iChewsVegan

Here goes: I was walking down to the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center to search for some new audition monologues, when I noticed what looked to be a check on the sidewalk on Broadway and W 70th St. I passed it at first, but for some reason, turned around and decided to pick it up. It was for a couple hundred dollars to a guy named Philip, from the Vivian Beaumont Theatre - an incredible coincidence, since that particular theatre is AT Lincoln Center, where I was already headed. 

The check had Philip’s address on it, which happened to be right on my way as well - another coincidence; I decided I’d try and return it.

It didn’t take me long to find the building. I walked through the large revolving doors, and explained myself to the doorman. He looked surprised at first, then called up to the room. “There’s a Mr. Alex here to see you. You don’t know him. He’s got a check. Should I let him up?” After a pause, he hung up and told me, “He will come meet you in the lobby.” (This Phil was obviously a smart guy - don’t let strangers with unidentified checks come up to your apartment.)

I waited in the opulent marbled lobby for a few minutes, until the elevator door gave a curt “ding” and a stocky gentleman in a t-shirt walked out, looked hesitantly at me, then to the doorman, and then finally walked over to me, hand outstretched, smiling. I told him that I was an actor, and that anyone getting paid for a theatre gig deserved whatever check had their name on it. Phil explained that he was not an actor, but a stagehand at the Vivian Beaumont, and he was thrilled to have his check back. He said that finding him and returning his check was “the most human thing”, which I thought was a little much, but New York has a tendency to more finely-tune you to random acts of minor humanity. 

Anyway, he pulled a crumpled $10 bill out of his pocket, and insisted I take it. “Buy yourself lunch tomorrow, please!” he told me. I refused, but he was relentless. Eventually I gave up, and promised him I’d pass it on. 

I’m now sitting at the beautiful fountain by the famous Lincoln Center Steps, writing this post and wondering what I should do.

So here’s where you come in: I’ve got this stray Hamilton - where should he go? What’s the best use of it, and how far can $10 change anything? I’m up for any suggestions you’ve got! Hit me. Let’s make it count. 

How cool is this?!? So here’s the story - there’s a company that makes some REALLY awesome bags, called WaterField Bags, from San Francisco. In particular, their Muzetto bag caught my attention - it was beautiful, and I wanted one. Problem: leather, leather, and more leather. Vegan no-go. However, they’re an awesome company, and seem to really want to hear from customers, so I emailed them at their “Hey Gary!” email address on August 5th of last year. I asked politely for a vegan version, told them what a fantastic group vegans are for businesses to cater to, and even suggested two vegan non-leather materials: TPU and coated canvas!

Now, almost a year later, I checked their site, and what should I see…The New Muzetto Outback - made from COATED CANVAS! How awesome is that? - a company that listens to their customers! The bag is beautiful and I can’t wait to get one! With my pup, Olive, incurring some medical bills in the last week or two, it might have to wait, but I will be fulfilling my promise of buying one as soon as possible! 

Thanks much to Gary and the rest of the awesome folks at WaterField Designs / SF Bags!

http://www.sfbags.com/products/muzetto-outback/muzetto-outback.php

I’m feeling conflicted about the Supreme Court Decision to uphold the ACA / ObamaCare - as a person with liberal social views, I want everyone to be protected, or at least have the chance at affordable health care. However, as a vegan who spends considerable money/time ensuring that I take care of my body, I don’t particularly want to pay for the health care costs of people who choose not to take proper preventative care of themselves, and suffer the ensuing PREVENTATIVE (and the most expensive) diseases. What do you think?