1946—2018

Southeast corner of Broadway and Forty-fourth Street FRIDAY MORNING in the dystopian present. What has happened to my beautiful city? Where’s Hector’s? Who are these people? Where’s Joan? Who’s the guy with the stroller? This looks like a bad dream. Walking with coffee cups and cell phones. A giant high-definition video image looms above cablecasting a morning news show. Broadway has been blocked off to create this ludicrous open mall space. The Disney Company has turned what was once the Hotel Claridge into something they call the Times Square Studios. Follow us, like us—the endless pleading for what’s left of your distended and attenuated gaze.