very happy to...

read Jesse Green's review in the TImes of A Midsummer Night's Dream, He is not as annoyed by the obvious performances as I am, but he does admit that they are obvious, and that a director could go much further with a stronger vision. And there is a post in Talking Broadway which says exactly what I feel---so good for that!
   Last night, knowing that my new bartender friend, Brittany was going to be working at the Dive Bar on Broadway between 101st and 102nd street---I got there about 7:30, only to find out that she had not arrived. But the day bartender, Erin, was very sweet, put on the Yankee game for me, and gave me a beer. Brittany arrived about 8:30---she was held up because of some dog sitting problems,  and was friendly and warm until I left, actually about 10. This was my first time in the bar---kind of an eclectic crowd, some men who seemed intellectual and approaching middle age, some young people, a couple of musicians, but it was hard to get a take on the whole place. I did not find anyone to converse with (except Brittany) --it seems to me for the most part, this is a kind of mellow place---I would hang there again, even if Brittany was not bartending, and see what happens. They make a nice big frank---and that went well with the beer. Left around 10, and went home on a practically empty 104 bus. Remember how they used to appear every four minutes (it seemed) and how they were full of young people. Well that does not happen any more---most of the people on the bus, which now, even during rush hour, arrives every seven or eight minutes, seem elderly or parents or nannys shepherding  their kids to and from school or after school activities.
   Tonight is the BAN meeting---there will be some poster designing for tomorrow's protest against deBlaiso's visit to Flatbush to defend his armory vision (and what a sad vision it is) . Also, I hope to present Mayday's Starr Bar's offer to host the 9/9 march through Brooklyn after party. After that..? Not sure---these meetings can be very tiring, still, would enjoy hanging out somewhere--especially since the Mets are calling up their new shortstop, who will be playing in the game against the Rockies.
   Looking forward to my trip to DC---feel better and better about the location of my hotel (near Dupont Circle) and I am looking forward to my visit with Tessa. No fringe this year---but lots to do in the month of August, which, as you know, has just begun. Will report on all, tomorrow.