Viva la creatividad. He encontrado en youtube este video que demuestra que las cosas se pueden hacer con voluntad y buenas ideas, pero sobre todo gracias al trabajo en equipo. Por cierto, fijaros en los medios que disponen en la Facultad de comunicación de la Universidad de Québec en Montreal. Estos canadienses son totales…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zcOFN_VBVo&feature=player_embedded#

También os recomiendo el making of:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z1Pr0ayzik

It’s raining, wet and cold today. Drizzle Drizzle Drizzle … I didn’t want to get out of bed today but alas, I had that appointment with Prof. Scott over my Origen paper. I have done some preliminary reading of a text that I picked up at the library – but even Prof. Scott told me that it would do me no good. So what did he do? We checked the library for texts – none were to be found … so much for a university library stocked with all the latest books and archives.

He then perused his own personal library there in his office and pulled 4 books off the shelf and told me that he would photo copy everything that I would need for my paper… That was very kind. Some of the reading that he copied me was written by our esteemed professor of Theology Charles Kannengiesser, whom I took Trinity with last summer. So it looks like I am on track for this second paper.

We also talked about god forsaken Sophia. I told him that I thought that I had exhausted all of my sources for material and came up 5 pages short of the goal of 20 pages and he suggested that I write a 5 page critical analysis of the material that I used covering the major themes and crucial ideas. I think I can do that. So I will do that over the next couple of days. The paper isn’t due until Tuesday.

I stopped by the library to drop off all the books that I had checked out and wouldn’t you know it, the university has already put up their Christmas trees in all the downtown buildings. I noticed that many of the shops on Ste. Catherine’s Street are decorated as well. It doesn’t feel like Christmas yet, but I know that hubby wants to put the tree up this weekend… OY VEY !!!

I think that’s all for the moment…

More to come, stay tuned…

For the Saturday and  Sunday screenings.  Cine Asie will be generously providing 10 free tickets per screening.  3 films are screening in total.  All you have to do is post on the wall of their facebook event at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=207925276211&ref=nf

Since it is Friday, I might as well put up a few music videos.

[10] First up is the Kano remix of The Very Best’s “Julia” (remember earlier this year’s excellent “The Warm Heart of Africa” album?):

[2] The subversive “Funny” by South African group Bed on Bricks [I first heard it used in a short film about Durban squatter movement, Abahlali baseMjondolo.

[3] Nigerian rapper Kel with “Waa waa alright.”

[4] Positive rap by a group of Ghanaian Hausa rappers:

[5] The very political Gabonese group Poetes Fyzik’s “Ce Que L’On Pense” [The video was shot at the recent 9th Annual Waga International Hip Hop Festival that took place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in October 2009]:

[6] The Montreal-based Waahli’s “Sundance.”

[7] I love Georgia Ann Muldrew’s “Roses” collaboration with Mos Def. Here she is doing it sans Mos.

[8] “Special Girl” by Bangs. I am not sure about this song. Whether it is a parody or whether Bangs, a Sudanese rapper, is serious.

[9] “Aquarias” from Brooklyn singer Iyadede (her parents are from Rwanda):

And at [10] the energetic French “Sinik Rai”:

   The day has arrived… Lady Gaga’s new world tour THE MONSTER BALL kicks off today in Montreal! Gaga describes the tour as “a multimedia artistic experience in the style of the first-ever ‘pop electro opera.’”

Lets Wish to Gaga Good Luck with her new 40days tour!And we are sure she will have it.Also,DONT FORGET TO TWEET #monsterballtour on twitter !

Mac Aficionados, l’heure est à l’action et il ne vous reste plus que quelques heures pour bénéficier de la vague de promotions folles qui défilent en ce jour du Black Friday.

Voici quelques petits conseils et astuces pour vous aider à mieux faire vos achats.

Tout d’abord, sachez qu’il est recommandé de s’ouvrir gratuitement un compte sur l’Apple Store. Celui-ci vous permettra de passer directement commande en ligne, plutôt que de faire des files interminables pour voir les produits offerts en promotion.

Lorsque vous faites vos commandes en ligne sur l’Apple Store, faites attention à remarquer que les taxes ne sont pas incluses dans les prix affichés!!! Cela vous évitera de désagréables surprises…

Vous y trouverez un choix assez vaste de produits, pouvant convenir à la plupart des utilisateurs Mac.

Les plus recommandés, selon OGenius, sont:

Catégorie Musique & divertissement

• la série des iTouch, offerts avec des rabais de 21$, 31$ et 41$ entre chaque modèle (8Gb, 32 Gb et 64 Gb), proposés respectivement à 198$, 298$ et 388$

• les fameux écouteurs Beats Studio de Dr. Dré, produits par Monster, acclamés par le public et dont la restitution des sons est vraiment exceptionnelle (d’après les dires de certains…). Ils sont offerts en noir ou blanc, à 258$ au lieu de 350$, soit une réduction de 91 $ (!)
• les enceintes externes JBL Duet II Speakers sont également très bien évaluées par les critiques et proposées aujourd’hui à 88$ au lieu de 129.95$ , soit une réduction de 41,95$

• le casque d’écoute Bluetooth Plantronics Discovery 975 est proposé à 104.00$, au lieu de 139.95$ , soit un rabais de 35.95$

Catégorie ordinateurs et accessoires

• la Magic Mouse d’Apple, dont l’article précédent traite, offerte avec un rabais de 5$, à 64$
• Réduction de 101$ sur TOUTE LA GAMME des  MacBook Pro. Les modèles 13′ pouces sont proposés à 1198$ (au lieu de 1299$ pour un 2.26 GHz) et 1498$ (au lieu de 1599$ pour un 2.53 GHz)
• il en va de même pour l’iMac, proposé dans ses diverses gammes avec un rabais de 101$, allant de 1198$ (21,5′ pouces, 3.06 GHz) à 1998$ (27′ pouces, 2.66GHz)
• Pour ceux qui sont à la recherche d’un disque dur externe, vous avez le Western Digital 500Gb My Passport for Mac, avec un port USB 2 (transmission de données à 480Mbps) proposé à…98$ (!!!) au lieu de 169.95$, soit un rabais de 71.95$
• l’Elegato EyeTV Hybrid est gracieusement offert à 98$, au lieu de 149.95$ , soit un rabais de 51.95$.

Bien entendu, il s’agit d’une liste non exhaustive (!!!) et vous êtes invités à approfondir en détail votre recherche des bons «coups»!

N’oubliez surtout pas de jeter un  coup d’œil aux messages twittés sur Mac Aficionados et de suivre!

Bon shopping à tous!

Le lien pour le compte Apple Store Canada:

Apple Store compte (CA)

iMac d'Apple©

]]> http://gilliandr.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/caledonian-concert-at-halloween-montreal-1886/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:11:34 +0000 gilliandr http://gilliandr.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/caledonian-concert-at-halloween-montreal-1886/

Montreal Daily Star, 3 November 1886, page 3

The Caledonian Concert

A most successful entertainment in the Queen’s Hall- A Select programme of music and speeches by Hon. Mr. Thompson and others.

The thirty-first annual concert of the Montreal Caledonian Society in celebration of the time honored season of Hallowe’en was held last night in the Queen’s Hall which was filled to the doors with an audience which applauded every number of the excellent programme which had been prepared.  As usual at these concerts an air of friendship seemed to pervade the entire assembly and make all present feel thoroughly at home.  Shortly after eight o’clock the Society’s piper, Mr William Greig, marched on to the platform, playing a lively air, and was followed by the President, Col Stevenson (in Highland costume), Mayor Beaugrand, the representatives of the sister societies and a large gathering of invited guests, among whom were noticed Messrs MH Gault, MP; JJ Curran, MP; Villeneuve, MPP; John S Hall, MPP; Mayor Fell of Victoria, BC; US Consul-General Anderson; Redlere of St. George’s Society; -Thomas, of the Irish Protestant Benevolent Society; Donald Macmaster, QC, MP; RD McGibbon; R Dagleish; James Wright; Andrew Robertson; Rev. Canon Ellegood; Rev. Robert Campbell; Rev. Mr Jordan and a number of ladies.  Several of the Caledonian Society’s officers occupied seats on the platform.  The President Col. Stevenson, opened the entertainment with a short speech in which he welcomed those present and assured them of the desire of the society to cater for their amusement in the best manner possible.  He referred to the deaths of several noted Scottish vocalists and in particular of Mr. Kennedy, the sweet singer who so often delighted Montrealers.  He also spoke with regret the absence of the Rev. Dr. Stevenson, who was attending a final meeting of the members of his congregation.  The Colonel remarked that he had personal reasons to regret the reverend gentleman’s departure from the city, owing to the fact of their being namesakes, but added that Rev Dr Stevenson would be a Stevenson wherever he was and would

Do Credit to his Name.

The first song given was “McGregor’s Gathering,” by Mr JL Johnston, who also sang “Mary of Argyle” and “Scotland Yet.”  Mr Johnston has a pure tenor voice, of full compass and much sweetness, which he keeps well under control.  His style is finished, and he was warmly-applauded.  Miss Florence Forbes followed with “O Whistle and I’ll Come tae ye, my lad,” and responded to a recall with “Bonnie Prince Charlie” with a ~~~ and sweetness of intonation and expression which fairly captivated her hearers.  She has a soprano voice of richness and power, which was heard to great advantage.  She also gave “Doun the Burn Davie lad” and “Caller Herrin”.  Mr JJ Dawson, tenor, of this city, sang “Maid o’ the mill,” “O Nannie, wit thou gang wi’ me” and “Kathleen Mavoureen.”  The first, however, was his best effort.  Mr Cathcart Wallace, the Scotch violinist, is a new arrival here, having come out from the Land o’ Cakes only a short time since.  His style is good and his execution faithful and correct.  He performed Mayseder’s German air in F with variations, and “Recollections of Scotland” in a masterly manner.  Mr. William MacLennan, the champion Scotch dancer, gave a Highland Fling (and on being recalled, a Chantrews), Bucalossi’s waltz “Mia Cara” and “Parazoti”, for which he attired himself in a peculiarly fancy dress, described in the programme as “French costume,” a sailor’s hornpipe and also selections on the hairpipes.  Mrs T Charles Watson, who is ever a favorite with Montreal audiences, gave the recitations, “Cuddie Doon,” “Story told by an Engineer,” and to a recall, a “Description of a steeplechase.”  It is needless to add any praise to this charming lady’s many enthusiastic tributes, as to do so would be like an attempt to paint the lily.  Miss Seymour, a Montreal contralto, sang “Bonnie Sweet Bessie” and “Land o’ the Lead,” in a very pleasant manner.  A feature of the evening was a Scotch Reel and Highland Fling, by the little ones, Jessie and Wm Milne and Frank and W Stewart.  Mr. Herbert Patton acted as accompanist.

The event of the evening was, of course, the address by the Hon Mr Thompson, Minister of Justice, who was introduced by the Chairman.

Hon Mr Thompson

The Hon JSD Thompson, Minister of Justice, made a most eloquent speech which was warmly applauded by those present.  In referring to the old Hallowe’en legend of spirits roaming about under the influence of a spell, he said that the President had exercised a spell upon him and brought him from Nova Scotia to address them.  He said: “I will ~~~ my remarks to two points, first to deliver a message, and secondly to say a few words of humble advice.  I come to you with a message of kindness and Scotch fellowship from 150,000 brethren in Nova Scotia whose hearts are warmly beating for their countrymen here and all through our great Dominion.”  The Hon gentlemen then spoke of the enthusiasm that pervaded the Province with regard to Scottish character and traditions, the language, poetry and legends of “Auld Scotia” still being faithfully adhered to and venerated by the people.

He then spoke of the benefits derived from membership in the Caledonian and other kindred societies, the English and Irish societies of Canada.  “They have fostered among our people the love of home, the love of kindred, and the love of all that is bright and ~~~~ in the literature of the land of our fathers.  (Applause)  But they have done more than that.  They have developed brotherly love and brotherly charity wherever they have been organised.  I am sure it is with you in Montreal as is with us in Nova Scotia that these national societies enable the Englishman to help his brother Englishman, the Irishman to extend the helping hand to his fellow countryman in need, and the Scotchman to greet with warm heart and outstretched hand his brother Scotchman, aye, and that even the stranger who is not our countryman, is the brother of all.”

He quoted Burns’ remark “that the greatest of all the Divine attributes is to take away the tears from all ~~~” and warmly commended the societies for endeavouring to follow in the same steps.  This advice and suggestions which the learned gentleman gave to his audience were to the effect that as the societies grew in strength in the large cities they should extend their influence all over the country and establish branch organisations in every suitable locality.  He warmly advocated a federation of the kindred societies so that they would be united in the grand work of doing good and uniting the brethren in one bond of loving fellowship all over the Dominion.

Mayor Beaugrand, Mayor Fell and Consul-General Anderson expressed their pleasure at being present and cordially wished success to the Society.  “Auld Lang Syne” was then rendered in the way that only Scotchmen are capable of and the National Anthem brought to a conclusion one of the most successful gatherings the society had held.

Check this out: Griffintown Graffiti.

Checkt das Portfolio von Andrew Bernadi, einer der kreativsten Köpfe die ich persönlich kenne!

Yes, I know hockey is, without a doubt, Canada’s favourite sport.  That being said, this weekend in Calgary our nation comes together to celebrate something exclusively and honestly Canadian.  It is Grey Cup week!  Let the festivities begin!

This year’s edition of the CFL Championship features the Saskatchewan Roughriders taking on the Montreal Alouettes for Lord Grey’s mug.  It should be a good game.  2009 CFL Outstanding Player Anthony Calvillo and the Als are favoured by 9.5 points as of the writing of this blog.  After watching both of these teams playing in recent weeks, I think it will be one hell of a game.  I think it will be physical, fast, hard-hitting and evenly matched.  I expect a close game.  I also expect Saskatchewan will win this game.

I don’t think Montreal’s vaunted passing attack will be enough to top the Roughriders’ balanced team.  With Durant proving he can get the job done in the clutch, time and time again, this somewhat negates Montreal’s advantage at QB.  With Saskatchewan having the advantage in many other aspects of the game, I don’t think Montreal will have the same success with their air attack as they did last week against the banged up BC Lions.

I think it will be close but look for Saskatchewan to win by 4.  31-27

What did I do today??? I worked on that god damned paper on The Role of Sophia in Gnostic Cosmogony. I worked all evening long. More than three hours worth of reading, typing, checking and double checking.

I went over all of my quotes to make sure they were in order – I even begged my prof for less pages and he said NO! I need 5 more pages. I spent an hour going through the EBSCO services and JOURNAL features at the library looking for shit to fill 5 pages…

God give me strength …

I also pulled my book review together and I think it is finished to the best of my ability, with that reading at least. It isn’t spot on and I could not compete with the language of the text, I just don’t write that “high” at all. So I may have to reread it and do some quick revisions before Tuesday night.

I am working on Origen. I like Origen, but I need more source material. I spent last night reading a book I pulled from the library, but it only gives hints at the material that I really need – that would be Christology according to Origen.

I have an appointment tomorrow to meet with the department scholar on Origen at 2, so maybe he can help me with my source material.

We are so close to the end I can taste it, but not before I finish Origen. Classes end on the 9th of December. That’s when the last paper is due. I need to squeeze my ass and get this paper written sooner than later … If I get pointed in the right direction tomorrow then I can pull it together. I got some good advice from a few of my readers so thank you all for your academic advice.

I missed the parade today… And I didn’t get to watch any football…

Did you see Glee last night??? Did it make you cry?

Only two episodes left until the very very very long hiatus until April 13th

More to come, stay tuned …

Ronnie Fieg got together with Polo Ralph Lauren Footwear to create the Grey Ranger “Cookie” boot which will be releasing this coming “Black” Friday, November 27th exclusively on (DavidZ.com) as well as the David Z. flagship store in soho.

The video was shot by Chris Lee ctothejl.com

Onions are one of the most versatile staples of our pantry. They make for a perfect base and a perfect condiment, either cooked or raw. For now we will be dealing with the raw onion. I’m sure it happens to everyone; you eat a dish, bite into some raw onion and feel its pungency linger throughout the entire day. There are two tricks I like to use to diminish its pungency but without giving up any of the flavor.

Let’s start with a Montreal classic: bagels and lox. I personally have an affinity for St-Viateur’s all dressed bagels. At home I serve it up with cream cheese (and it has to be Liberté …or your local creamiest of the cream cheeses is a must), lox overflowing the sides of the bagel, a mount full of capers, coarsely ground pepper, a drizzle of lemon infused olive oil (take out your best-est olive oil here) and thinly sliced red onion.

To tame the pungency of the red onion as a condiment, you’ll want to start by thinly slicing it. In a bowl cover it with salt; pour cold water over the onions to cover and mix until the salt is dissolved. Add a few cubes of ice and let the mixture sit for at least 20 minutes. Strain and pat dry the onions. Drop a few over the lox to complete this all dressed classic Montreal bagel. These onions are also great for salads, sandwiches, burgers…

Another way to soften the blow of post onion bad breath is to marinade the onion in some sort of acid like lemon or vinegar. This is the base for my famous guacamole. Yes, I said it, famous! You can ask any of my friends and family. The onion taming technique is described below in the recipe and makes a great base for other dishes like gazpacho.

Kristel’s Kitchen Guacamole

• Two ripe avocados
• One small onion
• Two limes – juiced
• One garlic clove – pressed
• One tomato – seeded and chopped into a small dice
• Small bunch of cilantro – chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon Mexican spice blend – any generic grocery store mix works here, or make your own by combining equal parts of cumin, dried oregano, chili powder and paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Splash of hot sauce – or as much as you or your guests can handle

Finely chop the onion. In a mixing bowl add the onion, the juice of one lime and a few pinches of salt. Mix it all together until the salt has dissolved and let sit for 20 minutes. At this point you can start mixing your guacamole. Scoop out the ripe avocado into the mixing bowl and using a fork mash it all up. Using a garlic press, crush one clove. Slice in half one tomato and using your thumb remove the seeds. Chop the tomato and add to the mixing bowl. I enjoy experimenting with different varieties of tomatoes but grape tomatoes give just the right amount of sweetness and they don’t need to be seeded. Gently mix all ingredients; careful, the tomatoes are delicate.

Mix in the Mexican spice blend and the hot sauce. I like playing around with different types of hot sauces and I usually use two kinds: a basic one to give a base of spice and one that adds a different flavor dimension, for example smokiness (think chipotle). This is the perfect opportunity to play around and wow your guests. If you have any fresh hot peppers on hand you can also add those into the mix (remember to use your latex gloves). Make sure to taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning with pepper, salt, spice and perhaps even add more lime juice. Grab your favorite chips and dig in!

 Oui, madame la littérature, j’ai péché!

OUi! OUI! OUI! 

Et pour deux semaines il me faudra encore payer. 

Je sais, vous m’aviez prévenue, madame la littérature, et je n’ai fait qu’à ma tête. 

Au lieu de me donner à vous, corps et âme, j’ai voulu garder une partie de mon corps pour la science. Grossière erreur, la science n’a pas grand chose à foutre de mon corps. 

Je vous reviens cet hiver, madame la littérature, et tout mon être vous appartiendra…

Bon, il semblerait que j’aie décidé que la littérature soit une femme… ok!

D’ici là, d’ici notre union fusionnelle, il reste encore deux semaines d’arrachage de cheveux. 5 examens en quatre jours… partie de plaisir!

Oh oui, croyez-moi, la beuverie sera salvatrice…

Agora é assim: uma emoção atrás da outra!!!

Já temos as passagens e agora temos onde dormir!!
Ontem confirmamos a reserva do Studio onde ficaremos os primeiros meses em Montréal!
Foi uma indicação de uma amiga onde uma amiga dela já se hospedou e falou bem de lá.

O lugar é esse www.montrealapartmentdowntown.com !!! Parece ser bem simples… mas pra nós é o suficiente! Bem localizado e com um bom precinho!  A pessoa lá nos deu as opções de pagar por depósito em conta ou no cartão de crédito. Depois de uns conselhos de amiga resolvemos fazer no cartão de crédito mesmo. Pagamos C$ 200,00 + C$ 6,00 (taxa por ser operação com cartão). Além dos C$ 770,00 mensais, optamos por mais o telefone e internet rápida. Então tudo ficou por C$ 825,00.

Agora é só esperar o dia da partida chegar!!! [;)]

A bientôt.

Quand je suis arrivé à Montréal, il y a trois mois de ça, il faisait chaud. Genre un petit 25°C correc pour boire une bière sur son perron à 23h avec ses colocs sans devoir danser pour avoir l’impression d’avoir chaud.

A Montréal, quand il fait chaud, on en profite. Tout le monde. Et il y a deux grandes options musicales outdoor. Les Tam tam du Mont Royal, et les Pic Nic Electroniques. Au choix donc des blacks avec des percus dans tous les sens, et des gens fous qui dansent au milieu d’un parc, ou des DJ’s qui mixent de l’électro de 14 à 22h le dimanche sur l’Ile Jean Drapeau, au pied de L’Homme, une gigantesque et improbable statue de Calder. Les deux options ont la classe. Pas le même public.

D’abord, les Tam Tam. Un dimanche. Tout se déroule au parc Jeanne Mance, au pied du parc du Mont Royal, immense colline boisée plantée en plein milieu de la métropole, où on trouve même des coins cachés où on entend plus les voitures. Donc, les Tam Tam. Sous la pluie battante, tiède, quelques centaines de personnes en train de sauter en tout sens pieds nus et déchainés. Une nana en pull et leggings perdue au milieu, saute en tout sens. Un grand blond disparu sous ses dreadlocks galère à sauver son deedjeridoo de LA goutte. Deux grands blacks – cliché s’il vous plait : ils étaient 1) noirs, 2) grands, 3) beaux comme un David grec, mais en version Malcolm, avec les nattes, les grosses Ray Ban et les dents blanches qui éclatent de bonheur – donc mes grands noirs, hilares devant les tentatives désespérées des autres percussionnistes de sauver leurs instruments, continuent de plus belle à faire danser. Leurs caisses claires se foutent de la pluie, et eux aussi.

Il n’y avait que ça à faire, on a dansé.

Ambrosia – I’m just trying to figure out why this is ever done. Ever. So many horrible childhood memories. How you decided to put jello, coconut, mini marshmallows and other MINUTIA – just whatever you can find really – into a big tupperware bowl to frighten me every time I open the refrigerator is BEYOND ME, MOTHER!

So, for the second part of the school day, Ezzie had a sub, I guess. Madame Jean. Aside from asking who I was after I came bounding happily up to her and a gaggle of children – one of whom was yelling, “Mommy! Mommy!” and jumping up and down and then hugging my legs….right – she also did not seem the least bit hesitant about asking what ethnicity Ezra was. Her words: “I thought he must be a different ethnicity because his hair is fuzzy” (whilst picking at his cut curls). Me, totally impressed with her lack of shame: “Well, he’s American. So. Lots of stuff.” Now I’m sure I coulda just called her on what she said between the lines. You know, how she had the admirable moxie to ask a Black woman what the devil is wrong with the should-be-white little boy. And she, with a straight, pleasant face, continued, “I knew he must be a different ethnicity.” Meaning…from her. Because, his class has like 18 kids in it and only one boy and one girl are white Canadian. So. Why did his not being white (enough – in the hair department) stand out to you again?! I almost high-fived her when I left though. (Is this one of those situations where I’m gonna be blamed for being too preoccupied with racism/race as are apparently all Black Americans, despite what the other party is trying to say and having the audacity/right to say to me?!)

Anything else? *shuffles papers* Meeting adjourned.

Oh! l'automne l'automne a fait mourir l'été (Apollinaire)

(N’oubliez pas de cliquer sur l’image)

Voila 2 photos quelque peu retouchée du vieux Montréal