Quite a lot....

has gone on since I sat in the 145th street library Saturday early afternoon and wrote the last blog post.
So, to begin:
Saturday afternoon: did go to the rally at the Heights on Sherman Avenue and Broadway. Good strong turnout, people are very angry at the proposed site which is supposed to be mostly luxury housing. The usual complaints: wealthier people in the neighborhood, stores closing, harassment of tenants in nearby buildings--and of course, they are all true. How do we stop this?  More and more people are waking up to the fact that they are being left behind, as the builders show their strength. This administration has been completely in league with the developers---very frustrating. Heat was grueling, but I stayed about an hour and a half, and gave out a few flyers for the march in Brooklyn on Saturday.
Returned to Men in Boats Saturday evening, really to see Kristen and her performance. Play is not very deep but performances and dynamics or very impressive. Great cast, though I missed Becca and Jess B.
Afterwards, waited for Kristen, then walked her over to the 3 train---we talked a lot about gentrification, what the newcomers to the community could contribute if they valued the community they were moving into. Said goodbye to Kristen on the downtown 3 stop---she was going to Crown Heights, I too Dive Bar. At the latter, had a blt  (good but expensive, of course); did not want french fries, but got them anyway, gorged myself on them, in spite of my best intentions. Stomach heavy. Returned home and woke up early on Sunday. Sunday morning, the usual, Daily News and Coffee and then the "Alex" revelation---left about 12, headed to Standings for some baseball before hitting the fringe lounge. Watched games for two hours,  nice talk with a guy named Nick, somewhat new to the city, lives in the Pacific Park area, tells me that rents are being lowered because of lack of tenant interest. Good to hear.
After that, visited the Fringe lounge for some info (got most of it) walked to J and F station from 2nd and 4th street---went to South Fourth, nice time there, said good bye for three weeks to bartender Olivia (a really nice person) and headed to Bean for some desert and coffee. Bean was hot--no air conditioning, knew I could not stay there, opted instead for some chocolate ice cream from the truck on Bedford off seventh, really good filled my stomach wandered around the newly built apartments that line north 8th and the other streets between Bedford and Roebling, and finally hit the subway around 9.
Dream last night: intense; a Baltimore dream, I am there for the summer to participate in some kind of helping project (at least that is what I think) first staying in the downtown area--fairly safe, then all of a sudden find myself living in a large apartment house (project, I think) on west north avenue, a few blocks from where Freddy Gray was first chased. I look outside, across the street---the north side is the more gentrified side of North Avenue---see police standing there with guns. What are they doing? Protecting the people on the north side of the street from the poorer people on the South Side. How did I wind up on the south side? Awake with a start! 3:15 A.M. All alone---amazed and frightened by the dream, can't sleep, the next hour filled with visions, recriminations, trying to figure things out, a memory: at the last reunion (2014) a thirty something woman arrives with her mother---the widow of a classmate of mine, who has just recently passed away. While I chat with the daughter, the woman wanders around the front of the hall---distracted, a look of sheer emptiness on her face---totally unreachable. One extreme to another. It is strange that after such a "good" weekend, and my final weekend before the Fringe, that I should have such an intense dream.  But the morning arrives, and events return to their normal selves.
That is it for now----have a few things before tomorrow, will report on it then...

had my....

first lesson in a while---worked hard, glad I did it---had forgotten that this could be fulfilling---it was.

Today: first will try to go to the protest march in the heights---maybe give out a few flyers for Saturday's march in Brooklyn---after that come home and rest, and then go to see Men In Boats, a last minute decision that I made on Thursday night, but do want to touch base with my friend Kristen, who is in it, and look at the play again. First time I saw it as a kind of successful conceit---will be interesting to re-evaluate it and also see how an audience that is not mostly friends and comrades receives it. I will look for people that I know in the audience, but I have a feeling that most people are there to see the play, not to give support. Prices are far more expensive---should be good to observe all that is going on.
Yesterday: after library, went out to Brooklyn to flyer on the Newkirk Plaza for next Saturday's march. Very hot. With a flyer in my hand I immediately withdraw, but my partner was very assertive in a nice way, and she did most of the talking to the shop owners. Many requests to put flyers in the window were met with approval. Traversed the plaza (many small shops selling the same thing) and walked north to Cortelyou Road for a final run with a few stores, Saw people of all kinds there, from black jamaicans to hispanics to muslims (many) to what appeared to be white yuppie parents and established people to a group of white "artists" who appeared to have no money. They were all in the area. Had a fantasy about moving in there. Possible? Probably not.
Met my friend Katie, of BAN on the subway station on the way home, we had an interesting talk before she got off on Canal Street to return to her apartment in Bushwick. My original idea was to try to get into the 600 Highwaymen's project at the Public, but figured I was really too tired. Came home and slept--then ready to go out---most bars had the Olympics on, which I did not want to see. Settled on seeing the movie Indignation---I had wanted to see it before the Fringe began.
  I found the movie to be very interesting. It keeps the flavor and feeling of Roth's short novel, but actually expands on many issues in the book. The role of Olivia, the woman Mark goes out with in the book is much more in the forefront here. The more I think of it, the more away from Roth it moves. Well made with very good performances. Linda Emond has an incredible monologue where she insists that her son reject the girl he is dating. I wanted to boo; I hate that kind of pushiness---not clear how believable that was. The scenes that frame and end the movie are all James Schamus, not Roth in any way. Yet even if they out conceive Roth, you never feel that they are distorting his original vision. Would like to discuss this with someone who has seen the movie and read the book. Possible...? Not sure---see if it happens.
 That is all for now, getting a little fatigued, may ( I know this is superficial) miss the march--or just stay briefly to lend support. Would love to just head over to the neighborhood bar here, Wallace's and watch the Yankee game. But life is more complicated than that, isn't it? Stay tuned.

much better...

night last night then the one before, this one had no waking up in the middle of the night, and some attempts to stay awake until I was really tired.
Last night--went to the three one acts at 59 east 59 called selected shorts--because my two waitress friend, Mel and CC were in the last one. Theaterat 59 east 59th is cramped and the plays were presented without a break. Did not like that. First play dealt with two roommates, one white one black, in college, trying to settle their differences. Well meaning, a little forced, could have been longer---ending very abrupt. On first, why? Second play, written by the writer of Birdman well acted, and the third play, written by his partner was a noir---where the identical twins, (my friends) played many characters, duping the audience.Well acted, kind of fun----afterwards,,said hello to both twins, they were very happy to see me, hugs all around, also had a nice conversation with the actress who was in the second play. Nice to be there, afterwards, walked to 66th and Madison, wanted to walk longer but had to pee, crosstown bus was there so took it to the west side. Stopped in at the Irish bar on 72nd street and had some wings (cheapest item on the menu---hate the prices at these places) but did not stay long. Returned home, full (so no more wandering) and was able to sleep without incident.
Today, scheduled to flyer in Brooklyn for the march next Saturday---expect a text from my flyering partner shortly. Then not sure, only chance I have to see the open workshop of Michael and Abbie's piece is tonight. Tomorrow, just got tickets for Men In Boats---not that anxious to see it, but want to touch base with my friend Kristen, who is in it---and this is my only chance. Tomorrow could be very busy, a lesson early in the morning, and then I want to participate in a march against gentrification in Washington Heights. Could be tired for the play---but I have made my choice. Can rest (I hope) on Sunday.
Will report all later...

very sad....

to read an article that a facebook friend of mine posted about gentrification in Harlem and one man who is getting rich by selling developments now at the height of the real estate boom. Seems so unfair---I don't understand how people only think in terms of their own gain. (That sounds naive; I know, but still, you wonder...) Anyway, feel like I am in a funk at this moment---just makes stronger the need to participate in protests and share the word with others.
Last night---a totally different world---went to see Eliza's play at the Ohio Space---a very delicate two person play about a relationship and its ultimate break up. This is an easy kind of play to write as a kind of indulgent naval gazing---but this play avoids all that; is really skillful---wonderfully structured as it moves in and out of time, and totally fair to the two characters. Beautifully acted by Noel and Ebony---overall a very meaningful experience---so many people I knew in the audience---almost was as interesting observing them during the play. I am very happy for Eliza---of the four plays of hers that I have seen, this is definitely the strongest.
Afterwards,  group of us went to the nearby Italian restaurant---had conversations with many people that I know---all very interesting and meaningful---said my goodbyes and then left. Wanted a little more than my slice of pizza, so went to Elephant and Castle, a restaurant that has been in the same place (Greenwich Avenue just as it turns into seventh) for at least 25 years. Nice, quiet place, no tv, food is extremely good, and only "relatively" expensive. Had a terrific BLT and nothing else, but the cost after tip was $15.00. Amazing! How often can I go there---not too often. After that, went home, fell asleep quickly, but awoke only to find that it was just about midnight. Felt healthy, strong, but did not want a beer (stomach too full) so found myself in a quandary---should I go out or not. Ultimately I optioned for staying in, but for the next hour or so, found myself at odds with everything. Very restless---this is the "problem" of living on the Upper West Side, no late coffee shops or friendly bartenders who will let me sit with a coke or a sprite at that late hour---if I lived in South Williamsburg that would be different, but I don't. And though the area is so convenient to my work---well, what can you say. At times, I wish I could just hang around in a bar from about one to two, just to see what is happening there, but at this point, the way my body functions, it totally escapes me. Once the night is over, it is over---I move easily on to the next moment but----well we will see.
This evening, off to 59 east 59th street for the one acts that two friends of mine are appearing in. Should be fun, and interesting to be in that neighborhood---I really never go there. Two more theater projects are possibilities for the two days after that, but let's see how today plays out.
Will report tomorrow..

walking through brooklyn....

that is what I did yesterday, before and after the BAN meeting. The meeting, by the way, was very strong--lots of interest in the march on the 13th. Wish I could be there, but my fringe work is calling me. But the meeting was well attended; there will be another meeting next Tuesday and the vision of the march seems to be building. 

Got to Brooklyn early---got off at the Prospect Park Lincoln Road station, walked over to Flatbush and then south on Flatbush to the library. Flatbush still packed with people of color, most stores also seemed to serve those people, but here and there was a bar, or Italian restaurant or a coffee place that seemed more in the vein of the newcomers to the neighborhood. Wandered down Caton Avenue a bit, then back up to Linden and to the library. Stopped dead in my tracks at Caton and East 21street, why?  Apartment houses like the one I grew up in are all over--wanted to see everyone who was now living there---also, as I walked down Caton east of Flatbush where it merges with Linden Boulevard, I desperately wanted the story of each building--the days in the sixties where it began to change. Haunted by that---never happened in my neighborhood in the Bronx which received a much slower transition, and even now is about 30-30-30 as far as racial mix goes. Then headed for the library and the meeting.

After the meeting it was time for a long walk. Followed Flatbush south to Church then west on Church in search of a few bars in the area that I found on yelp. Long walk, about 21 blocks, the two bars were nice, but I did not go in, by the time I reached MacDonald Avenue it was dark, but still hungry to find out more about how the neighborhood transitions into Sunset Park. Walked to the next large block called Dahill Road, then over to the beginning of 14th Avenue and 34th street. Finally tired I returned to the MacDonald subway station on the F and began my journey home. Wanted to stop off at another stop, maybe in Boerum Hill or the south slope, but by then I was pretty fatigued, so I headed home. 

Today I will see my friend Eliza's play at Ohio Space at 7---not clear how to spend the afternoon--also depends on how much time I have on this computer. Oh well, will report on all tomorrow.

strange day...

lots going on---a BAN meeting in Brooklyn which will continue planning the August 13th protest rally in Flatbush will be this afternoon at the Flatbush library on Linden Boulevard. This is good; a return to a neighborhood that I want to know more of---should get there a little early to walk around---thought I might stop by a coffee bar in Bushwick that I have not been to for a while, and say hello to a barista friend of mine, but how do you get from Bushwick to Flatbush, without leaving Brooklyn? How do you hold a cloud and pin it down? Might be an interesting voyage.
Yesterday afternoon, at Barnes and Nobles, read an interesting and potent artcle by Connie Bruck about Obama's failure to close the prison at Guantanamo. A very measured and fair approach---illustrates all the pitfalls that prevent such a closing, but also lays some of the fault at Obama's passivity in the matter. Don't understand how some people can lack even the smallest shred of compassion for those who are being unfairly kept at the prison. Really frightening.
Evening: decision time, what to do? Decided that I would finally check out Metrograph, the newly created movie theater at the southern edge of Ludlow Street. Glad I did. Like going into a magical kingdom or something like that. Arrived early, bought a ticket and then went up to their bar-restaurant for a much needed coffee. What did I find? A "bohemian" parlor where scrubby men and women were discussing the strengths  and camera angles of Antonioni and Allen? Nothing like that at all---this is a very upscale dining room (hey, cityboy---it is 2016) full of 25 to 40 somethings, all of whom looked like they could easily afford $25.00 dinners. Bar was similar. Bartender was very nice---got me the coffee and let me sit at the bar. Food that I saw being served looked ravishing---but of course, very expensive. Downstairs there is a smaller more auxiliary bar---kind of dark, in much the same manner. Considering how many books there are about movies, and all the movie brochures that are around, there are very few corners, either upstairs or downstairs with enough light to read in. I pointed this out to the very friendly manager--he accepted my criticism very cordially. Then the movie: Smithereens by Susan Seidelman--- a picture of a bizarre twenty something named Wren living downtown in the early eighties. Beautifully photographed---lots of shots of decaying, empty streets (probably all filled with high rises now) and very dynamic. Story follows Wren through a number of adventures and two lovers---she is very detached and narcissistic but for the most part, her story maintains interest. I really liked the screening room---sight lines great---very atmospheric---wandered around a little on Canal before the movie began---discovered an upscale restaurant amid the tenements on that street as well. Of course it was full. Lots of money around. As I was saying, the experience was for the most part, exciting, and I want to return to see another movie, (and hang out at the bar) again.
So that is it--much more to come this week as I try to get as much in the ten days before the fringe begins,
Will report on all this tomorrow.

angry because I...

can't seem to get the Fringe performance guide on this computer. Last night I learned that my post for the entire Fringe Festival would be at the Players Theater on MacDougal Street. Both theaters, as many as seven box offices a night, maybe more. No days off between the first and last day of the Fringe. Can I do it? I think so, but wanted to get schedule off the web site and as of now, this seems impossible. Will have to do it later at another computer. Anyway, now that the Fringe is in focus, everything seems to move around the next ten days, the days until the Fringe begins.
However, the rest of the weekend:
 Saturday afternoon---very hot---went out to the flyering place on Church and Flatbush, The area is flooded with people of color---many were speaking in French; the few people who noticed my Brooklyn is Not For Sale tea shirt were happy to take a flyer for the August 13th march and were very friendly. Waited a while for some other flyers, but the humidity was destroying me---could only stay about a half hour, soon some other ban members arrived and I let them do most of the flyering, as I walked down Flatbush in search of a pizza place. (I had gotten very hungry) Across the street from the church where I waited there were several cops interrogating two men of color. Imani, one of the heads of BAN taped the encounter from about 20 feet behind the police. This was my first experience observing Cop Watch---really admire Imani for doing this---I doubt if I could. As  walked north on Flatbush towards Prospect Park and Park Slope, could not help but noticing how both Church and Flatbush are such narrow streets, Flatbush in that area also lined with people. Both streets were made for some reason, very narrow, just two lanes, while one could see how they could be more efficient if they were wider. After stopping for Pizza, intense rain came, but so did the Flatbush bus and I took it to the Library. Got off there, thought that I might go in for a bit, but was tired so elected to simply get on the 3 back to Manhattan and go home.
That evening, went to see Don't Think Twice, the Mike Birbiglia film about improvisation. Movie began with pictures of three members of the original Second City comedy group, Andrew Duncan, Eugene Troobnick and Severn Darden. How well I remember them from 61 and onwards, when they were so present in the city. I think they all have passed but to me they are forever young and brilliant.
Movie itself was "nice" enjoyable in its own way. Had some problems with some plot turns, but found it mostly to be a decent fun like movie. Perfect way of spending Saturday evening when I was somewhat tired---much easier sitting in a movie than going to a play. Afterwards went to the Dive Bar on 96th and Amsterdam, gorged myself on buffalo wings (only 5) and had a nice conversation with a guy who is having problems with his live in girl friend.
 Yesterday, not much until the meeting---needed some things worked out, finally got the information that I felt was necessary, have a solid picture of what I think the supervisory line of the fringe will be. A lot of work, for not a lot of money, but will do it. Afterwards, visited South Fourth but not a lot happening there---read a little at the Williamsburg Bean, then went home. T
   Trip home was excruciating, as my subway train was stopped between Bedford and 1st avenue for about 20 minutes--not great to be stopped in a tunnel under the water---but problem was rectified, still felt a tremendous sense of frustration and anger at being trapped down there.
Came home, went to sleep easily, woke up around 3:15 this morning, felt great! So what? What can one do when one feels great at 3:15? Try to put things together until 4:15?  Essentially that is what I did. I marvel that after feeling exhausted yesterday afternoon, I could feel so healthy and alive at 3 in the morning.
After this post, should try to contact WBAI about march on the 13th. Difficult, but I will do it.
Will report tomorrow.