The Atlin Whisper, January 18, 2023

The Atlin Whisper

THE RED ONION SALOON IV A Tale Involving Crusty Performance Apparel

By Paul Lucas

One very early morning I found myself standing in the doorway of my room in the old brothel. Just standing. Observing. Marveling at the spectacle of the place; trying to picture it in the heady days of the goldrush.

We had finished playing downstairs. The equipment had been humped and stored, and all was quiet. My roost was upstairs - the essentially unchanged madam’s rooms from the day. They consisted of a bed area, a long room with a couch looking out over Second Ave., the train station and docks, and a bathroom with an old claw footed bathtub. A small cast iron wood heater stood in the corner for nights that were chilly.

The place reeked of history. It soaked through your pores - the old wood, the wallpaper, the rickety, uneven stairs routed with the gouges of thousands of johns traipsing up to ...

‘... heaven buddy, it’s heaven up there old pal, you will find your very own dream girl just by climbing those stairs … ‘

... then the doll was thrown on her back – yes, a real rag doll on the back bar, sitting up straight when the girl was available, and laid on down when she was at work … and the money dropped into a slot in the floor of the girl’s room where it made its way down the long tube to the bar. A clean and efficient transaction.

“Love ain’t cheap and it sure as heck ain’t free buddy. Hand it over. I have to get that scratch down to the bartender.”

“Right. Now get them pants off.”

My thoughts drifted back to my first summer in the joint. Jan had expanded the building from a simple gift shop into the full blown brothel it had been back in the day. Nobody was turning tricks these days, (at least as far as we knew), but the place came across exactly as it was – a whorehouse.

The early days of the R.O. were tough. Jan had taken out a sizable loan to get the place on its feet, and it had to succeed. With the building, location, history, and new tourism as the backdrop, however, the whole thing looked good. Still, the main reason for the success of the business was Jan herself.

“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.”

Margaret Mead

I remember sitting in that big old bathtub after a long night playing at the bar. We kept mighty late hours. As the sun came up I would often hear her coming up the stairs to the little office right next door to the bathroom, digging around for an outfit, then climbing into period costume in order to meet the cruise ships down on the dock.

“That you Lukey?”

“Yup. I’m just going to bed and you’re just getting up!”

“Yeah, and I am pretty hung over.”

“Boy, I bet those outfits are getting crusty by now.”

“That they are. Between the ore dust, (Skagway still transported lead zinc ore to the ships), and the sweat, they stand up pretty well by themselves. All I have to do is climb in. But if I clean them, they’ll fall apart, I just know it”.

Which immediately brings to mind a certain Murph and the Magictones tux I had in Arizona that had similar qualities. You might remember Murph from the Blues Brothers movie … you know ... the scene where Jake and Elwood are searching for their old band members to re-form the Brothers, and they finally hunt them down doing a lounge gig in gaudy tuxes with velveteen collars? Well this outfit was from the same tailor.

Ilene, Dacey and I moved to Arizona for the school year starting in 1993. Dacey’s school in Atlin only went to grade 6, so we had to make the move, and Phoenix was the answer.

Shortly after arriving in town, I looked up a Hammond B3 player I knew from Vancouver. Ken Wain had moved there many years earlier and was established in the music scene. He was a killer R+B/Jazz organist who sang like Lou Rawls, and he was working all the time.

He also had a second life. Enamoured of the old west, he took up cowboying with a vengeance. He had a couple of horses, and could rope and ride with the best of them. It was a strange combination of skills. Then again, who am I to talk.

On our first gig together, Ken took me aside and said, “The scene here is a lot more like Chicago or New York. It’s more formal. You’ll need a tux. But don’t worry, I know a second hand place that has lots of ‘em.”

So, off we went to the ‘Hand Me Down Shop’ in Cave Creek, a little desert town north of the city famous in the musical world for inexpensive gigging apparel, to bolster my sartorial elegance.

Well, the selection was less than sterling. None of these tuxes was in great shape - with one exception, and it looked remarkably new. It was about my size and, in fact, it looked like it had barely been worn. It was only when I picked it up with the intention of trying it on that I saw all the velcro.

Now on many gigs, I have felt like a dead man, but wearing a tux designed for the mortuary was going too far. So the search continued until there was only one viable choice, and that choice had a ribbed semi-gloss finish topped with … yes ... wait for it … a velveteen collar. It wasn’t perfect but I had a gig the following night and I needed the duds.

That tux had a long and productive career until two untoward things happened. The first was the moulting. A velveteen collar is not designed for guitar straps, so over the many months of its life, that strap wore away at the nap until it was as bald as a baby’s butt. It didn’t look good. Even on a musician.

The last incarnation of this fine garment was on a gig I accepted playing bass in a big band – a gig that developed into a bit of a nightmare.

Bass, needless to say, is not my first instrument, so imagine my surprise when I showed up for the date to find one of my tuning heads broken and the G string trailing out of my case. The drummer, a guy I had played a few gigs with, was adjusting his kit and checking his watch when he looked up, saw my dilemma, raised his eyebrows and smiled. I placed my finger over my lips and he nodded. It was our secret and it wasn’t going anywhere.

Well, the night was a long one. Playing on that three string bass through a book in a clef that wasn’t my own was taxing. By the time I was finished, I had sweated through that nasty little tux, and the thing was sticking to my body like a second skin.

I arrived home after midnight and, without thinking, walked into the bedroom and gave Ilene a peck on the cheek. She turned, crinkled up her nose and murmured,

“What’s that smell?”

“That, my dear,” I replied, “Is the smell of fear.”

And so the suit was retired - that ribbed, one size too small, semi-gloss jacket with the mangy collar, and the matching slightly too short pants were sent off into the sunset, towards the valley of the tasteless, where all such items go to die. Just for good measure, I tossed in the tux shirt with the cut off sleeves (nobody’s going to see them anyway) and my fake rubber wingtips.

My organ playing and cowboying friend Ken Wain, perhaps kicked one too many times by his horse, died in 2015 - according to fate’s contract I imagine, but nevertheless, a great loss. Ken and I, along with drummer and Motown hall of famer Jerome Teasley had, for a while, one of the funkiest trios in the West. That band grooved like no other I’ve ever played in. I miss Ken; for his voice, his playing, but most of all for his kindness.

The Little Blue House is for sale! The Queen Anne style Victorian cottage dates to the Gold Rush, and the beautiful property includes 5 titled lots. The home at 1st & Rant is being sold with many antiques, and nearly entirely furnished. Please see Property Guys listing #143447 for more information. Showings are by appointment only.

“Poetry in Motion”

I’ve heard it said, “It takes two to tango”.

Yet, when a woman danced a solo tango Enchantment defined the day. Elegant…graceful…sensuous. Poetry in motion.

I’ve seen a couple dance the tango Weaving their passion for precision Into a fluid choreographed masterpiece. Elegant…graceful…sensuous. Poetry in motion.

See her on YouTube; Tekla Gogrichiana “El Huracan” Women’s Technique Solo Tango. You’ll be mesmerized by her every move.

See them on YouTube; Krakus Aires Tango Festival 2019 (Galdi & Tarantino). They will fulfill your expectations. Jeff Salmon

Successful karate grading test

Due to covid-19 there had not been an karate grading test since 2019. Tuesday January 10 a grading test could finally take place. Abi Ewing, Eiger Hanslit, Darina Dimitrova, Thomas Robitaille, Bogomil Dimitrov and Shelby Ewing gathered at the school gym, all in their karate gi (suit). Some were a bit nervous on what to expect and some if they would do well enough. Many parents, family and friends had come to support the children.

Well before the start of the grading test, the children were doing the necessary warming up under the guidance of the highest ranked student Abi. Bart de Haas, karate teacher, started with lining them up in seated meditation position (zazen) for the customary greeting of shinden (Japanese temple), sensei (teacher), sempai (assistant) and oktugai (all present). The test started with a short fitness test: two minutes of running, six sprints with alternating push-ups, sit-ups and jumping exercises.

The actual test began with the basic karate and combined karate techniques, further dodging blows and disarming a stick, much to the amusement of the participants.

The karateka’s had to show they memorized the different movements and the power to endure tiring muscles. Eiger, Darina and Bogomil demonstrated a beginners kata (mock fight against multiple opponents). Abi, who already had the yellow belt with green stripe, had to demonstrate several complicated kata’s and fighting techniques to earn the green belt.

She also had to fight the others one by one for one minute per attacker. Eiger, who has been participating the karate trainings for a while longer than the four younger others, even had to fight Abi for two minutes. At the end all had an extra challenge to blow out candles only with a quick movement of their fist. And they all tried Tamesi Wari, the art of breaking boards with a strike of one hand. It was

not compulsory for the beginners but all the beginners broke the yellow board with a force of 23 kg. Abi had to break at least one board with a force of 62 kg, but she broke two boards with a force of 85 kg. Eiger made a record with breaking two boards with a force of 137 kg!

They all did well. Shelby, Bogomil and Thomas received a white belt with orange stripe. Darina received the orange belt, Eiger received the orange belt with blue stripe. Abi is now in the possession of a green belt with brown stripe. They all can be proud of their achievements.

Congratulations!

Afterwards they went home with a diploma and that they now belong to the Kyokushin Karate Family, which means they have a certain responsibility:

A karateka will never start a fight

A karateka will never bully others

A karateka remains calm and composed under all circumstances

A karateka will treat everyone, including his opponent, with respect and courtesy

A karateka defends her/himself, family and friends

A karateka makes others in his vicinity feel safe

A karateka is always ready to help others

The False Flag

The friendly flag is hoisted for all to see Then, when within cannon-shot The enemy flag is flung And foolish ships go down

The False Flag Method

Problem Reaction Solution

Create the problem Push the reaction Present the solution

The False Flag Operation

Orchestrate the event Identify the pre-set culprit Offer the pre-set fix

The False Flag Arsenal Shootings Bombings Burnings Sinkings

And out of this all Comes fear Anger Confusion Followed by compliance to a new order And an ever-increasing hierarchical Control structure

The False Flag Litany Pretext for war

The Lusitania, 1915 The Reichstag Fire, 1933 Pearl Harbour, 1941 Gulf of Tonkin Incident, 1964 Kuwaiti Incubator Story, 1990 World Trade Center, Pentagon, 9-11-01 Weapons of Mass Destruction, 2003 Operation Lockstep 2020-23

The False Flag Code

I see nothing

I tell nothing

I ask nothing

I feel nothing

I think nothing I know nothing

I analyze nothing I connect nothing I remember nothing

The False Flag Legacy

One builds upon the advances of the last One leads logically to the next

Yet, not inevitably so As we have the power of discernment

- StephenBadhwar,December2022

NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE

Warm Bay Road

This gem is off grid, well maintained and absolutely the perfect retreat. 2 bedrooms, large open dining/living room, galley kitchen and spacious pantry. Storage in walk out cellar plus numerous outbuildings. Bonus is a warm spring flowing through year around! $239,000

Lake View

A great daily view awaits in this well built, 2 level home with a fabulous open floorplan on the upper level with a master bedroom and so much storage! The lower level boasts 2 extra bedrooms or bedroom and games room. Almost 1700 sq.ft., lots of room for the entire family and guests to enjoy! Double garage on lower level plus another garage for all those extras like boats, quads, sleds $535,000

43.6 Acres

Beautifully maintained, inside and out, this cozy 2 bedroom home is so private with a second cottage with sleeping loft (often used as B&B), a third cabin for guests, great garage/workshop, plus various other craft/work shops and much fencing. Mountain views in every direction plus short walk to Atlin Lake sandy beaches. Just waiting for you! Viewing by appointment ONLY! $597,000

5 Acres

With power, small log cabin, tenant occupied near the upper end of the acreage, application for subdivision has been submitted/approved to create two 2.5 acre parcels. Slope facing Atlin Lake. Build your dream home to take advantage of the view and keep the tenant as caretaker! $259,000

Fourth of July Basic lake side cabin, 3 bedrooms, lots of big windows, hidden in the trees, on .544 acres, leased lot until 2042. Very private! $68,000

4th of July

.78 acres of Crown Land lease, gated, partly cleared, the perfect spot to keep your RV and recreational necessities, there for year around enjoyment. Lease term to 2042.

$53,500

HIDDEN GEM

This stunning gem in an Enchanted Forest has been lovingly crafted by the hands of this talented owner – never to be duplicated! On 4 acres with guest cabins and a short walk to hidden lakes plus easy access to the highway, $399,000 SOLD

STUNNING

– Inside and Outside

Incredible views, quiet location and fabulous home. 1700 sq.ft. on main level, beautifully renovated with gyproc interior, lots of updated windows, open floor plan, kitchen, dining area, living room, bar/games room plus 2 bedrooms. Basement offers 3 more bedrooms, two baths, kitchenette and large living room with ground level access. One of a kind waiting for you.

$349,000 SOLD

Mi 43 Atlin Highway

34+ acres of land, surrounded by grazing lease, with 1700 sq.ft., 2 BR, full basement home, great well, septic field, solar and generator plus lots of extras. If you wish, will come with 2 loveable nags who consider this home. Quick possession is possible.

$535,000 SOLD

Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019

Leave message via text or email myrnablake1@gmail.com Will be in Atlin for showings November 4th & 5th Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details

BIG WATER SOCIETY COUNSELLING SERVICE

COUNSELLOR: Katie Israel, GN, MA, RCC

At Big Water Society we recognize the realities of human experiences, the diversity of innate worlds and states through these experiences, and we believe that we can, when we connect and share these experiences. Be it traumatic experiences, emotional turbulences, depressive and anxious states, we are here to join hands with you and work through your unique experience. You do not have to go it alone.

Phone: (250) 651-2189; (867)334-9524 Email: bwscounsellor@bigwatersociety.org

“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality – Martin Luther King, J r

Please note that requests for same day water delivery must be received no later than 11 am of said day. Thank you!

Did you know that Big Water Society provides the community with FREE professional mental wellness counselling? If you feel you would like to talk to Katie Israel, please call her at: 250-651-2189 or 867-334-9524

Fishing Charters

Welcome 2023!

Upcoming Programing

Live Entertainment After a much needed break, I am once again working on an interesting lineup of performers, speakers, and a few treats for the 2023 season.

Follow my facebook page @ExploreAtlin, posters around town & The Atlin Whisper for details.

Weekly Movies If you have never been to a movie at the Globe Theatre it is a real treat. The space is warm, big screen, surround sound, lots of leg room and… fresh popcorn with real butter. This year, we are going to switch it up a bit. You are invited to be part of the Atlin Movie Club. You the audience are invited to bring your suggestions to the group. We are looking for a variety of movies and documentaries that will interest a broad audience including Historical, Biographical, literary, foreign language and more. We will continue to keep the Explore Atlin experience a politically neutral environment – for political persuasions, you are encouraged to rent the space for a private function.

Atlin Arts & Music Festival Yes there will be a festival in 2023 ☺

I am so pleased to announce that once again AAMF will be using the Globe Theatre and many other venues around Atlin to host a smaller more manageable festival

Dates and details can be found on their website www.atlinfestival.ca

And we’re back!

2023 is shaping up for a promising and exciting year for Arts in Atlin and the Globe Theatre

Want to rent the Globe Theatre or maybe piano use?

Piano

The theatres piano is now on stage and fully functional. If you are looking for an opportunity to work on your chops, practice for your exams or what ever else a piano is required for, this 1900’s Ludwig & Co gem can be your answer.

Space

Weddings, private parties, meetings and more. The Globe Theatre is a great venue for private functions.

The 100 seats are now movable to make arranging the space more individual.

Let me know your requirements, I am happy to provide you with a quote.

Partnering

In 2023 I will be partnering with other Atlin businesses. Together we will work on a strategy to build the tourism sector of Atlin.

Tourism is 1 sector of employment opportunities for Atlin, we are all seeing a change in the people walking our streets, it is time to pull up our socks and design a future that fits without losing the Atlin life style that drew us here or has kept us here

***NOTE***

The Atlin Mountain Inn kitchen will be closed Jan 2-30th.

Our self-serve cafeteria will be open every day from 8am to 8pm.

The Saloon will be open regular winter hours Wed-Sat 5:30pm to close and food also available in the Saloon.

George Holman 250 651 7717 or Marj Holman 250-651-7758

ATLIN LAKE GROCERY STOREWinter store hours (starting Jan 1) MST

Monday - Saturday 10am – 5pm Sunday - 11am – 4pm

~Weekly freight truck run on Mondays and freight runs available upon request~

Atlin Christian Centre Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Service and Sunday School Sunday 11 a.m. Come join us! 250-691-0128

St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday Everyone welcome!

We look forward to a time when the power of love will replace the love of power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace. William Gladstone

Sewing Machine

Cleaning, Repair, &Setup Terry 250651-7769

Mountain Shack Café Restaurant

Fast Fancy Food Great Service 110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C. EAT IN OR TAKE OUT Wednesday thru Sunday 250-651-7789

MOBILE WELDING SERVICE AVAILABLE

Contact: Alain Vanier 250-651-0037 Reasonable Rates!

Smallwood Enterprises Ltd

We provide Concrete, Drain Rock, Screed gravel, Sand, Topsoil and Septic systems. We also provide Equipment Rentals, Excavations, Covered Storage, Firewood and Snow Removal. Please call (250) 651-2488 or email bobscontracting2020 @gmail.com

Atlin Community Library

Open Every Friday and Saturday 2-4p.m. BC time Everyone Welcome

The Library is closed at -20 c.

The next Whisper is Wednesday February 1st Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm January 29th The Purpose of the Atlin Whisper is to encourage, build-up and inform the people of Atlin concerning ongoing community events and happenings. The Whisper is not a political mouthpiece. Compiled and edited by Lynne Phipps. Paper for printing courtesy of Northern Homes Real Estate Printing courtesy of RCMP Atlin Classifieds, news, upcoming events Contact 1-250-651-7861 or lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com if you have, pictures or articles you would like to submit. Please note that submissions should be sent in either WORD or JPEG whenever possible. PDF must first be printed and then scanned back into the computer in order to format it into the paper. This costs in both paper and ink. We know that at times a PDF is the only way, which is okay when necessary, but otherwise, as the Whisper is a FREE community service we appreciate your support in helping to keep the costs down as much as possible. Thank You!