It is service day at Friends, and so I am off today. I will return for the next two days, and already have 4 days scheduled for next week. Yesterday, it was difficult going up to the library at 162nd street for a session with a student, but I did it. It was a valuable session, the student really needed my input. But going north after a day at Friends is not something I look forward to--still, I should do it---if my day at Friends is just a half day, it is not so much of a problem.
Lots of events coming up--tomorrow evening is the Friends upper school concert for the orchestra and chorus. Many students I know are performing; I have to go. Friday will be too difficult for evening activity. I hope to see my friend Sybil's project either today or Saturday (the only other choice), Then there are three other projects that friends of mine are doing---two of them run through the19th, and a host of other projects and productions the either sound interesting (like the Summer and Smoke revival) or are with people that I am slightly acquainted with (that would include Hearbeat Opera, a company with what seems like interesting ideas about, this year, Don Giovanni, and Fidelio) So it goes on. Even if one was retired, and did nothing in the days but wait to see these plays and operas, I doubt one could see all of those that seem interesting.
Speaking of Summer and Smoke, I first became acquainted with that play in the summer of 1960 at Timberland, the adult camp where I was a waiter and sometime actor. Summer and Smoke was one of the eight plays the group put on that year (I probably remember all of the others, but I won't name them now) It is an interesting play, I really got to know it that year, since it was done four times, and I think I did the lights for it (or something like that). Looking back, that was a strange summer;I was a waiter in a fairly laid back setting at sixteen and a half, surrounded by grown up.. At times I was definitely in over my head---probably too young to experience the whole thing, yet my parents, who at times could be overprotective, were comfortable with me taking on this task. I was about to begin my first year at Hopkins---had three weeks between labor day and orientation at Hopkins to just hang tough. I remember thinking that the play was very viable--that is, it made sense from beginning to end. Will see how I relate to the present revival, assuming that I see it.
I think that is really all for now---will probably report over the weekend.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Saturday, April 21, 2018
the apartment crisis may...
finally be over---a calm night, no leaks, the plumber seems to have done a solid job in stopping that.
Yesterday, returned home from a "hectic" day at Friends---only to find this plumber still working out of my bathroom Dirt in it was filthy---but,when I stepped out for a while (actually to find a bathroom in the neighborhood, since I could not use my own) and then returned, the place was presentable. But the muslin that covered the open ceiling had fallen, for the next half hour I tried my best with scotch tape, a ladder that I should never have used (I actually fell a few feet on it, but luckily, landed on my heels) to patch the muslin up. Failed, after a few hours of course--why did i do it, show such determination to get it done, knowing that I was risking an accident by standing on the not very secure ladder, and later on a large thick book on a chair in an attempt to reach the ceiling. I could easily have asked someone in the building for support, but I did not. Well, after about two hours of
"success" the Muslin fell again. No problems, the plumber told me that he would return on Monday to re patch it. The apartment is okay anyway, not sure of what the muslin accomplishes. Anyway, things seem to be stable.
Not much else to report---a hectic day at Friends yesterday, subbing for two different language teachers, each with at least one class of "rambunctious" students. Got through it okay, though, will be at Friends most (if not all) of next week---so not sure of the next post.
Tonight will be the first night, I will actually leave my apartment and the neighborhood (I think) Not sure where I will head---there is a movie playing on 42nd street of all places about Auschwitz survivors that sounds interesting---actually there are a lot of movies out there that I could lose myself in. Tomorrow might be totally free--it might be a good time just to make my two stops in Brooklyn--Cobra first and then South fourth--of course there are some other areas I would like to explore as well.
Anyway, all will reveal itself soon---I will keep posting...
Yesterday, returned home from a "hectic" day at Friends---only to find this plumber still working out of my bathroom Dirt in it was filthy---but,when I stepped out for a while (actually to find a bathroom in the neighborhood, since I could not use my own) and then returned, the place was presentable. But the muslin that covered the open ceiling had fallen, for the next half hour I tried my best with scotch tape, a ladder that I should never have used (I actually fell a few feet on it, but luckily, landed on my heels) to patch the muslin up. Failed, after a few hours of course--why did i do it, show such determination to get it done, knowing that I was risking an accident by standing on the not very secure ladder, and later on a large thick book on a chair in an attempt to reach the ceiling. I could easily have asked someone in the building for support, but I did not. Well, after about two hours of
"success" the Muslin fell again. No problems, the plumber told me that he would return on Monday to re patch it. The apartment is okay anyway, not sure of what the muslin accomplishes. Anyway, things seem to be stable.
Not much else to report---a hectic day at Friends yesterday, subbing for two different language teachers, each with at least one class of "rambunctious" students. Got through it okay, though, will be at Friends most (if not all) of next week---so not sure of the next post.
Tonight will be the first night, I will actually leave my apartment and the neighborhood (I think) Not sure where I will head---there is a movie playing on 42nd street of all places about Auschwitz survivors that sounds interesting---actually there are a lot of movies out there that I could lose myself in. Tomorrow might be totally free--it might be a good time just to make my two stops in Brooklyn--Cobra first and then South fourth--of course there are some other areas I would like to explore as well.
Anyway, all will reveal itself soon---I will keep posting...
Thursday, April 19, 2018
all my focus....
in the last 18 hours or so has been on my apartment, which experienced an intense leak in the bathroom last night. Panic! So much water! It seemed endless. Neighbors, very supportive, came into the apartment and observed. Would it ever stop? Finally the house plumber arrived, and identified the problem---the bath of my upstairs neighbor---and is supposed to be fixing it now, as I write this I JUST WANT THIS PROBLEM SOLVED! You can see how this is obsessing me---have not been able to focus on much else since the water careened down at about 8 P.M. last night.
So what else. Well, after today, it is possible that I will have seven straight days of work at Friends. Pretty good, quite a marathon, have to get ready for it and keep in shape.
BAN meeting was effective on Monday, some plans were made for the late summer march. It was cold, and I was underdressed, so my options for exploring the neighborhood were limited. It is an interesting neighborhood, the area that I wandered in briefly, even in the cold, before the meeting goes from about 18th and 4th to 24th and 5th. Lots of new buildings on the blocks between fourth and fifth--houses their are going for around 2.5 million, probably could have been bought for about $300, 000 twenty years ago. Sort of the back end of Park Slope. Passed a bar called Quarter---I have read some interesting things about in the past few years---one of the southern most bars in the slope> Might have tried it out, if it was not so cold, after the meeting could only run to the nearest R subway stop, luckily the train came right away.
No real plans for the weekend, will have to see how the sessions turn out. Will be at Friends tomorrow, and like I said earlier, for most if not all of next week. Will report soon.
So what else. Well, after today, it is possible that I will have seven straight days of work at Friends. Pretty good, quite a marathon, have to get ready for it and keep in shape.
BAN meeting was effective on Monday, some plans were made for the late summer march. It was cold, and I was underdressed, so my options for exploring the neighborhood were limited. It is an interesting neighborhood, the area that I wandered in briefly, even in the cold, before the meeting goes from about 18th and 4th to 24th and 5th. Lots of new buildings on the blocks between fourth and fifth--houses their are going for around 2.5 million, probably could have been bought for about $300, 000 twenty years ago. Sort of the back end of Park Slope. Passed a bar called Quarter---I have read some interesting things about in the past few years---one of the southern most bars in the slope> Might have tried it out, if it was not so cold, after the meeting could only run to the nearest R subway stop, luckily the train came right away.
No real plans for the weekend, will have to see how the sessions turn out. Will be at Friends tomorrow, and like I said earlier, for most if not all of next week. Will report soon.
Monday, April 16, 2018
No work at
Friends today, (but definitely work there tomorrow and Wednesday) so I probably will be able to go to the BAN meeting tonight. This is especially interesting because it will not be on w.24th street, the usual meeting place, but on 22nd street in Brooklyn---a chance to visit what is now referred to as "the south slope" neighborhood. This is what I really like---going out there.
Some reports: Saturday night: Seagull-machine at LaMama, by my favorite theater group Assembly. A very ambitious project---the audience is asked to sit through just about all of The Seagull, by Anton Chekhov, and then we are moved into another space to watch a fifteen page play by Heiner Muller called Hamlet Machine. Does it work? Not clear---these are my friends, so I am very much with them. The Seagull is performed decently---I love that play and all that it represents--and I found the major performances, if not brilliant, strong in intent and honesty. The supporting cast was solid---it was nice to see the play done in an honest fashion. Then, as the Seagull was about to end, we were brought into a large adjacent room to watch the transition to Muller's Hamlet Machine---a short play that takes Hamlet apart---probably stands on the opposite side of the theater spectrum from The Seagull. I understand the group's fascination for the contrast of the two theater events, which probably stands for their fascination for theater itself, but I am not sure the bonding idea was really made clear. Nevertheless, was glad that I came, had some nice conversations with the actors and joined the group at the nearbye bar for more conversations. A good evening.
Yesterday, wanted to go to a protest in Prospect Heights where a bar that has been a neighborhood staple is being forced to close down because the landlord is demanding too much rent. But I did not make it---the thought of going to Brooklyn and then returning for the Friends spring musical to manhattan, just seemed a bit much. So I marshaled my energy and headed for the Vineyard Theater where There Be Dragons, the Friends spring musical was playing. How was it? Well, the cast, about twenty strong was amazing---there kids who I see in my day to day experience at the school, clumping about from one class to another, all of a sudden looking like Broadway dancers in this project. Technically the show was a marvel--great sets, costumers etc..the book---well it did leave something to be desired. Lots of thoughts went through my head as I watched it---saw many students in the audience whom I knew, also many students whom I am very fond of on stage---can't wait to see them in the next two days and tell them how much I admired their passion and commitment.
After the performance, i headed to Standings, for some baseball and basketball watching---I left just as I friend Sam, the night bartender was beginning his run---will return at another time. The hard rain made it impossible for me to consider a trip to Brooklyn, so I settled for a pizza slice--some reading and some desert at the new and enormous Bean, that takes up a lot of eighth street, and went home.
Pretty much went to sleep after that.
That is all for now---will report the next time I have a free day...
Some reports: Saturday night: Seagull-machine at LaMama, by my favorite theater group Assembly. A very ambitious project---the audience is asked to sit through just about all of The Seagull, by Anton Chekhov, and then we are moved into another space to watch a fifteen page play by Heiner Muller called Hamlet Machine. Does it work? Not clear---these are my friends, so I am very much with them. The Seagull is performed decently---I love that play and all that it represents--and I found the major performances, if not brilliant, strong in intent and honesty. The supporting cast was solid---it was nice to see the play done in an honest fashion. Then, as the Seagull was about to end, we were brought into a large adjacent room to watch the transition to Muller's Hamlet Machine---a short play that takes Hamlet apart---probably stands on the opposite side of the theater spectrum from The Seagull. I understand the group's fascination for the contrast of the two theater events, which probably stands for their fascination for theater itself, but I am not sure the bonding idea was really made clear. Nevertheless, was glad that I came, had some nice conversations with the actors and joined the group at the nearbye bar for more conversations. A good evening.
Yesterday, wanted to go to a protest in Prospect Heights where a bar that has been a neighborhood staple is being forced to close down because the landlord is demanding too much rent. But I did not make it---the thought of going to Brooklyn and then returning for the Friends spring musical to manhattan, just seemed a bit much. So I marshaled my energy and headed for the Vineyard Theater where There Be Dragons, the Friends spring musical was playing. How was it? Well, the cast, about twenty strong was amazing---there kids who I see in my day to day experience at the school, clumping about from one class to another, all of a sudden looking like Broadway dancers in this project. Technically the show was a marvel--great sets, costumers etc..the book---well it did leave something to be desired. Lots of thoughts went through my head as I watched it---saw many students in the audience whom I knew, also many students whom I am very fond of on stage---can't wait to see them in the next two days and tell them how much I admired their passion and commitment.
After the performance, i headed to Standings, for some baseball and basketball watching---I left just as I friend Sam, the night bartender was beginning his run---will return at another time. The hard rain made it impossible for me to consider a trip to Brooklyn, so I settled for a pizza slice--some reading and some desert at the new and enormous Bean, that takes up a lot of eighth street, and went home.
Pretty much went to sleep after that.
That is all for now---will report the next time I have a free day...
Saturday, April 14, 2018
another surprising phone calll...
from Friends at about 8:10 yesterday asking me to cover a second grade class, and to get to Friends as quickly as possible. That I did (around 8:50, unbelievably) and found myself flying blind, reading instructions from the regular teacher and trying to live through a plan that would get me to about 10:30. Of course, was able to do it---the second grade students were basically very cooperative--still, it always amazes me how with short time prep I can just put myself into a very frenetic and improvised situation. I finished up the day at Friends with what was supposed to be my "regular" program---and left at around 3---of course exhausted. Will return tomorrow afternoon for the spring musical--I know many students who are in it, so I am excited to see what it turns out to be. And I have just found out that there will be a rally outside a black owned restaurant-bar in Prospect Heights tomorrow morning---a bar that is in danger of closing because it will not have it lease renewed. I will try to go to that before the musical. Very important that I go.
Tonight at La Mama---Seagull-Machine, a play put on by the Assembly, maybe my favorite "indie" theater group. I know them well, have followed them for a long time, and I have had many good discussions with one of their leaders, Ben Beckley. This is a very ambitious project---I hope they bring it off. Earlier, I hope to head back to the apartment and listen to some of Luisa Miller, a very interesting and not that often heard Verdi Opera, that is being performed this afternoon at the Met.
Not much else to report---I had hoped to do something yesterday evening, but of course, after the long teaching day, when I got home I was "zonked" and ready for some serious rest. Still, yesterday really invigorated me---when I left Friends, I did not head home---instead after a smoothy at a nearbye coffee shop, walked north---bumped into two old friends and spoke with them for a while---and continued north, mostly on third avenue up to 42nd street. Looked at the architecture in the Murray Hill section, some beautiful brownstones between Lexington and Park on 35th, 36th and 37th street---also some strong older buildings---wonder who lived in them in the fifties and sixties---as well as the usual high rises that dot the area. Any walk in the city is interesting.
That's about it--will report soon.
Tonight at La Mama---Seagull-Machine, a play put on by the Assembly, maybe my favorite "indie" theater group. I know them well, have followed them for a long time, and I have had many good discussions with one of their leaders, Ben Beckley. This is a very ambitious project---I hope they bring it off. Earlier, I hope to head back to the apartment and listen to some of Luisa Miller, a very interesting and not that often heard Verdi Opera, that is being performed this afternoon at the Met.
Not much else to report---I had hoped to do something yesterday evening, but of course, after the long teaching day, when I got home I was "zonked" and ready for some serious rest. Still, yesterday really invigorated me---when I left Friends, I did not head home---instead after a smoothy at a nearbye coffee shop, walked north---bumped into two old friends and spoke with them for a while---and continued north, mostly on third avenue up to 42nd street. Looked at the architecture in the Murray Hill section, some beautiful brownstones between Lexington and Park on 35th, 36th and 37th street---also some strong older buildings---wonder who lived in them in the fifties and sixties---as well as the usual high rises that dot the area. Any walk in the city is interesting.
That's about it--will report soon.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
right now....
really glad that I don't have a personal computer in my apartment. Says enough!
So yesterday morning around 7, I had just come out of my shower, and was trying to figure out what to do with my non-structured day, when I got a call from Friends. Had a full day, really full, four classes, three in a row then a lunch break, then a fourth and then clubs. Glad I survived it, as usual, had nothing left after the day was finished, returned home and essentially "crashed". Will return to Friends tomorrow, and on Sunday I will see the spring musical, really looking forward to that.
Tuesday night, with great anticipation went to see the Met's new production of Cosi, the one taking place in Coney Island in the fifties. Stayed only one act---terribly disappointed. While the Coney Island back drop may be viable, the movement of the six leads on stage was flat and clumsy. The two heroines,wore the same costumes through the whole act---didn't they want to change for the evening, would not that make sense, and those costumes, in and of themselves are flat and unflattering to the singers. Very little movement on stage---I don't think this director really has any idea how to move people around, no fluidity to match Mozart's music at all. The singing was decent---but there was just a lack of passion all around. Had to leave after Act I, really annoyed, fantasized my own production which would have much more fluidity.
But the news wasn't all bad. After what seemed like an eternity, the 11 bus going north arrived, and I took it to Lansdowne Road to watch some baseball and say hello to my friend Mel who is on the restaurant's wait staff. She was really happy to see me---that made the evening completely worth while. Caught the 11 bus on my way home with out much wait.
Because I did not work today at Friends, I think I will have enough energy to trek to AbronsArts and see my friend Eliza's one woman show that she is doing there. Actually I saw a workshop of it last October---I wonder how much it has changed---but I want to show my support.
That is all for now---will report soon.
So yesterday morning around 7, I had just come out of my shower, and was trying to figure out what to do with my non-structured day, when I got a call from Friends. Had a full day, really full, four classes, three in a row then a lunch break, then a fourth and then clubs. Glad I survived it, as usual, had nothing left after the day was finished, returned home and essentially "crashed". Will return to Friends tomorrow, and on Sunday I will see the spring musical, really looking forward to that.
Tuesday night, with great anticipation went to see the Met's new production of Cosi, the one taking place in Coney Island in the fifties. Stayed only one act---terribly disappointed. While the Coney Island back drop may be viable, the movement of the six leads on stage was flat and clumsy. The two heroines,wore the same costumes through the whole act---didn't they want to change for the evening, would not that make sense, and those costumes, in and of themselves are flat and unflattering to the singers. Very little movement on stage---I don't think this director really has any idea how to move people around, no fluidity to match Mozart's music at all. The singing was decent---but there was just a lack of passion all around. Had to leave after Act I, really annoyed, fantasized my own production which would have much more fluidity.
But the news wasn't all bad. After what seemed like an eternity, the 11 bus going north arrived, and I took it to Lansdowne Road to watch some baseball and say hello to my friend Mel who is on the restaurant's wait staff. She was really happy to see me---that made the evening completely worth while. Caught the 11 bus on my way home with out much wait.
Because I did not work today at Friends, I think I will have enough energy to trek to AbronsArts and see my friend Eliza's one woman show that she is doing there. Actually I saw a workshop of it last October---I wonder how much it has changed---but I want to show my support.
That is all for now---will report soon.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
a lot of....
things have happened since the last post, including a day at Friends, yesterday. Will try to go through as many events as possible.
Friday afternoon--finally saw the Al Pacino conceived movie Wilde Salome, at the Quad. The man is amazing! The movie is a documentary about Pacino' making a movie of the staged reading of Salome that he is playing in in LA (Estelle Parsons is the director of the reading). It is also about Pacino's passion for Oscar Wilde, a passion that he has carried since he saw another production of Salome several years ago. Anyway the movie is about his lust and obsession for the creative process, as well as his attempts to get to the bottom of the story of Wilde's life. All of it very fascinating--Pacino is a dynamo---going from one vision to the next. Really glad I saw the movie---felt very "hooked in" as I was watching it and afterwards.
Next was a visit to Brooklyn right after the movie, to the FUREE headquarters on DeGraw of fourth avenue to see my friend Michael give a lecture on the legacy of Dr. King---via the Poor People's Movement, that had started before his death and his visit to Chicago a year earlier to demand better housing rights for communities of color in that city. Mike gave his lecture with great clarity--points came across well, and I was glad that i was there. Looked for a place to eat afterwards in the slope, but bars were a little too cold for me---ended up with a pizza slice and then went to the bar around the corner from Theater for a New Audience--wanted to watch some Yankee baseball. Had a beer there ($10.00 with the tip!) and watched the game for about a half hour. Not a bad place, but very little conversation. Still, what I wanted was to watch the game, and I was able to do that.
Saturday---had the BAN meeting in the evening, to discuss lecture--outreach forum on May 9. A small group was there---myself, Alicia (the meeting was at her house in Flatbush) Alex and Gabby, two former students whom I subbed for at Friends. Meeting was productive, though I am sorry it was only the four of us---we argued and discussed several important ideas that will be brought up at the Forum. Nice to be in that part of Brooklyn again (about seven blocks south of Eastern Parkway, near Prospect Park)----again an area that "calls to me" because it is where David (my brother) and I would have been raised if my parents had taught in Brooklyn. Want to make more trips out there, and just let go and wander around. After the meeting walked Gabby and Alex to the subway, and after Gabby got on the shuttle to the A train, had a nice talk with Alex. Left him at Atlantic, where I got a hot dog, and considered the options for hanging out---ultimately there were none, so I got on the train at DeKalb and headed home.
Sunday, after a long session, fatigue set in and a feeling of restlessness and annoyance at only having one day of work scheduled for Friends this week. The feeling ended when I was called by Bob R, who requested that I come in on Monday and cover his classes. I did---not the easiest thing because this is music and I can't lead the kids but I survived it. One session after--then I came home and slept almost 9 or 10 hours. That lead to this morning.
No work today, so I just got a standing room for Cosi Fan Tutti at the Met. A very specific production, seems very interesting, I am anxious to see the choices that were made, and it will be good to immerse myself in all that incredible music by Mozart. Will report soon.
Friday afternoon--finally saw the Al Pacino conceived movie Wilde Salome, at the Quad. The man is amazing! The movie is a documentary about Pacino' making a movie of the staged reading of Salome that he is playing in in LA (Estelle Parsons is the director of the reading). It is also about Pacino's passion for Oscar Wilde, a passion that he has carried since he saw another production of Salome several years ago. Anyway the movie is about his lust and obsession for the creative process, as well as his attempts to get to the bottom of the story of Wilde's life. All of it very fascinating--Pacino is a dynamo---going from one vision to the next. Really glad I saw the movie---felt very "hooked in" as I was watching it and afterwards.
Next was a visit to Brooklyn right after the movie, to the FUREE headquarters on DeGraw of fourth avenue to see my friend Michael give a lecture on the legacy of Dr. King---via the Poor People's Movement, that had started before his death and his visit to Chicago a year earlier to demand better housing rights for communities of color in that city. Mike gave his lecture with great clarity--points came across well, and I was glad that i was there. Looked for a place to eat afterwards in the slope, but bars were a little too cold for me---ended up with a pizza slice and then went to the bar around the corner from Theater for a New Audience--wanted to watch some Yankee baseball. Had a beer there ($10.00 with the tip!) and watched the game for about a half hour. Not a bad place, but very little conversation. Still, what I wanted was to watch the game, and I was able to do that.
Saturday---had the BAN meeting in the evening, to discuss lecture--outreach forum on May 9. A small group was there---myself, Alicia (the meeting was at her house in Flatbush) Alex and Gabby, two former students whom I subbed for at Friends. Meeting was productive, though I am sorry it was only the four of us---we argued and discussed several important ideas that will be brought up at the Forum. Nice to be in that part of Brooklyn again (about seven blocks south of Eastern Parkway, near Prospect Park)----again an area that "calls to me" because it is where David (my brother) and I would have been raised if my parents had taught in Brooklyn. Want to make more trips out there, and just let go and wander around. After the meeting walked Gabby and Alex to the subway, and after Gabby got on the shuttle to the A train, had a nice talk with Alex. Left him at Atlantic, where I got a hot dog, and considered the options for hanging out---ultimately there were none, so I got on the train at DeKalb and headed home.
Sunday, after a long session, fatigue set in and a feeling of restlessness and annoyance at only having one day of work scheduled for Friends this week. The feeling ended when I was called by Bob R, who requested that I come in on Monday and cover his classes. I did---not the easiest thing because this is music and I can't lead the kids but I survived it. One session after--then I came home and slept almost 9 or 10 hours. That lead to this morning.
No work today, so I just got a standing room for Cosi Fan Tutti at the Met. A very specific production, seems very interesting, I am anxious to see the choices that were made, and it will be good to immerse myself in all that incredible music by Mozart. Will report soon.
Friday, April 6, 2018
Feeling a sense of....
freedom, because i am free for the rest of the day. It is around 11:30 now, What I hope to do is to work at this computer for another half hour, return home, freshen up, then go to the Pacino movie, and when that is over, head to Brooklyn to hear some lectures about Dr. King's legacy. Will I do it all? Hope so---still, when you are improvising as much as I am, one never knows.
Yesterday, the best laid plans turned out to be not much. My student finally arrived, and we worked for an hour---he is new to the city and country, and has a hard time relating to his material. I am trying to prepare him for his English exams, coming up this week, but it is ludicrous, going through texts that assume that the reader is familiar with a certain American lifestyle Many words and ideas are simply unfamiliar to him.My toughest student---really because of this.
At any rate, returned home and the tiredness set in---remained in the apartment for much of the evening, took some short walks around, but was mostly in.That is why I would really like to get out tonight.
Not much else to say---three days of no work at Friends, both good and bad aspects there. I have freedom for the rest of the day, but wonder when my next assignment (I actually have one scheduled for next Friday) will arrive. Other then that, we will let the chips fall where they may...
Yesterday, the best laid plans turned out to be not much. My student finally arrived, and we worked for an hour---he is new to the city and country, and has a hard time relating to his material. I am trying to prepare him for his English exams, coming up this week, but it is ludicrous, going through texts that assume that the reader is familiar with a certain American lifestyle Many words and ideas are simply unfamiliar to him.My toughest student---really because of this.
At any rate, returned home and the tiredness set in---remained in the apartment for much of the evening, took some short walks around, but was mostly in.That is why I would really like to get out tonight.
Not much else to say---three days of no work at Friends, both good and bad aspects there. I have freedom for the rest of the day, but wonder when my next assignment (I actually have one scheduled for next Friday) will arrive. Other then that, we will let the chips fall where they may...
Thursday, April 5, 2018
not a great day....
for cityboy. First, a prospective student is sick---then, an appointment at the library did not happen. Very strange, the family is usually very reliable and serious about their son's work, but he did not show, and all efforts to contact family by text or phone have not worked so far. Not good!
Not much else to report---yesterday, after the hour on the computer, I felt tired and so returned to the apartment. I slept for a while, then finally decided to head to the most reasonable "hang out" place in the neighborhood--the Dive on 95th and Amsterdam. Had my usual hummus, and had an interesting conversation with a woman named Windy (that is right!) who was visiting with a friend from a suburb of LA. Nice conversation---as I left a gentleman was joining our group---I could have continued our conversation with him, but left instead. I was getting tired---I thought. Returned to the apartment.
Today, looks like the rest of the day is open---may try to catch the Pacino movie about the making of his movie of Salome at 3 and then my friend Eliza's project at Abrons Arts in the evening. Or maybe one and not the other.
Regarding other plans, I have just read that a meeting of the BAN group planning for forums will meet on Saturday evening. Not the greatest time, but I would like to go. Also, tomorrow there is a project at 6:30 in Brooklyn regarding certain aspects of Dr. King's legacy tomorrow at 6:30. Would like to be there as well, of course all this is subject to change---will report soon.
Not much else to report---yesterday, after the hour on the computer, I felt tired and so returned to the apartment. I slept for a while, then finally decided to head to the most reasonable "hang out" place in the neighborhood--the Dive on 95th and Amsterdam. Had my usual hummus, and had an interesting conversation with a woman named Windy (that is right!) who was visiting with a friend from a suburb of LA. Nice conversation---as I left a gentleman was joining our group---I could have continued our conversation with him, but left instead. I was getting tired---I thought. Returned to the apartment.
Today, looks like the rest of the day is open---may try to catch the Pacino movie about the making of his movie of Salome at 3 and then my friend Eliza's project at Abrons Arts in the evening. Or maybe one and not the other.
Regarding other plans, I have just read that a meeting of the BAN group planning for forums will meet on Saturday evening. Not the greatest time, but I would like to go. Also, tomorrow there is a project at 6:30 in Brooklyn regarding certain aspects of Dr. King's legacy tomorrow at 6:30. Would like to be there as well, of course all this is subject to change---will report soon.
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
off after two days...
at Friends---of course, as soon as I returned, the structure that I had been missing during the two weeks of vacation fell into place. Even yesterday's "marathon" (four periods in a row, three seventh grade and an eighth grade) was meaningful. Not sure when I wlll return, but happy just to have had those two days. In addition to the two days of coverage I had some meaningful discussions with a few upper classmen. Real good.
Weekend report:
Saturday--Bunin again--this time saws Claire's Camera a film by a South Korean film maker widely admired, with Isabelle Huppert, as a first time photographer-teacher, visiting Cannes. Kind of an in joke, don't you think? Anyway, the film was terribly laid back---low key, a kind of interesting study of a waif like 20 something South Korean woman, who keeps getting into weird relationships. Not a great movie, by any means; I think the reviews that praised it were a bit overblown. Not much else to say.
Sunday: after some deliberation, decided to go to Metrograph, to see the movie, Personal Problems, directed by the late and very talented Bill Gunn. Actually two movies that were made around 1980, now restored. The central character is a an emergency room nurse at Harlem Hospital, in her late thirties. She is in an unhappy marriage, but turned on by a jazz pianist she met accidentally.The film follows her relationship with the guy, while she argues with her husband, who is also having an affair. As the film progresses, other aspects of the couple's life come into focus--some mutual friends, a crazy half brother and his girl friend who come to live with the couple, and finally, the death of the husband's father, who had been living with the couple.
The first part of the movie flips around a lot---scenes are presented out of chronological sequence--only to have images of them return later----this effect separated me from the movie, but as the conflicts were sharpened---my focus was stronger. The second movie is much more focused and dynamic---some very blunt portraits of the black middle class---some very focused arguments---ultimately the both husband and wife realize that their other relationships have to go, and they re unite. Glad that I saw the movie, much of it was very potent.
Tonight, there are a lot of options, but I think I will check out Pacino's Wilde Salome at the Quad. Of course, everything could change in a minute, but that is the plan. Will report soon.
Weekend report:
Saturday--Bunin again--this time saws Claire's Camera a film by a South Korean film maker widely admired, with Isabelle Huppert, as a first time photographer-teacher, visiting Cannes. Kind of an in joke, don't you think? Anyway, the film was terribly laid back---low key, a kind of interesting study of a waif like 20 something South Korean woman, who keeps getting into weird relationships. Not a great movie, by any means; I think the reviews that praised it were a bit overblown. Not much else to say.
Sunday: after some deliberation, decided to go to Metrograph, to see the movie, Personal Problems, directed by the late and very talented Bill Gunn. Actually two movies that were made around 1980, now restored. The central character is a an emergency room nurse at Harlem Hospital, in her late thirties. She is in an unhappy marriage, but turned on by a jazz pianist she met accidentally.The film follows her relationship with the guy, while she argues with her husband, who is also having an affair. As the film progresses, other aspects of the couple's life come into focus--some mutual friends, a crazy half brother and his girl friend who come to live with the couple, and finally, the death of the husband's father, who had been living with the couple.
The first part of the movie flips around a lot---scenes are presented out of chronological sequence--only to have images of them return later----this effect separated me from the movie, but as the conflicts were sharpened---my focus was stronger. The second movie is much more focused and dynamic---some very blunt portraits of the black middle class---some very focused arguments---ultimately the both husband and wife realize that their other relationships have to go, and they re unite. Glad that I saw the movie, much of it was very potent.
Tonight, there are a lot of options, but I think I will check out Pacino's Wilde Salome at the Quad. Of course, everything could change in a minute, but that is the plan. Will report soon.