Wise Advice for Parents

Although I am not a parent, I believe the following words are some of the I wisest I have ever read about parenting.  That is why I would like to share this advice it with you.  

You're raising future adults, not eternal children.  Every problem you solve for them is a strength they don't develop.  Every consequence you prevent is a lesson they don't learn.  Every struggle you remove is resilience they don't build.  Through resistance, not rescue.

- Scott Clary

It isn't easy buying a parent these day.  Children have to develop independence.  They have to be allowed to make their own mistakes and learn from them.  It is impossible to protect your children from everything.  They have to face the world on their own terms.  They can't be what their parents want them to be.  That is why they should be accepted for who they are.  Too many parents try to live vicariously through their children.  Assist them but don't control them, or they will end up resenting you.  When they falter, be there for them, but don't rescue them.  As difficult as it sometimes may be, allow them choose their own path.  They will appreciate you for that.

- Joanne

Perversion of Christianity

 

 “I hate my opponents, and I don’t want the best for them.” 

- Donald Trump

Charlie Kirk memorial, September 21, 2025

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” 

- Jesus Christ

Luke 6:27

"When somebody hurts you, just go after them as viciously and violently as your can."

- Donald Trump

From How to Get Rich (2004)  

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.  But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.  If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."  

- Jesus Christ 

Matthew 5:38-39

I am tired of the way Donald Trump and JD Vance and Mike Johnson pervert the true message of Christianity.  They practice Christian nationalism, not Christianity.  That is why I am calling them out.  Christianity is not about vengefulness and hatred.  It is not about vilifying immigrants, migrants and people of colour.  It is not about mocking homosexuals or the disabled.  

Trump recently expressed concert about whether he would go to heaven.  If he really wants to inherit eternal life he should read the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).  

- Joanne

Americans have a right to know the true state of Trump's health

 

Does this look like the face of a healthy man?  His mouth is droopy and he can barely keep his eyes open.  His behaviour is not normal.  So, how much longer can Trump and his supporters endeavour to hide the truth?  Their dear leader is a very sick man, mentally and physically.  Republicans are trying everything possible to downplay Trump's condition, but his declining health is painfully obvious.  The day will come when MAGA is unable to pretend otherwise.  Is Trump going to have to collapse or have a public meltdown before Republicans play it straight with Americans?

Trump, 79, is in no condition to lead the United States of America.  The American people have a right to know the facts about him.  They deserve answers, not only about the state of Trump's heath, but about his connection to child sex trafficker Jefferey Epstein.  The "Epstein Files" must be released, but don't expect transparency from the Trump regime.  Trump has always hidden the truth about everything from his taxes to his health.  Only someone with something to hide behaves this way.

The state of a leader's health is of paramount importance.  It appears that Republicans willing to risk the safety and security of Americans in order to placate Donald Trump.  Were they elected to serve the American people or to serve Trump?

This has to stop before it ends in abject tragedy for the United States and the rest of the world.  Don't think that Putin and Xi and Kim Jong Un haven't taken notice of Trump's appearance.  Why hasn't Trump's own family shown some concern for his well-being?  They are probably being muzzled because in Trump World, poor health is a sign of weakness.  They must cover up the state of Trump's health at all costs, even if it puts the well-being of the U.S. and the rest of the world in jeopardy.  What complete and utter madness!

- Joanne

Autumn Reading Suggestion

It's almost the first day of autumn and temperatures will soon be falling.  Wouldn't you like to curl up by the fire with a good book?  Do you want to support an independent author?  Well, I have a suggestion for you.  Why don't you check out my author's web page.  Just click on the link below.

Joanne Madden – Author

I have self-published two novels - Children of Dieppe and The Missing Reporter.  I am in the process of editing my third novel.  It is a sequel to The Missing Reporter.  There will be an announcement on social media and on my websites when my third novel becomes available.  My third book involves the continuing adventures of Sandra McKay, an intrepid reporter from Prince Edward Island.  This time, Sandra is a foreign correspondent who travels around the world.  She is also targeted by mobsters Bruno Rossi and his cousin, Alberto Rossi.

I thank you for your time and your support.  It is much appreciated.

- Joanne

The Blue Jays and the Drive of '25

 

Back in 1985, the Toronto Blue Jays made their first major playoff run.  It was dubbed "The Drive of '85." The excitement was palpable, even though the Jays were not the only Canadian-based Major League Baseball franchise then.  The Montreal Expos, of course, were still around.  Sadly the Expos left Montreal after their final home game on September 29, 2004.

1985 was the Jays' nineth season in operation and they still played at Exhibition Stadium, which was called "The Mistake By the Lake."  The team was owned by Labatt Breweries (45%), Imperial Trust Ltd. (45%) and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (10%).  Average attendance was 31,653.  Under manager Bobby Cox, the team finished atop the American League East, with a stellar record of 99 wins and 62 losses.  It marked the first time the Jays reached postseason play.  However, they collapsed in American League Championship series to the Kansas City Royals.  To the disappointment of their fans, the Jays blew a 3-1 series lead and lost in seven games.  The Royals went on to win the World Series that year.  Still, the 1985 season was magical and fans had a taste of what was to come with back-to-back World Series victories in 1992 and 1993.

The 1985 Blue Jays featured the best young outfield in baseball - George Bell (left field), Lloyd Moseby (centre field) and Jesse Barfield (right field).  Bell led the team with 28 home runs and he drove in 95 runs.  Moseby and Barfield, as well as first baseman Willie Upshaw and catcher Ernie Whitt all hit 20 homers or more.  Shortstop Tony Fernandez and outfielder Jesse Barfield shared the highest batting average of .289.  

The pitching on that 1985 team was impressive, too.  Dave Stieb recorded 14 wins and 13 losses, with an ERA of 2.48.  Doyle Alexander had 17 wins and 10 losses, with an ERA of 3.45.  Jimmy Key won 14 games, lost 6, with an ERA of 3.00.

Fast forward 40 years.  It's 2025.  The Blue Jays now play in a domed stadium with a retractable roof, located at the base of city's landmark CN Tower.  The team is entirely owned by Rogers Communications Inc, which also owns the domed stadium.  Rogers paid $25 million in 2005, a bargain basement price considering that it was originally built for $600 million.  The dome opened in June of 1989.  It was called SkyDome, but is now known as Rogers Centre, a name I detest.  I'm not fond of the corporate naming of sports venues.  However, if  the dome had to have the Rogers name, it should have been called Rogers Field or Roger's Stadium or Roger's Park or Roger's Dome.  A baseball field is not a "cemtre."

The other change that doesn't please me is the high cost of tickets.  Fans can't catch a break.  Ticket prices are going sky high.  A Blue Jays game is still more affordable than a hockey game at Scotiabank Centre, but we all know that prices will continue to rise.  

By the way, in 1985, an upper level chair for the American League Championship Series at Exhibition Stadium cost $33.00 Canadian.  

   

How far will the 2025 edition of the Toronto Blue Jays go?  We'll soon find out. The Yankees and the Red Sox are in hot pursuit.  The Jays need a stronger bullpen and they haven't even officially made the playoffs yet, but there is excitement in the air.

- Joanne