SCIENCE. With the first total solar eclipse in Quebec since 1972 and the last in more than 80 years, on April 8, the population will have the chance to observe a rare phenomenon in the south of the province, including in Estrie.
In addition, some activities related to the transition of the Moon between the Sun and the Earth are organized in the region.
On the Bromont side, the activities on the Place publique side or on the Germain-Désourdy campus are carried out by the Fédération des astronomers amateurs du Québec.
Guides also accompany hikers to the peaks of Monts Bernard, Horizon and Spruce in the Parc des Sommets.
The Bromont chairlift, mountain of experiences, is also open.
Frelighsburg Town Hall also welcomes visitors who want to observe the phenomenon.
A guided tour of the Au Diable Vert open-air planetarium is planned in Sutton.
Mont Sutton also organizes activities in its car park and in the Le Tucker bar.
Visitors are also invited to watch the eclipse at Duhamel Park in Bedford Township.
SOLAR ECLIPSE
Solar eclipses occur several times a year, but are only visible in certain locations on Earth.
However, solar eclipses are becoming increasingly rare, approximately every 18 months.
According to the group of specialists in astronomy and popular science, the total solar eclipse will be visible in Sutton for 3 minutes and 30 seconds, from 3:26 p.m. The solar eclipse will be partially observable from 2:15 p.m. to 4:37 p.m.
This is one of the areas of the province where the solar eclipse will last the longest.
For its part, the Canadian Space Agency reminds us that it is very important not to look directly at the Sun, without adequate protection or with glasses specifically designed for observing a solar eclipse.
In Quebec, the next solar eclipse will first be seen in the Magdalen Islands before moving toward Beauce, Estrie and Centre-du-Québec, Montérégie and Montreal, heading into southern Ontario and then part of the Midwest, Texas and Mexico crossed.
The Observstars at Au Diable Vert in Sutton welcome visitors to watch the solar eclipse. (Photo: Courtesy of Michel St-Jean)
Using online tools can be a smart choice if your computer isn't powerful enough to run the latest software, if you own a Chromebook, or simply for convenience.
The best online services
Online services do not require downloading and installing software. A simple web browser and an internet connection are enough. Sometimes you'll need to create an account, but it's usually free, so you can get straight to a feature or tool more quickly.
Whether you need to edit images, edit a PDF, translate text, or even watch videos, there are plenty of online services that simply work regardless of your device. No need to download extensive programs or worry about their compatibility! All you need to do is visit a website and use the online tool of your choice.
After our top 10 essentials for Windows, here are our top 10 best online services that let you work and play anywhere without having to download them first.
Photopea: free and online Photoshop
Photopea is an online image editor that offers a similar experience to Adobe Photoshop. It is appreciated for its performance and ease of use and is suitable for both professionals and graphic design enthusiasts. Features include layer manipulation, filters, color adjustments and artistic filters, advanced text tools, masks and selections, and image editing, among others. The familiar Photoshop-like interface reduces learning time for experienced users.
Photopea supports various image formats including PSD, GIMP and Illustrator, making it easy to process files from various sources. The integrated text editor allows for extensive customization and color management with artistic filters ensures creative flexibility. When it comes to selections and masks, Photopea offers powerful tools for precise local retouching.
Adobe Acrobat Online: Add comments and edit a PDF file without Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Online offers several undeniable advantages, including compatibility with most browsers and flexibility for online collaboration. The basic version is free and offers PDF management and editing features. An online version of the Adobe Acrobat suite, you can convert, edit, merge, split, annotate, fill out forms and sign PDF documents.
The online service works on all browsers and operating systems and ensures maximum manipulation of PDFs. Features also include tools for editing images and text, organizing pages, page numbering, cropping, extracting, and exporting, which are accessible after signing in to a free Adobe account.
Advanced editing, including text annotations, notes, highlighting, form filling, and electronic signatures, is made easy with a comprehensive toolbar. Collaboration is made easier by sharing generated links, allowing for quick comments and changes. Although free is a plus, some advanced features require the paid version depending on the user's needs.
Google Drive: for storing and working without Microsoft Office
Google Drive, Google's cloud storage solution, offers comprehensive file management with a generous free allotment of 15GB of available storage space shared between Drive, Gmail and Google Photos. Accessible from any browser, operating system or internet-connected device, it makes collaboration easy by sharing via links or via Gmail.
Google Drive offers office tools such as Docs, Sheets, and Slides that are compatible with Microsoft Office and Open Document formats. Advanced search, notifications and offline availability maximize efficiency. Security is enhanced with protection against online threats and Drive is integrated with Google Workspace for business users. Google's artificial intelligence and search technology improve productivity, as do advanced features in paid subscriptions that include more storage per user, Meet meetings for up to 150 participants, and advanced security features.
Its biggest competitor, Microsoft OneDrive, is also available as an online service and also offers a solution accessible on all PCs to use the office tools Word, Excel, PowerPoint without having to install Microsoft Office. And of course, you get 5GB of free cloud storage, which can be expanded with a paid subscription.
If you are also looking for the best cloud storage space for your documents, photos and all kinds of data, read our complete article on the best cloud storage services.
DeepL: an efficient translation tool
DeepL is a revolutionary online translation service developed by DeepL GmbH, a German company, that uses artificial intelligence (AI) for high-quality translations. Launched in 2017, it quickly stood out for its precision and speed thanks to a neural network-based approach.
Unlike traditional services, DeepL provides contextual understanding of sentences for more natural translations. Its free online translator, limited to 1500 characters, also offers translation of three monthly documents and a limited personal glossary.
Like Google Translate, using DeepL is simple: enter the text you want to translate, the source language is automatically detected, and then select the target language. An immediate translation appears with the option of rewriting if you are dissatisfied. DeepL also offers full file translation, which is useful for longer or specific documents.
Deezer: Listen to music anywhere without downloading tracks
Deezer, the French music streaming platform that competes with the Swedish platform Spotify, offers a huge music catalog with millions of tracks across different genres. Deezer offers a free version with features like Flow, recommendations, and podcasts, while the Premium account eliminates ads, allows offline listening, and offers advanced features.
Deezer's user-friendly interface, available online or in the mobile app, offers familiar features. The homepage displays personalized recommendations, popular playlists, and the latest releases. Users can search for specific artists, albums or songs, and Deezer offers features such as creating playlists, managing favorites and browsing other users' playlists. The platform encourages sharing with collaborative playlists and offers blind testing to have fun with friends. In addition to music, Deezer also offers podcasts, web radio and links to platforms for buying concert tickets.
ChatGPT: to answer your questions anywhere
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence-based chat assistant developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT is designed to respond to a variety of topics in a relevant and conversational way. It offers a clean interface that allows users to ask questions, learn new information, or simply spend time in a fun way.
The ad-free application guarantees a smooth experience. It offers a subscription option, ChatGPT Plus, which provides access to the advanced GPT-4 model and provides priority access even during periods of high demand.
ChatGPT is versatile and can write, proofread, help with translation, make it easier to learn complex concepts, answer common questions, and even have realistic conversations. This tool has applications in writing, education, role-playing, and story generation.
YouTube: to watch videos anywhere
YouTube is the world's leading online video platform. It belongs to Google and is accessible through a browser or special applications. It was founded in 2005 and has helped many YouTubers (so-called YouTubers) achieve fame.
YouTube allows you to import and share videos and supports 8K resolution, 360° videos and 3D, as well as a wealth of music content. The ad-supported website offers the YouTube Premium plan to avoid ads. Rich in tutorials, clips and various content, YouTube does not require an account, but with a Google account it offers interesting features that allow likes, shares, subscriptions and channel creation.
The platform adapts to different screens and offers videos in multiple viewing formats. With YouTube Music and its free or premium versions, in addition to creating personalized channels, it is essential to discover various online content with standard videos and shorts.
WeTransfer: No USB stick or emailing required
Founded in 2009, WeTransfer is a large file sharing service that offers up to 2GB for free without registration, with a capacity of 200GB on subscription. The Service provides an online service and mobile application for storing, sorting and sharing images, videos, articles and documents.
The process is intuitive: users upload their files to the platform and receive a download link that they share with recipients. There is no daily limit on the number of files, but each submission must remain under 2GB, with availability limited to seven days. Free registration offers additional features such as transfer history and download link recovery. WeTransfer allows you to email directly to 20 people or send a copy of the transfer link, depending on your preference.
The Pro version, in turn, allows the transfer of larger files and allows the creation of a unique and customizable portal for each Pro account. The latter provides the data to be transmitted, offers the preview and enables the recipient to express their opinion.
Canva: How to create and find your designs anywhere
Designed to make graphic design accessible to everyone, Canva is an easy-to-use platform with no fewer than 250,000 customizable templates. Canva is accessible on various devices, including online, and requires an account to sync files. You can choose from existing templates or create your own custom design.
The library includes various categories, from social media to company logos to greeting cards, invitations and much more. You customize text, images, shapes, videos, etc. with detailed options. The service even includes image generation models using artificial intelligence.
Photo editing tools, filters and graphic suggestions make creating easier. Canva offers animations. However, keep in mind that these generate videos. The free version provides access to free watermarked resources, while the premium subscription offers advanced features and exclusive articles.
noTube: for downloading streaming videos
noTube is an online service that offers a converter from YouTube videos to MP3 or MP4 formats, ideal for ripping the soundtrack or downloading videos offline. The easy-to-use platform supports YouTube as well as other websites and social networks and guarantees user privacy as videos are not stored on their servers.
To download, simply copy the video URL or use relevant keywords for an internal search. The choice of MP3 or MP4 formats is offered without the need for prior registration. noTube is notable for its speed, lack of intrusive advertising, and free nature, although advertisements appear on the download page to keep the service free. Always make sure you have the right to upload a video before doing so.
When we think of black holes, and especially those that are supermassive and have at least a million solar masses and sometimes more than 10 billion, we think of cosmic monsters that devour stars or intergalactic streams of matter. In both cases, accretion disks form around giant black holes, where matter spirals into a disk, creating frictional forces due to the viscosity of the gas. The heat released can be so great that the gas becomes a plasma at a very high temperature and therefore radiates abundantly in the X-ray range.
Matter falls not on just any black hole, but on a rotating Kerr black hole. Complex magnetohydrodynamic processes, such as those that occur on the surface of the SunSun, also take place in the disk that forms a ring around the black hole, or in the more inner part of the flow of matter, leading to particle jets, but sometimes also to instabilities of powerful eruptions similar to those the sun.
A black hole in a giant galaxy at the heart of a galaxy cluster
A team of astronomers, including Françoise Combes, announced in an article on arXiv that they had discovered one of the most powerful black hole bursts ever recorded. Paradoxically, the destructive power of this mega-explosion became a creative force, indirectly causing the collapse of several clouds of gas and dust several billion years ago, giving rise to 19 superclusters of stars.
In the obtained images, which combine observations at multiple wavelengths, these superclusters are arranged in an “S” shape reminiscent of beads on a string. These images show the galaxy cluster SDSS J1531+3414 (SDSS J1531 for short) as it looked 3.8 billion years ago, about 200 million years after the superflare.
It occurred around one of the supermassive black holes found in two of the giant galaxies that are usually found at the heart of galaxy clusters and which in this case are observed colliding. In this case, several instruments were used, including NASA's ChandraChandra X-ray observatory and the Low Frequency Array (Lofar), a radio telescope.
Grant Tremblay, who was involved in this study, summarizes the discovery in a NASA press release: “We have reconstructed a likely sequence of events in this cluster that occurred over a wide range of distances and times.” It all started with a black hole a tiny fraction of a light-year across that formed a cavity nearly 500,000 light-years across. This unique event triggered the formation of young star clusters, each a few thousand light years across, almost 200 million years later. »
The eruption appears to have been accompanied by the emission of a jet of material that pushed the surrounding gas around the two central galaxies, creating a huge void in the cluster's intergalactic medium. Lofar shows radio waves emanating from the jet's energetic particle remnants filling the vast cavity.
For astrophysicists, based on observations from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (abbreviated Alma), installed in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, and the Gemini North telescope on the mythical Mauna Kea, the volcano, a dormant shield volcano in the United States On the island of Hawaii, the hot gas ejected from the black hole's eruption subsequently cooled.
Superclusters of stars formed by tidal forces and flows of matter
It later collapsed due to gravity, not due to the compression of a shock wave created by the black hole's eruption, but due to the tidal forces of the two galaxies. In this way they manage to explain why the super star clusters come together to form an S like pearls on a necklace.
In the same statement, Osase Omoruyi, who led the study at the Center for Astrophysics Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), said: “We believe our evidence for this enormous burst is strong, but further observations with Chandra and Lofar would help strengthen the case confirm.” We hope to learn more about the origin of the already discovered cavity and find the expected one on the other side of the black hole. »
In fact, the press release also explains that Omoruyi and his colleagues only see radio waves for a cavity emanating from a single jet, but it is well known that black holes generally produce not one, but two jets in opposite directions. Although the team observed radio emissions further away from galaxies that could be remnants of a second jet, they are not associated with a cavity. The researchers therefore assume that the radio and X-ray signals from the other jet may have been weakened to such an extent that they are no longer detectable.
Xiaomi is launching three new watches adapted to three different profiles: those who like to tinker and install apps, athletes and those on a budget.
Xiaomi is launching two connected watches, the Xiaomi Watch S3 and the Xiaomi Watch 2, as well as a connected bracelet, the Smart Band 8 Pro. The three have the same display technology, OLED, but also many differences.
Xiaomi watch 2
Undoubtedly the most interesting on paper: The Watch 2 is the manufacturer's second watch under Wear OS.
And also : 01net Awards: The best connected sports watch of 2023 is…
As a reminder, this is the operating system supported by Google, which allows the installation of applications from the Play Store on the 32 GB of the watch and whose main advantage is therefore its great adaptability. The biggest concern is generally that the watches that use it have a limited autonomy, of the order of 1 to 3 days, while sports watches generally have up to 10 days.
The autonomy also depends on the chip, and here the watch is operated by a very current model, a Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1. This means that Xiaomi can promise 65 hours of autonomy. The chip can connect to Wi-Fi to download apps and uses Bluetooth 5.2 to communicate with your smartphone.
Surprise, the Xiaomi Watch 2 hides a dual band L1 + L5 GPS under its aluminum casing. This makes it easier for the watch to maintain the GPS signal even when you are moving in a covered area. Enough to achieve precision in your sports sessions.
In terms of measuring equipment, the watch is content with a heart sensor, but does not seem to have a VO2 Max sensor. It should therefore be suitable for an audience that wants a slightly geeky or lifestyle watch with a bit of sport activity, but not necessarily for an audience that aims for high levels of sporting performance.
Xiaomi watch S3
The Xiaomi Watch S3, on the other hand, is a watch with HyperOS, Xiaomi's new Android-based operating system. We should probably expect a connected watch that can't install third-party applications but has good battery life. Xiaomi also promises continuous use of up to 15 days.
The Watch S3 also focuses more on sports functions and offers a blood oxygen sensor in addition to the heart sensor.
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro
Even if the difference between a connected bracelet and a connected watch is becoming increasingly difficult to define, Xiaomi certainly doesn't help us. Its Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro looks, let's be honest, like a connected watch with a square screen. The design is not very far from the Redmi Watch 4, except for the curved screen.
Nevertheless, the bracelet remains light and compact, weighing 22.5 g and being 10 mm thick. Gorilla Glass Victus is still used as the glass for the display, which should ensure good durability.
According to Xiaomi, the bracelet lasts almost 14 days. During this time you have the opportunity to practice up to 150 different sports (good luck), of course by recording your heart rate but also by measuring your sPO2. If we add a GPS we get an extremely competitive and aggressive watch.
Prices for Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro, Xiaomi Watch 2 and Xiaomi Watch S3
Here are the prices of the three announced watches.
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro: 69 euros;
Xiaomi Watch S3: 149 euros;
Xiaomi Watch 2: 199 euros.
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Xiaomi didn't have smartphones and watches in its MWC 2024 bag, but also a very large touchscreen tablet.
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 // Source: Xiaomi
After the Xiaomi 14, 14 Ultra, Watch 2, Watch S3, Smart Band 8 Pro… Xiaomi has also formalized a tablet. This is the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4. The latter is said to be a direct competitor to the iPad Pro 12.9, even if the comparison is tricky given the disproportionate performance of the iPad with the M2 chip.
A 144Hz screen and a 10,000mAh battery
The new Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 tablet surpasses its predecessor, the Pad 6 Pro, in size and launch a 12.4 inch IPS LCD screen (yes, not Oled). The latter uses a squarer format with a 3:2 aspect ratio and offers a higher resolution of 3048 x 2032 pixels while maintaining an impressive 144Hz refresh rate. Xiaomi promises brightness of up to 900 nits and will likely reach this peak in HDR -Mode.
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 // Source: Xiaomi
Xiaomi also praises the quality of the screen, calibrated to the CIE2015 color standard, which is the standard for TV, laptop and smartphone screens in the Xiaomi range. Screen protection is provided by pen-compatible Gorilla Glass 5, which offers differentiated touch sampling rates for fingers (360 Hz) and pen (240 Hz). In addition, it remains extremely thin: 6.26 mm at 590 grams.
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 // Source: Xiaomi
Under the hood, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 features HyperOS, based on Android 14, with applications specifically optimized for multitasking. WPS Office and CajViewer in particular benefit from a three-way screen sharing mode, nicknamed the “Workbench” interface, which promises the simultaneous use of multiple applications in parallel or via floating windows. You can also view and control the content on your smartphone.
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 // Source: Xiaomi
The tablet has pogo pins on the back for magnetic connection to the Xiaomi SU7 car. This will not be very useful for us in France. It also features a detachable keyboard with a touchpad.
We don't have an Apple Silicon chip, but performance isn't far behind, with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC (the 2022 chip) and memory configurations ranging from 8GB to 16GB of RAM, as well as storage options from 256GB to 1TB. The 10,000mAh battery supports 120W fast charging, a full charge in just 35 minutes, with the battery restored to 45% after 10 minutes of charging. This is a remarkable strength. Note that there is also Wi-Fi 7 as well as USB-C, which is compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 1.
Source: Frandroid
Xiaomi also communicates via the six onboard speakers with Dolby Atmos support.
Source: Xiaomi
The price of the tablet is set at 699 euros (8 + 256 GB), with keyboard cover at 799 euros, availability is scheduled for April 6th. The pen costs 99 euros.
Which characters do our group members play? In which universe? Presentation of the epic.
Published at 6:30 am.
The last Humayan survivors have long since left Earth and found refuge on the planet Exayan after a 5,000-year journey. Thanks to the biotechnology of cryogenics, the third generation of travelers has finally settled on Exayan. Around 150 years later, the planet reveals some previously unknown secrets. A group of adventurers has been chosen to discover them.
Illiandis
ILLUSTRATION BY JEAN-LOÏC FONTAINE
Illiandis/Nicolas Richard
Scientist with the gift of the great art of Taécho, which allows him to harness the energy of life.
The Exayian's body rejoices. In the Oasis we cultivate and unlock a fertile, mysterious, sometimes unfathomable, but extremely useful ecosystem. A place of peace and exchange that is necessary to overcome the challenges of the new world.
Nicolas Richard, 51 years old
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Nicholas Richard
Corporate events entrepreneur and real estate investor
Passionate about role-playing games since 1985
A psychology graduate, Nicolas Richard was introduced to Dungeons and Dragons early in his youth before meeting Thomas Pintal in Quebec in the life-size role-playing game Fantasmagorie, one of the first of its kind in the province. Since then, he has never stopped playing, an activity that has allowed him to maintain his friendships.
“Finding a social activity where I share powerful moments with people I like is super nourishing and at the same time an escape from everyday life,” says Nicolas Richard.
In life we are a bit in our subway and work routine, but in this case it is really the fantasy that I can live after. Here it has become an annual ritual where we meet up with friends to live a shared passion.
Nicholas Richard
“One of the elements that I observed in Thomas is also his ability to adapt our character's experiences to our personal problems,” he continues. There's a little element of magic in there; He talks to you, he becomes aware of what you are experiencing in your daily life and will send you two or three situations that match your personal experience so that you can experience it in a safe zone. »
In the same sense, the game allows you to learn more about yourself: “You can experiment with a part of the personality that was either discovered or unknown.” And we can push that to its limits, because there are no limits to it there are no consequences. Ultimately, we can get out of this situation by incorporating certain elements into our daily lives. »
Djéia
ILLUSTRATION BY JEAN-LOÏC FONTAINE
Djéïa/Nellie Brière
She is one of the so-called smugglers who free souls after death. She therefore has the gift of the great art of Thanos, which ensures passage.
Death is an inevitable tragedy. Rushed, it's notorious. In the face of nothingness, everyone deserves peace. This also applies to the smugglers…
Nellie Brière, 47 years old
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Nellie Briere
Digital communications strategist
Passionate about role-playing games since 1989
Nellie Brière is regularly asked to answer questions about digital communication in the media and has also been a fan of role-playing games since her youth. “Surprisingly, it was the sound that got me into Dungeons and Dragons,” she says. Because back then my best friend was DJing a game of Dungeon. In fact, he didn't really enjoy playing; he preferred to prepare his songs and save them on cassettes.
“Initially it was the medieval world that attracted me to role-playing games, but I had a little difficulty finding my way there because there weren't many female role models at the time. It was difficult for a girl to break away from the image of the sexualized character, she notes. So I stopped playing tabletop RPGs for about ten years in my thirties, but at the same time Bicolline came into my life very early, I started going there when I was 18. »
During the large medieval fantasy role-playing game festival, she met Thomas Pintal, the event's moderator.
With Thomas [Pintal]I found the same intensity of play that I had experienced when I was younger. I was able to relate to it again and actually missed it because in my opinion there is nothing that compares to playing a tabletop RPG. Even life-sized role-playing games aren't enough.
Nellie Briere
“When you read a book you are in the mental projection, you are in the imagination, but when you role play we are not only in the mental projection, but we don't see ourselves as we are, we see our characters.” My Brain must overheat sometimes because I'm visualizing the part while I'm involved in writing at the same time! Everyone has to come out of themselves and Thomas is a master at it because it's so creative, his business. […] Apparently his world is refined because he still chooses a professional life, which means the muscles he needs to be a super game master are constantly being flexed. »
Jawan
ILLUSTRATION BY JEAN-LOÏC FONTAINE
Jawan/Stéphan Morency
Medium who belonged to the Order of Kemish and has the gift of the great art of Synistima, which allows him to explore the mind and dreams.
Only a few Kemish withdraw from the Order's ranks. And there, in the valley of the ridges, they live in the company of the farmers of Meridien. From here they also fulfill their mission. A vocation in which mysticism, anthropology and archeology intersect.
Stéphan Morency, 48 years old
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Stephan Morency
Head of the investment department of a large pension fund in Quebec
Passionate about role-playing games since 1988
Like many other young people of his generation, Stéphan Morency was influenced by the world of the Lord of the Rings. “It happened like a slap in the face,” he explains. However, a friend told me that we could play in the world of Lord of the Rings. I said to him, “What are you talking about?” The next Saturday morning I went to play with them and I haven’t stopped since. »
Years later, after meeting him in the life-sized game Phantasmagoria, he begins to take part in the campaign concocted by Thomas. “I will remember my first game for the rest of my life,” he says. He arrived with a double cassette player and his cassette box and played his game with the atmosphere, then manipulated with tape to make his musical numbers!
“Over time, Thomas surrounded himself with people who supported his passion,” continues Stéphan Morency. It's an exchange where you come to the table and you give it everything you've got, you give it to Tom, you give it again and it makes for an incredible game. »
For Stéphan Morency, role play can also be an incubator in which he can have otherwise impossible experiences. “In the previous campaign I wanted to explore the whole question of inclusion,” he explains. It's confusing, it's confronting and you don't really know where you stand. »
So I decided to play a non-binary person. I failed completely, I wasn't ready for this at all. You realize that you have a lot of prejudices, a lot of blockages, you are not able to deal with them fluently. I knew I had to resolve this matter differently.
Stephan Morency
According to Stéphan, the fact that the games take place behind closed doors has a disadvantage: “It's Thomas' big drama,” he says with a laugh. His playing is his best show, it feeds him the most, but he has no audience! At least he has some feedback now that illustrators are drawing what we do. »
Elayim D'Alba
ILLUSTRATION BY JEAN-LOÏC FONTAINE
Elayim D'Alba/Émilie Caron
An orphan who became a guard in Exayan's only prison, she possesses the gift of the great art Stoichéïa, which allows her to manipulate the elements.
The climate on the Alba peninsula is hostile to life. The only prison facility in Exayan sits on its rock. Some “familyless” reside there, driving out the exiles and ensuring that the prisoners’ penance is respected.
Emilie Caron, 39 years old
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Emilie Caron
Project manager
Passionate about role-playing games since 2011
As an athlete – she was a figure skating champion before she was struck by a serious illness that forced her to have a complete lung transplant – Émilie Caron discovered role-playing in its life-size version, also at Bicolline.
“I played my first game of Dungeons and Dragons when I was 26,” she says. I played a few games, I really enjoyed dice rolling so I still enjoyed it, but as far as fighting with characters I preferred doing it in real life. »
After meeting Thomas Pintal through his work, she joined the Moment Factory director's campaign. “He contacted me about creating a non-player character,” she recalls. I said, “OK, I'm going on board, I'm going to have a good time.” » After her long recovery, she found her place as a player within the group.
I don't think I could play with another game master again. My tabletop gaming career will end when Thomas [Pintal] Will stop. Because this doesn't exist anywhere else: we have projection, we have light, we have music.
Emilie Caron
It's not tomorrow that Thomas Pintal's election campaign will end, the chemistry between the protagonists is so palpable. “When it makes a connection, it’s like synapses acting between them,” she claims. And it works both ways: Thomas makes suggestions, we make them too, then something special happens. »
Alwa
ILLUSTRATION BY JEAN-LOÏC FONTAINE
Alwa/Jean Zaragoza
A hunter from the steppes of northern Exayan, he has the gift of the great art of Chronos, which allows him to play with temporal variations.
As long as there is peace between the families of the steppes, you are free to explore the areas of the north to expand the Exayian domain. This also applies to Irine d'Altogan's son…
Jean Zaragoza, 50 years old
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
John Zaragoza
Computer technician
Passionate about role-playing games since 1986
Jean Zaragoza is somewhat introverted in a group that is, to say the least, expressive and, like many enthusiasts, has taken a more classic route into the world of role-playing games. He is therefore best placed to compare his current experiences with those of most role players. “I started playing with the basic Dungeons and Dragons box,” he recalls, referring to the famous original red box. It was exciting, especially because I've always loved the medieval fantasy universe – for example, I've read a lot of books in which you are the hero.
“I played with these friends for a long time, then with my high school friends, but we played more with dice and stats,” he explains. We liked that, the statistics. But everything goes through the game master; When you have a good one, it makes all the difference. »
His appreciation therefore changed completely when he started playing with Thomas Pintal in 1998.
With Thomas [Pintal]What's fun is that it often happens with emotions. I've never played with music before and I think it changes everything. It gives you goosebumps, it's hard to describe but when you experience it it's incredible.
John Zaragoza
“It sharpens the whole imaginary side of the game,” he adds. My niece has actually started playing D&D with friends and I'm really enjoying it because it allows them to travel. You know, you're just sitting at a table, but everything is happening in your head. »
Discover the character of our journalist
ILLUSTRATION BY JEAN-LOÏC FONTAINE
Jax/Pierre-Marc Durivage
Jax
A former soldier struggling with post-traumatic syndrome, he leads the group into the underground passages of Exayan. He has the gift of the great art of Synistima, which allows him to explore dreams.
Réginald, Charles and Sandro's plan has gone wrong, and the latter is nowhere to be found. It's time to alert the police and keep our fingers crossed that we find him in time… Marie-Luce, fearing the worst, doesn't want to hear anything more from the mafia or Tina Fournier.
• Also read: The lives of Charles and Marie-Jeanne in the 5th row are in danger
• Also read: The public doubts the honesty of this “fifth rank” figure.
The residents of the “Guys” know that the small community of Valmont is well protected by the local police officers and the SQ, which has an office on the territory. However, it is not uncommon for an individual or group of citizens to take dangerous initiatives when it would be much easier – and above all more prudent – to involve the police.
A costly failure
Charles, Réginald, Sandro and Jean-Michel did it several times, endangering their lives and those of their loved ones. They never seem to learn their lesson as they always start over. Sandro, Charles and Réginald decided to find out for themselves what happened to the Mexican worker whose kidneys were removed before he was left to die. Members of the mafia are responsible for this trade. Réginald had the idea of setting a trap for them by luring them with a person who could come into contact with the group and identify the members of the human trafficking network. Sandro volunteered and we sewed a GPS into his shirt. Charles and Réginald thought they could follow him and intervene if necessary, but they lost sight of him,” explains author Sylvie Lussier.
Henri Lapierre, who was supposed to take part in the surveillance operation, withdrew and Léopold replaced him. Charles, Réginald and he fear that Sandro will not survive the mission. “They think their friend has been taken to a secret clinic and his organs are being removed, but they are wrong. “The mafia has discovered Sandro's cover and wants to get rid of him because he knows too much,” emphasizes the author.
hurry up
The three men have to seek help if they don't want death on their conscience. Her first instinct is to call Fred. The police officer can no longer bear to see Charles and Réginald commit such reckless acts. When he realizes that Leopold is also involved, he has confirmation that the detective agency he runs with Alex and Gladys will always cause trouble. Fred arrives at the scene with Delphine. They call for reinforcements from headquarters, but Sandro could not hold out until they arrive. You need to try something right away, without preparation or protection. There is no doubt that the criminals are armed to the teeth, which gives them an advantage. “There’s a lot of action in this episode. Lives are in danger: not just Sandro’s, but also Fred’s.”
The end of the ceasefire
Marie-Luce, who was one of the first to negotiate with Tina Fournier's gang, realizes that it is time to stop believing that she can trust this woman. Although she keeps Tina's money and jewelry at home, her family and friends are not protected. Marie-Luce cannot imagine losing another loved one; So she'll take Tina's loot to the SQ. Unfortunately for her, Isabelle Perreault and Ménard want to question her and won't let her leave until she answers all their questions. Marie-Luce and Charles, who are struggling to come to terms with recent events, are nervous and another argument breaks out between them. They no longer see things that way at all, and Charles prefers to leave the house. Is this the end of their relationship?
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Imagine your daily life where simple activities like walking or running are very challenging. Imagine experiencing this reality when your life is focused on movement, nature and physical activity. A waking nightmare. But that's exactly what adventure guide and biologist Charlène Dupasquier has been experiencing since living with axial spondyloarthritis, a little-known autoimmune disease. A continuous quest for adaptation and resilience that will soon extend off the beaten path between Ottawa and Percé.
“Arundo Expedition” is the name of this great adventure that will take place in April 2024. A bike ride estimated at 2,200 kilometers and 30,000 meters of elevation gain was created to raise awareness of the disease and funds for research and support organizations.
A challenge that should also serve Charlène Dupasquier and her partner Tony to learn to live and grow alongside this invisible monster who has turned their lives upside down overnight. An adventure that highlights human and ecological values that they share together but also with the people they meet. Like a nudge before an illness, a wink into the future…
“It will be a big challenge and there are a lot of problems and questions that we don't have answers to yet, but I want to be able to let go, be flexible and adapt to what will happen,” he told Charlène Dupasquier last week.
“I'm doing it for others, of course, but also for myself. It's a project that encompasses everything I need to get through this illness, while combining my dreams and my passions.”
WHEN LIFE CHANGES
Charlène Dupasquier is a biologist, adventure guide, artist and co-founder of the organization Au coeur de la Tornade. A true lover of nature, adventure and sports experiences, for whom such a challenge would have been child's play – or almost! – not so long ago. This time, however, things will be a little different, a little more symbolic… and undoubtedly a lot more difficult.
The Saint-Joseph-de-Kamouraska resident's life was turned upside down three years ago when unexpected severe pain occurred in her back and pelvis. The day after a multi-day trip in complete autonomy, she thought she had injured herself, but the damage was ultimately much deeper.
The more she tried to get answers for months, the worse her situation became until one day she was unable to get up on her own because she was on the floor. Times were hard and morale sank as quickly as the body, she does not hesitate to testify to this today.
“I did all sorts of tests. We didn't understand what was happening to me and it became very difficult mentally. “Living with pain all the time is very tiring, it is a form of torture,” she stressed, adding that she had to stop hiking for several months.
It took two years before a rheumatology specialist finally diagnosed him with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that primarily affects the spine and pelvic joints.
The victims live with acute and diffuse pain every day. They occur in spurts and, like multiple sclerosis, make the simplest everyday activities more difficult. The insidious and little-known disease affects more than 300,000 Canadians each year. A number that is undoubtedly conservative since it only concerns those people who have been diagnosed.
“I never thought walking or running would ever be a challenge. I realize today that it is a privilege,” said the athlete, whose life plans have always been focused on sports and physical activity.
“We are currently still trying to relieve the pain as best as possible and find the right dosage in the treatment. We're not quite there yet, so I'm holding on. I’m learning to live with it all, the ups and downs, and I keep moving forward.”
MOVEMENT IS KEY
If there is a silver lining, it is that exercise, painful as it may be, is part of the solution for people struggling with the disease. An active life, combined with effective biotherapeutic treatment, can be a guarantee of a good quality of life in the future, even if those affected never really escape the attacks of pain.
Therefore, if we cannot cure axial spondyloarthritis, we try to live with it. Learn to find yourself and renew yourself at his side. Physical activity of any kind also helps ward off more serious consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, including ankylosis.
“I realized that adapting and being resilient was the way to go. I can't slow down everything I do. I cannot wage war against it, I must adapt and understand how to make the best of it,” said the adventurer.
“That's why I'm constantly looking for a balance. I can't walk or snowshoe? For example, I go cycling.”
Part of this philosophy is the birth of the Arundo Expedition, an initiative that will take the form of a “reconnection pilgrimage.” [avec la nature] and awareness” in the coming months.
The bike ride takes the couple and a friend, director and photographer, Richard Mardens, through Quebec's hinterland and its lush landscapes between Ottawa and Percé. The aim is to document their journey but also to produce a documentary with various speakers that can be presented at conferences and festivals to raise awareness of the disease and the reality it imposes on daily life.
“I wanted to put my job and my passion to good use. “I needed to do something similar to myself, in nature, in the wild and in sharing,” explained Charlène Dupasquier.
Show those affected that this is not the end of their life, that they are not the diagnosis and that their entire life is not restricted. The disease should not completely control her. You have the choice.”
“I personally need to do this too to move forward and make the disease a friend and not an enemy,” she added. I'm still in this whole process. I feel like I have to accept her and manage to live with her.”
As for the word “Arundo,” which means reed in Latin, this is no insignificant choice and provides a direct link to a fable by Jean de La Fontaine. “Instead of trying to be strong like an oak tree that might break in a storm, I need to learn to be a reed that is flexible and can be carried by the chaos of its surroundings,” he said. in the picture Charlène Dupasquier.
“At the end of the journey I want to turn my oak bark into reeds.” A GoFundMe campaign has currently been launched to support the couple in implementing their project. The initiator states that a small part of the funds will cover the associated costs. The remainder will be donated directly to the Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association (CSA) and other organizations.
Another fundraising campaign will be launched along the way. A leg of the journey will also take place in Rivière-du-Loup and people will be invited to join them for one or more kilometers.
Charlène Dupasquier hopes that the project will stimulate movement away from performance. She believes that nature, adventure and nature are a cure for physical and mental ailments.
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