Its my last day in New York!

This is my New York rendition of Hark the Herald Angels Sing
It’s my last day in New York.
And out of nowhere it’s really cold.
My hands are freezing i won’t lie, probably feels like South Da Kota.
So on this bench I'll stay, writing next to the subway
When I get home it will be this cold
O my gosh that's really sad
We’re eating Cuban with Kim again
Talkin bout how wonderful New York’s been
How wonderful New York’s been
With Three girls and Four Men.
THE END
Today we ate some wonderful Cuban food with Kim. Mariah and I split a quesadilla and a diablo sandwich, also known as the DEVIL SANDWHICH, Mariah and I are sandwich sinners! Then Kim took us to eat the best cupcakes in New York City, literally they won an award. She was good friends with are waitress. I had the flur to sel. No one talked while we ate, we just moaned because the cupcakes were that good. We came back and I did the dishes in the dark with my red head lamp on while I listened to a variety of song including I’m yours, I’m big in Japan, Alice, and Stand by me. Later on I gave a pizza went out on the streets and gave a pepperoni pizza to Angel and Nathaniel. Angel and Nathaniel stay on the trains at night. Nathaniel has odd jobs around the west village. The two are well known in the community and people are often willing to help them. They say the community has got considerably better in the last ten years. It has been rough lately because it is so cold outside. Later on in the night I went to a show with Kim called Oh, Those Beautiful Weimar Girls! I’m not sure what I saw. I am going to have to look up some stuff and learn about it more. The singing was good, the dancing was violently beautiful, and there was a lot of nudity. I’m glad this was my last show, I feel like this was important and I’m excited to learn and see more plays like this.
Kim Bartling. Yesterday I saw her while I was on my way to my church group and she was hurrying to a dance class for New York Cares. Today I saw her shake someone’s hand on her street and see how they were doing? These seem like small things. She was a great example for us on this trip Whenever I felt that I wanted to take a day to recuperate because my right knee hurt and thought the cartilage in my knee that was tore from a football injury in high school was acting up, but I just decided to suck it up instead like Kim. I don’t cry much and sometimes I wonder why but I was on the verge of tears thinking about it and experiencing all I got to do up here.

Its my last day in New York!

Greenwhich Village College Group

Today I headed to Harlem again. I was on my way to Fredrick Douglas Circle and got sidetracked again. I saw a sign that led to the Hudson River. So I enjoyed the beautiful view from Riverside Park which was a site in itself. A nice lady named Eileen took pictures for me. She said that South Dakota was a great place. We were both so excited to be enjoying the beautiful snowy site at the park. I was very intrigued when I saw two people at the park with fishing poles, string, and hoops lying on the ground. I asked them what they were doing. They were practicing fly fishing and said they had been fishing all their lives, mainly in the ocean. I read that it isn’t really a big deal to know how to fly cast well. While good casters do catch more fish bad casters still catch some. Learning how to fly cast well is something that gives fisherman enjoyment and satisfaction in a job well done. After this I took the subway home, but this time when I got off the S shuttle there was a music group called Spank playing some old time favorites. There is usually someone playing their everyday but I could not ignore them and neither could anyone else there was a huge crowd. When I was there they sang Duke of Earl, My Girl, and Rockin Robin. They sang a lot of great stuff I was there for about two hours and bought one of their CD’s. After this I found out from Taylor Calmus that he had made a gumball monologue based off of a short improve skit that I had been involved in while trying out for Darfur. He got a role in a Student Film when he used it for his tryout. I finally got to read the scene he wrote for it today and it was brilliant. I’m glad that what seemed to be a meaningless skit for fun traveled out to L.A. I read some of my classmates’ awesome blogs today and studied my lines for a couple hours. After this I went back to the church I attended Sunday for youth group. The kids at the bible studies names were Jon, Paul, James, Matthew, Peter and Jesus. Just kidding but there was a Jon, Paul, and James who I got to talk with a lot. We talked about Football, Basketball, our majors, computers, bacon, God, plays, and cooking. These guys were awesome and I wished I would have known them so we could have watched the Jets game together. We had an absolute blast we ate corn, meatballs, and mashed potatoes. We had an interesting bible study, and then chatted for awhile afterwards. I had a great connection with a girl named Laura who is going to school for dance. The school she is going to is pretty tough and the teachers are harsh, she is a senior and is excited to finish her last semester. I am the actor but she has seen a lot more shows than I have, but I have seen Wicked so she was way Jealous. She said some of the shows I should see are Frankenstein, Fiddler on the roof, The Sound of Music, and some Shakespeare show I wrote it down. We did dishes together for about an hour and decided that it was a lot more fun to clean other people’s houses. They invited me on a church ski trip over the weekend but unfortunately we are leaving, they told me to come back to their church and group the next time I am in the city. It felt great to sit down and make a good connection with some of the wonderful residents of New York.
I feel like this trip has taught me that when you can accept people’s differences and truly get to know them that the relationship can turn into something beautiful. I find by defeating this fear of everyone not being like you, life is a lot more enjoyable and extremely interesting at its core.
BACON MONOLGUE
Would you eat bacon raw? It’s so good. I was watching this show where a guy killed a pig and ate the bacon raw. It looked so cool so I thought to myself I have to try this. So I tried it, and it actually didn’t taste as good as I thought, but the thought of it was so cool that I just kept doing it anyway, and eventually I ended up loving it. What you gotta do at least the first time you eat it is put it in between two pieces of bread, because it doesn’t bite the same way as cooked bacon, it’s a lot more stringy. You gotta try it thought it’s seriously the best way to eat bacon.

Rain Poncho

Mariah and I traveled back to Incarnation school in Queens to play with kids. Duck Duck Goose and Simon says are games that we should play even at this age, it’s a killer workout. This is my second time at Incarnation school and some of the kids like to call me by the name of monkey. There are so many great adults involved in these NY care programs. On the way home Mariah taught me how to shop and I saved more money buying Pizza’s then I ever dreamed I could. Mariah got to work with a group of people with Aids through the NY cares program and has become passionate about that and is excited to learn more. I enjoyed my time with Mariah and am blessed to get to spend time with such a good person. I went and enjoyed Time Square again tonight. I had a great time looking around and picking up some cool stuff from my favorite Broadway store. I felt at home in the city tonight. I sat on the bench waiting for the subway on 50th street and contemplated whether I wanted to get on it yet, I felt like I could have sat there forever. I enjoyed the site of Times Square more than I have any other night. I enjoyed being in the city, I felt at home.
Today’s realizations
1rst day without Dr. Pepper
I didn’t realize the Rangers were here
We didn’t buy a cactus
Believe in each other
Smile at the sky
Mom and Pop stop and shop and it’s not too hot
Love your seat
Get some rest

Damn we only joking stay broke then

Today I woke up and headed to the famous Rucker Park. It was a work out I did a lot of walking in Harlem. The court is named after Harlem teacher Holcombe L. Rucker, who started a basketball tournament in 1950 at the court in order to help less fortunate kids stay off the streets and do well in school. Some great players have developed their skills at Rucker Park like Allen Iverson, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Pee Wee Kirkland, Jamal Mashburn, and Malik Sealy. I know Kobe has played there before, he is lucky he wasn't there or i would have dominated him. After this we got to see our friends we handed sandwiches to at Broadway Church of Christ. This is something I'm glad that I was part of. It's inspiring and something that I can bring home to my own community in some way. After this I sprinted to 46th street in Times Square to meet Jon where he was waiting for me so we could both enter the lottery to try and get two tickets for the show in the heights. Jon was the winner of the lottery this time and we received two cheap tickets. I don’t really know how to explain the play; I just know that it won my heart. My favorite scenes were 96,000 and the Dance Club scene. My favorite actor was Robin De Jesus who played Sonny. He was hilarious, and also almost brought me to tears for the first time during a show up here and has inspired me to take a dancing class. After the play I got to talk with one of my favorite actors from the Disney channel Corbin Bleu, who played Usnavi the same character I played at school. He was almost more excited to meet me then I was him. He took pictures and autographs with us, he was genuinely interested in getting to know you, and took his time with each person. He thought it was hilarious that I told him we looked a lot alike when I shaved and had a huge afro. The whole cast was like this, I won’t forget their kindness, and appreciation for their fans. This night really made my trip; it was fun to see the whole production of something that I had been a part of at school. I could feel the power of the show from Sioux Falls, and finally got to experience it tonight. I believe that theatre can change the world. I believe In the Heights is changing the world.
Strength Monologue
Can I have your attention for a moment please? I am sorry if I’m bothering anyone. I’m sorry if I am making anyone feel uncomfortable or disturbing anyone. I’m asking if anyone has some extra money to spare, a $1, a quarter, a penny. That is if you feel comfortable enough and can afford or want to give. I’m trying to make a good impression. I don’t want you to think that I’m taking advantage of you. I’m sorry, but I’m nervous, I’m trying to make a good impression so I can earn your time, so I can earn your money.

West Village livin

We went to a fountain house today which is a place that helps people with dissabilities. It was founded by Jon Beard and the program started in 1948. His belief was that the best way to help improve people with dissabilities lives was to have them work. We got a tour from Ben who has been in the program for a long time. He was an excellent tour guide and is doing well enough were he can live on his own and handle his own money. Most of the people that work their have some type of dissability. Suzie the director said that her favorit part of the job was seeing the members lives improve. Some people in the program weren't able to take care of themselves at all, and now they have decided to get a paying job and live in an apartment on their own. We ate Cuban food in Soho. I had perhaps the most delicious sandwhich of my life. We also had some corn with parmesian cheese and chili power, it was pretty good, but my aunt Anna could still top it. After this I tried to find my way back to the apartment and my way just happened to walk by one of the sites i had been meaning to see, so I walked the Williamsburg bridge today as well. Listening to the cars woosh and the wind surround my body was enough to make me happy. I think everyone I walked by was wearing an I pod. New York! New York! Goodnight blooooog

Poor Brad

I went to Neighborhood Church of Greenwhich Village. It was an interesting service. A beautiful Cello was being played. The sermon bashed Oprah, Tiger Woods, and Billy Graham. It wasn't for me, but at the same time I still liked the people alot. They invited me to come to a meal thursday and to play Ping Pong at some Jazz club. The rest of the day was simply chips,pop, and football. I was wrong on both of my predictions, damn those Colts look good. I think it's a shame the Vikings lost. I talked to Brad during most of the second half, and I feel for the guy, poor Brad.

Backscratcher scene 1
Hulio: Hey Tolkein
Tolken: Hey Fellas
Stanley: Hows it goin Tolkein
Tolken: Great what are you guys up to?
Stanley: Me and Hulio just won a backscratcher, Hey Stanley, let me try
Hulio: Dis is my scratcher I won it
Stanley: That's not fair because you got the root beer, but I bought the case-
Hulio: Son you dont even know , you got that case for free
Stanley: I pitch in and give you a case, and it was to contribute to your gift to make it ours, this was done from the bottom of my heart. Because of your disrespect-
Hulio: No respect!
Stanley: Because of your disrespect! we must battle.
Tolken: You guys can't be serious, don't go through with this we are friends.
Hulio: Mwa!
Stanley: I will meet you outside by the cougar in 10 minutes
End scene 1

Slowing Down

Mariah and I went to Brooklyn today and played volleyball with elementary kids. Of course it was a great time and I think the kids and adults have improved volleyball skills. I thought it was interesting to hear that one of the kids, Alfonso who is in fifth grade actually hounded the teachers and head organizers of the school about starting a weekend program for the kids until it became a reality. I also went down to Battery Park today. In the middle of the park there was a piece of art that at first glance looked like a broken apple, but it was a sculptor that stood in the plaza of the World Trade Center Entitled “The Sphere”, it was conceived by artist Fritz Koenig as a symbol of world peace. It was damaged during the tragic events of September 11, 2001, but endures as an icon of hope and indestructible spirit of this country. Today my research consisted of finding out that the Jets coaches get together and smoke Cuban cigars and discuss defense. In the defensive meeting room, their first rule is that players must have skin like an armadillo, and even though armadillos have shells, not skin, they constantly make this point clear. Players even get fined for being too sensitive. They should make an armadillo with a cigar in his mouth the new mascot. This city is jacked about the Jets right now, even the Giants fans are claiming to be Jet fans. Kim suggested that we all go see a show called Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind. Coming to the realization that Kim always suggests great shows I said yes. This group we saw was called NY NEO-FUTURISTS. It had a great variety of skits, 30 of them, and the audience picked which one they did by yelling what number we wanted every time the word curtain was said, and the goal was to perform all of them within 60 minutes. It was 11 bucks to go to this show and it was flipping awesome. Not only that but we were allowed to come right up on the stage afterwards and interact with the actors, and got free pizza! Wooo! I also got a wrinkled up paper because I am a big lebowski fan (don’t ask why). My favorite part was a monologue one guy did about being here, and performing tonight with the hope of making some kind of connection. I feel like what these people are doing is important and hope I get to see another performance one more time before I leave.
When you tell someone in New York City that you are from South Dakota they become interested. One of the questions they ask is, so you think you are going to move out here after college? So here are my thoughts about this question
We talk at USF how theatre is supposed to be a thing that changes you. Being here has really heightened my awareness to things I didn’t really put much thought to before, and I appreciate all the opportunities I have had up here. I am also realizing more fully that the beauty of being aware is that it can lead to actual change. I enjoy Sioux Falls, and I enjoy New York. I don’t have a preference of one over the other; I really enjoy different aspects of both places. The feel of New York is a lot different than Sioux Falls; both places have something to learn from each other. The benefit of having lived in both places is experience, with this experience you will be able to relate better with both places. For example, I finally feel like I have a little better grip on what Kim is talking about in home when she speaks of theatre translating to change. So to answer the question, I don’t know if I will move out here, maybe. I am not planning on it, and I’m not worried about where I live. The traveling is too help me broaden my horizons to the world’s style and condition so that I can be the best Eric I can be wherever I live. Go Jets! Go Vikes! My predictions won’t make much sense to any. I am going to go with the J-e-t-s pounding the Colts, and the Vikings barely beat the Saints! Crazy I know. Goodnight blog!

Sun of Morning

Today Kim brought us to Carnegie Hall and we got a tour of the place and checked out some of their beautiful theatres. They were huge and they made me want to get on the stage and dance. It was a huge and breathtaking site; I think I could have sat at the top of one of those theatres all day. They talked about how about 700 different acts are performed in their venue a year, and that sometimes they have as many as 11 going into a day. I thought wow, how can a place be so successful for so long, what is it that really binds this place and makes it so special. So I asked our tour guide what makes the place so great and he says that it’s the sound the orchestra can produce in their theatres, it’s just a really special experience for the audience and the performers. After this Jon and I ate at stardust which is a place where struggling actors wait tables and sing different songs from musicals, and popular songs. I took the Staton Island Ferry with Jon to; it was about an hour ride there and back. It was nice and calming and I had a really good time getting to talk to Jon and get to know him better. After that I did a little line memorization and then did another awesome New York Cares project. I went to Booker T. Washington School and did arts and crafts with 3rd through 5th graders. I got to work with Leo, Adrian and Sherrington. My favorite part was probably writing an every other sentence story with Adrian. We wrote a story about a huge turtle that lived next door to the three little pigs that happened to owe a very big wolf some money, at the end of the story the pigs pin the wolf with a wrestling move and win. Freedom! I attempted to get into the Lakers and Knicks game but it was sold out, on the plus side I did get to see Walt Frazier an old player for the Knicks. Also at New York cares I had a good time chatting before and after with a fellow actress Mary Boies. She was just in her first movie not too long ago, it’s not out yet but is called Sun of Morning, she was a lovely lady and I really enjoyed talking to her, she let me know some other nice parks to go to! I hope to see her doing well with her career! Goodnight blog!

Experience

I watched some of Taylor Calmus short films today and Zach Galifianakis standup comedy. Ushered smudge and it definitely wasn’t as good as last time, I felt it lacked passion and they were trying to just get through it. I gave a homeless guy a couple of sandwiches, it felt good when I saw that he had a wife to share with, they were both very thankful and so was I. He was standing at this hotel all day opening the door for people holding a cup with a little change. I have really become overcome with sadness about the condition of the needy and homeless people I have seen up here. I see so many people that are asking for extra change. Some people sitting against walls at the subway that can’t even talk. While some of these people seem very helpless, some of them appear to be the happiest people I have ever met. I’m so lucky, and I am just trying to think of constructive ways I can help here and also when I come home. Perhaps I can help through the arts; I want to write something in a form of art pertaining to the needy and homeless. This experience has made me step back and think about how I use my time. I think in the search of meaning and purpose it’s important that we live out our passions, but I don’t think truth is found if we live out our passions just for ourselves. Here is a quote from one of my favorite movies Rushmore that has spoken to me tonight. "When one man, for whatever reason, has an opportunity to live an extrodinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself."

Harlem

Yesterday I ventured to Harlem. My original plan was to walk to Fredrick Douglas Circle. On my way I ran into a statue of Duke Ellington. It says he was orchestra leader, Pianist and Composer. The statue was dedicated to the Duke Ellington memorial Fund and thousands of Ellington fans around the world. The statue had Ellington standing on his Piano. I found that Ellington began taking piano lessons from Marietta Clinkscales Daisy. Ellington grew up surrounded by dignified women to make sure he had good manners and was taught to live elegantly. Ellington’s friends all noticed "his casual, offhand manner, his easy grace, and his dapper dress gave him the bearing of a young nobleman”, he gave credit to his buddy Edgar McEntree for being called the duke, and Ellington said “I think he felt that in order for me to be eligible for his constant companionship, I should have a title. So he called me Duke.” Ellington lived in Harlem for awhile trying to make it in the big time. He was very instrumental in the Harlem Renaissance and new dance crazes like the Charleston. The Charleston looks awesome I should learn it! Him and some other musicians hustled pool by day and played whatever gig they could find. After this I thought I was on my way to Fredrick Douglas circle but was mesmerized Duke Ellington Circle where I stayed for about two hours. I saw a man sitting on a bench with a book and looking out at the lake in the middle of the park. He could have done this a million times for all I know, but he was staring at the beauty of the lake like it was his first. I really enjoy what I have seen of Harlem, their school has good programs for kids, and their parks are beautiful. I also went to queens and played with first and second graders. What a great time, these kids loved the game eye spy. From this experience I learned that it is no easy task keeping 50 little kids under control, you have to be fun, but you have to find a way to mean business or it gets insanely crazy. I had a good conversation with a friend and fellow actor Taylor Calmus, he gave me some much needed advice, he told me to learn all that you I can in college especially in my acting class because It will really help me down the road if I take it seriously. He also told me directors are looking for someone that has the passion and focus to make something great. We started talking about our acting careers, mine at USF and his in California. It was fun to hear that he was a double for someone and had a line delivered to him from Jennifer Love Hewitt and that he has been doing some stunt work, I was always really honored to work with him, he was very focused but always brought a sense of energy and fun to the theatre department. I was productive and got my first scene of lines memorized for Warn.

Read Martin Luther King’s Love your enemies’ speech. Race walked with Kim to Chelsea Pier, Kim is the fastest walker I have ever witnessed. We Fed the needy at Broadway Christ Church always a joy to join former USF alum associate pastor Travis. Drama book store.

I was reading a book called transformational acting at the drama bookstore. I went there with the hopes of gaining some insight on how to become an incredible actor on this journey I am on. Now last week I felt like when I was reading at the store that I was growing as an actor by the page because of all the secrets that where being unleashed to me through the authors experience. Tonight I came to what I like to call my most recent incorrect conclusion. My newest conclusion decided that my thoughts at the bookstore the other day were triggered by the excitement to learn, but at the same time were dead wrong. I think that latching on to everything you read and assuming it as full truth would be giving up your gift. I believe our gift is to find out what makes us click as actors through experience. This gives us our freedom, it allows us to be unique and different from anyone else we know without even trying. It’s the power that allows us to appreciate movies that nobody likes, it’s what allows us to enjoy homework assignments that nobody likes, it allows us to like people that nobody likes, and it allows us to save 16 bucks. I want to be my own author.
"I do believe in the mysteries of things, about myself and the things I see. I enjoy being puzzled and arriving at my own incorrect conclusions."-Tom Waits

Five guys!

Read articles on Guantanamo Bays suspected mistreatment of inmates at my intership today. Ate at 5 guys. Met a guy who is reading the shack talked to him for awhile. Five guys was neat, you could have peanuts when you waited for your order. I got a burger and fries and couldnt finish my meal and if you know me this is quite a feat for five guys. I also got an idea for a scene when i was eating. Went to two hours of different sketch comedy acts tonight. My favorite was an act based on the actual main characters exploits, which consisted of a funny,comical, and in search of meaning life, I hope things turn out well for her. The legs are dead today, shin splints got me good. Night Blog, you've been a good friend.

SHOMER SHABAS

Donny asked me if i wanted to bowl on saturday and i told him I couldn't because of Shomer Shabas and he said whats that so i said Saturday Donny, is shabbas. The Jewish day of rest. That means I don't work, I um, don't drive a car, I don't ride in a car, I don't handle money, I don't turn on the oven, and I sure as shit DON'T ROLL!

Cathedral of Saint Patrick church was huge. It had a neat set up and the choir was wearing terrific outfits. I was exceptionally bored but on guard and attentive because I wasn’t at my church and was with other people. I love my church back home, and this service was a more stoic serious church, which I also appreciate every once in awhile. For the NFC the Vikings played very impressively today. The Saints also played well yesterday but I feel the Vikings beat a more worthy opponent. The Vikings will have their hands full next week but I predict that they will win 28-27 in a thriller comeback. As far as the AFC goes I hope that the Jets take the AFC. This way the Vikings who are pretty much Sioux Falls home team, will play the Jets who is my vacation team, what a coincidence. Also a great story because Favre played for the Jets last season and didn’t even make the playoffs. Today I kept the Sabbath Holy with church, chips, cherry dr.pepper, and football. Today I meditated on strength and I thought of my Great Grandma Hazel, she is a special lady and is very strong willed. Sometimes she gets knocked down, but she gets up again, and this is something I think often and can apply to my life. I ask anyone who reads this to keep her in prayers. Thank you! What's living if you never pull down your shorts and slide on the ice blog!

80-78, but they cheated at the end!

Terrell had the ball at the top of the key. He tapped both sides of his head to call a play. He passed it to the wing to Percy. Percy drove to the hole and dished it to Damian on the corner. Damian drove towards the hoop and attempted to make a layup. This is where I stepped in and swatted Damian and told him to get out of my house, Damian told me the next time he came to the hole that he was going to windmill dunk on me. I went to Harlem today to play games at Mosaic elementary school, with 3rd through 5th graders. We played soccer, basketball and kickball. These kids had crazy energy, and I am pretty confident they could beat my high school basketball team, wow they had game! I was the star for the adult team, after the game Percy asked me if I played basketball and he wondered how I made all my shots. I said “I was a football player, and that most of the shots I was making were layups and that I wasn’t that good of a shot” he said “that’s true.” My favorite part of the day was playing with Jacob who came with his Dad who helped run the program and he was in pre kindergarten. We passed his truck back in forth making crazy car sounds, he said “your good at this game!” we both tried to fit inside of the toy car but we couldn’t. These kids inspired me and brought out passion and energy in me we should all have. I never want to forget Frankie who helped me with my jump shot, Jacob who ran around trying to be one of the guys and put a smile on everyone’s face who saw him even if for only a glimpse, Damian who asked me if I was ready for another butt whooping, Terrell who was the most skilled point guard I have seen at his age, Abba showing joy in his smile the whole time, the basketball coach telling me I played ball like a New Yorker, the kids tackling me in a collective effort to keep me from scoring at the end of the game and losing a heart breaker 80-78. This is one of the best days I’ve ever had, kids are Awesome! Goodnight blog!

Damian got game

Dorothy is lame

Went to the Brooklyn Bridge on this beautiful day, no need for a coat today. Walked across loving the cold wind on my back, looking at the Ocean gave me the cool comfortable feeling of being at Rush Lake, Minnesota with my family. After that we recieved great service at a coffee house with some cheap pop and great burgers. We stood in line with at least 100 people attempting to get lottery tickets at lotto, i had a feeling a would win out of the ten that did, and i did. I met a guy named Kevin in line who was just as jacked as I was, said he has lived in New Jersey for 30 years now and that America was a good country, he brought his wife to the play, he said "you da man Eric!" I won two tickets and took Jordan to the play with me. We sat in the front row, the play was beautiful, we could see the band in the pit right in front of us, and the begginning of a play started with a monkey jumping right in my face. I am in love with both witches. I have always claimed that if i could have a different life that I would be a witch and go to a school of magic like Harry Potter, seeing this play makes spells even more cool than Hermoine Granger makes them seem. My god it was good! Goodnight!! see ya in the morning Harlem!

The Big Lebowski

Went to internship today with Haley, worked for six hours. Watched Obama speech. What he says rings true to me. Obama talked about the advancement of the United States,the world, and the individual. Its a good job but i feel as if we are blocked off fromt the rest of the world in the office, the birds dont stay out at night here. Introduced Jordan to The Big Lebowski, yes i brought that movie on my trip to New York. I made a couple new discoveries, i have seen the movie probably 100 times, mostly in 6th grade. I now realize that the old veteran bowling at the end of the movie has a beer,a small bag, and a can of pop that donnie liked to drink in his bowling lane. I wonder to myself why these objects are their. My best guess is their are only two drinks because somehow the Dude and Walter were everywhere together,which symbolizes one person, when they are apart all that means is they are more geared to that part of their personality at the time,the slice can is their for the rememberance of Donnie. I also realized that on my DVD Walter says the man in the black pajamas, i could be wrong but i believe on the VHS version he says man in the white pajamas. Bought a huge cookie from Rockos. Goodnight!!

Banana pancakes? No! Banana cupcakes are better!

Fire trucks surrounded the neighborhood as Jon and I had stepped out the door to go to the New York Fire Museum. We saw the evolution of fire trucks, well, they eventually became trucks. It started by throwing water out of buckets to pumping the water out of a wagon like object. The truck model basically arrived in 1910 and even though it is very basic it is still pretty much the same set up as the fire truck today. Our tour guide said that as part of his training when he was a firefighter he had to run around the block with fire gear on and an axe around the block. I’m just imagining all the possible harm I could cause with my poor ability with any kind of tool. We saw pictures and debris from 9/11. 343 firefighters died that day, I came to tears instantly reading the letters people still come and leave to their loved ones at the museum. I’m very sad that people are capable of causing this type of pain to an entire city.

Chinese food was eaten by our group in Chinatown tonight, it was good, not as good as it is back home, but it was good. My legs are tired. I started writing a script about a person who is called blue man, and he likes Dr. Pepper. We played the card game speed tonight. I lost more than I won, Ann is pretty good. I was reading the Foreword to my book Sula again and it says, “I was living in Queens while I wrote Sula. Every rent payment was an event; every shopping trip a triumph of caution over the reckless purchase of a staple. The best news was that this was the condition of every single/separated female parent I knew. The things we traded! Time, food, money, clothes, laughter, memory-and daring.” This may not pertain to my situation at all, but right now I have 20 dollars a day spending limit to make my money last. My mind is filled with the homeless we see on the streets; the most obvious thing this city has taught me is that I am incredibly lucky to have the life I do. I’m hitting that wall now, Goodnight blog!

morning, French Toast! I saw Jordan posted about man yelling at taxi so I have one from today to add. Mad man walking by park yelling at taxi said, “Go back to school and learn how to do something else than bang on your horn….retards.” Washington square, checked out the beautiful site again, saw the birds with green and purple necks all over this dudes body feeding them. Sitting and enjoying the beautiful day on my bench at the park reminded me of the movie Burn After Reading where people meet for online dating. Also went to Christopher Park which had an interesting piece of art there. It was called Gay Liberation by George Segal; it said “Segal’s conception for gay liberation is typical of his work. Four figures-two standing malist two seated females-are positioned on the northern boundary of the park, in natural, easy poses. Using a process in which bronze casts are made from molds from the human models, Segal tempers the realistic surfaces with an unearthly-white painted finish. The result is specific, evocative, and understood, showing the public comfort and freedom to which the gay liberation movement aspired. Stopped at an art shop as well saw a picture of old man holding a chicken in barn, I may go back and buy it, strangely it reminded me of my resident Jason Rypkema from back at school. Ann, Jordan, and I went to Christ Broadway Church and served meals to the needy. I really can’t describe the experience in words except to say it was great. My most memorable moment is when the meals ran out and the guy in line who wasn’t going to get a meal said, “o well God’s still good, have a good day everybody!” John and I went and worked at the women’s project ushering for the play smudge. The play was depressing, and hilarious, I thought the acting was great, and the simple stage was used well. We had a New York slice of pizza after we got off the subway. Memorized some lines for acting. My kind of day, GOoodnight New York!

War...huh!

Kim hooked Haley and I up with an internship with the culture project today! Research was the agenda. The most interesting thing I came upon was a nobel peace prize speech given by Harold Pinter. He is a writer, and it was a speech against primarily the U.S war tactics, writing plays is also incorporated into his speech to demonstrate self, and our role in the world. He talked about writing plays and says he honestly isnt quite sure how he comes up with them. He says it comes out of the blue really. For one of his plays the homecoming, he thought of a line which was what have you done with the scissors. He knew the person that this line was said to didnt give a damn about the scissors. He saw differently lightings and different kinds of rooms. He didnt even know his characters names until the story continued. At one moment he thought that one person was a father and the other a son, but he had no proof really until they indicated it verbally, and once that happened he decided it was reasonable to assume that they were father and son. He doesnt even know the characters or what they will do. This was really interesting for me to stumble upon, because i have been writing scenes to film. I have been planning alot and drawing from alot of my own experiences, some made up, but some have really happened. It was really enlightening to read about how the characters in his story really have no existence until they come about in his play. I feel that writing about more than you know, and expanding thoughts to unfamiliar places and letting your imagination guide can lead you to important questions.
When Haley and i headed back and talked about all the different foods we loved, ethiopian, chinease, cuban, thai. We made it the whole way home without giving into a shop and came back to the fridge. I came in the house and made French Toast with peanut butter and it was unbelievable, some of the best i have ever made. There is still some batter left for the early morning to come.
After this we went with Kim to our New York cares orientation. It is exciting to know we get to work and help out with this organization, tomorrow Jon and I will be ushering at the show smudge. Jon spent 17 bucks at Mcdonalds, wow! I went down to the deli near by and talked with my cashier buddy Eddie. He told me China town is were its at. I found out that Eddie is married and he works part time four times a week at this deli. He also works at a great breakfast place, he made food for awhile but business has went down and he mostly works outside bringing food in from truck shipments. He told me once business goes up he will give me a free meal down there!
I did some line memorization tonight for the play warn that I will be in when we get back to school. My goal is to get done with that and start doing character work.
New York!New York!
Goodnight fellow humans.

Remember the Sabath eat at the seinfeld restuarant

Sleep in Sunday. Read at Bleeker park close to house. Birds around me and jumping on my table and saying hi. Read some acts out of my bible. Watched the football games of course, sad that packers lost and happy for the ravens. Ate at the seinfeld restuarant, enjoyed a 5 dollar filling milkshake. Walked around central park with Teak and John. Met another man with Bear hat and his wife who was from Ireland. He talked passionatley about Dick Butkiss and some of the 85 bears. Walked the town. Found some singing joints, lips has kareokee tuesday nights. People here are awesome, they help you when you get lost. Waking up early for some kind of job with Haley that kim set up for us. WOO!

FELA!

Yes it is a new day. And I am still not over Fela!!!

Saw a man on bleeker street today. He had long dreads and I said hey man those dreads are awesome. He said Thank you and said he had been growing them for 30 years, i am now seriously considering this hair style. I am sure my grandparents will be very happy!

I sat by a New Yorker named Alan at the play Ragtime today. I think Alan has lived in New York since 79. Alan loves the city and his favorite thing to do is to go to plays like ragtime. Alan also likes to usher at non profit organizations where they show plays. There are about five china towns in New York. Alan says the one in queens is cheap. Tonight he is going to relax and prepare himself food that he has bought from there. Alan is retired and worked with the international airline, i am not sure what his title was. Now Alan enjoys traveling(for free) and bringing friends with him. I told Alan about our class and what we experienced in the city. Alan left me a with a have a great time in the city and learn alot, he said i know you will.

Da Bears! I have gotten a couple of shout outs because of my Bear apparell. One guy was in his business outfit with his girl and yelled DA Bears, of course it is a bear code of ethics thing that i do the same. He then yelled that our draft pick and Cutler will lead us to the super bowl next year, he must be right, Bear fans speak truth. Another guy shorter than me dipped down and did a two finger point at me and said Da Bears! I said Da Bears, you know it! Bear fans have faith, what a great city.

We moved to a new apartment today on bank street still in West Village. Teak and I checked out our new Deli and talked to cashier Eddie about our stay and the area, nice guy. We chilled in the apartment tonight, kicked back, watched football. When on short walk to check out area, sent Perry Street sign to my brother Perry he loved it.

The heart is good here, and so is my Dr. Pepper......Goodnight!

Boom!

Got my bagel round the corner once again this fine morning. Workout consisted of 50 pushups and sit-ups, ok I lied it was 40. I cut up my lines for the play warn I will be in next month into note cards and got some memorization in. Mariah and I walked with Kim going to different coffee places, at these places we handed out flyers for the women’s project that we will be participating in later on this month, I don’t know all the details yet except there is a dark comedy called smudge involved and we will be ushering. Now this was extraordinarily exciting for me because I love coffee. My favorite place back home is black sheep coffee. I go often with my friend Jeff, it was like walking into 10 different blacksheeps! We will move tomorrow to the part of town were these shops are, this is extremely exciting for me! Ann the last but not least, finally arrived and is with us in New York now after her many cancelled flights back in the Midwest, good to have her! We ate at a Chinese place and had a great time; I had probably the best shrimp of my life. Jon and I sadly could not get tickets to Billy Elliot or Next to normal; time collapsed and then went to the Modern Museum of art. Some great art was present. I only knew was Pablo. My favorite work of art was this table with a flower basket on it, I have become very interested with the empty basket and am not really sure why. After this my teacher Kim invited me to see Fela! with her. I am so glad I went, it was the best thing that I have seen up here out of the three shows I have seen so far in New York, Spike Lee was at the play as well and actually got up in the middle of the show and ran around it was quite entertaining and a surprise. I’m glad I went with Kim she is fantastic with people and it’s a joy being on this trip experiencing new things she has planned for us. It has really been a great few first days and I am excited for the rest of the ride.

Schmucks

Morning! woke up and had a 75 cent bagel around the corner in the west village here...Jordin and I called were called a schmuck and spit on by a man on a bike who demanded we give him money. Saw washington square park, Grand central, central park, the place were John Lennon was shot(Dakota). My favorite part of the day was going to drama bookstore in time square, bought a scrypt called exonerated, plan to go back! Headed to Broadway christ church served the less fortunate food, you wouldnt have known it by the smiles on there faces. We ate at the diner with the pastor Travis, who is originally from USF. We talked about today, and his life, and the careers we wanted to pursue. This day was my favorite church experience yet. We met a guy named Tom who had some interesting stories, and one of a very religous muslim who worked outside the church in a stand and sold bagels, food and such. He always has a smile on his face, and has all ethnicities and different kinds of people that come to his town, from this he knows the condition of the city and his area well. He shut his store down for awhile to go the hajj, to worship his God, the whole community knew him and was very excited for him. Love and acceptance has set my heart on fire today, nyc is a good place. Later that night we saw Asphalt Orchestra. I really enjoyed the beat, they moved around the room and interacted with the audience during the show. After that we stopped by rockefellar and then dragged our butts home. We did a ton of stuff today, it rocked.....goodnight blog, i love you!

39 Steps

John and I ventured out around ten this morning. Walked on Hudson street, ate at a little deli and had an extremely tasty cinnamon raisin bagel and cup off coffee. Took a picture with cashier at Garden Deli. I paid him for my food in all ones and told him he was my first New York Cashier, he laughed at me and gladly took the picture. Saw beautiful view of New York next to Ocean. Later on we walked our butts off and took some trips on the subway going back and forth to get rush tickets for the show 39 steps. On our stop at the apartment before the show our door handle broke, it was hilariously depressing, luckily Teak my classmate gets us through these situations with his incredible skills time and time again. The show was fabulous. It only had four people in the cast, keeping track of all the different characters and the voices they where doing was a joy. I was laughing hysterically and felt alive like I haven’t felt in awhile in the theatre tonight. I have been reading my new directing book and doing pushups in my free time. The pushups are so I do not become heavier than grandpa Al, we made a bet before I left. I feel an extremely enjoyable energy within the city and am looking forward to experiencing it more tomorrow. My wallet is placed safely next to my crotch during the day, no grabs yet.