excited about traveling through Brooklyn? Let's move back a while. Have been working at Friends for the last four days, and also have one period of work tomorrow. Lots of energy expanded, yesterday, after working there, had three students in two hours. Quite a lot, eh, cityboy? Yet today, able to walk a great deal.
The walk that I am referring to took place around 5:40 P.M. in the darkness as I traveled down Marcus Garvey boulevard, one of the longest north south Bed-Stuy streets. The event that I was going to was a vigil at Gates and Marcus Garvey but it never happened. Still the walk, from Fulton to actually Van Buren and then back to Gates was fascinating. On most of the east west streets that Garvey borders on, lots of beautiful Brownstones from one end of the block to another. Remember that most of those blocks have about six more west-east streets before they meet up with Broadway..
First part of the block, say between Fulton and Halsey has a few signs of gentrification, a yogurt shop and what looks like a new bar, also, somewhat in the middle of nowhere one finds a new Mexican restaurant on one of the corners. However, after Jefferson Street shops seem more to represent the "old" less gentrified Bed-Stuy. Still, streets were for the most part very quiet, not well traveled, and I felt pretty secure. After I saw that the vigil had not developed, thought about following the street all the way north to Broadway, but hunger and need to hit library for computer use, made me jump on the first bus down Gates avenue and take it back to the BAM-Fulton area. And has that area been built up in the past few years. Amazing!
Just heard that Councilman Steve Levin, against the wishes of many of his constituents, has voted for the sale of the Brooklyn Library in Brooklyn Heights to be replaced by. of course, a luxury high rise. Sure, Levin got some "concessions" from the developers, and added a few things that were not there before, but in the main, the developer makes a lot of money from the deal. So we will see how this all plays out, does it mean the end of Levin's political career? Will he go the way of Christine Quinn..?
Time will tell, it will be interesting to see how the fallout from this commitment by Levin plays out.
Rest will be figured out later....
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Sunday, December 6, 2015
greetings from the...
Bronx. Here is Bronx Central Library on Kingsbridge Road---after a session (and a very productive one) on Gun Hill Road. Walked all the way west on Gun Hill to Jerome (quite a hike!) then south on Jerome (seems to be millions of 99 cent stores on that block) until Bedford, to get a nice BLT at the one diner around there that I really like. Very crowded and frenetic place, yet were able to bring me a blt and coffee with great service. Left a very generous tip. Could hardly walk after that, but took number 2 bus about six blocks to Kingsbridge and the Concourse and then walked southeast to library. From the window one can see the old Central Library a block away on Bainbridge Avenue. That is the library that I went to often when I was attending Bronx Science. Memories of the Bronx then, a time when it was mostly white. Most of the areas I traveled in today where all black and hispanic---basically all working class. Gentrification in the Bronx.../ Don't bet on it---it still seems a long way away. Will probably return to the apartment after this is over, then not sure what will happen after that.
Yesterday night: respected my need to see a movie, saw Brooklyn at the AMC Lincoln Square, a movie factory that is packed for the Saturday 7 o clock or thereabouts show. Movie starts out slow and is very deliberate, but is really meaningful as it moves towards it ending. Left feeling very moved as the heroine has to decide which of the two men who want her she will return to (it is the fifties, so moving on without either of them is not a possibility---still, there are hints of her individual strength towards the end of the movie.
Experience itself was strange and a little alienating---too tired to find a bar to hang out in afterwards, went to sleep quickly, but felt a little barren this morning. A play or any live performance is still more meaningful to me than a movie. Yet I want and need to see several more. Today..not sure, time is running out on the Frederick Wiseman doc In Jackson Heights, though I don't know if today is the right time to see it. Well, we will just take it as it comes.
Rest of day not clear---some good football games on at 4 o'clock, but must go to an all sports bar to see them. That, a movie, South Fourth...? Lots of unanswered questions, as we wend our way to the evening...
Yesterday night: respected my need to see a movie, saw Brooklyn at the AMC Lincoln Square, a movie factory that is packed for the Saturday 7 o clock or thereabouts show. Movie starts out slow and is very deliberate, but is really meaningful as it moves towards it ending. Left feeling very moved as the heroine has to decide which of the two men who want her she will return to (it is the fifties, so moving on without either of them is not a possibility---still, there are hints of her individual strength towards the end of the movie.
Experience itself was strange and a little alienating---too tired to find a bar to hang out in afterwards, went to sleep quickly, but felt a little barren this morning. A play or any live performance is still more meaningful to me than a movie. Yet I want and need to see several more. Today..not sure, time is running out on the Frederick Wiseman doc In Jackson Heights, though I don't know if today is the right time to see it. Well, we will just take it as it comes.
Rest of day not clear---some good football games on at 4 o'clock, but must go to an all sports bar to see them. That, a movie, South Fourth...? Lots of unanswered questions, as we wend our way to the evening...
Saturday, December 5, 2015
a weird dream....
yesterday evening, still haunts me---essentially the dream had me interacting with a middle aged man, someone I sort of knew, who lived in the east nineties. He has a very dull personality and seems uninterested in getting into an exciting mode. But here's the thing: he is (in the dream) an heir to the Oscar Hammerstein II fortune, so he has no financial problems, just lives on his money. Surprised that such a person would seem so defeated by life or live life so blandly. Other parts of the dream:
as a child, driving with Mr. Hammerstein and his son to pick up something at the Saint James theater, where the original King and I played; watching a play by a friend of my friend Sybil, and then being told by the friend after the performance that someone I had criticized was someone whom she had worked with on this production for three years. Finally last image, going into my apartment with a friend, only the apartment I am entering is 2E and 620 Thwaites Place, the apartment I was raised in!
Makes sense? Woke up feeling kind of barren, but after a session, and waiting for another, feel better now.
Last night, Anniversary party at South Fourth, had a good time, caught up with some people, ate a little too much, generally very glad that I went. Also I am reading an interesting group of short stories by a young writer named,Andrew Malan Milward. Only reading the first, but it is very interesting. Will see what happens with the others.
Tonight, no plans---maybe will finally catch up on one of the movies I wish to see, maybe Brooklyn (in Brooklyn..?) or Spotlight or one of the lesser known ones. Not much else to report as the day moves forward, more to come in the next few days...
as a child, driving with Mr. Hammerstein and his son to pick up something at the Saint James theater, where the original King and I played; watching a play by a friend of my friend Sybil, and then being told by the friend after the performance that someone I had criticized was someone whom she had worked with on this production for three years. Finally last image, going into my apartment with a friend, only the apartment I am entering is 2E and 620 Thwaites Place, the apartment I was raised in!
Makes sense? Woke up feeling kind of barren, but after a session, and waiting for another, feel better now.
Last night, Anniversary party at South Fourth, had a good time, caught up with some people, ate a little too much, generally very glad that I went. Also I am reading an interesting group of short stories by a young writer named,Andrew Malan Milward. Only reading the first, but it is very interesting. Will see what happens with the others.
Tonight, no plans---maybe will finally catch up on one of the movies I wish to see, maybe Brooklyn (in Brooklyn..?) or Spotlight or one of the lesser known ones. Not much else to report as the day moves forward, more to come in the next few days...
Friday, December 4, 2015
pretty normal....
day today, as I sit at the computer in the Lincoln Center Library which has now wonderfully chosen to open at 10:30 A.M. All to the good.
What else..? Yesterday evening was spent at the BAN meeting, a lot of ideas discussed, group is continuing, I offered to help Coby with some data entry during christmas (don't think that I can do it until then) some annoyance with two of the participants who insisted on something that is happening in the future without adding any doubts to it. Did not confront, maybe another time. My life with BAN still seems undefined. I am not part of their struggle, yet I want to stop the "horror" of aggressive gentrification. Really admired Imani last night for including in the struggle young white people being priced out themselves. Anyway, will see how this plays out.
Afterwards had to do"something" ended up going to bar on Amsterdam and 80 Street called Bourbon Street---a souless place that I do attend at times, because it is not too crowded and has plenty of tvs to watch sports. Pretty crowded yesterday at about 10, mainly due to $1.00 budweisers. I bought one, then gave the bartender a two dollar tip, as a result, she was really nice to me (always tip bartenders a little more than they deserve---you never know what that will result in) watched football game, left thinking Lions would win, returned home to hear on radio the last sad moment in which the Packers took the game away from them. Bar is convenient, but the people there are less interesting than the ones at the Dive Bar on Amsterdam and 96th street. So why did I not go there..? Too tired to take bus there and back. Returned home, awakened around 3 by drip from upstairs radiator, which had been gone for a few days. Woman who lives there has been away for at least two weeks. no keys to super or landlord, so super will have to turn off the heat during the day; only way to stop the leak. It will probably return late at night, leaving me with an annoyance as tomorrow approaches.
Tonight, after session, might see a movie, but at some point will head to South Fourth for their ninth anniversary party. Can it really be nine years (or 8 and a half for me as a regular) since I discovered the place. Many good times there, have made a lot of friends. I go there less often now, probably because so much of my afternoon work is around 145street in Harlem. Looking forward to it.
Not much else to report, busy day tomorrow, will see what happens...
What else..? Yesterday evening was spent at the BAN meeting, a lot of ideas discussed, group is continuing, I offered to help Coby with some data entry during christmas (don't think that I can do it until then) some annoyance with two of the participants who insisted on something that is happening in the future without adding any doubts to it. Did not confront, maybe another time. My life with BAN still seems undefined. I am not part of their struggle, yet I want to stop the "horror" of aggressive gentrification. Really admired Imani last night for including in the struggle young white people being priced out themselves. Anyway, will see how this plays out.
Afterwards had to do"something" ended up going to bar on Amsterdam and 80 Street called Bourbon Street---a souless place that I do attend at times, because it is not too crowded and has plenty of tvs to watch sports. Pretty crowded yesterday at about 10, mainly due to $1.00 budweisers. I bought one, then gave the bartender a two dollar tip, as a result, she was really nice to me (always tip bartenders a little more than they deserve---you never know what that will result in) watched football game, left thinking Lions would win, returned home to hear on radio the last sad moment in which the Packers took the game away from them. Bar is convenient, but the people there are less interesting than the ones at the Dive Bar on Amsterdam and 96th street. So why did I not go there..? Too tired to take bus there and back. Returned home, awakened around 3 by drip from upstairs radiator, which had been gone for a few days. Woman who lives there has been away for at least two weeks. no keys to super or landlord, so super will have to turn off the heat during the day; only way to stop the leak. It will probably return late at night, leaving me with an annoyance as tomorrow approaches.
Tonight, after session, might see a movie, but at some point will head to South Fourth for their ninth anniversary party. Can it really be nine years (or 8 and a half for me as a regular) since I discovered the place. Many good times there, have made a lot of friends. I go there less often now, probably because so much of my afternoon work is around 145street in Harlem. Looking forward to it.
Not much else to report, busy day tomorrow, will see what happens...
Thursday, December 3, 2015
not a lot...
happening today, as I "recover" from yesterday's marathon. Body tired, moving back into shape, did my laundry and picked up a smoke detector in the morning, have a session (maybe two) and then a meeting of BAN this evening.
Yesterday after library, simply returned home, collapsed, spent the rest of the night in bed.
Not much else to report, weekend is a bit vague at this point, but will definitely try to go to the South Fourth party tomorrow night. Possible play at Brick on Saturday. And what about all those movies that you claim you want to see..? Any time...? Also a new student who lives in the Bronx, just a few subway stations from where I was raised> Will take this trip on Sunday.
That's all for now....
Yesterday after library, simply returned home, collapsed, spent the rest of the night in bed.
Not much else to report, weekend is a bit vague at this point, but will definitely try to go to the South Fourth party tomorrow night. Possible play at Brick on Saturday. And what about all those movies that you claim you want to see..? Any time...? Also a new student who lives in the Bronx, just a few subway stations from where I was raised> Will take this trip on Sunday.
That's all for now....
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
a long...
but very meaningful day--am writing this blog entry on a day that I usually don't---a day I subbed at Friends. Called about 7:45 to cover a History tenth grade class, got there around 8:20; Kristen, the History chairwoman was pleased. Not that much subbing in the last few days; some of my issues appear to be unfounded---should look at things a little more realistically, Some days there are very few absences. At any rate, felt integrated into the community, accepted, and have at least one more day this group to work. Am comfortable with this. Calmer, definitely After day at Friends, did one and half hours of tutoring at 145th street library.Finished with that now, tired, but invigorated. Time to go home, will report on night and whatever tomorrow...
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
restless.....
that is the only way to describe the way I feel at this moment. Not sure if there will be any sessions for me this afternoon, not sure what the evening will bring.
Yesterday, continued with plans for the Boston trip, now everything is in place but the departure, did buy my ticket ($25.00) for Natasha and Pierre last evening, so that is set. Train seems too expensive at this point, probably will settle for bus ride to Boston, will leave early in the morning, hopefully to avoid traffic, though on the Sunday morning, after Christmas Friday, things should be very quiet.
Last night, too tired to really go anywhere---the drip from the ceiling has debilitated me, probably also long walk on Sunday. The result was that I was stuck in the apartment, apart from a short visit to Barnes and Noble in the early evening. Feeling at odd, but things turned around when I tuned in to Exploring Music with Bill McLaughlin on WQXR. First a Haydn string quartet (excerpt) then the first movement of the Mozart "Dissonant" quartet---and then, well an incredible choice, the cavatina (slow movement) from Beethoven's Opus 130--a beautiful piece, so plaintive and filled with longing---I was blown away and transcended listening to it. McLaughlin coupled that with the last movement of the Opus 59, number 3--a virile and tough work, totally the opposite of the Cavatina What a great juxtaposition! Felt revived and well defined---at least for a while.
Tonight, should get myself out at any cost. Interesting movie at Lincoln Center film, a movie with Tom Courtney (remember him from the Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner) and one of the other elderly british female stars. Hasn't been reviewed yet, which makes it more interesting. May try to see that, or possibly play some trivia in Brooklyn. That is how things stand now, will report later...
Yesterday, continued with plans for the Boston trip, now everything is in place but the departure, did buy my ticket ($25.00) for Natasha and Pierre last evening, so that is set. Train seems too expensive at this point, probably will settle for bus ride to Boston, will leave early in the morning, hopefully to avoid traffic, though on the Sunday morning, after Christmas Friday, things should be very quiet.
Last night, too tired to really go anywhere---the drip from the ceiling has debilitated me, probably also long walk on Sunday. The result was that I was stuck in the apartment, apart from a short visit to Barnes and Noble in the early evening. Feeling at odd, but things turned around when I tuned in to Exploring Music with Bill McLaughlin on WQXR. First a Haydn string quartet (excerpt) then the first movement of the Mozart "Dissonant" quartet---and then, well an incredible choice, the cavatina (slow movement) from Beethoven's Opus 130--a beautiful piece, so plaintive and filled with longing---I was blown away and transcended listening to it. McLaughlin coupled that with the last movement of the Opus 59, number 3--a virile and tough work, totally the opposite of the Cavatina What a great juxtaposition! Felt revived and well defined---at least for a while.
Tonight, should get myself out at any cost. Interesting movie at Lincoln Center film, a movie with Tom Courtney (remember him from the Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner) and one of the other elderly british female stars. Hasn't been reviewed yet, which makes it more interesting. May try to see that, or possibly play some trivia in Brooklyn. That is how things stand now, will report later...
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