Oracle Bones , Friday May 4 at 8pm at Sala Rossa 4848 St-Laurent
Indivisible , From Thursday May 10th to Sunday May 13th, 8pm at MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels) 3680, Jeanne-Mance
Monday, March 5, 2018
Thursday, February 22, 2018
PEEK PREVIEW OF MY NEW CREATION
TAPPING TANGO is my new animation film about two payphones in a Montreal metro who tap and tango their way into love.
Have a look
Attention: Distributors and festival programmers!
View TAPPING TANGO in its entirety.
Contact me at: hovecreekproductions@gmail.com
Looking forward to its public premier!
Monday, February 19, 2018
WINTER CALLING ME AGAIN AT CAP SAINT- JACQUES:
BACK AGAIN EXACTLY A YEAR LATER
It was sunny - just as it was February 18th one year ago - almost to the day. Once again, I was greeted with smiles and assistance. Christine, who is in charge of rentals right inside the welcome centre fit me out with Rossignol cross-country skis and boots. I tossed the ones I had brought from home into their inner room. I felt great knowing I was using the park’s top-of-the-line skis and was not fearful of going alone on the trails (last winter Diego, one of the park guides) accompanied me. This is one park whose signs of where you are with different trails (rabbit, beavers and squirrel) are well indicated and in colour.
In this office,
I also met Eric, who grooms the trails. What an interesting guy! He’s a tree
man, an arborist who also reads a lot about them. In fact, he’s right at home
in this park, since the Cap is laden with them. many are being tapped for maple syrup season.
The trails aren’t hilly but still form fun gentle mounds for a gliding that give a hint of an adrenaline rush.
The snow was melting; it was kind of crispy-sugary.
I fell at one point on a small icy spot and couldn’t get up. Celine, whom I met
on the trial five minutes earlier tried to pick me up. She too fell at the
exact same spot. Fortunately, a young woman appeared and hoisted me back up; I
was amazed at her strength. She blurted out laughing, “I’m a fire fighter. You
have to be strong.” When I got back to the welcome centre, another woman who
had seen it all, told me the fire fighter fell about a minute later.
We
laughed.
The trails aren’t hilly but still form fun gentle mounds for a gliding that give a hint of an adrenaline rush.
I took the
yellow beaver trail that’s just a bit more than 6 kilometres. I was glad to see
how much snow there was, to see the lakes again that give expansive views to
other towns, including Oka.
Here I was,
only 30 minutes from Montreal, but the relaxed treed landscape , cut through by
winding trails edged in stream and lakes,
transported me into a realm of peace, prettiness and awfully friendly folk inside the park.
Read about last winter and summer at the park
Read about last winter and summer at the park
Monday, February 12, 2018
ARION BAROQUE ORCHESTRA INVIGORATES WITH ITALIAN PROGRAM
Bourgie Hall. February 11th concert
From the very first concerto highlighting the Teatro Alla Moda theme in Arion’s third concert of the season, the composer Evaristo Felice Dall’Abaco proved to be the perfect choice to contrast February’s dreary weather. Sweet subtle inflections of delicately executed pairings of strings with harpsichord- harmonizing created a stylish French lightness . Rhythmically uplifting, this concerto in D major put us all in a spirited mood exemplified by the guest violinist Amandine Beyer.
From the very first concerto highlighting the Teatro Alla Moda theme in Arion’s third concert of the season, the composer Evaristo Felice Dall’Abaco proved to be the perfect choice to contrast February’s dreary weather. Sweet subtle inflections of delicately executed pairings of strings with harpsichord- harmonizing created a stylish French lightness . Rhythmically uplifting, this concerto in D major put us all in a spirited mood exemplified by the guest violinist Amandine Beyer.
The second offering was by Francesco Maria Veracini . Moving
into a minor key, it was really interesting as the two flutes - beautifully played by Claire Guimond and Alexa Raine-Wright - profoundly
delved into plaintive emotions that lushly contrasted with sparse yet impeccable plucking on
the strings.
We were introduced to
composers whose works swelled both with joy quelled by passages of melancholy.
These gifted Italian-born geniuses included Albinoni, Marcello, Locatelli and
Gallo. In each work the orchestra expressed a cohesive instinctive understanding
in the music. This affinity stunningly conveyed varying emotional intensity.
The final piece highlighted Ms. Beyer’s virtuoso playing as
she tackled Vivaldi’s Concerto in E minor for violin, strings and double bass. Tempestuous
in parts, ghostly, moody, and furiously feverish, this, exciting work surely embodies the prolific composer’s dramatic
side. We must remember that though styles of music have changed throughout the
centuries, human beings’ emotions have not. What a thrilling combination to
hear 400-year-old music performed by brilliant musicians – artists whose emotional depth captures this span of centuries the moment
their bows touch their instruments!
Arion Baroque Orchestra’s next concert takes place April 11
-15. Bach, Handel, Quantz and Telemann are featured along with guest soloist
Boris Begelman.
The website is www.arionbaroque.com.
The website is www.arionbaroque.com.
Call (514) 355-1825.
Monday, February 5, 2018
2018 OSCAR NOMINATED 2018 ANIMATION FILMS
Lots of fun pickings here, but my favourite is from the UK. In Revolting Rhymes by Jakob Schuh and Jan Lachauer, these two directors took
Roald Dahl's kids' book and merged Snow White's daughter. Sleeping Beauty Little Red Riding Hood
and Three Little pigs into a one-story-line connection where all these
characters conspire to have what they want, and they will go to any ends to get
it. Narrated in verse, the narratives are utterly compelling and rawer than any
child would want to witness, especially at bedtime.
Kobe Bryant’s Dear Basketball was a tribute to his basketball which he loved and cuddled since he was six years old. Primitive line drawing with some outlines in colour give a nostalgic eternal look to the film. Bryant directed it with Glen Keane. It is the basketball star’s swan song executed with restraint yet emotion too.
Another touching piece titled Negative Space shows a boy talking about how to pack his suitcase
in the way his father taught him. This is how they bonded, but hid dad was so
often away. Before he would go, his son would pack his suitcase for him, and
when his father called him he would say, “perfect”. That was how love was
expressed each to the other – in a suitcase.
There are more delightful creative ones to enjoy, but these were the
ones I liked the most.
Cinema du Parc in Montreal announces these Oscar contenders.
Dear Basketball – Glen Keane and Kobe Bryant, USA, 5 minutes
Negative Space – Max Porter and Ru Kuwahata, France, 5 minutes
Lou – Dave Mullins and Dana Murray, USA, 7 minutes
Revolting Rhymes – Jakob Schuh and Jan Lachauer, UK, 29 minutes
Garden Party – Victor Caire and Gabriel Grapperon, France 7 minutes
Lost Property Office (additional film) – Daniel Agdag, Australia, 10 minutes
Coin Operated (additional film) – Nicholas Arioli, USA, 5 minutes
Achoo (additional film) – details TBD
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Lake and Land Fun with Vistas in New Hampshire
It may be a small state, but New Hampshire has 373 lakes - more than one for every day of the year! Head for Squam Lake or hike up Rattlesnake Mountain for some breathtaking views of the lake. Hikers need not worry, there are no rattlesnakes here - just deep slithery lines embedded in the summit’s bedrock. The 35-minute ascent is so easy, young kids have no problem hopping along in sandals.
This lake
has loons, so if you want to see them, take the 90-minute Squam Lakes Cruise from
Holderness. The cruise boat is a cozy pontoon whose open sides allow for close
viewing from all angles; plus binoculars are handed out. We spotted a mother
loon gliding along with a chick on her back while hooting as dad dove for food.
A naturalist from the Natural Science Centre is always on board to lead the
way. Ours was Margaret, who actually comes from Saint-Jérôme. While steering
the boat, she explained in lay-man’s lingo a lot about loons, and always
invited us to spot them. It was exciting. Everyone felt they had just won the
jackpot when they saw one. On board, we held replicas of eggs and examined facsimiles
of loon bones as our guide gave us a short lesson on loons. In this very area The
Loon Preservation Committee - open to the public - monitors their health and
protects them. Harry Vogel, also a Canadian, is the chief biologist for this
organization. “We were able to change the law. The use of led fishing tackle,
and big jigs that kill these birds is now prohibited. So many end up swallowing
them and die within hours.”
Squam Lake is small compared to Lake Winnipesaukee 34- kilometre length. Cruising in
style on this famous lake – the third largest in New
England – is the way to go. I headed for the Ekal
Activity Center
in the touristy town of Meredith
to hop on board a very special 7-seater boat. Fittingly called Miss Meredith, this speed
boat’s claim to fame resides in another name. It was once owned by Madame
Chiang Kai Shek who summered here. The
Americans instantly took ownership of her precious vessel when the Chinese
refused to side with them after the bombing of Pearl Harbour.
They also booted her out of Meredith where she homed every summer. Miss Meredith
smoothly made her way towards Governors Island
where splendid mansions had us gushing with envy. They collectively seem to
embody various lifestyles of the rich and famous. Sumptuous yachts docked
beside throne-like deck chairs, and ornate facades with12-feet-tall cathedral
windows looking out from on high made us feel very small. So much for Miss. Meredith!
Cottages
goers and residents who live on some of the lake’s 258 islands need never worry
about missing the mail - thanks to the (M/V) Sophie C. that leaves Weirs
Beach weekdays and Saturdays. Since 1892, she’s been delivering mail to families
who home here year-round. Purchase your
ticket at Weirs Beach; then hop on board the oldest
floating post office on the continent.
You’ll see how it all happens as Sophie approaches several islands where
residents wait to get the mail dropped to them on their docks. Sophie also hands out ice cream and all kinds
of snacks to everyone, including all hands on deck tourists.
The Squam
Lakes Natural Science Center gives you incredible views into our world via its
magical immersive exhibits. It’s just across from the loon cruise pontoon. If your
feet long for land grounded in history, then tread back in time by visiting the
abandoned 19th-century Canterbury Shaker Village nearby. Guided tours every day.
For
information on this region, visit: www.lakesregion.org
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
EATZ ENCORE
A Scrumptious Ready-to-Eat Feast
Eatz Encore stunningly satisfies all your food cravings with its
imitable variety of made-on-the-spot connoisseur dishes. The minute you walk into this cozy casual
place in Westmount , Quebec
Polish-born Krystyna
Konefal who owns the restaurant has a warm, generous spirit. Despite the speed
at which you get the food, there’s no stress here. Sons, Chris and Patrick join
their mom, adding to this remarkably relaxed atmosphere – another beautiful
ingredient at Eatz Encore.
Behind the Counter
Kindness, Food Prepared with Love for Heavenly Taste Enjoyment
Greeting you is a
mix of aromas from the endless eye-popping display of freshly made gourmet
dishes with aromas from Italy, Mexico,
the Orient, India and Poland - to name
only a few of Krystyna’s cuisine
capabilities. She’s been cooking for over 30 years, and in 2003 she opened her
multi-pleasing meal haven filled with different distinct dishes. It never gets
boring here. You need at least one hour to visually take in all the goodies here;
plus you can sample some.
Food for Health and
Happiness
Mentored by
Krystyna who was born to cook. Chefs,
Shipon and Milano create Eatz Encore’s palette-pleasing plates, 35 delightful
dishes for your table here. And let’s not forget about the 65 or so different
ready-go take home yummies already wrapped in the lower display case. It’s a
royal feast, and best of all, the food you’ll be enjoying is chemical free, and
get this…gluten-free too in many dishes
and desserts - all devoid of saturated fats, grease, sugar and all the other
“false food” ingredients that you find in many traiteurs and fast food outlets.
This is
not fast food; this is fabulous superbly healthy food ready to go right to your
table in the restaurant or for take-out eating. Or when at home, call in and
have it delivered. Their delivery menu has over 100 classic and exotic dishes!
Is it any wonder Krystyna sometimes starts cooking at 3 am to make sure all her
hungry customers can get their food fast!
I’ve returned
several times to eat here. I can’t gloat enough over the General Tao chicken.
Spicy and sweet, the tender chicken is perfectly seasoned. But before you dig in, why not ask Krystyna to
make you up a plate of her most incredible salads or veggie creations.
You see them all at the
counter. The quinoa is amazing. Hearts of palm, Kalamata olives baby tomatoes,
feta and peppers of all kinds find their home in these healthy generous
servings. And don’t’ forget prices go by the pound. You’re not stuck having to
order different sizes.
You must try the
cabbage rolls. I love both the veggie and meat ones. I’ve also taken home her
quesadillas that are packaged and ever so low in price but big on taste. How
about her burritos?
I preferred the
jumbo tempura shrimp to her grilled ones for taste. Speaking of which, I also
love her perfectly prepared tandoori chicken and the New Zealand orange
Food You Never Have
to Prepare; Just Answer your Door or Sit inside
Eatz Encore is a
place of international gourmet surprises and that’s what makes it so much fun
to keep coming back for more. The freshly-made meal repertoire is so vast, I
call it Quebec ’s Disneyland
of delectable dishes. Eatz Encore is a perfect name for all the things it does;
you can call in and pre-order what you want (once you get to know your favourites)
and you can also count on at your door delivery. You can order lots of food or
go for some small specialities too.
Eatz
Encore’s delivery menu has over 100 different gourmet dishes – too exciting to
mention this time, but have you ever had stuffed Portobello mushrooms, lamb
riblets, Hickory
By the way, don’t miss out on the brownies; they almost melt
in your mouth. The sugarless apricot cranberry cookies are incredible!
One thing for sure, you can eat your way to heaven, but you’ll never feel heavy in the belly. Thank you Krystyna for making cold winter days as warm and wonderful as the soups she makes!!!
One thing for sure, you can eat your way to heaven, but you’ll never feel heavy in the belly. Thank you Krystyna for making cold winter days as warm and wonderful as the soups she makes!!!
The website is www.eatzencore.ca
Eatz Encore is located at 4824 Sherbrooke West
Call (514) 482-1778
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