My Blog

ROOFTOP CIRCUS- great for the lil' ones & adults!!!

tpaulstemarie — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 22:17:11 GMT

*********************** ROOFTOP CIRCUS *********************** WHEN: 7pm Sun. Apr. 15, WHERE: 4505 James St. @ 29th Ave ADMISSION: FREE! Johnnny Frem & Dave Horswell have finished installing another roof in the James St. neighbourhood, so we’re putting on another rooftop circus, which includes a chimney headstand (inspired by Steve Galloway’s book, “Ascension”) as well as a parade, some skits including very young talent, magic tricks, kid’s songs, clowning, fire-breathing and fire- spinning. Where: The Jang residence, SouthWest corner of 29th Ave and James St. (2 blks West of Main St.) Vancouver, BC When: 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Sun. Apr. 15 (Rain Date: move ahead one wk. to Sun. Apr. 22) With: Johnny Frem Fire-breathing & acting: T. Paul Ste Marie www.myspace.com/t_paul Musicians: Ross Barrett; Brian Siver; Dan Vie Clowns: Naomi Steinberg; Jacques Lalonde; Dan, Celia and Ruby Vie; Matthew, David and Nancy Jang; Dave Horswell; Magician: Brandy; Fire-spinning: Josh SEE Y’ALL THERE!

I am so proud of the students with whom I've worked!!!

tpaulstemarie — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 05:51:04 GMT

So, for years now, I've offered performances & workshops in spoken word & poetry in schools accross BC, and only once in a while is there an actual final product to view at the end of my time with the kids with whom I work. Granted, many of 'em write & perform some excellent poetry as an end result, but nothing quite as tangilble as the CATALYST FOR CHANGE PROJECT I worked on in 2006 with the students of GLADSTONE SECONDARY SCHOOL in Vancouver, BC. I took the kids all over Vancouver, particularly to the downtown eastside, on field trips where I was hoping that they would percieve some of te beauty within the desolate, as well as the humanity in the area that ost people discard along with the people who live there - the addicts, prostitutes and homeless. Well, man! These kids tuned in real good and came up with some beautiful words & imagery which was then turned into those huge bus shelter posters usually reserved for ads, and their "non-ads" were placed all over Vancouver in May & June of 2006! For samples of these pieces, visit the link below... www.artstarts.ca/programs/bus.html One of my fave posters from the project is pictured above.

MY DREAM GUIDE & HOW HE ENTERED MY LIFE

tpaulstemarie — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 05:44:24 GMT

This mask and how it's come to be an important part of my altar and my life , both conscious and subsconcious is lengthy, but interesting - from nightmare to protector.... From about the age of 4 to about 8 or 9, I had a recurring nightmare that plagued me every night. My father was a mask collector, and had a wall in the rec room devoted to multiple pieces from all over the world, save one, which he kept in a special place in his den on the built in wall bookshelf. It's the one pictured above. When a wire in back of this mask is pulled, the googlie eyes move up and down and the tongue waggles - kinda creepy over all, and some kind of demon mask to boot. Well, it was this mask that figured in these recurring nightmares which palyed out like this: It would alway begin as one of those dreams that you weren't sue about, as, in the dream, yu were waking up to go to the bathroom and all seemed normal at first. Well, that would happen, and I would make my way to my bedroom's door, looking down the hall to the bathroom, and this would change every so often - sometimes my mom would be at the mirror washing her face, other times, the bathroom appeared empty. So, I would then step out into the carpeted hallwaym, and this is where all was differentiated from reality to dream - the floor would give under my footfalls, sort of sag and bend with each step. The other very distinctive thing was the smell that would then hit my nose - a burning sort of stink, which I later discovered was the smell of the combination of sulphur and magnesium burning, as in a flashpot for stage use. I wanted in my heart to turn back to my bedroom, but something kept me moving forward. The way our house was laid out had the upstairs hall almost like a balcony that overlooked the living room, and from the hall, you could see the entryway to the kitchen, which had a set of stairs leading to my father's den. I would walk down the mushy hallway, walk down the steps into the living room, turn a sharp left into the kitchen, and find myself at the top of the steps that led to my dad's den, and from that vantage point, one could see part of the bookshelf which held my dad's many books on broadcasting and art, as well as the mask. The mask sat in such a place that it was almost centered in one's view when looking down these stairs. Next, I would stand transfixed and staring into the eyes of the glaring mask until, against my will, my legs would fold out fom under me and have me hovering in a curled position over the floor. Now, I would begin to slowly float towards the mask, and as I approached, its mouth gaped wider and wider until all I could see was the blackness of the inside of its craw. I found myself in the floorless cave that was the mask's mouth, and I began falling at a rapid rate, and the walls around me were white, with greeen and blue polka dots of varying sizes everywhere. On my fall, I would always have a brief stopover where I encountered a short, bottle shaped green creature with sprouts of hair fluffed out from its little head. This fellow would always say "Now, when you get there, don't worry - just run! Run as fast as you can, okay?!" and after these words were spoken, I would begin my fall again. Next, and contrary to all the stuff you hear about dreams when you're a kid, you know, like if you fall and hit the ground, you actually die and that sort of wive's talory, I would hit the ground with a hard and painful thud. Well, I would assess where I was next, and always, it was a land with black jagged rock underfoot, and a roiling black and red sky storming above me. Then, I would sense something behind me and begin to run, and run, and run for my life. This always led me to a cliff's edge, and I would jump from it, and, on landing, wake up sweating and crying every night. The dreams eventually subsided and passed. Years later, when I was about 12 and we lived in London, England, I started to have the dream again one night, and I caught it before it continued past the hallway walk. I called out for my mom and dad, and they came in the room. I told them about the dream returning, and then I asked for something which I think struck my dad as odd. I asked him to go and get the mask, and I put t on my night table and slept with it beside me for the night. The dream never ocurred again, but the mask did come back to my dreams years later as a dream guide of sorts. It brought me to good and positibve places and offered advice when needed. I now have the mask as a part of my main household altar in my living room. THought maybe one or two of you may find this story interesting - if not... sorry.

MY PERSONAL ASTORY OF ADDICTION

tpaulstemarie — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 17:29:32 GMT

MY PERSONAL STORY OF ADDICTION ******************************************** ** After writing this out to help a friend with her addictions counselling course she's taking, I thouht it'd be good to post here as it offers some insight into who I WAS, and why i am who i am now. It may even help someone - who knows? ** To actually think back to when I first found myself in the position of being an "addict" as opposed to simply a partying user takes me to the age of eleven years old. At age 11, my family (mom, dad & sister & I) moved from Kitchener Ontario to London England for my dad's work as a TV producer & teacher of broadcasting. This was a huge and welcomed change for me, as, as far back as I can remember, I hated being where we were, the city we lived in, and truly could not stand life, so any kind of large change was embraced by me! In fact, and this ties in with the whole addiction factor too, I can remember my first thoughts of suicide starting back when I was about 4 years old. I couldn't stand life & always felt terribly out of place around other people aside from my family. I was what would best be described as a "sensitive" child (if not over sensitive) by my parents & psychologists. As we know, there are many reasons for an addict's behavior, and mind seemed to be rooted in my general unhappiness as a human being from a young age on up and the intensity with which I felt things either coming at me from my surrounding environment or from within as was often the case when I was a child. I remember my first time experiencing any kind of intoxication, and it was at my cousin's wedding reception and I was maybe 9 or 10 years old. My cousin's husband kept giving me rum & coke after rum & coke. I must say, I didn't particularly care for the feeling of drunkenness, nor have I ever really. What little I do remember liking a bit about it was the change in my feelings towards others around me – I was laughing with people in a way I hadn't before and felt comfortably silly. This was not the beginning for me, however – it was just a first taste. By the way, prior to all of the illicit drug use, I had started smoking at age 11, which I can truly say was the first step on the path of the life of an addict. When I was 11, the summer that we moved to London, England, I was hanging out with my friends in the local schoolyard, and there were some of the older guys hanging out there, too, smoking gigantic spliffs rolled from multiple rolling papers. This was in the small-ish city of Kitchener, Ontario, wher life was generally pretty damned boring. Well, I guess they thought it'd be fun to see the ultra-nerdy, wimpy lil' fella, Paul (me), stoned, so they sat me down and had me join in the circle. Now, upon the THC first hitting my system like a ton of bricks, I can recall the feeling of an almost bubble around me – a big, invisible bubble protecting me on the outside, and on the inside, I felt all giggly and happy and wonderfully out of control. I can remember thinking "This is exactly what I want!" and being happy with my new found choice. Back then, pot made me feel happy inside and protected on the outside. All through my childhood, I was always the smaller guy, and to top that off, I was perceived as weird as I thought differently than most kids – these things amounted to many daily beatings at school, and not just from other students – our teachers were miserable son's 'o bitches too! I've always been an abstract thinker, which made things like maths and so on very difficult for me to grasp, and my teachers did not hesitate from calling me stupid all of the time, and not believing that I was doing my very best at things. Well, being stoned changed all of those feelings, and it's what I was looking for! There was a weird invincibility that came with the high, and shortly after walking around with my friends for I bit, I headed home to face the "Wow, Paul – your eyes sure are red. Are you feeling okay?" followed by the first in a series of lies that would trail along my life's chosen path. As the years went on and we lived in London, England, I was hanging out with a much tougher crowd and doing pretty much any substance offered to me. My 3 favorites through my school years were pot, LSD, and uppers of many different kinds (mostly pills). My crowd were Teddy Boys, which is England's rockabilly folks, Teddy Boys & Girls, or just "Teds", named after or main piece of typical and necessary Ted clothing, the Edwardian drape jacket – suit style jakets that dropped own almost to the knee, with a fairly thin (and almost always velvet) lapel & collar. It was in London that I began to be sexually active as well, a an unusually young age. So – here I was, 11 & 12 years old, in fights, getting high where & when I could, having sex, and basically reinventing myself from the quiet, wimpy kid I'd been back home. What an opportunity, and what a beginning to a messy life path! Needless to say, the return to Canada and my old home town wasn't an easy transition, but, as I had become much colder, violent, and less caring about what shit came my way, I took care of things pretty well on my own. Our weapon of choice in London was the traditional straight razor, Iand I never went anywhere without mine tucked in my back pocket or in the cuffs of my rolled up, bucket cuff bluejeans. So, although the changes I'd made appearance & attitude wise made things somewhat difficult for me, being stoned 80% of the time sure made it seem easier to deal with, and that means by usually not dealing with it. Then, a couple of years after my return another major life change occurred – I found god, so to speak. When I did that, I stopped the drugging, screwing, drinking & smoking. This lasted for all of 2 years, and when I stopped with the holy roller crap, I went right back to what I'd been doing before, except 10 time stronger! Once out of high school, just after my graduation, I made my always planned move to Toronto to pursue my acting career. Through all of my life, my parents had always supported both me and my sister with all off our artistic pursuits, shown us great amounts of love, and basically contradicted all of the garbage that we had force fed to us at school. Teachers back then would call both my sis & me "stupid", "dummies", and my favorite "useless" – well, this made the last bit of schooling very interesting & easy, as, when you hear enough of that crap, you have two choices – prove people different or, and this was my choice – give them what they want! So, out of school, new to Toronto, and looking for work in the 80's – much easier back then to find jobs I tell ya! I did – I began managing a blues club on the ultra hip Queen Street west, and had auditioned & been accepted as a part of the Q-Art Theatre Co-op. So, the acting plans were underway, I had a well-earning job, and suddenly cocaine became a part of my life! This happened upon me largely due to the blues club thing, as often my big tipping customers'd tip e in cash and blow at the night's end, which worked well as it was rare that I went right home after the bar closed – it was off to th boozecans – the after hours joints, for some more booze, coke, gals, & live music! Well, the coke I'd say was my first real problematic drug – the first one I developed a real dependency on. It really wore on me, and after about 2 years of regular daily use, I knew I had to do something. Back then, I remember wanting to just shoot myself in the head as I couldn't for the life of me figure how I'd leave this thing behind! Thank goodness for one of my best friend's dads (and this is an interesting side story, as my girlfriend/best friend at the time was 'Crossing Jordan' actress Jillian Hennessey). She brought me to her dad whn I asked her for some help, as her dad had been in recovery for over a decade at the time. He took me to my first 12 step meeting, which I passionately embraced as a new and needed lifestyle! Then, again, a new substance knocked on the weakened door of my inhibitions – crack! Man – the euphoria, the immediacy of the high, the outstanding temporary feeling a hit gave ya! All these factors made it something I can honestly say I was addicted to the first tie I used it! This came hand in hand with a live-in girlfriend who also jumped in with both feet and used as heavily as I did. I gotta tell ya, to be an addict you really find the strangest ways to get money for your habit – all kinds of lies, selling important stuff of your own, and those are only the legal ways! Hell – apply all of the resoucefulness of an addict to a clean person (as I am & do now) and you get the purest of survivors! So, I allowed the crack thing to run my life for about a year, then realized I had to stop or I'd die. So, I moved back to Kitchener to be with my family. This was the first time that I can remember me being 100% honest with my family about all of my drug related shit over the years, and what a kick in the pants it was to them. They knew something was wrong, just not what it was, and suddenly so much began to make sense for my family, and, as a result, me. This time, with all of my loved ones around me and in on where I was at, I was able to make a real go of the NA meetings as well as a complete and total change of lifestyle – changing people, places, things, and situations – all of these things must be done in order to begin true recovery. So – now years have passed and I haven't touched a thing. I decide to move to Vancouver, BC, and I was initially coming out here to study Buddhism, but abruptly turned from that path and found myself back working in entertainment as a publicist, promoter, host/emcee, and so on. There I was in a new city, surrounded by other entertainers – jazz musicians, burlesque performers, actors, comedians – all folks who aren't exactly known for having the purest of lifestyles, right? Well, one night when hanging with some jazz friends of mine, one of 'em pulls out a flap of some powder, which I immediately assumed was coke. I said "Naw – not for me. Haven't bothered with that shit in years, and I don't wanna be more highstrung than I aready am, thanks" to which he replied with a smile and said "This'll make you the opposite of highstrung, man. It's down. Heroin. Just snort it like ya would blow, and sit back & relax". Well, something that would mellow me, huh? Sure – why not I figred. Well – lo & behold – where'd this lovely stuff been all of my life/ I've always felt that my thoughts move far too quckly and that I can barely keep up with myself, and this, well – this allowe me to bring things to a happy, warm, and mellow pace. That was it for me – I was on! Officially hooked right then & there. So, I became the master of not looking high & never looking like I belonged in the downtown eastside at all – perhaps the sharpest dressed, most well behaved junkie you'll ever meet! So, the years passed, and I maintained, most days using just so I wouldn't get sick, and occasionally actually stopping to enjoy the high, but that becomes rare I tell ya! I found myself slowly becoming more & more fucked – dependant on this crap, without money, and desperate. I wanted so much to die right there! So, what did I do – I did what I swore I'd never ever do again as long as I lived. As a matter of a fact I'd been heard saying "I'd sooner shoot myself in the head than smoke crack again!" – there I was, scoring roock & heroin at the same time. My plan? Well, it was a suicide binge that would either kill me via heart attack, or get nme killed living on the streets of east Vancouver. Neither happened.What did happen I still look upon as some form of divine intervention. I often would sneak from scoring at Main & Hastings over to the public side of Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens where I'd find a wee spot in the bamboo grove and smoke some rock/snort some heroin. I did that this day, and I had planned at the beginning of this two week severe binge that if I didn't die or get killed, it was off the Burrard St. bridge for me, and this was the day – my last day! Well, I hunkered down, and to my right were two women doin there thing – cooking up, fixing up, and poking their H. We began to chat a bit. I decided that I should tell at least one person my plas for the day, so I turned to the incredibly skinny young woman next to me and told her of my plans for the bridge. By this time, she was on a serious nod and had a hard time listening to me, but something must've shaken her some, for as I got up to leave, she grabbed at my shirt sleeve and pulled me down to sit again. "What?" I asked her, in a hurry to get out of there. She locked her eyes with mine and said "My name is Shelley. I've been workin on these streets since I was 12 years old and I'm 37 now. I'm HIV positive and have no choice whether I'm gonna live or die – you do! Promise me that if there's one person you know who loves you that you'll call them before you do this? Promise me!" so I did – it felt like it was the least I could do. I began to walk away. On my walk I found the neaest pay phone and I called my ex girlfriend, who knew full and well what I was doing to myself, though not the suicide binge end of it. Once on the phone, I began to spill everything – I mean all of the details about what I'd ben doing and that I wanted to die. She said "If I can get you help, will you let me?" and I figured, well – nothing to lose and said yes. We then agreed on a place to meet up, and did. We talked for about ½ an hour in the alley I'd agred to meet her in, and then we took a cab to her home. When I wnet to stand after spilling everything to her and crying for the first time in years, I had zero body strength and she had to help me in & out of the cab. Once at her place, she put me in a hot bath & made food for me. This was the first I'd eaten in about a week and a half, so it took me a while to get it down. Over that night, she'd phoned everywhere she could in Vancouver to see about getting me into detox –the shortest waiting list was 3 weeks and she knew I wouldn't last. Finally, she contacted my family back in Ontario and they figured out a plan. I was to get on a plane the next day, fly to Toronto, get picked up by my family, and check into a non-medical detox (no methadone, adavan or anything) in Kitchener Ontario. I did this successfully & with everyon'es help. Detox lasted almost 2 weeks for me, which can only be compared to a week and a half of a severe flu – constant sweats, shaking, chilly one moment & hot the next, vomiting, nasty diareah about 20 times a day and more! Once done there, we'd found a great Rehab Clinic for me to check into. This was Homewood Health Care Facility in Guelph Ontario, and it's considered one of the finest facilities in North America. What luck to get in there! I went through the 28 day "spin dry" as we calle it, with a month of visiting daily follow up appointmenst with an addictions doctor, plus a minimum of 1 Narcotic Anonymous meetings a day (sometimes found 2 or three!). I still suffer from severe depression with suicidal thoughts, but I'm in much better control of my life free from drugs than on them! Well, this last time around stuck and I've been clean ever since I'm proud to say! Some days are tougher than others, but I'm clean & alive damnit!

THE WESTERN CANADA YOGA HATHA CHAMPIONSHIP

tpaulstemarie — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 19:59:54 GMT

THE WESTERN CANADA BIKRAM YOGA present THE WESTERN CANADA YOGA HATHA CHAMPIONSHIP http://www.bikramyogavancouver.com/events.htm WHEN: Sunday November 5th 2006 WHERE: Croatian Cultural Centre - 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC TICKETS: $12.00 The International Yoga Championship-Bishnu Charan Gosh Cup represents self-improvement, will power, determination, concentration, and dedication to improving ones body and mind. Life is a competition and yoga teaches you emotin in action. The competition is within yourself taking you to a new level of self improvement. Yoga is a disciplined lifestyle that evokes one to live a healthier and happier lifestyle. With this in mind, we can move mountains of ignorance and fear regarding yoga as a competition."

BIG CLOTHING/COSTUME SALE SATURDAY!!!

tpaulstemarie — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 03:45:27 GMT

SALE SECOND HAND COSTUMES, VINTAGE, CLOTHING ACCESSORIES AND OTHER CRAZY CLOTHING - MENS AND WOMENS ONE DAY ONLY SATURDAY OCT. 21 C'mon out this Saturday October 21st for a fantastic sale by many of the fantastic performers and artists in Vancouver, BC, from T.Paul http://www.t-paul.com, Celebrity Imposters http://www.celebrity-imposters.com/ , to many of the great vintage/second hand store owners in town. Great bargains on men's & women's wear - winter/spring/summer wear and more!!! Perfect timing for Hallowe'en - costumes galore!!! 11AM-4PM 440 W HASTINGS SUITE 340 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ARTISTS PERFORMERS CLLECTORS AND OTHER AMAZING PEOPLE

LOWBROW ON THE HIGHSEAS - Pirate Arrrt Show!

tpaulstemarie — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 20:20:18 GMT

Ahoy Brethren of the Coast and Far Shores!Sail ho!! Black Ethyl Cash and Iron Jenny Galore present... ************************************************** LOWBROW on the HIGH SEAS 3: the Pirate Arrt Show ************************************************** http://thetartgallery.com/ Friday July 21,Saturday July 22 and Sunday July 23 at the World Famous MARINE CLUB-573 Homer St. Vancouver BC Adv.Tickets : $10 Tickets at the Door: $15 Weekend Pass : $20 Doors: 8pm Sun: 6pm Emcee'd by Capn. T.Paul http:///www.t-paul.com w/ musical guests (Fri 10pm) THE SPITFIRES w/ Creaking Planks http://www.myspace.com/thespitfiresvancouver (Sat 10pm) THE HIGHBALLS w/ Ana BonBon http://www.myspace.com/wheresyourfezat , http://www.myspace.com/anabonbon (Sun 9pm) SANNE LAMBERT TRIO w/ Living Mannequins http://www.myspace.com/sannelamberttrio (Venus & Mars Fashion Show) (No Cover!) Pirate wear is encouraged! Arr! Costume contest and Prizes! Featuring Arrtists... 12 Midnite http://12midnite.com/, Jason Ainsworth http://planetpili.com/ Pilar Alvarez Holly Anderson / Drea Baeza Tom Bagley / David Boswell http://www.reidfleming.com/db- illustrator.html, The Boy / Breadman / Ryan Bubnis / Robert Chaplin Johnny Crap http://www.johnnycrap.com, Clint Danroth / Keith Dunsmuir /John The Dutchman / Rob Elliott Carol Fagan / Angela Fama / Rheanna Fancypants /Susan Ferguson / Rod Filbrandt http://homepage.mac.com/rodfilbrandt, Cynthia Frenette / Ken Gerberick http://www.kengerberick.com/, Kelly Haigh / Ryan Halter / Ryan Heshka /Rob Hope Dustin Kroetsch / Vicki M. http://www.thetartgallery.com/popindex.html, Stu Mackay- Smith /Krysztof Nemeth / Dave Nicholson Darcy Paterson / Owen Plummer /Terry Plummer /Bonni Reid / ROT / Bob Scott Fiona Smyth /T.Paul Ste. Marie http:///www.t-paul.com/Brandon Steen / Nicole Steen/ Tracy Suter Rob Thompson /Andrea Tucker / Colin Upton /Heather Watts / Kipling West Mirmy Winn / Annie Wilkinson / Chad Woodley /Jesse Young / D'arcy Yurchuk Artists are invited free of charge.Pirate wear is encouraged! Arr! Costume contest and Prizes!!!

BIG SMASH music in film festival...

tpaulstemarie — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 09:07:40 GMT

BIG SMASH music in film festival... http://www.bigsmash.com/ PACIFIC CINEMATHEQUE - VANCOUVER, BC http://www.cinematheque.bc.ca/ So, I'm working with the BIG SMASH music in film fest in Vancouver (now until April 25th - visit site for more info!), and I hafta admit, I'm pretty damned excited that part of the fest is devoted to 2 films Paul Williams has played huge roles in - THE MUPPET MOVIE and (you guessed it!) PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE! Now, I ain't ashamed to admit that this Brian De Palma directed rock opera-ish flick was one of my faves in the 70's, and nor should you if it's the truth! We'll be screening both on Monday night (April 24 2006) and Paul Williams will be there as guest of honor and to do a Q & A. I've already pulled my original PHANTOM LP out of the old apple crate, and, for the first time in ages, I'm gonna get me an autograph - something I never, ever do! I really have no choice, as my older sis had a BIG crush on Williams (weird, huh?) back in the 70's, and she'd never forgive me if I didn't - LOL! I'm actually sitting in a DEATH RECORDS Tee-shirt right now, as we had the opening gala last night, and the coordinator/curator of this nifty event, Kier-La, brought the tees up from Austin, Texas . Williams is also up here in Canada for the 2nd PHANTOMPALOOZA http://www.phantompalooza.ca/ in Winnipeg. According to statistics, Winnipeg has more PHANTOM fans than anywhere else in the world - Kooky, huh? I wish I could go, but it's a wee bit outta my way - LOL! At the PHANTOMPALOOZA gig will be Paul Williams (Swan), William Finley (Winslow/Phantom), Jessica Harper (Phoenix), Gerrit Graham (Beef), and THE JUICY FRUITS! Well, that's my cool news! See all y'all, T.Paul P.S. The schedule for the rest of the BIG SMASH fest is below for all who may be interested... BIG SMASH SCHEDULE http://www.bigsmash.com/schedule.php April 22nd - Saturday NINA SIMONE: LOVE SORCERESS Showtime: 03:00pm SOUND CLASS Showtime: 03:00pm ONE PLUS ONE: SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL Showtime: 05:00pm ESQUIVEL: THE KING OF LOUNGE Showtime: 07:15pm THE OTHER UNIVERSE OF KLAUS BEYER Showtime: 07:15pm LET'S ROCK AGAIN! Showtime: 09:45pm MY BROTHER IS JAMES CHANCE Showtime: 09:45pm I WAS A TEENAGE QUINCY PUNK! Showtime: 11:45pm April 23rd - Sunday PAYDAY Showtime: 02:00pm TALL TALES & OTHER BIG LIES Showtime: 02:00pm MY NAME IS ALBERT AYLER Showtime: 04:30pm WE JAM ECONO: The Story of the Minutemen Showtime: 06:45pm THE PASSING SHOW: THE LIFE & WORK OF RONNIE LANE Showtime: 09:15pm WRECKLESS ERIC - LIVE! Showtime: 11:00pm April 24th - Monday Scarecrow Video Presents THE MUPPET MOVIE - new 35mm print! Showtime: 07:00pm Happy Bats Cinema presents PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE Showtime: 10:00pm *Paul Williams special guest!!! PAUL WILLIAMS After-Party with JULY 4th TOILET Showtime: 11:45pm April 25th - Tuesday YOU'RE GONNA MISS ME: A MOVIE ABOUT ROKY ERICKSON Showtime: 07:00pm

Vintage-style "Wild One" type gas attendant caps!

tpaulstemarie — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 06:20:53 GMT

Vintage-style "Wild One" type gas attendant caps available! **************************************************************** More images? Click the links below http://c.myspace.com/Groups/00012/76/45/12755467_l.jpg http://c.myspace.com/Groups/00012/58/14/12694185_l.jpg http://c.myspace.com/Groups/00012/23/94/12754932_l.jpg For all of the rockabilly & greaser Kats n Kittens out there... For those whove looked but never found em Good news! - I make those fantastic (and next to impossible to find!) vintage-style gas attendant caps that were popularized in films like "THE WILD ONE". What better way to accessorize that wardrobe consisting of bucket cuff dungarees, plain white rolled sleeved tee-shit, engineer boots, and slick jacket? They are available in a selection of colours from black, bone (a very light beige-ish colour), cream, pink and white. The caps are waterproof and have a slight stiffness to the, which allows them to be shaped when worn, but are still pliable enough to tuck away in your pocket. The bills are either in a shiny patent leather type black, or in a black matte finish. To order a cap fit to your specifications, please contact me via my email address with your hat size or head measurements (around the head at the top of the ears to the top of the forehead) and we can go from there! IF YOU WOULD LIKE A LOGO, NAME, OR IMAGE ADDED (with acrylic paint almost anything can be done or created for you!), there will be an additional charge on top of the initial ($65.00) price of the hat. I can be contacted through my profile or my website at http://www.t-paul.com if youre interested! See ya 'round, T.Paul

Lookin' for work! Any help is appreciated...

tpaulstemarie — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 04:24:55 GMT

*********************************** T.Paul is lookin for the right job. Please help where you can... *********************************** So, I think Ive been here before, lookin for work as my freelance & on-contract work just aint cuttin the proverbial muster anymore! Anyone out there who may have any leads (whether you think they would suit or please me or not!), please do let me know about them. I am happy at the ideas of full-time or part-time or contract work right now I aint bein all that picky! Any words of encouragement or suggestions that you may send my way would be greatly appreciated! Ive been a shoe-shine boy, a bouncer, an actor, a graphic designer, an assistant chef, a colourizer of B&W films (sorry, kids!), a side show barker, a wardrobe person, a bartender, a blues club manager, a live events producer, a 6 ft. 5 in. owl (animated character), and so many, many more things throughout my life! Sometimes I feel like a character in a Tom Waits song, except I aint a bum or a boozer now LOL! Most of what Ive done has been via the education of practical experience and constant learning and curiosity, so the post secondary education really hasnt played any role in what Ive done, or probably will do! As far as my preferences go, well they may seem big-ish, but not improbable. Here they are: * Any work in broadcasting * (radio or television) whether PA work, reception work, or what-have-you * Graphic Design/Fine Arts * I work with computer and hand generated graphic desing and art on a freelance basis now. * Wardrobe work - Film, TV, Theatre * I have 14 years on-again, off-again experience as a dresser with I.A.T.S.E.'s theater locals accross North America, and would love the work again! * Film/TV Industry * Whether as a P.A., a gaffer, or whatever is available - I'm game! * Stage Manager/ Production Coordinator * Any work involving the management of live productions - this is one of my finest attributes! * Care-giver, counselor * I have 5 years experience working in group homes with developmentally & physically challenged youth and adults (but no relevant post secondary education) * Teaching/working with kids/ workshops etc... * This is one of my favorite things Ive done on contract over the years a true joy! * Working with at-risk youth. * Having been one myself, Id love to work where I am helping where I can! * Publicity/Promo work. * Even at an entry-level, lower position, it would see me working with what I am familiar with. * At-home computer related work * I have the tools and the skills, just not the job! * Emcee/Host * well, many of you know me as this, and it would be ideal if some kind of regular work would benefit from my skills. * Arts administration * which is what I do with TWH and my own performance based and art work based things already! * DECENT retail work! * This means that it pays decently and is in a place that is open minded to individuality! Ive included my resumes below for your perusal. If you wish to send this on to anyone who may be interested in a hard working, driven, self-sufficient, easily trained fella like me, please cut and paste the info below (not the body of this message) and send it their way. You will see my WORK RESUME and my PERFORMANCE RESUME below choose which one is appropriate, and fire it off to someone who may need me! For anyone who may be interested in my artwork, you can visit http://www.t-paul.com or my online myspace gallery here - SwankHipster Gallery http://www.myspace.com/swankhipstergallery My work can also be purchased either through me or by visiting A BAKERS DOZEN ANTIQUE SHOP & CURIO EMPORIUM at 3520 Main St. (@ Main & 19th) in Vancouver, BC. I have new hand-painted clay poker chip pins (@ A BAKERS DOZEN) going for $20 a piece a real value for a completely unique gift. Remember I do all kinds of commissioned pieces for people as well, so let me know if youre looking for a personalized piece! ******************* WORK RESUME ******************* T. Paul Ste. Marie Website: http://www.t-paul.com WORK EXPERIENCE ************************** TWH Productions & Designs Vancouver 2002 present * Position: Owner/Operator Operating a small business that covers everything from events production, promotion and publicity, graphic design for events and performers to emceeing and performing. ArtStarts in Schools Throughout BC * Position: Educator/Performer 2003 - present Through ArtStarts in Schools and independently, I create and implement workshops for students between grade 7-12 focusing on Spoken Word and Poetry. I also perform and create programs in Spoken Word for schools, community centers, private functions, educators and more. The classroom work includes preparing and assisting students with relevant assignments, implementing the programs that I create for the classrooms, and working with a variety of instructional aide equipment. Brewery Creek Cold Beer & Wine Store Vancouver 2005 2006 * Position: Customer Service With a practical knowledge of wines and beers, Brewery Creeks customer service personnel actively assisted customers in choosing wines, educated them on various breweries, and completed their sales with them. The work entailed cash register operations, stocking fridges, constant education on new products, cash in and out responsibilities, and more. Tony N Tinas Wedding Hoarse Raven Theatre Co. Vancouver 1999 - 2004 * Position: Actor Performing the roles of 6 characters over a three year period for sold out nightly crowds within an ensemble cast K-W Association for Community Living Kitchener, Ontario 1994 -1999 * Position: Caregiver/Counselor At the KW Assoc. for Community Living, I was a caregiver/counselor within group home settings for physically and developmentally challenged youth and adults. I assisted with the emotional physical needs of my clients, acted as a liaison between clients and their families, distributed medications, maintained daily logs and incident reports, planned and implemented activities for the homes residents. (NVCI, CPR, & AR training) I.A.T.S.E. - Wardrobe Dept. Various Locals - Canada - Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal etc... U.S. - Jupiter, West Palm Beach Fla., N.Y.C. etc... * Position: Wardrobe Personell/Dresser Productions: Sweet Charity, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express, Dream Girls, The Foreigner, and more. Ove a period spanning 14 years, I contractually worked with numerous I.A.T.S.E. locals as a member of their wardrobe departments. As a dresser, my work entailed the maintenance of costumes, frequent repairs, assisting actors with their costume prep, and so on. ******************************* PERFORMANCE RESUME ******************************* T.Paul Ste. Marie Height: 5 8 Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Weight: 155 lbs Citizenship: Canadian Status: Non-Union Website: http://www.t-paul.com SELECTED FILM / TELEVISION / RADIO ******************************************** 23 - Film Principle Actor - Alex Konevyes Dir. THE L WORD Television Background Actor Showtime Entertainment 100% Maple Verse - Television - Host / Writer CBC television pilot / Frame 30 Productions Jake 2.0 - Television Background Actor UPN zeD TV - Television - Special Guest Performer - CBC Television Word Slammers - Radio - Host/Writer - CBC Radio, Newfoundland The Whole Shebang - Film - Background Actor - Lions Gate Film Invocation - Film Principle Performer - Monkey King Productions ******************************** SELECTED EMCEE / HOST ********************************* Chaz Royal / FluffGirls Burlesque Society Emcee/Host Vancouver, BC Surfn Ska Show Emcee/Host BLAST! Productions Vancouver, BC Vancouver Folk Fest 2002-03 Emcee/Performer Vancouver, BC Corrupt Cabaret ..s 1 through 7 Emcee/Host - Celebrity Imposters Ent Vancouver, BC Wormwood Bros. Circus Sideshow Emcee/Sideshow Barker - Wormwod Brothers Productions Vancouver, BC Plus a variety of corporate events, fundraisers and more within BC! ************************** SELECTED THEATRE ************************** Dragonland Actor/Ensemble - Jacques Lalonde Dir Vancouver, BC Tuna... an Agit Pastoral Principle Actor - O.K. Theatre Co. Vancouver, BC Freight Train Land a Hip Hop Opera Actor/Ensemble - East Side Eternity Prod. Vancouver, BC Tony N Tinas Wedding Actor - Hoarse Raven Theatre Co. Vancouver, BC Accidental Death of an Anarchist Principle Actor - Q-Art Theatre Co-Op Toronto, Ont. Twelve Angry Men - Principle Actor - Q-Art Theatre Co-Op Toronto, Ont. ************ TRAINING ************* Q-Art Theatre Co-Op - Acting, Stagefighting - Gabor Zsigovics Theatre Aquarius - Acting for film & televison - Peter Mandia ******************** SPECIAL SKILLS ******************** emcee/host, singer, dance (some jazz, modern, ballroom), character voices dialects & accents, kung fu, specialized martial arts & weapons handling, western horseback riding, mime, clowning, fire breathing, billiards, C.P.R. / A.R. / first aid, writer of scripts short stories and poetry, painter/fine artist, graphic & computer graphic design, promoter, producer of live events

Chaz Royal's SHIMMY SHAKERS WEEKENDER

tpaulstemarie — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 16:04:48 GMT

Chaz Royal's **************************************** SHIMMY SHAKERS WEEKENDER **************************************** more info http://www.myspace.com/chazroyalburlesque *View poster image here http://myspace-097.vo.llnwd.net/00620/79/05/620365097_l.gif ROCKABILLY! BURLESQUE! DANCIN'! GOOD TIMES! For two nights, Chaz Royal brings you the SHIMMY SHAKERS WEEKENDER at the world famous Marine Club! For this, the stompin'est, rockin'est, most burlesque-filled weekender, you're gonna wanna mark you calendars TODAY!!! This is the weekender to end all weekenders, so be sure to c'mon out!!! WHEN: Friday May 12th & Saturday May 13th - 9PM til 2AM WHERE: The Marine Club – 573 Homer Street (at Dunsmuir), Vancouver, BC - 604-683-1720 TICKETS: ONLY $15 (each night)!!! INFO: http://www.myspace.com/chazroyalburlesque ** FRIDAY MAY 12th's LINE-UP ** Musical performances by: THE FABULOUS BOOTLEG BURLESQUE BAND http://www.myspace.com/chazroyalburlesque THE BLACK CRABS http://www.theblackcrabs.com/ THE SLICKJACKS http://www.myspace.com/theslickjacks Burlesque Starlets: GO GO AMY! http://www.myspace.com/gogoamy CECELIA BRAVO http://www.myspace.com/ceciliabravo TRIXIE MALICIOUS DARLING BETTINA http://www.myspace.com/bettinasuicide With you Swank Emcee: T.PAUL http://www.t-paul.com ** SATURDAY MAY 13th's LINE-UP ** Musical performances by: THE ROY KAY TRIO http://www.roykaytrio.com/ HANK ANGEL AND HIS ISLAND DEVILS http://www.myspace.com/hankengelband SLIM SANDY http://www.slimsandy.com/ Burlesque Starlets: GO GO AMY! http://www.myspace.com/gogoamy CECELIA BRAVO http://www.myspace.com/ceciliabravo TRIXIE MALICIOUS DARLING BETTINA http://www.myspace.com/bettinasuicide With you Swank Emcee: T.PAUL http://www.t-paul.com HOPE TO SE ALL Y'ALL OUT IN MAY!!!!

CELTICFEST VANCOUVER 2006

tpaulstemarie — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 02:32:59 GMT

CELTICFEST VANCOUVER 2006 ************************************* http://www.celticfestvancouver.com/ Hey Folks! I'm involved with CelticFest 2006 this week, celebrating Celtic culture in Vancouver with more than 40 events downtown from March 15 - 19th... VISIT http://www.celticfestvancouver.com/ FOR MORE INFORMATION! During the week, there's lots of music, dancers and bagpipes, three great Irish films, a steal-of-a-deal scotch tasting, and a full-pull Irish dinner w/ beer and music..... plus a couple of cool Celtic cabaret nights, and of course… The Biggest & Best St. Paddy's Night Out! at the Commodore on Friday. Then we're partying on Granville Street Saturday and Sunday, shutting down a whole block for a Street Market, then another block for a KidsZone on Sunday afternoon after the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The Street Market has a free outdoor stage. Here's some of the special Festival events There's details and ticket info at celticfestvancouver.com. Celtic Cool 1 - CelticFest Opening Night Celtic Fest's official kick-off. Oliver Schroer, Irish Dancers, Irene - Naughty Limerick Queen, Elise Boeur & friends and emcee T.Paul. Wed. March 15 5:30 - 8 pm Morrissey Irish House, 1227 Granville $5 Whisky Kiss - Scotch Tasting Sample five high-end whiskies and single malts for just $10! Thursday, March 16 6 - 8 pm Morrissey Irish House, 1227 Granville Limited space. $10 From Delhi to Dublin. … The Beats Without Borders DJ collective spins global grooves with a Celtic spin that move your head, heart and hips, along with extreme fiddlers Kytami and Oliver Schroer, plus live dancers. Thursday March 16 Starts 8:30 pm The Plaza Club, 881 Granville Street $10 THE Biggest & Best St. Paddy's Night Out featuring The Paperboys, Whiskey Dicks, Tim Readman, Shona Le Mottée, BC Regiment Irish Pipe and Drum Band, the De Dannaan Irish Dancers, and Irene Livingston, CelticFest Limerick Queen. Chance to win 2 tickets to Glasgow included! Friday March 17 Doors 8 pm Show starts 8:30 pm. The Commodore Ballroom. $25. The Great Big Session! with hosts Blackthorn & Erin Mullan. All players, singers, dancers and lovers of great Celtic music are welcome to join in the music and hoist a pint - perhaps Granville Island's special Killarney Stout. Sunday March 19 2 - 5pm Tom Lee Music, 3rd Floor Free for musicians, $5 for friends Celtic Chill After the buzz and the bustle of the parade, The Plaza Club offers a chill-out alternative - think urban oasis, deep dub and soft lighting - a place to kick back for a while and mellow out. Lady Ra and Miss Bliss trade chill-out turntable sets. Sunday March 19 2 - 5pm The Plaza Club, 881 Granville Street. $2 Celtic Cool 2 - CelticFest Wrap Party Come to the Festival Wrap Party… the more the merrier. We'll all be partying … Troy MacGillivray, Tim Readman, Oliver Schroer, Blackthorn, Whisky Dicks, Erin Mullan, Elise Boeur, T.Paul. , the Svelte Ms. Spelte... and the list goes on. Sunday March 19 5:30 - midnight The Plaza Club, 881 Granville Street. Festival folks free. Friends $5 Here's some of the regular daily Festival events Here's the schedule Saturday afternoon… 12:00 - 1:00 The McShane Family from Vancouver Island 1:30 - 2:30 Blackthorn from right here 2:30 - 3:30 Troy MacGillivray from Nova Scotia Sunday after the parade… 1:30 - 2:30 Fiddlehead from Olympia, Washington 2:30 - 3:30 Oliver Schroer & The Twisted String There's also a great series of free music workshops at Tom Lee Music... Saturday 1 - 2 East Coast Style Fiddling with Troy MacGillivray 2 - 3 Wheat in the Barley's Whistling in the Wind Workshop 3 - 4 Shona Le Mottée and Tim Readman Fiddle And Guitar Duets Sunday 1:30 - 2:30 The West Coast Fiddle Workshop with Oliver Schroer & Twisted String 2:30 - 3:30 The Celtic Guitar with Tim Readman 3:30 - 4:30 Beat Me Up, Scotty (Victor Smith shows what you can do with the bodhran) Upstairs in Tom Lee Music, there's family-friendly musical theatre -- 'Gortnamona' about the life, work and antics of Percy French, a well-known Irish author, poet and songwriter. You know about the parade don't you? It's the 3rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, and it's the biggest yet. It starts at 11 am on Sunday, March 19th and heads north along Granville Street, from Davie to Dunsmuir. Pretty close to 100,000 people are expected to go downtown to watch, so if you want a good spot, you should go early. Plus the first 4,000 kids get free balloons. It's a very 'Vancouver' kind of parade. It's Irish, but it's multi-cultural too, with a Gung Haggis Fat Choy float, and Brazilian and banghra dancers as well as lots of Celtic dancers and players. There's clowns and giant puppets, art cars and antique trucks and precision drill teams. Thousands of people from all kinds of groups march in the parade. It's really fun. If you're a player, you should come join the Great Big Session, which is free - except for the beer. There's also a Gaelic football game going on in David Lam Park at the same time (tough choice, right?). Then everybody's invited to come on down to the Festival's wrap party, Celtic Cool 2 at the Plaza Club, which is right across the street from the Commodore. Volunteers and performers get in free… so it's a good bet a LOT of people will be there, and a LOT of music will be happening! Looking forward to seeing you at a great festival!!!

CHAZ ROYAL BURLESQUE PRESENTS...

tpaulstemarie — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 07:42:10 GMT

CHAZ ROYAL BURLESQUE PRESENTS http://www.myspace.com/chazroyalburlesque Hank Angel & His Island Devils & Crossbone Cadillacs! Bur;esque by Pink Sky & Your emcee T.Paul http://www.t-paul.com February, 25 2006 at Lamplighter/ Rockabilly Night 210 Abbott St., Vancouver, V6B 2K8 Cost: $10

Bad Liver and a Broken Heart

tpaulstemarie — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 19:03:14 GMT

Valentines's Day, huh? Here's my song for the occassion... ********************************* Bad Liver and a Broken Heart ********************************* by Tom Waits Well I got a bad liver and a broken heart yea I drunk me a river since you tore me apart and I don't have a drinking problem cept when I can't get a drink And I wish you'd a known her we were quite a pair she was sharp as a razor and soft as a prayer so welcome to the continuing saga she was my better half and I was just a dog and so here am I slumped I been chippied I been chumped on my stool so buy this fool, some spirits and libations it's these railroad station bars with all these conductors and the porters and I'm all out of quarters and this epitaph is the aftermath yea I choose my path hey come on Cath, he's a lawyer, he ain't the one for ya and no the moon ain't romantic it's intimidating as hell and some guy's trying to sell me a watch And so I'll meet you at the bottom of a bottle of bargain Scotch I got me a bottle and a dream it's so maudlin it seems you can name your poison go on ahead and make some noise I ain't sentimental this ain't a purchase it's a rental and it's purgatory, hey what's your story, well I don't even care cause I got my own double-cross to bear and I'll see your Red Label and I'll raise you one more and you can pour me a cab, I just can't drink no more cause it don't douse the flames that are started by dames It ain't like asbestos it don't do nothing but rest us assured and substantiate the rumors that you've heard. P.S. ~ My liver actually is fine, but there was more than one that got away so to speak... single on Valentine's Day again ain't really that bad. See ya ‘round, T.Paul a.k.a. SwankHipster http://www.t-paul.com P.P.S. ~ For some great Tom Waits vids and such, go to http://www.youtube.com/results?search=tom%20waits&sort=relevance&page=1

T.W.H. SPECIAL "CHRISTMAS/HANUKKA/HOLIDAY " EVENT

tpaulstemarie — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 07:46:40 GMT

A very special ************* CHRISTMAS/HANUKKA/HOLIDAY THUNDERING WORD HEARD! http://www.myspace.com/thunderingwordheard Sunday, December 18th 2005 ~ 7:30PM 'til late! featuring: PAULIE LIPMAN http://www.myspace.com/paulielipman Slammin' poetix from Denver, Cololardo THE SVELT MS. SPELT reading "THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS" BOB’S LOUNGE http://batteryopera.com/website.htm offering up 2 men, a sax, lounged out tunes, and great smoking jackets! CHELSEA & her beautiful singing voice! FERNANDO RAGUERO givin’ us his bent version of life & the holidays MAGPIE ULYSSEES & words of wisdom PATRICK COTE Strummin’ so’s y’all can hum along ...and many more! There will be DOOR PRIZES, a COLLECTION TAKEN UP FOR THE SALVATION ARMY, an OPEN MIC portion of the night (so be early!), and much more! PLEASE NOTE ~ This will be the LAST T.W.H. for close to a month, as Ali & Courtney are off on vacation, so please make it out and help us celebrate the season finale properly! Check out our new ( & functioning) online home at www.myspace.com/thunderingwordheard t h u n d e r i n g w o r d h e a r d ******************************* http://www.myspace.com/thunderingwordheard is vancouver's only spoken word/music fusion open mic series *3 time winner of the WestEnder's best in the west award for BEST OPEN MIC 2001-03* Hosted by T.Paul www.t-paul.com WHEN: every sunday open mic artists sign up at 7:30PM - show at 8:30PM WHERE: Caf? Montmartre, 4362 Main St., Vancouver, B.C., (@ Main & 28th) 604.879.8111 ADMISSION FREE ~ HAT PASSED

Production stills from the movie "23"...

tpaulstemarie — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 02:13:37 GMT

Here are links to some of the production stills from the film "23" (see older blog entries) that ya may get a kick out of! It's me playin' "Leonard Magnum" the ethereal, ever-changing, driver of time & space of the flick, and Mark as "Ethan Stockton," the paralyzed-from-the-waist-down, confused young man who is finally discovering the importance of the numer 23 in his life. http://c.myspace.com/Groups/00008/90/95/8095909_l.jpg http://c.myspace.com/Groups/00008/15/95/8095951_l.jpg http://c.myspace.com/Groups/00008/58/95/8095985_l.jpg http://c.myspace.com/Groups/00008/22/06/8096022_l.jpg http://c.myspace.com/Groups/00008/44/06/8096044_l.jpg http://c.myspace.com/Groups/00008/86/06/8096068_l.jpg http://c.myspace.com/Groups/00008/97/85/8095879_l.jpg best, t.paul http://www.t-paul.com

SPUN ~ a movie review

tpaulstemarie — Sat, 03 Dec 2005 04:26:02 GMT

SPUN ***** http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283003/ *FOR THE MOVIES I OWN & RECOMMEND, VISIT: http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=15102192 http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=15197756 Nothing like a flick that can make an ex-user feel all queer in the gut and edgy while watching it! I've been clean for going' on 10 years now, and this movie took me right back to the filth-ridden homes and crash pads of every junkie, crack head, me th head, etc... I've ever known. Nice job, folks! With outstanding & daringly creative direction on the part of Jonas Akerlund, who, up until this movie is best known for directing music videos and documentaries, SPUN spins out of control in the way that the pointless, moving-on-to-the-next-score, sad lives of any speed freak's (or any other heavy drug user's) existence truly does. Thank god for the wicked sense of humor on the part of both ?kerlund & the film's writer's, Will De Los Santos & Creighton Vero, because without it, this would've been a bleak piece of celluloid to endure. Heck - When I look back on my trials and tribulations as a completely screwed addict, I can recall many a funny-as-hell story that accompanied the ridiculous self-inflicted tragedy that was my life. Ya have to laugh at it! It ain't all darkness and depression - just mostly- LOL! The animated snippets employed each time that our film's anti-hero "Ross" (played by the very talented Jason Schwartzman) slammed another bump 'o crank up his more-than-ample schnoz were fantastic! The style and the motion of the animation in "Spun" brought back memories of Pink Floyd's "The Wall" for me, and were equally as disturbing as Scarfe's work with Floyd, yet were even more graphically sexual and raw than his work if you can believe that! Some may argue that there was no solid plot line to the movie, and that they felt lost while watching it. I say "Good!" I do believe that the director intended this, as the only real plot line in the life of any addict I've ever known was to score and keep high and that's what this film does - over and over again! It was great seeing Peter Stormare's role as the whacked-out cop, swaggering around in full, proud multitude was hilarious! Accompanied by his big-mustachioed partner played by Alexis Arquette, all of their busts are played out a camera crew for the "COPS" like live broadcast show called "BUST" these two buffoons are the coke-induced Starsky & Hutch stars of. There is a veritable cornucopia of fun cameos throughout this flick - enough to amuse almost anyone I'd say! From Ron Jeremy as the strip club bar tender, Eric Roberts as the ultra-femme drug queen-pin known as "The man", Debbie Harry as the bulldyke neighbor, to Judas Priest's Rob Halford as the gay porn clerk, it's a fun little trip down 80's rock 'n roll, porn lane! The movie was set in the mid-to-late 80's, as was reflected by the hair, wardrobe, cars, and general vibe of the film, but wasn't done so in such an in-your-face way as to become too tongue-in-cheek or too much of a spoof of the era, thank goodness. Brittany Murphy is so laced with the truth of what being spun is all about that my eyeballs kept drying up while watching her on screen perpetual bug-eyedness! She gave the character of Nikki a sweet and tragic subtle sadness as she talked of how everything would be fine once she had her son back in her arms. I did enjoy this film, and all of its fine performances. It ain't for those who don't want to see just how bleak and insane the lives of speed freaks can get, but for those wanting the ride, prepare to be SPUN! ~T.Paul http://www.t-Paul.com

the film i just finished - the number 23 - why i've been away...

tpaulstemarie — Wed, 30 Nov 2005 06:39:50 GMT

so, for the past almost 2 weeks now, i've been working on this interesting experimental movie short that is all centered on the number 23 and its significance in the life of one of the film's characters. i play a sort of ethereal catalytic character with the unlikely name of "leonard magnum" who appears to a paralyzed man in his hospital room. he is reading aloud from a book simply titled 23. he reads interesting factor after factor on how 23 appears in nature as a magical number (chromosomes, dates in history, etc...). i show up and begin showing the fella the non-coincidences of how the number 23 or the numbers 2 & 3 have played out an important role in his life. me, the fella, and his hospital bed, materialize at various locations where the significance of the number is revealed to him by me. i change costumes with each setting (1940’s speed-demon motorcycle fella, u.s. colonel, Beatnik outfit etc...) while he remains in the bed with all of the action (football game, battle scene, hip cafe) occurs around him with me as its ringleader. the ending is interesting - it's such-and-such a date (lot's of 23's involved) and it's the end of the world. as everything explodes and disapperas in flashes of white, our paralyzed character, startled, jumps out of his hospital bed, no longer unable to walk. final shot - leonard magnum and the doctor slipping book ..23 into its place between 22 & 24 on an endless shelf of tomes, finally stating "looks like your cure has worked again" - the end! this has given me the opportunity to play numerous roles, all leonard magnum in different costumes and settings - from a brit proffessor, bebop jazzy beatnik hipster, brando-ish speed demon motorcycle baddie, to leonard, the almost sadistic mystic motivator in the paralyzed life of ethan stockton. i had fun - the folks on the crew, all students, rocked, and i can hardly wait for it to be done! see - as it was shot on 16mm film (yayyyy! real film!) the final cut won't be seen until may, damnit! oh well - guess it's all good - the waiting...sigh... i feel that it'll be somewhat "lynchian" and kind of "twighlight zoneish", so i'm pumped! best, t.paul http://www.t-paul.com THE NUMBER 23 ************** *The following facts come from "the unity of multi" website http://joern.free.de/23.html also check out the "23 skidoo" site at http://www.23-skidoo.com/ (by the way - `Twenty-three, skidoo!' is an American catch phrase from the beginning of the century. It may have come from the stage play of Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities where an old woman counts the victims being executed on the guillotine. As she speaks `Twenty-three!' the hero Sydney Carton is beheaded in the last act. Henry Miller's serious dramatisation of the story was parodied by Broadway comedians and became `Twenty-three, skidoo!') * This is all about the ever-expanding list of the synchronous occurrence of the number Twenty-Three (23) with application to the Law of Fives (2+3=5) Alphabet: E is the fifth letter of the alphabet, and also the most commonly used in the English language. W is the 23rd letter of the alphabet. Half of W is V, which is the roman numeral for 5. Once again, therefore, the inherent connection between 5 and 23 is proven. Relent ye skeptics! Alphabet: The letter W W is the 23 letter of this alphabet. The symbol for that letter is two points down and three points up. It is the only letter in the English language to be renounced polysyllabically. Note also that it is a double(2)-u and thati t has three(3) syllables. It is also the shape a woman's legs form while copulating in the missionary position. W is also the first letter in the names of many important historic figures (Washington or Weishaupt for example). Latin Alphabet: There are 23 letters in the Latin alphabet Hebrew: The 4th character of the hebrew alphetbet has a numerical value of 6 the pronunciation of this (vav) (pronuonced v-o-u) is pronounced very similarly to the letter www therefore our www is (23letter) (23letter) (23letter) is like 666 in hebrew however in hebrew language this is 6+6+6 so it is 18. 23-5 =18 thus fitting in with the law of fives also (number of the beast connects to 23 and 5 and even the world wide web neat huh) Asteroids: Asteroid researchers measuring the rotation periods of asteroids reported that none were found with periods of less than 2.3 hours. A rotation period of less than 2.3 hours would cause them to be torn apart. I dunno, physics. Astronomy: The axis of the planet Earth is 23.5 degrees. As it is above, so below. Astronomy: Hale-Bopp "Mysterious Eyes" of comet Hale-Bopp first sighted at July 23, 1995. Closest point to Earth, 123 million miles. Astronomy: The distance from the center of the planet Mars to the center of it's farthest moon is 23,500 kilometers. Astronomy: Sirius Sirius, the Dog Star, rises with the sun every solar year on what is classified by the Gregorian calendar system as July 23rd. Astronomy: Sirius The "Dog Days" of summer begin on July 23rd when the star Sirius (the brightest star in our Summer sky), first rises from behind the sun in the Constellation of Canis Major. Astronomy: The number of days in a year on Earth is 365.2422. Average Lunar Cycle: Average Lunar Cycle is 28 (23+5) days. Harmonic Convergence: The harmonic convergence occurs every 23,000 years. Bible: Fallen Angels 2/3 of the angels decided to stick it out in Heaven with God after Lucifer and the other 1/3 fell. Bible: Jesus Jesus said "Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, I am in the midst of them." Bible: Daniel 8:14 "And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed." Bible: Revelations Revelations of The New Testament has 22 sections the 22nd having 21 lines; implying a progression to 23 Bible: I Corinthians 15:56, Paul said "The sting of death [23] is sin and the strength of sin [13] is the law [10]." Bible: Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want..." Evolutionary Theory: Darwins theory appeared in 1859. (1 + 8 + 5 + 9 = 23) Average Menstrual Cycle: An average menstrual cycle is 28 (23+5) days. Male Sex Cycle: 23 days in the male sex cycle (according to Tantrists) Sex Positions : 69 (23*3) is one of the many loved sexual positions of humans. The Zodiac sign for Cancer looks like a sideways 69. Cancers are born between June 21 and July 21 and 21+2 (the number of characters in 69)=23 If you want to know how to give her absolute pleasure:... Human body: The number of joints in the human arm is 23. Biorythm: The human biorhythm cycle is generally 23 days. One measures a circle beginning anywhere. Blood Circulation: It takes 23 seconds for blood to circulate through the human body. Chromosome Pairs: The human body has 46 chromosomes, which are paired, in somatic cells. Generative cells have half this number, 23, which is the number of chromosomes each parents gives to human deoxyribonucleic acid. Human Lifespan: 63 years, the average lifespan of a human being on the planet Earth, is roughly 23,000 days Boy Scouts: The Order of the Arrow: a secret organization within the Boy Scouts of America uses "WWW" as one of their symbols. W is the 23rd letter of the alphabet. Hmmm... 'w w w' has a ring to it. January 23rd: On January 23, 1968 the USS Pueblo was hijacked off of North Korea. The crew was held exactly 11 months until December 23, 1968 when they were released after being beaten by soviets to give back an intercepted USSR message stating plans to start a nuclear war with Red China. January 23: Adolf Hitler organized the National Socialist Congress on January 23. On November 23 he tried to take over. April 23: William Shakespeare was born and died on this date. Most of Shakespeare is known to us through the first folio published in 1623. April 23, 1564 and April 23, 1616: Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 and died on April 23, 1616. May 23, 1994: Burial of Jackie O (Kennedy) (1+9+9+4=23) May 23, 1994: 800 people killed in ritual stampede in Mecca. (1+9+9+4=23) June 1, 1996: The day Tim Leary died. The date 6-1-1996 provides 6+1+1+9+9+6=32 July 23rd: July 23rd are the Sumerian and Egyptian New Years. July 23: More reported UFO sightings on this day than any other day of the year. July 23, 1997: Serial killer Andrew Cunanin, killer of fashion designer Gianni Vasache and four others, commits suicide in Miami Beach. August 23, 1970: Birth date of River Phoenix, actor. Died of drug overdose, "You call him Dr. Bones, doll!" August 23: Birth date of Keith Moon, original drummer for the Who. Also died from drug overdose, "my decomposition". August 23, 1995: Dwayne Goettel, a member of Skinny Puppy, died. Huh. September 11, 2001: WTC Attack. Not only 9 + 11 (master number - therefore not reduced) + 2001 (2+1=3) = 23, but there are much more correlations that you can find here. September 23: Rosicrucian (AMORC): Annual Outdoor Fete is held on September 23, when the sun enters the sign of Libra. September 23: The Fall Equinox. September 23: Yom Kippur. December 23, 679: The date that Dagobert II, a Merovingian King was murdered. Speculation, derived from the research of the highly controversial book entitled Holy Blood, Holy Grail, leads one to conclude this assassination was performed in connivance with the Catholic Church. The church leaders, unhappy with Dagobert's apparent policy of religious tolerance in his kingdom, located in the south of France, allegedly got him out of the way to best serve their own interests. A predecessor of Dagobert, Clovis, had an alliance with the Catholic church, so it is possible that church leaders saw Dagobert's actions as a betrayal of what was considered a long standing policy of pro-Catholic reforms. Cults: The law firm which has represented the Church of Scientology for years purchased the logo and license agreement of the Cult Awareness Network (CAN). The Heaven's Gate Away Team nerds were really happy about this according to some of their USENET posts. Cults: There are 23 chapters of the Cult Awareness Network. Church of the Process: Famed church, espoused by Skinny Puppy and Psychic TV, which regards 23 as a special number of great significance. Church of Zypgx: 7.32 is the Holy Number of the First Church of Zypgx, which gives all of its members a number between 7.32 and 8. (7 being the number of luck, 32 being 23 backwards and 8 being approximately the symbol for infinity. 3.1415 is of course, the mathematical enigma which is pi. Multiply these two numbers and you get almost exactly 23. The followers of the First Church of Zypgx also believe that when pi is found to the last decimal place, the number of their Savior times exact pi will be precisely 23. And you thought the Heaven's Gate people were a bit kooky? Freemasons: The address of the Freemasons lodge in Stafford, England is 23 Jaol Rd. In New York it is on 23rd street. Level of ONE: The newest front society of the Illuminated, the 23rd level of the ONE is reported to be the last level attainable (achieving departure from Earth). Remind you of something else? Knights Templar: October 13 (10+13=23) is the month and day that the Knight Templars were arrested in France... hence Friday the 13th being considered a day of bad luck. Amazing how it all starts to fit together, isn't it? Knights Templar: The Templars had only 23 Grandmasters. Jacques de Molay was the 23rd and last of the Templar Grandmasters. "Jacques de Molay, thou art unhinged!" Sexsidecimal Math:T The math taught to the Sumarians by the Annunaki is based on the system of 6 x 10 (2, 3, and 5 ) all exist as the basic component and is used to help children who have poor scores in math classes based on western systems 666: 2 / 3 = .666... See, this stuff can be dangerous. Base 3: The number 23, written in base 3, is 212 (2+1+2=5) Base 4: 23 written to the base 4 is 113 (1+1+3=5). Base 7: 23 written to the base 7 is 32 (3+2=5). Binary Digits: 10111 is the binary equivalent to 23. Note the five digits, yet another connection to the Law of Fives. Mathematics 23 Axioms in Euclid's Geometry. Mathematics: Square Roots Square root(s) of 2,3, and 5 are used in respect to tetrahedral hyperdimensional physics and perfect form in design. Square root(s)of 2, 3, and 5 supposedly relative to D&M Pyramid on Mars and other similar relationships. Also these square roots were quite common in early architecture and considered the most aesthetically pleasing in design. Mathematics: Primes 23 is the first prime number in which both digits are prime numbers and add up to another prime number. Mathematics: Primes Two (2), three (3), and five(5) are the first three prime numbers in our counting system. (1 is not prime, it's an identity.) Mathematics: In base 5, 23 = 2x5 +3 = 13 in decimal notation. 13 is an amazingly significant number being the actual level of most floors labeled 14 in American hotels. Mathematics: 2/3 of numbers which are multiples of 3 are not divisible by 2. Geometry: Pentagons The angle between the rays of a symmetrical-pointed star is 72 degrees. Also, the angle between legs of a pentagon is 108 degrees (the complementary angle of 108 is 72(108+72=180)). (2^3)*(3^2)=2*3*2*3*2=72. (Note that 5 (2^2)*(3^3)=3*2*3*2*3=108. Numbers are 2*3*2*3*5=180 multiplied in each equation.)

"THE LOVELESS" - a DVD review...

tpaulstemarie — Tue, 29 Nov 2005 18:35:07 GMT

THE LOVELESS ************* http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085872/ *For films I own, my movie comments, and more, visi http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list Now that this beautifully sculpted, wildly atmospheric, true-to-the-era in which it is set movie is on DVD, I've watched and re-watched it many times. This is, by far, one of the finest films paying homage to the motorcycle enthusiasts (or outlaws, as it may be), settings, and characters of the 1950's that I've ever seen, and I own many, so any rockabilly guys or gals out there reading this review - this movie is for you! It's moody, sexy, violent, and slick - great eye-candy with an outstanding cast of characters. This is more of a review of the DVD than of the whole film, and the spoilers are more DVD commentary-related than plot-related, so, if you've sen the DVD, read on if you wish. If ya haven't, you'll wanna after reading this! The DVD has one of the better commentaries, featuring conversations with the film's co-writer/co-directors Kathryn Bigelow & Monty Montgomery, as well as the film's star, Willem Dafoe http://www.geocities.com/woosterdafoe/main.html . Dafoe credits the movie's directors for starting his career with this movie (the character of “Vance” was his first credited role), a fact which Monty Montgomery humbly shrugs off. They get into the movies they watched that directly influenced how "The Loveless" was shot, trivia notes, like how Robert Gordon http://www.robertgordon.dk/main.html , who was paid to score the flick blew all of the budget on on single calypso tune that is featured for a few minutes of the film. It would also seem that Gordon, who is most noted for being a rockabilly musician (and an excellent one at that!) was inadvertently cast while meeting with the film's directors. Gordon created some on-set tension that flickered mainly between himself and Dafoe, as Gordon felt that he was the only one on set who truly understood the whole biker/greaser world. Another fact to remember when looking at tghis movie - the days hit anywhere from 98 to 110 degrees fahrenheit on set and location, and during the entire movie, Dafoe is clad from head to foot in thick biker leathers - Ouch!!! It is interesting to note that the movie was Bigelow's thesis for Columbia University's film class, as well as her directorial debut, and it must've earned her some high marks, as she's gone on to work with people like David Lynch http://www.davidlynch.de/ . Montgomery, too, has worked extensively with Lynch, producing "Wild At Heart", working on "Twin Peaks", and acting in "Mulholland Dr." For those who expect this to be a biker exploitation flick (like "The Wild One" and all of its followers thereafter), you're in for a surprise. The directors intended for the audience to feel as if that is what they were in for while the initial scenes unfold, but as the story moves forward, we realize that it isn't so much a biker film but more of a kind of a wild-west movie. Monty Montgomery credits Edgar G. Ulmer's short, noir film "Detour" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037638/ as being the major influence as far as the style, the framing, and the shots of "The Loveless" go. He also credits Kenneth Anger's movie "Scorpio Rising" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058555/ as the movie that inspired the whole homo-eroticism of the biker world as presented in this, Montgomery’s earliest film. For those interested in some trivia, here ya be - Originally titled "U.S. 17", which used to be a U.S. superhighway up until the 1960's when the I 95 highway replaced it as the major thruway from Georgia to Florida and up to New York, the entire film is shot on location along this now abandoned stretch of blacktop. Monty Montgomery, the movie's co-director, grew up in and around the Georgia area where the film was shot, and at the time of filming, the stretch of road was like a time capsule, with abandoned motels, diners, and gas stations along the way which had not changed since the 40's and the 50's. This made the reality of the movie much easier to capture, and cut down massively on the cost of what would have meant soundstage creations of all of these types of locations. I wonder if any of these places exist now, as the movie was done at the beginning of the 80's? I can only hope... There is no disguising that this film focuses more on atmosphere than on plot, and there is no pretense to suggest that the directors intended anything else. Montgomery even refers to it as "eye-candy", and why not? Sometimes my eyes crave the cavities offered up by such sweet treats as "The Loveless"! There are many a long, lingering shot of beautiful vintage 'cycles being worked on, close ups on tattoos (one of the actors, Larry Matarese, who plays "La Ville", opted for an actual old-school pinup gal tattoo on his forearm before filming began), tension-creating pauses while characters look on sipping coffee in a diner or lean on a 50's Coke machine clad in leather and denim, and all of this works for the piece that this movie was meant to be. It is somewhat of homage to "The Wild One", but only in that it deals with motorcycle enthusiast-rebels in the 50's - all other plot comparisons and similarities fall by the wayside. Though they wished for a score that was more like Sergio Leone's large, sweeping, and melodramatic western film's scores, and they were held back by budgetary constraints, I felt what they did have to work with offered the film the nostalgic atmosphere perfectly. The score as it stands on the DVD (which, unfortunately is not on CD, record, or tape, darn it!) largely done by John Lurie http://www.strangeandbeautiful.com/ (of "The Lounge Lizards" fame, and also a regular in many Jim Jarmusch films), along with a minimal amount of tracks supplied by Robert Gordon, can be credited for being the cherry on top of this 50's diner served, tasty milkshake of a flick! See ya ‘round, T.Paul a.k.a. SwankHipster http://www.t-paul.com

DRINKS FOR ALL MY FRIENDS...

tpaulstemarie — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 20:48:36 GMT

BARFLY ******* Directed by Barbet Schroeder - Written by Charles Bukowski Movie review by T.Paul http://www.t-paul.com *For more on BARFLY visit IMDb, the world's largest movie database at http://imdb.com/title/tt0092618/ Man, was I pleased to pick this flick up on DVD! It is still one of my favorite films of the 80's. Despite Bukowski's condemnation of Mickey Rourke's portrayal of him/Chinaski in the film (claiming Rourke was too cocky with the role, and didn't stick to the character of Chinaski as Bukowski intended) states Bukowski in the documentary "Bukowski: Born Into This", I still view it as one of the highlights of Rourke's career. Whether the depiction of a character is exact in the fashion of perfect mimicry is often irrelevant to me in relation to biopics. As a matter of a fact, I often find it the downfall of some biopics, where the physicality may be captured, but the meat and potatoes of the character's are often left by the wayside. Not so in the instance of "Barfly." Rourke nailed Bukowski/Chinaski's crazy, alcoholic, free spiritedness brilliantly, I felt. There was a humor, a tenderness, a coldness, a twisted romanticism, and a bleakness, all wrapped into a greasy, overweight (Rourke pulled a "De Niro", gaining weight and not bathing months before the film's shooting) package you could almost smell from the theater seats. Faye Dunaway as the aging, sad, beautiful barfly Wanda, gives a performance that yet again reminds us why she is a cinematic legend in her own time! She plays the subtleties and intricacies of Wanda with such aplomb, offering even this - the most pathetic of her roles - a dignity and a sad beauty that not many actresses can pull off. The casting of this film deserves a round of applause! I've tended bar and worked in the sorts of joints where these all too real people can be found, and I felt as if I was right there again, pouring shots of bourbon, polishing glasses, and making certain that the brawls boiling in the bar get taken to the streets. Frank Stallone's swaggering, bully-of-a-bar tender, macho-man Eddie is hilarious! Gloria LeRoy as "Grandma Moses" the ancient prostitute infamous for her ability to "swallow paste" is priceless. I could go on and on, but I won't! Bukowski's male character counterpart is a macho, beer swilling, bare-knuckle-fighting, farting kind of man who some may not appreciate, considering that outside of the seedier bars in North America, these types of fellas are a dying breed. With males being force-fed the over-sensitive, turn the other cheek, annoyingly "metro sexual" kinds of roles models and ideals these days, it must be a strange look back over the evolutionary shoulder for some men to see the realities of people like Bukowski! Don't get me wrong - I'm not applauding all of the Chinaski character's behaviors, but I think that some guys could learn a thing or two about themselves from the worst example of the diametric opposite of what they've been told they should be. Sometimes a fight has to be - sometimes it's just plain pathetic, and both examples can be found in Barfly. Bukowski has always dared to put to page whatever entered his head, and did so with a twisted lovely flourish, and proved this even further with his script for Barfly. Barbet Schroeder, the man behind such brilliant and critically acclaimed films such as "More" (1969), his work with director as Jean-Luc Godard, his contribution to French "Nouvelle Vague" or New Wave cinema, and his more mainstream flicks such as "Single White Female", places him in a category above many directors working in North America today. With Barfly, Schroeder captures the gritty realities of lives given over to the excesses of substances and circumstances in a true-to-life way, as he did with his first film "More", a flick about heroin addiction done at a time when the subject was still considered very taboo. The musical score for Barfly supports this film perfectly, too, with the Hammond organ whirling out Booker T. Jones' "Hip Hug Her" as we P.O.V. our way through the film's first scene, past the bar sign, to the bar's door, and into the world of Henry Chinaski. This is all counter-pointed wonderfully by the use of Mozart and Beethoven under Rourke's voice-overs of Chinaski's writing. To sum it all up - as much as I dig and respect Bukowski, I have to say that even though he wasn't a fan of the flick (long after its release I may add, and he was on set as an adviser and unaccredited cast member - why didn't he say something at the time?), I look at this movie as a wee gem and as a masterpiece daring enough to capture life's underbelly with an acuteness and accuracy many wouldn't dare to put to screen. Best, T.Paul http://www.t-paul.com

WALK THE LINE - just saw it!

tpaulstemarie — Sat, 19 Nov 2005 04:24:46 GMT

WALK THE LINE ************** http://www.walkthelinethemovie.com/ *This commentary contains no spoilers, but does contain a few plot details* It was great to see a biopic that isn't just about physical imitation (as Witherspoon & Phoenix don't look like the folks they're playing to start with) and relies on the actor's innate, intense, and instictive portrayal of their character's emotional and psychological truths, and in this pic, there were many truths to relay. Writer/director James Mangold (Girl, Interrupted, CopLand) accomplished what he stated he was setting out to do - to create a film that celebrates both the icon and the fallible man that was Johnny Cash. Our two leads, Joaquin Phoenix & Reese Witherspoon, both deliver incredible performances reflecting Cash and Carter’s intensities as well as their subtleties. I must admit that Mangold does juggle the story with what may be seen as too heavy a hand at times, playing up Cash's drug addiction and self-centeredness more so that the portions of life that offered him joy, which is where the concert and musical performance scenes come in and offer the film's viewer's a bit of a break from these torments. The story is told very simply, thank goodness, and it is a film that could have fallen into a stylized trap. We are introduced to the story at a pivotal point in Cash's career & life, just prior to walking onto the stage at Folsom Prison, and then the story jumps back & unfolds, giving us a good look at Cash's troubled, dirt-poor, childhood, his battles with drugs, his womanizing, and his ego, his tours with June Carter, Elvis, and Jerry Lee Lewis, his obsession with June, all to loop back to the Folsom scenario and move a wee bit further beyond in his life. Reese Witherspoon, an actress whom I've always admired, is amazing as the confident & amusing woman behind the mic when speaking, den-mother to the touring gaggle of unruly young men (Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, & Roy Orbison), June Carter. It was nice to see her in a flick that ain't a comedy for a change! She gets to spread her dramatic wings some.Hey - Whether she's playing a flakey blonde (Legally Blonde) or the not-so-girl-next-door-like 90's gal unwillingly dropped into a 50's TV scenario (Pleasantville), she moves through her characters naturally, with a crackling energy, and with more depth than scripts often offer her. Phoenix again shows his diversity as an actor deeply dedicated to his craft. I think many may simply perceive him as the "rebel without a cause" sorta actor, and if you find yourself guilty of that inaccurate view of him, catch "WALK THE LINE", as well as his role as Commodus, the spoiled, pretentious, heartless, almost fey emperor in "Gladiator", not to mention his portrayal of the intensely religious, yet contradictory character of the Abbe du Coulmier (next to the brilliant Geoffrey Rush) in "Quills." All in all, the casting was incredible across the board, from Robert Patrick as Cash’s cold father, Shooter Jennings (yes – his son) as Waylon Jennings, Shelby Lynn in a strong role as Cash’s first wife, Johnny Holiday as Carl Perkins, to Tyler Hilton as a hopped up young Elvis. This is the perfect Cash lover’s, rockabilly, & country music lover’s movie! * For those into vintage 50's clothing - You'll be dyin' for the clothing in this movie, not to mention the cars! Best, T.Paul a.k.a. SwankHipster http://www.t-paul.com

QUIT WORKIN' FOR DA MAN!

tpaulstemarie — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 06:26:32 GMT

so, i have quit my day job at the cold beer & wine store. i enjoyed the gig at first, but that pleasantness was quickly eroded away by the usual inner-store dumbassed politics, idle chatter, and the employers lack of caring for their employees needs. i had been told by the manager at the beginning that i was to be guaranteed full time hours, and that i would more than likely attain a place of some responsibility as shift supervisor which would be accompanied by a raise. well, that flavor of bullshit sure was choke stopped in the throat of the wee peckerheaded manager as he was fired for (among other things) disappearing from the store on busy shift and returning drunk, being the only one who could be responsible for a whole whack 'o cash that went missing over a period of time, and general being-full-'o-shittedness on his part. naturally, when he was let go, i figured it was my chance to approach the owners and ask about all of these promises (which i had done on more than one occasion before this time) only to be told that it was too bad that the fella behind all of the false promises was fired and that there was nothing they could (or more apporpiately "would") do about it. so, last monday, i offered up my notice and today is my first official day not employed by the bastardos! now, i did set other wheels in motion prior to my departure - something that i am much more suited for and would be pleased as punch to be doing. always good to have a plan, right? i ran into a friend who works with the vancouver school board as a school and student support staff worker. this job entails working with kids with all sorts of special needs - from cognitive disorders like autism, down's syndrome, and the like to children who are classified as "at risk youth" due to violent outbusts and drug use and the like in schools - the latter are on a "last chance" sort of thing within their schools and are offered one-on-one attention from the support workers to better serve their needs. well, my pal said "hey - you'd be perfect for the job and there's a massive shortage of male workers right now!" well, the job, which is on an on-call basis at first (but usually culminates in a 35 hours a week outcome) pays $25 an hour, and i have loads of experience for the job. i worked in group homes for over 4 years with similar kids, and have worked for 5 years offering workshops in schools accross the province, si i know classroom settings very well. i sent my online application off last monday, and i'm waiting to hear back from them soon. this is the sort of thing that puts passion back into my life! if i actually recieve the position, i'll be doing work that makes a difference in people's lives, not slinging beer 'n wine into bags for the local dorks. wish me luck, folks! i need this so badly in order to feel that there's a point to life these days. i look around me and the world saddens me so, y'know? i really need to use my creativity and knowledge to make a difference in someone's life, if not my own - LOL! well, i'm off to try and do some writing now. See ya ‘round, T.Paul a.k.a. SwankHipster http://www.t-paul.com

ROCKABILLY ROUNDUP presents PEP TORRES - No. 19th 2005

tpaulstemarie — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 06:08:14 GMT

the ROCKABILLY ROUNDUP presents *********** PEP TORRES *********** WHEN: Saturday November 19, 2005 – DOORS @ 9PM WHERE: The Marine Club – 573 Homer Street (at Dunsmuir), Vancouver, BC 604683-1720 VISIT PEP’S MYSPACE MUSIC PROFILE http://www.myspace.com/peptorres FOR MORE! A recent review of Torres' music quotes: "...Pep Torres sticks to his Latin roots, in the Valens style, gets close to those pretty faces like Ricky Nelson, and let's himself go with the rockabilly airs of Cochran or Vincent." The Oregonian (Portland’s daily newspaper) affirms: “Pep Torres is one of the keepers of the rockabilly flame…'” Latino-rocker/crooner PEP TORRES, from Hollywood, CA, plays his own blend of 50’s style rock & roll, rockabilly, doo-wop, and rhythm and blues. Pep puts on an incredible show of highly energetic and danceable numbers as well as tender ballads, emphasizing his uniqueness by singing in both English and Spanish! He has appeared all over the United States and Canada including top venues such as the House of Blues, the Derby, and the Roxy in Hollywood, the Tractor in Seattle, and the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock, Texas. Pep Torres has returned to Europe the past two summers : August 2004 saw Pep in Lisbon, Portugal and Senigallia, Italy. After a multi-city tour of Germany, Pep was back in Spain, this time the beach resort of Cubelles. Then it was back in the States and Seattle for their “Rockabilly Ball”. October 2004 saw Pep in Mexico City. 2004 ended with a New Year’s Eve show in Las Vegas. 2005 has seen Pep Torres shows in Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and a return performance in Mexico. Pep ends the year with another New Years Bash, this time in Stuttgart, Germany. January 2006 begins immediately with shows in Spain, Netherlands and Italy. For frequent updates visit and join the ROCKABILLY ROUNDUP’S YAHOO! GROUP http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/rockabilly-roundup/