Days of Culture 2013, the Grey Nuns of Old Montreal and the Quebec Charter of values ​​...

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) -
The draft of the Quebec Charter of Values has awakened in me the memory of the good Sisters that I have experienced during my childhood in Gaspésie when I grew up, largely, in the rectory of the village along with the priest, his servant (my aunt) and Ursuline Sisters living in the neighboring convent. 
I took advantage of the Days of Culture 2013 to visit the former Grey Nuns Hospital in Old Montreal that offered an open house (Friday 27, Saturday 28 and Sunday, September 29, 2013). 
Conclusion: "The veil is not really a foreign custom as from the time of Marguerite d'Youville (today a Sainte), religious Nurses were wearing it and they are those who first builded Quebec. I loved my visit and I took the opportunity to remind myself of the days of my childhood surrounded by religious symbols of a past that is not so distant. In a sense, it was the good old days and for sure religion is part of the cultural life of Quebec... 
Photo 1 and 2: Museum of the Grey Nuns Old Montreal;
Photo 3: Bernard Bujold - LeStudio1.com;
See album photos of the visit - LeStudio1.com;

CATHERINE LAFRANCE - LE RETOUR DE L'OURS

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) -
Catherine Lafrance just published her second novel: "Le Retour de l'Ours" by Druide Editor. The book will be released in bookstores October 2. 
The book is written in the style and quality of the books like Paulo Coelho especially his novel "The Alchemist". The story of Catherine Lafrance highlights the mysterious side of life and human beings and the importance of listening to his intuitions and his inner voice. The book is a book that will last over time because it raises universal questions on life, death and the return things in time and the nature of the earth. The book is also a message of encouragement to women. The book is destined for a bright future and he has everything to become a bestseller! 
Photo 1 and 3 Book Le Retour de l'Ours;
Photo 2: Catherine Lafrance;
See full interview with Catherine Lafrance - LeStudio1.com ;

APPLE STORE IN MONTREAL

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
The APPLE STORE on Catherine Street in Montreal closed its doors in early September (2013) to perform a renovation of the space. 
If APPLE fans expected to find a completely remodeled shop, they had to reduce their hope because the store is exactly like before... 
The floors were covered with new tiles and the walls with new aluminum siding but otherwise it's the same space as before with the same tables and the same staircase. 
This "half-renovation" does not seem to have slowed down the enthusiasm of fans because the store on Ste-Catherine is always the busiest. Evidence that in many cases the "old stuff" are the most popular... 
The reopening was planned Friday, September 20 date of arrival in store of the new iPhone 5S.
Picture 1,2,3 and 4: Montreal Apple Store;
See pictures LeStudio1.com album ;

THE FIRST DAY OF FALL 2013

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
What better way to welcome the fall of 2013 than to go play in the park with Miss Foxy... 
But be careful because a fox loves to play! Indeed he will gladly leave with your camera case... 
which he will take you back for you would run after him! 
Picture 1,2,3 and 4: Miss Foxy - LeStudio1.com;
See pictures LeStudio1.com album ;

The Fall Season 2013

The fall of 2013 is upon us and it happens Sunday, September 22! 
Welcome back... 
Photo 1: Bernard Bujold;
Photo 2: Miss X (LeStudio1.com),
See homepage LeStudio1.com ;

Demonstration against Quebec Charter of values

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
The protest against the Charter of Values of Pauline Marois government which walked in the streets of Montreal Saturday, September 14, 2013 was a success! 
We can make three conclusions of this protest: 
1. Thousands of Quebecers are against this charter; 
2. The only name booed during the event was that of Pauline Marois, as if the blame about this project was entirely attributed to her and not one mention of the name of the minister Bernard Drainville (ultimate insult because nothing is worse than being totally ignored...); 
3. Photography has become more popular than ever and we could say that each of protesters had a camera, an iPad or an iPhone to take pictures. 
If there is a prediction to make is that this Charter is not likely to have a very long life... 
To be continued! 
Picture 1,2,3 and 4: Demonstration against the Quebec Charter of values​​;
View event photo album ;

Vladimir Putin - Barack Obama - The Battle of the Century

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
The open letter by Vladimir Putin published in the New Times, Wednesday September 11 was a "kill"... 
The reactions are unanimous about Vladimir Putin and all said that he took the leadership in the issue of Syria in front of Barack Obama and is now perceived as the most significant and powerful political leader in the world. 
The intriguing question: "Who wrote the letter for Putin?" 
The secret weapon of Vladimir Putin is KETCHUM… 
The public relations firm is the one that presented the letter by Putin The New York Times. 
The letter was a quick reaction but perfectly targeted to Obama's speech, very well written and, according to many observers, the ideas contained in the letter are those of Obama in his debut in politics? 
It remains to be seen whether Putin will win his bet, but it is likely that he will as the key to the success of great leaders is never to embark on projects that are not won in advance. 
To be continued... 
Photo 1: Vladimir Putin;
Photo 2: Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin;
See open letter by Vladimir Putin ; 
See story on reaction to the letter ;
See story on Ketchum ;

JULIE PAYETTE AT THE MONTREAL SCIENCE CENTRE

By Bernard Bujold ( LeStudio1.com ) - 
Canadian astronaut Julie Payette is now on duties as Director of the Montreal Science Centre (MSC ) as scheduled since last July 15. Her appointment was announced on May 8, 2013 by Canada Lands Company, which also named Mrs. Payette as one of the Vice-President for the Canada Lands Company. 
Asked about her reaction since she took office, Mrs. Payette preferred to decline the invitation for an interview and according to Maxime Charbonneau responsible, public and media relations for the Centre: " Unfortunately, Ms. Payette is not yet ready to give interview and to talk about her new mission at Montreal Science Centre . Her priority is to look at her new role before talking of possible future projects for the Science Center." No target date or event has been advanced by the spokesperson of the Science Centre as what could be the first public participation by the new director. 
Mrs. Payette does not run all the facilities at the Old Port but only the Science Centre. 
Julie Payette was born October 20, 1963 (49 years old) in Montreal, Quebec. She is a great athlete who is fluent in French and English and can converse in Spanish, Italian, Russian and German. She is a pianist and she produced once with the Symphony Orchestra of Montreal. 
She had a distinguished career with the Canadian Space Agency from 1992 until 2011 when she left the Agency and accepted Chair in Public Policy at the prestigious Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, in addition to being appointed in October 2011, Responsible scientific Quebec in Washington. The announcement of her appointment the Montreal Science Centre was made on May 8, 2013. 
Julie Payette is married to William ( Billie ) Flynn , test pilot and Lieutenant Colonel ( ret ) Canadian Air Force. They have two children. 
Moreover, this is Daniel Dorey who was appointed Vice -President (Quebec) of the Canada Lands Company ( CLC ) as announced in a press release on July 15. Mr. Dorey is leading the real estate activities in Quebec, including the Old Port of Montreal and the properties of the Canada Lands Company in the Havre sector of Montreal. 
àMr. Dorey has over 25 years experience in the field property , having already assumed the management of property of a value greater to $ 1 billion. Mr. Dorey has served as President and Chief officer of the Financial OneCap and he also founded Koral Properties and, when Oxford Properties Group acquired it, he led the Oxford activities in Quebec. 
These two appointments follow the departure of Mrs. Claude Benoit, on February 28, 2013, who was heavily criticized in the public medias and at the House of Commons in Ottawa for her expenses in the organization she had the responsibility for 15 years. Following the departure of Madame Benoit, the Canada Lands Company had not then filled her post preferring dividing responsibilities in two and entrust the Science Centre to another officer that the one responsible for the building facilities of the Old Port of Montreal. 
A story to be continued...
Photo 1.2: Montreal Science Centre;
Photo 3 and 4: Julie Payette;
See press release appointment Julie Payette ; 
See press release appointment Daniel Dorey ;
See website Montreal Science Centre ; 
See biography Julie Payette (Canadian Space Agency) ;

RAFAEL NADAL wins the Tennis U.S. Opens 2013...

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
RAFAEL NADAL won Monday, September 9th the Grand Final of Tennis U.S. Opens 2013 at the score of 6 to 2, 3-6, 6-4 and 6-1 against Novak Djokovic. 
Felicitaciones al campeón! 
Bravo au champion!
Congratulations to the champion! 
Photo 1,2 and 3: Rafael Nadal;
See U.S. Open website ;

ROYAL WEDDING IN MONTREAL..

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
The granddaughter of Paul Desmarais Sr. married to Prince... 
Indeed, Jacqueline Ariadne Desmarais married Prince Hadrian Croÿ-Roeulx before more than 500 guests at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral in Montreal on Saturday September 7, 2013. 
Photo 1,2 and 3: ;
See photo album ;

The Apple store on Ste-Catherine Street in Montreal is closed...

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
The first Apple Store in Montreal located on Sainte-Catherine is closed! 
The store, which officially opened Saturday, July 26, 2008 is actually on renovation until September 20. 
The Apple fans are knocking at the door and do not believe that their favorite store is no longer open... 
Fortunately, this closure is only temporary! 
Photo 1,2 and 3: Apple Ste-Catherine Street in Montreal Store;
See photo album ;

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS - MONTREAL 2013

By Bernard Bujold ( LeStudio1.com ) -
There is less than a month before the deadline of October 4, 2013 to present his candidacy for mayor of Montreal. However, everything seems to indicate that the choice of electors at the election of November 3, should be between the current four candidates leading the race: Denis Coderre, Marcel Coté, Richard Bergeron and Mélanie Joly. 
The organizers of these four candidates have all approached me for my support, except for the group of Richard Bergeron... 
In the case of Mélanie Joly, I would gladly support her except it does not have , according to me, a serious organization and obviously she will not be elected mayor. I like to think that my vote will be used to make the candidate win and will not be a sword in the water. 
In the case of Denis Coderre, this is a case of personal conscience. I know Coderre by indirect through the public relations firm of Claude Boulay and Diane Deslauriers who worked for Coderre at the time of the famous sponsorship by the government of Jean Chrétien and the Gomery Commission. I was holding around the couple Boulay at the time and in my conscience, I can not vote for Denis Coderre. 
Then comes the case of Marcel Côté. It is obvious that man is supported by a very serious and powerful but discreet coalition. The coalition wants to do everything to prevent Coderre to become the next mayor and chose Marcel Côté as their chief mission. I would have supported him until the day I discovered by pure chance that her publicist is someone I 've had problems in the past particularly connected to my brief stint in Quebec as press Secretary in the government of Bernard Landry. The publicist in question and me know each other since my time at Quebecor . She was at National with Luc Beauregard as a public relations consultant. I met her directly at Quebec National Assembly in 2002 , when she was among the press officers for a government minister after his work with National and Luc Beauregard. In my case, after the negative pressure put forward by Luc Beauregard and people a his firm to Bernard Landry , I have been stationed in Quebec only one day before being thanked for my service in the afternoon with a check for one month's salary ... and an apology from the chief of staff telling me that she was very confident in my skills but do not have the political choice to keep me on her team. The world is small, too small! I find this press officer of 2002 now with Marcel Côté in 2013... 
It is obvious that I will never vote for the candidate backed by a former adviser of Luc Beauregard ! 
It remains for me Richard Bergeron that I do not know, neither none of the organizers are known to me and no one of his organizing team has approached me for support. By a combination of elimination, however, it is for Richard Bergeron, to date, who will get my vote for mayor of Montreal on November 3. Unless a new and miraculous candidate makes its entry into the race, but I do not really believe in miracles... 
Long live to the unknown candidate! 
To be continued!
Photo 1: Marcel Côté, Denis Coderre, Mélanie Joly and Richard Bergeron;
Photo 2: Richard Bergeron;
See website municipal elections ;

PIERRE KARL PÉLADEAU - The King of Quebec

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
An excellent story was published in the Canadian magazine Maclean's about Pierre Karl Peladeau. The text is signed by journalist Martin Patriquin. Title: King of Quebec... 
Read it! 
Photo 1: Photo Maclean's cover story;
See Maclean's story ;

WORLD PRESS PHOTO 2013 - MONTREAL

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
The annual World Press Photo exhibition in 2013 is presented in Market Bonsecours from September 4 to 29. You can see the 150 pictures selected by the jury and take a look at the same time to the situation of life around the world. The photos are from over 100,000 pictures taken in more than 124 countries and submitted by some 5,500 photographers. 
Bonsecours Market is ideal for this kind of exhibition for visitors because of the atmosphere projected by the gardens of Old Montreal and surrounding this area of the city. 
I also amused myself to compare the situation in the world with the one of Montreal and when I left the show, I took on this picture of a lone person reading his newspaper on a park bench in front of the Bonsecours Market. 
Conclusion: The world is at our door, but sometimes it is nice and important to compare... World Press Photo 2013 is an annual exhibition to see! 
Photo 1: Bonsecours Market;
Photo 2: Photo of World Press Photo 2013;
Photo 3: Visitors to the door of the Bonsecours Market in Montreal; (Photo by Bernard Bujold) ;
See photo album press conference ;