caused, I am afraid, by my desiring and ordering a large piece of Cheese Cake yesterday evening at Lansdowne Road, while I was watching the ball games. What happened was that I ordered an avocado salad---so easy on the stomach---really nice---but I wanted to prolong my stay at the bar and I was experiencing a "sugar fit", at least that is what I seemed to feel. So I ordered the cheese cake, it came with whipped cream, which I did not send back, and I ate it with great enthusiasm--why not, since it tasted so good. Then had a nice conversation with another bar patron named Eric, said hi to my friend Mel, the waitress (checking in with her is why I chose to come to the bar in the first place) and decided that since my stomach was "stacked" (at least that is what I felt) I would attempt to walk home from 44th and 10th, where the bar is, to my apartment in the seventies. No problem, did it easily, it was not until I woke up this morning that I felt the pressure on my stomach, also felt full and bloated. May not take in anything solid at all today.
All this was compounded by what I like to refer to in my life as a "rough night" that is a night where it was hard to sleep---up a lot around 3 or 4, and hard to just go back to bed. Now I am tired (surprise, surprise) and when my turn at the computer is finished, I will probably simply return to the apartment and try to rest (and cope with the heat).
The beginning of August, tomorrow, I suppose you might say the "last" month of summer, at least for me. Still struggling with too much time on my hands during the day---lack of sleep does not help---not sure how to solve this problem. Anyway, the rest of the day will be improvised---will check in tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
at the moment...
sitting in the library, I have gotten a "tiredness" fit---that is my body feels like it needs rest. Why? Waking up this morning around 5:15, I felt great, like I could do everything. Is this because I have had very little food, or from just sitting in the library in one position, or because I was failry active so early, or because..well we could go on and on. Anyway, probably will remain at the library work station for a while---then return back to the apartment and see if the rest comes through. This has been the pattern for my "non-structured" summer---rest demanded in the middle of the day, and restless sleep and early rising from the early part of the morning. Well, two months in, August is on the horizon---here we go.
yesterday, not much to report, a BAN meeting that was not as well attended as the leadership would like, but productive, then simply an ice coffee at the Greek Diner on 23rd and 7th that I always seem to end up in after the meeting.
The rest of the day is open---might head to East River in the early evening and see if any South Fourthers are there---if not, well I am tempted by the Fiction Center's upstairs bar---it seems to be calling to me. Ironically I had hoped that this summer I would visit and check out a few bars I had been to only once before---like the bar at 7 Greene Avenue (or is it Gates) , or Sonny's in Red Hook (a very welcoming place, but very hard for me to get to) or maybe even Starr Bar in Bushwick And what about cityboy's lust for minor and other city major league baseball---it also seems to have gone by the wayside. Well, my body can only do so much. Let's leave it alone for now---maybe I just need some rest---will report tomorrow.
yesterday, not much to report, a BAN meeting that was not as well attended as the leadership would like, but productive, then simply an ice coffee at the Greek Diner on 23rd and 7th that I always seem to end up in after the meeting.
The rest of the day is open---might head to East River in the early evening and see if any South Fourthers are there---if not, well I am tempted by the Fiction Center's upstairs bar---it seems to be calling to me. Ironically I had hoped that this summer I would visit and check out a few bars I had been to only once before---like the bar at 7 Greene Avenue (or is it Gates) , or Sonny's in Red Hook (a very welcoming place, but very hard for me to get to) or maybe even Starr Bar in Bushwick And what about cityboy's lust for minor and other city major league baseball---it also seems to have gone by the wayside. Well, my body can only do so much. Let's leave it alone for now---maybe I just need some rest---will report tomorrow.
Monday, July 29, 2019
so I did....
get a ticket to Road Show---awfully glad that I did. I went out of curiosity---I knew that as a piece of musical theater it was flawed, so I went with the idea of listening carefully to Sondheim's input. I think the score is remarkable---very sharp---also the orchestrations were "mind blowing"(can't think of a better word for it). Cast was warm and committed. Plot weaknesses did not bother me at all---I was not there for that. Left feeling happy, excited to have experienced all the music. In a way Road Show is like Anyone Can Whistle---a flawed work dramatically but containing some brilliant music and lyrics by Sondheim.
Sunday---had a nice time--did what I needed to do. Went to Cobra in the late morning, said "hi" to my barista friend Olivia (back from vacation) then had an interesting discussion with Jake, a late thirty something possible playwright and film producer. Suggested a few plays for him to read---one by Wendy Wasserstein and a few by Odets---a playwright whose work I really admire---speaks to me. After leaving and getting a nice salad from the place on Starr and Irving Avenue, visited Molasses, the bookstore in mid Bushwick and then walked to Broadway. There I began my task---walking south on Stuyvesant Avenue from Broadway to Fulton Avenue---part of the route of the anti-gentrification march happening in September. It was hot, and I was sweaty, but I was determined to trudge through it---the twelve or so blocks that I covered are really interesting. At the north end (where I began) is a Nycha project---the Roosevelt Houses, then some private houses that seem afro-american owned, then another NYCHA project of low lying houses called Stuyvesant Gardens, then, at around Madison Street until Fulton, at least six blocks of beautiful brownstones. Really interesting. Arrived at Fulton somewhat tired---jumped on the 25 bus to the Gotham Market (my "home away from home") and spent the next couple of hours watching baseball, and at times, visiting the fiction center located down the block from the market. The fiction center bookstore is incredibly inviting. Everything seems interesting, and there is the bar upstairs, outside--a visited there briefly on Tuesday but did not order anything--seems like a great "date" place---too bad you don't "date" anymore cityboy. Ah, the irony of it! Managed to stay around the area until I was tired. Grabbed an excellent pizza slice from the place on the north side of Fulton near the other bookstore, and then "wobbled" home, very tired. Ah, but it was a good day---I felt very productive.
Today, nothing until the BAN meeting. Could go to a movie if I wished, and there are many in the city that interest me, but for some reason, would prefer not to. But with the space that is between the time that I leave the library and the time that I take off for BAN, what should I do, and where? The great question. Not sure, will report soon.
Sunday---had a nice time--did what I needed to do. Went to Cobra in the late morning, said "hi" to my barista friend Olivia (back from vacation) then had an interesting discussion with Jake, a late thirty something possible playwright and film producer. Suggested a few plays for him to read---one by Wendy Wasserstein and a few by Odets---a playwright whose work I really admire---speaks to me. After leaving and getting a nice salad from the place on Starr and Irving Avenue, visited Molasses, the bookstore in mid Bushwick and then walked to Broadway. There I began my task---walking south on Stuyvesant Avenue from Broadway to Fulton Avenue---part of the route of the anti-gentrification march happening in September. It was hot, and I was sweaty, but I was determined to trudge through it---the twelve or so blocks that I covered are really interesting. At the north end (where I began) is a Nycha project---the Roosevelt Houses, then some private houses that seem afro-american owned, then another NYCHA project of low lying houses called Stuyvesant Gardens, then, at around Madison Street until Fulton, at least six blocks of beautiful brownstones. Really interesting. Arrived at Fulton somewhat tired---jumped on the 25 bus to the Gotham Market (my "home away from home") and spent the next couple of hours watching baseball, and at times, visiting the fiction center located down the block from the market. The fiction center bookstore is incredibly inviting. Everything seems interesting, and there is the bar upstairs, outside--a visited there briefly on Tuesday but did not order anything--seems like a great "date" place---too bad you don't "date" anymore cityboy. Ah, the irony of it! Managed to stay around the area until I was tired. Grabbed an excellent pizza slice from the place on the north side of Fulton near the other bookstore, and then "wobbled" home, very tired. Ah, but it was a good day---I felt very productive.
Today, nothing until the BAN meeting. Could go to a movie if I wished, and there are many in the city that interest me, but for some reason, would prefer not to. But with the space that is between the time that I leave the library and the time that I take off for BAN, what should I do, and where? The great question. Not sure, will report soon.
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Saturday late morning....
just after a session, trying to figure out how the rest of the day will go. Tonight will be my last chance to see Road Show---two other options---the events by the Domino restoration (movies from HBO) or the Staten Island Yankee game. Will probably go down to city center after this session to see if tickets (cheap) are available for tonight's performance. Still, options in my head....
last night--not much to report---was not feeling good, nevertheless headed down to Standings---pizza (free on Friday) would not feel good in my stomach, which was going through some changes, so I stopped by the Greek Diner on Broadway near 8th and had a tuna sandwich with...nothing. Still cost me $10.60 before the tip. This is getting crazy---how can the elected officials not be alarmed by this? Must do something about this--anyway, hit Standings, got my beer, watched a little of the two games that interested me most---then went next door to Burp Castle---completely quiet after the screaming and yelling next door. Could almost hear the silence. Had a nice conversation with my friend Erin who is the bartender there---should visit her a little more frequently. Did not stay too long---was tired and went home.
Feeling "solid" right now---still budgeting furiously as the summer continues--looks like only one more trip (to DC in three weeks) is possible. But lots to do in the city---just found out about a Diana Sands movie that I might see next Saturday. Loved that woman as an actress---actually met her once backstage at Blues for Mr. Charlie, right after it opened---I went with my two friends from Baltimore---David and Monty. She was reserved but gracious to us. Spoke to Pat Hingle and Al Freeman Jr. also after the play. Remember it well.
The city is crawling with interesting movies in the next few days (weeks). How many i will get to see remains a mystery---but it is stimulating to think about it, will report soon.
last night--not much to report---was not feeling good, nevertheless headed down to Standings---pizza (free on Friday) would not feel good in my stomach, which was going through some changes, so I stopped by the Greek Diner on Broadway near 8th and had a tuna sandwich with...nothing. Still cost me $10.60 before the tip. This is getting crazy---how can the elected officials not be alarmed by this? Must do something about this--anyway, hit Standings, got my beer, watched a little of the two games that interested me most---then went next door to Burp Castle---completely quiet after the screaming and yelling next door. Could almost hear the silence. Had a nice conversation with my friend Erin who is the bartender there---should visit her a little more frequently. Did not stay too long---was tired and went home.
Feeling "solid" right now---still budgeting furiously as the summer continues--looks like only one more trip (to DC in three weeks) is possible. But lots to do in the city---just found out about a Diana Sands movie that I might see next Saturday. Loved that woman as an actress---actually met her once backstage at Blues for Mr. Charlie, right after it opened---I went with my two friends from Baltimore---David and Monty. She was reserved but gracious to us. Spoke to Pat Hingle and Al Freeman Jr. also after the play. Remember it well.
The city is crawling with interesting movies in the next few days (weeks). How many i will get to see remains a mystery---but it is stimulating to think about it, will report soon.
Friday, July 26, 2019
sad and frightening....
and full of anger, after participating in the protest at the former underground railroad site on Duffield Street---it is a small house surround by grotesque high rises--the spirit of the "new Brooklyn" I imagine. Protest was very pasionate---many speakers, mostly afro-american but some white cared deeply about preserving the house. Observing and participating in the chants in the space surrounded by what seemed to be hundreds of high rises made me feel angry---at the brutal aggression of the builders who seem to want every shred of land in Brooklyn that they can find. Is it racist? Of course, these buildings are being built and rented or sold to people who can pay the very expensive rates that these buildings want. Its also classist; they have definitely created a segregated community.
I felt a strong need to fight this---but also a real distance from all the "art' that I have been experiencing and talking about here---even the remarkable production of Coriolanus--I simply don't believe there is an intersection between art and activism. It's like a split screen---this morning I read the arts section of the Times and simply considered what movies I would like to see this weekend. So separate. I am also struck by how so many people who pride themselves on being sensitive and intellectual refuse to consider the juggernaut that the real estate industry is, and how it impacts people of color. Looking forward to Monday's BAN meeting, but will it be enough?
After the march I returned to the Gotham Market, that big space across the street from the BAM Harvey, where there are two bars. Chose the one closest to TFANA, and, after making sure the Yankee-Red Sox game was on, ordered my hummus there. Considering I was in a combative mood, all the wait staff and bartenders were extremely nice to me. But even if I had my Brooklyn Is Not For Sale Shirt on, I did not confront or initiate any conversations about gentrification and the like. Watched the Red Sox build a lead on the Yankees, then went home.
Trying to figure out the evening's plans (apolitical, you can be sure) just found out the the Staten Island Yanks are playing the Red Sox low A team in a double header. Might be interesting---that is definitely a possibility. Others---too numerous to mention. Like to ride the Staten Island ferry cityboy? We will see.
I felt a strong need to fight this---but also a real distance from all the "art' that I have been experiencing and talking about here---even the remarkable production of Coriolanus--I simply don't believe there is an intersection between art and activism. It's like a split screen---this morning I read the arts section of the Times and simply considered what movies I would like to see this weekend. So separate. I am also struck by how so many people who pride themselves on being sensitive and intellectual refuse to consider the juggernaut that the real estate industry is, and how it impacts people of color. Looking forward to Monday's BAN meeting, but will it be enough?
After the march I returned to the Gotham Market, that big space across the street from the BAM Harvey, where there are two bars. Chose the one closest to TFANA, and, after making sure the Yankee-Red Sox game was on, ordered my hummus there. Considering I was in a combative mood, all the wait staff and bartenders were extremely nice to me. But even if I had my Brooklyn Is Not For Sale Shirt on, I did not confront or initiate any conversations about gentrification and the like. Watched the Red Sox build a lead on the Yankees, then went home.
Trying to figure out the evening's plans (apolitical, you can be sure) just found out the the Staten Island Yanks are playing the Red Sox low A team in a double header. Might be interesting---that is definitely a possibility. Others---too numerous to mention. Like to ride the Staten Island ferry cityboy? We will see.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
did not get a chance to watch..
the Yankee Twins game last night--La Flaca could not find it on its TV, although the bartender tried hard to find it Strange. Left the place feeling down and a little cheated. Did I want a beer somewhere else? Somewhat tired, but it was only around 9---did not want to return to the apartment (newly cleaned, I might add) so soon. Went to the Delancey Street F and took it to its third stop in Brooklyn, Bergen Street. The idea was to walk south on Smith, until at least the next F station, Carroll Street. And that is what I did, first checking out local 621, the bar on Bergen---but decided not to go in. Thus the journey south on Smith began.
Smith street was fairly empty---a few couples walking to their houses, and some small groups. Walking on it was almost surreal--a dream like quality---not sure what the street stood for. The area has been highly gentrified in the past 25 years, I remember being a regular at a bar on Court near Atlantic, when Smith street between those two stations was considered a wasteland. Passed about eight bars on my journey, including one right by the Carroll Street station. For some reason, I hesitated to enter--why? It's hard to go into a bar where no one knows you, unless the bar already has a certain resonance for you. Thought of a few bars a few blocks away, but did not want to go off Smith Street. Finally re-entered he subway at Carroll and returned home---grabbed a tasty ice cream at the local grocery store--decided not to go into any bar on 72nd street. Thus ended my night.
Today there is a protest in Brooklyn this evening that I will attend. It will be over in time for me to watch some of the very important Yankee Red Sox game--not sure where I will go. That is all for now.
Smith street was fairly empty---a few couples walking to their houses, and some small groups. Walking on it was almost surreal--a dream like quality---not sure what the street stood for. The area has been highly gentrified in the past 25 years, I remember being a regular at a bar on Court near Atlantic, when Smith street between those two stations was considered a wasteland. Passed about eight bars on my journey, including one right by the Carroll Street station. For some reason, I hesitated to enter--why? It's hard to go into a bar where no one knows you, unless the bar already has a certain resonance for you. Thought of a few bars a few blocks away, but did not want to go off Smith Street. Finally re-entered he subway at Carroll and returned home---grabbed a tasty ice cream at the local grocery store--decided not to go into any bar on 72nd street. Thus ended my night.
Today there is a protest in Brooklyn this evening that I will attend. It will be over in time for me to watch some of the very important Yankee Red Sox game--not sure where I will go. That is all for now.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Coriolanus was magnificent...
One of the two or three best productions I have seen at the Delacorte in the last 20 years. Great acting from Jonathan Cake as Coriolnanus, Louis Cancelmi as Aufidious, and particularly from Teagle Bougere and Tom Nelis as Coriolanus' protectors. Can't get over how good those two were, and how their specific performances really helped the play.
The play itself I found amazing--really as good as Shakespeare's more famous tragedies. It is really different from anything else that Shakespeare wrote--very few mirror images---very few issues of conscience--minimal monologues. It stands alone in my opinion, in a very firm way. Really glad that I went---will probably go upstairs in the Lincoln Center library when I leave this computer and try to read some critiques-discussion about it. Ah, Shakespeare is fascinating.
Notice how "up" I have been feeling all morning. All that I need is a great production of a fascinating play to put me in a great mood. Very different from the mornings after I simply "hang out" at a bar watching sports and eating; then my morning mood can be dark and a little hassled.
. Yet that is what I plan to do tonight, must watch the Yankee Twins game, which begins at 8. Where? Not so sure, but will do it.
Not a lot else to say, but should have some interesting ideas and facts to report tomorrow. Will let you know.
The play itself I found amazing--really as good as Shakespeare's more famous tragedies. It is really different from anything else that Shakespeare wrote--very few mirror images---very few issues of conscience--minimal monologues. It stands alone in my opinion, in a very firm way. Really glad that I went---will probably go upstairs in the Lincoln Center library when I leave this computer and try to read some critiques-discussion about it. Ah, Shakespeare is fascinating.
Notice how "up" I have been feeling all morning. All that I need is a great production of a fascinating play to put me in a great mood. Very different from the mornings after I simply "hang out" at a bar watching sports and eating; then my morning mood can be dark and a little hassled.
. Yet that is what I plan to do tonight, must watch the Yankee Twins game, which begins at 8. Where? Not so sure, but will do it.
Not a lot else to say, but should have some interesting ideas and facts to report tomorrow. Will let you know.
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