REVOLT IN TUNISIA and QUEBEC- World Film Festival of Montreal 2012 -

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
The documentary film DEGAGE presented at the Montreal World Film Festival by Tunisian director Mohamed Zran about the Arab Spring and the Tunisian revolt is a great movie that you can make a direct link with the student revolt and the elections of September 2012 in Quebec. 
In Tunisia, the people rebelled against the government of Ben Ali while Quebec students opposed to Prime Minister Jean Charest. In both cases, Tunisia and Quebec, activists demanded the departure of government in place, but the people were divided between those in power or change, and in the center, the police as an arbitrator using violence. 
The revolt in Tunisia was on job creation, but the democratic elections of October 2011 were held on the subject instead of religion and secularism in society. The Quebec election was called by the social debate on tuition fees, but the election campaign was conducted rather on other themes almost ignoring the students. There was election of a new government in Tunisia but economic problems have not been resolved. Here in Quebec we have to see the results of the September 4, but it is likely that the student crisis will not be resolved even with a new government and after a revolution... Stay tuned! 
***
Another captivating film presented at the WFF: 7 Days in Havana. This film on Cuba, a country which is historic and universal symbol of the revolution, presents a philosophical perspective on the life of its inhabitants. The film includes seven short stories, each with conclusion that often personal dreams are hard to reach and once reached, the satisfaction is not always there. A must see also for the beautiful pictures of Cuba. 
The World Film Festival continues through Monday, September 3. 
Photo 1: Movie Poster: Degage;
Photo 2: Movie Poster: 7 Days in Havana;
See movie site DEGAGE ; 
See movie site 7 DAYS in Havana  ;

LIV ULLMANN at the Montreal World Film Festival 2012.

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - The internationally acclaimed actress, Liv Ullmann, visited the Montreal World Film Festival, 2012 edition, on Wednesday August 29. The Norwegian actress was there to present her autobiographical film Liv & Ingmar, a film directed by Dheeraj Akolkar and produced by Rune H. Trondsen. 
The film is a documentary about the story of true love between Ingmar Bergman and Liv Ullmann. Several spectators who watched the film say they see themselves in the story which reaction is proof that the director has managed to recreate in his film the true feeling of love that can exist between two person like it was the case between it and Ingmar. 
Moreover, Serge Losique, President of the World Film Festival paid tribute Wednesday evening to Mel Hoppenheim, the founder of Mel's Cité du cinéma and also one of the builders of the film industry in Montreal.
Photo 1, 2 and 3: Liv Ullmann at the press conference ;
Photo 4: Mel Hopppenheim;
See photo album LeStudio1.com ;

Alexandre Trudeau featured at the Montreal World Film Festival 2012

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) -
Alexandre Trudeau, filmmaker and son of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre E. Trudeau, is one of the stars at the World Film Festival of Montreal, 2012 edition. The new documentary film called : THE NEW GREAT GAME explains the politics around Arab oil transportation via the Indian Ocean and the problem of Somali pirates. The film highlights the role of the United States and the competition with China for oil. The documentary will be shown on CBC / Radio-Canada in the fall. Alexandre Trudeau is the author of a dozen documentary films in his career. Several personalities were present at the first WFF with Phyllis Lambert and Justin Trudeau, the brother of Alexander.
Photo 1.2: Alexandre Trudeau;
Photo 3: World Film Festival;
Photo 4: Movie poster Alexandre Trudeau ;
See photo report LeStudio1.com ;

Quebec Elections 2012 - Jean Charest majority at 70 seats...

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - According to the survey Léger and Léger released this Saturday, August 25, the next government will be a minority PQ with 33% of the vote against 28% for the CAQ and 27% for the Liberals. 
According to Jean Charest, the survey is totally wrong… 
One thing is certain: voters will not vote for a leader but by elimination, choosing those they do not want to see elected Prime Minister and then voting for the last remaining. 
Pauline Marois is in trouble, a week from the vote on September 4, while the stars likes Jacques Parizeau say they will not vote for Marois. 
François Legault began seriously to scare labor and he is losing support from civil servants and public sector employees. 
The winner becomes Jean Charest, by self-elimination of the other contenders by themselves. 
According to some informants, the Liberals hope to take advantage of the rejection of their opponents and their own county by county survey would state the possibility of a majority government with 70 seats. This figure would leave 55 seats to be shared among the opponents… Stay tuned! 
Photo 1: Jean Charest, Pauline Marois and François Legault;
Photo 2: Jean Charest;
See story Le Journal de Montreal ;

Beach in the Old Port of Montreal is not a success in 2012....

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - The beach project on the Quays of the Old Port of Montreal was to be the gathering place for all families from Montreal and urban workers would gather on the beach to enjoy the sun and the cityscape view from the artificial beach. 
The resounding success has not been the reality in 2012 and each day only a few dozen people enjoy the facilities. 
 It should be noted that a $6 per person admission fee could be what slowed the popularity of the place as everything around it is available for free from trees, picnic tables, benches and even public pools where it is possible to soak your feet or play with pedal boats. During the inauguration of the beach last June, the director of the Old Port, Mrs. Claude Benoit, said that during the day, the beach would accommodate 1,200 people, and 600 people for the evening fireworks and special events. The development cost of the beach was valued at $3 million. An expense which will definitely not be pay for itself in 2012… 
Interviewed on the subject, staff responsible for beach confessed that there were no large crowds to date but they hope for better next year!
Photo 1 and 2: Beach Old Port of Montreal;
See photo report LeStudio1.com ;

MONTREAL WORLD FILM FESTIVAL 2012

The 36th World Film Festival of Montreal begins this Thursday, August 23 with 432 films from 82 countries on the program which 110 are world premieres. THE WFF 2012 will take place from August 23 until September 3. The interview with the founder Serge Losique in La Presse on Saturday summed up very well this film festival.
 Photo 1: Serge Losique;
Photo 2: Festival poster 2012;
See story La Presse ; 
See interview Serge Losique LeStudio1.com ; 
See website FFM 2012 ;

Student protest of August 22, 2012

  By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - The movement of the student protests on the 22 each month has faithfully met on 22 August 2012 in the streets of Montreal. If the crowd did not reach the 200,000 demonstrators like on March 22, there was still a gathering estimated at between 12,000 and 100,000 people depending on who made the account ... and involving all age groups, young and old! A conclusion: the protesters are energetic and above all they want to enjoy the Quebec provincial election on 4 September to confirm their appreciation of former Liberal government.The slogan: VOTE ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2012. 
Photos 1,2 and 3: Demonstration of 22 August;
See photo report LeStudio1.com ;

Quebec Election 2012 - Leaders Debate - Pauline Marois against François Legault

 By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - It was a tie between Pauline Marois and François Legault during the last leaders debate but both have shown to have the makings of a prime minister. The two leaders expressed their program well during the debate but never once mentioning Jean Charest ... 
It is obvious that two political philosophies clash: the left Marois and a referendum on sovereignty and the right of Legault with a tightening economic and profitability of the state. 
The media poll next Saturday (Léger et Leger) will give a final assessment of the campaign before the vote on September 4. The key figures to reach for one of the political parties are at least 34% of votes and 63 seats, otherwise it will be a minority government. Stay tuned!
Photo 1 and 2: Pauline Marois and François Legault;
See story La Presse ;

Quebec Elections 2012 - The Leaders debate - JEAN CHAREST AGAINST FRANÇOIS LEGAULT

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - Jean Charest has lost the debate against François Legault and particularly on the economy. Clearly the debate head to head between François Legault and Jean Charest is the worst for the outgoing Prime Minister at the time and the Liberal leader could not score significantly during the debate to convince undecided voters. There is one final debate on TVA Wednesday night between François Legault and Pauline Marois. The vote is 4 September. 
To be continued ... 
Photo 1 and 2: Jean Charest and François Legault;
See story La Presse ;

Quebec Elections 2012 - The Leaders debate - JEAN CHAREST AGAINST PAULINE MAROIS

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - The winner of the debate in the French network on TVA is François Legault because Jean Charest and Pauline Marois attacked each other during the debate when both should have attacked indirectly jointly their real opponent for the undecided votes, ie François Legault. Moreover, it is the specific strategy that was suggested by Mario Dumont Charest before debate. According to Dumont, the danger of the debate between Charest and Marois was to fail winning the undecided vote that the party Coalition Avenir Québec is seeking . The next debate will be, Tuesday,  between François Legault and Jean Charest and Wednesday it will be Pauline Marois against Legault. Stay tuned!
Photo 1 and 2: Jean Charest and Pauline Marois;

See story La Presse ;

Quebec elections 2012 - The leaders debate - The miracle Jack Layton according to Françoise David

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
We will have to see the official surveys in the next few days but the winner of the debate on Radio-Canada (Sunday, August 19) between the four leaders of political parties in Quebec's election race is François Legault whose answers were accurate and in attack formula. The big loser appears to be Pauline Marois because of the performance by Françoise David who has done very well and proved that she could be an opposition party. Both parties (Parti Québécois and Québec Solidaire seek the same electors). Outgoing Prime Minister Jean Charest for his part is coming out without serious injury. Conclusion: Is the miracle of Jack Layton could be repeated with Françoise David on September 4?   To be continued...
Photo 1: The four political leaders;
Photo 2: François Legault;
See story La Presse ;

Conrad Black saves a family of cats ...

The former press baron Conrad Black has saved a family of cats that had installed in his garden in a ravine. Black says in his column of The National Post about rescue efforts conducted by him and Barbara Amiel and their gardener. A compelling story!
Photo 1: Conrad Black and one of his dogs;
2 Photos: Cats rescued;
See story The National Post ;

Julian Assange speaks out on the balcony of the Embassy of Ecuador ...

The founder of Wikileak Julian Assange gave a speech on the balcony of the Embassy of Ecuador in London. He urged the U.S. government has to show clemency. The British government tries to resolve the diplomatic crisis surrounding its future on English soil. 
Photo 1: Embassy of Ecuador in London;
Photo 2: Assange and his lawyer;
Photo 3: Assange during his speech;
See story The Globe and Mail ;

Quebec Elections 2012 - The leaders's debate

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
The 2012 election did not determine a winner to date but this may change during the debate between the four leaders this Sunday, August 19 on Radio-Canada and Télé-Québec at 8 pm. 
So far no leader has really been able to advance in front and all bets are open. Many believed that Jean Charest would collapse before his opponent but this has not been the case. Others were convinced that Jacques Duchesneau would be taking ahead but he did not advance since the announcement of his candidacy in the party of François Legault. Finally the only winner seems to be the leader of the Parti Quebecois, Pauline Marois, who dominate the polls but nothing insurmountable by his opponents. 
One conclusion: the games are far from being made ​​for the vote to be held on September 4, 2012. To be continued... 
Photo 1: The four leaders of the major political parties in Quebec;
Photo 2: National Assembly of Quebec;
See the CBC report ;

Julian Assange at the Ecuador's Embassy...

The focus is on London while Britain threatens to give the assault on the Embassy of Ecuador if the country wants to carry Assange outside London. Ecuador announced on Thursday, 16 August 2012 that it granted asylum to Assange indefinitely. 
To be continued... 
Photo 1: Embassy of Ecuador in London;
Photos 2 and 3: Assange,
See The New York Times story ;

ACADIA HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2012!

August 15 is the annual National Acadian Day. 
The Acadia is the sea, fields, and the sun ... more! 
LONG LIVE THE ACADIA! 
HAPPY NATIONAL DAY 2012! 
Photo 1: Acadian flag;
Pictures 2,3 and 4: Beaches and Acadian farms;
See photo album LeStudio1.com ;

Tennis Rogers Cup 2012 in Montreal - A great success despite the obstacles ...

 
By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) 
-The tennis champion Petra Kvitova won the Rogers Cup final in 2012 against China’s Na Li at 7-5, 2-6, 6-3. The second set was totally dominated by her opponent but more errors at the net in the third set from the Chinese gave the final victory at the Czech player. 
The Rogers Cup tournament in 2012 has finally been another successful year despite the absence of star players like Maria Sharapova or Serena William, held in parallel with the London Olympics and rain. The total assistance is approximately 150,000 fans and nearly $ 10 million revenue estimates the tournament director Eugene Lapierre. The 2012 figures are lower than the record year like 2006 with 174,406 fans for the women’s tournament and in 2011 when Montreal hosted a record 213,760 fans for the men’s tournament. 
We must therefore congratulate Eugene Lapierre and his team for their hard work because all the obstacles have not made their success easy to achieve. 
Information for those interested, I highlighted the problems of fast food kiosks on the site of the Stadium at the opening of the tournament. Eugene Lapierre then told me that he would quickly correct the situation and he did. To prove this, its Director of the Stade, Alain Beaupré, invited me to the final Monday night and I can confirm that the Bistro SAQ provided excellent service with excellent food … Bravo! 
See you next year for the Rogers Cup men’s 2013! 
Photo 1: Stade Uniprix Montreal tennis;
Photo 2 and 3: Rogers Cup Champion 2012 - Petra Kvitova;
Photo 4: Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com)
See photo two albums LeStudio1.com ;

Quebec Election 2012 - Stephen Harper's strategy...

It remains 22 days of campaigning before the vote on 4 September to electing the next prime minister of Quebec. The two favorites, François Legault and Jean Charest, use strategies election of Stephen Harper ... while Pauline Marois continues to threaten the two heads according to her own recipe! 
The first of four debates will be held on Sunday August 19 Radio-Canada. 
To be continued...
Photo 1: Stephen Harper and Jean Charest;
Photo 2: Jean Charest and Michelle Dionne;
See Jean Charest and Stephen Harper strategies ; 
See the CBC debate ;

Quebec Elections 2012 - A race of two ...

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1)
It is clear that the resignation of Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois put up the student crisis at the backstage of the Quebec election campaign while the debate is now on integrity. 
Some columnists, including Michael David (Le Devoir), say that Pauline Marois falls behind in the race as she fails to win in front of Francois Legault and Jean Charest. The only winning option would be for Marois to identify herself with the sovereignty and she does not, preferring to talk about integrity, a subject where she will be unable to overcome Legault and his star candidate Jacques Duchesneau. 
Pauline Marois is on the front cover of the magazine L'Actualité and we learn among other things that Bernard Drainville prevented the appointment of Gilles Duceppe as PQ leader while Pauline Marois frequent over 30 hairdressers across Quebec! 
It will have to be seen but more and more the fight looms on two leaders: Charest against Legault. A good fight to finish! 
For its part, Amir Khadir is far behind... 
It remains 25 days of campaigning before the vote on September 4, 2012 and the 4 official debates are scheduled from 19 to 22 August. 
Photo 1: Jean Charest and François Legault;
Photo 2: Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois;
Photo 3: Pauline Marois;
See Jean Charest and the police investigation; 
See story resignation Gabriel Nadeau Dubois ; 
See L'Actualité story - Pauline Marois ;