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 Funera 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
DEAR PM 