Evil Film School: Good News/Bad News

Hi Kids,

So the good news is that there will be an Evil Film School tonight (June 30)!!

Doors: 7:30
Start: 8:00
Admission 10 - 5 sliding

Popcorn & beer will be available.


Now for the bad news: Turkish Wizard of Oz has not come in. Despite being ordered over a month ago, and several attempts to contact the supplier, it looks unlikely that I'll have it in time for tonight's screening. However, there is an alternate and it's almost as good:

Alyas Batman en Robin [1993] -- That's right, it's the Philipino Batman and Robin musical!! Charming and hilarious. In Filipino/Tagalog with a good smattering of nonsensical English.

There will still be a shorts program before the main event, so come early so you don't miss out.

See you there,

~meeko

FREE SWIMMING

No one came last week. That was sad considering how hot it was.

Sunday @ Kensington Outdoor Pool (three blocks away fron "chinee Foo.") from 12 until 6. Corner of Kensington and Hastings. Come in, tell the cashier that you're here to see Owen, and they will let you in. If you come before 145pm, there will be no cashier! Anyway, come by. The pool is a balmy 30 degrees Celcius, with a diving board and a field available for frisbee, soccer, or just lounging.

(technically it is free from 12 to 2pm, but I'll let you in for free afterward if you don't make a scene about it).

Oh, And... (relating perhaps to c-day)

World Cup venues. Any cool ones? I mean, sometimes it's great to soak in atmosphere even if one doesn't give a rat's about futbol (i.e. I know Edmonton's little Italy can be a fun place).

Aside from questions of coolness, I just don't know who or what is open early enough for live games. But, for those even infinitesimally interested, I'll drop here the quarterfinal match-ups and times (I think)...

Friday: Germany vs. Argentina, 4:00am(?); Italy vs. Ukraine, 8:00am(?).

Saturday: Brazil vs. France; England vs. Portugal (same time slots, not sure which is which).

Comments?

Canada Day Weekend

I've decided that I need to cheer up and unwind after the worst week so far this year. If anyone would like to join me in any activities this weekend, you are more than welcome. Please comment or drop me an email.

Saturday, July 1st (27 degrees)
- AM: Help J/K move.
- PM: Bocce Ball on Commercial Drive

Sunday, July 2nd (26 degrees)
- AM/PM: Bike ride, sea wall or stanley park trails

Monday, July 3rd (28 degrees)
- AM/PM: Trip to either Golden Ears (lower falls/north beach) or Cascade Falls. Majority vote rules. Suggestions for things on the North Shore are welcome also (I know a few hikes, not much swimming).

The Dilly with C-Day

Is anyone up to anything on Canada Day? Just curious.

Also: Can people go down to the beach and leisurely burn things? Does that happen here? Cuz down at Pa's cabin it ain't no nevermind.

hey Rachel/Brendon/Corrine

Turns out I am the indomitable winner of last night's Tipsy Spelling Bee!

;^)

Shook up and bruised but other wise okay

About two hours ago i was attacked by some random guy while walking home from the bus stop. i was about two blocks from my house when it happened. he didn't steal anything and i'm okay other then the swollen face from when he punched me and the scrapes from when i hit the ground. it happened too quickly for me to even explain properly what happened. i screamed at him and tried to fight back. i guess he got freaked cause after i told him to f-off he droped me and took off.

I'm really shook up right now. i wasn't sure if i should post about it but i could really use some support and encouragement and thought you should know why i might not be coming out much in the next week. my entire sense of security has been smashed. my neighborhood is messed up; it seems like the most peaceful and safe place sometimes, but then two blocks away... i trek all the way home from main and broadway and i get attacked when i 'm less then five minutes from home. the police found a guy matching the description i gave them but i barely saw anything, i didn't see his face so i couldn't id him so they had to let him go. at least the police man was really nice and so were the ambulance drivers. my brother has been the most incredible support though. i need to reassure myself that i'm okay, i fought back at least.

please don't worry though, i'll be alright, i'm pretty much okay just really shook up.

Cards for old people

Hey kids,

For those who know Bill & Marie, you'll know Bill & Marie haven't been around on Wednesdays. Last night, a few of us found out. Bill's at Lion's Gate with lots of health issues (and has been for the past three weeks); Marie will be moving into a home in the coming weeks. Bill & Marie were part of the draw of attending the 298, and they probably won't be able to make it out any more.

This Wednesday I want to make cards at the 298 or collect "Thinking of you" cards to be given to Bill at Lion's Gate. This will be achieved either by KJ Ron, Martina, or having one or two of the karaokers running over the bridge with a bundle of well wishes.

If you have scissors, scrap paper, white glue, felt pens, or any other artistic tool you don't mind sharing, and likely losing, for this giant project to be spread out over three tables, please bring them to karaoke Wednesday.

MOVIE NIGHT (gosh we need a new name): ssssSEX!

Howdy all.

I've been hearing quite a few of you (mostly the boys) lamenting over your lack of a sex life, well except for Bob (Fuck you Bob). So in an effort to show what y'all be missing it's SEX NIGHT.

Mon. Jun. 26th

7pm NYMPHS ANOYMOUS (1968): I'm copying from the box on this one. "No longer satisfied with her "he-man" husband Stan, sexually-insatiable Laura Ellis attacks a bill collector, a vacuum-cleaner salesman, and a psychiatrist before finally joining NYMPHS (ANONYMOUS), an organization catering to the needs of nymphomaniacs.



9pm EMANUELLE IN AMERICA(1977): "One of the most notorious exploitation films ever made!"
Emanuelle (played by Li'l Miss Sexpot herself Laura Gemser) has a very positive attitude towards sex. Inbetween her sexual encounters and nude photography she's an investigative journalist. That's all I'm willing to say. I want nothing spoiled. I saw this for the first time last week and it blew me away just when I was worrying about becoming jaded. Be warned Jessica-Karen might need a blindfold and earplugs for certain scenes. Oh yeah there's a horse.

P.S. If anyone tries to start an orgy I will cock block you and by cock block I mean cock punch. Let the other monday movie night have that.

NEXT WEEK: SHE-GANGS and a mystery American guest.

paul needs to see this...

thai restrooms.

paul, you really wanna go there? this is even more fucked up than japan selling dirty undies in vending machines...

Cascade Falls on Sunday?

It's going to hit 30 degrees this weekend! I have this tradition with Jon that, on the first weekend of the year that the temperature breaks 25, we go to cascade. Anyone interested in a 30-45min hike up wooden staircases, forest paths and rocky riverbeds followed by a series of natural pools that take you up to a waterfall with a natural waterslide...jussa lemme know-a.

I'd like to leave before 11:00am. I'll be taking lots of fresh fruit and bars if you like to eat.

Let's get Brendan un-packed Housewarming Potluck! Yeah.

Hey all

This Sunday instead of basking in the cancerous heat stroke giving Summer sun how's about you come to our place to welcome, feed and help accommodate Brendan (me too!) in his new home. The boy has an apartment's worth of stuff in his bedroom that has gots to be merged with the current space. So anyone with a generous interior design genius with food is even more welcome than those coming to give Brendan hugs....hugs.

So come no earlier than Noon unless you like to see crusty eyed boys in their underwear.

Toodles.

Oh, the addy. If you don't already know.

64 E 6th Ave
1 block west of Main. Drop by RX Comics on the way if only 'cause they're the best comic shop in town.

Lacking a Writing?

I asked Scott if there was an assignement this week. He said he didn't remember any and that we should come up with one. So here it is:

"We should write about an aspect of Vancouver that we personally enjoy."

It's vague, it's open and there is no one who can't write about it.

This Week In History @ The Pic

Aidan asked me to help out on the promotions for an upcoming gig for his band, This Week In History. You might remember them from such gigs as "The Buffalo Club" (DVD available) and 8 Seconds (opening for Darkest o/t hillside thickets, Hanson bros). Anyhow, they have another gig that almost coincides with Aidan's quarter century birthday blowout:



TWIH (w/ 3 guests)
Friday, July 14th
The Pic Pub
622 W. Pender Street
Doors 8:00pm
Tickets: $7.00 (through me, so RSVP)

This works out well, I most certainly would not have even dreamed of trying to steal any burlesque thunder.

TWIH myspace page is here.

Debut Date

Some of you may be aware that I have taken up Burlesque Dancing. Some of you perverts have even expressed an interest in seeing me get nekkid. Well, here's your chance.

When: July 15th (it's a Saturday).
Where: The Lamplighter.

I'll be opening for a bigger touring act. Tix are likely gonna be about $15. More details as they come.

Whitecaps Sunday June 25

4pm - Ladies' game
7pm - Men's game

I have three tickets for you people to attend free! I'll be going, but I got extras from work.

Call dibs now!

Movie Night: Japanese Noir

Brendan thought Noir might be swell this week. I kinda shrugged thinking about all the classic films that've been programmed that you all ignored due to slow pacing. Then Brendan said, "How about Japanese Noir". Well if you guys have to read subtitles you're more likely to pay attention so I said, "Sure".

Mon. Jun. 19th

7pm Stray Dog (1949): Toshiro Mifune is a young detective who on a hot summer day in a crowded bus has his gun stolen by a pickpocket. Rather than report the missing weapon he sets out to find it himself. On his search he discovers an entire criminal underworld. A tense Post-War noir in Akira Kurosawa's and Mifune's third collaboration.

Driest write-up by me ever.

9pm The Most Terrible Time in My Life (1994): Both sending up and honouring western noir conventions in this, the first part Mike Hama Private Investigator trilogy. Hama is suave, macho, and cold. Unlike his American counterpart, Hama is a total klutz. Hama works out of a projection booth in a Yokohama movie house. Before his clients can see him, the theater owners make them buy tickets. During his first on-screen case poor Hama must protect a Taiwanese waiter from an irate customer in a mah-jong parlor. Of course he finds himself embroiled in the middle of a gang war.

Karaoke Party - Saturday June 24th - NOT AT REV's

Date: Saturday, June 24th.
Time: 6:30pm on
Location: MY PLACE
Address in the Forum

Rev's somehow got booked Sat, Fri doesn't work
Video-in was $60/hr
BLIM was booked and wanted door
Burnaby Legion = no alcohol, early cutoff
SFU Diamond Club = $220 for 6pm-1am
Commercial legion already had karaoke
Mark not present for Slack Shack

Occasion: JP is headed for grad school!

I will have a new system ready to test drive: Laptop, external CRT for the singers, 15,000 songs. Not to mention an external USB drive for the original cd+g library consisting of 2,500 songs. I'll be working on software test runs and doing a complete list merge and export that won't require any typing on my part (I'm afraid I'll have to retire the duotangs for the songlists...we're into binders now).

1. The CD+G list (1MB)
2. The first HD list (3MB)
3. The second HD list (3MB)
4. The THIRD HD list (1.5MB)
4. The LAST HD list with requests(88KB)

My cell no. and JP's are in the forums.

Colbert and Gaydar

I thought I could get through this phase on my own
but I was so wrong.
You haaaave to see this..
I can't decide if this is mean or well intentioned on Colbert's side. hhhmm. Maybe both?

Free Movies on the Drive!

I am showing a set of free movies as a mini festival on the drive. Saturday June 17th and Sunday June 18th. Come out and support.

Movies to be shown:
Saturday:
Metropolis
Amelie

Sunday:
End of Suburbia
Ikiru
Run Lola Run

for more check out my blog.

Shirts are in.

And for some great reason, there is no duty, pst, gst, etc. added on! That means you get your t-shirts for $15.25!

Shabusen diners will get theirs tonight, please bring your money for your tees!

Thailand it is.

Mired in indecision, I finally thought "When in doubt, do the thing you've never done before".

Now I'm just waiting to hear final confirmation from the NGO.

This is the greatest thing ever...

Starts a little slow, but well worth reading the whole thing.

Reminder Writing Club

Tomorrow 7pm

Homework two sentences about something you like that isn't glib.

(This includes you Corinne, I'm demanding two more sentences!)

$10 tees again

Threadless has reprinted a TON of shirts and printed up a new batch of "type" shirts. Not only have they done that, they've introduced a kids line (so the smaller ladies who don't want to frou frou colours can opt for a youth large/x-large).

Oh, and they're $10 until Wednesday. Coupon code WYWS saves you $5 on orders over $50, SUPER TEES saves you $3 on any order. Please use the link to the left. Contests will be running this summer (including a new "Best of" Clubhouse posts) and a threadless tee would make a great prize.

Sausage assortment.

1. Ich Bin Ein Mascot. My coworker pal asked me to spread the word about this film short that he worked on, a mockumentary a little over eight minutes, about the daily struggles of a mascot.

2. Taquitos.net. The other day I wasted way too much time browsing through some of the thousands of fascinating reviews of chips, candy and other snacks from around the world. Lots of these products sound just plain wrong.

3. Rap Snacks. And those chip reviews led me to "the official snack of hip hop". Snacks packaged with rapper biographies and positive social messages. Strange! I'm intrigued by their honeydew-flavored cheese curls, though.

MOVIE NIGHT: Apparently race is an issue night.

Howdy all. Sorry for the late post, also for leading you on about WWII sub movies. Just found out even though Brendan was a Military subcontractor he's a fuckin Unitarian pacifist not into War movie. Pfffttt. 'Sides he sadly won't be here for this week's programs of Racial Tension. Whoop!

MON. June 13th

7pmThe Spook Who Sat by the Door (1973): The token black agent for the CIA quits the agency and builds an army of leftist radicals and black nationalists. With their help they launch the first armed attack against the White power structure. Down with the man!

Fight for Your Life (1977): Anyone wanna see a racist J.F. Sebastian from Blade Runner in a cruel super-exploitative movie about three convicts who escape from jail and hole up at the house of a black minister and his family? You do? Well good 'cause we'll be watching a movie just like that.

Shabusan Dinner Thursday

7pm. Granville and 14th.

RSVP and I'll put in some reservations for the number of people wanting in.

And... if we're done dinner early, the Jolly Roger will act as the high seas in a low stakes pirates games. BYOP or share with those with stock.

Karaoke Party - Saturday June 24th

Date: Saturday, June 24th.
Time: 6:30pm on.
Location: TBA. A hall or shared party space in some kind person's apartment block.
Occasion: JP is headed for grad school!

I've confirmed that Bob's sound system will be available and I will have a new system ready to test drive: Laptop, external CRT for the singers, 15,000 songs. Not to mention an external USB drive for the original cd+g library consisting of 2,500 songs. I'll be working on software test runs and doing a complete list merge and export that won't require any typing on my part (I'm afraid I'll have to retire the duotangs for the songlists...we're into binders now).

1. The CD+G list (1MB)
2. The first HD list (3MB)
3. The second HD list (3MB)
4. The THIRD HD list (1.5MB)

My cell no. is in the forums.

Graduation Celebration

JP HAS CONVOCATED =)
Finally eh? It's about time: I've been through blood, sweat, toil and tears; many subhuman-hours of work at Starbucks; too many trees sacrificed for papers and journal article print-outs; and a complete reconfiguration of my brain to think that everything is geographic ... Anyhow, it's time to celebrate!

Please join me and my family in celebrating my Convocation on Saturday, June 10 at around 7pm. The celebration is really low-key, with plenty of Filipino food, time with family and friends and karaoke! This version of karaoke gives you a score at the end of your performance, paving the way for serious competition to bag either the highest or the lowest score!!

Address: 5693 Hardwick Street Burnaby. It is a bus ride away from either Holdom or Brentwood stations or use this link for driving directions.

NB: Bring booze if you so choose, but I guarantee that there will be food - good old home-cooked Filipino food!

Much Love:
JOHN PAUL CERVAS CATUNGAL, B.A. (First Class Honours) <~~ damn that feels good =)

If you haven't check the calendar lately...

The Clubhouse Purchasing Power Department is looking to feature summer cheese movies.

First up is Too Fast Too Furious: Tokyo Drift. For those who have not snickered, laughed, or giggled at the first two, this might just be the one to have you in stiches. Opening night is Kevin's adios-muchachos party, so it's going to have to be a Saturday night. This may be a double feature night finishing with Nacho Libre (reason for order of movies is that kids are going to be drawn to Nacho Libre and are less likely to be at the late show; crazy car fanatics are night owls and will likely want to go to the later screening of 2F2F3).

The second scheduled (but there will be more screenings before this one) will be Snakes on a Plane on August 18th. This is a pre-order event and you know it. The calendar comment section will be the place to reserve tickets. This movie will fall nothing short of terrible. WOO HOO!

Other Brainless Blockbuster suggestions can go here or at the calendar. And remember, if you don't have an account to access it, let me know ASAP. This is the premier location for Clubhouse events and activities and you should be posting events there as well as here.

Being Angry and Irrate Pays

Canada Post thought I lived on 15th.

CANADA POST WILL PAY... all charges back to threadless.com.

Threadless has also waived the shipping fees to reship (so I'm out no dollars, they're out no dollars).

I still gave them $17.50 extra for the mailing charges, but that's the terms of the contract, and I will live. And by "live" I mean "think twice before shipping from them".

I'm still 1 month without my shirts. DAMNIT.

You wouldn't like me if you made me angry...

May 7, 2006 : 13 t-shirts are ordered. $130 for the shirts, $41.50 for the shipping.
May 8, 2006 : 3 further t-shirts are ordered. $30 for the shirts, $11.50 for the shipping, $3 coupon for the order.
May 9, 2006 : A request was emailed to threadless to make the order a gift option for the purposes of customs charge reduction as the shirts were not for one person.
May 10, 2006 : Denial of gift option: "for return purposes" they do not offer this EASY to implement option.
May 16, 2006 : According to threadless.com, 13 shirts are shipped. No email notification sent.
May 23, 2006 : 3 t-shirts are shipped. Email notification received.
May 30, 2006 : 3 t-shirts arrive. Actual shipping cost: $7.50 (this becomes important)
June 1, 2006 : Wondering where the baker's dozen went, I email threadless citing lack of email and shirts. I am suspecting product was never sent.
June 2, 2006 : Response was swift, and included a tracking number. USPS says shipment arrived May 19. Canada Post shows it was held for 11 days in sorting.
June 3, 2006 : I email threadless to inform them that the shipment is being held by Canada Post and am suspecting something is up beyond customs holdings.
June 5, 2006 9:19am : Their reply was to have me contact customs. I suspect it will arrive in a day or so.
June 5, 2006 1:01pm :
"Hello Corinne!

We received your order back to us for insufficient address. Actually the note from the postal service stated \"No such Post Office.\" If you would like your order sent again, we will have to charge you for shipping. It will be an additional charge of $40.00 for shipping again.

Since we do not store your credit card information, you will need to provide the credit card # and expiration date, as well as an updated address. You can send the necessary information via email or fax it to us at 888.595.3258.

If you do not want to pay additional shipping, we can cancel it and refund your card the order total minus the shipping. Let us know what you would like to do."

My response is as follows:

This is absurd! I ordered this order a day, ONE DAY, before a smaller order was made. The smaller shipment arrived without a hitch. How can a company possibly justify $80 worth of shipping for 13 shirts? Both of my orders had the exact same address, postal code, everything was exactly the same except the quantity of shirts being sent. I KNOW my information submitted to your company was accurate as proven by the smaller shipment received.

These shirts are not just for me, as I emailed before the shipment was even made. The shirts were gifts to be distributed last month. My organization was providing both revenue to threadless and advertisement. The customer service from threadless.com has not been horrible, but it's been short and curt (which I am alright with, as it is online service). However, this latest surcharge, for something I know I have no hand in, is not promoting future relations with your company from me or my organization. I have already promised these shirts to people and I will have to request that the shipment is made (not to mention that I am going to be out $40 if I don't). I must, however, be very clear that if I am to pay an additional $40 to your company, this will personally be my last order, and I can assure other people in my organization who have also purchased your products (either online or via Voltage) will probably follow suit. It is a shame, as your products have not been the source of my disappointment.

If the loss of repeat customers is not enough incentive to forgo charging your client twice, consider the mathematics of what this charge is: The USPS website has informed me that for $40 worth of shipping (to Canada, from the US on 3-5 day shipping) the package must be 13lbs (or 1lb a shirt). I already paid $41.50 for a shipment that took one month from the date of order or 3 weeks from date of shipment according to your website to NOT arrive, for a package I am willing to wager is not 13lbs (unless threadless has a policy of mailing wet shirts). I'll grant that the men's shirts are not thin and probably are at the 6 oz. weight mark. I'll use the assumption that all the shirts I ordered are 6 oz. That means that the total weight of the fabric being shipped is about 4.875 lbs. I'll throw in some packaging to round it up to an even 6lbs. USPS says that shipment will cost you about $24 to ship to Canada on a 3-5 day shipping (Global Express Mail(tm) EMS). According to my math, you have already gained $17.50 from me for a shipment I have not received--and not because _I_ provided the wrong information. I have very little reason to not think that this is not a scam for threadless.com to gain either $35.00 or $57.50 from me by overcharging me twice (either by recognizing that an incorrect postal code on a large shipment is profitable or not caring about the end consumer and will charge arbitrary shipment costs--depends how cynical you are). If I give you $6.50 to ship it again, threadless will not gain $17.50 or $35 from me by overcharging shipping and I'm likely to not find this experience nearly as aggravating as I am.

Before I hand over my card information, I am going to contact my local post office to find out what I can do to prevent a third charge of $40 when my "postal office is not found" again. Paying threadless again just to have it bounce again is not exactly my idea of being fiscally responsible. From threadless.com, I would like a digital photograph clearly showing the label of the address it was sent to, the reason for its return to threadless and the postage stamp showing the date of shipment from you. Without these pieces, I cannot not judge what I need to do to ensure that I am not charged $120, $160, $200, etc. for shipping.

If you want to get the basic points from this, they are as follows:

1. I am at no fault for this charge. Had I put the wrong postal code (which is not unrealistic, as I have recently moved) I would feel stupid, but I'd suck up the $80 charge as it is no fault of yours or the postal service--this is not the case.
2. Knowing that this is not my fault, I am a little put off by the fact that threadless has gained $17.50 from me if I cancel my order or $35.00 if I say "sure, charge me $80". I see very little reason to hand over $80 for something that cost you $24 and me a nightmare.
3. I am grudgingly willing to pay the $40, but at a charge to threadless.com that exceeds $40, and not before I can guarantee that the shipment will arrive this time. I am 100% willing to pay $6.50 to cover the actual costs of shipping.

Signed by me.

HEY CHRISTIAN

Keep your eyes peeled.

In which I seek advice once more...

Same question as a couple months ago, but with more details. I've been trying to make up my mind for a month, but am still no closer to a decision, so if anybody has any good advice I'd love to hear it. I have job offers in Thailand and Vancouver... which do I take?

Thailand - Pros: Good for my career, good experience, and fulfilling work with Burmese human rights activists.
Cons: Liveable but otherwise meager pay - won't be able to pay down my debt at all. Far from home for one year.

Vancouver PR job - Pros - Close to friends and family, including two aging grandparents and two new nephews. Good pay, enough to take a bite out of my student debt.
Cons - Won't do much for my career nor boost Toby's academic street cred. I may get itchy feet again.

I'm dying of indecision. I need to let the Thailand folks know SOON (like tonight or tomorrow)... it's a damn good opportunity but I've been on the road a lot in the last couple of years, and it would be nice to take a year or so at home before I head back out again. Plus I gotta spend some quality time with my grandmothers while they're still lucid/alive.

What do I do?

MOVIE NIGHT: Because I Love You All Part 1

Heh heh heh.

Howdy all. This week I feel like hurting you all. Not out of spite or hate but out of love. Note this programming is NOT FOR EVERYONE. I doubt these will be IRREVERSIBLE intense but here's a warning nonetheless.

Mon. June 5th

7pm Benny's Video (1992): I was originally going to program Funny Games by Michael Haneke but it's rented out right now. For the best since I've seen it and thematically this works better with the second movie. Oh right the movie. The second in Haneke's "Emotional Glaciation" trilogy, Fourteen year old Benny sits in his room for hours watching violent movies. He becomes fascinated with a video he finds of a pig being slaughtered by a bolt gun. Later he decides to re-enact his favorite video.

9pm Man Bites Dog (1992): I've had a copy of this movie in one form or another since 1996 and have never gotten around to watching it until now. IMDB: "A camera crew follows a serial killer/thief around as he exercises his craft. He expounds on art, music, nature, society, and life as he offs mailmen, pensioners, and random people. Slowly he begins involving the camera crew in his activities, and they begin wondering if what they're doing is such a good idea."

P.S. I wrote up the wrong description for TENEBRE last week. The write-up was for DEEP RED.

Next week to celebrate Brendan moving in WWII U-BOAT DOUBLE BILL.

Threadless order update

http://www.usps.com/
Tracking code: EQ761249515US

According to the kind folks at USPS, the shipment arrived two weeks ago.

Canada Post: http://www.canadapost.ca
Same tracking code
Has been kind enough to inform me that they have been sitting on it for ELEVEN DAYS. I hate you, Canada Post.