Sunday morning at the

Mid Manhattan library, using their computer. This is a unique place. Since it is opened around 10 on Sundays, I notice many people in the large room to the west of the computers. who look like they are homeless or very poor. Now I have just seen the notice that the library will close down in August for a three year makeover. Necessary? Will it send these people back to the streets.? A lending library is promised for across the street during this time, with computers, but will it serve this population. This seems to be a safe place for these people, what will be the effect of the closing. It seems unnecessary to me; this collection is a very strong one, larger than the ones at the local branches. Upsetting in its own way.
  Last night: finally got out. Was tired but determined to see Quest, the movie at BAM new black cinema festival. Glad that I did, a very strong look at a black family living in north Philidelphia, a working class neighborhood, that the politicians seem to have forgotten. The couple has a daughter, in the middle of the movie she is shot by a stray bullet while playing basketball in the playground. The bullet goes into her eye, and although she survives and becomes healthy again, she loses the eye. It changes the course of the whole documentary. It all ends happily, but the street shooting does not stop----the movie shows a large neighborhood contingent doing everything in its power to stop it.
Basically a very uplifting movie---also taught me a lot about black Philidelphia. Very white people in the movie, the neighborhood seems totally isolated, but the filmmaker, who followed the family for eight years, is himself white. He and his producer were not there for the talk back, but a nice talk back followed. Good old BAM, fun to be there.
Afterwards, stomach ready for a beer---but pretty tired, ended up going to the nearby sports bar, Mullanes-a little bit against my will, the place was decently crowded, the bartender very nice, recognized me from the past, even though I have not been there since the summer of last year. Watched the end of the Oakland--Houston game, chatting with an Oakland fan nearbye, made it kind of interesting. Added some french fries to my beer---actually I like the place very much, even if it is crowded, the atmosphere is basically welcoming.
Walked down Fulton to Nevins street station, about four new restaurants-bars on the way, the have emerged out to the new buildings that are on Fulton. God, how many people were out---it is like,"if you build it they will come"---no end of people sitting outside in the restaurants. Looked in at a few places on my trip to Nevins, prices high as usual---can't get out of any of those places without a minimum of about $15.00. Returned home and went to bed.
Today, will visit Cobra and South fourth for company, at least that is the play as of now. Maybe a long walk in between, maybe a bus ride that I feel I owe myself, we'll see---will report back soon.

six days later....

five days of work at Friends. Got through it! Somewhat tired but also invigorated by what I feel is the strength of my commitment. Three days this week---maybe more. Important to "protect myself" financially for the summer. But it is important for me to be there as well.
  As for the rest of my life---well, there is no rest of my life. Most evening home after one session on 145 street and simply rest. Usually asleep by 8:00, then up at various hours between then and 5. By 5, ready to go---always try to get to Friends by at the latest 8, even if my classes don't begin until an hour or so later. Simply do not want to travel in rush hour train traffic--trains seem to run easier in the early seven's or late sixes. It is my way of life.
 Interesting dream last night---riding the subway, the 4 train "home" or at least to the north Bronx---was I returning to my original home in Thwaites Place, somewhat parallel to the 4 train's route. But suddenly, without warning, I am now in a taxi, and we are under an elevated stop at 138th street and third avenue--a mostly spanish and black poor area. The taxi lets me off nearby and I find myself standing outside a neighborhood tennis court--it is night, the court is well lighted, and mostly there are families there---black and hispanic, but I notice a few white families with their kids there as well. Still feel like an outsider. Then I go into an edifice for some kind of concert--not sure what. And then I wake.
So what does it mean? The Bronx is where I was raised, but not in that area. Questions about racial issues, but what? Interesting dream, but nothing is clear.
 Finally will have some time to improvise my plans for tonight---a lot will depend on how tired I feel. A good movie at BAM, a documentary about a eight years in the life of a black lower class family in Philidelphia. I like those kinds of documentaries. See if I can make it. Will have to miss project at Jack---a group of short plays by an afro american writer. Wish that I could see both, but only one performance of the movie---so will probably choose it, if I have enough energy to go to Brooklyn.
Tomorrow, totally free---getting used to just "hanging out" either at Cobra or at  South Fourth on Sundays. On the signature web site one ticket was available yesterday for Annie Baker's well liked play Antipodes---for tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon. Mine for the taking, but something stopped me from buying the ticket. Guess I just wanted to open space for Sunday. Yes, a lot of plays to see that interest me, but again, simply like to think of Sundays as the day I spend with people (and watch sports). So we will see how tomorrow develops spontaneously.
  So many areas in Brooklyn that I have not visited in a while. Would like to get there.
Will report soon.

all night....

last night, slept fairly easily. Important to prepare myself for today, with my sessions and the performance of Into the Woods at Friends this evening. Want to be very alert for that.
   Yesterday was an odd night. All dreams of either watching baseball at Standings or attending Casablanca Box at HERE were squashed when early fatigue set in. Tested the waters, but the body, given the choice, did not want to go anywhere. So, after some yogurt and chips, returned to the apartment and attempted to sleep. Attempt not great, but did get some sleep in, then awoke at about 8:30 and found my body ready to go. But where?  Too late for plays, and having already seen one movie earlier, was not in the mood for a later one. So, what to do with all this energy? Maybe a beer at one of the bars on the west side, but stomach was pretty full. But I would not stay in. Got on the subway at 79th street, took the 1 to 110th. Then commenced my journey which would be from 110, to 103rd, down Broadway, and if the spirit moved me, to 96th street. First three blocks very quiet, bars do not begin until 107street. Like the somewhat rustic atmosphere of these blocks, still appear to me somewhat hard scrabble, less unified and bland then the blocks that surround my apartment on 76street. Hummed the first ballet music from Somewhere as I moved down the block, seemed to be appropriate for my feelings. Passed the Beer Bar on 106th. pretty crowded, could have found some room at the bar, but declined. Then moved a little bit east on 105th and looked into Abbey Bar. Looks like a true neighborhood bar---people of all ages sitting at the bar---but the few times I have gone there I have felt left out or annoyed by the smug familiarity of those present. Again, declined--stomach not really anxious for beer. Continued to 103rd, then subway---felt that I had fulfilled my "mission" that was to create some excitement for myself as I moved south on Broadway. Walked about half way east on 108th street---one doorman building and several substantial ones. I remember when walking down that block, even during the day, would have made me anxious, but no more. I understand that my safety has been accomplished at some price. At any rate, even if I did not meet anyone that I knew, or stopped off to chat, felt fulfilled and that the time was used well. Returned home, heard the end of the baseball games and fell asleep very quickly.
  I have five days committed to Friends this week--so I don't know when the next post will be. Normally, I never post when I sub, but this week might be different. At any rate, will try to report as soon as I can.

It is just...

1:30, and have seen a movie---no work today at Friends--the movie is Citizen Jane, the documentary about Jane Jacobs. Very mixed feelings. The first half which details the issues Ms. Jacobs faced and fought against is very clear. But the second half is taken up with talking heads just repeating her warnings, about how a city built from the "top down" that is, with the interests of the powerful taking preference over the needs of the people in the neighborhood, is a destructive city. But isn't that what we have right now in NY, or isn't that the very issue that people are fighting about in Brooklyn, Inwod, the Bronx and other places in the city. Yet not one of the talking heads mentions this. How can this be? Did the director-writer insist that they not talk about the present, or were their statements that were a little harsher eliminated by the director. At any rate, this avoidance really annoyed me. Just another day at the movies.
Yesterday evening, wanted to go to Brooklyn to see my former student Scarlet with her band, but by 6 felt exhausted and did not go. Fell asleep quickly--then was awakened by a call from Melissa, a Hopkins freshman asking for a contribution. Spoke to her for about 10 minutes, gave in when she asked me for a donation---this is the second one I have made to Hopkins this year. She put a little bit of pressure on me, but I succumbed. Ironically, when the phone call was over, felt refreshed, could not return to bed---toyed with the many options available to me (as always) but ended up going to the Apple store---then to the Bunin---thought about a nine o'clock movie but declined, got on the 104 bus with the idea of going to the beer hall on Broadway and 106street, but found myself tired again at 86street-and slowly---with a brief stop at Barnes and Nobles on 82nd street, moved towards home, where I fell asleep fairly quickly. But the sleep was far from fitful---up at 2---the usual restlessness---not sure if I fell asleep before the day really began. Had a coffee on my night journey, that may have been responsable for the 2A.M. wake up, but---well who knows?
   Tonight, might try to see Casablanca Box at HERE---hate to spend $30.00 on it, but I do know (casually) the Farrington's (the creators of the piece)  and I would like to support them. In light of all the work that is coming up, I have very few performance options for the work, maybe Sunday at 4.
Lots of interesting baseball games tonight, Standings might be a good place to be, but will probably opt for the play. Will let you know tomorrow, how the night evolved.

back in business....

after three days at Friends, and some sessions up at 145 street. have to say that my body has endured a lot in the last three days, but coming home and sleeping early has helped. Today is only a half (actually a quarter) day at Friends, so was not called. Right after leaving the school yesterday, ran into
Shannon, a last year graduate, who is part of a band. They have a performance tonight at a new venue in Brooklyn and she invited me to come. I told her I would if I was not too tired. With no work today, that seems possible---but stopping off at the Bunin to look at a brochure for their exotic documentary series, I found that tonight is a film that I would really like to see. It is entitled Rat Film, and is an expose of Baltimore via its rat fighters (or something like that).  Since I am still fascinated by Baltimore and all its ins and outs---I would love to see this documentary, but think I should instead go to hear Shannon's band. (I gave my word).  Venue is located right by Grand Army Plaza, across the street from the library (a library that I love) which is a strange place for a music venue. Should be fun going there, and possibly will stop off at one of the two bars that I like on Vanderbuilt, after the show. So the Rat Film will have to wait, though I will try to follow its progress and see it as soon as it opens at another venue or festival.
   Saturday, I stayed at the party for a short time, had a few conversations with some south fourthers and others, but got a little disinterested and left---had a nice slice of fried chicken at the nearby chilcken place (second avenue and first street) and then headed to Burp Castle to hang with my friend Erin the bartender there. assuming that she was working that night. She was, and proceeded to tell me about the last few months of her life. This included moving in with her boy friend, to an apartment in the eastern spur of Bed-Stuy, on Marion between Howard and Saratoga Avenues. This is pretty far east and south, sort of Bed-STuy's back end, and yet she finds it very safe, she even takes her dog out for a walk at about 3 A.M. Previously she lived in the heart of Bushwick, and she mentioned how quiet the new world that she lives in is. The block is very stable and safe. Not many places to get needs taken care of near there, though---the block is still far away from commercial streets. The whole thing struck me as being very interesting--I know very little about life in that area. What happened to the "old" Bed-Stuy, the one that most people did not want to venture into? Seems to have disappeared, for the most part. Have to do some more wandering around there, as soon as time permits.
  Sunday, I did see Samaara, the Richard Maxwell piece at the SOHO rep, now on 53rd and 10th. It is an interesting piece, it distances its audience, but the language is very strong and the performances excellent. Kind of like a fevered dream, as with many of these "controlled" projects--the disconnect can be a little too long, sometimes  my mind wandered, and I felt the ending went on too long. But as an audience member asked to do his work, I did it. Production was very beautiful. Afterwards said hello to my friend Flako who was in it---nice to see him. There are now about six or seven other plays that I would like to see in the near future, but wonder how that will be possible, given the intense work load I have put upon myself. Next week, all five days at Friends are booked---really good for me financially---but if I go up to 145 street afterwards, I will be very taxed. Thought about that a lot last night, as the tiredness set in; next Thursday and Friday evenings, there are events that I feel it is very important for me to attend. Let's see how it plays out.
Into the Woods by the Friends group on Saturday night---really looking forward to it---will report on it soon, or have another go round at this blog if I don't work tomorrow.

a slow nght...

for cityboy, as his dreams and plans for an interesting Friday evening were ended by his state of fatigue, Friday afternoon. Must have been a carry over from the last two days of non stop subbing and sessions. So, home at 7, a little bit of listening to the first two innings of the Yankee game, and then sleep. Woke up a  few times during the night---the usual restlessness and also the chill from the big window---but not much else to report.
Things should be different tonight---I think I will check out this party that I have been invited to on Second Avenue near 6th street. If things get slow or uninteresting there is always a play that my friend Jess has directed on Eldridge Street, or a visit with my friend Erin at Burp City. Will see if the party is viable.
Tomorrow, some baseball watching in the early afternoon and then the play at Soho Rep (actually the space they are using on West 53rd Street, far from Soho) and a return home. Not a lot to say, completed a novel by Marcy Dubansky called The Red Car. Kind of fun and quirky novel about a young women finding herself. Territory covered here is hardly new, but the writer invests it with an ironic voice that seems very original. Would like to read some of her other stuff. After that, not sure what I will continue with.
Lots of work coming up, I think this will dominate my life in the next few weeks---not sure how much "entertainment" I will be able to experience. Ironically this comes at a time when the theater world seems overwhelmed by projects that I find interesting, big and small. But it will have to wait until my life gets a little less hectic.
That is all for now, will report soon..

so, there I was, Wednesday morning....

lamenting my fate---a third day without an offer to sub at Friends. When the day was over, not only had I subbed at Friends, but had added four  future dates. So what happened. Well, the lower school called me at about 8:15 and asked me to sub for the lower school science teacher. This I did, and actually twice, Thursday as well. Science is not my thing, but I managed somehow to get the kids through the basic plan that Ben, the teacher left. On Thursday, though, I had to prepare a third grade class while teaching a first grade one. Crazy! Got very frustrated---then arrived at the third grade class, materials in hand, but really feeling kind of klutzy about the whole business. Not a great lesson, and fortunately the teacher who was prepping was in the room---that helped control the class a few times----but got the kids through it. No work today---did receive a phone call with no text or voice male, from the school, so maybe it was an emergency coverage that they simply solved. Return to Friends next Monday and Wednesday---maybe some more next week and then all five days the week after. Real good--a marathon, but one that I am really willing to run. Of course this means lots of stay at homes at night---exhaustion is pretty real after one of those days, but will have to deal with it.
   Tuesday evening--seder at cousin Kayla and Stan's in Prospect Heights, business as usual, this is probably the twenty fifth one of theirs that I have attended. Lots of good cheer---information, always an enjoyable evening.
Tonight: maybe the east village, but have just found out that the Brooklyn Historical Society is opening a Jackie Robinson exhibit. Open house is tonight. Would really love to go---his last six years were my first six as a baseball fan---should be lots of fifties memorabilia and photographs, Guided tours with guides---probably could add a bit of history myself--remember those Brooklyn years very well---free tv on Channel 9. Schaefer Beer! The old redhead! (Red Barber) and the youngster, Vin Scully calling the game. Happy Felton's knot hole gang, before every game. Sunday's returning from an outing with the family, running to the tv at about 5---checking out usually both doubleheaders from Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds. That was my chidlhood. Only went to Ebbets Field once, in 1951--my father had gone to a math teacher meeting that was in Brooklyn--I remember being very bored---but it was an excuse for us to go to a game at Ebbets Field, I think it was Father and Son day, so children got in for half price. A beautiful June afternoon, I remember Ralph Branca beating the Reds, and holding them in check beautifully. But though I remember being impressed by Branca, I have no scenic remembrance of Ebbets Field itself. No colors come to my mind. Of course we never went back since we lived in the Bronx, and both the Polo Grounds and the Stadium was much more accessible. But it was a memorable journey, that one Saturday afternoon in June of 51.
  There is an art party on second avenue that I will go to on Saturday night and on Sunday I will see Samarra---the Soho rep play by Richard Maxwell. with music by Steve Earle. Will probably spend the rest of Sunday (it is supposed to be a beautiful day) watching baseball at Cobra and hanging out.
So many other plays and operas catch my interest (some more than others) but I feel stretched incredibly thin, and probably will miss most of them. Well, take it one day at a time---will report soon.

Tuesday morning....

just found out about subbing at Friends, a week from Wednesday---all good---although no commitments for this week, have two, then three, then two, a decent amount.
Yesterday, had a session and then found myself fatigued, so I spent the rest of the evening resting at home. Much energy as I awake in the middle of the night (nothing new there) but not terribly tired now. Had a dream that I seem to have blocked, but I remember getting up feeling angry and frustrated---what was it about? Not sure. The seder at cousin kayla's house is coming up tonight---i still have a cold, so I think I will take it easy today---explore "nothingness"---let my mind thaw out.
The only book that I am reading now is the Casey Stengel biography---"old Case" and it is definitely easy reading. His run as manager of the Yankees  roughly parallels the first years of my baseball interest, and though I have read other books about that time, and remember it well, will probably go through that again.
Oh, how, as a child, I hated the Yankees---in the fifties they were like a colossus---destined by fate to win all the time (exception: 54 and 59) I always rooted for the teams that played them, the Indians, with their big three pitchers (Lemon, Wynn and Garcia) the White Sox with Minnie Minoso and company, and of course the Red Sox. They did not win a pennant between 50 and 60, but they had some amazing players--Ted Williams and Jimmy Pearsall in the same outfield (Third outfielder was Jackie Jenson) One labor day double header, Pearsall ended a rally by the Yankees with an amazing catch in front of the right field stands. Those were my guys. Of course, going to the Stadium in those days was like being invited into this monolith. The stands were cold and of course, distant (but I learned my baseball in the upper deck) and the message from staff (what you could see of them) was that one consider oneself lucky to be watching this amazing machine go from success to success. Much different was the atmosphere in the Polo Grounds, across the river, with only two decks, much better sight lines, and an energy  which gave off a sense that the game was being played for your enjoyment More memories to come.
Tonight at the seder, it is usual to sing the song that ends with the words "nations shall go to war no more". I know that my cousins were raised with that song, and that they probably see it as a connection to their late mother, but I find saying those words at this point in history, distasteful---this is the one thing we (or civilization) has not accomplished. Do I bring it up with my cousins; simply not sing, or just go along with it. Have to figure that out, will report tomorrow

quite a weekend for...

cityboy---Saturday evening, the Kip Talk project---sometimes very funny, sometimes very telling. First part. a little downtown theater fun---one panelist--from ACLU spoke about protecting immigrants but for the most part, the kip talk humor, dominated. Second part much more telling, several activists and artists spoke---cityboy felt a need to introduce a question, because two of the panelists touched on something important---the City Council and artist "apathy" (or perhaps unawareness) and so my question---really a comment--forced the discussion to become more realistic. One panelist who said she was running for City Council from Gowanus, did not specify for the audience, what the City Council does, and my comment pressured her to be a little more specific. It also opened up other comments about gentrification and how that affected the city---this had not been discussed before. So cityboy left with a nice feeling that his question had demanded focus, and gotten it. I would like to continue, maybe even moderate a forum about the current city administration. Possible? Well we will see.
     Sunday---a day of "no plan" which meant I began the afternoon at Cobra Club with bartender Olivia who kindly put on the Yankee game for me---great screen, fun to watch. After that, off to South Fourth, where, after a slow start, some friends who are regulars showed up; one of them I guided to BAN and she seemed very interested in that. I also got myself invited to a party to raise money to send a minority high school student to the art march on Washington, the weekend after next. Sounds like fun, although this disrupts my plan to see Eugene Onegin this Saturday; only two more performances other than that one remain, and hopefully my schedule will allow me to attend one of them.
   Today, a beautiful day in the city----might actually take in a movie this evening, there are two at the Film Forum that are interesting---feel a need to just separate myself at a movie---rather then hanging out--well, I might be able to do that as well. Tomorrow a seder at cousin Kayla and Stan's house, been doing that since about 1990---does not seem like a long time--will report tomorrow.

three days over...

and cityboy feels that exhaustion! Eighth graders, very enjoyable, but so full of energy (and it is a completely unique form of energy---nothing like before or after)  that interacting with them can only lead to exhaustion. Still tired from the effort, then a trip to West Harlem library that did not need to be taken---then home. Listened to some of the baseball games, yesterday evening, but really fell asleep very soon.
Rest of the weekend---tonight, to Abrons Arts to see Real Talk, Kip Talk,  a creation of my friend Eliza and Sarah---entertainment---protest--a mix---not sure what the content will be--hope to find something meaningful out of it. Tomorrow, absolutely no plans---great idea---but think I will go to cobra around 1 and see if my barista friend Olivia will put on the Yankee game---she said she was going to last week---and simply watch it with a cup of coffee in my hand. Evening, maybe south fourth, going to be a nice day, so maybe a trip around Brooklyn as well. But I really want to keep it open.
Not much else to say, on the days that I work at Friends, I am usually home in the evening and remain so--on Thursday I did hang at Wallace's the bar on 148th and Broadway, said hello to bartender friend of mine, and watched baseball for a while. Not eventful.
That is it----my time on the computer may be running out, will report tomorrow or a day soon.

three days of work....

coming up at Friends, so I don't know when the next post will be. It is going to be a busy three days, probably will face exhaustion before the day is over. But I am very happy to be returning---looking forward to seeing everybody, faculty and students, alike
  Last night: BAN meeting in Brooklyn---nothing like a BAN meeting to make cityboy forget his arts interests and focus and stopping the juggernaut that we now call development. Certain really sickening moments on walks recently--the blocks on Fulton between Waverly and Clermont---already to be taken by luxury housing---now my friend Kristen (she was at the meeting) tells me that her sister has moved into a new building on Herkimer Street, a street between Fulton and Atlantic Aves that I suppose sits right between Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights. What a horrible message that sends to the community! Lots of plans that were thought out at the meeting---glad that so many people are involved; I will try to play my part.
   Not much else to say---have a few sessions this afternoon but will probably take it easy this evening---have to leave the house early tomorrow.
 After the meeting, held in the house of one of the members in Flatbush ( a really nice street called Sterling Street)  Kristen, her friend and I walked north on Flatbush, passed the Ebbets Field Houses, (where the Dodgers once played) and continued to Eastern Parkway. There we separated, and I continued to Franklin. Would have liked to hang in Brooklyn a little more---but did not want to visit a bar--my brain and body desired coffee and maybe some desert, and of course, those places are closed after 9---and it was close to 10. Thought I might get off at Bergen and wander a bit, but did not, returned to upper west side, and had a snack that I bought at the nearbye supermarket. Still, love to walk in Brooklyn.
  That is all for now---will report at the next possible appropriate moment.

just found out about....

an arts rally at City Hall, today in about 50 minutes---would like to go, but probably won't---have to stay on the computer---this is my one chance today.
Today, no work, one session, that means that I will be able to make the BAN meeting this evening, which is what I really wanted to do. Hope to make some contribution to content, but also start moving on flyer idea about City Council elections coming up. Will see what happens.
Yesterday: after library, a beautiful day, walked along fifth avenue to about 33rd, then switched to Madison, followed that down to about 26th then jumped on bus which took me to Saint Marks.
Really enjoyed the walk---perfect day for it. Tried, again to look at changes in the city---a few streets on Lexington around 26th have no high rise buildings on them---every time I see a three or four story building in that area---Gramercy, Murray Hill---I think to myself these are endangered species---they are dwarfed by the new high rises---they seem like strange artifacts from another era. Building, Building, Building, when will it stop? Always asking, what if I had moved in to those 40 years ago, instead of my apartment on the upper west side. Would I still be there, would my rent be cheap, would I have been bought out? Just the thoughts that go through my head.
 After a stop at the Public, went to Standings to watch some opening day baseball and hang for a while. Enjoyed it, then about 4, went over to South Fourth, where I spent the rest of the late afternoon and early evening. Olivia, one of my favorite bartenders was there--and had a nice conversation with Richie, who works at various arts venues in Brooklyn. No sign of my friend Harlo---it would have been nice to see her. Tiredness came in around 7:15, and though I could have walked some more, my body steered me back to Manhattan and I arrived around 8:30.
A strange dream, in which I am watching a phone call from a woman that I know to her husband, who is somewhere on the upper east side (The Hairy Ape?)  The phone call seemed so clear, the relationship in the dream seemed so well articulated. I was surprised when I woke up. Maybe it had something to do with reading about Gay and Nan Talese in the current Vanity Fair, though the couple was not them. The closeness of the couple's relationship seemed to be in direct opposition to my
"aloneness" Woke up feeling a little strange. Any interpretations?
That is all for now---may catch some opening day action, either on TV or radio (more likely). Will report tomorrow.

the horror that is....

west 53rd street, just east of 6th avenue--the whole street closed down, so that a large building directly east of sixth avenue can be built. Disgusting! What a statement about the current city administration's feelings about luxury building. Then to pass the former Donnell library, and see the building that has replaced it---a tribute to luxury! This is the horror of NYC in 2017---"real New Yorkers", (if there is such a thing) have to overlook it to find things in the city to praise. It just leaves you with a feeling of being overpowered----and then as I approach the library I say to myself "yes, but it is a great walking city", trying to salvage some sense of why it it good to be living here. Anyway, that is all for now on that.
 Last night was tired, and so stayed in---no adventure---today (despite what I have just written) is a beautiful day in the city--will try to take advantage of it---also first day of baseball season, Yankee game should be starting as write this---something to take my mind of other things.
 So we live in this world of "good and bad". Good company, meaningful walks, friends who are nice and considerate and easy to talk to---and then the rest: see above.
 Hope to arrive in Williamsburg at some point, and "hang" there--also possibly complete the history o of Henry VIII and his children that I am reading. Now on Elizabeth and her takeover of power. Very interesting.
 Will report more tomorrow or next post. Keep it real...

so yesterday it...

rained, an ungodly rain, but cityboy would not be denied his evening out---could not stay in the apartment, felt frisky, or not tired---went to Lincoln Center, thought about three movies---all of which had just started, therefore had two hour waits, but luckily had a terrific book with me--The Children of Henry VIII--which I was able to read while I was waiting. Had a choice of three movies of interest---but finally chose the Salesman, the Iranian movie that I had heard so much about.
A very intense movie, beautifully shot---essentially it dealt with a man's rage when his wife is assaulted and he tried to get revenge. But the man who he seeks his revenge on is much older and far more infirm than he. Some very brutal scenes where one man becomes another man's prisoner. The film kept my interest completely, even if some of violence, both emotional and physical bothered me. Incidentally, the play is called the Salesman, because while all this is going on, the main character and his wife are playing Willie and Linda Loman in an Iranian amateur production of Death of  A Salesman. Why the juxtaposition of the "integrity" and humanity of the play, with the inhumanity of the man's treatment of the man he thinks raped his wife. or the inhumanity of the assault itself? Somewhat unclear---perhaps the writer-director chose that play for just the juxtaposition that I proposed. I would enjoy comparing my impressions with someone else---however I don't know anyone who has seen the movie.
 I still find a movie a much less fulfilling experience than a live performance. So? I am behind on movies anyway.
  Tonight---not sure, up in the air, want to see how I feel as the evening approaches. Tomorrow (finally) the first day of the baseball season. I could watch baseball all day if I wished. Monday Friends returns from its vacation---three days scheduled for work already---that is good.
Will report on all of this tomorrow or soon after.