ORIGINALLY... I wanted my blog to deal mainly with the arts and design. A form for free expression of ideas. But before I can address the arts today, I have to address the persistence of racism. On the way to see a play with a friend of mine, I suggested that we first have a (thank god it's Friday) drink at one of my favorite establishments. It is a quaint restaurant and bar in a very small but very exclusive hotel hidden behind trees in Beverly Hills. It is high end and frequented by stars and politicians and traveling business men and women. But what I like about it is ...you wouldn't know it. It is so gentle, easy and down to earth that no one is checking out anyone else. No name dropping, no reporters
and on a warm evening you might even see children swimming in the kidney shaped pool which is the main attraction in this poolside restaurant. The other thing I enjoy, the mix of the clientele, old , young, black , white, basically every race is represented. LOVELY. And here in this shangrila, I have never felt singled out, insulted or even noticed.

That is until last Friday. Our greeter was wonderful, the water on the pool was completely still, it was serene. Then our waitress approached and ask if we knew what we'd like.
She looked only at my friend, a white woman and did not look at me until she saw me staring at her. I told her we weren't ready and then let that issue go... maybe she was having a bad day, she looked new...no harm, no fowl. When she returned she again only addressed my friend and when I started to ask a question she sharply said "excuse me" and continued to list the special for my friend, who had already given her drink order and did not ask to hear the specials. When she was done she just stood there looking at me.
I asked her in a polite voice"are you ready for me" she said yes. I ordered a Pimms and she let out a little gasp in surprise. It was a happy gasp. Again I overlooked it. I sat and talked with my friend, we laughed and I ordered an appetizer and flirted a little with the handsome man in dreads sitting behind us. When she came to pick up the check she again addressed only my friend" Do you need any change?" Innocent question...wrong customer! I had paid the check, I was treating my friend who looked at waitress not understanding her and not knowing what to say.I had of course had it by now , I looked at her and said very directly" The change would be mine...and no.. I don't need any. The young girls mouth swung open. She looked to be of Indian decent and was obviously embarrassed, her shadow picked up the plates and walked away, she looked like she wanted to say sorry,but said nothing . Perhaps it was the eye roll I gave her. This is 2009 right, just checking.

Anyway, I would like to sing the praises of a one man show at the Beverly Hills Playhouse tittled,"Did You Do Your Homework?"The star and writer , a Mr A.Braxton was amazing
the last time I saw an actor slide in and out of characters and emote that quickly I was in San Francisco watching Anna De Veer Smith ( did I spell that right). This man is incredible and his writing was honest, insightful and instructive. I absolutely loved his performance. It is about his days working as a substitute teacher in the inner city and our broken educational system. Sounds sad...it is at times but it was mostly an inspirational journey. Please go see it! This play is headed for Broadway...mark my word.
WORD!