#Montreal Improv Festival

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

Good news, everyone! Excellent news. It turns out Ed Night is good at stand-up comedy. I have been waiting several years now to find this out, suspected but with no way to confirm it. But now I can finally say, I have found a way to artistically justify my decision to watch Roast Battle. Wouldn't have heard of Ed Night otherwise as he's not been on anything else I've seen, and therefore I wouldn't have have seen a very good stand-up show last night. Success! It was all worth it!

Anyway, yesterday was probably my most perfectly planned day if this festival. Look at this:

What a solid few hours. Kept exiting the venues and then going right back in, didn't have to travel anywhere, and four really really strong shows in a row. Eleanor Morton's took a little while to get going and at first I was a bit disappointed in it, but it really built up from a routine about seeing the Edinburgh Fringe as an Edinburgh native, then just kept going, second half better than the first and I loved it by the end.

The other 3 were pretty well perfect, all 3 of them. I'm so glad I saw Sarah Keyworth, after almost skipping them because I saw it filmed for Access Festival. Firstly, it was more than good enough to be worth seeing in person even though I'd heard the material before, same as Nish Kumar and Tom Ballard. Secondly, it's been 8 months and a major Australian championship win since I saw the show, obviously the material has developed. It was so, so much fun to actually see.

As was Laura Davis, they're another one who's so compelling it's just worth getting into the room to experience it up close. This started strong but was another one that really built and by the end was... look, I try to be very sparing with a word like "Kitsonian" and not just compare anything good to him, but that was all I could think of with the way they got complex and poetic in throwing everything in the show back at us at the end. Reminded me of the ending of Impotent Fury of the Privileged pr Something Other Than Everything, in the best way (not in a "Laura was being unoriginal" way, Kitson doesn't talk nearly this much about dead birds so safe to say they carved their own territory). And Tom Ballard was also doing stuff I'd heard before but it sure was worth being in the room for that. Being in the room made me both enjoy it even more, and better understand why a different person might dislike it so strongly. A divisively shouty presence.

I even managed to briefly speak to Tom Ballard after the show, if nothing else just to prove to myself that I could, after the disaster of last week. And it went okay! I wasn't smooth by any means, stuttered at the ground about how I loved his show in Montreal last year and thought this one was even better and big fan of his older specials too and all his stuff, and I absolutely could not look at him while I spoke, but I think I managed to make the words I was saying understood. Managed to sound like a very nervous person who likes him, rather than whatever I sounded like when I met Kitson last week, which was nothing, because I could not remember any words. So I'm glad I managed that improvement. He was very nice, asked me my name, said he appreciated it, a sort of amusing contrast to the on-stage shoutiness.

Then I ran off to the Assembly Rooms to see Josie Long's husband (if the genders were reversed it would be problematic to define her by her relationship to him but I'm pretty sure it's fine this way around, also I'm not 100% sure they're actually married) meticulously document the destruction of arts funding and the NHS across 14 years of Tory rule, via the medium of a musical performed in what appeared to be a circus tent. That's what we some to the Fringe for, isn't it? That is exactly what I wanted out of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It was a lot of fun.

Then back to the Monkey Barrel to see Ed Night, a guy I'd been Googling ever since I saw him on Roast Battle in 2021, convinced that I like this guy and I just need him to release something so I can see to prove it. I've said several times on this blog that I'm supporting his career like it's a sports team, wanting him to get big just so I can see his stuff from Canada. He didn't so I had to go to him, and finally, decision to watch an awful thing like Roast Battle has been justified! I found Ed Night out of it! Seriously I thought he was fantastic, dark and sharp and packed with jokes that you could miss if you didn't pay attention because they fit so clearly into the narrative. And it helped that it was my sort of thing in terms of subject matter, he covered OCD and queer identity and some political stuff and the frustrating mental health system, talked shit about content creator algorithms. At one point he got a Pokemon reference into what I think was a suicide joke - how perfectly tailored to my comedy taste is that? He also picked some more specific targets, like (spoiler alert, I guess, spoiler alert for everything on my blog all the time) going after Tom Binns for a while, earning every bit of that edgy material (edgy, to be clear, just because it's an intense topic to bring up - he didn't try edgily defending him or anything) by being very funny about it.

He hung out somewhere in the general vicinity (not nearly as far, but the vicinity is still impressive) of Dan Rath levels of presenting himself as a fucked up low status character (though it didn't seem like a that much of a character). I remember seeing someone compare his stuff to Frankie Boyle once, which I think is apt, though more personal than I've heard Frankie Boyle get, and obviously not as developed in the craft, but it was that level of dark. I also think Chortle robbed him, with only 3.5 stars, given some of the stuff that's got 4. I'm just relieved that he was good. I got so invested in the idea of him being good, based on so little. Picked one non-famous comedian, several years ago, to decide I bet that guy is good, based on about 8 minutes of the TV show Roast Battle. And it was by no means a guarantee that I'd like him. I feel like this blog must make it seem as though I like pretty much all comedy because I mainly write about stuff I like. When in fact I hear or see plenty of comedy that I dislike, I just try not to be a dick about it online too often. So I'm glad this wasn't like that, because I really hate being wrong.

Then I ran off to the other side of the castle for the first time, to see Natalie Palamides at the Traverse Theatre. This was one I booked because it seemed important to take the opportunity to see in person while I can. I've seen her previous shows - Laid and Nate - on video, and I liked them, could see they were very good, but I also knew I was missing parts of it, because it doesn't translate fully to film, and I just don't have the theatre kid background to appreciate that level of clowning. Also the puppet in Dave freaked me out. I don't like puppets. Also, you know, nudity. Sex scenes (only with puppets). Artistic violence. It left me feeling weird and uncomfortable and wanting to curl up into a ball, in a sort of good but probably overall more bad way. But that left me feeling like I should try harder to develop the ability to appreciate this sort of thing. And I think it's the sort of thing that really needs to be experienced live.

So I went to see Weer live, and I had a great time. It was so much fun, probably helped that the subject matter was lighter, at least at first. More nudity (spoiler alert, I guess, for all of this, in the unlikely event that anyone planning to see Natalie Palamides is reading this) but I was prepared this time! Managed to not turn into quite such a prudish teacher from a movie, at the sight of a body displayed in the name of art. I mean it was still weird, but not quite such a shock as I'd seen it before. The violence was a bit more difficult, but it very quickly got too absurd to be scary. And the puppet stuff was mercifully extremely short.

Otherwise, I thought it was incredibly impressive. I don't have the theatre knowledge to really understand how impressive it was, but I can still recognize something really cool and incredibly complicated done very well. It was fun, it made me laugh, I could not believe the number of (literal and figurative) layers that went into it. It was very, very cool to see, definitely worth taking the chance to go in person.

So that was my day yesterday. Woke up early this morning and thought I'd go through the day. About to go back to town for my last day of shows. Which is fine, I'm not feeling any predictable rising anxiety that the only thing I've been looking forward to for a year is almost over. It's okay, I'll have another little bit in London after this and that's nice as meeting my London friend in person has been one of the best parts of this, sorry that's a weird thing to say given that he reads this. But it's hardly the most overly personal thing I've ever communicated via a Tumblr post because I don't know how to actually talk to people. Except Tom Ballard, I did a great job of talking to him.

And aside from talking to Tom Ballard, yesterday was a slower day for comedian spotting, which was probably for the best (talking to Tom wasn't so much comedian "spotting", as comedian "awkwardly waiting around until everyone else had left after his show"). Jordan Brookes was in the audience at Sarah Keyworth's show. And here's a left-field one - Dominic Maxwell, the dick from The Times who once called Andy Zaltzman "[John Oliver's] left-behind sidekick", was in Natalie Palamides' show making notes for a review. Which I only know because she called attention to that when giving him an audience participation part, she turned it into something quite funny.

Okay, now I'm going into town for the last day. I've saved some of the established Fringe veterans for last - Seymour Mace, Mark Watson, David O'Doherty. Mat Ewins, another one where I thought it important to take the chance to see in oerson since he doesn't translate to recordings well. I didn't divide it up this way intentionally, but the identity-based demographic diversity of my Fringe schedule looks a lot better if you leave out the last day.

[nehakumarr]

The Advantages of Studying in Smaller Canadian Cities Like Quebec or Halifax

When international students think about studying in Canada, major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal often come to mind. However, smaller cities such as Quebec and Halifax offer unique advantages that make them excellent choices for students. These cities provide a high-quality education experience while offering a more relaxed lifestyle, affordability, and rich cultural experiences.

If you're wondering why study in Canada and whether smaller cities are worth considering, here are some key benefits of choosing places like Quebec or Halifax for your education.

1. Affordable Cost of Living

One of the biggest advantages of studying in smaller cities like Quebec and Halifax is the affordable cost of living. Compared to larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver, housing, food, and transportation costs are generally lower. This makes it easier for students to manage their expenses while studying abroad.

By choosing a more affordable city, students can focus more on their studies without worrying too much about finances. This is particularly important for students on a budget or those relying on scholarships.

2. High-Quality Education

Smaller cities in Canada still offer access to top-tier education. Universities in Quebec and Halifax, such as Université Laval and Dalhousie University, are known for their excellent academic programs and research opportunities. These institutions provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers.

The smaller class sizes often found in these cities also allow for more personalized attention from professors. This leads to a better learning experience and stronger support for students.

3. Welcoming Communities

Smaller cities in Canada, like Quebec and Halifax, are known for their friendly and welcoming communities. The local populations are often very supportive of international students, making it easier for newcomers to integrate into Canadian life. You’ll find people are more approachable, and you can build meaningful relationships more easily in these smaller, tight-knit communities.

The inclusive environment is one of the key reasons why study in Canada is so appealing to students from around the world.

4. Rich Cultural Experience

Quebec and Halifax offer a rich cultural experience that you might not find in larger cities. Quebec City, for example, is famous for its French heritage, cobblestone streets, and historical sites, giving students a unique chance to immerse themselves in French-Canadian culture. This makes it an ideal choice for those interested in learning or improving their French.

On the other hand, Halifax, located on Canada’s east coast, boasts a maritime culture with beautiful coastlines, seafood, and a laid-back lifestyle. Halifax is also home to several festivals and events throughout the year, adding to the student experience.

5. Lower Competition for Job Opportunities

While larger cities tend to have more job opportunities, smaller cities like Quebec and Halifax may have lower competition for part-time student jobs or internships. This can make it easier for students to find work while studying, which can help them manage living costs and gain valuable work experience.

Universities in these cities often have strong ties with local businesses, making it easier for students to secure internships, co-op placements, or even full-time jobs after graduation. A study abroad consultant or an overseas education consultancy can guide students in finding these opportunities.

6. Peaceful and Safe Environment

For students who prefer a quieter, more peaceful environment, smaller cities like Quebec and Halifax are ideal. These cities have lower crime rates and less congestion than major urban areas, making them safer places to live and study. Students can enjoy a better work-life balance, surrounded by nature and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Conclusion

Choosing to study in smaller Canadian cities like Quebec or Halifax offers a range of benefits, including affordability, high-quality education, and a welcoming environment. Students can also enjoy rich cultural experiences and lower competition for jobs. With the guidance of a study abroad consultant or overseas education consultancy, you can make an informed decision about the best city for your education and career goals.

So, if you're wondering why study in Canada, don’t overlook these smaller cities—they might just offer the perfect balance of quality education and lifestyle for you.

Also read :

Innovation and Excellence: How Australian Universities Shape Global Education in 2024

Challenges with the Upcoming Intakes in Canada for 2024-2025

[norahmusic]

Music Festivals

Music festivals have a history that spans many centuries, embrace new trends and technologies. They provide a platform for emerging artists and promoting causes attendees will always remember. Stage designs, interactive and virtual reality immersive art shows or food truck culinary experiences add value to this event, making this sense of togetherness unforgettable among people. Music festivals provide a space to connect, share arts, culture and traditions as well as amuse attendants in a spirit of social flavour.

There are over 300 million people attending live music festivals globally every year around the world (1). The socioeconomic schema under society is moving nowadays seems to connect and enjoy music, people and places in a more evolved way of living and a more easy going lifestyle. Cultural exchange speeds up in music festivals, share food, music, visual effects and dance eases the way to enjoy concerts and connecting with audience and artists at the same time.  Economic revenues derived from music festivals make these events a must in almost every country hence, it covers the need of open air, entertainment, fosters cultural exchange, adventure and discovery for community while at the same time value and contribute to improve the social and economic capital of a region.

Any brain needs a break and a reward after a long effort (academic year, tough project at work, stressful and risky profession…) a need for escape is the best way to break everyday hustle no matter what you do for life. Hive psychology is likely to be behind music festivals attendance. Community life within music festivals, happy groups of people and a feeling of belonging even if it is just for 3 days, highlight how important well  groups are united by music tastes are for us. The happier the groups, the better mental and social health for all of us. Other factors like tourism raise, revenue source, the variance of alternative and experimental music program on one side and the festival experience on the other hand triggers motivation of music festival attendees and countries as well.

Music festivals were created around in the 6th century BC. By then, musical programmes ran alongside athletic and strongman events in the first Olympic Games named Greek Pythian Games at the Sanctuary of Apollo, in Delphi (2). The Pythian Games were initially focused on athletic games, but it was initially dedicated to Apollo in representation of music. Further on, the Festival of the Vine Flower which included large drinking contests, performances held to honor Dionysus, dancing and music. This music festival pattern live long and extended through middle ages, adapting its competitions and performances to each place, type of music and also customizing some of its characteristics throughout the centuries.

Festivals were held to honour Gods, celebrate important events such as contests and strengthen the sense of unity among population in Ancient Civilizations. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods European composers and musicians started to celebrate concerts in public places, outside palaces and churches as well as performing open-air dramas with music (Passion Plays in Oberammergau Bavaria, Germany) back in early seventeenth century.

In the Nineteenth Century folk festivals emerged as a way to promote a sense of identity though dance and traditional music in outdoor places as well. The 1960s celebration of music, peace, love and unity made a big change after Monterrey International Pop Festival (California,1967) and Woodstock Festival (Bethel, New York, 1969), inspiring other festivals like Glastonbury (Pilton, Somerset, England, 1970),in the UK.

Many other festivals arouse after Woodstock Festival´s success (Newport Folk and Jazz Festival, 1959, Reading and Leeds Festival (Berskshire, Leeds, UK, 1971), Roskilde Festival ( Denmark, 1971), PINKPOP (Netherlands, 1970), Montreal International Jazz Festival (Canada, 1980),  Lollapalooza (in Chicago and other locations, 1991), Coachella (Indio, California, 1999) or Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (Tennesee, USA,  2002)).

Nowadays music festivals are a global social phenomenon  split in diverse musical line-ups music festivals in the western part of the world such as, Tomorrowland (Boom, Belgium), NOS Alive (Lisbon, Portugal), Summer Sonic (Tokyo and Osaka, Japan),  Rock in Rio (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), Frequency Festival (Greenpark St. Pölten, Austria), Donauinselfest (Vienna, Austria), Sziget Festival (Budapest, Hungary), Hellfest Open Air (Clisson, France), Pol’ and Rock’ (Czaplinek, Poland), Rock am Ring (Nürburgring, Germany), Hurricaine Festival (Scheeßel, Germany),   Rock Werchter (Leuven, Belgium), Defqon.1 Weekend Festival (The Netherlands, Australia and Chile), Green Man Festival (Crickhowell, Wales), FIB Benicassim (Castellon, Spain), Primavera Sound (Barcelona, Spain),Governor´s Ball (Flushing Meadows Corona Park, NY, USA), Summerfest (Chicago, USA), Outsidelands  (San Francisco, USA) or New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (New Orleans, Lousiana, USA).

Diverse blend of genres are offered in an international musical experiences in many Asian Countries such as  Sunburn Festival (Goa, India), Fuji Rock Festival (Yuzawa, Japan), Ultra Music Festival (various locations), Clockenflap (Hong Kong, China), Rainforest World Music Festival (Sarawak, Malaysia), Wanderland Music and Arts Festival (Muntilupa, Philipines), Zoukout (Sentosa, Singapore). Other cherished for their unique atmosphere top festivals you cannot miss in Australia are Splendour in the Grass (Byron Bay, New South Wales) or Falls Festival (Several Locations, Australia).

Diversity and dynamism is what can define African Music Festivals, Cape Town International Jazz Festival (South Africa), Lake of Stars Festival (Malawi),Sauti Za Busara (Tanzania), Felabration (Nigeria), Essence Festival Durban (South Africa), Afropunk Festival (various countries), Mawazine (Rabat, Morocco).

Electronic Music and Latin America Festivals go hand in hand in Tecate Pa´l Norte (Mexico), Riviera Maya Jazz Festival (Mexico), Corona Capital (Ciudad de Mexico)  and South America Festivals Universo Paralelo (Brazil), MITA Festival (Brazil), Time Warp (Brazil and Chile), Baum Festival (Colombia), Storyland (Colombia), Asuncionico Festival (Paraguay), LAST Festival (Ecuador), Solaris Festival (Peru) and Primavera 0 (Uruguay).

Music festivals improve social health and well-being of any age range person as they lower down stress levels and probability of depression, personally and within a group since we share collectively music shows. For young attendees might be a first time to explore, travel and spend time with friends, for middle age adults it can represent a different vacation time. Whatever the prism with which you look at it, it reports a benefit to each individual and to the social groups attending as well.

Many music festivals count on other entertaining activities besides music, offering yoga sessions, gong baths and other oriental therapies and techniques to make you feel healthier. There are also massage rooms where you can apply many therapies to yourself and hiking tours in the surroundings of the festival field, as an intermission break between concert days (3).  Diversity can be found on a variety of food truck and kiosk food offer and normally local flavours can be tasted in this format. So if you like to try new food, this is another add-on to music festivals.

It is people who make places, not the opposite. At music festivals you will always encounter any type of people who misbehave or are not just the best company (the fewest) or, on the contrary, people with whom you will have a long friendship after the fest. As there is always a personal choice, be aware of your choices and enjoy the show.

If on a sum, you like to spend some days in a camp tent with friends (there are other options if plain floor is too tough for you, but is not as fun), entertain yourself at a high level, get to see many artists at a glance, get to know new people and make friends, while listening to the newest and best artists, feel free to stay dancing and singing until daylight, dress however you feel like and enjoy the best visual arts on stages, Music Festivals are the best option for you. From planning the trip till gathering with your friends at the music fest field, let those memories walk along with you forever as the nicest reminiscence tend to be the most unexpected.

Thanks for smiling and dare to live the Unexpected!

References:

(1) https://festey.com/top-music-festivals-worldwide-us-europe-asia-australia-africa-the-future-of-antarctica/  | https://www.guitarlobby.com/biggest-music-festivals/  | https://time.com/5651255/business-of-music-festivals/  | https://www.guitarlobby.com/biggest-music-festivals/ | https://festey.com/a-brief-history-of-music-festivals-origins-purpose-growth-and-what-lies-ahead/  | https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/articles/the-10-most-iconic-music-festivals-in-the-world | https://growthmarketreports.com/report/music-festival-market-global-industry-analysis | https://tseentertainment.com/understanding-music-festival-target-audiences/ | https://es.statista.com/grafico/32346/recaudacion-bruta-de-los-festivales-con-mas-ingresos-del-mundo/

(2) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211973620300374 | https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/393 | https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-greece/delphi  | https://www.dailyhistory.org/What_is_the_history_of_music_festivals?utm_content=cmp-true

(3) https://www.bbc.com/news/health-49194336 | https://edm.com/features/why-we-rave

[gamzart]

Meet Me At the Woodshop

Suoni Per Il Popolo Festival, Montreal Quebec Canada 2023

Four channel radio transmission, Four day durational performance/ Installation, videos.

Building on their most recent collaboration, Gambletron and Johnny Forever's newest work Meet Me At The Woodshop explores the erotics of labour and the relationship between the body and its immediate built environment. Sourcing materials, imagery, and sound from their experience in construction, Gambletron and Forever work queer fantasy into the world of quick and dirty home renovation.

The work is an installation activated by several scheduled performances. Gambletron's rumbling house-influenced beats, roughly hewn from a collection of synths and homemade electronics are layered over tones produced via electric musical saw. This sound comes through heavy-duty jobsite radios via multichannel transmission. Meanwhile, Johnny Forever transforms typical home improvement labour into chaotic, precariously executed queer burlesque.

As a queer couple who have spent many years on nightlife scenes and construction sites, the artists are allowing themselves space to flirt with the image of a babely nonbinary handiperson just doing their job while bringing their usual absurdist experiments with technical failure and material decay into the play space/work site.

[whileiamdying]

Iranian Women You Should Known: Leila Hatami

SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 IRANWIRE 7 MIN READ

Global and Iranian history are both closely intertwined with the lives and destinies of prominent figures. Every one of them has laid a brick on history’s wall, sometimes paying the price with their lives, men and women alike. Women have been especially influential in the past 200 years, writing much of contemporary Iranian history.

In Iran, women have increased public awareness about gender discrimination, raised the profile of and improved women’s rights, fought for literacy among women, and promoted the social status of women by counteracting religious pressures, participating in scientific projects, being involved in politics, influencing music, cinema... And so the list goes on.

This series aims to celebrate these renowned and respected Iranian women. They are women who represent the millions of women that influence their families and societies on a daily basis. Not all of the people profiled in the series are endorsed by IranWire, but their influence and impact cannot be overlooked. The articles are biographical stories that consider the lives of influential women in Iran.

Leila Hatami was the leading role in “The Separation,” the first, and to date, only Iranian film to get an Oscar. She is a highly-acclaimed actress. She is also the first and only Iranian woman to sit on the panel for the Cannes Film Festival.

Leila was born in 1972 in Tehran, Iran. Her father, Ali Hatami, was a renowned movie director and her mother, Zari Khoshkam, was a popular movie star before the revolution of 1979. Leila first appeared in a film when she was 10, one of her father’s films, which was about the life and times of the 19th century Iranian painter Kamal-ol-Molk. In it, she played the painter as a young boy. She also appeared in a TV series.

Then eight years later in 1992, she appeared in another one of her father’s films where she played a blind girl. However she did not originally intend to pursue acting. At high school, she studied physics and mathematics and then went on to study electrical engineering in Lausanne, Switzerland. But two years later, she had a change of heart and swapped to French literature. Then her father became ill and she went back to Iran. He died in 1996.

That same year, she played her first adult role in a film called “Leila,” which was directed by prominent film director Dariush Mehrjui. In the film, she played a woman unable to have children. Her acting received praise both inside and outside of Iran.

But during filming, a second story unfolded behind the camera. In the film, she acted alongside Ali Mostafa, who played a loving husband in the film who resisted his mother’s pressure to marry a second wife so that she would have grandchildren. In real life, they fell in love and quickly got married.

In several films, Leila and Ali played a couple on screen, which film critics praised every time. They have two young children, a boy and a girl, who frequently appear alongside their parents on the red carpet in festivals across the world.

Alongside numerous Iranian nominations and awards for her acting, Leila has also received international acclaim. In 2002, she was named winner of the best actress award at the Montreal World Film Festival for her part in a movie called “The Deserted Station.”

After Mahmoud Ahmadinejad became president of the Islamic Republic in 2005, Leila and her husband opened a small café inside a cinema, which they called “Entr’acte.” In the café, they screened short, documentary films. The café became a hangout for intellectuals and artists. However in 2009, the café was burned down after Leila spoke out publicly in support of the former reformist candidate President Mohammad Khatami. The fire was declared arson.

In the troubled aftermath of the disputed 2009 presidential elections, the number of acting jobs for Leila, like other actors, dropped drastically. Then in 2011, she starred in “A Separation,” which was directed by Asghar Farhadi and won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012. Before that, Hatami received the award for best actress at the Berlin Film Festival and the Palm Springs International Film Festival for her part in the film.

The censors missed it

But when Asghar Farhadi delivered his acceptance speech, Farhadi said, "At this time, many Iranians all over the world are watching us and I imagine them to be very happy. At a time when talk of war, intimidation, and aggression is exchanged between politicians, the name of their country, Iran, is spoken here through her glorious culture, a rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics. I proudly offer this award to the people of my country, the people who respect all cultures and civilizations and despise hostility and resentment."

However this speech infuriated hardliners. Like every film in Iran, “A Separation” was granted permission by the government. But following its international acclaim, censors began paying greater attention to the content that portrayed Iran as a dysfunctional society and culture through the misfortunes of ordinary people.

“The image that ‘A Separation’ depicts of our society is a dirty picture that Westerners hope for,” said conservative writer Masoud Ferasati. "On the one hand, they impose sanctions against us and on the other, they give our films awards to send us a positive message. [But] I think the film's success is an illusion. This is not a good film." Many other commentators also condemned the film.

Then in 2014, Leila was made as a member of the Cannes Film Festival panel. She has always observed the Islamic dress code and she made no exception at Cannes. However on the last day of the festival, conservatives in Iran still found a way to condemn her actions. When the festival’s president Gilles Jacob was greeting jury members, he kissed her on the cheek, an act that caused an immediate reaction in Iran.

President Rouhani’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Hossein Noushabadi, said that Hatami's appearance in Cannes violated "religious beliefs." And the Hezbollah Students, a group that is affiliated to the Revolutionary Guards, filed a complaint against her with the Iranian judiciary and called for her to be flogged. Pressure mounted to such an extent that she was forced to stand up publicly and apologize for the incident. She explained that she had tried to stop the kiss but she was placed in an “impossible” situation.

Leila tends to not give interviews. However in an interview at the Cannes Film Festival, she discussed her experience as an Iranian actress. “The work is more difficult for Iranian actresses in that it is extremely restricted aesthetically,” she said. “On the level of the image, a certain aesthetic and artistic freedom is lacking and as far as acting goes, to the extent that we do not have the same kind of accessories to make the acting more credible, we must use physical expression more than our bodies.”

[brainersacademy]

Learn French In Montreal

Montreal, the vibrant metropolis nestled in the heart of Quebec, is not just known for its stunning architecture, diverse culture, and rich history—it's also renowned as a prime destination to learn French. With its unique blend of French and English influences, Montreal offers an exceptional environment for anyone looking to embark on a journey to learn the French language. In this article, we will highlight the key points about Learn French In Montreal.

Bilingual City: Montreal is one of the most bilingual cities in Canada, making it the perfect place to learn French. While French is the official language of Quebec, English is also widely spoken. This bilingual environment ensures that you can practice both languages, making it easier to transition into French if you're an English speaker.

Language Schools: Montreal is home to numerous language schools and institutions that specialize in teaching French to international students. These schools offer a wide range of programs, from beginner to advanced levels, tailored to suit your language learning needs.

Quality Education: Montreal's language schools are known for their high-quality language instruction. Many instructors are native French speakers with extensive experience in teaching French as a second language. The schools often use innovative teaching methods to make learning French engaging and effective.

Immersive Experience: Learn French In Montreal offers an immersive experience. You'll be surrounded by native speakers and have the opportunity to practice your language skills in real-life situations, whether it's ordering food at a local bistro or chatting with locals at a cultural event.

Cultural Riches: Montreal is a city teeming with cultural events, festivals, and artistic performances. Learn French In Montreal here not only improves your language skills but also allows you to immerse yourself in a rich cultural tapestry. From the Montreal Jazz Festival to the Montreal World Film Festival, there's always something to do and see.

[comedyville]

From Open Mic to Netflix Special: The Journey of a Standup Comedian

Standup comedy in Montreal is a difficult art form that calls for a lot of effort, commitment, and talent. The path of a standup comedian is a long and difficult one, starting with open mic performances and ending with a Netflix special. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the journey of a standup comedian from open mic to Netflix special.

Step 1: Starting at Open Mic Nights

The journey of a standup comedian usually begins at open mic nights or standup comedy in Montreal. A chance to perform in front of a live audience is offered by these events for budding comedians. Local comedy clubs, pubs, and other places that feature standup comedy frequently have open mic nights. Comedy clubs are a well-liked location for open mic nights in English-speaking nations like Canada and the United States.

Step 2: Building a Following

Comedians might begin to develop a following after appearing at open mic events for a while. This entails connecting with other comics, marketing on social media, and looking for chances to perform at more renowned settings. They could begin to get the attention of agents and brokers who can assist them land additional high-profile employment as they gain more exposure and experience.

Step 3: Landing Paid Gigs

A comic could start getting paid performances at festivals, Montreal English comedy club, and other locations if they've developed a fan base and established a reputation as a gifted performer. These paid engagements can provide comedians the chance to improve their craft and expand on their material.

Step 4: Landing a Television Appearance

A standup comedian's career can be greatly impacted by a television appearance. This can entail showing up on chat shows, late-night television, or even a comedy special. Getting on television may increase a comedian's exposure and help them reach more people.

Step 5: Landing a Netflix Special

In standup comedy, a Netflix special is the ultimate prize. This prominent chance has the potential to advance a comedian's career. A Netflix comedy special may provide comedians access to a worldwide audience and aid in their rise to prominence in the comedy industry.

Final words:-

A stand-up comedian must endure a difficult and protracted trip. Making it in the business of standup comedy requires a lot of effort, commitment, and talent, from beginning at open mic nights to winning a Netflix special. Consider beginning at comedy club in Montreal and working your way up from there if you're an ambitious comedian hoping to establish a name for yourself. You never know where your path could lead you if you have patience and a little bit of good fortune.

[hsing-yilai]

Indigenous Voices of Today

  McCord Museum is a fascinating place for the public that appeal to people from here and abroad by having a current look on today’s issues of Montreal.

In the beginning, the guide mentioned some points that we should notice when we talk about Indigenous community. For instance, it is not appropriate to wear indigenous headdresses at music festivals or outside of indigenous ceremonies because the decorations of the clothes have special meaning and it will cause a misunderstanding if we don’t know clearly the concerning knowledge. Additionally, he talked about some miserable situations. For example, in a “safe” country like Canada, fifty-seven percent of Indigenous women are sexually assaulted during their lifetime.

Then, he led us to the exhibition organized by Indigenous people and gave us some time to look around. Then, I learned something heartbreaking such as the existence of residential schools in Canada between the 1870s and the 1990s and the high rate of suicide and drug and alcohol addiction. Furthermore, the exhibition has some documentaries about the prejudice of Hollywood’s movies. For example, in some Hollywood’s movies, Indians are villains and tend to lose in battles against white men cowboys. In addition to the prejudice and discrimination, Indigenous people still don’t have sufficient health and education system on their reserves.

Despite the exhibition, there are some useful suggestions on this museum’s website. For me, consuming goods and services that benefit Indigenous artists and artisans is a good idea because merchants have big interest for money. If we buy Indigenous goods, then they will be willing to conserve their culture. Additionally, Indigenous artists can input money to needed facilities on their reserves and improve their living conditions. In conclusion, I appreciate this exhibition and I think that this museum worthies to be visited many times by people of different ages.

[floof-ghostie]

Some Western Hero Society Worldbuilding

In the early days of heroics, the first hero schools were mainly in America (Rhode Island, New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco)

In Canada, the first hero school was a boarding school, founded in Victoria, British Columbia. In those days, you either went to B.C to train to be a hero, or you went to an American school.

The second hero school was founded in Montreal, Quebec. The third was founded in Medicine Hat, Alberta (yes this is a real city)

The fourth hero school in Canada was founded by the Teleportation hero, Blink. This school is called Antony Meyers Hero Academy, and is located in downtown Toronto.

Now, each state and province/territory has more than one hero school, as heroism is a bigger industry than before, and not everybody can afford to ship their kid to a whole other city.

Canadian hero schools put a bigger emphasis on learning new languages, adaptability, and travelling for hero work.

Canadian school in general teach French, but Canadian hero students are encouraged to choose more languages other than French to study.

This depends on which hero school you go to, but American schools value marketing and branding when it comes to heroism, or fighting without relying on your quirk.

The American hero school system's equivalent to U.A's sports festival is a tournament of sorts. But students are only eligible to compete if they are in their third and fourth year of school. Some only allow seniors to participate.

Furthermore, Canadian and American hero schools do not have a general education course. They only have management, heroism, and support.

Seeing as Bnha takes place in the future, I'd like to think that the western education system has been improved, if only a little, given how taxing the heroics industry is. Nepotism and favouritism however, is a very big problem in the west.

@s0ursop @insomniac-jay @opalofoctober @calciumcryptid @elflynns-horde-of-stuff @obsxdiannn @rogues-rps-and-such

[histoire]

“Assassin’s Creed Origins'” educational Discovery Tour mode was nearly as effective at educating grade and high school students about Ancient Egypt as a teacher, according to some preliminary research into the effectiveness of the add-on.

But there are quite a few catches.

The study was rather small, it tested knowledge on a very simple subject, and did so right after the students had either played the game or been instructed by a teacher.

Ultimately, those instructed by the game saw a 44% improvement of their knowledge and those lectured by a teacher saw a 51% improvement.

The most important takeaway from both Ubisoft’s creation of the free Discovery Tour add-on and the research was that the project is worth doing.

The information came out of a presentation Thursday night in New York City at the annual Games for Change Festival where Maxime Durand, the historian for Ubisoft’s “Assassin’s Creed” franchise, and University of Montreal professor Marc-André Éthier were among the presenters.

[careydodd]

Would that we had.

Anderson, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield, said in a statement. Would that we had. Jumping from a troop carrier, the men were caught in freak wind sheer. Whilst he and the knight exchanged some words in Volantene, one of the guardsmen

oakley m frame ice iridium

pulled off his clawed gauntlet and gave Tyrion’s head a rub. Freed, Petrosky's attorney. That was good. Finally, for optimal heart health, a low fat diet is not the best approach. Unsure of whether the aliens are friends or foe the film's conflict centers more around global relations in a time of worldwide crisis.. We did increase the core voltage to 1.3V + .2V boost for 1.5V total as well in the CPU voltage settings of our Asus A8N32 SLI test system motherboard. I think it is really unsafe to work neve e sale amazonin those hot bulidings they could knock down easily because look

pantofi sport cu scai barbati

what happend in bangedlsh they died it collasped. She bears the marks still upon her body although the punishment was inflicted four years ago.. One might imagine that these two creatures lay dead all day somewhere, and

nike phantom vision academy

only at sunset came to life again, simply to visit Muller’s shop to perform some mysterious, secret duty. “It took about a month to get to New Orleans. Next morning I went to Newcastle: had the family of colored people brought into the parlor, and the sheriff and myself came to the conclusion that the parents and four youngest children were by law entitled to their freedom. Throughout history of propaganda, news outlets have been used not to combat propaganda but as tools to further its reach. He was indignant, flew into rages, was immersed in business documents, and had no thoughts to spare for us. This is not my place. Poor little creature. But that did not get the seal of approval from the President Elect, so Republicans opted for and replace. What you propose is nothing less than treason. You know, I want things that I think will make me happy, at least for the time being. But next morning Ichmenyev got up, and he came the same day to me to take Nellie home with him for good. Having settled the 5 second rule debate, Clemson University's Dawson decided to do the same recently with this alleged party faux pas.. Before the show, Chico Summer Theatre Festival will offer a free puppet show on the disco duro externo pita rear lawns of the Chico Women's Club. Near Memphis the j s authentic vans tibetan red true white boat stopped at a plantation by previous arrangement, to take in thirty more. “I told the story to Ser Balon, but not all of it. 4, and Brian Flynn also scored for Montreal (27 11 6). Even her figurehead had not escaped; one of his arms had broken off, the one with all his scrolls. This is the third year Hammonton has offered the extra 20 hours of class time and Chieco said they have seen an increase in student scores. Said things are looking better for his family. In the middle of the overland passage, sick, weary, heart-broken, the child laid her down and died. "Since then the Crown did in this case what it does in every case, assessing the file for whether there is a realistic prospect of conviction. He expressed his regret that the slave had died, and especially as he had ascertained that he was innocent of the accusation for which he had suffered. His meat he got himself. The tunnel through the Wall batteria ai polimeri di litio amazon was narrow and twisting, and many of the wildlings were old or ill or wounded, so the going was painfully slow. This made ancient China a prosperous, and a highly independent society. When I saw him I ran to the other side of the street on purpose that he might see I ran away from him. They are still the same individual as they were before their diagnosis and can continue doing the things they and love and remain active in their communities with the right help and support. She had lost all sense of how long she chaussettes bon marchéhad been imprisoned in this cell, high up in one of the seven towers of the Great Sept of Baelor. All inclusive day tours run $400, or $4,000 for a private cat (12 guests max, with three guides); it includes powder skis/snowboards rental, avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel, probe), lodging pick up and drop off, light breakfast, full lunch, snacks, aprs ski party and complimentary image disk of you neck deep in powder afterward.. The following table represents the atmospheric components with their symbol, molecular weight, and percentage ratio by volume:Percent by Volume. The best place to start is at the relay. He laughed, and prinked, but just as though all that didn’t matter, as though it only partly concerned me, not as it used to be . Bruegger suggests putting a scratching post near the area where your cat scratches, and when she begins to do so, make a noise and put the cat near the scratching post instead. There he dismounted, to walk his garron through the ice to the south side. Size isn't everything! Tiny wooden house measuring just. Poor father almost has to eat humble pie before him. Combined with our prudent management of capital expenditures, we believe that this improved structure will better position HBC for the future."Update on Operational Review:As announced today in a separate press release, HBC has largely completed the comprehensive review of its North American business operations started in late 2016. Somewhere to her left she heard

scaun rulant inchiriere

a horse whicker. The BRABUS sports exhaust system with actively controlled butterfly valve enables the owner to actively manage the sound at the touch of a button on the steering wheel. Karl Olsen doesn't believe legislation is necessary to combat bullying. Had a massive heart. We don't think about the time, we just push on.. It was quite near. In contratst to how Portland usually rolls, Portland has come after other cities in starting a bikeshare. This feature makes these shoes popular and quickly accepted. I will go and try once more to impress on papuci de casa din pasla her the duty to obey medical instructions, and . Owen the Oaf took up his fiddle, and several of the free folk joined in with pipes and drums. Kinsler should find his way onto the team. 2012 class action suit against the Bureau of Prisons said of isolation, with no direct, unrestrained contact with other human beings leave some ADX inmates particularly those with serious mental illness with fundamental loss of even basic social skills and adaptive behaviors. Superannuated or invalid slaves draw their provisions regularly once a week; and the moment a child ceases to be nourished by its mother, it receives eight quarts of meal (more than it can consume), and one half-pound of lard. He could see the humped shapes of other huts buried beneath drifts of snow, and beyond them the pale shadow of a weirwood armored in ice. "You think, 'Oh, he's hitting .330, his on base percentage is .380, well, he should be hitting second.' But then the question is, 'Well, is he hitting .330 with an on base percentage of .380 because of where he's hitting? It goes both ways.". “Your Grace,” he said, “I fear your eunuchs are ill suited for the tasks you set them.”.

[cipzi-shoppp]

My Black Wife Makes Me Smile T Shirt

I found a My Black Wife Makes Me Smile T Shirt meme about you but I can t share it it was you in a white cowboy hat as samuel alan jackson promoting your new country album with the name english mother fucker do you speak it lol my wife and daughters said damn he makes a good looking cowboy lol I do have to agree though. New tool show dates info we are very excited to announce that tool will be bringing their unparalleled sonic and visual experience to a select number of cities in may and june 2017 along with the show dates venues and ticket links provided below please note the info regarding special pre sale vip packages for toolarmy members for those who are not toolarmy members but would like to become one in order to take advantage of the exclusive sale and other perks membership purchase signup is available via the tool webstore store toolband com I also encourage fans of the band to keep checking back with the tool websites and socials for additional shows don t miss your chance to attend a live performance by one of the world s most highly acclaimed bands the on sale date for the following shows is friday march 17th 10 00 am local time for all shows except for rosemont chicago which will be 11 00 am local time vip packages for all these shows go on sale on wednesday march 15th at 10 00am pst only for toolarmy members show dates venues and ticket links may 24 fairfax va eaglebankarena may 27 bangor me darling s waterfront pavilion may 28 boston calling festival harvard athletic complex may 30 rochester ny blue cross arena may 31 hamilton on first ontario centre june 2 montreal qc bell centre en fr june 4 new york city randall s island park june 5 pittsburgh pa petersen events center june 7 clarkston mi detroit dte energy music theatre june 8 rosemont il chicago allstate arena 11am onsale. Difícil contra el líder gran equipo cosas muy buenas y otras para mejorar confiado en que la victoria llegará gracias por el apoyo vamos ヴィッセル神戸 vissel kobe 公式 tough against the leader great team lots of good things and others to improve victory will come thanks for the support let s go visselkobe

Source: My Black Wife Makes Me Smile T Shirt

My Black Wife Makes Me Smile T Shirt, Hoodie, Sweater, Longsleeve T-Shirt For Men and Women

My Black Wife Makes Me Smile T Shirt

See more: I Need To Go On Medication So I Can Slap Stupid People And Blame It On The Side Effects Sarcasm Classic T Shirt

Premium Trending This Summer Season will Presents Who Love:

Je me réjouis de travailler avec roadto2022 en tant qu ambassadeur officiel la coupe du monde de la fifa occupe une place particulière dans mon coeur et je suis ravi d avoir un rôle dans la première coupe du monde arabe je soutiendrai le qatar en travaillant sur des étapes importantes du tournoi avec un intérêt particulier dans le domaine des droits de travailleurs qatar2022 seeyouin2022 I m looking forward to working with roadto2022 as an official ambassador the fifa world cup holds a My Black Wife Makes Me Smile T Shirt very special place in my heart and I m excited to play my part in the first tournament in the arab world I ll be supporting qatar with tournament milestones and taking a special interest in projects related to workers rights qatar2022 seeyouin2022 tengo muchas ganas de empezar a trabajar con roadto2022 como embajador oficial la copa mundial de la fifa tiene un lugar muy especial en mi corazón y me alegro mucho de formar parte del primer mundial en el mundo árabe apoyaré a qatar en los momentos más importantes del mundial y me interesaré especialmente por proyectos relacionados con el bienestar de los trabajadores. Bo the first dog gives out holiday kisses at children s national medical center escorted by the first lady. What a special and memorable night at the noc nsf sportgala 2014 yesterday its incredible to see that holland has so many great athletes so much devotion and hard work lead to their great achievements proud to be dutch congrats to louisvangaal arjenrobben ireenwüst maxverstappen rintjeritsma bibianmentel for your individual prizes and a big congrats to the national football team for winning team of the year it’s a honor to be part of such a great team and thanks to all that have voted for me winning sport moment of the year daley blind not a bad pass mate See Other related products: Weed Bluntie Definition Vintage T Shirt

[keepingupwithlinmanuel]

How Freestyle Love Supreme Made the 16-Year Journey to Broadway

Back in the days before the madness that surrounded Hamilton, or even In the Heights, there was Freestyle Love Supreme, the improvisational rap group created by Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Anthony Veneziale that first performed together in 2003, and had their first official run in 2004. Since then, the group has grown in size, as each of its members has also gotten a lot more famous. Looking back at the group’s history, Kail jokes that you can date photos by “how tired Lin is,” back before he had the “weight of the world on his shoulders” thanks to Hamilton. Looking back at Freestyle Love Supreme’s history, as it turns out, was exactly what we asked Kail to do, walking us through a miniature history of the group by way of photos they took over their decade and a half together.

As Kail remembers it, Freestyle Love Supreme first came together after he and Miranda started working on In the Heights in 2002. “Lin and Anthony [Veneziale, a.k.a. “Two-Touch”] would be freestyling during our breaks from rehearsal for In the Heights,” Kail says. “I would say, ‘Anthony, will you stop distracting him?’” Through that show, they got together with actor Christopher Jackson and composer slash producer slash keyboardist Bill Sherman, while Arthur Lewis and Miranda were friends from high school.

The promo art above, as Kail tells us, is “from early days because Bill Sherman is still playing the saxophone.” The mock-up album cover gives a sense of the nicknames that are crucial to the group, though as Kail points out, “Lin was not yet Lin-Man and Chris Jackson was not yet C. Jack and Bill Sherman was apparently not yet King Sherman.” Shockwave (Chris Sullivan), as Kail remembers, introduced himself with a nickname already intact when the group was first performing at the Peoples Improv Theater. “He said, ‘My name is Shockwave. You need a beatboxer.’ Shockwave came fully monikered.”

This picture hails from Freestyle Love Supreme’s time at Ars Nova in 2004, which Kail describes as “life-changing” for the group, since it was the first time he or Miranda had been paid to perform. “We were doing it five or six times a week,” Kail says. “We took this one-off show we were doing and then we had to create a structure that could be solid and then also evolve. The shape of the show started to emerge then.” For instance, when the group did its opening number there, most audience members wouldn’t believe it was made up on the spot, so the group came up with a bit dubbed “foundations of freestyle” where they’d solicit nine or ten words from the audience and work them into a performance to showcase their flexibility. “That was the kind of thing in that small space that we were finding and perfecting,” Kail says. “We still haven’t perfected it, of course.”

As the group grew in recognition, it moved between the comedy and theater worlds, appearing at the Aspen Comedy Festival in 2004, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2005. That’s where Miranda and Jackson are above, goofing off in their free time. “Because we really started Ars Nova as this intersectional space, and we went straight to the comedy world with the act, and then we went to Edinburgh. Edinburgh can be anything. You’re right next to the contortionists,” Kail remembers. “You’re right next to the people that are doing their high-school Shakespeare production from Tennessee. Literally anything goes. Then we went back to the comedy stuff for Melbourne and then the Just for Laughs in Montreal, but then in New York, we were playing a lot of these much more traditional music spaces. That was fun. It was fun being able to bounce around like that.”

As they bounced around, the group incorporated new members, including Utkarsh Ambudkar and James Monroe Iglehart. “James and Utkarsh both came through the same audition rehearsal,” Kail remembers. “They met on that day.”

Click though to see the rest, including this gem:

[montrealrampage]

Festivals and Events in Montreal November 2017

Festivals and Events in Montreal November 2017

Why is it so dark already? November. Right. The grey, rainy, and cold month before it gets snowy and cold. Well, that’s what parkas are for and Canadians know how to work their parkas. There are so many festivals going on, it’d be a shame to spend all your time watching Stranger Things 2 on Netflix (binge watch and get on with it). Get out and shake that gorgeous booty of yours.

SLAM

October…

[thekillerssluts]

It's Kanaval time: Arcade Fire's Win Butler presides over New Orleans/Haitian hybrid Friday

Unlike 2016’s massive David Bowie memorial march that shut down French Quarter streets, last year’s inaugural Krewe du Kanaval, another collaboration between Preservation Hall’s Ben Jaffe and Arcade Fire’s Win Butler and Regine Chassagne, went more or less according to plan.

“When we did the Bowie thing, we got a permit for 400 people and 10,000 came,” Butler recalled. “We owed the city one. Kanaval is a little bit more organized.”

Envisioned as a hybrid New Orleans/Haiti Carnival celebration to benefit cultural initiatives in both locales, the inaugural Kanaval included a colorful procession from Preservation Hall to a mini-festival of music, dancing and food in the Congo Square area of Armstrong Park, followed by ball at One Eyed Jacks.

The second Krewe du Kanaval is Friday. The free Congo Square festival opens to the public at 2 p.m. Krewe members are scheduled to arrive at 3 p.m. for a welcome ceremony and the crowning of this year’s Kanaval monarchs, iconic restauranteur Leah Chase and bounce music pioneer DJ Jubilee.

“If you’re talking about Creole culture in New Orleans, Leah Chase is the queen,” Butler said. “And DJ Jubilee needs to get his props.”

A custom-built, Jamaican-style rolling sound system will accompany a procession — described by Butler as “more of a second-line situation rather than a parade route” — through the park staring at 3:30 p.m.

Brief performances by renowned Haitian ensemble Boukman Eksperyans, Richard and Lunise Morse, of the Haitian band RAM, Haitian DJ Michael Brun, Papa Titos Sompa, the New Breed Brass Band, percussionist Seguenon Kone, Shaka Zulu and the Northside Skull and Bone Gang, follow the procession, ending at 6 p.m.

Later Friday night, the Kanaval ball at the Civic Theatre features Boukman Eksperyans, Diplo and Jillionaire of reggae-tinged electronic dance music ensemble Major Lazer, Michael Brun, DJ Jubilee, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Butler as his DJ alter ego, DJ Windows 98.

Doors at the Civic open at 8 p.m. Ball tickets are $50.

“Last year, the ball was sort of an afterthought,” Butler said. “We bit off a little bit more than we could chew — a parade and a pre-concert and a ball was a lot to do in one day. It’s more streamlined this year, and the ball is a much bigger deal.”

Booking Jillionaire and Diplo, two-thirds of Major Lazer, was a coup. “I don’t know how often I’ll be able to pull that rabbit out of a hat,” Butler said.

“It’s going to be just full-on bacchanalia, Caribbean overload. It’s hard to get people to pay for stuff during Carnival, but it’s going to be pretty special.”

Butler and Chassagne are all-in on New Orleans. The couple has lived in the city since Arcade Fire concluded a 2014 tour at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. They eventually bought a house Uptown, where most of Arcade Fire’s 2017 album “Everything Now” was recorded.

Butler plays basketball at the Dryades YMCA in Central City and the Jewish Community Center on St. Charles Avenue, and he is frequently courtside at Pelicans games. Like most Pelicans fans, he’s upset about superstar Anthony Davis’ awkwardly executed impending departure: “It’s pretty depressing.”

Chassagne was raised by Haitian immigrant parents in French-speaking Montreal. She founded a nonprofit, KANPE, to improve health, nutrition, entrepreneurship, agriculture, education and leadership in Haiti.

Proceeds from Kanaval benefit KANPE and the local music education efforts of the Preservation Hall Foundation. The two organizations split the $30,000 raised by last year’s Kanaval.

“That’s something I’d like to improve upon,” Butler said. “Hopefully, we can grow it a lot more than that. It’s not going to be perfect in year one. It takes time.”

He was pleased to see the Kanaval concept come to fruition, the notion of “getting a bunch of Haitian musicians in the same space with African musicians and people of Creole descent in New Orleans, and seeing how connected it all is.

“For me, that was the highlight. I’d experienced it in Haiti and I’d experienced it in New Orleans, but I’d never experienced it all in the same place.”

As part of his ongoing New Orleans education, Butler has spent time walking through Treme with musician and North Side Skull and Bones principal Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes.

“Those kinds of deeper community things are exactly what we want out of Kanaval, when the real connective tissue starts to form,” Butler said.

“My hope is that people will take it as their own, and the things they want it to be, they can help make it be. We’ve created the concept and done the work of making a frame.”

Kanaval has had ripple effects in Haiti, where sister events have sprung up.

“Some people picked up the torch. That’s a sign that we’re on the right path. That stuff doesn’t just happen.”

KANPE has delivered musical instruments to children in rural Haitian communities.

“The first time we went with Ben Jaffe, there was this little brass band that had just gotten the instruments,” Butler said. “You go back now and it’s a hundred kids in rural Haiti playing. It’s like getting in a time machine and going to pre-jazz New Orleans.

“That grew directly out of Kanaval. There are echoes and repercussions happening in New Orleans and Haiti that you can’t predict.”

Growing an event such as Kanaval during the busy Mardi Gras season is a challenge.

“For an Arcade Fire show, we have 100 people working on it. Kanaval is our friends working on their free time; we have one paid employee. Essentially our house is an Amazon depot. We’re trying to do the best we can with the literal number of hours in the day.”

And like every other Carnival organizer, he’s watching the weather.

“It rained a little bit last year, and it was fine. And we have a lot of spiritual energy on our side, so I’m not really sweating it.”

[greycupchampionship-blog]

Grey Cup Championship

The most surprising jump comes from the BC Lions, who vaulted Edmonton in odds to both appear in and win the 107th Grey Cup game. However, the Esks could put that dream to bed in Week 17, as they’d clinch the crossover playoff position with a victory.That’s good news for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who won the West in 44 percent of sims and made it to the championship nearly half the time. They also feature in the most likely Grey Cup showdown for this week. Speaking of the Ticats, they remain in the drivers seat in the East. The victory over Winnipeg vaulted their chances to appear in the Grey Cup to 85 percent and their chances to win the whole thing up nearly 20 percent. Hamilton is also in the top three most likely matchups for the title.With the tight race atop the West Division continuing to amp up with every passing week, we got to see the weight that a win or a loss could have on the CFL Simulation. 107th Grey Cup 107th Grey Cup Festival 107th Grey Cup Championship Grey Cup Champions Grey Cup Championship Grey Cup Final Grey Cup Game CFL Grey Cup CFL Grey Cup Game Grey Cup Time Grey Cup Start Time Grey Cup TV Channel Grey Cup TV Coverage Grey Cup Halftime Show After being projected to be in the most likely Grey Cup matchup against Hamilton in the Week 16 edition of the sim, a loss to those very same Ticats severely hurt the Bombers’ this time around. Along with their drop to third place in the West standings, Winnipeg was also dealt huge blows to their odds to host a playoff game, win the division, and appear in the championship game. The model calculates each team’s probability of victory in each remaining game. It then simulates 10,000 replications of the remaining regularseason schedule and resulting playoff bracket including the possibility of a playoff crossover team.  For each replication, the model keeps track of a number of performance metrics for example, which teams earned home playoff games, which teams appeared in the Grey Cup, etc.. TigerCat fans everywhere, and the TigerCat organization, have worked hard to convey our enthusiasm for bringing the Grey Cup to Hamilton again, Ticats owner Bob Young said in a statement. We are thrilled to be in consideration by the Canadian Football League to host the upcoming 2020 Grey Cup game and festival, and we look forward with excitement and anticipation to the league’s announcement on February 21. We want to thank the CFL and the Grey Cup committee for their diligence throughout the bid process, he said in a statement. We feel like we put forth a strong and compelling bid to host the 2020 Grey Cup in our 110th anniversary year where we will be able to showcase Mosaic Stadium and Saskatchewan's incredible hospitality. We encourage our fans to come together on February 21st as we anxiously await the announcement. Hamilton last hosted a Grey Cup the infamous Snow Bowl game at Ivor Wynne Stadium in 1996, while Regina's Taylor Field was the site of the 101st Grey Cup that the hometown Riders won in 2013. Olympic Stadium last played host to the Grey Cup in 2008.This fall's Grey Cup, the 107th, is set to be hosted by the defending champion Calgary Stampeders on November 24 at McMahon Stadium. The CFL Simulator returned ahead of Week 13 and made Riderville very happy when it projected Saskatchewan as an early favourite to win the 107th Grey Cup. But following a lopsided loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on the road, the green and white dropped out of the top spot in all the categories they led in the first simulation. The biggest hit they took was to their Grey Cup odds. After being at nearly 50 percent a week ago, they sit at just 6 percent now and won the championship just three percent of the time. They’ve also had their odds to win the West dropped from 49 to 6 percent. The Bombers have jumped into the driver’s seat ahead of Week 14 action, and the Calgary Stampeders have now jumped into the conversation as a championship favourite again after winning both halves of their homeandhome series against Edmonton.Calgary has also received another spot in the top five Grey Cup matchups with their performance. In the East, Montreal made a jump up after winning their third straight game in Week 13 and they now feature in two of the five most likely championship game matchups. Their percentage to capture the championship went down because of Calgary’s surge, but their odds of hosting a playoff game went up. After beating Ottawa in their headtohead matchup in Week 13, the Toronto Argonauts improved their odds in nearly every category. On the other side, the REDBLACKS are now projected to finish with the worst record in the league at 414. While there's no love lost between the Montreal Alouettes and Calgary Stampeders, neither team is looking for a repeat of last game's fireworks.A heated contest between Montreal and Calgary in midAugust started with a pregame brawl and ended in a comefrombehind, overtime victory by the Alouettes.That wild finish — and the bad blood between both teams — is still fresh on everyone's minds as the Als 76 prepare to host the Stamps 94 on Saturday. Grey Cup 2019 107th Grey Cup 2019 107th Grey Cup Festival 2019 107th Grey Cup Championship 2019 Grey Cup Champions 2019 Grey Cup Championship 2019 Grey Cup Final 2019 Grey Cup Game 2019 CFL Grey Cup 2019 CFL Grey Cup Game 2019 2019 Grey Cup I've spoken to our team about it and I'm sure they've spoken to their guys, said Alouettes coach Khari Jones. That's not what we're about. That's not what they're about.There's always going to be a little talking back and forth, but we're going to make sure that our guys aren't into anything extracurricular. We'll let our play speak for itself. Before that Aug. 17 encounter even started, the pregame warmup turned into a full skirmish when Montreal cornerback Tommie Campbell traded punches with former Stampeder teammate Wynton McManis. Players from both teams converged on midfield and more punches were thrown. There were no suspensions following the fight, but three players were fined.We want to play with poise and we want to make sure not to get in altercations especially before a game, or during a game, Stamps coach Dave Dickenson told the team's website this week. That's not football to me. I don't think I really need to address a lot of it. Grey Cup Live 107th Grey Cup Live 107th Grey Cup Championship Live Grey Cup Championship Live Grey Cup Final Live CFL Grey Cup Live Grey Cup 2019 Live Grey Cup Championship 2019 Live Grey Cup Final 2019 Live 2019 Grey Cup Live Montreal went on to win 4034 in overtime following an improbable fourthquarter comeback. Down 11 points with 45 seconds to play, the Alouettes scored a touchdown and twopoint conversion, then recovered the onside kick and booted a lastsecond field goal.It was Montreal's first win at McMahon Stadium since 2009. I'm sure they're watching the film to know what happened and the mistakes they feel they made, and what plays we made, said Jones of Saturday's opposition. Our guys have the knowledge that we can beat this team and we have to play really good football to do it. Since that loss, the defending Grey Cup champions have won four straight games and clinched a postseason berth. Calgary sits atop the West Division, tied with the Saskatchewan Roughriders 94 and a halfgame ahead of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 95.That fourgame win streak coincides with quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell's return from injury. Montreal is also getting its starting QB back this week. Vernon Adams Jr. returns after serving a onegame suspension for a dangerous and reckless act. The CFL suspended Adams for swinging a helmet at Winnipeg linebacker Adam Bighill on Sept. 21.The Alouettes quarterback was forced to watch from the sidelines as Montreal lost 2523 to the B.C. Lions last week after a fumbled thirdandshort late in the fourth quarter. Grey Cup Live Free 107th Grey Cup Live Free 107th Grey Cup Championship Live Free Grey Cup Championship Live Free Grey Cup Final Live Free CFL Grey Cup Live Free Grey Cup 2019 Live Free Grey Cup Championship 2019 Live Free Grey Cup Final 2019 Live Free 2019 Grey Cup Live Free It was really difficult not to be on the field with my guys, said Adams, who had two passing and two rushing touchdowns against the Stamps in August. But this week I'm back and I'm glad to be back. I'm just trying to help lead and do whatever I can to bring a win to the home crowd. Montreal would clinch its first playoff spot since 2014 with a win or tie against the Stampeders. A postseason berth and home playoff game is all but guaranteed for the Alouettes, who will likely finish second in the East Division behind the Hamilton TigerCats. This city is buying into it, said Adams, who is tied for second in the league with 15 passing TDs. They have nothing but good things to say after our games. Even when we lose in those tight ones, they're still saying how much better we look from previous years. It shows how much we want to win for this city and this organization. Grey Cup Live Stream 107th Grey Cup Live Stream 107th Grey Cup Championship Live Stream Grey Cup Championship Live Stream Grey Cup Final Live Stream CFL Grey Cup Live Stream Grey Cup 2019 Live Stream Grey Cup Championship 2019 Live Stream Grey Cup Final 2019 Live Stream 2019 Grey Cup Live Stream His throw to a covered Michael Klukas in the end zone on the final play of the game was intercepted by Jonathan Rose to preserve Ottawa's victory.Defence, honestly they played their hearts out, Mitchell said. Offensively we just didn't. We didn't step up when we needed to. We didn't execute.Down six points midway through the fourth quarter, Ottawa's De'Andre Montgomery recovered Lorenzo Jerome's puntreturn fumble to give the Redblacks the ball on Calgary's 19yardline. Ward's 30yard field goal cut the deficit to three points down with just over five minutes to play.I do believe honestly we got outplayed and probably outcoached, Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson said. Let's be honest about that. We had our chances. We still could have won. Grey Cup Live Stream Free 107th Grey Cup Live Stream Free 107th Grey Cup Championship Live Stream Free Grey Cup Championship Live Stream Free Grey Cup Final Live Stream Free CFL Grey Cup Live Stream Free Grey Cup 2019 Live Stream Free Grey Cup Championship 2019 Live Stream Free Grey Cup Final 2019 Live Stream Free 2019 Grey Cup Live Stream Free I didn't feel our best players offensively were dialled in. We were close, but couldn't make the throws, couldn't make the catches, really couldn't control the line of scrimmage. That's a problem. I thought our defence did enough. They caused turnovers and scored.Roberson's three interceptions matched his season total from 2018. That was a heck of a game for him, Dickenson said. Tough to waste that type of performance and not come out of here with a win.His team down 186 after the first quarter, Ottawa head coach Rick Campbell said comingfrombehind to win the seasonopener was important in the growth of his quarterback and team. Watch Grey Cup Watch 107th Grey Cup Watch Grey Cup Championship Watch Grey Cup Final Watch CFL Grey Cup Watch Grey Cup 2019 Watch Grey Cup Championship 2019 Watch Grey Cup Final 2019 Watch 2019 Grey Cup The 108th Grey Cup has seen bids submitted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Hamilton TigerCats, and Montreal Alouettes.We want to thank all three organizations for firstclass bids, any one of which would continue to take the Grey Cup game and festival to new heights,” Ambrosie said in a statement last week. Both Hamilton and Saskatchewan have yet to hold Grey Cups in their new facilities.The Ticats' Tim Hortons Field was opened in 2015, while Mosaic Stadium, the home of the Green Riders, opened in 2017.