this should be a day of rest. Two days of work at Friends, and some sessions afterwards, have left me kind of tired. Need a day to chill out. This should be it. Some work later, but now I can take my time. Can you do it? My mind is always frenetic. We will see.
Reading the latest time out, figured out there are several plays running that sound interesting: The Low Road, The Amateurs, Relevance, Is God Is, Platanov-the New Georges project at the Flea. Will I see any,---all of them? Who knows? It seems I am living totally in the moment at this point. Nothing is real until it happens And though all of the plays mentioned above sound interesting---I am not really compelled to see any of them. Maybe, in terms of theater, I am played out! Am I finding it easier to see movies, and think about them (example: The Silence at the Film Forum) What about just hanging out, as I did on Sunday evening. To become knowledgeable about the arts in a city like NY is important, but now I feel "over-knowledgeable" Well, we will see.
Just donated $10.00 to Equity for Flatbush, the organization that fights to protect tenants from what i like to call "predatory gentrification". Harassment of people of color, so that they will leave their apartments, not my thing. My ten dollar contribution makes me feel helpful.
Sunday was a strange day---got the offer to be at Friends early in the morning. Most of the day spent tracking down a book on Paul Robeson, by an enthusiast of his (who is white) named Jeff Sparrow. Kind of interesting. Finished Alice McDermott's novel The Ninth Hour, about a constricted neighborhood in Brooklyn, circa early 1900's (or maybe a little later) and the very strong role the Catholic Church played in the lives of its citizens. Very strong and powerful writing. The neighborhood seems to be what is now Cobble Hill, and of course, is very different. After picking up the Robeson book from the Jefferson Market Library (one of the few libraries that are open on Sunday) had the opportunity to go to a movie at the Quad (one directed by Ozon) but even as I was very close to the box office, decided against it. Why? I guess I just did not want to see a movie, Instead, opted to get on the train uptown at Sixth Avenue, then to the C and off at the 86 Street station. Why? I thought it might be interesting to wander south on Columbus between 86th and 79nth and just see what is there. And of course, this being NYC, there were lots of changes on the block. I noticed a lot of restaurants from different countries (Amsterdam Avenue, one block west, has all the bars) ---everything seemed kind of new. Really enjoyed just challenging myself to walk and observe a different block. When I left the station I walked up the stairs to 87 street and looked west. I remember when this street could have been classified as "dangerous", now it abounds in beautiful brownstones. Oh well, more walks are necessary.
Finally went to the Dive Bar on 96th street for some hummus---had a nice chat with one of the bartenders, and watched some basketball, The place was kind of quiet, which was nice. Was invited to "hang out" at another Dive Bar by a bartender who is at that one on Friday afternoons. Will I do it?
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Saturday mid afternoon...
Upset by a picture on facebook showing an unnecessary murder of a black man by a white policeman. Not much you can say...when will this injustice end? The whole thing is stark and ugly.
So, despite this, I will try to give a report on the two "cultural" voyages that I made on Friday.
First, at Film Forum the Bergman movie "The Silence", released in 64---seeing it now gives me far greater understanding of the film's strength: it is very deliberate, brilliantly shot, and knows exactly where it wants to go.Great performances (obviously). Still, it is at times static, and I my mind wandered a bit towards the end. Its content is like, the characters in the movie, self absorbed--you could leave the content but still admire the way the whole picture is shot and structured.
Glad that the Film Forum is doing this Bergman retrospective. I don't really know how many more of the films I will see---but when I left there was an incredibly long line stretching outside the theater for the 6:00 showing of Persona. I guess this festival is really popular. Great to know.
After that, managed to go to the JP Morgan library for mostly the Williams exhibit. It has gotten a lot of publicity, but in actuality it is fairly small. It covers about six of his plays in depth---letters, reviews, pictures, etc. but leaves out the late fifties, early sixties plays that were successful---Sweet Bird of Youth, The Night of the Iguana, and, ironically enough Williams' decision after the success of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, that he would have his next play presented off Broadway. It was the double bill called Garden District, which consisted of two one act plays, one called Something Unspoken, the other, Suddenly Last Summer, which has gained popularity as a movie and as a full length play. And although the exhibit goes from 1940 to 57 (the last of the plays that are talked about is Orpheus Descending) it eliminates Williams's and Kazan's Broadway "experiment", the play Camino Real, written and performed between the Rose Tattoo and Cat On a Hot Tin Roof. Disappointed, I wanted more, much more--it only took me about 25 minutes to pass through the whole exhibit. I left the museum shortly thereafter---too many people, looking at the exhibits.
It was early, and I was in need of a sugar fix. Somehow, I was not in a bar mood (if I was, there would have been plenty of choices) but made up my mind to walk from the Museum, which was on 36th and Madison, to the Greek Diner on 23rd near 7th (I know it because I sometimes go there after BAN meetings) because I desired (yes, that is the right word for it) a cheese danish. The walk down sixth avenue made me cross paths with many people, the city was moving quickly last night. The cheese danish was quite big---but it seemed to be just what I needed, and the coffee was suprisingly good.
Have just finished two sessions---a little tired, there is a party to celebrate the move of a flatbush bakery that I contributed to this evening---hope I have the energy to go. Will report soon.
So, despite this, I will try to give a report on the two "cultural" voyages that I made on Friday.
First, at Film Forum the Bergman movie "The Silence", released in 64---seeing it now gives me far greater understanding of the film's strength: it is very deliberate, brilliantly shot, and knows exactly where it wants to go.Great performances (obviously). Still, it is at times static, and I my mind wandered a bit towards the end. Its content is like, the characters in the movie, self absorbed--you could leave the content but still admire the way the whole picture is shot and structured.
Glad that the Film Forum is doing this Bergman retrospective. I don't really know how many more of the films I will see---but when I left there was an incredibly long line stretching outside the theater for the 6:00 showing of Persona. I guess this festival is really popular. Great to know.
After that, managed to go to the JP Morgan library for mostly the Williams exhibit. It has gotten a lot of publicity, but in actuality it is fairly small. It covers about six of his plays in depth---letters, reviews, pictures, etc. but leaves out the late fifties, early sixties plays that were successful---Sweet Bird of Youth, The Night of the Iguana, and, ironically enough Williams' decision after the success of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, that he would have his next play presented off Broadway. It was the double bill called Garden District, which consisted of two one act plays, one called Something Unspoken, the other, Suddenly Last Summer, which has gained popularity as a movie and as a full length play. And although the exhibit goes from 1940 to 57 (the last of the plays that are talked about is Orpheus Descending) it eliminates Williams's and Kazan's Broadway "experiment", the play Camino Real, written and performed between the Rose Tattoo and Cat On a Hot Tin Roof. Disappointed, I wanted more, much more--it only took me about 25 minutes to pass through the whole exhibit. I left the museum shortly thereafter---too many people, looking at the exhibits.
It was early, and I was in need of a sugar fix. Somehow, I was not in a bar mood (if I was, there would have been plenty of choices) but made up my mind to walk from the Museum, which was on 36th and Madison, to the Greek Diner on 23rd near 7th (I know it because I sometimes go there after BAN meetings) because I desired (yes, that is the right word for it) a cheese danish. The walk down sixth avenue made me cross paths with many people, the city was moving quickly last night. The cheese danish was quite big---but it seemed to be just what I needed, and the coffee was suprisingly good.
Have just finished two sessions---a little tired, there is a party to celebrate the move of a flatbush bakery that I contributed to this evening---hope I have the energy to go. Will report soon.
Friday, February 23, 2018
first week this year...
that I have not been called to work at Friends. Really strange. Of course, I did get a call, but lost the job because I was too late answering it, and this week had only three school days. Earlier this morning I received a call about a possible coverage for next week. We will see if it happens. Yes, not working for a whole week is a little weird---but I am handling it. Fortunately, all the work I did over the last few weeks has put me a little ahead financially, so not too much to worry about on that end. Well, let's see what happens,
Today is totally free. What is the plan? Major league baseball begins its exhibition season today---somewhat interesting, though I find exhibition games boring--very rarely watch them. Still, I am interested to see just what are the starting line ups for today. That is probably about all I will follow, maybe listen to an inning or two.
What I would like to do this afternoon, is to see The Silence---one of the Ingmar Bergman movies being shown at the Film Forum in his massive retrospective there. I have seen it once before---in the summer of 1964. It opened that summer to great fanfare---I remember feeling very outside of it as I watched it. It will be interesting to see now, at a much more mature age and with much greater depth how this movie comes at me.
Then it will be off to the Morgan Library for its free Friday, which will enable me go to the Tennessee Williams exhibit that is being shown there. I think it is really important that i see it---today seems like the best choice for checking it out. Some other exhibits seem interesting to me as well---may check them out when and if I am finished with the Williams one. Remember, cityboy, you saw the original productions of Sweet Bird of Youth; The Night of the Iguana, and The Milk Train Does Not Stop Here Anymore. Still remember the first two very well---really could not believe that I was sitting midway in the balcony of the Martin Beck Theater, watching Paul Newman and Geraldine Page performing Sweet Bird of Yourth.. Up to age 16, Williams was completely off limits to me, because of its subject matter; finally I was able to watch a play of his. A tremendous experience--Newman, who had the main role, really carried the play---Page and Rip Torn were excellent as well. Could tell you more about it but...anyway, anticipating the exhibit.
Yesterday, after a session at the library, went to the Arthur Mitchell exhibit at the newly built Columbia School of the Arts on far west 125street. Mr. Mitchell, who must now be in his late eighties, was there---I was able to shake his hand, and later ask him a question. great exhibit--many pictures of him performing in his signature roles in City Ballet: Agon; Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream (great ballet), and others. Also, a great interview on tape that he must have given in the late seventies, where he talked about his relationship to Balanchine and also his experiences dancing at Rikers Island. In these interviews, he is very fluid and funny. When he spoke, he seemed to stay on one level---but was interesting nevertheless. I think now we take for granted that the Dance Theater of Harlem is part of the establishment, but in 1968, after the murder of Dr. King, it was a very daring idea, and it just sprung from a vision, and a desire to do something. Glad I went to the exhibit.
That is all for now---have to get on to other things---will report soon.
Today is totally free. What is the plan? Major league baseball begins its exhibition season today---somewhat interesting, though I find exhibition games boring--very rarely watch them. Still, I am interested to see just what are the starting line ups for today. That is probably about all I will follow, maybe listen to an inning or two.
What I would like to do this afternoon, is to see The Silence---one of the Ingmar Bergman movies being shown at the Film Forum in his massive retrospective there. I have seen it once before---in the summer of 1964. It opened that summer to great fanfare---I remember feeling very outside of it as I watched it. It will be interesting to see now, at a much more mature age and with much greater depth how this movie comes at me.
Then it will be off to the Morgan Library for its free Friday, which will enable me go to the Tennessee Williams exhibit that is being shown there. I think it is really important that i see it---today seems like the best choice for checking it out. Some other exhibits seem interesting to me as well---may check them out when and if I am finished with the Williams one. Remember, cityboy, you saw the original productions of Sweet Bird of Youth; The Night of the Iguana, and The Milk Train Does Not Stop Here Anymore. Still remember the first two very well---really could not believe that I was sitting midway in the balcony of the Martin Beck Theater, watching Paul Newman and Geraldine Page performing Sweet Bird of Yourth.. Up to age 16, Williams was completely off limits to me, because of its subject matter; finally I was able to watch a play of his. A tremendous experience--Newman, who had the main role, really carried the play---Page and Rip Torn were excellent as well. Could tell you more about it but...anyway, anticipating the exhibit.
Yesterday, after a session at the library, went to the Arthur Mitchell exhibit at the newly built Columbia School of the Arts on far west 125street. Mr. Mitchell, who must now be in his late eighties, was there---I was able to shake his hand, and later ask him a question. great exhibit--many pictures of him performing in his signature roles in City Ballet: Agon; Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream (great ballet), and others. Also, a great interview on tape that he must have given in the late seventies, where he talked about his relationship to Balanchine and also his experiences dancing at Rikers Island. In these interviews, he is very fluid and funny. When he spoke, he seemed to stay on one level---but was interesting nevertheless. I think now we take for granted that the Dance Theater of Harlem is part of the establishment, but in 1968, after the murder of Dr. King, it was a very daring idea, and it just sprung from a vision, and a desire to do something. Glad I went to the exhibit.
That is all for now---have to get on to other things---will report soon.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
one win, one loss...
I guess that is the way it should be seen. When I attended the community board land use meeting yesterday evening, I of course, turned my phone down. But on my return from the meeting to the apartment, did not raise the volume, so when i was called to sub a few minutes into my return, I missed the message, and also the job. Ironic, during most of the day, I was checking the phone, every five minutes, at least, then finally when I became absorbed in an interview with an actor on WNYC, and did not check the phone, someone calls with a job. Amazing!
The community board meeting concerned a large apartment house that may be built on Amsterdam near 70 street. The community does not want it, and they are also watching another large possible building to replace the Home for the Blind on 66th street. In both cases, according to the speaker of the night, a city planner, the developer "finagled" a deal to get larger height. Afterwards, there was a chance to speak, and most of the west siders wanted neither building to go through, at least in it proposed form. No surprise. I wonder how many of these attendees are aware of what is happening in Brooklyn, or even know the story of "45 Rivington Street". The speaker, a very charming man, hinted, but did not come out say that the builders are ruthless in their desire to make this work, or that the current administration has solicited money from these very same builders, and for all of its "progressiveness" , the current city administration wants very much to please these developers. I was tired through most of the meeting and did not speak myself, but I am glad that I went---very educational on a certain level.
Not much else to report---a pretty easy day today--tonight maybe bronx doc, where they have an interesting documentary about black fatherhood. Have not been there, or to the Bronx for a while. Always find it interesting to move (not descend) into this very poor area where the center is. Still, always have an interesting time when I go there, conversation is usually very easy---may explore other alternatives as well---sometimes I feel I just want to go to a bar and talk to people, something I have not done in a long while. Well, we will see.
Also, I just found out there is an exhibit devoted to Arthur Mitchell, the pioneering black dancer who danced with City Ballet for many years. It is near where I will be this afternoon, Perhaps will check it out. We will see and report soon.
The community board meeting concerned a large apartment house that may be built on Amsterdam near 70 street. The community does not want it, and they are also watching another large possible building to replace the Home for the Blind on 66th street. In both cases, according to the speaker of the night, a city planner, the developer "finagled" a deal to get larger height. Afterwards, there was a chance to speak, and most of the west siders wanted neither building to go through, at least in it proposed form. No surprise. I wonder how many of these attendees are aware of what is happening in Brooklyn, or even know the story of "45 Rivington Street". The speaker, a very charming man, hinted, but did not come out say that the builders are ruthless in their desire to make this work, or that the current administration has solicited money from these very same builders, and for all of its "progressiveness" , the current city administration wants very much to please these developers. I was tired through most of the meeting and did not speak myself, but I am glad that I went---very educational on a certain level.
Not much else to report---a pretty easy day today--tonight maybe bronx doc, where they have an interesting documentary about black fatherhood. Have not been there, or to the Bronx for a while. Always find it interesting to move (not descend) into this very poor area where the center is. Still, always have an interesting time when I go there, conversation is usually very easy---may explore other alternatives as well---sometimes I feel I just want to go to a bar and talk to people, something I have not done in a long while. Well, we will see.
Also, I just found out there is an exhibit devoted to Arthur Mitchell, the pioneering black dancer who danced with City Ballet for many years. It is near where I will be this afternoon, Perhaps will check it out. We will see and report soon.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
not a lot to report...
apartment is being cleaned today. Actually did some scrubbing in my sink, which I never use, for the first time in what must be years. Pretty impressive.
Last night, returned home after three sessions, happy at what I accomplished but ultimately very tired, so I just stayed in. Not much else to say---I experienced the usual strengths and weaknesses of this strategy.
Today is also busy---not sure how much energy I will have left after a few sessions. But I just found out about a community board meeting near the apartment that will center on a large building being built near the library on Amsterdam and about 69th street. I should really go to that and show my support for my community members who feel that the building should not be allowed to be built at its current height--or the height desired by the builders. It is just part of the continuing drama which is being played out all over the city---where you have one group who worships power and money and is not concerned with any moral propriety---or any effect their moneyed desire has on less fortunate people.Can it be stopped? Will try to attend the meeting.
Not much else to report, so I will return to the blog soon, depending on whether I work or don't work.
Last night, returned home after three sessions, happy at what I accomplished but ultimately very tired, so I just stayed in. Not much else to say---I experienced the usual strengths and weaknesses of this strategy.
Today is also busy---not sure how much energy I will have left after a few sessions. But I just found out about a community board meeting near the apartment that will center on a large building being built near the library on Amsterdam and about 69th street. I should really go to that and show my support for my community members who feel that the building should not be allowed to be built at its current height--or the height desired by the builders. It is just part of the continuing drama which is being played out all over the city---where you have one group who worships power and money and is not concerned with any moral propriety---or any effect their moneyed desire has on less fortunate people.Can it be stopped? Will try to attend the meeting.
Not much else to report, so I will return to the blog soon, depending on whether I work or don't work.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
so i did not get...
to see Pollock on Saturday evening. Too tired..instead opted for a Raul Ruiz movie at the Bunin. (more about this later). Now it seems like I might never see Pollock. Why? A strong review in the Times, now, at least on the web sit for Abrons, they are all sold out. A rediculously short run anyway. Now, if I want to see it, I have to get on a waiting list--not the greatest idea, but I might be able to give it a shot. After all, if I don't get in, I can always go somewhere else---metrograph---my new favorite movie theater is only a few blocks away. No big biggie. The rest of the weekend had its ups and downs---here is a summation:
Saturday night---decided to simply go down to the Bunin and see Vanishing Point, part of the Raul Ruiz retrospective that they were having. Made in the early sevenities---black and white---great camera angles, always interesting to look at, but basically about nothing. A man moves to a small island off Portugal to be alone. And that's about it. He interacts with several people---decent conversations, but not much else happens. A good movie to see if you are already tired (which I was). And at least I paid my dues to the Raul Ruiz retrospective.
Sunday, opted for only one movie: American Promise, a documentary about two black students who at age 5, are accepted at Dalton, the elite Private School on the upper East side. One comes from a middle class family, the other from what seems like a lower middle class family---the film charts the next 13 years of their life---as they move through the school---after the eighth grade, one of the boys drops out, the other stays and graduates. Both students live in Brooklyn, so it means a lot of traveling to get to Dalton. Lots of issues raised. When Sean, the boy who drops out, transfers to Benjamin Banneker high school in Brooklyn, the film documents his four years there in pretty strong detail; it is rewarding to see how hard and committed the public school teachers at this almost all minority school are---the Dalton faculty is well meaning, but kind of shadowy. The parents of the Dalton child, are totally invested in their son's success---so much so that in my opinion, they make too many demands of him while at school. Also of interest: when the documentary observes a high school Dalton class, the white kids seem totally blank or bored. As you can see, a lot of issues are brought up in this movie. A discussion followed afterwards, not great,but.....may recommend it to Jason, who runs the diversity program at Friends. Lots of things to discuss re this movie.
Yesterday---a BAN meeting in the evening--saw Buoys, a movie about the rebellious sculptor in the afternoon---it is a cold, withholding documentary, but I did find some interesting things about the guy.
One of the art teachers at Friends likes his work very much; I saw it to create a dialogue with this teacher---we will see what happens.
Very mild, today, not sure what the evening will bring, will report soon,,,
Saturday night---decided to simply go down to the Bunin and see Vanishing Point, part of the Raul Ruiz retrospective that they were having. Made in the early sevenities---black and white---great camera angles, always interesting to look at, but basically about nothing. A man moves to a small island off Portugal to be alone. And that's about it. He interacts with several people---decent conversations, but not much else happens. A good movie to see if you are already tired (which I was). And at least I paid my dues to the Raul Ruiz retrospective.
Sunday, opted for only one movie: American Promise, a documentary about two black students who at age 5, are accepted at Dalton, the elite Private School on the upper East side. One comes from a middle class family, the other from what seems like a lower middle class family---the film charts the next 13 years of their life---as they move through the school---after the eighth grade, one of the boys drops out, the other stays and graduates. Both students live in Brooklyn, so it means a lot of traveling to get to Dalton. Lots of issues raised. When Sean, the boy who drops out, transfers to Benjamin Banneker high school in Brooklyn, the film documents his four years there in pretty strong detail; it is rewarding to see how hard and committed the public school teachers at this almost all minority school are---the Dalton faculty is well meaning, but kind of shadowy. The parents of the Dalton child, are totally invested in their son's success---so much so that in my opinion, they make too many demands of him while at school. Also of interest: when the documentary observes a high school Dalton class, the white kids seem totally blank or bored. As you can see, a lot of issues are brought up in this movie. A discussion followed afterwards, not great,but.....may recommend it to Jason, who runs the diversity program at Friends. Lots of things to discuss re this movie.
Yesterday---a BAN meeting in the evening--saw Buoys, a movie about the rebellious sculptor in the afternoon---it is a cold, withholding documentary, but I did find some interesting things about the guy.
One of the art teachers at Friends likes his work very much; I saw it to create a dialogue with this teacher---we will see what happens.
Very mild, today, not sure what the evening will bring, will report soon,,,
Saturday, February 17, 2018
did not get to the
Morgan last night---too tired. Worked at Friends and had about four classes in a row. At home not much energy---today is different. Really free until Tuesday morning. Possibly Pollock tonight. Should try to see it; this might be my only chance. Will go down at the last minute and see if I can get in.
Thursday early evening. Caught the 7:00 showing of The Golden Circle. A really good and incisive movie about late thirty somethings, early 40 somethings living in "whitebread" Cobble Hill Brooklyn. Their composure, such as it is, is shook up when one of them, an archivist, hires a 25 year old Australian young woman as his assistant. Lots of strong scenes---really good camera work---the director's camera really loves all the women in the movie---interesting discussions about the strengths, versus the absence of intimacy. Always interesting--it is definitely much stronger than the director's earlier work: Listen Up Philip. But it is telling that the four principles, who live in what has become and is for them an all white neighborhood, all work in jobs---one an archivist, one a therapist (with only white patients) and a husband and wife who own and manage a sound studio---that don't make any demands on them to acknowledge a lower class or a world of people of color---the movie avoids any issues concerning race or poverty---and these are well educated white people. So it is a double edged sword: on one hand there is lots of force in this movie and it kept my interest throughout__on the other hand I was always aware of how insulated and disinterested in real issues these people were. Still, I loved going to Metrograph--may return there this weekend, depending on time concepts.
That is it, wanted to discuss the movie and I did. Will report soon.
Thursday early evening. Caught the 7:00 showing of The Golden Circle. A really good and incisive movie about late thirty somethings, early 40 somethings living in "whitebread" Cobble Hill Brooklyn. Their composure, such as it is, is shook up when one of them, an archivist, hires a 25 year old Australian young woman as his assistant. Lots of strong scenes---really good camera work---the director's camera really loves all the women in the movie---interesting discussions about the strengths, versus the absence of intimacy. Always interesting--it is definitely much stronger than the director's earlier work: Listen Up Philip. But it is telling that the four principles, who live in what has become and is for them an all white neighborhood, all work in jobs---one an archivist, one a therapist (with only white patients) and a husband and wife who own and manage a sound studio---that don't make any demands on them to acknowledge a lower class or a world of people of color---the movie avoids any issues concerning race or poverty---and these are well educated white people. So it is a double edged sword: on one hand there is lots of force in this movie and it kept my interest throughout__on the other hand I was always aware of how insulated and disinterested in real issues these people were. Still, I loved going to Metrograph--may return there this weekend, depending on time concepts.
That is it, wanted to discuss the movie and I did. Will report soon.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
returned to Friends....
yesterday for 3 seventh grade English classes and a seventh grade collab. Some trepidation, but the reality was a really good day---students cooperative---worked hard on their poems---those that had finished their poems found something else to do. Lots of good shared energy between the three groups and myself. I think John Byrne, the regular English teacher deserves a lot of credit for this---the students feel very responsible to him. Left feeling very tired, but extremely fulfilled. Also calmer during the whole day---maybe this was because I had not been in school for two days and was physically more relaxed as well. I will return to Friends tomorrow, for what looks like a short day of two ninth grade history classes. That's good--I like the ninth grade very much---I spent a lot of time with them last year when they were "wacky" eighth graders---now they are really maturing, and in many ways, separating from me. Well, we will see if that is true tomorrow. Then the weekend.
Not sure what the weekend holds. If I am not too tired, I plan to go on Friday evening to the Morgan Library, where they have a very intense Tenessee Williams exhibit. Saturday not sure--I would like to see the Pollock play at some point. Bushwich Starr? Maybe, but my mind will be made up as things go along.
Tonight is free---and I don't expect to be too tired to do something---maybe a movie---will report on all soon.
Not sure what the weekend holds. If I am not too tired, I plan to go on Friday evening to the Morgan Library, where they have a very intense Tenessee Williams exhibit. Saturday not sure--I would like to see the Pollock play at some point. Bushwich Starr? Maybe, but my mind will be made up as things go along.
Tonight is free---and I don't expect to be too tired to do something---maybe a movie---will report on all soon.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
second day....
of no work at Friends. And what I am beginning to understand was how differently I experience the day when there is no work there. It fills out so differently and I have some time to appreciate the evening.
Yesterday night---the movie? No. Went to the Flea web site and discovered that there were inexpensive tickets for the evening. The play, Fill Fill etc. which I wanted to see because Sarah, whom I knew when she was a student at Friends, was playing the lead. So I took the plunge, with a little hesitancy, after all the last time I spoke to Sarah, was her graduation day of June 2010. But there she was at the "Siggy" (the theater named after S Weaver) playing the central character in this play. The play turned out to be somewhat strident---it is about the young woman Sarah was playing and her attempt to settle herself after a painful and unexpected break up, but scenes seem to become louder and more exploitive as the play moves on. Yet Sarah was amazing---she moved easily through every emotion the play asked her for, and this meant that one moment she was a serious young woman, and the next a wacky cartoon. She never missed a beat---never off. At least it gave the play a center, even as I felt it was becoming far too obvious. Glad I went.
Afterwards, I waited for her and said hello. She was very happy to see me---we talked for a while---I told her about another teacher she had liked a lot and what was happening to her---but mostly I wanted to let her know how much I admired what she had done on stage. She had to go back to do some stage work, but I left feeling happy and focused--and certainly pleased that I could give her this positive feedback. Will see her again, in the next thing that she does.
Still, it was only around 9, and I was not sure that I wanted to return home---feeling hungry, but where to go. Finally settled on the Dive Bar on 101st---a nice little West Side bar, where my friend Brittany was bartending. We have become friends in the past few months--she always seems happy to see me---and I can relax there. I left after a beer, but I felt that evening had left me with two good experiences---a focus that I had not felt in a while.
Today---not sure---there is an important rally in Brooklyn a little bit south of Eastern Parkway that I might attend. My first BAN event in a while, but I think it will be important for me to attend. Also, the teacher I might substitute for tomorrow will call me and tell me if his jury duty came through. Will find out if I work tomorrow, and will report all...
Yesterday night---the movie? No. Went to the Flea web site and discovered that there were inexpensive tickets for the evening. The play, Fill Fill etc. which I wanted to see because Sarah, whom I knew when she was a student at Friends, was playing the lead. So I took the plunge, with a little hesitancy, after all the last time I spoke to Sarah, was her graduation day of June 2010. But there she was at the "Siggy" (the theater named after S Weaver) playing the central character in this play. The play turned out to be somewhat strident---it is about the young woman Sarah was playing and her attempt to settle herself after a painful and unexpected break up, but scenes seem to become louder and more exploitive as the play moves on. Yet Sarah was amazing---she moved easily through every emotion the play asked her for, and this meant that one moment she was a serious young woman, and the next a wacky cartoon. She never missed a beat---never off. At least it gave the play a center, even as I felt it was becoming far too obvious. Glad I went.
Afterwards, I waited for her and said hello. She was very happy to see me---we talked for a while---I told her about another teacher she had liked a lot and what was happening to her---but mostly I wanted to let her know how much I admired what she had done on stage. She had to go back to do some stage work, but I left feeling happy and focused--and certainly pleased that I could give her this positive feedback. Will see her again, in the next thing that she does.
Still, it was only around 9, and I was not sure that I wanted to return home---feeling hungry, but where to go. Finally settled on the Dive Bar on 101st---a nice little West Side bar, where my friend Brittany was bartending. We have become friends in the past few months--she always seems happy to see me---and I can relax there. I left after a beer, but I felt that evening had left me with two good experiences---a focus that I had not felt in a while.
Today---not sure---there is an important rally in Brooklyn a little bit south of Eastern Parkway that I might attend. My first BAN event in a while, but I think it will be important for me to attend. Also, the teacher I might substitute for tomorrow will call me and tell me if his jury duty came through. Will find out if I work tomorrow, and will report all...
Monday, February 12, 2018
Saturday night..at
Porto, Kate Benson's play that I saw last year at the Bushwick Starr and is now being produced by the Women's Project and playing just a block away from my apartment. Same cast and production--very effective. The play has a cutting edge to it--it really zeroes in on a kind of "yes" "no" feeling of commitment. It also illustrates (for want of a better word ) the excitement of the one night stand. Of it all happening, so quickly. Still, the ending is very sad. When I saw it first at the Starr, afterwards, walked around the Wycoff part of Bushwick feeling very sad and alone. Same feeling this time--really needed a bar experience (most of the play takes place in a bar) to continue the play's vision. Sadly, the bar I chose, the one right around the corner from the theater, I think it is called Amsterdam Ale House did not fulfill my sense of adventure. Foolishly ordered a beer first, thinking that I would get my food somewhere else, watched the NBA game on TV, but found myself hungry soon after. So I ordered a Caesar Salad (it was cheap) and continued watching the game. The salad was good, but there was no contact with other bar members, a strange group, middle aged men, some young women---no one to talk to. And the check was (as I had expected) enormous. To make matters worse, when I left, more hunger pains made themselves present, so it meant going to Fairway to bring back some mack and cheese to the apartment. Money well spent? I doubt it, but everyone has a bad night once in a while. Chose this bar because I was tired---when one seeks out a "bar adventure" one has to take the good with the bad. And accept it.
Yesterday, tired for most of the day. Decided to see a movie at Metrograph in the afternoon, around 5. Took the D, running on the A to Canal and decided to walk to the movie theater, that meant walking across Manhattan on Grand Street. Long and fascinating trip. Like most of soho, and little Italy, this area has been built up, as one approaches the Bowery from the west, there are three hotels on the street. Finally I arrived at the theater, only to find that he 5 P.M movie that I wanted to see, an independent called The Golden Circle was sold out. Might go today around the same time. Sat in Metrograph for a while, lots of opportunity for people watching at that place. Then decided to go to La Flaca for a meal. Friends Bobby and Kelly are in Florida for a little r and r, but the wait staff was nice---watched some of the Celtic-Cavalier game---could not believe how the Celtics allowed themselves to be dominated. Not a lot of conversation. Left in time to make the seven o'clock showing of the movie at Metrograph, but soon after felt very tired---decided to skip it and return home to rest. Lots of tiredness yesterday, probably fall out from the heavy week at Friends and Saturday's adventures--feeling good today. The director of The Golden Circle made a movie called Listen Up Philip, which I saw several years ago---not too impressed, although it got good reviews. An indy disregarding priviledge, among other problems. Still, this movie is about Brooklyn, have to give it a try, right?
At any rate, if it happens, will report soon.
Yesterday, tired for most of the day. Decided to see a movie at Metrograph in the afternoon, around 5. Took the D, running on the A to Canal and decided to walk to the movie theater, that meant walking across Manhattan on Grand Street. Long and fascinating trip. Like most of soho, and little Italy, this area has been built up, as one approaches the Bowery from the west, there are three hotels on the street. Finally I arrived at the theater, only to find that he 5 P.M movie that I wanted to see, an independent called The Golden Circle was sold out. Might go today around the same time. Sat in Metrograph for a while, lots of opportunity for people watching at that place. Then decided to go to La Flaca for a meal. Friends Bobby and Kelly are in Florida for a little r and r, but the wait staff was nice---watched some of the Celtic-Cavalier game---could not believe how the Celtics allowed themselves to be dominated. Not a lot of conversation. Left in time to make the seven o'clock showing of the movie at Metrograph, but soon after felt very tired---decided to skip it and return home to rest. Lots of tiredness yesterday, probably fall out from the heavy week at Friends and Saturday's adventures--feeling good today. The director of The Golden Circle made a movie called Listen Up Philip, which I saw several years ago---not too impressed, although it got good reviews. An indy disregarding priviledge, among other problems. Still, this movie is about Brooklyn, have to give it a try, right?
At any rate, if it happens, will report soon.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
busy day for
cotyboy---with three sessions, and then the play Porto, tonight (and don't forget to pick up your laundry around 5) after 4 hectic days at Friends. Those days also included the middle school play (Animal Farm, very well produced by my friend Shayna) a basketball elimination game against Saint Ann's that Friends won, and a speech about the horrors that migrants, trying to enter the US illegally from countries where they are in danger, are facing. The last was a long and really horrifying speech in which the guest speaker spoke of the tenacity of some of the child migrants and also of her own attempt to mirror them by going on the same trains that they did. Some really good stories, about poor people in Mexico with very little of their own, who then give what they can to the train riders, and another about an organization in Guatamala that cut down crime and made streets safe in a very dangerous neighborhood. but the speaker constantly emphasized the bloodshed and horrors that the migrants or just normal citizens face in Central American countries.
I left feeling helpless and without much hope. I could compare my "safe" life to the lives of those on the run. The "safe" life is simply normal to me. But I also was overwhelmed by the speaker's constant statements about the violence in those countries. Could she have put in about a quarter less facts and made her statements just as pertinent? What a horror! How are people trained to hurt and kill other people,? This is what we are up against. Will it ever end? What can compassionate people do to help? I think all one can do is to go to web sites that represent organizations trying to make the life experience better there, and perhaps make a small contribution. It is very little, but perhaps it will help.
Not much else to say. Tomorrow is totally open. I should catch up on a movie, and maybe visit South fourth, where I have not been for a long time. At any rate, will report soon,
I left feeling helpless and without much hope. I could compare my "safe" life to the lives of those on the run. The "safe" life is simply normal to me. But I also was overwhelmed by the speaker's constant statements about the violence in those countries. Could she have put in about a quarter less facts and made her statements just as pertinent? What a horror! How are people trained to hurt and kill other people,? This is what we are up against. Will it ever end? What can compassionate people do to help? I think all one can do is to go to web sites that represent organizations trying to make the life experience better there, and perhaps make a small contribution. It is very little, but perhaps it will help.
Not much else to say. Tomorrow is totally open. I should catch up on a movie, and maybe visit South fourth, where I have not been for a long time. At any rate, will report soon,
Monday, February 5, 2018
Monday at the library...
first day not called at Friends since January 17. That means twelve straight days in cityboy's "marathon" which took up the past two weeks. So today starting at 5:30 I waited, but there was no call. Feel two different ways. On one hand, kind of like being "free" of the subbing responsability (will definitely return on Wednesday till the end of the week) ---on the other hand, a little annoyed that I have not been called. Always a two headed sword. But now to the weekend:
Saturday night---as cold as it was, I was determined to see Get Out, which was playing at the new Sunshine Landmark on 57th and 12th. Luckily, I got a bus right away that left me off at 57th and 11th (a massive amount of luxury building in the area) but even the block long walk to the movie theater was really cold. Bought my ticket---it cost $18.50---no senior tickets in the evening. Felt annoyed, but what the hell---I was there and this was the only place to see Get Out. Bar is in the front; theaters in the back---got a very "chintzy" faux upscale vibe from the place---then, however I entered theater 1, where Get Out was showing.
Not so much a theater as a screening room---seats were large and comfortable, sight lines were amazing, and the print was beautiful. The toughness and intensity of the movie really brought me in, I am sure helped by the room I was watching it in. So there it is---is the extra money worth it, because the actual experience seems so real? Not sure---but I do want to go there again. Afterwards sat at the almost empty bar (it was around 9:30) and had a Pilzner for $8.00. Jennifer, the bartender was friendly---we had a nice talk----so I gave her a $2.00 tip. And then, believe it or not, I waited about 15 minutes for the 11 bus on 57rh and 10th. Fifteen minutes in the brutal cold! What is wrong with you cityboy? Well, I survived it---no real cold symptoms seem to have come from the wait. Yesterday was a big improvement in terms of weather---much warmer and no wind. Next trip to Landmark will hopefully be about me walking there and back.
Sunday, the super bowl day---knew that I was going to watch it at La Flaca---but what to do until 6:30, or thereabouts. Hate it that the game goes on so late. It is as bad as New Year's Eve. The intensity of Get Out made me not want to see a movie before the game (this would have been an easy thing to do) but then, where would I spend the time? Finally decided to take my first trip to Brooklyn in a long time. Good choice! The central library was closed, so I "hung out" at the museum next door. Lots of interesting painting to take up my time---went to the fifth floor, the "American" room. An interesting exhibit tracing American painting from before the revolution into the early twentieth century. Filled up the time nicely. Find myself generally interested in what I see, should give it more time. Finally, it was time to leave for La Flaca---took a group of trains and arrived there around 5:30---only an hour early. Gorged myself on about 6 wings---separated myself from the loud football fans who had come to shout at the TV, and watched carefully the first half of the game. A nice way to do it, and actually the game was very interesting. Bob, the owner, and his girl friend Kelly were there, and happy to see me, as was the super warm wait staff. They really are terrific. Left when first half was over, because I was tired--returned home and fell asleep--awoke to hear the final two minutes of the game.
So that was the weekend? Tonight? A possible trip to Brooklyn will try to work it all out, report soon,,,
Saturday night---as cold as it was, I was determined to see Get Out, which was playing at the new Sunshine Landmark on 57th and 12th. Luckily, I got a bus right away that left me off at 57th and 11th (a massive amount of luxury building in the area) but even the block long walk to the movie theater was really cold. Bought my ticket---it cost $18.50---no senior tickets in the evening. Felt annoyed, but what the hell---I was there and this was the only place to see Get Out. Bar is in the front; theaters in the back---got a very "chintzy" faux upscale vibe from the place---then, however I entered theater 1, where Get Out was showing.
Not so much a theater as a screening room---seats were large and comfortable, sight lines were amazing, and the print was beautiful. The toughness and intensity of the movie really brought me in, I am sure helped by the room I was watching it in. So there it is---is the extra money worth it, because the actual experience seems so real? Not sure---but I do want to go there again. Afterwards sat at the almost empty bar (it was around 9:30) and had a Pilzner for $8.00. Jennifer, the bartender was friendly---we had a nice talk----so I gave her a $2.00 tip. And then, believe it or not, I waited about 15 minutes for the 11 bus on 57rh and 10th. Fifteen minutes in the brutal cold! What is wrong with you cityboy? Well, I survived it---no real cold symptoms seem to have come from the wait. Yesterday was a big improvement in terms of weather---much warmer and no wind. Next trip to Landmark will hopefully be about me walking there and back.
Sunday, the super bowl day---knew that I was going to watch it at La Flaca---but what to do until 6:30, or thereabouts. Hate it that the game goes on so late. It is as bad as New Year's Eve. The intensity of Get Out made me not want to see a movie before the game (this would have been an easy thing to do) but then, where would I spend the time? Finally decided to take my first trip to Brooklyn in a long time. Good choice! The central library was closed, so I "hung out" at the museum next door. Lots of interesting painting to take up my time---went to the fifth floor, the "American" room. An interesting exhibit tracing American painting from before the revolution into the early twentieth century. Filled up the time nicely. Find myself generally interested in what I see, should give it more time. Finally, it was time to leave for La Flaca---took a group of trains and arrived there around 5:30---only an hour early. Gorged myself on about 6 wings---separated myself from the loud football fans who had come to shout at the TV, and watched carefully the first half of the game. A nice way to do it, and actually the game was very interesting. Bob, the owner, and his girl friend Kelly were there, and happy to see me, as was the super warm wait staff. They really are terrific. Left when first half was over, because I was tired--returned home and fell asleep--awoke to hear the final two minutes of the game.
So that was the weekend? Tonight? A possible trip to Brooklyn will try to work it all out, report soon,,,
Saturday, February 3, 2018
in the library....
a pre teen is writing a report on political musicals. I suggested Lost in the Stars, the kurt Weill musical based on Alan Paton's Cry the Beloved Country. Great and serious music by Kurt Weill. His death at 50---what a loss!
Earlier today, after a session, wandered a bit (it was cold) through Washington Heights, the west side. Very quiet, beautiful buildings---had lunch in a "greek place" (already too expensive, but at least it is there). Still, nothing really cultural in the area. Strange---you would think a small movie theater showing art films---but. After, returned home and listened to the first two acts of Il Trovatore. God, what an amazing opera, the music is so intense---wanted to stay for the rest, but decided to come here and use the computer in stead.
Yesterday, after my blogging this, returned home, of course very tired. Did not do much but sleep. The pattern continues---sleeping begins in the late afternoon-then around midnight I wake up, find it hard to sleep. So I am tired the next day. But with no work today, have not fallen pray to the afternoon sleep yet. Maybe can change it. Still, the last two weeks seem like one intense journey around subbing and tutoring and not much else. Should pay off financially as the year continues.
Tonight---of course many choices. There is an opening at the Bronx Documentary Center, one of my favorite places---and I have not been there for a while. Should go, still it is so cold. What about Porto? Really across the street from me, can just wander in at 7:30 and give them my $29.00 coupon. Another side of me longs to lose myself in a movie---the new (and expensive) sunshine landmark has Get Out, a movie I really should see---but in this cold weather the walk to 12th Avenue and 57th from any subway station could be really grueling. So you see, lots of choices---but cityboy does not want to plan ahead---we are in a let it happen mode.
Just found out that the Film Forum is having an Ingmar Bergman retrospective. I would like to revisit some of those films, but I wonder how much time I will have to do that. That and the Pacino retrospective at the Quad a little later, sounds pretty intense.
So that is all for now---will report soon on how the weekend turns out....
Earlier today, after a session, wandered a bit (it was cold) through Washington Heights, the west side. Very quiet, beautiful buildings---had lunch in a "greek place" (already too expensive, but at least it is there). Still, nothing really cultural in the area. Strange---you would think a small movie theater showing art films---but. After, returned home and listened to the first two acts of Il Trovatore. God, what an amazing opera, the music is so intense---wanted to stay for the rest, but decided to come here and use the computer in stead.
Yesterday, after my blogging this, returned home, of course very tired. Did not do much but sleep. The pattern continues---sleeping begins in the late afternoon-then around midnight I wake up, find it hard to sleep. So I am tired the next day. But with no work today, have not fallen pray to the afternoon sleep yet. Maybe can change it. Still, the last two weeks seem like one intense journey around subbing and tutoring and not much else. Should pay off financially as the year continues.
Tonight---of course many choices. There is an opening at the Bronx Documentary Center, one of my favorite places---and I have not been there for a while. Should go, still it is so cold. What about Porto? Really across the street from me, can just wander in at 7:30 and give them my $29.00 coupon. Another side of me longs to lose myself in a movie---the new (and expensive) sunshine landmark has Get Out, a movie I really should see---but in this cold weather the walk to 12th Avenue and 57th from any subway station could be really grueling. So you see, lots of choices---but cityboy does not want to plan ahead---we are in a let it happen mode.
Just found out that the Film Forum is having an Ingmar Bergman retrospective. I would like to revisit some of those films, but I wonder how much time I will have to do that. That and the Pacino retrospective at the Quad a little later, sounds pretty intense.
So that is all for now---will report soon on how the weekend turns out....
Friday, February 2, 2018
A cycle is over....
it began about 6:40 A.M. on Monday January 22, with a call to sub for eighth grade history, and ended this afternoon at about 1. Ten straight days of work at Friends, 7 full, 3 half. Harder then I have ever worked before--at least that is how I feel about it. A few sessions after school, then home---mostly sleeping when not working. Stretched my body to the limit, and yet it feels fine now. Nice to end the cycle with a great kindergarden class (spanish), which was full of positive energy. I have three days already booked for next week---at least one for the one after---should be some additions to that, but the marathon of work in the past two weeks should carry me through. Maybe I can actually get some normal sleep routines in, at least for the weekend.
Now to re-invent myself as some free time choices appear. Won't bore you with the choices---they are kind of overwhelming---movies, plays, etc, We all know the drill.
Just took out a biography of Anne Bancroft (new)---that says a lot about how I feel now (a need for escapism) as I find out about her work in Two For the Seasaw, Miracle Worker, etc. That one I saw--still remember Patty Duke lumbering down the stairs---really half an animal--as Helen made her first entrance. A kind of contrived play, but those scenes with her were unforgettable. Later saw the movie, on a terrific date when I was a junior with S, a Goucher junior (I was then a Hopkins junior) on a night when we really clicked. It was one of those magical evenings when one instinctively understands, something is happening to him that has never happened before. For a short time, S and I were really together---very warm and intimate---no real sex, just a bond. It was one of those "changing" or defining events of being a young man. Can I stop here? Sometimes the memories are so strong.....
And so, on to the weekend---events will happen, may see a few movies, may go to La Flaca for super bowl---will report soon.
Now to re-invent myself as some free time choices appear. Won't bore you with the choices---they are kind of overwhelming---movies, plays, etc, We all know the drill.
Just took out a biography of Anne Bancroft (new)---that says a lot about how I feel now (a need for escapism) as I find out about her work in Two For the Seasaw, Miracle Worker, etc. That one I saw--still remember Patty Duke lumbering down the stairs---really half an animal--as Helen made her first entrance. A kind of contrived play, but those scenes with her were unforgettable. Later saw the movie, on a terrific date when I was a junior with S, a Goucher junior (I was then a Hopkins junior) on a night when we really clicked. It was one of those magical evenings when one instinctively understands, something is happening to him that has never happened before. For a short time, S and I were really together---very warm and intimate---no real sex, just a bond. It was one of those "changing" or defining events of being a young man. Can I stop here? Sometimes the memories are so strong.....
And so, on to the weekend---events will happen, may see a few movies, may go to La Flaca for super bowl---will report soon.
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