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this whole pop culture, ‘70s and ‘80s thing. But it’s also that porn has become cool again. You see people with porn star t-shirts, the music, every- thing. And it all came together at the right time to give it this cachet value.”

But what of the films themselves? The storylines and plots certainly differ from what one might expect to see of current mainstream x-rated fare, with an attention to detail and craft that many mod- ern productions lack. And the scope and richness of film compared to video is a debate long since won. This is not to say that these movies are all high art. Like any film genre, there is good and there is god-awful. And esthetics and mise-en- scene aside, it’s still about getting your jollies. But the films have an intrinsic value, not just as a record of film history, but as a time capsule of our own society’s values, taboos, and desires. Most of the movies from this era have been re-released on video or DVD, ensuring that porn purists and amateur archivists everywhere can continue to enjoy them.

But renting or purchasing these movies does

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deprive the viewer of the original context in which they were seen. Otis is thrilled that the Porno Chic evenings have created sufficient buzz that people are visiting the theatre even on its regular days of operation. He plans to continue with his bawdy brainchild, but says, “I know | could show just about anything now and people would come out, y'know? ‘Porn night at the Fox, music, prizes and beer, and yeah, by the way, here’s what we’re showing.’ But | like showing things that are signifi- cant, that create an event around it.” Otis has another film project in the works as well—his own documentary about the Fox Cinema.

In the meantime, the humble Fox is enjoying its new (and newly-profitable) status. Following the success of the Porno Chic events, the theatre now sports a new outdoor sign and an interior paint job. Otis laments the “irony” of the cosmetic improve- ments to the theatre.

He hopes that the changes won't drive away the old regulars that have been coming to the Fox for almost twenty years, back when the theatre and its patrons went quietly about their business. Otis

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believes that all of these customers aren't just there out of convenience or habit, but that many have a desire to experience a kind of sexual honesty or even, dare we say it, love. “A lot of these old movies...there’s naturalness to them, a lot of heartfelt sincerity. A lot of them are about relationships...people just routinely dismiss the whole thing, that all porn is sleazy, but these people, they were really trying for something.”

The porn future looks bright for Otis, as he makes contact with porn legends like Jamie Gillis and Ron Jeremy, and looks for new ideas and events to bring to Vancouver. He’s on his way fur- ther down Main Street, to the Venus adult theatre. He’s interested in booking the space for future events. “Yeah, it’s funny, actually. They got in touch with me, after hearing about the stuff at the Fox. I’m like this impresario now!“ The Venus doesn’t show film, but Otis thinks the space would be great for a gig or another event. “Plus,” he says, grinning conspiratorially, “I hear they’ve got a good film print of Debbie Does Dallas hiding up there. That would be really cool.”

Diverse Messages Flow From 68

Protests and Observers Politics and Peaceful Protest Highlight Summit

Jhennifer Pabillano and Neil Parmar Gateway (CUP)

The world’s eight most powerful nations met to discuss issues of economic growth, African development, and the war against terrorism in Kananaskis, Alberta last week. But the far- reaching global effects of their conclusions has

brought heavy criticism and strident political action from groups questioning the Group of Eight (G8)’s dominance on the world stage.

Despite the violent demonstrations that marked the last G8 summit in Genoa, which resulted in the death of one protester, this years events in Kananaskis produced relatively small and peace- ful demonstrations that emphasized their anti-G8 message. Security arrangements localized politi- cal action and international media coverage to the city of Calgary, and for two days the western city was put under the global microscope. And per- haps, justifiably so, the diverse actions and results of the G8 this year will affect summits and protests for years to come.

What is the G8 Summit?

The Group of 8 is comprised of the eight most economically powerful countries in the world, and meets annually to discuss global challenges.

They initially formed in 1975 to debate defense issues like international security and nuclear safe- ty, and only recently did its agenda broaden to include relief-aid concerns like New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Although it

considers itself a discussion forum only, their decisions affect policies in other international organizations, like the World Bank.

Currently the G8 economies account for 48 per cent of the global economy, 80 per cent of the eco- nomic activity of developed economies, and 49 per cent of global trade. These are just some of the reasons why promoting strong and sustainable global economic growth is central to the priority of G8 leaders.

Operation Observation

No matter how many participants took part in Calgary’s anti-globalization protests, the “G-8 Observers” were easy to spot. They were volun- teers clad in neon-coloured shirts and sponsored by both the Alberta Civil Liberties Association and Amnesty International.

Their task was to watch protestors interacting with police and record everything they saw as objectively as possible. In total they attended almost a dozen protests during the week of the summit.

“Essentially what we’re doing is providing an unbiased assessment of what happens during the

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