From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 01 Jan 2001 19:56:14 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Happy New Year
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year. What did you do for excitement last night? Karina and I went to the Khyber Club to listen to The Walsh Brothers. There were more people there than I had expected. Becka organized it. It was her birthday.
We just finished watching Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit. I want to read the book now. Have you ever read it, or watched the movie version? It is long, but well-paced. It is almost exhausting watching people’s lives unfold, and what some have to go through to achieve happiness.
Any New Year’s resolutions?
Yours Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 02 Jan 2001 16:56:24 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: back to work
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I walked to The Khyber today as the weather was mild and the skies were clear. Karina was going to school to sort out her registration and student loans. We got into a tiff about terminology. What does “We have our ups and downs” mean to you? Generally, and especially given the events of the past few weeks, things are wonderful between us. Everyone has their ups and downs, right? I am sometimes brief when describing my relationship with Karina to my friends, a sort of “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mentality. People talk more and in explicit detail when there are problems. Holidays are stressful, don’t you find?
I am stressed already about my new position at The Khyber, but I haven’t really started yet. I am now the Interim Administrative Director. I am pleased, nervous, anxious and excited. So far I have been reading through past documents, trying to familiarize myself more fully with the history of the place. It is like archaeology, finding treasure tucked into old files in the smell of past events, exhibitions. In sensing the energy that once existed there. I worry about finding the money to keep the heat on. I don’t understand oil prices. Why is it so expensive? Why is there pressure on OPEC to cut production?
Just watched The Winter Guest with Karina. Nice dialogue, good exploration of life and death in the examination of a days events, but feel like I’ve seen and heard it all before. Going to watch Andy Kaufman Plays Carnegie Hall next to balance it out.
We have watched a lot of movies over the holidays. It will be nice to get back in the groove of meetings and teaching in the evenings. When do you go back to work?
Yours Sincerely,
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 03 Jan 2001 18:12:41 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Alaska?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am nursing a tension headache which has returned to me this evening. It actually started this afternoon while at Mills Brothers. I was consulting with Barb and Ian on his ideas for the next window change, which were so obscure my head started to throb. First it was graduating shades of blue with no brush marks (almost impossible to do right with latex house paint stretched over forty feet of wall), then stripes, then the stripes looping over and into something else at the top… How am I supposed to make heads or tails of it? Why is he involved in the first place? If I weren’t so broke I would have gladly told them I was unavailable, that I had finally found a real job. The other source of my headaches, but at least closer to my heart.
I have neglected to congratulate you on the third straight majority. You must feel content to be in power at a time when those upset with your policies are so splintered and fractured in their alliances. I even voted Green this year, but I felt it was a given that Alexa would hold her ground. At every election I always wish I had ran, but by the time a new one rolls around I lack the motivation. I must admit, you caught me off-guard with the snap election. I wasn’t expecting it until spring.
I want to make a video comprised only of on-screen footage of Mel Gibson yelling “Nooooo”. The excerpts would be taken from every film he has starred in which he has uttered that phrase. I can think of a half dozen off the top of my head, and he has been in something like twenty films. Of course, the incidence of him yelling “Nooooo” in lame comedies is rather nil, but are more than offset by films like The Patriot and Braveheart. I don’t know when I would ever find the time to do it as it is a lot of Mel Gibson to sit through. I’d want to collect the quiet “No’s” as well. A seamless cacophony of Mel Gibson’s screenography of “No’s”.
Karina is watching Dumbo in the next room. She has pointed out the blatant racism in some of the opening scenes, where the circus workers are all Black and featureless and sing about wasting their wages. The things you don’t remember from watching as a child. I’ve often thought that most Disney films are inherently imperialist. The embodiment of pure American values, of saccharine normalcy and innocence. It hides its razor sophistication well. I should be making an agenda for a meeting tomorrow night but I want my headache to subside so I’m going to go finish reading a book instead.
Yours Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 04 Jan 2001 12:44:48 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Gold Flakes One Day Prior
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
A recent blowing of snow has filled the air, and I must make adjustments to my plans for the evening. Fresh snow makes cycling treacherous; I will bus, or if I have time, walk to the Khyber tonight. A gala meeting and then an event in the club, Emily Vey Duke and friends with music and video projection. I wonder if they had trouble securing a projector, as they are prohibitively expensive. Maybe they borrowed Tim Dallet’s, but I think it only projects in green. A nice contrast to the snow.
At the Khyber today I was opening up studios and storage rooms tracking down lengths of telephone wire for an MTT repairman. He was installing a phone line for the new tenants. I have new respect for the tiny physical wires that now connect us so seamlessly, and so seemingly effortless. The repairman, John, was adjusting the pressure of wire to ground based on chirping sounds from a special cell phone, a joining of the aural and nimble tactile arts. Magic with small pliers.
Yours Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 05 Jan 2001 19:57:27 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Insomnia
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
One of the cats, I think it was Kuan, was playing with a small nail or tack and woke me up at four o’clock this morning. I couldn’t get back to sleep. Are cats insomniacs or just nocturnal? Thought of a few more movies as possible choices for a midnight movie fundraiser for the Khyber, but mostly tossed and turned. Fell asleep again by six-thirty. This hardly ever happens to me.
Worked with Jamie for a few hours this morning, finishing the cloud room we started before Christmas. The designer wasn’t happy with the shade of blue, so we rubbed a white glaze over it, softening the intensity.
While at the Khyber this afternoon Karina and I went for tea. We ran into Peter, and we talked about the difference between writing snail-mail and email letters. He told me he thought that writing email letters to you reminded him of the Sex Pistols reunion tour. I hope its not like that. We went to the Med for tea. Karina had poutine and I had coffee and a vanilla milkshake.
A long Khyber board meeting tonight. There is lots to do next week. I am going to take the day off tomorrow, concentrate on organizing my own files and an application for a grant. Maybe play on the computer. Spend some time with the cats.
Yours Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 06 Jan 2001 19:29:37 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Rain, Slush and Wet Jeans
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Today was a housecleaning day. The cat hair has been building little fortresses in dark corners, and the salt stains on the stairs are hiding the colour of the wood. We were going to wash some laundry as well, but it started snowing early in the afternoon, with lots of wind. Then it turned to rain.
Eventually I did venture out, but only to buy some groceries. We can wash laundry on Sundays, but not buy groceries.
There was a screening by Centre For Art Tapes scholarship recipients at the CBC building on Bell Road tonight. We couldn’t call a cab, as all the lines were busy. One company I did get through to told me that there were no cabs in my area. So Rebecca, Karina and I walked. We got soaked. It was worth it, the videos and audio work presented were well-done and some were quite thought-provoking.
One video called Hear Me was made by a woman dealing with her son’s autism. He is losing the ability to speak and needs surgery, but jumping through the legal and provincial health regulation hoops is taking a long time. The video is highly personal and really highlights the painful effects of slow-moving bureaucracies. It reminded me a little of Mary Kelly’s Postpartum Document.
Now that we are home drying off we are going to watch a movie, The Forbidden Planet. Have you ever seen it?
Yours Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 07 Jan 2001 14:43:17 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Sanding Gold Flakes; A Russian Dream
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Last night I had the oddest dream. Karina and I were hitchhiking in Russia, but no-one was stopping to pick us up. It probably didn’t help that we weren’t on a road, it was more like a beach. I recall images of ourselves in empty storefront windows; our backpacks swollen, sweaters and jackets rolled up and hanging from straps. It must have been summer. Somehow, we lost our luggage and became lost, swimming in the sea for three days. Even in my dream I couldn’t understand how we survived in the water for three days. When we did find land it was winter, and we were poorly under-dressed. We stood at a playground fence, icicles in our hair, and asked the children playing there if any of them spoke English. A middle-aged couple with lots of children took us in to use their phone, but we couldn’t reach anybody. We stayed with this family for days, but they were quite poor and we ate nothing but Kraft Dinner. Then the alarm went off and woke me up.
I walked to Mills, stomping through frozen slush with my green rubber boots. Danny let me into the store and locked me in. Tom had primed the window yesterday, but the areas of the previous design where gold spray-paint was used had come through, and needed to be sanded for the primer to stick. Hard on the wrists. After sanding and priming those spots I painted wavy stripes, and was finished by four o’clock. Ian MacLellan came by to let me out of the store and he drove me home. He talked mostly about cars the whole way. He said the store did fairly well over the holidays, then he knocked on the wood panelling for luck. I couldn’t help but notice that the wood was plastic, but then again it was my first time in a Mercedes Benz.
Karina has rented High Fidelity for us to watch tonight. I read the book a couple years ago, so I look forward to seeing how the movie measures up. Last night we watched The Forbidden Planet, I was surprised at how advanced it looked, considering it was made in 1956. What a classic.
Yours Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 08 Jan 2001 17:41:53 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Wavy Stripes Continued
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I took a bus downtown with Karina this morning, as I had to return some books to NSCAD library and she had to pick up some film from Carsand Mosher and then go to video class. I walked up to Mills to paint window #7, but Danny, Tom and Mike were still dismantling the Snow White backdrop I had painted back in November. The store is going to use it every year. It is a mural of a forest scene in the shape of an open book. I had expected the window to be stripped and primed before noon, but dismantling was more complicated than they had anticipated. I bought some art magazines (Mix and C) and walked to the Khyber to make some phone calls.
At two o’clock I walked back to Mills and the window hadn’t been primed yet, but Danny was just about to start so I stayed and helped. Then I had to wait for the primer to dry, and by the time I had the tricoloured wavy stripes all painted it was quarter past five. I was hungry but decided to go to the openings at NSCAD before eating. Ryan Murphy was having a mini lifelong retrospective of his art and collectables in gallery 1, and there was a really neat robot and mechanized object group show in gallery 3. Ryan was serving Shreddies® from a box that had been manipulated to include Ryan himself on the box, and ice cream on the rocks. There was sushi and pita and hummus in the robot show. The hummus was really lemony. I met up with Karina and helped her carry some lighting equipment back home. That included camera, lens, meter, flex-fill, a tripod for the camera and one for the lights, and the lights. A lot of stuff to lug around. She is going to photograph some of the doll heads that Rebecca’s Dad’s ex-girlfriend gave her. The ceramic heads are quite spooky.
I made spaghetti and home-made sauce for supper and am now off to do some Khyber stuff.
Yours Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 09 Jan 2001 19:47:53 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Long Days Ahead
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Today was my first official day as Interim Director of the Khyber Arts Society. Overall, it was fairly uneventful. I spent a good portion of the afternoon trying to hunt down a contract which our files seem to have eaten. I am enjoying it thoroughly.
Karina received her student loan today, with remarkable ease – only a five business-day wait. We ate at The Bluenose for supper to celebrate. I have to stop eating there, the food is awful and terribly over-priced. We wanted to eatsushi as a celebration but Karina had a darkroom booked and needed to eat close to school. Now that we have a bit of money we can pay our November rent. My bank sucked a five hundred dollar student loan payment out of my account in early November, bouncing my rent cheque. I haven’t been able to make-up the money. I had been waiting months for money to come in through Judy in Saint John, as she sold a painting for me, but there were huge delays as the client was waiting for money to come in from ACOA. Money is such a tiresome concept.
What do you think of reports that the US is heading toward a recession?
Yours Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 10 Jan 2001 17:52:56 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: The Blur in the Background Noise
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I haven’t decided yet if working at the Khyber is a good thing or a horrible thing. I like being there, and I appreciate the challenge, but the fact that the centre may not be able to pay me is frightening. I can’t afford to be a full-time volunteer there. That is just asking for burnout.
Karina and I had our sushi night at Doraku, and dessert at La Cave. We had sworn we wouldn’t go to La Cave again but Karina was really craving a good cheesecake. I drank three beer, which is my new limit, then we took a bus home. At the Christmas party we threw back in December I drank way too much home-made eggnog and made an ass of myself, so I have sworn off drunkenness for good.
It looks like we are going to have Raising Arizona as the Midnight movie at the Oxford on January 20. I hope it does well, the Centre can’t afford to lose any money. We are also going to stage another Mugshots fundraiser, which was quite successful in October. I have to go and make a poster for it right now.
Yours Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 12 Jan 2001 19:16:55 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: I Can’t Believe She Bought The Soundtrack
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Mathew and I had a nine o’clock meeting with Pat Kipping from NSAC this morning to determine whether or not it was worth the effort for the Khyber to apply for an Operations Grant. From the sounds of things, it isn’t. NSAC isn’t expecting an increase in their funds, which were cut last year. Those cutsdirectly affected The Khyber in not receiving operations funding last year. Pat suggested a letter to the MLA in charge of Culture and Heritage, Rodney MacDonald, might be of some effect. We need to show how much the Centre does for its community and how little administrative support we get, which certainly isn’t hard.
Had a meeting today regarding the plans for a Digital Media Centre at the Khyber, which is an exciting but daunting and frightening undertaking. The Khyber has been approved as a CAP site but there is a lot of work to be done in terms of raising sponsorship and technical support. We confirmed the Lord Nelson as a venue again for the second annual Fool-Hearted Gala, which will take place April 21. Do you think you could come? I could reserve tickets for you. We haven’t finalized the acts yet, but I’ll keep you posted.
I missed the openings at Dalhousie University last night as out Gala meeting stretched out until ten o’clock, so I made special effort to go to the openings at Saint Mary’s tonight. The food was great. The art was good too, Donna Wawzonek curated a show called Vanitas, featuring the work of three artists taking a contemporary look at Seventeenth Century Dutch painting. There was also a neat show of trains by a Sackville-based artist, I can’t remember his name.
Anyway, I have overextended my time on the computer. Karina and I are going to watch an old Woody Allen flic to relax. I have woken up three times this week at 4am, my head is too active, I need to chill out a bit. And I need to eat more, Jessica mentioned to me tonight that she thought I looked thinner than usual. I didn’t think I could possibly look any thinner, so I had better take her advice.
Sincerely,
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 13 Jan 2001 17:54:15 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: One Step Forward Two Steps Back
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
We just came back from a textiles opening at MSVU with Andrew and Rebecca. Are you familiar with the jacquard weaving process, and the new advances made in weaving using computer technology? Some very slick results. The food was average.
This morning Karina and I spent a few hours in the lighting studio at NSCAD using one of the really pricey medium format cameras, then realized at the end of the session that the camera wasn’t set up properly and none of the photos will turn out. Karina was quite disappointed, as her schedule is tight and there isn’t that much margin for error.
We had a late breakfast at The Med and I spent some time at The Khyber looking for an old contract with CARNS. Made and distributed some more posters for Raising Arizona and Mugshots 2.
I spoke to Judy on the phone this morning, she wants Karina and I to go to PEI with her the first week of February for the ECMA’s. I doubt Karina will try to get out of class, and I will be quite busy at work, but a quick vacation would be nice. Mind you, I’d rather go to PEI in the summertime.
I’m off to watch that Woody Allen flic. We watched Pulp Fiction last night instead, which was much longer than I had remembered from seeing it the first time. I think there was more footage added, though I can’t recall where.
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 14 Jan 2001 18:15:40 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Nothing Like Ginger Carrot Soup
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Judy called this morning. She had her tongue pierced yesterday. She didn’t sound too bad today, just mildly retarded. She said her tongue is quite swollen, but it should be healed in about a week.
Nice and mild today, I biked to Mills to paint window eight and window nine. After Danny let me out of the store and locked up I saw that I had missed a spot, but the guys can probably finish it tomorrow. I had Carrot Ginger soup at Steverenos, it was awesome. Spent the rest of the afternoon biking around putting up posters for Raising Arizona. I biked down Quinpool, went left on Oxford, back up Coburg, down Robie to Cunard, right on Winsor, then down and back Agricola. Tomorrow I’ll get Gottingen.
Spoke to Sym on the phone tonight. I want to go over some Quark and Illustrator tricks with her. She has a great idea for a fundraiser for the Khyber on Valentine’s Day; a wig party, with intermittent love songs and letters. Should be fun.
I liked that soup so much this afternoon that I made a version for supper. I added some red potatoes to the carrots. For spices I used garlic, grated ginger, a touch of tumeric, a dash of paprika and some rosemary. Delicious.
Anyhow, Karina and I are in the middle of a movie, we just took a break for The Simpsons. We are watching Notting Hill. It is sweetly romantic and sickeningly predictable, but I can’t help but watch it. There are some funny bits, but I know at the end I’ll wonder why I bothered to sit through it.
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 15 Jan 2001 18:21:39 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Haven’t Gay Marriages Happened Before Already?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just came back from the Superstore. At the start of each semester Karina likes to get a big haul from the grocery store. Andrew and Rebecca came with us, and we shared a cab for the way home, as we had too much stuff to carry.
I received a rather urgent email from Bryne at Canadian Art today. The EPS file I sent him was at too low a resolution, so they can’t use it for the article. I am going to Fed-Ex a copy of the actual catalogue tomorrow. This was for a show held at The Space back in November. Ray is writing an article about it.
I started a book last night, called About a Boy by Nick Hornby, author of High Fidelity. I think this book would make an excellent movie, it is much more interesting in terms of characters. The observations on life, told from the perspectives of a strange 12-year old and a self-centred 38-year old, are almost remarkable in that they unfold in a realist “thinking” time. The thoughts unfold neatly, like a package. I want to finish it tonight, as the rest of my week will be crazy busy with Khyber stuff.
Oh, speaking of which, today I was in the office for a bit and we actually got some good news in the mail. It appears that we may qualify for Charitable Status with Nova Scotia Power, which I assume will give us a better rate. I filled out the application and mailed it today, the faster we hear back the better. I am getting anxious about the Midnight Movie. I am afraid we will lose money on it. My tension headache is returning.
-chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 16 Jan 2001 19:03:41 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: It’s All Good After A Few Beer
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I Fed-Exed a copy of my catalogue to Canadian Art today. They won’t get it until tomorrow at noon. I can’t help but think of Tom Hanks, and what he would possible do with a copy of my catalogue if it washed up on the shore of his desert island. Probably laugh his ass off, then use it as kindling.
Just came home from openings at the Eyelevel Gallery. Craig Ferguson was paired with Montreal based artist Jo-Anne Balcaen in the first annual Eye-To-Eye series. The show was called Blind Date. Jo-Anne had arranged a bunch of tubular multi-coloured balloons in a heart-shape on the wall, while Craig displayed a pic-nic table with the cover of Van Halen’s album 1984 carved into the top, and a series of small wooden carvings of beer, wine and liquor bottles. A successful Blind Date, I think. Hung out in the Club afterwards for awhile, which was nice in that I felt comfortable in the presence of others. A comfortable evening. My depression of the past week or so seems to have lifted somewhat.
Karina has complained that I have not spoken to her in the past week so I am going to do just that.
Sincerely,
-chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 17 Jan 2001 19:49:56 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: OPEC Causing More Rubber Cheques
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Biked to work this morning, leaving a lovely spray of muck on my backpack as I have no rear fender for my bicycle. I have no front fender, either. I do have splash pants and rubber boots, however, so I stay fairly dry when biking in wet weather. It was mild this morning, so the roads were slushy.
I received good and bad news last night. The oil painting class I was scheduled to teach tonight was cancelled. It is good, because there was an Outspoken Lecture planned for tonight, which I would have missed had I been teaching. I missed all the Outspoken Lectures last semester because they were always held on Wednesday nights and I taught Wednesday nights. The only downside is the lack of money.
Tonight Thierry Delva and Helen Yeomans were discussing their work in the Khyber with a couple of the subjects of their work, Jamie and Leah. Leah was filling in for Mat, who called to say he was sick. Stomach wasn’t feeling right. For their exhibition Thierry had arranged thirteen True Temper wheelbarrows half filled with cement in the centre of the gallery. The cement had the names of his friends carved into it, like “Mat luvs Sym” or “Robert luvs Tonia” only the ‘luv’ was a heart. Names like you expect to see in sidewalks or tree trunks or park benches. Helen was exhibiting large digital printouts of photographs of the interiors of her friends fridges. The discussion tonight focused on the degree to which the ‘subjects’ were objectified or not through the work. Jamie and I had a good discussion afterwards on the fundamental survival of the Khyber and other artist-run centres upon which it is modelled. When Karina and I went to leave my debit card was declined on $20 worth of drinks. I had forgotten that our cable bill is debited automatically from my account the middle of each month. I hope this doesn’t mean that my rent check has bounced again.
I received a couple replies from your office today, but they didn’t say much.
Sincerely,
-chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 18 Jan 2001 18:33:40 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Did Latimer Get A Fair Shake?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
It was such a clear day today that I walked downtown. Walking over the packed snow through the Commons reminded me of my childhood in Ottawa. I seem to associate a lot of snow with Ottawa. There is something about the slippery hardness of well-packed snow, the way it reflects sunlight which is almost blinding, that I find comforting for some reason.
I picked up a cheque from Mills Brothers and apologized to Barb for overlooking the closet doors from Sunday. She didn’t care. I went to the bank and was dismayed to find that even after depositing my cheque I was still overdrawn by $50. It appears that Judy has still not deposited the $200 she owes me from a painting that sold in November. Cheques and Balances and holds and the way money travels and doesn’t travel is such a pain sometimes. It looks as though both rent cheques went through though, which is good news. If one had bounced I wouldn’t be overdrawn now, would I?
Typical day at the office today. Had to string a fifty-foot extension cord from the Refugee Clinic office to an outlet in the hall, as they keep blowing the circuit. It could be days or weeks before the city gets around to investigating and fixing the problem. This should be a short-term solution.
Had a Gala meeting tonight, we made a time line for the event and things
are taking shape. I’ll keep you posted as to the development.
Sincerely,
-chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 19 Jan 2001 18:39:16 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Has The APEC Inquiry All Butter Hazelnut Cookies?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
My travel timing was all out of sync this morning; missed a bus, then showed up at the wrong place for a meeting, then missed the ferry to Dartmouth and by the time I arrived I was an hour late for the NSAC grant preparation workshop. I didn’t miss too much, however, and the workshop was productive.
There was a NSCAD public lecture tonight. Vancouver-based artist Stan Douglas gave a presentation on his recent work. It was an amazing talk. Boy, can he talk. A non-stop verbal torrent of the ideas, influences and reasons behind the direction of his photo, video and film work, and some examples of each, it was quite something.
Talked to Ray afterwards and he said he would help with the planning of the Khyber Lightbox. Maybe I will ask Stan to show a photo in the space when the lightbox is completed. No harm in asking.
Sincerely,
-chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 21 Jan 2001 04:29:11 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: President George Bush Makes My Day
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Well, one of my worst fears for this week was confirmed last night, as we lost money on the screening of Raising Arizona. Just what I needed. Now we have to have an even more successful Mugshots to make up for last night. The movie itself was good to see on the big screen. I woke up this morning to music from Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, and couldn’t help but wonder if a screening of that would make more money.
Had a late supper last night with Tamara and Trevor at The Athens on Quinpool. Good spanokapita. Spent the late afternoon and early evening at the Khyber, working on some forms and helping Helen dismantle her show. Thierry came and went and moved his wheelbarrows in a flash. An easily movable show, if not as compact and portable as Helen’s.
I’m up early this morning to get either Mathew or Jamie to drive to NSCAD so we can borrow some easels for the portraits today. I didn’t hear from either of them last night. Now its snowing.
Sincerely,
-chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 22 Jan 2001 19:26:28 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Twelve Year-Old CEO On Trade Mission
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just came back from my first class teaching this term. Ten students showed up, three from my previous two classes. We went over colour theory and made colour wheels tonight, basic yet fundamental tools for oil painting. When I came home Karina, Rebecca and Andrew were watching Ghostbusters. What an odd movie, so eighties.
Spent the day at the Khyber. Received a couple bills for the internet hosting of the website. I made a new email address though; clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca. You should write me there sometime. And someone from the Police Association of NS came by to collect $70 for an ad for their All-Stars hockey game program. It’s a fund-raiser for cancer research. Mat got talked into it last year and I couldn’t help but agree to do it when they called this year. Mostly out of irony, I think.
The Dirty Dishes started working on the installation of their show today.
Yours Sincerely,
-chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 22 Jan 2001 05:53:23 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Good Turnout For Mugshots 2 Despite Storm
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I called Mathew early yesterday morning to help me move easels from NSCAD to the Khyber. It was snowing, but it seemed to clear up a bit before noon. It was just the eye of the storm, we ended up with a huge dumping. Mugshots went ahead, as we only had the room available yesterday. Global News covered it, which is good for exposure for the Centre, but I’m sure the weather kept a lot of people away. We did OK, but made less than last time.
Fund-raising is so frustrating. A lot of time and energy for little return.
Back to the drawing board, I guess.
Sincerely,
-chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 23 Jan 2001 16:56:30 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: S’s To The East, S’s To The West
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
The whole “S – word”, as it is so intelligently referred to, seems to be rearing its head up above the last dumping of snow-stuff to take a look around at the political landscape. Climate-wise, I prefer this over rain, though cycling is more treacherous. Funny though, it is also more fun, like the added bit of danger and risk makes the senses more keenly aware of what they are doing. I’m so glad I received splash pants for Christmas.
I think I am going to re-set my alarm to CBC Radio 1. I would much rather wake up in the morning to some classical music than news reports of twelve year-olds beating each other with brass knuckles and more assasination-type murders in the Gaza Strip. Is that escapist? Neil Postman once wrote “The news elicits from you a variety of opinions about which you can do nothing except to offer them as more news, about which you can do nothing”. Quite pessimistic, isn’t it?
Sincerely,
chris lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 24 Jan 2001 19:21:33 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Worse Than Bits Of Red Rags
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Karina was feeling quite ill today, and went back to bed before I left for work. She has a dry cough. I hope she feels better soon, it is no fun being sick when one is really busy with schoolwork. She has also been quite busy developing some of Rebecca’s photographs for her show at the Khyber.
Work was work. Paul Greenhalgh stopped by afterwards to discuss starting a poetry group at the Khyber Club. That would be a boost to one of the slow nights, maybe Thursdays. When he left, Craig, Winnie and I walked up to Argyle Fine Art to take a look at the new art. There is an opening Saturday of “Eight Emerging Artists”. Some OK stuff, but nothing shocking. Rebecca, Sarah, Ben, Caitrian and Shelley Mansel are some of the artists showing. There doesn’t seem to be a willingness on the part of the commercial gallery scene here in Halifax to push exposure of more experimental or confrontational works. Probably because there may not be a market for it, and as we know, the market rules. Or is that dictates?
Rebecca heard yesterday that her grandfather just died. She is going to Chicago tomorrow, and will be back on Sunday. Karina will continue to develop her prints for the show at the Khyber, as it opens on Monday.
We watched The Nature of Things tonight on CBC. It was a shame to watch the footage of the Galápagos Islands with the knowledge that there has just been a huge spill of diesel oil offshore. Man, we just keep getting in the way, don’t we?
Sincerely,
-chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 26 Jan 2001 05:09:00 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: How To Aid An Earthquake Victim
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
After work yesterday I biked to Pavel and Clara’s to paint their kitchen cupboards. I have to go back on Sunday to paint the ceiling and the walls. I am booked up with meetings and other jobs until Sunday. Pavel expressed interest in starting a restaurant in the Khyber Club. I will meet with him sometime next week to talk more about it.
Good news about the gala: CBC is on as a presenting sponsor. Hopefully others I have approached will follow.
I am on my way out the door. Karina needs help with Rebecca’s prints today. They are so big Karina needs someone to adjust the enlarger while she checks the focus. I have to pay our power bill first, before they chop it off.
Sincerely,
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 26 Jan 2001 17:47:30 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Big Mergers Mean Big Job Losses
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just came back from a building committee meeting. Am feeling a bit run down. Hope I am not coming down with the cold Karina has had all week. I helped her a bit this morning with Rebecca’s prints. It was slow going.
Bethany called from The Coast today and said that they are keen to sponsor the Gala. I am meeting her on Monday to go over details.
Things are looking up in regards to building improvement. Marieke is keen to start work on the third floor skylight and Ray had very helpful comments to make about the floor. He also has tools, skills, connections to the NSCAD woodshop and a truck. Dan is eager to help, too. We may get a lot of stuff done next month, providing the city okays the work. I will send a letter to Cardinal Management on Monday outlining materials required.
I work with Daryl tomorrow. I should try to get to bed early tonight. I’m going to make Karina some ginger root tea first.
Sincerely,
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 27 Jan 2001 18:29:57 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Hoses And Rubber Bullets For IMF Protesters
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a nice conversation with Krishna, who called from London early this morning. I was just on my way out when he called, but I was still at work early enough. I worked with Darrell at the Sheraton Hotel Convention Ballroom today. We were decorating for a fund-raiser for Symphony Nova Scotia. I spent most of the day affixing a 40-foor Canadian Flag to the back of the stage and arranging fabric displays in the front lobby. The theme was “Around the World in 80 Minutes” and the main decorations included really large helium-filled balloons in netting with little baskets hanging below.
I was hoping to go to see the Rheostatics play tonight at the Marquee, but Karina is still feeling quite ill and not up to going out. Besides, it would cost $15 each at the door. I checked my account today and Judy still hasn’t put the rest of my money in. I also forgot to cash my paycheck yesterday, so I am broke this weekend.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 29 Jan 2001 05:37:31 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: No Survivors To Be Found
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I’m sort of in a rush, heading down to the Khyber to meet Robert. He and Mathew are installing surveillance equipment for their opening in the Closet tonight. I am meeting Bethany at some point this morning to go over some of the sponsorship details.
Yesterday I finished painting Clara and Pavel’s kitchen. It didn’t take too long. Karina was still feeling sick so we just made supper and hung out in the evening. I watched some short films on ifilm.com. Karina was feeling so lethargic she actually watched the Super Bowl. We watched the new Survivor TV show afterwards, and it put me over the edge. I now want to purge the desire to watch any TV from my system. It makes me so angry, how contrived it is.
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 30 Jan 2001 19:29:39 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Guardian Angel Fails Ottawa Woman; Russian Diplomat A Bad Person
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Well, its official. After Karina spent the last week and a half with a wicked cold, she is getting better while I am getting sick. It hit me yesterday while everyone was running around, frantically getting the shows pulled together. I had to bike to Strawberry Hill Road to drop off a cheque to Save-On-Fuel, as we were desperately low. That probably didn’t help.
The openings went well, lots and lots of people showed up, it went late, I got drunk from sucking red wine from an IV tube that Mathew and Robert were distributing from The Closet. They were in there for two hours, it was a really neat set-up involving surveillance cameras, video and sound.
I dragged Karina off to The Marquee afterwards as I was convinced I needed to hear Joel Plaskett play for the final night of Month of Mondays. Karina was not impressed with my behavior; I got really nasty. I had no idea the wine would hit me that hard, but I guess that’s what happens when you suck it from a tube.
Did nothing at work today but lie on the couch, alternately shivering and sweating from Hot and Cold Flashes, and went directly to bed when I got home. I’m having some Neo Citran now and going back to bed, I can’t afford to lose a week or more to this cold.
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 01 Feb 2001 17:49:02 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Bacteria Clouds Spotted Floating Over Eastern Shores
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am still quite ill. I did actually leave the house today, to do some banking with Karina. Judy has promised to put my money into my account today, to ensure our rent cheque doesn’t bounce. We stopped at the Khyber to drop of our VCR (Karina borrowed it from the show so we could watch a couple videos last night – The Full Monty and a film noir classic Andrew picked up, Double Indemnity). While at the Khyber I spotted some good news: we have been approved as a non-profit under NSPC guidelines, which should mean a slight reduction in our monthly bills. Of course, we still owe about $1500 from the past two months which we can’t afford. It is a constant balancing act, I tell you.
We walked up to Mills so I could give an estimate for painting the Gift shop counter, then we took a bus home. I slept most of the afternoon, then began work on the Young Canada Works grant application form. I have been at it for hours now, and I’m still not done. I am moving in slow motion, drinking lots of warm liquids. Winnie told me that warmer liquid is absorbed into the body faster. I hope I am feeling better for the board meeting tomorrow night. I’m off to bed, good night,
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 02 Feb 2001 19:29:11 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Groundhog Must Have Been Blind, Winter Seems Unstoppable
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I managed to spend most of the afternoon at work today, working on the YCW application form and preparing for the board meeting. Ironically, half the board was out sick, so we didn’t make quorum and just had an informal meeting instead. Briony and Sally were present, they are potential new board members. It was Sally’s birthday today and she still managed to make the meeting.
Karina is shooting a video for her class starring Rebecca’s favorite stuffed bear, Enmée. Except she is procrastinating and second-guessing her ideas, as usual. I’m still feeling weak and under the weather, but better than the past few days. We went grocery shopping today and bought more cold and flu medication.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 07 Feb 2001 04:44:28 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: [none]
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sorry I haven’t written in a while. You know how it goes. How was the visit to Washington? I have been waking up at four in the morning again. The usual suspects: money woes, job woes, feelings of inadequacy, etc. I am giving up my studio at the start of next month. It hardly makes sense to pay rent on a studio space when it is never used as such. Did you get the Rainforest email I forwarded to you? I have now received three copies of it. I hate that stuff, even when sometimes it is for a good cause.
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 07 Feb 2001 19:05:45 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Off To China While Lone Gunman Stalks Bush
I can’t seem to shake this blue funk that I have been in. I don’t know what it is. A combination of disillusionment at work, of feeling inadequate. There is lots to do, just very little resources to do anything with. I wonder if I am any good at my job. Maybe it’s not me, and if it isn’t, then what is? Maybe it is just the time of year, I was feeling low at this time last year. All the little things seem to pile up more. I miss hanging out with Karina, she is so busy at school. I helped her in the lighting studio last night, which was nice, but we don’t seem to be able to spend real quality time together. I miss all my friends who have moved away. I feel I’m not communicating with anyone anymore. Anyway, enough bitching from me. Good luck in China, if I were you I wouldn’t even try to mix Human Rights up with the true purpose of Team Canada. A group of business people traipsing off to China to beg for business opportunities just doesn’t seem the right venue for spouting on about human rights abuses. Accept it for what it is.
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 08 Feb 2001 16:17:47 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Disease Not Ebola; Civilized World Breathes Sigh Of Relief
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am feeling better. Still a bit blue, but the worst of it has passed. For the past few days I have been feeling like I did the day after Trevor’s wedding; really, really lonely and down. Maybe listening to Rebecca’s Billy Bragg and Wilco Mermaid Avenue CD has added to my sense of the blues. I do like that CD, though.
Made Karina a late breakfast this morning, she has been up really late working on essays. She has a lot to due today. Work for me was fine, I am trying to get a car rental company to sponsor the gala. We need a cargo van to move easels and artwork.
Met with Marieke today, a NSCAD student who has been volunteering at the Khyber and is having a show in the Closet next month. We went over her PR statement, her sculptural show should be good. Adele came in as well with her contract, she is showing in the Ballroom next month. And we heard back from Cardinal management, they approved my renovation plans so I called Ray and we are measuring the floor tomorrow and will fix it next week. Maybe this is why I am in a better mood; optimism at work.
Darrel came by and paid me for the decorating work a couple weeks ago. I biked immediately to the grocery store after work. Buying food makes me happy, too. I made Karina fettucine alfredo, which made her happy. Now I’m going to type one of her essays, as I type faster than she. This will make her happy as well. I do like to make her happy.
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 10 Feb 2001 08:16:32 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: A Buzz About Ethics
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a busy day yesterday, and even though today is technically my day off I will have a busy day today, too. Yesterday I finished the YCW application and sent it off, and had Ceildh, our NSCAD Intern, tackle the two storage rooms in the basement to make room for Brandon Vickerd’s work when it arrives. Ray and I made plans to collect material and start work on the Third Floor Monday morning.
Winnie heard of an opening at the AGNS which we went to last night. The guest curator, Annette Hurtig, called Winnie yesterday to notify her of the show. I forget the artist’s name. It wasn’t well-publicized, difficult shows or contemporary shows rarely are there. Afterwards we went to the NSCAD Lecture, by art historian Jonathan Weinberg. It was about David Hockney, specifically the series of prints he made on the theme of “The Rake’s Progress”. It was OK.
I helped Karina in the darkroom after the lecture, we were there until midnight. Her doll prints are coming along nicely, really super-saturated colours. When we finished Karina caught a bus while I biked home. It had stopped snowing and was sort of drizzly, but the roads were fairly clear. I had hoped to go to Helen Yeomans birthday party last night but it was too late to go by the time we left the college.
Today I am off to Piercey’s to get an account so we can get our materials Monday, and will eventually head down to the Khyber to start organizing my studio space. I need to be moved out in less than three weeks. I don’t quite know yet what to do with all my stuff.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 11 Feb 2001 16:00:12 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Re: “Brazilian Beef”: Mailbox Was Full
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sorry to bother you but the last message I sent you, “Doesn’t Brazilian
Beef Eat Grains?” I couldn’t copy as my mailbox was full. This stupid
Canada.com email account only offers a free 3 mgs of space, what a gyp.
Would it be possible for you to send me back a copy of that letter? Thanks!
points covered in last letter:
-Karina wakes up yelling from bad dream
-really cold and tiring weather
-cleaning the house and relaxing
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 12 Feb 2001 19:37:47 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Judy Is Now Eating Meat
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just a short note, as I am tired and it is late and I’m getting up really early tomorrow to meet Ray at Piercey’s to get the materials for the renovations. I have been on my bike all day, back and forth from downtown a couple times and to my class tonight. It is still cold outside and my energy has been sapped. I helped type Karina’s essays for her this morning; she was up all night working on them. She had a small nap this evening, then went to school to finish her photo project. And I thought that I was a work-a-holic!
Sincerely,
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 13 Feb 2001 17:10:58 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: All The World’s A Merger, And All The Men And Women Merely Players
Dear Mr. Chétien,
I met Ray at Piercey’s this morning, the credit account had been approved and we picked up some plywood, nails, MDF and paint. We also stopped at his storage unit to get tools. Ray’s help was invaluable; he really knew what he was doing. He had to leave at noon, but we were just about finished by then. We had ripped up the uneven, patched together floorboards, build new support frames and cut the new plywood to fit. Once the floor is painted, and the walls painted, and the skylight fixed it will be a whole new room. Anyway, the manual labour has really tired me out; I’m out of practice. And Rebecca needs to use the computer to work on her essay. Oh, I met Karina after work tonight, she was just finishing her photo class. She did really well in her crits; her photos look really good. Anyway, I’m off to bed.
Sincerely,
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 15 Feb 2001 03:23:28 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Voting Down Own Policy Doesn’t Make Sense
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Karina really liked the card I made for her for Valentine’s Day. I gave it to her before I left for work. I had a few errands to run before work, picking up some envelopes and making some photocopies.
Today I felt a bit like being stuck in molasses; everything I tried to do took longer than anticipated. It became an extended deal just to send a fax.
The lecture in the Club was well-attended last night. The panelists seemed at ease (though Sarah and Val were apparently quite nervous, but it didn’t show) and discussion about Feminism and Art (the role of each in each) was lively and stimulating. Afterwards Karina and I went to Mokka to check out a new photo exhibit.
We took a bus up to Video Difference, picked out a movie and walked home. I borrowed our VCR from the gallery so we could watch a movie. We rented Small Time Crooks, a Woody Allen flick. There is a great scene involving a water main that is just hilarious.
Anyway, I have to walk over to Save-On-Fuel (because I left my bike downtown last night) to drop off a cheque for The Khyber, and then meet Leah and Tonia for a Khyber Kids meeting.
Sincerely
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 20 Feb 2001 05:41:53 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: What Is With The Bush–Saddam Re-Run?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sorry it has been a while since I last wrote. What a busy weekend! First there was the fun-raiser, Hairball 2000 in the club Friday night. It actually went over quite well. The three Rebecca’s and Sym all wore great wigs, the karaoke machine was patched into the clubs soundboard, so it was loud enough, and lots of people came and had a great time. And we hit our target, making over $250. Karina and I even got up to sing; we did a not-too-shabby version of “Love Shack”. It was a late night, past the transit bedtime, so Karina and I walked home.
Saturday we went to The Med for a late breakfast, then I did a little work in the office before heading to Mills. I was to start painting the countertop in the giftshop today. Of course, no one was really prepared or properly informed as to what I was doing there, so there were some delays. One such delay involved me going to the Italian restaurant across the street to get an onion. A cut onion in water will absorb paint fumes. Anyway, the first coat went on fine and I was out of there on time.
Saturday night Karina and I re-booted our computer, flatlining it first then re-installing our software. My other email account is working now, so when I find time I’ll switch my addresses over. We were going to get a movie while we were waiting for the computer to boot up, but Pop’s was closed early.
Sunday morning I hopped on my bike to go to Mills and my rear tire wouldn’t turn. I called Danny to let him know I’d be late, then walked to Mills. Painted the second coat on the counter, then went to the studio and packed and organized stuff all afternoon. Patched some holes in the wall outside the Closet gallery area. Trimmed the skylight boards with Rays jigsaw to make them even with the ceiling. Bought some new art magazines and had a nice chat with Goody B. while having lunch at The Med. Went back to Mills at seven o’clock to put the dry brush on the counter. Danny drove me home. Ate supper, got high, watched The Simpsons, then worked on the newsletter. Had a problem getting the document to print and then the computer started crashing. I was having trouble with extensions. Eventually Karina and I rebuilt the desktop, and everything seemed to work fine afterwards.
Monday I walked to Mills early in the morning after picking up a few things from Piercey’s for the upcoming renovations at the Khyber. Janet likes the counter but wants a strip of trim done. I was sure she had said earlier that we would just leave it, but there is no point in arguing. I’ll do it Tuesday night. Went to the Khyber to meet Crystal and Tonia. Chrystal is declining to apply to the CC residency program, her position at MSVU has been extended. Tonia and I brainstormed other potential candidates for awhile, then I walked home.
Was prepared to walk to my class but tried my bike and it worked. Maybe it was the cold weather, or maybe something was loose, I will have to check it out more thoroughly. When I find the time. Class was fine, I am working on a small landscape of Cape Breton. Next week we’ll do portraits; I’ll probably do one of you, just to stay consistent. Made bread when I got home.
I have a meeting at Dal this morning, and have asked a volunteer to sit in the gallery while I’m gone. The dog downstairs is barking its head off. I’m going to eat breakfast. Another busy day.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 22 Feb 2001 03:25:19 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Joe Clark Takes Over Opposition
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I have been quite busy lately. I was at work until 9:30 a couple nights ago (Silent Auction committee meeting), got home and Rebecca was using the computer so I just went to bed and got up at 5:30 yesterday to do internet and web mail stuff before going to work. Lost the letter that Sara had written to artists, which has delayed our mailout a day. Picked up our newsletters, which look good but cost twenty dollars more than we anticipated (different coloured paper). Still haven’t heard back from Cynara about the residency, we are running out of time. Had a full board meeting last night, well-attended and Dan Walsh came as a guest and we voted him to the board; he will be a good addition. The gala is starting to stress everyone out, it will cost us at least $5,000 to host it, but Mat had a great idea about asking businesses or corporations to contribute matching funds. Will pursue this further this week. I have meetings this morning and have to check a few other grants on the web before I go. Mad rush.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 23 Feb 2001 17:25:10 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Joe Clark Takes On Role Of Opposition Leader In Similar Fashion To The Weather Pounding The Maritimes
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am taking full advantage of feeling positive, upbeat and energetic this past week to really try to accomplish things at work. I am close to overextending myself, though. And I haven’t been paid in weeks and rent is due next week, so finding extra money will soon become a priority. The renovations are coming along nicely, though, and there seems to be a healthy, optimistic buzz around the building. It is starting to feel more community-based. There has been a cancellation in the Club for next week so we are now trying to organize a cabaret-type event. I paint this weekend at Suzanne’s house, and meetings are starting to fill up next week. The Media Centre is going to become a focus, as I have been in contact with CAP lately. I’m tired, but it is a good tired. Muscles are stiff and achy, though.
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 26 Feb 2001 03:59:27 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: What Is The Big Deal Surrounding Lying Lawyers?
Dear Mr. Chétien,
Well, it didn’t feel like much of a weekend. Saturday I went to Jay and Suzanne’s to do some painting. It was mostly prep work; crack filling, sanding and priming. Messy stuff. I had remembered on Friday that Saturday was Trevor’s birthday, so I met Karina at The Khyber and we called Trevor and Tamara to meet us there. I had a sponsorship meeting with Mat until about seven thirty. Tamara’s step mom has lent them a car; Trevor drove to Montreal a couple weeks ago to get it. They picked us up at The Khyber and we went to Video Difference to rent a movie. Karina had bought a couple mini-cakes for Trevor, and we watched “Happy, Texas”; it was actually quite good.
Sunday I was back at Jay and Suzanne’s but they didn’t answer the door when I arrived. I figured they were still in bed so I went to The Khyber and made some painting touch ups to the Third Floor. When I went back and finally spoke to Suzanne she told me that they weren’t actually expecting me, and Sunday’s were the only time they had to themselves. Great; now I won’t finish their room until next weekend, which puts off any possible new jobs I could have booked. I sill don’t know how we are paying rent this month. I am feeling a bit drained.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 27 Feb 2001 17:51:27 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Frozen Toddler Capturing News Headlines And Readers’ Hearts Much Like Baby Jessica And That Well She Fell Down
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
It took a few cups of coffee this morning before I was fully functional. Karina had kept me up late last night and this morning I was up early to wash laundry. I’m down to my last $20. Had a good meeting with Bernie from CAP today. They are going to re-issue our first cheque for the KDMC made out to Khyber Arts Society, so there won’t be as much pressure to have the KDMC incorporated by the end of March. Yi came by and will apply for the CC Culturally Diverse Curatorial Residency program. I am in a rush now to complete the grant. There was an opening tonight at eyelevel, Nestor Kruger was presenting wall-paintings made from computer-rendered 3-D drawings of eyelevel gallery and a gallery in Montreal. Nice, tight, crisp grey paintings. Lovely stuff, really; quiet and full all at once. I then moved some stuff out of my studio but started feeling weak from lack of food, so I stopped at Sobey’s on my way home and bought $10 worth of groceries. Made supper when I got home. Have a lot to do on the computer tonight, and meetings starting early tomorrow. There is not enough time in the day. Coffee is only getting me so far.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 28 Feb 2001 04:21:21 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Oh And I Forgot Something
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I forgot to tell you that I received a call the other day from Constable Denman regarding my Client Card. I met with him yesterday at the Police Station, but all he had to show me were the pictures that Donna had shown me last year. It doesn’t look like the investigation is going to get anywhere, so I am going to have to go back to hassling the Bank. They expect me to pay them the three thousand dollars which was stolen from my account, and I expect them to pay me the seven-fifty which I personally lost. I think the deck is stacked against me, but it’s not whether I win or lose, but how I play the game. Or rather, it’s not the destination which matters so much, it’s the journey. Something like that.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 28 Feb 2001 18:10:10 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: First Frozen Baby, Then Klein-Day Conflict, Now Earthquakes, What Next?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a bummed day at work. One of those days when stupid little things happen and add up to make the day seem a waste. Had a meeting at The Lord Nelson and the Gala is going to cost more than I had anticipated. Received a call from Gary Castle and CARFAC isn’t going to pay us the rent they owe us. Helped Ray with the molding for the skylight but we screwed up the measurements, ran out of time and couldn’t finish. Grants are due soon and I’m behind. I couldn’t find my Gala file. I’m sick of not having groceries in the fridge, sick of being unorganized, and sick from drinking too much coffee.
On the plus side, had a good meeting with Bethany from The Coast, and received a surprising phone call from Christina Ritchie. She is thinking of my work for a small show at the AGO later this summer. Something positive to work towards, at least.
This is my last email to you from this account: canada.com sucks. I am always having trouble with it.
Sincerely,
-chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, March 1, 2001 10:49 PM
Subject: From What I’ve Heard The Survivor Episode Tonight Was Highly Disturbing And Gross
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Karina was actually awake early today. We went for breakfast at The Med for 8 o’clock in the morning. There are a lot of people on the bus that early in the morning; a lot of them yawn and / or sleep during the trip. Karina was taking part in a class trip to see an exhibition of photographs by Diane Arbus in Sackville. The only Atlantic stop of the retrospective tour.
Spent all day at work. Didn’t seem to accomplish much. The building was cold. Yi came in the afternoon and we worked on Curatorial Residency grant. Had lunch at suppertime from Venus in the Club. Drank too much coffee today.
Went to Ben and Genevieve’s openings at Velvet Olive. He has some great, funny ideas. Talked with Swintak and Emily about performance art. Walked home. Worked on art stuff for Christina. I miss working on my own art. I wish I had time to make a video for tomorrow night.
Sincerely,
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, March 3, 2001 6:41 PM
Subject: Mid-Life Crises Now Occur With More Frequency, Happen Monthly Or Sometimes Daily
The Open Night Performance and Video Cabaret was a bit of a bust last night. Half the people who said that they were going to come and perform or screen a video didn’t, and there wasn’t that much audience participation, either. The Kissing Booth fell flat as well. There was some confusion as to how it was actually supposed to work. I can see there is potential in this sort of cabaret evening, but it needs to better planned and organized. I seem to lack the ability to do either. Having less than a week to organize the event isn’t much of an excuse, as I know of instances where people have thrown together very successful evenings in a day or so. I just suck at it. Lately I have been feeling like I suck at everything.
I am feeling low this week. It may have something to do with birthdays; mine, in particular. Karina says I have issues with aging, which is probably true, but only to a point. I do feel older than I am, but that is just from overworking myself and being stressed all the time. But I also feel dulled and bored and worn out and that I’ve lost my sense of humour, and worse, a sense of purpose. Maybe it is what happens when you stop drinking cold turkey but still hang out in bars. The magic is gone, or at least the perception of magic. Life is becoming like a dull constant.
Anyway, Karina and I walked home after the cabaret last night because I was slow and we just missed the bus. The last scheduled bus, of course. It was cold, too, so we traded jackets because Karina’s coat is falling apart. She was mad that we had missed the bus.
Today I painted at Jay and Suzanne’s. Jay ran for provincial office for the Liberal party at some point. I know this from old fridge magnets on their fridge. I don’t know if he was ever elected, though I assume not. I am almost finished painting their spare room, just some sanding and painting left to do in the corners.
Ran into Aaron in the Superstore while buying a late lunch today. He is visiting from Fredericton. We are going to meet tomorrow at Trevor’s. Tonight Rebecca has organized a video screening to take place at out house. There is also a big fundraiser for the Halifax Refugee Clinic happening tonight at The Khyber, but I don’t think I can handle another night there. I am going to work on my CV and information package to send to Christina Ritchie, hopefully by Monday.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, March 4, 2001 11:36 PM
Subject: Wow, What A Neat Stick! It’s So Crooked! You Think That’s Neat, You Should See My Finger! Wow, Is That Ever Crooked! You Think That’s Neat, You Should See My Stick!
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a nice morning, woke up and worked on the package I am mailing to Christina. Karina and I had breakfast and then an in-depth conversation… more like me losing my marbles and breaking down over the stress of working too much and worrying about money and where my life is going and how neglectful I am of our relationship… but she made me feel better, and then we walked together down Agricola Street. I headed off across the Commons to finish painting at Jay and Suzanne’s and Karina went to school to work on her video.
The fundraiser for the Refugee Clinic went really well last night, they made $1800. The cleanup was done by noon. Adele showed up on time with her paintings, all except two which didn’t fit in Steve’s van. I called Ray and he will help us move the other two tomorrow.
Winnie and I installed all the small paintings and three in the old window wells. The large paintings we will install tomorrow. Karina stopped by and had tea. Then we called Trevor and had him pick us up. We stopped at our house to make a salad and then we had supper at Trevor’s and Tamara’s. Aaron was there as well. We watched The Wrong Trousers because Tamara had never seen it, and then The Simpsons, Malcom in the Middle and switched back and forth between the new X-Files spinoff, The Lone Gunman (which sucks) and Armaggedon (too corny!). Now my head hurts from all the TV. We ate a lot of food, too; Tamara had made a cake for my birthday, plus we were eating chips and cinnamon buns Karina had made last night. Now my tummy hurts.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2001 12:15 AM
Subject: Sick Of Stockwell Day And His Financial Difficulties, The Masses Tune Into E-Bay And Bid On Contemporary Art
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I love openings! the day gets packed with all sorts of energy and activity. Was up bright and early, did some work on the computer, then met Ray at Adele’s studio. Her paintings fit comfortably in the back of the truck and we were down at The Khyber in no time. Adele and I switched the paintings around for while before settling on the positioning, then we hung the paintings. I suggested she hang one of the large ones upside down and the other large one sideways. The rest of the day is a bit of a blur. Called my students and cancelled class tonight; Andrea was too busy to teach and I wanted to be around for the openings. I built a shelf for the ‘Golden Spindle’, swept and mopped the building and the gallery, prepared odds and ends, then went to the openings at Anna. Peter Flemming’s thesis exhibition, Water and Electricity is full of amazing, quiet, poetic and dangerous work. Grabbed a pita with Karina, then back to The Khyber; I think the openings went well, though not many people stuck around in the Club afterward. Mareike achieved quite a transformation of the closet space. Jamie took pictures with his new digital camera. Talked to Robin about Cuba and photography. Drank coffee. Went back up to the office and completed my package to Christine. Still need to photocopy some stuff, which I’ll have to do tomorrow. Sat in the gallery with the lights off listening to Moby and enjoying Adele’s paintings. They are hypnotic and full of life and movement. Caught a bus home with Karina. Am about to open birthday mail, and help Karina with her video proposal. A busy day planned for tomorrow, storm or no storm.
Sincerely,
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2001 9:14 AM
Subject: Being Outside Is Starting To Feel Like Winter Will Never End, When Oh When Will It End?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I had to stop by Jay and Suzanne’s house yesterday morning on my way to work. They are concerned over some patches to the wall. I don’t know what they are expecting, really, but I sanded some spots and added a skim coat of plaster overtop; the walls really aren’t that bad at all, especially given what they looked like beforehand.
I finished my package to Christina and mailed it Expresspost; $12, yikes! She should get it by the end of the week, providing the storm doesn’t cancel flights.
The weather, and being cooped up in our messy office, got me down today. My productivity was low. The office seems to sap my will to do anything sometimes. Winnie came in on her day off to work on the poster for the dance party this weekend. Craig has organized the DJ’s. Now we need to get a good list of artists to sign up for Mugshots.
Had sushi with Karina tonight. Her parents sent her some money to cover her registration fees, some supplies and food. I feel guilty about eating out.
Karina went to a talk last night, I walked home, stopping by Jamie’s on the way to get the pictures he took of the openings Monday. Digital imaging is where it’s at; quick and easy. Spent the evening on the computer, working on some of the pictures which were too dark. I want to send them to Caroline to put on the website.
Getting to and from work has been a pain lately; my bike is toast. The clutch is wrecked. Trevor said that he would lend me his, but I haven’t been able to go and get it yet. Walking is nice, but with the crazy amount of snow it is difficult. Anyway, I’m off to get some breakfast.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, March 8, 2001 11:24 PM
Subject: Happy International Women’s Day, Now They Are Finally Allowed To Serve On Subs, Not Just Serve Subs
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I walked to work this morning so I could put posters up on Gottingen Street. Had a meeting with Pat Kipping and Winnie this morning to go over the NSAC grants we are applying for. Winnie is much more prepared, organized and focused on her grant than I am on the Commissioning and Professional Development. I haven’t really started on them, actually. Pat answered the few questions I had and offered some good advice; hopefully I can get the grants done by the deadline next week. Eep. Ack. Ugh.
Had a meeting with Betty Ann from Culture and Tourism. Inquired about signage, professional development and the capital gains fund. She also informed me that we may qualify for the new Municipality Bulk Fuel Rate. That would be a blessing. Worked on Mugshots stuff this afternoon. Cut up some plywood Mat left for me in the NSCAD woodshop. Spent some time trying to convince the new and slightly uptight manager of Loomis and Toles to donate some supplies to Mugshots. Rounded up a few more artists to take part, as well. Things are shaping up nicely for this weekend; between Mugshots and the dance we stand to make about $1500.
Walked up to Dalhousie Art Gallery tonight to attend Richard Mueller’s opening. Postered along the way. We had asked Ceildh, our Intern, to do it on Wednesday but a bystander apparently told her not to put posters on poles, so she didn’t. Halifax is trying to impose a (useless) poster ban, which is being met by some opposition from some groups and simply ignored by others, such as us. Our City Hall is obviously unaware of the Ramsden Case. Anyway, it meant I had to walk the route I had suggested to Ceildh and put posters up.
The opening was packed, and the work just shines. Paul Greenhalgh gave very eloquent opening remarks. Richard works primarily with glass and steel, light and shadow, burning and etching very poetic and disarmingly beautiful works.
Walked home, but ran out of posters before Robie Street. Legs are sore form all the walking, but it’s good exercise. Lots to do tomorrow in preparation for Mugshots and the Dance.
Sincerely,
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, March 9, 2001 11:39 PM
Subject: Who Wouldn’t Be Haunted By Images Of Drowning Teens Sinking Below Ice Flows?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just came home from the openings at Saint Mary’s. Photographs by Heather MacLeod and a duo show by Alexandra Flood and Linda Bartlett. Linda did another “inside a rotating cake bake and decorate” performance. She makes a wicked cake. I wonder if she has pink hair all the time or if she does it specifically for events like this. I’ll have to ask her sometime. Saw Ray and Sarah, they are looking for a house but Halifax is too expensive, they will probably settle for Dartmouth. They have three kids and want a place with lots of space. I look forward to having them around, I feel they will bring good energy. I didn’t get a chance to talk to Ray, but I guess that’s how it goes at busy openings.
Had a board meeting tonight, gearing up for the Gala and the Mugshots and Dance tomorrow. It is supposed to storm tomorrow. I still have a feeling we will do OK, despite the weather.
Good news on sponsors, Allegra confimed their interest in making posters, flyers and tickets. Now we just need a designer. Yeesh. Need to meet with Andrew next week to go over video footage for the ad. The grant deadline is looming in front of me like a tidal wave. I can almost feel its crushing weight bearing down on me. The pressure is almost invigorating; a challenge which is inspiring and keeps me motivated.
Made another “Mugshots / F*#K Art, Let’s Dance” poster last night, and had it copied at Ink Pad on my way downtown, then postered all the way up Quinpool. I was on my way to paint at Suzanne and Jay’s. Suzanne was home when I got there, and they had moved a bunch of stuff into the room I am working on because their daughter had spent the night there previously. So I will have to finish the room on Sunday, after cleanup at The Khyber.
I hope it goes well tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca
Date: (lost)
Subject: Mugshots 3 And Big Dance Event
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
The back-to-back fundraisers went well yesterday, though we only made half what I had anticipated on MUGSHOTS and a third from the two-floor dance. I was at the Khyber from 10 am until 2 AM last night. I met Jamie at his studio in the morning and he helped me move the easels from NSCAD, then spent the day setting up. At 2 o’clock people started showing up to have their portraits made but no artists had arrived yet! It worked out though, people came and at one point I saw an ATV cameraman but he didn’t talk to me, they will air a small clip of the event. Trevor and Tamara came later, I painted Trev while Ben made a drawing of Tamara. They are both made on untreated plywood so they match, in a way. The Dance event never really developed into a huge event, though I think close to 200 people came through the doors. Rebecca and Andrew and their friends went to see The Grapes of Wrath at The Marquee, which was certainly competition. I hung out downstairs most of the night talking to Sarah and Robbie and Karina and drinking water. I am still off booze. Robbie is in the middle of a project where he plans to carry around with him all the garbage he generates for a month. He is 10 days in and has a garbage bag and a half. It will be interesting to see how much he is lugging around by the end of the project. Karina and I walked home, it has turned cold again. Freaking snowstorm, then mild weather, then rain, then cold again: it is really, really getting on my nerves. Maybe its just the job. I have to go back and clean up today, then finish at jay and Suzanne’s, Then get cracking on grants.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 12 Mar 2001 05:11:33 PST
To: ecluc@conncoll.edu, kearovitch@yahoo.com, eylandc@hotmail.com, papamiah@hotmail.com, spalmer@imagictv.com, hollym73@yahoo.com, edeary@hotmail.com, acmantin@yahoo.com, kpremdas@hotmail.com, jennifer.bennett@bauernike.com, u84n2@unb.ca, thesillyteacup@hotmail.com, lindenrpvd@hotmail.com, jmackin@nb.aibn.com, jcps@sympatico.ca, pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: I Guarantee!
————————————————————————
I normally don’t send out junk mail, but once I read this I had to send it. The following passage was found in the Shop & Save insert in Saturday’s Daily News (which I had only bought because there was an article about the Khyber Mugshots fundraiser in it). The passage is from a full-page weight loss ad (emphasis’ mine):
NOW YOU CAN EAT ALL YOU WANT WHILE EXTRA WEIGHT DISAPPEARS
“I can hardly believe it myself, but it’s true – and now I feel that I want everyone to know my story of how I lost 70 pounds of ugly fat in just 40 days… and to help me lose all this weight I ate all I wanted of FATTY MEATS, BACON, ROAST CHICKEN, SHRIMP, ROAST BEEF and PORK. I used UNLIMITED amounts of CHEESE, BUTTER, all the OIL I WANTED in salad dressings and plenty of HEAVY CREAM in my coffee. In fact, I ate ALL I wanted of EVERY high-calorie food that I like. But what amazed me the most was that while I STUFFED MYSELF EATING AS I WANTED, the fat still kept disappearing from my body. My weight and inches melted away day by day! And here’s the most happy part of it all: After I decided how GREAT I looked and felt at 70 pounds lighter, I stopped the weight loss and have never gained back even one unwanted pound.”
…The company’s name is BIO-MINCE.
I think it must be a hoax or artist-prank, but to find out more:
3539 St-Charles Blvd. Suite 521 Kirkland, QC H9H 5B9
-chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2001 12:25 AM
Subject: An Official Invitation To A Grand Event
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am writing to request your presence at the Second Annual Fool-Hearted Gala, a Khyber Arts Society fund-raising initiative. The event will take place April 21, 2001 at the Lord Nelson Hotel and Ballrooms. Would you be available on this date? I can forward more detailed information about the event and the Khyber at your request.
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd,
Interim Director
Khyber Arts Society
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 16 Mar 2001 07:31:35 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Farmers Burning Effigies And Storming The Capital While Police Prepare For Seige Of Protesters; Long Live The Late Middle Ages!
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am at NSCAD at the moment, helping Karina with a photo shoot. I’m sorry I haven’t written. I was working on a grant for the past few days; pulled an all-nighter the night before last, and finished the two grants about eight PM last night. I’m not confident we’ll get them, but I have renewed enthusiasm for the Media Centre.
Last night I was home by 10 and passed out while watching The National.
Am going to go grab some lunch with Karina, her taxes came back so she has a bit of money. Mind you, most of it is earmarked for her final projects.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, March 18, 2001 12:49 PM
Subject: Will Slaughter Of Millions Of Animals Stop Hoof And Mouth Or Will McDonalds Get The Beef?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Couldn’t find a volunteer on Friday to watch the gallery yesterday, so I went in to work for the afternoon. Karina and I took a bus downtown and visited a bunch of the South End grocery stores looking for specialty Dutch foods for Karina’s photo project. It was hard to find certain things, like Appleströp. We ate brunch at the Med. That was the third day in a row, but fortunately we ate at home this morning. At work, talked with Becka about ideas for a 2-floor fundraiser in April. Need to plan something fast. Maybe a slumber party/video screening?
Hung out at NSCAD for a bit last night waiting for Karina to finish in the darkroom. Played games with Ryan in the lounge. Took a bus home, then went for groceries. Watched a movie, can’t remember the title, a weird, forgettable comedy with Woody Allen and Sharon Stone. It had some nice moments, when the focus was sharp on kitch and American-style tourism, but the handling of the underlying plotline of a guy chopping his wife to bits sort of made everything else in the film seem flat.
Today I am going to start stripping the mirror that Jay brought over the other night. Since I have no studio anymore I have to do it in the kitchen. Luckily there is a window and a fan and no one is home at the moment; it is going to get stinky. I’ll have to devise a way to keep the cats out. Furniture stripper burns.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, March 19, 2001 9:50 AM
Subject: I Woke Up, Listened To The News Twice, And Have Already Forgotten If Anything Memorable Happened
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Spent most of last night on the computer trying to design a logo for the Gala. It is not going well. We didn’t get a response for our small call for designers, and I figured between Winnie and I we could come up with something, but now I’m not so sure. There are so many possibilities, narrowing a design idea down is the hardest thing. If I had oodles of time I might come up with something, but I don’t.
Supposed to meet Andrew today to finish the TV spot. Will get in touch with CKDU this week to make radio spots. Still need a rental van sponsor and of course, cash sponsors for the event. KDMC Bylaws still have not been written, and we have a big meeting on Friday.
Are you going to come to the Gala? The invitation still stands.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, March 19, 2001 11:40 PM
Subject: William Chandler Shrubsall On Trial… Again? And From What I Have Heard About Him, The Guy Sounds Like A Monster.
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a peaceful day at work today. I worked on Winnie’s computer, which is much quieter than mine, but always freezes and crashes a few times before printing anything. Started calling artists to remind them about the Gala and submitting work. Gerry Ferguson kept telling me to check with Mathew; he said it in such a tone that I didn’t feel up to telling him that Mathew doesn’t work at the Khyber anymore.
Caitrian stopped by the Khyber today. We haven’t spoken since the fall. We made up, more or less, back in May; two years of ignoring each other after our ‘breakup’ . Anyway, she wanted to know if Crossroads, with which she is a volunteer, could rent the Ballroom for an art auction near the end of February. We could do it if their auction was the same night as our Gala, because all our work would be at The Lord Nelson, but it wouldn’t make much sense to have the two events compete against one another. She is going to look into having their event at Pier 21, or a nightclub instead.
Lots of people at the openings at the Anna tonight. Lucie Chan has created quite a drawing installation with her huge cut outs. Lots of scissors and bottles and eight-foot babies. Neal was presenting his model for interactive TV, but I’ll need to go back and play with it for an hour or so to really get an understanding of it. There were a couple really sharp ceramists showing in gallery 2 and a group show in gallery three by students who were all on separate exchange programs last semester but who developed the show through email and postcard correspondence. It reminded me of what Jeremiah and I wanted to do when I was in Europe, before we ended up sanding the floor and building the bridge and not bothering with our ‘mail art’.
Biked off to class tonight after sitting and having a quick coffee with Karina. Her final photo project has morphed again. Now she is making cutouts from children’s clothing magazines and trying to figure out a way to re-photograph them. Class was good tonight, I managed to get a bit more done on my latest portrait. When things calm down a bit at work I’d like to move back into a studio. I sort of miss painting.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2001 9:54 AM
Subject: Dity Dishes Pile Up As The World Turns – Hey, Have You Heard About The Canadian Plane That Was Held Up In Florida On Its Way Back From Cuba?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
The girl downstairs is my new alarm clock. My ears are now fine tuned to the sounds of hip-hop coming through the floor at seven o’clock in the morning. I am thinking of giving her a pair of earphones as a gift, as a hint.
Labeled some slides this morning, had some breakfast and tea, and now I’m going to tackle the big day-old pile of dishes in the kitchen. Rebecca hardly ever washes her dishes, yet she cooks more than the rest of us.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 12:53 AM
Subject: Politicians Getting Hard Rap These Days, From Burning Effigies To Talk Show Liars
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I missed the boat with the penninsular gallery meeting today at NSCAD. All the gallery directors get together once in a while to share programming info. I thought today we were going to talk exclusively about the grouping of photo-based exhibitions to be held in the fall. Needless to say, I didn’t have photocopied schedules of the next half year of programming to hand out to people. Sheesh, did I ever feel dumb and unorganized.
Winnie is back from New York. It was an eventful afternoon. We had a scare from Andrew Fraser, who said the video footage he is using to make our PSA was unusable. We ran up to the studio to look at what he had done so far and it isn’t that bad. Jamie came by and we made him take some new stills of the building, he’ll email them to Fraser and he’ll then add them to the PSA. He said he’ll finish it tomorrow. It sounds good with the clip from Joel’s song.
The men’s washroom stalls have a new chapter added to the saga. The stoner boys were in again to work on the mural; it looks awful, they got paint all over the floor and dumped paint in the urinal, causing it to overflow. On the plus side, Sarah, Andrea and Tashia have organized a group to re-decorate the ladies washroom.
Had a silent auction meeting tonight. Everything is starting to happen really fast, I have big deadlines for PR and invitations and new letters to artists for the end of the week. The Bellydancers want to be in the Gala again, which is good, they were popular last year.
Hung out in the Club afterward with Spencer, Sarah and Karina. Ray was there with Thierry and Craig. He said he saw the Canadian Art Spring Issue at Gallery 78 in Fredericton, so I guess it is already on newsstands. I should get my copies in the mail soon.
Walked home with Sarah and Spencer; Karina took the bus. She had a box of doll parts to lug around. My computer is acting screwy; this is a problem with having roommates, I believe. The computer behaves differently, like certain settings have been altered, but I don’t know how to get things back to normal. It is frustrating. It was working fine this morning.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 10:48 PM
Subject: Reform Party Founder Preston Manning To Retire From Politics; Will Leave Inedible Stamp On Canadian Politics, Say Friends And Foes
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Jeff Cowling stood me up this morning, but called later on and apologized. I will look at his lattice walls tomorrow. The Club smelled of vomit this morning, but it was just from the sink overflowing. Jon thinks maybe the sewer is backing up. Great, more building woes. Will have to call the city about it. Lots to do today. Andrew finished the PSA; looks good. The text is smaller than I would have liked, but the images are catchy and so is the song. On the phone all day. Made meetings and then cancelled them. Am feeling overwhelmed. The girl downstairs is still my alarm clock, though this morning Karina had actually set our alarm for seven AM. Our clock forty-five minutes fast, so we took turns hitting the snooze button seven times before the girl downstairs turned her music on. Had a weird dream about Tim Horton’s and Roll-Up-The-Rim. The last couple times I have had a Tim Horton’s coffee I have forgotten to check the rim. I have probably thrown away a barbeque, or a free muffin.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, March 22, 2001 10:15 AM
Subject: Manning Heads For Exit So He Can Speak Freely, Ramp Up Air Competition: Panel, Dollar’s Dive Puts Dodge To Test
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am running late this morning. Slept in until eight-thirty; Karina was actually up before me, as she had the video studio booked for nine. She hadn’t realized that the Anna Leonowens wasn’t open until eleven, and she had already returned the lab coat which she needs for her video. She was up late studying and working on an essay. Judy called late last night, she is stressed about her black-tie event but it sounds like it is coming together well. I have to go, am late for that lattice-meeting with Jeff.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, March 22, 2001 10:31 PM
Subject: Biological Scare Forces Thousands From Government Buildings In Toronto Final Death Burn For Famed Russian Space Station Mir, Plunging To Earth
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a good meeting with Jeff Cowling this morning, he is lending us a whole bunch of props and stuff for the Gala. The lattice walls aren’t so bad, and he suggested hanging brown paper overtop to mask them. The trick is, you crinkle up the paper first, smooth it out and then put it up. He showed me pictures; it looks good. Especially with pictures hanging overtop.
The rest of the day was the pits, really. I was in a bad mood, tired and cranky, and am feeling the pressure to get things done. The PR still hasn’t gone out and we haven’t finalized a designed logo for the gala, and the initial invitations need to go out next week. Aaarg. And the bathroom keeps reminding me of how easily the simplest tasks can go wrong.
I am going to work for a little bit on the piece I am donating to the Anna Leonowens auction, then off to bed. I have to meet Lilly at CKDU tomorrow at 9:30 am to record a PSA, then there is a big media centre meeting, then maybe an interview with The Coast. Aaack, I don’t feel prepared.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, March 23, 2001 10:52 PM
Subject: While Super Mario Named Captain Of Team Canada, Chretien Faces More Calls For Inquiry Into Golf Course Dealings.
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
It was too blustery this morning to bike to work, so I walked instead. I went to CKDU up at Dalhousie University first, to record a PSA for the Gala. It went well, only four, I guess five takes. Lilly was happy. Then to the Khyber for the KDMC meeting. We have decided, more or less, to acquire a G-4, but not a 533MHz, only a 433MHz with extra RAM, a PC Tower and maybe an iMac or two. Will has heard that Kings is trying to get rid of a bunch of them. We need to spend the money before the end of the month. I need to finish up the bylaws and get the darn place incorporated.
Rest of the afternoon a blur. Met briefly with Norm from Alliance Security, had an interview with Karla from the Coast, ran the TV PSA up to CBC, and did a bit of paperwork.
Took the bus home, I had just enough change. Made a bit of supper and have been at the computer ever since. Talked to Judy on the phone, she is doing OK. She has sold $13,000 worth of tickets to her event, but the Rotary isn’t happy because they had expected her to sell $15,000 by now. I’m amazed that anyone buys $150 tickets to anything, but that’s just me. $150 is about what we can afford to spend on groceries each month, sheesh.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, March 24, 2001 11:34 PM
Subject: Teach-Ins Prepare North American Protesters For Action At Quebec City Summit
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I was supposed to work with Darryl and David today but the date has been changed to Tuesday. I told Winnie I would be in to work today, and that she could take the day off if she worked for me on Tuesday (Tuesday is her regular day-off, Saturday is usually mine), but she said that she would be in the office anyway. Which was a good thing, as I got tied up on the computer (not literally) until close to three o’clock. I was designing the tickets for the gala, which look quite snazzy, I think.
The weather was nice so I biked to work. Stopped at Piercey’s on the way and picked up some plumbing supplies; Jon has offered to fix the two broken sinks in the washrooms at the Khyber. Wasn’t at work long, biked to Sobeys on my way home to get some groceries. Had to borrow $20 from the petty cash as we are broke at the moment.
Winnie was having a party tonight but I didn’t feel like socializing. Spent the evening working on my Voice of Fire Personal Debt painting for the NSCAD auction, and preparing to send a few applications out to some galleries. There are deadlines at the end of the week for Alternator, YYZ and Eastern Edge. I don’t know how I’ll manage to mail anything, but I’ll figure something out.
I am enclosing a passage from Britney Spears “special” on-line diary from earlier this month, when she was filming a Pepsi commercial. I ran across it while checking my email. This is part of the great cultural vastness of the Internet, I guess! I wonder if she does her own writing! I wonder if she will make as much money as Michael Jackson! And buy a zoo!
Sincerely,
Chris!
Friday, March 9, 2001
Arrived again at 8:30am fully rested and ready for my day! Today we worked on a set that looked like a rooftop (complete with smokestacks and a gigantic Pepsi billboard) my outfit today was so cool! It was almost as if they turned the Roof-Top into a party scene for me and the 30 dancers! We rehearsed a bit, then took a break for lunch while they were re-setting the lights and camera. I took a minute out to play a round of HORSE basketball with some folks on set. Then back to shooting (film that is!) Just a few takes and we’re done! It went great and I think it was the easiest 2 days ever!
Thanks Pepsi!
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, March 25, 2001 11:23 PM
Subject: It’s Budget Time In Atlantic Canada, (Yay!), But (So-Called, Self-Fulfilling)Economic Slowdown Causes Shivers. That, And The Current Budgeting Trend…
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Finally read the article Ray wrote about the 1-800… show for the current issue of Canadian Art. It is a good article. You should pick it up. I read it in the newsstand on Blowers street, as I can’t afford to buy an issue. Besides, I should be getting a couple issues in the mail.
Spoke to Krishna on the phone for quite a bit this morning. He is doing well, he has a steady job which he enjoys, and he seems to be learning from, though he spoke of drinking too much and not saving any money. A part of me is envious to have that problem; isn’t that a weird thing to be envious of? It stems more from a fear that I’ve suddenly (or gradually) turned all middle aged. I was even thinking the other day that it would be nice to have kids, yeesh! Where has my wild youth gone? The late nights, the dancing, the… excitement. Of course, on the plus side of being boring: clothes don’t stink like cigarettes in the morning; no hangovers; relative emotional and sexual stability; more time and energy to devote to struggling arts centre and own practice. I guess that is excitement enough. Seeing Karina study and absorb tons of obtuse art theory jargon is a bit exhilarating, in a way. Anyhow, I’m off topic. Krishna is buying a painting from me, Lego Man, which I finally unrolled and brought home from the Khyber today. I was only there for a little while today, gathering some slides for tomorrow’s Visual Culture presentation. We have to buy furnace oil again, which I’ll do in the morning before the presentation.
We are going to get the Gala tickets printed tomorrow. Have you decided if you can come? You should let me know soon. I called Gordon and Suzanne in Saint John and they each said that they would put a piece in the auction. My list of confirmed artists is growing, so my concern is diminishing. It will start up again closer to the event, when I will worry that no one who buys art will show up. Anyway, I have to finish up a few things on the computer before going to bed tonight.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, March 26, 2001 11:55 PM
Subject: Chretien OKs Release Of Grand-Mere Documents; Opposition Skeptical Fry Ignores, Calls To Produce Mayor’s Letter, She Said, Cited Cross Burnings
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
A busy day, fairly active. First off, biked to Save-On-Fuel to order furnace oil for the Khyber. Then stopped by Nova Trophy to order a “Golden Spindle” plaque for the Halifax Refugee Clinic. Then to NSCAD for the visual culture class presentation. It is a good thing other board members showed up; I could have bombed up there. Maybe a better script would help. No, that’s not quite it. A better, fuller understanding of the roles artist-run centres provide, perhaps. Mathew and Leah and Winnie really came through.
Briony, Leah, Winnie and I had a spot of breakfast afterward at The Bluenose, then I was at the Khyber most of the day. Randy came by and wanted more information for the Gala; he has agreed to design a poster for us. I lent him Sarah’s book of clown cutouts as a possible resource. Our invitations were ready today but the printers were closed before I got down to pick them up. The Canadian Art magazines came in the mail today. Ray’s article is really quite good, I am envious of how well he can write. A good, but far too short article on Garry’s show at the National by Stephen Horne, as well. That’s all I’ve had time to read so far.
Raced in and out of the openings at The Anna tonight, as I wanted to get to my oil painting class early to get some work done on my current portrait. The design show, 18 Papers, looked really, really sharp. very slick and well… designy. Tim’s show was confusing and slightly unnerving; very theatrical and film-like, but also very sterile and apparently uneventful. Suspenseful, perhaps? Class was good, I still have more work to do on the portrait but I’m sure I’ll have it finished in time for the Gala. Came home, made a quick snack of bread and steamed asparagus, then worked on my Voice of Fire painting. I almost ruined it by painting past the tape lines. I have to be more careful. Will finish the second coat of red stripes then off to bed; I work with Darrell at the WTCC tomorrow. Will probably be a long day.
Had a response from your office today from a letter I had written a few days ago. It doesn’t reference the content of the letter, of course, it is just one of many standardized replies.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2001 9:34 PM
Subject: Arrest Warrants Show That Maurice (Mom) Boucher to face 13 New Murder Charges… Opposition Still Out For Blood
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sorry I didn’t write yesterday, but the computer was tied up (not literally). Rebecca was finishing her essay. Today Karina is writing hers. We are all having tea right now with Andrew and Sarah. I am exhausted, the past two days have been very busy. Today was a Khyber mailout day, and yesterday I worked with Darryl at the WTCC. Kris called me today from DJ’s; they need their windows painted ASAP. I am doing them tomorrow night. Oh, and in drastic interpersonal news, Monika has dumped Jamie. Shocking. Anyway, Karina needs the computer again.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, March 29, 2001 7:47 AM
Subject: Only PM Can Call Probe; Experts Say Visits To MDs For Depression Up 36%; Is There A Link?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I’ve been up since about four o’clock this morning working on a proposal for Eastern Edge Gallery. I couldn’t help but wake up early this morning; my head is buzzing with all the things I have to do. I realized that a few of the other artist run centres’ deadlines aren’t until mid-April, so this is the only one I need to get done this week. It will be a long day today, I have lots of meetings and errands and running around to do, plus painting at DJ’s tonight. Joel Plaskett is playing at the Khyber Club tonight; I would like to go. Hopefully I can stay awake. Anyway, I have to grab a bite to eat and head to Piercey’s; Jon and I are fixing the washroom sinks this morning.
I hope this snow melts. There should be a law against snow past April 1.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, March 30, 2001 8:43 AM
Subject: Abortion Foe Arrested In Fatal Sniper Attack While Ottawa Pays Church’s Bill For Abuse Settlement
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
What a day yesterday. I was up at 4 am and worked on a proposal for Eastern Edge, then was at work all day, and it was a busy day; making packages for underwriter sponsors, photocopies, lots of phone calls, people showing up to talk, intern, security system installed, late afternoon CAP meeting, got some money from Darryl so biked home, quick bite to eat then off to DJ’s to paint front windows, and have to go back this morning to finish them. Joel Plaskett Emergency played at the Khyber Club last night, good two sets, they are heading to Toronto for the weekend then to England for ten days in April.
We now realize that the thermostat in the Heritage Trust office controls the heat in the club. We don’t have a key to their office; I guess we have been trying to get one from them for a long time. The sweet old ladies that work their occasionally left the heat way up last night, and boy was it hot in the club. I called the treasurer yesterday, as they are also a month behind on their rent, so hopefully it will all get sorted out.
Anyway, must run, am late.
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, March 31, 2001 1:20 AM
Subject: Friday’s Winning Numbers: After Found Frozen Solid, Edmonton Toddler Erika Leaves Hospital And Commons Returns To Civility After Raucous Week Of Mudslinging Slurs
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just finished watching Titus with Karina. What a looooong movie! Painful to watch at times, and not just for the surprisingly shocking scenes of unspeakable violence (the sudden image of the girl with twigs replacing her hands is especially brutal), but the for cheesy faux-modern dance choreography. Is it a movie or a dance production? Like a CBC late-night made for TV dance production; you know it’s bad, but you can’t help but watch.
Karina is surprised that I bought myself a new toothbrush yesterday. Just call me an impulse shopper.
Finished the window at DJ’s this morning – actually, it was this afternoon; I was late for work. Winnie didn’t mind. Changed the design somewhat; instead of painting flowers with the clouds, I brought over the extra cellophane Darryl had given me after the decorating gig on Tuesday. My plan was to use the orange, but it looked too murky against the blue ground, so I just went with the clear. Crumpled up properly it resembles clouds. Kris and Jackie did the decorating, as I was in a rush to get back to work and they were in a rush to get the window finished.
Tickets are printed for the Gala. They look real nice. Are you able to come? It would be nice to have you there.
Tomorrow starts the “spring cleaning weekend”. Should be fun.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, April 1, 2001 3:16 AM
Subject: Where You Stand On Chretien, Golf Club Dispute Depends On Where You Sit
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just got home from a long day. Surprisingly, it was Karina who wanted to stay out late tonight. It used to be that when we would go out at night she would have to drag me home, but tonight it was reversed. Not that I mind, it is just that the clocks go ahead so I have already lost an hour, and am to be at the Khyber tomorrow at 10 AM. I love my job, I really do, I just wish I was paid for it, so I wouldn’t be knocking myself out trying to squeeze odd jobs into my schedule.
Today was the start of the weekend cleanup. I finished my proposal to Eastern Edge first and mailed it. Ray and Ceilidh, our NSCAD intern, and Winnie and I were the cleanup crew today. We finished the molding around the Closet Gallery skylight, cleared the emergency stairwell, cleaned out paint buckets, re-arranged all the past invitations onto one wall, and took the Frame Gallery apart. There was a large window, still containing glass, in between the drywall. It took over an hour to get it out, as it was hinged on the bottom.
The NSCAD Wearable Art Show was this evening at Reflections. It was a good show, though it went awfully quick. Took notes on some of the better outfits and models to compare with Winnie and Sheila; we will select our Wearable Art Show from the best of this one. Went back to the Khyber afterward for Gordon Isnor, Shary Boyle and Goody B. Wiseman’s show. It was late starting but quite good. Ran into Marc Peters, who is back visiting Halifax after spending two years in Tokyo. I will speak to him more this week when he drops by the Khyber. He was involved earlier with the place.
Karina and I walked home. It is snowing again, darn it. I am exhausted and hungry, and worried I won’t finish everything I need to this week. I have to have my painting finished for the Gala by the weekend. have to make the Coast ad tomorrow night. Lots to do this week. Out of money again, already. Bank service charges.
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, April 1, 2001 9:48 PM
Subject: All Of A Sudden, It Seems It Is Striking Season, As Newfoundland Hit With Largest Public Sector Strike In Its History, Petro-Can Workers Go On Strike In Ontario, Alberta Bus Drivers Strike In Vancouver, Victoria, And Other Strikes Imminent
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Spent much longer cleaning up the building today. I walked to work, as I left my bike there last night. We got a lot accomplished; the wainscotting and staircase spindles were washed, the skylight molding painted, the exterior of the Frame painted, and the whole downstairs hallway painted. Mat, Briony, Ward, Andréa and Winnie all pitched in to help.
I have to make the ad for the Coast, deadline is tomorrow, so I’ll sign off for now.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, April 2, 2001 11:00 PM
Subject: Police Arrest, Then Release Dozens Of Anti-Free Trade Protesters (Into The Air, Scattered Like Flies)
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Picked up flourescent tubes from Piercey’s and the Halifax Refugee Clinic “Golden Spindle” plaque this morning. It was a bit tricky cycling with the lights, but I managed.
It was a fast day today. Made the first Coast ad, ran some errands and picked out some slides for my class tonight. Paid rent; surprisingly had enough, even though Courtney only gave us half, with the other half forthcoming. I had to cash a Khyber cheque to do it. It would be nice to not feel guilty about cashing one’s own paycheck. this must be how a lot of small business owners feel. Picked up my leftover orange cellophane from DJ’s to put over the lights in the downstairs hall. Mark Peters came by and helped, it is nice to hear his views on the Khyber. He was involved years ago, during the initial renovations. His ideas, and those that initially sparked the Khyber, may not be as practical now, but it is good to hear them again. It may be possible yet to steer back on track, to retain a better sense of what the Khyber is, what it exists for, more importantly, who it exists for. There hasn’t been enough of that discussion lately.
Walked with Mark to the Anna openings, but left early to get to class. Low turnout tonight, but the forewarning of painting “abstract” paintings seems to thin the class a bit. Am now about to work on a new “Golden Spindle” poster and the forms to send to Saint John for the “Deep See” Festival.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, April 3, 2001 10:33 PM
Subject: Proof That Pies Are Bad For You: Activist Faces Prison Time For What He Says Was Peaceful Pie Attack On PM; Meanwhile, Stockwell Day Proposes Root Canal For Chretien’s Ethics Toothache; Didn’t Know He Was A Dentist.
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
The weather has turned all January on us again. Cold. Snowy. Miserable. I walked to work this morning, stopping by the bus station to pick up a drawing for the gala which Suzanne had sent. Met Karina for the Early Bird breakfast at the Med; I slipped in just under the 11am deadline. After that the All-Day breakfast costs almost a third more.
The day sped by; time is slipping for me, crazy carpet style. I wish I could hold on to it longer, make it stickier, so I could get more done. I don’t care what they say, we all have a different clock. There may be a standard 24 hour day, but how we live and experience a day is different for all of us.
The poster needed some small amendments, so I had a courier take the disk to Randy who made the changes and brought it back in time for the posters to be finished tomorrow. Hopefully. We need some major flyer distribution happening. The event is less than three weeks away and there hasn’t been much visibility thus far.
Lots of people came by to drop work off for the gala today, so that is going well. Still not enough sculpture, jewelry or ceramics. Had a volunteer meeting tonight with Spencer, Sarah, Larissa, Karina and a guy named Steve. He’s a friendly character, sort of quirky and a bit… well, odd. He is making a comic book with Jesus Christ as the superhero.
Anyway, Judy has called and there is a bit of a crisis in her life, so I had better go.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, April 4, 2001 11:15 PM
Subject: Economic Ministers ‘See The Upturn’ From Current U.S. Slowdown: Martin Liberals Circle Wagons, Defend Chretien In Golf Course Controversy
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I ran into Marc Peters this morning and he lent me a Brooklyn-based art magazine, called Cabinet, which contained an article written on the colour beige. I photocopied and enlarged the article to put under glass in the washroom hallway, which is painted beige. The article is about the evils associated with beige.
Wrote a letter with Andrew asking for funds from the Dalhousie Arts Society to be used at the silent auction. Rumour has it that they have a surplus, but are very stingy with their money. Tried to convince our insurance broker to underwrite some work in the auction, but he wouldn’t give any guarantees. Said his boss buys art and may be interested, which is better than nothing.
A bunch of the posters were finished today, they look really slick and are printed on a nice, heavy weight glossy paper. It is shaping up to be a busy weekend. There is still artwork to come in to the gallery, the brochure needs to be compiled, a flyer designed and printed, the show installed, the men’s washroom painted, the Frame installed, and more. Also, the person I was dealing with regarding sponsorship at the Daily News isn’t working there any more, she either quit or was sacked, and her replacement hasn’t called me back. I need to get an ad about the gala in the paper this weekend. Those weird tension headaches I was getting a few weeks ago are seeping back. Our intern, Ceildh, was in today and numbered almost all of our tickets, which is great, and worked on one of the Khyber brochures we have her working on, which is good, but she took my zip disk with her when she left for the day, which is bad.
Had a Future Committee meeting with Craig, Winnie, Leah and Mat tonight. We really need to set a plan of action for the next few years, as the lease needs to be renegotiated. We need to get a better deal, and there is some valid fears that the city may try to squeeze us out of the building. It becomes hard, with an organization such as this one, to even think about the future. The present moment takes up most of the time.
I biked by Ceildh’s apartment on my way home and luckily she showed up just after I did, and she had my disk. What a relief. My life is compressed into that zip disc; all my daily gallery and gala stuff is contained on it. I’d be lost without it, as I have been when I’ve misplaced it for a day or so.
I have to go work on my paintings for the two auctions.
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, April 5, 2001 9:57 PM
Subject: Feds Announce Anti-Tobacco Strategy, Hikes Cigarette Taxes, Introduce Aggressive Organized Crime, Bill Sweeping Police Powers; Stockwell Day Endorses Call For Joint Tory-Alliance Candidates
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
After four thrown-away Tim Hortons coffees so far into this “Roll up the rim to win” season, I finally remembered to actually roll up a rim today. It was a “play again”. With my luck, I’ve already thrown away an SUV, the barbeque and a wad of cash. But usually a free muffin is more appreciated anyway.
Lost a potential sponsor today; Budget. I have been talking to Wayne there off and on since the end of February, and I thought they would go for it, but the boss called today and declined. It really sets me back for finding van transportation. I called a few other rental places but it is hard to talk to a human; always voicemail. Hopefully something will fall into place.
Stayed at home for the early part of the day waiting for a Supercity tech to show up, but Carl was a no-show. Maybe the appointment was for tomorrow. It was good that I was home; I called the Daily News and the deadline for an ad before Monday was this afternoon, so I whipped up an ad and emailed it to Adrianne. Unfortunately, I forgot to mention the Wearable Art Show, but it may be OK because the focus of this ad is the Silent Auction Preview. We still get another quarter-page before the Gala.
The Coast came out today, and they buried our ad in the back pages of Reverb, the bi-monthly insert. Not what I’d call ‘Premium Placement.” I’ll talk to Bethany about it tomorrow. I’m not impressed.
Came home tonight to finish my painting for the Gala but Rebecca, Sarah, Andrew and Miho are watching a movie. I have been painting in the living room, as I have no studio. They are watching Red, which is a great movie and one I haven’t seen in a few years, so I’ll go watch it and try to relax a little. I can paint in the morning.
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, April 6, 2001 11:15 AM
Subject: PM Touts Canada As U.S. Fuel Tank – The United States Consumes About Seven Billion Barrels Of Oil A Year
Mr. Goodale said the Bush administration had not realized Alberta’s tar sands contains 300 billion bottles of beer on the wall, compared with 263 billion bottles of beer on the wall in Saudi Arabia.
A juror placed her hands before her as in prayer. Faces were turning pale and tears running down cheeks, for everyone knew the outcome. A juror with a full grey beard stared at the screen without moving for a full hour, as if turned to stone. Another busied himself frantically taking notes. Judge Tidball clenched her jaw as if it would break. The two therapists stared at their monitor as if they had never seen anything like it before.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, April 7, 2001 11:04 PM
Subject: Day Acknowledges Smoking Alleged Former Undercover Agent, Denies Inhaling Him… Documents Regarding Free Trade Area Of Americas To Be Made Public.
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am beat. Too tired to write. Ray got the Frame built and installed today, though. Things are happening, the show will get installed tomorrow.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, April 9, 2001 11:23 PM
Subject: Ridicule, Criticism, Storm Trooper Tactics Follow Day, Forgeries, Seized Files, Judge’s Ethics Follow Chretien As He Again Changes Story On Hiring Former Spy Saga.
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Miraculously, but it seemed like everything got done, but at what cost? I’m beat, and pissed off, and not having much fun. A fairly good turnout for the opening… sort of? I can’t tell anymore. I’m a bit rundown. Saw Andrea, visiting from New York, but briefly. She was going to come back to the Club but we left fairly early. She and Christine invited Karina and I for supper tomorrow night… after the board meeting. I’m getting cranky, losing focus, need to rest I think. Want to make art, getting sick of dealing with arts admin. Some people from my class came, and other folks came too, like Jane Kansas, the host of the Gala. We need to prepare a script for her. Oh, and then there’s the whole thing with Global TV and the title of Craig’s show in the Closet Gallery, which they seemed to take some exception to. His show is called I think about you when I masturbate. Craig and I are talking to someone from Global about it tomorrow. Lynette’s photographs look good, the Frame looks good with the lights, but one of her prints fell down at the end of the night. I hope more don’t come down overnight. I’m stressed that the Gala won’t cover its costs and my muscles all ache and are strained, every one. I’m hungry with no energy to eat. Have to fix parts of this weeks Coast ad tomorrow morning. The office is a shambles. Then there was some nut who repeatedly threatened to pound me because I hit the side of his car with my rubber boots because he almost ran Karina over with his car while she crossed the street after getting off the bus. His excuse? “You don’t walk in front of a moving car, and city buses aren’t school buses.” Just brilliant. Lots of brilliant human beings out there.
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 9:55 AM
Subject: PM Told Senators Fans Take A Bite Out Of Neale, Prove forgery,
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Thank you for the response to my request that you attend the Khyber Second Annual Fool-Hearted Gala. Of course, I understand that with the Summit of the Americas happening in Quebec City that weekend that you will be unable to attend. Perhaps another time. Perhaps you could attend the Grand Opening of our Digital Media Centre in the fall? We haven’t set a date yet, so we are fairly flexible.
Had a great night last night. After the board meeting I biked to Chistine’s, where Karina, Christine, Andrea, Bethany, Rachel, Cal and Christine’s new boyfriend Trevor, were eating fish chowder. Most were drinking, and many smoking, and it was so nice to relax and talk and laugh with friends. It has made me realize that I spend waaaaay too much time at work. I need down time when I can listen to and share art and art-making ideas with my friends and peers. It’s good to laugh once in a while too. Peter and Ray came by as well; a regular Maritime Kitchen Party.
In the morning yesterday Craig and I had a quick interview with Global news. They must think that the title of Craig’s show is controversial. The clip was supposed to air during the news at six, but of course I didn’t have a chance to watch it anywhere. If it was on, I’m sure someone will tell me.
We received our Canada Council notice yesterday. $26 000, the same as last year. That just about covers electricity, phone, water, heat, insurance and banking fees. Outstanding is still our rent, artist fees, director’s salary and more. Oh well, we’ll just keep plugging away like we always do.
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, April 12, 2001 8:18 AM
Subject: ‘Fragile’ Medicare Risks Collapse Quebec Chief Justice Upbraids Day (Stowaways’ Laughter Tipped Off Ship’s Crew)
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a good day yesterday, the mailout went out on time even though the scheduled volunteer didn’t show up and Ceildh was sick. Karina helped out. We had lunch with Chistine and Andrea at the Med before Andrea headed out to Saint John.
Had a volunteer meeting scheduled in the bar for early evening; low turnout, but did get a few people signed up for certain tasks. It was the final day of crits for many students; Lynette had hers at the Khyber, as her final project was the show she had installed in the Frame and Stairwell, which was good because it meant that afterwards the whole class hung out in the Club for awhile. Spencer, Sarah and I hung out for awhile after the volunteer meeting, waiting to catch Sarah Millman, who is moving to New York on Friday. She and Jason were late to arrive, but in the meantime a ton of people showed up from thin air; usually Wednesday nights are a bit slow. Gordski didn’t seem to mind, he kept spinning away, and people were dancing and having a great time; I even bussed tables for a bit to help Sally, who was a bit swamped. Good news for the Club, and the Centre, for sure.
Walked home with Spencer, stopped at a newly-opened candy store on Barrington Street. It is run by a young couple who just moved here from Ontario, and they have crazy hours. It seems a great addition to the street. I got into a bit of trouble with Karina when I got home, as I had neglected to call and say I would be out so late, but we worked it out. Now that I no longer drink I think I am less of a problem or liability towards our relationship.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, April 13, 2001 9:50 AM
Subject: ‘Fragile’ Medicare Risks, Collapse Quebec Chief Justice Upbraids, Day Stowaways’ Laughter Tipped Off Ship’s Crew
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
The weather was nice yesterday and made me late for work. Attended a noon-hour video screening with Karina. Sat in the sun for a bit afterwards and ran into Peter Wood. We went to the Anna but Jason’s show was temporarily unavailable. Read the Coast article on the Khyber, which was quite good. A nice photo of Winnie included.
Didn’t do much at work today. Ceildh was in, her last day, so we both wrote reports. Her disk became corrupted and kept shutting down her computer. Steve, a volunteer, brought in a copy of his wacky comic book for the auction. I was getting cranky because I was tired and hungry, and stressed, of course. Just over a week to go before the Gala and we still haven’t distributed most of the posters.
Grabbed a pita with Karina on our way to another video screening at NSCAD at 6. Great videos by Swintak and Robin Fry, Tashia’s were quite good too. I want to make videos again. A bunch of us went to the Med afterwards but I was at a low energy ebb. Then I biked up to Dal to sit in on Becka’s CKDU radio show. I had brought Joel’s single to play but it wasn’t in the CD case; I biked back to the Khyber to get it. Spencer, Becka and I chattered on and on, not really an interview but we did talk about the Khyber and art and the Gala, so it was good. Chatty, but good. I want to do a radio show.
Tried to put a few posters up on my way home but ran out of staples, and my replacements are at the office. Got home and went to bed, but was woken up by a combination of Karina coughing and that twit of a girl downstairs playing music. It’s bad enough she wakes me up every morning, tonight she was having a party. I ended up sleeping on the couch in the living room, just for the quiet.
I’m about to head out to meet Tim at The Lord Nelson to figure out where to set up his video projector. Don’t know if I should walk or bike; it’s wet out. Again. I’m tired, need a coffee.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, April 14, 2001 11:38 PM
Subject: Mourners Gather For Funeral For Baby Who Died Following Liver Transplant N.S. Town Reeling, Concerned Over Youth Vandalism Charge In N.S. Derailment
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
The whole house was up early this morning, it must have been six-thirty or something. I was on the couch again; Karina started having coughing fits again at about three. Andrew drove us to the market, we met with Fred, the market manager, and we picked a spot downstairs around a piller. We only sold four tickets, but handed out lots of flyers and hopefully the visibility will help.
Went for a late brunch with Rebecca and Karina at the Med. Saturdays are normally my days off, so I didn’t hang about the office much. Put some posters up along Spring Garden Rd. Missed a bus while waiting for Karina to buy shampoo. We eventually caught one up to Quinpool. I went Canadian Tire to get tape and staples, Karina went to Video Difference to get a movie. We lucked out with our timing and caught another bus home.
Had a brief nap, then biked to Trevor and Tamara’s place to feed their cats. They went to NB for Easter weekend. Biked around and put up the rest of the posters I had in my bag, about twenty-five or so. It feels like winter again, freezing ice pellets and high winds, a dark sky, all-around miserable.
Watched a movie tonight, My Life in Pink, a French film about gender and societal roles. Tired now, have to finish the Mirror for Jay and Suzanne tomorrow, need money to renew my drivers license.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, April 16, 2001 12:49 AM
Subject: British Columbia Premier Expected To Make Election Call Early This Week Summit Will Be One Of The Largest Socio-Political Events In Canadian History; American Protesters Bound For Summit Have An Alternate Route Into Canada
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I could feel it coming on this morning as I woke up (on the couch again; another midnight Karina coughing fit sent me there) to answer the phone; a head cold. Allen called for me, wanting to come down to the gallery. He was with his friend Tony, and they wanted to see the preview exhibition. I really didn’t want to go to work today, so I told them to come anytime before Thursday. Allen also wants me to paint the entrance to his pantry to look like a walk-in fridge. Like I have time to do that. I still have his commissioned painting in storage, with no progress made on it in months. I have to remember to call Yi and get the possible studio situation taken care of.
So yeah, the head cold. Headaches, stuffed up nose, and really, really tired and lethargic all day. Slept in ’till 10:30 and had two naps today. Cleaned the living room, the kitchen and worked on Jay and Suzanne’s mirror. It is now totally stripped, just need to add some wood filler to some spots and then stain it. Karina and I washed laundry; five loads, almost twenty bucks worth! Watched a bit of Awakenings while at the laundromat.
Completed our final ads for the Coast and Daily News tonight, watched the Simpsons and a movie, New Waterford Girl. Karina and I had watched it on the big screen during the film festival in the fall, but it is a great movie and certainly worth seeing a few times. And I’m not even from Cape Breton.
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, April 16, 2001 12:49 AM
Subject: British Columbia Premier Expected To Make Election Call Early This Week Summit Will Be One Of The Largest Socio-Political Events In Canadian History; American Protesters Bound For Summit Have An Alternate Route Into Canada
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I could feel it coming on this morning as I woke up (on the couch again; another midnight Karina coughing fit sent me there) to answer the phone; a head cold. Allen called for me, wanting to come down to the gallery. He was with his friend Tony, and they wanted to see the preview exhibition. I really didn’t want to go to work today, so I told them to come anytime before Thursday. Allen also wants me to paint the entrance to his pantry to look like a walk-in fridge. Like I have time to do that. I still have his commissioned painting in storage, with no progress made on it in months. I have to remember to call Yi and get the possible studio situation taken care of.
So yeah, the head cold. Headaches, stuffed up nose, and really, really tired and lethargic all day. Slept in ’till 10:30 and had two naps today. Cleaned the living room, the kitchen and worked on Jay and Suzanne’s mirror. It is now totally stripped, just need to add some wood filler to some spots and then stain it. Karina and I washed laundry; five loads, almost twenty bucks worth! Watched a bit of Awakenings while at the laundromat.
Completed our final ads for the Coast and Daily News tonight, watched the Simpsons and a movie, New Waterford Girl. Karina and I had watched it on the big screen during the film festival in the fall, but it is a great movie and certainly worth seeing a few times. And I’m not even from Cape Breton.
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 1:37 AM
Subject: New U.S. Ambassador Arrives In Ottawa Ready For Trade Summit Work British Columbia Premier Expected To Make Election Call Early This Week Summit Will Be One Of The Largest Socio-Political Events In Canadian History
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I’m much more energetic and efficient outside the office. I was at work all day today but got very little accomplished. I’m sure it is a combination of the loud computer hum, the dim lighting and cold. We ran out of heating oil on the weekend. I was hoping Spring would be warming us all up by now, but that was clearly way too ambitious and optimistic. I’ll buy a small amount of heating oil tomorrow morning.
Had a strange encounter with a schizophrenic man at work today. He talked my ear off for over half an hour. It was very difficult trying to follow his train of thought, yet fascinating at the same time.
Winnie and I made an appearance on Steven Slater’s radio program at CKDU 97.5 FM tonight. It went well.
Met up with Karina, Christine, Jane and Andrea later on at the Shoe Shop, and dragged everyone down to the Khyber for a nightcap. My nightcaps consist of either water or coffee; tonight it was both. I can’t believe I haven’t had a drop of alcohol since the end of January. Walked home and put posters up along the way. My fingers are now perpetually crossed in my mind over this Gala.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: everyone
Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 11:05 PM
Subject: Fool-Hearted Gala this Saturday!
Just a reminder, and a polite little request to “pssst, pass it on” that the Khyber second annual Fool-Hearted Gala is happening this Saturday, April 21 at the Lord Nelson Hotel and Ballrooms. Doors open at 8, the evening is hosted by Jane Kansas and will feature entertainment from Sally Morgan, Genies of the Mist, a Wearable Art Fashion Show, David Aaron Short Memory, Jason Mombert, King Konqueror, Sixtoo and Gordski. Bidding for The Silent Art Auction will close promptly at 10:45. Artwork will be packaged to go later in the evening, or can be delivered the following day. Tickets are $20, $15 for Khyber members and students. Funds raised at this event will cover programming costs at the Khyber and as well will aid in the development of the new Khyber Digital Media Centre. Hope to see you all there.
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd,
Interim Director
Khyber Arts Society
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, April 19, 2001 12:52 AM
Subject: Six Arrested, Military Arsenal Seized By Joint Quebec Police Operation British Columbia Election Called For May 16; Governing NDP Faces Tough Fight President “Coca-Cola” Fox Calls For Stronger Mexico-Canada Ties At Outset Of State Visit
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Long day. Was on radio, CKDU with Lilly – early morning perky show – at ten to eight in the morning. Got caught in rain on the way to work. Karina brought me dry pants. Oil had been delivered, so I started up the furnace. Had breakfast at the Med. Supper at Shoe Shop, then we took ferry to Dartmouth to hit Value Village. Only had a half-hour to shop, I found a few shirts but Karina didn’t find anything. She is looking for something to wear to the Gala. I think Junk and Foibles is her best bet.
A bunch of people at the house watching a movie when I got home. bamboozled – a Spike Lee joint, good flick, hard-hitting, hard to digest, he is picking at an issue that is so unresolved. About to work on name badges. Want to buy a small laminator tomorrow. Also need to get my license renewed tomorrow.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, April 19, 2001 9:48 PM
Subject: Prime Minister’s Arrival Kicks Off Charged Weekend Of Talks And Protests Quebec City Becomes Metal-Clad Fortress In Preparation For Summit Protesters Trickle Across Border After Blocking International Bridge
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Hip-hop girl woke me up again this morning, after about a week break. Back to the routine. Spent the extra time this morning working on the computer, bought a few groceries and made a nice breakfast and lunch. Walked to work, put up some flyers on the way and bought myself a laminator. Ended up getting to work late, as I was scheduled to meet a couple volunteers to set up a booth in Park Lane.
Finally got a NS drivers license today. Only waited in line an hour. I was worried there might be problems renewing, as I still have some outstanding charge for drinking in public in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, but it didn’t turn up. My license doesn’t expire until 2007, which seems like ages from now.
Everything seems on target for the Gala. Met with Jane today to go over her script. I need to figure out what I’m going to say at the start of the whole thing. I’m not a natural-born public speaker. But I’m better at it than Andrea.
Bought my jacket with tails today. It was either rent it for a week at $12.50 or buy it outright for $25. I figured I could get $25 worth of wear and tear out of it. Just have to call Christine now and get the sequined ‘Superman’ shirt from her.
Have to go and finish up some computer stuff before tomorrow. Make a list, organize myself for tomorrow, it will be a busy prep day.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, April 20, 2001 11:22 PM
Subject: Police Push Protesters Well Back From Perimeter As Violence Delays Summit Outside The Fence: Protesters Start The Day Off With Breakfast And End Up With Tear Gas Bush Lauds Summit Security, Chretien Asks For Real Free Trade In Lumber
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Started off the day dismantling the show, but then left to get the cube truck in Burnside. Bombed around Halifax all day, loading and unloading stuff with Ray. Picked up the big Cheesies, the glass vitrine from the movie set that Drew bought for the Khyber (it is really neat – has a huge Russian ship on the top of it), and paper towels and toilet paper for the Club. Karina dismantled most of the show, packing up all the work. Alex helped a bit in the morning, as did Amanda and then Tashia and Craig. It was a frenetic day. We ate a small bit of supper at Soho Kitchen. What a lovely vegetable bisque. Ray, Andrea, Karina and I attempted to set up the free-standing walls but ran out of steam; we’ll complete it tomorrow. It’s an eight o’clock start, and Karina wants to use the computer, so I’m off.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, April 22, 2001 8:43 AM
Subject: Police And Protesters Exchange Tear Gas As Violence Rocks Quebec City Again Outside The fence: Young Activists Inspired Despite Violent Protests At Quebec Summit Saturday’s Lottery Results
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I only have a second as we are on our way out the door to strike the auction room. The event went well last night, though I have a bad feeling about the final tally; I don’t think we made our goal of $6000, net, but it will take days of tracking down all the numbers until we know for sure. The aftermath of the auction was zany; we weren’t equipped and prepared to deal with the suddenness and fury of art-buyers who wanted to leave as soon as the auction ended. I didn’t get to spend any time with my family – Mom and Dad had come from Saint John, Nanny and Poppy from Lunenberg, my godmother Joanne and her husband Bob were there, and Trevor and Tamara came. We’re having brunch this afternoon, but first we have to move all our stuff out of the Lord Nelson by noon… and of course, no volunteers signed up for early morning help and the late-night ones left early, but that’s just the way it goes.
Have to go.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, April 23, 2001 11:59 PM
Subject: Endeavour And International Space Station Crews Meet Face-To-Face Chretien And Other Leaders Declare Summit A Success Despite Huge Protests Chretien’s Closing Speech
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a great day. Drove the truck back to Burnside for eight-thirty this morning, then cycled to work, which was great because I had not yet cycled over the MacDonald Bridge. Quite a feeling, like floating in a sense. Had a busy day, preparing for the openings tonight. Karina came in to help in the afternoon, mostly with Gala stuff. We are slowly getting a better sense of how the evening went financially, and it looks like we may have reached our target of $6000… well, maybe a bit less, but certainly more than last year. I have lots of letters and cheques to write in the coming week, and we are still trying to figure out how many artists we owe 50% or 25% of the auction price to.
The opening was great, a fabulous turnout, especially given that NSCAD students are finished, and given that the Gala was on Saturday. Lots of people, especially the sculpture students, knew Brandon so that helps. He gave a good talk during the opening for about half an hour or so, and there was a great turnout for that. My word for the day is great; I feel great, and want to keep building on the gala momentum. Paul Greenhalgh came, and we talked a bit about how NSCAD and the Khyber could benefit from a closer relationship, which is great to hear. He amazes me, the time and energy he is putting into NSCAD. Apparently he had just flown back from Japan before attending the NSCAD graduation on Saturday, gave a speech there, and still came to the Gala. Amazing. It is good energy to feed from.
Must go to bed, get some rest, there is lots to do tomorrow.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 12:33 AM
Subject: Endeavour And International Space Station Crews Meet Face-To-Face Chretien And Other Leaders Declare Summit A Success Despite Huge Protests Chretien’s Closing Speech
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Well, I finally was annoyed enough to confront my downstairs teenage music-loving neighbour. The one morning this week I had really hoped to sleep in was quashed by the usual baseline. Jessica said that she will not play music in the morning any more, though she was definitely sulky about it.
Still wading through the debris from the weekend. Karina has been a great help in getting the figures; she stayed until about eleven o’clock tonight. I had a bar meeting with Heather, Mat, Briony, Winnie and Craig tonight, to go over the plan of action we are taking now that Craig is running the bar. I hope things work out; Craig seems positive and upbeat about it, and I think he really wants to make it work. The club was really busy tonight with a benefit for Exodus Theatre.
We have just about finalized the figures from the Gala; we didn’t quite make what we wanted to, but we more than doubled what we made last year, so I guess that is positive. We are definitely looking into having the event elsewhere next year; paying over $4000 just for the rooms and the food is ridiculous. I’m still getting complaints about the lousy mussels.
Stopped at Sobeys on the way home and wandered around in a daze for a bit. I’m feeling tired. Still haven’t looked into ticket prices for New York; we must really get on that. Tomorrow we are going to try to finish the finances, pay the bills that have been piling up, then plan the trip.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 10:56 PM
Subject: Day Buys A Week To Show Dissenters He Is Up To Keeping Job As Leader Klein Says Day Should Resign If He Can’t Rally Alliance MPs Behind Him Joe Clark Suggests Alliance Defectors Welcome In Conservative Ranks
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
More work on finalizing the Gala proceeds today. After making the deposit I cashed a couple outstanding paychecks so Karina could get our plane tickets to New York City. There were a couple tickets earlier in the day for a flight leaving this Monday and coming back Saturday, but when Karina came back to pay the seats had already been sold. We ended up getting tickets for a May 3 – May 9 trip, which is a good amount of time but Karina is upset at missing a couple days of school. The summer sessions are shorter so the classes are held more often throughout the week, so it can become easy to fall behind. I’m sure she’ll make up for lost time, however.
Working late; just finished a bunch of email correspondence and I still have to look through a couple possible grant applications with deadlines at the end of the month. Aaack! I’ll be working this weekend, that’s for sure. Especially to get on top of everything before we head to NYC. I hope I remember to relax while I’m there. It will be nice to just visit and view and think about art for awhile, instead of worrying constantly about how to keep an arts centre alive.
Have to go and eat, then get some sleep. Have meetings after work tomorrow and there is an Outspoken Lecture tomorrow night, and KDMC meetings Friday morning. Still haven’t finished the bylaws.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, April 26, 2001 11:58 PM
Subject: Alliance Accelerates Attack On Quebec Judge In Middle Of Leadership Crisis Chretien Touts Free Trade Amid Chanting Protests In New Brunswick Canada And The U.S. End Six-Month Trade Dispute Over P.E.I. Potatoes
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I just spent a half hour tied up in a checkout line at Sobeys because I couldn’t get Karina’s bank card to work. Even though there is over a hundred dollars in her account, the debit machine kept saying that there was not enough money. I only had fifteen dollars in my account, so I had to strike some items from my bill. This was a long and arduous process for the checkout workers, who seemed to gather round as though it were some form of entertainment.
Good lecture tonight, with panelists Len, Bruce, Jessica and James. The lecture focused on art and activism, there was a good crowd and some intelligent, lively discussions. As would be expected, there were really no groundbreaking answers, and distinctions were upheld between artmaking and activism. I would have liked to see a deeper probing of the two roles, how they work independent of one another yet may share similar goals and objectives. We could make a regular series out of this topic, I’m sure.
Wrote cheques to cover most of the bills today. Hard fought and won, easy go, as they don’t really say. It was very, very difficult for me to cut a cheque to the Lord Nelson for $4800. Over $600 in taxes and almost $500 gratuity – mind you, I don’t mind paying gratuity for underpaid service industry workers, but who pays our volunteers? Where are their gratuities? It makes me feel guilty about trying to cash my own paychecks. Then I get mad about feeling guilty.
Cleaned up the office a bit today, went to the bank, ran some errands, dropped off some letters of thanks to some sponsors, then had a Khyber Kids meeting. Have to get things ready for a KDMC meeting tomorrow, which hardly anybody can attend, from the response I’ve been getting. Or haven’t been getting, I should say. Off to work on an agenda and bylaws.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, April 27, 2001 11:03 PM
Subject: Four U.S. Children Killed As Tour Bus Crashes En Route To Concert Deaths Of Students In N.B. Bus Crash Shows Need For More Vigilance: Mother Stockwell Day Says He’ll Depend On Alliance Grassroots To Decide His Fate
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just finished a rousing game of poker for pennies with Rebecca, Andrew and Karina. I made the most pennies from dealing Blackjack. I have yet to try my “skills” at the real Casino, however. I really have no plans to ever go there. The big bright sign that they recently added actually scares me it is so bright. Way, way too flashy.
Biked to work in the pouring rain this morning for a lame KDMC meeting. Only Neal showed up, which was mostly my fault because I hadn’t contacted Will and a few people couldn’t make a morning meeting. I want to have the equipment within three weeks.
Mohanad was down visiting from Montreal for a few days but left today. It was a short visit. Rebecca started her new job at Julian’s Bakery today. Courtney is still looking. We expect to get a few more messages on the phone from prospective employers looking for ‘her’. I had a nice talk with Craig about the Khyber Club tonight. There is a lot of planning to do over the next week or so. We have to prepare for the next newsletter and the Khyber Kids brochure. In fact, I have to email Tonia a copy of the sponsorship letter right now. Have to do up a quick final report to send to Canada Council to get our grant. Am feeling a bit rundown and overwhelmed, but there is still so much to do.
Am looking forward to a break, but can’t really afford it. Andrea is looking forward to having us, and having a place to stay will really help things. I hope we can safely transport her fish with us – she bought David Lawson’s fish and fun-fur painting set, and I would like to take it down with us. She advised me to call customs ahead of time as they may think the fish is stuffed with drugs.
I haven’t been on a plane in three years and the thought of it makes me nervous, actually.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2001 11:43 PM
Subject: Preston Manning Says He Is Not Interested In Taking Over Alliance Leadership Prince Charles Promises To Send Or Bring His Sons To Saskatchewan As Soon As Investigators Start Piecing Together Bus Crash On Treacherous N.B. Road
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just finished watching a really bad recording of the Gala. I guess we should have provided more videotape; Moon ran out before King Konqueror took the stage. Everything was choppy and cut off – speeches, performances, everything except Sally’s dance performance, which he miraculously captured in its entirety. It brings tears to my eyes, it is so haunting. We watched Rocky before that. I don’t know what compelled Andrew and Rebecca to rent it but they did, and we enjoyed it. The first of those movies, both Rocky and Rambo, had some intriguing elements and valid attempts at storytelling in them, before they were entirely absorbed by the lure of sequel megabucks. I’m a sucker, though – I saw them all. OK, except for Rocky 5 and 6, and I don’t even know how many Rambos they made.
Went to work today but slept in really late. I was hoping to finish a blurb for Mix to accompany Craig’s slides this morning, but as of writing I still haven’t done it. Maybe I’ll try to finish it now, before I go to bed.
Rebecca is leaving for New York tomorrow morning. We will see her there on Thursday, when we arrive. Karina’s mom and sister Loesje are going to give her money, which helps, because with the exchange on the dollar we will be going down with less than $500 American. Yikes.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2001 10:04 PM
Subject: Chretien Jokingly Speculates He May Be Face Yet Another Opposition Leader No End To Day’s Woes As Alliance Faces Another Week Of Turmoil Main Party Leaders Take Down Time Sunday To Prep For B.C. Election TV Debate
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Today was a nice, long, lingering Mental-Health day. I was still puttering around the house in my bathrobe at two o’clock in the afternoon. My one pang of guilt came when Winnie called for some info on the YIP grant, as she was starting to prepare a budget. It seems like she never stops working, and for the most part neither do I, but I needed down time today.
Eventually Karina and I made a trip to the laundromat, but all the washers were full so there was a bit of a wait. I read an interesting article in Vanity Fair about Stanley Kubrick and Eyes Wide Shut, and we watched The Wizard of Oz on TV. We are making a list to take to New York; I am actually excited at going. I want to document the trip in the same manner as the artist Ellen Moffat did for a recent exhibition at Gallery 44: I want to take a picture every hour, on the hour, regardless of where we are or what we are doing.
Came home and made brownies and supper, and watched a new Simpsons on TV. Still have a few Khyber things to do but Karina wants to watch X-Files with me; she is chanting “mental-health” in the background. X-Files is so stale and passé, but I’ll probably watch it anyway. I can’t seem to get motivated enough to prepare the final report for the CC at the moment. My brownies should be just about cool enough to eat now.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, April 30, 2001 11:49 PM
Subject: Lobster Season Opens On Calm Waters But Trouble Brewing For Native Fishery Shipment Of PEI Potatoes Prevented From Crossing U.S. Border Again Day Seeks Membership Support 10 Months After Winning Alliance Reins
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a pretty slow day, worked at home off and on most of the day, had coffee with Karina… oh, she has just informed me that Yaga drew blood from her. Karina was clipping her nails. Anyway, what else did I do today… oh, went in to work late rin the afternoon and ran some errands, but missed the boat on the Khyber Kids front. I was supposed to meet Andrea and Alyssa at the Khyber today at noon, and just couldn’t get there. We are trying to get sponsors for the program so we can get the brochure printed.
Ward and Swintak were installing a tag-like exterior painting to the eyelevelgallery windows this afternoon. Craig seems to think that it will be an open invitation for local grafitti artists to ‘bomb’ the eyelevel, but time will tell. The installation should only be up for a week. It is a bit disapointing that they went ahead before Winnie had dismantled her tapestry, but I think there may have been a lack of communication.
We took the charter bus from the Khyber to MSVU for the opening of Do Try This At Home and a talk on art and culture by Wendy Lill. Craig said it best; if I lived in Dartmouth, I’d vote for her. It must be quite alienating for her, to be the only artist in Parliament – and even then, she hasn’t made any work as an MP. She thinks more artists should be there, but I think most artists would rather practice art than law and politics, no matter how politically involved their work may be. She has a point, though. We need people that contibute to our cultural life speaking up for it in the political arena, and that rarely happens, if ever.
Talked to Glynis about possible studio space in Bloomfield Centre tonight; will look into it when I get back from New York.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, May 2, 2001 1:05 AM
Subject: Parole Terminated For Pedophile Jail Guard Karl Toft, Now In Alberta Prison Rock Says Health Canada May Post U.S. Drug Warnings On Its Web Site National Health Care Commission To Keep An Open Mind To Reform: Romanow
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just came back from a small dinner party at Sarah and Leah and Jeremy’s apartment. Spencer and Tashia were there as well – and hey, we hardly spoke about the Khyber at all, what a relief. We talked of digestion, mostly – at least, that’s where the conversations kept heading back to. Dreams, and the army, and picking olives in Greece amongst crazy people – we laughed and laughed, and everyone except me ate mozzaball soup, as it was made with chicken stock. We spoke of disasters and deaths and plane crashes, too – which doesn’t help before taking a plane anywhere. The convenience of flying somewhere quickly is compromised somewhat at the prospect of hurtling over the earth at great velocity in a heavy tin can.
Today at work Winnie was instructing Karina how she does the financial books. I worked on Craig’s contract and some sponsorship letters and talked on the phone. Judy called and has a vandalism project for us to do when we go to Saint John in June.
Have to go to bed, but want to check out the mysterious mmmbeer.com website, to see if the commercials were really just a marketing test. Karina has to check her mail, as well.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, May 2, 2001 10:10 PM
Subject: Alliance MP Calls On Day To Resign Despite New Strategic Plan Rock Proposes Ban On Cloning But Concrete Action Is Months Away U.S. Seeking Extradition Of International Con Man Caught In B.C.
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Slowly getting packed and prepared for our trip to New York. We are leaving tomorrow. Tonight I packed up Andrea’s fish. I was hoping to just take it as a carry-on, but Karina was worried it would cause problems. It is interesting boxed up; the tail and two side fins stick out from the box. I’m still going to take it as carry-on. We should get some good pictures of me lugging the thing around New York to Andreas place. We are borrowing Sarah’s automatic camera so we can take a picture every hour on the hour. Our camera is still infested with hair product, or syrup or some sort of goop.
Andrea said that it is hot in New York; I am looking forward to that very much. It was another cruddy, cold, almost-raining but not quite day here. Sick of those.
Miserable at work today too. Winnie has been hammering out the numbers for the financial statements and I have been grumpy. Maybe I really need this break.
Have some email business to attend to. Hopefully I will be able to write everyday from NYC.
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 04 May 2001 09:48:07 PDT
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Canada Fears U.S. Missile Defence Plan Could Spawn New Arms Race, Says Manley Day Drops Judge Complaint, Meets With MPs To Try To Restore Caucus Peace Longtime Chretien Confidant Pelletier Stepping Down As Chief Of Staff
Dear Mr. Chretien,
Sorry I didn’t get a chance to write yesterday. Busy first day in New York, lots of travelling, etc. Karina and I arrived in Newark on time, took a bus to Manhattan, then followed Andrea’s impeccable directions to her apartment in Brooklyn. Kelda was at the Bus Terminal to meet us but we didn’t see her. It all worked out; Kelda came back to Brooklyn, we met up with Rebecca and Susan and headed to Chelsea. We had a quick (expensive!) bite to eat at Empire Diner before meeting Andrea, and then headed to the Dia. Dan Graham’s permanent rooftop installation is one of my favourite pieces. Lucky us; there was a lecture that night so we got into the museum for free.
Andrea had been invited to an opening that night at a media gallery under the New Museum, it was a neat piece involving a live violinist contained in a box with a live video feed to another room – similar in some ways to Tim Dallett’s MFA Thesis exhibition. Again, because of the opening we got to see the Paul Macarthy exhibition upstairs for free. Wild stuff; his videos and performances really push buttons. I wouldn’t mind going back to spend more time with them, but we’ll see how things go.
We more or less just wandered around after that. Karina and I are involved in an interesting documentation project where we take a photo every hour, on the hour – thus eliminating any sort of aesthetic decisions regarding ‘tourist’ photographs.
Andrea hasn’t been feeling well lately, so she and Kelda were going to have a quiet morning (having coffee, buying a fan – it is hot here) while Karina and I headed back into Manhattan to check out galleries uptown. We bought sandals and checked out Pearl Paints, and right now we are in a huge warehouse of a space filled with computer terminals – $1 buys us 34 minutes of on-line time. So I am going to send a quick message to Winnie and Karina is going to check her email and then we are off .
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 06 May 2001 11:49:26 PDT
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Cc: papamiah@hotmail.com
Subject: Sask. Environment Suggests More Water Tests, More Often For North Battleford Alta. Parkland So Dry It Is Like Walking On Cornflakes, But It’s Not Drought Inuit Elders Say Climate Change Is Altering Old Rules Of The Arctic
Dear Mr. Chretien,
I hate this damn Canada.Com email – I have told you that before, but is it ever screwy. I just finished drafting a letter to you and hit the tab key by mistake, and lost the letter. So this one will be a point form summary, as I am running out of time on my Easyeverything account:
Couldn’t write yesterday due to footwear crisis: luckily Andrea lent Karina a new pair to walk around in, but we had no luck in finding a good pair of replacement shoes or sandals in our budget,
Didn’t see any galleries: by the time we made it to lower Broadway Phil Grauer’s new Canada Gallery was closed. We can go to the ICP, International Center for Photography, today, which is good because most galleries are closed on Sunday,
Went to a cool club in Lower East Village last night to meet Kelda, who didn’t show, but saw a cool band called Chocolate Genius – frontman Marc Anthony Thompson is funny, witty, a great singer and performer – his impromptu song about Holland was hilarious. Karina even enjoyed herself, after getting over her initial anxiety of being in a strange new place.
Grace is suffering from allergies (there is pollen everywhere, piling up on sidewalks), Andrea is getting over a fever and lost voice, and Karina is developing sore throat from air-conditioned subway air.
Plan to see a film or two at Williamsburg Film Festival tonight, then maybe drinks with Andrea – she is off work at four this afternoon.
Photos every hour on the hour is still working out, want to get one of this giant warehouse full of computer terminals – Easyeverything is on 42nd Street.
Time almost up – will write tomorrow
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 07 May 2001 19:15:41 PDT
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Cc: kpremdas@hotmail.com, edeary@hotmail.com, kearovitch@yahoo.com, edeary@hotmail.com
Subject: Sask. Environment suggests more water tests, more often for North Battleford Big farms a big threat to water quality, says government scientist B.C. premier tours province’s northwest while Liberal leader opens marathon
Dear Mr. Chretien,
The weather has cooled off a bit here, but not by much. Had a busy couple days, despite most galleries being closed. After I wrote yesterday Karina and I went to the ICP, one of the few galleries open on Sunday. Shows by Kiki Smith and Hans Bellmer. Smith should probably stick to sculpture, and Bellmer’s stuff is downright weird and disturbing, but it was intended to be. So they say. A lot of his photos reminded me of the shots Karina took of the doll torsos. Karina’s are better, but she is benefitting from sixty-odd years of developments in colour photography technology. Odd-shaped gallery, too.
Met Andrea and we travelled to Williamsberg, had snacks at the ‘L’ Cafe and did some thrift shopping. Went home for some supper, smoked a wee joint (which was a nice treat) and went to a movie at the BAG (Brooklyn Academy of Music) theatre, which is an amazing space (amazingly funded, too, from reading the program). We watched Memento, my new favorite movie – unexpected, dizzying, edge-of-your seat amazing movie. I must see it again.
Today we continued our quest to find Karina a good pair of shoes, to no avail. Walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. Wandered through the East Village again. This time Karina bought the bright red wig. Went home only to get sweaters; after checking email, we are going to go up the Empire State building, then probably head home again. We need to plan our day strategically tomorrow; it is our last day in Manhattan, so will have to decide what galleries are Must-Sees.
Am looking forward to flying home and diving into work and art again. Have plans to expand dramatically the ‘Photo On The Hour’ documentation project. I have had dreams about it – mostly because I worry the camera doesn’t work and all the photos we have taken so far will not turn out. I am mentally keeping my fingers crossed.
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 08 May 2001 17:29:56 PDT
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Alliance MPs tempt political fate with more criticism of Day Playgrounds empty as Lethbridge cops investigate possible child abduction Former PM Turner decries lack of MPs’ independence as his portrait unveiled
Dear Mr. Chretien,
Today was whirlwind gallery visit day. Spent most of it in Chelsea, after stopping first at the ICP to get the Hans Bellmer catalogue – which we couldn’t get as they had sold out. Some good shows in Chelsea: namely, a group show at White Cube, Tony Oursler at Metro Pictures and James Rosenquist at Gagosian. We met up with Andrea for a coffee/lemonade/bagel with shmear before she had to work – she had hoped to get off work tonight, but her restaurant is under-staffed. We stopped at a Krispie Kreme so Karina could use the bathroom; the bagel place didn’t have one. It is next to impossible to use a restaurant’s washroom without buying something first. Then Karina and I went back uptown to catch the Pop Art show at the Gagosian Uptown. Excellent work there by the big boys; Johns, Rauschenberg, Oldenberg, etc.
Tired, we ended up at Union Square and got into a tiff about shoes and money. Our cash flow is running low – it goes fast in this town! We hit eighth street again and Karina finally found a comfy pair of shoes. Hurrah!
We’re thinking of going to a movie – they cost $9.50! Outrageous. No cheap nights in Manhattan. Maybe we’ll check out the East Village. I wouldn’t mind finding a small Thai restaurant somewhere. We will probably meet Andrea after work for drinks. We have to catch a bus to the airport early tomorrow morning. I have a Khyber meeting tomorrow night and stuff due for the newsletter – I will be jumping head-first into work tomorrow afternoon.
Still haven’t found any fish-detritus, or fish-related item for the Saint John show.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, May 9, 2001 10:45 PM
Subject: Alliance MPs prepare to make a decision about their future in caucus Six burned in battery explosion on central Alberta industrial site Arab group to sue Day over speech that blames Palestine for Mideast crisis
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Well, we’re home. Long travel day. Left Andrea’s at 7:30am. Subway was packed. Missed the 8:20 airport bus, but the 8:40 got us there in plenty of time. Flight was OK. Halifax looked really, really small and tiny from the air. We took the airport bus downtown, then a transit bus home. We still have some money, hurray! Had a nap in the afternoon, which inspired really weird dreams. My body was resting but my mind was still racing at a NY pace. Dreamed of administering a dodgy drug cocktail to someone under a bridge. Odd.
Had a Khyber Future committee meeting with Dan, Annie, Winnie, Mat and Craig. Right back in the thick of things. Am going to bed early to get well-rested for the zillion things I must do over the next few weeks.
-chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: Krishna Premdas <kpremdas@hotmail.com>
Date: Friday, May 11, 2001 11:11 AM
Subject: Probe of PM ‘informational rape’ Ottawa liable for sex abuse of non-resident at native school Starbucks killer gets 15 years
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Well, I have gone and offered to host and chair the next CAP meeting at the Khyber for next month. This happened at the meeting yesterday at the NS Archives. This should be interesting – I have no idea how to chair a meeting. It is such a strange grouping of people: from a Dalhousie medical services site to an old folks home, a troubled youth site and the archives, and then us – the Khyber, centre for contemporary arts which no-one bothers to even try to understand anymore.
Anyway, things are moving ahead with the media centre, we are planning to get equipment on Monday or Tuesday. Hopefully the Cable guy can get us hooked up before the end of the month. I started clearing some space in the basement for transfer of gallery tools and supplies to the basement, to make room for the media centre in the office. Did that until about nine o’clock last night, then watched the last bit of a performance by a young guy in the Club last night. It was a bit naive and contrived, but kudos to the kid for doing something and putting it on.
Cleaned up my home office a bit last night, trying to organize backlogged papers and such. Judy is supposed to come this weekend though she called today and her ride has fallen through (actually, the ride has filled up, and there are now too many in one vehicle). She is pissed off, as she was really looking forward to getting out of Saint John and visiting with us a bit.
Have a lot to do at the office today. Am meeting with the building managers to discuss renovation plans. My computer at work has a blown video card or battery, and it won’t be fixed until Monday, which means Winnie and I have to share hers. I am working on written stuff for the newsletter today, but will concentrate on phone calls and moving stuff as well.
Karina and I really need to get groceries today. We have no food in the fridge and I am tired of eating peanut butter sandwiches.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, May 11, 2001 8:57 PM
Subject: Up to six Canadian Alliance MPs set to leave caucus Tuesday, sources say Day trims sails on Middle East, now sees merit in positions of both sides of Doomed tour boat unsafe despite 28 years of federal inspections: TSB
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Am waiting for Karina to come home with a new Trivial Pursuit game. I was a bit late coming home from work, and I had originally thought that we would get groceries together, but my tardiness must have inspired Plan B. Karina has wanted a new, up-to-date Trivial Pursuit game for some time now. She doesn’t like to play the older versions because the Arts and Entertainment section is always about movie and TV from the fifties and sixties. I would like to see a specific art-focused game – it would probably be the only version I’d be good at.
Still only half-way through clearing out the office to make way for the KDMC. Met with building management today to go over the proposed renovations. Just need to put together some budgets and then the real fun begins.
Talked with Craig about the club tonight. He wants to hire an accountant. Most likely a good idea, if it is affordable enough. Will keep the books clean and in the open.
Have a shit-load of stuff to do this weekend. Computer at work is still shot, even with the new battery which Winnie had replaced today. Now there are major extension conflicts. I was getting a fading and flashing bomb I have never seen before.
Must go eat first – am developing a headache, and I think it is from lack of food. I hope Karina picks groceries up on her way home with the Trivial Pursuit game.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, May 13, 2001 10:46 PM
Subject: Fear, uncertainty, anger as Alberta community prays for soul of Jessica, 5 Alliance caucus prepares for potentially explosive week on Parliament Hill B.C. premier makes whirlwind tour of Vancouver Island days before election
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Karina and I visited Rebecca at Julien’s Bakery this afternoon. Had coffee and a bagel and smear; Karina had a croissant and cake. Breakfast of Champions.
Biked down to NSCAD to drop off my painting for the auction. I wish I had put more time into it. There is a lot of really good work down there. Good organisation, too. They have already sold out of tickets; 300 of them. Makes me feel inadequate about the Gala fundraiser.
Came home and worked on the Khyber newsletter. I have changed my ‘Letter from the Director’ three times. I can’t get my ideas down clearly.
Called my mom and wished her a happy mothers day. We talked about my grandmother; she seems to be suffering from early Alzheimers. She is really losing her short term memory.
Watched The Simpsons. Hilarious, as usual. My only TV Joy.
Going to bed early. Am meeting Ray at Pierceys tomorrow morning. Am getting a piece of wood to build a set of shelves in the blocked-in window bay in the office. Will do that tomorrow morning, as well as prepare the agenda for the board meeting tomorrow night. The opening for the NSCAD fundraiser is tomorrow evening as well.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, May 15, 2001 12:17 AM
Subject: Three or four Alliance MPs expected to start domino effect in caucus Police confirm little Jessica Koopman was killed, says grandfather Klein says Alta will consider pedophile registry in the wake of death of girl
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
A long day today. Met Ray at Piercey’s at eight o’clock. Bought wood for new shelving unit for the office. Built shelves this morning. Cleaned and organized the office in the afternoon. It looks big and spacious now. Had a late breakfast with Karina at the Med. Talked about Clement Greenberg and Avant Garde and Kitch. Typed up agendas. Dan came by to type minutes from the last meeting. It rained cats and dogs all day. It is supposed to rain for days to come. It is raining right now. Had the executive meeting in the Club. Sara and Dan couldn’t make it. There was a lot of material to go over. There is so much left to do. We are getting the computers delivered tomorrow. There is so much to do.
I have been hearing nothing but bad news on the radio lately. Not just kids being murdered and traffic accidents. Bad stuff about missile defense systems, planet-gorging energy consumption and a resurgence of nuclear power stations. Elizabeth May is on day eighteen of a hunger strike just to get people moved off Frederick Street in Sydney, Cape Breton. I am so discouraged by our spineless and weak federal government. Following is a list of suggestions:
1. Economics isn’t everything
2. Nuclear Power is neither safe, efficient or cheap
3. Overconsumption is killing the planet
4. The Sydney Tar Ponds should be cleaned up ASAP
5. George Bush is a knob
6. University should be free
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, May 15, 2001 11:26 PM
Subject: Day says he’s staying after eight Alliance MPs call for his resignation Western Alliance supporters have mixed reaction to MP defections Heartbroken family awaits funeral for slain Jessica Koopmans
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I’m listening to the new G. Love and Special Sauce CD at the moment. Karina bought it last week. It is great. We all listened to G. Love back in the old apartment days on Germain Street back in Saint John. Those were the daze. Have I mentioned to you that Bob was making a graphic novel / comic book based on that summer?
I haven’t seen him or it in a while; I should contact him and see how progress is coming.
Walked to the Khyber in the rain this morning to meet Barry from Omnitech who was dropping off our, computer equipment. Winnie unpacked and plugged everything in, but we are waiting for Neal to install and network the computers. I have to set up a KDMC meeting, and soon. The new computers intimidate me greatly. I still don’t understand mine fully, and I spend practically all my home hours on it.
Updated the membership and prepared labels and envelopes for the mailout tomorrow. Karina helped after her class was finished. She is in Garry’s Art Now class. They visited the Painting Zero Degree show which recently opened at Saint Mary’s. I will try to visit the show when the curator comes down for a lecture, which is sometime in June.
The catalogues were copied today, Winnie dropped them off at the Office just past six. They were all folded, which is great, except that on closer inspection I noticed that most appear to be folded wrong. Luckily Karina and Samantha have already agreed to come tomorrow to help Fold n’ Stuff.
We have been waiting for over a month for our alarm system providers to come and complete our room alarm. Right now the office, Ballroom Gallery and a studio are all on the same alarm. We need to cut the studio out until the KDMC moves into it in September. The problem is that Winnie and I have both forgotten the code, and the tech never shows. He was supposed to come tonight, but never did; Norm couldn’t reach him. I was nervous to leave the computers in our office without the alarm, but I’m sure they will be fine. The doors are quite solid. (Fingers crossed, knocks on wood).
Karina and I took a bus directly to the Superstore from the Khyber. We hadn’t bought groceries in a loooong time. I ended up standing in front of the wall of frozen fish sticks, trying to come up with a workable idea for the fish sculpture for the Saint John show. No luck.
Received a rejection from Eastern Edge in the mail today. They had over sixty applications – the selection process must have been a nightmare. We are about to undergo one ourselves, but we have just under thirty submissions, which is much more manageable. I hope.
Have to go to bed. Meeting the alarm tech at the Khyber tomorrow at nine o’clock. Another early, long day.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, May 17, 2001 1:24 AM
Subject: Dissident Alliance MPs suspended from caucus, but no expulsions Liberals see Alliance troubles as spectator sport, but worry about future Liberals score huge election win in British Columbia as voters reject NDP
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Another successful mailout on time. Right down to the wire, as usual. Had an interesting incident at Staples this morning. After meeting the Alliance security tech, who needed all of five minutes to get our alarm system up and running, I walked to Staples to make some photocopies. I ended up making too many, and didn’t have enough money to pay, so had to walk back to work to get more money, then back to Staples – what a waste of time. Busy all day, good news as well; we have been awarded another jobs grant. That brings the total to four, so far. Ended up staying at the Club until past nine. People I needed to talk to kept coming in. Talked to Randy about the KDMC. Booked a show with a graffiti artist. Andrea confirmed she will take the Khyber Kids co-ordinator position. Made some good fundraising plans with Victoria. She is going to organize another Pinata Party. It will be very messy, and may not make a lot of money, but it will be a lot of fun. Initialized a plan for a video screening with Becka.
Biked home after Karina called and watched a movie with Courtney and Rebecca. Courtney made homemade salsa and then tried to make nachos by putting corn chips in the microwave. They got really soggy, so we transferred them to the oven. Still soggy, but he had put the sour cream in with the cheese and everything else. Andrew came over halfway through the movie. He was pissed drunk. His friend had proposed marriage to his girlfriend and was celebrating by buying all his friends beers. The movie we watched was The Man Who Knew Too Much.
Am going to bed now so I can get up early to work on email stuff before going to work.
-chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, May 18, 2001 10:45 PM
Subject: Mother of slain Alta girl says goodbye during graveside service Missing three-year-old girl found dead by searchers in northern Manitoba Day gets temporary reprieve from turmoil; pressure taken off dissidents
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Talked with Judy on the phone this morning and tonight when I got home. She wants me to write a letter of reference for her. I find that a bit surprising. I guess I don’t put enough stock in my own position. She is a bit bummed out that Saint John re-elected Shirley yet again, but that’s politics the Saint John way. Change is hard to induce.
The Eastlink installers came by this afternoon but took too long assessing where the cable would go to actually install it, so they will come back on Tuesday. I keep forgetting that it is supposed to be a long weekend this weekend. I am to paint at Jay and Suzanne’s house this weekend.
Yesterday was a long day; sorry I didn’t write. When I did get home from work (forty-five minutes after I had promised Karina I would be home) we watched a movie, Dead Man. Karina had made cupcakes but wouldn’t let me eat any as I had broken my promise about coming home early. I can’t seem to help it; work could just go on and on and on, and sometimes I find myself getting more done later in the evening than during the day. There are always so many distractions during the day.
Right now Karina, Rebecca and her sister Sarah are watching Anne of Green Gables. They rented it. Every now and then they squeal with laughter or say the lines aloud. It was obviously more influential for them than it was for me.
I have wanted to spray paint images of windmills around the city in locations where the big architecture causes drafty wind tunnels. I just have to make the time for it; I have been planning it for two years now. Also, Heather called me today from MSVU and wants to use a portrait from my series of paintings of you in a group show next month. I have to check with the dates for the show in Saint John, as the only one I have at home is going to be part of the Deep See exhibition. Anyway, I have lots more work to do tonight.
Joel Plaskett’s CD release party is tomorrow night at the Marquee. It should be a really good show; I have been listening to them rehearse for a couple days straight now.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, May 20, 2001 1:41 AM
Subject: Day supporters and critics both say a corner was turned with defections Stockwell Day meets with Bob Mills after Red Deer MP supports leader Saturday’s winning numbers
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I called Jay this morning to come get me so we could get the ladder but he was on his way to a golf course. I could have gone over to their house and done some prep but I was so not in the mood. I actually went back to bed for awhile.
Karina and I decided to go to a matinee. As it was raining we took a cab to the Oxford to see Pollack. It disturbed Karina greatly. At first she claimed it was boring, but she really reacted to it strongly. A movie about a glorified artist who was really a prick and an asshole is nothing new (i.e. Surviving Picasso), but it is becoming old and tired and does a disservice to the broader picture of art. Everyone already thinks that artists have to be ‘tortured geniuses’ to be artists, what baloney. I actually didn’t mind the movie so much, but I see her point. She had to live with me at my worst, and fears it could happen again. But it has been a full year since I have quit smoking and four months since I have touched alcohol. Now I’m just a workaholic. Sometimes that is almost as bad.
We grabbed some sushi on the way home, and some groceries and a new garbage can. Went to the Joel Plaskett Emergency CD launch at the Marquee. Good show. Ran into Christine and Bethany. Everyone got drunk, Karina on her usual jaggermeister. Not drinking makes everything seem constant. Sort of like boredom.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, May 20, 2001 10:08 PM
Subject: Man charged with first-degree murder in death of slain Lethbridge girl tiny NDP must pick spots to battle huge B.C. Liberal majority, say observers silence, tears, mark first anniversary of Walkerton water tragedy
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Finally got some work done at Jay and Suzanne’s today. Didn’t start until about one-thirty, though. Jay called and didn’t want me to start until after noon. Then he had to go to Dartmouth to get the van so I could bring the ladder from the Khyber. I scraped and filled areas of the hall ceiling where paint had peeled off. There wasn’t enough primer to do anything more.
Winnie called this morning because the alarm had gone off in the office. The techs had disconnected Lorena’s door but not the motion sensor in her studio. The alarm is actually in her room, it must have scared the bejeezus out of her. It bugs me that we notified the alarm company to call me first yet they still called Winnie.
I am having a bit of a crisis in my head; I don’t think I can do this job. Maybe I shouldn’t apply, and hope someone else does. How are we going to get someone more qualified at $13 grand a year? I feel dislocated from the Khyber community, the arts community, any sort of community.
We were supposed to go to Sally’s house tonight for a barbeque for Craig and Liz, sort of a Khyber staff party. Karina didn’t want to go; I think last night used up her social outings quota for the week. I didn’t want to get in a tiff about going alone, and was feeling a little low anyway, so we stayed home. Watched the Simpsons season finale; it sucked. They always try to do these dumb themed shows as the finales, and they always bomb.
Will work on the letter of reference for Judy, maybe watch a bit of X-Files, and prepare a draft for an agenda for tomorrow KDMC meeting. Have a board development meeting tomorrow morning at nine with Sarah, Briony and Spencer. Just heard today that Spencer got the job at the Mount; I knew it when Ingrid called me last week for a reference. Spencer and Sarah were competing for the job, I hope it doesn’t affect their friendship.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, May 21, 2001 9:12 PM
Subject: Mother to attend as man accused of killing Alberta girl goes to court Tuesday Ontario consumers kept in dark on electricity rebate, watchdog says Bank mergers one growth option as new financial services law looms
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had an early breakfast meeting at Sarah’s house. Spencer had been to a party last night and never showed, but Briony did. We talked about board development, the need for cultural organizations to band together to lobby more effectively, and fund-raising. Always with the fund-raising. Did I tell you that someone burned Sarah’s mom’s cabin down last week? They are both quite upset about it. That was the cabin we all spent time at for Andrew’s show.
Had a late afternoon meeting at the Khyber about the KDMC. I am worried by it all, the computers and the networking and the job grants and the software and just how the damn centre is going to operate. I still can’t get more than half the Steering Committee to show up for a KDMC meeting. It feels overwhelming and gives me a constant headache, I find it hard to get excited about it, I spend too much energy worrying about it. Maybe I drank too much coffee today.
Came home and had supper with Karina in front of a really lame movie, The Love Letter. Ellen Degeneres was the only bright spot in the whole movie and she wasn’t on screen nearly enough. In the previews it seems like she’s the main character. What a gyp.
Talked to Trevor and Tamara tonight. They had spent the weekend in Lunenberg with Nanny and Poppy. Trevor and Tamara gave them their computer, so by the end of the week my grandparents will have joined the technological revolution. Trevor spent most of the time trying to teach Poppy how to play computer golf. Vive la revolution.
A few more emails to send, then I think I’ll go to bed early. Maybe continue reading a low-tech overview of art, a book called But is it art? by Cynthia Friedman. It is concise, a little over-simplified but not in a bad way. The Eastlink techs are coming early tomorrow morning to hook up the Internet in the office.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2001 11:54 PM
Subject: Crucial offshore boundary between Nfld. and Nova Scotia invalid, panel rules Supreme Court weighs fate of two men facing possible torture if deported new chief of defence promises to stay the course; critics want major overhaul
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Another long day. Which is a dumb thing to say; each day lasts the same amount of time.
Had a weird dream about the vacant NFB ‘shell’ building. A party was happening there. It was more like a cave than the hollow shell of a building it really is. Lots of crevices and nooks and crannies. I must remember to call the owner and see if it would be possible to put on an event of some sort there.
Internet is now hooked up in the office. It didn’t take nearly as long as expected.
Had a really late bar committee meeting as we hammered out details of Craig’s contract.
Seth and the Spokks played tonight in the Club.
Came home and made supper at eleven, watched the end of Pink Flamingos. Courtney had rented it. I’m surprised Andrew and Rebecca watched as much of it as they did. Disgusting. Rebecca wants to do the paint sea on site with me in Lunenberg this July. I must remember to call and register. Must also remember to pick up student loan interest relief forms.
Found a dead mouse in the basement. the bad smell led me to it.
I have a headache and my breath stinks.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, May 24, 2001 1:46 AM
Subject: Residents in Sydney, N.S., look for cash to move from toxic neighbourhood Tories the only opposition party capable of forming a government says Mulroney Inuit welcome treaty to curb toxic pollution now contaminating their food
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just came back from Bearley’s. Karina and I signed up to sing our old standard, Love Shack, but somebody else beat us to it. Bethany and Christine sang Islands in the Stream with some drunk guy. They were all quite drunk, actually. Karaoke is great fun. I should try to go more often, though it is quite smoky in there.
Had meetings today and tonight, worked all day, the sun was lovely I managed to spend some time outside, on my way to the bank and such. It’s late right now and I really just want to go to bed. The sustained ache in the back of my head and neck is urging me to bed. Rest, I am up early again tomorrow as there is lots I want to accomplish.
Maybe I’ll drop a line from work, now that we are online there.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, May 24, 2001 11:01 PM
Subject: Lack of housing in aboriginal communities threatens their survival: Coon Come Decimated B.C. NDP cabinet meets to ‘autopsy the corpse’ Landry says Quebec economy will grow faster, eventually catch up to Ontario’s
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sunny today, but apparantly the temperature is still cool and chilly, especially in the shade. Wouldn’t really know it by being inside most of the day. Made some supper this morning to take to work for lunch. Listened to an interview on Information Morning with Suzanne, Toby and Kathy from Saint John. They were discussing a group show that they were involved with in Mexico. I much prefer Ralph as an interviewer than Shelagh.
Heather called me at work today regarding the portrait that they want for the MSVU portrait show. I have to write a short paragraph explaining the work. First I have to get my head out of work mode, which is increasingly difficult as there are numerous events coming up, like the yard sale and Satan Macnuggit on Saturday, then the Outspoken series next week, then the Canada Council presentation and then the AGM, plus all the meetings in between. Met with Sarah briefly today to talk about board duties and fundraising, that is a whole other ball of wax. Carmine came by today to document the exhibitions, and Barbara came by to get a key so she and Donna can install on Sunday. I have a feeling I will be at the Khyber all weekend, cleaning up from the yard sale and preparing for the openings on Monday.
Karina is now taking part in a group show at a photography gallery in Liverpool. She is stressing about building frames. I don’t see what she is worried about; she is competent with tools. She hasn’t had much practice in the past year, though.
Her parents lent her some money to take a special processes workshop class this Saturday. Her parents are also planning to be in Halifax for her show at the eyelevel. It will be nice to see them again; the last time I saw them was when I went to Calgary for Christmas holidays in 1997.
Mat sent me the job posting today. I am so sick of the job that I still entertain the idea of not applying, but I most likely will. It just eats up so much time, I wonder if I will be able to devote a reasonable amount of time to ‘art’.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, May 27, 2001 11:03 AM
Subject: Alliance council looks to Tories; plays down damaging suspension and poll thousands of Montrealers brave chills to get naked in the streets at dawn Saturday’s winning numbers
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had weird dreams last night about the SUV that Trevor, Tamara and her brother Talub and friend Rifah are driving around in this weekend. A mixture of envy and disgust.
Slept in a bit, received a call from Mathew who needs to get into the Khyber, so I am heading down shortly. Found a good image of the windmill I can use for my stencil; a flyer promoting an ‘energy revolution’ came in the mail yesterday. I may work on that a bit today.
Sunny again, for the fifth day in a row. Maybe six.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, May 27, 2001 11:33 PM
Subject: Alliance council looks to Tories; plays down damaging suspension and poll foes say Alliance leader’s stubborn grip on power will narrow party’s appealleadership not priority as B.C. NDP struggles to rebuild from election defeat
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Dismantled and boxed up Brandon’s work today. Mat worked on the frame for the Frame Gallery. He was deepening the inset for the eventual Plexiglass. Fo his exhibition he is installing a piece of Masonite painted with black chalkboard paint. He will drill holes at differently angles and put lights behind it, so a ‘twinkling’ effect will take place as the viewer walks in front of and by the piece. Quite a nice idea, in theory – hopefully it will work out.
Was thinking today about how I really fumbled the ball on the Satan MacNuggit video show. I should have really tried to push it more with the younger punk crowd. It should have been booked for the gallery as well – the fact that no one under 19 are allowed into the Club really cut down on the crowd. I should have issued a separate press release, at least. I feel bad – the videos were great, and should have been seen by more people. We all need to see how much our democracy and freedom of choice and expression are being eroded by government policies which are birthed from Corporate vision. The brutality of the police from the anti-poverty demonstration in Toronto last year and in Quebec – it is disgusting. And APEC – we can’t forget APEC. It is funny (not really), that the young chap who pied you got jail time, yet nothing has happened to the police or those that instructed police to assault the APEC protesters.
Still didn’t get around to getting any work done on the windmill stencils. That has to happen soon – I want them up for the American tourists, a subliminal kick to their perpetual ‘energy crisis’.
Watched a double-dose of the Simpsons tonight, then some videos we picked up at the show last night. I want to start a video collection of art videos and video zines. Sooooo much better than Prime Time Crap.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, May 28, 2001 11:21 PM
Subject: Ottawa probes reports Canadian held in Saudi jail being tortured: Manley Nfld pledges to clean up water after issuing damning but dated report McGray waives right to preliminary hearing in 16-year-old murder case
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had strange dreams last night about being inside an incredibly tall building. The view to the mountains and hills across a large body of water was staggering. A large ferryboat in the harbour was doing donuts, rocking violently to and fro. There was other stuff which is foggy now.
Put my “Portrait of Jean Chrétien” on the bus to Saint John today. Also picked up the first few photos from our New York trip. They are so bad they are good – they work in exactly the manner I had hoped that they would. Bad tourist photos, blurry and poorly lit – the flash illuminating only the nearest subjects.
Went to work hoping to complete the letter to Cardinal Management and Craig’s contract, but accomplished neither. Alyssa was in to work today; I had forgotten that she is working full time on Khyber Kids preparations now. I am a bad boss, I fear. There was also a lot of preparation for the openings tonight.
A small but appreciative crowd tonight. The weather had turned to pits, raining and drizzling, then pouring rain, but people still showed up. And stayed long; Karina and I finally caught a bus and were home by eleven.
I have to prepare for a long day of work tomorrow, develop a schedule to keep Alyssa busy, and prepare for the Open Forum discussion Wednesday night. And I want to make some art so bad it is making my head itch. I want to make videos and stencils and screenprinted T-Shirts. And books; lots of little books. Have not developed any content for said books; maybe I’ll ‘borrow’ from the Bloomfield Press. Maybe not.
Did you get my fax about the energy revolution?
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, May 29, 2001 11:19 PM
Subject: McGray pleads guilty to N.S. hitchhiker’s death, ends 16-year-old mystery Alliance pushing merger with Tories, but Joe Clark growing cooler report proposes 20 per cent pay hike for MPs, senators; even more for PM
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Feeling the penny pinching today. Withdrew some cash from the account and realized that I just have enough to cover rent this month. Goes fast, money does. Looks like we definitely won’t be going to Saint John this weekend. I may still be getting a bit of cash for showing a Portrait at MSVU; those CARFAC fees can really come in handy.
We are having difficulty attracting sponsors for the Khyber Kids brochure. I don’t think $125 is too much for an ad space in a brochure being delivered to thousands of homes, but maybe it is. I hate advertising, really. Nasty business. So mercenary. Hopefully something will come through tomorrow; we really have to get them printed ASAP. Say, would you like to place an ad? A bit of good PR never hurts, does it? I’ll need to know by the end of tomorrow.
Heather gave Karina and I tickets to the Jest in Time show, Trip, at the Du Maurier Theatre tonight. Great physical comedy. It was amazing what the four of them did all in one set. Very fluid. Nice mix of live and pre-recorded action. I wonder how much Du Maurier pays Neptune to have their name as one of the performing venues. I wonder if their was something in that smoke machine….
Oh, and great news for the gallery today; we received all three of the NSAC grants that we applied for back in March. Hooray! So it was a good thing that Helen decided to stay in Halifax – she was a snail’s breath away from moving to Quebec City to teach English. She can work on the mural in the downstairs hall this summer while we prepare for the opening workshops to coincide with the opening of the KDMC. It is turning into a busy summer!
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, May 31, 2001 12:11 AM
Subject: Clark plans to go it alone in Alberta, a hamlet falls to the flames Ottawa says Sampson was not tortured, family remains dubious
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Long, busy but active and fairly productive day today. Great mouse story. After the two we saw last night hopping out of our garbage can, the same thing happened to Alyssa this morning, only she took the can across the street to let the mouse go. It ended up running into me on my way up the hill coming from Cafe Mokka with coffee and tea. Then it ran into a bike tire and a parked car. Mice are such skittery creatures.
Managed to land NSCAD Continuing Education as an advertiser in the Khyber Kids newsletter. May have Mills as well; I will find out, hopefully, tomorrow. We have to go to press on this ASAP. I take it from your lack of response you are not interested? That’s OK.
The Outspoken Series was OK tonight, not as much audience participation as we had hoped but I think the discussion opened the eyes of many young artists, many of whom knew little of CARFAC or the long and often tumultuous history of artist-run centres in Canada. I feel a small surge or groundswell of potential activity stemming from meetings like this. Involvement is the key, the essential component of successful community-based centres. Ray and Sarah were here tonight, they actually finalized a house today, and they are going to be on Young Street, not in Dartmouth. They are renting for now. But darn it, David has already asked Sarah to the eyelevel board and she agreed. She will still help us with specific projects, if we ask her nicely.
I’m exhausted, and have a long day tomorrow, have to finish sorting and preparing for the selection committee tomorrow night. And finish the Khyber Kids brochure, ackkkk.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, June 1, 2001 12:46 AM
Subject: Liberals under fire for contract to put a price on Canada’s water case of alleged beating by Ottawa policeman ‘a rush to judgment,’ says lawyer B.C. Liberals win another seat on recount, making tally 77 seats to two
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Tired. Just biked home from another twelve-hour day and watched a movie, The City of the Lost Children, with Karina, Rebecca and Andrew. Of course, Rebecca and Andrew went to bed half-way through. It is the third time I have seen that movie but I pick up more and more each time.
Had a gallery selection meeting tonight. Viewed over three hundred slides, and we managed to make a fairly decent decision to fill four slots in just over four hours. Jan, Dan, Briony and Heather met, along with Winnie and myself.
Had a phone message from Craig today; he saw a large rat in the bar last night. He believes the recent rise in mouse sightings is due to the MEC re-development, which has gutted a notorious rat hotel. They are running all throughout the downtown now trying to find new homes.
Mills declined on the ad space for the brochure; Heather is way over budget. I asked Shana and she is in, but can only pay us in installments .
Tired; must sleep. Karina needs help with her show tomorrow morning.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, June 1, 2001 8:49 PM
Subject: What recession? Economy purring Sex offender won’t force kids to visit Klein persuades premiers to demand voice in energy talks
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Bad mood cloud followed me around this afternoon. The day started promising enough, I biked ahead of Karina to meet her at NSCAD to help her build some frames in the woodshop. Chatted with Ken, he is building a new mast for his sailboat. He is always building something. Once Karina had a plan of action she was fine, I think she was just hesitant about using the saws. Ken is a great guide, he is far more helpful than I could be.
Got to work and Winnie had made me some seafood dumplings. The rest of the afternoon started to degenerate when Andrew and I tried to fix the front doorstop. I know nothing about doorstops. They confuse me. I thought I could replace the one that wasn’t working with an extra one from the basement. Silly me. Then I got bogged down in the Khyber Kids brochure, couldn’t get the Collideascope ad, nothing was fitting, didn’t get it to the printer on time, and it is already late to begin with. Still haven’t called the successful applicants for shows in the Ballroom next year, and got more depressed when I realized how little programmable space and time we have. And the bank statement came today and hearing how little money the Society has always depresses me.
Went to Andrew MacLaren’s “Book Launch” at the eyelevel tonight – it was a a literal launch, using a homeade catapault to launch pages from the book. Had a nice talk with Marc Cyr about the Khyber. Then helped Karina carry some photo paper to school. Biked home. I forgot to bring the dumplings.
Have grandiose plans to do housecleaning tonight. Want to make art but lack of facilities is frustrating me.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, June 2, 2001 8:41 PM
Subject: 60% support tax relief for private schooling Ottawa denies medal to seaman who saved 8 Most-prescribed drug under review for safety
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had an odd phone call from my mom last night. Actually, it was a friend of hers that called while Karina, Rebecca and I were watching a really cheesy movie. More about it later. My parents were playing a home version of “Who wants to be a millionaire”, and mom was calling me as a lifeline. The question was asking who Renoir’s wife was. I honestly didn’t have a clue; still don’t. I just guessed. “Karina” was one of the options. I will call her later tonight and ask what the actual answer was.
The movie we were watching was “The Other Sister”. Hard to feel too sympathetic about the little worries of a rich Republican family in San Fransisco. A tad too sappy, as well.
Karina and I ate at the Med in preparation for the Market, but ran out of time. Karina spent the day working on her frames; I tried to organize files at work. Read a disturbing newspaper article on human extinction in the Globe. I’ve always believed we are capable of our own extinction. It is probably well in the works. Having good ‘ole Bush in the White House is just going to continue to speed it along. Human behavior has reached an unsustainable level. What can you do, when the rich have us all brainwashed into thinking that free enterprise, the market, the economy and jobs are all there is to be concerned about in life? No wonder art is always pushed aside, and those concerned with the environment, enacting real political change, true democracy or social programs are marginalized. Disgusting.
Anyway, I’m going to watch another cheesy movie and eat cookies and chips and drink tea and try to relax a bit before work again tomorrow.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, June 4, 2001 1:01 AM
Subject: Clark denies party problems behind Tory president stepping down Alberta Premier Ralph Klein emerges as de facto leader of Western Canada Art Eggleton is first Canadian defence minister to visit Moscow
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Up early to help set up for Punk Show. Dismantled sound system from bar and then couldn’t re-assemble properly upstairs. Luckily Craig came and fixed it. Felt useless. Tried to work while the show was going on but it was too loud. I found myself staring at the computer screen, compiling lists upon lists of things I had to do, but not able to do any of them. Agendas, schedules, descriptions, applications, letters and phone calls all need to be made, yet I could do none of them.
Ate at the Med with Craig Power. He is setting up his show at the eyelevel. We talked about Andrew.
Went to Mokka twice for coffee. Drank too much coffee.
Karina came after the Punks left, to varnish her frames. She couldn’t do it at home because of the cat hair. We took a bus home because it was raining. Made some quick supper, then Rebecca, Andrew and Karina and I walked to Tashia’s apartment a few blocks away. It was a birthday party for Spencer. I wish I wasn’t in such a bad mood. Byron was talking about this vegetable oil fuel which is easy to make and can be used with conventional diesal engines, but the oil companies and governments are holding it back. Damn them. Driving us all to extinction, they are. Damn car companies. Damn oil companies. Damn governments. Bad mood.
Have to get up early to meet Andrea and prepare for KDMC meeting. I want to start a drawing project, a computer mouse drawing project, five-minute daily drawings. I’ll time myself from the computer clock. I’ll send you one every day. Someday I’d like to give them a more permanent form, like concrete, some sort of sculptural presence. Hope you enjoy the first one.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, June 4, 2001 10:34 PM
Subject: Retroactive pay hike for politicians to be fast-tracked through Commons Home Office OKs charges against Air India suspect Inderjit Singh Reyat Conservatives evenly split over Alliance: pursue merger or just keep talking
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sorry, I forgot to send the start of my computer drawings to you last night. I’ll send it with today’s.
Bad mood today. Bitter. Tried to finish up brochure with Andréa. Planned KDMC meeting, which was poorly attended. We keep going over the same ground. Will probably hire Randy, he is most qualified and familiar to work with.
Lots of homework to do. Why am I in such a pissy mood? Bitter about lack of time to make art. nervous about teaching classes in the Fall that I have no idea how to teach. Find most people irritating lately. Stories are dull.
Karina was telling me tonight about Jordan using up all its water in the course of a decade or so. Looks like we are en route to repeat, if we are not careful. Humans are annoying me.
Judy called with news that she is trying to orchestrate an interview with Time Magazine for me. makes me feel like a lousy fraud. Maybe I should play that up; create an artist-persona that Time readers want to read about. Something to think about. Maybe I should just be myself, maybe that would be more disturbing. There is some trickery afoot. Need to bring in some slides to scan and email to her tomorrow.
I can’t believe you politicians are voting yourself raises. With your travel and expense account, what the hell do you need a 42% raise for? Who else gets a jump like that? Disgusting, rewarding yourself for such awful behavior, for stomping out protesters, for ignoring the debtload of students, for gutting health and social programs, ignoring the poor and children, for ignoring the arts… getting close to fascism. Real close.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, June 6, 2001 12:49 AM
Subject: Time for Stockwell Day to step aside, says veteran Alliance MP Deb Grey Day open to new party; Tory senator frustrated with slowdown on merger talks Charges laid against convicted bomb maker in Air India blast
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Biked to work early to email some freshly-scanned slides to Judy, but she couldn’t open the files. Some compatibility problems, no doubt. Gotta love technology.
Had a real shitty day at work. Garry’s class came in and just as I started a discussion of Barbara and Donna’s work Winnie came up the stairs with the phone, it was one of the applicants we recently reviewed and I took the call and then got busy in the office and left the class high and dry. Karina said that she was incredibly embarrassed, and Garry was pissed off, too. I don’t know what has gotten into me, I feel I’m losing any ability to speak to people or complete work on time, it’s awful. I feel like I am screwing up everything, can’t do anything right, am mad at myself for being such a screwup.
Went to the CAPS Annual General Meeting and joined the board as Mathew stepped down. What am I thinking, joining another bureaucratic committee? I don’t think I can handle it all, or even want to. I want to make art; I want to be part of something meaningful. Am afraid the Khyber project is becoming meaningless.
Had a fundraising committee meeting afterwards, trying to organize the events in the Ballroom for the rest of June. I’m sick of fund-raising; it’s not fun anymore. I don’t know the music or literary communities. I don’t know anyone. The arts community doesn’t seem to be there for the centre, so why bother? Maybe should just let the whole thing fold, let the City have the building back, hang my head in defeat. I feel shameful, am disgusted with myself.
Helped Karina finish building her frames for her photographs. The group show she is part of opens tomorrow at the Sherman Hines Museum in Liverpool. My dad is from Liverpool. I haven’t been there in many, many years.
Biked home and stopped for a pizza slice on the way, I was so hungry was shaking and weak. The biggest pizza slice I’d ever seen. Managed to eat and bike at the same time. Now have a headache. Will drink some water then go to bed.
The woman who tripped on the grate in front of the building is suing the City. Yay!
I think part of me is a bit weirded out and bummed out about David and Melinda having their baby Jack. If Karina and I had gone through with her pregnancy then our baby would be over a year old now.
Judy called me at work this afternoon to read Glenn Hall’s amazingly funny review of the Deep See exhibits that opened this past weekend. Oh, and Gerry won the Strathbutler award this year, good for him.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, June 6, 2001 11:38 PM
Subject: Toronto police investigating threatening e-mail sent to Day’s critics Ontario premier agrees to testify at Walkerton inquiry into tainted water Landry throws cold water on rumours he will call Quebec election this year
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Still a bit out of sorts today. Feeling overwhelmed. Judy called and really wants Karina and I to come to Saint John this weekend. She offered to pay. I’m almost convinced, though I feel behind on everything.
Managed to finally send a software donation application form off to Adobe – Gifts In Kind International, actually. Processing and administrative fees cost $130 US, which is $200 Canadian. Crazy.
Karina was up really early to leave with the photo group installing at the Sherman Hines Museum in Liverpool today. She called from NSCAD just before they left and said that Bob Bean was going up later in the afternoon and may have an extra seat. I met up with him at 3pm, he had an extra seat and away we went. We took the scenic route through Lunenberg and took the LaHave Ferry. Exciting.
Met up with the photo group at the main hangout in Liverpool, everyone had a drink or two, then we went to the Museum for the opening. There was a new display of Lupine watercolour paintings and a Sherman Hines exhibit of new photos from his most recent book project. The room that the NSCAD students were in features a permanent display of a stuffed wolf, bird, fox and polar bear. One of the photographers, Jen, had actually brought photos taken of wildlife displays from the Natural History Museum in Halifax. As Bob said, it was an uncanny match. The installation was a bit difficult, as the museum didn’t want holes in the walls – something to do with the paint – but the show looks good.
Watched the same cars drive around and around the main drag in front of the museum for awhile, then drove back to Halifax with Susan. Want to get to bed early as I am hosting a South End Cap meeting at the Khyber tomorrow and need to plan for it. I have to find another table, and have no idea where that will come from.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, June 7, 2001 11:28 PM
Subject: MPs vote to accept 20 per cent pay raise, related pension hike Toronto police investigating threatening e-mail sent to Day’s critics Quebec judge who hid FLQ crime should have come clean: high court
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Slowly climbing out of my weeklong bad mood. I thought for most of the day that Judy had convinced us to come visit her in Saint John for the weekend, but we can’t afford to go. Besides, I was scheduled to paint for Jay and Suzanne this weekend. I should really try to finish their mirror. Judy is probably mad that we aren’t coming. I would really like to, I think I could use a break and seeing old friends is always nice, but we just can’t manage it.
Held a C@P South End Cluster meeting in the Ballroom this afternoon. Those that attended agreed that we would let the recently hired summer student act as liaison between us for the remainder of the summer. We don’t want to get bogged down in another layer of committees and meetings. I certainly have enough to keep me full.
Our Khyber Kids brochures were finished today, a day early. We can get a jump on distribution now. The camp starts in three weeks.
Played a game of Trivial Pursuit with Andrew, Rebecca and Karina tonight. Andrew and I won. Rebecca was tired from getting up so early to work at Julien’s. Karina woke me up early with one of her familiar yells. She was having a bad dream that she was being beaten up and I wouldn’t help her. Rebecca says that she has abandonment issues.
Trevor called tonight. We made plans to have a barbeque this weekend. Am supposed to go to a farewell barbeque for Ben tomorrow night. He is heading to Ontario, then to Chicago to study at the Art Institute of Chicago.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, June 8, 2001 10:51 PM
Subject: Russian police almost finished probe into deadly crash involving diplomat Tobin scoffs at report about war chest, but muses about leadership in French Seven per cent jobless rate could worsen over summer, analysts say
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Down and ups, up and downs again today. Alyssa folding Khyber Kids brochures. Andrea in and out, Winnie back and forth from one computer to the other. Started the day dropping off some Khyber Kids brochures to the Hydrostone Market, visited Rebecca, Andrew outside in the sun drinking coffee and reading. Am trying to find the time to read again, myself, usually in the mornings over breakfast, toast and peanut butter and bananas, or maybe mushroom omelets. The Shipping News.
At work, KDMC meetings about software, unclear direction, no agenda, Neal came out of guilt and is moving to Lethbridge in a week or ten days, starting a new job. Have decided to hire Randy, there is no cohesive hiring committee and he is qualified, skilled, helpful and Khyber-friendly. Wants to start, is probably sick of washing dishes. I thought the start date was July, but is actually June. You’d think I would know, I wrote the grant application.
Salesman came today about a copier. Way he talks reminds me of my brother, something about the way he addresses his role, his job as being somehow independent of himself. Can’t really see the difference, myself. You are one thing or you are something else. How can you be a musician or artist and not just do it, be it? How do you subscribe to a job selling cars or vacuums or encyclopedias if you don’t believe in those things? How do you work 40 hours a week at something contradictory to yourself? The answer is, you don’t. But at some level, it must work that way for some people. If you want to play ball, you need to get the gear.
I have been thinking more about applying for a job at Canada Post. I think I would like that. Delivering mail, walking a beat, meeting people, exercise, fresh air, movement, being out in the world. Or even in the sorting factory; maybe monotonous, but probably wouldn’t suck as much energy out of me. Not the way this job does.
I have a feeling I would be able to allocate my own resources better. Find adequate time to make art. Volunteer more effectively. Pay membership dues. Pay my taxes. Eat better food.
Wanted to get groceries tonight before going to Ben’s barbeque, but it began to rain, then I fell asleep. Sound of hail woke me up. Started to organize my files in the new household filing cabinet. Alice gave us a cabinet, floor lamp and coffee table. Need to get some files first. Karina not hot on the idea of going out anyway.
Read some, Karina and I ate potatoes and drank tea. Not going out tonight. Plan to attend the NSCN AGM tomorrow morning, then off to Jay and Suzanne’s to paint.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, June 10, 2001 1:55 AM
Subject: Alliance in damage control as senior MP adds criticism of Day’s leadership Picket lines go up as strike by Saskatchewan health-care workers begins Saturday’s winning numbers
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Biked downtown to grab an Early Bird breakfast at The Med before the Nova Scotia Cultural Network AGM. It was good to be there, I think. Helped me get psyched up for our own AGM. Enjoyed it more than the tedious scraping and patching I was doing at Jay and Suzanne’s later in the afternoon. And it was hot today, it would have been a good day to be outside more. More than just on my bike from point A to point B. The job at Jay and Suzanne’s is really driving me up the wall. I can’t keep doing this, patching and painting ceilings on my weekends. I am behind enough as it is with my work, and I need to schedule some down-time for myself. Clean the house. Organize. Fix my bike – I am still riding Trevor’s. I think I will tell them to find someone else to finish their place. Maybe Dan will want to do it. Or I could phone up Charlie, I still have her business card.
We went to Trevor and Tamara’s for a barbeque. Had lots of veggies and coleslaw and corn and asparagus and shish-kabobs. Bought tofu for my kabobs. We played Rumoli afterwards, then a round of Trivial Pursuit, which we didn’t finish as we were all getting tired. Trev was offering beer, wine or Mike’s Hard Lemonade, but I am still on the wagon. Haven’t had a drop since that brutal opening back in January.
Back to Jay and Suzanne’s tomorrow.
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, June 10, 2001 11:17 PM
Subject: Klein flexes muscle with direct involvement in Canada-U.S. energy talks Thousands watch former prime minister Joe Clark lead Calgary gay pride parade Villeneuve fans disappointed by his poor showing at Canadian Grand Prix
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Boy, did I sleep in this morning. Had the alarm set for nine-thirty, but finally got out of bed at eleven-thirty. It felt great. Had dreams about work, though. Dreamed about Will Roberts, and the Club, and having more publicized events at the Khyber. Tension dreams brought on by upcoming AGM and fundraisers that aren’t planned out enough.
Scraped and sanded and painted the ceilings at Jay and Suzanne’s this afternoon. They wanted two colour samples put on the walls to choose from. I can hardly tell the difference between the two new colours and the one that is on the walls now. Insane.
Came home and Karina was in a cleaning frenzy. We went through our closets and dressers and gathered up clothes we no longer wear to take to the Sally Ann. Rebecca’s sister came by and has a car and drove Karina and Rebecca to get movies and drop the clothes off on the way. Finally put a couple coats of paint on Jay and Suzanne’s mirror. It is a custom colour, a light cream colour with a hint of green. Am wondering if I should still attempt to put the stain I borrowed from Jamie overtop. Speaking of whom, I saw Jamie while biking down Agricola Street today. I didn’t have time to stop, just waved. I emailed him a few nights ago to ask if he would come to the Khyber and take some more pictures for the website with his digital camera. He has a new love in his life, so is probably quite occupied. Monika will be in town for a visit at the end of the month, they are back to being friends, it seems.
I was going to do some homework tonight but decided to keep reading The Shipping News. Makes me want to move to Newfoundland, or Iceland, or Alaska, or somewhere harsh and secluded. To simplify my life. Of course, I find the weather here harsh enough, but there is something appealing about living somewhere small and remote, if only for a while.
Watched The Birdcage tonight. Had seen it before. Didn’t watch Simpsons on TV, am breaking that routine. Have you heard about the Venice Biennale this year? Janet Cardiff and her partner have come away with the grand prize, or something like that.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, June 11, 2001 11:33 PM
Subject: Sophonow deserves $300,000 for wrongful conviction, says Man. government Stockwell Day blames dissidents for Alliance woes as rebellion builds former white supremacist denies link to threatening Alliance e-mail
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Didn’t sleep well last night. Woke up and was wide awake at four-thirty; couldn’t get back to sleep. Disturbing dreams about death. I was in some sort of underworld. Conversing with the recently departed. There were trucks and travelling involved, it was a clear dream but the recall is so murky. The dripping tap in the bathroom tub has gotten worse, and kept me awake. I put earplugs in and it worked, the quiet was so peaceful.
Busy day at work. Met with Alyssa and Andrea who were preparing to deliver flyers, then with Melinda from Canada Council, then with Steve about the financial report, then with Sarah about the executive meeting agenda for tonight, then with Sam about a poster for the punk fundraiser on Friday, and then before I knew it time for the meeting. We seemed to get a lot accomplished. Afterwards I made a poster for the punk show, talked to Craig about his contract and some upcoming schedules, relaxed for a bit with the gang in the Club, then biked to Kinkos to get posters copied. They are such extortionists there: eight cents per sheet for coloured paper, plus nine cents per copy. Three-seventy for a tiny roll of clear packing tape, with cheap plastic cutting adapter attached. Ridiculous.
Home now, have some emails to check and have to plan my next couple days carefully. Canada Council meeting in the Club tomorrow night. Meeting for independent curators in the afternoon. If I decide to go I will finally get a chance to see the “Painting Zero Degree” show.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, June 12, 2001 11:22 PM
Subject: Day supporters fire back as Alliance dissidents launch anti-Day campaign stronger funding essential for new Ont. teacher legislation to work say boards critics silent as MPs approve honorary citizenship for Nelson Mandela
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Hooray, got a letter from Cardinal Management today and the Ballroom Gallery renovations have been approved by HRM. Have to really gather the volunteer manpower now.
Trouble sleeping again. Am also having weird watery earaches in my left ear. Feels as though something is loose or detaching. Am slightly worried about it, but not enough to go to a doctor.
Double dose of Canada Council action today. First an independent curators meeting at Saint Mary’s with Melinda. gave me a chance to look over the show, which is very impressive. The next CC meeting was in the Club, a more general meeting. Good attendance, more than anticipated. Melinda was joined by Maria and Julia. It was hard to hear, as the front ,window of the Club was open for air, but let lots of street noise in, and there were two large clumps of people, so hearing was a bit of a problem. I think most people learned something, though. There were lots of forms available.
Oh, and received a phone call today confirming our summer exchange student. That brings the total number of people working in the office this summer to six, including Winnie and I. At least for July the Khyber Kids will keep three employees in the Ballroom most of the time.
Have fourteen new email messages to sort through. Still have to prepare the end of year reports for the AGM. Oh, and just remembered that I agreed to meet Andrew at Traxx tomorrow morning at ten o’clock to discuss a potential block party for next Spring.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, June 14, 2001 1:39 AM
Subject: Alliance MPs call for ground rules on leadership battle as House adjourns• Alliance MP calls reporter a scumbag over call to leader’s father• House of Commons session ends, but long hot summer of politics lies ahead
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Yucky weather this morning, gray and drizzly, but I took my chances and biked to work without my splash pants. It wasn’t really that wet out. Eva called me at home this morning because the MTT hookup guys were at the building ready to put in a new fax line for the Refugee Clinic. I have all the keys to the rooms they need to get into. The old building is wired so oddly that they need to go through Lorena’s studio and the Club, as well as the basement, to get everything hooked up.
I had to be downtown early this morning to meet with Andrew and Rebecca from Traxx. We discussed plans for a Barrington Street block party to take place next July. Yay, another set of monthly meetings.
Was hoping to get some solid work done on the AGM reports but it just didn’t happen. too much activity in and through the office, which is not such a bad thing, of course. Signed our contract with the high school student exchange program, the student we are getting is from Shewiniggan. When he gets here I’ll have to ask if he has ever met you.
A big surprise today, Neal came by and dropped off his computer, he is donating it to the KDMC as he doesn’t want to ship it out to Lethbridge. The office is really starting to look like a digital media centre, now I just hope Randy can help us make it work like one.
Am about to call it a night, have been working on my reports for the past few hours. My neck is getting stiff.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, June 15, 2001 9:55 PM
Subject: Day salvages lukewarm support of high-profile MP, loses support of another nflation takes its largest leap in almost 10 years to 3.9 per cent more relaxed Chretien says he welcomes strong list of potential successors
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sorry I didn’t write yesterday. Eastlink was working on the Internet, so I couldn’t get online. I did draw one of my five minute pictures, so I will send it along with today’s.
Yesterday was the AGM, and it seemed to go off without a hitch. Mind you, I was rushing all day to finish up my report. I had written a report in the morning but had deleted it by mistake just before coming to work. It all got done, it was all good. We held the AGM in the Club, for a more relaxed meeting. Amended our bylaws in preparation for a new application to the Charities Division.
Today is hot! Hot! Hot! Hot! It’s great! I love it. The day passed quickly, trying to get back to everyday business. Lots of stuff happening over the next couple weeks, am stressed about it all; fundraisers, rentals, shows, events, a full plate. And I was worried this would be a slack month! I am worried now I won’t stay on top of it all. 2-Floor Dance tomorrow night, am supposed to paint at Jay and Suzanne’s, and clear the gallery out and prepare for the event.
My first priority this week should be to co-ordinate the printing of the outstanding catalogues from 3 years ago. We can’t get our new NSAC funding without completing these first.
Spencer is having a party tonight but Karina doesn’t want to go. I helped Karina with some of her photography this evening. We were in the copy stand, boy was it ever hot in there with the Tungsten lights! Hot! Hot! Hot!
Spencer is having a party tonight. I would like to go, but Karina wants to stay in. She has rented a movie, 28 Days, a Sandra Bullock flick. I haven’t eaten yet (a muffin earlier and just finished an ice-cream sandwich), so will maybe go fix some food.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, June 17, 2001 3:28 AM
Subject: Walkerton citizens an inspiration to Canadians, Governor General says PQ meeting marked by slide in polls, latest chapter in Michaud affair Saturday’s winning numbers
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Was back at Jay and Suzanne’s today. Finished the bathroom ceiling and another new test colour on one of the hall walls. Cappuccino this time, instead of Light Mocha. Will go back tomorrow to continue with the trim. And to see what colour Suzanne prefers.
Stopped by work this afternoon. Winnie was mad at Alyssa and Andrea. They were supposed to be at the Market today handing out brochures but they didn’t. Alyssa was at Spencer’s party until 4 am. I’m going to have to speak to them, but I don’t quite know how. No one has ever really told me how to be a good boss. I think I just assume everyone will try to work as hard as I do.
Helped Winnie bring the PA system upstairs and re-arranged the furniture and lighting in the Ballroom for the F*!K Art, Let’s Dance party tonight. Then biked up to Evan’s house for Nicholas’ opening in the Bathroom Gallery. Wh]ile outside enjoying the sun and a tour of Evan’s wee garden I saw Darryl and David in a nearby backyard. We talked about possibly having one of the CBC Film Festival Galas at the Khyber in the fall. That would be great.
Biked home, made some supper and then Karina and I cut my hair. It has been getting too long, especially for the warmer weather. Biked back to the Khyber to get money to buy colourful light bulbs, but couldn’t find any at the Superstore, Shoppers or the Dollar Store. So biked to Canadian Tire. Wanted the colourful lights for the hallways.
The dance was not a total disaster – we didn’t lose any money, but after paying for the PA and the posters, we didn’t make any. We had budgeted to make about $300. I just don’t know what happened. No word of mouth, not enough posters, who knows. Lots of other events happening in town, maybe. It was fun for those who showed up, especially once we closed downstairs and opened upstairs. But egg on our face, as we had begged DJ’s at the last minute to come to play, and then the crowds just didn’t show.
Ahhh, the Khyber, always one step forward, two back.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, June 17, 2001 10:26 PM
Subject: Landry worrying about leftist coalition taking votes away from PQ Chretien objects to Britain granting knighthood to two Canadians Unofficial race to replace Chretien is well under way behind the scenes
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Woke to a horrible story on the CBC of a domestic murder/suicide. What a way to start the day. Didn’t get to sleep until past four o’clock, Karina and I walked home then took a shower to clean the sweat and smoke from us. Danced up a storm, we did.
Walked back downtown this morning to meet Andréa to clean up the Ballroom. Didn’t take long; Eryn came by to help as well. We all went to breakfast at The Med. Good Ole Med.
Biked up to Jay and Suzanne’s and talked colour. I think she has decided on two colours for the hall. Now she wants the trim changed from the Cloud White back to a beige. I should just paint everything beige. Still haven’t finished their mirror. Now they are talking about a bureau for me to paint as well.
Back to the Khyber and helped Andréa paint the girls bathroom. Was waiting for Tim to stop by but he never did. He was driving stuff from Sackville, hope everything is OK.
Went home, made supper and watched Simpsons. Talked to my dad, wished him a Happy Fathers Day. May see my parents on Wednesday, they plan to be in Halifax to attend the funeral of their friend Ricky.
Karina needs the computer to type up some essays.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2001 12:10 AM
Subject: Landry worrying about leftist coalition taking votes away from PQ Bloc Quebecois marks 10th anniversary still hoping to self-destruct Chretien objects to Britain granting knighthood to two Canadians
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Was up early today to try to complete the press release for the upcoming events (which I did) and make an invitation for the Summertime Digital Media Centre Membership (which I also did, but did it too late in the day to complete the mailout today. It will have to go out tomorrow). The office is so busy! Randy was in for his first day, and Winnie was in and out, took the PA back to Buckleys, ran Andy’s turntables home for him – she has her friends car for a couple days. It’s so hard to get things done during office hours, I find.
Had a board meeting tonight in the Club to discuss our mandate and future goals. Some exciting discussions about developing a curatorial practice, it’s all well and good if we can make it pay for itself. It may bring in outside funding.
Winnie’s birthday was today. We all chipped in for Chinese Take-Out from the Great Wall. Openings tonight at eyelevel, Ward and Janet. Made the gallery into a surreal ‘painters studio’, complete with pulsating, spinning dotted balloon. Melinda was there with new son Jack, his first public opening. He is quite small at just three weeks old. Was quiet and slept. Michael was doing a performance in the window. He was wearing all Gap clothes and just sat in the window watching people. The clothes still had the tags on them.
Lots of people in the Club tonight. Met the eyelevel intern, her name is Jenekka from Edmonton. I saw a mouse scurry across the floor. The second one I saw today. They are still around. I hate the idea of poison but we have to control this.
Have to go and prepare an email press release.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2001 10:50 PM
Subject: N.S. nurses stage noisy rally to protest labour bill B.C. health-care workers rally as government set to impose legislation More front-runners rumoured as Day’s search for chief of staff drags on
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
The plan was to get up really early this morning but it didn’t happen, I ended up sleeping in until past nine. Not a very restful sleep, as the clock alarm was going off every nine minutes after seven-thirty. Was in a rush to leave, didn’t have any breakfast food in the house so I went to the Med. Have already spent most of my next paycheck in cash advances from work.
Signed the initial contract to lease a photocopier at work today. Now just need to find a few other groups who will use it on a monthly basis to help us pay for it. Maybe eyelevelgallery will use it. There are lots of tenants in the building now, though the Refugee Clinic has their own. I think it is important to have something like this for the media centre, so we will get some revenue from copies made through it as well.
Worked on the mailout today. It always takes longer than I think it will. Had forgotten to make photocopies of the press release, so had to run and do that. The staff took off for an afternoon lunch break at around three. When all the envelopes were stuffed I was worried that the local media letters would be too heavy, as they had a couple extra pieces of paper in them, so I took them to the post office to be weighed. It was OK, they weighed in at twenty-eight grams, two grams shy of the limit for that particular size. Better to be safe than sorry. The last thing I want to deal with is a bunch of sporadically returned mail. Well, maybe not the absolute last, but I certainly don’t need the added hastle.
Met Charmaine Wheatley today. She came breezing into the office, said hello to everyone, went on and on about getting some photos framed for her show, commented on the changes to the Khyber (she was actually the second person to sign up as a member, way back in 1995), spoke to David a bit, who had come by to borrow chairs for Peter’s presentation tonight, and then she was off. To make moon pies.
Stayed at work until past seven, made a new MUGSHOTS poster, made some phone calls, trying to drum up volunteers for the event, as well as the spoken word event next week. Am getting a bit better about delegating; I biked to Donna’s house and dropped off some posters and flyers, and Aaron is coming by on Thursday for some posters. Am recruiting more people for Mugshots, including Courtney and Mary, who I just saw and spoke to for a bit. We all went through the Bert is Evil website together. I’ll include a sample from it in my five-minute drawing.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: “Judith, jude, judy” <judithm@nbnet.nb.ca>
Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2001 10:21 PM
Subject: B.C. paramedicals agree to return to work Thursday morning B.C.’s new Liberal government tested as health-care dispute heats up N.S. nurses in N.S. stage sit-in battle against anti-strike legislation
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Ran some errands before work today, put up some posters, picked up a new staplegun from Piercey’s (to replace mine which Andrew accidentally sold at the Yard Sale fundraiser a while back), spoke with the manager at Pierceys who agreed to give us a bunch of masonite panels for Mugshots as well as a good deal on building supplies for the August renovations, and stopped by Staples to get network cables for Neal’s computer and the soon-to-be-arriving G-4. Barry said that it should be here in a couple days.
The Khyber staff all went to a performance/reading by Michael Fernandes and Andrew Forster at lunch. Good to through some art into our daily routines of publicity, planning, calling, faxing, etc., once in a while. Andrew climbed atop four stacked wooden chairs and read aloud a disjointed text, spinning and twisting the narrative in different directions, while Michael performed actions.
Bit of a surprise later in the afternoon. A visit from Peter Doyle, Selena and John Brown. They had crossed the Bay of Fundy on the ferry and camped out last night, came to spend a few hours in Halifax. We had a nice chat. I would like to get to Saint John more often, but can’t seem to find an opening.
Mary Elizabeth came by to set up some of the tables that were dropped off for the two days of CBC Artspots meetings in the Ballroom. Have to remember to bring a fan; it gets warm in there with the lights on.
Hot today. Hot! Hot! Hot! I love it. Decided to go home early, around six-thirty, to make supper and sit on the deck reading about Balthazar B. Made potatoes and peas and dozed off before Karina came home. She had an anxiety attack during her last class, was supposed to give a brief presentation but got all worked up over it. She is fine now. We made some veggies, lentils and rice and had tea. Well, I had tea, Karina has been drinking too much tea lately, has been staying up late studying. She still has to develop the photographs for her show. And we have to prepare the house for visitors; her parents arrive the day of her opening, and we are hoping Judy will come as well.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, June 21, 2001 11:48 PM
Subject: Snowbird jets collide over Lake Erie; pilot, passenger rescued from water MP says right could unite by grassroots buying Alliance and Tory memberships Toronto mayor repeats apology in bizarre news conference following gaffe
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
The day started cloudy, I thought it may rain, but it gradually warmed up to another scorcher. Hot! Hot! Hot! Yay! Andréa didn’t see the note I had left for her in the office last night and she armed the office, so Mary Elizabeth set the alarm off when she came in this morning. Alliance Security must still have Winnie as the principal contact, because they called her instead of me. I was at home eating breakfast and reading about Balthazar B.
Biked to Pierceys but Neal was in a meeting and the guy at the desk couldn’t find the masonite panels which I thought had been put aside for us yesterday. They called me back at work and have since located them. I’ll pick them up tomorrow.
Almost forgot I had a lunchtime meeting at Dal to discuss the upcoming photo month. We discussed the schedule, the booklet and finally settled on a name: Photopolis. In Latin it means “City of Light”. Isn’t that nice.
Still can’t get Neal’s computer online. Randy has a friend who knows more about networking and firewalls and will come in tomorrow to look at it. Matt the Salesman came by today and I signed the contract for the photocopier. I will be pleasantly surprised if we will be able to get it properly networked.
The CBC Artspots strategic planning meetings seemed to go well today. The Ballroom was hot, but everywhere was hot today. Everywhere that isn’t air-conditioned, anyway. There was a reception early in the Club which was well-attended. Lots of leftover food, which was perfect for Jan’s Video Sketchbook class presentation later on. Craig rustled up a screen and Jan was able to borrow a projector from the College. It was short and sweet, Craig Powers and Tashia’s videos were the best, but there was also a nice one of a girl rubbing her face to the sound of a train. Or something that sounded like a train.
This morning found five dead mice in traps Craig had left. The larger rat-traps didn’t catch anything. Karina says that they like a challenge. She was printing her photos this evening and we walked home together. She was on the bike while I put up more Mugshots posters. Good photo of Mugshots 1 in the Coast this week. It should help it be a busy day on Saturday.
Have to get up really early tomorrow, buy bread, go to Pierceys for the masonite panels, meet the CBC crew at work by 9 o’clock, groan. That’s too early. I don’t even think my corner store opens until eight.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:45 AM
Subject: Sask. riding asks Day to resign, MP gives leader summer to turn things around despite political upheaval, Day hasn’t considered resigning user fees will not reduce total health costs, researchers say
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just came back from Ralph’s, a strip club in Dartmouth with Sarah and Karina. We went as Sarah wanted to do some research on strip clubs as part of her discussion on Charmaine Monday night. She didn’t want to go alone. Ironically, Charmaine showed up with Gordon. She drove us home, she is a bit of a crazy driver. The other day she ran into another car because she was distracted by Michael and Winnie in the eyelevelgallery windows.
The strip club was odd. First of all, there were far too many black lights. Everything white glowed spastically. Everything was so structured; girl dances to one song in skimpy outfit, girl dances to next song partially unclothed, girl dances to final song wearing something white and frilly, then girl picks up coins that have been tossed at her. Then there is some weird after-dance negotiations amongst patrons for private dances in the VIP lounge, which is really just a cordoned off area with a smaller stage and pole partially hidden from view by large fake plants.
Started the day early, at Pierceys to get the masonite but it was still in the long sheets so I called Mat to come get it. He did, but wasn’t able to cut it at the woodshop, so I called Sarah and she did it. I spent the day in meetings with the CBC Artspots group. Peter gave a nice talk, a lot of which I had heard yesterday when we walked back from the meeting at Dal together.
After the tables were dismantled I laid out a bunch of the panels and gave them a couple coats of white paint. I had a brief power nap in between coats. I’m tired again now, and have to get up early to meet Jamie to get easels from NSCAD. Hopefully lots of artists will show up tomorrow, and lots of patrons too, and Mugshots IV will be a success.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, June 23, 2001 11:38 PM
Subject: $3M a year in subsidies keep Atlantic seal hunt afloat: IFAW-funded study flotilla of icebergs makes unusual detour north of Newfoundland closely watched E. coli inquiry puts Ont. premier and his policies ‘on trial’
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Up early to meet Jamie to retrieve easels for Mugshots. Realized as I was gathering my painting supplies that I had left my bookbag at Ralph’s Place last night. It contains my sketchbook, daily planner and my current zip disks. Just my luck.
Picking up the easels went smoothly. Jamie and I are now old pros. Went to the Market to check on Andréa and Alyssa. They had just dismantled their display before having to pay. They were convinced that they had been there long enough; maybe they are right but I would have stayed longer. Went back to work and moved furniture and set up the gallery for Mugshots.
Good artist turnout; everyone showed up at their alloted times, but the patrons were fewer in number than I had anticipated. By the end of the day, past eight o’clock, we had raised over five hundred dollars. Good, but I was really hoping it would be bigger. These little fundraisers take so much time and effort for what really amounts to small peanuts. It gets frustrating. There were some interesting moments. A young couple from Prague came in and didn’t want their portraits painted, the girl wanted to paint, so she painted me. It was her first portrait in oils. Charmaine stopped by to borrow an amplifier. She is having technical difficulties installing her show. She is quite a character.
Karina took me to the Med for supper. I didn’t want to leave but was starting to see those little moving stars out of the corner of my eyes. Usually that only happens if I sit up too fast or bang my head. It was time for food.
Andrew was kind enough to drive us back to Ralph’s so I could get my bag. Rebecca, Andrew Karina and I all came home and played a round of Tour de Force, an old Canadian game similar to Trivial Pursuit and Jeopardy. Rebecca and I lost.
Have to get up early again tomorrow to dismantle the gallery and meet Christian as he is dropping off his paintings. Then there is the opening at The Mount. Luckily, Suzanne called the other day and this weekend wasn’t good for them to have me paint. They are having their Master bedroom re-carpeted.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, June 25, 2001 12:31 AM
Subject: Canadians divided on legalization of marijuana, a new opinion poll suggests as many as 800,000 flood Toronto streets for gay pride parade riding association gives B.C. Alliance MP go-ahead to leave caucus
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Finished reading The Beastly Beatitudes of Balthazr B this morning. It put me in a bad mood. Some of the book is uproariously funny, but I ended up so sick of reading about the plights of the snibbling upper class. No matter how shy Balthazar was. It just went on and on and I lost sympathy half-way through. Not even sure if I had much to begin with. Maybe I am missing something.
Walked to work to dismantle from Mugshots. Christian with girlfriend arrived shortly before 2pm with his spray-painted panels. I helped carry painted doors up the stairs as Christian is recovering from broken collarbone. Had a strange encounter with Andrea (Ahh-ndrea) from Saint John, she poked her head in the gallery. Was with Sarah Cale. Haven’t seen her in years and years. Since the infamous summer of 1996. She is still in school, studying linguistics. It was Classics when I knew her. Anyway, Christian wants to hang some from the ceiling, which we can’t do as the ladder does not reach. Settled on a leftover tension wire, I think from the Dirty Dishes show. I didn’t have time to install it all, and left at three with Andréa (Andr-ay-ah) to go to the openings at the Mount. She has developed the photos Shane took of her while painting the ladies washroom. They turned out quite well. Met Karina on the bus half-way.
Openings of the Unsettled Portraits show and Charmaine. The portrait show looks better than I had expected and comes with a nice little catalogue. Ate some jube-jubes and drank some coffee. Charmaine was showing some really nice t-shirts and cards with tiny diaristic script and doodles, as well as the videos and moonpies. I didn’t eat any of the moonpies as Gordon told me that it is similar chocolate to the chocolate money. Yucky, bottom of the barrel.
Caught bus back home and made fettucine with pesto. Pesto from a toothpaste tube. Karina upset that her brother Robert has chosen to stay in Montréal while her parents come visiting further East. They are in New Brunswick now. Be here in a week. Must organize the house beforehand. I should do it as Karina will be busy with her photos this week. Jay called and stopped by with a cheque for me. He and Suzanne were out driving around enjoying the nice evening air. Karina and I watched Shakespeare in Love. Had seen it before but Karina said that Garry had mentioned that he quite liked it so she wanted to see it again. I liked it better the first time, when it seemed more spontaneous, more lively and the twists and turns more captivating. I’m such a critic, even when I’m a sucker for sappy love stories. I’m sure we both are.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 1:20 AM
Subject: Ont. premier turned his back on public health, E. coli inquiry hears Alliance deputy leader denounces plot to oust Day; rookie MP leaves caucus arrests made as a diverse group gathers to protest Clinton speech in Toronto
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Walked to work in a light, irregular drizzle this morning. Listened to Andrew’s radio show on CKDU while eating breakfast of eggs and toast and tea, then made a poster for the Spoken Word event. Met Randy and his friend Matt at work. Matt was helping us network the computers, and was very helpful.
Finally got the KDMC incorporation documents to Registry of Joint Stocks today. Did some banking, took some Khyber Kids registration. Christian and some friends came in the afternoon to hang his paintings. I concerned myself with the lighting later in the afternoon.
Met Karina for supper and we dined on the patio of the Split Crow. I had a spinach salad and fries and Karina had a beef dip.
Back to work and helped Heather re-arrange the furniture in the Club in preparation for the panel discussion. Knocked the radiator and caused a minor leak, nothing damaging as it was caught in time. The lecture was being recorded on audio equipment borrowed from MSVU. The lecture went well, a tad academic at times but it is difficult and problematic subject matter and so should be difficult in the reading.
Spoke to Ray for a bit afterwards. He and Sarah are moving into their new house tomorrow. Tonight Sarah was driving from NB and they will ‘camp out’ as they wait for their furniture to arrive tomorrow. Spent the rest of the evening circulating through the bar with what felt like Andrew at my heels. Talked to Sarah. Talked to Charmaine a bit, too. She is hard to follow sometimes, it is like a slowly-circling fog, or something like that.
Busy at the Club tonight. Combination of Christian’s opening, the lecture and Sixtoo spinning records. Lots of people, good to see. Karina into the Jagermeister. Four glasses. Had to drag her away after midnight. She and Sarah and I walked home. Hot and sticky and muggy, its great. Sweaty. Cats lying full out flat on the floor to stay cool.
Am meeting Ray early tomorrow morning to return easels to Continuing Education. Must remember to take garbage out as well. Would like to go shopping first but don’t know if I’ll want to be up that early. Makes for a really long day.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 11:17 PM
Subject: Eyes turn to fence-sitters in Alliance caucus for next defection no need to tell Ontario public about risks of budget cutting says Tory minister continent-wide standards for toxic waste disposal needed, says Anderson
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Was up early this morning to get some groceries before meeting Ray to return the easels to Con Ed. Damn, I just remembered that I left them in the hall on the ground floor of Morses Teas. When Ray and I arrived with the easels the elevator was out of service. There was no way we were going to carry them up four flights of stairs. I hope they are OK where I left them, I will have to check on them tomorrow. And Karina has just informed me that I bought expired yogurt this morning. And the photos I got back from New York were awful, but I guess that is OK given the parameters of the project.
Kept the lights off all day today to keep the office as cool as possible. Spent the day munching on the remaining Fruiti-o’s from the opening yesterday. Haven’t had this much sugar cereal all at one time in my life. Quite disgusted with myself, really. At least I had a hommeade lunch in the fridge to balance it out somewhat.
Evan and Sarah were having a staring contest in the eyelevel windows today. They were hot. A small gang of youth harassed them all day, trying to get one or the other to look away. Sarah won the best of seven, 4-3. Towards the end of the day Victoria came by to complain about the fact that the Pinata Party is not going to be a licensed event. There is definitely a personality conflict at work between she and Craig. Craig does have a point; after blindfolding and spinning someone, handing them a stick with the goal being to smash apart a Pinata, the last thing we need is for everyone to get plastered.
After work I biked around Dal putting up posters for the Spoken To event. Came home and cleaned up parts of the house. Made supper. Realized I have only a few days to make my own Pinata. Luckily Rebecca had a bag of balloons. And flour, as I had none. My Pinata is currently drying on the kitchen floor, in a goopy puddle of stone ground wholewheat flour papiér mache mix. I plan to photocopy a large picture of your face to plaster on top. Rebecca has googly eyes and tiny dolls arms I can add as well. I still don’t know what to fill it with.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, June 27, 2001 10:41 PM
Subject: MP’s decision next week could make 12 for Alliance dissidents N.S. Tories pass anti-strike bill; health-care workers promise to defy it Saskatchewan coalition faces confidence vote after losing funding vote
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had an appointment this morning to learn a new computer accounting program. Made some more photocopies of the Spoken Word poster and put them up on my way downtown. Met with Winnie and Peter and we crunched the accounting numbers until 1pm. Ifo came by and we made plans to take the ferry and a bus to Fisherman’s Cove to attend the HR-CAP AGM. I had never been out in that part of Dartmouth before. There is a nice sand bar nearby which I was told was caused by a large submarine net that was in place to catch German subs during WWII. I nominated Ifo to the new board of directors for HR-CAP. None of the other Khyber CAP people responded to my email.
The situation with Victoria and the Pinata Party has deteriorated further. This morning, when she dropped off a pinata for the Daily News photo shoot, she didn’t mention anything, and Craig was there. She has now approached eyelevelgallery and wants to do the party there. I am fed up being caught in the middle of what is most likely a personal battle of stubborn wills between Craig and Victoria. Neither is willing to bend. I feel like I am letting the Khyber down, as everyone who was at the last one two years ago had such a good time. But it will be less bother and work for us if it held across the street.
Karina is having trouble with her prints, but I stopped by on my way home and sh has completed the two largest ones. She says they are as good as she can get them. She has two more days to work on the smaller prints. Her parents are tentatively scheduled to arrive on the weekend. I am starting to feel more and more overwhelmed with work.
Karina and I walked home together and I put up a bunch of posters for Craigs 2-Floor fundraiser, which is happening on Saturday. It was so hot today that even though we were both hungry we were also too hot to eat. Or at least to make anything to eat. I biked to Sobeys for fresh fruit and vegetables.
Karina needs to use the computer to finish up some reports. I have to get up early tomorrow to wash some clothes and meet the Daily News photographer. I have no idea what to say about the party. Maybe Victoria was bluffing. I don’t care. Let it happen the way it will happen. I’m sick of this sort of squabbling.
On a political note, the provincial legislature passed the hated Bill 68 this afternoon. I saw a nice T-Shirt at the CAP AGM which read “I survived the summer of 68”. It remains to be seen.
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, June 29, 2001 12:28 AM
Subject: Medical officer suggests local health officials failed Walkerton Harris aims for positive spin on summons to Walkerton inquiry Day blames rebels for plunging polls, threatens expulsion from Alliance party
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I met Victoria at work this morning to arrange a photo shoot with a Daily News photographer for the Piñata Party. The photographer was over an hour late, and when he finally called Victoria went downstairs to meet him and arrange the shoot. It’s her party now; I want very little to do with it at this point. Just to make my own piñata and have fun.
Felt like a busy day, lots of activity in the office, but I seemed to accomplish little. And bad news on the Internet! Brandon wrote to say that his sculptures were smashed by Purolator! We only chose the basic insurance, not nearly enough to cover the value of the work. I feel awful.
Karina and Aaron came by with a crisis with their invitations, which wouldn’t open and kept crashing David’s computer at eyelevel. Randy, Aaron and I alternated on working on the invitation. We couldn’t get the NSAC logo to appear transparent over the image. Eventually I just walked down to the college and picked up the original negative from Karina. Since our scanner and computer are calibrated differently than the one Aaron used originally, the image I came up with is a tad different. I hope Karina doesn’t mind. The Coast published one of her nice dolls head photographs in conjunction with her upcoming show.
Walked home as Alyssa had taken my keys home by mistake. Put up more posters for the hip-hop show on the way. Stopped and had a cup of coffee at Andréa’s apartment, then crossed the street to get my keys back from Alyssa. She gave me some wood from an unused and broken futon frame so I could make some much-needed shelves at home. It was fairly late by the time I got home so I haven’t put them up yet. I didn’t want to be hammering into the walls late at night. I cleaned up the storage closet instead, to make room for my painting supplies and Karina’s school supplies. Cleaned out the kitty litter as well, that was needed. Plan to do laundry early tomorrow morning. I slept in too late to do it this morning.
Still have one more coat of papiér mache to add to my piñata, where the balloon burst. I was drying it i the oven on low heat, which caused the balloon to burst, tearing a hole in the side. I used the hole to put inside some dry goods, such as spaghetti, corn, bulgar, flour and some yellow peas. Tomorrow I will try to scrounge up a good colour newspaper photograph of you to enlarge and glue to the piñata. Maybe I will do that at Mailboxes while waiting for my laundry. Have to dig up the email responses from the PMO to read at the Spoken To, tomorrow night at the Club, after the Piñata Party. It will be a long day.
-Chris
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am having trouble getting on the Internet tonight. I appear to be having extensions troubles. I need to install Applescript, don’t really know how and am too tired to figure it out at the moment.
Karina’s parents arrived this afternoon. Karina and I straightened the house up this morning, it didn’t take as long as I had thought it would. We walked down to eyelevel to set up Karina’s photographs but of course the gallery wasn’t quite ready. The walls had been primed but needed two more coats of paint. Andrew had a bunch of ceiling tiles removed to clean and paint from Jason’s ketchup and shaving cream filled ballon piñatas. Karina will install tomorrow morning, before we all head out to Liverpool and Lunenburg. My parents are visiting my grandparents in Lunenburg, and Trevor and Tamara are there for the weekend as well.
Karina’s parents, Jan and Carmin, had flown from Calgary to Montréal with her brother Robert, then taken the train to New Brunswick. They rented a car to come here. We drove to Mic Mac mall to buy an air mattress from Zellers. It will be much easier for them to stay with us rather than finding an available and reasonably-priced motel. Nicer, too. They like the cats. After getting the air mattress we went to the Libertine for supper. The restaurant wasn’t very busy, but the food was excellent. Not much has appeared to have changed with the new owners. I can’t understand why the place wasn’t busier.
Went grocery shopping after supper. Lots of people at Sobeys, stocking up for the Canada Day long weekend. We will be up early to install Karina’s show, then off to Liverpool. Hopefully will get the computer back on track tomorrow.
I hope the 2-floor hip-hop show went well tonight. I would have liked to go, as Craig was expecting it to be a well-attended event. The breakdancing is usually amazing. I feel guilty for not helping out, but I haven’t seen Karina’s parents in over four years. I have to remember to detach myself from the Khyber once in a while. Looks like the chances of me finding time to complete my NSAC grant are diminishing rapidly.
-Chris
From:
To:
Date: July 1, 2001
Subject:
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Slept well on the air mattress in the living room last night. Woke up early and had coffee while waiting for the rest of the house to wake. We took Karinas parents to the Med for breakfast, of course. Then it was to the eyelevel to hang some of her photographs. We put up the six mid-sized prints with the two large ones on the opposite wall. They look good. She will figure out where to put the small prints tomorrow morning.
Drove to Liverpool this afternoon. Rebecca joined us. Nice drive, quite hot but the car has air-conditioning. We stopped at a permanent roadside yard sale. The woman had an interesting accent, an odd mixture of South Shore, Newfoundland and German. Bought some T-shirts and Jan bought me an old eight track recorder. Unfortunately there were no eight tracks so I don’t know if it works or not, though the lights do.
Enjoyed my second visit to the Sherman Hines Museum. The camera obscura was working well, as it was nice and bright outside. It was neat watching people walk by upside down.
Stopped in Lunenburg on the way home. Walked around a small part of the town with Jans video camera. We ate at the Dockside. At first we were going to eat on the patio but the wind had come up, making it too chilly. The food wasn’t much to write home about. We now know that salmon is square and scallops are round, and both are breaded, by what Rebecca and Karina ordered. After supper we had a quick visit with my grandparents, parents and Trevor and Tamara. They gave me a key so I could feed their cats when we got back to Halifax, as they were planning to spend the night in Lunenburg.
The drive home uneventful. It became foggy. We didn’t see any fireworks, I don’t know if the fog would have cancelled them or not. We were thinking about going to see the NFB films outside on Spring Garden Road tonight, but it is cold and we are all a bit tired from the warm weather and time spent in the car today.
The computer is still messed up. Am going to try to reinstall some software, as we are missing a huge chunk of extensions. Have no idea where they went or how, really, to get them back.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Lundi 02 juillet 2001 01:52
Subject: Canadians celebrate 134th birthday, but no fireworks in nation’s capital Politics not far from minds of Canada Day revelers in Montreal Historical group lobbies for Prime Minister’s Day, new statutory holiday
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Slept well on the air mattress in the living room last night. Woke up early and had coffee while waiting for the rest of the house to wake. We took Karina’s parents to the Med for breakfast, of course. Then it was to the eyelevel to hang some of her photographs. We put up the six mid-sized prints with the two large ones on the opposite wall. They look good. She will figure out where to put the small prints tomorrow morning.
Drove to Liverpool this afternoon. Rebecca joined us. Nice drive, quite hot but the car has air-conditioning. We stopped at a permanent roadside yard sale. The woman had an interesting accent, an odd mixture of South Shore, Newfoundland and German. Bought some T-shirts and Jan bought me an old eight track recorder. Unfortunately there were no eight tracks so I don’t know if it works or not, though the lights do.
Enjoyed my second visit to the Sherman Hines Museum. The camera obscura was working well, as it was nice and bright outside. It was neat watching people walk by upside down.
Stopped in Lunenburg on the way home. Walked around a small part of the town with Jan’s video camera. We ate at the Dockside. At first we were going to eat on the patio but the wind had come up, making it too chilly. The food wasn’t much to write home about. We now know that salmon is square and scallops are round, and both are breaded, by what Rebecca and Karina ordered. After supper we had a quick visit with my grandparents, parents and Trevor and Tamara. They gave me a key so I could feed their cats when we got back to Halifax, as they were planning to spend the night in Lunenburg.
The drive home uneventful. It became foggy. We didn’t see any fireworks, I don’t know if the fog would have cancelled them or not. We were thinking about going to see the NFB films outside on Spring Garden Road tonight, but it is cold and we are all a bit tired from the warm weather and time spent in the car today.
The computer is still messed up. Am going to try to reinstall some software, as we are missing a huge chunk of extensions. Have no idea where they went or how, really, to get them back. Tried reinstalling the system software and completely wiped out the contents of our outlook express folder. Addresses, previous messages, the whole nine yards. It makes me want to cry. I had over a hundred addresses in that account. Now I can’t get this one operating properly, I will have to contact Supercity on Tuesday to get the proper addresses. Sometimes I am sooooo sick of technology. I need to take a course, go back to school and really learn how this stuff works. I feel like a complete moron when it comes to computers.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Bcc: andrew kear <kearovitch@yahoo.ca>
Date: Mercredi 04 juillet 2001 00:53
Subject: Alliance stalwart Deb Grey becomes 12th MP to call for Day’s resignation, Grey set tenor for Alliance; departure from caucus leaves discordant tone friends remember gentle side of acid-tongued author Mordecai Richler
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Slept later than I wanted to and therefore was in a rush to get out of the house this morning. I wanted to be at work at nine in case our summer exchange student arrived early. He didn’t come until noon though. There was a message but I didn’t get it. Skipped breakfast and didn’t have time to make a lunch. Drank two cups of coffee throughout the day, ate a banana and a piece of day-old coffee cake from Mokka. I can’t remember the summer students name now, isn’t that terrible? I worked with him all afternoon. He is from your home riding of Shawinigan. My short term memory seems worse now than it has ever been. All those blows to the head can’t be good.
Beehive of activity today. Khyber Kids registrations and organizing materials in the Ballroom, Media Centre dealings, tenants paying rent and keeping buddy busy. Took the PA back to Buckleys. The weekend hip-hop show made over a thousand dollars. Received good news in the mail today; we were successful with our municipal grant, though they are only giving us half of what we asked for. It was to develop a comprehensive strategic plan.
Went to the openings at Anna tonight. I think I bought one of Nathaniel’s paintings. He will come by later in the week. His show looks really good. Abstract paintings. A lot of them are made on this padded vinyl material he bought from Canadian Tire. There was a small one I really liked. I hope his prices aren’t too high yet.
Karina had made supper for us all tonight. A nice salad and a curry dish. Then we were off to Value Village. I found a pair o pants and a couple shirts. Then back home after a stop at Zellers and dropping the movie from last night off. Karina’s parents are heading out to Cape Breton tomorrow to do the Cabot Trail. Should be fun. It was nice having them here.
Working on email tonight, getting some letters done for the KDMC NSAC grant. Missed the deadline for an individual grant; it was today, postmarked by nine. Maybe I will try for a Canada Council grant in September.
Neck is stiff and head hurts. Plan to be up early for work again tomorrow. Will try to have a quick bite to eat and make a lunch this time. Oh, the summer students name is Benoit. The short term memory is just a little slow, glad to know it works.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, July 4, 2001 10:38 PM
Subject: Alliance immigration critic calls for Day’s resignation, quits caucus• Liberals, Alliance led fundraising in 2000-01 with roughly $20 million each• More accused war criminals removed or turned away by Canada: report
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Carmen’s talking watch woke me up right on time at seven o’clock this morning. It is a watch she was planning to give to Karina’s nephew Jan, but forgot. It speaks the time very hour on the hour, and is really loud. Karina and I were actually woken up at three this morning because the air mattress gave out. We had to blow it up by mouth, as the electric pump would have woken up the whole neighbourhood. Karina’s parents left early this morning to drive around the Cabot Trail.
Was going to try to get some work down at the office today before all the staff showed up, but forgot about my accounting training with Peter, which took up most of the morning. We are sloughing our way through it, slowly but hopefully, steadily. I need to be completely prepared to take over the books when Winnie leaves. A scary thought.
Spent the afternoon working odd jobs with Benoit. Finally fixed the loose bathroom stall in the boys room. Compiled a new email list. Biked home and made supper at eight o’clock. Pasta. Wrote email. Talked to Elizabeth from Saint John on the phone about giving an artist presentation to St. Max high school students at some point next year. That should eb fun. I’ll take a few days to pick a good month, I’m thinking either November/December or February. Also spoke to Judy on the phone. Karina is probably going to go back to NB with her parents, who will spend the night with us again tomorrow. I probably won’t be able to get down to Saint John until late September, though I might be able to squeeze in a weekend in early August, before the renovations.
Going to try to get off the computer early this evening, give my neck a rest. Karina rented a dumb fluff movie, may just veg out in front of it for awhile. Drink some tea, maybe eat some ice cream. Add to my list of things to do.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, July 5, 2001 11:45 PM
Subject: Jury targets Transport Canada in wake of fatal Tobermory, Ont. sinking Atlantic premiers warn region’s dire straits require national attention Grey blasts Alliance leader for characterizing her as ‘weak, lily-livered’
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I can’t believe I forgot to tell you about the pigeon incident yesterday afternoon. Andy came down from the study and told me he had a pigeon problem. A pigeon had gotten into the studio through and open window and wouldn’t leave. We tried to throw a towel on it but it kept flying back and forth above the pipes, out of reach. We built a big pigeon net with a sheet stapled to two seven foot long stretcher bars, and Andréa helped us with a broom. It took over half an hour before the exhausted bird finally tried to hide behind Lisa’s desk, and we got the towel over him, bundled him up and let him go. He was breathing so fast and frothing at the mouth, I was worried he would have a heart attack or something. Not that I like pigeons, but I wouldn’t kill one on purpose.
Today was up early to go to Pierceys to get some gallery supplies. Karina was also up early starting a sculpture class. Fairly productive day at work today. The Khyber Kids Camp registrations are becoming more frequent. The class next week is almost full.
Karina’s parents were back tonight. They were rained on and soaked to the skin while visiting Fortress Louisberg. They swear they will never go back nor recommend it to anyone. They enjoyed the Cabot Trail very much. We all drove out to Zellers to return the faulty air mattress, then stopped by the art college on the way home to give them a tour of the facilities and pick up Karina’s photographs from the Sherman Hines exhibit. Karina is going back to NB with her folks tomorrow morning.
Hopefully this air mattress will hold tight tonight.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, July 7, 2001 2:21 AM
Subject: Joe Clark dismisses criticisms from former party president over leadership• Alliance members can voice opinions on Day in survey, says party executive• Canada to appeal after losing one more WTO round in dairy subsidy war
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Slept in bit this morning, until almost eight-thirty. We were all out of the house shortly past nine to go to the Med for breakfast. Then Karina and her folks were on the road to NB, and I was off to work.
Kept Benoit busy with some office duties today, folding newsletters, running errands and some patching of the floor in the Skylight Gallery. The Human Faux Pas posters and post cards came today, so we made stickers and labels and Benoit put them on.
There was a nice little write-up about the Khyber KIds program in the Chronicle Herald today, and as a result more inquiries into the program. Two of the morning programs are almost full, with the others filling up nicely. I hope they go well.
Waited far too long for a bus home, made some supper and took a short nap before walking back downtown for the Joel Plaskett show at the Khyber. I was there early, around quarter to ten, and there was no one in the bar. There were a couple NSP trucks out front, orange lights flashing, and a couple guys moved the bent grate out of place, I presume to replace it, although when they left they had put the old grate back. By the time the show started, close to eleven, the place was practically packed. A good turnout, and the two sets were quite enjoyable. I stayed ’till past close, then walked home. It is close to a full moon, it appears, and there was weird energy in the air. Lots of parties, and it felt like there were lots of fights. Groups of people here and there, rambunctious kids, and emergency vehicles driving the battered and bruised to hospitals or home.
I’m off to bed, plan to paint at Jay and Suzanne’s and the Khyber tomorrow. Want to finish preparing and painting the Skylight gallery this weekend.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, July 8, 2001 1:56 AM
Subject: Alliance national executive drafts letter asking Stockwell Day to step down• Several Montreal-area McDonald’s restaurants vandalized, police in the dark• Day says Alliance infighting a bigger disappointment than federal election
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Tired – a long day. Mat called and woke me up this morning requesting my help installing the large painting he completed as a commission for Saint Mary’s. I had to check with Jay and Suzanne first, and after phoning got me no where I actually biked over there to see if there was anything for me to do. There wasn’t. There was no new paint, and from the general layout it looked as though they weren’t expecting me to paint today anyway. So I hung out at the Khyber and worked on the entrance sign and the Skylight gallery.
Had a bit of traditional Khyber bad luck today. Marc called out of the blue wanting the DJ table back. Granted, he built the table and it is rightfully his, but he has left it at the Khyber for the past three years. Up until last year he had a basement room fool of stuff stored here – all rent free. The pisser with the table is that it was used by all the DJ’s. Now we have to build one to replace it. Not such a bad thing, as we can customize the size, but it is just one more thing to have to deal with. Then Craig cut his finger badly on a beer bottle which exploded while he was stocking the fridge. He had to call Lisa to come in and work while he went to the emergency room.
I Had supper at the Med. Eventually Mat picked me up and we drove to Saint Mary’s. Picked Rob up along the way. There was a huge scaffolding set up. The painting is big, about fourteen feet by close to nine feet. It was to be placed high up on the wall. There was a few inches of space between the wall and the scaffolding in which to draw the painting up. First we installed a gravity bar on the wall; a bar with an angle cut corresponding to a bar on the painting with an inverse angle. Neat idea. Then, with some trickery and lost of luck, we hoisted the painting up and that was that.
Mat took us for a drink at rogues Roost. I haven’t had a drop of alcohol since January 29. I let Mat buy me a couple beer tonight though. I don’t know how I feel about it. Sort of testing myself, to see if Mr. Hyde pops out at the first drop of alcohol, but he doesn’t. I walked back to the Khyber and finished painting the floor in the Skylight gallery while Gerry Granelli played for Improv at the Khyber down in the Club. I missed the entire second set while painting. Changed my clothes, had a glass of pop at the Club, then went home. Stopped for a slice of pizza along the way. Am really tired now and just want to go to bed. Plan to sleep in late tomorrow.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, July 8, 2001 11:23 PM
Subject: Day resists push from Alliance brass to jump, faces all-out caucus revolt• Day’s leadership sprung a leak when he boarded water scooter, critics say• Vintage plane crashes at Sarnia, Ont. air show killing pilot
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I slept in until Judy called at about ten-thirty. She wants to move to Halifax and live with me, Karina and Rebecca. We will have to move to a much larger place if she is serious about moving. Karina likes the idea. We would most likely look for a four bedroom, so Courtney would have to find his own place. We haven’t run this idea past Rebecca yet, who may not want to live with a ten-year old. Karina stayed at Judy’s last night. She was invited to attend a dinner party with Judy but didn’t go. Karina is not a big fan of dinner parties.
Lounged about the house for most of the day. Washed dishes, read the newspaper and re-arranged some of my digital files. Played on Photoshop. Had a nap.
Early in the evening Tim called from the Med. He has arrived in Halifax. I biked down to the Khyber to meet him. He dropped his photos and drawings off at the office, we looked at the space – the floor is really shiny with that new coat of paint – and talked for a bit. He is going to set up tomorrow. I suggested he transfer one of his drawings onto the wall, and he liked that idea. I will try to borrow an overhead projector from NSCAD tomorrow.
I am worried about Khyber Kids. Andréa did not come to the gallery yesterday to finish setting up, and she wasn’t there today, either. I couldn’t reach her by telephone. I am going to go in really early tomorrow morning to help them set up. There is still a large table in the basement to bring up and we have to figure out what to do about seating.
Craig had good news – he gave me almost $200 which had been collected in the donations jar in the club over the past two weeks. I puttered around the gallery for awhile and then biked home. For the second night in a row I ate at Korka Pizza on Agricola Street. Too lazy to cook. Watched The Simpsons on TV. Updated my email address book. Can’t decide whether to stay awake and wait for Karina to come home or go to bed now and let her wake me up when she comes home. I miss her. Having her away for a few days throws my schedule out of wack. I had more time to myself than I had counted on, and therefore didn’t use it as wisely as I should have. Oh well.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, July 9, 2001 10:21 PM
Subject: Day pulls offer to quit as Alliance leader, says he won’t ‘betray’ grassroots• No easy choices for Alliance in seeking successor to Day to heal party• Ottawa scores hit in trade war against Brazil with loan to help Bombardier
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Slept in this morning. Was hoping to be up and out the door before eight o’clock, but the snooze function isn’t working properly. Still, by skipping breakfast I managed to be at work by eight-thirty. I was worried that the room wouldn’t be ready but I was being paranoid. Andréa had actually been there since six-thirty making final preparations. The class arrived and is almost full. The afternoon class has less kids but still a good number. And more registrations kept coming in.
Tim came in to set up today. I borrowed the overhead projector from the NSCAD Art history department so Tim could enlarge and trace some of his drawings on the wall. He gave me a really super book her had made of his writing and drawings. His show was installed with little problem.
Went to the openings at Anna tonight. Suzanne was showing her Portrait Gallery of Famous Men paintings. If I ever find the time to curate a show based on political figures I would definitely consider her work. Renato was showing paintings with text and sometimes horrific images. Sometimes horrific text, dealing with war and war crimes and the awful part of humanity that the mass media thrives on.
I am coming down with a cold or allergies. My sinuses are stuffed and I have had a headache all day long. Probably dehydrated, malnourished and drank too much coffee today. Ate a late lunch with Tim and his friend at the Split Crow, but nothing for supper save some crackers, cheese and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups at Tim’s opening. Not many people came by, but I think it is because it is a small show and there are art history classes Monday nights this summer.
Winnie is leaving for Toronto tomorrow. Jason and Sarah were in town today, up from New York. I heard that Dan Turner was in town as well, but didn’t get a chance to see him. He never really liked me anyway.
Can’t stop sneezing. Karina is taking a bath. I am going to read a bit of Tim’s book and maybe some of the Photoshop book, then try to get to bed early. I have board and committee meetings scheduled for the next three nights, and plan to be at work by nine every morning.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2001 11:13 PM
Subject: Day loyalists rally to purge critics from Alliance’s governing board• Stockwell Day says meetings kept him from Stampede breakfast with grassroots• U.S. child says in videotape she was forced into prostitution in Vancouver
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Took the bus to work this morning as it was raining hard. Was able to get up on time. Andréa called wanting to get into the Club to get some of the low tables. The kids were more rambunctious today. We blame it on the weather.
Tried to work on the Simply Accounting program but I don’t know it well enough and I think I was making some mistakes. I meet with Peter again next week. He wouldn’t meet this Friday because he is superstitious. He was in a bad car accident on Friday the Thirteenth before.
I heard Lukas upstairs talking to Charles about his sound piece in the eyelevelgallery window. Apparently the landlord threatened to evict the gallery if the sound didn’t stop. I talked to David about it later in the afternoon. He is quite upset over the behavior of his landlord. David doubts he would treat the other tenants of the building in such a rude and blunt manner. It is so hypocritical, allowing that poor schmuck singing badly out of tune Dillan songs at gunpoint for the Party House (excuse me, Iniome) at such a high volume, but coming down hard on artistic programming that never lasts more than a week or two at a time. It is downright anal.
Had pizza for supper with the Khyber Kids crew. Stayed for a meeting with don and Ray and Chris for the gallery renovations. It now appears that the plan will be to build brand-new walls to go overtop the wainscotting, rather than try to get a flush surface from the existing wall. Came up with a more specific list of materials and a timeline. Need to get a bunch of volunteers for the initial unloading and building of the frames.
Having trouble catching my bus on time. For the second time this week I went out to catch a bus and waited almost half an hour each time, which means I had just missed one. I guess I should carry a schedule with me. Or call the go-time. Waiting does give me time to plan the next day of activities and clarify priorities.
Karina is still at school, i believe she is working on her sculpture projects. It is Courtney’s birthday today. Karina baked him cupcakes. I saw Courtney and Mary entering the Khyber Club while I was waiting for the bus. I am going to try to get to bed early again tonight. Will continue to read the hardcover book Tim made and gave me.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, July 13, 2001 1:01 AM
Subject: Technology unreliable, Promises of efficiency peppered with ample doses of stressful turbulence, Unable to access favorite webpage at this time results in meandering
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
A long day today. My right thumb and wrist feels like arthritis. Neck is stiff and have solid knot in muscles. But good news at the office, our photocopier arrived today. It is working, but not hooked up to the computers. They sent a different tech who didn’t seem to know much more than me about how to set up the network. Randy will tackle it tomorrow. We are planning to get the digital camera tomorrow as well. Registry of Joint Stock Companies called and the incorporation is complete, we should get the documents early next week so can then send in our second Milestone Report to C@P.
Bought a painting from Nathaniel today, it is called “Badge for the Defender of the Universe”. The imagery comes from the Legend of Zelda video game. I forgot it at work, so don’t know how it will look on our green walls. Need to take a day off this week and clean house and maybe re-decorate. Some of the paintings on the walls we haven’t moved since we first moved in.
Had supper with Karina at the Split Crow. Talked to Ray and Sarah briefly, who were finishing up a quick beer with Thierry and Sandy. Ray still seems keen on at east discussing my work in more detail. I need to get more work done on my work. I really need to stop these twelve and fifteen hour days at the Khyber.
Had a meeting tonight to discuss the new plans for a curatorial program at the Khyber. It looks like it is shaping up to be a nine-month project with a show in the Ballroom as a result. I feel caught in the middle of the contentious curatorial battle ground. Part of me thinks it is great to give young artists an opportunity to curate on a professional level, the other part of me feels it is outside the Khyber mandate and it may be another fruitless Khyber project which does more to alienate the society from its members. It will work out, Sarah and Becka and Spencer and Briony seem quite keen on it.
Stayed in the Club for a bit waiting for Karina to meet me when she was finished in the sculpture studio. I biked to Sobeys and she took the bus. We went midnight shopping. The store only had two cashiers on, and there were long lineups at both. We walked home with the bags of groceries hanging from the bicycle handlebars.
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, July 13, 2001 11:00 PM
Subject: Day holds open door to arbitration to settle dispute with dissidents• IOC gambles that awarding 2008 Games to Beijing will prompt change in China• Canadians express disappointment about Beijing win in race for 2008 Games
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Still having trouble with the snooze function on the alarm clock. Some kids yelling at each other down the street finally woke me up shortly past eight o’clock this morning, so I rushed to work without breakfast or shower. I wanted to cut some Plexiglas for the monoprinting today. Luckily Ken was in the woodshop early. He always has an interesting project on the go. Last time it was a mast for his boat, this time a really solid coffee table.
Bit of a hectic day. Lots of coming and going. Played with the photocopier. Actually, it was more like fighting with it. It kept jamming because I wasn’t selecting the proper paper size. It is a bit of a convoluted process to do something I had thought would be much simpler.
Made an invitation for the Khyber Kids exhibit, ran to the Dollar Store to get spoons for burnishing, mailed some letters and did some banking. Things are really heating up with the catalogues, and the Canadian Art Fast Forward deadline is Monday and I have nothing prepared.
Karina was taking slides of her show across the street before dismantling, then we went to the Med for supper. Ran into Trevor, who joined us briefly. He and Tamara have their eyes on a house for sale down the end of Agricola Street. It is such a different world, wanting to buy a house and evaluating and measuring credit ratios and down payments.
We went to Value Village and bought lots of clothes. Karina found quite a few items she liked, for a change. A jacket, some sheets, skirts and shirts. I found a couple pairs of pants, including a red pair. I may never wear them, but if that special occasion comes up I’ll be prepared. Maybe for the Bloomfield House barbeque tomorrow?
Planned to go to the opening at Evan’s Bathroom GAllery tonight, but didn’t get by that part of town ’till past ten. It probably would have been OK to stop by, but it is getting late and there were things to do at home. Like clean up cat hair, work on some art and re-try on the new duds.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, July 14, 2001 10:50 PM
Subject: Tears flow at ceremony for 12 campers killed in Alberta tornado• On Manitoba swing, Day downplays import of Tuesday’s Alliance caucus meeting• Laurel and Hardy or Coriolanus? Literati seek parallels to Day-time drama
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Woke up and worked on teh computer for a bit before taking the bus downtown with Karina. We were going to go to the market but I wanted to get the labels on the Human Faux Pas posters before Aaron came to get them. He never came, though he called later in the day apologize for his recent lapses in memory.
Randy went and bought the Sony DV Camcorder for the KDMC today and I played with it and iMovie for a bit on the G-4 this afternoon. Karina took slides for Alissa down at Mokka, and for Tim upstairs. Tim had taken slides of his show yesterday but when he picked them up today they were much too dark.
Karina and I ate at Doraku tonight. I was in a grumpy mood, and just wanted to put up posters and get some food from a grocery store to go to the Bloomfield House Barbeque. Karina justified the dinner because we always go out for Japanese food when she gets a student loan installment. Afterwards I biked up to Canadian Tire and Karina went to school.
I put up posters along the way. Stopped at Canadian Tire to get a bike helmet but what I really want is a skateboard helmet, and Canadian Tire didn’t have any. It will have to wait until Monday. Finally got to the barbeque at nine, in time for cake. Spinoza played a few songs but Phillip broke a string and so the set ended after three songs. The basement was a bit loud for me anyhow.
Kid Koala is playing tonight at the Marquee. His manager had called Craig a few days ago asking to borrow our DJ table, which unfortunately no longer belongs to us. I wouldn’t mind going to the show but the cover is $10 and the place will be packed. Too many people under one roof, and too close for comfort. Came home instead, will read and try to relax. I was supposed to start painting the hall for Jay and Suzanne today and will now have to try to do the bulk of it tomorrow. Have multiple introductions to write this week for the catalogues.
How do you feel about the IOC’s decision to give the Games to Beijing? I’m relieved. The Olympics are a big pain in the butt, and more trouble than they are worth. Besides, after Lastman’s oh-so-witty remarks, we don’t deserve them. Neither does Beijing, but what’s fair about politics?
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, July 15, 2001 10:47 PM
Subject: Alliance braces for Calgary caucus meeting, MPs call for vote on Day support• National chief targets Ottawa, other aboriginal leaders in calls for change• Alymer, Ont. clash fans flames of debate over Canada’s age-old ‘spanking law’
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Spent a pleasant morning with Karina before heading over to Trevor and Tamara’s for a pancake breakfast. Their friends Derek and Cynthia came over as well. There was lots of fruit and blueberry, strawberry and plain pancakes. I had to leave right after eating to get to Jay and Suzanne’s to paint. Had to stop by the Khyber first to change into my painting clothes and get my brush.
Finally made some major headway on the hallway. Of course, they had picked an entirely new colour, so I had to re-do the upstairs hall walls, but I completed a first coat of both the upstairs and downstairs walls by six-thirty. The trim will take longer, but maybe I’ll get Dan to do it. Unless they can wait until November, which is actually quite likely.
Biked home in oncoming fog and put up my few remaining Human Faux Pas posters. Already a whole bunch had been taken down from the Quinpool Road area. I can’t understand why someone would be taking down posters a day after they go up, with only a week to go before the advertised event.
Came home and made supper with Karina. Listened to Joel’s recent album to get the Enya that Jay and Suzanne had been playing all afternoon out of my head. I had wanted to hear “Waiting to be Discovered” for the past few days but couldn’t find the CD. Rebecca was listening to it in her room.
Watched Simpsons but it was a lame re-run, the “Hobo on the way to Delaware” episode. Have some email to send and some work to do on the old and new catalogue introductions to do. Will try to get to bed early as I am meeting Jane from APT at eight-thirty, then have Simply Accounting training with Peter at nine-thirty. The 3-D class starts tomorrow. Fast Forward is due tomorrow. Haven’t emailed the HFP info yet. It will be another full week, then it is off to Lunenberg for the Paint Sea on Site next weekend.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, July 16, 2001 10:58 PM
Subject: Activists shinny down CN Tower after hanging environment protest banner• Day expected to make offer to caucus to poll Alliance members on leadership• Affidavits at Chinese fugitive hearing outline extensive corruption in China
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Andréa and Alyssa gave me a scare this morning. They didn’t get to work until twenty to nine, and a few kids had already showed up. I had called them each but no answer. I was paranoid that they had slept in after working so hard last week. The sculpture class was huge this morning, and pretty darn full this afternoon as well.
The photocopier guy came today to network the machine, he got the PC hooked up but knows nothing of the macs. We may need a specialist. The office was crowded and full today. I ran the postcard of the Human Faux Pas down to the Coast and I think Jane is going to run it as a Sure Thing this week. That would be good, I hope they get a good turnout.
Went to the openings at the Anna this evening and ate lots of cheese and crackers. The shows were OK, well executed and crafted, but nothing really grabbed me. The opening at eyelevel was much more interesting, Robbie and Kate were presenting a Flash animation over a painted canvas. The ÜberStyle ‘product’ was beautifully conceived and played extremely well. Humorous and timely, the long list of possible side effects, which was ridiculously long and absurd, was actually about a third of the actual possible side effects for taking Prozac.
Met Karina in the club after the opening when her class was over. She managed to finish and hand in her essay on time. She was up late last night and early this morning working on it. I biked home and she took the bus. She brought home a movie, The Cable Guy, which I have seen and liked, but don’t know if I want to stay up tonight for it. I have a Fast Forward to send tomorrow, and still haven’t heard back from Winnie regarding some vital information, and I haven’t received email that I had expected I would, and am afraid that something is wrong, again. I must need to take a class, “How To Send Email 101, For Dummies” or something.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, July 18, 2001 1:08 AM
Subject: Stockwell Day proposes leadership race to settle Alliance turmoil• Day’s offer to resign throws a wrench into the works regarding unity talks• Day or no Day, Alliance grassroots support dead in Ontario, say Tory sources
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Another early morning today, and tomorrow will come even quicker as Karina and I went out to a movie tonight and it is now way past my bedtime. We went to see Moulin Rouge. I had been putting it off and putting it off and had hoped Karina would forget about wanting to see it. I figured I had most of the story down after watching the previews months ago. But Karina called me at work today and suggested the movie and I wasn’t in a position to argue as I was talking to a guy about showing his photocopy art and was just seeing his first images when she called. It was a distracting moment, trying to deal with the manipulated images of Arnold Schwarzenegger and swastikas and musclemen with angel wings, and this sort of odd character who came in out of the blue to show me these images, and the office busy as usual and then the phone calls, so I agreed to the movie and there was no stopping it after that. Even though I was tired after work and even after a brief nap before supper still felt beat. But the movie was actually interesting, it took itself far less seriously than I had anticipated it would, it was a story made up almost entirely of clichés – in the plot, characters, storyline, dialogue and songs. It was great hearing contemporary songs like Smells Like Teen Spirit, Like A Virgin, and Roxanne performed amidst the cacophony of turn of the century Montmatré. Some of the camerawork was just dazzling. We stayed to read the whole credits. There was actually a section under the heading “Preparator to Persistence of Vision” – I wonder exactly what that meant?
Karina and I walked to Sobeys after the movie, we needed bread and some basic stuff, and I needed to get some boxes for the mold-making class tomorrow morning. We got home just as it was starting to rain, and now it is really coming down. It is late, and I really need to get to bed.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, July 18, 2001 11:33 PM
Subject: U.S. groups line up against their own government in Canada-U.S. lumber dispute• Alliance battles continue despite Day’s call for leadership race• Day continues to refuse to say whether he’ll run again for leadership
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I lucked out with the bus this morning. It was raining, and I had a bunch of cardboard boxes with me that I had collected from Sobeys last night, for the mold-making class today. I made it to the bus stop just as a bus was stopping, and it was only half full. I was worried that the bus would be packed (they often are early in the morning, especially when the weather is poor), and that the boxes would cause havok. But it was a smooth ride.
Andréa and Alyssa had already been to work to drop off bags of sand. It turned out my hunt for boxes had been a moot effort; the girls had picked up a bunch of nail boxes from Piercey’s early this morning. I helped tape some of them together and then retired to the office for the day. Ray was in today to help with the sculpture class. From what I heard and saw, the kids had a great time. Most of the plaster molds taken were of feet and hands, but some made letters and other shapes. They also worked on a large class sculpture made of lengths of wood, tinfoil, wire and bits of fabric soaked in plaster.
Received the incorporation documents for the KDMC in the mail today, and started on the Milestone report for CAP. Made a bunch of phone calls to get volunteers to help with the tear-down of Khyber Kids and set-up of Human Faux Pas.
Ate at the Med with the Khyber Kids crew, Ray and Randy. Hung out in the Club after with Spencer, David and Zeke. They had all been working at the Mount today. Tim and Andréa came a little later, and then Karina came after her class. She received an “A” on her most recent essay. Bruce read it and said it was well-written. Karina celebrated with shots of Jaggermeister, which made her silly and goofy. Eventually we caught the number 12 home. Karina was excited because her parents mailed her a care-package of her favorite Dutch foods. One is chocolate sprinkles on bread. The sprinkles look like mouse pooh, but are quite tasty.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, July 21, 2001 1:15 AM
Subject: FW: No guarantee dissident dozen will get official status in Commons• Alliance rebels’ move prompts confusion, anger, elation in ridings• Air Canada, pilots strike deal for low-fare discount airline
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Full day today. Last day for the two sculpture classes. They finished the big tree. Now we have to figure out where to put it. Jacinda came at four-thirty to help us clean up a bit. Randy, Craig, Benoit, Alyssa and Andréa all helped as well, and in an hour we had moved most of the Khyber Kids stuff downstairs. Except for the tree, which we may leave in the gallery for the performances tomorrow night. Winnie was back at work today and set about fixing up all the mistakes in the petty cash and organizing misplaces files and documents.
We all went out to eat at the Shoe Shop tonight, to celebrate Benoit’s birthday and the arrival of the Human Faux Pas. Adad, Clay and Mark all seem like really nice, genuine and caring people. The four girls that came from Shawinigan with Benoit arrived before he did and they all sat at the other end of the table, and from what Ray told me, spoke French most of the time. They are supposed to be speaking English at their jobs (they are all working at day camps, one just down the street from us), so it must be nice to get together and chat amongst themselves.
A bunch of us went back to the Khyber afterwards for Craig’s impromptu Country and Bluegrass night. It was kind of slow and we were all tired enough to head home shortly past eleven. Adad was checking his email for awhile so I will keep this brief, get the drawing done and hit the hay. We want to go to the Market tomorrow morning, and most of the cleanup volunteers are meeting us at noon.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, July 22, 2001 5:19 AM
Subject: Gaffes, vendettas and Alliance system led to Day’s downfall, pundits say• Four-hundred protest at the Italian consulate in Toronto, no injuries, damage• Saturday’s winning numbers
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Hi, it is really late. Or really early, depending on your perspective. It has been a long day. For simplicity sake I will list in point form:
-ate breakfast with Karina and Human Faux Pas
-biked to work to assist with cleanup
-Lisa, Heather, Aaron (apologetic over missing the postering) and Becka helped mop
-continued with set-up most of the day, HFP did an interview with Gillian, rehearsed with Jacinda and Alyssa
-performance actually went well, over fifty people attended, including Peter from Saint John it was so nice to see him
-we all hung out in the club afterwards and stayed for the whole hip-hop show
-went dancing after that at Reflections
-Drove Jacinda home and Peter to Dartmouth and then came home, talked until sky became light, giddy with tiredness
-will explain in more detail perhaps tomorrow
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, July 22, 2001 11:40 PM
Subject: Stockwell Day’s Alta experience failed to prepare him for Ottawa says colleagues• Canada’s unique medical information system under-utilized in B.C., says nurse• N.S. gov’t kept ban on Sunday shopping despite advice to move, documents show
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Spent a lazy, relaxing day as we all recuperated from being out so late last night. Slept in, but only until close to eleven. Had breakfast at home with Adad, Clay, Mark and Karina, then we went to the Khyber to load up their gear. Stopped at the bathroom gallery to visit Evan and the show. The Martha Stewart towels with the embroidered apologies by Cathy Busby were pastel-coloured and plush, and Garry had velcroed dozens of bathroom products featuring stylized brushstrokes on the walls. The Human Faux Pas guys were a pleasure to be around. They always had interesting stories and we had some good conversations. I laughed a lot this weekend, which is so important. What a great stress reliever. I hope to see them again someday. They left this afternoon, on their way to Sackville for an outdoor performance tomorrow afternoon.
Karina and I had a long, extended nap in the late afternoon. Made some supper, walked to the convenience store for bread and ice cream, and came home to follow through on our weekend tradition of watching the Simpsons. Tonight was an episode I hadn’t seen before, but it wasn’t terribly funny.
Hey, there has been some unexpected action in the back yard. The mini-dump which has been there for years is mostly gone. There are only a few barrels, a couple sheets of plywood and some odd scraps left. I wonder if we may soon have a bona fide yard.
Just listened to an audio tape that Peter gave us yesterday. It is messages that me, Karina, Judy, Mike, Madison, John and others left on his answering machine from six years ago. We sound like hillbillies. Some of them are quite funny. The good ‘ole days.
Want to send a few more emails tonight and get to bed early. Have to get some cue cards from Staples tomorrow morning for the flip book class. Am supposed to design and paint a couple signs for Darrell for the next couple evenings after work.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, July 24, 2001 1:12 AM
Subject: Thousands of B.C. health workers officially on illegal strike• Stockwell Day wraps East Coast tour claiming strong support for leadership• Canadian Alliance and Tories try to regain footing on unity talks
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a weird experience with a French painter from Lunenburg today. Had an early start to the day, for Karina too. She had to go to Canadian Tire before class and I had to go to Staples before work. I needed cue cards for the Khyber Kids. Alyssa freaked out today from the lack of organization in the class. I hate being in the middle of these conflicts. I am such a lousy employee model figure-type person. I hate to ever be the heavy, and hope that a stand-offish approach will work in terms of dispute resolution. Deep down I just wanna be part of the revolution.
So the French guy. He comes into the office today, a short man with big long square beard and introduces himself and calls me by name and I recognize him right away. His name is Kamo, and I had met him briefly last summer at the Lunenburg Paint Sea on Site. He was trying to offload photocopies and cards of his watercolour paintings of Halifax. He figured that wouldn’t be a problem; he had given himself six hours between arriving in Halifax by bus and leaving by bus, with which to ‘drop in’ on unsuspecting galleries, showrooms and shops to sell his wares. He was fairly discouraged by the time he made it to the Khyber, and I felt bad for not being able to offer him a place to leave his work. We certainly don’t have the space, nor the mandate or budget to take them on consignment. I did buy a few cards, but mostly so he could get something to eat. His paintings resemble those made in the eighties, with the pastel, unusual colour choices and cheesy matting.
Went to the openings to meet Karina, forgot to bring her bag with her class readings in it, we walked back to the Khyber, got the bag and the notes weren’t in it. She stopped at Pita Boys for supper. I wasn’t hungry at the time but I am now. Saw the shows, mostly interested in drawings by Chris Woods. Colourful pastels, floating figures and grounds, roughly-worked surfaces. I want to ask him what the deal was with the price list and the mention of the “Bargain Basement”.
Worked at Darrells’ tonight. Am making some signs for a decorating job next week for a company called Pivotal. I am making a “start” and a “finish” sign. It reminds me of the outdoor stencil piece that Jeremiah made a couple years ago during our collaborative show together. I will ask Darrel if I can keep the signs after the event (I am helping him set up and strike next week), then cut them out and use them as stencils around the city. Yay, more public art ideas for my notebook, but when will I ever get them done? I should really make the effort; once fall and winter come along, it is so much harder to do these works.
Stopped by the Khyber on my way home. Gordon is back from Cuba and was talking with Winnie, Sarah and Chris. He wants to do a Halifax Biennelle, something different from HX. I walked home with Sarah and she talked about the review she is writing about the Marion MaCain exhibit, and how poorly it was curated and how bad some of the work was, especially that from the Saint John contigent.
Came home and Karina was in the tub, and after I finish my drawing I am going to jump in myself. I am hot and sticky and sweaty. It was unusually hot today, though I didn’t notice it much during the day as I had the lights off in the office. Keeps it cooler that way. Though the garbage downstairs was really smelly today. We fear a mouse has died in the wall somewhere.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, July 25, 2001 12:14 AM
Subject: Nova Scotia premier says there will be another bill to ban health strikes• B.C. health employers and striking technician union meet in court Wednesday• Northern MLAs examine concerns over secret phone tapes in NWT legislature
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Heather was in Khyber KIds class today to teach the kids cameraless animation. She showed some Normal MacLaren videos, and showed them how to draw on film, which they then did on the leader film she provided. I was thinking today what a great experience Khyber Kids must be for those enrolled. I didn’t have anything this fun when I was young. Not that I can remember.
Went for a studio visit at Pat’s house in Dartmouth today. The perpetual calendar series her is working on is quite involved. The drawings are quite amazing. He is almost two-thirds of the way through the project, which would entail 168 pieces.
Andréa and I picked up some video cameras today from CFAT for the remainder of this weeks class. Met with Jason to discuss some details. Then went to Darrell’s to continue work on the signs for the show this weekend. Lucky for me, he fed me, a nice Trout and rice and salad supper. I have come to the horrible conclusion that I have set up far too much work for myself this week. The signs need a spray varnish overtop because the paint scratches easily. There is still a scoreboard to paint. Still have to buy the paint for it. Have meetings the next two nights in a row. Going to Lunenburg on Friday and am not prepared to paint. Still need to buy some supplies. Am scheduled to help Darrel set up and strike the show on Monday. The Khyber Kids exhibition opens on Monday. We are in the midst of discussing the possibilities of having the CBC Film Festival Gala held at the Khyber. We would need to speed through on some Club renovations in August to smooth some feathers. I want to make some art with the “Start” and “Finish” signs I am painting; turned sideways, and with an extra “Finish”, I would have a wicked Barnett Newman-esque thing. Saw David and Claire’s grass “Mayday” piece on Citadel Hill today, but only from a distance just before It was about to be mowed. I want to look for it again. Spoke to Mitch on the phone. He hasn’t received his rejected proposal nor the Gala cheque yet. He often has problems with Canada Post. Gordon was spazzing out about Air Canada last night. So is Sixtoo, Air Canada lost some of his equipment. Purolator called me a few days ago in regard to my complaint over their service, but the woman only left her extension number, not the actual number to call. I have a meeting tomorrow at eight in the morning with Mike to discuss building issues. Will look at the radiators in the Ballroom. At least one needs to be removed to allow for the new walls. Hopefully will remember to talk about the nasty leak and growing mold in the basement, the dead mouse in the garbage room, the bad wiring for the lights and the second floor in general, the bar floor, the new lights for the back hallway, the leaking skylights and the dirty windows. Will perhaps bring this letter as a reminder to myself. Must go to bed soon, am utterly exhausted. Still have afternoon and evening email to check. So convenient, can now work almost around the clock, spend every waking moment working, what joy and bliss this existence brings into my life and the lives of others.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, July 26, 2001 12:48 AM
Subject: Foreign affairs minister worried about American plans for space-based weapons• Alliance, Tory MPs say bid to unite right undeterred by Alliance troubles• B.C. employer loses bid to get contempt of court order against health workers
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I can’t decide whether to go right to bed or get groceries. I’m hungry. I’ll either make pancakes or walk to Korka Pizza for a slice. It is hot in the apartment. Today felt like the hottest day ever. It is nice, in a way. Too much of it would be a drag, and other than the fact that it is probably indicative of horrible global warming, I kinda like it. You better not back out of the Kyoto protocol.
I met Mike and Phil at the Khyber this morning at eight o’clock. We went through some of the planned renovations. Phil was quite disturbed by the mold in the basement. looks like some action may finally occur there.
Khyber Kids was zany today. Was running back and forth from the College and Radio Shack to pick up equipment and cables. It is my fault this stuff wasn’t planned better, I really should have been on top of that. The tension amongst the workers is growing. We are all meeting early tomorrow for breakfast at the Med. Maybe we can work some things out then. There is never any time to discuss these programming issues while the classes are in session.
OK, I’m back. Karina and I just walked to Sobeys to get groceries. We stopped at Korka Pizza along the way. We read the humourous article in the Mail-Star today, a front-page story of David and Claire’s “Mayday” artwork on the Citadel. The article refers at least three times to the ‘mysterious’ work being a prank, though they did interview an artist visiting from Washington who referred to it as ‘earth art’. I don’t think David and Claire would think of it as earth art, but we’ll all get a different reading from it.
Anyway, I’m just wiped, and still need to draw a picture before bed. And check a ream of email messages. Want to get up extra early to make a lunch for tomorrow.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, July 26, 2001 11:59 PM
Subject: Premiers to bury differences, unite in demands for federal health care funds• Ontario premier gets support of N.W.T. premier for health campaign• B.C. nurses say they will resign en masse if government legislates contract
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
We had a staff meeting of sorts for breakfast this morning. Andréa, Alyssa and I had breakfast at the Med. Jason didn’t get up in time. The Khyber Kids were more unruly today. A combination of the humidity and the lack of structure around the video week. I had thought that they would do a bit of editing today but no. And I don’t know how we’ll get the footage they have shot so far onto individual tapes.
Lots of activity in the building today. Electricians and maintenance guys were in. The moldy drywall at the bottom of the emergency stairs was ripped out. No one is sure of where the leak is coming from, however.
Helped set up a huge film screen in the Club for a benefit screening of NFB films for and organization called Edge. I heard they were going to screen The Big Snit, one of my favourite animations of all time, so I stayed. Called Darrell and put off finishing the scoreboard sign until tomorrow morning. Had a brief newsletter meeting but only Becka and Winnie showed. It’s just as well, as it isn’t really a large group job. That would make things confusing. I did hope to get more input from our community. Evan and Sarah were supposed to come but didn’t.
Karina and I had supper at the Med. I had fish and chips, and my fish was still frozen inside the deep-fried batter. That was strange. They gave me a new plate, but no discount. Grabbed a paper that featured David and Claire’s ‘earth art’ in the editorial cartoon.
We stayed for almost the whole film screening just to see The Big Snit. Then I biked home, meeting Karina at North Street, as she took the number 1 and got off before the bridge. We walked home. I’m tired again, and there is a lot to do tomorrow before catching the bus to Lunenburg. I have a zillion loose ends to tie up at work, and have to pack my paints and clothes and toothbrush and all that. Going to bed soon. My neck aches.
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 27 Jul 2001 19:50:29 PDT
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: One of Canada’s most notorious killers uses the Net to rant on justice, media
Dear Mr. Chretien,
A hectic morning brought this busy week to a close. Jason didn’t show up for work at all today. He didn’t call not answer his phone. I’m a bit miffed. Luckily the kids seemed content to continue working on their sets and their video projects, though I feel bad that not more instruction was provided. I had to go to Darrel’s this morning and continue work on the scoreboard sign.
Am now at my grandparent’s house in Lunenburg. We had quite the adventure catching the bus. Actually, it was Karina’s adventure. She was at NSCAD burning some CDs and lost track of the time. She was trapped downtown during rush hour. Rebecca and I waited for her until past six, then Trevor drove us to the station. He was dropping off a shirt my mom had bought for me at Frenchy’s recently. It is a wildly patterned and brightly coloured shirt, I think she thought I would like to wear it for the Paint Sea On Site this weekend. It is a bit loud for me. Anyway, Karina hadn’t shown up so we left, Rebecca bought my ticket as Karina has all my money. The bus was full, so as we waited for another to come I called home and Karina, breathless and panicky, answered and blurted out that she was on her way. She showed up minutes later, and then we waited for twenty minutes for the next bus. They must have a driver on call or something. Our driver looked like Dennis Hopper.
Didn’t do much this evening. Had some tea. Watched What About Bob, a humourous movie about blurring the doctor/patient boundary starring Richard Drefuss and Bill Murray.
We are scheduled to meet at the gallery tomorrow morning at nine o’clock, so I am going to head to bed shortly. Will check out a little more of the digital TV downstairs. Sorry, no picture attachment today, there is no graphics program on this computer.
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Date: 28 Jul 2001 20:16:06 PDT
To: pm@pm.gc.ca, pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: • Police outnumber demonstrators at Whistler protest; one woman pepper sprayed
Dear Mr. Chretien,
After a nice breakfast Poppy drove Rebecca and I to the Lunenburg Fire Hall to get set up for the day of painting. We received our bright yellow T-shirts and put our tiny flags on the map, then walked downtown. We set up slightly up a hill from Government Wharf. Our first paintings turned out OK. Karina came and met up with us, and Poppy brought us specialty coffee.
Our second location was up by St. Luke’s church. I was painting a house and tree with another painter in front of it, Rebecca was painting me. Some high school kids stopped by and smoked a joint. It was nice to indulge. It was hot today, I was wearing lots of sunscreen. Lots of tourists around, and tour groups. Lots of yellow-shirted artists.
We stopped by the fire hall on the way home and checked out the auction, which contained some pretty good paintings. Poppy picked us up at Frenchys and we had a quick swim before heading back to the fire hall. The auction seemed to go well, though the prices aren’t going that high. Nanny bought almost all our paintings, a couple for her and one for my mom. Talk about keeping them in the family!
The supper wasn’t that great, the potato salad had way too much dry mustard in it, but one cannot very well complain when volunteers are providing all the food and work. We went back home for tea and dessert, and talked with Nanny and played a little Speak and Spell before retiring to the Den to watch Cat On A Hot Tin Roof on the big screen. I had not seen it before. A good play about the tensions bottled up within families, though the rich southern cotton plantation family is a little hard to identify with. Not too many plays or movies today end with everyone going to bed to make everything better. Maybe we should start reinforcing that methodology to solving the world’s problems. Just go to bed more often.
Speaking of which, all the hot sun and swimming and painting today has worn me out. I’m only up this late because my grandparents seem addicted to this on-line Boggle program, and play it a lot. Karina was up until 3am last night watching the cable TV. She is watching a Hitchcock movie with Paul Newman and Julie Andrews right now. I’m going to bed.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, July 29, 2001 10:34 PM
Subject: Federal Health Minister Allan Rock to tour Manitoba marijuana mine• Ontario’s health minister says stop the bickering, start talking health care• Tally of B.C. nurses threatening resignation reaches 5,000 mark
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
We’re back home, and the weekend of painting was successful. Today Rebecca and I painted the view of Lunenburg Harbour (I did the Fisheries Museum, she did the golf course) and the Esso gas station with the old sign on top. Rebecca painted the Knot Pub. Both sold, and not to my grandmother this time. Trevor and Tamara arrived in the afternoon. We went back to the auction just before close but the painting that they were bidding on had gone out of their price range. Rebecca, Karina and I had placed a bid on a cute painting a teenager had made, but realized after the bidding had closed that someone else had outbid us. So overall, a good weekend, I think I made a little more than $150. I also enjoyed making the paintings I did. It is good practice. A woman I had met at the event last year told me that Annapolis Royal is doing a similar fund-raiser in a month. I may look into it, though I have a feeling the renovations and plans for the September openings will be keeping me busy.
We stayed for a small supper with Nanny and Poppy then hit the road. Trevor and Tamara drove us back. Sierra sat of Tamara’s lap in the front seat. I napped for most of the way, though it is a fitful sleep. The movement of the car always seems more erratic, or just more fast, than it does when awake. I get paranoid that we will crash, for no reason.
I called Winnie when I got home to see how things have gone this weekend. She said that the guys renting the Ballroom for a dance tonight are really sketchy. She was going to go down in a bit and I will as well, just to keep a closer eye on things. I am tired, and am supposed to work early tomorrow morning with Darrell. I really just want to go to bed, but I don’t want there to be any problems tonight. The Khyber Kids art show gets set up tomorrow. I wish I could be there to help but foolishly double booked myself, and I have already tried to get out of helping Darrell tomorrow but he is short staffed himself.
Now that I’m home, what little relaxation I got this weekend is quickly dissolving.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, July 30, 2001 11:09 PM
Subject: Provincial demands for $7 billion in new health cash unreasonable, says Dion• Island farmers waiting on deal with U.S. to begin shipping this season’s crop• B.C. needs to rebuild after decade of rubble says Finance minister
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Received good news in a phone call early this morning. Darell called and said that I wasn’t needed for setup with him today, which meant I could spend the day working on the Khyber Kids exhibition. The setup for that seemed to go smoothly. Ben, Andréa, Alyssa and her friend had everything under control. Winnie handled the food and cleaned everything up at the end. Finally ran into Jason, who had been in on the weekend and had edited together a bunch of footage, and he finished that today as well, just under the deadline. The opening was well-attended, lots of happy parents and kids showed up. I was both frustrated and pleased with Jason. He did do a fair bit of work over the weekend, so he made up for missing Friday, but it still burns me that he just didn’t show up.
Then it was off to openings at the eyelevel. An artist from Montréal making realistic looking photographs that have been digitally altered. A pastiche of landscape imagery. Tim had installed a piece in the windows, a witty comment on colour mixing. I’m interested to see what the sun will do to the pie filling in the painted out window.
I felt zonked today. Very lethargic. Need more sleep, just not feeling sharp. Went to the club for a bit to buy Andréa and Alyssa drinks. They deserve it, they worked so hard the past few weeks. Karina stopped by after class, and I talked to Ray for a bit about the upcoming renovations. Biked home, Karina took the bus and we met up on Gottingen at the foot of Macara. I boiled pasta when we got home but am too tired to eat it now. Will make salad out of it tomorrow.
Have a KDMC board meeting tomorrow, then a Khyber board meeting Thursday. Someone bought a KDMC membership today, out of the blue. Good news.
I have a ton of email to sift through tonight, and a picture to draw, then it is off to bed, yay! I am so looking forward to sleep tonight.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, July 31, 2001 11:58 PM
Subject: No way to predict when economy will pick up again, finance minister says• Hollinger group sells most of its remaining Canadian papers for $220 million• Money issues will dominate annual premiers’ conference in Victoria
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just finished watching The Adventures of Sebastian Cole. Good movie. Authentic recreation of the early eighties. Rebecca has now seen it three times. I had to borrow an RF cable from Norman. Ours is lost amongst all the Khyber Kids stuff. Had movies on my mind today. Spoke with Donna this evening while she was waiting for Tim to pack up his stuff and head back to Sackville. They were going to see Planet of the Apes but left too late. I’d like to see it but want to see the original to compare. Want to see AI as well. Donna can talk about Sackville and make it sound like an appealing place to live.
Karina and I have started to remove the matted fur from Kuan tonight. We are about halfway. Kuan is not happy with us. We imagine that she would pack her belongings up in a hankerchief and hit the road if she could. I’m sure she will get over it.
We had a KDMC meeting this afternoon that actually went well. Had a good turnout and it felt like we made some progress. We are going to accept the YIP grant and keep Randy until at least Christmas. Hopefully longer, I can’t run the KDMC on my own. Our future plans would be to try to acquire a digital projector, and turn the KDMC into more of a presentation venue. We added Ifo and Jason to the board.
Talked with Mat this evening about putting together a portrait show to pitch at some galleries. He is working on portraits of artists. I am working on portraits of you, and Susan has her series of portraits of men. Old men, famous men, iconographic men. We haven’t discussed it with her yet but it has some potential. I just need to find the time and space to get some of these paintings done. I may split studio space with Sym. Will talk to her about it this week.
Lots to do this week, have some email to check then must go to bed. Karina has started another movie. She says that she needs to escape. It is no wonder that she is always rushing around at the end of every semester. I guess everyone needs downtime.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, August 1, 2001 10:33 PM
Subject: Upbeat Bank of Canada expects to see signs of recovery this fall• Air Canada cutting 4,000 more jobs after losing $108 million in Q2• Tensions expected to escalate among unions, workers after Air Canada cuts
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had an upbeat day. Felt productive. Andréa and I hammered out a tentative plan to run a Khyber Kids Fall and Winter class. I found out today that Andy is moving out of his studio upstairs. That, combined with Becka, means there are two spaces, which we could partition into a Khyber Kids instruction zone. Risky, but it just may work. Have to bring it to the board tomorrow at the meeting.
Ordered the scaffolding and the materials for the initial phase of renovations today. They will be delivered on Tuesday. Towards the end of the week and the weekend I will call volunteers and get a good strong crew together for the unloading party. Try to draw up some plans as well. I want to draw them on the walls in the Ballroom after the Khyber Kids exhibit is down. Then the drawings will be sealed up like a time machine.
Talked with Sally for a bit after work today. The club was empty, there wasn’t even a small after-work or pre-bar staff group. She is going to come to work tomorrow or Friday morning to go over Simply Accounting with me. She is going to be doing the books in the Club for Craig. I am hoping she will be able to help me understand the program better. I haven’t touched it in weeks. I really need to learn.
Biked home and spent the better part of the evening cleaning up my email accounts on the computer. I don’t want to let the messages clutter up my mailbox. I talked to Sym and may rent half her studio starting this month. She is in the Propeller Building. I am going to take a look at it this weekend.
Karina is still at school. She is studying for her final papers and scanning some slides. Last night she watched 10 Things I Hate About You. I watched the last half with her. It is fascinating, how formulaic movies about high school dating can be.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, August 3, 2001 1:12 AM
Subject: Federal Health Minister Allan Rock tours Manitoba medicinal pot mine• Convicted pedophile will be released from prison, but will go to psych centre• Premiers make sweeping health-care funding demands from Ottawa
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just came back from Planet of the Apes. It was a last-minute decision to go. Karina called and caught me at the Khyber just after the board meeting and before Randy’s opening at the Velvet Olive. She and Rebecca and Andrew were going, so I met them there. I had thought from the previews that the movie would have some merit, but it was actually quite stale. Boring, really. Some nice visuals, a taste of an interesting premise, but so formulaic it was mostly dull. Karina, Rebecca and Andrew are out on the deck discussion movies in general.
Busy day, leading up to a productive board meeting. I’m getting geared up for the renovations next week. Damn, I just remembered I left the Khyber while the mobilization for global justice group were still meeting in the Ballroom. I hope Winnie was still around after they finished up. I am really slacking off in my administration duties.
Going to meet Sally early tomorrow morning to go over the accounting program. Benoit and Alyssa are continuing with the cleanup in the basement storage rooms. We moved some furniture in the office today, we are in the process of moving the tools downstairs. The office is slowly becoming roomier and more conducive to a media centre. I see it as becoming more of a community resource room. Lots to do tomorrow, advance notices about the KDMC opening, I need to get in touch with the Coast and CKDU about publicity. We need to compose and print brochures. Aaaargh, so much too do.
Randy has put up some really nice paintings at the Velvet Olive. The best one, in my opinion, is the starry night painting. I don’t actually know if that it the title. It is worked, inky black background with transfers of crawling babies pasted over the surface. The stars are glitter, and looked really sparkly in the candlelight.
OK< tired now, must go to sleep. Had a computer fuckup which cost me precious time tonight while making your drawing. Screen froze and I lost the first version.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, August 4, 2001 1:15 AM
Subject: Provinces warn Ottawa against rejecting premiers’ health-care plan• Judge upholds Ontario’s law banning ‘squeegee kids’ despite Charter violation• Funding hike to First Nations hasn’t cured reserve ills says tax watchdog
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
A hot, hot, hot day today. Kept the lights off in the office as long as I could, but eventually it got busy, the computers were on, the lights were on, and the fan was doing little to keep us cool. I slowed down to a sluggish crawl in the afternoon. Started to go over some of the financial info with Sally but it just made me realize how much more I need to clear up. Glad I am meeting with the accountant on Monday.
I walked down to the college to meet Karina after work and help her carry some lighting gear back to the Khyber. I had called another volunteer earlier this week to take some slide documentation of the Khyber Kids exhibit but he hadn’t called me back. The show comes down after tomorrow, so I wanted to make sure we had pictures. I fell asleep on the couch while Karina took the slides. Jason was in the office tonight editing the last of the Khyber Kids videos and preparing them for dubbing this week. I worry about him locking up the office, but I guess I have to learn to let go a little.
We watched a couple movies tonight. Unbreakable wasn’t as good as I had heard, but it wasn’t bad. Karina had also rented a fluff movie, Blast From the Past, which, despite some horrific acting, was actually quite funny in parts, and Christopher Walken and one of the Kids in the Hall actors made great appearances. But our apartment is so hot it is almost unbearable.
We want to go to the Market tomorrow, and also have laundry to do. Want very much to sleep in, just for a few hours longer.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, August 4, 2001 11:10 PM
Subject: Caribbean cultural parade draws festive, but peaceful crowds to Toronto• Nova Scotia RCMP arrest five men, seize 2,500 kilograms of hashish• Provinces warn Ottawa against rejecting premiers’ health-care plan
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Was able to sleep in this morning – sort of. The phone rang at 7am and somehow I managed to stumble out of bed half asleep to answer. It was Krishna calling from London. He is about to get the computer from his work as they are upgrading. Whenever I talk to him he tries to get me to come to London. He is going to Trinidad in March for a few months. Maybe Karina and I will try to save some money and visit him in Trinidad. Karina is planning to be in Holland from January – May. She is starting to worry about leaving me home alone.
I went back to bed after talking with Krishna and finally slept in, until past noon, so we missed the market. Karina and I hung around in bed for most of the day, actually, which was quite refreshing. She had a bad dream through the night, another dream in which I am mean to her. I dreamed briefly of Caitrian last night, a simple chance meeting. I think Karina and I must share dream patterns or something. It’s entirely plausible, spending so many hours each night with our heads resting so closely together.
We decided to go somewhere different for an all-day breakfast today. We went to Mary’s Place on Robie St. It was a refreshing change. Prices are reasonable, the service was fast, and my poached eggs were made traditionally and served in a small side dish.
The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to washing laundry. Bought some toilet repair supplies from Pierceys for the broken toilet in the ladies room at the Khyber. Karina bought a fan for the apartment. The air has been so hot and stuffy lately. We need a fan to move the air around. It’s working great; I have it in the computer room with me right now. Coolest room in the house, it is. Karina also bought some CLR, that rust and stain-cleaning product that is advertised heavily on TV. She bought it to clean the tub but afterwards I ended up using the whole bottle cleaning the old Marin, which had been hanging in the pantry since winter. Parts of it were rusted solid. It actually cleaned up OK. We plan to take it to a bike doctor to get it working again. It needs a new clutch, cables, some odd parts, the bearings need to be repacked, and probably more. Karina wants to get cycling before summer is over.
After cleaning the bike up we went to get groceries at the Superstore before it closed. Karina is unpacking groceries and cleaning out the fridge to make room. It is a sort of clean-up the apartment weekend. I am going to draw you a picture and then continue reading Dead Artists Live Theories. The author, Stanley Aronowitz, puts together some clumsy paragraphs and his ideas are a bit scattered, but he covers a lot of ground and I am finding it interesting. I have to read more, keep my mind busy with things other than fixing toilets.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, August 6, 2001 1:38 AM
Subject: APEC report topical in light of recent protests in Genoa, Quebec City• Provinces’ hefty demands not reasonable, but strategic: analysts• Clark defends premier demands for more health money, calls Dion attack dog
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Yay, a second day in a row to sleep in. It may be the last in a while. Rebecca, Karina and I set out for all day breakfast at Mary’s Place. Unfortunately, it was closed, so we tried the newly opened North End Diner, which was formerly part of the North End Pub. They had already stopped serving breakfast. We debated eating at Cousins on Agricola, but settled for another day at the Med. Afterwards, it was coffee at Stev-o-renos. I am really taking this relaxing on the weekend thing to the max. Spending the afternoon reading the newspapers over coffee, what am I thinking?
After coffee we strolled across the Citadel and stopped in at the Chicken and Goat Festival beside Highlife Cafe. An odd location, to have African fashion shows, drummers, musicians and dancers in the parking lot of Staples, but it was fun nonetheless. A perfect use of a parking lot, if you ask me. Courtney, Mary and her sister were there as well. I wanted to take a look at Sym’s studio, but no one was answering the door. I saw Ward and spoke to him briefly, but then he disappeared. More relaxing, yay!
After walking home I had a quick nap. The sun was hot today, and sucked all my energy. Then Andrew came over after he finished work and drove us out to Queensland Beach. It was dark and foggy when we arrived, but Andrew and Rebecca swam anyway. The atmosphere reminded me of the latest Robert Lepage film which Karina and I had seen last year at the film festival. We stopped by Video Difference on the way home to rent it. Unfortunately, we couldn’t remember the name of the film, and the computer system there doesn’t allow one to look for a film by director, which I thought was odd, and we couldn’t find it on the shelves, so we rented Shane instead. Our desire to see this movie again stems partly from an interview with Woody Allen in the New York Times recently. It was longer than I had remembered it, but then again the last time I saw it I was in grade school.
Have to get up early tomorrow to meet the window cleaners and Peter from Cambridge Financial. I don’t have my key to the office, so I hope that I can get in through the gallery without setting the alarm off. It all depends on whether the side door between the gallery and the office is locked. Could be an early morning adventure if it is.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, August 6, 2001 11:41 PM
Subject: APEC inquiry finds police conduct below standards in dealing with protesters• NDP’s McDonough blasts prime minister and Nfld. premier over bulk water• Long weekend turns tragic for some as busy highways and waterways claim lives
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I had to set off the alarm at the office to get in this morning. I had lent my office key to Jason on Friday and had not yet retrieved it, and had to go through the gallery to get in. The alarm is loud, and goes off right away. Glad to know it works so well.
Met the window washers, unlocked some of the rooms they needed to get into to clean the windows, then met Peter to go over the accounting books. I am learning more of the program, and am starting to feel a little more confident with it. It is almost fun.
Andréa and Alyssa came in later this morning to dismantle the Khyber Kids exhibit. I started taking the rotten wainscotting off the walls by the window bays. A suggestion was made to leave the walls between the window bays brick, but I wonder if that may be too distracting to the rest of the gallery. Right now it is just fun ripping the rotting wood from the walls.
Andréa and I went to Mokka for coffee, I had a bagel sandhich and we talked about the Khyber Kids fall studio series. Then I spent the rest of the afternoon repairing a toilet in the women’s washroom. It was much harder than I had initially thought it would be. A plumber I am not.
Decided to go home for supper and ended up napping on the front deck in the fresh air. Made supper and then watched some of the Track and Field on TV. Rebecca was saying that she thinks sports is like art. Or at least, that athletes are like artists in the way that both are individually motivated. The big difference is that sports is easy to watch. It is very understandable. The goals are clear and identifiable. Art is trickier, and you have to work a little harder at being a spectator.
Started to print off some of my emails to you from earlier this year and promptly ran out of black ink. Will try to remember to get refills tomorrow. Tomorrow is the big supply drop-off day. I hope most of my volunteers remember to show up.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, August 8, 2001 1:27 AM
Subject: Handful of MPs talk missile defence in thaw of right-wing relations• B.C. Liberal government will legislate end to health disputes• Toronto’s ‘heat emergency’ to linger, but wave to break across rest of Canada
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Went to work early to prepare for the arrival of the building supplies, which were late, of course. I was hoping for a delivery between noon and one, but the truck didn’t arrive until 3:15. I can’t really complain too much, as the lone driver was amazing with the crane. He parked the truck on the sidewalk facing traffic, then used the huge crane to lift off the piles of 2×4’s and plywood. The drywall was the wrong size so I’ll have to get another delivery next week. I can’t believe how obstinate motorists can be. We tried to block traffic from one direction so the crane could move around, but people were adamant about driving by. Both the little traffic triangles were run over. It was amazing that within about a half an hour he had everything unloaded and was on his way.
A few of the volunteers hadn’t arrived, and a few had come and gone, but there were nine of us; the two Craigs, Ward, Benoit, Brad, Pat, Randy, Brooks and me and we managed to drag everything inside and up the stairs in under half an hour. It felt miraculous. Tomorrow I’ll sort through the materials, get some work stations set up and develop some diagrams. Ray will help, he stopped by briefly today.
Had a coffee with Ray, Sarah and Greg while waiting for the Anna to open. Tashia had a video installation, and the printer in gallery one had some really nice work. Don was having a show in gallery two, a sort of survey of all the work he has done at NSCAD. Some of the work I remember from foundation classes we took together. A real mixed bag.
Biked home, had a brief nap, made some supper and then Rebecca, Courtney, Mary and I biked to meet Andrew and we all biked to Little Nashville in Dartmouth to see the Guthries. It was a good show, they were having it taped for a show on CMT to air later in the fall. Lots of cameras on moving dollies and cranes. It is easy to see how filming these things becomes a very smooth affair. Not much room for spontaneity. Ran into Christine and Bethany, it was Bethany’s birthday today. They were getting loaded. Danced for a while, then we all biked home. We didn’t really want to stay for the filming of the music video. Back over the bridge we cycled.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, August 9, 2001 12:48 AM
Subject: National chief says Ottawa has full liability for residential school abuse• Tories, rebel Alliance caucus to discuss more formal alignment in the House• B.C. nurses walk out as government prepares to legislate a contract
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Judy called this morning with news that she and Robyn are coming to Halifax for a visit this weekend. They are getting a drive down with Sam and Kim. She is settling into her big new apartment on Orange street and her company seems to be doing well. I am trying to convince her to bring that big cruising bicycle and give it to me. She uses it as a interior decoration as the seat won’t adjust and the tires are flat. It’s a perfect height for me and it shouldn’t be a problem to get new inner tubes. It is big and heavy though, so I don’t imagine they will have room to bring it. She wants one of my paintings so I think we can work out a trade.
Spent most of the day at the office trying to keep Benoit busy, who seems to relish going through my lists as fast as possible. I can’t complain, as more gets done the more I give him to do. Filled out some forms, started working on a Purolator claim form from when Brandon’s work was smashed through their negligence, worked on the KDMC brochure with Randy, the usual sort of stuff. Benoit organized the building materials and so tomorrow I think we may begin setting up the frames.
Karina came home from school with a couple movies. I was home by eight o’clock and made supper while talking to my mom on the phone. We haven’t been in touch lately. She and dad have been busy cycling on the weekends. They are coming this weekend to take Anne and Lee to the airport, so we will try to spend some time together. It will be a busy weekend, as I already had plans to work on the gallery renovations this Saturday, and now there are two sets of visitors coming. And the Confidence Band is playing the Khyber Saturday night. And I have committee meetings Friday evening. And Karina has final projects due. And I want to relax for a bit.
We watched Snatch tonight. Piece of tripe. What a waste of my precious time. Like watching a slightly different version of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, which I actually liked, but Snatch was useless. This Guy Ritchie is obsessed with guns, MTV and swearing gangsters. A one-trick pony.
Oh, Tim sent me an email of a response he had received from you regarding the latest bombing of Iraq. Doesn’t your office even try to sound authentic with the standard replies? I mean, there must be thousands of different ways you can word a form letter, but it seems your office uses the same template each and every time. Another one-trick pony.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, August 10, 2001 12:24 AM
Subject: RCMP and U.S. Coast Guard caught in snafu over tanker investigation in Nfld.• Conservative leader calls for federal ban on cloning in Canada• B.C. nurses walk off job for the second day in fight with Liberal government
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
The hot weather continues. It’s great, though it makes working in the office a bit tedious. Slows everything down. Kept Benoit as busy as I could, but there was more downtime than usual. Still, he accomplishes a lot. A Khyber Kids parent who works at a post-production facility offered to dub our videotapes, so I took him the footage and our DV Camera today. We are missing an output cord, however. We may have to accept that it is lost and will have to buy a new one. It is nice that he is doing this for us, as Jason is going to New York for a week and just finished dubbing the tapes for his ConEd class today.
Had coffee with Karina at the Med during lunch, she was grumpy today because she was up early for her sculpture class. You know that she doesn’t operate well in the mornings.
Sarah came by later in the afternoon to help with the renovations. Pat was scheduled to come but he is experiencing an infection on his foot and hand. Dan was going to come as well but he didn’t show up. Sarah and I framed up one of the window spaces in the gallery, which took some effort as the sides are bowed and we had to hammer and hammer the frame into place.
Went home early in the evening to make something to eat but it is so very warm in our apartment I didn’t feel like cooking. We ate raw string beans and ice-cream sandwiches instead. Rebecca and I biked over to the Bloomfield Centre to look at Sheila’s studio space. It is a great size, and we are happy with the price, it would be about $75/month each. I’ll have to tell Sym that I won’t be renting her space now. There are lots of people looking for studio spaces right now so she shouldn’t have any problem finding someone else.
Karina and I watched Possible Worlds tonight, and I just came back from cycling the last few movies we have watched back to Video Difference. They were due tonight at midnight and I don’t want to be paying late charges. They already charge too much for renting new releases as it is; they have crossed the $5 line. It’s a mild form of extortion. I enjoyed Possible Worlds more in the theatres, though I do like to be carried along diverse and meandering philosophical trains of thought. I need to use my imagination more. I think we all do.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, August 11, 2001 1:43 AM
Subject: RCMP board tanker in Nfld. suspected in deadly mid-Atlantic collision• U.S. rules Canadian lumber unfairly subsidized, slaps on hefty penalty• U.S. duty on Canadian lumber carries $2-billion annual price tag: industry
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Today was Benoit’s last day at work. I had him repair the broken window in the Club. He did a good job, too, for his first time replacing a pane of glass. We all left the office early to have coffee at Mokka. It was another really hot day. Liz came by to discuss some of the possibilities for the C@P Site opening, and we re-arranged the schedule a little bit. I received a brief visit from Phil – I think his name is Phil, our regular heating system repair guy, and the only day he can take the heater out and replace it is Monday, so we have to have the long wall in the Ballroom framed up by then. I completed one section early this evening, which I hope is square and straight enough. There is a small team of volunteers coming in tomorrow, so we should have no problem getting two more sections made. There will be some finicky measurements, but the actual construction takes little time. Karina spoke to Judy today, after she had spent most of the morning cleaning up the apartment, and the visit has been called off again. Sam and Kim are not coming down, but Judy said she’d try to get down next weekend. Had a grant committee meeting this evening, Tonia couldn’t make it but Briony and Becka did, and we discussed the many grant possibilities, at least one deadline a month starting in September for various grants. I did a really, really stupid thing yesterday or the day before; I have lost the business chequebook. Winnie discovered it missing today, so I called to cancel cheques but what a dumb thing to do, I still can’t believe it is gone. I also feel like I am falling behind on the scheduled events for the fall. Must keep it together. Tonight I was going to meet Karina at the college after my meeting, as she was there helping Rebecca take some slides, and I completely forgot and biked straight home instead, Made some supper, then when Karina came home she rented a movie. We watched the vacuous romantic comedy What Women Want. Apparently all they want is to have highly paid, successful careers, their own fancy apartments, praised by Nike and wanted by Mel Gibson. A sensitive, caring Mel Gibson.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, August 12, 2001 12:15 AM
Subject: Canadian Mysteries: Early Arctic people lived lives full of art, spirits, joy and terror. Then they were gone.• Canada Summer Games begin Saturday with opening ceremonies in London, Ont.• Saturday’s winning numbers
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Karina and I had breakfast at Mary’s Place this morning, then I biked downtown to build wall frames. Dan and Winnie were there to help as well, and Drew came by a little later. We had all the remaining wall frames for the Ballroom Gallery built by three-thirty in the afternoon. They are all stacked in the centre of the floor right now. So everything seems to be happening on schedule, which feels a bit bizarre. We need a delivery of more stuff on Wednesday, and the real test to how things are going will come on Monday, when we take the heater and the electrical off. It’s going to look good in there when we finsih, I can feel it. Mentally, I still have my fingers crossed.
My parents and Anne and Lee stopped by today. My Aunt Anne and cousin Lee were catching a plane back to Ontario this evening, so they were only in town a short time. They went to some of the Buskers events on the waterfront and then we all went to Trevor and Tamara’s for supper and cards. Karina was working on her projects this afternoon and joined us for supper. Afterwards Mom, Tamara and Karina played some pet board game with Jessie and Sierra. I had a brief nap. Then we all played cards for the rest of the night, long game called aggravation. I started out quite poorly but ended the game in third place. I would have liked to go to the Confidence Band show at the Khyber tonight but the card game went on and on and I didn’t want to just get up and leave in the middle of it. Besides, I haven’t spent time with my folks in a long time. We may go to a beach or somewhere out of town tomorrow.
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, August 13, 2001 1:25 AM
Subject: Threat of legislation forces tentative deal in N.B. nursing home strike• Canadian Mysteries: Early Arctic people lived lives full of art, spirits, joy and terror. Then they were gone.• Welland Canal closed after fiery crash damages bridge, vessel
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a full day, a holiday of sorts, spent it with my folks and Trevor and Tamara. We drove out to Timberlea, where mom grew up. She showed us the first couple houses she lived in and we walked along part of the new Trans Canada Trail. The dogs had a great time running in the woods and swam in the lake. We hiked through the woods to Five Mile Lake, which is nice and secluded, and we spent time picking huckleberries to make pie. I’d like to go back sometime, maybe have a pic nic with Karina, maybe paint a picture of it.
Back at Trevor and Tamara’s we spent the rest of the afternoon playing cards, something I never do. It took awhile for me to grasp the rules and the strategy behind 45’s. Trevor and Dad are much more seasoned at it than I. They kept throwing the card-playing lingo around, like cards that were “boss” and winning the “tricks” and even getting into weird semiotics about partners. I can tell they play cards a lot. Trev said that he basically spent his first year university playing Asshole and when he moved to Fredericton he played a lot of 45’s. I’ll have to find some free time and practice. It is sort of fun.
Eventually we went out for supper to celebrate Trevor and Tamara’s two-year anniversary. It doesn’t actually fall until Tuesday, but mom and dad are heading out to Lunenberg tomorrow. Initially we were going to eat at the Shoe Shop but somehow we ended up at Salty’s, outside on the deck. It was a bit chilly on the deck, right off the harbour. Christian, one of the local graffiti artists, was our waiter, and Dad was crotchety with him. He did manage to get us seats inside fairly quickly. The food was alright and we talked mostly about movies. Movies are an effective leveling device for conversations.
Karina was at school all day and met up with us at Salty’s when we had finished eating. We drove to Video Difference to rent a movie. We chose Panic, a movie none of us had seen. It wasn’t half bad, though a bit predictable. I had a sense that patricide was going to be the only way out before the half-way mark. Donald Sutherland can play a mean old prick. Interesting watching a movie that was essentially about mid-life crisis and temptation in a room full of couples of different generations. I wonder if my dad ever wonders about his life; whether he is truly happy or just content, or for that matter, just playing at being content. I wonder if any of us are truly happy. And I wonder if that really matters in the grand scheme of things.
Karina has just told me that she spoke to the pet store guy about our goldfish. It has been swimming upside down for some time. The guy said that it is a common condition with goldfish that eat floating good. The air makes it unbalanced. He suggested feeding it a defrosted, frozen and peeled pea. Next week we’ll get some sinking food for it. Our fish is crazy.
Courtney said that some kids that were selling used ice cream containers door-to-door stole his bicycle seat quick-release today. We’ll have to make sure we keep the house locked. Dad put the Marin in his trunk to take home with him, he is going to work on it and replace some parts, see if it has any life left in it. Courtney brought his bike inside. Keep the teenagers away from it. Its raining out now, and its late, and I’m up early again tomorrow.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2001 1:05 AM
Subject: Ont. government to blame tainted-water crisis on dishonesty at local level• Operators of tanker suspected of ramming U.S. fishing boat launch protest• Less finger-pointing between feds, provinces needed in health care says Romanow
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I spent over a half hour at Pierceys this morning confirming the second shipment of drywall and other building materials. I was ten minutes late meeting Phil the plumber, who wasn’t at the Khyber when I arrived, and I was worried I had thrown his schedule out of wack. Luckily, he was also held up ordering supplies so it all worked out. Phil and his partner, I think his name was Ron, used a fancy sideways drill and had holes cut and the hose fed through the studs in almost no time.
Ray came with a bunch of tools and then left to return his truck. When he came back he told me I had the wrong kind of screws and left for Canadian Tire to get proper lag bolts. While he was gone I drilled holes into the braces to ready them for the bolts. We bolted the frames no problem, Alyssa came by and helped for the rest of the afternoon. A guy named Aaron, just moved from BC came by and lent a hand all afternoon as well. We spent most of the afternoon stacking and nailing the plywood to the frame, leaving only the row along the bottom open, as we have to wait for the electrician to come in to re-install the outlets. So far, so good.
Met Karina in the evening for a brief snack. We went to the Split Crow, but I really can’t think of a good reason why. Proximity, I guess. Karina was at school all tday working on her Tupperware casts for sculpture class. She had wings which she said tasted re-cooked, and I had fries that weren’t half bad. But the people that work there are in way too much of a rush, like it’s a race to get the next order. The ambience just wasn’t there today.
Went back to the office to try to catch up on some paperwork. It is piling up as I am spending so much time on the renovations. Randy is going to Kingston tomorrow and will be gone for a week. The KDMC brochure is only half done and it is all PC formatted so I can’t do much with is until Randy gets back. There are computer glitches galore already, I’ll have to make a list for Randy to go through on his return.
Still have a bunch of emails to send out, and it’s another early morning tomorrow.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, August 16, 2001 1:58 AM
Subject: Federal workers warn that one-day strikes could grow into full walkout• Missing Alberta kids found dead, buried by sand they had been playing in• Rebel MP says colleagues have no mandate to negotiate parliamentary coalition
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I’m tired so this will be a brief letter. Just came home after helping Karina with her final project for sculpture class. She is making many plaster casts of Gladware containers, which will act as modular units in a large “wedding cake”. I arrived at the sculpture studio at 8pm, just as she finished her Gender and Technology class.
Spent all day at the Khyber. Ray was there most of the day as well, and did a lot of the measuring and cutting for the final plywood sheathing. The electrician showed up around noon to install the electrical boxes. Alyssa helped hammer. Winnie opened mail and kept the office humming, I honestly don’t know what I’ll do without her in the fall. She is so organized. I think I am learning to be more organized, but it is a slow process. It is not natural for me.
After everything was done for the day Peter came by and helped with some caulking, tore off some of the useless molding and repaired the window for the Turret. He works days and wants to help out in the evening.
Investigated the crawl space for a bit this evening. I had a suspicion that maybe all the junk we threw in there caused a leak in a pipe which has caused the water buildup at the bottom of the emergency stairwell, but everything seemed dry. Saw a few mice. They are still around.
I’m tired. Must have a shower before going to bed because I stink, stink, stink.
Big delivery tomorrow.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, August 17, 2001 12:18 AM
Subject: High-stakes battle waged between Ontario, Stan Koebel over water tragedy• Sailors negligent in navigating tanker that rammed trawler, complaint alleges• Tories to invite dissident Canadian Alliance MPs to join their caucus
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Karina wanted to get up at six-thirty this morning but I was so sleepy when the alarm went off that I absent-mindedly shut it off and went back to sleep. Luckily we woke up by eight, but then it was a mad dash to get up and get ready in time for Karina to get to school and set up her final project. Karina took the bike to school, and I walked to work.
Managed to get a fair bit of office work done before volunteers started arriving at noon. Drew, Dan, Alyssa and Aaron came earlier, and Peter came by as he didn’t have to work today. We did some odds and ends while waiting for the delivery of drywall. It came shortly after 2pm. Luckily the other Aaron, Heather, Winnie, Craig and Bradley were on hand just as the truck arrived, so it was a fairly painless delivery. The more the merrier. We brought the twelve-foot drywall in through the centre of the staircase, just as Don had suggested. After the drywall was in Peter started hanging it and managed to get the whole long wall hung. Liz came by to work on the computers and Peter, the guy who wants to have a zeroxed muscle-art show came by to talk about timing. Jamie came by and dropped off his shop-vac for us to use. It was a busy afternoon. The walls are looking good; they will be fantastic when they are finished.
Don came by as I was sitting in the Club after work with Peter and Winnie and seemed a bit upset that we had started hanging the drywall already. He is coming in tomorrow to help out. I think he is worried we didn’t do it right, but it looks good to me. There is still plenty for him to do.
Went to a lecture given by Paul Greenhalgh tonight on some Spanish artists, focussing mainly on Goya, Picasso and that famous architect. Name escapes me. Good, animated lecture. I swear Paul could easily do stand-up if he wanted to. Definitely has passion for the arts. He can be really funny, too. I should send him a letter asking him to give a lecture for us; he had offered to do one back in April.
Biked home and made some supper and lunch for tomorrow. Watched the National on TV to try to unwind. Another early day tomorrow. Still no word from Judy as to whether she is coming down this weekend or not. There is a going away party planned for Thierry at Kent’s house on the weekend. And Tashia is having a sendoff at the Khyber Saturday night. It will be a busy weekend.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, August 18, 2001 1:41 AM
Subject: Alliance rebels and Tories downplay co-operation talks as positions harden• Timing of next budget linked to economic recovery, says Martin• Friday’s lucky numbers
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Karina has just woken me up from a late nap on the couch – it is almost one o’clock in the morning now, and I am well beat. I wasn’t planning to be at work late tonight, but circumstances kept me there. Don had come by today with his tools but just missed my arrival in the morning, then I was out again for a meeting at the bank and missed him again. He came by again later in the afternoon and started taping up the walls, but Winnie was at home today to work on her essay so I was the only one in the office, which was busy again today. So I wasn’t available to help Don until five o’clock. Some of the other volunteers didn’t quite come in on time today, but Ward will be in tomorrow and Jamie as well.
Judy called in the middle of the afternoon. She is not coming down this weekend, nor next weekend or the weekend after that. She is booked up. Kim’s band is booked into playing some gigs this weekend, which is why Sam and Kim aren’t coming this weekend. Hopefully Karina and I can get away the week after Labour Day to visit he in Saint John.
Karina came by in the evening and stayed late to help Don and I. At one point in the evening we realized we needed some 2″ drywall screws to affix some of the plywood, so I biked up to Pierceys to get some, only Pierceys was closed so I had to backtrack to Canadian Tire. Grabbed some pizza on the way back but forgot that Don doesn’t eat onions. Went to Pita Boys and got him a chicken pita instead.
Have mostly all the drywall up, tomorrow will be mostly cleanup and prep. Don wants to do the rest of the taping; he is a pro so best to let him tackle it and have it done right the first time. He will come in again Sunday evening. Tomorrow morning Karina and I are going to try to get out to the Mount early to check out their yard sale. The it will be work in the Ballroom until Thierry’s afternoon garden party/farewll party at Kent’s place.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, August 19, 2001 3:30 AM
Subject: Tories, Alliance dissidents agree to loose coalition in House of Commons• Liberals meeting in Edmonton planning on smooth sailing this fall• Metis groups seek to define status in negotiations with Ottawa
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a bunch of stuff planned for today but it was all moot. Slept in, a result of wearing earplugs. The leaking faucet is keeping me up at night. Karina says that I turned the alarm off, but I have no recollection of it. We slept until 11;30, so it was too late for us to go to the Mount yard sale. We grabbed breakfast at Mary’s Place, then caught a bus downtown.
Worked on the Ballroom, mostly getting the room straightened up a bit, organizing the tools. Karina and Winnie rode around on the top of the scaffolding and cleaned the pipes and the tops of the cornice. Then later in the afternoon Don came by to say that he would be by to work at 6:30.
I had hoped to go to Kent’s house for Thierry’s going away party today. It was to be a barbeque garden party. But Karina and I ran out of time and just had a snack at the Med before meeting Don back at the Khyber.
I can’t believe how long we were. We didn’t leave until past 2 am, but we accomplished a lot. First two coats of mud are on. I learned a lot about taping. Am tired, sore and stiff, and a little bummed about missing everything else today, but oh well.
Karina and I walked home with Don. He lives on Brunswick Street. We walked up to the vacant lot where I had left the bridge that Jeremiah and I built a few years ago. It is still there, covered in more weeds. I wanted to grab a slice of pizza on the way home, but Korka was closed. So I had leftovers at home instead.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, August 21, 2001 1:23 AM
Subject: Day hints he won’t stick around until December deadline for stepping down• Four killed in Alta crash between truck and car carrying 7, with two in trunk• Dhaliwal buys time in hopes of peace in Burnt Church, N.B., fishing dispute
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Merle the Electrician called this morning shortly past seven and wanted to get into the Khyber. I was still in bed, periodically hitting the snoze button. So I fed the cats, scooped the litterbox and was on my way. He is installing two new cicuits for the second floor offices so we won’t overload.
Got a lot of stuff done in the office this morning. Had a coffee and was fine until later in the afternoon. Maybe I should make this a routine. Get up really, really early and go to work, have a coffee and take a late lunch. Today Karina came by and we ate at, you guessed it, the Med. This time my fish ‘n chips wasn’t still frozen, hooray! Then it was back to the Khyber for a Curatorial Mentorship committee meeting with Sarah, Spencer and Becka. Then Don came by and added a second coat of plaster to the inside corners of the Ballroom. He’ll come by tomorrow to complete the skim coat of plaster. I have a shopping list to go through for tomorrow, as I didn’t get to it today. Called Ray, and he’ll help out with delivery. We may have to go to Dartmouth to get paper-backed corner-bead.
Am worrying more and more about all the upcoming grants that are due. Have to try to allocate more time to them. Still have to work on my drawing for Argyle. This morning I photocopied and enlarged a few of the photoshop drawings, but am still not sure of which one to do. Glynnis called tonight just as I was getting home and asked me to put a work in the eyelevel fundraiser. Of course I said yes. It is due in a couple weeks. Don’t know when I’ll find the time to do it.
Helped Karina load up a taxicab with her sculptures to take home tonight. The maintenance department had already thrown a bunch of stuff away, including her Belly Button sculpture and the plaster plaque to accompany her carving of a picture frame. But the Glad casts are now home safe and sound.
Watched a little bit of the Teen People’s Choice Awards on TV tonight. It is like the whole world gone mad. What craziness. What was Jennifer Love Hewett thinking when she had her hair done?
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, August 21, 2001 11:58 PM
Subject: Chretien says free trade applies to energy, lumber; trade complaint filed• Falling energy costs drag down inflation, set stage for more interest relief• All Canadians share blame for Walkerton water tragedy, Koebel’s lawyer says
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Was up late last night. Karina is worried about money. She has Citibank’s collection agency after her. Rained today. Walked to Piercys, made an order, then took a bus downtown. Called Ray and he came down to get me. We drove to Coastal Drywall in Burnside. Picked up the corner beads. Drove to Pierceys. Picked up the order. Aaron was out front of the Khyber when we arrived. Unloaded. Heather came by, then Peter, then Don. Caulked the holes and cracks throughout the gallery. Don had the corner bead up in no time. Peter and Aaron built some of the portable walls for upstairs. I cleaned out behind the radiator and fixed it back in place on the wall. Swept the gallery. Don sanded lightly and started the skim coat. I helped. Karina called repeatedly to get me to come home early and watch Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The skim coat took longer than I had thought. Body Snatchers was one of the first movies I saw, and scared me half to death. It was the life being sucked out of the bodies that did it for me. The empty sacks. Brutal introduction to mortality. And not even real. I have no desire to see it again, even for its campy humour. Actually, I don’t think it was the original that I saw as kid. It was a later remake. Oh well. Had a phone call from SAW gallery in Ottawa inviting me to their performance symposium. Would love to go. It’s a busy time, the weekend after Labour Day. I’ll try to get it off. maybe stay with Jen and Peter, or Jeremiah. Will have to get in touch with them soon. Don’t know if Karina will be able to get it off. Don and I finished up and sat for a drink of coke in the club. Talked about urban development. A nasty business, filled with nasty people. Walked home. Stopped at a pizza place and ordered a small 9″, as there wasn’t any veggie slices. Walked home and ate the pizza on the way. The household is now watching Jerry Maguire. I’m hot and sticky and covered in plaster dust. Did I mention that it is really muggy outside? It is. I’m going to make your drawing, then have a shower, then maybe start working on my charcoal drawing. Have to meet Merle the electrician tomorrow morning at seven-thirty. He is powering up the extra circuits. I’ll take the opportunity to catch up on office work and emails.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 11:32 PM
Subject: Criticism of ‘in-your-face’ health officer said unjustified in E. coli crisis• E. coli cases still trickling in, but NB health officials say worst is over• Federal workers stage second cross-Canada walkout to press wage demands
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
It was an early, early morning again today as Merle the Electrician called me shortly past seven. It was raining out, so I caught a bus downtown. Along the way I saw a line of protesters blocking traffic going in and out of Stadacona. They seemed very well-organized.
Merle was waiting for me when I arrived downtown and I unlocked the electrical room for him and went for breakfast while he worked on the new panel. Went to The Med, of course. Wrote myself a nice long list of things to do. Cleaned up the office when I finished breakfast. The new circuits Merle had installed are up and running, so I removed the long extension cord that was stretched from the Refugee Clinic to the hall near the Ballroom, and helped Eva re-organize the wiring under her desk. Moved the extension cords in the office and that cleared up a lot of floor space. Lorena was moving some more of her studio stuff out and told me she would probably be completely out of her space by next Tuesday. That should speed up our progress in moving the office there.
Called a few volunteers to come help with prepwork today. Bradley, Jacinda and Rebecca came down. Bradley and Jacinda worked on the ceiling and Rebecca primed the baseboards and moveable walls. Don came as well to finish the skim coat on the corner and lightly sand the walls.
I met with Helen after work to discuss her progress on the mural for downstairs. Her research has been phenomenal, she has been digging up some great history of the building. It was seven o’clock when I finally left the Khyber to catch a bus home. My stomach was really hurting as I hadn’t eaten all day. Hopped off the bus at Black Street to drop off some grant information for Sara to look over. Was going to grab a slize of pizza from Korka on my way home but they didn’t have any veggie slices made up.
Don had left a message for me when I got home, he was about to hop in a cab to take his paint sprayer to the Khyber. It had long stopped raining so I hopped on my bike and zipped down to meet him. I was a bit earlier than he so I grabbed a slice from Venus and filled out a stupid questionnaire from the Scientologist about body toxicity while I waited. Don arrived with his sprayer; it is much larger than I had expected. A real heavy industrial piece of equipment. Looks like a big robot. The painting should go fairly quickly and smoothly, knock on wood. Don suggested we simply paint the Ballroom with primer, and continue to use primer for touch ups. A good idea, once you think about it. Primer is high-hiding, low lustre and when you paint small patches they don’t show up like an eggshell would. Why didn’t I think of that? I’m supposed to have some knowledge of painting. Now we have to bring back the three buckets of eggshell I have already bought and replace them with primer.
When I got home Karina was back from shopping. She made a salad and after we ate she cut my hair while talking to Judy on the phone. I’m off now to make a drawing for you, then going to bed early.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, August 24, 2001 2:22 AM
Subject: Quebec independence good for all of Canada, a chance for reform: PQ’s Landry• Albertans miffed at PM’s urging to share their wealth with other Canadians• Strahl gets second nasty letter about explusion from Alliance colleague
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Weather was OK this morning so I biked to work, was a little late and Jacinda was waiting. I wasn’t expecting volunteers to be so punctual. We went for coffee at Mokka and then went to work prepping the rest of the Ballroom ceiling. Pat arrived, then Bradley. We all set to work getting the room ready for painting. I called Ray and Mat but neither were available to drive the paint cans back to Pierceys, so I took a cab. The cabbie and I talked about how cars aren’t made like they used to be. The manufacturers definitely sell cars that will break down, be obsolete or require specialized dealers mechanics to repair, so that more and more people keep buying new cars. Perpetuating the cycle of heedless consumption. Bastards.
Didn’t get any office work done today. Randy had a proof made of the KDSC brochure but I didn’t have time to really look over it. Winnie was working on her invitation all day. I screwed up on the advance notice for Winnie’s show. I shortened the exhibition by two days to make room for Pop Explosion, because I had a vague recollection of talking to her about some such thing over a month ago, and Victoria had mentioned it to me a couple weeks ago, but there hadn’t been anything formalized and now everything is screwy. Have to try to fix it tomorrow.
Don started spraying the Ballroom around five, I moved him around on the scaffolding and made sure the paint levels were up. It was all done in a few hours, then waited a bit for it to dry, then hit the new walls with a second coat. The room looks great now, larger and brighter. It needs a heck of a lot of cleanup, though. There is plywood and tools and drywall and lumber stacked up in the hall, and a light coating of paint dust everywhere. I spent hours late in the evening cleaning paint from the fans I had borrowed from the bar.
Karina made a breakthrough today, she managed to get Norman to come over and finally fix the tub. He had the audacity to tell her on his way out to call earlier next time. We first notified him about the tub over a year ago! His memory sounds a lot like mine. But at least the tap is fixed, the noise was really starting to get to me.
Karina’s sister Loesje and Ron and the kids are coming to Halifax tomorrow, on their way to Clam Harbour. Karina is cleaning the apartment, partly for the visit but also because we are having a household yard sale on Saturday.
Spent some time on the Internet tonight looking up info on the new Spider-man movie. I had been thinking of Spidey the other day, wondering what was going on, and what would turn up if I searched on the web. The movie looks a bit cheesy. Bad computer graphics. Tried to view some 3-D images but the plug-in I downloaded had no effect. I’m feeling the Luddite urge coming more and more frequently.
My head hurts from all the activity going on, I am behind at work and feeling stressed about the Ottawa trip, and all the openings in the Fall, and getting close to burnout level. Right now it feels more like I’ve thrown the candle right into the fire instead of burning it at both ends.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, August 24, 2001 11:06 PM
Subject: Overseas Air Transat flights ordered to stay within 60 minutes of airports• Nervous Canadian passengers pray, think of loved ones in emergency landing• Lawyers agree to release foreign oil tanker accused in fatal hit-and-run
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Managed to get up early and on time this morning. Karina woke up early as she had a financial consultation meeting to attend. But first we had to attend to Yaga’s bum. S/he must have eaten something which disagreed with his/her tummy, as there were soggy clingons hanging from the fur in the area of his/her rear. This was accompanied by an unpleasant odour. I had to sit on Yaga to hold him/her down while Karina cut out the offensive fur. Yaga was so distraught s/he peed her own pants, poor thing. What a way to start the day.
I picked up some molding for the top of the new walls at Pierceys and taped the bundle to my bike frame for easy transportation. By this time I was really needing a morning coffee but I stopped by the coffee roasters store on North Street to buy coffee that I can make at work. I buy too much coffee to go.
Pat and Brad came by to help with the Ballroom today, and spent most of their time scraping and scrubbing the overspray from the floor. The humidity the past few days really caused the paint to stick to the floor where otherwise it would simply brush away. Hopefully there will be more people that will come tomorrow to help with the touch-ups and cleanup. I want to have Sunday off to go out to Graham’s Cove to see Sandy float his steel millstones.
I looked into airfare for Ottawa; a ticket is going to run over $400. I want to clear that with SAW before buying the ticket, though I’ll most likely do it tomorrow regardless, before the price goes up any further.
Karina was planning to have a yard sale tomorrow but the house isn’t quite ready for it so it is postponed until next week. She and Rebecca are going through the closets in search of things to sell. They are finding a lot of garbage along the way.
Courtney’s bike was stolen from our front entryway this afternoon. Apparently he came home to take a shower before work, and within a 20 minute period of time someone came in and took the bike. Rebecca and Karina were both home at the time but didn’t notice. Ironically, the police stopped the guy on Courtney’s bike, but it was just routine questioning and the bike hadn’t been reported stolen yet. I guess the kid (he’s only 16) is known to police. I hope they can recover the bike, Courtney just bought it this summer. It’s hard to believe this could happen on our quiet little street. There goes the neighbourhood.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, August 26, 2001 12:33 AM
Subject: Inuit hunting camp goes live from Baffin Island to the rest of the world online• Critics fear secrecy-loving feds planning to tighten federal access law• Alta Alliance MP criticizes fellow member for stinging attack on Strahl
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I bought my plane ticket today and will be in Ottawa on September 5. I take the train back to Halifax leaving the 9th. Are you going to be around that weekend? Maybe we can get together for a Photo Op.
Our new downstairs neighbours have moved in; they woke me up this morning by singing and playing guitar below our bedroom. It seems that only musicians or early-morning music enthusiasts can rent that downstairs apartment. It wasn’t actually too early, and I had to go to the grocery store to buy cat food this morning anyhow, so I didn’t mind. I just hope it is not a regular thing.
Karina and I walked to work today but aside from Jacob no other volunteers showed up. It must be a combination of the nice weather and the fact that it is the weekend. That and the fact that my current crop of volunteers are probably worn out. Or sick and tired of spending their summer in the stuffy gallery. I’ll have to go back tomorrow to finish up. We spent the afternoon scraping the last of the white paint off the floor, and the baseboards and molding have been primed and painted.
Karina’s sister Loesje and Ron and the kids were at the apartment waiting for us when we got home tonight. They had actually been in the apartment already, and used the toilet; Courtney must have left the back door unlocked when he left for work this afternoon. We all should be more careful, especially with what happened yesterday. He managed to find a beat-up BMX bike in the trash yesterday which he was fixing up today. No word yet on the status of his stolen bike.
We drove downtown, parked by the Citadel and walked to Pita Boys to get a bite to eat. We ate by the Ferry Terminal, then went on a brief tour of NSCAD before coming back to the apartment for tea. Loesje and family are staying at an Inn near Clam Harbour. Karina is thinking of going back to New Brunswick with them tomorrow, but is still not sure. We were going to try to hold our yard sale tomorrow, and even made up some posters, but we haven’t put any of them up, so maybe we’ll wait until next weekend.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, August 27, 2001 2:26 AM
Subject: Coroner’s 57 recommendations on improving water safety carry hefty price tag• No deal with Burnt Church as deadline looms in fisheries dispute• Federal workers block traffic at Vancouver-area border crossing
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Karina was up early to get ready to go to New Brunswick with Loesje and Ron. They came by shortly past 10 in the morning. I too a few bags of laundry to Mom’s and read an article on Robert Frank from an old Bordercrossings magazine. Didn’t dry any of the clothes, but rather hung everything up around the house. Save a bit of money and the clothes don’t get as much wear ‘n tear. Then I got on my bike and cycled to Dartmouth to watch Sandy Graham launch his steel Millstones into the water.
When I first arrived in Graham’s Cove, which is just a little ways past Lake Banook, I missed the group completely, but then I saw everyone quietly floating on their millstones in the middle of a small inlet. Thierry, dressed snappily as one of Manet’s gondoliers, wearing red pants and a blue striped shirt, and some tall guy in a sowester (sp?) and long slicker who was singing Maritime songs, were floating on a platform atop four millstones lashed together. Everyone else were on single stones. I watched for a bit from the shore and then Sarah came ashore and I took a stone for a spin. Ray had already sunk one, but the cove is very shallow, only about 3-4 feet deep all the way across. Some other guy sunk his while trying to stand up. If the weight goes off-centre they topple quite easily. To re-float a sunken stone they have to lift it up, turn it upside-down to drain the water, then lift it to the larger platform. I floated around for awhile, then went back to shore. Talked to Matt, Ray and Peter for awhile, then biked back to Halifax.
Winnie was at the Khyber when I arrived. She was working on the newsletter, and continued working on it all day and into the night. I put the baseboard and the molding on the gallery, painted some touch ups, and patched the holes in the Frame Gallery. Also filled some holes in the floor with Durobaond, and took the scaffolding apart. I’m hoping that Butler will be able to pick it up tomorrow.
Biked home and watched a couple episodes of The Simpsons, which were on late for some reason. A Halloween special and the Flaming Moe’s episode. Watched the News for a bit, then had a shower. Made myself some Sleepytime Tea and am now surfing the web for images to use in today’s drawing. I think I have give up on the Argyle charcoal drawing. I still have to come up with something for the eyelevelgallery fundraiser next week, plus all the Khyber stuff that needs to be attended too before I go to Ottawa. I have to prioritize.
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 1:14 AM
Subject: Coroner’s 57 recommendations on improving water safety carry hefty price tag• Tuition for arts students to rise by two per cent this fall, says StatsCan• No deal with Burnt Church as deadline looms in fisheries dispute
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
My goal to wake up early was shattered by the wake up call from Merle the Electrician this morning. I had slept through my alarm, after only four hours of sleep. So it was off on the bike to meet Merle at the Khyber. He was waiting for me on the front steps when I arrived. I asked him how his weekend went and he said terrible. He attended the funeral of a friend and another died on the weekend in a car accident. He made it to work on time this morning, though. Put the plugs in, capped them and the Ballroom walls c’est fini!
Mopped a couple times, and Brad came by to help move stuff out. Took the staging down and Butler came within an hour of my call to retrieve it. Patched the Frame Gallery. Heather came to help and scraped off some of the remaining paint. She put the sandwich sign together as well. Winnie was there today, working on the newsletter. I spoke to Craig about the crazy spring schedule. There are plays booked to start in the Ballroom at 11 at night, meaning that scheduled shows in the Bar are affected. Craig called Ken but I don’t know if he made any progress. Ideally they would strike those late-starting shows. Hopefully I’ll see Ken tomorrow and we can talk more about it.
Had a late breakfast at the Med with Andréa and Don. I had my usual. Don had French Toast, and it looked good. I have to try to remember to try the French Toast there sometime. After lunch Matt came with his van and he drove all of Don’s patching and painting gear home for him.
After work biked down to the Superstore to get some food for the opening. Bought powdered donuts, Wonderbread, cheese slices, cauliflower, mushrooms, veggie dip, Scottish mints and salted pumpkin seeds. There was a small but appreciative crowd. Now that summer school is finished at NSCAD there aren’t that many students floating around. The opening at eyelevel was small as well. Spoke to Garry for a bit. He is mounting a show at the Beaverbrook in a few weeks. He’ll be using the Finchwell stencils for wallpaper behind that big Dali painting they have. I’d like to see that.
Hung out in the Club afterwards with Don and Ray. Have to plan the office move which will occur the next couple days. It may be tricky building walls while the Fringe is setting up and having tech rehearsals. Talked to Larissa about the possibility of the studios moving around a bit in the Fall. She just came back from a visit to Santiago. She isn’t too pleased about the idea of moving. Neither was Annie, who gave me a mouthful the other day. My fault, really, for not telling her sooner. It is a complicated situation.
Have to check my email, draw you a picture and then drag my weary arse to bed. I was thinking, while on the way home on my bike, that I may be burned out already and not even realize it. Just a thought.
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 12:38 AM
Subject: Swissair investigators want tougher wiring tests, ban on flammable objects• Pilot who landed plane off Portugal says he only thought of passenger safety• Bank of Canada cuts rates amid gloomy forecasts; Chretien says economy OK
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had an alarm snafu this morning; it just didn’t go off. I slept in until 10 o’clock. A treat, in some respect, but I had wanted to get up really early to put a painting on the bus for Judy. Called Ray to make sure he hadn’t already been to the Khyber, but he was moving slower this morning as well. He hadn’t even been to Burnside yet. Made myself a quick breakfast and then cycled to work, dropping the painting off along the way. There is another bus that leaves around noon.
Worked on PR for the gallery and the KDMC, and with Randy for most of the day. Ray was in working on the Frame, getting it hinged and the locking rods in place. It still needs a bit of work but it is coming along. I had hoped that Lorena would have all her stuff out of her space today but there were still a few paintings and odds and ends left in her studio. She did phone me back to say that it was OK for us to go in and clean up the space, which was good because Lucas had come by and wanted to help out. Scheduled the painting to occur after supper and actually biked home to eat. Boiled corn and fried lentils with rice.
When I got back to work Randy and Lucas had already moved Lorena’s stuff into the office, patched the holes in the walls and started painting. Winnie came by and painted for a bit as well. We put 2 coats up in a short while. I even found some red floor paint in the basement which was enough for a coat on the floor. The fumes made me feel woozy. I had a coke in the Club and listened to a funny jazz band, Fear Four, who were doing great covers of Pink Floyd, Radiohead and Nirvana songs.
Tomorrow is a moving day. I hope to move the office equipment into the new space, maybe build some shelves in there? And move the computers in the KDMC to make room for the building of the wall. It is all happening at once.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, August 30, 2001 12:56 AM
Subject: Civil servants prepared to step up strike effort after three, one-day pickets• Jean Chretien names former national chief to head Indian Claims Commission• Details on aboriginal agenda are scant seven months after throne speech
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Alarm worked this morning, and I was up early enough to make a lunch. Winnie arrived at work just after I did and zipped through the Press Release procedures, printing the labels and stamping the envelopes and running them to the post office. She’s a real pro, and really has her shit together. I can only dream to be as organized and clear-headed. When Randy arrived we started moving the office equipment into Lorena’s old studio. Lorena came and collected the last of her stuff, and early in the afternoon Lucas and then Rebecca came to help. I fixed the broken booth in the Club, but we should really order some specific bolts to keep them in place. We built a shelf to fit in the back corner of the new office. We all took a break at the Med. Everyone ordered Shish Touk except me. I had a Falafel sandwich. Once all the KDMC equipment was moved out of the way we built the frame for the presentation wall, moved it into place and bolted it to the wall. Lucas biked up to Canadian Tire to buy new #3 Robertson drill bits, as the one we were using was worn down and useless. Lucas stayed and helped me put up a few sheets of plywood. I left a message with Merle, so hopefully he will call me tomorrow morning and come down and take out the existing outlets and extend them. I can cut the plywood to fit while he is there and then maybe he can set the boxes in place so we can hang the drywall before the Fringe shows start. I talked to Dave tonight and the late-starting show for the night of the Buck 65 show has been moved, which helps us out tremendously. There may still be some sticky overlapping of Fringe/Club programming, but the Buck 65 show is big, and would have been a big problem if a Fringe show was starting at 11pm. One less thing to worry about.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, August 31, 2001 4:35 AM
Subject: Teenager snatches and kills small girl in London, Ontario while chef saves metre-long lobster. Burnt Church heats up again.
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I awoke before the alarm went off this morning. Was leisurely making myself breakfast when Merle phoned, just leaving Burnside. I biked downtown to meet him. It didn’t take him long to take the outlets off the wall and re-affix them to the new frame. Just after he left Brad showed up, so he helped me cut and attach the bottom plywood. Brad asked me for a reference for a cashier job at Superstore and then left. I continued with the drywall, then Randy showed up and helped. Managed to get a coat of bond and a coat of mud on the tape and the screws today. I’ll settle for one more coat tomorrow.
Jeremiah called me back this morning. He said I could stay with him but only for a couple nights, as he has roommates and works throughout the week. I must remember to email or call Jen and Peter to see if I can stay with them a couple nights. It was nice to talk to Jeremiah again, and I look forward to seeing him next week.
Got the hallway cleaned up in time for the first Fringe performances. The Ballroom Gallery lock is broken, I discovered it this morning trying to let Kevin in so he could store some large bouncy props. Picked up some stuff from Canadian Tire on my way home. Had supper and then a nap. Was woken up by the music from the downstairs neighbours. Our bedroom must have a really, really thin floor.
Biked back to the Khyber. Primed the plywood for the new media centre tabletops. Added more bond to the floor. Cleaned up a little. Sanded. Primed the two recently-built shelves. Painted 3/4 of the floor in the KDMC. Will finish the job tomorrow night. Stopped by Sobeys on my way home for a few groceries. Didn’t realize that it was this late. It will be a quick drawing tonight, then bed. Must stop with these 12-15 hour days.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, August 31, 2001 11:58 PM
Subject: Anguished parents tell of grief after murder of their five-year-old daughter» Manning says medical research on embryos may be morally acceptable» String of bad economic data raises concerns that recovery is long way off
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Slept in until almost ten, had a shower, ate breakfast and made a lunch, then biked to work. Stopped at Pierceys to get plastic dropcloths to cover the computers for the sanding of the wall today. The floor in the KDMC was still a bit tacky when I got to work. It needed about another hour or two to set. I laid some dropcloths overtop so we could walk on the floor without our shoes sticking. Added the last coat of drywall compound while Randy painted the tabletops with a cream-coloured alkyd paint we found in the basement. Winnie was having big troubles with her invitation, she couldn’t make a PDF nor would it print correctly at Allegra. We moved “Bob” (her nickname for the iMac) into the office so she could print a version on our inkjet. After some fiddling we got it to work. Didn’t get nearly as much accomplished today as I would have liked. Moved a few more files into the office, had a locksmith come in to repair the Ballroom Gallery lock, and towards the end of the day put a coat of paint on the new wall in the KDMC. Will need to buy more primer from Pierceys tomorrow. Painted the new shelves. Built an extension on an older shelf to make room for Randy’s stereo. By the end of the day Lisa at Allegra had come through for us; Winnie’s invitations and posters, as well as the KDMC brochures and the newsletters, were all printed and cut for us. We need to get a folding party together this weekend. I folded some tonight. Karina called me this evening. She is back in Halifax. She got a drive with my parents. I biked home and we visited in the kitchen. Drank sambuca with my Dad. First time drinking alcohol in a long time. Karina didn’t mind until I cracked open the wine my parents had brought after they left. That’s where I stopped. Am now a combination of buzzed and really tired. We are going ahead with the yard sale tomorrow morning, even though the forecast calls for rain. It will be an early morning. I spoke with Peter tonight; I can stay with him and Jen for the Wednesday-Thursday part of my Ottawa visit next week. That’s a load off. It will be nice to see them again. They want to see slides of my (not so) recent work.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, September 2, 2001 1:26 AM
Subject: Canadian school boards beating bushes to find teachers to replace retirees» More lobster traps seized by DFO in waters off Burnt Church, N.B.» P.E.I. bid to license Canada’s first online gaming site lands in courtroom
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Dragged ourselves out of bed early this morning to debate whether it was worth it to set up for a yard sale, as the forecast called for rain. It wasn’t raining, though, just foggy, and all our stuff had been piling up in the hall for the past two weeks, so we went ahead with it. It never did rain, but it wasn’t terribly busy, either. We didn’t have a lot of big-ticket items, so we ended the yard sale around noon, having made about twenty bucks each.
Went to Pierceys to pick up some more primer and the last bit of molding I needed for the new shelves. Karina and I had breakfast at Marys and then caught a bus downtown. She went to return some books at NSCAD and I puttered around the office. Karina had some luck selling a few more books on her way back to the Khyber. We went across the street to the Med to split a milkshake before taking in one of the Fringe Festival shows. We went to Chalk Circle Trial, directed by Jacob, who had helped at the Khyber last week. It is mostly chunks of dialogue ripped off from Brecht and Kafka, neither whom I have read extensively, though I am familiar enough with the chalk circle parable. I liked the interrogation of Brecht by the House Un-American Activities Committee. The two actors did a bang-up job, in my opinion. I think we went to high school with one of them, Simon. Karina didn’t like it; she said it was too preachy.
Went back to the Khyber for a little bit but couldn’t finish the work I wanted to as I was missing an image file which was on my computer at home. We took a bus home and I made some supper, then crashed for a little bit. My energy levels have been fluctuating irregularly as of late.
Worked on Norma’s Closet Gallery invitation and in between watched most of a really bizarre movie that Rebecca had rented, The Ringmaster, starring Jerry Springer.
Have to get up early to meet Randy at the Khyber and get the tabletops cut to size and the KDMC computers and furniture moved so the rest of the floor can be painted.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, September 3, 2001 1:23 AM
Subject: Family and friends mark tragedy of Swissair Flight 111 with quiet service» Chretien unlikely to embarrass himself in golf game with Tiger Woods» One in five Canadians say they’ve been victims of road rage
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Woke up early, but not too early. Biked to the Khyber for 10am. Met Randy and we moved furniture and built small bases for the table legs so the large table for the top would fit. Put a second coat of paint on the new wall. Made plans to come back for eleven in the evening. Went home and after helping Karina with a couple loads of laundry, we folded newsletters. Had plans with Rebecca and Andrew to partake in some hashish and play Trivial Pursuit. Watched an episode of the Simpsons and Malcom in the Middle in the middle of the game. Rebecca and Andrew won. I biked back downtown just past eleven, met Randy and we painted the tabletop and the rest of the floor. The paint fumes were really bad. Made a PDF of the KDMC invitation. Biked home, Had a shower and am now about to draw you a short drawing, then go to bed.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, September 3, 2001 11:16 PM
Subject: » Tanker implicated in deadly collision with fishing boat leaves Nfld.» Montreal transit authority defends handling of tear-gas evacuation» Six more lobster traps seized by DFO in waters off Burnt Church, N.B.
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Slept in a bit this morning. Had stuff to do at work but couldn’t summon the energy to go right away. It is Labour Day today, after all. Had breakfast and lounged around the house for a bit. Karina and I spent some time together, then decided to walk downtown. We stopped for milkshakes along the way. Stopped by Randy’s new place to see if he had a set of keys for the studio Rebecca and I are going to share, but he wasn’t home. When we got to the Khyber Karina helped update the membership. We argued over the fine points of how to reward volunteer efforts in terms of membership durations. Rebecca came by and we all went to the Fringe performance God is Sitting on my Head. I liked it, but again Karina didn’t. We walked home. We bought supper in convenient throw-away styrofoam and tinfoil from Korça Pizza. Andrew came over. We watched Made in Canada. That Rick Mercer is a funny guy. Karina has been checking out the prices of slide projectors on eBay. I have invitations to send out and packing and note-preparations and gifts for my hosts to straighten away before tomorrow. And lots of envelopes to stuff tomorrow as well. Am not liking my life very much lately. What am I doing with it?
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2001 12:20 AM
Subject: » Harris has ‘lied’ about Ipperwash shooting, Liberal opposition critic says» Alliance caucus begins two days of meetings with rebel 12 at top of agenda» Mi’kmaq warriors, rangers vow to protect defiant N.B. native fishermen
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Biked to work early this morning so I could get Norma’s invitations printed at Kinko’s. Went to get a coffee while waiting and Ran into Andrew at Steverenos, so we sat and talked for awhile. Picked up the invites and worked on the mailout all day long. Dropped a pile of newsletters off to NSCAD for the new students orientation session. Later in the day Randy helped out with the envelope stuffing, and Lucas and Karina as well, and we got it all done by five o’clock. It is quite the undertaking sometimes. This month the weight of the mailout pushed the cost up to 75 cents. Randy had spent most of the day re-arranging the KDMC and setting the computers back up. He gave me the keys to my new studio at the Bloomfield Centre, which I gave to Rebecca when she stopped by. She had borrowed her mom’s car today to move a bunch of her studio things. Saw Elizabeth from Saint John today. She said that she would drop posters off for the lecture series she organized for St. Max. I am doing a lecture there in February. I stayed late at work trying to wrap up loose ends, as Randy will be in charge of the office while I’m away. Karina helped sort the bulletin board. She is really good at it. Biked home and dropped keys off to Briony, whom I added to the Alliance Security list as a contact name. It started to rain so I biked home really fast. Karina had taken the bus. When I got home Rebecca and Mohanad were watching the movie Clue. Mohanad just came today frtom Montréal. He is living with us now. I am trying to gather together the last few things I need to take with me to Ottawa. Rebecca is lending me a suitcase. It actually belongs to Sarah’s mom. She has had it for six months now. I have to be at the airport by 6am tomorrow. This means catching the airbus at 5:20 in the morning at the Sheraton. The clerk at Travelcuts this afternoon told me I should be at the airport 3 hours before my flight, because it is Canada 3000. I laughed and laughed and laughed. Can you imagine? OK, I’m off to finish some stuff and get a few hours shuteye. Maybe I’ll see you in Ottawa? About the only time I have free is tomorrow afternoon. I may go to the National and check out the Klimt show.
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
To: <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
Date: Thursday, September 6, 2001 1:31 AM
Subject: » Alliance gives rebels until high noon Monday to return or face expulsion
Dear Mr. Chretien,
Woke up around 4am this morning to get ready for my flight. Took a cab to the Sheraton. Waited a bit for the airbus shuttle. When I arrived at the Canada 3000 departure desk they told me that my flight had been cancelled. I was flabbergasted. They said they would call my name. Eventually they called everyone, and gave each of us a new departure time with a Air Canada. Mine was at 2pm. I got in line right away and the desk clerk booked me both the 2pm and an earlier standby flight. I ended up getting on the standby flight. Dozed throughout the flight. Ate something described as quiche. Arrived in Ottawa and the airport looked identical to Halifax. Met David Armstrong who is travelling up North. He was on my flight. He was worried about his dog, whose name I can’t remember. Aside from some frantic barking he seemed fine, and David took him outside to do his duty. I caught a public transit bus downtown. As the bus gradually filled up a woman sitting behind me asked me how much I had paid to have a seat all to myself. I said the same as everyone else, and showed her that I had two large bags with me. But I put them on my lap and asked if anyone wanted to sit down. I had been engrossed in the Ottawa Sun and hadn’t realized how full the bus had become. Got off on Metcalfe and walked to Peter and Jen’s. Peter was at work but Jen was home and we had coffee and talked. I left before noon so she could get some writing done. I walked through the Market, bought some sunglasses and a disposable camera and then went to SAW. Met Laura and she introduced me to Marcus and some of the performers for the week and her friend who works upstairs at the Ottawa Art Gallery and we went for lunch. Talked about artist-run culture and the difficulties of running and art bar. I continued on to the National Gallery. Some great new works in the contemporary section. Didn’t bother going to see the Klimt show. Had a nap in the park across the street from the gallery. Felt lonely as the last time I had been through that park I was with Karina. Started thinking about how important it is to share experiences with her, how much I wanted to share everything with her. Woke up and walked by Parliament. There was a loud event happening. Upon further inspection it proved to be an Ottawa University Frosh event. They were attempting to make the World’s Largest Group Hug. I got sucked in. Took some pictures. Ate some free Pringles but declined the free Subway sandwich. It had ham in it. After the hug had been successful went for a quick coffee on Bank Street and then walked back to SAW for dinner. Spoke with people showing up for the meet and greet. It is interesting finally meeting people face to face whose names are familiar from gallery correspondence, but whom I had never met. Todd Janes from Latitude 53 is quite the character. We had supper, it was Sri Lankan. Spoke a lot with a glass designer from Ottawa named Suzanne, and Adrian, who has shown at the Khyber in the past. Began to feel anxious that it was getting late and that I was neglecting Peter and Jen so I left early. It was actually only after 10pm when I arrived back at their place. Charles was there. We all smoked up and had a great conversation about Doug, the old city, the past few years, artist-run centres, studios and painting. Eventually it was time for bed. Charles left. I am without drawing software tonight so I forego my drawing to you until next time.
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
To: <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
Date: Friday, September 7, 2001 2:21 AM
Subject: » $30-million class-action suit filed hours after Air Transat fined $250,000
Dear Mr. Chretien,
Woke up in the middle of a weird dream about someone painting a floor in the Khyber and dripping paint on floors of a different colour. Must be residue of the frantic renovations from the past few weeks. Woke up and had a shower and a cup of coffee, then walked to SAW. There was breakfast there, bagels and apple crisp and coffee and orange slices. The meeting started off around issues of networking but quickly became mired in a discussion of whether or not the group should become a more formalized group. We went around in a few circles before the end of the day. A few people gave brief presentations which were casual enough to make me want to do one as well. I may aim for tomorrow or Saturday. There were performances scheduled to happen in the gallery in the evening, so I went back to Peter and Jen’s to hang out for a bit before going back. Instant Coffee had set up a Disco Camper, a tiny camping trailer complete with disco ball, videos and Fisher Price record players. Robin had set up the rest of his Brand Removal Service centre, which was very slick and professional looking. He would cover or remove brand names from any article of clothing. I was going to have him alter the tag on my jeans but I didn’t get around to it. I ran into Adad, who had just arrived from Montreal. He will be at the meetings tomorrow. Maybe I’ll wear my HFP shirt. Donna was wearing one today. Talked to a few people from the conference and the crowds had thinned out by town, so I walked back to Jen and Peter’s. They were playing Scrabble when I arrived. Watched them finish the game and we looked through some art books and picked out paintings that they could go to see when they visit London in a few weeks. Karina sent me an email that Jeremiah’s brother had just had a baby and that I couldn’t stay with him the next couple nights. I haven’t called him yet but will try to make time tomorrow to do so. The trouble is that I think he works days, so may not be home, and it is too late to call now. We’ll get it sorted out.
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
To: <pm@canada.com>, <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
Date: Saturday, September 8, 2001 4:21 AM
Subject: » RCMP commissioner accepts blame for trouble at 1997 APEC meeting
Dear Mr. Chretien,
It was harder to wake up early this morning, but I managed. Had a shower and then Jen and Peter left, and left me with fruit salad and coffee. I was running late so couldn’t really stay long to enjoy. Ran into Donna on Elgin on my way to the conference. The topics this morning were issues in curation and performance and technology. The performance and technology was the more interesting topic. Had another nice lunch. Talked with Ada off and on. Adrian gave a presentation on the Le Breton real-estate project. Other gallery directors and co-ordinators gave presentations. The sound wasn’t working with the video projector. The presentations ran until about six o’clock. When everything had finished I had Robyn at his “Brand Removal Service” remove the label from my pants and my bookbag. He is in today’s newspaper.
Walked to Jen and Peter’s. Jen was home, working on one of her stories. I read the paper, then eventually Peter came home. He had cycled. Jen went to the nearby Sri Lankan place for takeout. The catering from the conference has been from there all week. My threshold for spicy foods has been rising.
Haven’t yet heard from Jeremiah. Left another few messages on his machine. Smoked some hash with Peter and then walked to Barrymores. Ran into Ellen along the way. It is a small world. She had run into Mike the night before. We will try to get together tomorrow at lunch.
The fashion show at Barrymores was a lot of fun. The costumes and sometimes accompanying performances were very slick and polished. There was that edgy, rawness missing that seems to cover the Halifax wearable art shows. Afterwards, spent the rest of the evening dancing. A good way to cut loose the inevitable tension that builds up in ones body.
Another early start tomorrow. I think I will try to give a basic presentation about the Khyber tomorrow as well.
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
To: <pm@pm.gc.ca>, <pm@pm.gc.ca>, <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
Date: Sunday, September 9, 2001 2:37 PM
Subject: » Tobin leadership campaign on track despite his denial there’s a race
Dear Mr. Chretien,
You won’t believe this, but this is the third attempt to write you this letter today. I keep hitting some stupid key on the keyboard which deletes the letter. It is driving me nuts. I’ve been on this computer in a small computer store in Downtown Montreal for hours. It happened when I wrote a lengthy letter to Karina earlier. This email thing is definitely a double edged sword. The instantaneous communication is great, but the technological snarl-ups are incredibly annoying.
So now I don’t even want to write the letter anymore. Point form only:
Yesterday the conference ended. People got a tad bit testier with one another over some of the sticking points of organization, and the presentations went on a tad too long. I tried to keep my Khyber presentation brief. Which was easy because once I was speaking I was forgetting what I wanted to say anyway. Even with the help of notes.
Spoke with Jeremiah’s roommates. He went camping for the weekend. Some emergency. It really bummed me out. Though he does take his camping seriously, so I can understand.
Went to performances at Gallery 101. Afterwards the delegates wanted to go out somewhere cheesy for the last hurrah. Went to Lockmaster on Bank. The quintessential seedy dive. Despite the recent smoking ban smoke filled the air. Waitstaff put small tumblers containing a bit of water as surrogate ashtrays. A band was playing called “three guys and a drummer”. I danced like a fool with a girl who works at 101, Florence. We made a mockery of every dance form both known and invented.
Couldn’t email when I arrived back at Jen and Peter’s because his brother Jamie was in the guest room. They had set up a nifty cot for me in the living room.
In the morning Jen woke me up and drove me to the Trainstation. They were excellent hosts. I feel bad for not spending more time with them, and also overstaying my visit at the same time. They had dinner guests over last night, so I didn’t want to intrude on them.
The train is nice. Nice view. Read from the Pluralities 1980 catalogue I bought at the National the other day for 99 cents. I bought it and a couple other catalogues for Karina.
I found a small place to check my email just around the corner from the Musee d’Art Contemporian. The Picasso Erotica show is one, which doesn’t interest me in the least. But this blasted email is driving me nuts. I have written five letters just to send 2. Karina wrote me a very upsetting email. Our time apart is leading her to paranoia and unfounded jealousy.
Called Robert when I arrived but got his answering machine. Need to go eat and will try to call him again.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, September 10, 2001 10:11 PM
Subject: » Alliance paints rosy future as three rebel MPs return; critics not so sure» Tories and rebel Alliance MPs say they’ll join forces in Parliament» Report says NDP needs to return to being a radical political alternative
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Home at last! After that mangled letter I sent you yesterday afternoon, I met up with Robert and we walked up to the big drum circle. We had been discussing how strange the concept was of the mall underneath the Chapel, how if Jesus was around today he’d be scattering the merchants left right and centre. The walk up the hill was interesting; they have Cogswell Interchange problems like you wouldn’t believe. It was feeling like a bit like a pilgrimage of sorts, climbing this broad hill in the hot sun with the sounds of the drumming getting louder and louder. It was quite an amazing gathering of people, and we sat and talked about Life, the Universe and Everything. My head hurt, but that was also probably because I was so incredibly high. There is a potency to the pot in Montréal that one doesn’t seem to find elsewhere. Anyhow, Rob walked me back to the train station, I gave him a couple photographs of Karina’s, and then I was back on the train. For the next twenty hours. Luckily I slept a lot of it, and eventually read over some of the grant applications I need to work on imminently, and watched the countryside wisk by. There is something romantic and tactile, very sensory, about taking the train. The sounds and vibrations are in stark contrast to those experienced via air travel.
I arrived right on time, walked to the Med to meet Karina, but met her instead as I was about to drop my bag off at the Khyber. I had neglected to send her my itinerary yesterday, though I thought I had. I had written it in the first email to her, which had become lost. So it was lucky that we met. We had All-Day Breakfast at the Med, then went to the Anna for the openings. I borrowed Randy’s keys to go back to the office and lock up and arm the KDMC, as rent has been coming in and building up in the office. I don’t like having a lot of cash on hand there.
Sat in the Club for a little bit with Mohanad, Rebecca and Karina, but wanted to leave soon as was covered in two days worth of sticky travelling sweat. Karina and I took a bus home. Had a shower and have been catching up on email ever since. Am going to print some labels of all the days I have been writing email to you, to choose from which letters gets displayed in the NSCAD elevator. Art by lottery.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, September 12, 2001 12:55 AM
Subject: » Chretien slams ‘cowardly’ terrorist attacks in U.S., says Canadians safe» Cdn airports, offices close; hospitals prepare for wounded from U.S. attacks» Korean passenger jet diverted to Whitehorse treated as hijacking says RCMP
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
What is to be done? What can I say? Karina called me at work with the news, but she didn’t know the extent of the damage. I had thought that maybe a small plane had hit, a one or two-seater. No big deal. It wasn’t until later in the morning, as the news was filtering through the building, that the magnitude started to grow, the realization started to set in that the world was changing. For the worse. Things are going to be very bad from now on. The bombings were horrific, but beautifully so. The language of terrorism has shouted loudly at the American people, most who are completely ignorant as to why they are hated so vehemently by so many others throughout the world. Hated enough to do what was done today. The scary thing is that the US will retaliate. They will escalate the violence, perpetuate the hatred. No good will come of this. The States will push for more military spending. For more investment in Security Forces and Surveillance. They will push for Missile Defence. And all of that is useless when people are willing to die for their causes, willing to turn their bodies into weapons of mass-destruction. Things have gone from bad to much, much worse. My only hope would be that Space Aliens orchestrated the attacks, that it be proved beyond a shadow of a doubt, and humankind in its entirety has to re-adjust for the massiveness of a new Universe-view. It is about the only thing that can save us; conventional religions have only proven to cause humans to fight each other. We’ll wreck the planet before we learn to live together in peace. It is awful. The President is talking like a Macho-Cowboy Madman. He appears on TV like a robot. He talks of Hunting and Punishment. Others talk of swift vengeance in the form of immediate deaths. We have learned nothing. We could have World War after World War and keep doing it, never learning, the stupid creatures that we are. I hope Andrea is OK. I hope Norma is OK. I hope Krishna’s Aunt and Colin’s Aunt are OK. I hope Grace is OK. No one has any idea how many are dead and hurt.
It will be hard to get back into the swing of work. There almost seems no point to work.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, September 13, 2001 1:20 AM
Subject: » Chretien pledges to battle ‘devil’ terrorism; cautious about military action» Passengers stranded in Canada after U.S. attacks to be flown home: Collenette» Canadians pour out hearts, blood and money to help U.S. terror victims
Dear Mr. Chrétien.
Slept through my alarm this morning, but somehow managed to wake up and prepare myself for work before Merle called. I actually ended up at work long before he arrived, as traffic was backed up everywhere due to all the extra people grounded from yesterdays events. Merle snapped the two outlets on the new wall in the office back in place with a bit of difficulty, due to the clumsy holes I had cut in the plywood.
Tried to get a lot accomplished at work today, and I think I managed to do so, but so much seems undone. Things are up in the air again with where the Khyber Kids classes will be instructed. Had a board meeting tonight and felt just whipped at the end of it. It was grueling. The daunting task of writing so many grant applications has me worried. The day-to-day operations has me worried. The fact that I haven’t been able to move into my studio yet has me worried.
Scott, one of the many photocopier salespeople that sculk about the downtown, came by again today. They just like to come by and pepper their speech with clichés and veiled sales pitches. Turned down some other organization phoning for money today. Am getting good at that.
Went grocery shopping at Sobeys tonight. Hooked up the new veggie box to the new back bike rack which Karina purchased last week. It does make cycling home with groceries much easier.
Stayed up late watching more footage of New York. The whole retaliation sentiment is sooo scary. Not enough energy or time spent on thinking why, and forgiveness, and trying to discover a way to break the cycle of violence. Only thinking in terms of war, and revenge. Don’t they know that revenge will not teach anyone a lesson, and that the deeper reasons for the actions must be investigated?
Ah, what do I know, sitting up here in my comfy Canadian abode. Yet just how comfy is anyone’s life going to be from this point in? How bad can things get now?
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, September 14, 2001 3:36 AM
Subject: » Chretien hardens line on possible military action against terrorists» Canadians prepare to mark first national day of mourning since 1967 on Friday» Canadians put travel plans on hold as airlines sort out scheduling mess
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Managed to wake up without the alarm clock again this morning. Had some eggs and avacado on toast for breakfast. Spoke with Mohanad for a bit; he said that he would stop by the Khyber today. Biked to work. Brandon had been by already with pictures for the Purolator claim. I filled it out and faxed it off. Tried to catch up on other business. Faxed an update for the KDMC Grand Opening out to some local media.Tried to stay upbeat, energetic and busy. All the while feeling something profound and disturbing has shifted.
A lot of phone calls today. Much moreso than usual. Nice to hear people’s voices. Talked with someone from Industry Canada about Jane Purves speech. Spoke with Liz about the presentations and she mentions Nostradamus and his prophecy about the twin brothers collapsing. Unsettling.
Everything later in the afternoon took longer to do than necessary. Jamie came by to collect his Shop Vac and I vented some of my frustration with work and the Board and the world. Winnie was in all day with David, working on the stencils. The fumes were bad. David left early, leaving Winnie in the lurch. Jacob came by and helped out later in the evening.
Karina and I ate at Maki-Maki. Had Udon soup and salmon maki, Karina had beef teriaki but it tasted funny. Went back to work until delegates for the ARC/ARC started arriving. Hung out downstairs in the Club with Sarah and Ray, Andrew, Glynis and the two Andreas from Newfoundland. Our conversations were a bit disruptive for the audience of the Salon De Refusés, so we packed up and headed for the Shoe Shop. Talked with Pat and Glynis about the big scares of the past few decades. Everyone is scared now. But we all seem to hide it well, disguised in the clothes of everday routine. Get up. Go to work. Get things done. Apply for that grant. Pay that bill. Make some art. And somehow, amidst all that, to still think about the nature and meaning of life. It is a different world now essentially if we think, feel and empathize more. Isn’t it?
Karina came by and we went back to the Khyber. She needed to work on an invitation, I had to prepare for the panel and the presentations at ARC/ARC tomorrow. We stayed far too late. One-thirty. Sally was still in the Club, finishing up for the night. Brad still there. He had caused a bit of scene earlier in the evening when he wouldn’t pay the cover charge. He and Craig haven’t really been getting along. He is so hyper and erratic. He walked as far as the Marqee with Karina and I, and we continued home. We had all smoked a joint in the Grand Parade. I didn’t need it, though it did seem to wake me up a touch. Brad is a great storyteller, but I couldn’t handle it tonight.
When we got home the talk bug had nipped Karina and she talked and talked to me while I was writing this letter. I quite enjoyed it, though I had to ask her to leave the room so I could finish the letter. I honestly think we could have talked all night, or at least hours, and she is in such a good mood I shouldn’t take it for granted. Maybe she’s still awake; I think she is. Just a quick 2-minute drawing tonight and then it’s off to bed.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, September 15, 2001 1:09 AM
Subject: » Chretien hardens line on possible military action against terrorists» RCMP question man surrounding possible link to terrorist attacks» Government to outline response to terrorist attacks when Commons sits Monday
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I didn’t sleep very well last night, and woke up periodically with paranoid delusions. At one point I thought that the chimney on my neighbour’s roof was a crouched figure that was spying on me.
Woke up before the alarm, but went back to sleep until it was scheduled to go off. Had a shower, made breakfast and a lunch. Karina had to be at school early so she took the bike. I caught a bus. Read a bit of the paper on the bus.
Took part in a panel discussion this morning at eyelevelgallery on funding realities. I was not very prepared. Sarah moderated. Andrea came in late, but in time to speak in turn. Karen from Gallery Connexion was on the panel as well. Most of the discussion came from the floor. Each organization discussed their fundraising initiatives.
After lunch we gave presentations. They dragged on far too long. Went home for supper. Met Karina on the way down to the College and took the bike from her. She would rather bus. Made supper. Watched a portion of a really cheesy TV show while eating. Headed out to the NSCAD dance afterwards. Played ping-pong with Seth. Lost a close game with him. I am surprised it was close, as I have little practice. Took turns with Mohanad and Andrew and Aaron watching the door. Their seemed to be a good turnout. Hopefully we will make a bit of money in it.
Andrew, Mohanad and I took a cab home. I am so tired the computer keys are swimming in front of my eyes. Yaga is mewling, so will now quickly finish up a drawing and then head to bed, where Yaga likes being rubbed the most.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, September 16, 2001 1:28 AM
Subject: » Air, border travel returning to normal amid high security after U.S. terror» RCMP hold terrorism suspect; up to 100 Canadians still unaccounted for» Fire guts Hindu temple near Hamilton mosque; cause unclear, police say
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Karina was actually up and out the door before me again this morning. This is becoming an unusual routine. She took the bike so I walked to work. We continued with the conference discussing funding problems and drafting a letter to lobby the provincial governments and the Canada Council. This morning was supposed to be the CC presentations but the situation kept them away. We managed to accomplish a fair bit, I think. Had lunch at Mokka. Spoke to Dan about the upcoming presentation he wants me to give to HRM council. We will meet soon about it. In the afternoon there was another panel discussion with a theme of “regions within regions”, but it felt a bit like covering ground we have already traveled. We all went to the Club afterward to discuss Donna’s plans to start a regional Artist Run magazine, based loosely on Lola, specifically on the Shotgun reviews. We need to foster more critical dialogue surrounding contemporary art in the region. Karina came by with a new haircut. It was free, as she was a guinea pig for some Redken symposium or demonstration on hairstyles. She has to go back tomorrow to model the cut. We were going to go home for supper but the ARC/ARC group were going out for supper so we tagged along. Tried to go to the new Thai Chili House, but it is such a small restaurant and has been getting such rave reviews that there were at least five parties waiting ahead of us. So we went to the Med. After supper we went to the Shoe Shop, where my throat really began to bother me. Talked with Don about the bombings and the mainstream media. I am definitely coming down with some sort of cold. Karina and I left a bit early, and headed down to the Khyber to collect my bag. The band Free Space was playing at the Club, but there was a low turnout. It must have been the Snow Jam, which was taking place tonight on Citadel Hill. I played a game of chess with Craig and he whipped me good. I hadn’t played in three years. All it takes is one really stupid move and the whole game unravels. I want to play more, though. It is good practice. I biked home while Karina stayed to catch a bus. I stopped by Andréa’s on the way home, as she was having a housewarming party. Her voice sounds worse than mine. It seems everyone is getting sick lately. I didn’t stay long, talked with Matt a bit about the media centre. He had asked about the technician job a few weeks ago but never followed up on it. He is working at the Victory Arms now. I biked home and actually got home before Karina did. She just came through the door. She had missed the last #7, and so caught a #1, but the #1 let all the passengers out at Scotia Square and said that a shuttle would come by for the passengers, but one never did, so she took a cab home. Weird. She should call Metro Transit on Monday and try to get her cab fare refunded. I am exhausted, will make you a quick drawing then go to bed. Karina has to get up really early to go get prepped to model her new haircut. It would be great to document her recent hair-cutting adventure. Hair is often an adventure with Karina.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, September 16, 2001 11:07 PM
Subject: » Churches across Canada packed for special masses, makeshift memorials created» Air, border travel returning to normal amid high security after U.S. terror» Chretien to preach wisdom, patience in debate Monday on terror attacks
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Karina woke up on time this morning and I went back to bed and slept until almost eleven. I can’t believe that she actually got up and was out the door before 7am. Unbelievable, it really is. Ate breakfast and began walking downtown, but decided to take a bus instead. Bought yesterdays newspaper and read it along the way. The propaganda is hard to take. Even the so-called “critics” allowed in the daily are lining up behind Bush in support of action. So pointless. True retaliation against the terrorist attacks would have to take into consideration the motivation behind them, and address them, and try to correct them, and the current administration has no such plans to do so. Too busy trying to convince the public that America is an innocent victim. The individuals may have been innocent, but the state isn’t.
Sarah had emailed the drafts of letters to the CC and ministers of culture which I photocopied and distributed to the ARC/ARC members. Today we sat through artist presentations for the afternoon. Just as they were wrapping up Karina came by, having finished her grueling day of modeling and taking part in the Redken hair-dressing seminar. During the event she was confronted by a girl with incredibly racist views. She was saying that Muslims are to blame for the attacks, that Muslims are mentally deficient and easy to brainwash, and that if she was to get on a plane and a Muslim was on it she would get off. Can you believe this claptrap? The unsettling thing is that those views are going to grow, and are being disseminated through the mass media. It seems to me that we are the easily brainwashed.
We walked home and Karina made some curry, took a bath and then went to bed. She was exhausted. I continued reading the paper. Watched the Simpsons; a new episode, but not terribly funny. When Rebecca finished with the computer for the night I got on to do all my emailing, but the Internet isn’t working so I can’t send or receive anything. Will get up early tomorrow and finish. Updated my course outline and materials list for the oil painting class tomorrow night. Andréa is busy working to finish her contribution to Winnie’s show and doesn’t want to teach tomorrow night. I don’t want to do it either but don’t really have a choice. The installation is coming along nicely, by the way.
Don called me tonight requesting a letter of support for the MTT new media prize, as the deadline is tomorrow. Maybe I’ll do that now. Then maybe watch the news. Still have to write an introduction for Winnie’s show, and the grants due next week. Plus the KDMC stuff. Ack.
OK, the Internet is working again. Our modem was simply unplugged. It is easy to forget that the web still needs electricity.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, September 18, 2001 12:30 AM
Subject: » PM urges patience in fighting terror, won’t rule out more civilian casualties» Canadian military awaits a plan and orders for possible action against terror» More delays at Cdn airports; new safety measure introduced for flights
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Almost slept in this morning but managed to rouse myself and get to work before nine. Or shortly after nine. Was in the process of clearing out the hallway when Matt called and wanted to know if I wanted to move my studio stuff. I had mentioned to him yesterday that I might like to do that soon. Since he is living in Blockhouse now, and is only in Halifax for a couple days, and suddenly had friends from out of town come to visit, he wanted to move ASAP. Not a problem. I finished a nomination letter for Don for the MTT New Media award and started moving the boxes and the rolled up canvasses. I really don’t have a lot of stuff. We drove to the Bloomfield Centre, stopping at my apartment to get rent and keys from Rebecca. I met with Chuck, the building manager and paid our rent and signed our contract. Moved the stuff in, and grabbed a coffee from Steve-o-renos on the way out. Stopped at Pierceys and grabbed the rest of the sink legs and track lights which had been out of stock weeks ago. Have to send them some money soon; I have been purchasing all the renovations materials on account.
Am supposed to be working on an introduction for Winnie’s show. Had started something over a month ago but now it doesn’t seem relevant. Had lunch with Andréa at Mokka. The oriental noodle salad was a touch too spicy for my palate, but then again food generally isn’t spicy enough in this town. Towards the end of the day I was out on the sidewalk adding some posters to the sidewalk sign and talked to Steven for a bit. It was nice to see him, I wasn’t sure if he was still going to be teaching at NSCAD or not since he and Lani have sold their place in Montréal and moved to France. But he is here until Christmas. The sidewalk became like a magnet; as we were talking Mohanad, Randy, David and Craig all came by. I had to run off to Loomis and Toles to get some supplies for tonight’s oil-painting class.
Stopped by the College for the openings and had coffee with Susan and Sarah beforehand. Mike joined us as well. He heads back to Newfoundland tonight. Saw Karina briefly, she was getting something to eat but I had to run. Talked to Ray, Peter and Sarah about the next Outspoken series and they all agreed to take part.
Couldn’t find my painting supplies anywhere in the apartment when I got home. It took awhile for me to realize that Karina and Rebecca had probably taken my stuff to the studio a couple weeks ago. It was lucky that I had held on to the keys. Class was fun. It was full at fifteen students, and since I hadn’t given St. Andrews Centre advance copies of the materials list hardly anyone had anything to paint with. It was easy enough to share, as we were only making colour wheels. I had so much fun I may try to teach some of the remaining classes, instead of giving them all to Andréa.
Biked home and had a quick bite to eat and a cup of tea. Decided to cut my hair. Caught up on my email and will now try to work on an introduction for the opening of the show tomorrow. After my drawing, of course. Karina has just come home and says I look like a cartoon character with my new haircut. Success; it is just how I wanted it to look.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, September 19, 2001 1:16 AM
Subject: » Chretien to meet Bush in White House; Opposition seeks anti-terrorist law» Liberal cabinet silent on how much anti-terrorism campaign could cost» Ernie Coombs, beloved by Canadian children as Mr. Dressup, dies at 73
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am lucky to have woken up on time this morning. I had hoped to get up really early and work on my introduction for Winnie’s show, but must have hit the wrong buttons on the alarm clock while trying to hit the snooze. When I woke up the clock said it was past eleven, but it was really just past eight.
Today was a crazy day. The installation continued all day long, and it wasn’t fully completed until just past seven, as people were starting to arrive. The projector situation worked out OK, though it had been damaged during the shipping from Ottawa. Tim will try to get insurance money to repair it. It was fortuitous in a way, though. The lens broke in such a manner as to allow us to get a smaller picture, an exact fit for the small-sized screen built for the exhibition. I got the TV’s and VCR’s working in the Closet, did the lights, Karina biked to Canadian Tire to get some replacement lights, Mohanad painted over scuff-marks and updated the notice board, Liz was in preparing for the presentations tomorrow, Winnie was working on her catalogue essay, The photocopier ran out of toner, Leah brought food, and most of the artists were in and out finalizing their work. Busy.
Stayed at the Club later than usual. Talked with Tim about projector possibilities for the show planned for April-May of 2002. Walked home with Randy, Sarah, Spencer and Karina. Still have to make your drawing and then check my email. Judy had written back from the petition I had sent around; she was quite offended that I would send her a chain letter. I don’t want to be up all night as tomorrow will be a busy, busy day.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, September 21, 2001 12:26 AM
Subject: Montreal police cite murder-suicide after seven found dead – six in same home» Sask police officers fired after convictions in leaving man on winter night» New Democrat Michael Prue wins controversial Toronto-area byelection
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Managed to get some office work done this morning, yay! Went to the bank a couple times. Watched interesting 3-D graphics of Afghanistan and the Khyber Pass while waiting in line to see one of the few tellers still left on duty. Paid some bills. Didn’t get any work done on the Outspoken series, but will hopefully get that all straightened away tomorrow. The day went fast. The Coke delivery guy showed up to collect the empty cannisters and drop of new premix, Andrea was back to clean the Club, and then Robbie and Kate arrived, so we set up their painting, his computer and the projector. Covered Adel’s paintings with black fabric, suspended Robbie and Kate’s painting, then hung the big screen from AFCO-OP. Forgot to run a cheque up to AFCO-OP; will try to remember to do it tomorrow. Julie came by to practice on the G-4 and accidentally lost the hard drive. She did manage to find it again. There was an article in the Coast today about Randy and Ron. There were also tons of articles and letters and responses to the bombings of last week. Now more than 6,000 missing and feared dead. Shockwaves being blamed for a whole list of stresses amongst the living. It is überstyle all over again on the TV nightly news; a list of side effects from our damaged culture. Ate leftover bread and veggie sticks and cheese for supper tonight. Didn’t eat lunch. Drank coffee all day. The presentations went well tonight, though it was a sparse crowd. Robbie and Kate showed their Überstyle piece and spoke about how it came together, and Ron showed the progression his digital work has taken, including a new animated piece set to a new Sixtoo song based on a Lucie Chan show. Is it the film festival, or do I just really suck at promotion? Made up some quickie posters and stuck them up at NSCAD on the way home. Read the Coast some more. Biked home. Watched the news and highlights from President Bush’s speech. Apparently now, according to him, those that aren’t with the ‘States are “with” the terrorists. What baloney. All the reports of 80-90% of people supporting Bush and “America’s New War” is making me depressed. Doesn’t anyone believe in pacifism anymore? Didn’t we learn a long time ago that violence spawns violence? Didn’t Einstein show that for every action there is an equal reaction? Will the truly civilized amongst us ever lead us? Too many questions, and no answers. Just frustration.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, September 22, 2001 1:43 AM
Subject: Chretien not offended by Bush’s failure to mention Canada in speech» Economic growth will halt in the third quarter or shrink, says Bank of Canada» Ottawa considers possible troop deployment; probe of terrorist links continue
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Even though the days are technically getting shorter, they feel somewhat longer. Didn’t get to work until 9:30. Wrapped up some HRDC summer work grants stuff. Received a letter from Purolator. they declined the claim because I didn’t file within 60 days. I didn’t get a letter from them saying I was eligible to claim until five days before the sixty. I called and vented, and had a supervisor call me back and I vented on her as well. Then faxed an earlier letter I had sent immediately after I had heard about the damaged shipments. It is a nasty letter. Then I called someone at Customer Service and vented on her voicemail. All this put me in a bit of a mood, but the office was so busy with people all afternoon I gradually forgot about it. Dan came in to look over previous minutes and type up the ones from the last board meeting. A few NSCAD students came in and bought memberships. Julie came in to plan her workshops tomorrow. Still only one person enrolled, however. Makes me feel sick. Talked to Mern about Cultural Spaces grants. They are going to be more complicated than I had thought, but she seems optimistic. Makes me feel nervous. I really need to set aside some time to write them. Randy came in to set up the live webcast with Norma in the Clu tonight. The Club was dead. Only Rebecca, Susan and some other guy came for it. Chatting with Norma was cool, though. Seeing her projected on the big screen was quite nifty, she resembles a lot of her animations. Or vice versa, I suppose. Andrea and Undrea came for the webcast and stuck it out. Ray and Sarah, Paul and Cal and Greg came, but more to talk and drink than watch the web. Greg was really putting them back. Winnie came by as well. They were waiting for Charmaine but she never showed. Paul was telling me about grants the Khyber may be eligible for that I didn’t even know existed. Ray and Sarah invited Karina and I over to their place tomorrow night. Andrea is supposed to be in town but she may want to go there as well. Karina didn’t come out tonight as she was “sick of people”. Hopefully she’ll want to go out tomorrow. I played a shotgun game of chess with Craig and amazingly I won. He must have let me beat him. A fluke, I’m sure. Erinn and a few of her friends came by and lo and behold Peter was with them. He had been spending his summer as a bicycle tour guide in BC. He was quite pleased with everything that has been happening at the Khyber. Which in turn makes me feel a bit better about my job. Stayed and talked to them for a bit and then biked home. It was later than I had hoped to be home, but I can sleep in an extra hour or so tomorrow. Haven’t decided if I will take Julie’s workshop tomorrow or not. Will at least be there for her presentation.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, September 23, 2001 2:22 AM
Subject: Canada unprepared for biological, chemical terrorism, experts say» Afghan Canadians frantic about their loved ones back home and in Pakistan» Pilot who landed disabled jet safely in Azores honoured in home town
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Slept in a wee bit, Karina was actually up and gone before I got up. She was hired to take some documentation photos of another students work. I was going to take a bus downtown, as it looked like rain, but I misses the bus. Luckily Andrew was driving by to pick up Mohanad and they dropped me off at work on their way to the Market. Helped Julie set up the projector and the PC and stayed for her class, as only two other people enrolled. I enjoyed the class quite a bit, am learning Dreamweaver. I may be able to have a website up soon. Maybe by this time next year?
Randy was by throughout the day and later on set up for his projection downstairs in the Club. Had supper at the Med with Karina. Back to the Club. At long last, there was actually a good crowd, and good conversation and discussion after viewing Randy’s work. Good to hear.
Karina and I walked to Christine’s house to meet her and Andrea and Bethany and Trevor. They were playing a board game, sort of like Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, Charades, and a spelling bee all rolled into one. We joined in the game, smoked up and had a great old time. It was nice to relax and just be silly. The evening turned into a bit of a daring contest. I ended up sticking cheesies up my nose, and trying to eat six saltine crackers in under a minute. I failed at the latter. In fact, I couldn’t even eat one cracker in one minute. My mouth was far too dry. I hope Andrea gets her pictures developed. She still hasn’t developed the roll from the last time we were all at Christine’s, and I poured two boxes of salt on her tablecloth to absorb spilled red wine.
Walked home late. Very tired now. Have to get up early-ish and work on some suggestions for the 4-C’s grant. Send some email. Organize some files before taking the second day of Julie’s workshop. Have some office work to do tomorrow as well. Off now to make your drawing, then to bed.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, September 23, 2001 11:05 PM
Subject: Tory National Council backs Joe Clark’s efforts to expand coalition with DRC» Chretien should create cabinet security post to tackle rising threat» B.C. Community Minister can’t guarantee province won’t cut municipal funding
Slept in a bit too long this morning, and Karina and I ended up rushing out the door, missing our bus and having to take a cab downtown in order to eat breakfast before taking the rest of Julie’s workshop. We ate at the Med, of course. It was really busy today. I didn’t take part in Julie’s workshop today, as Karina wanted to work on her website, and I had office stuff to catch up on. I helped periodically with technical and logistical stuff. Met with Andréa and discussed Khyber Kids and the 4-C’s proposal, and talked with Catherine about it. Nathaniel came by and wants to take one of the spots available in the Turret. I think we will be able to fill the three spots by the middle of the week. Hammered out a few more details for the Outspoken series. Talked with Sarah and we decided that Heather would make a better panelist, given her experience this past year as the MSVU Art Gallery curatorial intern. We have decided to hold it upstairs in the gallery as well.
Stayed at work too late tonight, missing supper and getting cranky. Polished off some leftover crackers and carrot sticks from the fridge. We walked home with Randy. Had hoped to get home in time to watch the Simpsons, and we were, only the Simpsons was pre-empted by some NBC Late-Night TV special. Bummer. Will take the opportunity to fiish my computer work early, then wash some clothes. Am completely out of clean socks and underwear. Will try to make something to eat as well. Have a fundraising committee meeting tomorrow morning at 9am at the North End Diner. I couldn’t reach a lot of people and Sarah lost her list, so it will probably be a small meeting. Hopefully we can delegate some specific events and get the ball rolling.
Tomorrow is Karina’s birthday. I have been anticipating it all month long, but somehow it has still snuck up on me. I will have to look for a gift tomorrow, and plan to do something special.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, September 25, 2001 12:14 AM
Subject: Tory-rebel Alliance coalition gets partial Commons status, but no extra perks» No Canadian military role against terrorism yet, but there’s a sales job open» No cameras in court during trial of former B.C. premier Glen Clark: judge
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Woke up a bit later than I had planned but still with enough time to design a Women’s Collective meeting poster for Karina. Had washed some underwear and socks last night in the hope that they would be dry this morning, but was not the case. Put them in the microwave to speed up the drying but it only made them seem wetter and warmer. Found a pair of clean socks in Karina’s drawers. Went without underwear today.
Met with Sarah, Spencer and Rebecca at the North End Diner for breakfast to discuss upcoming fundraising and events. We have tentatively set dates for the Gong Show, a couple Mugshots and a yard sale. Now just need to get the bodies to carry out some of the tasks. There is some good enthusiasm behind the projects, which is a good thing.
Went to work and finalized some of the details for the next Outspoken, finished a poster and handbills. Nathaniel came by and signed a lease for the Turret space. Andrea came by and walked with me to Mahons to get some colourful paper. We stopped for coffee at Steve-o-renos and discussed the events in New York. There aren’t really any words left. There never really were any to begin with. A lot of things just seem pointless now.
Lots of people, tourists mostly, have been stopping by the CAP site wanting to check their email. I’m thinking we have to design some sort of special one-time membership so people can still use the facilities. James came by to test some of his work on the PC but it wouldn’t run properly. We didn’t have access to Robbie’s dad’s computer anymore, so Randy went and got his from home We have to have the PC looked at.
Picked up some flowers for Karina on my way down to NSCAD for the openings tonight. Andréa is teaching my oil painting class tonight. Craig’s show, “Apologetic letters to my friends” was on display, complete with Craig in the window offering to wash the feet of gallery visitors. It feels weird and quite nice to have someone else wash ones feet. Ran through the school and put up some posters for the Outspoken. Then Karina, Rebecca, Mohanad and Andrew went to Mamoya for sushi. After that Karina and I went to the Khyber to watch James’ presentation. He really does make amazing Flash works. Mesmerizing.
Unfortunately, after that Karina got upset over the way her birthday has been progressing, especially the fact that I had yet to get her a gift. I don’t know where the time has gone, or how I had managed to run out of time, even though I have been aware of her birthday for weeks now. We argued and I got mad and defensive and stomped on her flowers and tried to storm away to cool off but she chased me and we had a bit of a tiff in front of Reflections. I feel emotionally dead, drained from everything that has been happening, just wanting for things to be normal. It is too much energy to be emotional. We sort of cooled down just as Rikka and Andrea walked up to us. We all wandered around and ended up at Freak Lunchbox to buy candy. Then we walked home, all of us parting company at the corner of Gottingen and Cornwallis. Andrea flies back to New York tomorrow.
Have some major ground to make up with Karina. Hardly know where or how to begin.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2001 11:53 PM
Subject: U.S. ambassador says border security shouldn’t strangle trade with Canada» Air Canada to cut 5,000 more workers, for total of 12,500; grounds 84 planes» Feds face economic slowdown amid need for anti-terrorist security spending
Dear Mr, Chrétien,
Took my chances with the weather today and biked to work. It looked as though it might clear up early on, but the rain began in the afternoon and didn’t really let up until later in the evening. I was only caught outside in the rain once, as I walked back from AVCOOP after returning the projection screen. Chris was great about the rental, and actually didn’t charge us. I’ll have to return the favour sometime.
Tried to make some headway on the grants but got bogged down in office stuff. It is one of those weeks where I am having trouble focusing on and completing one task at a time. Lucas came in for some training, which I wanted to be a part of but was constantly called away by the phone or visitors. He’ll pick it up soon enough. I also think he’ll have a lot to contribute. A girl named Emily came by to look at one of the spaces available in the Turret and said she’d take it, which is good, only one more space to fill. Barbara came by to look but didn’t seem overly thrilled. She’ll let me know on Friday. Craig informed me that the student council at NSCAD was only going to give the Khyber $250 from the dance a couple weeks ago. That’s not too bad, but the door itself made over $600. It seems a bit dodgy to me, that they advertised the dance as a fundraiser for the Khyber and then to keep over half the money for themselves. I will call her tomorrow and go to the next council meeting to try to see where they are coming from.
Had supper with Karina at the Med. She is still quite miffed with me for bungling her birthday. Can’t really blame her. I have apologized but she senses that my heart isn’t in it. That’s the problem; it isn’t. I feel like I’ve lost my heart, that I am too detached to care. But I do care, and I ache inside that I can’t seem to let on that I care. It won’t come out. I just want to sleep, ignore it, hope it will go away. Yesterday I spent time at Attica looking for a gift and couldn’t decide on anything. Maybe I’m just cheap. Or maybe its that I hate the idea of adding more stuff, more clutter to our lives. Eventually I bought some aromatherapy, but haven’t even wrapped it yet, let alone given it to her. I figure she would appreciate it for baths, as she finds baths relaxing. I don’t know what my hang-up is over birthdays and gifts. Maybe I’m just backwards when it comes to showing people I care about them. I do it all wrong.
Set up for the Otspoken tonight in the gallery. There was a small turnout, and Ray called in to cancel as he has come down with the flu. The disussions seemed to go OK, given that I hadn’t tightened up the parameters around the topic. The “Art of Curation” as a topic is quite broad. I may have been able to do a better job had I not tried to throw it together in a week. I should plan the next one now, as it is in just over three weeks. Egad, how time flies.
Stayed at the Club for a bit afterwards, talked with Peter and Winnie and Gordon. Eventually biked home after realizing it was past ten-thirty. I had hoped to be home by nine. Karina still isn’t home, she must be working late in the darkroom. I’ll make your drawing then check my email then go to bed, with any luck before midnight. Got a message from my mom, she wants us to spend next weekend with them at Vicki and Peter’s new cottage. That would be nice. Tomorrow is another long day. They are wearing me out, yet I can’t figure out how to shorten them.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <hunterwasser@yahoo.com>
To: <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2001 12:12 AM
Subject: Canada moving ‘as fast as anyone else’ on anti-terror front, says Chretien
Dear Mr. Chretien,
Slept in a bit late this morning, must have hit the snooze button at least eight times. Karina had to rush out, she was late for a photo session. It looked like it might rain so I took the bus. On the way down the Cogswell Interchange the driver had to slam the brakes on and a woman was slammed into the wall behind the driver and a few of the toddlers who were on board were hurt. It was a very strange experience. We all left our names and the bus number with the driver.
It was go-go-go today. People constantly coming in and out. It is great that the building is seeing this much use. The KDMC is getting more use. Did some banking. Still looking for people to rent the Turret. Renee backed out. Karina came by for lunch but I couldn’t
find time to eat until past 3. Had a meeting with Dan at HRM to go over Heritage Canada funding applications. Mern gave some good tips. The application looks really hard. I think we may only have the energy to apply for specialized equipment.
Came back to the Khyber after the meeting and helped Randy take the big projection screen and Robbie’s painting down from the back wall of the Club. Was supposed to bring the screen back today but it will have to wait until tomorrow.
Liz was giving her workshop tonight. I stayed in the office to try to get some work done, but really only succeeded in finishing off a box of timbits and talking with Jacob about turning the Turret into a performance space. Made some notes on the upcoming grants. Added to my growing list of things to do.
The workshop went on a bit later than expected; it’s still going, actually. Liz is very determined. Rebecca and Karina are the only ones left. They are uploading video clips of parts of faces arranged in the shape of a face for the web. It is an ambitious prkojject, and they are staying late to try to finish it, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. Technology being as reliable as it is. Everyone is getting tired. I finished a drawing on this computer, will send it all off to you, then hopefully get home soon.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, September 28, 2001 1:18 AM
Subject: Prime minister says Canadian transportation system safer now than ever» Chretien invites other federal party leaders to visit New York City with him» Toronto neighbourhood claims to have seen terrorists in months before attacks
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Set the office alarm off this morning by entering the Ballroom before disarming the system. That woke me up! I was so shocked at hearing it that I couldn’t find the office key, and fumbled around for it while the alarm was going on and on. At least it works.
Had a coffee with Sally and her friend Michelle to discuss Live Art productions dance festival in February. There are a few days in between Ana’s exhibition closing and Tim’s opening that I think the Ballroom could host a few events. Would like to put a call out for performance artists to do some site-specific work in the building as well. Should be fun.
Amid the bustle of another day I managed to get a bit of work done on the grants. A few more members joined the KDMC. Peter from Heritage Trust came up to look at the walls, and ascertain that the wainscotting was indeed still there underneath. Tom came by as well to tell me that he and a contractor will be by next week to take some measurements in the Turret. It is going to be an interesting few months, as we try to figure out what the best plan of action is for the Turret space. Right now am still looking for one more Tenant. Briony said that she may be interested. Didn’t get around to calling Raye at SUNSCAD about the donation. Must try to do that tomorrow, and get on the agenda for their meeting on Monday.
We were supposed to have a meeting tonight to discuss what to do with the consultation grant, but Winnie was waiting to here back from Genesis and that didn’t happen so we cancelled the meeting. Hooray, a night off. And Karina came in to the office this afternoon and showed me some sharp images she has been producing. Photograms of pages from a photography magazine. The re-photographed photograms look really sharp, and will probably look even better larger. A mini-crit in the middle of the afternoon is like a little holiday.
Finally caught up on my laundry tonight. It has been at least four weeks. Was officially out of underwear and Karina’s socks today. Rigged up the basket to the front of the bike and am able to cycle with three loads. Went to Salim’s on North Street. Best laundromat I have been to yet. Combined with a corner store. Friendly staff, busy, lots of people. The machines are cheap and clean. Could have done without Charlie’s Angels on the in-house TV, but it can’t be perfect.
Ate a little bit when I got home, smoked a joint and spent the rest of the evening alternating between watching a movie and helping Rebecca design posters for some of the upcoming fundraisers. Had already told myself earlier that I was going to try to relax tonight, get a good nights sleep and be twice as efficient tomorrow.
Karina is still not home from school, am going to finish your drawing and go to bed.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, September 29, 2001 12:43 AM
Subject: First anniversary of Trudeau’s death seems to pass quietly in Quebec» Air Canada passengers tell of frightening fighter jet escort» Prime minister still keen to do diplomatic globe-trotting, says his office
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
It was quiet at the office today, hardly anyone came by to use the KDMC. I was able to get a fair bit done on the grants. Brandon came by to discuss the Purolator claim, just after I had finished a few letters to them. Forgot to mail them, though. Emily came by to sign her lease. We are still looking for one more person for the Turret. Will email board members to try to find someone this weekend. Got an email from my mom, she sounded concerned that I was working too much. Wrote back to say I’m trying to slow down. Trying.
Had a really disturbing phone conversation with Raye from SUNSCAD this afternoon. Luckily it was late in the day, because I couldn’t do any work afterwards, I was so upset. I called to inquire about the proceeds from the dance, and she became really defensive and mean. She said that the dance only made $50, but that the executive had decided to donate $250 to the Khyber anyway. It was when I asked to see the breakdown, of where the dance had supposedly lost money, that she became really defensive, and said it wasn’t my business. I was only asking because a lot of people were at the dance, and it seemed that the bar did well. We must have been on the phone for twenty minutes, haranguing each other. It was awful. I am going to sit in on one of their executive meetings to try to familiarize some of them with our situation. I am forbidden to discuss the situation with the dance, however. I don’t want to get sucked up in the sordid world of student politics. I just don’t want to go there.
Sat downstairs in the Club afterwards. To try to calm down. Collect my thoughts. Randy is having a “going away” party tonight. He leaves on Sunday. I didn’t realize it was so soon. I’ll miss him. I’m getting tired of constantly watching people leave. Some magnetic city.
Karina and I were going to go to the closing of the show at St. Mary’s tonight, but changed our minds less than a block out the door. Decided to go home and relax instead. Actually made some supper, though there was slim pickings, and I over-boiled the veggies. Which were frozen to begin with. Karina didn’t even eat them. I don’t blame her. It was like dry mush, if you can imagine such a thing. It made me think about giving a large donation to the SUNSCAD food bank. Of real food, not the stuff I made tonight. Craig says there is no food in it. Maybe the proceeds from the dance could be used to get some things.
Ate supper while Karina entertained Mary and Courtney with her hair story. We had smoked up, and she always gets more talkative when she smokes. I tend to gravitate more towards introspection. Making weird associations in my head. Building strange coincidences. We watched an Ellen Degeneres stand up routine. She certainly peppers her routine with a lot of “love everything” statements, but a lot of her act was smart and funny.
We’re planning to go to the Market tomorrow. Get back on track with buying fresh produce. Cook more meals at home. I have some paintings to complete by next week for a show at the Danube café. I’m thinking of combining small paintings on a larger surface that includes a computer printout of some of my drawings. Don’t have much time to figure it out. Gonna go and make a drawing right now. I had hoped to be in bed by now.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, September 30, 2001 12:56 AM
Subject: Friends say Trudeau’s warnings about nationalism worth remembering» Campbell tells British Columbians to ‘buy an airplane ticket, travel somewhere?» Reforms needed in Canadian intelligence to fight terrorism, say experts
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had plans this morning to go to the Market and buy fresh vegetables. Agreed to meet Mohanad there at eleven, after pushing back the original scheduled departure time of ten so Karina and I could go eat breakfast at Mary’s Place. The breakfast wasn’t the greatest today. Half a dozen home fries, soggy eggs and soggy toast. Even the coffee tasted soggy. Then Karina needed to get some wood from Pierceys. We managed to catch a bus downtown but it was almost noon so we skipped the market and went to MEC to buy Karina a thermos for tea. It was sort of a birthday present for her, but sh had to buy it because I have no money.
Went to work, opened up the galleries and worked on the NSAC grants all day, in between phone calls and visitations. The grant writing is going slow, but I think I can get it done by Monday night. I hope so.
Karina and I stayed fairly late, until just past eight. She took a bus home to watch a movie with Rebecca and I walked to Superstore on Barrington to get some food to bring to a pot-luck at Don’s house. He lives up on Brunswick Street in one of those big apartment buildings. It was weird to see that he lives in Tower Two. If I was the owner or manager of the building I think I would take those signs down. The meaning is so warped now.
The party was OK, most of the MFA students. I didn’t meet them all, spoke to Crystal for a bit, and Tania and Ray and Donna. There was some great food though. Felt like I hadn’t eaten real food in a week. It was great. Stayed until almost midnight and walked home. The season is definitely changing. It is chilly outside. It won’t be long before I’ll need to order heating oil for the Khyber, something I am not looking forward to.
Our next door and downstairs neighbours are both having parties tonight. Loudness all around. I just want to finish up on the computer and go to bed, as I want to get up early and continue with the grant writing. Hope to spend a little bit of time at Word on the Street tomorrow, but have a feeling it may not happen.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, October 1, 2001 12:07 AM
Subject: Canadians, Americans pay respects to officers killed in line of duty» Campbell’s terrorism talk diverts attention from slow B.C. economy, say activists» Half of Canadians were more afraid to fly after Sept. 11, half weren’t finds poll
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Boy, did I sleep in today. Shut the alarm off after it first went off at nine and slept in until noon. I think I needed it. Felt great.
Went to the store and bought milk, bread and a newspaper. Read it over French toast and coffee. Mohanad bought some really nice coffee last week. We both like strong coffee. Krishna called. He is going to Trinidad in march and wants us to visit. It would be nice, but I foresee myself being very poor by March.
Worked on the grants all day today. Exciting. Would have liked to have gone to Word on the Street but didn’t get out of the house. Had thought about going to work to put together a CD-ROM for one of the grants, but decided against it. I’ll put together the rest of the information for the grant today and will work on the CD-ROM tomorrow. I have no idea if it will work or not. At least the bulk of the body of the grants is mostly done now.
Watched a bit of TV tonight. The Simpsons, and some of the Sopranos. What a show. They curse and cuss like crazy. Saw a bit of a new show called Alias. It was so dumb I can’t even justify a comment. Pointless. Trevor came by to get some paint. He and Tamara are painting the front walkway of their apartment. They are going to drive us to Vicki and Peter’s for the big family get-together next weekend.
Still feeling a bit bummed out, but not as bad as the past week. I think it may be the war rhetoric. It all seems so misguided, so wrong. In fact, its not so much the war rhetoric or even the terrorist rhetoric, it is more like the “let’s get shopping” rhetoric that bugs me the most. It is like a vile attempt to kick-start the economy by convincing everyone to go shopping or to take a vacation, as if these things really matter. Like we don’t want such a big event to have a lasting impact on our lives, or to lead to us asking difficult questions. Questions that point to the thin and cracked veneer of our civilization, that reveal its inner flaws, that shows the disease underneath the buffed exterior. Let’s not disturb the status quo, get back to business, go shopping, watch TV, take a break. Continue the cycles. Rebuild the routines.
And on that note I’m going to finish your drawing and get to bed.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, October 1, 2001 11:58 PM
Subject: High-level committee to oversee security, fundraising rules coming this week» Ottawa could increase shareholder limits to help Air Canada says Collenette» Canadian, American border screening differs in few key areas
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Karina woke me up a few times throughout the night. The first time was for help with a Photoshop tool. That was at one-thirty. At six-thirty it was because she had just come to bed and was cold and couldn’t sleep. And then I was up just past eight to get to work early and finish the grants.
Had more trouble with the CD-Rom than I had foreseen. Tried in vain to come up with some sort of Dreamweaver site, so the disc wouldn’t seem so average, but I couldn’t get it to work. Saved a Quicktime version of Tricia and Joel’s video, then accidentally trashed it, and had to record it again.
Aaron and James came by to interview me for their portfolio and practices class. I hope I provided good information for them. I tend to go on tangents.
Crystal came by and fixed her leaning stack of paper.
Managed to get the grants completed and into the NSAC office before 5pm, then went to NSCAD to meet Karina. Talked to Robbie for a bit. Went to the openings at Anna. Good photo shows to kick off Photopolis; Susan Cains’ “Twenty Eight corner stores, twenty eight years later” and the Atomic Photographers Guild. Both warrant another visit. I had run into Andréa earlier and she was under the impression that we are alternating with the oil painting class, and tonight was my turn. So I couldn’t stay at the gallery long. Ran into Sarah. She wants to take over the Outspoken Series. Said the last one was a debacle. I knew it was bad, but didn’t think it was that bad. It does require more dedication than I can provide, so it is a good thing she wants to take it over.
Biked home, gathered up my painting and teaching supplies, ate a couple peanut butter and jam sandwiches, watched a bit of the news with Mohanad, then biked to class. It was raining, but not too hard. Didn’t get too wet.
Class went well. I gave a rough demo. It is hard to paint quickly and concisely in front of a group. Especially if one hasn’t practiced. But it all went well, and there are some good painters in the class. I enjoy teaching when I am there, it is just the effort of getting there that causes me anxiety.
Watched The Sopranos when I got home. I think I am officially hooked on that show.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, October 2, 2001 11:51 PM
Subject: Ottawa announces new regulations to crack down on terrorist financing» Canadian sovereignty called into question in fight against terrorism» Federal government eyes restructuring; announces aid for airline industry
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Woke up on time this morning, had some breakfast and coffee and then cycled to work. Had to get a media release for the upcoming exhibitions out today, so designed it, printed it and prepared the envelopes. Lucas came in for his first day of work at the KDMC but there wasn’t much action; only a handful of people came in all day. He helped me fold and stuff envelopes. Bradley came in later in the afternoon. Had a talk with him about how he was recently barred from the Club. He refused to pay cover for one of the media centre presentations and climbed in the window “as a joke”. He sees it as harmless fun, but Craig took it differently. Can’t just have people crawling in the front windows of the Club. It’s a reputable business, after all.
Milada called from Mix Magazine today. Asked me if I wanted to do an artist page on the them of “attention:economy”. I’d like to, but just need to figure out how to adapt my work into the magazine page format. And the deadline is in three weeks or so. Not much time. Thinking of sending a version of the letters.
Had supper with Karina at the Med. She was upset because the roll of film she shot last night at home was ruined. Something to do with the aperture setting being wrong for the flash. She had lugged heavy lighting equipment home to shoot portraits of myself and Rebecca and Mohanad. The assignment is due tomorrow and the lighting studio and the take-home lights were all booked tonight.
Met with Spencer to discuss the upcoming Gong Show. It is developing nicely. Ran into Renato at the Club and we ended up discussing studio spaces, and it turns out he was looking for one. I showed him the one space left in the Turret and he agreed to take it, so that saves me a bit of a headache. I was beginning to worry that we wouldn’t be able to fill it. It is bad enough that we are losing out on the Carleton House rent for storage this month, and Larissa’s share now that she is leaving Andréa’s studio. It is nice to have the Turret full once again.
After my meeting with Spencer I went to NSCAD and helped Karina with a mat she was cutting to frame some small photographs. She had things under control so I biked home and actually made a trip to my studio. I set the alarm getting into the room, of course. And then once there realized I had left all my newspaper images at home, so walked back to retrieve them. Grabbed a slice of Pizza from Korka on my way back to the studio. Started work on the painting I’ll submit for the Venue One O One show in little over a week. Just managed to get a background done, then couldn’t do any more as the paint needed to dry and set.
Felt nice to get into the studio for a change. Must try to get home earlier from now on and make time for it. Soon it will be a regular routine, ha-ha.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2001 11:58 PM
Subject: McLellan warns against undermining civil liberties in fight against terrorism» National Library warns treasures disappearing after losing 25,000 items» Seven people arrested as Montreal police evict about 30 squatters
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Woke up early again as Karina had set the alarm for six-thirty so she could call Judy and ask her if a white frame was OK for the work she was putting on the bus today. Since I was up I decided to get some groceries, it has been a long time. The bike basket and container are quite handy for buying groceries. I didn’t need any plastic bags.
Not a terribly exciting day at work today. Did some bookeeping. Luca showed me how to set up Appletalk on the Macs.
Went to a NSCAD awards ceremony at five. This semesters scholarship recipients were given their awards in the Anna Leonowens. Karina was receiving a Centennial Scholarship. There was a good spread of food afterwards.
Karina and I caught a bus up to Quinpool Road to go to Canadian Tire. I finally got around to returning that portable phone that never really worked all that well. I tried to exchange it for another, but they wouldn’t accept it because they no longer carry that model. Go figure. They do have, of course, a full display case of various portable phones, just not that particular brand or model or whatever. I picked one out and was going to pay by cheque but we don’t have a Canadian Tire card so they wouldn’t take the cheque. That was about it for me, and I left without buying anything. I’ll get the phone from Radio Shack or something.
Karina had a doctor’s appointment to go to, so I walked back downtown, ate my lunch and read from one of the Prefix magazines that were dropped off today, then biked up to Dal. There was an opening tonight of the Lynne Cohen retrospective. A good-looking show, her photos look great in larger format, but the frames are ghastly. Bob seemed to think that it is part of her strategy, that she is using display materials that speak of a certain… damn, I can’t think of the word. Too tired.
Karina bought the Lynne Cohen book, it was launching tonight and there was a deal on the hardcover version. I hope the curator is a better writer than a speaker. Karina and Rebecca biked home, I walked. Was feeling particularly tired when I got home. Am thinking about the voracious reaction to Sunera Thobani’s comments the other day. Her language may have been extreme, and I don’t think she was justifying Sept. 11, just trying to determine where the hatreds and motivation comes from. It goes to show how pointing out difficult truths at this time is not acceptable. Strong and free, eh?
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, October 5, 2001 12:11 AM
Subject: New anti-terror amendments to be introduced to Criminal Code on Oct. 15» Tories balk at Caplan pressure to rush immigration law through Senate» Activists spray-paint Montreal’s City Hall to protest eviction of squatters
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Started to wade into the mess that is the Khyber and the KDMC petty cash sheet, but the task looked too daunting so I left it for another day. Was’t really functional until having some coffee anyway. Didn’t have my first until later in the morning. After walking down to Radio Shack and buying a phone and making a bank deposit. The portable phones were all too expensive so I just bought a regular phone. Well, not just regular, but a “fashion” phone. It is a hue of red that matches the KDMC table. Of course, didn’t find out until later that it has a very annoying ring. They don’t let you test them in the store.
Worked on Khyber Kids PR with Andréa today, some email correspondence with Sarah about the letters to cultural ministers, and learned some new Photoshop techniques from Jacob. Lucas is still trying to get all the computers printing to all the printers. We are still missing our Windows ’98 startup disk. Some new users signed up to use the Centre. It’s chugging right along, I think.
Tashia came by, she is back from Thailand. She is glad to be back but needs to move out of her apartment as Sandra has transformed it in the month and half that Tachia has been gone. There is a puppy there now, and Sandra has turned the backyard into a big studio, and filled the apartment with lots of stuff. Tashia offered to come by on a weekly basis to help out, which was nice of her.
Worked on the Heritage Canada grant off and on for most of the afternoon, then went down to the NSCAD woodshop to meet Karina before the Lynne Cohen talk tonight. We walked up to Dal, stopping at Pita Boys on the way for a snack. The talk was enjoyable, Lynne is funnier than I would have initially thought, given the depressing subject matter of a lot of her photographs. She didn’t bring a whole lot of background or reasoning behind her work, but enough so that I enjoyed it. Waited with Karina at a bus stop for a bit before cycling home. Would have liked to have gone to the studio tonight but it was past ten when I got home; too late. Helped Andrew set up the air mattress on the living room floor. Ate some stale chips. Am gong to try out some of the new Photoshop tricks I learned today.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, October 5, 2001 11:10 PM
Subject: Ottawa eyes international spy agency in wake of terrorist attacks in U.S.» Jobless rate of 7.2 per cent in ‘last hurrah’ of weakening economy» B.C. threatens to cut off welfare recipients who don’t seek work
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Felt a tad hurried and harried at work today. Scrambling to get press releases out. Tried to call volunteers to help stuff envelopes on Tuesday but so far, no luck. Talked to Randy in Kingston. He is still adjusting to the place. He doesn’t know where the Windows ’98 start-up disk would be. I can’t believe that we have lost it.
Karina came by towards the end of the day, I waited with her for a bit at Carsand Mosher while she looked at camera lenses and bought some film. Walked down to NSCAD with her and had a nap on the couch in the photo department while she picked up lights and a 4×5 camera. Was feeling drained and hungry, and needed to power down. Trevor came to pick us up and drove the gear to our apartment. It is going to be a tight squeeze in the car tomorrow, with us, Trev and Tamara, Sierra, food and blankets and all the photo gear. Luckily it is not very far, under 2 hours I believe. We are going to Lockport to spend the long weekend at my Aunt Vicki’s new cabin.
Trevor and Karina drove out to Price Club to get supplies while I made some supper. Managed to get to the studio afterwards and made some progress on my painting for the Danube Cafe show. It felt good to paint, I think it relieved some mounting stress. Had been feeling down as of late.
Mohanad rented a bunch of movies, so I am going to finish this letter and your drawing and relax for the rest of the evening.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, October 8, 2001 11:39 PM
Subject: Canada sending ships, planes, special forces to join war on terror» NATO more relevant than ever with stand against terrorism: secretary-general» Police on high alert at airport, embassies; travellers warned about backlash
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a fairly relaxing weekend away. Wasn’t able to write as there was no computer hookup, and besides, I was on vacation. Trevor and Tamara picked us up Saturday around noon, and remarkably, we were able to fit everything into the car, and fairly comfortably. The drive only took two hours down the South Shore. Sierra sat up front.
Vicki and Peter have a great spot along a long beach with white sand near Lockeport. The cabin is quite spacious. Mom and Dad and Aaron had arrived about a half hour before we did. Dad went to visit Grammy and Grampy. Grampy had a stroke last week but is doing fine. Helped Peter attach some steps to the porch. There are still little projects to complete around the cottage.
Played along the beach on Saturday, threw a football around. Threw my arm out, I think. Mom had made lasagna for everyone for supper that night, and a vegetarian one for me. Meaning lasagna without the meat. I’m still not drinking, but mom spilled a glass of red wine all over me during dessert. I took the stained clothes down to the salt water to rinse them out. It is quite a distance to walk out when it is low tide. We played “Trivial Pursuit” and then a card game called “Big Momma” to round out the evening
Nanny and Poppy and my cousins Erin and Mathew came on Sunday. Dug some deep trenches in the sand, then it rained so we went indoors to play cards. When the sun came back out we had a golf pitching contest. Then we turned the trenches into a big sand sculpture of a face with the help of Andrew from next door. He’s in grade five.
Had Thanksgiving supper Sunday night. Good turkey, from what I was told. The sweet potatoes were quite delicious. No spilled wine tonight. Lemon meringue pie for dessert.
Karina and I set up the 4×5 camera and the lights to take some pictures. We had to rush as Nanny and Poppy were planning to leave early. Nanny has just come back from France, and managed to catch a cold on the tail end of her trip. Karina and Aaron both developed cold symptoms this weekend. I will probably end up sick by the end of the week.
The photo sessions went fine, though Karina was plagued by technical problems for some of her other shots. Will just have to wait and see how the film develops.
Started up a beach fire after dark. It was cold and windy so the fire didn’t through a lot of heat, though there is something comforting about it. Stood around with everyone and the neighbours next door, good friends of Pete and Vicki, and learned and discussed a bit the bombing going on. Sort of puts a damper on the vacation. Though it was probably always there. No one I talk to agrees about bombing anyone. And there seem to be many petitions floating around denouncing this sort of action. Do you not get them? Maybe I should forward a few to you.
We played cards, “Big Momma”, again, but it didn’t have the same spark as Saturday. Pete went to bed early as he had to work in the morning. Luckily the wood stove was going all day, as it gets quite chilly out there at night. We had plenty of blankets though. Watched a nice orange half-moon rise beyond the island across the water.
Woke up this morning, had breakfast, washed dishes and more or less loafed around. Read some more of the art magazines I had brought along, played 45’s with Trev and Karina. Mom, Dad and Aaron left mid-morning, and Matthew soon after. Karina and I walked out along the point but it was just about high tide and so it was rougher going along the rocks. And the wind was bitter.
Slept off and on during the drive home. All my muscles are stiff, and have a cut on my foot from stepping on an upturned root. Karina slept the whole way. We ate some babaghanoush when we got home then I took advantage of the early hour of the evening and went to the studio for a bit. I think I have finished the painting for the Danube Cafe. Am thinking of leaving the pencilled-on headline in pencil, rather than paint it. Plus, am out of time; Luke wants to pick up the painting tomorrow.
Smoked a bit with Mohanad tonight, and got really paranoid. Started to clean and organize the computer room but got caught up in reading old catalogues and finding other interesting things to read or look at. I am such a packrat. I need to take a month and just go through my things; all of them. Most of the stuff I keep tucked away I expect to look through and use, or might need to use, or there is a slim possibility of using, in the near, or distant, future. Packrat.
Watched a bit of the Sopranos, well most of it, but it was hard to watch tonight, what with everything going on in the world and in my head so eventually I just lost interest. Figured I’d write to you and finish your computer drawing and try to get to bed at a decent hour. There is a ton of work to catch up on tomorrow.
-chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, October 10, 2001 12:09 AM
Subject: Florida letter to Montreal company likely doesn’t contain anthrax says doctor» Rock says Canadians have little to fear from “remote” anthrax threat» Terrorist attacks force space programs to focus on land-based security
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
It is Judy’s birthday tonday. Sent her off a brief birthday greeting first thing this morning. Feeling very tense and high strung today. It is probably the damn war. I can’t believe Canada is sending so many troops. To what end? It’s a crock of shit. A disgusting display.
Didn’t get any work done on the grant; it is really beginning to worry me. Still have a lot of info to compile. Rushed to get the Khyber Kids ad finished for the Coast, then went to make some bank deposits but forgot to bring the money, d’oh. Tonia dropped off her invitations and Sheila came by with a proof, but hers won’t be ready until tomorrow. Andréa hadn’t been in this weekend and so didn’t get the notes I had left for her so the Khyber Kids brochures weren’t ready in time anyway. The mailout will get done tomorrow and that’s good enough. Jacob and Andréa helped label and sort and stamp the envelopes. It was one of those days where lots of people were coming and going. Lots of activity. Spencer stopped by. So did Mat, surprisingly. And Leah, it was nice to see Leah again. Renato was moving into his studio so the plywood and leftover junk needed to be moved elsewhere. Nathaniel helped me move some of the plywood and drywall. Am going to try to build some shelves for Khyber Kids tomorrow.
I tried three times to eat my lunch around five o’clock, kept forgetting it in the microwave. When I finally got to it realized that it was the meat lasagna leftovers from the weekend. It must have been mixed together with the veggie lasagna. Of course it all looks the same. I gave it to Jacob and ate supper at the Med with Karina. Falafel plate. The falafel was crisp and tender tonight. It is always hit or miss.
Karina is super busy now with all her projects in full swing and managing the Women’s Collective. After supper we went back to the Khyber so I could finish up some posters and she could scan some negatives. Saw Ray waiting in the Club on our way home. He must have been waiting for Sarah and Greg to get out of the eyelevel board meeting that was going on. It would be nice to talk to him, but didn’t have time. Never any time, that is the problem. Noticed that Chris Woods is putting up an interesting display reminiscent of Mathew’s “Dog Star” installation in the eyelevel window space.
Biked home and took some laundry to Salims. It is great that they are open late. During the wash cycle picked up some groceries at Sobeys. After shopping threw clothes in the dryer and then biked home. Watched ten minutes of Frasier. Checked email. Back to Salims to fold and bring back laundry. Feeling more and more tense and stressed. Some vacation, the cottage on the beach seems like years ago now. Am going to try to get some work done on the grant tonight, maybe early tomorrow morning. Going to go finish your computer drawing now.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, October 10, 2001 10:36 PM
Subject: Ottawa to spend $250 million on new security, anti-terrorism measures» Authorities won’t say if ‘The Canadian’ is on their wanted list» Lawyer for former B.C. premier Clark questions search warrant, investigation
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Woke up early this morning, even before the alarm went off. It must be from being so high-strung lately. Worked on the computer a bit, tried to get my email files in order. Had a shower and went to the store for milk and bread. Had a nice breakfast, mushroom omelet, drank coffee and read the newspaper, though really only skimmed it. The news seems to be getting worse. It is like living in a nightmare.
Had a hectic day, and was in a thoroughly foul mood by the end of it. Started promising enough; met with the pest control guy and he laid new traps and added more poison. Hopefully we will see less of our fine furry friends as a result. Met with Sally and Michelle and made plans and a call for submissions for a live-art performance night to be held in February. But the rest of the day was a waste. Sheila couldn’t get her invites finished, and left them for Lucas and I to do. Lucas worked on them but then couldn’t get them to print. Jacob came by to help and stayed most of the afternoon. Sally came to help too. Karina had accidentally borrowed a zip disk that had the Khyber Kids brochure on it. By the end of the day, my nerves almost shot, Steve shows up wanting to know how to get ads for his ‘zine. I tried to explain the best I could, but how does one do that?
Stopped by Sarah’s on the way home to plan the agenda for the board meeting tomorrow. Biked home and had supper with Karina, then Rebecca and I biked to St. Mary’s for the opening. We picked up Lucie on the way and biked together. Karina took the bus; we all arrived at the same time. The show of Cuban photography was good, a nice variety of work, though a lot of it seemed somewhat conservative. I liked the enlarged digital prints and the re-photographed photographs of collaged cartoons. We stopped to admire Mat’s painting on our way out, then Rebecca and I biked home. Karina took the bus. I thought about going back to work but it is late; I’ll just go in extra early tomorrow. Need to check my email now, as I haven’t had a chance all day.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, October 11, 2001 11:52 PM
Subject: Canada is ‘ahead’ of United States when it comes to internal security: Manley» Fingerprint scanners will detect criminals, terrorists at airports» Finance ministers want early meet with Martin on slump, terror impact
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Another early morning. Finished Shiela’s invitation, but then we ran out of ink while printing additional pages. She came in and helped stuff envelopes, as did Sally and Jacob. A few people called to volunteer for Mugshots, including Amanda, who has been living in Toronto the past year. It is good to have help.
Mern called, and we discussed the Cultural Spaces grants. She had good advice. I am going to pass this Mondays deadline and concentrate on a better application for the end of November.
Craig came by with gifts for the tenants of the building today; mousetraps. I think the combo of traps and poison may drastically cut down on the furry sightings. Of course, I forgot to set the traps in the office tonight.
I didn’t feel very efficient today, though I felt busy. Prepared for the board meeting tonight. Updated the financial flow chart, yuk. I don’t get along well with numbers. Only half the board showed up. I think Becka has been really busy trying to find a replacement for Catherine at CFAT. Winnie seemed to think that Dan was going away somewhere today. We discussed the proposal from Genesis and the proposal from MARC. The meeting was unusually brief, especially given that we waited a half hour for Briony. She had to stay for an opening at VANS. I think we accomplished a few things.
Walked home with Dan W. Talked of his book, work and the overly-bright Casino sign. He is coming to help with the membership database tomorrow. Played cards with Mohanad, Rebecca and Karina after I got home. We played Big Momma, of course.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, October 13, 2001 1:33 AM
Subject: Ottawa rolls out Maple Leaf ID card for new immigrants, more money for RCMP» Armed RCMP to guard Canadian flights to Washington’s Reagan airport» Sask. Premier Lorne Calvert dumps veteran ministers in cabinet shuffle
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Getting back into the groove of eating breakfast and taking a lunch to work. It has been my twisted versions of spinach salad for the past few days now.
Lucas had to leave early today, he is involved in the Pop Explosion. The KDMC was busy, and the office was its normal level of busy-ness. Called HRDC to see why they paid us less than I had expected from Alyssa’s job grant, and it turned out that according to them, they had actually overpaid us. Some stupidity around her actual start date being before the approved start date. On a positive note, the quarterly water bill was lower than anticipated. Yay. Also Dan came in this afternoon to help with the membership database. It was nice to have someone else in the office for awhile. Robbie came and finally picked up his dads projector. Ron came by to say hi as well.
Biked home and had supper, then a really brief power nap before heading out again. Our downstairs neighbours were playing guitar and singing in the bedroom directly downstairs, so my nap was quite brief. Rebecca, Karina, Mohanad and I caught a bus to the opening at Danube Cafe. There was quite a crowd there, all people I didn’t know, except for Sarah and Nathaniel and Jane, and then Tim and Emily. Luke seemed happy with the show, he and his brother had just hung it today, in a lovely half-hazard way. There was a live jazz band playing. Karina and I played a game of chess for most of our time there. I think Luke’s brother is going to buy the painting I made of you.
Karina and I went to the Khyber to see Julie Dorian. She was too mellow and we spent most of the time talking to Sarah and Tachia and Goody-B. I have to try to get up to Argyle sometime this week to see her show. Karina and I left in time to catch the last bus home.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, October 14, 2001 12:46 AM
Subject: NDP continues opposition to terror counter-strikes; seeks UN involvement» Stockwell Day says Opposition applauds Liberals’ anti-terrorism moves» RCMP mum on report Kuwaiti found with sensitive documents on Ottawa sites
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Went to the Market this morning. I wanted to distribute some pamphlets for Mugshots but lost interest in that right away. It was nice to just enjoy the ambiance of all the people and buying some fresh produce. There was even a mime there. I ordered a coffee from Steve-O-Renos and boy, was it ever hot. I needed an additional styrofoam cup to keep my hand from burning. Now isn’t that environmentally friendly.
A busy day at work this afternoon. There was a ship in port, so a fair number of passengers and a few that work on the ship came through the KDMC to check their emails. Sarah came by to design a poster for the next Outspoken. Karina started updating the bulletin board when she came by to visit but then she had to go off on a photo shot with Winnie. I fixed a toilet in the men’s washroom later in the afternoon, and lent the Club one of my office desks for the big Hip-Hop show tonight. We still need a dedicated DJ table. Maybe Mohanad will help me build one next week.
Karina and I split some fries at the Med, then I was back at work to help Winnie strike her show. It was easy enough, as there weren’t that many pieces to move. She is going to sand the floor on Monday and paint it on Tuesday. The gallery is now clear for Mugshots tomorrow.
Biked home and Mohanad, Rebecca and Karina were watching a tape of Kids in the Hall. What a great show that was. Made some supper, salad again. Was considering going back to the Khyber to see the show, as Craig was saying it will be the best rap show all year. I’m not really into rap that much, though. There were also good shows at the Marquee tonight, but I didn’t go to either. Stayed home and cleaned up the kitchen and the living room a bit. Had a talk with Karina. World events and my coolness the past month or so have been upsetting her. World events have been making it hard for everyone. She saw the mime on Spring Garden Road today; a passerby called the mime a freak. Sometimes I forget that most people are jerks.
I have a theory about immigration. The masses of people, the majority of people in the world in fact, are poor and don’t have near the luxuries we westerners have. Making it harder for people to immigrate to Canada simply keeps the masses out of our real sight, so no one really sees how our way of life has impacted the rest of the world, or not impacted it enough. The terrorist attacks have now given the right wing agenda an excuse to clamp down the borders, beef up military spending, and attempt to convince us all that shopping will make all the badness go away. The horrible thing is that all the jingoism has sucked up all the moderates as well. It is really quite depressing.
I must say I really enjoy the new Cake CD, though. Each album they put out is better than the last; great songwriting, and great grooves. I think I’ll email them and see if they are planning any tours towards Halifax. That would be a show I’d love to see.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, October 15, 2001 12:19 AM
Subject: Alliance forum in B.C. highlights split vision of opposition party’s future» Canada allowing U.S. to divide provinces in softwood dispute: Alliance critic» Police to have more power, terrorist fundraisers to face jail terms
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Was up early to meet Lucas so we could pick up the easels for Mugshots. He had borrowed his mom’s car for the weekend. The easel pick up went smoothly. They are now located in the old Girl Guides building, no longer in the Morses Tea building. The ground floor is much easier to access.
It was a lower-than average turnout for Mugshots today. Maybe it was the weather, the impending Tropical Storm. Or maybe it was because no one had put up any posters. A few new folks came to help draw and paint. We made a bit of money, and those that came seemed to get great enjoyment from the event. Made for a long day, was feeling worn out by six. I painted a portrait of a girl who teaches Grade 3 and whose husband just left for the Persian Gulf. I don’t want to think of the war. The way the media is carrying on about it, it is like everyone has collective amnesia or something. Maybe war is only something distasteful for people when it is in the past. Maybe most people don’t mind it. I can’t believe that we are being told that this is a war against terrorism, and people believe it.
Biked home with Rebecca. The women’s collective was meeting at our house tonight, so I watched TV and worked on my computer drawing so as not to disturb them. Mohanad and I watched the Degrassi Reunion special. Quite a traumatizing event to kick-start a new series, what with Spike’s daughter nearly raped by a computer email stalker. quite eerie. Great to see Don McKeller on a CBC show… again. Also watched the Simpsons tonight. Started work on the New York map tracings, the project from our visit there in May. I still need to work through some technical problems.
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, October 15, 2001 11:50 PM
Subject: Chretien plays down chance of wider war, but won’t rule out new front» Feds introduce tough anti-terrorism bill, critics worry about civil rights» Gov. Gen. reinforces Canada’s peacekeeping role in speech to sailors
Woke up sluggish this morning. Karina woke me up as she came to bed at five-thirty. She had been up all night drafting a women’s collective manifesto. I really needed a coffee first thing after getting up before I could do anything. It was really, really windy this morning. Mohanad had almost been blown off his bike. I decided to take the bus to work. Winnie and Dan were there already, preparing to sand the floor. Worked on some advance PR, made some Outspoken posters and then organized my tools and started building the new shelves in Andréa’s studio for Khyber Kids. Winnie had rented a car today so she could run errands, like picking up and returning the floor sander, and helped return the easels to the Con Ed room. Met with Briony just before going to the openings at the Anna, we talked about the board’s uncertainty with the MARC proposal to move into the Turret. Ran into Karina briefly at the openings, she was really tense and stressed about the Women’s Collective presentation she was to make at the SUNSCAD meeting tonight. All the shows were really good this week; a group photo show in Gallery 1, Susan MacEachern’s Backyard Community in Gallery 2, and Ray’s Light Creep in 3. The turning light bulbs in Rays installation cast moving shadows on the walls of enlarged twigs; it is very clever and slick and hypnotic. Walked back to the Khyber and had a board development meeting with Sarah and Briony. Stayed for a while afterwards waiting for Karina. When she arrived she said that they had talked about the Women’s Collective for an hour. There was some anger and misunderstanding, defensiveness and from the sounds of it, some shifty behavior going on regarding minutes and the way decisions are being made at SUNSCAD, but Karina seemed to feel that there was consensus amongst the board that they supported the collective. She was almost giddy after having such a tense day, and not sleeping or eating. We caught a bus home, I made some supper and Karina took a bath. Going to go clean the kitchen now.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2001 12:35 AM
Subject: Former Alta. MP won’t serve jail time for indecent assault of girl» Ontario Premier Mike ‘Chainsaw’ Harris to resign after six years in office» Ottawa readies new spending to combat bioterrorism, boost intelligence
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a really bizarre dream last night. I was with a group of people in a war-torn country somewhere. Probably Afghanistan. We were ambushed in broad daylight, shot and presumed dead. Someone was walking up to all the bodies and putting a knife in them to make sure they were dead. Only it was slight of hand; no-one actually died. But he was carving out the whites of everyone’s eyeballs; just the whites. Scraping them out like one would a cantaloupe. He did it to me too. I didn’t feel a thing, of course, because it was only a dream. But judging from the reactions of people I was later talking to in the dream, it looked really weird.
Lousy day at work. The KDMC account is a lot lower than I think it should be. I talked to someone on the phone from the bank about it, and she was really condescending to me. I think it is a form of bank double-talk. Either I am completely horrid at maths, and can’t wrap my head around a simple equation, or the bank is actually canceling out a deposit I made from one account to another. It put me in a bad mood for the rest of the day.
Karina is still looking for her wallet. She is certain that she had it at home late Saturday night, as she ordered a book online using her credit card, and didn’t go out all day Sunday, but now her wallet is gone. She has looked everywhere. Of course, there are lots of places it could hide. Maybe the cats are feeling neglected and hid it.
Biked home, made supper, some spaghetti. Rebecca and I printed some images from the computer to some iron-on paper she bought. Unfortunately our printer is out of ink. All our images came out pink. I ironed one of Rebecca’s monkeys on the rear of a pair of Karina’s underwear. I hope she likes it. Smoked a joint with Mohanad. Watched Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang. It was awful. I can’t even imagine a six-year old liking it. Kids are way too sophisticated these days. Slimers and Slime balls? Give me a break.
Karina is printing late tonight. I’ve got to get to bed now, it is already late. A long day planned for tomorrow. Am still listening to the new Cake CD. Can’t get enough cake.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2001 11:24 PM
Subject: Martin announces Canada will host global meetings next month» Private sector economists warn Martin he has “limited room to maneuver”» Prime minister bids navy well as ships sail in anti-terrorist campaign
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Slept fitfully last night. Woke up a few times, once just as it began to rain. It came out of nowhere; one second it was calm and quiet, then suddenly bang! Rain hitting the window really hard.
The alarm didn’t go off this morning but we still managed to get up on time. Had coffee fro breakfast. Helped Karina scour the apartment for her wallet to no avail. We debated going to breakfast somewhere but we ran out of time. Time flies when listening to the radio. We eventually caught a bus downtown at eleven-thirty.
Was in a bad mood at work today. Did manage to get some things straightened out with the bank and the KDMC account. I’m not as much of an idiot as I had feared yesterday. The account I had closed last month was still active, so I transferred the funds into the new account. That was a big relief, there are still some outstanding cheques on the new account. Was pleased to learn that we have a decent overdraft on the account. That may help us when things get lean this winter.
Took a look at Goody’s show at the Argyle today. Some really nice video stills. Haunting, slightly disturbing imagery of stuffed toys, dogs, cats and herself. Nice frames.
Had supper with Karina at the Med. She had a clubhouse and I had the Falafel plate. Best falafel I have had there to date. The fries were exceptionally good tonight too.
The Outspoken lecture went really well tonight. The discussion was lively, well-paced, informative and quite interesting. There was a lot of audience participation. I just wasn’t in the mood for people tonight, however. It is starting to feel like a huge effort to be friendly and cheerful.
On the bus home I was surprised when, at a stop, a couple girls suddenly darted off the bus while in mid-conversation to chase down a girl who had just gotten off. The last I saw of them the girl who ran out was yelling in the face of the girl she had followed. It made my stomach turn. Bad mood continues.
Karina found out a little more info on her wallet today. Her credit card was used by someone to purchase gasoline on Sunday morning, so it looks like it was stolen from the house Saturday night or early Sunday morning. It is spooky to think that someone may be casing our house and just coming in to take stuff. No privacy anymore.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, October 19, 2001 12:06 AM
Subject: Director says CSIS runs spy operations overseas, despite public misperception» Health Minister Rock commits almost $12 million to fight bio-terrorism» HMCS Vancouver battle ready, skipper says as ship departs for Mid-East
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Another sluggish morning. Karina and I ate breakfast at Mary’s Place then caught a bus downtown. Picked up a camera and some lighting gear for David to document Adel’s paintings in the Club. It was close to noon by the time I got to work. Bad mood most of the day. David never showed. When I called him Claire said that he was helping with the installation at the Mount. Can’t say I blame him, the pay is probably twice as good, but he could have called first. Robbie came by and we talked a bit about the talk last night and about art and that sort of cheered me up a bit, but we also talked about how wasteful and harmful to the environment computer components and everything digital really is. He is making a Gong Show poster for us. Still haven’t found a gong, or a panel of judges, or any performers. Should be a great show. Talked to Liz for a bit about the ID Collective. She seemed a bit disillusioned. She is moving back to Montréal tomorrow. Actually went home early to eat supper and go grocery shopping with Karina. Tried to update my email. We each got busy puttering around the house and next thing I know it is ten o’clock and neither of us feel like grocery shopping. It is starting to get really cold out. Bummer. Worked on the page I am doing for the next issue of MIX magazine. I have layered six months of email on top of one another, it looks quite neat when printed out. Am meeting Ray early tomorrow morning to get some materials from Pierceys. Mohanad has offered to help with the DJ table next week. Karina is going to help me photograph Adel’s paintings tomorrow morning. That is, if she isn’t mad at me for being in a perpetual bad mood.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, October 20, 2001 12:57 AM
Subject: Secretive federal spy agencies get $47 million for new technology» Lawyer links 3 men nabbed on Alta immigration charges to Sept. 11 attacks» B.C. premier lashes judge’s decision to release alleged terrorism supporter
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a full day. Met Ray at Pierceys. He helped me deliver a large sheet of MDF for the DJ table to the Khyber. We worked on the Frame Gallery and installed the Plexiglas. I painted clouds on the blue wrapping before we put it up. No one has booked the space next.
Moved plywood down from Andréa’s studio and brought up another shelf for her to use. There is very little enrollment in her Khyber Kids classes, but we are going ahead with them anyway.
Robbie came by with a Gong Show poster. It looks awesome. Aaron came by and picked some up to distribute. We still need to find talent. And panelists. And a gong.
Lots of cheques came in the mail today. Hooray. The building material reimbursement from the city, the claim cheque from Purolator for Brandon, and the remaining NSAC money for the KDMC.
Winnie painted a second coat on the floor in the Ballroom today. The building really smelled of paint.
I left work early to go to the CAR/FAC presentations, but was late. Ran into Karina unexpectedly at the Anna Leonowens and we decided to go for an early supper along the waterfront, something new for us. Good to get out of habit and routine once in a while.
I went back to NSCAD and sat in on the last bit of CAR/FAC presentations. Went to the reception at VANS, then back to NSCAD for the Ellen Lupton talk for the Lecture Series. She spoke of skin, both as form and fun ction, in contemporary design. It had its moments, but it was actually fairly dull. Only skin-deep.
Went to the opening at eyelevelgallery afterwards. Risa Horowitz presenting over 1500 contact photos of herself on index cards with a heavy dose of cataloging. What she has done with her website is more or less what I have wanted to do with my letters and drawings to you.
Walked home in a roundabout way putting Gong Show posters up. Karina and I looked through Risa’s website when I got home. Karina seemed mostly interested in the lighting.
Am going to bed soon. Have to get up early to help Andréa with Khyber Kids in the morning. There are still supplies that need to be purchased.
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, October 21, 2001 3:56 PM
Subject: Saskatchewan Liberals to pick new leader, but he may not have followers» Funding cuts leave Ont. school libraries cash-strapped, ill-equipped: experts» Ontario Liberal strategy needs fine-tuning now that Harris has gone: experts
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Woke up early yesterday to help Andréa set up for Khyber Kids. Biked downtown with Andrew and Mohanad, who were on their way to the Market. Andréa had already set up her studio last night with Ray. There are only four kids enrolled. Spent the day at work. Helped Tonia and Robert bring in her dollhouses. Some students from NSCAD were installing some collage self-portraits along the stairs. Biked home for supper. We are taking over Rebecca’s vegetable delivery service, since she is gone for a month on her cross-Canada train trip with Andrew. Karina and I went grocery shopping last night as well. Picked up a couple movies. Watched “Almost Famous”. Finished layering all the letters I have sent to you so far. Right now I am about to change the orientation of all the letters on the page. Today we slept in really, really late. We are in the process of washing our laundry. Went to Juliens for coffee, tea and fresh bread. We are going to Sarah and Craig’s housewarming party tonight.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, October 22, 2001 9:19 AM
Subject: Saskatchewan Liberals to pick new leader, but he may not have followers» Search reduced for missing N.S. fisherman credited with saving crew» Alliance MP rails against system that allowed sex offender to get passport
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Hung around the house late yesterday afternoon before going to Craig and Sarah’s housewarming party. Worked on the compressed, accumulated emails page; I gave a copy to Craig and Sarah as a housewarming gift. Karina, Mohanad and Courtney were watching a movie before we left; If Lucy Fell. I watched parts of it with them; some of it was really funny. A bit sappy, but some funny moments, some very real-feeling moments, some good dialogue. I was in a bit of a sappy mood myself, but I think that was due to repeated listens of the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, which Karina has just purchased.
We walked to Sarah and Craig’s. A small gathering, it is amazing the transformation their apartment has undergone. Sanded all the floors and vanished them, painted all the walls. We played Guestures most of the night. It was an interesting mixture of smokers and non-smokers, which I think made for an interesting dynamic. It was a fun evening, though on the way home I confessed to Karina that I am still feeling detached from people, that I don’t really feel connected like I used to. I think I just need to get over myself and try harder.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 9:06 AM
Subject: Canada a “beacon of light” in troubled, post-Sept.11 world: Gov.-Gen.» Edmonton police officer faces criminal charges in crash that killed child» Rock under fire over patent infringement of generic anthrax antibiotic
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Spent yesterday finishing up the prep for the openings. The media centre wasn’t open but that doesn’t seem to stop people from coming up and trying to use it. Scanned and tried to send emails of pictures taken by a couple German tourists, but they couldn’t open the attachments. Lucas came in to teach Khyber Kids, they were starting Flash today.
The openings went smoothly yesterday. Tonia’s installation was the easiest at the Khyber for as long as I can remember. Her show looks really good. Sheilah’s installation in the Closet is well-considered and well-executed as well. The food was amazing. Robert and Winnie worked on it, providing the best spread we’ve ever had. What a treat.
Hung out in the Club for a little bit after the openings, then walked home with Sarah and Spencer. We have been trying to get more people involved with the Gong Show, scheduled for tonight. I was supposed to go to a meeting of Heritage Managers this morning, but have far too much work to do. Have to get some prizes for the Gong show, an MC and a Gong. And figure out what sort of performance to do.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 7:52 AM
Subject: Health minister accuses Bayer of playing games over anthrax drug» Keeping border open to trade the challenge as security tightens, says Manley» Ottawa to raise ownership limits to trigger investment in Air Canada
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Spent most of yesterday looking for a gong for the gong show. Had a few good leads, including one that the Lexx set had just auctioned off, and one bought from the CBC last year, but eventually rented one from Atlantic Music Supply. I called Jamie out of the blue, lucky he has a cell phone, I caught him shopping and he drove down Barrington to get it for me.
Only managed to get one other gift certificate for a prize, from the Med. Spencer had gotten one from Venus Envy the other day. I did pick up a bunch of neat prizes from the dollar store. While I was in the mall I saw a really crude display of a bad computer printout with pictures of the Canadian and US flags intertwined over a candle. It made me feel icky.
I thought I had broken the photocopier today. The low toner light has been flashing on and off for the past couple weeks, and I had thought I was being smart by taking the cartridge out and shaking it and continuing to print with it. We must have gotten an extra four hundred copies or so with the low toner light on. It finally ran completely dry in the middle of a poster run from Craig, but when the new cartridge was put in nothing would print. The paper ran through, but no image. I thought I had seized the engine or something. Luckily turning the machine off and on again seemed to work. Phew.
For the first couple hours the Club was really quiet, and when Spencer arrived to help decorate we were both freaking out, thinking that no one would show up. But it was amazing how it all worked out in the end. Lots of people came, and lots of performers came too. Bruce had called me this afternoon and backed out of being a judge, but Sally did and I asked Evan and Sarah, who had just come back from their show in Florida, and they did it. Dan agreed to host and had even done some research on the show. The gong looked great, and everyone in the Club seemed really involved in the event. I don’t know if it made much money, but I am thankful that it was such a fun event.
I am meeting David this morning to document Adel’s paintings that are in the Club and the basement. Have to get the gong back and clean up a bit from last night. And still need to find a cleaner for the building; Craig’s last day was Monday.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, October 26, 2001 11:50 PM
Subject: Martin likely to warn provincial counterparts that budget cupboard is bare» Executive jet flying to Washington, D.C., diverted to Man. over hijack scare» Stratford, Ont. jury acquits mother in abduction of eight-year-old triplets
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a strange night. Karina was up late quite upset because she has just learned her father has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. She doesn’t know how to deal with it. Her parents are taking advantage of the “low consumer confidence” and have booked a flight for her to come visit them on the island for Christmas. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to afford to go, even with the seat sales and discounted rates it is still almost a thousand dollars.
Finally got the disk and hardcopy of the MIX page off in the mail today. Learned that Canada Post owns Purolator; what irony. I had sworn I would never use Purolator again after the way they smashed Brandon’s sculptures, but Canada Post couldn’t guarantee next day delivery, even though they use Purolator planes. Not that Purolator’s word is worth much to me.
Mathew came by after work and I took the opportunity to vent some of my frustration with him. After all, he knows what it is like. Karina came by and we walked home because she wanted to stop at Staples and get some computer paper. She is still in a bit of a weird mood, very emotional. I think she is worried her dad is going to up and die, and she isn’t ready for it.
There is a Halloween Dance at NSCAD toight but we aren’t going. We made supper and then I had a nap on the couch. Christine called, she and Trevor are going to Saint John tomorrow. I had hoped to tag along but have already booked myself into things to do at work tomorrow. I have to give this workaholism a break sometime.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, October 29, 2001 11:38 PM
Subject: Bittersweet goodbyes as Canadian warship sails for Arabian Gulf» Consular officials in Italy on their way to visit Canadian found in container» Industry minister acknowledges terror attacks could stall innovation agenda
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a crazy weekend. Saturday night I biked to Canadian Tire after work to buy a bag of cement to patch the growing cracks in the floor in the KDMC. I ended up ripping up half the floor. Like I have time to undertake another renovation project like this. Stayed for the Buck 65 CD launch show at the Club later on that night. I have a new respect for rappers; Rich is quite good. A very good show.
Stopped by Spencer’s house on the way home; Tashia had reminded me that he was having a party tonight. Of course, everyone was in costume. I would have liked to dress up. Spent hours dancing. It was a perfect night for a party; having the clocks go back an hour is a great way to keep it going. Having a dance floor full of drunk and sweaty nscad students is another way. Eleanor had rigged up a closed circuit security camera which monitored the dancing going on in the living room to the stereo in the bedroom. Made a few trips to the bedroom to try to change the music when the tempo dropped. Danced mostly with Sara; we haven’t danced together in a couple years. Karina and Courtney were still up and about when I got home. Had just enough energy left to make my drawing, then went to bed.
Krishna called early, early Sunday morning. It was good to talk to him. His birthday is Monday. He sounds like he is mellowing slightly with age, but only ever-so-slightly. Mohanad and I went to work and finished ripping the floor up in the media centre. It took less time than I had thought it would. We stopped for a bite to eat at C’est ci Bon. It was packed, mostly due to the fact that nothing else is open downtown on Sundays.
Stopped at Darrell’s on the way home and got stoned in his backyard. He has recently moved and has a large backyard. It was nice to sit with the fading afternoon sun shining brightly in my eyes, even though the air was cool. Nice to feel relaxed.
I thought that there was going to be a 2-hour Simpsons Halloween special on TV Sunday night, but there wasn’t. Made supper for Karina; she was at the gallery installing her work. Cleaned the kitchen. Read a bit before going to bed.
Had a bit of hectic day today. Even though the media centre is technically closed on Mondays people must sense that I am there and come up anyway. Finished pulling up the last bits of flooring. The hardwood beneath will look good once sanded lightly and topcoated. Sarah came in to discuss the CC grant. People were in and out all day. Picked up some flowers for Karina’s opening, the galleries were packed tonight. Would have been nice to stay and talk to people, I think all the board members were around, but I had to run out to teach oil painting class. Only eight students, and I wasn’t in good form; my demos sucked, and lacked any real direction or point. They seemed content to just paint.
Have been listening to the Moulin Rouge soundtrack an awful lot. Trying to brainwash some sort of romantic sentimentality into my head. Karina and her mom are in the process of booking a ticket for me to go to the Queen Charlottes for the Holidays. I am wary; I only work a couple weeks in December, and those two weeks won’t pay for my plane ticket and rent and food and everything else, like Xmas presents, which I would like to make for people anyway but that would require time, and who has any of that to spare? My first Con Ed class is tomorrow night, so that will be a bit more money but another drain on the time.
Sarah told me today that my old friend Ed has been committed. I must find out more about this, but he rarely responded to my emails before. I don’t know how I’ll get ahold of him if he is hospitalized.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2001 8:53 AM
Subject: Canadian intelligence contributed to U.S. terrorist alert, says MacAulay» Ghosts said to haunt houses and other buildings across Canada» Tobin bristles at Opposition jabs over his leadership rivalry with Martin
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a long, full day yesterday. The office was busy and it took me a couple hours of attempting to leave early before I could actually get away. I left early to prepare for my first night teaching the Con Ed mixed media class. Needed to pick up a slide projector and choose slides from the slide library at NSCAD. Picked up some materials from the bookstore. Met Karina at the Pita Pit and we ate a rushed supper together. My class went OK, I need to introduce more methods and techniques into the class. I showed them some different gel medium transfers, but am going to have to bone up on some other mixed media techniques myself to keep the class interesting. The students are all women, which seems a nit odd. Karina met me after class, we looked at some of her recent photography and contact prints, then it was back to the Khyber; Karina needed to use the slide scanner. I scraped some areas of the floor in the KDMC. It was late when we got home. Have another full day today; have actually been emailing people for the past hour.
Tim sent me an email yesterday further describing what he knows of Ed’s hospitalization, which is very little, I am going to try to call him tonight. It really disturbs me.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2001 11:29 PM
Subject: Chretien, MacAulay defend disclosure of potential terrorist threat» Dhaliwal won’t back down from concerns over terror bill despite PM’s warning» New U.S. lumber duty triggers anger in Canada, deepens industry’s problems
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Woke up early this morning and fired off a round of emails. It added to the feeling that I managed to accomplish a few things at work today, mostly paperwork, some reports, budgets, a new list of things to do, the usual. Met with Sandra regarding her proposal for a show in the Closet. Managed to leave work at a normal time as well, and niked home to make supper.
Continuing with the household tradition, I was a Grinch this Halloween. There were no treats in the house when I arrived home and I had no cash on me to buy some. So I kept all the lights at the front of the house off and made supper in the kitchen, ignoring the doorbell and the occasional “hello’s” that wafted through the mail slot. I guess in a way it is still participating; but instead of the treat I am asking for a trick. No TP or egg yolk yet, however.
Lay down for a power nap after supper but it turned into a long one. Had planned to go to the studio and start a painting for the members show. Only managed to prime it, the primer stayed wet for too long. I biked to Video Difference to return movies and the primer was still wet when I returned, so I just came home.
Am looking at my calendar for November and am feeling very overwhelmed. Tired, worn out, overwhelmed and sick of the stupid war, the inane rhetoric, the waste. It is all hard on my head. I’m going back to bed. Have a Happy… no, have a Scary Halloween. It is supposed to be scary, isn’t it?
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, November 2, 2001 8:54 AM
Subject: Smokers to pay more as federal government raises tobacco taxes» Additional programs, costs increase federal spending by $6.9 billion» Critics say the battle isn’t over for improving newly passed Immigration Act
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Woke up early yesterday morning to news reports that St. John’s Church, which is the one my grandparents go to in Lunenburg, was burning down. Heavy Halloween prank. Went with Mohanad to Juliens to buy bread and coffee. Went to work early to prepare for the KDMC meeting. It seemed to go well and I think a fair bit of groundwork was accomplished. Spent the rest of the day slowly working through a long list of things to do. Forgot about Karina’s group show artist talk in the gallery at noon, and Emily and Cooper’s presentation in the Bell Auditorium at one. I would have liked to go to those. Stayed at work into the evening, because when Lucas came in for the evening shift he had brought an adapter to hook the old Quadra in my office up to the network in the KDMC. It was sort of exciting to watch. Came home and went into the studio to work on the members show painting. Spoke to David briefly in his studio. The space he shares with Kent is large and spacious. He was working on one of his duck decoy sculptures. Came home, had some stew that Mohanad had made, read the Coast, made a drawing and went to bed. This morning I am paying for our first order of oil to start the furnace up and get heat flowing through the building.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, November 4, 2001 9:58 AM
Subject: IRA’s decision to disarm spurred by Sept. 11 attacks, says Sinn Fein leader» Tobin invokes image of late father to inspire Canadians in aftermath of terror attacks» Russian police return to see victim, families in fatal crash case
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a hectic day at work on Friday. Everything is starting to pile up. Went to get oil in the morning and was almost run over by a car on my way to work. My front tire hit a drainage grate and flipped me off my bike and I landed directly in front of a car. Luckily it was still stopped at a red light, though the light was just about to turn. A close call. Robbie and Sarah came to help with the newsletter though the biggest problem is that I haven’t asked anyone to write anything in advance. It is always playing catch-up. Luckily the review I had asked Liz to write weeks ago came through, but it reads more like an introduction, so Sarah added some text to it based on Winnie’s essay. I am still working on other updates, and Robbie has the template and most of the images. Sarah and I stayed at the media centre late and then went to eat at the Argyle. It was nice to talk about art and work. We walked home. Saturday I was up really early, did some emailing, worked on the newsletter text, then went back to bed, slept in a bit. Jamie called at noon as I was heading out the door, trying to hook up with me to lend me his shop vac. I had to pick stuff up from Pierceys first and then missed my bus. Puttered around work and made a start on getting the membership stuff in order for this weeks mailout. Close to five we started sanding the floor in spots, then covered all the computer equipment, moved other stuff into the gallery and started work on the floors. Mohanad, Lucas and I were pulling and hammering down nails, scraping and sanding the floor but had to stop early as the noise was disrupting the bar. We put down 2 test strips of finish, one of Durathane and another a polyurethane. I prefer the Durathane. Will work on it more Sunday morning before stripping the wainscotting in the bar. Last night we watched the sixth sense, it is quite good. Sort of freaked me out, but then again I was high. Wasn’t the most relaxing thing I could have done. Tried to read for a bit afterwards but couldn’t get into it. Am trying to read some essays on the visual arts in the postmodern age.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2001 7:31 AM
Subject: Mba. inquiry recommends $2.6 million for wrongfully convicted Thomas Sophonow» Report says Canada 3000 wants to lay off 1,400 Royal Aviation employees» Transport minister expects ‘big security bill’ following Sept. 11 attacks
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a busy weekend. Sanded and laid a coat of Durathane on half the floor in the KDMC. Helped strip paint from the wainscotting in the Club. Tried to get the writing finished for the newsletter. Yesterday put the KDMC back together, cleaned up and worked on newsletter and upcoming PR, organized mailing lists. Have lots of administrative stuff to do today, some prep for my class tonight and CC grant stuff. Am feeling worn out and bored and depressed.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, November 12, 2001 10:11 PM
Subject: Montreal Gazette reporter is safe after surviving ambush in Afghanistan» Ottawa man suspected of bin Laden link surrenders to the RCMP» Hope remains to save remnants of Canada 3000, trustee lawyer says
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sorry I haven’t written lately. It has become very hectic around here. That, and I was really depressed last week. We went to Saint John this past weekend and having a bit of a rest sort of cheered me up. We went to visit my parents, and Judy, and attend an opening function at the Guild, a new arts organization Samuel has started. It was actually a fairly low-key weekend. Karina and I took the bus back today, which gave me an opportunity to catch up on my art magazine reading. Then I spent the late afternoon at the laundromat.
Karina and I made supper, had a nap and I have been sending email and gathering some more info for the Canada Council grant. And have recently heard that another plane has crashed in NYC. That city is not having any luck with flying lately.
It will be a busy week; the grant is due on Thursday, I teach tomorrow night and still have to figure out what I am teaching, the heat has to be turned on in the building and I am sure a dozen new items have popped into my agenda, so I may only be able to write to you sporadically. I am putting the computer drawings on hiatus until I figure out a better format for them. I’ll keep you posted.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2001 11:41 PM
Subject: Justice minister preparing for possible changes to anti-terrorism bill» Canada creates national advisory committee on biological or nuclear attack» Ottawa man wanted in U.S. kept in custody; case sent to higher court
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had strange dreams about an early morning hybrid iMac. It’s pretty bad when computers start invading our dreams. And not even just that the way that a computerized lifestyle invades a dream, but just the thing, the consumable. The style and look of the thing. And then when I got to work lo and behold there was a strange computer sitting by the KDMC door. A lonely Mac Quadra. Ted must have brought it by when nobody was around. Lucas said that it will work better than the Qudra I currently use. I actually spent the morning at the NSCAD slide library getting slides to show in my mixed media class. Then tried to work on the Canada Council grant in the afternoon, and catch up on messages and things from the weekend. Lots of people coming by, from Pat and Dan bringing work for the 50/50, to Stan from Cardinal to look at the leaky gutters, to a steady flow of folks for the media centre, to Susan and her entire photo class to see the shows. Managed to get out of work in time to get some paper supplies for class from Loomis before it closed, then walked down to the openings at the Anna. There was a princess competition in gallery 2, very surreal and strange and wonderful; costumes, music, strange art objects and performances, it was great. Was actually a bit late for class. Showed the slides and we did some photocopy stuff in the printshop, then more transfers and most of the class actually stayed late. Met Karina briefly up in photo, then went back to the Khyber to get the rest of my grant stuff, talked to Sarah and Craig about the progress, then we scrounged together enough change to take a cab home.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, November 18, 2001 1:44 AM
Subject: Tear gas, water, bean bags keep protesters at bay at G-20 standoff» G-20 agrees on plan to fight terror financing; police douse protesters» Parti Quebecois wouldn’t abandon sovereignty just to get re-elected
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I apologize for not having written the past few days. The Canada Council Grant was due on Thursday, and I was up at it for three days straight. That many hours in front of a computer is bad news. Early Thursday morning I was so sleep-deprived that I was hallucinating in front of the computer screen. It was quite a marathon; luckily Sarah came by a few time to help put together some of the support material, and Winnie’s help with the budget was invaluable. Lucas transferred a video, Sarah and Briony proof-read and Karina and I put the final touches to it late late on Thursday, then we dumped the postmarked envelope in a postal box. Have spent the past couple days just trying to recover. And thinking about how much better it could have been. And also how I dislike the idea of jumping through hoops to please Council, and how I fundamentally disagree with their cozy relationship to CAR/FAC. Friday is a foggy blur; I went to work but did nothing, a telephone interview and shuffled some papers around. Today we slept in, then went to Mary’s Place for breakfast. They have expanded the ‘all day breakfast’ menu to include a vegetarian omelet, which was quite yummy. Went to work and tried to unearth my office from the scads of paper. Now we just have to get the gallery ready for Mugshots and the Sunday Thrift Sale, and then it is on to the Members’ Show. My brother Aaron and a couple of his friends stopped by this afternoon. They were at the football game down at Saint Mary’s. Was going to meet up with him later tonight but it didn’t happen; he went to see Jimmy Swift Band at the Attic and Karina and I went to the Khyber to see Mitch and the Motorhomes. Shot some videotape. Talked to Swintak and Greg. Tonia was upstairs documenting her dollhouses, and Winnie was bringing thrift sale stuff down. The urinals in the boys washroom developed a leak. Mopped up and set the pipes in place, but they need to be repaired. We took the bus home with Tashia. Now Karina is watering the plants, but it is late and I need to get to bed. Tomorrow morning I am helping Tonia and Rob move the dollhouses and getting easels for Mugshots.
-Chris
From: chris lloyd <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, November 19, 2001 11:07 PM
Subject: Canada may rethink ground troops if heavy fighting erupts in Afghanistan» Nelson Mandela becomes honorary Canadian for apartheid fight» Ottawa to table anti-terror bill on airline security this week, sources say
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Woke up early, had a shower and breakfast and caught a bus downtown. Peter was there shortly after I was and we got right down to business. Strange enough, all the previous data entries we had made for the month of May had disappeared. Luckily he had a back-up. I think it is from the flare-up that we experienced with the PC at the beginning of the fall.
I was having a pretty decent afternoon until a bunch of people came in to use the computers, then I received a telephone reminder to send photos to Montréal via email for this doctors magazine, and then everything fell apart. The Kids showed up for class, Lucas was late with car trouble and all my email accounts on the Macs vanished into thin air. I had to run out the door and just caught the bank before it closed, and deposited the rest of the money into Caroline’s account to get the ’98 catalogues printed.
Had a coffee break before the openings at Anna. Met up with Karina; she was up until 5 this morning working on Photoshop projects. The openings were a disappointment; overall, the work in all three galleries was dull. The ceramics work in Gallery 1 was OK, but so derivative of Monika’s work in plaster and cement from a few years back.
Went back to the media centre to scan Erick’s slides to send to Caroline. We hung out in the Club for a while talking to Spencer and Sarah. A very small after-gallery crowd at the Club. Maybe a result of poor shows?
Took a bus home, have been alternating between computer work and prep for my Con Ed class tomorrow. Made some supper; just noodles and cheese. The pantry is getting low.
Andrea sent me a letter from NY; it contained photos from her last couple visits here and a printed matter book she has made. She is making art again and involved in a bizarre love triangle, so it sounds like her life is back to normal.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2001 10:33 PM
Subject: New anti-terror bill criticized as hard on rights, light on detail» Landry moves into new official premier’s residence, says costs are reasonable» Chretien rallies troops on standby to go to Afghanistan at Edmonton Garrison
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Another long one. But almost all the books are caught up. I have a couple smaller accounts to update tomorrow morning but they should go quickly.
Spent the afternoon helping Rob clean up the gallery in preparation for his graf art and sound experiment show tonight. I would have liked to stay for it, but am too whipped. Needed to get into the studio tonight and get some work done on the 50/50 painting.
When I got to work this morning the alarm had gone off, and the front door was unlocked. Weird. Later this afternoon I tried to bleed one of the hallway radiators and blasted myself with oily grimy water. At least the pressure is working. Luckily it wasn’t hot, though that is a problem for the Refugee Clinic. Have been nagging the city to come and fix them and get the heat flowing.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, November 23, 2001 11:40 PM
Subject: Couple given 12 years for death of three-year-old boy who was starved, beaten» Last shift at Prince mine brings end to era of coal mining in Atlantic Canada» NDP delegates at national convention urged not to scrap party name
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I had intended to go to the studio tonight, but didn’t get home until almost ten, and then had to check email, and since I am not getting my work email at work, there was a bunch to go through. So I am still on the computer and it is almost midnight and I don’t want to be sluggish tomorrow, so I’ll try to finish the portrait for the members show tomorrow night. Or Sunday night, seeing as the Rheostatics are playing at the Marquee tomorrow night and I missed them the last time they were in Halifax.
We have been getting more work for the members show, but not as much as I would like. Hopefully tomorrow will be a big day for drop offs. I also hope that lots of people come to the openings and buy some of the work.
I guess the art show last night went really well, I wish I had gone. American Thanksgiving. The vultures. And today was Buy Nothing Day, but at about quarter to five I caved and bought vegetarian chili, a bagel and a piece of carrot cake from Mokka. And a coffee from the Club. I am trying to live up to Craig’s advertisement of the “Downtown is your food court” by bringing brown bag lunches to the bar to eat, since we have no food service. I’ll be surprised if it catches on, but you never know.
Scanned Erick’s slides for Caroline, now have to transcribe his notes to their slides, and send it all to Caroline, and remind Craig to get the essay done, and I need to write an introduction. Ana has been in touch with me about her exhibition, she has questions and I need to find the answers.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, November 25, 2001 12:48 AM
Subject: Federal NDP rejects shift to far left; plans to forge ahead with renewal» Canadian Alliance Leader Stockwell Day to wait for budget to announce plans» Couple given 12 years for death of three-year-old boy who was starved, beaten
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Am about 3/4 finished the painting. Worked on it for a few hours tonight. Listened to an old Rheostatics cassette rather than see them live in the hot and smelly Marquee. Managed to get paint all over my pants. Just lovely.
Had walked to Canadian Tire and back earlier in the evening. Brian Porter had driven me home from work, and he picked up the horse painting I have long since abandoned. Allen will be happy. My feet hurt.
More work came in for the 50/50 show, but not as much as I had expected. A lot of the work is quite big, however, so the gallery will be quite full. Am afraid that I will run out of bulldog clips when we hang the show tomorrow. It is a good thing the NS government is preventing me from possibly buying bulldog clips tomorrow if I actually do need them. Bunch of wankers. Speaking of wankers, when the hell are you going to get some backbone and pull out of this crazy ‘war on terrorism’? Like the US war on drugs, it is a battle that cannot be won – at least not in the conventional, cowboy style.
Lucy and Jacob’s cousin Kia helped out at work today. Lucy updated the message board and Kia tiled a large KDMC poster. Jacob is designing new Khyber letterhead, and it looks really sharp so far.
I have to go back to work really early tomorrow morning, as I forgot to put a ladder in the gallery for the group shooting a film. They are starting at 7 in the morning, the crazy filmmakers. That means I have to be there at 7. It will be a looong day.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, November 26, 2001 7:48 AM
Subject: Calgary Stampeders win Grey Cup football championship 27-19 over Winnipeg» Total cost of Walkerton water tragedy pegged at $155 million, study finds» McDonough easily fends off NDP leadership challenger at Winnipeg convention
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Walked down to the Khyber before seven o’clock in the morning yesterday. It was neat to walk East and watch the sun come up. Actually, it would be more like South, or maybe South East, whatever. I didn’t expect the film crew to really be there at seven, but they were, so I got them the ladder they needed and then puttered around for a bit, set up the lights in the Skylight Gallery and then went for a long breakfast at the Med. Read the catalogue for the “Architecture and the Subversion of Space” show that James gave me last night. Back to the Khyber and stayed for the rest of the day and into the evening, hanging the 50/50 show and helping Hawk upstairs. The building was a buzz with activity, what with all the film crew and lights and equipment, and the makeup room plopped into the middle of the gallery. They couldn’t get the skylight open to get on the roof and block it from the light, but it was probably for the best; people on the roof would make me nervous. Briony and Scott and Winnie and Jacob and Kia came to help; Jacob and Kia stayed with me until I left at eight. It is not completely hung, but there are a few people coming in today to help. Jacob and I split a cab home. The Simpsons was on early, two classics back-to-back. Then I went to the studio and amazingly enough, managed to finish that painting. Was even home just before midnight. I am going to cab it to work this morning, as it is too risky to take on the bus. Have more Accounting training this morning, then Khyber Kids, then the 50/50 opens.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, November 26, 2001 11:33 PM
Subject: Federal budget to be delivered Dec. 10, finance minister says» Air Canada issues final Q3 results, net loss rises to nearly $600 million» Landry uses familiar soft-sell approach to sovereignty during Toronto visit
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a good accounting session with Peter today. I have learned a lot in a week and a half. Had taken a cab to work so I could bring my wet painting from the studio. The cabbie asked about the Khyber name, and said that if I was to visit there to bring a rifle.
Syme came in the early afternoon and helped install the rest of the show and made labels, then Sarah came and helped out and cleaned up the gallery while I was with the Khyber Kids. They were fairly productive today and shot half of the scenes from one of the three videos they are making. They stayed fairly close to their script and are thinking ahead to the changes they can make in post-production.
My nerves were just about shot after the class. I’m feeling closer to burnout than ever before. It is just not letting up.
On the positive side, Winnie was offered the job at AKA in Saskatoon, which means all her plans for the move to TO have to change, but that will be a good experience for her. Maybe I’ll see her at the next DOP conference, which AKA is supposed to host next year.
The openings went well, lots of good comments on the gallery and the hanging, but I can’t tell anymore.
And now they’ve cloned human tissue, so the world just got a bit freakier.
-chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 11:05 PM
Subject: Gay and lesbian spouses launch cross-Canada class action for pension benefits» Liberals reject any further changes in terror bill, set stage for final vote in Commons» Montreal-based reporter held “in chains” in Afghanistan: newspaper
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
My plans to be up early and at work on the accounting were dashed by sleeping in. I had also hoped to stop by the North End Clinic for a follow-up session to remove a couple warts from my hand, but i had to do that before eleven. I didn’t catch a bus until almost eleven.
It was a bit of a zany day today, trying to get everything back together after the openings last night, and dealing with a fairly steady stream of people through the gallery. Talked to Jane from the Coast about doing a review, or at least some sort of mention of the shows, as I think they are being ignored by the local media, even though they are a good cross-section of the workings of the contemporary arts community. She wants to put reproductions of Craig’s drawings in the paper. Edgy.
Met with the schoolteachers from Timberlea about the class trip next week; they are excited about it and want to move ahead with it. I have to see if Andréa wants to do some quick instructional sessions with the kids, they may be able to pay her, which would be good. We should have new Khyber Kids brochures made up by then as well.
Rebecca came in to help with the office today and I ad her sort our slide library. Karen came in to help as well and I had her update the membership. It was great to have some help in the office.
And I had good news from Pat at NSAC today; she phoned to ask if we were planning to apply to the sustaining grants program, which we aren’t, and she told me that letters had been sent out today confirming that we got the two grants that we applied for, hooray! I am still batting 1000 and am now 4/4 on my NSAC grants so far this year. That news pulled me from my current doldrums and put me in a chatty, almost hyper mood. Lucas was back today, and he brought Montréal bagels, which constituted most of my meals for the day. I should go eat some vegetables right now.
And then I had Mixed Media class tonight, which seemed to go well, it is hard to believe that there are only two classes left, we will spend those working on the box projects.
I met up with Karina after class at the Club and we took a bus home together. She is upset at her schoolwork this semester and feels that her time and energy into the Women’s Collective has been a waste, but they have put together some great lectures and events for their show next week and hopefully she will see that value in that.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, November 29, 2001 12:05 AM
Subject: Proposed new military security zones could seal off summit sites: Ottawa» Canadian warships now escorting U.S. carriers in Arabian Sea, Eggleton says» Ottawa doing what it can to free Montreal reporter in Afghanistan says Manley
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Still having trouble getting up early enough in the morning to get any more accounting done. Was really hungry when I woke up this morning, too. I think I have missed a few meals somewhere along the way. This morning though I had oatmeal with cinamon and apple chunks, and it was quite yummy with the Montréal bagels.
After work I walked down to school with Karina and we caught a cab to the studio as she had made plans to meet Rebecca there to re-do her photo shoot, as the film didn’t wind properly the last time. I held the flex-fill. Afterwards we made supper amongst our roommates, all of whom were home at once for some strange reason, and Andrew was over as well. Then Sarah came over and they were all watching Breathless, but Karina and I had already made plans to go to the Oxford to see Waking Life. It was a visually rich and absorbing film to watch, the variety of animation styles and the liberties they took to describe the story was really quite interesting. Very much Slacker-esque, and even though I usually quite enjoy philosophically-inclined movies, I found the dialogue snippets a little too textbook and lecture derivative. Maybe it was just my mood.
After the movie we walked in the frigid wind down to the Khyber so I could get a cheque for Save On Fuel so I could buy heating oil tomorrow. Just remembered now that I have left my bike at work and will have to walk to Save On Fuel, which will take me like a half-hour. What a waste of time.
Saw a fight on the street just as we were catching a bus home. Stupid angry young men beating each other up. Or maybe just blowing off stream.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, November 30, 2001 11:15 PM
Subject: Privacy commissioner condemns air-passenger information bill» B.C. committee recommends 16-part referendum question on aboriginal treaties» Canadian with alleged terror links gets bail; judge decides he’s no threat
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Last night was Winnie’s going away party at the Club. Karina and I bought her some books and odds ‘n ends at Venus Envy. Karina had photographed Winnie at her apartment. Yesterday morning I walked to Save On Fuel to order heating oil, and was going to pick up Winnie’s “Golden Spindle” plaque, but didn’t have any cash on me. I tried to cash my paycheck at a Money Mart, but they wouldn’t accept it because I was a signer. So I tried to catch a bus downtown, just missed one, and walked. Was tired by the time I started work. Have been tired and feeling lethargic lately; maybe I am coming down with a cold, or am just mal-nourished. Have been feeling exceptionally bored as of late.
Today was more of the same. I did walk up to Wade Co. Ltd, and picked up a huge blueprint poster for the media centre. It looks really good.
Came home tonight and Rebecca and Mohanad had cleaned up the apartment; which had been a tremendous mess lately, as they had painted her room, and there has been tons of crap piled up everywhere. It actually feels a bit spacious.
Karina and I bought some groceries tonight, and made supper, and vegged out in front of TV. Am trying to think of Xmas gifts to get for people, something I can make in multiples would be good. Maybe a book, or a calendar.
Am going to go read Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. I have no intention of seeing the movie, regardless how good the book may be.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, December 3, 2001 11:49 PM
Subject: Canada-U.S. sign agreements on visa controls, fingerprint sharing» Arafat called ‘godfather of terrorism’ at pro-Israeli rally in Montreal» Former Saskatoon cops who dumped man on edge of city denied sentencing circle
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
After a few days of intense work The Women’s Collective Exhibition is up and doing fine. A great turnout tonight for the opening. Stayed ’till the end and washed dishes. There was lots of food. They had a lot of the documents and files hanging from clotheslines criss-crossing the gallery. We went to the Khyber afterwards, of course. Took the bus home with Jacob and Lucie, but got out at Charlies Pub to meet Sheila for some late-night photo shoot. Her model had backed out on her. She took photos of Karina running up and down on top of an abandoned and deteriorating vehicle.
Yesterday I helped Karina with the setup of the show during the day. Ray picked us up and helped us move our couch and coffee table and we picked up an ancient photocopier. Had a selection meeting last night for the Liveart performance night in February. Went out for drinks at the Diamond with Spencer and Gordon afterwards. Paul and Cal stopped by and joined us and we talked about the NSCAD lease and the plans to buy the buildings they are in, and Paul sounds hungry to buy the Khyber, though I can’t see how that would ever happen. The city would re-claim it before selling it to anyone else. Then we debated the differences or lack thereof between Khyber and eyelevel.
Today I met with Sally and we worked through the technical and logistical problems associated with the performance night. It was a nice afternoon, we met for a long time at Big Life.
I tried to get the Women’s Collective a better photocopier today, but I didn’t here back from our dealer.
Planned the Timberlea school visit a bit more with Andréa. We need to develop further the Khyber Kids brochure for the January semester.
Have to catch up on my accounting and bookeeping tomorrow, as well as a bunch of administrative and programming items. Tomorrow is also my teaching night. I collected a couple of my paychecks from Con Ed today so we could pay our rent. I now owe two months for my studio. Still haven’t made our X-mas calendars. I have just spent an hour on the computer catching up on my email. Am looking forward to the vacation to the West Coast.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, December 4, 2001 11:55 PM
Subject: Auditor rebukes government for military neglect, rebates to dead» Day of talks ends with native chiefs at odds over Indian Act changes» No need for further limits on anti-terror bill, McLellan tells senators
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Got mired and stuck with the accounting this morning. It is the payroll remittance that gets me screwed up. We missed a payment in July and I am trying to make up for it and none of the amounts add up. I hate math.
Woke up to an awful radio advertisement. Karina and I have our bedroom radio set to a really annoying commercial radio station, the idea being that the more annoying the station, the faster we will get up in the morning. It doesn’t always work that way; we still make heavy use of the snooze button. But this morning I awoke to the voices of two guys talking about whether or not to buy a car, and how it was so important to buy things with the economy the way it is. What bothered me was the way in which rampant consumerism was wrapped around this joyful, almost duty-bound rhetoric to shop. Shop ’till you drop. The radio woke me from a strange dream where I was golfing. I don’t even like golf, though I think I was having fun in the dream. Golf courses are such a big waste of space.
Anyway, had a mostly non-descript day. Took my small laminator to class and everyone got a big charge out of laminating small collages. Went by the club on my way home and shared a cab with Sarah and Becka. Karina is still not home, she must be printing, as she has final projects due and is leaving for BC next week, a few days before my flight.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, December 6, 2001 11:18 PM
Subject: Get tougher with undocumented refugees, committee recommends» Canadians remember 14 women slain in Montreal on Dec. 6, 1989» Residents fear visiting Montreal Massacre monument on Edmonton’s skid row
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Felt a bit bogged down with everything that has been going on lately. Feel quite useless, actually. Made a brochure for the next Khyber Kids sessions, starting in January, so there will be some for the group of kids coming into the building tomorrow. I’m doubtful it will help much, as the kids are all coming from Timberlea and it may be a bit of a stretch to expect them to come downtown for after-school classes. Eleanor helped to get some materials together for the Artist Trading Card workshop, which should be fun. I am nervous about not being prepared enough.
Finally rode my bike home after work. It has been locked up outside the building for the past few weeks. My helmet has been long gone, as I had only hung it from the handlebars. It wouldn’t fit over my touque anyhow. I’ll start getting bus passes in January.
Karina and I made supper, then I had a nap. Woke up to my grandfather calling; he wants to drop off a large box of art magazines that my grandmother has picked up for me tomorrow morning. Should be interesting; there could be some interesting magazines, or there could be a box of “the new watercolourists”.
Am trying to sort out the info on current zip discs, email and computer hardrives. It is a daunting task; there is too much information, too much duplication. It takes too long to sift through.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2001 12:05 PM
Subject: Suicide, teen pregnancy side-stepped as native affairs ministers talk jobs» Media, opposition share blame for jump in hate mail, Caplan suggests» Saskatoon officers granted bail after getting jail terms for abandoning man
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had fantastically intricate and vivid dreams this morning. About looking at large photographs of a segemented coast that turned real, and I walked into them, and thene the coastline started to move, and I was swept along with it, but not in a scary way. Then I was standing on a beach, watching cables stretched taut along the horizen that spanned the ocean. It was a nice way to wake up, with these images in my head.
Karina stayed at school all night finishing her final project, and I helped her add some of the Letraset text to the photographs this morning. Am currently in the process of washing the laundry.
Went to the NSCAD dance for a brief while last night, talked to Swintak and Greg about the Queen Charlotte Islands. They told me of places I should see, like Toe Hill, the birthplace of the world. Sounds interesting, and I am very much looking forward to some R & R.
The kids visit went over really well yesterday afternoon. I wasn’t sure how the event would manage, never having seen 52 elementary kids in the building at one time, but it went well. Eleanor and Andréa made Trading Cards with the kids and I gave guided tours, talking about Drew’s hanging caccoon and Sandra’s Closet gallery installation. Kids always seem more receptive to contemporary art for some reason. Like they are less inhibited, or less burdened. They are more in touch with their imaginations. Maybe that is something that artists try to capture.
Anyway, I have to run and collect my laundry, then head down to work and prepare for the Arts Atlantic party in the Club tonight. I also want to get some housecleaning done, maybe buy some groceries, and get started on some Christmas gifts. A tall order, especially when what I really want is to sit quietly with a good book all day long.
Last night Lucas drove me out to Bayers Lake so I could process some film Karina needed. The only place that would still do 1 hour was Wal-MArt. We went to Chapters while we were waiting and I bought Karina a copy of Naomi Klein’s book No Logo. It had come in the discussion earlier with Mary Lou Stirling. Her talk was under-attended, but I guess Goody’s presentation at noon was quite successful and busy. I think the issues of violence against women are somewhat hidden from view, and young people today are missing them. It is too bad, because from the statistics, there is still a lot to be done. If more effort was spent on early childhood development and education and support, there would probably be less violence and we would be living in some sort of utopia, ha! Like that will happen. Only if the many small groups fighting Capitalism, Patriarchy and Injustice continue to band together and show their strength in numbers and knowledge.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, December 9, 2001 10:27 PM
Subject: Location of emergency instruments could have stymied Swissair pilots» Martin walking tightrope between security demands and slow revenues» Martin’s first hard-times budget to feature less spending, little for debt
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just came back from Trevor and Tamara’s place. Was helping them decorate their new Christmas tree. they went out to someplace near Musquadobit and cut it down themselves. It is a full tree, lots of sap. The decorating went smoothly. It was very homey.
Spent the afternoon at Andréa’s ‘All-Ages Christmas Party’. A full kitchen party for young and old. Many a cookie were decorated. There was lots of icing.
Karina was at school again all day today. We both slept in until noon. Woke up to the doorbell ringing. At first thought it was Jehovah’s Witness or Mormons, but the bell kept ringing and then there was knocking. That generally isn’t the religion sellers method. It was Mary for Courtney, but he actually wasn’t home. He came home after she left.
Yesterday evening Ray and I helped move the photocopier and our furniture out of the Anna Leonowens’s Gallery after the tear-down of the Women’s Collective show. After a couple trips I went back to the Club to set up a small table to sell raffle tickets for the Holiday Toast next week. There was a launch party happening in the Club for Arts Atlantic. I bought a subscription, even though I can’t really afford to do so right now. The magazine bought the other drawing of Lucy’s from the 50/50 show to present to Joe Sherman to recognize his years of hard work and dedication to the magazine. I think he is still miffed about the take-over.
The Launch party started to die down at about the same time it was crashed by a bunch of Sixtoo’s hip-hop crowd. They took better advantage of the free food. I walked up tot he Marquee for the Neuseiland CD launch. Caught the last two songs of Pegasus Plus’ set. Erinn can really hold a note. I felt like I was watching some NY Art-Rock band from the late ’70’s. Lucas was playing clarinet with them.
Neuseiland put on a great show. After hearing them record the CD for the past year upstairs in the Mullet I was looking forward to hearing them play live. I bought the CD and have listened to it a few times already. Am thinking of asking them if they would consider playing at the Gala. That is, if all works out with the Turret room. I had to leave right after their set, as the place was starting to fill up and assume the persona of ‘meat-market’. It is strange to be in that environment stone cold sober.
Am going to try to develop a plan to get some Xmas gifts made this week, before I go away.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, December 12, 2001 10:33 AM
Subject: Manley and chief of American homeland security meet to iron out border issues» Day stepping down as Alliance leader; Reynolds to fill in for interim» Transport minister says new security surcharge is not a tax grab
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Been a busy few days. Aren’t they all. Karina attended an end of class party at the Fireside for her Beyond the Frame photo class on Monday Night. I went with her for a little while, after viewing some of the videos from Courtney’s class and the opening of the grad show before that. Spent most of Monday cleaning my office and trying to plan for my departure this weekend. The party at the Fireside was nice but I felt a little out of place and eventually left to hang out in the Club. Things really were hopping there, a dub-reggae band was playing intermittently with Sixtoo and there were scads of people there. I had to throw out a kid who had smuggled in a flask. Big fines for that sort of nonsense. Not that it would have been beyond me at that age. God I feel old sometimes. By the time Karina showed up she had gone through five Manhattans and was loopy. We split a cab home with Jacob. Didn’t get anything accomplished in terms of making Xmas gifts for anyone.
Tuesday I managed to accomplish some financial business, payroll remit, banking, the fun stuff. Organized my files a bit more. Tried to secure a projector from CFAT for the performance night in February. Had supper with a tender Karina at the Bluenose. Went to my now drastically under-attended mixed media Con-Ed class. Only three students for the last class. A bit dismal. I’m a lousy teacher, I think.
We caught a bus home and packed and cleaned up and organized. We were up late, until well past one. Set the alarm for five o’clock and had a big scare this morning; I woke up. the alarm had not gone off and the clock read 7:24. Karina’s flight was scheduled to leave at 7:20. By some bizarre twist of luck, it was actually just before five, and Karina had time to shower before Trev arrived, honking outside. He drove us to the airport and Karina boarded her plane with little trouble, from what I could gather. I’ll see her in Calgary on Sunday, and then we fly to Sandspit on Monday.
Took advantage of being up early and got some computer/internet/email work done. Now it is off to work.
-Chris
From: karina van der linden <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: <khyberarts@hotmail.com>, kdmc <kdmc@hfx.eastlink.ca>
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2001 12:23 PM
Subject: Canadian troops unlikely to get to Afghanistan before the new year» Quebec Liberal MP quits caucus after being sentenced in hit-and-run case» Alberta’s Klein apologizes for midnight argument with homeless at shelter
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
It is almost time to go. Have a lot of loose ends to tie up today. I agreed to finish a small painting for Kyle Shaw today, but it isn’t going to happen. Maybe I can hire Sarah or Rebecca to finish it for me. It had completely slipped my mind.
Jan called me at work yesterday with some great news; she is trying to get the Critical Art Ensemble back for a visit in July and wants to know if the Khyber would be interested in hosting a tactical media workshop. Would we ever! So I need to get her all the info she needs for her grant applications today.
Stayed at work really late last night working on the calendar project. Spent about $40 in printing. Realized that at 12 colour copies each, these calendars are going to be costly. Still have to find a calendar that is 81/2 x 11 inches that I can copy. But I think they will look good when completed, and will make nice gifts. But then there is the problem with money.
I haven’t made it in to Heritage Credit Union yet, which means I have no access to a bank account. I have a cheque to cash, but the last time I tried to do it at a Money Mart they wouldn’t cash it because I was one of the signators. Maybe I’ll try again.
We had a Gala meeting on Thursday night. Spencer and Sarah convinced me to drink beer again. Only the second time this whole year. I only had a few, and the surprising thing was that I didn’t even feel drunk, even though I had only eaten once that day, at breakfast. Beer as meal replacement, I guess.
Have been eating horribly the past while. Need to work on that. Had breakfast with Sarah at the North End Diner on Friday morning, then rushed downtown for a KDMC Board meeting. The weather was freakishly warm. It was so nice out we had the board meeting on the benches outside in front of the public library. Sat there in a T-shirt with the sun in my eyes. The chirping birds and passing buses made hearing a bit difficult, but the fresh air was needed.
Talked with Jacob about Global Warming. It’s odd how in the twighlight of our history, with humans precariously balanced on the cusp of their extinction, everyone can go about their lives as though they are separate from history, as though they are not affected. It doesn’t help when those in power try to de-historicize their actions. And it especially doesn’t help when there is such an obvious nutbar running the White House. George seems obsessed with oil and missiles, has dropped the US out of the ABM Treaty, has pulled out of Kyoto, and is on an impossible quest to rid the world of “evil”. It is depressing, how the US rolls over anything and everything in its path.
What with the Holiday Toast tonight, and all the running around I have to do today, I don’t know how much time I’ll have to pack. Am planning to travel lightly. Looking at the trip as a bit of an adventure, an exploration, an excursion. Am really looking forward to some peace and quiet; I hope I find some. Packed up my paints from the studio, just in case the I get the urge to capture some of the scenery on the West Coast. Will try to bring a few good books with me, as well as some of the January deadline grant proposals. No reason not to bring a little bit of work along with me, just in case.
-Chris
DEAR PM 