An accident caused by texting while driving

Although there are campaigns against distracted driving, I don't think the campaigns are strong enough.  Distracted driving is just as bad as impaired driving.  It should not be tolerated.  Last weekend I had a first-hand experience with a distracted driver, and it wasn't pleasant.  It shook me up.

My husband and I were on our way to a family dinner celebration at a restaurant.  I was sitting in the front passenger seat.  Suddenly, I felt a jolt.  Our car was hit from behind, but we were not seriously injured.  There was some slight damage to our vehicle, which has to be repaired.  The driver of the car that hit us was a young man, probably in his late teens.  He was very polite and apologized profusely.  He was also very accommodating and provided us with all the necessary information.  Then, to my surprise, he admitted to me that he should have been more careful and that he had been texting while driving.

That revelation upset me greatly.  I was angry at his negligence.  I told him that I hoped he had learned his lesson and would not put anyone's life, including his own, at risk like that again.  He assured me that he had learned his lesson.  I sincerely hope so, but one can never be sure.  The fact remains that he shouldn't have had to learn a lesson.  He should have been aware of the dangers of distracted driving.  He should have known that it is wrong to drive while texting.  What he did was bad enough, but what if someone had been seriously injured or killed?  It would have been too late for this young man to learn his lesson.

- Joanne

Blue Jays one win away from capturing their first World Series since 1993

 
I am elated.  The Toronto Blue Jays are one win away from capturing their third World Series crown.  Best of all, they could win it right here in Toronto. They are on the cusp of victory., a victory that would be celebrated throughout Canada, from sea to sea.  During these difficult times, Canadians could sure use a boost.

I have memories of 1992 and 1993, but many Blue Jay fans are too young to remember those unforgettable glory days.  Younger Canadians are enjoying the ride and I hope they will also be able to enjoy the sweet taste of a World Series victory.

This team is likeable and resilient.  They've been underestimated, but they've always come through when it counted.  They appear to be a team of destiny.  Let them body shame Alejandro Kirk and Vladdy.  I would rather have them playing on my team than Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.

I also can't say enough about Addison Barger. George Springer, Ernie Clement, Bo Bichette and the others.  As for Trey Yesavage, he's been unbelievable.  His meteoric rise from the minors to World Series stardom is unprecedented.  He's a very cool and composed 22-year-od sensation.

Having said all that, I remain cautiously optimistic.  The Jays still have to win one more game, and anything can happen in sports.  It will be a Halloween to remember or we will have to play a seventh and deciding game on All Saints Day.

Go Jays go!  Bring it home!

- Joanne

- Joanne

Why George Springer is the leader of the pack

The Toronto Blue Jays are going to the World Series for the first time in over 30 years.  I am ecstatic!  I never expected the Jays to earn a berth in the October Classic in 2025.  This has been a magical season.  It should culminate in a fairytale ending with a victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.  I really hope that happens.  I think that the Blue Jays are capable of winning it all.  However, life and sports are unpredictable.  The L.A. Dodgers have the best team money can buy, but the Jays have the most heart.  They shown it time and time again with their comeback wins.  We will have see if that's enough to defeat the Dodgers and their superstar, Shohei Ohtani.

The Dodgers are highly favoured to win, and that's okay with me.  I prefer that the Jays are underestimated rather than overestimated.  I prefer that they are the underdogs.  It will make a World Series victory even sweeter.

Foe me, George Springer exemplifies everything a good team leader should be.  He is a major reason why the Blue Jays are headed for their first World Series since 1993.  George was born on September 19, 1989.  The future Jay was was just three years old when the Jays won their first World Series in 1992.  He was a mere four years old when they celebrated a repeat victory in 1993.  George didn't grow up in Canada and he has no memories of the euphoria that swept Toronto and Canada back then.  He is an American who was born and raised in Connecticut.

The 2025 season has been a sweet one for George. He played in 140 games and recorded a batting average of .309, 154 hits, 32 home runs, 84 RBIs and 106 runs scored.  His 2025 stats are very impressive, but George brings much more to the team than his results on the field.  He has veteran leadership experience.  He sets an example for his teammates.  He is the first to encourage them when they achieve something.  He cheers them on, and he pats them on the back when they don the home run jacket.

It was only fitting that George hit the unforgettable home run that won the American League title for the Toronto Blue Jays.  That Springer Dinger ranks right up there with Joe Carter's homer in 1993 and Jose Bautista's bat flip home in 2015.  George's longball in the seventh and deciding game in the ALCS has earned a place in the pantheon of players who have provided the Blue Jays with their most treasured moments.

I'm very disappointed in the Seattle fans for booing George when he was injured.  It's certainly all right for fans to boo players.  That's part of the game,  What is not acceptable is to boo a player when he is injured.  It's cruel and classless.

Here's what I think would be a fitting ending to a World Series victory for the Toronto Blue Jays.  Wouldn't it be great if Bo Bichette came off the bench to pinch hit in the 9th inning of Game 7 and hit a walk-off home run to win the game?  Go Jays go!

- Joanne

My visit to Drew House in Elora, Ontario

I've just returned from Elora, Ontario. where I attended a wedding with family members.  We stayed at Drew House, within walking distance from the beautiful, historic village of Elora.  The charming Drew House is a converted 19th century coach house, built before Confederation.  It was designed for the family of George Alexander Drew (1826-1891), a lawyer, politician and judge, who served two terms as the Member of Parliament for Wellington North.  He represented the riding as the Liberal-Conservative member of the Canadian House of Commons from 1867 to 1872 and from 1878 to 1882,            

George A. Drew (1826-1891)

Drew's grandson, also named George Alexander Drew (1894-1973), became the youngest mayor ever of Guelph, Ontario in 1925 at the age of 30.  He went on to serve as 14th Premier of Ontario from 1943 to 1948.

George A. Drew (1894-1973)

The original structure of the Drew House, located on East Mill Street, was built in 1857.  Since then, it has been greatly expanded.  It was originally a one-and-a-half-storey home. Since the 1870s, it has been an impressive two-storey stone structure.  There haven't been many owners since the George Alexander Drew first lived there.  It is now an inn for travellers to Elora.

During our two-night stay at Drew House, we were shown much hospitality by our hosts, Kathleen Stanley and her husband, Roger Dufau.  The couple have been operating Drew House as a bed and breakfast since 1999.  They made us feel comfortable and they served us hearty breakfasts.  I wish to thank them for making our stay a pleasant one.  If you happen to be visiting Elora, I highly recommend the Drew House.  Thanks Kathleen and Roger!

Innkeepers Kathleen Stanley and Roger Dufau

For those interested in the heritage of Elora, a book about the history of Drew House has been written by Elysia DeLaurentis.  It is titled A Grand and Storied Home: The Drew House of Elora, Ontario.  It is available for purchase at Magic Pebble Books in Elora. and at Drew House.

- Joanne

World Series Quiz 2025

 BASEBALL AND WORLD SERIES QUIZ 

The 2025 Major League Baseball post-season is in full swing.  As we approach the October Classic, Number 16 is pleased to present a challenging baseball quiz for your enjoyment.  How well do you know trivia about the Grand Old Game?  Find out by completing the 11-question quiz below.


BASEBALL AND WORLD SERIES QUIZ

1.  Who is the youngest player to hit a home run in a World Series game?

A.  Mickey Mantle

B.  Miguel Cabrera

C.  Andruw Jones

D.  Juan Soto

E.  Tony Kubek

2.  When was the first night game in World Series history played?

A.  1971

B.  1970

C.  1969

D.  1973

E.  1972

3.  What is the longest game by innings in World Series history

A.   15 innings

B.   19 innings

C.  17 innings

D.  18 innings

E.   16 innings

4.  Who is the youngest player to appear in a World Series game.

A.  Mickey Mantle

B.   Leslie Ambrose "Bullet Joe" Bush

C.  Julio Urias

D.  Evan Carter

E.  Bret Saberhagen

5.  When was the first modern World Series that featured two teams from the same city?

A.  1911

B.  1933

C.  1923

D.  1906

E.  1908

6.  The New York Mets have won the World Series twice.  In which years did they win?

A.  1968 and 1985

B.  1967 and 1984

C.  1969 and 1985

D.  1968 and 1986

E.  1969 and 1986

7.  The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series.  How many times have the L.A. Dodgers and the Yankees played against each other in the Fall Classic?

A.  Ten times

B.  13 times

C.  12 times

D.  9 times

E.  11 times

8.  In 1992, a World Series game was played outside of the United States for the first time.  The Toronto Blue Jays won the Series against the Atlanta Braves,  becoming the first franchise based outside of the U.S. to win a World Series.  The championship returned to Canada in 1993.  Which National League teams did the Blue Jays defeat in 1993?

A.  The Oakland Athletics

B.  The New York Mets

C.  The Chicago Cubs

D.  The Philadelphia Phillies

E.  The St. Louis Cardinals

9.  The New York Yankees were the last team to win back-to-back World Series until the Toronto Blue Jays accomplished the feat.  In which two years were the Yankees repeat World Series winners before the Jays did it.

A.  1971-72

B.  1977-78

C.  1970-71

D.  1976-77

E.  None of the above

10.  In Game 6 of the 1993 World Series, with the Blue Jays trailing Philadelphia by a score of 6-5, Joe Carter hit a game-winning three-run homer in the bottom of the nineth inning, to clinch Toronto's second consecutive championship.  This was only the second Series ended by such a home run since Bill Mazeroski's homer in the bottom of the nineth in the seventh game of the 1960 World Series.  For what team did Mazeroski play?

A.  The New York Yankees

B.  The Cincinnati Reds

C.  The St. Louis Cardinals

D.  The Detroit Tigers

E.  The Pittsburgh Pirates

11.  The American League has won the most World Series titles, with a total of 68 championships.  The National League has won 52 titles.  The New York Yankees of the American League have the most victories with 27 wins.  Which team holds the record for the National League?

A.  The St. Louis Cardinals

B.  The Chicago Cubs

C.  The Oakland Athletics

D.  The Pittsburgh Pirates

E.  The Los Angeles Dodgers

ANSWERS

1.  C  

Andruw Jones

Andruw Jones

Andruw Jones is the youngest player to hit a home run in a World Series games.  He was only 19 years old and 180 days when he hit two home runs for the Atlanta Braves against the New York Yankees on October 20, 1996.

2.  A

1971

The first night game in Major League Baseball history took place on October 13, 1971 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  The Pittsburg Pirates defeated the Baltimore Oriole by a score of 4-3 in game 4 of the 1971 World Series.  The Pirates went on to win the championship four games to three.

3.  D

18 innings

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Boston Red Sox by a score of 3-2 in Game 3 of the 2018 World Series.  The game was decided in 18 innings, the longest in World Series history.  However, the Red Sox went on to win the Series in five games.

4.  B

 Leslie Ambrose "Bullet Joe" Bush

 

Bullet Joe Bush

In 1913, right-hander Bullet Joe Bush took the mound for the Philadelphia Athletics at the Polo Ground Game 3 of the World Series.  At 20 years old, 316 days he is the youngest player to date to appear in a World Series Game.  With the Series tied 1-1, Bush allowed just one earned run in a complete game victory over the New York Giants.  The next day, a newspaper headline read , "Giants slain by mere boy."  The A's went on to win the next two games and the championship.

In 1984, Bret Saberhagen became the youngest player to appear in a postseason game at 20 years. 175  days.  In Game 2 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), he allowed three runs (two earned) in eight innings for his Kansas City Royals against the Detroit Tigers.  However, the Tigers beat reliever Dan Quisenberry, and went on to sweep the Series.

5.  D

The 1906 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox was the first modern championship  contested by two teams from the same city.  The White Sox defeated the Cubs 4 games to 2.  It was the White Sox's first World Series victory in franchise history.

The first time two New York teams played in the World Series was in 1941, when the New York Yankees defeated the Brooklyn Dodgers in five games.

6.  E  

1969 and 1986

The New York Mets of the National League were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed teams, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants.  In their first season, the Mets posted a record of 40 wins and 120 losses.  During the 1960s, they never finished better than second-to-last until their magical season of 1969.  The "Miracle Mets" won 100 games that season and went on to win the World Series over the Baltimore Orioles.

In 1986, the Mets won their second World Series.  They defeated the Boston Red Sox in seven games.

7.  C

12 times

The New York Yankees of the American League and the Los Angeles Dodgers of the National League have faced each other in the World Series a total of 12 times.  The Yankees have won eight of those match-ups.

8.  D

The Toronto Blue Jays won the 1993 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.  The Blue Jays defeated the Phillies in six games, becoming the seventh franchise in Major League Baseball history to win back-to-back victories.  

9.   B.  

1977 and 1978

The New York Yankees were the last team to win back-to-back World Series in 1977 and 1978.

10.  E

Pittsburgh Pirates

Mazeroski

In the 1960 World Series, Bill Mazeroski led the Pittsburgh Pirates to victory over the New York Yankees four games to three.

11.   A

The St. Louis Cardinals hold the National League record for most World Series victories with 11 titles.

- Joanne