looks like....

a free day today, until BAN meeting at 6:30 (finally I will be early). Nice day to take it easy, have been running around a great deal in the past few days, maybe I welcome the passiveness of the day. Just bought NY Review of Books, good to read over the long (and not too structured) weekend. I could see Yankee Ranger game today for $5.00, but not really what I want to do. Wish that there was a true coffee shop in the neighborhood that I live in (upper west side) where I could lose myself in a book, but none of them feel right for that. Might go up to 145street just for the granola-yogurt parfait that I like so much there, and there I can read as long as I wish.
       Yesterday evening, went to Dixon Place to see a play that my friend Lucy was in. Turned out to be a very good experience---saw some other friends there, and found the play quite inventive. This is a playwright to be watched! Great performances by the two young actors in the leads. (Lucy was good also). Had an interesting conversation with the uncle and mother of the playwright---this is the kind of gathering that makes "downtown theater" going very meaningful. Came away feeling good.
After that went to La Flaca for some wings (which I had because they were the cheapest thing on the menu). It was pretty quiet there, no one there that I knew, so I ate, watched the end of the two New York ball games and went home. Fell asleep very quickly.
      Long weekend will soon begin. Tomorrow I see War at Lincoln Center---aside from that not sure what else I will witness. A good time to go to South Fourth to hang out or to try some other bar-restaurants---but there is plenty of theater for me to check out as well. No sessions since library is closed on Saturday and parents of my students work during the week (well, there could be one; I will find that out very soon, but I doubt it) Also possible that there will be some BAN activities over the weekend, that I might participate in. Will find out tonight, see what happens...

so I actually went...

to the Stadium last night---glad I did, although I woke up this morning feeling a little raw-----anyway, left at 5, picked up ticket at Stub Hub place---about 10 blocks from the stadium, people there were very nice and organized---first glance at getting off subway at 149th and Grand Concourse---a different world, totally people of color (except for a few Yankee fans going to the game) a sense of distance everywhere. Walked down Walton from 149th to 151st two very nice streets of completely private houses---very mellow, although a half way house confronts them on 151st. Walked from Stub Hub to Stadium via Exterior street, the back end of the bronx, very lonely walk, Arrived at Stadium, was checked and wandered around for a while before going to my seat in the upper deck. Not  a lot of people at the stadium between 6 and 7---and no batting practice or fielding practice as in olden days. Really miss that, the field is barren in the last hour before the game, finally with about ten minutes until game time, a few players from either time take the field for catch or a little exercise.

Seat was very high, but very good, nobody next to me, which was helpful Game had only one half inning of action until the eighth inning when the Yankees fell apart. Left with feeling that Texas is very good at gutting things out---liked the hustle of Choo, the right fielder. After that Yankees could muster absolutely nothing, even with a bull pen of Texas that is considered one of the worst in the majors. But 7-0 is hard to overcome.
    Interesting that unlike the old stadium which just had ushers (older, usually whtte) and security people around, the stadium now has an abundance of "ticket holder helpers"  who seem everywhere. They are very polite---also most of them were black and hispanic. Ticket holders were also a mixed group---the night had an egalitarian feel to it. Spent the last five innings moving around, but always saw well, the outfield seats are much better here than in the old park, the slant to the filed really works.
Basically glad I went, nice to know that there are reasonable tickets if I decide to go in the future. Different feeling from watching the games on TV, I like my eyes to choose what to look at. Still, missed the conversation that I might have had at Standings or La Flaca.
    Tonight, will see play that my friend Lucy is in at Dixon Place. Weekend, after Friday, is still full of "tantalizing" options. Will see how it develops

stub hub has....

$6.00 tickets to Yankees game tonight. Very tempting, but have chosen not to at the moment. Not sure about how I wish to spend the evening, still $6.00---quite a bargain!
Already voted (for Nagler) this morning and got my hair cut, did not really want to, but what the hell, it had to be sometime soon.
Last night had a good time in the company of my friend Sarah at Ars Nova to see a project on their first floor. Project itself was not great, but a lot of fun being there, saying hello to people in their lounge, afterwards So a few other people whom I know, so the evening was good. After Sarah returned to Brooklyn I tried the sports bar on 10th about 50th. Not bad, very inexpensive, could watch both baseball games---played a quick game of Trivia (I probably came in last)  and stayed for a few innings. No conversation, but it took the time until I was tired. Slept well last night.
  Tonight not sure---should go immediately after this to Boston hotel web site and try to firm up a place for my trip there next Wednesday. Time is short, yet I hesitate. Have already tentatively canceled my trip to DC the weekend of the 16th, because there seems to be just too much going on in NY. Anyway, time to see what is possible in Boston. Will report on tonight's choices tomorrow.

my friend....

Sarah H, just posted on facebook that she has an extra ticket for the project at Ars Nova tonight. Said that I would take her up on it, sounds like fun---this alters the tone of the blog post today---gets me kind of up---wonder if she will accept. If she does not, no sweat---lots of good and important baseball on tonight.
No work today---spent the morning picketing outside the new "53rd" street library with about 30 other people, protesting the smallness of the new library which it took eight years to build and open. The Donnell library which it replaced was 5 floors and had a teen age center and an auditorium, also many books. Most of the people handing out flyers on the line were in the 60 to 70 range---have very fixed ideas and difficult to communicate with. They understand the large problem that this is symptomatic of,  the Mayor's commitment to the real estate industry---but don't have much idea of what to do about it. They don't have a fighting vision of what the next Mayor ought to be, or what he should stand for. Very hot out there, but think that the point was made. Glad that i attended.
Saturday night---very tired from work that day---too tired to visit Brooklyn, managed to get to the Village, but times for movies were off--went to Formerly Crows where I could watch the baseball game---they are very friendly there and let me watch for as long as I wish, but never really find anyone there to talk to. Beer seemed to fill my tired stomach with sugar, so I walked from Crows (sixth avenue and Washington Place) up Greenwich Avenue to 14th and 8th, then north on 8th to23rd. Good walk, many people out, but streets were maneuverable. Took subway home at 23rd. Think that I had a restless night.
Sunday, plan was to see movie at BAM fest, and that is what I did. Had no trouble getting a ticket for the 6:00 showing of A Woman, A Part---interesting movie of which I will say more later. But first, visited Brooklyn library, then down to Mullanes to watch Yankee game, somewhat interesting conversation with a guy visiting his musician son from Australia. Left with much time on my hands prior to movie beginning. Walked east on Greene for quite a while, found a place to have ice coffee at Greene right off Classon, (that is how far I walked from BAM to there). Then found a public garden on the corner of Greene and Franklin. Nice time there for a while, not too crowded, then south on Franklin to Fulton, which is about eight blocks, by this point, all the "revolutionary" streets (Monroe, Quincy, Madison etc.) have joined the grid. Fascinating to think about where they begin; most begin off Classon. Nice walk, fairly uneventful---too bus on Fulton back to BAM (can't walk everywhere)
    The movie was a deliberate look at a successful sit-com star who decides to break off from her Hollywood existence (she feels dehumanized by it) and return to the apartment that she has kept in Greenpoint and two old friends with whom she was an unknown several years before. But the two friends have fallen way behind her artistically and the movie is how she relates to them and their problems and how/if they can reconcile. Also, many scenes in which the heroine wanders among vast construction spaces (no end of them in this movie)---as the movie deals with, in some manner, the gentrification craze in Brooklyn. Some scenes in which the heroine wanders around the vacuous construction sites reminded me of Red Desert---a movie Antonioni made in 63 with Monica Vitti.
I saw it twice in 65, at a very difficult time for me---the colors of the movie were fantastic. Anyway, in the end, the woman returns to her "sell out" world and the others are slightly changed. The movie reeks of a kind of "independant" feel, but for the most part it kept my interest. Talk back afterwards revealed that it was shot in 18 days, kind of amazing since the acting is so good.
     Had hoped to head for South Fourth afterwards, but a series of events and slow subway trains changed that---starving by that time, I found a pizza place on Montague, had my pizza slice, and very tired, headed home.
That is enough for now---will wait to see if Sarah contacts me and what happens tonight.

slow day....

yesterday, culminating in my trip to Standings to watch one or two or three games---gorged myself on the free pizza (three pieces---much too much, remember that, cityboy)  and watched for a little over an hour---then moved next door and hung out for about an hour with my friend Erin, who is the bartender at the "twin" bar of Standings, Burp Castle, a bar with no television and soft talking.
Enjoyed my time with her---went over all the things happening in her life and some of the events that I have been attending---I had to "educate" her about the seven investigations that are plaguing the mayor's administration at this time. Felt good as I left, stopped off again briefly at Standings, but did not feel like picking up the games that I had left in progress so continued home. Slept well and am how here in library prior to a busy schedule--still feeling the after effects of overeating at the bar.

Once I am free, not sure exactly what I will do. This would be a good evening to visit the bar, Sweet Janes in Ridgewood--might check it out in the early evening, then return to South Fourth to hang a little bit with Lana, who will be leaving soon. That is one possibility. The others...? Not sure---possibly could fit in a movie in the trip, or if my body is not up to visiting Brooklyn, might just stay in Manhattan and do something there. It just hit me that tonight and tomorrow or the last two performances of The Taming of the Shrew at the Delacourt  bit doubt that I could get a last minute ticket, this is such a nice day, plenty of people will be picking up tickets in the line when they are released at 12:00. Not sure how I feel about missing it--will definitely see Troilus and Cressida, one of my favorite Shakespeare plays when they do it later in July. Intense and ugly play by Shakespeare, remember studying it in the course that i took the second half of Junior year at Hopkins, with this great professor, Laurence J Ross. Changed and enhanced a lot of my ideas about Shakespeare and definitely stimulated my interest in him (though it did not need much stimulation, I was pretty excited by Shakespeare already).  But that is later in the month.
 
Time to make reservation for trip to Boston---now that I have the bus ticket, should make a decision about where to stay. Are these trips necessary? Yes, need to escape the city at times, and long for a trip to Fenway Park. So let' s begin the process....

yesterday evening....

went to Invisible Dog to see Minor Characters, what I thought would be a "take" on Uncle Vanya, by Chekhov--not sure what to expect, as these things can turn out to be very unique or utterly frivolous, or in between. Found myself very involved from the very beginning. Three actors play each of the plays four important parts--the director moved them in and out very coherently, and soon enough the passion and sensitivity of the play, which I have missed in previous productions that I saw, was present. Acting was very committed---two of the three Yelena's were the best that I have ever seen, really got the sexuality of the character, the others also performed very well. But somehow I was completely lost in the play, at the same time, still fantasizing myself playing either of the two male leads. (Is that possible, of course not, but I can still identify strongly with both)  Third act was even stronger--pulled all the disparate elements together, and even if I felt the fourth act was a little indulgent, I was terribly moved in the end. Audience, which was about 95% young, seemed to have really got it.
      Odd that on a day that I felt so strongly about issues concerning the state of the US and the city, all political, that I should lose myself completely in the Chekhov---I am Vanya; I am Astrov. This world completely eliminates the political world that I participate in. Now I have returned---can continue my work with BAN and other groups--but the play simply defined me.
    Yesterday's trip to the new library left me with good feelings about the space and my possible use of it---then checked e-mail only to find out that a protest across the street from it was planned for Monday morning, the grand opening. Well, yes, the protest is viable, after all the library was closed to the public for eight years--so that this building for the rich next to it, could be built. Also the price the former Mayor exacted from the realty company is paltry compared to how much the condos in that building are selling for. Still, my first impulse was not to go--now, as we get closer to it, I think I will go--then maybe after the protest, actually use the library. Will they let the protesters in?  The librarian whom I spoke to for a while downstairs was very friendly and helpful, how will she react knowing that I am the "enemy". Still, feel that is important that I support library protesters---I really do stand with them.
   About to make bus reservations for the trip to Boston, somewhat ambivalent about commitment to the trip but really should do it. Same about DC trip that in my mind I am taking between July 17, and July 19. Lots of things to do and see in NY, still, I think I owe myself some variety, just to "see" another place, get in touch with the rhythm of another city.
 Tonight, not sure of plans, don't really need to see another play just yet, may go to MOMA at around 4 when it is free, and then head to either Standings (for baseball and pizza) or try out Sweet Janes in Queens, a bar that I have heard much about and that is owned by two very nice people that I know.
Could jump on the M or E to Queens but that would mean a bus trip once I got off, or take M through Manhattan and Brooklyn (much longer) to get to the place. Will probably play it by ear---see what my mood is and go from there. Movies that interest me abound, but might need a day off and want to keep the expenses down, so possibly not tonight.
  Will report on events tomorrow, keep posted...

sadness all around....

while my brother seems to be recovering nicely from his health problem, all around politically and economically the "forces of evil" are closing in. What do I mean by that?
In Baltimore, the policeman charged with the murder of Freddy Gray has been found not guilty of all charges...not even depraved indifference. Really disappointed that the judge could not impose some penalty on the defendant, the officer driving the van who gave Mr. Gray the "rough ride". Then there is the Supreme Court ruling which prompted the passionate dissent by Justice Sotomayor.  Again, how much licence are we giving the police to unfairly impact the poorer communities of the city.
Not even a fourth justice could have voted with them? Unbelievable!
Finally, I am writing this post from the 53rd, (formerly Donnell) library, the one that was closed by the former mayor and sold to a major hotel chain. The city received around 50 million dollars for it, a penthouse is now selling for about 10 million dollars more than that. Approaching the library from sixth avenue, one has to cross the entrance to the new residences---they seem to be bathed in wealth a message to passers by that wealth is "the thing". Walking into the library the first thing you see is a security guard---and the entrance floor is incredibly antiseptic. However, in all fairness I like the layout of the second floor (down, not up)  it seems, if it is not too crowded, like it could be a welcoming comfort zone for library visitors. Lots of room to move (of courses, the library just opened this week)  and a decent appreciative ambiance. Computers are plentiful, so, as long as I am free in the mornings, despite my turn off at the location, I will probably come here fairly often.
More reports to follow...

So here we are, the two worlds, The world of New York culture, which I inhabit with great energy, but totally cut off from the political reality which makes up the first paragraph of this post. Why must one cut off, the other. This evening, i will try to see a take on Chekhov's Uncle Vanya at the Invisible Dog in Brooklyn. Could be a fascinating world, but totally cut off from the political and racial reality of the day. Chekhov excites me, can you imagine is someone invited me to Fiddler or Phantom---how do you simply "enjoy" these works in this society?

Last night, went to Lansdowne Road to watch baseball (talk about a non political environment) and found that more people were watching soccer (of course!). Still, had a nice time, was able to focus on two baseball games, and was greeted and treated warmly by my waitress friend CC. Have built up a nice friendship with her.  Nothing really earth shattering, but nice to be there---walked from the restaurant (44th and tenth) to 57th and 10th, then waited about 25 minutes for an 11 bus, had a nice conversation with another patron waiting, (a middle aged black woman) who warned me about going out into the middle of the street to look for the approaching 11. (Street was empty, by the way). Bus finally arrived and returned home.

Tonight will get on the waiting list for Minor Characters, will arrive around 6:45--hopefully will be close to the start of the line---usually people get in. Rest of week......will see

annoyed....

just went to the Invisible Dog site, wanted to check availability for Minor Characters, the Uncle Vanya piece that is being played there this week---wanted to see it tomorrow, now i find out that it is sold out (at least it says so on the web site). That means that tomorrow, I have to get there at 7, and put my name on a waiting list (which I am sure will already be long by then)  if I want to get in. Will I get in...? Probably, but wait is annoying. Did review in Village Voice today help...possibly---why does every "downtown theater" piece being performed around town usually sell out? Could also try tonight, but I have other (tentative) plans. Have to visit the twins at Lansdowne Road. Well, will figure all of this out after session today, which is over by around 4.
    Yesterday, after second session, felt tired, but still pushed my way to Standings to watch the baseball games that Yankees and Mets were playing. Knew that there would be soccer game later, but was able to watch both games (the only games that the bar had on) for about three innings. Decided to leave as the place got crowded, went to Two Boots to get my pepironi slice---then walked over to Houston, and took the short walk from Essex to F train on second avenue. Made one or two side trips, always amazed at how many bars and restaurants are in the area---there seems to be no end to them.
   Today's evening might have a movie in it as well as Lansdowne, also have to call my brother a little later in the morning and wish him happy birthday. He will be 69 today---amazing!  Not much else to report-----have not heard back from  my friend Harlo about possible place to stay in Boston two weeks from today. Should check out  a few other options and also begin to think about my DC trip which I have tentatively in my mind from the 16th to 18th. Will report later....

frenetic moment.....

not sure how long I will have the computer--anyway, let me report on last night--went to Sibyl's performance piece at the Whitney---an odd, strange piece, in which the audience both watches an obscure take on Strindberg and then participates in a summer solstice celebration. Strange juxtaposition, yet the more I think about it the more impressed I am with Sibyl's vision and how she arranged the two hour presentation. Glad I came--Whitney is in the heart of the "meatpacking" district, right off 14th and ninth avenue---I think this is only the second time that I have been there in the last few years---the area reeks of "what"?  "Privilege" I think is a too easy way to describe it. It is a kind of restaurant wonderland, also the Highline begins almost adjacent to the Museum. Is it simply a world without conflict...? A world in which everyone who participates (assuming you have the money to do so) can simply enjoy themselves. Kind of garish to my taste, but it is there. Afterwards, went with Sarah and her husband Alex and a few others or Sibyl's friends to Bubby's, a meatpacking branch of the tribeca restaurant that is very well known. Lots of good conversation---food was good but service was slow---restaurant was only about one third full, nevertheless I enjoyed the ambiance, remarked to Sarah that this would be a good place for a first date, since ambiance was decent and service was slow, so the daters could have a lot of time to chat. Does anyone have first dates anymore? All in my memory. Also, in 1968, a woman whom I liked very much, her name was Zita, lived nearby on Hudson street---remember my encounter with her very well (did not end too well).

Ah, session has just been extended for 15 minutes---not sure what the evening will bring or where I will end up, two interesting baseball games tonight, as both NY teams play teams from the other league. Have to find a bar-restaurant where they won't take this off for soccer. Yeah, I know, America is playing, how I long for the days when nobody watched soccer in bars...not too long ago. Oh well, let us see what happens...

just went to....

stub hub site for the first time--yes, I know I am far behind---tickets to Yankees and Mets game at reduced prices---very accessible (or so it seems). Good thing I don't have access to stubhub at home, or I might become addicted to it---can see how that would be very easy. I will probably return to it at least one more time in my session, but hopefully will not get too carried away,
    Yesterday, after library---walked down Vanderbuilt to Fulton, then left on Fulton to BAM. No tickets available for the movie that I wished to see. Toyed with the idea of seeing another movie that was earlier at the new film festival---this was a documentary by Werner Herzog about the internet, among other things. Sounded very interesting and this director is incredible perceptive---nevertheless passed on it---did not feel like spending $16.00 on it. Instead went to the coffee place (I go there a lot when I am in the neighborhood) on Fulton that is across the street from the Greenlight Book Store. Had an ice coffee and read for a while---killed some time---figured that I could hang out at South fourth until either it was time to go to La Flaca to watch the game, or stay at South fourth for the game. Decided not to go straight there---instead walked down to Myrtle Avenue, then took the bus going east---hoped to check out all the new bars on that now line the Clinton Hill-Bed-Stuy part of that block but a detour prevented that---nevertheless the trip was interesting--most of that avenue, once you hit pure Bed-Stuy is NYCHA projects---interesting that a few new luxury high rises have been built right across the street from them---but again, that is NYC at this time. Got off by the J train stop at Myrtle, decided to walk a few blocks southeast on Broadway and look at the intersection of the streets that cross Broadway with the streets that begin on Broadway. So covered from Lewis to Malcolm X Boulevard to Patchen Avenue (north south streets) while crossing DeKalb, Lafayette, Willoughby,Vernon, Hart (somewhere in there) Kosciosko and finally, (I think) Pulaski. Again, fascinated by the way those streets intersect, stood outside a new building on Willoughby and Broadway that just seems to have been built, watched a dog walker enter into the building---who would live there...? What are the prices...?  Finally, feeling a bit fatigued, climbed the J train stairs at Lafayette  and took the J to Marcy. Got to South Fourth around 6.
    And am very glad that I did, bartender Olivia gave me a very warm greeting, poored me a sprite, and since I was not hungry, it seemed to me the best bet was to remain at South Fourth for the game.
That is what happened, read a little, had a nice chat with my friend Harlo, she might find me a place to stay on my trip to Boston, which I think is happening in two weeks, and settled in to watch the game. Had a nice conversation with one or two guys sitting near me---they were also watching the game---funny, how easy it is to converse on sports with someone you don't know, and something nice and spontaneous happens. Game was a mess---Cleveland won, but not by much---an awful lot of turnovers---both teams were in the game until the very end---wondered as I was watching it, was  I really watching the "great" Warrior team that during the season, everyone talked about. No matter, it was a great way to spend the evening, when push comes to shove, South Fourth seems like the place to be. Returned home feeling very "up".
  Woke up this morning, full of energy---as my sessions decrease, may have to have a whole new strategy for structuring my day. Today will go and ses Sybil's piece at the Whitney, my first visit there, should leave the apartment around 5---what happens in between now and then, or once I finish on this computer---not sure.
 

herr I am....

in Brooklyn, just went to the BAM web site and saw that there are no tickets left (at least on the web site) for 6:30 movie at the BAM new film fest---was really looking forward to seeing it---excited after last night's film (of which more later)  and expected that to fill the time before the basketball game, which I will probably watch at La Flaca? But what until then...? Not sure.
     Yesterday, quite an amazing day---three different worlds to visit--first the sessions at the library at 145street, then off to Brooklyn and the BAN planning meeting at the Cortelyou Road Library. Was greeted warmly by Imani and the three other people there---more arrived later---then an incisive planning conversation for the protest March on the 13th of  August. I made some solid suggestions re the flyer and what it should represent---felt very much a part of this community--next meeting in three weeks, the very Saturday that I was pondering if I should visit Boston. Now that is out, I want to give what I can to this project. Possibly a trip to Boston in that week for only one day; really all that I need there (baseball game at Fenway, not much else) ---this also effects my vision of the other two planned trips that I expected to make. But back to the meeting---again, very intense, the leader has a very strong vision of what he feels is the wholesale "pushing out" of blacks and hispanic people who have lived in the rent stabilized apartments in the area for many years.
   Then, on the Q to BAM, tired but determined to see a "new" film if possible. To my surprise, tickets were still available for Goat---which was advertised as a very intense look at how fraternities treated their pledges (narrative fiction). Very true, the movie is an intense and sometimes frightening look at pledging and the degredation that the pledges are expected to experience. Felt like I was watching Ten Years a Slave---that is how open the brutality that the upper classmen forced on the pledges were. Movie should serve an a cautionary tale---much to think about and discuss.
   After the movie, went to Mullane's which was pretty quiet for a Saturday evening, had a beer as I relaxed and watched the Met game---which, by the time that I left looked like it would be an easy victory for the Mets. It wasn't---they lost it later. But as I returned on the subway, found myself amazed at the variety of experiences and milieus that I had traveled in during the day.
  As for today---pondering how to spend the time if I can't get into the movie---perhaps go to South Fourth (my usual Sunday trip) and wait till the game begins, at which time I can either watch it there or go to La Flaca---where it should be fun  to watch the game (Cavaliers--Warriors, in case you did not know). Will report on all of this tomorrow...

saturday morning...

and all is "well", I guess. Last night did go to Mayday---but the film that I wanted to see was at the end. Instead heard from a lot of people fighting gentrification---fine, and I am glad that I could give them the $5.00 for admission, but would have liked to have seen the film first. Too much dj ing for my taste. Signs were hung up all around the room, stressing the cruelty of gentrification and displacement---the people there were generally friendly, saw one or two that I knew--left a little bit peeved, walked down Saint Nicholas to Starr, looked in the beer bar near Bushwick Starr decided against going in there and/or Heavy Woods, instead took the train right home---I was tired, and went to sleep.
       Today, after sessions, will head to Brooklyn to the library at Corelyou Road (I know it because a few times when I subbed at 139 across the street, I went in afterwards to use the computer) and participate in a planning session for a protest to be held on August 13. Want to be involved as much as I can, however that is the second day of the fringe, so I probably will be working when the action itself takes place. Should be an interesting discussion, though. Afterwards, not sure what I will do, many options, depends on how much energy I have left---love the Cortelyou Road area, love walking around there---looking at the old Art Deco apartments, but don't know how long I will stay after the meeting. There are movies that seem interesting at both the Human Rights Festival or the new film festival at BAM (better check the schedule of that right now). A few other options as well, too numerous to go into.
    Tomorrow, a chance to go to Trenton to see a Thunder-Binghamton game--promised myself that I would do it---will see how I feel when I get up tomorrow, how much energy I possess for that trip. Remember, the basketball game will start tomorrow at about 8:30---and you don't want to be tired for that---I think---.  Again, options, options, well anyway, will report either tomorrow or Monday on those events.

strange day....

with no sessions, no demands on my time until about 6:30, when I leave for Bushwick. Will go to Mayday Space to watch short film made by high school students protesting gentrification. Party afterwards? Will you participate. Maybe, or maybe go back and stop off either at Heavy Woods, or Lantern Hall---not sure what the time will be when I leave Mayday, or how tired I may be. Still, looking forward to it, my first real evening event at the Mayday space.
       Yesterday, had a good time at party for Friends faculty, everyone wishing each other a good summer---how many of those have I been to now...think that the first one was 2008---can this really be the sixth one after that? I guess so, Actually talked to less people than before, but conversations were good, especially one that I had with Joseph re gentrification and the role that "gentrifiers" (young people priced out of Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights) play in it. I stressed to him that there were positive actions he and others could do to prevent predatory gentrification and that older neighborhood people were tolerant of newcomers, if they felt they wanted to make a contribution to the neighborhood. Other good conversations were with Craig, Susie and of course, Jen. May hang out with her or go to a dance that she attends with her. As people left, elected to stay at the bar of Brazen Fox, which was not too crowded at that point, but did get crowded after I left. Had a mac a cheese and thought that I would watch the basketball game but it did not begin until 9 and I was getting tired. A little disappointed since the ambience was kind of gross, but the food was good. Walked from third avenue and 13th to number 2 train at 14th, stopping off at the Strand for about 10 minutes of browsing.
   That is all for now, will report on tonight's "adventure" in next post.

not much....

happened last night, tired after second session, would have loved to have gone to Landowne Road to hang with the twins, but could only make it to Dive Bar on 96th and Amsterdam. Not too crowded, but could not get a place at the bar---settled in at a table, watched the Mets game and ordered their big BLT. Not much contact with anyone, place seems kind of cold when you don't talk to anyone, anyway, I was tired and wanted to get home fairly early--had not trouble falling asleep.
    I awoke at around 4 A.m. to what seemed to me to be a terrible smell---somewhat gaseous---really got me nervous, at 4, no one you can really contact. Walked outside a bit, wondered if the smell was coming from the tenant living downstairs from me---a recluse who refuses to answer his door---runs the air conditioning on all night---I thought it might be some fumes from his air conditioner that escaped---but as the night went on, things improved, may be my apartment just needs to be soaped down (that will happen next week)---my next door neighbor came in at around 9 and could not smell anything---maybe it is just the oldness of my apartment, but still very apprehensive last night. Feel better now.
    Not much else to report, as usual, trying to put together some plans for the weekend, in other words, what shows to see and where. Going to Clubbed Thumb on Tuesday was a good move---now really only the Chekhov piece at Invisible Dog is a must---may have more time than I thought towards the end of next week. Tonight there should be a "good bye" party for the Friends faculty at some bar nearby (won't be at Mumbles, which has finally shut down)  that I attend every year, rejecting BAN meeting and a very interesting film at Bronx Doc to go to it, but I really like the vibe there, and it is nice to say goodbye to everyone for the summer. Anyway, one of my friends on the faculty will give me the word where it is, if it happens.

last evening...

turned out to be pretty good. Decided to see play at Clubbed Thumb since it had a performance last night--and wanted to see it and free some time up later in the week. This was a good idea. Although it was Tuesday, and the Taste of Bushwick might have kept some downtowners  away, saw a lot of people that I knew. Laurena from ERS, with whom I had had a good discussion with, after Sibyl's play last September. A wonderful young actress named Layla who is in Men In Boats which started off at Clubbed Thumb, and is returning later in the summer to Playwrights Horizons (probably won't see it---prices are too high)--Ryan, who is an actor and a good friend of Chris, who teaches English at Friends. Entered the theater only to find that first two rows were reserved for ERS---talk about Downtown Theater Royalty--later after the play said hi to Mike, a really nice member who has been very nice to me when he sees me at plays.
     Play itself had a lot going for it---a very sharp vision---good wit, moved almost relentlessly between intense bitterness and humor---very moving at the end. At times it seemed the playwright was in love with her own ability to move so quickly from sarcasm to rage, but all in all, a nice original piece. Really well acted: my friend Nick C, whom I did not get to say hello to after the play, was terrific as the foil for two really talented women actresses. One, Annie MacNamara, showed incredible range in the role that she played.Left feeling very up beat, hunger crept in and had a pepironi slice at Two Boots, then headed west on Houston, only to bump into Riley, a really nice kid who graduated from Friends last year, and whom I really go to know well during his four years there. We talked about adjustment to college, what was going on at Friends, and he was going to a stand up session at Two Boots auditorium, around the corner from the pizza place.
Really good to talk to him; hope I run into him again this summer before he heads back to Reed in Oregon, where he will be a sophomore next year.
    That's it---got home feeling very good, glad that I had decided to spend the money on the play, which set up all the contact that I received. Slept well (for me) last night and moved into today feeling very upbeat. Not sure yet about the evening---have been invited back to Lansdowne Road to "cavort" with the twins (that actually means that they will visit me at the bar when they take a break from serving) but may opt for something else instead, or in addition (remember, you can stay out as late as you wish now, cityboy---no limits)--there is what looks like a meaningful documentary tonight as part of the Human Rights festival---might see that. Anyway, will report on all this tomorrow...

a little fraught...

over the many choices coming up in the next few days, and the confusion I experience about my commitments to them. Tried to look at baseball schedules for Trenton, Philly, Washington and Boston (yes that is a lot) to coordinate my visits to these places. Sunday might be the best day for me to go to Trenton---then two weeks after that a day trip to Philly (pre July 4th) then the weekend after that Boston, then the weekend after that DC (both for Nationals game and some Washington Fringe--I have promised myself that I would do that for a few years now) then Baltimore, about a week and a half later. All this is tentative, of course DAMN! Would love to go traveling. But lessons are diminishing---money will be another issue as the summer continues. I am beginning with more than usual, but also have been spending fairly prodigiously and that will continue if I need to meet my "theater" needs. So calm down, cityboy, these things will work themselves out---lots to do here (NYC) as well.
       Last night---first the Graduation at Friends, can't believe that this is my tenth one (began with the one in 2007---can still see Lea G's face as I came in for the first time).  Perhaps did not enjoy it as much as previous ones, but perhaps I was expecting too much. But did get a chance to say good by to most of the graduates and some of the Juniors who are there---strange to consider that students whom you know comfortably and warmly in the confines of the school will become strangers in the future. Anyway, afterwards debated as to where to spend the rest of the evening---decided on Lansdowne Road---packed because of the Warrior-Cavalier game---nevertheless bartender-waitress CC---she is really great, greeted me warmly and arranged for me to take an extra place at the bar. CC is one of a pair of identical twins, Mel is the other---each time I come they give me a great deal of warmth. Why? Not sure, must be something in me that they like, anyway, they both will be at the bar on Wednesday---probably will try to catch them then. CC worked incredibly hard and efficiently as she served a large group of people. Stayed a long time---watched most of playoff basketball game, and a couple of baseball games on the side screens as well---which reminds me, I should check those scores, after finishing this post. Left feeling kind of happy and fulfilled---I made the right choice.
   Tonight, might try the play at Clubbed Thumb---feel I should see it, and seeing it tonight will
"get it out of the way" (see, that is what this has come to)---many downtown theater people will be in Bushwick tonight, celebrating the "Taste of Bushwick"--so it should not be too difficult to get in at the last minute.
   Wow! There it is, all in front of me---so many choices---have to figure out how the money works via the imagination. Kind of psyched right now...will report tomorrow on how it all turns out.

did not see TONYS last night...

too tired, and really did not want to. Let's review the rest of the weekend.
Saturday---afternoon tired, still not sure of what to do in the evening---better a movie than a play, but which movie. Finally decided to venture to IFC--and try to see Almost Sunrise, part of the Human Rights film festival---went to IFC box office, had no trouble purchasing a ticket---with about an hour to kill, headed to Formerly Crows to watch Yankee game--again bar people very nice, watched for about 45 minutes, then returned to IFC and joined line to enter movie.
      the movie was quite an experience---very intense with both stills and live photos from Iraq war, the film tells of the trip made by two Iraq war veterans from Milwaukee to LA to air out and try to cleanse issues of rejoining the real world from Iraq. Much sympathy for these two, very articulate, the documentary film makers followed them for about 4 years. The re-entry system for Iraq war vets is very limited, one of the returnees Tom, now goes about the country letting veterans know that there are intense groups for them to work through their rage and pain. Film very gripping. Really important to understand what they experienced both in Iraq and afterwards. Ending very heartening, then the discussion with the film makers and the two veterans, which also was very moving.
  Sunday, just wanted to let things happen---went to Standings at 1 and watched baseball for about two hours, only the owner Gary was there, but we had some good talks about the season and the teams. Watched mostly Yankee and Met games, (and a little of the Orioles-Blue Jays game). Both games were very similar, New York teams faced a superior pitcher and their offense was stymied. Stayed until a little after 3, left because I was hungry, really could have ordered some food and stayed, but just decided not to. Moved east, then south and first avenue, ran into Ewan and Willa from Friends, spoke to them briefly, looking forward to the graduation tonight for both of them and the rest of the class of 2016. Then to Two Boots for me pizza slice and then to South Fourth to hang out. NOt too many people there that I knew, stayed a shorter time then expected--left at around 6:15 and thought about checking out one or two plays that I could get to, but really felt a little too tired to "sit fully" at a play---movie would be better. Decided to see Genius at Sunshine---terrible mistake it is truly an awful movie. Poorly written, no character development; I left before it was over. At least I killed an hour and a half---tired, returned home via F to D to 1. Slept well, which surprised me.
  Tonight, as I have previously mentioned, is the graduation at Friends. Should be a lot of fun, if it is anything like the party last week. Looking forward to saying good bye to many in this group, and wishing them the best. Wonder what alumni will also be there (usually the ones who graduated the year before turn up the first year)
  Strange day today---no commitments until I leave for the graduation, about a quarter to 5. Will probably read a lot after stay at computer. This is the beginning of my summer---a whole new set of feelings arising in me. What will happen? We will see

despite what seemed...

to be fatigue, I ventured to HERE last night to see the ACT IV take on The Iceman Cometh that Target Margin was presenting. Glad I did, it was much more serious then part 1, and really respected the work. My friend Merlin played Hickey--never thought that he was even closely at the point as an actor that he could work on it, but amazingly enough he was unique---found many colors in the long and amazing monologue that O'Neill wrote for Hickey as the climax of the play. Fascinating to listen to the monologue without the preparation of the first three acts---mind was really alert and ready for it, and Merlin could take his time and find colors in it which, in a real time production of all four acts, an actor might not be able to. Very happy for him----also good to see my friend Sarah there.
   When it was over, decided to go to La Flaca, which, at Grand Street and Clinton, is literally on the other side of Manhattan from HERE.  But I rejected the plan to take the C one stop back to west fourth and then jump on the F or M---instead I decided to walk straight east on Broome Street until I hit Essex. An interesting walk through Soho, Little Italy, and finally the gentrified Lower East Side---all on Broome. Very hungry during the trip, but still did not stop for a snack, wanted to have the La Flaca buffalo chicken and wanted my stomach empty for that.
  Arrived at La Flaca---happy to be greeted by Bob, and ordered my food, hung out, ran into two other people that I know, the famous Flako, who greeted me warmly and invited me to his next event at 3LD arts in July (14) and also Shayna from Friends, who was sitting directly behind me with her boy friend and another couple; they had come from a project at Abrons. Also at Abrons doing some work was my friend Sibyl---whose project I am seeing next Monday---ran into her while I was crossing Broome near Essex. Wow! So many people in such a short time span, joked to myself while waiting for F train (a long time) that I was depressed because for the last twenty minutes I had not run into anyone that I knew. Returned home full (the chicken was great!) and basically exhausted.
What about today...after sessions, not sure, some really good and pertinent movies at Human Rights Festival---those will probably be my top choices, but this could change, as for tomorrow, still debating if I want to go to the Public at 11:30 to get on the lottery for the Central Park production of The Taming of the Shrew, or whether I would prefer to do my normal Sunday "hanging out" life style. Do enjoy arriving at South Fourth around 6, seeing who is there and just letting things happen, but time is short, and tomorrow may really be the only chance I have to see Shakespeare in the Park.
Ah, problems, problems---what an infinite amount of choices I have---often feel that the amount of interesting stuff to check has so many options, an almost garish nightmare of what was hoped for 30 or 40 years ago More on that some other time--the day awaits....

He is....

tired---it is now about 3:30 in the afternoon. This morning, took C train to Nostrand, got out, walked south on Nostrand to Eastern Parkway---a curious and diverse mixture of stores and people, then on Eastern Parkway to the Library. After that, walked down Washington, stopped to eat at the store that has been there forever---great BLT, then continued walking down Washington to Fulton, then across Fulton to BAM to pick up a (yet another) schedule for BAM film festival, all new films, from brochure it seems there will be much drinking and excessiveness in many of them. The result of all this walking, which did not tire me when I was doing it, was that at this point, sitting in the Lincoln Center Library, I am very tired. Will leave soon, return to apartment and hope to be strong enough to go to Act IV of Iceman at HERE, that strange concoction that Target Margin is putting together. Hope to see some people that I know there, my friend Merlin is in the piece.
Yesterday,  hoped to go to MAYDAY space for a play about a woman in solitary confinement, much too tired by the time I had finished my second session--spent the next 10 or so hours. sleeping and trying to sleep. A restless night, I am sure tonight will be better, will report about further adventures.

Lots of thoughts....

in my head from last night's TEAM party---demonstration at Littlefields. Piece that they are working on is called "A Primer for a Failed Society"--they did several scenes from it. The project mixes TEAM members with some teen agers and some folks over 50. Many songs, attempt to come to terms with vision of history through songs---do not know whether I buy that or not. Good interview with a rugged man (White) living in West Virginia, who explains the status quo as being anti poor and anti people of color, but no real suggestion of how to go about changing that. What do we do--faced with this "status quo" that, according to this gentleman on the screen, we are all locked into.Could have used some discussion about present day New York---gentrification---action, how to take it. Discussed this with Frank, afterwards also mentioned the time that I helped out after Sandy at the Gowanus projects, and during the time that I was loading clothing into the truck (that was what I was asked to do) I was thinking that soon I would be at local 62 on Bergen street, only a few blocks away, surrounded by all white people and reading a New Yorker. I could do this; the people that I was helping in the Projects could not (did they want to) but the point is that I could separate myself from the poverty that surrounded me. That is the incident I fantasized sharing with the group, if I was asked.
       On the other hand, it was great to talk with Frank again, same with Kristen and Jessie, who were incredibly warm to me. Left feeling very gratified with their friendship---did this ameliorate my rage at the passivity of the text. Possibly? As I said to Frank, I don't know if the twain really meets---look, I can talk theater or baseball with anyone and have a great time---maybe that should just be separate from the political action that was spoken of. Anyway, in these morning hours, as I prepared to come to the library, many of these thoughts, ran around my head.
   Speaking of activism, the play for tonight is to go to Mayday space in Bushwick (God, how I love going out there) and see a play based on letters from a prisoner serving in solitary confinement. Discussion afterwards, should get me back in my "activist" zone.
  Not sure about rest of the weekend, A few plays that I want to see, don't open until next week--many movies that are interesting---Human Rights festival has some very pertinent stuff, as well as that brit picture about Maxwell Perkins and Thomas Wolfe--can I see more than one movie in a day----or a movie and a play. Amy F has a play she is workshopping at EST---don't really know anyone involved, but sounds interesting. Oh well, will have to work it out as it happens...

Wednesday at large...

what do I mean by that---I don't know, but the choices of things to do in the next few days (weeks!) seem to be overwhelming.
Let's begin by describing last night. Left for Williamsburg about 8 for 10:00 showing of my friend Todd's short narrative film at the Wythe Hotel, part of the Brooklyn Film Festival. Traversed the quiet streets west of Bedford as I traveled there, of courses the area is full of new buildings, but few people on the streets, plenty in the Wythe Hotel bar. Got to the Hotel screening room (in the hotel's basement) early, had a $5.00 coke to keep me awake (tired from two sessions earlier)---accepted the fee because I did not want to shlep through the streets of Williamsburg  for another two blocks. Met my friend Tod and his cohorts who made this short film starring Oscar I. Brian, the director and writer of the film, explained to me that he and Oscar had met when they both were performing in a play together, and they had remained close--so Oscar had consented to be in this twenty minute film. Then entered the screening room, it is very nice, and saw the short--in which the protagonist finds himself with a boil on his face (may have come from a mushroom shaped cloud that exploded earlier) and isolates himself in his apartment as he withdraws from the world. Intense, well filmed, good use of color, goes on a little too long, but made its mark, The next short continued in the same surreal, isolationist vein, and was a bit too much for me to take, left immediately after--was tired, but on the way out let Todd know that I  found the film viable. Will talk to him later about it at South Fourth, the next time we find ourselves there. Hurried back to the L train after that, was tired, not interested in exploring the Williamsburg nightlife, which now, seemed to be unfolding before me. L and 3 train pretty good at getting me home at a reasonable hour.
      Today, a possible stop at a party for Micah, leaving chairman of the language department at Friends, then on to Littlefields, to see the preview of the Team work which has people in it of many ages. Should be interesting, nice to mix with that group again.
  The rest of the week is up in the air now. Days probably free---after reading the Voice realize that there are an enormous amount of movies I could watch this weekend--but what about the plays I need to see---enough to be done every day.
   Micheal F wrote a really interesting and incisive review of the three Signature plays, he likes them but believes that they were misdirected---I found the last play striking, he explains why the current production is misshapen, I admire and respect his insight and I think he is right---does not take away from the excitement that I felt as I left the theater---the tremendous acting that I experienced. But I think it is a great review; I can consider all of his points---they are all valid, and rethink the play.
  Stay tuned for further reports...

Great fun....

and energy at the senior dinner last night at Friends, really glad I came--Bob Rosen gave a really meaningful speech about passing on the vision of music, Charlie R sang wonderfully, a very warm and generous energy in the air. Really looking forward to next week's graduation, which will be the last time I see these seniors in a while---have a great deal of regard for many of them, they have turned out to be very special.
      Lots of other things are going on: tonight will go to Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg to see short movie that my friend from South Fourth has produced. Starts at 10, so it should mean some late night "action" (whatever that may mean) following the film. It is a twenty minute short, so should be some other shorts on the program as well.
Just made a reservation for my friend's Sibyl's pageant at the Whitney, two weeks from yesterday. Tomorrow the Team preview at Littlefield's, the next day maybe the project at Mayday space. We will see.
Feeling, at this point, a tremendous sense of energy and satisfaction with the way things are going. What does that mean? Where will it lead to....hard to say, we will follow and find out.

weekend adventures...

began with a trip to HERE to see Julia S-F's take on Iceman Cometh act I. a concert with each song representing a character in Act I and all the lyrics taken from O'Neill's original dialogue. Great idea, but what was executed was a twelve song concert, with mikes so loud, I could only make out the lyrics to 4. Music was solid, never boring, but attitude (and let me say I really respect Julia's talent) was a little too self congradulatory. Other performers made light of Iceman---the reason that they were doing this. There was no reverence---no sense that the piece that stimulated their performance had any value. So I was a little disappointed on that level. The performers were good, however, of course, the audience loved them. Wonder if the other three will be any more focused---I plan, at this point, to only see Act IV because that is the only one that I know someone in (my friend Merlin W). Left without talking to anyone, went to Formerly Crow's (after some debate) As usual staff very friendly, but no one really to talk to. Watched the Yankee Oriole game for a while, had a nice BLT, and headed home.Was tired from earlier sessions.
   Yesterday, participated in Bushwick Artists celebration, which, because of the rain, was held at Silent Barn in Bushwick, close to the Bushwick---East Williamsburg border. Sat at the BAN table, a little claustrophobic, my friend Michael took a picture of me to use for airbnb--I fussed a lot about how the picture looked, probably drove Michael insane doing so. Finally got a picture that I could "live" with. Some very passionate speeches about keeping Brooklyn livable and not too expensive and maintaining space for those who were born and raised there. Both Imani and Lucas from Mayday spoke eloquently. Good to make contact with Lucas again, hope to see more of him, he is very active at Mayday now, may go there once this week and once next, depending on how schedule turns out.
   Left a little early, not a lot of space at the Barn, walked the six blocks or so through Bushwick to Wycoff and entered Cobra Club. Greeted warmly by Bartender Andrew and Paul, a musician that I know from there. Very nice to me, very happy to be there. Had my coffee and rich donut, tired but headed to south fourth. Met my friend Harlo there, she is going through some changes, and I tried to be supportive---also spoke to writer friend JD---he is discouraged because his novel has been turned down. Good to be there---took off as the rain began, had to duck into Lucky Dog to stay out of rain. Thought that a beer might do it, but became hungry in a few minutes, and so had their meet and cheese plate, a nice mix of cheese and I guess salami. Lots of people taking shelter from the very heavy rain, no real conversations for me, people were either there alone or in couples, no mixing. Left though the rain had continued (let down a little) again too claustrophobic---still bartender was very nice to me. One more stop at the Bean on North 11th and Bedford and then I went home.
  Today is the Senior Dinner at Friends; I will be there, will report on that and other adventures soon.

great time yesterday...

evening at Studio B watching Home-Sick, still remains an amazing piece for me, glad I could come, afterwards went to Hounds Tooth bar and talked for a long time with Steve, the dramaturg-author and others. Everyone very happy to see me, I hope they have a great run in LA. At certain moments, the six actors really transcend the boundaries of brilliance. (seriously, I mean it) as Steve said, "it is lightning in a bottle".  Hope to get some real reports from LA.
Not much else to report, will see Julia's first act of Iceman tonight, could turn out to be anything---after that, not sure. Tomorrow I will be tablling for BAN at the Bushwick Arts festival--should be fun. Will report on that and other adventures on Monday.

here we are....

at the beginning of the weekend, Friday, have just returned from the final assembly at Friends, nice to be there...said good by for the summer to many students. Will return again for parent dinner and graduation, and of course, faculty party on the 16th.
Last two days worked at Friends---noticed that the day before a work day, sleep is much easier to come by, and focus when I can't sleep is much less frenetic. So there you go. At any rate, looks like this is the end of it for the summer, some chance that there will be some work next week when a little bit of the lower school remains, but I would not bet on it. At any rate, already a new set of feelings, the absence of any tension that comes from waiting for a phone call. Now a kind of break---must focus on other things.
      Tuesday, most recent BAN meeting--long and sometimes arduous---will go to Bushwick artists show on Sunday to man the BAN booth and give out information. Hopefully will have some interesting dialogues with some passers by. So many people are simply not aware of the what is going on, or how to get involved. But rain is scheduled for Sunday, and some of it is heavy; hard to say what effect that will have on the outing. Anyway, planning to go.
    Tonight will attend Home-Sick run through---surprised that I am seeing it again---yet looking forward to being there, and watching those guys (The Assembly) do their work. Last night saw Half Moon Bay, directed by Assembly director and leader Jess---a play about two lonely thirty somethings---well acted, but I found the whole thing very flat, the characters simply are not very interesting, and the play meanders often while one is waiting for the next exciting moment to occur from the two characters (they are hooking up)  Actors very good, really push the play through, but left with a very hollow feeling.
Tommorow some sessions, then off to the first installment of Iceman at HERE---could be very weird, but I really admire Julia, the director of this first part. We will see what happens.