- Anarchist: Why should we fight this war? For Capitalism? You will die! You will die! All your sons will die! For Capitalism? Down with Capitalism! Down with war!
East Van The Movie
Title: East Van: The Rocco Chronicles
Genre: Crime / Drama / Action
Tagline: “In a city divided, one man stands his ground.”
Opening Scene
(East Vancouver – Night)
The camera pans over the gritty streets of East Van, rain slicking the pavement under the glow of neon signs. A group of young men exchange something suspicious in a dimly lit alley. Suddenly, a voice breaks the tension.
ROCCO (off-screen): “You boys playing banker again? Or is this just charity work for the neighborhood?”
(Reveal Rocco)
Rocco, a rugged man in his late 30s with a rough edge but a glimmer of kindness in his eyes, steps out of the shadows. He’s a fixture in East Van—part fixer, part protector, part troublemaker.
The group disperses quickly, leaving Rocco to pick up a small envelope left behind. He sighs, slipping it into his jacket as he walks off into the night.
Act 1: Introducing Rocco
Rocco works as a mechanic at Gino’s Garage, a hub for locals in the neighborhood. When he’s not fixing cars, he’s solving problems—whether it’s mediating disputes, finding lost property, or dealing with small-time crooks who overstep their bounds.
Rocco’s best friend, Lenny, runs a small diner across the street, where they often meet to exchange stories and gripe about how East Van is changing.
LENNY: “Condos everywhere, yuppies buying their fancy coffees. Doesn’t feel like home anymore.”
ROCCO: “Yeah, but someone’s gotta remind ‘em whose turf this is.”
Act 2: The Conflict
A shady developer, Victor Slade, is buying up property across East Van, forcing out locals with intimidation tactics. When Rocco’s childhood friend, Maya, comes to him in tears because Slade’s men vandalized her family’s café, Rocco decides it’s time to act.
Rocco starts digging into Slade’s operations, uncovering a web of corruption involving local politicians and organized crime. He knows he’s out of his depth but refuses to back down.
Act 3: Building the Resistance
Rocco rallies the neighborhood, bringing together a motley crew of East Van residents:
- Sophia, a graffiti artist who turns her art into a weapon of resistance.
- Big Al, a retired boxer with a grudge against Slade’s enforcers.
- Kenny, a tech-savvy teenager who hacks Slade’s files for intel.
Together, they launch a campaign to disrupt Slade’s plans, from sabotaging construction sites to organizing protests.
SOPHIA: “This isn’t just about us. It’s about keeping East Van for the people who built it.”
Act 4: The Showdown
Slade, furious at Rocco’s interference, sends his enforcers to “make an example” out of him. In a tense, action-packed sequence, Rocco fends off the attack with the help of his crew.
But the victory is short-lived. Slade’s connections allow him to escalate, threatening to have the entire neighborhood evicted.
ROCCO: “You want a war, Slade? You just got one.”
Rocco and his crew orchestrate a daring heist to expose Slade’s corruption, breaking into his downtown office to steal incriminating documents.
Act 5: Redemption and Legacy
The evidence goes public, triggering an investigation that topples Slade’s empire. The neighborhood celebrates, but Rocco knows the fight isn’t over.
In the final scene, Rocco stands on the rooftop of Gino’s Garage, looking out over East Van as the sun rises. Sophia joins him, spray-painting a mural that reads “East Van Forever.”
SOPHIA: “You think we really made a difference?”
ROCCO: “Yeah. And we’re just getting started.”
Epilogue
The camera pans over the bustling streets of East Van, showing life returning to normal: kids playing in the park, street vendors, and families reclaiming their spaces.
Closing Credits
The credits roll over a montage of East Van’s iconic landmarks, set to a mix of gritty hip-hop and soulful guitar riffs that reflect the neighborhood’s spirit.
Would you like to add more personal drama for Rocco, like a family subplot or romantic interest? Or focus on the action elements?
Lady Gaga VS Madonna
Madonna has had a strong connection to Vancouver through her various concert performances, where she has performed for thousands of fans as part of her world tours. Some key performances in Vancouver include:
- Rebel Heart Tour (2015) – Madonna performed at Rogers Arena on October 14, 2015. The Rebel Heart Tour was known for its high energy, elaborate costumes, and a mix of both new material and her classic hits.
- MDNA Tour (2012) – On September 29, 2012, Madonna’s MDNA Tour made a stop at Rogers Arena. This tour supported her MDNA album and included dramatic visuals, choreography, and hit songs like “Like a Prayer” and “Vogue.”
- Sticky & Sweet Tour (2008) – On October 30, 2008, Madonna performed in Vancouver as part of her Sticky & Sweet Tour. This tour promoted her Hard Candy album and was one of her most commercially successful tours, filled with energetic dance numbers and a lively setlist.
Vancouver has often been included in her tour stops due to its enthusiastic fanbase and its role as a major city on her North American legs of world tours.
“Expect No Mercy” is a well-known slogan, particularly associated with the East Vancouver (East Van) community, often reflecting a strong, gritty, and rebellious attitude. It has been seen on murals, graffiti, and in various local art forms. The slogan encapsulates a defiant spirit, often tied to the area’s working-class roots and a sense of toughness in the face of challenges.
East Vancouver, or “East Van,” has a unique cultural identity, known for its diversity, creativity, and sometimes rebellious nature. The “Expect No Mercy” phrase fits into this ethos, symbolizing a sense of pride and resilience in a community that has historically dealt with socioeconomic struggles, gentrification, and cultural shifts.
The phrase itself is often used in street art and graffiti, adding to East Van’s image as a place where people stand their ground and express themselves in bold, unapologetic ways.
Madonna’s daughter, Mercy James, was adopted from Malawi in 2009. She is the second of Madonna’s children to be adopted from Malawi, following her son David Banda. Here are a few details about Mercy James:
- Full Name: Mercy James Ciccone
- Adoption: Madonna adopted Mercy when she was four years old, and the adoption process was finalized in 2009.
- Education: Mercy is known to have a strong interest in the performing arts, particularly dance. She has participated in dance classes and shows.
- Public Appearances: Mercy has occasionally appeared with Madonna at public events, including the Met Gala and various family outings. She has also been featured on Madonna’s social media, showcasing their close relationship.
Madonna has spoken about the importance of family and her commitment to raising her children in a supportive environment.
“Have Mercy” is a song by John Stamos that he performed for the television series Full House during its original run. The song is often associated with Stamos’s character, Jesse Katsopolis, who is a musician on the show. Here are some key details:
- Performance: The song features a blend of pop and rock elements, showcasing Stamos’s musical talents, particularly on the guitar.
- Cultural Impact: “Have Mercy” became memorable among fans of Full House, reflecting Jesse’s character’s charm and his role as a struggling musician.
- Legacy: John Stamos has revisited this song in various appearances and performances, keeping the nostalgia of Full House alive for fans.
CONCLUSION
Madonna’s song “Looking for Mercy” is part of her 2019 album Madame X. The track explores themes of vulnerability, compassion, and the search for solace in a chaotic world. Here are some key points about the song:
Key Points about “Looking for Mercy”:
Theme: The song delves into the struggles of seeking understanding and empathy, reflecting on the difficulties of life and the human condition.
Musical Style: It features a blend of pop and world music influences, characteristic of the
Madame X album’s eclectic sound.
Lyrical Content: The lyrics convey a sense of longing and the desire for mercy in the face of personal and societal challenges.
Longevity – Eating Italian
There’s a small village in Italy where 300 of its residents are over 100 years old. For the first time, residents are letting scientists research why their life span is so long.
Sponsor Message
KELLY MCEVERS, HOST:
Researchers think they might have found the secret to living a long and happy life, and it lies in a southern Italian village along the Mediterranean. It’s called Acciaroli. About a third of the people who live there – roughly 300 – are more than 100 years old.
ALAN MAISEL: Out of those ones that are over 100, we’re not sure exactly, but we think about 20 percent have reached 110 years of age.
AUDIE CORNISH, HOST:
That’s Dr. Alan Maisel. He’s a cardiologist at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. He’s part of a joint U.S.-Italian research team launching a long-term study of the centenarians of Acciaroli. They want to figure out why so many of them are living so long.
MCEVERS: Maisel has traveled to the village and says people there don’t seem to be trying very hard to stay healthy.
MAISEL: What shocked me is that I don’t see people jogging. I do not see people in active exercise classes. I don’t see them swimming laps in the ocean.
MCEVERS: In fact, he says, many of the elderly residents of Acciaroli are smokers and overweight.
CORNISH: How can that be? Well, Maisel suspects it’s a combination of good genes and good diet.
MAISEL: Everybody ate anchovies. Now, you know, I actually like anchovies on my Caesar salad, but I never thought they would help me live to be 110. But they seem to eat it with every meal.
CORNISH: And another big part of their diet…
MAISEL: Also, every meal they have the plant rosemary in almost everything they cook with. Whatever form they put it in has been shown in scientific studies to reduce cognitive and prevent cognitive dysfunction and some aging.
MCEVERS: Add to this a glass of good, Italian wine and a heavy dash of leisure…
MAISEL: In the evenings, in the late afternoon, they’re all sitting around the cantinas, the restaurants. They’re having some wine, some coffee. They’re relaxed.
CORNISH: Over the next six months, Maisel and his research team will analyze every aspect of the lives of this group collecting blood samples, tracking genealogy and monitoring exercise. As for Maisel, he has a personal goal for his next visit to the village.
MAISEL: I want to find the oldest person, and I want to have a drink with them. And then I want to – as they said in “When Harry Met Sally” – I’ll have what they’re having.
MCEVERS: Us, too.