have to rush.....

through this post, since I have a session in about a half hour, and must, I mean must, check out the box scores from last night. The Times does not list the box scores any more---so I have to check it out on the web.
Just read the Times article on the violinist who walked away from a major career. Good article, it is good that he was able to reconstruct his life without music (or much of it) but did not like his comment about Mozart.
Last night, the Seder, had its usual ups and downs, but glad that I went. Had to leave early---my stomach could not hold that much food, and after the turkey the desert---but I was smart enough to protect my stomach, and leave before they were offered. They looked beautiful, though, which would have made them even harder to resist. Then I walked to BAM, from Flatbush and Park Place---you know why---but decided not to end the evening with a movie.
Two more days before my return to Friends---time is closing in. Will try to make the most of it until then. Lots of sports to watch on TV, if I don't want to check out the Gunn or Pacino movies.
Sorry for such a short post--will report soon.

quiet night....

only left my apartment to do some shopping. My stomach was not happening, and I was tired. I finally got some chicken salad to eat from Fairway---really enough to keep me through the evening.
Tonight I will journey to Park Place in Prospect Heights to have Passover dinner with my cousin, her two sisters, her husbands, and possibly a few others. Always look forward to these events, although the Thanksgiving dinner that I recently attended there really did not work out---I overate and had to leave early, Hopefully today will be better. Nice to be in Brooklyn again, but if the celebration ends early, might be stuck--if I am full it will be impossible for me to stop off somewhere else for a beer or something--anyway, let's not worry about that now.
Just got the word that I will be subbing a monster program at Friends this Tuesday--four periods in a row, three seventh and one eighth grade class. A lot of input will be required.
Today I went down to Friends to pick up my check---after that decided not to simply go to the nearest library with internet, but went south to Abrons Arts to watch the documentary about the changes in Bushwick that Flako had made. Glad I did, I had seen much of it on Friday, but it was good to watch it in silence and ponder all the points made. Then I went to the library on East Broadway---they had several books that seemed interesting, but I left them all there. Why? I don't know---maybe the intensity that they promise is too much for me. So back to Lincoln Center and the internet here.
Tomorrow and Sunday are pretty open. The movie by Bill Gunn which is playing at the Metrograph got a good review in the Times, as did Pacino's two movies. Would like to see two out of the three this weekend, will have to figure out the order and the times. This weekend might be my only chance.
That will be all for now; will report soon.

a torpor.....

seems to have overtaken cityboy this morning. I had hoped to be in the library by 10, out by 11, down to Abrons Arts, to see the docs related to Flako's piece that I saw last Friday, and then over to La Flaca to share part of opening day with my friend Bob, La Flaca's owner. But it is not happening. Here I am at the Lincoln Center library, feeling kind of tired---it is pretty gloomy outside, as we are about 40 minutes away from possibly the first pitch of the Mets season, so I won't be heading down to La Flaca---at least not this morning. This evening..? Possibly.
Yesterday: I did go down to Film Forum and see Belle De Jour. It is a beautifully filmed movie---very well done on all levels---but I felt strangely detached from it. Not as "important" as I once thought of it, though I can see how it would have been very sensational 50 years ago. Then in the evening, went to my friend Alaina's piece at the Tank, directed by my friend Sarah. It needs some work, the opening, with its almost complete references to computer games, went past me, but also it takes a long time for the music to get started---and this is a piece conceived by a very talented musician. Afterwards, went to Houndstooth, a bar on 8th and 38th (one of the most crowded streets in terms of foot population, in the city). Watched the game on the top floor, while waiting for the group from the play. When they finally arrived, we all went downstairs. Bar was crowded, but wait and service staff was very nice. Stayed by myself for a while, then Alaina came over and talked to me, which was nice, and when Sarah finally arrived, had a very interesting talk with her about the piece and other plays that had people that we knew in it. Felt very good afterwards, yet I left after our discussion, since no one else there really knew me and vice versa. Good contact with both Alaina and Sarah, I guess I got what I came for.
Only four days before the return to Friends---in kind of no man's land---not sure of how the next four days will be spent, The baseball season (see above) is finally here, so that will obviously take some of my focus in the next few days. Movies, there are a few that might be interesting, also want to check in at my "places" i.e. South Fourth and Cobra Club. One of my main disappointments of this vacation is that I have spent so little time in Brooklyn (once, for the WInter's Tale---maybe one other) why? Well the weather is one reason, also going up to 145th street or thereabouts for my sessions leaves me far away from the L or the J, and in need of some libation immediately. What about tonight? Well, we will see....

cityboy in flux.....

Wednesday morning---cityboy faces a full day with no sessions are obligations. So what does that mean/ A plan, tentatively is to try to see Belle de Jour at the Film Forum this afternoon, and then see my friend Alaina's piece at the tank, this evening. Should not be difficult---still, things seem a little strange.
About Belle de Jour, a movie by Bunuel, I remember the first time that I saw it---labor day weekend, (believe it or not) 1968. I think I saw it with my friend Fred--at that time I was still working at Riverdale Children's Association (that job would end in about two months) and feeling kind of raw and alone. I was very interested in a woman about my age named Zita, I think I had a date with her planned for the Monday evening of Labor Day, which, at the last moment, she finked out of. I remember being very upset by this. Not much I could do. Those were the days when my relationships with women, really dominated my life. And now? Well, chill out, cityboy---you know what is going on now. Anyway, back to Belle de Jour, it will be interesting to see how I perceive it after this gap of time. How much did I miss the first time? Will my "experience" as an older person play into what I understand of it now. Well, we will see.
Yesterday evening---kind of quiet, after some deliberation, I decided that my best bet for the evening was to go to Lansdowne Road, the sports bar that I go to sometime on 10th Avenue and 44th street.  I had hoped to find my server friend Mel there, actually I went there to check in with her, but she was taking a day off; I was told that she and her twin Sinem, had just returned from Barcelona where they made a commercial. Very happy for them, they are a great set of twins---totally innocent of theater, but very talented. It's great that they got this work. All this info was given to me by a nice bartender named Alex. I could have left, but I decided to stay, watch some of the Toronto-Denver NBA game (really fast paced and lots of fun to watch) and fill myself up with their avocado salad. Other then the game and some nice talk with Alex, nothing much happened---the place was kind of quiet, actually, but the salad was great---glad to have a lot of greens---and I just sort of went with the flow.The 11 bus returned my to the apartment.
Any more to say---not at the moment---my time  may be running out on the computer---so I will report soon on the day's events.

must remember to visit

Flako's exhibit at Abrons Arts, in the little room that is right off the downstairs theater. Documentaries about Williamsburg and the changes that have taken place there. I was very interested when I watched some of it on Friday---but some of the important sound was hard to hear, because there were so many people in the lobby. I would like to see it and be able to think about it and be more reflective about it. So maybe on Thursday, if I go to see the opening day Met game at La Flaca,  I can go there before. Or maybe some other time. Not so hard to get there, and you know I like traveling
Last night---did have a kind of "adventure"--two stops, first a reading of a new play at Japan House, directed by Sarah, a friend of mine. Japan house is located near the UN, on 47th street, east of Second Avenue. Interesting to wander around there, it seems like there are now so many luxury houses in the surrounding area; I always ask myself "who lives there?" How much money is there in the world to support all these luxury dwellings?  The reading itself, which had a number of actresses in it that I know, was pretty boring. An hour and a half, without a break---hard to sit through---I don't understand, since the playwright was present, why some cuts wern't requested during the short rehearsal period. Left feeling kind of frustrated, but I said that I would go, and I did. Nice to support Sarah---she seemed happy to see me. I will go to her next project, tomorrow night, which is at the Tank, a song cycle she is working on with another friend of mine, Alaina. Should be interesting.
    It was early (about 9:15) when I left Japan House, and the plan was to visit my friend Brittany at her bartender post at the Broadway Dive Bar, on 101st and Broadway. Quite a trip, from 47th and first to there. How to get there? Will, took the third avenue bus north to 96th street and then waited in the cold, for the crosstown. Luckily, it arrived quickly, then I walked to the Dive Bar. Brittany was happy to see me---we talked for a while; not much going on there in the way of conversation---I had my beer (enjoyed it) and left after about 45 minutes. I like the place, it has a kind of relaxed vibe about it, and the inhabitants of the bar seem, for the most part, like people I would enjoy interacting with. Return trips? We will see.
Today, one session, then things are open---might go to Brooklyn to watch a movie at South Fourth (I think they are still having them) or maybe check out the Starr Bar, for some interesting "protest" conversation. Somehow, am not into seeing a play or movie tonight, but that could change.
 One more week before my return to Friends---now getting used to the "stress free" vision of life that comes when I am not thinking about work there. As for tonight, will report soon.

another article....

displaying the total aggressiveness of the development community and the city's desire to advocate for this community. Where are we going with this? How do I report on my "adventures" when in fact this aggressiveness is all pervasive. Is the Mayor determined to leave the city in ruins, for those who are not wealthy? To price out everyone else? Sometimes I feel that is the case. Well, let's see how things develop. How much resistance to these plans can be created.
As to the "adventures":
Saturday afternoon, after a short session at 145 street, cityboy goes to the 145 street A train station to get o 179th street. Sounds very simple, yes? Well after 15 minutes, nothing happened. Time to get out and try to get a bus, a taxi  (but you would have to pay for it) or walk the 34 blocks in 30 or so minutes. Of course, that is what happened--my determination to get to the library at 179th was intense---so there I was, walking north at great speed on Saint Nicholas and later Amsterdam Avenue. I could feel the pressure on my body as I walked; amazingly enough I made it only five minutes late, and had a great session. Afterwards, walked around Washington Heights in search of Greek diner in which I could have some coffee and a cheese danish, but a wrong turn on Bennett Avenue lengthened that trip. The subways were incredibly slow that afternoon. Returned home and realized that a near by movie experience was impossible. I could hardly move. Rest of the night was spent (to no one's surprise) sleeping.
Sunday, Winter's Tale in Brooklyn scheduled for the evening, but what of the afternoon. Too tired to go to Brooklyn early, I decided to take in Ismael's Ghost's, a movie playing at the Walter Reade theater. It's main character is a movie director, with a lover, whose wife, who had gone missing twenty one years earlier, reappears. Interesting story with interesting shots, but the movie centers on the director, whom I found selfish and indulgent---I was annoyed with his "angst". pretty early on. Stayed until the end, though---some good things, great performances by the two women whom he is involved with and some great shots---but overall, I was turned off by the central character's overheated self indulgence.
  Arrived in Brooklyn early (thankfully), had some coffee, browsed the bookstore in Fulton and headed to the Polonsky theater for the play. Winter's Tale is a play that i have seen many times---this production, while sloppy in parts, and with many different accents and visions of performance, nevertheless, left me very moved. I don't know---maybe the arc of the play is so strong (It is a brilliant piece of writing)  that, despite all the things that annoyed me (poor line readings, costumes that seemed inept)  the whole thing worked. I wonder if a play like Hamlet or Macbeth could have survived some of the weak links in this production, but for Winter's Tale, those problems were stifled by the sheer "guts" of the play. Afterwards, traveled the subway back to Manhattan with my friend Michael, who did a really nice job playing Camilo---we talked about some of the problems that the actors faced as the train went back to Manhattan.
First play for cityboy in a while---well, there was also Flako's monologue on Friday, but being there really reminded me how excited I am to be in a theater watching live performers create at the moment---a much stronger experience then being at a movie.
Tonight---hopefully will go to a reading that my friend Sarah is directing at Japan House, should see a lot of people there that I know---will report soon.

freedom for cityboy....

Friday night, first real night of the vacation, first night that I really "moved" through the city. I followed my instincts and went to see my buddy Flako's show at Abrons Arts. Glad that I did, Flako was there before the performance and greeted me with great warmth. He also showed me a booth that as part of his project at Abrons Arts, has interviews concerning the changes brought about by gentrification in Bushwick, and also has  stories from Bushwick's intense past, when drugs, apparently were everywhere in those seven blocks that move from Wycoff to Broadway. Then his project, a dynamic exploration of his life, and other things pertaining to his color and his vision. Enjoyed it- then ended up having wings at La Flaca, and watching the first half of the Duke-Syracuse matchup (a chess match of a basketball game, if there ever was one) . Nice to be back at La Flaca, where I am always welcome. Perhaps because of all the work I have had since the beginning of the year, I have found it difficult to get to after a long day, or perhaps I allow myself to be a little removed from places that I take for granted, but La Flaca is a place where I am always made to feel welcome. All the service staff knows and likes me---and I should take advantage of that. Hope to make the next visit soon.
 Tonight: not so sure, have a few sessions and what I do will probably be effected by how tired I feel. Last session is in Washington Heights, so may, if I am hungry, try to find a place around there to hang out. And possibly a movie afterwards. We will see.
Tomorrow, Winter's Tale at TFANA in the evening--my friend Michael is in it---will say hello to him afterwards---before that---lots of choices---do I really "dare" to see two theater events in one day? We shall see, will report soon.

Wow! It has been...

a long and "multi-varied" week. First two days---continuing the readjustment to "freedom". Then the snowstorm, i.e. "isolation day"; and then the last two days (or day and a half. as it is just after one, now) as a prospective jury member. Glad that is over--if I was chosen for a certain jury, it might have meant canceling my two upcoming days at Friends, immediately after school re-begins. But that is all clear now---it is all about using time for the rest of the vacation.
Some quick reports:
Monday evening, went to community meeting re the gigantic apartment building that a developer is trying to finagle at Amsterdam and 69th street. Developer thinks he can have 40 floors; the community thinks it can be stopped at the "normal" rate of around 29. It interesting being at a meeting of upper west siders---the leader of the group that is fighting this---and a very determined leader she is---stated "West Siders want their sun", as if that was the be-all and end all of their fight against the developer. Kind of naive, right? Yes, but this woman is the one who has fought endlessly for the check against the developer. Still, it is frustrating to be with people who think that everything begins and ends with one place:the upper west side. Nevertheless an interesting meeting.
Tuesday afternoon" Sybil's next pageant, welcoming spring---at the Whitney---another strange cross section of all thing artistic, ending with a kind of dance---the first one I can remember--that might have developed, under other circumstances, into an orgy. It didn't, at least at this first of three performances one after the other. Glad I could come and support Sibyl---can't wait for the June solstice to be at the Whitney again, a place that intrigues me.
That evening, went to Dive bar for supper; got a chance to talk to my friend the  bartender Brittany. She is really nice---invited me to come to her other gig on Monday---will try to do it, even if I am coming from Sarah Hughes' project on the mid east side---wow, going there will be certainly very odd.
Wednesday, sort of trapped inside---everything closed or canceled, but finally was able to get out and see Paul Taylor's dance company---all live events at the Center were not canceled. And the supposed "Blizzard" that we were promised, really never happened. The snow fell a lot but most of it was pretty light and rainy. No big overwhelming winds or anything like that. Three ballets at the Taylor---the first Isadora Duncan by Sarah Mearns, was an interesting piece, its best moments were went ms Mearns showed that steps that imitated life worked well with the chosen music. I really admire her for doing this. A new ballet that seemed pretty generic followed, and the evening ended with Taylor's Pizziola etc--- a really well defined, striking ballet. The opening tableau looks like it could be taken from the roof  ":America" from the West Side Story movie (of course, Taylor fanatics will deny this emphatically and then probably call me a philistine) but then the choreography is very original and dynamic. You can feel the whole creative force behind this ballet, and it is incredibly strong.
Went home and "gorged" on a nice slice of mocha cake (kind of heavy for me, but I did it anyway) and prepared for my journey to the world of the law, the next morning.
About Jury duty, the less said the better---I thought my age would disqualify me, but it did not---so I was stuck there for the day and part of today. But not a total loss, a few interesting conversations and since I arrived in the area so early, some interesting looks at the buildings in the area directly west of the Courthouse. As you may have guessed--mostly luxury apartment, large and small---so New York.
And now I am out.
Tonight, finally made the commitment to see Flako's piece at Abrons Arts. Have already seen an earlier version, but must support Flako; he is my friend, Will report tomorrow.

where are we...

going, or "where too" cityboy? First weekend of the vacation over, and a fairly uneventful one at that.
After last post, went home and rested, finally left the apartment and headed for the Bunin, to see a movie that was part of the "rendezvous for French Cinema"  program there. Lucky I did---the movie that was showing at 9:15 was called Number One. It was a beautifully shot movie---made in Paris and other parts of France about a forty something woman who has risen in her corporation to fourth in line, but who is offered a CEO job with a water filtrating organization that has just lost is CEO. A strong woman's group is pressuring her to take it---she has other complications: family, a  husband who can't keep up with her---some rivals, that make the choice even harder. All this is presented in an extremely focused and serious way---nothing in the movie seems manufactured. The central character is multi dimensional played by the brilliant actress                                      . She captures every nuance of the characters strength and also uncertainty. I was involved throughout---really glad that I saw it.
 Yesterday, I was tired through most of the day. Thought of going to the lower east side to see my friend Flako's project at Abrons Arts, but by the middle of the day, realized that I could not make it. So I stayed home and rested. During this time I read a lot of Louis Auchinchloss's novel The Rector of Justin. It is really  remarkable book---very glad that I am reading it.
  Nothing much else to report. I have just found out that there will be a meeting in my neighborhood tonight headed by the City Council person in our district regarding a brutally high apartment tower that a developer wants to build near Lincoln Center. Should really go, although I might prefer a movie or a trip to Brooklyn. But, will probably attend, then see what happens.....

Saturday of freedom....

well, at least for the next two weeks, as Friends is closed, so most of the time is to myself. Have to get used to feeling free in the morning. Still, lots to do, friends to visit, friends in plays to support, movies to catch up on, bars to catch up on, etc, etc.
Thursday night: another stay at home, and last night, after a long and hectic day at Friends, feel asleep quite early. Tonight there is a strong possibility I will try to see Flako's piece at Abrons, also just made a reservation to see Winter's Tale at TFANA---my friend Michael is in it. Tomorrow, I am"psyched" to see Heat, the Michael Mann movie that stars both Pacino and De Niro, (they have one scene together) and lasts about 3 hours. After that, lots of choices, hope at some point to see The Low Road and the Amateurs, but who knows? Also going to Sybil's project at the Whitney this Tuesday afternoon.
Yesterday at Friends, participated in a discussion that is revolving around the attempted firing of a teacher for making what some students claimed were anti-semitic remarks. About eight students talked about the problems inherent in the aftermath of the firing---which will be challenged by the union; the teacher is a long time veteran of the school, and, as far as I know, has never had any problems before. The dialogue was pretty open; I only made one comment, and that was for clarification. I was happy to join the discussion---everyone is very serious in coming to terms and solving the problem. The seriousness of the discussion did not move itself into my last class-a fifth grade that worked very conscientiously on their Spanish assignment. I left feeling very good about the warmth and energy that I received from the last class.
Not much else to say---it will be interesting to see how the vacation (such as it is) plays itself out, and where I find myself at different times. Will report soon.

so it is...

over, or so I think. Have worked at Friends for the last three days, no work today, though I did pick up my check, and not hired for tomorrow. If that does not happen, the my vacation has begun--well it hasn't. As I was writing this a text arrived from a teacher, asking me to take her program tomorrow. Good news,  it is fun to work the last day---it will give me a chance to say a formal goodbye to everyone. And I will be rested from today,
The rest of the news:
Saturday, I was tired, so the evening was lost. Just stayed home and recovered from the sessions of the day.
Sunday: finally broke the ice and made my "brooklyn voyage" It began at Cobra where it was good to sees my bartender buddy Olivia---I stayed there for about an hour---no other conversations and no sports---not a good combination---but a very rich donut had filled me up, and I was able to walk from Wycoff and Jefferson to DeKalb and Broadway, that is the span of Bushwick, actually by way of Myrtle. On Dekalb, grabbed the 38 bus and went to BAM, chilled out in that area, and finally, going back on Fulton and then north on Bedford, arrived at South Fourth. Nice to see a lot of people there, but also, one of the patrons who is a regular there, just won't stop bloviating. I had the bad luck to sit next to him, and this got me angry. But I left, happy that I had made my "triangle" (Bushwick to Fort Greene, to Williamsburg) voyage. More to come? We will seel
Now to discuss something that is unsettling; After I deposited my check today, I walked west on 23rd street between third avenue and fifth avenue. The amount of luxury building that I saw was staggering! At least four new projects, all going high---even one in a little sliver space. How long must this go on? Where is the city going with this? How will this effect prices. I can feel the development juggernaut moving so aggressively and with it, higher prices for food and everything else. Whose city is this? By the time the next Mayor arrives (he will probably be a democrat) will there be absolutely nothing to be "progressive" about.? I wish there were more conversations, more awareness of this. Yes, I have BAM, where we are all aware of this and fighting it. but why are we allowing one class of people to dominate the rest of us?
All right, cityboy, chill out---let's try to put it together.
So it looks like there is work tomorrow, then two weeks off to perhaps "find myself" We will see

so it was....

an amazing experience! I am talking about the performance of Elektra by Strauss at the Met last night. A relentless opera, full of fury, very little lyric let up. Sometimes hard to get through, since there is so many declamatory statements in the first part of the play---but the overall effect was intense. From my "perch" in the Family Circle, the sound was great---also had no trouble with the sight lines. Cast was very strong, the late Chereau's staging tries to humanize the characters a great deal (a lot of hugging, even between Clytemnestra and Elektra) --but, the opera is really two hours of an unstoppable force. . The three women leads were terrific--at the curtain calls, everyone seemed ecstatic. My first trip to the Met this year, I really felt comfortable being there, hope that I can go a few more times before the season ends in early May. I will try to see the new production of Cosi, and Luisa Miller---anything else is a possibility but will depend on what else is happening in my life.
Family Circle standing room really works for me---the sound just shoots up at you---one really can absorb it all.
Today, may feel strong enough to try to get in the Bushwick Starr and its production of "the Robot show", a one man show whose title I should be aware of . This may be my only chance to see it, what with all the other projects that I am interested in. Well, you have to take them all one at a time. If I don't get in Syndicated is showing Call Me By Your Name---and since it is nearbye, might just go over there is the play is sold out. It will be nice to be in Bushwick again, after a (for me) long absence.
Will it happen? Will report soon.

Opera tonight....

Cityboy just "snagged' a standing room place for Elektra---kind of excited about it--my first trip to the Met this year. I have heard the opera a few times, including at least once with an all star cast of Nillson, Resnick and Rysenek, and to be honest, it did not have much effect on me. My vision of the music is that it is intense from the first note to the last--without much variety. But the conductor of tonight's performance is terrific, and this production, by the late Patrice Chereau, is supposed to bring new vision to the opera. So I am seeing it---it helps that I was not asked to work at Friends today, so my energy level for the hour and forty minutes that I have to stand for the piece should be very strong.
  Not much else to say. Yesterday, while having a session at the library at 145 street, my phone seemed to lose service. Quite troubling, as no one else's in the library had. But when I went to the store, the sales person told me that perhaps my phone company was reworking something, which was the reason for the shut down in the library. Once out of the library, it was fine. Returned home feeling quite relieved, yet the anxiety caused by the experience was very strong, and by the time I got back to the apartment, i was pretty tired. So no trip to Dive Bar where my friend Brittany was bartending---just rest.
 The weekend seems to be very busy with sessions. How much they take out of me will probably determine what I do during my leisure time. Do you realize, cityboy, that you have not been to South fourth or Cobra, for almost two months. Must be kind of a record--but things have changed--Sundays have been cold, there have been movies to see, also if I work at Friends on a Monday, I have a tendency to want to stay in Manhattan.  Maybe this Sunday will be my day of return. We will see.
Will report soon...

a wild ride...

for cityboy, this morning. First, a long day yesterday, stuck in the apartment, read both the Thomas Mallon novel about Reagan, which is actually very good, and began the Auchincloss novel that I bought for a dollar, yesterday at the library---it is also very good, so far. Still, stuck in the apartment--while the promised blizzard that was going to blow us all away, turned out to be pretty tame.
But this morning:
5:30: Received a text from a teacher, asking me to sub for his two classes today---I immediately accepted and began to get ready
6:30: Same teacher texts and says he will make his later morning class, do I still want to take the first one? I say yes.
7;15: While sitting in the Pret a Manger at Union Square (I have arrived, as usual, early) one more text from the teacher appears---this time it seems the trains are running correctly, and he will be able to cover his first period class. So where does that leave me? Nowhere! But I deal with it. I spend the next hour in the neighborhood that surrounds the school, in various coffee and bagel places, hoping that I will receive another text from another teacher, asking me to cover. But it does not come. Finally, I accept my fate and walk to the subway on 23rd and 5th; there the W or R or whatever will return me to the upper west side.
So what is to be gained by all of this? Well, all of this voyage took a lot of energy, and I never tired during the whole trip there and back. So that is nice to know. Also, have a little more energy if I want to do something tonight (please, do something tonight, cityboy)  and one new session (maybe 2) coming up. So my energy is strong.
That's my current story---I definitely  return to Friends on Monday, but maybe tomorrow as well.
Will report any adventures soon.

a snow date....

for Friends, where I was scheduled to work. Feel a little sad---some of the students on the register of the classes that I was going to cover or those I like a lot and had not worked with for a while. Oh well, maybe next time.
I now have five books at home that I might read during the long day with snow ahead. One of them I actually bought for a dollar at a library sale--it is The Rector of Justin, a 1965 book by Louis Auchincloss. I remember exactly when it came out---spring of 65, I was finishing up my year at Yale--that was a pivotal time in my life, for when I left Yale, I basically moved "away' from my family, that is the emotional structure that was in place ever since my year in Kindergarden, "Bob as Student" was ended. A real break in my life history. I wonder if my father ever got over it. At any rate, I remember the book getting good reviews, and one of my friends, Steve B, actually including it in a small poem. So now it is mine. Will I read it? Well, at my house there is also Brosnan's baseball book and the Thomas Mallon novel, Finale, a really sharp piece of work that I find very interesting. So, assuming that I stay in the rest of the day, at least one of them will be read at length, depending on my mood.
A new Joe the Juice has opened about a block from my apartment. As usual, per the neighborhood, it is highly overpriced--but I like the ambiance---their coffee is very good, and they make nice smoothies. At this point, with cityboy a little financially ahead, I like patronizing it. May go there after this stay at the library.
Weekend adventures: Was able to get a cheap ticket to Sound House, the New Goerges theater project playing at the Flea. An interesting piece, somewhat repetitive, really technically efficient, and like a lot of other "downtown theater" projects, a little bit in love with its own vision. A group of interlocking stories the center of which was a sensitive young woman trying to discover the past life of her mother, before her mother had met and married her father. It had to do with a possible affair with a Rolling Stone rocker on a tour of Amsterdam. Sometimes the writing was taut and intense, but as with a lot of these projects, there was also a lot of repetition. Still, glad that I went, it was nice to see Susan, who runs New Goerges at the theater and to let her know that I was offering my support.
 Sunday: revolved around a visit to the Film Forum to see a documentary entitled Did You Wonder Who Carried the Gun?  The film maker, Travis Wilkerson discovers that his great grandfather killed a black man in a small town in Mississippi and was never prosecuted for it. So he goes back to the place where the crime happened---a general store at that time owned and run by his great grand father and great grandmother---and tries to put together the most information he can get. The tone is bleak and harsh---this is a real" take no prisoners"  look at the pre civil rights south where white supremacy ruled. The strongest vision that one takes away from the film is how powerful the white leaders were at the time, and the hopelessness that the black citizens of the area must have felt. It left me feeling very sad and somewhat frightened.
 After that I returned home---for some reason, though I had time, I did not want to "hang out" at any bar--just stopped off at the Two Boots near the seventh avenue 1 and 2 train, and after the pizza, headed home.
The snow is beginning to fall with great intensity now...I guess that will keep me in the apartment for most of the rest of the day. Don't know if movie theaters will remain open, but very calm about just reading. We will see.

Saturday, after two...

backbreaking days at Friends---many classes. Today and tomorrow a little easier. Its amazing how truly ensconced I feel at the school. More integrated than ever. It is a good sign.
Lots of options for the weekend, perhaps too many---I might out think myself. Would like to see one more Bergman film in that festival at Film Forum, then there is also that very intense documentary about  the murder of a black man many years ago that  a descendant of the possible murderer explores. And others. And plays. Hoped to get a cut rate ticket for one of the New Georges projects, but now I find that that may be impossible. Don't know if I feel like paying $35.00, still I like them; Susan has been very friendly to me, so I should, I suppose go.
Simple problems for a complicated time.
Not much else to say, the weekend continues, will report soon.