ISADORE; BEST/WORST THOUGHTS ON PENNY LANE
Channel: Seth Brigham
Date: 2012-03-01

On the 20th Anniversary of Penny Lane, Isador reflects on his favorite an least favorite moments...

At Penny Lane's sidewalk cafe, patrons sprawl on chairs, read, chat, or table hop. Dogs and cats wander around, adding their barks and mews to the steady buzz of conversation. I immediately ask for the person responsible for this oasis of indolence. Penny Lane's proprietor, Isidore Million, comes forward to shake my hand, with a boxer's grip. Of Ukrainian-Jewish descent, Isidore keeps a benevolent eye on the proceedings.

A retired geologist, these days Isidore interacts mostly with Bohemian human specimens. Being a septuagenarian hasn't diminished his vivacity, evident in belly laughs that erupt unexpectedly. A cross between Father Time and a Munchkin, after world wide travels he appreciates the relaxed pace at which things move in Boulder.

Isidore's laissez-faire management style does not prohibit him from ejecting a troublemaker if necessary. He tells me stories about patrons who mistook his tolerance for negligence. They learned the hard way not to cross certain boundaries. Isidore proudly guides me through Penny Lane proper, one large room furnished with a variety of unmatched chairs.

Most of the furniture purchased from the Salvation Army is comfortable enough -- despite lumps here and there -- to doze on. Floor lamps scattered around provide light for readers. Customers order drinks (no food or alcoholic beverages) at a counter. Revolving exhibitions of local artists create an informal gallery atmosphere.

Penny Lane's helter-skelter quality humanizes the large space. A smiling Isidore welcomes regulars by name with a hearty handshake. At Penny Lane the patrons' preoccupations are time-honored. For example, a Monday night reading series, in place for fifteen years, gives neophyte writers exposure to local audiences.

Suffice to say, the very next day, The Devil, Tom Peters, showed up for an afternoon poetry reading while I was filming. Tom had me banned from "Open poetry readings" for testifying against him in a case were he was charged with threatening a friend of mine. Guilty as charged!

Isador told me to leave and I said, "call the cops." He then punched me out!!!