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
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
DEAR PM 