THE TALENTS OF EX-MAYOR OF MONTREAL GERALD TREMBLAY -

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
The former Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay is a man of intelligence and of great kindness. What he is not, however it is a tough manager... 
Gérald Tremblay was born on September 20,  1942 in Ottawa. He is 70 years old. Tremblay is a graduate in law from the University of Ottawa in 1969 and he holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School in Boston obtained in 1972. He was a teacher and lecturer at the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) from 1974 to 1977, ran a consulting firm and the famous "Fédération des caisses d'entraide économique du Québec" in 1981 and 1982. He was then shareholders of various companies in the areas of hospitality and retail sales from 1982 to 1986, including "Dans un Jardin", a company which would, they say, put him well off financially. 
In 1989, he decided to go into politics and was elected Liberal MP for Outremont and appointed Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology in Bourassa cabinet where he invented the famous "Grappes industrielles". 
Taking advantage of the declining popularity of Pierre Bourque, after the "mega-merger" of the 29 municipalities of the island of Montreal into a single entity, he was elected mayor of Montreal in the municipal elections of November 4, 2001. He will be mayor until his resignation November 5, 2012. 
With hindsight, we can say that his decision to become mayor was the worst of his career, if not in the achievements, certainly in terms of his personal history. 
Running a city is not an intellectual task, what is fundamentally Gérald Tremblay. He would have made an excellent ambassador or rector at a large university as retirement job but not the mayor of a city. 
Tracking the Mayor of Quebec, Régis Labeaume, also an entrepreneur who succeeded, is comparable to that of the former mayor of Montreal except that Labeaume is not an intellectual. He is a tough guy! 
Labeaume would not have caved in front of a Prime Minister not warm to him...
Another tough guy was Mayor Jean Drapeau, who despite his financial failures both on a personal level as in the Olympic Games, we can say that he knew how to give a boost to Montreal as an international city and he made history in this regard. 
It is very sad to see the career of Gerald Tremblay completed as it did and his mistake has been to take one risk too much, outside his talents, thinking he could win because he won a lot in the past. 
The key to success in life depends on two specific elements: 
1. Discover and exploit our personal talents; 
2. Know when to stop playing once a winner and never risk all his winning on a new game in life! 
In conclusion, we hope that the next mayor of Montreal will be tough, honest and man or woman of vision. To be continued ... 
Photo 1: Gérald Tremblay;
Photo 2: Pierre Bourque;
Photo 3: Régis Labeaume;
Photo 4: Jean Drapeau;
See website of Montréal City ; 
See website of Québec City ;

Quebec photographer André Boucher exhibit his works ...

by Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
Quebec photographer André Boucher will exhibit his works from May 1st to May 26, 2013, very colorful contemporary digital photographs, at Espace La Fontaine Park under the title: "CONNEXIONS INTIMES". 
André Boucher is a former photojournalist I had known during my time as a young journalist at the National Assembly of Quebec in 1976 while he was with LE SOLEIL. Boucher has since become artistic photographer. 
This is France Théberge, daughter of the great Canadian and Quebec painter Claude Théberge (1934-2008) best known for his painting, his murals, stained glass and sculptures but especially for its "umbrella", who has recently contacted me to let me know about the exposition of photographer Boucher. I was a friend of the painter and his daughter at a time when I was very much involved in the art community but it was in another life... 
However, after seeing some pictures that will be displayed during the exhibition, we must admit that the artist photographer André Boucher has a lot of talent. 
The Lafontaine Space is located at 3933 Avenue du Parc-La Fontaine and the opening of the exposition will be held on Wednesday, May 1, from 5pm to 9pm. Thereafter, it will be free admission from Wednesday through Sunday, from 11am to 4pm. 
Photo 1: André Boucher (photo Jacques Nadeau);
Photo 2: Photo of two works in the exhibition;
Photo 3: René Lévesque (photo André Boucher);
Photo 4: Work of the painter Claude Theberge;
See website facebook André Boucher;

The Good Wife has chosen ...

The Good Wife has chosen and its choice was totally unpredictable... 
This is the rockie young lawyer who seems to have won against the other two much more experienced opponents and tougher... 
This television series produced by CBS is one of the best currently among those broadcast on major TV networks and in particular regarding the dynamics that exist in the legal world in the law firm. An inspiration to all lawyers ... 
CBS TV season is ending  ends and the episode of Sunday, April 28 was the last before next September. One could review the program on Global (Canada). 
To be continued in September...
Picture 1-4, The Good Wife;
See site Facebook The Good Wife; 
See Global Site;

Nicolas Sarkozy visit to Montreal...

Nicolas Sarkozy was speaking in Montreal on Thursday, April 25 at the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. A speech with an economic and philosophical flavor to about 700 people. Nicolas Sarkozy has lost none of its style and humor. 
According to him, the continuity of the euro is essential to the survival of Europe. If the Euro implodes, the Union will explode and it will be his end. Obviously it is his conviction and he admits that he will have to see if the facts prove him right. 
According to the former French President, European countries must change their mode of governance and find ways to boost economic output. The price war and priority to the consumer must be modified in order to promote the production in factories. The challenge is huge because the problems are bigger than before, people are more demanding than ever and more media from the Internet continually seek error. 
According to Sarkozy, leadership is thinking before the other and to impose his ideas before the others. The political leader must fight against all other politicians and especially win elections. According to Nicolas Sarkozy Europe must find a new democratic model. He also believes that in times of crisis, the referendum is the most dangerous policy instruments because 9 times out of 10, a referendum ends badly. Sarkozy evidently considers it necessary to cut public spending and to reduce the expenses of the State. 
On terrorism, he believes that no country is immune and that the only option for governments is to act firmly against those responsible. 
Asked about his new life after politics, he said he knew before becoming President that this task was temporary. He says he loves politics not for political prestige but for the action and the act of deciding. He says he wants to live with passion and he bites into her new life. He also notes the fragility of life and wants to live accordingly. Nobody asked him about his love affair with Carla Bruni but everyone looking at Nicolas Sarkozy also have in mind that he is the one who attracted the beautiful Italian. Many of the participants who attended the luncheon were saying to be disappointed that she was not accompanied her husband to Montreal... 
Photo 1 and 3: Nicolas Sarkozy
Photo 2; Palais des congrès ;
Photo 4: Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni ;
See report LeStudio1.com ;

NCIS - CBS dominates American television ...

NCIS series produced by CBS continues to dominate widely the rating of all American TV broadcasters. 
As the season draws to a close, the scenarios are very dynamic as to generate attention for the new season in September.  In the case of NCIS, the episode of April 23 was very dramatic and it is expected that the last two episodes will be up to the outstanding episode of the season which is closing. 
To be continued... 
Photo 1: NCIS-CBS - Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo;
See report viewership ; 
See CBS Facebook page ;

René Homier-Roy leave his morning show on Radio-Canada ...

René Homier Roy (73 years old) leave the morning show at Radio-Canada at the end of the season in June. He hosts the morning show since 1998. It will host another show, unidentified, in September. 
Marie-France Bazzo will replaces him. 
To be continued... 
Photo 1: René Homier-Roy;
Photo 2: Marie-France ÙÙBazzo ;
Photo 3: Building CBC Montreal;
See website Radio-Canada ; 
See story La Presse ;

KIM THÚY - MÃN

by Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
The author Kim Thúy published in early April her new novel Mãn. 
A book that already ranks first in the weekly sales ranking of Quebec books. The novel of Kim is as great as her first Ru which had been very successful. Kim Thúy's fans will enjoy this second book because the particular style and way of thinking of this author are once again at the "rendez-vous". 
A short book (only 153 pages), but the depth and beauty of the text outweigh the length too short. 
Read it! 
Photo 1: Cover of the book Mãn and Kim Thúy.
See the website of the publisher ;

The future of newspapers...

by Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
Some of the newspapers amongst the most historic and prestigious in United States are currently for sale. There is in particular a group of eight newspapers including The Chicago Tribune and The Los Angeles Times and the value would approach U.S. $ 623 million. 
The price is relatively affordable considering the U.S. $ 5 billion that Rupert Murdoch paid for The Wall Street Journal in 2007. However, one may wonder about the future of newspapers and the value of investments in this sector. 
In Quebec, the group La Presse has launched LA PRESSE+. The cost of this project would be around  $ 40 million. The public reaction to LA PRESSE+ is rather cold as many said that they are missing the old web formula but it would not be until a couple months from now that we will be able to determine if the experiment is successful or not. The new format LAPRESSE+ give great importance to advertising specifically adapted for iPad. 
One thing is sure: the newspapers industry is in total upheaval and the people in charge are searching a new mission for the newspaper industry. 
Stay tuned! 
Photo 1: The Chicaco Tribune;
Photo 2: The Los Angeles Times;
Photo 3: La Presse;
Photo 4 and 5: Printing paper journals;
See story The New York Times ; 
See analysis LAPRESSE+ by Radio-Canada (See episode April 22 Michel C Auger) ;

Allen H. Neuharth - The USA Today

Allen Neuharth died Friday, April 19, 2013 at the age of 89 years old. 
He founded the newspaper USA Today in 1982. He then invented a new dynamic presentation of the paper and his creations have been subsequently used for the design of several news sites on Internet, as well as the presentation of other newspapers around the world. 
News briefs, color photos and graphic layout approaching the TV picture are the specifics of his vision of a modern newspaper.
Photo 1: Allen Neuharth;
See website USA Today ;

The project LA PRESSE

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) -
The new project LA PRESSE exceeds journalism. 
I approached unsuccessfully in 2005-2006 the direction of La Presse in offering my own media project on Internet but at the time only LE DEVOIR was convinced about the web future. Videotron then dominated the Internet in Quebec but his Journal de Montreal did not even have a website... 
Things have moved very quickly since, and if several projects have been launched, many others were also closed! 
In 2006 I had also made approaches with News Corp. They had not accepted my project, but one year later, they launched their own initiative and with great publicity: The Daily... closed today because unprofitable. The Daily was a large copy cat of my small project LeStudio1.com.
In the case of La Presse, their project is different from the Daily and I would predict that their target is to reduce the newspaper and media content and turn themself into a giant advertising agency. A kind of hub airport of advertising with the name La Presse at the top. 
The key to success in the field of communications is money and the newspaper La Presse is basically in a dying industry. Advertising is more promising... and certainly more profitable. The building of the St-Jacques was taken over by Power Corp recently and La Presse will probably move soon in a commercial rented space. 
Conclusion: the portrait of the Quebec media is in transformation, but the media is not in growth mode. The advertising sector however is in growth mode. 
The project La Presse therefore has a good chance to succeed and be profitable! 
To be continued.
Photo 1: Logo LeStudio1.com and iPad The Daily;
See website LA PRESSE ; 
SEE STORY LE DEVOIR ;

LA PRESSE

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) -
LA PRESSE launched yesterday evening, Wednesday- April 18, at Montreal her new Internet format. A bold challenge, but that is likely to succeed because it is obvious that the paper format is dying. Discovery at the launch: La Presse is definitely behind Justin Trudeau while Le Journal de Montreal is obviously with Pauline Marois ... (Appointment of Pierre Karl Peladeau at Hydro Quebec). The launch party of La Presse had for a moment the look of a liberal political convention with Justin behind the scenes on the big screen... 
What do I think of the new format? 
LA PRESSE is in front of the parade for sure, and even if the system needs polishing, it represents the direction to be taken by all media, newspapers as well as radio and television on the Internet. The big losers who will have to adjust more quickly are LE DEVOIR and LE JOURNAL MONTREAL, even THE GLOBE AND MAIL, because the pay wall has no longer a place on the Internet. The new edition of La Presse is available on iPad only at the moment. 
To be continued... 
Photo 1.2: Launch Party PRESS;
Photo 3: Editor Guy Crevier;
See new website LA PRESSE;
See story The Globe and Mail ;

Die Happy...

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) - 
Is it possible to die happy and be satisfied with his life? 
I often asked myself this question in recent years while several people among my acquaintances and friends faced their death. Precious friends in some cases; in others, simple acquaintance or ex-colleagues; and in some cases, enemies and professional rivals. 
The death of Pier Béland and the events of Boston bring me another opportunity to think about death. The case of the artist Pier Béland is particularly interesting. This is a singer who has fought ridicule from other artists a good part of her life and at the time of her death, she was admired and mourned by many even by those who did not care before... For her part, Pier Béland have forgiven and said to be happy! 
Following my inquiry, I conclude, however, that one cannot "die happy" because death is no more or less than the end of consciousness, so there is no more perception of happiness or unhappiness. Happiness as unhappiness are concepts belonging to life and not death. 
However, some elements could make a "happy" death and it is in the way to get there. A quick death without pain and agony, is happier than the opposite. One of the misfortunes of death is in the period preceding it. Whether we suffer physically in our body, or morally to leave our friends and property. Few people want to die and to know out the date, medically, can be disturbing, even more disturbing than the death itself. Knowing the time of our death and undergoing physical agony because of the disease is similar to a shipwreck at sea with all the meaning... 
The best death obviously is not announced. Sudden death is like turning off the light in a room (turning off life). 
Pier Béland has had a half happy death because her agony has been short. 
Does one have to forgive and ask for forgiveness for our lives before dying? 
Personally, I do not believe in forgiveness. I think rather to oblivion. So you can forget about the existence of a person and his actions. A friend of mine, now deceased, often said: "I do not have any enemy living on earth. I have them all removed by simply forgetting their existence completely out of my mind ... "Ben Weider (1922-2008) My friend Ben also added that he forgot but he was not naive and if he forgot the person, he did not forget the actions so as those not to be repeated again. I always applied his philosophy in my personal life and I recommend it! 
Is there a life after death? I do not think so! But according to me, the memory and energy of a person continue to exist after his death. The memory is almost eternal! And like in the movies or theater, we will be best remembered for the conclusion. In this sense, our last achievements will be those who will become eternal in the universal memory. 
In conclusion, as you cannot really decide to die happy because we do not decide how we die, the only other option is to try to live happy, to forget the existence of those we make us unhappy and create a memory of our person that we want to be eternal beyond our death. 
In my case, I try to live by this philosophy and the day I die (distant in time I hope) I want people to remember me according to this sentence: "He was true to himself and his beliefs, and to the end, he lived happy!" 
Photo 1.2: Photo Editing;
Photo 3: Pier Béland;
See story Pier Béland;

Justin Trudeau - Prime minister of Canada

by Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) -
The Prince is back! Justin Trudeau won easily (80% of all points) Sunday, April 14, 2013 the election to the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. Now comes another challenge to win an election and become Canadian Prime Minister of the country in October 2015, but the popularity of Justin Trudeau is no doubt. 
Recent polls favor Justin in a general election and even a former Canadian Prime Minister, once against the Liberal Party, Brian Mulroney from Conservative Party supports and warns that one should not underestimate the young Justin Trudeau who, according to him, is a very talented man who will go far. 
Personally, I have met as a journalist Justin's father, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, repeatedly. Each time I was impressed by the intelligence of the character but also by the force of his gaze. 
I also met the son Justin, two or three occasions, including at the time of his nomination as a candidate in Papineau (26 April 2007). I went out of curiosity to photograph the young politician and I find in him an ardor and a magnetism that can not be invented. One must possess it within himself and Justin has this gift talent, as had his father before him. 
In 2007, at the time of the appointment of Justin in Papineau, then I had predicted he would go far in politics. Today in April 2013, I would say that my prediction holds, and as a politician he is ahead than the schedule I had predicted. 
Does Justin will reverse the current Prime Minister Stephen Harper? Difficult to answer definitively as the champion may disappoint the expectations and the current holder of the title is far from weak. Stephen Harper is a great politician and he knows all the tricks of his trade. But some clues Justin favor and in particular the age of the opponents. Stephen Harper is mandatory in output mode a few years time it will just give Justin time to make his place across Canada as potential Prime Minister. Stephen Harper is 54 years old (30 April 2013) and is leader of the Conservative Party since March 2004 and prime minister since January 2006. Justin Trudeau is 41 years old. This approach's the age of Brian Mulroney in 1984 (45 years) and Stephen Harper in 2006 (45 years). 
One thing is certain, Justin Trudeau has the quality of stars. Seduction cannot not be explained, it is a fact. It's like the talent of an athlete, a musician or a singer. The talent can not be explained, it has to be there. We'll see later, but one must admit that Justin Trudeau is a superior being. 
According to me, his entry into politics is refreshing and makes me happy especially in this era of corruption and lack of vision on the part of our leaders whether in business or in politics. 
Hope I'm not disappointed... 
Stay tuned!
Photo 1.3,4: Justin Trudeau (2013);
Photo 2: Note personnelle signée par Justin Trudeau ;
Photo 5: Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Justin (Picture November 1998 - The Gazette) ;
Photo 6: Justin Trudeau, his mother and his wife (Picture April 2007 - Bernard Bujold) ;
See photo report Justin Trudeau (April 2007) ; 
See photo report Pierre Elliott Trudeau (1976) :

Nicolas Sarkozy will visit Montréal...

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com)-
As I wrote last February (a scoop that I had learned from a friend in France...): Nicolas Sarkozy will visit Montreal in April. Former French President adopts the way of Clinton and he went into the conferences. It will include a visit to Montreal on April 25, 2013. 
The conference will be presented by the Chamber of Commerce of Montreal Metropolitan at the convention center. 
One could say that: "Sarko is back in business ... " 
Stay tuned! 
Picture 1,2,3 and 4: Nicolas Sarlozy;
See site facebook Nicolas Sarkozy;
Voir site Chambre de commerce Montréal ;

Geneviève Sabourin and her fight...

by Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) -
The fight by Geneviève Sabourin makes me think of a battle of adolescents in a school yard, particularly in situations of physical abuse and intimidation by some students over others (the bullying). Normally, in the case of Genevieve Sabourin, actor Alec Baldwin should have withdraw his complaint and turn the final page of this story once he had informed the police about it. But much like the strong teenager imposes its power over the smaller one at school, Baldwin did not want to let go after the warning to police. He preferred to maintain his complaint. Geneviève Sabourin did not have a choice and she took the only right decision, defend herself . 
We must admit that the Quebec woman fell into the net of false feelings of love and she should had stopped early after the first rejection by Baldwin. But the feelings of love are sometimes sickly. I know of a dozen women who clung to a man they were in love with but where the feeling was not mutual. Myself a few times (very rare though ...) I hung at women who do not like me. 
Must obviously one should quit and in the case of Genevieve, she knew that the love was over once arrested by the police on the evening of April 8, 2012. It is at that time that Baldwin should have shut the case and if Genevieve was returned to the charge later, the actor then could and should have pursue harassment charges in court. 
The situation of abuse of power can have only one reaction: defense. This is the same situation in the case of Panda mascot (Anarchopanda) and confiscation of the mask by the Montreal police. This kind of behavior by the police must be challenged before the higher authorities of our society. 
Geneviève Sabourin will defend her story before a judge in New York on May 13. Perhaps she will be given a beating by the colossus Baldwin, but at least she will have defended herself. This will not change the world if she wins or loses but she will have defended her world until the end. 
Better to die with dignity than to die as a victim. And sometimes David wins over Goliath ... 
Good luck! 
Photo 1: Genevieve Sabourin;
Photo 2: Genevieve Sabourin and Alec Baldwin;
Photo 3: Panda Mascot ;
See history of the case :
See justice issue :

Catherine Lafrance will publish a second novel...

By Bernard Bujold (LeStudio1.com) -
This is confirmed, the author and journalist Catherine Lafrance will publish a second novel this September. "LE RETOUR DE l'OURS" will be published by DRUIDE PUBLICATIONS, in the collection "Écarts", at the beginning of autumn. 
The story revolves around a grandfather and his granddaughter, who await the return of the bear upon which depend the survival of an entire village. Catherine is very proud of her new novel. "The novel will be released in September. This is yet another nordic story but completely different from the first novel. This is a scoop. I have not told anyone yet ..." 
Catherine's first novel, "LA SAISON FROIDE" was almost autobiographical and unveiled aspects both dramatic and romantic about life in northern Canada, where she once lived. Her writing style is unique and particularly exciting. 
Congratulations and read right out in the fall! 
Photo 1,2, Catherine Lafrance (Facebook):
See website of the first novel ; 
See Facebook Catherine Lafrance ;