I haven't been in strip clubs across the entire country, but it is common practice in Alberta & BC strip clubs to throw $1 & $2 coins. And yes, it *is* as nasty as it sounds.

Because Canadian clubs are generally fully nude and also serve alcohol, lap dances aren't allowed.* Instead, each girl will come on stage for 3 to 4 songs & by the 4th song will be fully naked. She crawls from guy to guy sitting along the rail & they throw money. Sometimes she'll have a bucket you're trying to get the coins into in order to win a poster or keychain. Sometimes she's spread eagle & you try to knock the item off.

I know. Sexy carnival gone bad.

The worst part is watching the naked girl pick up her clothes & crawl around to pick up her coins afterward. "Classier" clubs have a staff guy who comes out to do this with a big magnet.

*Lap dances are starting to appear, so maybe they'll retire this method of getting tips. A few clubs have built an additional separate section just for lap dances that isn't technically part of the club...kind of like a restaurant that has a separate pub area that allows smoking.

What's happened to the Action Items and Continuing Action Items on the blog? Looks like they disappeared a few episodes ago. Permanent change?

100% there with you re: Anna Deavere Smith, Jesse. Also, part of Prayer of the Rollerboys was filmed in San Pedro, CA, my town.

-Phill