DENIAL (Directed by Mick Jackson)**** Cerebral Approach in Court Exposes the Truth about a Holocaust Denier

When Deborah E. Lipstadt accuses Holcaust denier, David Irving of being a total liar in the book she has written about such Holocaust deniers, Irving sues her publishing company Penquin Books in London, England for libel.  The time is 1998. He takes her to courts, but her brilliant teams of understated lawyers exposes the lies and distortions Irving makes in his books. The film is based on a true story.

A trip to Auschwitz with the legal team in tow - led by lawyer Richard Rampton (Tom Wilkinson) – helps pinpoint certain flaws, lies and the thwarting of facts the imposter historian uses to support his case. But in fact, he is a vile anti-Semite, and the judgement of the verdict rests with a judge. In 2000, it is made public.

                                                                      

 

Deborah has so much trouble with the way her team refuses to use any survivors to attest to the atrocity on the stand. Instead, they go for exposing Irving’s obsession with changing facts. The film has an excellent cast, save for Rachel Weisz who seems out of her element. Nobody does it as well as the British, and this film proves  this through the acting and the court delivery.  

    

  

Deborah has so much trouble with the way her team refuses to use any survivors to attest to the atrocity on the stand. Instead, they go for exposing Irving’s obsession with changing facts. The film has an excellent cast, save for Rachel Weisz who seems out of her element.  Nobody does it as well as the British, and this film proves this through the acting and the court delivery.                          

POP MONTREAL FESTIVAL ... Happy 15th Anniversary!

Saturday, September 24th,

It’s an eclectic 5-day festival featuring emerging musicians from all over the world strumming styles that give the word,’ genre’ new meaning. Pop Montreal brims with artisans, films, conferences – even barbecues. Everyone is young, free-spirited in manner and kind of hip.  A riot of hair colours reflect the rainbow as does the scope of musical range and quality.

The two intimate performances I heard at Divan Orange on Saint Laurent Street were just not up to the vibes of virtuoso music-making  mode.

Song is all in the sound and lyric of a group. And if one of these creative elements is missing, it’s like a percussionist without the sticks. Wishkaah, a Montreal 4-member band took to the stage fifteen minutes later than the 2 pm time announced.

The sound guy flayed his arms in the air when I dared to tell him during the weirdest sound test I’ve ever observed or heard…no voice, no instrumental volume level testing. It was too loud for the room, so I knew that I would be hearing only half of Wishkaah’s work. Nice voice, fluid legato playing of guitars, but it was positively frustrating to watch the lanky lead singer bend deeply over his guitar in deep pensiveness as he sung, without us ever hearing a word of what he was singing. I wish Wishkaah could have known wasted words happen when sound overtakes them.

 

I even moved right up to the stage to see if that would help me hear his heart-felt words, but it didn’t. it would seem that he seemed to be the only one interested in his words. The set showed no variety of rhythms, no humour, and the medley could well have been one long piece as there was absolutely no change of tempo, tone or intent in the slow-moving beaming up a belly-button-type delivery.

All that being said,  I did like the lead singer’s voice and I think this band has potential, but they need guidance big time, and to avoid that sound guy again. Divan Orange really should have given these guys better “feedback”.

The next performance was a duo with the singer/ guitar player Helena Deland being accompanied on another guitar. Nice guitar playing, musky vocals that sounded like Jewel with a cold, but the lyric was far too melancholy and quiet to attract my ears to perk up to hear more. She did not talk much but I applaud her for singing in English and French.

Fortunately, I bumped into the Chilean group Boraj at  Divan Orange. They ahd played at 1 pm. It was a timing change for their concert, so I missed their live performance. Too bad; but band member Nico handed me their EP, as we sat down to chat. Lead singer Felipe joined us. They are two sincere dudes with obvious depth that is vividly  reflected in their music.

 
Together only two years, Boraj’s 7 musicians bring a fabulous mix of electric and acoustic sounds to their brilliant composition that have emotional appeal in the new world music their compositions slide into. Moods change, tempi trots or stalls, expressive ranges are a delight to the listener. They sing in Spanish to the instrumental mix of violins, saxophone, guitars, synthesizer and some pretty cool Latin American guitar-type instruments. The flush their music with lyrics that interject at key moments of the melodic line, and so the lyric really stands out. Nature, the human condition calls the heart into their lyric. The lead singer Felipe has such a sexy authentically romantic voice. Simple delivery impacts profoundly.

I suggest you catch one of their concerts as they travel to Ottawa and Ontario. They are performing in the Lilyputt festivals. Here are their show dates:

- September 25th, Le Plant at 5 pm, (Ville-Marie, Montreal)

- September 26th, interview at CKUT 90.0 FM.

- September 27th, Divan Orange at 9 pm. (4234 St. Laurent, Montreal)

- October 1st: Opening Saxsyndrum at Burdock (1184 Bloor W, Toronto)

- October 2nd: Opening Saxsyndrum at K-Hole, Ottawa.

This band reminds  me of the Café del Mar days when we felt the sand beneath our feet and  our soul wings floated away to so many stirring sounds. 

Pop Montreal is an annual event. The website is: popmontreal.com

The Worst NON-TRAVEL Travel Surprise

Passport Expiry

OK folks. Take a look at your passport. Where are you heading to and when? 

More importantly what date are you returning home? Expiry date no longer gives you     the right to leave your visiting country a day, a week before that expiry date – not even a month before- not even two months before. In fact, you must scadoodle out at least 3 months before the expiry date -  when your destination is Europe. But if you're visiting the USA from Europe,  you've got to get out 6 months before the expiry date.

The point of this article is this: go on line and the country’s consulate and ask very carefully, how soon must you leave the destination country before the expiry date on your passport kick in.

Note that the official has no right to ask you the number of your passport, just the expiry date.

Costa Rica from Canada demands one month prior. That is another example of each country’s exit expiry peccadilloes

 

Here’s another sneaky thing. If you opt for a 10-year passport – in the case of Canada – and you travel a lot and the pages get marked on every spot by border stamps, you have to get a new one and pay again! So much for saving $40 (the 5-year one costs $120; the 10-year one is $160).

So bon voyage, but that little coloured passport’s expiry date is so important, you may very well expire right at the airline’s check-in counter when they tell you you aren’t getting on the plane today – such as what happened to me yesterday for my flight to Athens, Greece.

 So which one are you here?                              You hit the skids; didn't check the date?                                                                                              
Easy-breezy; checked the date                           
                                                                                 

     or almost made it?

                                                     

 

The Hell of Technology

We have to really examine this. Does technology cause more harm than good? Do guns cause more harm than good? Do cars cause more harm than good? My answer – as you may have guessed is – “yes”. Technology’s toll on human life - its ability  to create and increase emotional angst, air pollution, sedentary-related disease and so much more - is related to all this. I still claim 9/11 would not have happened without computers.

 

IT Terror : No why , no how, no help!

Within the last 2 days, my life has been shortened because of  computer technology. My card would not work to book my jungle/snorkeling trip to Costa Rica in January. I tried 7 times, and  the marvelous Costa Rica company  was on the phone telling me (after 2 months of designing my custom-made itinerary) that hotels can’t be held over for each site. I was not able to book my expedition or the flight because of that bloody credit card not going through!   I kept pressing the Book Now icon, but it was telling me it could not be processed. Poppy cock! Finally, after the 8^th attempt it worked. But I had to keep going back and re-entering my dates, and I missed the earlier flight that I wanted. Too much time had gone by.

There it was; there it wasn’t!

 

I also had my sending from Gmail cut off just like that two days later after the booking fiasco. No reason given, and the credit card office was closed on Sunday. On Monday, I was asking anyone on the street to help me get it back. Talking to Google Playschool about it, even read every article I could on suspension and reasons. I was literally pulling my hair out. Just chuck the dam machine!

Ok, I know that technology can cause super anxiety for me when things go wrong, but because it owns us, because jobs, relationships, money, everything, your identity, confidence, mood,  self-worth, serious instructions, letters etc are so embedded into this impersonal way of life, I just do not agree with it.

 How about you?

 I find most people do not even know how to look you in the eye today, but their cell phone – ohh, they clutch it in their hand as if it were a tiny piece of gold.

 Do you find that kids today have an attention span of zero? Is your kid going to have confidence without holding technology in front of his/her eyes. Did you know schools no longer teach script (writing)?

 The brain lives inside us. It is flexible, but it must work with us for us without all kinds of bells and whistles to replace it. 

Well, maybe one day, we will turn into a piece of metal, and actually forget how to open our mouth to eat! If you can answer this question without using any form of technology, you are a winner: 9 X 7 + 8 =?

 If you can, you're in the minority.

.

BEAUTY BITES BEAST (Directed by Ellen Snortland) *****

An important compellingly crafted documentary that vividly analyzes history’s absolute denial, flippancy and absence in any laws and legislature charting the right for women to learn self-defense. Nothing exists to help women, who are just told not to go out at night.

 

Every angle of self-defense is brought up, including a discussion about the femininity issue. Using animation, real self-defense trainers, and experts in women’s issues, the filmmaker, who authored the book, proves  in this film her point for the need for such classes and the cavalier comments made by politicians on the topic. 

 Ms.Snortman travels to real-time self-defence classes held in North Dakota, Boston, Minnesota and Jerusalem, Juarez and Tijuana as experts from Impact personal Safety Learning put into action techniques both physical and psychological to train women of all ages in self-defense. We meet over 30 people all over the world who have made this topic their life passion. They include Lisa Gaeta, Founder and CEO of Impact,  Dr. Riane Rider, author of the “Chalice and the Blade”, Delores Huerta, Co-founder of the United farm workers who garnered the Presidency Medal, several psychotherapists, such as Peter Vance  and one company owner who offers his workers these classes in Oaxaca.

Ms. Snortland does not just present a show and tell on the subject but is able to move us by testimony from women in Africa and the USA who have endured male violence.

The results of Impact are readily visible in the rebirth of these adult women – now with confidence and armed with the knowledge that they deserve to protect themselves and most importantly, they now know how.. If only though men and women could live in peace. Size does not matter when peace does.

Screened at this year’s Montreal World Film festival, this was one of the few films that everyone should have seen, men and women alike of all ages!

A STUNNING LAKESIDE HAVEN IN QUEBEC... RIPPLECOVE HOTEL

                    SUBLIME PLEASURES                         

for Relaxation and Recreation

 

Claiming one of the most coveted secluded spots at Ayer’s Cliff in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, Ripplecove Hotel and Spa instantly impresses me with its sublime site. Elegantly fanning out from the hotel is Lake Massawippi’s magnificently expansive waters.

Surrounding the lake is its very own protective companion – the Appalachian Mountains. Together they form a symbiotic symphony of natural beauty; we at Ripplecove are here to applaud it! 

  


   Best of all, I can savour the stunning 
   scene right from the cozy balcony of  
   my lovely room. I’m awestruck. 

 

 

                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                        

Room Mystique

Most of Ripplecove’s 32 rooms (Superior, Deluxe and Suites) nestle strategically to offer serene, close-up views of the lake. All rooms are aesthetically soothing. 

 

 I can hear the rippling water, enjoy the birdsong in the trees, and even observe the daily visit of ducks diving at Ripplecove’s cocooned shoreline.

Ripplecove’s interior beauty

The hotel interior is a tranquil oasis warmed by antiques, paintings and lithographs.  The interior avoids grandiose pretension; rather, its assets of vintage beauty and modern amenities speak softly for themselves.

The sitting room is remarkably restful – akin to a manor library. It was one of my favourite places to just sit and ponder all the old valuable items. 100-year-old books, a rare chess set, photos of Massawippi fishing magic – all harken to a time when life’s rhythm  was as peaceful as the still life paintings hanging on  Ripplecove’s serene walls and as reassuring as the rippling lake outside. 

On the two floors, hallway nooks with darling décor and furniture also offer moments of privacy and respite for reading.

The Stafford family – a timeless legacy of love at Ripplecove

 

Archie and Elizabeth Stafford, the parents of Jeffrey Stafford who now owns the hotel with his wife, Debra – bought the hotel in 1945. At that time, there were no roads or electricity, but the energetic Stafford seniors didn’t mind. They were hearty warm folk who loved the outdoors, always responding to the people’s passion for fishing at Massawippi. The lake's 450-foot depth was a haven for catching huge trout, sturgeon and more; and Ripplecove, a small hotel at the time, happily housed the avid fishermen. 

                                                                                                               

A fire in 1978 turned the beloved "hotel on the cove" into ashes.  Suffice it to say Stafford resilience responded to Ripplecove's call. In 1985, the young Staffords took full ownership of Ripplecove. From fish and fire, financial acumen and fortitude came to the fore as Jeffrey and Debra greatly expanded the once cozy hotel. Not content to rest, the couple added more rooms, and a spa was built. The year was 2003. Still, I couldn't differentiate the original structure from the recent additions. Even modern amenities, including Wifi and in-room luxury can’t obstruct the visual appeal of Ripplecove’s timeless old world charm.  

 

The Stafford signature of love and care continues on generation after generation

Thanks largely to Debra’s impeccable design taste, every space is appealing to the eye and comfortable.  Framed patina photographs detailing family history and Ripplecove's past are displayed on every floor. 

 

I loved discovering them as I wandered around - a feeling of nostalgia creeping in at every corner.That home-away-from-home feeling is omnipresent.

“My wife and I wanted to carry on the spirit and style of those simpler times. Ripplecove is unique, as there is no other hotel in Quebec that has been in family for 71 years.”   Jeffrey Stafford

Is it any wonder, Ripplecove has consistently garnered the illustrious CA/AAA Four-Diamond Lodging Award, and on an annual basis since 1987!  No other hotel in the region can boast that.

Another Ripplecove diamond draw

A true Canadian landmark, Ripplecove is open year-round for four-season enjoyment. Have you ever gone ice fishing? No matter, you can get your free lesson on Saturday in front of the hotel right on the lake. How about skating on the lake and what fun for the family for winter romance to take Ripplecove’s free 2-horse sleigh-ride?

Bonfires and fishing tents, Xmas trees on the lake for happy Yuletide spirit (and to block the wind). See you on the ice!

 

Fabulous friendliness

I love those Ripplecove reception girls! Upon my arrival, Veronique not only welcomed me, but went to my car to fetch my luggage, took me to my second-floor room, showed me the conditioning remote, opened the big closet doors in front of my Queen-size bed to show me the big screen TV, plugged in my laptop, even typed in the password. She smiled and said: “Ms. Snipper, it’s so nice to have you here.”  Then she quickly disappeared, closing the door behind her – no interest in a tip.

I discovered just how willing the staff was to go the extra mile.
 

Stephanie who seems to know how to do everything at once really went the extra mile for me – and what a wet one it was! She followed me out to the beach in her pumps in order to pull the rowboat out for me. Walking on the wet sand – her pumps thoroughly beach-soaked – she gave the boat a heave-ho. There she was wearing her blue Ripplecove uniform waving me goodbye – smiling as if it was pleasant to feel wet sand inside her fancy shoes.

Thanks Stephanie!

The staff fetched one of the new bikes from the back of the lodge (they’re all new; no gear shifts, just braking), then adjusted the seat and handed me a map to direct me to the Tomifobia Trail. Finally, one of the staff walked the bike up the hill for me upon leaving.  

Upon returning to Ripplecove from Tomifobia’s gorgeous walking/bike trail, I dove into the swimming pool.

  
Passing on playing tennis; I was ready to do some serious dining at Ripplecove’s Riverain Restaurant.

Divine Dining at Ripplecove’s Riverain Restaurant

 

No matter that I was not formally dressed; Riverain – which has been garnering its own yearly Four-Diamond Award at Ripplecove since 1991 – is far more interested in creating and serving delicious cuisine rather than judging you by your clothes.  Its team is busy creating in its kitchen a sumptuous gastronomical affair.
                                       
Totally attentive without affectations, the dining staff –  expertly headed by food & beverage director and darling, Éric Bourbonnais – beams hospitality as permanent and pleasing as Lake Massawippi itself. 

Lakeside dining is assured either on the tabled terrace outside or indoors.

                                                
      

Bon appétit!

           

Joris Larigaldie, Riverain’s talented energetic chef  is so creative, his dishes not only look like ‘Daliesque’ artwork, but their colours, textures and amusing combos of surprise offer a whole new experience in savouring presentation and flavours.

 

Joris Larigaldie, Riverain’s talented energetic chef  is so creative, his dishes not only look like ‘Daliesque’ artwork, but their colours, textures and amusing combos of surprise offer a whole new experience in savouring bite feel and taste. I for one was thrilled with the variety of ingredients that went into some dishes.

“I interface with farmers.” His philosophy is about true to the terroir and bringing the terroir into the kitchen – utilizing local products, combining and matching them with their nearby earth relatives.  He explained: “My beef now will be smoked using the highest quality local hay.” He adds spruce/hemlock sprigs to his freshly picked parsnips – makes butter and incredible pumpkin-flavoured mini marshmallows in one of his amazing desserts. “I think food is about emotion and memory. I hope when people taste my dishes, the taste refers to something special in their past” 

Enigmatic and charming, Chef Joris combines traditional French cooking techniques and new ones to create high-end cuisine. He grew up with parents that cooked; his mom owned a restaurant in Paris, and he revealed he spent so much time in the kitchen by her side. He worked in France and England at Michelin-star restaurants, and now Riverain has snagged him. Chef Joris is exciting!

Here is a sampling of my exquisite journey into new taste sensations:  My amuse-bouche (taste teaser) was a small ball-shaped cream puff (profiterole) of lobster and fine herbs, including his daring edible hemlock needles-butter mixed in. It practically melted in my mouth. It was followed by the most awesomely amazing appetizer I have ever tasted: Albacore tuna tataki, green papaya slaw, basil and mint, maple nuoc mam (fish sauce) and peanuts. The hint of raw tuna was done with perfect balance. 

My next choice of appetizer was the confit mini parsnip from Jardin du Quartier, with parsnip puree, hazelnut butter, sea buckthorn jelly and duck jerky.  It’s criminal that someone could conceive such an outstanding cuisine concoction of incomparably wonderful textures. The small parsnips were not overcooked.

My main dish was his tender halibut – another standout. It secretly positioned a rare undercoating: a sliver-thin spread of cauliflower and truffle.

This dish came with green onion, baby lima beans and parsnips with the Jarvis touch of decorating plate corners with delightful surprises. I loved the tiny crispy inch-high sprig of fried kale demurely adorning the mela off to the side.

My meal was paired with a 2010 Chablis premier Cru Vaillons Domaine Jean Dauvissat. By the way Savigny-lès Beaune, les Guettes, Domaine Doueet-naudin (yes, the full name) was a fine balanced Chablis  Riverain has over 3000 bottles, 250 kinds of wine with over 550 labels – the oldest being a 1952 Savigny-lès Beaune, les Guettes, Domaine Doueet-naudin  (a mouthful of a name with a wallet price to match!)

Dessert brought me a tantalizing carrot cake turned up like a teepee. Sliding down its side was swooping home-made Philadelphia ice cream! Then dove into a lemon number with its own teeny tiny lemon marshmallow, wafer and unidentifiable but exquisite-to-the-taste-buds mystery sweet was unforgettable. 

Riverain’s breakfast buffet: a healthy cornucopia of fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, a variety of addictive, melt-in-your-mouth sweet croissants and seasonal berries bulging out in a big bowl. 

 

You can continue the morning feast by blindfolding your eyes and pointing to the uncluttered gourmet menu. Whatever you have is going to get your tongue wagging a resounding, "mmmm"!

Make your hotel stay and/or restaurant reservations here: www.ripplecove.com

or call (1-800) 668-4296.

Read about my sensational spa experience here: Ripplecove’s Arboressence Spa