du bonbon!

Voici mon classement personnel des dix plus beaux bonhommes 'made in Quebec'*:

(le palmarès est en ordre alphabétique)

- Claude Legault (le George Clooney québécois)
- Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge (un diamant brut)
- Jean L'Italien (le motard)
- Kevin Parent (le musicien)
- Luc Picard (le mature)
- Marc-André Grondin (un jeunet Johnny Depp à la française)
- Patrice Roy (l'intellectuel)
- Sébastien Ricard (le Loco Locass Batlam)
- Stéphane Rousseau (l'invasor barbare)
- Steve Laplante (un peu comme un Rodrigo Santoro d'ici)

Comme d'habitude, je ne remarque pas tellement les joueurs - ni de soccer (au Brésil), encore moins ceux-ci de hockey. Bien que je sais que il y a des bels hommes dans les arénas, ce n'est pas vraiment mon genre.

*avant les années 80, car je préfère les gars plus vieux - autrement dit: d'âge moyen. Mais, comme en français il y a toujours une exception, voilà: dans ce cas-ci, c'est le Monsieur "C.R.A.Z.Y.", Marc-André Grondin (en fait, plus récemment, M. Dumont), qui arrive à sa trentaine seulement en 2014.   

Ainsi, le jeune Maxime Dumontier ira attendre encore... mais il sera là, bien sûr!

___________________________________________________________ 

tous ensemble

 

every cloud has a silver lining

Even the fire ones... I expect.

As a consequency of the tragedy which happened last evening in Santa Maria - Rio Grande do Sul, I just hope that, from now, responsables for nightclubs start to be more it: responsable. Literally. In fact, not just businessmen, but also government. Everybody in country (and even abroad) is waiting for more rigid politics concerning security in closed places, besides justice in this case, of course.

On the other hand, it's important to say that people should be more awake and conscious about their own welfare, chosing thoroughly where going in a better way. I know, nobody is used to that, but we must watch out for it, be more cautious.

By hook or crook, that being so, I'm pretty sure that many bands around the world will think twice before doing any pyrotechnic show without care about safe conditions. At least all that heard about this mournful incident in the south of Brazil.

___________________________________________________________ 

bonita homenagem 

 

for girls

Not in a pejorative way, as usually people may express some critique against some female singers' style. Nonetheless, that's how I can classify 'There Will Be Stars', Elisapie Isaac's first solo album. She's some kind of Céu from Quebec (Yes, I think I can say that...).

Sweet voice, excellent cadence, smart lyrics... The fact is that I don't get tired of listening her! Perfect to chill out... *(Precious attention for Navvaatara, my favorite toune - of Café de Flore soundtrack. However, I can assure you that the entire record is good. Actually, perfect! Du bonbon!)

"New"/different talents are always a delightful discovery! Now, I will hear her new disc, Travelling Love, released last year. I'm trustful I will like it. So you will...

Well, I hope all you guys (ooops: specially you, GIRLS!) enjoy her music.

___________________________________________________________ 
 
More about Elisapie Isaac:

Facebook
My Space
Official Website

cobbler, stick to your last!

It’s no use...

For those who simlpy CAN NOT undertand both importance and worth of an apposition in a phrase; grammatically, deserve not more than 'subject-object' sentences.

Be that as it may... (!)

basic winter apparel

Not to freeze (in low temperatures as -25°C).

*The order of factors does not change the product...

Head 
- wool or wool and leather hat/bonnet;
- winter ear protection.


Face (cosmetic products required)
- some kind of cocoa butter lipstick;
- moisturizer;
- a pack of facial tissues (because your nose will flow!).


Neck
- wool scarf;
- wool neck protector / wool neck warm hat / wool neck guard.

  
Hands 
- gloves/mitts 

(until -5°C, of wool / lower: sheep wool and leather / lower than -20°C: ski ones)

- for special occasions, when you'll be oustide for a while: hand warmers.


Body 
- long johns;
- baselayer long;
- a windbreaker or a sweatshirt (or both);
- snow/winter overall;
- a warm winter jacket - a long one, not to freeze your butt!

(wind-resistant and waterproof, appropriate for low temperatures);

- a (big) bag, in order to put in your gloves, hat, scarf and everything else you will take off while on metro, shopping etc. (believe me: it's boring. After ten minutes, it also starts to be heavy with the jacket in your arms!), besides all other necessary accessories you have to carry with you, like your pair of step dry shoes.


Feet
- a good pair of special winter boots

waterproof, appropriate for low temperatures. Nice brands:

Columbia, Kamik, Sorel and The North Face.

- wool socks (until 5°C: 1 pair / lower: 2 pairs / lower than -20°C: 3 pairs);
- thermal insoles;
- for special occasions, when you'll be oustide for a while: foot warmers;
- a pair of another softer shoes to wear while inside 

(snow is beautiful, but it is wet... mainly when it melts and mess all the floor).

 

Besides you look like a Eskimo or a winter monster (with lots of clothes - which you spend at least 20 minutes putting it all on), no, IT IS NOT cheap dress yourself in the winter season... Furthermore, pay so much doesn't means (at all!) you'll look great, though. Discriminating taste in fashion is a second point... (even more expensive!)
 

In your mind and spirit

- courage;

- patience; 

- willingness.

a Latin clue

Like a man (leading), or a woman (following), doesn't matter: DO NOT try to learn Tango dancing with an Asiatic. It's waste of time.

They are so tough! Unwittingly, they'll restrain you, all passes. By all means, you'll be in retard for the next step.

One thing is certain: Latin people is more likely to execute it better. Our swing is unbeatable! Be whatever it may... any rhythm, all different beats.

So, taking some dance classes,choose always Latins (or Africans, as well) as a partner. With no prejudice.

a matter of form

I comprehend that for each one some life events happen at assorted moments, in different ways... And I respect that.

However, for me, in my own life, there is something that markedly please me: the fact that I got married before being pregnant.

I believe in love and I frankly accredit that people can assume their relationship insomuch about to officialize it whenever they want. Nevertheless, the idea of doing that just because of social formalities, to keep decorum, frustrates me.

In Rio, that occurs a lot! I went in some under these circumstances... Well, in Porto Alegre, though, most part of couples I know wont never have any ceremony celebrating their match. Unfortunately... Many men who don't assume their acts (even with a child), that "simply" don't care. Idiots!

Actually, no matters where... As far as I am concerned, why don't do that before, as a result of their will, only both of them, the couple, without any external intervention (ok, maybe 'internal'...)? By virtue of their love? Forming something more solid (like a family), not due the arrival of a baby, but whereas your affinity (that even may result in kids! Eventualy... soon... but later!).

It seems to me as a civil obligation, anyway. Not by free wil. Otherwise, why not make a ritual earlier, willingly, with no pregnancy?

I'm happy to have done that by us. For us, and thus accord with the natural order of things. As custom demands. Genuinely, not necessary; lovely, though ♥

good luck

Do you believe in that story of finding a suitcase full of money (on the street, for example)? 

Well, I DO! I believe I found one.

However, when it seemed happen, I avow I doubted. I always think that this kind of thing is a TV prank, or a kids trick. After all, I didn't looked for that.. not even played the lottery or went until the end of the rainbow to find a pot of gold... It came so gratuitous... Finally, I didn't take it.
 
In Brazil we often say that "quando a esmola é demais, o santo desconfia" (translating... when it's a great alm, the saint suspects), in the same meaning of the proverb: It's too good to be true. Because, truly: IT IS!

It would be perfect: just on my birthday. What a gift! What a blessing! A boon in life. Probably, it will give us the opportunity of a (nice) honey moon, that we haven't had yet.

Anyway, there's something else for me to be defensive about that...while living abroad, I simply fear the fact of taking (someone else's) dollars, which DO NOT belong to me, could harm me. Seriously!

It was not dullness, but caution. Prudence. Unfortunately, it wasn't THE time. Not mine. 

(Althoug it's said that a lightning never strikes twice in the same place...) I beg: Please, good lucky, don't give up on me! Try it again, later. Maybe something I'm aware I deserve it.

nothing more

Today, (e)specially, I just want to be happy.  

Peace and love wishes!

 
As in 2012, when I answered, pleased *(unlike ever before), the crucial question: 'Would you like to marry me?'.

"Yes", I said... One year of our engagement, so. Of couple's dreams which are coming true while married.

A whole life ahead, together. Towards felicity.

changes

In fact, it doesn't happen fast, over night.

A personal transformation is a shifting, occurs day by day. Improvements, ok, they can come more easily.

Sometimes, to start a revolution, it's just necessary move, move on.

The most difficult is decide it, though. To quit and begin again.

Recommence demands brawn and cogency.

I'm happy I did that. Fortunately.

___________________________________________________________ 

Getting one year older, I realize I'm calmer. 

That's good, makes me chuffed. Not lazy, by no means.

 

o álcool entra e a verdade sai

the alcohol enters and the truth comes out

That's what we usually say, in Portuguese, to explain the fact of drinking and starting to tell the true. Sometimes, not in the best way, though... Sincere, direct, maybe not polite.

Whatever, that's what happens while drunk. 

No control over emotions!
 

la bilingue

Oui, la notre minette l'est:

- Lis, viens ici.

[elle arrive]

- Faz miminho, faz...

[et elle se met à rouler par terre]

- Minha mimosa! Tiens! (des gâteries pour chats)

[elle mange en me regardant] 

- Qui est la plus belle de touts les chats?!

- Miau! [comme je le comprends, ou "Meow" - comme les francophones l'entendent...] 

Et c'est comme ça que se passe le notre harmonieux quotidien félin 'franco-luso'  à Montréal... une ville particulièrement bilingue ♥

harmonieux

harmonioso In Infopédia [Em linha]. Porto: Porto Editora, 2003-2013. [Consult. 2013-01-14].
Disponível na www: <URL: http://www.infopedia.pt/portugues-frances/harmonioso>.quotidien 'franco-luso'...

the year!

drawing by Nacho Diaz

Mine.

There are some crucial years in our lives... Well, 2013 is going to be one of them!

13, or the contrary... it looks promising anyways. At least for me.

just waiting...

Between lies and love,
deception, surrender, regret,
improvement, relapses, prosperity,
doubts, choices, dreams and hope.
Songs, books, movies and records.
French, English and Portuguese.
Home and libraries.
Past, present and future.
Feelings and reality.
Family and friends,
me and him.

evil fable

Bizarre things which may be read online, seen around...

New year resolutions concerning health:

- decrease smoking;
- workout.

However, on the first day at gym, before going, he snorted cocaine. 

Why? To improve his performance? To bear physical activity easer?

Anyway, it's difficult to understant... It's illogical, unreasonable.

Unhealthy. Against all projections.

A bad lifestyle as option. The same of many soccer players who failed!

The worst are not the drug use, though, it's lying (to himself).

Nothing else than the old and famed choices... Improve? Recover? No: get high!

marplot

Doesn't matter if due jeaulousy or spite... Given the facts, I just strongly believe that some specif people who disturb others happiness (even if virtually) could simply doesn't exist, disappear, stop walking around, move away! Seriously.

Maybe, this is one of my primary wishes for this new year. It wastes... For goodness sake!
 
Playing a silly game of competition (online, inclusive!)... Come on! It's ridiculous. No one is a teenager anymore... Cut that out!

Frankly, each one to his trade! A place for everything and everything in its place. SIMPLE AS THAT!

Semancol feelings...

happy 66!

It's Bowie's birthday, but the gift is ours:

Releasing the single ‘Where Are We Now?’ besides announce his new album ‘The Next Day' - the first in a decade(!).

What an excellent surprise in this current internet time, social networking fever! None whispers about that... Amazing.

In the real analogical life, a treat for old school fans, who still buy vinyls and books of/about him - as us! (recent buyers, including). 

Red more:

David Bowie sinaliza uma volta a Berlim
David Bowie to release new album, with surprise single out now

o melhor presente

“Wouldn’t be awesome the world if libraries were more important than banks?”

In this spirit, inspired, I combine "business with pleasure"... Without consumption, in favour of knowledge!

Thus, today, on the National Readers Day in Brazil, I give a tip for my ideal birthday gifts: BOOKS. The secondhand ones, cheaper.

in French:


Anaïs Nin

Henry et June
Vénus érotica 
 

Biz (Loco Locass)

La chute de Sparte


Gérald Godin 

Ils ne demandaient qu'à brûler 


Jean de La Fontaine

Fables
 

Jules Verne

Le tour du monde en quatre-vingts jours
Vingt mille lieues sous les mers
 

in English:


Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility
Pride and Prejudice
Persuasion

in Portuguese:


José Saramago

Ensaio sobre a Cegueira
 

no matter the idiom:


Eduardo Galeano

As veias abertas da América Latina 

Les veines ouvertes de l'Amérique latine 

Open Veins of Latin America


Gabriel García Marquéz

Cem anos de solidão 

Cent ans de solitude

One Hundred Years of Solitude

Do amor e outros demônios 

De l'amour et autres démons 

Of Love and Other Demons

Memória de minhas putas tristes

Mémoire de mes putains tristes

Memories of My Melancholy Whores  


Isabel Allende

Afrodite 

Aphrodite, Contes recettes et autres aphrodisiaques 

Aphrodite: A Memoir of the Senses

___________________________________________________________ 

 

Where to buy it in Montreal:

Bouquinerie du Plateau - 799 Mont Royal Avenue East;

Boutique Volume, 277 Sainte-Catherine Street East;
L'Echange - 713  Mont Royal Avenue East;
The Renaissance Bookstore - 1310 Mont Royal Avenue East; *(a bargain!)

or in a place behind Quebec National Library, on Savoie Avenue. Unfortunately, I don't know its name...

long since

... and it has been until now. 

Because of the others... worse!

Notwithstanding, at that moment, they don't had facebook.

At least, less meddling.

popcorn love

To whom I cherish the most: my mom ♥
 
With all my heart, for her birthday, a hug world size, which/to approach us... more and more. 

Today and from now on, while physically far.

ice lovers

Ice skating: one of the most romantic activities which can be done in couple. Without a doubt.

Hand-in-hand, moving and hanging together... And if one doesn't know how to do it duly, no problem: the other is there, close, to help!

Snow is another important ingredient. Charming. Flakes falling achieve this dreamy moment, which seems a movie scene (at least, that's how I feel ourselves while on a rink!). It's beautiful! I'm very glad we can practice it a lot, in duo. Partners on ice as well.

So cute!  I love it ♥

cinematographically cu(l)t(e)

2012: a very good year related to the big screen (or TV... at home, comfortably on the sofabed - something done under the sheets, in family, with love and popcorn ♥).

Its balance - among novelties and reviews:
(with my personal star classification)

Movies

 
⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ (excellent)

Almost Famous (R)
Babettes Gæstebud (R)
Fahrenheit 451 (R)
Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (R)
Léon - The Professional (R)
Lola Rennt (R)
Soul Kitchen (R)
The Help
V for Vendetta (R)
Walk the Line


⋆⋆⋆⋆ (very good)

25th Hour
Adaptation (R)
Arranged
Bad Lieutenant
Caramel
Dogville
Donnie Brasco
Doubt
Eat Pray Love (R)
Good Bye Lenin!  (R)
Happiness (R)
Harold and Maude
High Fidelity (R)
Kirchblülten-Hanami / Cherry blossoms
Lone Star
L'assedio (R)
Mar Adentro
Marie Antoinette (R)
Match Point (R)
Midnight Express
Milk
My Blueberry Nights (R)
My Life Without Me (R)
New York, I love you
Paris Je t'aime
Pleasantville
The Kite Runner (R)
The Motorcycle Diaries (R)
The Notorious Bettie Page
The Village (R)
The Virgin Suicides
To Die For
Whatever Works (R) 


⋆⋆⋆ (good)

Abre los Ojos
Across the Universe
Anything Else (R)
Basquiat (R)
Be Kind Rewind (R)
Camille Claudel
Desert Flower
Everything you Always Wanted to Know About Sex but Were Afraid to Ask (R)
Girl with a Pearl Earring
King Kong (R)
Les Adieux à la Reine (C)
Les Chansons d'Amour (R)
Ma Part du Gâteau
Manhattan
Omar m'a tué
Pretty in Pink
Red Riding Hood
Scoop (R)
Sixteen Candles
Spanglish (R)
The Black Dhalia
The Color of Paradise
The Girlfriend Experience
The Incredible Hulk (R)
The Reader
The Wolfman
Toronto Stories
You will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger  
 
 
⋆⋆ (ok, but could be better)

American Sweethearts (R)
Aurora Borealis
Biutiful
Donnie Darko
Hollywood Ending 
I'm Not There (R)
La Promesse
Melancholia
Raising Arizona (R)
Sex and the City 2
The Breakfast Club 
The Dreamers (R)  

 
⋆ (I didn't like it)

Brüno
Kedma 
Kung Pow 
Top Secret  
   

Brazialian ones
 

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ (excellent)
 
Carandiru (R)
Tropa de Elite / Elite Squad (R)
Tropa de Elite 2 / Elite Squad: The Enemy Within (R)


⋆⋆⋆⋆ (very good)
 
Amarelo Manga / Mango yellow (R) 
Abril Despedaçado / Behind the Sun (R)  
Casa de Areia / The House of Sand  
Central do Brasil / Central Station (R)
Última Parada 174 / Last stop 174 (R)


⋆⋆⋆ (good)

2 Filhos de Francisco - Two Sons of Francisco (R)
Bruna Surfistinha / Little Surfer Girl   
Cinema, Aspirinas e Urubus / Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures 
Eu, Tu, Eles / Me, You, Them (R)
O ano em que meus pais saíram de férias / The year my parents went on vacation (R)
O céu de Suely / Love for Sale 


⋆⋆ (ok, but could be better)

Amores Possíveis / Possible Loves (R)
Caminho das Nuvens / The Middle of the World  
Orfeu (R)
Se eu Fosse Você / If I were you 


⋆ (I didn't like it)

Cronicamente Inviável / Chronically Unfeasible  
Entre Lençóis / Between the Sheets 


From Quebec


⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ (excellent)
 
Café de Flore
J'ai tué ma mère
La Face Chachée de la Lune
Le Bonheur des Autres
Parlez-nous d'amour


⋆⋆⋆⋆ (very good)
 
C.R.A.Z.Y.
Incendies
La Grande Séduction
Le Soleil se Lève en Retard
Le Vendeur
Les Amours Imaginaires
Les Bons Débarras
Les Invasions Barbares (R)
Les Ordres
Monsieur Lazhar (C)
Octobre­­­­­
Starbuck


⋆⋆⋆ (good)

15 février 1839
1981
Angle Mort
Familia
Gaz Bar Blues
Guide de la Petite Vengeance
L'Âge des Ténèbres (R)
L'Audition
La Vérité
Le Bonheur c'est une Chanson Triste
Le Bonheur de Pierre
Les Sept Jours du Talion
Maman est chez le Coiffeur
Polytechnique
Québec - Montréal
Tromper le Silence


⋆⋆ (ok, but could be better)

Borderline
L'Enfant Prodige
Le Trotski
Les Grandes Chaleurs
Les Signes Vitaux
Mon Oncle Antoine
Taureau
Toi
Tout est Parfait


⋆ (I didn't like it)

Bonzaïon
Continental, un film sans fusil
French Immersion
L'Appât
L'Eau Chaude, L'Eau Frette
Nuages sur la Ville       
Satanic Slaves
Who is KK Downey?  


Animated films, from Quebec and abroad


⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ (excellent)

Crac! (R) / Q
Illusion / Q
Le Fleuve aux Grandes Eaux / Q
L'Homme qui plantait des arbres (R) / Q
Rio (R)
Toy Story 3 (R)
Wall-E (R)


⋆⋆⋆⋆ (very good)

Abracadabra / Q
The Old Man and the Sea
Tout Rien / Q
L'Oiseau de Feu / Q


⋆⋆⋆ (good)

Inon ou la Conquête du Feu / Q
La Création des Oiseaux / Q
Puss in Boots
Tangled
Taratata la Parade


⋆⋆ (ok, but could be better)  

The Adventures of Tintin
The Smurfs


Documentaries


⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ (excellent)

Senna
South of the Border (R)
The Corporation (R)
 Waste land


⋆⋆⋆⋆ (very good)

Bowling for Columbine
Forks over knives
Manda Bala / Send a Bullet
Oscar Niemeyer - A Vida É Um Sopro / Life is a Breath
Short and Male
Solutions locales pour un désordre global / Good food, bad food
War made easy: how presidents & pundits keep spinning us to death 


⋆⋆⋆ (good)

Breaking News Breaking Down
Colony
Fix: The Ministry Movie
Godin - documentaire sur la vie et l'oeuvre du député-poète Gérald Godin
History of Soccer
Inside job
La reine malade / Q
Les Mains Noires - procès de l'esclave incendiaire / Q
Obsession: radical islam's war against the West
Public Speaking
Revolución!?
See what I'm saying
We Must Love Cats


⋆⋆ (ok, but could be better)
 
You don't like the truth: 4 days inside Guantánamo
Barbiers: une histoire d'hommes / Q
Brasilia vu par Yannis Tsiomis / Q
Brésil: à gauche mais pas trop
Extraordinary Minds - Noam Chomsky
Falardeau, Poulin / Q
Tribal - beyond the four 


TV Series 


⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ (excellent)

Law & Order - Special Victms UnitSix Feet UnderUnité 9 / Q


⋆⋆⋆⋆ (very good)

Dr House
Les Lavigueur / QThe Good Wife


⋆⋆⋆ (good)
 
30 Vies / QLa Galère / Q


⋆⋆ (ok, but could be better)

Les Parents / Q
Tu m'aimes, tu? / Q


⋆ (I didn't like it)

Adam et Ève / Q

___________________________________________________________ 

C - Cinema
R - Review
Q - Quebec