Misconceptions. That was one of the many things I thought about after seeing Henry Rollins at The Centre on Tuesday night. I know a few things about Rollins. I know he’s a musician, a writer, an occasional actor and an angry man. I thought I had it figured out and really, I sort of blame myself for my own misconceptions walking into Rollins’ current spoken word tour. My knowledge is limited to a few movies, a book (though I realize he’s written many the only one I’ve read is See a Grown Man Cry, Now Watch Him Die which I read in high school) and this angry song:

I wasn’t particularly surprised to find that Rollins is charismatic. He took the stage right at 8PM and started with a story, one of many, about an artist friend of his who is addicted to drugs. From there he waxed poetic on everything from politics to travel and even masturbation (in not so many words). He was funny, insightful and endlessly entertaining. He talked non-stop for two hours and forty five minutes, not stopping once to even take a drink of water.

Rollins is a man with many things to say and his performance was more of an intimate chat. His charisma draws you in and almost immediately, he turned the huge auditorium into an small room as if he was talking to a couple of close friends rather than a few hundred people. There aren’t a lot of people in the word that can manage that feat but Rollins does so quickly; it’s natural, second nature and it makes you want to pay that much more attention.

I laughed so hard my side hurt. I shook my head in disgust at some of his poignant observations and I walked away mesmerized that the man I once though of as “the angry man” appears to be a genuinely kind individual with a keen eye and keener mind. I was impressed and urge you, if Rollins is stopping near you, do yourself a favour and go. You’ll be glad you did.

And as is becoming tradition, here's a blurry picture of Henry Rollins on stage. At some point, I will figure out how to take a good picture without the flash on my cellphone camera going off.

Watching the news last night and talks about the Olympic venues (Cypress) and the lack of snow, this song entered my mind. I think we should adopt it as our official Vancouver 2010 Theme Song. Thoughts?

Admitedly, I haven't been particularly excited about the upcoming Olympic Games (9 days and counting). I thought money being spent could be used elsewhere and I haven't been looking forward to getting around town during the games but I must admit that over the last few days, I've had a change of heart. I still think the money could have been used elsewhere but I can't help but get a bit excited at the thought that millions of people will be turning their eyes to the city I call home for a world wide spectacle. And how can one not get excited when everywhere you look there's something Olympic related?

One of the coolest things about the games is the Cultural Olympiad that comes with it. There are "houses" being set up throughout town and cities (Richmond, Surrey etc) have set up huge areas for hosting special events including a truckload of free concerts. Seriously, it's an amazing thing to be a music fan in the middle of the games because there's so much entertainment to be had, I'm not sure where to even start. I've been trying to sort though various even listings but frankly, it's turned into a bit of a nightmare. Thankfully, there are extensive program guides available at the Vancouver Art Gallery - I'm going by tonight after work to pick one up.

If you're in town and looking for something cool to do, I found You Gotta Be Here, a great page which has links to all of the various houses and pavilions each of which has their own website with schedule, events, cost etc.

Stay tuned, I have a feeling I'll be hitting some awesome events over the next few weeks!

A few weeks ago, local super organizer Val put up event notices at a number of local clubs regarding Illuminares 2009. We had gone with a group two years ago and had a great time but I don't recall missing the action last year until the new event was posted.

For this year's event, I decided that I would not be left out without a lantern so I set out to create one but with my limited skills, it was not quite as easy as I expected. With a plan in mind I headed to Michaels in search of crafting supplies and $30 later, I was ready to start building. The result, as you'll see in a minute, is pretty spectacular (if I say so myself).

On Saturday afternoon we headed out to Trout Lake to find our trusty band of sci-fi buddies and by 6 o'clock, we had a nice crowd of folks hanging out waiting for darkness.

Conversation was animated. Folks came by, noticed the banner and stopped to chat. We even made a new friend, a gentleman from Academie Duello who was doing a demonstration later in the evening. I was lucky enough to get a first hand mini lesson though I feel sorry for whomever decided it was a good idea to give me a sword to play with.


I quite like this sword but there seemed to be too many rules on how to use it correctly. Admitedly, I much prefered this sucker wich I could swing freely:


See the big smile? Definitely having a much better time!

The evening was winding nicely, more folks were showing up and it was getting a little dark, perfect for lantern lighting, when the thunder started. First it was just kind of cool but then the rain started. First soft little droplets which quickly turned into a downpour. It was an ugly sight. We quickly packed up and took refuge under the nearby trees to stay somewhat dry. I was so concerned about keeping my lantern dry that I completely forgot to take any photos. Thankfully, Dale came to rescue with a few awesome photos. Bonus points to whomever figures out where the quote is from.


I love this next image which features the beautiful Serena completely enjoying the rain shower. I secretly wish I had just brought myself so I too could be this comfortable:


A few folks continued onto a nearby coffee shop but we were completely soaked through to the bone and decided to call it a night. I was disappointed that I didn't have a chance to light my lantern but it wasn't a complete loss. When it got dark at home, I set up the tripod and shot a few photos of my lit lantern in the comfortable dry darkness of my kitchen. The lantern is essentially square with one image per side but for the sake of keeping this short, I've cut all four sides into one image.


 Spiffy eh? Not sure how well things would have gone if I had to include "Midnight Sun"...

I did manage to take a few more photos before the skies parted and you can check those out at the usual spot. And if you're interested in more details about Illuminares from the folks that are responsible for the event (along with some insights from attendees - including me!) check out this great article by Janaya Fuller-Evans at The Vancouver Courier.

It still managed to be a fun (if short) evening. Thanks again to everyone who came out and Val for organizing us all. What we'd do without her is beyond me. I hope the event manages to live on for another year! Would love to do it again next year! This time, without the rain!

Or at least this Monday does. I was not feeling all that well this morning and seriously considered staying home. But then I started thinking of how hot and uncomfortable it would be at home during this week of record breaking weather and I opted to head into the office. I barely made it but arrived with a killer migraine that even had my ears hurting and I swear I was in a cold sweat. It was uncomfortable and painful for until about 10AM when the drugs started kicking in. I'm feeling much better now but still now 100%. Here's hoping I'm feeling a bit better for the movie tonight.

Lots to report on from the weekend but the pictures are still on my camera so that report will be coming tomorrow but I do have some fun stuff to share. The first is part 3 of the "New Moon" video set tour. Yes, this is the one where I have a total fangirl moment but thankfully, it's not quite as bad as I thought it might be. Thanks again to the guys at Movie Set for making the videos possible. They were great fun.

As a bonus, I also get a jab in at Eric. He deserved it.

As a little bonus, I noticed a video making the rounds this morning but because it was on MTV, it was only available to our American friends. Big kudos to twilightbritneyfan1 for making this available for the rest of us. I've never been much of a Jennifer Love Hewitt fan but I admit that seeing this video made me like her a tiny bit more. Plus, I don't feel like such a dolt.

If you missed it - I'm not quite sure how that could have happened considering the video was everywhere - be sure to check out part 1 of my awesome three part Video Tour of the "New Moon" filming locations; a little project I took part in for Movie Set.

In this episode, we get a look at the theatres and the location where the break-up scene was filmed. And because I'm so awesome, you also get my very, very bad Kristen Stewart impersenation. As I explained to Dana (aka Robsessed83), at least I had a moment with Edward. And it was captured on film. Enjoy.

I'm working on a secret project. I say secret because it hasn't officially been announced yet but we're working on it and it will all be clear in a few days time but that doesn't mean I can write about it and I *do* so want to tell you all about it since it's pretty much consumed my life for the last week.

The details are still top secret but I've been asked to work in a little project for a local site which ties in to the "New Moon" filming which recently wrapped in Vancouver. My job: track down some of these locations and boo hoo - this was much more work than I had expected. I managed to find the locations of the houses and I knew the parks they'd shot at but didn't know where so what this meant was a reconnaissance mission.

Last Thursday I grabbed my mom and we went scouting out Robert Burnaby Park which is just a few blocks from my place. We walked the entire park (a two hour feat) comparing some photos that a friend had sent me with the trees and bushes. We couldn't find it but walking out of the park in the same direction we walked in I spotted an area just off the trail which looked familiar and after standing around holding out the pictures we had with the surrounding area we came to the conclusion that that was the place. Can you believe it? We walked all over the park and the location was right there at the point of entry. On the up side, I took some fantastic photos which you can check out in this flickr set. Here just a few of my faves:

My mom was a total sport and got right in there with me and for that, I thank her - I doubt it would have been as much fun without her.

On Friday night, I took a walk through Burnaby's Central Park in search of yet another location. I knew they'd done some filming at the public pool there and headed in that general direction. I was looking for the location of the break-up scene and of the meadow, both of which we get to see in the new trailer. You realize this meant taking screenshots of the trailer right? Yes - I've reached a new level of obsession. These are the screenshots I was working from:



I found the meadow! After my blunder at RBP, I decided to stick to locations that are:

1) Easily accessible for lighting, cranes etc.
2) Near a parking lot (for the rest of the trailers/cars required on a set).

It was actually quite easy to find as it's one of the few wide open spaces at the park and though the grass is now greener than it was at the time they shot this, it's the same location. As for the location of the break-up...I just couldn't find it. Not that I didn't try either but none of it looked right!

But yesterday, I was checking out some of the photos I'd uploaded from the last few days and it struck me - OMG. I was looking in the wrong park the whole time. I was certain they'd filmed the breakup at Central Park but couldn't figure out what had been filmed at Robert Burnaby (though I had it from a *very* reliable source that the crew had been there). And then looking at this photo, it struck me. See if you can figure it out:

Is it as obvious to you as it was to me when I looked at it? The break-up was shot at Robert Burnaby! I told hubby when I got home on Friday that the trees at Central Park just don't look right - they're too small and the branches come down too far to the ground (unless you're in the *middle* of the bush which would be impossible for this particular scene (I'll explain why it's impossible in a second). But the trees at RB are perfect. Large old growth trees with very high canopies and to boot, the greenery around the trees seems to fit the shrubbery in the shot. As for why I don't this it was shot int he middle of the bush - check out this screenshot from the trailer:


Though from this angle it's not completely apparent, if you watch the trailer you'll notice the camera movement - that there's a crane shot which means an open space with no trees. I couldn't believe I'd missed it when I originally uploaded my pictures but looking at them now it's so obvious that it's RBP! Yes, I was pretty ecstatic when it struck me!

All this work will start to pay off later this week when the project is "officially" announced but let me tell you, I had a great (if frustrating) time scrounging for locations. What I've learned from all this: for "Eclipse", I'll have to try spotting locations (at least parks and stuff) while filming. This will avoid wandering around nearly blind after they've gone!

Stay tuned! I'll be announcing the project details in a few days time!

With "New Moon" filming in town, loads of fans have started to come out of the woodwork. I haven't bothered to stalk the set - I'm too busy for that - but I love meeting other fans so when I got word that a few ladies were coming into town for the weekend to enjoy the weather and hopefully do some "sight seeing", I made the move and asked if they'd be up for coffee.

This morning, we met and it was great fun. We talked about the trip, the movie, the filming and just general banter. It was awesome to meet other fans and I hope their weekend of set searching is rewarding - they definitely deserve it!

Here's the crew:

You can check out the ladies in action daily over at What the Forks?! and don't forget to follow along in twitter!

 
As expected, the New Moon cast was in town for a few days for pre-production work (meaning preparation for filming). Though the crew wasn't on set, they weren't holed up in some hotel room either. They were spotted and pictures snapped everywhere from Robson and Granville Streets to hanging out outside their trailers.

At this point, it sounds like everyone's left for a bit but will be back. Will share more information as it becomes available.

I'd heard via the grapevine of a "New Moon" filming location but I didn't want to post it until I had confirmation and now I've been given the word.

"New Moon" will start shooting at Van Tech in March. At this point it's not clear what sort of filming in going on - I'm assuming it's only principal photography but it has been confirmed. Feelers are out to find the dates but at the moment, all I know is March. If you have a tip, be sure to leave a comment or drop me a line.

Twilight fans in the audience and living in BC should pay extra close attention.

A casting call has gone out from Aikins/Cossey (found via The Vancouver Sun Online) has put out a casting call for individuals between the ages of 15 and 25. Candidates will receive scripts and be asked return the same day to read for a part.

Details:

Victoria: Feb. 7, Paul's Motor Inn, 1900 Douglas St., 9 a.m. to noon
Vancouver: Feb.8, Second Avenue Studios, 225 W. 2nd Ave., 9 a.m. to noon
Kelowna: Feb. 8, Delta Grand Okanagan, 1310 Water St., 9 a.m. to noon

On a beautiful Saturday, when we should have been out enjoying the sun, hubby and I headed into downtown Vancouver.

As mentioned last week, we got a pair of tickets to attend the Taboo sex show here in Vancouver and on Saturday afternoon, we spent a few hours walking by and stopping at various booths, tables and displays featuring fun toys and slippery substances, not to mention we saw a lot of boobs. Unfortunately, the show was not exactly what I'd expected and like Emme over at sexinvancity.com, I thought it was a a bit trashy; crowded with people who apparently only do their adult toy shopping at the show. It's the only explanation for why The Love Nest's booth was jam packed even though nothing appeared to be on sale (same goes for Little Sisters).

Even among the trash (and there was a lot of it), I did find a few gems. Perhaps the coolest find was the discovery of the Terminal City Roller Girls. Hubby and I are *so* going to one of their events (when they're up in Canada at least). We also had a chance to see a little Burlesque and discovered that the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival is coming up. I can't wait to check out some of the events though, as a note, they've yet to post an event schedule. I did find out that there is a weekly show on Sunday nights at the Biltmore but with work on Monday, Sunday is a bad night for an outing.

I also had a chance to introduce hubby to the Suicide Girls. I'm still in a bit of shock that he had no idea what the hell I was talking about the first time we walked by the booth.

As for retailers, the best I found were Love Style who had an awesome assortment of glass toys - it was cool to see such a large collection when usually the selection is fairly small; and Love Bumper, a local company which designs ergonomically correct furniture to aid you in your sexual adventures. I had a nice chat with the designer and was impressed with his honesty and frankness not to mention, I *love* his product.

There was a slightly uncomfortable moment walking though Sin City's "The Dungeon" and recognizing a few people from my early days on the club scene but aside from that, nothing life changing.

Over all, it was a fun way to kill a few hours but I wasn't impressed enough to make the trip next year - unless the tickets are free again.

And when we left, the fog had set in.

A few weeks ago I started seeing signage at the Burrard Skytrain Station for the upcoming "Taboo Naughty but Nice Sex Show". In the past I've overlooked the event but this year I was kind of curious. Hubby and I talked about it and we decided we'd go, if it wasn't too expensive. It's not too bad, $20 per person, but that would be a cost of $40 for the both of us and frankly, the list of exhibitors didn't look all that amazing. Hubby, however wasn't giving up so easily.

Turns out he talked to his uncle who's a master carpet layer (trust me, this guy's laid more carpet than anyone else on the West Coast. If there's a master - he's it) for the Trade Show Industry and he happens to know everyone, including the folks organizing the event, so he was able to hook us up with 2 free passes.

So guess what we're doing Saturday?

Now I can't find anything on the website or the tickets but does anyone know if it's OK to take in cameras? I'd like to pack the big guy but not if I can't take it in with me!

Full report to come!

When the buzz started to generate about Vancouver stepping up and offering up our beautiful city for the Winter Olympics, I knew this wouldn't end well. I realize the importance of an event like this one but the city simply wasn't ready. We had so many other issues to deal through before we could get around to even thinking about hosting an event this size yet, City officials forged ahead, winning the bid.

For many, there was elation at the announcement but some of us were concerned.

Now there's this issue of the Olympic Village, cost overruns and the taxpayers having to shoulder the cost of the development. If that's not bad enough, the project is into major cost overruns, behind schedule and even when all is said and done and the
Olympics are over, we're going to be stuck as owners of these fabulous properties that will either be sold below cost or the City will have to hold onto them until the market returns to healthier levels. I've been reading a few bits and pieces in various different papers and all the experts seem to agree - this is going to be bad. Really bad.

This morning I was reading a piece over the The Georgia Straight that paints an even grimmer picture and the costs of these games just keep on rising. And if it wasn't bad enough to be going through this when the economy was looking decent, imagine dealing with this while we're in recession? They're estimating that BC residents could be paying this off for their entire lifetimes.

Is it worth it? It may be for those of above average income but the rest of us are going to feel the pain and no, I don't think it's worth it. But we're too far in now.

I can manage around cold, wet and snowy weather - wish the same could be said for our transit system. I realize that safety is first priority but what happened to me last night was a catastrophe and I blame poor communication as a major problem. I left the office at 5:45 last night and didn't make it home until 10PM. The reason for the major delay: waiting at 22nd Street Skytrain station for a bus to take me home. Reason for the lack of bus transportation: icy roads.

Yes, it was an inconvenience and I would have been OK with the delay and eventual re-routing except for the simple fact that the bus drivers, who knew they were not moving, failed to tell any of the hundred or so passangers stranded at the station what was going on. I finally had to ask a driver what the problem was but only after standing around for an hour in the freezing cold.

I am disappointed in our transit system. One would think that after years of bad weather, they would have figured out how to best keep the system up and running but just as we're taking two steps forward, we take 4 steps back. It's frustrating when your sole mode of transportation is public transit. They'd better get all this stuff sorted out over the next year because they can't be having these issues during the 2010 Games.

I just hope the ride home tonight goes a little smoother. At this point, all I ask is that the weather c0-operates. How about waiting to freeze roads until AFTER 7PM? Thanks.

Fellow blogger and fearless leader of the Vancouver BSG Meetup Group (known around these parts as The 13th Colony) Val, is coordinating a massive lead-up to the conclusion of BSG (for those not in the know, that would be Battlestar Galactica).
From the group's blog, I give you the skinny:

We’re having viewing parties each and every week from the first weekend in January 2009 and continuing through the end of March. We’ll start with two 4.0 Refresher sessions, then settle in for ten Friday nights to watch the final ten episodes, and finish it off with a “cry over your coffee” post-mortem session after the dust has cleared.

Our location for all 13 events is the LaFontana Caffe in Burnaby, a cool coffee place with plenty of seats and one very big screen. The owner is a 13^th Colonist, and he’s happy to have us overto watch with him. Since there’s no cover charge or event fee, we’re asking that everyone who shows up orders off the menu, to make sure it is worthwhile for them to have us there.

There are loads more details at the blog and at the group's Meetup page. If you're a fan and in the Vancouver area, you owe it to yourself to check out the show with the dedicated group of fans. They're fabulous and always put on a kickin' event!

I had my Sunday completely scheduled. 10AM screening of Slumdog Millionaire at The Park, an afternoon photo walk with a friend who lives in the neighbourhood of the theatre and then an evening screening of Gomorra (a film I missed at VIFF and was very excited to see). The day went 75% as planned. Of course, the 25% error was all my fault.

Mom called me at 4:45, just as I was getting off the bus at Main Street and about to catch a Commuter bus to my 6:30 screening. Turns out, she’d made dinner. The sad part is that she told me about said dinner last week and I completely forgot. She was sad, she was angry and then she hung up on me. Standing on the corner of Main and Terminal, all in a tizzy that I’d forgotten about this, I made a split second decision. I called Dale, who I was supposed to meet at the screening and let him know that I wouldn’t make it. I called hubby to make arrangements for a pick-up at the Skytrain and I called mom back to let her know I was on my way.

On the one hand, I’m happy I made that decision and on the other, I’ve come to the conclusion that I wasn’t mean to see Gomorra. This is the second time my plans to see this have been thwarted and at this point, I’ve pretty much given up hope on seeing it before it comes on DVD some time next year. Bugger, I really wanted to see it too.

On the bright side, the first movie of the day was very enjoyable, as was my photo walk. Though the weather wasn’t all that nice, we still managed quite the trek from Main Street, up to Queen Elizabeth Park and then back. I took 200+ pictures and tested out the camera nicely. All of the pictures from my adventure have now been uploaded to Flickr.

Admission: I’m not a Dr. Who fan but I know there are many who are and for this reason, I’d like to pass along a little information.

The local Dr. Who Meetup is hosting a little get together to celebrate 45 years of the good doctor and I’m helping spread the word. Event is Sunday, November 23rd at La Fontana in Burnaby and the group will be watching the pilot of the show along with whatever else they can dig up.

So if you’re a fan and want to celebrate with other fans, be sure to head over to the Dr. Who Meetup Group site and check out all of the details of the event. You may also want to join the group to stay up to date with other Dr. Who related events!

It's sad but true: my clubbing days ended before they officially started. How does that happen? I started frequenting nightclubs (nightclub really) when I was 18 (a year before my legal date) and by the time I was 19, my favourite hangout had closed and I gave up trying to find another place.

When I met hubby, he wasn't much of a club goer - mostly because the poor guy has little rhythm. Thankfully, he had friends that dragged him out and I got to tag along. We use to go to Luvafair every Friday and Saturday night. The boys liked to hand around the pool tables while the girls danced the night away. It had a wicked vibe, awesome music (I think Saturday was industrial night) and it was an all around great time. It was the only place I went where the DJs knew us, the waitresses knew us and it was also the place where I fell off the stage. No comment.

I was saddened when the place closed and did try to find something new - went to Sonar a few times, The Lotus, even tried The Plaza on Granville but nothing ever replaced it and so my clubbing days ended. The club closed its doors in February 2003, 27 years after it first opened and so died Vancouver's only truly alternative night club and with it, my clubbing days. Luvafair was an institution and over the years, there have been various events dubbed "Luvafair" revivals/nights but I've yet to make it out to one of them. And here comes the most recent of the pack.

On Thursday, September 25th, Celebrities will be hosting "Luvafair 2" featuring 1980-1989 playlists. Along with the wicked tunes, they've got a cool lineup of musicians, artists and DJs. It looks like it'll be a wicked night! Tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased here. Tickets at the door are $20.

I've got a couple of movies lined up for that night otherwise, I'd definitely be making the trip, especially since I have Friday off. One of these days, these events will land on a Friday or Saturday night and I'll have NO excuse not to go. Until then, I'll just keep reminiscing about the "good old days".

And since I'm talking celebrations...congrats to Darren Bruce who took home the title of Mr. Gay Canada at the event which took place this weekend! Congratulations!

In an effort to prove that “gay is not a stereotype” a group of folks are putting together Mr. Gay Canada.

The Mr. Gay Canada Competition is especially concerned with gay men being viewed as the “other,” as outsiders to the rest of the world. Humans have a natural propensity to distrust “the other” and tend to project negative feelings away from themselves. The media has easily established the ‘gay stereotype’ – quick, think of what it is in your mind – and we know that limited image does not represent all of us.

A good friend of mine sent me some information about the event, which will take place over the weekend of September 10th to the 21st in both Vancouver and Whistler.

Opening festivities are going on tonight, Thursday, September 18th at Celebrities Nightclub (1022 Davie Street, Vancouver), 9pm doors, 10:30 presentation hosted by award-winning performer Berend McKenzie and DJ Zach Shore; $10 cover. It's a great opportunity to meet all delegates.

And then on Saturday, September 20th, is the Mr. Gay Canada Finale at Maxx Fish (Whistler Village), 8:30pm doors, 9pm presentation with special guest star judge Charlie David and DJ Foxy Moron; $10 cover.

Proceeds from these events go to the Mr. Gay Canada charity of choice, Friends for Life.

Be sure to check out all of the delegates at Mr. Gay Canada!