Final day without work...

at Friends--five days in a row coming up. Thank goodness! Still wondering whether the lack of work has to do with me, or simply that no one is out. Well, I should find out more in the coming days. If I can pick up a little more work in the next couple of weeks, things should be all right. In the past, when I had a few long stretches in which I was not called, it had nothing to do with anybody's feelings about me--it just happened. So let's see how it plays out.
  Just found out I can see GATZ for $42.00 on Friday. That is a lot of money for me---a little grossed out about spending it, but I really should go. That money can be made up somewhere else. May wait a day, and see if it shows up on TDF. That would mean about 10.00 less, not a great deal, but somehow, in my own head it makes a difference.
  So yesterday, somewhat tired, I did troop out to JACK in Brooklyn to see and participate in the reparations project that they have been sponsoring all year. This discussion centered on the relationship between philanthropy and the black world. The main speaker centered on the sixties---she felt the Ford Foundation, which sponsored and created a lot of black projects at the time, really wanted to control the anger which they felt was coming from the black community. An interesting point, but it really went nowhere. The rest of her talk dealt with a few other examples of philanthropy and its role in society, but it was really terribly general. The second speaker was the head of a foundation in Philadelphia that gives a lot of grants for projects built around "social justice" She used that phrase a couple of times in her presentation, but never was specific about what exactly these w social justice projects were. I had to ask her if 1) the majority of grants went to people of color, and 2) to please give an example of a "social justice" project. She answered both questions, but again, a lot of her points seemed intellectualized. So were many of the comments. I think that I am much closer to the 'nitty gritty" of things then many of the people in the forum. That is something that I should remember. Still, there is something valuable in attending the discussion events at JACK---I am happy they have them, and will return.
  Today's structure is kind of open. I may go to Williamsburg where some former south fourthers are known to hang out on Tuesday and hopefully participate in some good conversations. If not that, well...things are incredibly open.
 Must get ready for the cold that comes in tomorrow. Will report soon, probably on Saturday.

The march!

The march outside the home of the Deputy Mayor took place with about 20 of us marching and singing---cityboy actually remained a bit on the sidelines, talking to people passing by and recommending an article in the now defunct Village Voice that describes this woman's developer oriented vision for the city---the vision BAN protested yesterday.
  As far as ambivalent feelings---well they were unjustified. Most passers by seemed stunned just to see protesters in their neighborhood. Many stopped to talk and read the flyers, and most were either impressed or encouraging .Did not see anybody that I knew, and I held a placard while talking to people for about an hour and a half. When it was over, I was tired, and desperately needed some coffee and sugar, which I found about 5 blocks away at the Greek Diner on 100th street. Great coffee, which I really needed, and some nice pound cake. After that returned home and slept for a while---the rest of the evening was slow---did a lot of reading of And The Band Played On--almost finished with it---and listened to some music.
 No work again today---really surprised that I have not been called---this is the fifth day not at Friends. There is some good news in that---I can go to a forum at Jack in Brooklyn on the subject of reparations and race in general. This is a discussion that I really wanted to attend and participate in--I could not do it, if I was called to work. On the other hand, with the exception of one e-mail, requesting me to work the first two days of next week--there has been no word from the Friends faculty asking for my services, not even a text requesting some time later in the month or in February. Well, I have five days beginning Wednesday and one on the following Friday; that should give me time to see if my not being hired is simply a result of no teacher being absent (a sub can't be hired unless someone is sick, right?), or something more "nefarious".  Still, since I am so integrated into the Friends community, there is something that makes me feel alienated and a bit alone when I am not contacted for some time. Well, let's see how it all plays out.
  Anything else? Not really--will report on all events as soon as possible.

Today is the day....

of the protest---cityboy is apprehensive, but will show up to give support. This woman,  at whose apartment house we are demonstrating has, for me a vicious vision of what the city should be. She is totally committed to the vision of the developers at the expense of the "normal" citizens of the city. But why do I feel so apprehensive? Do I only feel comfortable picketing in Brooklyn.Something about this being so close to home puts me off. Yet I will be there. Hopefully I can have some meaningful discussions with passers-by about what the protest is all about. Well, we will see.
  Last night, so Intelligence, an extremely well acted and directed play about three women working to solve a problem for America in a war torn country in the middle east. The play itself has some powerful moments, but at times I felt the premise was weak, and at a few moments, the play stopped dead for me. Nevertheless, the strong moments were riveting, and the performances, as I said before, were greatly shaped.
 So this is what it is, Sunday morning at the 42nd street library (the only one in NY opened at this time) Will report soon.

Saturday morning....

one interesting post on Facebook by a theater director in which he decries his own passivity since he got out of college in 2000, and shows that he is determined to be much more involved. Also, the woman whose apartment house we are picketing tomorrow, just published an article in the Daily News in which she praises the vision of the Mayor's housing program and pushes back (to say it mildly) against the detractors. Luckily, the blog that published this, does push back--with some very strong points. Does this make me a little more nervous about tomorrow's protest.Possibly? This seems like a woman who is very determined to have things her own way, and would push anybody around who doesn't agree with her. Still, this will not stop me from participating in the protest.
  There is a work session this afternoon at the leader's apartment to get the material for tomorrow ready. I probably won't be there---I am clunky when it comes to those things. But I plan  to join the group tomorrow.
  Last night-dinner with a friend at an Italian place in Chelsea. Nice time. Have been reading two books" The Band Played On, by Randy Schultz, a penetrating account of the AIDS situation and the response of government and gay groups to the early explosion of AIDS. Also, Edward III, a play newly ascribed to Shakespeare, written in the early part of his career. A strange piece with many issues that foreshadow his later plays but there is something contrived about the whole situation. I don't doubt its authenticity, but it almost seems like some scholar put it together as a prank. It just seems to intellectually planned. Possible? Who knows.
  Tonight, seeing Intelligence that my friend Jess directed, and then may stop off at nearby Burp Castle to chat with my friend, bartender Erin. Will report soon.

no, it did not happen...

there was a NYCB performance last night but cityboy was not in attendance. The flame that inspired him to fantasize attending last night's performance went out when after a session around 5. he found himself really tired and could make no plan other than to return to the apartment and get some sleep. The need for sleep may have come from the restlessness of the night before. That restlessness---similar to last night's restlessness came from the despair and worry of not being called to work at Friends. When you spend a lot of the full night not sleeping, you need to make it up in the afternoon.
   However, that is mostly changed now, as waiting in cityboy's in box was a request for two more days of subbing--the first two days of the week after this. That will be five in a row, starting Wednesday, if nothing comes up before. All good, now cityboy can be a little more relaxed about his presence there.
   All the choices that cityboy pondered at this time yesterday---the ballet, the opera, maybe the Philharmonic, or maybe a play seemed overwhelming---cityboy still wants to check some of them out, but needs a little more sense of control Can he help it if he has mucho interests in events happening around the city?
  Today, dinner with my friend Robin, some good discussion, tomorrow hope to see the play that my friend Jess directed at the small New York Theater Workshop Space. That's all for now, will report tomorrow.

a fierce passion

to attend this evening's performance at NYCB has overtaken me. There are tickets for $35.00 (none chaeaper?) It is an all Balanchine program---I spent so many hours in that space watching Balanchine and his dancers from 68 to about 83. Recently I have not gone---why? For one, who the theater is named after---really turns me off---but two----at times I feel too close to the ballets---almost as if they were former friends or lovers. The time that I spent studying, getting to know, and ultimately living with these ballets was a different time in my life---a time before subbing, doing theater, etc. Today would be a viable day to go--no work again at Friends (disappointing) and a relatively easy schedule in the afternoon. Should I do it? What about the opera, with the Tchaikovsky and Bartok program, or trying to get a rush ticket to Merrily (Hey Old Friend!) It's all a bit overwhelming, as I try to figure out both artistic and emotional needs at the moment.
  When I leave this library will I go across the plaza at Lincoln Center and get a ticket? Wait until after my session later in the day? Who knows?
  Yesterday, did attend the jazz concert at Friends (at least the beginning of it---I got tired quickly) saw several teachers and was greeted warmly by several students. If I don't get called to work tomorrow, this will be the first week of the year, including the short September week that began the first semester, that I have not worked one day. Trying not to get too worked up over it---I do have three scheduled days next week already, but when the normal pattern (around two or three days) is broken, it takes a bit of adjusting to work through the days. Still, this allows me the freedom of the evening---kind of a double edged sword, you know. Or a paradox? Don't want to belabor this forever---just let things work themselves out.
 On Sunday I had a nice talk with Bill D, another member of my Hopkins class---we talked about plans for the reunion. That will be in early April; I definitely plan to attend. Bill seems a nice solid, hail fellow well met person---I enjoyed our conversation.
  That is all for now---wild thoughts abound! Will report soon.

No Pelleas, just sleep...

was the order of the early evening yesterday. Yes, I had hoped to see Pelleas at the Met, or at least an act of it, if I was too tired for the whole thing, but after two sessions and a quick walk between 160th and Saint Nicholas and 145th and Amsterdam, there was very little energy left in me. Had a blt and coffee at the Greek diner on 100th street. It is still fairly "reasonable"---that is the two cost 10.00, before the tip.That is what it is today---will it go up further as the years go by?  Something to think about when it comes to the future.
  My friend Frank is in Gatz next week, and I thought I could get some staff tickets but it looks like it might not happen as the only tickets remaining were $150.00, and even half price would be too expensive. I will try one or two more ERS "contacts" to see if there is another way I could get in, but it just might not happen. Too bad, I was looking forward to taking another look at Gatz; I had seen it a few years ago in Boston--liked it, though I was a little disappointed in the last few scenes. So now it may not happen. Oh well, lots of other plays around that I should see.
  No work at Friends today, but tonight I will go to a jazz concert--a benefit for the shelter at Friends---and check in. Rest of the week stays in abeyance---depending on work and sessions.
   I mentioned in yesterday's blog that my first year as a Science 10th grader was awful. Why? Well, at the Annex, we were all put in classes that traveled together---no individual schedules. The result was that one, we were isloated, and two, our class only got to know others in the class---and there were some interesting people there---but in retrospect it was like another year in Junion High School. It wasn't until I got to the main building in September of 58 that I got any sense of an individual schedule. Sometimes I felt unmoored in that situation, but it was better then the year before. Of course my classes' stay at the main building on 183rd street and Creston Avenue was shortlived, as in March of that year we moved to Bronx Science's new (and present) building close to Bedford Park Boulevard. That was a story in itself--a new building and the beginning of my infatuation with Judy M, an infatuation that, unfortunately (at least for me) did not turn out well. The story of that---and other lost loves, some other time.

Weekend report:

Saturday evening: Got in to Clubbed Thumb very easily. Three one act works in progress. The first, about a lesbian, trying to find herself in NY, seemed really pretentious. The second, a tart energetic piece about legal aid lawyers using food as a way to deal with the tensions of the job, was funny and brilliantly cast---also kind of in love with itself---a great gap between the needs and hang ups of the middle class lawyers and their clients who are suffering, and are not seen throughout the piece. Great performance by Ugo as the leader of the group---hard to think of what the play would be like in the hands of a less imaginative actor. The third play, by Amina, a woman I have now known for about 20 years (amazing!) was very strong---a group of women hurting themselves and others--she writes really believable dialogue for both black and white characters. This play got a little bit out of control in the end, by it had its frightening moments---another great cast gathered to perform the play.
  Afterwards, hung out with the creative people, had a nice talk with Ugo, whom I had seen in other projects but never met. It seems we are both from the Bronx--he actually teaches at Columbus High School, my neighborhood high school---that is where I would have gone if I had not gotten into Bronx Science (my parents would never have lived that down!)---actually might have been more interesting if I had gone there (again looking back on it the embarassment would have been scary!) my first year at the Science Annex was pretty awful. Anyway I had a good conversation with Ugo and a few others involved in the three plays. All were very warm and friendly---another evening with my "community" which came out well---then back home early because the rain was intense and I did not want to risk a subway breakdown.
  Sunday--yes, all day football at La Flaca with owner Bob and others. Two really meaningful and exciting games with good company and conversation. Returned home late but pleased.
  Yesterday---a tough day because of the intense cold---a lot of time "trapped" in the apartment. Did get out for a movie at Film Forum: Capernaum--a very intense film about a homeless 12 year old in Beirut. A serious and really telling film that looks at the poverty in that city and what it causes. It is beautifully shot. I left feeling very sad---a little overwhelmed by the intensity and the "take no prisoners" mentality of the film.
  The rest of the evening was just keeping warm. Did go out once to get a parfait--not bad, was able to do it in spite of the amazing cold. But it seems like the clash of the parfait with the roast beef sandwich (a big fat one) that I had gotten from Citarella was hurtful---I was up all night making bathroom trips---still hard to figure out what is happening in my stomach. The night was a little hard to get through---but I made it into the morning.
  I had hoped to try to see Pelleas at the Met this evening---still may, but with my stomach in the tentative shape it is in, and some other things, it might be better to skip it. This would be my last chance to see the new music director conduct it---really worth going, but Pelleas is so bleak and intense and distanced---emotionally I feel very far away from it now.
  All this will be played out later--will report soon.

Saturday morning...

after one of three sessions. Yesterday a strenuous day---a first period class, a trip to the doctor's far away from Friends, and then a return to Friends to supervise the library from 3 to 4:30. Then some baseketball and return home, blown away. Lots of excitement from reading the Randy Schultz non fiction book, And the Band Played On, about the early discovery of the AIDS virus, and all the resistance in the beginning to taming it.
 The rest of the weekend: Hope to get to the Clubbed Thumb one acts this evening, unless I am too tired. If not then, tomorrow, but I really do not want to miss the first playoff game, and with all the snow expected, who knows how the subways could be running. Expect to spend a lot of time indoors in the next two days, with the snow and then rediculously cold weather approaching.
 That is all for now. Will report soon.

working it through....

Thursday morning. Ugh! Kind of blanded out. A "free" day between yesterday at Friends and tomorrow there is as well. Incidentally, the work that I turned down has been taken by someone else---so all is good in that department---I have not held anyone up.
 Yesterday, subbed in the library all day---a kind of informan "supervision" which really means interacting with the upper school kids. Lots of fun, I know them well---even when they get a little annoying, they are dealable. Some good conversations as well. I really have a strong rapport with many of the upper school students. After that, flew up to 145 street for a session, and then returned to the apartment, pretty tired, as you may guess. The rest was "silence" (and some sleep).
Tomorrow an early coverage, then a "jaunt" up to the Ryan Center on 97 street to see a doctor, and then back to Friends for afternoon library coverage and to possibly stay later and watch the basketball game. That should be enough for tomorrow.
  Later today a dentist appointment then, depending on whether I have a session or not, something in the evening. Maybe see the clubbed thumb one acts. I wanted to go on Saturday evening but they are sold out; now, with the snow storm predicted, they should have some cancellations. Well, we will see.
 Stomach continues to be a problem---not clear what is going on there-perhaps the doctor tomorrow will have some insight. Rest of my body seems in great shape---woke up this morning with no pain or discomfort at all. Will see what happens. Report to come soon.

turning down a job...

I have never done this before, but I told a teacher, someone who I like very much and who has always hired me, that I did not want to take her half day program on Friday. Why? Two students in the second part of the program are just incredibly hostile to me. They simply won't talk to me. They do nothing "wrong", but just the idea of being with them for an hour is very hard for me to deal with. I don't remember ever turning down a job at Friends when I was free before, but I simply had to express my discomfort. Hopefully the teacher will find someone else, if not, and I am still available, I will take it--I am sure I can endure it--still-anyway, that is where we are now.
  Yesterday, with no work was able to go both to the BAN meeting and the party for the wait and bartender staff at La Flaca. Very lucky that I did. The BAN meeting was well run---lots of plans for an action in two weeks--the party at La Flaca gave me a chance to interact with some people I had not seen in a long time---and to really express my appreciation for the warmth and friendship that the bar people have shown me over the past several years. Some great conversations with friends Sam (Samantha) Angela, and---amazingly I am blocking her name---and I had the best conversation with her. I left feeling very fulfilled, lucky that the restaurant was there for me.
  Did not get much sleep yesterday---the plan for today was to---if I did not get any work at Friends---attend the opening night of Pelleas and Melisande at the Met--but with all the action from yesterday, I think I will just wait to see how I feel later in the afternoon, and then choose what to do or where to go. Pelleas, conducted by Yannick, will probably be a brilliant evening of music and theater, but it is intense and its music, beautiful though it may be, is dark and distances the audience. Might not be the best for me today. So the evening is a bit of a mystery---will report soon.

was Saturday night an ideal night...

for cityboy? Possibly. It began with Julianna May's project, Folk Incest at the American Realness Festival--a brutal, strident piece for 6 women-ranting and raging about a number of things. Yes, I found it strident and hard to take at times, but I was awed by the force and power of the six women, the really strong directorial and choreographic vision, the strong sense of its own identity that ran through the piece. My friend Lucy was in it; that is why I went---and I am really glad that I did. This is theater that excites me---a group of forceful and talented people (in this case many women)  coming together to create a piece of passion. Loved the small rehearsal room at Abrons arts where it all took place---a perfect space for the project. Said "hi" to Lucy after it was over, also had some nice conversations with Julianna who created the piece and was very accessible.
  When it was over, walked over to La Flaca and enjoyed the first half of the Cowboy-Ram game with my friend Bobby, who also owns and runs La Flaca. Nice to see every table in the place filled. Bobby and Kirby, another friend at the bar were really good company for me. I left feeling tired, but feeling that this was a perfect way to spend Saturday evening; it catered to all my passions.
  Yesterday, traveled to Cobra for the Sunday Patriot-Charger playoff game; it turned out to be a rather disappointing affair---this did not affect me so much, as I spent much of the first half chatting with Sharon--a friend from South Fourth. Sharon seems to be going through some tough times---she needed a sympathetic ear to explain things to, and I guess I was it. Felt good doing it though. When I  left the bar, she was still there, possibly chatting up some other "sympathetic ears". Who knows?
that was my afternoon at Cobra.
   After that, kind of a crap shoot---I thought a visit to Molasses, the coffee bar-bookshop on Hart Street might be in order, but it was cold, and all of a sudden a tired fit hit me. So it was back on the L, and after a brief stop at Bedford to check out the bookstore there, I returned to the subway and returned to the apartment. Rest of the evening was spent resting---reading and listening to some classical music on WQXR---not the greatest way of enjoying the evening but maybe necessary after the two days before.
  No work today at Friends, which means I can attend the BAN meeting tonight---have not been there in a while---should be interesting. Afterwards, Bobby told me there is a private party at La Flaca for the staff and friends, that can go to if I like. Will I? Depends on my physical state---will report soon.

a long day....

yesterday at Friends---arrived at 7:30 (could have come later) and left around 7, after a basketball game (which Friends won) . Went right home and to sleep. Moved around the plant a lot yesterday, climbed a lot of stairs, my body is still feeling it this morning. Today just one "commitment"--my friend Lucy is appearing in a project at Abrons Arts around 6. The report I have gotten is that it is very intense. Anyway, we will see. Not sure about what will happen after that---I usually stop in at La Flaca when I go to Abrons---today should be no different---actually bartender Tom is there today---and I like talking to him so that should be it.
Tomorrow are the two playoff games in pro football. I will begin watching at Cobra, and perhaps stay there for both games--really need to "chill" for an afternoon, and this should be a way of doing it. No work yet for the week at Friends, except for an after school library session on Friday, so we will see what happens with that.
Still experiencing some stomach "problems"---residue from this summer's problems which ended in my rejecting the colonoscopy. Was that a good idea? Still feel things can take care of themselves--but there is definitely something different going on in my stomach. How will it be resolved? Not sure---will report soon.

yesterday....

had a strenuous session for an hour with one of my students. Afterwards, wanted some "excitement" but fatigue set in and I simply returned home---it was also very cold, which made moving around the city not an inducement. So I embraced, or perhaps "struggled" with "aloneness" possibly the fatigue was still a carryover from the enormous input from the day before. Can't really say. Always happy when the day arrives.
  Today a late session---again, I will be faced with the choice of the next few hours. The last three days, I have remained at home---for the first two I really had no choice, having subbed and had sessions, and then there was yesterday. At this writing I am not feeling very tired, so I hope after the session that ends around 6, i can do "something".
  Tomorrow a full day at Friends, and maybe longer, as I have just received an e mail that might lead to my staying at the school until 7:30---we shall see.
 Yesterday I began reading a play by Ibsen that I had not read previously, called Pillars of Society. Pretty interesting; the usual Ibsen themes---conformity versus "adventure" in a staid town are present, but as usual Ibsen brings the whole thing off. Just have read Act I, maybe the rest today.
  That is all for now. Next post probably Saturday, and you will know all.

so three days later....

after two hectic days at Friends, I am back in the library. Yes, the days were hectic, the first being the Day of Concern---no classes for the upper school--just discussions. I participated in two forums, then got an emergency sub assignment, then returned for the brutal documentary around the death of Tamir Rice in Cleveland and its aftermath. Intense stuff---at the meeting for worship the day after, a simple query was asked in reference to the events of the day before, and only one student answered---I, after much trepidation, made a statement---glad that I did, but disappointed and confused that the upper school students--whose minds I greatly respect---just sat there silently not even giving the simplest answers to the query. More discussion is needed.
   Saturday---did go the the Brick to see my friend Sanaz' work in progress. Kind of quirky, off beat and a bit unfocused. Good discussion afterwards and got a chance to hang out at Northern Bell, a really nice bar restaurant near the Brick and watch football with my actor friend Merlyn (he was in the play).
 Sunday, the usual at Cobra in the afternoon for the first football game, then a bus ride into downtown Brooklyn on the DeKalb avenue bus which covers Bed-Stuy east to west. Noticed one whole block, I think it is Dekalb between Throop and Tompkins that has all new residential buildings. Think what you will. Then stopped at the food center on Fulton, right before Flatbush, opposite the BAM Harvey theater--drank my coffee and watched most of the second football game. Kind of lonely, but basically what I wanted. Returned home to prepare for the next day at Friends.
 So where do we go from here? A free night, not sure what I will do, I return to Friends on Friday, no work tomorrow so far--will report soon.

now it is two....

days left. So be it. What have I learned from this vacation? Not much. Just that life continues through different times. But the sad part of the vacation was (is) coming to terms with the closing of the Cornelia Street Cafe. Nice article in the Times today about the closing (albeit too late) but it overlooked the fact that the two landlords who bought the building some years ago wanted the cafe out from the time they bought it, and made life difficult for owner Robin from the beginning. This was pushed into the middle of the article, almost as an afterthought---but the fact is in this city, commercial rent owners can behave like vicious Gods, and get away with it. And the majority of the "educated" public just accepts it. The City Council must take action at some point to limit the power of these landlords. I will continue to discuss this as the year goes on---right now there is not much more that I can do. I think it should be a real issue in the Public Advocate election--at least two of those supposed to be running have not lifted a finger to stop the commercial rent crisis. Payback time!
  What about cityboy's other life? The life of the mind. Went to Brooklyn yesterday to deposit my check from Friends. Had to bring a book along, and it turned out to be the Ibsen plays. Read Acts II and Act III of The Master Builder. Some amazing writing there. Fascinating the way Ibsen portrays the locked in problems of a "normal" bourgeois marriage. Must read some more Ibsen when I get the chance.
    In the evening I planned to go to the Brick to see a play that my friend Merlin is in, but tiredness set in around 6:30 and I saw that it would be impossible for me to summon the energy get cross the bridge, instead settled on Cold War, the much praised movie at the Bunin. Was basically disappointed with it---a decent love story with some decent insights but it ended very abruptly, and ultimately left me cold. I just can't see what the fuss is about with this movie.
   Today, am planning to meet Camilo, a recent graduate of Friends for a coffee later in the afternoon, looking forward to that and then possibly go either to the Met to see a theater project (probably won't get in) or to Williamsburg to see another project done by a group whom I know. Their name is Built For Collapse, and I know how they feel.
  So the two weeks of vacation have come to an end. Time for action. Will continue this blog on the next free day. See you then.

four more days of vacation...

and the new year at Friends begins. The first day back is a day for discussion---I am not hired yet for that day, but I will go anyway and participate. Two days of work are scheduled for me next week so far.
Yesterday: Took out Jamie Bernstein's autobiography Famous Father's Girl about her life as Leonard Bernstein's daughter---really can't stop reading it---a very well written memoir---her writing pulls you into the maelstrom of life with the late, very eccentric Maestro. Also it is a very moving portrait of the writer's mother Felicia, who died very young. I have read about three quarters of it so far, will finish it later.
 Nothing eventful last night---after a strenuous session headed to Wallace's for a good hot dog and a Pabst, Jeneen, a very sweet bartender whom I know was there---we spoke a little, but nothing much else was happening, and the basketball games had not begun yet. Left around 6:30 and returned home, a bit too tired for a movie---just read the above, listened to some music and slept, Very passive, I hope not to be too tired this evening and do something after two sessions. Staying home makes the night more oppressive (I hate to use that word, but I think it is accurate) I need some stimulation---either hanging out in a bar or a movie---let's see if I can do it.
 Yesterday I read the obituary of Don McCay, who played Tony in the London Company of WSS, and whom I actually saw try out the role in August of 1958, when Larry Kert was on vacation. I was surprised to learn that he had lived not far from me (about 14 blocks) on the upper west side, and that he often spent his time on a bench outside his apartment house. How could I have missed him---I would have loved to talk with him about his WSS memories. Strangely, he was never at the reunions-the 50th and 60th----those were for mostly the original cast, but he certainly had some connection  to them. His partner, who is about my age, survives him---I am thinking of contacting her and sharing some of my memories with her. That is a possibility.
  Re the weekend---just found out that a friend of mine is appearing in a play in Williamsburg this weekend---I already have one plan to see an Under the Radar piece on Saturday evening. Getting cramped---will try to see them all. No end in sight for projects to witness.
 So that is it- tomorrow may be totally open---so it should give me a lot of choices. Will report then.

here we are in the library at...

Lincoln Center, brimming with hope. The new year has begun. And cityboy has been to two parties since the last post. But more:
 New Years Eve day---a long marathon at the apartment until leaving for the La Flaca celebration at 9:00, Lots of time to piece things together---listened to a lot of classical music on WQXR---that was good---a chance to listen to and reevaluate the first three Brandenburg Concertos by Bach. Some beautiful music---though I am still bothered by what I feel is the "static movement" of the piece. Also a trip to the new Shakespeare and Company on Broadway near 69th street. Glad that it is there. Looked again at the large collection of all of Shakepeares' plays. Interested in reading Sir Thomas More, and maybe The Two Noble Kinsman---accredited to Shakespeare. Should read Edward the III--many copies of it in the library---but at this point can't seem to bring myself to do it.
  At any rate, left for La Flaca around 9. Rain was coming down heavily, and I thought that maybe I should not make the trip, but I did, and I am very glad. Bob, my friend, the owner and proprietor was there with his partner Kelly. Sam (Samantha) and Anton, the friendly wait and bartender staff was there as well. I gorged on some wings (not the greatest idea) and watched time move very quickly. That was my greatest fear---that time would progress slowly towards the midnight hour, but that did not happen. A very mellow evening---some other good conversations---very grateful for La Flaca to exist.
  Yesterday, the party at Liz and Ron Singer's apartment on West 13th Street. Lots of people to talk to---kind of hectic, looking back on it, but some very good conversations. . Returned home exhausted---even at an early time (around 7) had to go to bed immediately. Awoke many times in the night---tried to put the whole thing together---all these conversations and contacts I made with others---lots and lots of interactions. Looking back, it seems like it exhausted me. Stomach problems added to this, though it is better now. The day continues.
 This afternoon: one session. Then not sure--want to see how I feel, Maybe one more Tourneur film---should visit Lansdowne Road---have not been there for a while, and want to see my friend Mel, who waitresses there. Can't say that I will make it though.
  Somehow by accident, I came across a small hotel on Morris Avenue in the Burnside Avenue section of the Bronx. A strange place for a hotel, I thought, though the reviews are very positive. My grandmother on my dad's side lived only a few blocks away. Might be fun to try to stay a night there, just to see what the whole area (now, almost exclusively working class) is like. Something to think about for when the weather gets better, could afford one night there---will report soon.