has worked at Friends continuously---so Tuesday's heavy anxiety has been turned into Saturday's heavy exhaustion. On Thursday actually did the equivalent of two full programs (well maybe one and a half) and yesterday also a full day. Nothing much to do after that but come back to the apartment and crash---spent a lot of time sleeping between yesterday night and this morning. This evening I will go to the play Porto at the Bushwick Starr; first chance to get out this week.
Have just read two articles re "affordable housing" landlord harassment---probably one of the cruelest forms of treating people that I can consider. Now one finds out that the new leader's son in law is also an owner of many apartment houses in the East Village and has used brutal tactics to get rent stabilized tenants to leave. Really frightening---add to this the proposed sale of the Inwood Public Library---I hope those Inwood citizens will really fight hard against that. So much to do in the city, even as the marchers on Washington begin to rally for next weekend.
Strange dream last night---I am subbing at a school in the south Bronx---I can see the no 2 train as it goes between Simpson Street and Intervale Avenue stations from the school. No problems, a very nice teacher helps me---also there is one white kid in the class---I wonder if he and his family live near the school, but no, he tells me he lives in Jackson Heights. What is he doing there? Why did his parents choose to send him there? Strange, then it is raining and we all wait for buses or taxis---finally we are all in a restaurant a little further north and the teacher I worked with gives me a very warm hug---I am a little surprised by the warmth---then I sit next to another teacher and we talk about the neighborhood, and then I wake up.
What is the meaning of the dream? Images--the two stops on the no 2 train that I mention were stops that my father and I would pass as we went from further out in the Bronx to the Saturday matinees of Broadway shows during my childhood. By Simpson would be checking the time to see if we would arrive on time to the plays (we always did). Lots of school imagery, warmth imagery. feelings about minorities. All of those things in the dream. Always seem to remember when I dream about the Bronx, a borough that in real life, I have "forgotten" that is I do not go there regularly as I do in Brooklyn.
What about the rest of the weekend. Not sure if I will involve myself in any "protest" activities, Monday is kind of open---tomorrow would like to watch football playoff match ups---they are good, also have just found out that one of the games will be in the evening, not the early afternoon, so might be able to catch a movie in the early afternoon (plenty of them that I would like to see) and still want to consider seeing "The Fever" at Under the Radar, if I can fit it in.
Next report may be Tuedsay---doubt that I will be able to post tomorrow---so the next post will probably reveal the weekend activities.
Have just read two articles re "affordable housing" landlord harassment---probably one of the cruelest forms of treating people that I can consider. Now one finds out that the new leader's son in law is also an owner of many apartment houses in the East Village and has used brutal tactics to get rent stabilized tenants to leave. Really frightening---add to this the proposed sale of the Inwood Public Library---I hope those Inwood citizens will really fight hard against that. So much to do in the city, even as the marchers on Washington begin to rally for next weekend.
Strange dream last night---I am subbing at a school in the south Bronx---I can see the no 2 train as it goes between Simpson Street and Intervale Avenue stations from the school. No problems, a very nice teacher helps me---also there is one white kid in the class---I wonder if he and his family live near the school, but no, he tells me he lives in Jackson Heights. What is he doing there? Why did his parents choose to send him there? Strange, then it is raining and we all wait for buses or taxis---finally we are all in a restaurant a little further north and the teacher I worked with gives me a very warm hug---I am a little surprised by the warmth---then I sit next to another teacher and we talk about the neighborhood, and then I wake up.
What is the meaning of the dream? Images--the two stops on the no 2 train that I mention were stops that my father and I would pass as we went from further out in the Bronx to the Saturday matinees of Broadway shows during my childhood. By Simpson would be checking the time to see if we would arrive on time to the plays (we always did). Lots of school imagery, warmth imagery. feelings about minorities. All of those things in the dream. Always seem to remember when I dream about the Bronx, a borough that in real life, I have "forgotten" that is I do not go there regularly as I do in Brooklyn.
What about the rest of the weekend. Not sure if I will involve myself in any "protest" activities, Monday is kind of open---tomorrow would like to watch football playoff match ups---they are good, also have just found out that one of the games will be in the evening, not the early afternoon, so might be able to catch a movie in the early afternoon (plenty of them that I would like to see) and still want to consider seeing "The Fever" at Under the Radar, if I can fit it in.
Next report may be Tuedsay---doubt that I will be able to post tomorrow---so the next post will probably reveal the weekend activities.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
weather is breaking....
it may only be a few degrees warmer, but the wind seems to have subsided this morning, and I walked around in relative comfort. Sun is out fully now; I can see it from the large windows of the Amsterdam library, and that is leaving me an optimistic feeling. But first....
Disaster---missed a sub job last night, was contacted while I was riding the subway, then on my way to the party at La Flaca, forgot to check my phone---probably the only time during the day I did not check it...and of course, in the 35 minute window that I missed, someone else was called and accepted the job. I spent the rest of the party feeling upset, hoping, perhaps that I would get another call, but it did not happen. I remained at the party for about 2 hours, and in spite of my annoyance had some good conversations and played a strange card game with a group of friendly people. Not much else to say.
Because I am not working, I should have no trouble appearing at the BAN meeting this evening, and I am glad about that, really want to catch up, contribute, and see what plans are being made. Also, I have just written a short comment on the Times web site about "The Bitter Game" , expanding a little bit on the reviewer's positive but not very descriptive review. Sort of all I have to report now, the next blog should (hopefully) find me in better spirits, with some interesting descriptions of the past evening.
Disaster---missed a sub job last night, was contacted while I was riding the subway, then on my way to the party at La Flaca, forgot to check my phone---probably the only time during the day I did not check it...and of course, in the 35 minute window that I missed, someone else was called and accepted the job. I spent the rest of the party feeling upset, hoping, perhaps that I would get another call, but it did not happen. I remained at the party for about 2 hours, and in spite of my annoyance had some good conversations and played a strange card game with a group of friendly people. Not much else to say.
Because I am not working, I should have no trouble appearing at the BAN meeting this evening, and I am glad about that, really want to catch up, contribute, and see what plans are being made. Also, I have just written a short comment on the Times web site about "The Bitter Game" , expanding a little bit on the reviewer's positive but not very descriptive review. Sort of all I have to report now, the next blog should (hopefully) find me in better spirits, with some interesting descriptions of the past evening.
Monday, January 9, 2017
in library Monday....
morning---thought possibly that I would be called to work today, in light of the cold, but did not happen. Actually it is not as bad as it was yesterday evening...and it is also Day 3 after the holiday at Friends, so I guess all the teachers wanted to come in.
Rest of the weekend:
Saturday, followed the plan and arrived at the Public about a half hour before The Bitter Taste ended, joined the group at the talk back immediately. Most of the conversation had to do with the political ramifications of the piece: this is not surprising since that is so strong. Some good comments by a woman from a Black Mothers group from Queens---I liked what she had to say. The director was sitting in my row (very self effacing) and as the forum ended I mentioned to her that I admired the theatrical vision of the piece---she was very appreciative. Then went to the Public's "Library" , the second floor landing at the Public that is open to all, and waited for the performer to come down, in hopes of talking to him briefly. He did, and after he made his way through numerous well wishers, I spoke to him for a couple of minutes and talked about the "arc" of the play, and how well thought out I felt it was. He was very responsive, and seemed to feel that my comments were valuable. I thought there would be others at the library interested in discussion, but did not find anyone, so left for the next moment in my life---but where? Finally decided the best bet would be my friend Bobby's restaurant, La Flaca on Grand Street (Manhattan) so I headed there. That was a good idea, watched some of the hopeless wild card game on their TV (hopeless because neither team had chance of beating the Patriots, whom the winner would play next week) and spoke briefly to Bobby, who had work to do. Will see him tonight at the La Flaca end of year party.
After that, debated whether I should return to the Public and see another Under the Radar project, or check out a movie---it was too cold and snowy to think about venturing into Brooklyn, so decided on a movie at IFC---blocking the name now, but it was about a couple in their early thirties, living in California, who are about to be married after six years of living together, and were trying to deal with the ambivalence they felt---which included being attracted to others. Went because the lead was a graduate of Friends from 05---I did not know her that well, but her work interests me---the movie had some intense and serious moments and a lot of good looking people in it, but it also seemed to live in a vacuum---like a lot of other late twenties---early thirties movies it just took for granted that the life that these characters lead was totally of interest. Another male "hero" who has made one movie, and is blocked in creating the next---sounds familiar? A lot of territory that every movie made about that goes over. Nice to be at IFC, always like that theater.
Sunday, first at South Fourth, watched a little football and a little conversation---then off to the Brick Theater, about seven blocks east on Metropolitan (walked all the way there in the cold) to observe a forum of young directors talking about their experiences and about taking credit for what they contributed to each of their productions. Kind of interesting---I made a comment at the end, which the panel seemed to like---a good experience. Planned to head back to South Fourth to watch the Giant game there, but even half a block in the intense cold seemed impossible, let alone trooping down Metropolitan---better idea was to go to Cobra Club, my Bushwick "hang out" since it was steps from Jefferson Street station. That is what I did, watched the Giant "debacle" on their big screen in relative privacy, and then returned home. So ended the day.
Tonight the party at La Flaca, might decide to check out "the Fever' at Under the Radar before, but not sure. Will report tomorrow or soon after.
Rest of the weekend:
Saturday, followed the plan and arrived at the Public about a half hour before The Bitter Taste ended, joined the group at the talk back immediately. Most of the conversation had to do with the political ramifications of the piece: this is not surprising since that is so strong. Some good comments by a woman from a Black Mothers group from Queens---I liked what she had to say. The director was sitting in my row (very self effacing) and as the forum ended I mentioned to her that I admired the theatrical vision of the piece---she was very appreciative. Then went to the Public's "Library" , the second floor landing at the Public that is open to all, and waited for the performer to come down, in hopes of talking to him briefly. He did, and after he made his way through numerous well wishers, I spoke to him for a couple of minutes and talked about the "arc" of the play, and how well thought out I felt it was. He was very responsive, and seemed to feel that my comments were valuable. I thought there would be others at the library interested in discussion, but did not find anyone, so left for the next moment in my life---but where? Finally decided the best bet would be my friend Bobby's restaurant, La Flaca on Grand Street (Manhattan) so I headed there. That was a good idea, watched some of the hopeless wild card game on their TV (hopeless because neither team had chance of beating the Patriots, whom the winner would play next week) and spoke briefly to Bobby, who had work to do. Will see him tonight at the La Flaca end of year party.
After that, debated whether I should return to the Public and see another Under the Radar project, or check out a movie---it was too cold and snowy to think about venturing into Brooklyn, so decided on a movie at IFC---blocking the name now, but it was about a couple in their early thirties, living in California, who are about to be married after six years of living together, and were trying to deal with the ambivalence they felt---which included being attracted to others. Went because the lead was a graduate of Friends from 05---I did not know her that well, but her work interests me---the movie had some intense and serious moments and a lot of good looking people in it, but it also seemed to live in a vacuum---like a lot of other late twenties---early thirties movies it just took for granted that the life that these characters lead was totally of interest. Another male "hero" who has made one movie, and is blocked in creating the next---sounds familiar? A lot of territory that every movie made about that goes over. Nice to be at IFC, always like that theater.
Sunday, first at South Fourth, watched a little football and a little conversation---then off to the Brick Theater, about seven blocks east on Metropolitan (walked all the way there in the cold) to observe a forum of young directors talking about their experiences and about taking credit for what they contributed to each of their productions. Kind of interesting---I made a comment at the end, which the panel seemed to like---a good experience. Planned to head back to South Fourth to watch the Giant game there, but even half a block in the intense cold seemed impossible, let alone trooping down Metropolitan---better idea was to go to Cobra Club, my Bushwick "hang out" since it was steps from Jefferson Street station. That is what I did, watched the Giant "debacle" on their big screen in relative privacy, and then returned home. So ended the day.
Tonight the party at La Flaca, might decide to check out "the Fever' at Under the Radar before, but not sure. Will report tomorrow or soon after.
Saturday, January 7, 2017
All night long...
thought about the play, The Bitter Taste, that I had seen at the Public, part of the Under the Radar series that is playing there now. The one man show, begins in the spirit of bonhommie, where the actor, who is black, invites all of the audience, both black and white to come to the stage to partake in water and soda--free, A Party? Perhaps, as the opening scene takes place in the North Philly "hood" on the day of a street party. The narrator, our guide into this hood, introduces us to all the neighborhood "characters" and invites us to join, then gun shots ring out. In the next scene, a black father instructs his ten year old son how to behave if stopped by the police. Following that, a man in college is riding his car to his mom's surprise birthday party---he is stopped by the police, and the violence escalates---he is killed. Next is the statement of his father after the funeral, and finally the last scene in which a young black man, who has spent time in prison, vents his frustration at the hopelessness of his future. That is all---the play ends on that note, and so we go from being welcomed, to being told we are unnecessary----that all our (the white people's) good will has accomplished nothing. It is a very tough play. I was shaken when I left---want to return this afternoon for a talk back, since there was none at yesterday's performance. Thinking about the piece this morning, I realize how theatrically "savvy' it is, that is its conception and arc, in which the audience is entrapped, is very well thought out---only people with a strong sense of theater could do that. And the actor who plays these many people, an actor named Keith Wallace, is easily able to make believable and fierce the several characters that he plays on stage.
But for me the play asks: Is theater necessary (which is ironic, since it is so well put together theatrically) ---that is if the horrific violence against innocent black people is taking place as we speak, should not I be thinking about how, in my own way, I can combat this violence, and not about what the next play or movie should be on my agenda. Will see if I can bring this up at the talk back, the snow is falling now, wonder how many people will actually be at the Public this afternoon. (Probably a lot--theater lovers are a hardy breed).
After the play, went to the bar Burp Castle where my friend Erin was bartending. I had not seen her in awhile, so it was good to catch up. Mentioned the play briefly, mostly we talked about what was happening to her, and of course, the election and its aftermath. That was my day.
Interesting sidelight, the Public now has a mezzanine where people can sit--it has several book cases filled with theater books, one can't borrow or take them, but one can simply sit and read them. Nice, at least that is helping the public. It gives me another place where I can go to fill time, if necessary.
Once again, shattered by last night's performance---will try to go to talk back this afternoon and make some statements.
But for me the play asks: Is theater necessary (which is ironic, since it is so well put together theatrically) ---that is if the horrific violence against innocent black people is taking place as we speak, should not I be thinking about how, in my own way, I can combat this violence, and not about what the next play or movie should be on my agenda. Will see if I can bring this up at the talk back, the snow is falling now, wonder how many people will actually be at the Public this afternoon. (Probably a lot--theater lovers are a hardy breed).
After the play, went to the bar Burp Castle where my friend Erin was bartending. I had not seen her in awhile, so it was good to catch up. Mentioned the play briefly, mostly we talked about what was happening to her, and of course, the election and its aftermath. That was my day.
Interesting sidelight, the Public now has a mezzanine where people can sit--it has several book cases filled with theater books, one can't borrow or take them, but one can simply sit and read them. Nice, at least that is helping the public. It gives me another place where I can go to fill time, if necessary.
Once again, shattered by last night's performance---will try to go to talk back this afternoon and make some statements.
Friday, January 6, 2017
travels after....
work; after leaving Friends, a lot of free time on my hands, so decided that this might be the best time to take a ride on the new second avenue subway. So I did it. What did I find? Not much, just three stations that seem very efficient but basically colorless. Got off at 94th and second, walked west to the library---browsed there a bit---then looked in a a movie from the thirties that was being shown in their auditorium in the basement. There was Henry Fonda---one of my idols growing up---he looked so young in this movie, cavorting with Lily Pons, the opera singer (coloratura) who I guess was moving into films. Stayed a while, not too interesting, the movie also had Eric Blore, an English character actor who played a gentleman living with a trained seal. (The seal, by the way, was terrific). Also in the cast was Osgood Perkins, the father of another of my idols, Tony Perkins---would have liked to see him, but had to move on.
Rest of the day was kind of mellow, returned home and read a bit, not too eager to do much in the evening, but had to get out. Decided to go to Lansdowne Road, the sports bar I often attend at 10th and 44th Street. I wanted to touch base with Melanie, a waitress there who is one of the "twins" , two waitresses who I have become very friendly with. When I arrived, however, Mel had gone, but I decided to stay anyway. Had a nice sandwich, but stuffed myself on French Fries that came with them---not a good idea, almost vomited them out when I left the bar. Stomach is very vulnerable, have to be careful cityboy. Watched the Utah---Toronto NBA game---two teams that were very similar, both will be in the playoffs, so why get involved? Did not stay until the end---before I left I had a nice conversation with Mike, the guy sitting next to me---he lives on 57th between 9nth and 10th---but this is his favorite bar--can't blame him---even when it is crowded, the staff is efficient and personable. He is thinking of buying his apartment, we went over possible prices---anyway, it was a solid conversation. After leaving I waited a bit for 11 bus, but when it did not come, I opted to walk down to 8th avenue to the A, which I took to 59th, then the 1 home. Despite the cold I would not take a taxi. That's just cityboy.
Today is wide open, the plan is to go to the Public after 1, pick up a ticket to tonight's Under the Radar project (forgot the name) and then head back to Friends for a basketball game. If I have some extra time, might take in a movie (though that might be a kind of ovefload) or visit a few other places.
Then the project...will report on it tomorrow...
Rest of the day was kind of mellow, returned home and read a bit, not too eager to do much in the evening, but had to get out. Decided to go to Lansdowne Road, the sports bar I often attend at 10th and 44th Street. I wanted to touch base with Melanie, a waitress there who is one of the "twins" , two waitresses who I have become very friendly with. When I arrived, however, Mel had gone, but I decided to stay anyway. Had a nice sandwich, but stuffed myself on French Fries that came with them---not a good idea, almost vomited them out when I left the bar. Stomach is very vulnerable, have to be careful cityboy. Watched the Utah---Toronto NBA game---two teams that were very similar, both will be in the playoffs, so why get involved? Did not stay until the end---before I left I had a nice conversation with Mike, the guy sitting next to me---he lives on 57th between 9nth and 10th---but this is his favorite bar--can't blame him---even when it is crowded, the staff is efficient and personable. He is thinking of buying his apartment, we went over possible prices---anyway, it was a solid conversation. After leaving I waited a bit for 11 bus, but when it did not come, I opted to walk down to 8th avenue to the A, which I took to 59th, then the 1 home. Despite the cold I would not take a taxi. That's just cityboy.
Today is wide open, the plan is to go to the Public after 1, pick up a ticket to tonight's Under the Radar project (forgot the name) and then head back to Friends for a basketball game. If I have some extra time, might take in a movie (though that might be a kind of ovefload) or visit a few other places.
Then the project...will report on it tomorrow...
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Interesting morning....
I went down to City Planning with trepidation, but found that actually anyone could enter the bi monthly meetings and observe. So I watched from a tv in a room right outside the hearing room. Nothing that referred to gentrification, but some interesting proposals---I think if i am free, I might want to go down to another meeting and observe. I checked in with the BAN people who were there---all very friendly. The complete vision of what the city is, with all its burocratic groups trying to act in concert, or against each other, is very fascinating. It is really a vast enterprise---hard to see how one or a few people can get a handle on all of it---but very challenging and interesting.
Last night, a funny feeling returning to the apartment, not sure of what I wanted to do---resisted the urge to check out a movie, instead took 104 bus (remember when it came practically every minute---no longer) to 41st and walked two blocks east to Mid Manhattan library. This library is actually open until 11---so I stayed there for a while and took out two books. When it was over, decided to check out pizza on 20th and third, as I was hungry and I liked their pizza right after the Midsummer Nights Dream that Friends produced at Baruch. Pizza was okay--a little disappointing, but filled me up. Before that a nice walk down 40th street from 5th to Lexington---God, how I really like just looking at all the architecture on these streets, trying to figure out the history of all the older buildings for the last 50 years. Could I have lived anywhere cheaply in Manhattan in the mid sixties? Probably---how things have changed. Anyway, after the pizza went to Gramercy Bar, the one on 2nd between 19th and 20th, I had gone there once before, and it seemed viable. Not very crowded around 9, so it game me a chance to have a nice chat with a bartender named Sydney (female) and an interracial couple sitting nearby. These conversations went very well---left feeling fulfilled, and Sydney asked me to come back (she only works on Tuesday at that bar). The female part of the couple had just bought a co-op on 18th between second and third, and so we talked about that for a while. I tried to guess the price--$500,000 for a one bedroom, to my surprise, I was a little under. She is an emergency doctor, so I guess she can afford it. The price seemed a little high to me, but I guess that is what is going on in today's inflated market.
Tonight, would like to "hang" with the twins at Lansdowne Falls, somewhat tired now, but will try to physically regroup. Tomorrow at Friends, but will try to report as soon as possible.
Last night, a funny feeling returning to the apartment, not sure of what I wanted to do---resisted the urge to check out a movie, instead took 104 bus (remember when it came practically every minute---no longer) to 41st and walked two blocks east to Mid Manhattan library. This library is actually open until 11---so I stayed there for a while and took out two books. When it was over, decided to check out pizza on 20th and third, as I was hungry and I liked their pizza right after the Midsummer Nights Dream that Friends produced at Baruch. Pizza was okay--a little disappointing, but filled me up. Before that a nice walk down 40th street from 5th to Lexington---God, how I really like just looking at all the architecture on these streets, trying to figure out the history of all the older buildings for the last 50 years. Could I have lived anywhere cheaply in Manhattan in the mid sixties? Probably---how things have changed. Anyway, after the pizza went to Gramercy Bar, the one on 2nd between 19th and 20th, I had gone there once before, and it seemed viable. Not very crowded around 9, so it game me a chance to have a nice chat with a bartender named Sydney (female) and an interracial couple sitting nearby. These conversations went very well---left feeling fulfilled, and Sydney asked me to come back (she only works on Tuesday at that bar). The female part of the couple had just bought a co-op on 18th between second and third, and so we talked about that for a while. I tried to guess the price--$500,000 for a one bedroom, to my surprise, I was a little under. She is an emergency doctor, so I guess she can afford it. The price seemed a little high to me, but I guess that is what is going on in today's inflated market.
Tonight, would like to "hang" with the twins at Lansdowne Falls, somewhat tired now, but will try to physically regroup. Tomorrow at Friends, but will try to report as soon as possible.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Happy. because.....
I just confirmed my sub assignment at Friends for Thursday, feel a little more relaxed as the money during this vacation has been a little tight. 48 hours until Friends begins.
The weekend:
Saturday night: Well, New Year's Eve, never have I felt so "locked in" to choices as I did around 8 o'clock Saturday. Plans were the same as last year---begin at South Fourth, and then depending on the "action" at the bar, head across the river on the J to La Flaca. Was greeted warmly at South Fourth, but nobody really there that I knew---stayed for about an hour, and then headed for the J. Situation at La Flaca was totally different: just about all the La Flaca "regulars" were present, and I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. A good conversation with my friend Graham, who I had not spoken to in a while, began the evening. Lots of warmth, Bobby, as usual was happy that I was there. Still, it seemed to take a long time for the ball to finally drop. After that I stayed for about 45 minutes, felt that I had run my time, also tired. Still, a really nice time---happy that I am so well accepted at that place.
Sunday: the party at the Singers---enough said, had some good conversations with other guests, one, in particular, with the wife of the host's nephew---going through the pros and cons of the DeBlasio administration. Still amazed by how little people allow themselves to know (or think about) the current city administration---I would think that by now the "investigations" that have dogged the administration would be somewhat common knowledge (everyone should know about 45 Rivington Street) but it seems there is still a lot of educating to do. But I had a nice time, afterwards somewhat tired, still did not want to simply return home, instead hopped on the L to Jefferson from Union Square and watched football at Cobra for a while. Nice crowd, a painter whom I had met around Labor Day there and I spoke for about an hour about the election, its aftermath, and the possible problems that we face. Will speak with him again. Returned home feeling very "up".
Yesterday, kind of a quiet day, did see Moonlight, the much praised movie at the Angelica. I was surprised at how restrained it was---but the images from it remain with me. Interesting choice to have the adult protagonist not a "constuctive" person but a drug dealer, on the periphery of society. Hope to have discussions about the movie with others. After that, a "tired" day, returned to the apartment and rested. Not the greatest time---a little restless in the late evening---but feel strong and rested at the moment.
So the vacation is over. Two more days before Friends, but really cityboy is back in gear. Best days of the vacation were the days when I spent the evening out. Tonight not clear about plans, will see how I feel after a late session in west Harlem. Tomorrow an "action" in the morning---ambivalent but will go, then we will see. Will report tomorrow...
The weekend:
Saturday night: Well, New Year's Eve, never have I felt so "locked in" to choices as I did around 8 o'clock Saturday. Plans were the same as last year---begin at South Fourth, and then depending on the "action" at the bar, head across the river on the J to La Flaca. Was greeted warmly at South Fourth, but nobody really there that I knew---stayed for about an hour, and then headed for the J. Situation at La Flaca was totally different: just about all the La Flaca "regulars" were present, and I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. A good conversation with my friend Graham, who I had not spoken to in a while, began the evening. Lots of warmth, Bobby, as usual was happy that I was there. Still, it seemed to take a long time for the ball to finally drop. After that I stayed for about 45 minutes, felt that I had run my time, also tired. Still, a really nice time---happy that I am so well accepted at that place.
Sunday: the party at the Singers---enough said, had some good conversations with other guests, one, in particular, with the wife of the host's nephew---going through the pros and cons of the DeBlasio administration. Still amazed by how little people allow themselves to know (or think about) the current city administration---I would think that by now the "investigations" that have dogged the administration would be somewhat common knowledge (everyone should know about 45 Rivington Street) but it seems there is still a lot of educating to do. But I had a nice time, afterwards somewhat tired, still did not want to simply return home, instead hopped on the L to Jefferson from Union Square and watched football at Cobra for a while. Nice crowd, a painter whom I had met around Labor Day there and I spoke for about an hour about the election, its aftermath, and the possible problems that we face. Will speak with him again. Returned home feeling very "up".
Yesterday, kind of a quiet day, did see Moonlight, the much praised movie at the Angelica. I was surprised at how restrained it was---but the images from it remain with me. Interesting choice to have the adult protagonist not a "constuctive" person but a drug dealer, on the periphery of society. Hope to have discussions about the movie with others. After that, a "tired" day, returned to the apartment and rested. Not the greatest time---a little restless in the late evening---but feel strong and rested at the moment.
So the vacation is over. Two more days before Friends, but really cityboy is back in gear. Best days of the vacation were the days when I spent the evening out. Tonight not clear about plans, will see how I feel after a late session in west Harlem. Tomorrow an "action" in the morning---ambivalent but will go, then we will see. Will report tomorrow...