Above: photo of a woman one day after undergoing a laser treatment, which may produce dramatic results but can require days of recovery time, time which not everyone has the luxury to take off. In sharp contrast, IPL photofacials propose a reportedly gentler, subtler, safer approach to skin rejuvenation that requires next to no downtime. Gen Nishino / Getty Images
Intrigued by the idea of eradicating the over half a dozen chicken pox scars whose strategic web-like positioning have led to premature lines and textural irregularities on my face, not to mention acne-induced perma-reminders marking my once-upon-a-time, prepubescent dewy complexion, I couldn't resist taking Montreal-based Spa Évia on their potentially life-changing offer to allow me the chance to treat these conditions. And more.
Having completed my first session two weeks ago, I wrote up the first of a series of reviews on the subject, cutting through brochure claims and publicly airing my skincare woes -- which may seem trite on the surface, but as you'll soon find out, these scars run deep -- in the hopes those of you considering this kind of treatment who are not sure who to trust will have a better idea of what to expect.
In addition to Canadian Christopher Plummer's in-the-running for Best Supporting Actor in Beginners, fellow Canuck and Montreal filmmaker Philippe Falardeau got the Best Foreign Film Oscar nomination nod for dramedy Monsieur Lazhar, a feature length glimpse into the coping mechanisms of a Montreal elementary school classroom relegated to Bachir Lazhar, an Algerian immigrant faced with the daunting task of picking up the conspicuous pieces its previous teacher left behind, a woman who took her own life. On school grounds.
With the news announced while the Montrealer was on location with Monsieur Lazhar producers in full promotional hustle at the Sundance Film Festival, has the industry hat tip inspired Falardeau to crop his Quebec roots, eschew their comparatively shoestring production budgets and make the transplant to Hollywood? According to the following Postmedia News excerpt, not really:
"My place is still in Quebec, he says. "Here, I can pursue my own personal projects quite happily. My inspiration comes from my home, but if at some time I am offered a project that really appeals to me, I will look at it and ask myself if I am the right person to tell the story -and take it from there," adding, "I'm not doing this for money. If I wanted money, I would be making television and commercials."
All films considered, Monsieur Lazhar has some stiff competition, vying for the award along with one of my favorite Fantasia Film Festival picks of 2011, Berlin Film fest darling/Belgian production Bullhead, a bloody, brutal take on the bovine growth hormone black market. Israel's Footnote, Poland/German/Canadian coproduction In Darkness and Iran's A Separation, which just won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film in addition to dozens of film festival awards, are also on the nomination roster.
One of the more affordable family outings of the year, Montreal parents are strongly advised to bring the kids to Montreal Snow Festival La Fête des Neiges where a slew of freebie and fairly cheap activities await the masses.
You might even consider investigating Montreal's brand new snow village. Just keep in mind admission is required to enter the village whereas the remaining snow fest perimeter is accessible free of charge.
Above: photo of a woman one day after undergoing a laser treatment, which may produce dramatic results but can require days of recovery time, time which not everyone has the luxury to take off. In sharp contrast, IPL photofacials propose a reportedly gentler, subtler, safer approach to skin rejuvenation that requires next to no downtime. Gen Nishino / Getty Images
Above: photo still from Monsieur Lazhar
Above: comedian Kathy Griffin (right) posing with gossip queen Perez Hilton (left). Kevin Winter / Getty Images
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