a day in Brooklyn...

yesterday, but first: re Jaycee, now I know what happened to her. A little anti-climactic, still, it was a nice ride. Almost finished with Russo's novel.
 Wednesday afternoon: finally attended the Burt Lancaster festival at the film forum. Saw, Sweet Smell of Success, the film Lancaster stars in (and co-produced) with Tony Curtis. The script is by Earnest Lehman and Clifford Odets, one of my favorite playwrights, and it truly has some zingers in the dialogue that only Odets could have written. It is a tough film, a little bit in love with its own values, and somewhat obvious towards the end, but I enjoyed it. Some great 50's New York locations---a time when high risers really did not exist. Afterwards, headed to La Flaca to watch another pathetic Yankee-Oriole game (can you believe it, there are four more of them next week) and to say hi to owner Bob. Just found out he is opening another bar restaurant, this one in Brooklyn maybe as soon as next week. Had a good time, then went home.
  Yesterday, Brooklyn by 10:30 first the library at fourth avenue and Pacific Street, then a fun meeting over coffee with Tom Fagin, a member of the class of 09, who teaches English at Friends. Lots of discussion re the world, also some specific issues happening at Friends, and some insight on many of the students I have interacted with. Ended about 2:45; I had an action scheduled for around 6, should I return to Manhattan and rest, then return to Brooklyn. Not really, decided to stay, returned to the library and around 5:45, jumped on the 2 train to Sterling Place, then walked to Lefferts Avenue,where the action, outside 501 Lefferts would be taking place. Met Imani, the leader of BAN there, and by 6:30 there were several tenants joining us outside holding signs, demanding that the landlord install a strong lock on the downstairs door, and make sure the elevator, which had been out all week, was fixed. Really interesting time, interacting with the tenants, mostly people of color, many of whom have been in the building for over 20 years. Of course, 20 years ago, this was an all black community; only in the last few years have the blocks taken in more and more white people. Across the street from 501 were three new buildings, all catering to young white people. You can feel the aggressive onslaught coming. Important for these tenants to hold fast. For me it was a very positive experience. Afterwards, returned to the Gotham Market to watch the Yankees slaughter another team and have the hummus, my usual meal there. Tired, then returned home.
  Tonight, will see the play at Ohio Space that my friend Zack is appearing in. Should be fun; I have not seen him in a while, so it will be good to catch up and offer support. Won't do much before that, maybe rest, body is tired from the long day and night yesterday. Will report soon.