I was not ready for a comedy routine when i interviewed Roberto, the manager of the Chelsea Spot hostel located on W. 30 th st., and Paul, a guest and self professed new road manager for American Idol winner Bradford.
to be continued...
Friday, July 24, 2009
You can't have your cake and get eaten too - fiction
Scene in hotel - fiction
A piece of cake with chocolate frosting waiting to be eaten; a woman waiting to be eaten. A piece of cake with chocolate frosting waiting to be eaten by woman. Cake gets eaten by man. Woman does not.
"There are other things you can eat besides cake you know..."
The end.
A piece of cake with chocolate frosting waiting to be eaten; a woman waiting to be eaten. A piece of cake with chocolate frosting waiting to be eaten by woman. Cake gets eaten by man. Woman does not.
"There are other things you can eat besides cake you know..."
The end.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sunday at the Lyons Wier Gallery
Walking along 7 th avenue, I was invited into an art gallery. "It's free," a man who claimed to be one of the artists said. It sounded a lot more fun than what i was on my way to do which was a translation ( a temporary gig).
Although not my first gallery art opening/showing in New York, it was the first one that i was not kicked out of. My first exposure to the New York art world occured a few weeks ago when i over enthusiastically crashed a party in what is referred to as the gallery district. So excited to attend art openings, i walked up and down streets on a thursday evening - which is when i read that the art openings occur - to find these events.
After about 2o minutes, i noticed a few people talking outside; i noticed an opening: a door wedged slightly open. A little clandestine but i eased my way in. Art on the wall and a big table of food and wine in a loft. One canvass had what looked like Andy Warhol draped in an American flag. I poured myself a glass of chardonnay and ate some chips and guacamole. One woman pointed to a dip and said "this is very good". Not soon after, i was approached by a man who asked me whether i was invited, and said "this is a private party". I said, "i write a blog". He said "You'll have to leave" .
That's fine,but i took the chardonnay with me. Well, the glass that is. It wasn't very rock and roll of him ( i heard that line on Cupid). That was my first exposure to the New York art world - hopefully nobody is doing an expose.
My second exposure was the Lyons Wier on 7th near W. 20 th. Agni was the first artist i met and i asked her what her work was about and she said it was about intentions. I didn't quite understand but i pretended. I needed some wine to loosen myself up and a crash course in contemporary art. There was a smaller canvass underneath the larger one which read ' They are eating mud cookies in Haiti - what shoes shall i wear?' Is that a comment on class, I asked. "It's a comment on the state of the world".
Because i did not take any notes at this show, some stuff sadly is being left out. The wine also may have fogged my memory. Yvette's theme was kites. Little kites sewn on. Shapes, freedom, flying. "How does it make you feel?"
Scott talked about his abstracts and referred some books on art: The Sense of Sight by John Bergman, John Hughes, New China New Art by Richard Vine.
To be continued...
Although not my first gallery art opening/showing in New York, it was the first one that i was not kicked out of. My first exposure to the New York art world occured a few weeks ago when i over enthusiastically crashed a party in what is referred to as the gallery district. So excited to attend art openings, i walked up and down streets on a thursday evening - which is when i read that the art openings occur - to find these events.
After about 2o minutes, i noticed a few people talking outside; i noticed an opening: a door wedged slightly open. A little clandestine but i eased my way in. Art on the wall and a big table of food and wine in a loft. One canvass had what looked like Andy Warhol draped in an American flag. I poured myself a glass of chardonnay and ate some chips and guacamole. One woman pointed to a dip and said "this is very good". Not soon after, i was approached by a man who asked me whether i was invited, and said "this is a private party". I said, "i write a blog". He said "You'll have to leave" .
That's fine,but i took the chardonnay with me. Well, the glass that is. It wasn't very rock and roll of him ( i heard that line on Cupid). That was my first exposure to the New York art world - hopefully nobody is doing an expose.
My second exposure was the Lyons Wier on 7th near W. 20 th. Agni was the first artist i met and i asked her what her work was about and she said it was about intentions. I didn't quite understand but i pretended. I needed some wine to loosen myself up and a crash course in contemporary art. There was a smaller canvass underneath the larger one which read ' They are eating mud cookies in Haiti - what shoes shall i wear?' Is that a comment on class, I asked. "It's a comment on the state of the world".
Because i did not take any notes at this show, some stuff sadly is being left out. The wine also may have fogged my memory. Yvette's theme was kites. Little kites sewn on. Shapes, freedom, flying. "How does it make you feel?"
Scott talked about his abstracts and referred some books on art: The Sense of Sight by John Bergman, John Hughes, New China New Art by Richard Vine.
To be continued...
The return of Candy Ambusch
Candy Ambusch strikes again.
Personality Type -
The fun-damentalist:
Married to the doctrine of Fun. Follows strict code of fun. Must have fun and will sacrifice just about anything to have fun. Verbiage includes a lot of "This is so much fun", " It's gonna be fun", "If this is no fun, we're leaving".
Personality Type -
The fun-damentalist:
Married to the doctrine of Fun. Follows strict code of fun. Must have fun and will sacrifice just about anything to have fun. Verbiage includes a lot of "This is so much fun", " It's gonna be fun", "If this is no fun, we're leaving".
It's been dandrough - fiction
It's been rough here since i got to New York. The Pharmacy was out of my "special" shampoo and I have been using a regular shampoo.
Scene in pharmacy: (Fiction)
To salesclerk:
"Hello, Do you have any Garnier Fructis anti-dandruff shampoo? I don't see any on the shelf"
"No, we are all out."
"I'll try another pharmacy."
"Don't bother, the whole city is out."
"The whole city is out of anti-dandruff shampoo?."
I had a feeling this was a bit of a sham, but it was like stepping on dog poo, it was a little irritating and was going to require some self-acceptance.
"Is this political?" I asked.
"I don't know. It's ruff, ruff, I know."
She was mocking me.
"thanks," I replied.
"Take care, " she said.
It's been dandrough.
Scene in pharmacy: (Fiction)
To salesclerk:
"Hello, Do you have any Garnier Fructis anti-dandruff shampoo? I don't see any on the shelf"
"No, we are all out."
"I'll try another pharmacy."
"Don't bother, the whole city is out."
"The whole city is out of anti-dandruff shampoo?."
I had a feeling this was a bit of a sham, but it was like stepping on dog poo, it was a little irritating and was going to require some self-acceptance.
"Is this political?" I asked.
"I don't know. It's ruff, ruff, I know."
She was mocking me.
"thanks," I replied.
"Take care, " she said.
It's been dandrough.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The audition - part 2
After 2 months in New York, this city starts to feel like one big audition. And by that i mean, It can feel as though i am auditioning people for parts in the movie of my life in New York. To say that there are many characters or personalities has undoubtedly been said before (or simply illustrated to us via TV and film), but it is a city rich in color. These people become endearing because in such a big city, sometimes it is hard to make friends so they become like people we think about to make us smile or make us think about something other than who is going to feed me next (which is becoming a bit of a mystery). And they are quite simply endearing.
"Are you ready for me?" : I wish I had the name of "Are you ready for me". But i do not. All i know about her is that she has a gift for making your stay in the order line of your local fast food place a little entertaining. Each customer is asked, when arriving at cash, "Are you ready for me?" in a quick pace. If you're the fifth person in line, you're thinking, " I better be ready for her."
And indeed, I was not quite ready for her - but I'm learning.
"Are you ready for me?" : I wish I had the name of "Are you ready for me". But i do not. All i know about her is that she has a gift for making your stay in the order line of your local fast food place a little entertaining. Each customer is asked, when arriving at cash, "Are you ready for me?" in a quick pace. If you're the fifth person in line, you're thinking, " I better be ready for her."
And indeed, I was not quite ready for her - but I'm learning.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Streeter-Environment New York
In journalism, a streeter is when you go out and ask passersby, people on the street, the average citizen, their opinion on a certain issue; a question relating to pertinent issues of the day.
In New York, a streeter (and this is my definition) is when you are approached by one of these organisations: Environment New York, ACLU, Save the Children, asking you one of these questions: Hey, do you care about the environment?; want to protect civil rights? Or they might make an observation resembling a compliment : Hey, you look like you care about the environment.
I have been streeted all along the Upper West Side and for the first month i was here, i did not stop once (although i did try to get a job at Grassroots Campaigns - the organization in charge of some of these little foot soldiers for the revolution).
Well, i finally stopped and listened. And to my non surprise, it was a fundraising drive which under normal circumstances I would happily give to, but since we are in the new normal or (next to normal) which for me means, i still don't have a job, giving money is a bit of a problem.
Anyways, I was streeted again in Chelsea (are they following me?) and i thought well i can't give my money but i can give you space on my blog.
All this to say, I was approached by Anjuli representing Environment New York who explained to me their campaign.
She said, " we are trying to build a clean energy environment and Obama supports our plan... plan to build more wind farms, solar panels, energy efficient homes, ... create jobs ... fight war on pollution... Congress just passed a bill to help make that happen... it passed through house.. were trying to build public support... "
I asked what the bill was called. She said it is the: " clean energy and security act".
I may have left a few words out of the bill. It is a long name.
She said they are trying to sign people up and fundraise.
You can check out their website at : environmentnewyork.com
In New York, a streeter (and this is my definition) is when you are approached by one of these organisations: Environment New York, ACLU, Save the Children, asking you one of these questions: Hey, do you care about the environment?; want to protect civil rights? Or they might make an observation resembling a compliment : Hey, you look like you care about the environment.
I have been streeted all along the Upper West Side and for the first month i was here, i did not stop once (although i did try to get a job at Grassroots Campaigns - the organization in charge of some of these little foot soldiers for the revolution).
Well, i finally stopped and listened. And to my non surprise, it was a fundraising drive which under normal circumstances I would happily give to, but since we are in the new normal or (next to normal) which for me means, i still don't have a job, giving money is a bit of a problem.
Anyways, I was streeted again in Chelsea (are they following me?) and i thought well i can't give my money but i can give you space on my blog.
All this to say, I was approached by Anjuli representing Environment New York who explained to me their campaign.
She said, " we are trying to build a clean energy environment and Obama supports our plan... plan to build more wind farms, solar panels, energy efficient homes, ... create jobs ... fight war on pollution... Congress just passed a bill to help make that happen... it passed through house.. were trying to build public support... "
I asked what the bill was called. She said it is the: " clean energy and security act".
I may have left a few words out of the bill. It is a long name.
She said they are trying to sign people up and fundraise.
You can check out their website at : environmentnewyork.com
The audition
Since last i wrote, much has happened ( more like : did that really happen? Did that just happen? No, that did NOT just happen, etc... ) . I would have to sit here for 3 full days (possibly more) to update you on everything (and everyone) that i have been doing (or not doing) here in New York city. For now, i can only begin once again to put finger to keyboard and get you filled in a little bit at a time.
First bit of important news: i am still in a hostel, albeit a different one than the one i was writing from on June 6 th. Here is some symmetry for you: the festival i want to go to this time is the Siren out in Coney island which is taking place this saturday - tomorrow. (last june it was renegade craft fair) .
Now, i will write for food and possibly housing. Again, i will also work for MONEY. Speaking of renegade, i was treated to a free documentary and a free taco courtesy of Chipotle Mexican Grill. I was looking on their website thinking maybe they would like to sponsor a fledgling writer when i noticed the ad for the doc Food Inc. (produced by the writer of Fast Food Nation: Eric Schlosser). BTW, I really like Chipotle's ad copy: eaters, start your orders. If i could write like that, maybe i would be driving a BMW (instead of living off the very much appreciated charity of others.) Mooch-o Gracias Chipotle, thanks to you, i ate yesterday. Someone tipped me off to the double meaning of mucho and mooch. More on the handouts later.
I showed up at the Beekman on the upper east side last night (thursday) and was handed a flyer-while standing in line - by the alliance for fair food (who are they?). We were being protested at a protest movie. Okay. Their beef is with Chipotle, (and apparently is supported by Schlosser himself) about the way their meat, vegetables and farmworkers are treated. They are asking Chipotle to look into their supply chain.
Prior to screening, a spokesperson for Chipotle introduced the film by saying they supported the values and philosophy of the film, Food Inc. and are working and will work on these important issues with the organisations. The film itself (not the first doc to expose these issues) presents us with some powerful images about the treatment of animals, particularly cows and chickens and also the farmers and workers themselves and reveals the dark side of some of the big meat producers (only white meat? - think lots of hormones). The critique of the use of hormones which began over a decade ago led to the hormone free and antibiotic free produce such as chicken, milk, yogurt which you can now find on supermarkets (even Walmart is now carrying organic foods). The founder of Stonyfield is interviewed and explains his position on working with Walmart. Many others are interviewed and not interviewed (some declined).
After the movie, i had my taco and it was delicious, with a soft shell. I heart Chipotle. Their disposable cutlery is a keeper. Very sturdy forks. In fact, i do not throw them out. I keep them.
Right now the only one i am worried will decline me is my visa card. Don't leave home without it. I can't. that's all i have. and it's been good to me. If not, I'm pitching a tent in someone's backyard (as opposed to pitching stories which i really should be doing.)
As for early bird specials, this makes sense not because i am broke but because 40 is the new 50. I was asked for my senior citizen's card at a pharmacy - he must have been kidding.
First bit of important news: i am still in a hostel, albeit a different one than the one i was writing from on June 6 th. Here is some symmetry for you: the festival i want to go to this time is the Siren out in Coney island which is taking place this saturday - tomorrow. (last june it was renegade craft fair) .
Now, i will write for food and possibly housing. Again, i will also work for MONEY. Speaking of renegade, i was treated to a free documentary and a free taco courtesy of Chipotle Mexican Grill. I was looking on their website thinking maybe they would like to sponsor a fledgling writer when i noticed the ad for the doc Food Inc. (produced by the writer of Fast Food Nation: Eric Schlosser). BTW, I really like Chipotle's ad copy: eaters, start your orders. If i could write like that, maybe i would be driving a BMW (instead of living off the very much appreciated charity of others.) Mooch-o Gracias Chipotle, thanks to you, i ate yesterday. Someone tipped me off to the double meaning of mucho and mooch. More on the handouts later.
I showed up at the Beekman on the upper east side last night (thursday) and was handed a flyer-while standing in line - by the alliance for fair food (who are they?). We were being protested at a protest movie. Okay. Their beef is with Chipotle, (and apparently is supported by Schlosser himself) about the way their meat, vegetables and farmworkers are treated. They are asking Chipotle to look into their supply chain.
Prior to screening, a spokesperson for Chipotle introduced the film by saying they supported the values and philosophy of the film, Food Inc. and are working and will work on these important issues with the organisations. The film itself (not the first doc to expose these issues) presents us with some powerful images about the treatment of animals, particularly cows and chickens and also the farmers and workers themselves and reveals the dark side of some of the big meat producers (only white meat? - think lots of hormones). The critique of the use of hormones which began over a decade ago led to the hormone free and antibiotic free produce such as chicken, milk, yogurt which you can now find on supermarkets (even Walmart is now carrying organic foods). The founder of Stonyfield is interviewed and explains his position on working with Walmart. Many others are interviewed and not interviewed (some declined).
After the movie, i had my taco and it was delicious, with a soft shell. I heart Chipotle. Their disposable cutlery is a keeper. Very sturdy forks. In fact, i do not throw them out. I keep them.
Right now the only one i am worried will decline me is my visa card. Don't leave home without it. I can't. that's all i have. and it's been good to me. If not, I'm pitching a tent in someone's backyard (as opposed to pitching stories which i really should be doing.)
As for early bird specials, this makes sense not because i am broke but because 40 is the new 50. I was asked for my senior citizen's card at a pharmacy - he must have been kidding.
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