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Vol. 26 No. 05
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Another Pastagate? Quebec language police fine restaurants during pandemic Could this be another 'Pastagate' - the 2020 edition? Back in February of 2013, an inspector from the OQLF (Office Québécois de la Langue Française) issued a warning notice to the Buonanotte restaurant for using Italian words like 'antipasta', 'calamari' and 'pasta' on their menu. It created a public outcry, even from some Quebec Francophones, accusing the OQLF of abusing their powers. Pastagate also made international headlines and resulted in the resignation of the OQLF's President Louise Marchand. Now it appears to be making a reappearance.
By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca Simon Jolin-Barrette (the Minister Responsible for the French Language in the province) is in charge of the portfolio. He has been described as an excitable, young politician whom Premier Legault has difficulty reigning in at times. Just a little over a month ago, Jolin-Barrette announced new measures towards enforcing the French language charter - 'Protection of the French language is a priority for your government' he wrote on his Facebook page (translated from French). 'Today I announced a historic reinforcement of the action of the Office québécois de la langue française.With an investment of $5 Million, three new regional offices will open and 50 new posts will be created. Of these, 20 will be fully dedicated to accompanying companies with fewer than 50 employees, where the needs are critical.This is a first concrete measure of your government's action plan to protect, promote and enhance the French language'. With $5 Million in his pocket, Jolin-Barrette has been quick out of the gate, the 'Pastagate' that is - and doing it right in the middle of a viral pandemic. Restaurants, especially hard hit and struggling to survive, • October 31, 2020
Simon Jolin-Barrette (the Minister Responsible for the French Language in the province) have been targeted with warnings and fines. One of those receiving a visit from the OQLF language police was Deli 365 located in Outremont, who were fined $1,500 for a 'Bill 101 Infraction'. Their sign was in violation of the Bill that requires 'all signs on business facades, while permitted to feature text in another language, must feature French more prominently'. Apparently, 'Deli', understood by all Quebecer, does not fit the 'Bill'. *SEE LETTER from the OQLF. Kitchen73, located in in Riviere-desPrairies, that offers Breakfast, Lunch and Catering also received a visit from OQLF. www.mtltimes.ca
"In full closure of the restaurant industry, I get a visit from an arrogant OQLF Inspector, threatening to fine me for my Anglo sign in which is trademarked and has over 80% of French writing. I asked him if the fines stick when there is only chairs and tables in the restaurant with no business? He laughed in my face. Worst of all he laughed at me driving off in his car because he was amused by my frustration!!!" wrote one of the owners on their Facebook page. Patisserie Italia, a bakery in Saint-Leonard, was visited by the language police last week about their signage, which included words in English and Italian. The owner said the blackboards she uses do have several English words on them, words like 'cheesecake' and 'smoked meat' and that she will comply, but for words in Italian such as 'espresso' she feels they are going too far. She was told to expect a list of changes to be made or she could face fines. There have been more reports surfacing from other small businesses who have received visits from the language police and now facing the possibility of fines. Restaurants, that barely managed to survive the first wave of the pandemic, might not make it through the second wave. It is the Quebec government that forced the closures… and a bitter 'Bill' to swallow. 3
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October 31, 2020 •
Winter 2021 forecast - La Nina to play prominent role It is difficult to predict the weather, especially months in advance. However, most professional meteorologists are pointing to one thing - La Nina. In short, La Nina refers to the 'periodic cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific', and it will affect our weather pattern this winter. According to Brett Anderson, Senior Meteorologist at AccuWeather. La Nina will play a prominent role in the general weather pattern across North America and it means some milder temperatures with plenty of snow for the Southern Quebec area.That is good news for skiers. But he also predicts a storm track that should extend from the central Plains of the United States, through southern Ontario and into Quebec. There will be cold outbreaks that should not last too long, but several major storms could bring in milder air and with them, a mixed bag of precipitation (snow, rain and ice) from Ottawa to Montreal and Quebec City. A recent article on The Weather Network by Meteorologist, Dr. Doug Gillham, appears to back up Anderson's predictions. He also states, that 'a developing La Nina will be one of the key drivers of our winter pattern' and 'From the Great Lakes to Atlantic Canada, we expect that tem• October 31, 2020
By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca peratures for the winter as a whole will be warmer than normal.This should mean fewer and shorter outbreaks of severe cold (and below normal ice coverage on the Great Lakes). However, keep in mind that a mild pattern does not rule out highimpact snow and ice storms. During a Canadian winter, temperatures can be above seasonal and still cold enough for substantial snow and ice'. On the other hand, the Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting 'a teeth-chattering' winter, with below-normal temperatures from 'coast to coast to coast'. However, with climate change making it harder and harder to predict the weather, the Alwww.mtltimes.ca
manac might have been helpful for farmers back in the 19th century when it first started, but perhaps not in the 21st century. They use 'solar science' climatology (looking at sunspot activity) to look at prevailing weather patterns and meteorology to study the atmosphere. David Phillips, Canada's senior climatologist, was stated as saying in a CBC News report posted August 31st 2019, that 'scientists examine a multitude of data that includes water temperatures in oceans around the world, ice conditions and land conditions rather than the moon phases almanacs claim to use. The report also states that 'while there haven't been any recent studies on the accuracy of farmers' almanacs' seasonal forecasts, a paper published in the journal Weatherwise in 1981 found that, rather than the claim held by The Old Farmer's Almanac that they forecast with 80% accuracy, the reality was closer to 52%, slightly greater than chance. Whatever it may be, Quebecers are tough enough to handle just about anything the weather can throw at them - unless, of course, it disrupts a good hockey game. 5
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Cadillac Fairview collected 5 million shoppers' images Cadillac Fairview – one of North America's largest commercial real estate companies – embedded cameras inside their digital information kiosks at 12 shopping malls across Canada and used facial recognition technology without their customers' knowledge or consent, an investigation by the federal, Alberta and BC Privacy Commissioners has found. The goal, the company said, was to analyze the age and gender of shoppers and not to identify individuals. Cadillac Fairview also asserted that shoppers were made aware of the activity via decals it had placed on shopping mall entry doors that referred to their privacy policy – a measure the Commissioners determined was insufficient. Cadillac Fairview also asserted that it was not collecting personal information, since the images taken by camera were briefly analyzed then deleted. However, the Commissioners found that Cadillac Fairview did collect personal information, and contravened privacy laws by failing to obtain meaningful consent as they collected the 5 million images with small, inconspicuous cameras. Cadillac Fairview also used video analytics to collect and analyze sensitive biometric information of customers. The investigation also found that: Facial recognition software was used to generate additional personal information about individual shoppers, including estimated age and gender. While the images were deleted,
investigators found that the sensitive biometric information generated from the images was being stored in a centralized database by a third party. Cadillac Fairview stated that it was unaware that the database of biometric information existed, which compounded the risk of potential use by unauthorized parties or, in the case of a data breach, by malicious actors. "Shoppers had no reason to expect their image was being collected by an inconspicuous camera, or that it would be used, with facial recognition technology, for analysis," says Privacy Commissioner of Canada Daniel Therrien. "The lack of meaningful consent was particularly concerning given the sensitivity of biometric data, which is a unique and permanent characteristic of our body and a key to our identity." "This investigation exposes how opaque certain personal information business practices have become," says Jill Clayton, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta. "Not only must organizations be clear and up front when customers' personal information is being collected, they must also have proper controls in place to know what their service providers are doing behind the scenes with that information." "Questions about when an organization is collecting personal information can be complex, but the conclusion we came to about cameras in mall directories was straight-forward," says Michael www.mtltimes.ca
McEvoy, Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia. "Pictures of individuals were taken and analyzed in a manner that required notice and consent." The regulators launched the investigation following media reports that raised questions about Toronto-based Cadillac Fairview's practices. In response to the investigation, the company removed the cameras from its digital directory kiosks. It has no current plans to reinstall the technology. It has also deleted all information associated with the video analytics technology that is not required for potential litigation purposes, and confirmed it will not retain or use such data for any other purpose. This includes the 5 million biometric representations of individual shoppers' faces, which it had retained for no discernable reason. The three privacy commissioners have recommended that if Cadillac Fairview were to use such technology in the future, it should take steps to obtain express, meaningful consent, before capturing and analyzing the biometric facial images of shoppers. The Commissioners remain concerned that Cadillac Fairview refused their request that it commit to ensuring express, meaningful consent is obtained from shoppers should it choose to redeploy the technology in the future. October 31, 2020 •
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Two Canadian technologies are going to the Moon The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is helping prepare Canada's space industry for future missions to the Moon. The CSA is awarding $3.3 million in contributions to support the demonstration of two lunar technology payloads and their launch to the Moon. This is the first time Canada will conduct a technology demonstration in lunar orbit and on the Moon's surface. It represents a significant step in Canada's participation in the next chapter of Moon exploration. The demonstrations are: Ontario company Canadensys Aerospace Corporation will develop, launch and test a lightweight and energy-efficient 360° camera that will capture stunning panoramic images of the lunar surface. Quebec-based NGC Aerospace Ltd. will demonstrate a planetary navigation system similar to the GPS technology used on Earth. The system will use features on the surface of the Moon to guide and land a
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lunar vehicle safely, in a precise location. These innovative technologies will enable new commercial opportunities and position the Canadian space industry for the future economy created by Moon exploration.The CSA will continue to support Canadian organizations by providing a wide range of opportunities for Canadian science and technology activities in lunar orbit, on the Moon's surface, and beyond. Quote "In supporting the Canadian space sector, our Government is committed to the growth and career development of tomorrow's industry leaders. Not only will this funding put Canada on the Moon, but it will also help strengthen Canada's R&D capabilities, advance our scientific knowledge, and put Canada in a prime position for further space exploration." The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
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Quick facts Canadensys Aerospace Corporation is receiving a contribution of $2.49 million. NGC Aerospace Ltd. is receiving a contribution of $840,153. The two technologies will launch to the Moon by April 2024. Funding for these projects stems from the CSA's Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP). LEAP is preparing Canada's space sector for humanity's return to the Moon by earmarking $150 million over five years to help small and medium-sized businesses in Canada develop new technologies to be used and tested in lunar orbit and on the Moon's surface in fields that include artificial intelligence, robotics, and health. The two contributions are the first awarded as part of the LEAP Capability Demonstration Announcement of Opportunity.
October 31, 2020 •
FNC Atlantis
FNC 2020 Judy
FNC 2020 Not Burial
[FNC Atlantis] "Atlantis" set in a post-civil war Ukraine, won the prize in the International Competition [FNC 2020 Judy] A feminist and social activist, Judy Rebick is the subject of the film that won the prize in the National Competition: "Judy versus Capitalism" [FNC 2020 Not Burial] Lesotho's actress Mary Twala Mhlongo won the Interpretation Award for her performance in "This is not a burial, it's a resurrection"
FNC in a virtual format, but prizes were real
Deprived of physical screenings due to the pandemic, the Festival du nouveau cinema was still able to mobilize many movie fans. Of course, this time, people were not lining up in front of a movie theatre, but sitting before a computer, watching this year's selection online. Journalists covering the event were missing those nights at the Science Pavilion of the UQAM—headquarters of the FNC in past editions—where we engaged in animated discussions about some movies while enjoying a beer. COVID-19 has changed all that: movie theatres are closed, and film festivals are now delivered online. However, the prizes are still very real. Although the FNC must finish this weekend, awards in the various categories were already announced. “Atlantis" directed by Valentyn Vasyanovych (Ukraine) won the prize in the International Competition category. I had the chance to see this film during the Toronto Festival last year where it was well-received by critics. Set in 2025, in Eastern Ukraine, the plot centres around Sergiy, a PTSD-afflicted ex-soldier wandering in the desolate place where the war has now finished, but where its scars in both the people and the land, are still visible. He meets Katya, a former student who is currently involved in the grisly task of exhuming corpses, if possible, identify them, and then give them a proper burial. Unintendedly, their encounter, seems to aim at finding some sense in all that chaotic • October 31, 2020
By Sergio Martinez mtltimes.ca
environment. A sad reflection on war and the suffering it brings. The prize for Interpretation went to Mary Twala Mhlongo, who plays Mantoa in "This is not a burial, it's a resurrection" by Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese (Lesotho-ItalySouth Africa coproduction). Mantoa is an old widow who, when "her son dies in an accident, she decides to make arrangements for her own funeral, but then she learns that a dam project will soon flood her land, forcing all the residents to resettle in the city. Determined to be buried alongside her people, Mantoa embarks on an act of peaceful rebellion." The Brazil-Portugal-Argentina coproduction "Extase" directed by Moara Passoni was awarded the prize in the Innovation category. This category includes films that introduce new elements in the cinematic www.mtltimes.ca
language. In the National Competition, the winner was the documentary "Judy vs. Capitalism" directed by Mike Hoolboom. The film focuses on the life of feminist and political activist Judy Rebick. According to Hoolboom, "she's nothing less than a 'living archive' of her era's activism and battles for the rights of all minorities and marginalized people, and an exceptional woman who has overcome deep personal traumas all her life." Other winning films were: "Sin la Habana" ("Without Havana") by Kaveh Nabatian (Diffusion category); "Khamsin" by Grégoire Orio and Grégoire Couvert (New Alchemists category); "The Book of Distance" by Randall Okita (Horizons category); "O" by Qiu Yang (Panorama category); "À la mode" by Jean Lecointre (Films for Children); "Les enfants du large" by Virginia Tangvald (Opera Prima category); and "Last and First Men" by Jóhann Jóhannsson (International Critics Federation prize). The FNC finishes on October 31. Last chance to see any film by going to online.nouveaucinema.ca 9
REM - Fairview Pointe-Claire Station entrance
REM - Meet the Fairview Pointe-Claire station Anyone who has driven along the West Island sector of highway 40 in the past couple of years has seen the different stages of construction for the REM (Reseau Express Metropolitain), especially near the area of the Fairview Pointe-Claire mall, where one of the stations will be located. They have witnessed the pile driving for the elevated structure’s columns and stations, with the launching gantries 'Marie' and 'Anne' lifting huge concrete segments into the air and assembling them one after the other between the columns - all in preperation for laying down the tracks. Except for some Artist Rendition images, what has not really been seen to date, is what the stations will really look like - and that will only happen once they are completed. However, an opportunity to have a better and more realistic look is being offered through a 3D video (alike to video game virtual reality technology) of the future Fairview PointeClaire station, produced by Lemay, one of the three firms in the consortium that was given the architectural mandate for 25 of the REM stations (along with Perkins+Will and Bisson Fortin). VIDEO: https://youtu.be/WUVLFwpxhWc About the Fairview Pointe-Claire Station: STATIONS INTEGRATED INTO AN ELEVATED STRUCTURE: As you cross Highway 40, you can see the REM’s elevated structure increasingly taking shape. In the West Island, this structure will feature four new elevated light rail stations serving three municipalities in a matter of minutes. This structure allows these future REM stations to serve thousands of people without breaking up the territory by keeping the vast 10
By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca majority of pedestrian, cyclist and road accesses open. It also limits the footprint and minimizes the impact on roads by spanning the A40’s on- and off-ramps. The structure also guarantees increased frequency and fast travel times for direct access to downtown in less than 30 minutes, travelling over the traffic. STATION EXTERIORS: REM stations all observe the same main architectural principles and include the concepts of transparency, movement and wood. However, each station is adapted to its surroundings and has its own typology (underground, trench, level, on a slope or elevated). Fairview-Pointe-Claire is one of the six socalled elevated REM stations, along with Des Sources, Kirkland, Roxboro-Pierrefonds, Sunnybrooke and Deux-Montagnes. Elevated stations are differentiated by their vertical volumes. They have separate platforms, one for each direction, located on each side of the elevated platform. ENTRANCE: As soon as users enter a REM www.mtltimes.ca
station site and approach the entrance, they will be guided by lines creating a pattern in the pavement. The entrance to the building is clearly visible thanks to its prominent canopy, which is used in all REM stations. THE INTERIOR: (From the entrance to the platform) As soon as you enter the station, you’ll see lines on the ground that continue those on the outside pavement.The ticket validation gates are also located at the entrance; tickets will be provided by the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM). *The validation terminals seen in the video are for information purposes only and not representative of reality at this time. All REM stations will have elevators to ensure greater accessibility for people with reduced mobility. A guidance path, i.e. a path where the pavers are raised, is embedded in the ground to allow people with a white cane to orient themselves in the station and head for the platforms. Taking the stairs toward the platforms, you can see the curtain wall pattern through the partition glass, which creates an effect of verticality. This pattern then changes and becomes horizontal along the platforms, following the users’ movement. MOVEMENT: One of the three pillars of the REM’s architecture can be observed through the pattern of the curtain walls, visible both outside and inside the stations. Service ducts are located in the ceiling, concealing several functional components, including cables, surveillance cameras, lighting, speakers, etc.These ducts are both functional and aesthetically pleasing by fitting discreetly into the station’s architecture. continued on Page 11
October 31, 2020 •
Map of the different REM color themes
REM - Fairview Pointe-Claire Station - Stairs and Escalator
continued from Page 10
COLOUR THEME: The architects have developed a colour strategy that will be incorporated into the REM network, divided into six sections - each of which has a distinct colour theme.The West Island section, including the Fairview Pointe-Claire station, will be 'Forest' (green), inspired by the places crossed along the REM’s route in the area. The colour theme will apply to the: stations’ ceramic walls and tile floors, furniture, ceramic tiles, plantings (or islands of biodiversity around the stations). The first REM trains are expected to start running from the South Shore to Bonaventure-Central Station in 2021. Other branches will gradually come into service in 2022-2023, which includes the West Island.
REM - Fairview Pointe-Claire Station - 3D Station Exterior
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October 31, 2020 •
Montreal Vegan Festival 2020 will be presented online
What's happening in Montreal Looks like another Montreal theatre group has been affected by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has decided to take the live streaming route. This time, it's Infinitheatre, who hoped to open their 2020-2021 season with a live production of Paul Van Dyck's play "King of Canada". And because of the virus, Infinitheatre, in association with KIN Experience, will present two livestream performances of "King of Canada" on November 6 at 7:30 p.m., and November 8 at 2 p.m. Starring Brian Dooley and Ellen David, the play focuses on William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada's long-serving prime minister; in particular, the focus is on King's long time fascination with the spiritual world. It takes place during a seance session between King and a medium while he was serving as Prime Minister of Canada, as they conjure up 30 different characters, as well as three deceased pet dogs who shared the name of "Pat". Admission to either livestream performance is free, and donations will be accepted. To reserve your spot for either livestream performance, go to https://forms.gle/WkmKeRNz9FNKGfCE 6; a direct access link will be sent to the email address provided by the requesting • October 31, 2020
By Stuart Nulman mtltimes.ca individual prior to the specific performance. For more imformation, call 514-9871774, ext. 104. Vegan Festival 2020 The 2020 edition of the Festivale vegane de Montreal will also be presented in an online manner on November 1 (which is World Vegan Day), 8 and 15. This year's festival will have a wide range of programming for vegans or people who want to explore the vegan world through a series of free online videos that will be presented on the festival's Facebook page www.mtltimes.ca
and website. And with veganism experiencing a 25% increase in popularity since the pandemic erupted earlier this year, the 2020 edition of the festival has become more relevant than ever. The programming line-up will include conferences, cooking demonstrations, panels with industry experts, immersion sessions with vegan families and so much more. Admission is free. For more information, go to https://www.instagram.com/fvmtl/. Check out their program: https://festivalveganedemontreal.com/202 0en/program/ I+N Horreur", a virtual horror movie festival And if you still have some of that scary Halloween spirit within you, but want to get your thrills and chills in the comfort of your own home, then check out "I+N Horreur", a virtual horror movie festival running from now until November 1. Presented by image+nation, Montreal's premier LGBTQ film festival, each day three spook-tacular horror feature films will be screened, along with a programme of terror-filled film shorts. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to www.image-nation.org. 13
Five Minutes, Mr. Byner! by Book Reviews - mtltimes.ca
John Byner with Douglas Wellman I have to admit, I watched a lot of television throughout the 1970s. Whether they were sitcoms, dramas, variety shows, cartoons, game shows or movies of the week, when I wasn’t in school or hanging out with my friends, I was glued to the tube. In fact, I was a couch potato before that term was coined!
By Stuart Nulman mtltimes.ca Back in the 70s, Montreal TV viewers had a limited choice of channels; there were the border station affiliates for CBS, NBC,ABC and PBS, as well as CBC-6, CFCF-12, RadioCanada and Tele-Metropole (later TVA).Yet, there was never a lack of programming to choose from. In fact, you can tell what time of the year it was according to the TV schedule. September meant the launch of a plethora of new prime time and Saturday morning shows to hopefully last us for the next 39 weeks; January meant the introduction of the mid-season replacement shows to fill the gaps left by the new fall shows that fell to early cancellation by their respective networks; and June meant the coming of the summer replacement shows, which filled those gaps in the schedule caused by returning or cancelled shows for the next three months until the TV programming circle resumed the following September. Regarding the latter genre, it felt like a TV vacation. Summer replacement shows were mainly variety shows of a lighthearted nature, that were hosted by entertainers who were well known, but had a medium degree of success appearing on TV variety specials, guest shots on prime time programs, the late night talk show circuit, nightclubs or as recording artists. The list of those summer replacement hosts was quite impressive and eclectic at times: Glen Campbell, Jerry Reed, Clifton Davis & Melba Moore, the Manhattan Transfer, Ken Berry, Bobby Darin, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., and the Jacksons. But it was one summer replacement show that really stuck with me. In the summer of 1972, CBS aired a comedy/variety show hosted by a comedian named John Byner. “The John Byner Comedy Hour” wasn’t a flashy, dazzling type of summer replacement variety show. It consisted mostly of comedy sketches featuring Byner and his cast of regulars, in which he did a whole variety of original characters. Also, I enjoyed 14
when they segued from sketch to sketch showing the cast moving around scenery in fast-motion photography with accompanying music that was just as fast and frenetic. But overall, the show was funny because of how Byner’s chameleon nature carried each sketch. In fact, me along with a couple of my friends liked the show so much, that we regularly recreated some of its sketches in front of our grade 4 class at Gardenview Elementary School. Since that summer, Byner appeared on a number of TV specials and talk shows (and was a favorite of the late Ed Sullivan, and appeared on his top rated variety show 17 times since 1964), entertaining audiences with his quick wit and dead-on impersonations of such celebrities as Sullivan, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and John Wayne. As well, he provided the voices for a number of cartoon characters, including “The Ant and the Aardvark” (it was Byner, not Jackie Mason, who did the voice of the aardvark); he had a semi-regular role on the controversial ABC sitcom “Soap”; he hosted an edgy comedy sketch show on CTV called “Bizarre”; appeared in movies with Henry Fonda, Burt Reynolds and Jeff Goldblum; and even had a role in a Broadway play, the 2004 production of a musical version of Aristophanes’ ancient play “The Frogs”, which he co-starred with Nathan Lane. Indeed, John Byner had a steady show business career for about 50 years, in which he happily provided – and got plenty of – laughs that lasted a lifetime. And it’s that lifetime of laughter he fondly chronicles in his entertaining memoir Five Minutes, Mr. Byner! Byner was born John Biener in 1937, and resided in the Long Island region of New York throughout most of his formative years.Although he had a relatively good upbringing, Byner always knew since his school days that he wanted to be an entertainer and make people laugh. When he signed up to serve in the navy during the mid-50s, he sharpened his performing and impression skills first at boot camp, then at radio teletype school, and then as a radioman onboard a submarine rescue vessel. By the time of his discharge from the Navy, the 60s happened, and Byner performed at clubs in the northeastern U.S. But it was in 1964 when he got his two biggest breaks: touring the country as part of an impressive bill that included Harry James, Buddy Rich and Nina Simone; and his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. That portion of the book begins Byner’s string of behind-the-scenes anecdotes that makes his book so enjoyable to read. And that’s especially so when it comes to the Sullivan show, and the incredible luck he had when he landed that first on air appearance. On March 1 of that year, Byner got the chance to audition his act at CBS Studio 50, where the show was produced, during the dress rehearsal segment. As he was ready to go home after the “audition”, Jack Babb, the show’s talent coordinator, appeared in his dressing room and told him www.mtltimes.ca
that Sullivan (aka “the old man”) liked his act so much that he wanted Byner to appear on the show … but on that night’s show, which was about to go on the air live in just two hours’ time. Needless to say, Byner killed with his act that fateful night in March of 1964 and set the stage for a long career in comedy.What I liked about Byner’s recounting of that phase in his career is his word-for-word transcription of the routine he performed on the show in 1967, which spoofed a typical Sullivan broadcast that featured a number of acts, including an Italian acrobatic duo called the Barzoni Brothers, but had to cut the act in half due to time constraints (“It’s-a not the same-a without my brother”.). It’s funny to read, but it’s even funnier when you see the actual video clip of this performance. As well, Byner recounts the good fortune he had meeting up with many well-known celebrities throughout his career. My favorite story dealt with his meeting with Rod Steiger, who was one of the actors he did a dead-on impression of. At a cocktail party in L.A., Byner finally had that opportunity to meet with Steiger.When a mutual friend introduced each other and said Byner did an impersonation of him, Steiger asked if he impersonated him as the lead role in “The Pawnbroker”, one of his bestknown movies. When Byner admitted that he didn’t do that impersonation, Steiger tersely replied “Then you don’t do me” and abruptly ended the conversation. Basically, this is the gist of the book and for showbiz memoir enthusiasts, they will certainly be satisfied with the wealth of stories Byner provides. It shows that this New Yorker built himself an impressive career in entertainment based on incredible talent and a good deal of luck, and he enjoyed every minute of it. So if you have enjoyed watching John Byner since The Ed Sullivan Show, or The John Byner Comedy Hour, or Bizarre, get ready as he once again takes the stage with Five Minutes, Mr. Byner! You’ll be glad you did. October 31, 2020 •
6 reasons why you're not losing weight when you exercise Are your clothes fitting a little snug these days? Maybe you’ve been told you need to lose weight for health reasons or have simply decided it’s time to change your unhealthy ways. Exercise is one of the best things you can do to lose weight and to boost your health in general. But sometimes, you can still struggle to see results. If this sounds familiar, then here are 6 reasons why you're not losing weight even though you exercise to point you in the right direction. You Aren’t Tracking Your Calories Calorie counting can seem like more effort than the actual workout. While you don’t have to get super obsessive here, you should least have a general idea of how many calories you’re eating versus what you are burning off. If there’s a huge imbalance, you might not be working out enough to cover what you’ve burned. That’s why it’s super important to research the nutrition of your food alongside the exercise you undertake because diet and exercise go hand in hand. In addition to this, make sure to consume proper nutrition before going to gy. Yes, you read it right. You need to have the best preworkout nutrition so that you can challenge your body properly during your workout session. You Aren’t Working With A Personal Trainer It’s all well and good going to a gym, but it can be difficult to gauge how effective your workout actually is when it hasn’t been tai-
lored to your goals. A personal trainer will create an individual plan based on where you are now and where you want to be. Every workout will bring something different to the table, making your weight loss more likely to be effective. Find a personal trainer near you. Your Post-Workout ‘Rewards’ Ahhh, the old “I’ve been to the gym so I can have a donut” story we all tell ourselves. There’s no harm in a treat every once in a while, but be wary of eating too many calorific foods. Post-workout, your body does indeed need fuel to recover and replenish your energy levels. But, make this the likes of lean protein and green salad rather than a bucket of fried chicken. Also, be wary of sugar as it’s in everything and is impossible to burn off so instead gets stored as fat. You’re Not Challenging Your Body Enough Even losing a small amount of weight can be really difficult. You might be hitting the treadmill and incorporating weight training, but that doesn’t mean you are making an impact. Weight loss requires lots of high-intensity workouts, combined with strength training. Not to mention overhauling any bad eating habits too. A personal trainer can help you work out where you are going wrong. Try and schedule a session at least once a week if you are serious about changing your lifestyle. You Need To Up Your Workout Frequency The key to losing weight is consistency across all your efforts. Working out once a
week is great, but it’s probably not nearly enough, especially if you have a large amount of weight to lose. The reality is the journey is going to be tough, but it will be so worth it in the end. Try and incorporate exercise into every aspect of your day. For example, a morning run, walking instead of using your car, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. Oh, and make sure to schedule those workouts! You Have An Undiagnosed Medical Condition Although rare, sometimes medical conditions such as a thyroid imbalance, diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome can be the cause of your mysterious weight gain. If something doesn’t feel right, then check in with your primary care physician who can run some tests. On that note, make sure to seek help if you are suffering from any mental health conditions that could be causing you to have an unhealthy relationship with food. To Sum Up The above is just a snapshot of the reasons why you aren’t losing weight even though you exercise.Weight loss is a difficult journey even if you don’t have much to lose. If you’re currently struggling, it’s worth consulting a personal trainer to point you in the right direction. Compared to aimlessly working out in the gym, they will create a tailored plan and make sure you stay on track from this point onwards.
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.
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• October 31, 2020
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 31, 2020 •
All skin being equal By Martha Shannon mtltimes.ca
White, yellow, red or black, skin is skin and needy of good nutrition.The dry, oily, aging, unevenly toned, sun damaged or clogged pores affect all of us. Advise on how to achieve healthy skin can be baffling at times. We are told to avoid bar soap? I believe they mean for us to avoid the old fashioned ‘lye’ based soaps from the past. Ads and info sites advise to use instead, gentle liquid cleansers’, or if selecting a bar, use one with added moisturizing cream. Our advice: Do USE real bar soaps, not the detergent bars with the ‘additives’. Lye soaps are not the enemy. They have been used successfully for centuries. It is much more likely that you will dry out your skin from a chemical laden liquid cleanser. Go for the pure home- made
• October 31, 2020
soap bar without synthetic fragrance or dyes. If you really prefer a liquid, buy a pure castile liquid like Dr. Bronner’s. We are told to use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid for acne breakouts? Caution is required here. While benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are deigned to rid of acne, it could be at a cost. Both of these can have serious side effects like redness and allergies. Our advice: To improve any skin condition, clean with nutritious handmade soap bar, with additional oils like emu, neem, argan or tamamu, tone with an alcohol-free toner and apply unrefined Emu Oil or Emu cream. Check out our Skin Management Program for the one stop shop. We are told to use strong spectrum sunscreen all the time, rain or shine, outdoors, indoors, 350 days a year?
use combos and achieve a natural SPF factor. When necessary, Zinc is the best block there is and has an SPF of 25-30 which is the highest and very effective. Protect carefully. We may be told to avoid essential oils?
Scare tactics are used to pressure us into lathering in these chemical laden and often toxic protectants. I grew up with the Coppertone’s and Bain de Soleils. The smells were intoxicating. If only we knew back then what we know now.You have to seriously digest the labels before you buy.
Our advice: Definitely do protect. This is one area where skin tone is a factor due to varying melatonin levels. But know your skin. Know what you are buying as protection.All oils have SPF factors and they do offer some protection. For centuries people used olive, shea, tamanu, emu, kukui, coconut. Today. we can
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While caution is necessary when applying any essential oil, you may read that certain EO’s can aggravate the skin. Sensitive skin always requires proper application and testing but EO’s CAN make a world of difference. Don’t be frightened of them. Our advice: Do not buy just any EO on the market. Some are mixed, some are actually fragrances posing as an essential oil. As qualities vary, so do prices. Look for 100% pure therapeutic essential oils. Most should be mixed with a pure carrier oil* and the blend can do wonders for the skin. * eg. Add a drop of EO to Shea, Olive, Kukui,
Tamanu, Emu. We are told ‘high end’ is best? Advise often steers us to the best and the latest serum discovery, the high end, state of the art, skin care. Sometimes the advice holds true. But not always. Buying a dollar store large tub of face cream may not be a great idea. But you need not pay a fortune either. Clever marketing is exactly that. Just be diligent. Resorting to the tried and true, the pure, centuries old nutrition that nature made for us can be a very wise decision. All skin being equal. 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 is Open: Tues,Wed,Thurs: 10-4
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