Clearly, I am at risk of too much navel gazing, which is another good reason for me to be in New York. There are so many people about, one can't help but focus on them.
Today I passed an angry homeless man dressed in all white. He shouted at an invisible adversary, "And another thing, greaseball, just look in the toilet bowl and you'll see what your mother looks like!"
A few blocks away I encountered two butch men in plaid shirts intensely arguing with each other. Finally one shoved something in the shirt pocket of the other and walked away. Bracing for fisticuffs, I gave them a wide berth. As I walked past I heard the one who walked away say in an angry voice to his companion, "What kinda sandwich do ya want?"
Moments later, I crossed 8th Avenue and brushed passed one of the Olsen twins.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Presidential Patience
There were many police officers and barricades along 8th Avenue last night. The President is in town, and the city was preparing for his arrival at the New Yorker Hotel.
I waited on 36th Street as a police officer directed traffic. His instructions opposed the commands of the traffic lights. There was a large mass of about 30 pedestrians on each corner waiting to cross the street.
As he halted the motor traffic, he paused and faced the throngs.
"Thank you for your New York-style patience!"
I appreciate an understanding cop.
I waited on 36th Street as a police officer directed traffic. His instructions opposed the commands of the traffic lights. There was a large mass of about 30 pedestrians on each corner waiting to cross the street.
As he halted the motor traffic, he paused and faced the throngs.
"Thank you for your New York-style patience!"
I appreciate an understanding cop.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Pigeon Protocol
A pigeon died outside of my bed room window. I saw it ailing on the sill and wondered whether it would die in that place four stories above the ground.
It did.
I put on rubber gloves, scooped the lifeless body into a plastic bag, walked down four flights of stairs, and put it in the trash dumpster.
For a moment, I wondered whether this was the proper way to dispose of a dead pigeon.
What is the right way to proceed when a bird dies on your window sill?
Animal control would laugh if I called and asked them to remove the dead bird. The Super would probably do the same.
After closing the lid to the building's trash, I recalled that Picasso sketched dead pigeons when he was a young boy. Perhaps I should have sketched the bird.
I missed my chance.
It did.
I put on rubber gloves, scooped the lifeless body into a plastic bag, walked down four flights of stairs, and put it in the trash dumpster.
For a moment, I wondered whether this was the proper way to dispose of a dead pigeon.
What is the right way to proceed when a bird dies on your window sill?
Animal control would laugh if I called and asked them to remove the dead bird. The Super would probably do the same.
After closing the lid to the building's trash, I recalled that Picasso sketched dead pigeons when he was a young boy. Perhaps I should have sketched the bird.
I missed my chance.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Shifting Prayers
Spirituality is a concept I grapple with. I wasn't raised within a religious household, so superstition is about as close as I come to following a religion or acknowledging some kind of force in the universe.
I tend to be superstitious (don't step on cracks), yet I know that superstition isn't likely to work (most mother backs are unbroken).
I consider performing the superstitious acts (blowing out the birthday candles and making a wish) a method to be more thoughtful or to help put aside concerns temporarily.
I suspect that all of the things that are too complex to know (the future, why are we here) are just lumped together in spirituality. People pray for things to happen because often there are too many variables out of their control. Even billionaires lose elections from time to time.
Years ago, I had spiritual friends who chastised me for not praying. They argued that I needed to say aloud what I wanted to happen.
The process of praying made sense to me, if only as a means of articulating desires clearly. By naming a desired future event, perhaps I would formulate a better plan for achieving it.
That said, instead of articulating a Utopian vision, I usually pray by asking for the tools I need to handle the struggle of life: strength, resolve, and love.
As I requested these things once again last night, I wondered whether my requests had invited the tests I have endured this year.
It is unlikely that the requests in my prayers matter, but perhaps I should pray for something else. Perhaps I should reformulate my prayers into more positive visions of the future. Just in case it does matter.
I tend to be superstitious (don't step on cracks), yet I know that superstition isn't likely to work (most mother backs are unbroken).
I consider performing the superstitious acts (blowing out the birthday candles and making a wish) a method to be more thoughtful or to help put aside concerns temporarily.
I suspect that all of the things that are too complex to know (the future, why are we here) are just lumped together in spirituality. People pray for things to happen because often there are too many variables out of their control. Even billionaires lose elections from time to time.
Years ago, I had spiritual friends who chastised me for not praying. They argued that I needed to say aloud what I wanted to happen.
The process of praying made sense to me, if only as a means of articulating desires clearly. By naming a desired future event, perhaps I would formulate a better plan for achieving it.
That said, instead of articulating a Utopian vision, I usually pray by asking for the tools I need to handle the struggle of life: strength, resolve, and love.
As I requested these things once again last night, I wondered whether my requests had invited the tests I have endured this year.
It is unlikely that the requests in my prayers matter, but perhaps I should pray for something else. Perhaps I should reformulate my prayers into more positive visions of the future. Just in case it does matter.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Possibilities
As I passed P.S. 11 today I looked at kids playing games on the playground and pondered all of the potential they represented. There are so many different possible outcomes for the many choices they will make in years to come. They face more choices now than they will face decades from now. It seems as if they are close to a peak of potential.
Then I thought about how potential gets whittled away as people age. One can try to influence certain outcomes, and sometimes reach a goal and sometimes not get what one strives to attain. Eventually, certain milestones are met and the possibility for reaching additional milestones narrows.
Possibility is intangible, yet exciting in a way that other intangibles are not. I would like to think that potential continues to emerge as people grow. Perhaps I have failed to recognize it.
I'm having surgery within the month to address a gynecological problem that can no longer be addressed with medication. It is complicated to have surgery now that I take blood thinners. There is a risk that I will lose too much blood.
After assessing the situation, my surgeon presented two scenarios. I can take the risk of going off of the blood thinners and have the standard surgery or I can have an alternative surgery while on blood thinners that is likely to decrease my fertility.
Although it is unlikely that I will have a child, I just couldn't intentionally further reduce the possibility of having one. I've decided to have the standard surgery with the bleeding risk.
Ironically, this situation leads me to recall a remark by a college professor that some environmentalists have virgin complexes. Sometimes I wonder whether my preservation of potential is similar. Do I stymie progress by attempting to maximize options?
Then I thought about how potential gets whittled away as people age. One can try to influence certain outcomes, and sometimes reach a goal and sometimes not get what one strives to attain. Eventually, certain milestones are met and the possibility for reaching additional milestones narrows.
Possibility is intangible, yet exciting in a way that other intangibles are not. I would like to think that potential continues to emerge as people grow. Perhaps I have failed to recognize it.
I'm having surgery within the month to address a gynecological problem that can no longer be addressed with medication. It is complicated to have surgery now that I take blood thinners. There is a risk that I will lose too much blood.
After assessing the situation, my surgeon presented two scenarios. I can take the risk of going off of the blood thinners and have the standard surgery or I can have an alternative surgery while on blood thinners that is likely to decrease my fertility.
Although it is unlikely that I will have a child, I just couldn't intentionally further reduce the possibility of having one. I've decided to have the standard surgery with the bleeding risk.
Ironically, this situation leads me to recall a remark by a college professor that some environmentalists have virgin complexes. Sometimes I wonder whether my preservation of potential is similar. Do I stymie progress by attempting to maximize options?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Facing the Impossible
Tonight a friend took me to an ACLU/PEN sponsored event in which authors read aloud from formerly classified documents related to US interrogation policy.
It was strange to hear someone read aloud a first person account of torture, and then clap at the conclusion of the reading.
During the evening, the photographs of Abu Ghraib were mentioned several times. This led me to recall the photograph of someone carrying to a Congressional meeting a briefcase containing classified Abu Ghraib photos.
This image intrigues me for several reasons. First, the image alone isn't compelling. It is the knowledge that the briefcase contains the forbidden photographs that makes the image compelling.
Second, the person holding the briefcase of photographs is being pursued by the paparazzi. There is some kind of Russian nesting doll effect at work in a photograph of someone holding a case of photographs who is being pursued by photographers.
Third, the briefcase of undisclosed photographs are fairly close to a manifestation of Pandora's Box. To this day, it has not been disclosed what was photographed. One can assume atrocities are recorded because the images are classified.
These pictures represent a sinister form of potential. Those who have not seen them can project their worst fears on the photographs. They are a repository of people's notions about the worst human behavior.
The briefcase of photos also leads me to ponder items that aren't represented in art. There was a time when Buddha was shown by depicting a footprint or empty throne. Images of Allah are prohibited in Islamic tradition. In the play "Art," a blank canvass is the prop used to represent the controversial painting. A mysterious glowing suitcase is central to the plot of "Pulp Fiction." The contents are not revealed.
I suppose all of these examples are versions of a visual didactic. The missing image facilitates the creation of an image within the viewer.
I wonder what conjured images of the classified Abu Ghraib photos would say about people. Are those who think the very worst more realistic, sadistic, or negative? Are those who have a lighter sense of violence more optimistic, naive, or patriotic?
Its strange that imagining the infernal can be just as difficult as conjuring the sublime.
It was strange to hear someone read aloud a first person account of torture, and then clap at the conclusion of the reading.
During the evening, the photographs of Abu Ghraib were mentioned several times. This led me to recall the photograph of someone carrying to a Congressional meeting a briefcase containing classified Abu Ghraib photos.
This image intrigues me for several reasons. First, the image alone isn't compelling. It is the knowledge that the briefcase contains the forbidden photographs that makes the image compelling.
Second, the person holding the briefcase of photographs is being pursued by the paparazzi. There is some kind of Russian nesting doll effect at work in a photograph of someone holding a case of photographs who is being pursued by photographers.
Third, the briefcase of undisclosed photographs are fairly close to a manifestation of Pandora's Box. To this day, it has not been disclosed what was photographed. One can assume atrocities are recorded because the images are classified.
These pictures represent a sinister form of potential. Those who have not seen them can project their worst fears on the photographs. They are a repository of people's notions about the worst human behavior.
The briefcase of photos also leads me to ponder items that aren't represented in art. There was a time when Buddha was shown by depicting a footprint or empty throne. Images of Allah are prohibited in Islamic tradition. In the play "Art," a blank canvass is the prop used to represent the controversial painting. A mysterious glowing suitcase is central to the plot of "Pulp Fiction." The contents are not revealed.
I suppose all of these examples are versions of a visual didactic. The missing image facilitates the creation of an image within the viewer.
I wonder what conjured images of the classified Abu Ghraib photos would say about people. Are those who think the very worst more realistic, sadistic, or negative? Are those who have a lighter sense of violence more optimistic, naive, or patriotic?
Its strange that imagining the infernal can be just as difficult as conjuring the sublime.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Something To Look Forward To
As unemployment drags on, I battle feelings of despair. For one who lives alone, the loss of a work environment is isolating. It is difficult to entertain in small apartments, so many New Yorkers meet in public places.
Generally, I see my friends over drinks, a meal, or at an event. Now that I cannot afford drinks, meals, or event tickets, the opportunity to mingle with friends has diminished.
Since many of my friends are unemployed or retrenching, we attempt to meet by doing things that are free or inexpensive, such as going to the park or visiting a museum (with free admission).
I recognize the importance of socializing to battle depression, and I have made an effort to find affordable ways to spend time with my friends.
Though a friend's Face Book post I learned about a group that is attempting to break the world's record for the most people dancing the same dance simultaneously. The group, Thrill the World, has organized the choreography to Thriller in easy to understand steps and they are holding free dance lessons weekly in New York City.
The fifth grader in me is super excited to break a world's record. The present me is glad to have free dance classes that I can take with friends.
These dates on my social calendar help structure my time and give me something to look forward to.
And I made a new friend who has signed me up to be a volunteer for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is something I have always wanted to do!
Now I am looking forward to free Thriller dance classes, the record-breaking event, performing in the Halloween Parade, and volunteering in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Generally, I see my friends over drinks, a meal, or at an event. Now that I cannot afford drinks, meals, or event tickets, the opportunity to mingle with friends has diminished.
Since many of my friends are unemployed or retrenching, we attempt to meet by doing things that are free or inexpensive, such as going to the park or visiting a museum (with free admission).
I recognize the importance of socializing to battle depression, and I have made an effort to find affordable ways to spend time with my friends.
Though a friend's Face Book post I learned about a group that is attempting to break the world's record for the most people dancing the same dance simultaneously. The group, Thrill the World, has organized the choreography to Thriller in easy to understand steps and they are holding free dance lessons weekly in New York City.
The fifth grader in me is super excited to break a world's record. The present me is glad to have free dance classes that I can take with friends.
These dates on my social calendar help structure my time and give me something to look forward to.
And I made a new friend who has signed me up to be a volunteer for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is something I have always wanted to do!
Now I am looking forward to free Thriller dance classes, the record-breaking event, performing in the Halloween Parade, and volunteering in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Dance Treats
A friend at City Center helped me obtain a slew of tickets for the annual Fall for Dance festival this year. Since tickets are only $10 and I am unlikely to be able to indulge in tickets for any event for so little, I splurged and got tickets to four performances over two weeks.
It was such a pleasure to connect with different friends every few nights. I am fortunate to have this connection, and I enjoy sharing my fortune with friends. It was a treat to get out and to have an occasion to attend. It felt good to do something I did as an employed person who could afford to engage more in the world.
It is the centennial anniversary of the Ballets Russes, a company that has long intrigued me. To mark the celebration, many dances originally produced by the Ballet Russes were performed during the festival (Afternoon of a Faun, Noces, Petrushka Suite, Les Biches).
Ballet Russes has often emerged in readings about some of my favorite painters, film makers, and writers. Matisse, Picasso, Derain, Miro, Cocteau, Dali, and Chanel are among the luminaries who designed the company's sets and costumes. I vaguely recall seeing scratchy old film footage of Nijinsky performing Afternoon of a Faun and hearing about the riot sparked by the premier of Rite of Spring. Ballet Russes is one of my favorite documentary films.
I had often wished to see what their productions were like, so the program was a special pleasure for me.
Boston Ballet's "Afternoon of a Faun" was a faithful recreation of the original production. The expressionist set design was gorgeous. The dance style, inspired by Greek vase paintings, appears stilted and quaint now, but one can appreciate it in context.
Les Grand Ballets Canadiens de Montreal's "Noces" was a reinterpretation. The original piece highlighted traditional Russian folk dancing at a peasant wedding. Apparently, it was a wedding themed ballet without romance. It is difficult to comment on the new piece without having seen the original. The new piece also includes the wedding party and there is interaction among the sexes, but they are presented in zombie-like attire that drains them of sensuality. The piece emphasizes the roles of men and women attending a social event devoted to honoring the union of a man and woman.
Ballet West performed "Les Biches" with a set based on paintings by Matisse. The set and costumes were consistent with those that would be used when the ballet originally was produced. The male costumes included bathing briefs worn with socks, which made me laugh out loud. The flapper character wore long beads and held a long cigarette holder. I loved that her movements were accompanied by swinging and clanking jewelry. It was also funny to see an athlete perform complicated moves while holding a cigarette.
Of course their were many other performances, and among the best was Savion Glover and the Others. They were simply amazing. I love it when dancers perform to live music with the musicians on stage. It was exceptional to see the dancers and musicians perform in concert as the taps of the dancer were an integral part of the music.
Other notable performances were Batsheva's "B/olero," Tangueros Del Sur's "Romper el Piso" (such drama!), Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company's "Softly as I Leave You" (how could a plywood box look so beautiful?), Monica Bill Barnes & Company "I Feel Like," and Dancebrazil "Culture in Motion."
It was such a pleasure to connect with different friends every few nights. I am fortunate to have this connection, and I enjoy sharing my fortune with friends. It was a treat to get out and to have an occasion to attend. It felt good to do something I did as an employed person who could afford to engage more in the world.
It is the centennial anniversary of the Ballets Russes, a company that has long intrigued me. To mark the celebration, many dances originally produced by the Ballet Russes were performed during the festival (Afternoon of a Faun, Noces, Petrushka Suite, Les Biches).
Ballet Russes has often emerged in readings about some of my favorite painters, film makers, and writers. Matisse, Picasso, Derain, Miro, Cocteau, Dali, and Chanel are among the luminaries who designed the company's sets and costumes. I vaguely recall seeing scratchy old film footage of Nijinsky performing Afternoon of a Faun and hearing about the riot sparked by the premier of Rite of Spring. Ballet Russes is one of my favorite documentary films.
I had often wished to see what their productions were like, so the program was a special pleasure for me.
Boston Ballet's "Afternoon of a Faun" was a faithful recreation of the original production. The expressionist set design was gorgeous. The dance style, inspired by Greek vase paintings, appears stilted and quaint now, but one can appreciate it in context.
Les Grand Ballets Canadiens de Montreal's "Noces" was a reinterpretation. The original piece highlighted traditional Russian folk dancing at a peasant wedding. Apparently, it was a wedding themed ballet without romance. It is difficult to comment on the new piece without having seen the original. The new piece also includes the wedding party and there is interaction among the sexes, but they are presented in zombie-like attire that drains them of sensuality. The piece emphasizes the roles of men and women attending a social event devoted to honoring the union of a man and woman.
Ballet West performed "Les Biches" with a set based on paintings by Matisse. The set and costumes were consistent with those that would be used when the ballet originally was produced. The male costumes included bathing briefs worn with socks, which made me laugh out loud. The flapper character wore long beads and held a long cigarette holder. I loved that her movements were accompanied by swinging and clanking jewelry. It was also funny to see an athlete perform complicated moves while holding a cigarette.
Of course their were many other performances, and among the best was Savion Glover and the Others. They were simply amazing. I love it when dancers perform to live music with the musicians on stage. It was exceptional to see the dancers and musicians perform in concert as the taps of the dancer were an integral part of the music.
Other notable performances were Batsheva's "B/olero," Tangueros Del Sur's "Romper el Piso" (such drama!), Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company's "Softly as I Leave You" (how could a plywood box look so beautiful?), Monica Bill Barnes & Company "I Feel Like," and Dancebrazil "Culture in Motion."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
