Having to make the perilously journey from Laval all the way downtown through snowstorms, construction cones and potholes to get his comedy fix, Charles believed there was a golden opportunity in providing English comedy on the North Shore. Along with the partnership of Sid Khullar of MTLComedyClub, he started Laval’s Got Jokes, a monthly English comedy show at the House of Jazz of Laval “to prove that his town of Laval is not only the butt of the jokes”, by press release.

One year and 12 shows later, Charles, Sid, the House of Jazz and their audience celebrate the 1 year anniversary of their show (named #3 on the CultMtl list of Best Comedy Shows in town)! “The energy in this room is different. The comics and the audiences have such a good time! And the venue is so beautiful also! Thousands of chandeliers, the way the stage is set up, the balcony. It all comes together nicely.”

The gala, which will take place Tuesday May 30th at 8:00pm, will feature a lineup of comedians, as well as some special surprises, and a live house band! From witty one-liners to side-splitting stories.

“We’re thrilled to bring together such a talented group of comedians for this event,” said Charles Daghlian, the event organizer. “We want to give people a chance to forget about their troubles and just laugh for a night. I’m going all out! Live band, special surprise comedians. I’m even going to suit up for the occasion!”

On top of one year of English comedy, Charles and Sid are starting a French show at the House of Jazz as well, for the French speaking public of Laval and North-Shore in need of laughter. The first show will take place on Tuesday, June 13th.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.mtlcomedyclub.com/laval.

L’article Comedians Take Over The Iconic House of Jazz Laval est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

If you have ever inadvertently come into contact with giant hogweed or wild parsnip you will not forget the encounter anytime soon. The sap from these invasive plants is toxic to the skin and can cause severe irritation.

Other invasive plants like phragmites, also known as common reed, can spread quickly and aggressively choke out native vegetation. This can be devastating for local ecosystems. While there are various options for controlling these plants, which can include mowing, flooding and compression, sometimes these steps can actually stimulate the growth of more of the invasive reeds.

Whether it’s giant hogweed, wild parsnip or phragmites, sometimes the best option for controlling them is by using an herbicide.

“Unlike other removal methods, herbicides get to the root of the problem, effectively killing the entire plant,” says Pierre Petelle, president and CEO of CropLife Canada. “All pesticides in Canada are regulated by Health Canada to ensure they can be used safely without harm to humans or the environment.”

Invasive species can have long-term impacts on natural environments from forests to wetlands and lakes. These plants compete with native vegetation for water, nutrients and space, which impacts soil and water quality, wildlife habitat, biodiversity and natural fire protection.

Invasive plants can also invade recreational areas, making them less attractive and less enjoyable for people and their families. Dense vegetation can make it difficult for people to enjoy walking trails, and popular swimming areas can become unusable due to uncontrolled aquatic plants. Unfortunately, outdoor recreation enthusiasts can inadvertently spread infestations by tracking seeds and other parts of the plants to new areas.

However, with an effective range of tools, which includes pesticides and mechanical methods to control invasive species, local land managers can keep our natural environments and urban green spaces healthy. 

(Source : News Canada)

L’article Invasive species take a toll est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Here’s how to make the most of everything Canada has to offer with a more sustainable summer vacation.

Go offline and get outside 
For a truly refreshing and restorative staycation, disconnect for a few days without reaching for phones or laptops. Electronics can disrupt our circadian rhythm and natural sleep cycle. Consider morning salutations or meditation to connect with nature and set your intentions for the day.

There are 37 national parks and 10 national park reserves in Canada, plus numerous provincial parks and local nature reserves to explore, meaning nature isn’t far from your doorstep.

“Camp” from the comfort of home  
Roughing it in the outdoors may not be ideal for everyone, but it’s easy to create a quality camping experience from home. Set up a tent in the backyard or a local campground, light some candles or a bonfire, and roast marshmallows and hot dogs using sticks fallen from nearby trees.

Try bringing food and snacks you already have in the fridge or pantry. If grocery shopping’s a must, consider carbon-neutral food options like Maple Leaf Natural Top Dogs. The Carbon Zero logo indicates a carbon neutral company to help you identify planet-friendly options for your cookout.

Support sustainable experiences  
Looking for a new experience? Try visiting food festivals or fundraisers in your area. These provide the opportunity for you and your family to support the community while also cutting down on your carbon emissions since you won’t have to travel far.

If booking a hotel or rental property, ask your accommodation provider about their sustainability commitments to choose an option that aligns with sustainable tourism.

Make staycations the new vacations. The more we explore our neighbourhoods on foot, the smaller our carbon footprint.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article 3 tips for a sustainable summer staycation est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

If your sense of smell is reduced or you’ve lost it completely that could be an early indicator of brain disease.

The nose knows
While temporary loss of smell is often linked to having a cold, COVID-19 or a respiratory virus, ongoing and progressive smell loss may be one of the most important signals of brain health and an early indicator for Parkinson’s disease.

According to a research study sponsored by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), up to 30 per cent of people experiencing smell loss have shown brain changes associated with Parkinson’s disease – a chronic, neurodegenerative disease that affects an estimated six million people worldwide and over 100,000 Canadians.

What’s more, smell loss can happen years or even decades before traditional Parkinson’s symptoms appear, including tremors or difficulty with balance. However, studies have shown it can be surprisingly difficult to identify smell loss – seven in 10 people living with it didn’t know until they were tested.

A scratch-and-sniff test to the rescue
While scientists are hard at work trying to understand why smell loss occurs with Parkinson’s, they all agree that it could be an important part in understanding the disease, including who’s at risk, who gets it, who doesn’t and why.

There is a simple screening tool to measure the risk for brain disease – a scientist-developed scratch-and-sniff smell test, which is available to all Canadians over 60 living without Parkinson’s. The free test, which can be ordered and delivered right to your door, involves 40 multiple-choice scratch-and-sniff questions. Answers are submitted online and the results have the potential to change the understanding of brain disease.

Smell tests and the evolution of Parkinson’s
Results are analyzed by scientists and may lead to the submitter being asked to join a landmark brain health study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) – now in Canada. The global study seeks to enroll 100,000 participants with and without the disease, working with people both in-person and online, to provide insights into Parkinson’s disease, including the link between smell loss and brain health.

Not everyone with smell loss will go on to develop brain disease, but everyone can play a role in helping find better treatments, cures and even ways to prevent brain disease altogether.

Find out more about the smell test at mysmelltest.org/canada.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article New smell test helping detect brain disease est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

However, some items always make the cut for curbside collection – but that doesn’t mean they aren’t recyclable. Here are a few handy examples:

1. Carpet: Get it picked up
   Old carpeting is not typically accepted in regional blue box programs, but if you call the manufacturer or a local recycling company, they can often bring it to a depot. There it’s recycled into a new carpet or other items like plastic auto parts. Carpets are often made from synthetics or fossil fuel-based materials, so keeping them out of landfill is worthwhile.
2. Old pens: Drop off at a local store
   Although much of the world has gone digital, there are still many of us who keep a trusty pen and paper on hand. Some local and national retailers collect pens and stationery items that would otherwise need to be thrown out. Check out your office supplies store to see if they take broken or dried up writing utensils, from pens to mechanical pencils and felt tip markers.
3. Re-sell or donate: Bicycles
   Even if that old bicycle seems un-ridable, there are still plenty of ways to put it to use. There are many groups across the country that will take an old bike – either as a fixer upper or as a source for stripped parts that will create or repair another bicycle. Look locally for organizations or shops that sell or repair used bikes.
4. Mail in programs: Smoke-free products
   Recycling is a great way for all of us to be stewards of the planet and, in some cases, can be done from your home or office. Nicotine-containing products like vaping devices, pods and certain heated tobacco devices can be safely recycled or disposed of for free with the national Smoke-Free Recycling program. Collect your items in any old box, print a free shipping label and send them off in the mail. There is also the option to recycle cigarette butts through the program.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article 4 ways to recycle items that don’t go in the blue box est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Here are some tips every owner needs to keep in mind:

Culture counts. While company culture may sound like a buzzword used by a fad-obsessed tech giant, don’t be so quick to brush it off. Culture is a major contributor to job satisfaction, which in turn leads to increased productivity and profit. Make sure your business encourages teamwork, rewards effort and has a mission your employees can believe in.

Learn the rules. There are many laws and guidelines for companies to follow that cover everything from filing taxes to sending emails. These rules can change, especially those that cover technology, so take steps to keep your business up to date and compliant. Don’t be afraid to hire a bookkeeper, lawyer or human resources consultant to help, as penalties can be hefty.

Lead by example. It can be hard to take the boss seriously when they have a “do as I say, not as I do” mindset. Practise the dedication and hard work you want your employees to put in, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Clean your restaurant’s tables and jump in to cover a last-minute shift on a Saturday night.

Have a backup plan. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Knowing what you’ll do if Plan A fails is just as important as having a plan in the first place. For example, research what resources are available should you need a new loan or line of credit. One of your options could be the recently improved and expanded Canada Small Business Financing Program. You can now use the program to fund eligible practical costs like rent, payroll, franchise fees, permits, printed materials, cloud storage and more.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article What any small business owner needs to know est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

1. First, where to? Consider a location that offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy, such as a beach resort, a spa retreat or a big city with plenty of nightlife.
2. Next, choose a date that works for everyone and make sure your group has plenty of notice. This way everyone can clear their schedules and plan for work, childcare and other responsibilities.
3. Once the location and date are set, create an itinerary. Brainstorm a list of activities and experiences that everyone wants to do and make sure there’s a good mix of relaxation and adventure. For example, you could plan a day at the spa followed by a night out on the town, or a morning yoga class followed by a hike in a nearby park.
4. When it comes to accommodations, consider renting a vacation home rather than booking separate hotel rooms. A private place allows everyone stay together and creates a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Look for plenty of space and amenities such as a full kitchen, outdoor seating area and comfortable bedrooms so you can really go all out.
5. Finally, don’t forget the little details that can make a big difference. Bring a curated selection of snacks and drinks to enjoy during downtime, create a playlist of everyone’s favorite songs and pack some matching outfits or accessories for group photos.

With a little planning and coordination, a girls’ getaway can be the perfect way to unwind, have fun and strengthen friendships.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article How to plan the ultimate girls’ getaway est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Pick a theme
Choosing a theme is great way to get kids excited and it can join separate activities together into a cohesive camp experience – plus it just makes everything a lot more fun. Space camp, magicians, an enchanted forest, under the sea, a pirate ship, theatre camp or your very own Olympic games. Choose a theme your kids will be excited about.

Select activities to develop skills
Once you have a theme in place, pick some activities. Look to inspire fun, encourage play and expand their growth and development. This doesn’t have to be costly or complicated.

There are tons of online resources and tutorials that have easy instructions and printouts for activities that work on developing social, physical and behaviour skills. These are fun events that also secretly help kids practice things like hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and balance.

Choose games to grow
Host your own Olympics with games such as obstacle courses, hopscotch or throwing a ball to develop balance, coordination and body awareness. Train your child’s brain with a backyard laboratory for science experiments such as a sandbox volcano, water balloon parachutes or solar oven s’mores.

If your little ones are dealing with a learning disability, physical challenges or other health and wellbeing challenges, a health professional can assist with developing activities that are fun, accessible and engaging and developmentally appropriate.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article Create a DIY summer camp in your backyard est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Although they typically haunt allergy sufferers in spring and fall, some people face symptoms all year, even in summer. For those longer-term allergy sufferers, improving the quality of indoor air at home might help.

Here are some easy steps to cleaner, fresher air at home:

• Prevent mould growth
  Mould spores in the air can cause an allergic reaction or a rise in allergy symptoms. Mould grows in moist environments, like bathrooms. To prevent its growth, check occasionally for leaks around your tub or shower. Ensure your bathroom exhaust fan is working and consider opening a window during a shower. Allow the shower and its door or curtain to fully dry when you’re done to prevent moisture build-up. And, when cleaning mouldy surfaces, wear a mask to prevent breathing in the airborne spores and run an air purifier at the same time.
• Avoid VOCs
  Many home cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs, which are chemicals that can affect air quality. They can also off-gas from pressed wood cabinets, panelling and flooring. To reduce exposure to these compounds, avoid storing cleaning products in your living area and keep only the minimum amount you need. When using them, open a window or turn on a fan. An air purifier can also help increase ventilation without opening windows. The same advice applies if you are installing new flooring or painting a room.
• Reduce pet allergens
  Dog and cat hair and pet dander in the air can affect your indoor air quality. Pets coming into the house can also track in pesticides and outdoor allergens. To reduce these allergens in your home, vacuum area rugs and carpets regularly and consider having your fur babies sleep in a different room from you. Consider a high-quality air purifier in every room where pets spend significant time.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article Why cleaner air at home might help summertime allergies est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Here are some tips to get started from Chris Mark, the European destination expert with Canadian booking agency Hosted Villas.

1. Money matters
   Before you start planning your trip, you need to determine how much you can afford to spend and when you can travel. Keep in mind that some countries are more expensive than others (especially in northern Europe), that cities are more expensive than the countryside and that peak season travel (July and August) is always costlier.
2. Where to go
   Once you have your budget and travel dates, you can start researching specific destinations. Europe has a diverse range of cultures, landscapes and attractions, so consider what interests you the most. Do you want to explore historic cities, hike in the mountains or relax on the beach? Don’t be too ambitious. Instead, focus on going deeper into a smaller number of regions, and try to avoid the big city crowds.
3. What to do
   After you’ve chosen your destinations, it’s time to plan your itinerary. For those who prefer to do all their own planning, you can use travel guides, blogs and online forums to get an idea of the must-see attractions and activities in each location. For those who prefer to rely on an expert, contact a European tour specialist or travel agent for advice. Don’t forget to build some down time into the plan so that you can savour the experience.
4. Where to stay and how to get around
   With your itinerary in hand, you can start booking your accommodation and transportation. For help, you can always contact a travel agent – their fees are generally covered by the suppliers. Try to avoid the big chain hotels in favour of small boutique properties and stay within walking distances of local attractions. Also, consider the most convenient and affordable transportation between destinations, such as trains, buses or flights.
5. Stay flexible
   Despite your best efforts, unexpected things can happen during your trip. It’s essential to be flexible and adaptable to changes in your itinerary or plans. This can include weather-related cancellations, transportation delays or unexpectedly closed attractions. Try to stay positive and embrace the unexpected, as it may lead to some of the most memorable moments of your trip – and don’t forget to buy travel insurance.

Finally, take the time to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of each place. Try local foods, meet new people and immerse yourself in the culture. It’s these experiences that will create lasting memories and make your trip unforgettable.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article How to plan the perfect European vacation est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.