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.