Her Black Potency Centers My Heart, in Her Green Circle of Love
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Pink in Her Green Garden of Love 6:23 am
This morning, I arrived at Starbucks 15 minutes early. There were 7 people in the room, including myself. Each of them was alone, quietly reading or writing. There were 6 men and 1 woman. 4 of us wore something grey. One wore something dark green, and one wore something white. A man at the window seat wore navy blue.
Soulmates Downtown Blue 6:11 am
It was quite dark and overcast out. It got darker since I arrived. I brought my horsy umbrella. And then a woman arrived. She wore black slacks and a black turtleneck sweater, along with a pumpkin face tie. It was a dress tie with orange and smiling pumpkin faces. She also wore an orange wristwatch.
Pink Lights in Her Green Garden of Love 6:34 am
Her friend also wore black. Her black slacks had two yellow lines going down the leg. On her sleeve, a floral pattern in yellow and pink, and there was some writing on there. It was unusual. The woman with the pumpkin tie discussed the making of rings. She explained the stone settings. She showed a ring as an example. And she mentioned a woman named Anne, who may have been the ring maker, and the kind of place where she lived.
Black, White, Grey 6:36 am
And then, it began to rain. My left shoulder started to ache. But I was in love with Anna. And with that love, I endure anything. A woman arrived wearing a black suede jacket with a very long vivid pink scarf. Latin music was on the speakers, with piano and percussion. And I simply sat and did nothing, but felt the sense of alignment that came into play with insistence.
Her Yellow Trees of Love 7:00 am
I felt it quite clearly physically. It determined what and when I wrote. Perhaps it was merely the music that was affecting my content and motion? This morning Anna showed me downtown in blue, and one picture had an odd name. Anna showed me the pink lights, in her garden of love –and that was so beautiful. She showed me the black and white dwelling and the trees by the side of the mountain. I wasn’t sure where exactly where, or the name of the building. But the trees lit up with bright yellow. And I was in love with her forever.
Soulmates Centered, Yellow Sky 8:30 am
Anna showed me soulmates and the side of the mountain, and I was with her at once. The sky did become faintly yellow. Anna showed me her green circle of love. And my love for her was in green. Anna showed me Place Viger and the road to relating until dark. She showed me her green circle of love, with pink lights in the evening rain. Anna showed me the clock tower in the depth of her black potency, with red glowing. And I was in love. A woman arrived wearing a green coat. Her long sleeved top was exactly the same shade of green. She wore a red vest to go along with it.
Her Green Circle of Love 8 :57 am
A woman arrived on her cell phone. She wore a black leather jacket, over a pale pink cotton top. She sat with the woman in black that still wore her vivid pink scarf. They were having a meeting. And then, another woman arrived, wearing a vivid green T-shirt, the very same shade as the green the woman in green was wearing.
Road to Relating, School Bus 2:34 pm
Outside it was soupy grey, overcast. Definition and contrast was flat. Depth of field was in the lack. A woman arrived with her pink stroller with black. The man wearing a white sweater got up to greet her. They admired her baby together. The woman and pink stroller, with her baby along with pink baby bag sat in the same corner as the other two women in pink.
Her Black Potency Relating 3:34 pm
And so, there was a pink pocket now in the room. And then, a woman with child arrived. The woman wore a long pink coat. Her little girl wore pink too. The little girl squealed to her mother, as they waited in line. A man arrived wearing a brown coat, the same shade as his golden brown muffin. He carried a pink umbrella. He dropped it on the floor beside him.
Her Green Circle of Love 3:57 pm
Her Green Circle of Love 4:11 pm
A woman arrived wearing black slacks, a black coat and a pink scarf that had long wispy strands at the end. She spoke to the green coated woman. The two women went out together. The little girl wore a pink jacket, along with a pink and white hat. She also wore a little pink skirt. Her mother in pink and her daughter made their way out the door.
Her Green Circle of Love 4:25 pm
Her Black Potency Centers My Heart 4:56 pm
And then, opera came on, with the male singer’s deep passionate voice. I had no anxiety in me. Long gone were the days with the rats. Long gone were days of helplessness. My heart in love had been recast for Anna Dirksen romance. This is no accident. This is not a mishap. Anna’s good love is stealing my burning heart for hugging and kissing.
Her Black Potency in Time 5:11
Her love breaks through my lost things, releasing me from my old damage. With Anna my love, I can manage. My heart has removed its dark bandage. My sickness and scars completely vanished. My heart now sings a new love song. In Anna Dirksen’s loving arms is where I crave to belong. She’s my soulmate for sure and for truly. Her Yin potency blackness brings me new light. Her love restores my love sight from deep blindness. With gladness, I love Anna Dirksen’s deep passion and kindness. And tonight, in the background the lovers were kissing. I believe they were there yesterday. And I longed to kiss Anna that way.
The Whole Thing at Night 6:07 pm
On CBC News at Six, Michel Godbout wore a black jacket with grey pinstripes, a pale purple shirt and a black tie with white crosshatched bands that crisscrossed to make a third tone. And Michel begins, “The save Parc Avenue movement gains an important ally. I’m Michel Godbout. This is CBC News at Six. Tonight: Fotopulos flip-flop. The borough mayor says, she’ll vote against changing the name of Parc Avenue. By a Thread: Lucy Sousa is a long-time garment worker who’s looking for work. And: Hail Halloween –the economic impact is so big it’s almost scary.”
The first story, “Good evening. In Montreal tonight, the campaign to save Parc Avenue got a big boost from Helen Fotopulos of all people. The borough mayor of Plateau-Mont-Royal finally spoke on the issue. And it turns out she’s now going to vote against changing Parc Avenue to Robert Bourassa Avenue. Our Amanda Pfeffer explains.”
Amanda Pfeffer begins, “She’d become the most elusive borough mayor in the city after supporting the unpopular name change of Parc Avenue. Today, following an emergency meeting, Helen Fotopulos publicly announced she changed her mind.”
Helen Fotopulos, Plateau-Mont-Royal Borough Mayor, explains, “I think we misread the situation. And when you misread the situation, at some point you have to admit that there was a mistake that was made. And a vote not just with logic and reason, but also a bit with the heart. And this is one where the heart’s telling me…” (She clacks in the negative)
Amanda Pfeffer reports, “Misread the reaction from thousands of her own constituents who have publicly protested –and more importantly, denounced her support of Gérald Tremblay’s Executive Committee, and its decision to bring a motion to council to change Parc Avenue and Blurey Street to Robert Bourassa Avenue. Last night, the motion tabled, with protestors lining up to remind councillors of the political stakes. Then the mayor opened the door for councilors, and said he’d allow them to vote freely on the issue, on November 27th. Then today, high-profile councilors, such as Michel Prescott, began going public with their decision.”
Michel Prescott, City Councillor, explains, “Attachment that people have for this area of Montreal for Mont Royal, Parc-Mont Royal, for the Parc Avenue. I think that unfortunately, the Executive Committee seems to have forgotten that when they took a decision. I’m sure they were full of good faith. And so, we’ll see now if it’s possible to convince our colleague to –not to adopt the motion.”
Amanda Pfeffer adds, “But the convincing won’t be easy.”
Marvin Rotrand, City Councillor, explains, “If it comes to just a vote in Council, I’m sure it’s gonna pass. And partially, because a lot of my Francophone colleagues seem to think it’s an Anglophone issue.”
Warren Allmand, City Councillor, explains, “What we have to say to them is, ‘Look at –if it can be done here without consultation, it may be done on other matters relating to your borough, your area. And so, it’s important to take a stand now.”
‘There’s still work out there to be done,’
Amanda Pfeffer reports, “Whether or not Helen Fotopulos will be able to influence her colleagues is unclear. What is clear is that her decision today has eased the political attack against her. As for the constituents who began this campaign, the reaction to Fotopulos’ change of heart comes with mixed feelings.”
Chris Karidogiannis, SOS Park Avenue, explains, “Too little too late. I think a lot of people are still a little mad at the borough mayor and the Council. But we’ll take the support.”
Amanda Pfeffer closes, “And so, the campaign to save Parc Avenue has at minimum gained steam, with the help of some new well-placed political friends onboard. Amanda Pfeffer, CBC News, Montreal.”
The second story, “And Montreal City Council approved the expansion of Percival Molson Stadium. The Montreal Alouettes have been pushing to make the stadium bigger. Well, the new plan calls for more seats, and a giant screen. Council attached a condition though, that all trees and bushes cut down for the expansion be replaced. But people opposed to the plan can still force a referendum on the issue. That’s if 10% of the who live in the area affected sign a register within the next 45 day.”
The third story, “Well, the Quebec Health Care system is getting some reinforcements: Nurse practitioners. 17 nurses were credited today. They’re allowed to do some things only doctors could do before. But as Peter Johnson reports, some say the move is long overdue.”
Peter Johnson begins, “Isabelle Milette is part a new generation of nurses in Quebec: Nurses who can diagnose, decide some treatment, as well as prescribe drugs.”
Isabelle Milette, Nursing Student, explains, “We still do nursing approach and nursing things, but we do a lot of medical stuff. And the responsibilities of, like, making diagnosis, taking decisions, deciding on treatment is totally different than what we do as a nurse.”
Peter Johnson reports, “Milette graduates next year. But Quebec’s first class of nurse practitioners received their diplomas today. For some, the ceremony had a touch of irony. Some nurses have been doing the work as part of pilot projects for more than a decade.”
Rose Boyle, Nurse Practitioner, Montreal Children’s Hospital, explains, “Actually, I’ve been doing this for 14 years. And, yeah, it’s just –you know, it’s been a long process. And it’s great that it’s finally happened.”
Peter Johnson informs, “Quebec is the last province in Canada to recognize nurse practitioners.”
Gyslaine Desrosiers, Order of Nurses, explains, “We had to take a longer time to discuss with our colleagues, the physicians.”
Peter Johnson informs, “The College of Physicians admits, some doctors are slow to accept change.”
Yves Robert, College of Physicians, explains, “I think there are two attitudes -one of fearing changes. And the other way, the realistic view that the physician will not be able to solve all problems alone.”
Peter Johnson adds, “For now, nurse practitioners are restricted to 3 specialties: Cardiology, Neonatal Care, and Phrenology. The next step is to accredit them for first-line care or family medicine. But some say, this too is long overdue.”
Michele Boisclair, Nurses’ Union, explains, “If you compare us to Ontario, they’re facing a shortage of doctors like we do. But they already have 800 nurse practitioners. In Quebec we don’t –in first line, we don’t have any.”
Peter Johnson continues, “For Isabelle Milette, the future as a nurse practitioner in neonatology is looking good.”
Isabelle Milette, Nursing Student, explains, “I think that was a very good opportunity to mix two different roles together –per se, the medical role and the nursing role together.”
Peter Johnson closes, “Now, it’s just up to the government to convince others to follow in her footsteps. Peter Johnson, CBC News, Montreal.”
The fourth story, “In Thetford Mines, public health officials have retraced most of the people that were tested with some of the same needles in that diabetes screening we told you about last night. But those people are still anxiously awaiting for results to see whether or not those needles infected them with something else. Rosemary Barton reports.”
Rosemary Barton begins, “Cecile Demers is one of about 150 people who were tested using some of the same needles. The diabetes test was free, and Demers thought it would be a good idea. But because of a mistake, she has now also been tested for hepatitis B, C and HIV. ‘I’m just waiting for the results of the blood test,’ says Demers, ‘There is no reason to be worried yet.’ Public health officials say, this machine is the cause of the problem. It is used to test blood-sugar levels –normally for individual use. But at a free screening last week, it was used on many people, and the needle, which should reload automatically, didn’t.”
Marc Aras, Diabetes Quebec, explains, “It is something that is normally very positive. It is just an unfortunate thing that happened in one place.”
Rosemary Barton reports, “Officials say, they believe the glucometer used was defective. But the manufacturer says, the problem was more because of misuse. ‘It clearly says that it should not be used on many people, because of the risk of infection and contamination,’ says Michele Beaubien from Roach. The screening test was also being run by two students, and there was no medical supervision. Clement Busier was also tested that day. ‘I told them that I won’t do that again in the future and that I no longer have confidence them,’ he says. That is just what Diabetes Quebec is worried about. It says, it will make changes to make sure free screening tests in the future are safer. Rosemary Barton, CBC News, Quebec City.”
The fifth story, “And in other health news tonight: The Quebec Human Rights Commission is ordering the health agency responsible for long-term care in the Beauce, to compensate victims of abuse. An investigation uncovered abuse cases a few years back. Now, the cash payout will be $170,000. It will go to 4 victims, and the next of kin of 9 other victims, at 5 seniors homes. The abuse came to light in 2002. And since then, 4 employees of the homes have been fired, and watchdog committees have been put in place.”
Michel continues, “Well, there are probably trick-or-treaters ringing your doorbell right now. Halloween is, of course, well underway. And our Geeta Nadkarni is disguised tonight as a…”
Geeta Nadkarni, wearing a short black outfit with a dark purple frilly scarf, almost like a feather boa, along with tights and hood with cat ears, and standing in the midst of a group of children in their Halloween costumes, exclaims, “A cat!” Michel replies, “Yes, you are a cat, aren’t you.” Geeta Nadkarni continues, “Yes, I am. And I decided not to let the cold, rainy weather get me down. It is, there is still a slight bit of a drizzle. And it’s hovering between 2 and 3 degrees here, in Montreal. But as you could see, I’ve come to the right place to have a good time. I’m outside the church here, in Verdun –it is the All Saints Church as a matter of fact. And I’m going to go inside in just a minute. But I’ll give you a little treat –there’s dry weather coming your way. And I’ll tell you more when I come back. Michel?” Michel replies, “Alright, Geeta, we’ll see you later –nice ears.”
Michel continues, “Well, coming up on CBC News at Six: By a Thread. It’s our special series on Montreal’s garment industry. And tonight, you’ll meet Lucy Sousa. She’s a garment worker –she’s been a garment worker for more than 30 years. And she’s now suddenly out of a job. Andrew Chang has her story, next.” And then, the first commercial break.
Upon returning, “And we’re back with part two of By a Thread. This week we’re looking at Montreal’s garment industry. Last night we looked back at the rise and fall of it. Well, tonight, we focus on one woman who’s seen that first hand. Lucy Sousa made a lifelong career in the garment trade but now she’s out of a job, and struggling to start over. Here’s Andrew Chang.”
Andrew Chang begins, “Lucy Sousa has spent 37 years of her life sewing pockets.”
Lucy Sousa, Former Cardinal Employee, explains, “And they have two pockets, okay -slash and flam. I don’t know if you know what it is –but that’s okay.”
Andrew Chang reports, “You could call her an expert. But just 4 days ago, the job she’s known almost all of her life, ended.”
Lucy Sousa, Former Cardinal Employee, explains, “For me, it was a shock. Because after so many years, I’m not younger too –I am 53 years old. And I have to look for another job.”
Andrew Chang informs, “Last Friday, Sousa was laid-off from Cardinal Clothes, along with more than 80 other people. Cardinal is moving its operations from Montreal to China –where a worker can sew pockets for about 25 cents an hour. Compare that to Lucy Sousa’s wage of a little more than $14 an hour –multiply the savings millions of times over, and you’re left with thousands of Quebecers every year, losing jobs to a factory giant they will never hope to compete with.”
Lucy Sousa, Former Cardinal Employee, explains, “I still need to work. I have the house to pay. I have kids. I have a lot of people in the house –I need my job. For the first time, believe me –I am scared. 37 years in Canada –I’m getting scared now, for the first time.”
Andrew Chang reports, “Now, she’ll have no choice, at 53-years of age, but to start her life over.”
Lucy Sousa, Former Cardinal Employee, explains, “So, we’ll see what’s gonna happen. I am nervous. I don’t know how it’s gonna be, what they’re gonna do.”
Andrew Chang informs, “Emploi-Quebec is holding a meeting in the Cardinal factory for all the company’s former employees –it’s a starting point. They’re learning where to go to get the skills they need, so they can find a new career.”
Lucy Sousa, Former Cardinal Employee, explains, “They’re gonna help you get a little bit more money, if you have children. And they also, they have a program –they can help you go to school. Or go to your own business. They’re gonna teach you the techniques.”
Andrew Chang continues, “The union representing Montreal’s garment workers is also bracing for the worst. This is a French class specifically for those in the apparel industry. Orlando Ellen, is a presser, Rowena Bonto, a separator, Marali Feramond, a sewer. The one thing they all have in common is that in a few months, they fear they may not have jobs.”
Rowena Bonto, Jack Victor Employee, explains, “I’m worried –I’m worried for that, you know -because the economy of Canada is going down.”
Andrew Chang reports, “Jean-Yves Gignard says, there are many companies who have moved operations elsewhere. So at a minimum, learning the language will allow the people here to work in other sectors, if it comes to that.”
Andrew Chang adds, “In Lucy Sousa’s case, a fresh start is closer to home. She’s thinking of parlaying her knack for cooking into a job.”
Lucy Sousa, Former Cardinal Employee, explains, “I believe in God. They say, like, he never closes one door and doesn’t open another one, you know. So that’s why, inside me I’m thinking like that.”
Andrew Chang informs, “Getting into the restaurant business –she’s hopeful though. Because she knows, it’s probably her best shot for new life. Andrew Chang, CBC News, Montreal.”
Michel continues, “Okay, our series, By a Thread continues on Thursday. We’ll look at the hidden part of the garment trade. It’s called home workers. They work, of course, in the shadows –they get low wages, have no benefits, and no job security. That’s Thursday, on By a Thread.”
“Well, coming up after the break: Geeta’s back live from a haunted house, with the weather forecast. And, we’ll look at the economic impact of Halloween –from costumes to candy, the cost can be scary –that’s next.” And then, the second commercial break.
Upon returning, a bearded man, with the top of his head appearing to be shaven, but with a circle of hair as a wreath about his head, remaining, wears a medieval pale yellow monk’s cloak. With his hands flat together as if in benediction or prayer, and situated inside the control room of the CBC Newsroom, he bows to greet the viewer and says, “Hello. My name is Eric Trudel. I’m the show’s director. And we’re in the CBC control room. You’re watching CBC News at Six. Happy Halloween.”
Michel comments, “He did shave his head, by the way. It’s good to see that Eric is in the spirit of things. And you know, he’s also not the only one. Because, you may not know this, but Halloween is an industry onto itself. All the candy, the costumes, the decorations, well, they can add up. I mean, we’re talking hundreds of millions of dollars for one single night. Leah Hendry reports.”
Leah Hendry begins, “Rianna Robruso’s been too scared to come down here alone –her uncle’s garage transformed into the neighbourhood haunted house. But fake blood and skeletons don’t come cheap.”
‘It costed roughly about…between $500 and $1,000,’
Leah Hendry reports, “Yikes! -But that kind of spending isn’t unusual on this, the creepiest, spookiest of days. Some people go all out.”
A man comments, “The price is no object for me. It’s just that to make the kid happy.”
A woman comments, “This year, mostly around $1,000.”
Leah Hendry informs, “And that’s not even including candy. According to Stats Canada, Canadians spend about $259 million on candy in October -$50 million more than any other month. And businesses are glad for the boost in profits. This store usually sells swimming pools but is Halloween headquarters in October. Anne de la Gauchetière says, people spend about $250 a year for outside decorations, and about the same for inside.”
Leah Hendry, inside a very strange and large wizard costume with humongous hands, informs, “Halloween is big business. Not just the decorations, but with costumes too. A costume like this one goes for $1,000, to rent it for one evening, $400. Sounds expensive, but somebody rented it last week.”
Leah Hendry continues, “At Giggles in LaSalle, Halloween makes up about a quarter of their yearly sales.”
Marc Choran Giggles Owner, explains, “By far the biggest holiday –blows Christmas away, Valentine’s away, Saint Patrick’s Day. No comparison, Halloween makes our whole year.”
Leah Hendry adds, “It’s so popular, Giggles opened up a temporary Halloween store in Cote-St-Luc, and plan to open 2 or 3 more next year. Marc Choran says, people are willing to spend big money.”
Marc Choran Giggles Owner, explains, “Very often when people come in, they spend $500 to up to two, three thousand dollars on Halloween –every year they buy more stuff just to add on, to decorate their house.”
Leah Hendry closes, “Big business for sure. Even my cameraman has caught the Halloween bug. Leah Hendry, CBC News, Montreal.”
Michel continues, “And you know, we have a Halloween theme also for weather tonight. Our Geeta Nadkarni is out at a castle, believe it or not. Geeta, I’m not aware if there’s a castle in Montreal. There is?”
Geeta Nadkarni, wearing her black cat costume, and sitting on a very large wooden chair at a table, and she replies, “Yeah, well, we do have a castle in Montreal. And since I came as a cat, I have been served a biologically appropriate dinner.” (A very large rat sitting on a silver plate) It is still slightly rainy outside in Montreal. It is 3 degrees. And it just doesn’t seem fair that it would be dry all day today and then rain just as kids go out for trick-or-treating. But if we look at that weather system map, with the satellite and radar readings, we’ll see that there’s not a lot of –there was a little bit of low grade precipitation. So, we saw cloud cover for Montreal. We did see it be cold and rainy in Quebec City. And the good news is that it will dry up for tomorrow. And I’ll tell you a little bit more about that. But Val D’Or will get 60% of flurries. Now, that may seem a big deal, but think about this: Ontario at the moment is facing a snow squall warning. So, we’re not even getting the teeth of this weather system. And if we look at the highs for tomorrow, we’ll see that yes, they are in fact below seasonal. It will be dry for Montreal, the Eastern Townships, and Quebec City. So we will see a few dry days –which is great news. And well, we’ve seen a lot of really cute costumes. I have with me right here a skeleton. Why did you choose to be a skeleton?” The skeleton replies, “Because I want to be a witch, but my mom won’t let me, because she won’t buy me the costume.” Geeta comments, “Her mom wouldn’t buy her the witch costume –so, there you have it. If we look at our 3-day forecast, we’ll see Tada! 3 dry days. Does that seem incredible or what? And now, I know it’s a little too early to say, but I will stick my neck out and say this: At the moment, the weather’s looking, the weekend’s looking absolutely fantastic. So, there you go, Michel. Here I am. I have my dinner.” (Geeta hold up the rat plate) And from what I can see, it’s candy time!” Michel comments, “Well, bon appetite, my dear. Alright, Geeta thanks a lot.”
Michel continues, “Well stay with us. Coming up on The Scene tonight, with Anna Asimakopulos: A special Halloween concert by the MSO. You’re watching CBC News at Six.” And then, the third commercial break.
Upon returning, “Schools and daycares all over Montreal celebrated Halloween today, with kids and teachers in some pretty amazing costumes. And some of those kids were actually at a special concert given by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra –and that happened this morning. Anna Asimakopulos, you went to that –you’re not a kid. But how was it?”
Anna Asimakopulos, wearing a pale pink shirt top that had lines that looked like finely stitched squares, and sitting in front of the dusk bridge image, replies, “I felt like a kid all over again. It was really wonderful. And this is the first time the Montreal Symphony Orchestra’s ever done this. And they performed also to some kids from St-Justine Hospital, who were there as well. And they performed Peter and the Wolf, and the music from the films Harry Potter and E.T.” Michel comments, “Nice.”
Richard Roberts, MSO Musician, explains, “It’s a fun experience for us. Because normally we play serious concerts for audiences that are interested in great music. But this is just pure fun.”
A little boy comments, “I like the music.”
Another little boy comments, “The sound, it’s like cool a little bit.”
Marianne Dugal, MSO Musician, explains, “It’s surprising how much they love it. And to a certain extent, even more than adults –because they love it completely, purely and simply –and they enjoy the colours of the instrument, and the colours of music.”
A little girl remarks, “I like all the music.”
A young boy remarks, “I really like the Harry Potter part. And really like when E.T. and when we were doing the story.”
Marianne Dugal, MSO Musician, explains, “It’s our job to bring it to them, and make them appreciate it and love it. And they’ll carry on, after.”
Back in studio, Anna Asimakopulos continues, “And they’re hoping to do that again next year. Because they all had such a great time with it –but it depends on the generosity of their sponsor, if it’s repeated or not.”
Michel comments, “Yes, yes –a familiar phrase. So, you also looked into another concert, but that one’s happening tonight.”
Anna Asimakopulos replies, “Yes. It’s Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars. And as the name suggests, these are men and women who met in a refugee camp in Guinea. And I met up with the lead singer, Reuben Koroma, who’s in Montreal tonight.”
Anna Asimakopulos begins, “It was in the late 1990’s that Reuben Koroma landed in a refugee camp in Guinea. He was fleeing the civil war in Sierra Leone.”
Reuben Koroma, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, explains, “My father was killed. Our house was looted. And my mother tried to escape the war, died.”
Anna Asimakopulos reports, “Koroma was a musician before the war. In the camp, he met a man who managed carry an acoustic guitar to safety. The two began to play together. And that, in turn, attracted many more musicians.”
Reuben Koroma, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, explains, “But tt helped me greatly, because it helped me to air out some of my grievances.”
Anna Asimakopulos informs, “It’s become much more than that. A few years ago, the band caught the ear of two documentary producers. Their film about the Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars got the band the kind of exposure they never expected. Now, they’re touring around the world.”
Back in studio, Anna Asimakopulos continues, “And Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars are at the Spectrum tonight. And it’s a really feel-good story. It was wonderful to meet them.” Michel closes, “Absolutely. Thanks a lot, Anna.” Anna replies, “You’re welcome.”
Michel continues, “Okay now. Also keep in mind, CBC News at Six is on location tomorrow. We’re heading to St-Leonard. We’ll be coming to you live from the Leonardo Da Vinci. So, come on by and get a behind-the-scenes view of how our show is put together. It’d be nice to meet you also.”
“And that was Montreal today. Canada Now is next. For the CBC News at Six team, I’m Michel Godbout. Happy Halloween. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Happy Halloween. And I’m Frank Remus in Montreal for this Krimson News diary-blog of loving and dreaming, and CBC News at Six re-reportage of abandon, aging, anger, the annoying, the awful, blasting, cracking, cracking, crisis, the dangerous, the defective, the deficient, the disabling, domination, the exhausting, falling, fighting, gashing, harming, hitting, impairing, incapacitating, the injurious, irritation, maiming, malfunction, the malicious, the malignant, misfortune, mishap, offending, plundering, pounding, pulling apart, punishment, quarrel, the ravaging, the renovating, the shocking, splitting, stealing, stinging, the unfortunate, victimizing, violence, vulnerability, war, and wrecking.
Wounding
Relating
Her Orange Sky Mountain, Her Road to Relating, Her Circle of Love
Her Orange Sky Mountain of Love 7:07 am
Her Orange Sky Mountain of Love 7:36 am
This morning at Starbucks, African singing with drum and feminine voices. There was a toddler girl running around with her soother in her mouth. She wore a white turtleneck sweater with pink and striped slacks. She was making a lot of commotion, shouting and whining, with a wide range of emotions. A little bit stormy I’d say. And then, Paul McCartney and Wings sang The Man Said.
The Whole Thing in Blue 6:05 am
The Whole Thing in Blue 6:11 am
The Whole Thing Just Green 6:21 am
There was a man wearing a sports shirt with the number 74 on the front. People were lined up in a row at their tables. All of them were reading and writing and quiet. Out of 18 people in the room there were 3 conversations. A woman arrived with her stroller that had a thick pink comfort blanket that protected her child from the cold. I was feeling well rested and lucid today.
Skyscape Downtown 6:31 am
Skyscape Downtown 6:41 am
There was no strain or tension in me. It was a high-energy morning in terms of my cycle. I felt positive, secure and quite free. Of course, my heart was set for my heartthrob and dreamgirl, Anna Dirksen. This morning she showed me the orange mountain love sky with the flares of her beauty so gleaming. The sun peeked through darkened clouds and thus my morning’s love light began.
Her Orange Sky Mountain of Love 7:07 am
Her Orange Sky Mountain of Love 7:25 am
Her Orange Sky Mountain of Love 7:36 am
Her Orange Sky Mountain of Love 7:43 am
Her Orange Sky Mountain of Love 7:52 am
After seeing that, I was affected. Anna showed me the tree of yellow close up, and she showed me her green circle of love. And I was in love with her from now on. Her Yin potency is very strong. She showed me the buildings that centered me up. And in that love there was peace and there was stirring. I burned for Anna Dirksen this morning. She is my one and only true love. My doors are wide open for her forever. More feminine African singing, with voices, guitar, and gentle drumming.
Old Port Promenade, Yellow Delight 7:57 am
One of the women with child got ready to leave. The woman wore a pink scarf with a tope coat. The woman’s friend with her little pink girl remained for a little while longer. The sky was so clear and so blue. From my point of view not a singular cloud. Quite surprising since yesterday was quite the opposite. The breeze was still strong and continuous. Bare branches from trees ever active. With rattling, waving,  shaking and wobbling.
Buildings Up 8:40 am
One tree was quite naked by now. The remnants of tattered ghosts were unrecognizable. Torn black and white sheets now were nearly strands. The skeleton’s head a mere blunt object without significance or any command. A woman that wore a white jacket, so finely designed with square stitching, sat at her table of drawings of fashionable clothing she worked on. She wore black slacks and a red zippered sweater with black and white lines down the sides.
Golden Yellow 9:52 am
Her hair was nearly white, fairly long and quite curly. And then she got ready to leave. Her white jacket was so finely crafted, with her white gloves to complete the effect. A woman sat with her cell phone. Her clothing looked very black. Her running shoes were pink and grey. And outside there was sunlight. It was bright and there was shadow, so well defined and direct, with such precision and virtuosity. Two elderly women sat together. One wore a grey knit sweater, her friend wore a yellow.
Her Green Circle of Love 10:10
A father arrived with his two girls. One girl a toddler, her sister a little bit older. Th older girl wore long pink fall coat. The younger girl wore a green jacket, but her sweater was quite vivid pink. She wore a bubble gum pink winter hat. Their father wore a brown shirt that had pale blue and faint pink lines across it. They went to the counter together. And they returned with their small cups, filled to the brim with white foam.
Place Viger, Road to Relating 2:27 pm
Place Viger, Road to Relating 3:07 pm
Place Viger, Road to Relating 4:07 pm
The girls ate their cream with white plastic spoons. They took mouthfuls of it. Beneath it there would be hot chocolate. There was no need for martial arts. A woman arrived wearing a pink green and brown scarf, with her black fall jacket and black gloves. A black man sat next to me. He spilt coffee; I gave him a napkin. He wore a black cap, black slacks and a black jackets. He wore a creamy white zipper sweater. He had two books on Senegal. Bob Dylan sang Hard Rain.
Her Black Potency Road to Relating 4:21 pm
Her Black Potency with Lights 4:56 pm
It was a gorgeous but cool autumn’s day. When I returned home from my writing, Anna showed me the road to relating, as it passed by Place Viger, until it became dark as Anna’s black potency. And she showed me soulmates centered, at the end of the news broadcast tonight. Anna Dirksen’s the queen of my dreams. I just had to say that right now. She is the love of my life. I wrote her name in my love diary. I want to preserve it well. How could I neglect it? Her name, her face and her frame? My life would never be the same. In my book of love Anna belongs, with her playground  of numbers and findings. This love comes from above, and in that I feel safe to be captured. With Anna’s love in my heart there is no trouble. With her in my heart the best things are doubled.
Soulmate Centered Night 6:23 pm
I need her more real in my life. All hindrance would stumble and crumble if she were my beloved wife. There could never be piles of mess, with Anna Dirksen as my heart’s true success. Free from barbed wire, locked fences and monsters, my heart throbs with joy because I love her. The beautiful and strong Anna Dirksen, we are soulmates; I am devoted to her. And I love to write her name here, to preserve for eternity. Let our souls chime closer together, with passion and sweet love, without restriction. With Anna in my heart there is nothing wrong. And so, today, I felt in peace, so clear, and in love.
Night Lights 8:12 pm
On CBC News at Six, Michel Godbout wore a black jacket with white pinstripes, a yellow shirt and a golden yellow tie, and he begins, “Police look for witnesses to a fatal hit and run in Laval. I’m Michel Godbout. This is CBC News at Six. Tonight: A sister mourns. Police say, Carole Nabhan was the victim of a hit and run. By a Thread: A special series on Montreal’s troubled garments trade. And: Emotional arithmetic –turning a Canadian novel into a movie.”
The first story, “Good evening. In Montreal tonight, a Pierrefonds woman is grieving for her sister. Carole Nabhan, the 34-year-old woman was killed in a hit and run yesterday in Laval. Tonight, police are trying to find the driver. Our Peter Johnson spent the day in Laval. And Peter, what can you tell us?”
Peter Johnson, wearing a black jacket, a pale grey shirt and a black tie, replies, “Well, Michel, police received several 9-11 calls about 4 o’clock early Sunday morning, about a woman, apparently lying in the middle of the road near the intersection of Notre Dame and (…) Goldblum in Chomedey. Now, police originally believed she had simply fallen and injured herself. But they later found that she had serious injuries –injuries consistent with being hit by a car. Carole Nabhan died of those injuries shortly after being taken to Sacré-Coeur Hospital.”
Peter Johnson begins, “Carole Nabhan survived war zones in Iraq and Lebanon before coming back to Quebec 4 months ago. She settled in Laval with her 10-year-old sun. Early Sunday morning she was struck and killed by a driver, who then fled the scene –her family is devastated.”
Roula Nabhan, Sister of Victim, explains, “This is like fiction for us. It has, you know, never, never, you know, been anything we imagined, you know. We lived in Lebanon in war, and this when we expected to die probably from a bomb or an accident on the street, probably –but not in Canada.”
Peter Johnson adds, “Investigators don’t have much to go on at the moment.”
Pierre Desautels, Laval Police, explains, “Actually, we do not possess any clues or any information about the accident. And that’s why, during the morning, our policemen, they went from door to door, to knock, to ask people, citizens, if they have seen anything wrong during the night.”
Peter Johnson informs, “Police in Laval say, this type of accident is actually quite rare. This is the first hit and run so far this year. But people who live in this neighbourhood say, this can be quite a dangerous intersection.”
A woman comments, “Nobody does a stop. But if they do their stop, it’s in and out, one second –that’s it.”
‘People drive fast through here,’ he says, ‘There’s a traffic light up the street, but people never stop at the corner here,’
Peter Johnson adds, “The Nabhan family is left to deal with the consequences of that.”
Roula Nabhan, Sister of Victim, explains, “It’s like I’m telling you, it’s something beyond our understanding.”
Back in studio, Peter Johnson continues, “Now Michel, police say that they haven’t actually found any witnesses to the accident –they don’t even know what kind of car they’re looking for. But they hope someone may come forward with more information. They say, often in these kinds of cases, people notice a neighbour or a friend’s car has a broken headlight or some other damage.”
Michel asks, “Alright now, Peter, as you said in your piece, we know Carole Nabhan was a mother. What about her family?”
Peter Johnson replies, “Well, she has a 10-year-old son indeed -and he’ll be taken care of by his father, who is in the Montreal area. The family is rather somewhat annoyed at Laval police. They say, the first they heard was that Carole was injured, but they didn’t hear back from police until late this afternoon. Michel?”
Michel closes, “Alright, Peter Johnson, live in the newsroom tonight. Thanks.” Peter replies, “You’re very welcome.”
The second story, “Public health officials in Thetford Mines are trying to track down dozens of people tonight, who were tested for diabetes last week. They say, the same needle was used to test many people. And so, they’re now asking 105 people to come in and be tested for hepatitis and HIV. Our Rosemary Barton has been following this story. Rosemary?”
Rosemary Barton, wearing a grey outfit with ruddy arms, replies, “Michel, this was actually a free diabetes screening test that was being offered at a grocery store at Thetford Mines. And it was a test that was being offered by a diabetes group, but was being run by two students that were being trained as nurse practitioners. There was very little supervision in the testing, and there was no medical supervision at all. So, public health officials are just starting to look at what happened.”
Michel asks, “Alright, so what do they know so far, Rosemary?”
Rosemary Barton replies, “Well, they think that the machine that was used to test blood sugar levels –the glucometer, was actually a machine that should be used for individual use at home –that’s the first problem. They also say, the second problem was with the machine itself –it had a kind of barrel with 6 needles inside, that normally you could turn to get a fresh needle for every patient. But the barrel wasn’t turning. So it means that a needle was being used for 6 patients, and that that mistake was repeated again and again –affecting 150 people.”
Michel asks, “Alright, so what are public health officials saying tonight?”
Rosemary Barton replies, “Well, they have managed to track down 100 people, by putting up signs at the grocery store, and putting out press releases. But they want to test all of these 150 people, first of all for hepatitis B and C. There is a chance these people have been infected with this, but the chance is very, very slim. The risk is still pleasant, so they want to test them for that. And if they do have it, they can of course vaccinate against hepatitis B. They also want to check for HIV –and on that front, officials say, the risk there is very, very low, but they still want to check as quickly as possible. And they expect to have the results very soon for that as well.”
Michel asks, “And are officials talking about how this happened in the first place?”
Rosemary Barton replies, “They are investigating that. And they say that probably they will need to put out some recommendations, to place some guidelines, whenever there are these kinds of screening tests being done, in order to make sure that there’s enough medical supervision. And they also want to talk to the manufacturer of this product, because, they say, they think the machine was defective.”
Michel closes, “Hmm, okay. Rosemary Barton in Quebec City tonight, thanks.” Rosemary replies, “You’re welcome.”
The third story, “And there is another food recall to tell you about tonight. This one involves canned crabmeat. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning people not to eat canned crabmeat made by Philips Foods. It says, it could be contaminated with botulism. This is a precautionary measure. The agency says, no one has become sick yet from the crabmeat.”
The fourth story, “Well, people opposed to changing Parc Avenue to Robert Bourassa Avenue are taking their fight to City Hall tonight. The CBC’s civic affairs reporter, Shawn Apel is covering this story for us. He joins me now, live. Shawn, let’s start off first of all though –what’s going to happen tonight?”
Shawn Apel, wearing a black jacket over a medium grey sweater over something black, replies, “Well, Michel, what is supposed to happen, is those people who are opposed to the name change are supposed to be here with some sort of demonstration. I say supposed to be, because the last time I checked just behind me, at the steps of City Hall, about 5 minutes ago, there were about 3 or 4 people here. But that’s what we here –that there’s supposed to be a demonstration tonight.”
Michel asks, “Okay, now, what about the options I hear that they have, if they do indeed show up. I mean, you know, Parc –keeping its name. It sounds like a done deal though.”
Shawn Apel replies, “Well, they have a few options. They say, they’re looking at their legal options. And that could include some sort of lawsuit. But even those people say, that it’s a little bit unclear exactly what they could do. Their preferred option right now, is to keep the pressure on. There’s been quite a bit of bad publicity, since this name change was announced. And it’s up to them to persuade more city councilors that this is a bad idea in the next few weeks.”
Michel asks, “Alright, and what about City Hall? When is it supposed to meet about this name change?”
Shawn Apel replies, “Well, they’re gonna present the idea tonight. They’re supposed to vote on it at the next city council meeting. That’s at the end of November –the 27th of November.”
Michel closes, “Alright, Shawn Apel, thanks for the update.” Shawn replies, “Okay.”
Michel continues, “Well, turning to a quick look at the weather now. As luck would have it, after a weekend weather write off, Monday was sunny and warm, of course. Still, Geeta, it was nice to see some sun today, after all the rain and wind on Saturday and Sunday.”
Geeta Nadkarni, wearing a black jacket with red gloves, and a black fall hat with a red rose on the side, and she replies, “It was indeed, Michel. It’s a beautiful evening at the moment. It’s dry, it’s 8 degrees. And the sun has gone down. But as you said, it was out in full force today. There is a little bit of a wind right now, and that will continue overnight. It’s those winds that caused so much havoc over parts of central and eastern Canada over the weekend. We had a tree go down on Papineau Boulevard even, here in Montreal. And that wasn’t even the worst of it. Rimouski, for example, saw winds of up to 90 km/h –which caused blackouts, fallen trees, -other kinds of property damage that people are still trying to restore. Hydro-Quebec says that 49,000 of its clients province-wide, lost power over the weekend. But most have had their service restored. Michel?”
Michel comments, “Alright. The full weather forecast coming up a little later. Thanks a lot, Geeta.” Geeta replies, “You’re welcome.”
The fifth story, Michel continues, “Well, briefly in other news tonight: Some 80 soldiers from the Valcartier military base near Quebec City are leaving this evening for a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Now, about 50 of the soldiers will provide security at the airport, and for the reconstruction effort in Kandahar province. They’ll be making sure the people rebuilding schools are safe. The remaining 30 or so soldiers will help train the Afghan army. There are already about 100 soldiers from Valcartier in Afghanistan.”
The sixth story, “The Trappist monks from Oka are selling their monastery and land to a local corporation. The site will reportedly be used to develop a $7 million tourism project. The Quebec government has chipped in $3 million for the project. And buyers –which include the local municipality, are also hoping for money from the federal government.”
The seventh story, “And the Quebec government is also chipping in $60 million this time, to build the John Molson School of Business at Concordia. The Molson family put another $10 million today, raising their contribution to $20 million. The new building will go up downtown, on what is now a vacant lot on the corner of Guy and de Maisonneuve. Construction is set to start in December, and should be completed in 3 years.”
And then, Anna Asimakopulos appears, wearing a red shirt outfit, and she begins, “I’m Anna Asimakopulos on the set of Emotional Arithmetic –the latest adaptation of a Canadian novel. And it stars some very well known international actors. I’ll tell you who, later on CBC News at Six.”
Michel continues, “And coming up next on CBC News at Six –By a Thread. It’s the start of our weeklong series on Montreal’s garment industry. Now, of course you know, it may be in trouble these days –but that wasn’t always the case. We’ll look back at the history of the garment trade in this city That’s coming up next.” And then, the first commercial break.
Upon returning, Ian Hanomansing appears, and he begins, “Tonight on Canada Now: What will Climate Change cost us? There are now some figures. We’ll have the details and reaction. And a report from Canada’s murder capital –Edmonton, with 3 people killed on the weekend. At 6:30, 7:00 in Newfoundland.”
And then, Michel returns, “Question: Where do our clothes come from? Well, these days, they come from everywhere –China, India, Mexico –Russia of course. Another question though is how do those imports affect jobs right here in Montreal? Well this week on By a Thread, we bring you stories about Montreal’s garment industry –the history, the changes, and the struggles. Andrew Chang is our reporter on this series.”
Andrew Chang begins, “When Rosita (…) Baskaran came to Canada from Sri Lanka, she didn’t speak English or French. But now, she’s one of almost 70,000 Quebecers working in one of the province’s biggest manufacturing sectors. This is a $10 billion industry in Canada. Every province in the country manufactures clothing, but more than half of those garments are made in Quebec. But creating such a massive industry didn’t happen overnight. It took more than 100 years.”
Michel Parent UQAM, explains, “It goes back even to the early 20th century –particularly when, you know, you had a kind of specialization in Canada through the provinces –Ontario getting steel and cars, and Quebec getting paper mills, garment. We started with the Jewish people had great skill, because, the Jewish immigrants brought their, you know, sewing skill and designing product for clothing. In the manufacturing sector, as far as Quebec was concerned, this is where you found the greatest concentration of jobs.”
Andrew Chang reports, “But the competition was fierce. Anyone in Montreal could open a business with little overhead, so companies had to cut corners –and wages and working conditions were the first to suffer.”
Michel Parent UQAM, explains, “And then, of course, the workers say, ‘I cannot improve alone, my conditions of work. I have to build up a solidarity with my coworkers,’ Then we get a union.”
Andrew Chang informs, “Decades later, the union’s work was paying off. Higher wages, more vacation time, better benefits –and a 39-hour work week. The 60’s were the economic heyday of the apparel industry in Montreal. Sales were up, and the strength of the union was reaching its climax. But by the 70’s, the fight to keep the industry booming began to change.”
Michel Parent UQAM, explains, “More and more, the unions and the managers –at that time, were aware that they had a common enemy. And the common enemy was not the union for management, the manager for the union, but it was the market.”
Andrew Chang reports, “And the market is being dominated by one country –China. In 1995, trade barriers and limits on imports began to come down. In the past 15 years, China has more than quadrupled its clothing market share here in Canada. It now represents about a third of Canada’s $10 billion apparel industry.”
‘Until now, no one has listened to your voices. I’m gonna fight for your job. But you need to fight for your jobs too,’
Andrew Chang reports, “Lina Aristeo works for Unite Here -a union lobbying the government to do something to protect jobs that are threatened by cheap labour.”
Lina Aristeo, UNITE HERE, explains, “It’s free trade, but it also needs to be fair trade. You know? People who are making this clothing that’s coming in, I hope they’re making them in good conditions –in good and decent working conditions. Unfortunately, they’re not.”
Andrew Chang informs, “From fighting their employers, to fighting the world, Quebecers in the apparel industry are now struggling to keep what jobs they have left. The average Chinese garment worker makes a little more than 25 cents an hour. Workers here simply can’t compete. In the last 4 years, Industry Canada estimates nearly 23,000 Canadian jobs have been lost –and that’s being felt the most here, in Quebec. On Friday, Cardinal Clothes shut its doors in Montreal to move production to China –about 80 people lost their jobs. And by Christmas, Gildan will cut more than 200 jobs from its local production.”
Lina Aristeo, UNITE HERE, explains, “Without checks or balances, the future of the apparel industry is unknown to me. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look great.”
Andrew Chang informs, “This new fight, were time is the enemy, as many workers at Golden Brand Clothing fearing for their jobs too. Rosita Baskaran says, her job is secure at least until the New Year. But after that, she says anything could happen. In the past few years, about 400 jobs have been cut here. She’s never done any other kind of work, so with 3 children to support, rebuilding a career would be very difficult. But like many before here, after 17 years in the business, she may have no choice but to adapt. Andrew Chang, CBC News, Montreal.”
Michel continues, “And tomorrow, Andrew will bring us a story of a woman who’s worked in Montreal in the garment industry for 30 years. She’s now out of work, and looking for a job –and it’s proving to be a daunting task. That’s tomorrow night on By a Thread.”
“Alright, coming up after the break, Geeta Nadkarni has some wardrobe suggestions to match tomorrow’s weather forecast. You’re watching CBC News at Six.” And then, a live shot of soulmates centered in night-lights, and then on to the second commercial break.
And then, Alex Kovalev introduces the program in Russian.
Upon returning, Michel begins, “And that was the Canadiens right-winger and centre sometimes, Alex Kovalev. A great set up to announce the winner of our ticket giveaway. Now, you may remember, 2 tickets to tomorrow night’s Montreal Canadiens-Ottawa Senators game were up for grabs. And remember we asked you to write in or call us and say who you wanted to bring to the game and why. Well, we had a lot of great submissions. So, thanks a lot for that. And only one winner though, and that is Richard Archambault. And here’s what Richard wrote. He said,
‘I would like to take my almost eight months pregnant wonderful wife, Reina, and our wonderful baby boy that she is carrying, for his very first Montreal Canadiens hockey game. I’m sure that he would enjoy hearing the sounds, the cheers and the boos, and the ping! of a shot off the goal post.’
Michel continues, “Well, Richard, we’ll call you after the show to tell you how to claim your prize. And I quickly want to thank the runner up to this one. It’s Richard Dumont of Montreal. Now, Richard, you wrote such a touching essay about hockey and your father. But we did have a 50 words or less rule, so, you broke that one. So, thanks for your beautiful story, it was really nice to read.”
And then, the CBC News Weather Centre bells start to ring. Michel begins, “Alright, time now for your full weather forecast. And for that, we join Geeta Nadkarni, who’s enjoying a fairly nice evening outdoors. But, hey, Geeta, 24-hours ago was a heck of a different story, wasn’t it?”
Geeta Nadkarni, wearing a black jacket with red gloves, and a black fall hat with a red rose on the side, replies, “No kidding, Michel. And 24 hours from now, will also be a different story. It is pleasant at the moment it’s true. The sun is gone –and I do miss Daylight Savings already. But it’s 8 degrees, it’s dry, and there is a little bit of wind, but it’s a pleasant change –you said it, from the weekend. If we look at the satellite and radar readings, we’ll see not a lot of precipitation over the province. Those big, alarming blue splotches actually signal lower than usual precipitation, so they’re nothing to worry about. Quebec City did have a grey and somewhat rainy day today, but that will change for tomorrow .Oh no! Not for Halloween! I know, I know. But you know, you have to remember that this is traditional storm season. Spring and fall tend to be storm seasons, because the arctic is cooling much faster than usual, because of the shorter days. And unlike our region, which has stayed warm, so that makes a fairly large temperature differential over a small area of space –and that’s what’s bringing us our extreme weather. If we look at the temperature highs for tomorrow, we’ll see that it’s not a horridly cold day. But it is wet, so it’s not ideal to be traipsing around in a costume -a dry day for Gaspé and around Sept-Iles. So, you know, the good news about dealing with a capricious weather system like this, is that it does tend to change rather rapidly. So, although it will rain tomorrow, the sun will be out again. We’ll look at that 3-day forecast. Temperatures will dip overnight to freezing in Montreal tonight. So, those showers that you see tomorrow may be mixed with freezing rain. But the sun will come out for Wednesday, so enjoy it while you can, ‘cause the rest of the week does seem to look a little soggy. Honestly Michel, I have to tell you, even more than the dry weather, it’s that 1-hour of light that I miss. It’s already dark, and it now really feels like winter. So, the good news is that for 2007, we’re gonna be making this change 4 weeks later. Michel?” Michel comments, “Yeah, that’s true, that’s true. We’re gonna be in synch with the Americans on that one. Good point” Geeta adds, “I can’t wait.” Michel closes, “Yeah, indeed. Alright Geeta, thanks a lot.” Geeta replies, “Thank you.”
Michel continues, “Well, coming up next on The Scene tonight, Anna Asimakopulos reports from the set of Emotional Arithmetic. It’s a new movie that’s being shot in Montreal. We’ll have all the details next.” And then, a shot of the Olympic Stadium in night-lights, and then on to the third commercial break.
Upon returning, “On The Scene tonight, a Canadian novel is getting the star treatment. Emotional Arithmetic is based on a Matt Cohen novel. And a number of well known stars are in the process of shooting the film here in Montreal and in the Eastern Townships. Our Anna Asimakopulos takes us behind the scenes.”
Anna Asimakopulos begins, “The last time these 3 people saw each other was 40 years ago inside a concentration camp. Emotional Arithmetic is the story of their reunion. It’s also a story that has taken many years and many script rewrites to make it to this stage. Emotional Arithmetic is based on the novel by Matt Cohen -who died 7 years ago.”
‘He was very fond of this book. This was a very important book to him. It dealt with a lot of ideas that were very important to him.’
Anna Asimakopulos reports, “For Cohen’s wife, Patricia Aldana, turning Emotional Arithmetic into a film was a long wished for dream. A dream they shared with producer Anna Stratton.”
Anna Stratton, Co-Producer, explains, “I love it. And I love Matt, you know. I just, you know… It’s a wonderfully passionate human story. And that was the wonderful thing about Matt. His work was so human and rich and poignant, at the same time, it was very, very funny.”
Anna Asimakopulos reports, “All along, the producers had a dream cast in mind. Once they felt the script was ready, they sent it off to the actors they really wanted –Susan Sarandon, Max von Sydow, Gabriel Byrne, Christopher Plummer, Roy Dupis. And on the strength of the script, they got them.”
Gabriel Byrne, Actor, explains, “I think it’s an amazing story about survival, and memory, and loss, love, yearning. And it’s a super cast –unbelievable cast.”
Anna Asimakopulos adds, “A cast Aldana says, Matt Cohen would have approved of.”
‘I absolutely know, this would have been a very thrilling moment for him,’
Anna Asimakopulos informs, “Which is why making Emotional Arithmetic is such an emotional experience –on and off camera. The producers are hoping to have the film ready for next year’s Cannes Film Festival. Anna Asimakopulos, CBC News, Montreal.”
Michel continues, “And remember, CBC News at Six is on location for the next 4 Wednesdays. Now, last week we were at Champlain College in St-Lambert. Well, this week, we’re heading to St-Leonard. We’ll be coming to you live from the Leonardo da Vinci Centre. So come on by. Get a behind-the-scenes view of how our show’s put together. That’s Wednesday, CBC News at Six on location, in St-Leonard.”
“That was Montreal today. Canada Now is up next. For the CBC News at Six team, I’m Michel Godbout. We’ll see you tomorrow at 6:00.” And then, clips are shown from the stories on tonight’s newscast.”
And I’m Frank Remus in Montreal for this Krimson News diary-blog of loving and dreaming, and CBC News at Six re-reportage of the adverse, the blocking, the closed, the command, the confining, control, the corrupt, the counterbalance, the criminal, the dangerous, the defending, the difficult, the discouraging, fate, fighting, the frustrating, the guarded, the halting, the harassing, the hard, the hazardous, the heaviness, the hindering, the hurtful, the impossibility, the inferior, the misunderstood, the obeyed, the overloaded, the overwhelmed, the power, the practical, the preventing, the pushing, the real, the repressed, the restricting, the secure, the sensation function, the sickness, the sinful, the specifying, the strengthening, the stressful, the troubled, the unfortunate, the unpleasant, the unruly, the unsatisfactory, the vile and the wrong.
 Opposing
 Relating
Soulmates, Rain, Betwixt, Her Beauty, Love
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Betwixt in Living Colour 6:21 pm
At Starbucks this morning, the room was active with music and talking. There were 18 people in the room at the start, and there were 4 conversations. And they were quite lively, and the soul-funk loud, so that the air was filled up with sound, despite the fact there were more people studying and reading, and most of them quietly alone. When I arrived at the counter there was a woman that wore a pink scarf. There was a woman at work by the window. She wore a brown sweater with pink patterned diamonds in shades on the front.
Soulmates Centered Very First Thing 6:05 am
Soulmates Centered Indigo 6:15 am
Soulmates Centered Anna Blue 6:25 am
Soulmates Centered Aquamarine 6:34 am
Soulmates Centered Green 6:37 am
Soulmates Centered Green Most High 6:41 am
Soulmates in the Rain 6:52 am
There was another woman in pink but she went by too fast for me to remember and note in my love diary for Anna. The soul horns blasted, the drums pumped, and the whistle of wind that forced through the cracks in the window was loud and continuous. The gusting wind blew very hard while I walked up the street. It was a blustery autumnal day. The rain turned to hard round flakes of white snow occasionally, and leaves blew through mid air wild and free. Trees rattled, barely keeping composure with their newfound nakedness. And all that remained of the skeleton was the solitary skull dangling.
Her Green Garden of Love 7:21 am
Her Green Garden of Love 7:36 am
Her Green Garden amid Rain 8:00 am
Road to Relating 9:43 am
In the wind, the body had disposed of his poor head for a journey to inaccessible regions. The ghosts were mere threads, displaced, and doomed to their ruin. Windows were speckled by rain. I was so sorry I missed yesterday. A man wore a black sports shirt with the number 88 on the front in white. There was much black and white clothing. A couple arrived with their baby in stroller. The woman wore a black jacket with a white woolen scarf, and a pale grey turtleneck sweater. Her ponytail was done up by a vivid pink band.
Her Habitat River of Love 9:57 am
Her Habitat River of Love 12:24 pm
Old Port Promenade 1:07 pm
Old Port Promenade 2:25 pm
Somebody said it was hailing, and was afraid it would destroy his or her car. But it looked simply like more snow to me. The sky was flat overcast grey, featureless like smoked porcelain. People outside walked with effort, their hair and scarves blowing, not captured. I woke up early this morning, to soulmates centered by Anna, and she had captured my heart. The light became greener and greener, as green as her green garden heart. Anna showed me her green garden of love with the wind and the rain that made trees more naked than ever. But the green lawn remained verdant.
Relating Betwixt  3:35 pm
Relating Betwixt 4:03 pm
Relating Betwixt 4 09 pm
Relating Betwixt  4:25 pm
Relating Betwixt 4:43 pm
Relating Betwixt 4:52 pm
Relating Betwixt 5:02 pm
The streets were rain swept and empty. Rain trickled down the lens, adding detail to the weatherworn scene. And then, Anna showed me the street with Place Viger where the buildings relating were distantly dreaming. And then, Anna showed me Habitat, down by her river of love. The trees and the tents were exposed to the outdoors, and raindrops dripped down the screen. And I was in love with her. Anna showed me the Old Port promenade, and then the two betwixt and in love, and then at a clear distance. And I love her.Â
Betwixt i Love Night 5:07 pm
Betwixt in Love Night 5:16 pm
The Whole Thing at Night 5:40 pm
Betwixt in Living Colour 6:21 pm
And she showed me downtown with night colours. And then back to betwixt again. My heart belonged to Anna, no matter what destruction, my passion for her keeps on going, my love for her ever intact. Amid the explosion of red and the deep darkening black, no war or tornado could ever extract my devotion for her in my heart. This love will never depart; it’s protected from pulling apart. I love Anna Dirksen, and all the ways she says yes. There is no mirror truer, clear and round, as her face. I’m so in love with her sweet fluidity. And in her face there is such beauty.Â
Destroying
Relating
Soulmates and Rain, Darkness and Light, and I Love Her
Â
Soulmates Sky Mountain 5:07 pm
Night Rain City Lights 11:25 pm
This morning Anna showed me soulmates as stars amid her black potency. I drifted off to sleep once again. I opened my eyes to yellow glowing. And that was a beautiful thing, to see upon waking from dream. Because Anna is my dreamgirl, you see, and her yellow love light shine greeted me before my mind uttered its first thought, and my heart was freshly awake, nearly newborn, in her yellow love light. Anna showed me soulmates centered for most of the day. I watched as the clouds and the lighting changed while the soulmates remained.
Soulmates and Her Black Potency  6:20 am
Her Yellow Love Shining 7:20 am
I was in spirit and my heart was with Anna today, longing for her I must say. She showed me soulmates and the mountain, and above, the open sky clouds with my home not too far in the distance. Anna was in my heart’s mind. She showed me the clock tower, down by her river of love. She showed me the bridge that grew red lights in the dark. Anna showed me the red city in rain and she showed me the red satellite dish, and she showed me the red road. Anna showed me the city in rain with the two beams of light transforming like faces in the surreal evening light. And I love her. I love Anna Dirksen. She is an achiever, a healer, a hero, and a leader to me. She lights up my life with her dynamic Yin energy. I treasure her soul strength.
Soulmates Sky Mountain 7:34 am
Soulmates Centered Rain 7:50 am
Soulmate Centered Grey 9:00 am
Soulmate Centered Pink Fog 1:57 pm
Soulmates Centered Brightly 3:20 pm
Soulmates Centered Coming Rain 3:56 pm
Soulmates Centered Dark Rain 4:41pm
It was a very slow start to my morning. My body protested all movement for the longest time. And outside it was pouring rain. It rained and poured all day long. I went out tonight for a walk and it was cold, it was damp and it rained. This morning, I went to get something to eat at the store down the street, and I decided it would be an indoor day. I decided I wouldn’t walk up to Monkland in the cold air and driving rain. I would do my love writing at home. There were large pools of water by the curb those cars splashed and nearly got me. Autumn leaves lay plastered and flat. I had to navigate through soaked grassy spots to avoid growing puddles. And it was too cold to boot.
Soulmates  Sky Mountain 5:07 pm
Time Bridges Her River of Love 5:20 pm
I cleaned up eventually, after simply relaxing and resting. I sat and watched the soulmates that remained together in the rainy sky weather. And I daydreamed about Anna, and my heart was with her from first thing to the last of the night. I listened to music and silence. I enjoyed Brian Eno’s On Land, and Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations as played by Glen Gould. It was good to simply be home, and do nearly nothing in my apartment, except unwind and contemplate, feed my cat, and listen to the pouring rain outside my window, while I dwelled in my heart for my soulmate. And her name is Anna Dirksen.
Light Bridge 5:27 pm
Bridge Darkness and Light 6:05 pm
And on August 28th, I wrote…Air molecules were so active with caressing from water. Everything vibrated with it. There were no shadows to be seen, as the singer sang, “I will love you in every way.” All was immersed in the shadow of overcast sky. The trees in love across the street were trembling and swaying in the wind. And the singer sang, “Does she love me with all her heart? Does she need me? Does she pretend? Is this a game? Will I win? –It’s a lover’s question. And how can I tell it’s really me?”
Well, through all the yellow she shows me, the river, the tree and the clouds, how could I think otherwise, than that she is my true love? And the singer sang, “I love you, baby, won’t you call me the moment you get there?” And just at that very moment, somebody’s cell phone rang loud. And I wished I had Anna’s number, to call her to tell her I love her. And that she had my number with her and that our numbers combined to be one number together.
Red City Lights Purple Sky 6:06 pm
Night Rain and Traffic 6:11 pm
And I craved Anna right there and then. I craved her presence so much, like a waterfall of love, in the midst of my seriousness, and the mystery above us that wove us into the dream of synchronicity and loving and believing, of blindness and of seeing, of loss and of redeeming. I was missing and wanting her so much. The trees in love across the street had no shine by way of sunlight, but they were still full of sheen and luster from the rainy daylight. It was a sleepy morning. It really was, quite. And the authentic blues music came on –in the dark the spark lights the way without shame. Outside everything moved in slow motion, as if in a silent movie.
Signal Saucer 6:21 pm
Night Lights and Rain 7:57 pm
Anna is my green healer, my soulmate anchor, and my loving heart leader. Let me be more open to her, may we do deep dreamwork together. May we take in the breath of life. And the singer sang, “Take me to the river.” May we nurse ecology through every emergency, may we kiss deeply and freely through falling water, may we free fleeting flying saucers. May we stop greed from grabbing all green, and encourage healing homeopathy. And the singer sang, “You are the sunshine of my life,” May we provide relief for the last hospital, may we become the ladder lamp knights. May our love flow as safe as our lifeboat, protect us as our lifeguard, our life jacket, our true love lighthouse…
Waterfall –Judee Sill
I’ve heard the waterfall roaring again
Since I’ve been loving you
With my poor heart in my throat I begin
Loving a dream come true
Tumbling down came the waters
Tickling every stone
On the edge trembling I tottered
My fate yet unknown
But my fear had flown
‘Cause your love came to lead me home
Waterfall song in my ears
Praising its thunderous source
Just as my heart praises you and me here
Proof love’s the wondrous force
Tumbling down comes the waters
Tickling every stone
Grumbling gravity falters
Since dawn has shown
How night’s overthrown
And loves comes to lead us home
From a small trickle it grows
Watching, I wait enthralled
‘Til its momentum will carry the flow
Over the rushing falls
Tumbling down comes the waters
Tickling every stone
Past the sun’s rays growing hotter
The cascade drones, through listening foam
Like love comes to lead us home
Saving
The Persona
Relating
Her Yellow Sky Morning, Her Yellow Love Shining, and I am in Love
Trees in Love on Green 4:11 pm
When I arrived at Starbucks, a woman came in wearing a white sweater with hood over a pale pink top. Behind her followed a woman wearing a brown coat with a pink and brown plaid scarf. To my left, a woman and a man sat together talking. Her black coat with a pink pattern scarf rested on the chair beside her. The man wore a dark red and burgundy striped shirt. The woman wore a matching pink top and slacks. She wore three thin pink bracelets and a very green ring. Her belt buckle was shining like diamonds. They spoke about consciousness and beings from another existence and other transpersonal things. The man described a meeting that he had with someone he said was real.Â
Her Yellow Sky Mountain Morning 7:05Â am
Her Yellow Sky Mountain Morning 7:11 am
Her Yellow Sky Mountain Morning 7:21 am
Her Yellow Sky Mountain Morning 7:25 am
Well, I was in love with Anna Dirksen first thing this Friday morning. She showed me soulmates when I woke up. She showed me the sunrise with yellow sky and cloud. She showed me the yellow sky with the mountain, and the scene then became very green. Anna showed me buildings relating, with the swirling clouds for dreamers. And then she showed me the soulmates centered with love, and my heart opened to her with love. I felt so warm and peaceful for her, dreamy and thrilled at the same time. Emotion flowed with great ease.
Buildings Relating with Open Rolls of Clouds 7:35 am
Soulmate Centered 7:41 am
Soulmate Centered 10:34 am
Soulmate Centered 12:57 pm
I had an appointment this afternoon, and when I returned Anna showed me the trees in love in the park where the couple embraced. And I prayed that I did not miss much. After that Anna showed me the trees and the green, and the green circle, in her green garden of love. After that Anna showed me Place Viger with cars travelling, and the road became red for travel. And much later on, the Bonsecours dome. What really got me was Anna’s showing me her yellow love shine, so solid and pure.
Where the Lovers Embrace 3:02 pm
Where the Lovers Embrace 3:57 pm
And her timing was impeccably perfect. I needed her love shine so badly. I really did need that. And it hit the spot that only she can soothe, with her shining of love in the field of yellow. And I loved it. She was on my mind very strongly just before that happened. Anna showed me yellow twice, or more later on in the evening. And these yellow visitations sealed my love for her, truly. That yellow got to me deeply and personal. There are no words to express how I feel. There’s no other woman on this earth that could touch me with colour that way.
Trees in Love on Green 4:11 pm
Trees in Love on Green 4:43 pm
The website was down yesterday or something, but Jeff this morning explained it was back up, but for some reason I couldn’t access it until the DSL propagates. So I couldn’t post anything before 9 this evening. Last night I sent Anna my love a note about that, along with my re-report and my love diary because this is very important. I love the work that she does. I want to be there for her the best way that I can. No matter how near or how far, I want to be with my love. This morning, a tail end of a dream about her. Anna was at her computer and I was stroking her hair, her long and black wavy hair, with waves of love coming over me.
Her Green Circle of Love 5:14 pm
A man wearing an orange T-shirt with the letters RVCA on the front signed a card with two dogs on the front, and he fit it into a yellow envelope. He had a gold chain around his neck with the number 5 dangling from it. He put on his tan leather jacket. He was bald, and then he departed. A woman arrived wearing a long black fall coat with a pale pink scarf on it. Three college girls then arrived, and one wore a pink plaid jacket.
Travelling Pink  5:57 pm
Today it as overcast. A soft and thick pale grey sky, like grey cotton seamless, absorbent. Shadows were naught, all was uniform in light without contrast, soaking in grey. The cloudscape was glowing today, brighter than what was on land. The elderly man that does writing, the one with the fictional characters, he said had a life of their own, arrived wearing a black jacket along with a glowing red scarf. The trees in love were bare extensions of branch-work, save for the dangling skeleton and the three ramshackle ghosts. The skeleton’s left leg had returned. Perhaps it was a trick he had learned?
Red Road Travel 6:20 pm
And a couple arrived with their baby in stroller. The baby was dressed in thick pink, with a peachy pink baby outfit. The father wore a leather jacket with a black and white checkered sweater. The mother wore a black jacket with pink scarf and pink mittens in her pockets. They sat with the grandmother, wearing a green jacket and a pink cap. The mother with baby in her lap made baby talk while her husband smiled at his laptop, and the grandmother eating her muffin. The three adults were happy together, relaxed and looking content. The baby quietly fed. And my heart throbbed for the love of my life. And her name is Anna Dirksen.
Her Yellow Love Shine 8:11 pm
Her Yellow Love Shine 9:57 pm
And my whole frame was craving for her. I don’t ever want to lose her. She is my soulmate, my cure. I weave my love writing for her, to make real the breakthrough of dreamwork that we carry in commitment together, in every kind of weather. I long for a soulmate marriage ceremony within the sphere of our love. Let us consummate the ripeness we can fulfill in true love. Let us fulfil our love’s performance, let us complete our love’s dream green harvest, and let us realize our love’s projects. Let us attain to the task of our dream plans and satisfy our heart’s love’s commands. To achieve the realness we come here for, to make a complete house of caring, loving and creating. I love Anna Dirksen. These are the things I would love to build with her. And on the CBC News at Six, I saw the shaft of light like a wedding veil right next to her long black and wavy hair. And the CBC logo in red now appears on the white anchor table.
Her Yellow Love Shine 1:03 am
Her Yellow Love Shine 2:05 am
On The Simpsons, it was the second annual Halloween episode. Homer and the kids eat too much candy and have nightmares. Lisa’s nightmare was about Homer buying a monkey’s claw. It made wishes come true, but with a dire consequence as well. For example, Lisa wishes for world peace. All armaments are disarmed. This gives the aliens a good idea, they arrive and take over the place. Homer gives Flanders the claw but with his wishes there’s nothing wrong. Bart’s nightmare is about a monster that is himself. Everyone’s afraid of him, he can read their mind and then force them to transform into mutated things. Bart turns Homer into a Jack in a Box. The therapist tells Bart to spend more time with his father, forge a better relationship. In the end, Bart tells his father he loves him –and that is Bart’s biggest nightmare. Homer dreams that Mr. Burns creates a robot monster. He steals Homer’s brain thinking he’s dead. The robot eats donuts instead of working at the console. The robot crushes Burns when it falls, and so he has his head attached to Homer’s body. And this creates a new TV show, with Homer and Mr. Burns as two heads.
On Frasier, Daphne discovers an engagement ring in Martin’s underwear drawer. She tells Frasier and Niles and they speculate that their father intends to pop the question, and propose to Sherry, his girlfriend. They’re quite worried about him. Niles hires a private detective and discovers that Sherry’s been married 6 times already. At the bar, Martin and Sherry talk. He tells her he wants something more –a commitment from her since they’ve been going out together for so long. But Sherry can’t commit, she’s not interested. She says she’s not ready for it, having been married so much already, she wants to continue but casually. Martin tells her he wants to get married, but since this is not in her best plans, Martin decides to break up with her instead. Frasier walks into the bar with the wedding ring Martin forgot. But it was too late for that now, and so, Martin and Frasier watch sports.
On CBC News at Six, Michel Godbout wore a medium grey jacket a pale blue shirt and a green tie with diagonal bands of black and white, and he begins, “A hospital in St-Hyacinthe battles C-Difficile. I’m Michel Godbout. This is CBC News at Six. Tonight: Outbreak. A tough strain of C-Difficile kills patients at this hospital. Baby Rafael: This premee’s finally goes home with the oxygen he needs. And: Rupert River. The Cree are divided over the future of this majestic waterway.”
The first story, “Good evening. In Montreal tonight, C-Difficile is back in the headlines. People who work at a hospital in St-Hyacinthe are still trying to stop an outbreak. 9 people have died in the last 3 months. 13 others are sick. Our Leah Hendry has been covering this story. She joins us now live. Leah, what can you tell us?”
Leah Hendry, wearing a dark black-red top over an orange-red one, replies, “Michel, there was an epidemic of C-Difficile in 2003-2004 around Montreal, and number of special precautions were brought in. The government spent millions of dollars to fight it. It appears, this strain may be the same type –a particularly virulent kind.”
Leah Hendry begins, “Every time this nurse enters the unit that houses patients with C-Difficile, she has to do this: A gown, booties, gloves. And when she comes back, antibacterial hand-wash. It’s stringent, but it needs to be. Since July 9 elderly patients have died from the bacteria at Honoré-Mercier Hospital. The director general says, this is a virulent strain of C-Difficile, likely brought into the hospital through the emergency room. Denis Blanchard says, the strain has not responded to traditional precautions the hospital normally has in place. So it quickly decided to put in 40 other measures to fight it. They include biodegradable bedpans, a hand-washing campaign for non-staff members, and one visitor at a time in the rooms of people who are sick with C-Difficile. A private company has also been hired to disinfect the hospital from top to bottom. Blanchard says, it’s a major operation. All the patients were taken out of their rooms. The bed linens were thrown out, and everything is cleaned -even the plastic cover on the medical charts. C-Difficile is a bacteria that causes diarrhea and serious intestinal conditions. The use of antibiotics increases the chance of developing C-Difficile, because it breaks down the normal levels of good bacteria found in the intestines and colon.”
Moracio Arrude, Quebec Public Health, “As I was telling you, this bacteria can mutate. And some strains can in time be more present in one hospital. And those strains have specific mutations that make them more virulent.”
Leah Hendry reports, “Dr. Mark Miller studies C-Difficile. He says, there may have been a breakdown in protocol at the hospital, and urges patients to be vigilant when it comes to their health.”
Mark Miller, Head of Infectious Diseases Unit, Jewish General Hospital, explains, “For we’d like the patients to be empowered, to ask their health-care providers to wash their hands, and to clean the surroundings. And that should be an acceptable standard that they should be asking for.”
Back in studio, Leah Hendry continues, “…the hospital will be getting test results back next week on whether this is in fact C-Difficile. In the meantime, anyone who comes into the hospital with diarrhea will be tested for the bacteria. The hospital staff also wants to reassure people it is taking all necessary precautions to fight it.”
Michel closes, “Alright, Leah Hendry, thanks a lot.” Leah replies, “You’re welcome.”
The second story, “Well, we all know when it comes to taxis, time is money. But sometimes a driver’s rush can be risky. Tonight we have the story of one elderly woman who has lost her independence, all because of what happened to her in a cab. And our health reporter, Gerri Barrer, joins us now with details. Gerri?”
Gerri Barrer, wearing a black leather jacket with a white scarf, replies, “Michel, this was not a collision. It was a case of stepping on the gas too fast. And it may happen more often than statistics tells us.”