Montreal Times 26.03 October 17, 2020 by Montreal Times

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Vol. 26 No. 03

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Under the Old Champlain Bridge - Photo JCCBI

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October 17, 2020 •

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The second wave of COVID-19 hits Montreal: the prospects

From desperate calls to follow government guidelines to the apparent disregard of the dangers posed by the virus by some "covidiots"—as some people call them, to a proposal to create some sort of ghetto for the elderly.These seem to be the prospects our province, and particularly Montreal, face with the arrival of the second wave of the pandemic. As our province was approaching the 90,000 cases at the beginning of this week, it continues topping the contagion ranking in the country. The Montreal region, to-

By Sergio Martinez mtltimes.ca

gether with the provincial capital and some other cities are now all in Level 4 or Maximum Alert. Besides the threat that this second wave represents for the population, Montreal has to face another big menace: the severe blow to its economy and to many of its most typical activities. Many people are worried about what the city will look like in the post-pandemic period. And the picture doesn't look very bright. On the plus side, this Tuesday the city announced that it would receive an injection of funds of up to 263 million from the province. Which will be used to help businesses, especially in the downtown area, the homeless, some infrastructure projects, and balance the budget. However, the needs may still be much greater. On top of that, on the vaccine front, the news is not comforting. This week Janssen, the pharmaceutical division of Johnson & Johnson, announced that it has paused the development of its vaccine. An illness contracted by one of the volunteers who took it was the reason. A similar situation was experienced by British AstraZeneca a few weeks ago. Certainly, a disquieting occurrence that casts doubts regarding the time when a vaccine may be ready. Perhaps it will take more time than what optimistic calculations were anticipating. On the other hand, the Russians are mov• October 17, 2020

A desolated downtown for the post-pandemic? [Inset phtoto] Will Montreal ever be the vibrant city of pre-pandemic times? ing into the mass production stage of their Sputnik 5 vaccine, and the Chinese seem to be the most advanced in the development of their own. However, given the state of relations between Canada and China after that untimely arrest of a Huawei executive on Trump's orders, we probably won't be high on the list of countries to benefit from any Chinese vaccine. Relations with the Russians, are distorted by distrust, and probably we won't get any help there either. What about Canada's efforts to develop its own vaccine? For some dubious reason, it seems that the federal government prefer to buy from foreign multinationals instead of helping fund the national projects already underway. The second wave of COVID-19 is not only hitting our province and city hard: it is also revealing a poor state of preparedness on the part of the Quebec government. Premier François Legault and Dr. Horacio Arruda issue what sometimes sound as desperate calls to help in controlling the spread of the disease—to no avail. Young people, in particular, are not moved by those calls.Those who openly disregard the warnings have even challenged the authorities demonstrating against the measures aiming at controlling the contagion. The discredited "herd immunity"—recently denounced by the head of the WHO—makes regular reappearances, always under the pretext of reactivating the economy.To what extent this claim may go? On October 1, a Janusz Kaczorowski, after www.mtltimes.ca

a few platitudes about "protecting the most vulnerable" wrote in the opinion section of The Gazette: "We need to make sure, as a society, that our elderly, both institutionalized and those living in the community, receive the financial, social and psychological support they need to physically isolate in the most comfortable and humane way possible." Then, he went on: "This might include providing free or subsidized temporary housing for those for whom physical isolation is not possible at their current place of residence; offering free, safe and reliable assistance with shopping, meal preparation and/or delivery…" This simply looks like a proposal for placing the elderly in a ghetto. Mr. Kaczorowski bluntly states the purpose of such move: "If such measures were to be implemented, the vast majority of us would be able to resume near-normal lives, keeping the economy going and everyone safe." I would call this proposal a kind of "sanitary fascism." The prospects seem gloomy: Montreal, the city of the joie de vivre, suddenly losing its festivals, bars and restaurants are closed, movie theatres risk bankruptcy, and our vibrant downtown may become a thing of the past—instead, a kind of ghost town may emerge along Ste. Catherine. Still, the agents of gloom and disaster, the ones who want to isolate the old, so they can go on making money and having parties, should not prevail. Some real humanism is needed more than ever. 3

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October 17, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢

Deconstruction of Jetties 2 - Photo JCCBI

Old Champlain Bridge deconstruction moving forward It is a monumental task and will take at least 3 years to complete, but work on the deconstruction of the Old Champlain Bridge is moving forward. Section by section, piece by piece, the 57 year old span will be carefully dismantled - until all that is left will be nothing but a memory of the millions upon millions of vehicles that crossed over it. Its successor, the new Samuel de Champlain Bridge, opened in June of 2019 and is a testament to all that has been and can be accomplished. It will be the holder of the torch, continuing to connect the Island of Montreal to the South Shore, over the Saint-Lawrence River. In a press release, JCCBI (Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated) presented the timetable for the deconstruction of the Old Bridge and the methods that Nouvel Horizon Saint-Laurent G.P. (NHSL, the consortium formed by Pomerleau Inc. and Delsan-A.I.M. Environmental Services) will use for the deconstruction, as follows (*watch the Video at https://youtu.be/yW7oLe7UJWE): • NHSL will deconstruct the bridge using three different methods. The deconstruction of the shoreline sections will be carried out from jetties set up along the river using standard equipment (excavators and • October 17, 2020

By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca cranes). • Work from the river, which will be required for over 65% of the project, will be done with a system of platforms attached to high-capacity lifting towers installed on a catamaran barge. Scheduled to take place from 2021 to 2023, this work will be performed in a controlled environment away from residences, respecting the river environment and the local community. • Work on the steel structure over the Seaway will begin in the fall and winter of 2021-2022. First, the 2,200-ton suspended span will be removed and lowered onto a barge using strand jacks. This will be followed by the dismantling of the cantilever www.mtltimes.ca

sections and anchor spans using a crane set up on the jetties and the Seaway dike. The last phase will include the deconstruction of the bridge piers using high capacity excavators in 2023, and the demobilization of the jetties by the end of January 2024. WORK COMPLETED TO DATE: The deconstruction of the abutment and two spans on Nuns’ Island went well and was carried out to ensure compliance with environmental criteria and with minimum impact to the community. The closure of René-Lévesque Boulevard was unavoidable due to the scope of the work, but every effort was made to limit the closure duration and maintain a safe active transportation corridor. OTHER PROJECT COMPONENTS • Research and development: In addition to the deconstruction, 10 research and development projects will be held on various components and aspects of the Bridge, such as its concrete elements, steel structures and reinforcement techniques. The researchers have already begun their work and some components were removed from the structure on Nuns’ Island. continued on Page 9

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Quebec open to ending Daylight Savings Time It is soon that time of the year again, or rather that 'Eastern Standard Time' (EST) day of the year. On November 1st 2020 at 2:00am, Quebecers will be turning their clocks back one hour, along with most other regions in Canada. Sunrise and sunset will arrive one hour sooner on our timepieces, meaning for many people waking up at their scheduled times for work or school, it will be lighter in the morning - but it will be darker for the evening rush hour ride home. Then next March we will be getting ready to 'spring forward' again when Daylight Savings Time (DST) begins and the tulips soon start poking through the earth, the mornings once again darker and the evenings lighter. However, that may change here in Quebec. After Ontario tabled Bill 214 on October 7th, an Act that would see the end of EST in their province and make Daylight Savings Time permanent (the new 'standard time' throughout the year), Premier Francois Legault said at his press conference on October 8th, that he is 'open to looking at that' as well.The permanent change would be welcomed by experts who believe the time changes might be making us

By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca unhealthy, costing us money and even putting us in dangerous situations. DST was first used to save energy during wartime, so why do we still bother with it now? Numerous studies have shown that the hour of sleep we lose by 'springing ahead' can seriously affect our health. They show an increase in heart attacks and strokes linked to the time change. There is a significant increase in car accidents in the days following and an increase in work-related accidents. Our bodies are governed by our natural clocks that rely on light - and time changes just mess us up with the sudden disruptions to our sleep. When it is interrupted, it causes decreases in performance and conwww.mtltimes.ca

centration, as well as fatigue. Even farmers have been opposed to DST for years, because it confuses the cows and their schedules and creates other drawbacks in everyday farm life. Studies have shown there are also environmental and economic concerns attached to DST. In the summer months, it creates more traffic later into the evening - and that creates an increase in fuel consumption and resulting in higher levels of pollution. In 2014, Manitoba Public Insurance said there was a 20% increase in claims for car accidents on the province's roads the Monday following the springtime change. As well, other studies showed that DST has a negative effect on our behaviour with up to 35% of those polled reporting difficulty waking up, 21% reporting a lack of energy and 13% finding themselves feeling very irritable after the clocks are turned forward - or back for that matter. As many of us are shocked into the unnatural change of darkness in the morning and less sleep, voices have been consistently rising to put an end the Daylight Saving Time - and perhaps it is time for Quebec to stop that clock. October 17, 2020 •

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Outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections linked to shellfish nvestigate an outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections occurring in four provinces. Based on the investigation findings to date, exposure to shellfish has been identified as a likely source of the outbreak. Many individuals who became sick reported eating shellfish, mainly raw oysters, harvested from eastern coastal waters, before their illnesses occurred. More information is needed to determine the supply source and distribution of these oysters. The outbreak investigation is ongoing as illnesses continue to be reported to PHAC. This outbreak is a reminder that you can get sick from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.To prevent the risk of illness, shellfish should be cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) before eating or serving it.This notice contains more advice on how to avoid getting sick. This public health notice will be updated as the investigation evolves. What is Vibrio Vibrio is a naturally-occurring bacterium that can be present at high levels in coastal waters during periods of increased water temperatures. Most people come in contact with Vibrio by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters. Investigation summary As of October 14, 2020, there are 21 confirmed cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus illness in the following provinces: Saskatchewan (1), Quebec (7), New Brunswick (10), and Prince Edward Island (3). Individuals became sick between early July and mid-September 2020. One individual has been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Individuals who became ill are between 11 and 92 years of age. The majority of illnesses (63%) are male. It is possible that more recent illnesses may be reported in the outbreak because there is a period of time between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between nine and twelve weeks. Who is most at risk People most at risk for complications are pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, liver disease and low stomach acidity, young children and the elderly. These individuals should not eat raw or under-

cooked shellfish. Most people recover fully within a week. It is possible for some people to be infected with Vibrio and to not get sick or show any symptoms, but to still be able to spread the infection to others. People can also pass on the bacteria to others through infected stool. What you can do to protect your health It is difficult to know whether a shellfish product is contaminated with Vibrio because you can't see, smell or taste it. The following tips may help reduce your risk of getting sick from Vibrio, but they may not fully eliminate the risk of illness. • Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish. • Get your shellfish products from a licensed establishment or harvest them from a fishing area which is open under the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP), Fisheries and Ocean Canada. Store and transport shellfish at 4ºC (39ºF) in the refrigerator or on ice from the time purchased until cooking or eating. • Shellfish must be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 74ºC (165ºF) to kill bacteria like Vibrio. Follow proper safe food handling practises when preparing and cooking shellfish: • Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water before and after handling any shellfish. • Always clean and proper sanitize any cutting boards, counters, kitchen surfaces, knives and other utensils used to prepare raw shellfish. • Use only drinking-quality water for rinsing shellfish. • Discard any shellfish that do not open when cooked. • Eat shellfish right away after cooking and refrigerate leftovers. • Always keep raw and cooked shellfish separate. • Wear protective clothing (like gloves) when handling raw shellfish. • Avoid exposing open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, or to raw shellfish. • Avoid taking antacids prior to eating oysters, or other seafood, as reduced stomach acid may favour the survival and growth of Vibrio. If you have been diagnosed with a Vibrio infection or any other gastrointestinal illness, do not cook food for other people. Contact your local public health authority to report any food safety concerns at restaurants, grocery stores, or if you suspect food

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poisoning from a restaurant or other food establishments. Symptoms People infected with Vibrio can experience a wide range of symptoms. Some do not get sick at all, while others feel as though they have a bad case of stomach flu. Few people get seriously ill. Most people develop one or more of the following symptoms 12 to 24 hours after being infected with the bacteria: • watery or bloody diarrhea • stomach cramps • nausea • vomiting • fever • headache • chills • abnormally low blood pressure • bacteria present in the blood The illness can last up to three days, and severe illness is rare. Patients should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluids lost through diarrhea. People who experience symptoms, or who have underlying medical conditions, should contact their health care provider if they suspect they have a Vibrio infection. What is the Government of Canada doing The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health of Canadians from enteric disease outbreaks. The Public Health Agency of Canada leads the human health investigation into an outbreak and is in regular contact with its federal, provincial and territorial partners to monitor the situation and to collaborate on steps to address an outbreak. Health Canada provides food-related health risk assessments to determine whether the presence of a certain substance or microorganism poses a health risk to consumers. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency conducts food safety investigations into the possible food source of an outbreak. They also monitor for biotoxins in shellfish in harvesting areas and are responsible for registering and inspecting fish and shellfish processing plants. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for opening and closing shellfish harvest areas, and enforcing closures under the authority of the Fisheries Act and the Management of Contaminated Fishery Regulations. The Government of Canada will continue to update Canadians if new information related to this investigation becomes available.

October 17, 2020 •

(1) Deconstruction of Jetties 1 - Photo JCCBI (2) Old and New under construction- Photo JCCBI (3) Work section Pier removal - Photo JCCBI (4) Demolition of Pier Cap - Photo JCCBI (5) Old Champlain Bridge 1 - Photo JCCBI (6) Under the Old Champlain Bridge - Photo JCCBI The CEO of JCCBI Sandra Martel, stated, construction project that is on a scale continued from Page 5 “This ambitious deconstruction project never before seen in Quebec while re- Environmental protection: A first project poses enormous technical and environ- specting the environment and communities. to compensate for fish habitat started in mental challenges. NHSL has begun work- Our know-how, combined with JCCBI’s Saint-Ignace-de-Loyola in the Saint-Pierre Lake archipelago. This project consists in ing on Nuns’ Island, which is a successful high standards, will help us apply sustainable developing a piece of farmland into a grassy first step.The methods chosen for work on approaches that we hope will inspire new floodplain that will promote fish spawning the river are innovative and will minimize deconstruction practices for future projand protect the area’s biodiversity. It should the impact on local residents… we ensure ects.” For more details or to follow the also be noted that the impacts of the de- constant follow-up with NHSL to make project go to: construction will be limited to the duration sure that exemplary OHS measures are in https://jacquescartierchamplain.ca/communityof the work, whereas the impacts of the place at the work site." Project Director of heritage/structures-and-projects/champlaincompensation projects are permanent.The NHSL Fabrice Guédon also stated,“We are bridge-deconsruction/site-works/chantier-3/?lan overall long-term effect will be positive. very proud to contribute to this major de- g=en • October 17, 2020

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World food day 2020 Today more than ever, it's important to promote World Food Day 2020, to make the public aware of the realities faced by those who suffer from hunger in the world, and of the actions we can take to ensure healthy diets for all. This year, we also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), which was founded in Quebec City in 1945 under the leadership of future Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson. And this year, in a special way, we also honour the many "food heroes" who continue to feed the world in the face of the severe pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. World Food Day 2020 is a call to "Grow, nourish, sustain together", because "our actions are our future." Today, I am pleased to participate in a 24hour Relay Global Conversation: "Voices of Food Systems", bringing together participants from around the world, including many women entrepreneurs, leading up to the United Nations Food Systems Summit 10

in 2021. As the COVID crisis threatens to push millions more into hunger, we renew our resolve to work with the FAO and the international community to ensure a foodsecure future for all, and achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the second â&#x20AC;&#x201C; zero hunger. In Canada, we continue work together for a stronger food system. Under our firstever Food Policy for Canada, we are investing to improve access to food; combat significant challenges in accessing healthy food in Canada's North; increase consumer pride and confidence in our farmers; reduce food waste; and tackle food fraud. I invite you to take this cause to heart. Let's join forces to ensure that our food systems produce a variety of foods to feed a growing population, while saving the planet. I wish you all a memorable and meaningful World Food Day! - Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food www.mtltimes.ca

Quick facts The Local Food Infrastructure Fund, a project under the Food Policy, has helped hundreds of food aid organizations across Canada invest in a range of projects to better serve Canadians in need, especially during COVID, including new refrigerated trucks, kitchen equipment, community gardens, solar panels and irrigation systems. In addition to the Food Policy, the Government of Canada has also invested $200 million through the Emergency Food Security Fund, to support food security in Canada during the pandemic. To date, this funding has supported over 1,800 individual projects, which are estimated to have helped serve six million safe, healthy, and culturally-diverse meals to over two million Canadians. The Government of Canada has also invested $50 million in the Surplus Food Rescue Program, which is providing millions of pounds of quality, nutritious, surplus food to Canada's most vulnerable populations. October 17, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘

Five intriguing wines for the Fall The strange times continue to roll in with the second wave of COVID-19 and we don't seem to totally break free from the human confinement idea.We have become characters of paintings from Edward Hopper trying to break free.

By Marco Giovanetti mtltimes.ca The human condition has been temporarily halted. As I write these lines, the hospitality and cultural sectors are being closed down. The fall looks very bleak as well, since the traditional wine festivals of October and November are cancelled as well. This is very sad and has affected in general the morale of the Quebec wine media as well as the winelovers.Well, there is always the impersonal world of virtual wine tastings. It is the best solution that we have at the moment but it doesn't fit me. In this column, I would like to propose to you five intriguing wines to enjoy with your next takeout meal or when you are in a dark state of mind. I would like to think that we can get something positive with a good glass of wine.This is the time to cook a bit less as well and eat "outside" to support our local restaurant trade.

present but used in moderation. A beauty of a wine under $20.

CVNE Gran Reserva 2013 $28.30 SAQ #12591944

Dao, Outeiro, Quinta da Pellada $16.65 SAQ # 14346176

Classic Rioja nose. Great nose reminiscent of prune jam, cigar box, marjoram and balsamic undertones. Full body, noble structure with quite smooth tannins. Flavours bring to mind hazelnuts, cocoa and leather. Wood treatment is elegant. Should be fine to drink now but it should improve in the next 3-5 years.

Classic Portuguese nose. Smoky black fruit with a cool mineral profile. A good spice note as well. Full body with soft tannins as well Round. Perfect weekday wine. Only $16.65

Prosecco Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Superiore. Sommariva. $19.95 SAQ # 14444391

Valle del Maule-Chile, Laberinto Sauvignon 2019, Rafael Tirado $25 SAQ # 14479139 Green olives with a hint of green pepper complemented by ripe white fruit and medicinal herbs Medium to full body.Vegetal and peppery. High strung acidity finishing off with a clean finale. Great original in style Navarra, Emilio Valerie 2017, Laderas de Montejurra. $18.20 SAQ # 14182458 Ripe blue fruit with notes of menthol and smoke. It really pleases me. Elegant with a slight funky note. Full body with a meaty structure. Powerful. Oak aging is • October 17, 2020

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October 17, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢

The glitz and glamour of casino fashion: True inspiration for the fashion world Casinos take immense pride in their distinctive culture which is more often than not over the top and flamboyant culture that promises to be more style-focused than substance-oriented. People are used to dressing in a specific manner while going to play and gamble the evening away at a casino and it is this unique style that has been influencing the fashion world since time immemorial. The culture and overall lifestyle associated with casinos have been a major source of inspiration for many creative fashion designers. Today punters are reaping the benefits of pay by mobile slots but its convenience could never match the sheer pleasures and joys of going to a casino, experiencing the adrenaline rush of playing roulette and enjoying the luxurious casino ambiance! Pinnacles of Casino Style & Glamour There are very few destinations that could assure you of reaching the incredibly dizzying heights of style, fashion, and glamour just like a luxurious casino does. Right from the plush interiors to the lavish and intricate dĂŠcor outside, a casino would be oozing with elegance wherever you look. The immaculately dressed elites are forever crowding around the slot machines and roulette tables.The casino is the hub of the elite class: societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich and the famous are seen here rubbing shoulders with you. Casinos are some of the high points of fashion and you could see the latest catwalk trends embraced by the immaculately dressed guests. Hence, if you are looking for some fashion inspiration and thinking of jazzing up your style quotient, you need to look no further. Conversely speaking, over the last few decades, fashion designers have come up with unique, innovative, and inspiring designs for the impeccably-dressed casino goers. Similarly, casinos have been a â&#x20AC;˘ October 17, 2020

source of inspiration and have impacted the fashion industry in many ways. Casinos Are Perennial Inspiration for the Fashion Industry The formal dress code maintained in casinos has radically influenced the fashion industry. Some of the highly-acclaimed and renowned fashion designers like Givenchy and Michael Kors have been inspired profusely by casino culture, fashion, and overall ambiance and so they have launched the mind-blowing casino-themed fashion walks. For example, a well-known Italian fashion house called Moschino had organized a fascinating Las Vegas-themed show. Moreover, we have witnessed James Bond 007 actors such as Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan generally sport immaculately designed, custom-tailored suits that are priceless creations of Brioni top Italian-based brand of suit makers. History reveals how casinos have flaunted the dynamic fashion trends very much within its premises. Casinos have been flocked by style icons in their own rights sophisticated and elegant outfits. Smart suits and cocktail dresses have been very much in vogue. When casinos were going through the golden age, casino-goers both men and women were thrilled to dress up in their finest clothes to have a blast and enjoy an extravagant evening. Casino enthusiasts have always turned up looking perfectly polished for complementing the lavish and truly opulent ambiance. The Unmistaken Casino Influence on Hollywood An implicit imprint of Casino fashion on Hollywood is quite evident from the way the hot-favorite character James Bond 007 is dressed. The Bond stars demonstrate their passion for perfectly tailored formal suits. Both Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan www.mtltimes.ca

have sported immaculate suits from internationally renowned suit makers Tom Ford based in the United States and Brioni, famous Italian suit makers. Sean Connery had chosen something far more British in his portrayal of James Bond 007. He looked incredibly dashing in custom-tailored formal suits from Anthony Sinclair, a reputed Marylebone-based designer.The pasteurization of casino fashion in these hit Hollywood movies, in turn, motivated numerous casinos to operate with stringent dress codes. If somebody did not come properly dressed, he would not be permitted to enter the casino. Classic casinos had a distinctive appeal and they focused chiefly on black and red outfits to steal the show. Contemporary Casino Fashion & Modern Designers In the present times, casinos have been compelled to come up with a certain degree of relaxation, in terms of dress codes in order to stay relevant with the current fashion trends. Ball gowns and black ties have made way for some of the edgiest attires and people are too happy to make a really bold fashion statement. With time, jackets and tops and elegant dresses have replaced formal freshly-ironed shirts. People come to the casinos wearing vest tops and a pair of jeans. Staying comfortable is the top priority today.This less-is-more and overall simplistic dressing approach have its own appeal and style quotient. Conclusion The history of casino culture and glamour would surely keep inspiring many fashion designers in the years to come. Casino fashion has surely left its footprints in the dynamic world of fashion in a remarkable way. 13

How to tighten your budget during COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on families around the globe. From debilitating illness to record-breaking job losses, many people continue to struggle as the pandemic rages on. If you are having a hard time making ends meet, the first step is to tighten your spending budget. Most of us are used to living a particular lifestyle, but during a financial crisis, curbing your spending is a wise move that can help you keep your head above water. Moneysaving sacrifices can be made nearly painlessly in most households. If you need cash in a hurry, you can apply for a payday loan in Canada and start rearranging your monthly budget so more money can stay in your pocket. Let’s take a look at a few easy ways that you can tighten your budget during the pandemic. Dine-In Families spend hundreds of dollars a month eating out or ordering in. With the busy schedules that have ruled our everyday lives, it’s often easier to pick up a pizza on your drive home than to cook a meal. The good news is that with the pandemic quarantine restrictions in place around the country, people are spending more time than ever at home. Save some money by trying out some new recipes in your

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kitchen instead of calling for take out. If you are still heading to work every day, you can save money by avoiding expensive take out meals. Packing a lunch from home and brewing your coffee can save you up to $100 a week. Bundle your insurance If you have insurance policies on your home, car, or RV, you could be adding extra payments to your budget.Talk to your broker about bundling your policies together to help you save money. One easy payment that covers all of your assets is much easier to manage when money is tight. During the pandemic, you may be able to put some of your coverage on hold. If you aren’t currently using your second vehicle because you are working from home, try reducing your coverage to get rid of your

Shop Wisely Just because we are in the middle of a pandemic doesn’t mean that you still don’t need to buy things. How you make your purchases can make a big difference in your spending. Saving every dollar can help you when things are tight. Shop for your groceries at a wholesale outlet for the best prices. Order supplies online through Amazon Prime, and you don’t have to worry about paying for shipping.Wait to buy items until the end of the season when prices are reduced. Unplug Your energy bill is a necessity, but there are still ways that you can trim the fat. Be conscious of your usage, and try to eliminate as much waste as possible. Unplug your appliances that aren’t in use, don’t leave your device chargers plugged in and turn off the lights in the rooms you aren’t using. There are plenty of small things that you can do as a family to tighten your budget that will have a significant impact.Take stock of the things you can go without for a while and focus on the priority items. Making a few of these budgetary changes can help you make it through this challenging time until things get back to normal.

Investing in your health By Joanna Wright Montreal Times

oon after my father’s death, my family began the arduous task of sorting through his financial affairs. While doing so, we discovered that he had left us with a generous amount of money through his life insurance plan. Through my grief, something kept making me shake my head, as I rolled those two little words around in my brain. Life insurance? How ironic. He was dead. There was no insurance of “life” for my father in this long term investment. The only thing that was certain is that he wouldn’t be the one reaping the benefits. Then a strange emotion began to emerge. Regret. Why hadn’t he invested in his health with this money while he was still alive? Perhaps we could have enjoyed a few more good years to share together? Did he really think I’d rather have this money than have him here beside me? I recount this story often to groups of seniors who fail to see the importance of investing in their health.

Whether it be a personal fitness trainer, a recumbent exercise bike or a gym membership, I explain to them that, in the end, we will all pay for our health in one way or another. But being proactive and staying healthy is much cheaper in the long run and much more fun. Consider the statistics. As a senior, if you are no longer able to live independently, the average cost of an assisted care living facility is approximately $1800 to $5000 a month. Most seniors who find themselves in this predicament can no longer perform the basic tasks of taking care of themselves due to weak muscles, low energy endurance, arthritic bones, or balance issues. In contrast, a good treadmill might set you back $1000. A qualified trainer $65 an hour. A gym membership $100 a month. There is no comparison. As a trainer who specializes in working with seniors, I have perfected the fine art of targeting the exact exercise movements that will give my clients the tools to stay afloat. I once trained a 90 year old woman in her own

condo until she ultimately had to accept the fact that she needed more care. She lamented to me, “I guess I failed.”. On the contrary. She had worked hard to give herself 4 more years of living HER way. Sleeping when she wanted, eating what she wanted, DOING what she wanted. I call that a success. Looking back, I wish my father had invested not for us...but for him. I miss him. He crossed his fingers and hoped for good health while diligently planning financially for his demise. I can’t help my dad anymore. But my passion and my goal as an older adult fitness trainer is to motivate, educate and guide other seniors to invest in their health today, so that their families are able to love them for as long as possible! Joanne Wright is the co owner of Age in Motion, In Home Fitness and Mobility services

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October 17, 2020 •

Book Reviews - mtltimes.ca

You Look So Much Better in Person by Al Roker For as long as there has been television and television news, the weather person has always been an integral part of any TV newscast.

By Stuart Nulman mtltimes.ca On the surface, standing in front of a blue screen making satellite images come to life, pointing out high and low systems, hot and cold fronts, heatwaves, rainstorms, blizzards, hurricanes and record temperatures can be mundane at best. But somehow, the TV weather person -- now called a meteorologist -- has the leeway to make their forecast more informative and/or entertaining to the viewers who rely on them to help shape their day with what the weather will be like the following day. Montreal viewers will fondly remember Don McGowan of CFCF-12, who injected a lot of humour and inside jokes with the studio crew (that elicited a lot of laughter in the studio and from the viewers), as he furiously scribbled temperatures and weather systems across the life-sized glass map of Canada with his black magic marker (and all from memory, too) during the 60s and 70s on the Pulse supper hour newscast. Another firm believer of mixing humour with the weather is Al Roker, the jovial meteorologist who has been a regular fixture every morning on NBC's Today show for a good 30 years. Although he takes his weather forecasting very seriously (especially when there's a major snowstorm or hurricane about to strike the U.S.), Roker shows his non-weather person side throughout the year, whether it be as cohost of Today's Third Hour, a celebrity interviewer, a BBQ grillmaster, doing his occasional "Rokerthon" stunts, or as one of the hosts of the Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and Tournament of Roses Parade broadcasts. Yet through a broadcasting career of over four decades that saw him ply his trade from Syracuse to Cleveland to New York City, Roker has learned many lessons from these past experiences that he has applied to his private and public life. It's those lessons that he shares in his recently released eighth book You Look So Much Better in Person. The book (in which its title is inspired by the phrase that many Today show fans tell â&#x20AC;˘ October 17, 2020

Roker when he meets them in person on the Today Show Plaza) is a collection of 16 life lessons (which are labelled as "altruisms") that he has learned and absorbed over the past 40+ years as a TV personality. Each altruism is accompanied by an anecdote or two from his life and career that directly applies to the lesson/altruism in question. For example, "If you're gonna cry, know how to cry" relates to how a stunt Roker pulled in 1975 when he worked at a local TV newscast in Syracuse, in which he played the theme from "Jaws" whenever a newsroom staffer was called into the news director's office to get chewed out, which backfired and led to an outburst of tears when it was his turn to get called onto the carpet; "get up an hour before you need to" recalls the time when he overslept an extra couple of hours and missed his then-early morning Weather Channel "Wake Up with Al" broadcast that certain day (for the first -- and only -- time in his career); and "you don't need to be the top banana" which stressed the importance of TV sidekicks (also known as "second bananas") during an interview Roker conducted with the late Ed McMahon at his luxurious mansion in Bel Air, and realized he obtained his wealth www.mtltimes.ca

from his long career as Johnny Carson's constant second banana on the Tonight Show. The autobiographical altruisms are very entertaining to read and gives readers an interesting peek at what goes on behind the scenes at a live TV program and/or newscast that reaches millions of viewers every day. And it's all from one of the most admired personalities on the TV morning show circuit who truly worked his way up from the bottom. And although the narrative occasionally contains some jokes that are groaners, it doesn't take away from the fact that it comes from a highly visible personality who enjoys his success and is humbly grateful about his road to the top and the people in his life who helped him on his journey. For those who make the Today show their daily morning viewing habit (like myself), want to aspire to a career as a TV meteorologist, or enjoy how Al Roker forecasts the weather with his bubbly presence, You Look So Much Better in Person is the ideal book for those people who are happy, to paraphrase Mr. Roker, to know what's happening (weather-wise) in their neck of the woods.(Go Hachette Books, $35) 15

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October 17, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢

‘Numbing’ creams require caution By Martha Shannon mtltimes.ca

The year was 2006. Arielle was only 17 when fate played its hand. She was young, spirited and full of energy. As an accomplished cross-country runner and like many dedicated athletes, Arielle experienced sore muscles after exercise. An over the counter medicine seemed like a good solution and she applied it regularly all over her legs. In addition, she used adhesive pads which, like her over the counter cream, also carried the anti-inflammatory drug, methyl salicylate. Had Arielle known the proper application, she would still be running. Instead of applying it sparingly and for no more than a few days only, her regular usage allowed her body to absorb too high levels of the methyl salicylate. The overdose proved fatal.

• October 17, 2020

Today, the popular Ben Gay, Tiger Balm and Icy hot still carry methyl salicylate, claiming to be safe IF APPLIED CORRECTLY. Over the counter does not mean safe if you do not understand the warnings. We will not forget you, Arielle. Back in 2004, Shiri Berg, a 22-year-old college student was found locked in her car on the side of the road, unconscious and convulsing. Two years later, ABC reported ‘Her father, Ron, says it was not drugs or alcohol. Bizarrely, Berg's lower body underneath her clothes was wrapped in cellophane, and her legs were covered in a strange gel.’ Shiri was on her way to the local spa to rid of unwanted hair on her legs. As the procedure is not pain free, a numbing gel was provided. The spa advised her to also wrap her legs in plastic wrap to increase the cream’s numbing ability. The ‘pain deadening’ gel was supposed to re-

lieve any discomfort associated to the hair removal procedure, but it did more than that.The Laser Gel 1010, containing 10% of the anesthetics Lidocaine and Tetracaine killed her. Another student, another state, Blanca Bolanos had a similar fate 2 years previous. Like Shiri, Blanca wanted a hair laser treatment and had used a similar cream containing not 10% but 6% Lidocaine and Tetracaine. Blanca spent 2 years in a comma before dying. The tragic deaths of Arielle, Shiri and Blanca helped to bring awareness. Some changes were made. Better label instructions, reduced drug amounts. We now see pain products marketed with only 4-5% lidocaine, not 6-10%. There are minimal side effects if applied correctly. But do be cautious. On EBay and Amazon you can easily order products like

Numb-ify, Dr. Numb, and Lidocaine 5% numbing cream. I guess the ones with 4% Lidocaine are supposed to make us feel safer. Ideally, one should al-

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ways have a say in their own pain management. When the use of a pain cream is the desired solution USE SPARINGLY ON SMALL AREAS ONLY. Do not

use for long periods of time. Had Shiri and Arielle and Blanca been more aware, they would be here today. Alternative choices include stretching before exercising, icing, heat pads and/or massage to help relieve swelling, inflammation and pain. Through massage, oils can be extremely relaxing to the muscles and can safely be used on the larger areas. Emu Oil Unrefined is best and there are no rules as to its application or frequency. We also make a blend, Soothing Oil, with MSM, emu and neem which, through massage, helps to relax the muscles. Choose wisely. Be safe and well. We stand behind our products. We give great customer service.Visit us at natural.ca. Subscribe to our newsletter. Please take note of our opening hours: ‘La Boutique Earth to Body’, 89 Lucerne, Pointe Claire, QC H9R 2V1) Email info@natural.ca Store:Tues,Wed, Thurs: 10-4

Due to COVID-19 please sign up for e-mail delivery - Stay safe! Ev ve en George gets with the times!

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