Zen-gaylife

Chionanthus Virginicus Flowers

2013-05-26T21:45:00.001-04:00

Chionanthus Virginicus Flowers a photo by zen-gaylife on Flickr.

Fringe tree.

Fond Turkish Delight

2013-05-25T17:56:00.001-04:00

103_0360.JPG a photo by zen-gaylife on Flickr.

Have a great day Dougie !

April 11 is World Parkinson's Day

2011-04-11T16:16:00.001-04:00

The Parkinson Tulip

" World Parkinson''s Day is observed every year on April 11, marking the birthday of Dr. James Parkinson, the English physician who first described the symptoms of the disease in his work titled, An Essay on the Shaking Palsy (1817).

This early description of Parkinson''s symptoms made reference to: "involuntary tremulous motion, with lessened muscular power, in parts not in action and even when supported; with a propensity to bend the trunk forwards, and to pass from a walking to a running pace: the sense and intellect being uninjured."

French neurologist Dr. Jean-Martin Charcot added rigidity to the list of physical symptoms and attached the name Parkinson''s disease to the syndrome, four decades later.

Today, researchers in Canada and around the world are continuing to broaden the understanding of Parkinson''s as a progressive brain disease that has mood and cognitive symptoms, such as depression, attention difficulties and problems with verbal and non-verbal communication, in addition to the better-known motor symptoms. "Scientists are discovering that Parkinson''s disease is even more complex than previously thought," says Joyce Gordon, President & CEO, Parkinson Society Canada. "The more we can invest in Parkinson''s research, the greater the likelihood of developing better treatments for the disease and, ultimately, the greater hope for a cure."

Parkinson''s disease also has tremendous social and economic impact on those diagnosed, as well as their family members and care partners.

Since 1981, Parkinson Society Canada has funded approximately $18 million in research grants. In 2010, Parkinson Society Canada invested over $1.3 million and supported 30 projects through its National Research Program.

Parkinson''s is a progressive brain disease for which there is no cure. Over 100,000 Canadians and over 6 million people world-wide have Parkinson''s. Since 1965, Parkinson Society Canada, with 10 regional partners and 240 chapters and support groups, has been dedicated to providing support, education, research and advocacy on behalf of Canadians with Parkinson''s.

For more information about Parkinson''s disease and the work of Parkinson Society Canada, including funded research projects, visit www.parkinson.ca. "

Parkinson Society Canada

The Parkinson Tulip

Parkinson's Disease

47 Photos of Japan's Disaster....... Must See

2011-04-03T15:23:00.007-04:00

Aerial view of the devastated area. Photo source.

Evacuees in Tokyo Japan. Photo source.

Link to 47 Photos of Japan's Disaster

I know that I 'm very late in writing this post....... but I still feel that it's important these photos be posted up in order to raise more awareness on this subject. This catastrophe is devastating and crippling the nation of Japan and its people. We must help them in any way we can. From what I've heard, inquiring at your local Red Cross Society is a good start.

2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami (Japan)

2011-03-27T19:48:00.000-04:00

A big earthquake followed with a deadly Tsunami has just rocked Japan, especially at Sendai, Honshu Island on March 11th 2011. The biggest earthquake, 8.9 magnitude, to hit Japan in 140 years struck Friday, triggering a 10-metre tsunami that pounded the country's east coast and prompted advisories along Canada's West Coast.

Thanks to photo source: poptalk.info

Today, as I was going through my usual reads online, I found this blog that I must share with everyone ! It's practically a day by day account of what it's like to be there in Sendai and have to live through this horrendous ordeal. It's a personal story: the authors of this blog are truly living it........ I hope you will find it as fascinating and enlightening as I did. Go to blog Sendai-Honolulu Journal homepage. Here's a bit of background information on this blog:

" Scott and Yasue Schumaker moved from Japan to Hawaii in 1995. They and their son Ian, 14, live in Kapolei. In mid-January, Yasue unexpectedly returned to her childhood home in Sendai, Japan to care for her ailing mother. She was in Sendai when the devastating 9.0 earthquake struck. In this blog, Scott will share how all 3 family members are coping with the separation amid the chaos and misery of post-quake life in northern Japan. All times in this blog are HST. "

Snow Again

2011-03-21T21:08:00.003-04:00

Our back garden is a winter wonderland.

Can you believe this ? More snow ! That means more shoveling and we'll have to continue wearing boots and winter coats. Well, I'm glad I went for a walk in Chinatown yesterday.

As soon as the weather warms up a bit, DJ and I will start cleaning up the front and back gardens and prepare the planting areas. We can't wait to see a bit of green in the garden ! Oh yes, we're going to make this a beautiful oasis. Wait and see. :-))

Chinatown / Palais de Congres

2011-03-20T22:40:00.004-04:00

I was down in Chinatown early this morning...... my hair appointment with Dennis was for 10:00 a.m. There wasn't much people traffic at 9:30, so it was ideal for snapping a few photos. Out of the batch of 10 photos or so, this one was the most interesting. The various geometric shapes formed by the tops of the buildings in the far distance caught my eye !

Btw, the location of this square is nestled in the back of Chinatown flanked by Complexe Guy Favreau and Le Palais de Congres.

Hope you like the photo.

Super Moon / Downtown Montreal, Canada

2011-03-19T22:22:00.003-04:00


This photo was taken from our back gallery.

Here's more information on this natural phenomenon:

University Today

Wikipedia

Montreal Gazette

Feels Like An Early Spring

2011-03-18T16:16:00.000-04:00


Look....... no glasses ! This is DJ 3 days after eye cataract surgery. Seems to be going well.

Kaiah: Our Gentle Dog Has Arrived

2010-07-17T08:22:00.008-04:00

Finally, finally, finally ! We've (... or rather, I ...) been waiting for such a long time to adopt a dog of our own. For the past month or so, I did a lot of research on the internet checking out all the local dog rescue organizations. The timing being around Montreal's moving bonanza period ..... end of June, early July, we figured that if we do want to have a dog, that this is the ideal time to adopt one. People move (change domicile) or move away for many different reasons. Some move out of the province for work for instance and decide to leave their pooch behind. Or some, move to another apartment in the area ....... where no dogs are allowed. For whatever reasons, the end result is that many dogs end up at the SPCA, local grass-root dog rescue organizations, etc. OR, worst ........... they are just cast out onto the streets ending up as strays.

Kaiah was found tied to a post at a busy intersection in Montreal North. Luckily, she was rescued by the SPCA where we adopted her. Judging by her behaviour, she must have had quite an ordeal ...... as she is very nervous and insecure. We even have to coax her to eat up at mealtime ! But underneath all that, we're sure that there is a very gentle, fun-loving, good-natured dog just waiting for us to show her the ropes to be herself. It's going to take time, we know. For the past 3 days we're battling the house-training dilemma ........ she's not quite clear on the subject. She is not all interested in doing her business outside. Oh yes, she loves to smell everything in the doggie park, but " thinks " doing her business in public is not for her. It's way more interesting to sneak off for a second or so and do it in the house. :-(( BIG TIME ! Or, maybe our house-training technique is all wrong. All we can say is it hasn't been easy showing Kaiah what we expect from her and she understanding that doing her business is strictly for outdoors. So, if anyone has some tips or comments on house-training a dog, please pass them along. We definitely want to hear about your experiences on this.

Lots more about Kaiah to come ........... Woof Woof !

Happy Canada Day Everyone !

2010-07-01T10:37:00.003-04:00

Yukikomachi is very happy now.

Bonne St. Jean !

2010-06-24T20:32:00.008-04:00

St. Jean Baptiste Day is Quebec's National Holiday.
As my 4 yr. old niece explained to me this morning, today is Quebec's birthday!

Very Uncommon And Overlooked Tree

2010-05-30T07:37:00.014-04:00

Looking to plant a tree in your garden? Then, I truly recommend you consider a Fringe Tree (Chionanthus Virginicus).

When we planted ours 10 years ago, it was 3 feet tall. Today, it stands about 7 feet tall. It's a very slow grower which I find attractive because living in downtown Montreal, I don't want to find myself having to deal with a monster tree whose height can be problematic...... casting too much shade, sucking up all the moisture in the soil, getting tangled in utility wires, etc. This was the ideal choice for me. And even better, it's really not a fussy plant....... grows in average good soil and requires basically no maintenance throughout the year. But it likes to have lots of sun ! So, find a sunny spot in your garden/yard. Unfortunately, my Fringe Tree gets just enough sun in the backyard...... I'm sure it would prefer more.

It's a multi-stemmed tree and grows in a vase shape.

The flowers are like delicate fringes. It's enchanting fragrance is Jasmin-like.

Sorry for the horrible photos. Please use your imagination. :-)

Spring Flower Fever

2010-05-22T06:37:00.021-04:00

Spring came early to Montreal this year. To top it off, we also had a relatively mild winter. So, our plants in the garden is having a wild time now ...... just happy happy and growing like I've never seen them do before !

Our front yard: no grass, just perennials, bulbs and shrubs.

In the backyard: our cercis tree and a species peony shrub.

A Japanese tree peony and our Japanese inspired corner.

Closeup shot of the Japanese tree peony flower.

Both Doug and I are thrilled with the garden so far this year. We're just wondering now, hehe, if we are to enjoy milder winters in the years to come, what new plants (that are not hardy for our zone 5b winters) we can now add to our garden. All plant suggestions are welcome. :-)

Hmmmm, this must be what it's like to garden in England !

Nos Souvenirs de la Turquie

2010-05-16T14:28:00.002-04:00

We have fond memories of this trip. Check it out !

DJ's Birthday Weekend 2009

2009-08-28T21:53:00.008-04:00

This is a recap of our fantastic weekend at Hovey Manor. Enjoy !

My Guy Is Back

2009-02-23T13:35:00.003-05:00

For the past week, I have been "Home Alone".
Since I couldn't get any time off from work, poor DJ was forced (really?) to go on a short "beach" vacation alone, but accompanied by two very close friends. It was the first time that we ever did this. Although at first, the idea of not having my guy around for a week didn't seem like a big problem, I was finding it more and more difficult by day 4. I'm just happy that he got to take a vacation and just go off and totally unwind. He really needed it !

Here are some of the souvenirs he brought back.

This is the scene of the crime.

JB and LC

JB and Friends

p.s. I missed my guy a lot last week and am so happy he's back home. hehe.

The Visitor Trailer

2009-02-22T20:33:00.007-05:00

Oh no ! A reader just emailed to inform me that the film clips for my previous post were no longer available for viewing...... deleted from the server ! I'm just wondering what the story behind that is.

As a consolation prize, you'll have to watch the trailer instead.

Sorry guys !

An Australian Jewel Of A Film

2009-02-21T21:59:00.005-05:00

"The Visitor" is an Australian short 2002 independent film that is very well put together. The two principal actors Barry Otto and Nick Carpenter did a great job with it, though I must admit that I thought the latter was truly "spellbinding". I won't give away any more details....... you'll just have to watch it to find out for yourself. ( Warning: some male nudity. )

CLICK HERE - PART 1

CLICK HERE - PART 2

I totally enjoyed watching this short, however, I'm still not totally understanding the story. In my opinion, any film that leaves one thinking is a sign of a film that's well worth watching !

You're most welcome to share any thoughts you may have regarding the storyline.

A Great Start For 2009

2009-02-07T15:57:00.007-05:00

DJ Drew G Congrats to this talented musician/producer/DJ. He was chosen from a long list of DJs to spin at the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Dance for U.S. President Barack Obama. You can read about it in this interview ...... FYI, this link will take you to an adult gay site.

Besides being "superhot" in the music/circuit party arena, I think he is supersexy!

Our Warmest Wishes To All !

2008-12-26T16:38:00.006-05:00

This is the time of year when we celebrate life ....... sharing good times with loved ones and friends, old and new. Let's raise a glass and cheer on the coming new year. May 2009 be filled with love, peace and happiness for all !

Ho! Ho! Ho!

2008-12-26T10:59:00.006-05:00

Click anywhere on this photo to watch this VIDEO CLIP.
I think this is a must-watch video for those who are tired of the whole Christmas shopping and running around thing. Just sit back. This amusing piece will definitely pep you up and bring a smile to your face. By the way, do send this link to your grumpy friends. Every time I watch this video, I find it so funny, I'm just rolling on the floor !

Montreal Chinatown's Secret

2008-11-28T21:11:00.011-05:00

Did you know that today’s Chinatown was once Jewish?
" From 1890 to 1920, thousands of Yiddish-speaking Jews came to Montreal from Eastern Europe and settled in the streets around St. Lawrence and Dorchester (now René Lévesque). If Chinatown’s Jewish heritage isn’t obvious, it’s probably because it has been erased by time and redevelopment, swept away like Chenneville St. and its quietly imposing synagogue. Makom: Seeking Sacred Space, an ongoing exhibition at Hampstead’s Dorshei Emet synagogue, examines the historical traces of Montreal’s Jewish community with photos of former synagogues near the Main. " ...continuation of article by Christopher DeWolf

Chinatown Today
The establishment of the Chinese district in this central part of the city occupied from the years 1850 testifies the early arrival of first Chinese in Montreal. At the beginning of the XIX century, these Chinese immigrants were working as tailors or launderers. Then they branched out into the restaurant / food industry catering to both the local Chinese population and to the non-Chinese.
Always bustling with activity, today's Chinatown remains very important for people of the Chinese diasporas as well as the descendants of second and third generation. Its abundance in commerce such as restaurants, Asian grocers, gold shops, bakeries and shops of all kinds show an economic strength in this quarter. And, the presence of the Chinese hospital (formerly located on Saint-Denis in Villeray) also shows a will for the community to keep this district active and in the center of the community.
Montreal's main Chinatown basically span the 2 to 3 blocks of the streets of La Gauchetiere Street, St. Urbain and Boul. St. Laurent. Its boundaries are designated by four monumental gates / doors, hand made in China by Chinese workers in the nineteen-nineties. These 4 gates form a quadrilateral shape, framing Rene Levesque Blvd. in the north, Viger St. in the south, Saint-Dominique in the east and Coté Street in the west.... all one-way streets. Also note that Chinatown's principal north/south axis are Boul. St. Laurent and St. Urbain Street...... also one-way streets.
For those of us Montrealers who frequent this area, we know that traffic in Chinatown can be a big nuisance and parking is difficult to come by. Therefore, getting there by Metro is your best bet; Place D'armes or Place-Des-Arts station.

Why Is The Price Of A Liter Of Water The Same As For Gas?

2008-11-15T09:14:00.005-05:00

I overheard two shoppers (an elderly couple) asking each other this question at the supermarket today. To tell you the truth, I had never really thought about it before. Never even crossed my mind. But it's a very interesting question. Don't you think?
At the writing of this post, I can be anywhere in Montreal and be expected to pay between $1.00 to $1.50 Cdn for a liter of water which is actually more than the current price of under $1.00 for a liter of gas.

Why is bottled water so expensive? ..... some thoughts .....
I would like to hear what you think about this topic.
All comments are welcome.

Putting A Face To A Voice

2008-11-13T11:40:00.003-05:00

My Faves On CBC Radio

Ever wonder what someone may look like while listening to his or her voice on the radio? I, being a very visual person, often do. My brain would just conjure up images of these people based solely on their voices and from my own memory bank of assorted faces. Little morsels of information and details would be pieced together to form a certain puzzle..... this person. Nothing scientific, but just lots of fun. I decided to google them and see, once and for all, what they really look like. And, I was pleasantly surprised! A fine lot of good looking folks they are, to match those intelligent-sounding voices behind these radio programs..... on CBC, of course. Will it affect how I will listen to these shows in the future? Probably yes, and it will be definitely for the better. It will be more like listening to a friend chattering away while enjoying a drink over dinner with him or her at my place a couple of times a week!!

Here are my fave CBC radio programs. I hope you will give them a listen.
(a mix bag of news, current events, arts, culture and entertainment)

"As It Happens" with Carol Off and Barbara Budd
"C'est La Vie" with host Bernard St-Laurent
"Definitely Not The Opera" with Sook-Yin Lee
"Q" with Jian Ghomeshi
"The Current" with Anna Maria Tremonti
"The Point" with Aamer Haleem
"The Vinyl Cafe" with Stuart McLean