Trump's Priorities

How is this happening?  Why is this happening?  The world is crazy right now, first and foremost because the United States is being led by a man who is mentally and physically ill.  One doesn't need to be a doctor to determine that Donald Trump is not well.  Just look at him.  Just read his deranged social media posts.  He is totally unhinged.

This madman has gotten the U.S. involved in an illegal war, without the consent of the U.S. Congress.  The war against Iran is costing lives and making everyday life miserable for Americans. He entered the war with no clear plan and he has no clear plan to get out of it.  The United States is trapped in ignominious defeat.  It is mired in a military conflict that is more unpopular than Vietnam was in its final days.  Pathological liar that he is, Trump promised that he would not involve the U.S, in foreign wars.  

Everything would be much different had Kamala Harris won the 2024 U.S. election.  This nightmare would have been avoided.  It's such a tragedy that on the 250th anniversary of its birth as a nation, America's president is an authoritarian, a war criminal, who has no respect for the rule of law.  He is consumed by vanity projects while Americans suffer from high prices and the burden of unnecessary tariffs.  There is also the murderous and  disgusting behaviour of ICE.  Immigrants, women, people of colour, the poor and the disabled are dishonoured and vilified in Trump's America.

Follow the money and you will understand who benefits from Trump's follies - and it's not the American people.  It's Big Tech and Big Oil.  It's billionaires such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and various gas and oil magnates and corporate leaders.  They know that Trump is unfit and cruel, but they want him in power because it serves their selfish purposes.  They happily enjoy tax cuts for billionaires.  As for lower income Americans, their Medicaid has been lowered.  They can't afford rent and groceries.  Yet, Trump's wealthy cohorts refuse to call out that the emperor wears no clothes because it is not in their interests.  He helps them maintain their wealth and power.

The midterms are approaching.  If democracy is to survive in the United States, if the U.S. is to regain the respect of the world, Democrats must win a majority in the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate.  Decent Americans cannot miss this opportunity to restore some semblance of sanity before it is too late.  Trump has gotten away with far too much for far too long.  It's about time that he be held accountable for his crimes and his corruption.  He has used the office of the presidency as a means of enriching himself and his family.

As a Canadian, I have seen Donald Trump insult my own country.  I have seen him attack Canada's sovereignty.  I have seen his vindictiveness and lack of empathy.  This is a very sick, deluded man who should not be anywhere near the nuclear button.  

Trump does not care about the American people or people in other countries.  His priorities are the following (This is only a small sample in no particular order).

* Enriching himself and his family through graft and corruption

*Getting the support of billionaires

* Attacking his enemies, especially Barack Obama and Joe Biden

* His vanity projects, such as his ridiculous ballroom

* Bullying

* Bragging

* Being the centre of attention

* Appearing tough and macho and powerful

* Doing whatever he wants

* Being flattered 

* Giving himself awards he hasn't earned

* Lying and cheating

* Hurting the American economy and the world economy by imposing tariffs

* Having delusions of grandeur about himself

Ordinary Americans are not Donald Trump's priority.  Low income Americans are not on Trump's radar. Yesterday he said, "The economy is doing unbelievably well from the standpoint of Wall Street."  The struggles of Main Street don't matter to Trump.  He told Americans to accept high gas prices (He might as well have said, "Let them eat cake!").  Has Donald Trump ever known poverty or homelessness?  Has he ever been unable to pay for health care, rent or groceries?  Has he ever been reliant on food stamps or food banks?  I don't think so.  Not everyone has had a rich daddy who provided them with millions.

The price of gas has risen because of Trump's war.  The Strait of Hormuz was open before Trump decided unilaterally to attack Iran.  He caused the price of oil and gas to rise, to the delight of the oil barons.  Barack Obama and his Secretary of State, John Kerry, had a deal in place with Iran.  But that wasn't good enough for Trump.  He was determined not to let Obama's achievement stand, so he tore it up.  

By the way, there wouldn't be so much dependence on oil and gas if Trump and his supporters didn't oppose green energy.  Forests are burning, but they still think climate change is a hoax.  There aren't words to describe how disgusting and disgraceful Trump and his minions are.

- Joanne

The problem with Vladdy

What the heck is the matter with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.?  He's definitely not himself.  Is it physical?  Is it psychological?  Probably a combination of both.  It's certainly not age.  He's only 27 years old.  However, he has experienced back problems this season, and has been plagued by tight, tired hamstrings recently.  After resting for two games, he hit his seventh home run of the season on Saturday, August 8th in Philadelphia against the Phillies.

Guerrero has obviously been hurt and fatigued this season.  Why wasn't he placed on the Injured List earlier in the season earlier this year.  He might have returned to the lineup refreshed and rested, able to contribute more , especially in terms of power hitting.

Vladdy is supposed to be a superstar, the face of the franchise, but he hasn't been playing like one.  He's still an excellent defensive first baseman.  He still hits singles and doubles, but his batting average has gone down, and his power hitting is just a shadow of what it once was.  Where is the player who in 2021 led Major League Baseball in home runs (48, tied with Salvador Perez), runs scored (123), batting 311/401/601. Where is the player who on July 10, 2023 won the MLB Home Run Derby in Seattle and hit a final round record of 25 home runs?            

Players have slumps.  That's not unusual.  But slumps eventually come to an end.  Everybody thought Vladdy would snap out of his.  It should have happened by now, but it hasn't.  It's August 11th and he only has seven home runs to date.  Not only that, but he hasn't even hit a home run in the dome yet this year.  

Vladdy is under more pressure than other Blue Jays because he signed a 14-year, $500 million extension with the Jays, one of the largest in MLB history.  He is expected to produce, but sometimes his mind and his body just can't do it.

- Joanne

Summer reading in August

Although the back-to-school commercials have started, summer is not yet over.  There is still plenty of time to relax with some summer reading.  Why not curl up on your patio or backyard with a good book,  or if you prefer, read it in ebook form.  Check out my author's page by clicking on the link below.

Joanne Madden – Author

Are you looking for some mysteries, thrills and suspense?  Then read my latest novel, The Roving Reporter: Spanning the Globe in the 1990s, and follow the adventures of Sandra McKay, the intrepid reporter from Prince Edward Island.  In the first “Reporter” novel, The Missing Reporter, which takes place in 1989, Sandra is kidnapped while working as a crime reporter for the CBC.  

The Roving Reporter is the second installment of my “Reporter Trilogy” featuring the spunky Maritime journalist.  The Riving Reporter covers the years 1990 to 1997, when Sandra becomes a foreign correspondent at the London bureau of the Canadian Press.  She covers major stories in Britain, France, Italy, South Africa, Japan, Hong Kong, Egypt, Mexico and South Africa, while being pursued by the mob  She is accompanied by Colin Purcell, a crusty English photographer.

I am currently working on The Return of the Reporter, the third and final novel of the series.  In The Return of the Reporter, Sandra returns to Canada and works as an investigative journalist at the Toronto Star.  The novel will focus on the time period leading up to the Millennium and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  It should be noted that all of the “Reporter” novels stand on their own.  However, it is advisable to read the complete series in sequence so that you will have a better understanding of the characters and circumstances.

- Joanne

Robby Benson: From teen idol to Dr. Mauer on "Severance"

Robby Benson is a man of many talents. He is an actor, writer, director, composer, lyricist, professor of film and a novelist.  Robby was born Robin David Segal on January 21, 1956 to a Jewish family in Dallas, Texas.  He is the son of Freda Ann (née Benson), a singer, actor and business promotions manager, and Jerry Segal, a writer.  When Robby was five, his family moved to New York City, where he grew up.  He appeared in television commercials and stage productions before establishing himself as a film star.

At the age of ten, Robby adopted his mother's maiden name as his stage name.  He attended the Lincoln Square Academy in Manhattan, where he graduated as class valedictorian.  By the time he was 12, Robby was co-starring with Ed Begley Jr. on Broadway in a play called. Zelda.  He left the production to star in the film Jeremy.  He also began writing scripts, and by the time he was 18, he'd sold his fourth script to Warner Brothers.

Robby became popular in the 1970s as a teen idol.  Young audiences identified with his coming of age films.  In the romantic drama Jeremy (1973), he co-starred with Glynnis O'Connor as two high school students who have a month-long romance.  In Ode to Billie Joe (1976), based on Bobbie Gentry's hit song, he played the title role of Billie Jo McAllister, with Glynnis O'Connor once again played his love interest.  In One on One (1977), Robby portrayed basketball star Henry Steele in the sports drama he co-wrote with his father, Jerry Segal.

Robby then melted hearts as Nick Peterson in the 1978 romantic drama Ice Castles, the story of the rise and fall of a young figure skater played by Lynn-Holly Johnson.  Robby, who had never skated before, learned how to skate for the film.   "The best thing is interacting with people," he said.  "If you stop and look into their eyes, nothing gets out of hand.  That happened on Ice Castles."

In 1981, Robby co-starred as Danny Saunders in The Chosen, a film based on the best-selling  novel of the same name by Chaim Potok.  

Robby provided the voice of the beast in 1991's Disney animated film Beauty and the Beast.  He also directed television shows, beginning with the first season of  Ellen in 1996, starring Ellen DeGeneres.

In 2007, Robby's novel Who Stole the Funny?  A novel of Hollywood, appeared on the Los Angeles

Times bestseller list.  It's a satire about Hollywood sitcoms.

Robby surfaced recently in the recurring role as creepy Dr. Mauer on Apple TV's Severance.  He told People that working on the series was a dream.  He praised Ben Stiller as the best director he'd ever worked with.  "From the costume designers to the makeup artists . . . Ben Stiller knows what he wants and he shoots it until he gets it, and it's fantastic."

Robby Benson, now 70 years old, leads a private life, focusing on his family and health advocacy.  However, he continues to work as an actor and a voice-over artist.  He also gives instruction on film at universities.

On July 11, 1982, Robby married singer, actress and voice artist Karla DeVito, in Karla's hometown of Mokena Illinois.  The couple celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 2023.  In the course of Karla's music career, she has sung many genres, from heavy metal to musical theatre to pop.  She and Robby have two children, a daughter, Lyric Benson (born August 4, 1983) and a son, Zephyr Benson (born March 23, 1992).  Robby and Karla met in 1981 when they were both performing in Pirates of Penzance on Broadway.  Robby was playing Frederic and Karla had replaced Linda Ronstadt in the role of Mabel.  "I fell in love with her immediately and begged her to marry me for a year," Robby told People magazine in 2025.  "I took a year of begging, and it's just the greatest thing that's ever happened to me."

Robby and Karl

END NOTES

* Robby Benson was diagnosed with a heart murmur during his teenage years, the result of an aortic valve defect.  He has undergone four heart surgeries, since age 28, including a bovine valve transplant, to correct congenital aortic valve defects.  Robby credits Karla for keeping him alive.  As a result of his surgeries, he became an activist and fundraiser for cardiac research.  He published a memoir in 2012, detailing his medial issues and his open heart surgeries.  It's titled I'm not dead . . . yet!

* Robby had an early role as Bruce Carson in the daytime soap Search for Tomorrow (1971-1972).  

* In 1975, Robby screen-tested for the role of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, but Mark Hamill was chosen for the part.

SOURCES: People magazine, "How '70s teen idol Robby Benson Ended Up Playing the Creepy Dr. Mauer on Severance"  (Exclusive), by Gillian Telling, March 26, 2025; AmoMama (amomama.com), "Robby Benson & Wife of 40 Years Are 'Simply Beautiful' in Their 60s after They Healed His Ailing Heart," by Junie Sihlangu, January 26, 2023; Wikipedia.; IMDb

- Joanne

The Consequences of a Baseball Lockout

A major league baseball lockout next season seems inevitable., especially after the L.A. Dodger' acquisition of Cy Young pitcher Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers.  The Dodgers have won two consecutive World Series championships and seem poised to win a third.  

It appears grossly unfair that only some teams have the money and the resources to make such a deal.  Without a cap system, there is a terrible imbalance.  At the same time, however, I am very concerned about the damage a lockout will do to the game.  Are the owners and the players considering how a lockout will hurt the fans?  

The fans are not appreciated enough.  I am on their side completely.  The cost of attending a baseball game continues to increase.  Many are forced to stay home and watch the games on television.  Now, the greedy MLB is streaming games on Apple TV, so they won't be able to view those games on the tube.

The fans are being used as pawns, manipulated into spending more and more of their hard-earned money.  For many people, baseball is a welcome diversion from all their problems and their financial woes.  The owners and players possess obscene amounts of money.  Their greed knows no bounds.  There may be a valid reason for a lockout, but the fans will be the ones who pay the price.  I'm talking about the ordinary Joes who just love the game.  Where is the justice in that?

Players, agents and owners consider baseball to be a business.  But why does it have to be only a business?  The powers that be should not forget about the devoted fans, the kind of fans who sit in the bleachers and keep box scores.  We all know the story of how greed killed the golden goose.

- Joanne

Language Corner: Fun with pangrams

What is a pangram?  It's a sentence that contains every letter of the English alphabet at least once.  The most well-known pangram is "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."  It consists of nine words and a total of 35 letters, which is slightly longer than other pangrams.  However, due to its simplicity  and clarity, it is often used for typing practice and to test fonts and computer keyboard layouts.  The origin of this expression can be traced back to February 9, 1885 in The Boston Journal where it appeared as "A quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." in an article recommending it as a practice sentence for writing students.  In June of 1885, a similar version appeared in The Mainland Mercury newspaper. The earliest known use of the phrase beginning with "The" can be traced to 1888 in the book Illustrative Shorthand by Linda Bronson and in newspapers such as The Queenslander.

The word "pangram" is derived from the Greek root words "pan," meaning "all," and "gram," which is defined as "something written or recorded."  A perfect pangram is a sentence that contains each letter of the English alphabet only once.  Therefore, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." is not a perfect pangram.  It is, however the most popular pangram.  There are, of course, others.  Here are some examples:

"Quick zephyrs blow, vexing daft Jim."

"Mr. Jock, TV quiz PhD bags few lynx," is a perfect pangram, using only the 26 letters of the English alphabet.  Perfect pangrams are extremely rare.

"Six big devils from Japan quickly forgot how to waltz."

"Farmer Jack realized that big yellow quilts were expensive."

"Amazingly, few discotheques provide jukeboxes."

- Joanne

Some good news for Canada amid Trump turmoil

"I feel sorry for Americans.  If you can't be friends with Canada, then you almost certainly do not have a friend anywhere in the world - and that is a very lonely place to be."

- David Eby

Premier of British Columbia

Premier Eby refused to budge on U.S. booze ban.  He proclaimed, "There is not a chance in hell that U.S. alcohol is going back on the shelf in British Columbia."  Good for him!

Eby is right.  Enough is enough!  Canadians must stand united.  Canadians must stand strong and firm against the bullying of the Trump administration.  The survival of our beautiful country depends upon it.  Trump is trying to pound us into submission.  We must show him that we will not submit.  We must demonstrate that we will not relinquish our sovereignty.  We will never become "the 51st state," as Trump wants.

David Eby

It's sad that the relationship between Canada and the United States has become so strained. 
Canada has always been a good friend and neighbour to the United States.  Unfortunately, the current occupant of the White House and his sycophants seems determined to destroy Canada-U.S, relations, and all the good will that has existed between our two countries.  Only Trump could vilify a peaceful, benevolent nations such as Canada.

How are Canadians supposed to deal with an American president who is clearly deranged and demented?  We cannot trust him.  We cannot believe a word he says because he is unstable and volatile.  He changes his mind from one day to the next.  Trump and his enablers blame Canada for everything and have imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian goods, using rarely-invoked Section 338 of the 1930 Smoot-Hawley tariff act.  It doesn't matter to the Trumpers that Smoot Hawley worsened the Great Depression.  

Oh yes, Donald Trump also had the temerity to blame Canada for the devastating wildfires in the country this summer.  Of course, the blustery Trump has conveniently forgotten that Canadian firefighters regularly assist with firefighting efforts in the United States, including a British Columbia helicopter pilot who lost his life on July 12th, while battling wildfires in Colorado.  Trump is also known for his aversion to fighting climate change and conserving the environment.  He thinks its some kind of hoax.

It is beyond the pale that this man is allowed to wreak such havoc on the world, destroying lives, starting an illegal war against Iran that is killing humans and costing billions of dollars.  He had no plan for waging the war and no plan to exit it.  Donald Trump' enablers among Republicans and billionaires will have much to answer for as this dangerous man continues his assault on humanity and all that is good. 

Despite the Trump tariffs, there was some great news for Canada today.  Canadians need to celebrate and revel in it.  Jacob Tsimerman, a University of Toronto professor, has become the first Canadian-based mathematician to win the prestigious Fields Medal, widely considered to be the discipline's equivalent of a Nobel Prize.  The 38-year-old Tsimerman specializes in number theory and related areas.  Congratulations, prof!  You have made Canada proud.  By the way, Tsimerman is an immigrant to Canada, originally from Russia.

Jacob Tsimerman

My gratitude to all the decent Americans who defend Canada against such bullying, and a special thanks to Democratic Senator Patty Murray (Washington) for calling Republican criticism of Canada's wildfire management insulting and ridiculous.  She said to blame climate change, not Canada.

- Joanne            

What's wrong with the Blue Jays?

There's no way to sugarcoat it.  The Toronto Blue Jays have been a huge disappointment this season.  I know they've had to deal with major injuries, but still.  . . . It feels as if last year's magical World Series run was just a dream and we're rerunning that regrettable 2024 season.  The Blue Jays are back in the basement of the American League East again.  What has happened?  The Jays don't seem to be playing as a cohesive unit.  Yes, the injuries have taken their toll, but the team is just playing miserably.  The players seem listless.  

With a record of 46 wins and 56 losses the Blue Jays are currently in fifth and last place in their division.  Their winning percentage is only .451 and they are 13.5 games behind the first place Tampa Bay Rays, a team that really has their number.

Fans wonder what is wrong with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.  As I write this, it's July 23rd, and Vladdy has yet to hit a home run at Rogers Centre this season.  That's right!  His last home run at the dome was on October 19, 2025,  Incredibly, he has not hit any homers in Toronto since then.  In fact, he has only hit a mere six dingers so far this season.  He was recently booed by Toronto fans.      

Vladdy must be quite upset and frustrated with himself.  However, the fact remains that he has failed to produce this season.  Where is the powerful slugger who hit 48 homers in 2021, the player who led the league in home runs that year.  I realize that players have slumps, but this goes beyond a slump.  Fans kept waiting for him to break out of it, but he hasn't done it.

Vladdy Jr.

It's not all Vladdy's fault, though.  His struggles, however, encapsulate the ineffectiveness of the Blue Jays' season.  Other players are also struggling.  For example, Kevin Gausman and Daulton Varsho are not playing up to par.  Whenever the Jays seem about to improve, they fall back down again.  They just haven't been able to stay steady at .500.  Since the All-Star break, they have been pathetic.  It's not for lack of fan support.  The dome is packing over 40,000 for a last place team.  That won't continue if the Jays finish the season this way.

There are only a few bright spots.  Louis Varland is arguably the best closer in the American League.  He has recorded an impressive 20 saves this season.  His ERA is a splendid 1.08.  Third baseman Kazuma Okamoto leads the Jays in home runs with 22 so far.

The trade deadline is approaching.  We'll see what happens.  The current situation is not sustainable.

- Joanne

An open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney

 Dear Prime Minister

Canada is in crisis.  It would be an excellent idea address the nation as soon as possible.  By that, I mean a special televised television address.  I realize that you have a lot on your plate right now, but the wildfires are a top priority. Canada is literally on fire.  This has to be strongly confronted as soon as possible.  I am not just talking about sending out more firefighters and water bombers.  Although necessary, that's merely a band aid solution.  Concrete measures must be put forth by your government.  Unless we are proactive, there will be more wildfires next year and the year after.  We need to combat the root causes of climate change ahead of the consequences.

How much more evidence is needed that climate change is here, that it is real, and that it poses a real threat to our collective health and the future of our planet - not to mention the added costs of health care costs caused by air pollution?  I live in Toronto where temperatures have been soaring this summer, and there have been days when my city had the worst air quality in the world, due to raging wildfires in Ontario. As you'll recall, the evening Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa were cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

Mr. Prime Minister, Canada needs you to show the utmost leadership on the issue of the environment and climate change.  This is an opportune time for you to take charge.  In the past, you have shown great concern about climate change.  However, the environment wasn't even a major issue in the last election, except for the removal of the carbon tax.

Mr. Carney, where is the man who launched a global banking group to fight climate change?  In your 2025 year-end interview with CBC News, you stated that Canada has too much regulation and not enough energy and technology investments to meet emission targets.  Speaking to CBC's chief political correspondent, Rosemary Barton, you called for action because "I care about the issue fundamentally, I care about what gets done.  Not what is put in regulation, not what is said, not what is prohibited - and then nothing happens."

Why are you, once a climate change crusader, now talking about pipelines instead of green energy and ridding the world of fossil fuels?  This is your moment to shine, Mr. Prime Minister.  It's your chance for you to make this great country everything it should be, even in the face of so many challenges.  We can't just shrug and turn on our air conditioners.  What about the people who have asthma, emphysema, respiratory problems and allergies?

A lonely nations waits for you, Prime Minister.

I write this as a concerned citizen.

Respectfully,

Joanne Madden

Prince Edward Island photos (PART 2)

Here are more photos of my visit to beautiful Prince Edward Island.

- Joanne

Historic Beaconsfield House, built in 1877, Charlottetown, PEI - July 1, 2026

Cavendish Beach, PEI - July 3, 2026

Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place - July 3, 2026

I walked through L.M. Montgomery's beloved Haunted Wood Trail

Prince Edward Island photos (PART 1)

Prince Edward Island is one of my favourite places.  It's a great getaway and a change of pace for this Torontonian.  I recently spent six days in the birthplace of Confederation, including Canada Day.  I was unable to tour Province House, where the idea of Canadian Confederation took hold. The restoration of historic building, where the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 took place, is not yet completed.  Province House has been closed for renovations since 2015.   

- Joanne

Here are some photos of my visit.

Summerside, PEI- June 30, 2026

Deckhouse is the restaurant where I like to have lunch on Spinnakers' Landing, Summerside

Victoria-by-the-Sea, PEI. - June 30, 2026

I attended a Ross Family ceilidh at Victoria-by-the-sea.  Enjoyed the music, dancing and fiddling of Stephanie, Johnny and Danielle.  Their mother also danced.

Canada Day at Victoria Park in Charlottetown - July 1, 2026

U.S. World Cup run was going well until Trump interfered

Donald Trump has to interfere with everything, and it seems that FIFA President Gianni Infantino will spare no effort to please the narcissistic American leader.  You may recall that Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize - Football Unites the World.  The prize is intended to pay tribute to a person who has undertaken "exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace" and have contributed to global unity, but Trump has done quite the opposite.  He has achieved nothing like former President Jimmy Carter's Camp David Accord, a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, or Carter's work with Habitats for Humanity (Can you imagine Trump building homes for those in need?).

Jimmy Carter deservedly won the 2002 Nobel Prize "for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development."  Unlike crybaby Trump, Carter did not lobby for the Nobel Peace Prize.  He did not brag about how he deserved it.

How ridiculous that Trump is seen by some as a peacemaker.  He has failed to stop any war, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, which continue to rage on.  He also provoked a costly, illegal and unnecessary war with Iran.  Nevertheless, on December 5, 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the FIFA Peace Prize to Trump at the FIFA World Cup Draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Gianni Infantino

Fast forward.  It is July of 2026 and we are in the midst of the quadrennial FIFA World Cup.  It is being hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.  The U.S. was eliminated from the competition after losing 4-1 to Belgium yesterday.  The loss came after a controversy regarding a player on the American team who had been originally banned from the game after receiving a red card in a previous match.

The player in question is Folarin Balogun.  He was born in Brooklyn, New York in 2001 to Nigerian parents.  At the time, his parents were residing in London.  They visited New York when his mother was seven months pregnant with Folarin.  Airline staff refused to allow her to board the return flight to London due safety concerns surrounding the advanced state of her pregnancy.  Thus, Folarin was born in the United States.  The family returned to the United Kingdom and Folarin was raised in London,  

Born in the U.S. to Nigerian parents and raised in London, Folarin Balogun was eligible to represent the United States, Nigeria or England in international competition.  He chose the U.S.  Isn't it ironic that Trump wants to end birthright citizenship, which would preclude Balogun from representing the United States.?  

Folarin Balogun

Balogun received a one-game suspension after receiving a red card in the U.S.'s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Round 32 of the World Cup.  Trump, of course, called FIFA's President Infantino and what do you know, the ban was overturned.  Surprise!  Surprise!

Under FIFA rules, a straight red card automatically results in a one-game ban, and the player's team is not permitted to appeal the ban.  Nevertheless, Balogun was allowed to play an Seattle against Belgium.  FIFA had dismissed Belgium appeal to void its decision to void Balogun's suspension, paving the way for the U.S. national team's striker to compete in yesterday's match.  The Americans lost anyway, despite Trump's meddling, or perhaps because of it.  It may have motivated the Belgium team.

- Joanne

FIFA World Cup Quiz 2026

FIFA WORLD CUP QUIZ 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first host by three countries simultaneously - Canada, the United States and Mexico. Number 16 invites you to test your knowledge of this prestigious quadrennial tournament by responding to the 10 questions below. Ready! Set! Good luck!

1.   In what year was the first FIFA World Cup held?

A.  1922

B.  1930

C.  1934

D.  1926

E.  1934

2.  In which country hosted 44the first FIFA World Cup?

A.  Uruguay

B.  France

C.  England

D.  Germany

E.  Brazil

3.  Which country won the first World Cup?

A,  Brazil

B.  Germany

C.  Argentina

D.  Uruguay

E.  France

4.  In which year was the first FIFA World Cup televised?

A.  1950

B.  1958

C.  1946

D.  1954

E.  None of the above

5.  In which year did Diego Maradona score his "Hand of God" goal?

A. 1982

B.  1990

C.  1984

D.  1994

E.  1986

6.  Which country has won the most FIFA World Cups?

A.  France

B.  Argentina

C.  Brazil

D.  Germany

E.  Italy

7.  How many times has England won the FIFA World Cup?

A.  Two times

B.  Once

C.  Never

D.  Three times

E.  Four times

8.  How many World Cup victories did legendary Brazilian player Pelé contribute to during his storied career?

A.  2

B.  4

C.  3

4.  1

5.  5

9.  Which nation won the World Cup in both 1934 and 1938?

A.  Italy

B.  Spain

C.  Argentina

D.  France

E.  Brazil

10.  Which was the first African country to participate in the FIFA World Cup?

A,  Morocco

B.  Algeria

C.  Tunisia

D.  Egypt

E.  Cameroon

ANSWERS

1.  B

The first FIFA World Cup took place from July 13 to July 30, 1930.

2.  A

Uruguay hosted the first World Cup.  All matches took place in the capital, Montevideo, primarily at the Estadio Centenario.  Thirteen countries participated, including seven from South America, four from Europe, and two from North America.

3.  D

Uruguay won the inaugural World Cup, defeating Argentina 4-2 in front of a crowd of more than 68,000 spectators.

4.  D

The FIFA World Cup was first broadcast on television in 1954.  The tournament was held in Switzerland that year  An estimated half a million Europeans viewed  the matches in public squares and community halls because home TV ownership was not common in those days.  The broadcasts, of course, were in black and white, with limited camera angles and no slow motion instant replays.  

5.  E

During the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, Argentina's captain, Diego Maradona, scored his controversial "Hand of God" goal.  The goal occurred during a match against England, when Maradona outjumped English goalkeeper Peter Shilton.  The goal was technically illegal because Maradona had used his hand to send the ball into the net.  It was allowed to stand because neither the referee nor the linesman had witnessed the handball.  Maradona later stated that the goal was "symbolic revenge" for the 1982 Falklands War between England and Argentina.  Argentina went on to win the 1986 World Cup by defeating West Germany by a score of 3-2 in the final at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca.

6.  C.

As of 2024, Brazil has won the most FIFA World Cups.  The South American nation has amassed a total of five World Cup victories( 1958, 1962, 1970, 1984 and 2002).  It is the only country to have played in every edition of the tournament.  Italy and Germany hold second place with four wins each.  Argentina has three titles, while France and Uruguay have two apiece.

7.  B

England has only one World Cup victory to date, as the host nation in 1966.  It was the first World Cup held in the English-speaking world.  Matches were played in eight stadiums, but all of England's matches took place at Wembley Stadium.  In the final, England defeated West Germany 4-2.

England's 1966 World Cup victory

8.  C

Pelé helped Brazil win three World Cups.  He made World Cup debut at just 17 years of age in 1958 in Sweden, where he helped Brazil win their first title, scoring four goals in the tournament.  Pelé also won with Brazil in 1962 and 1970.  He participated in a fourth tournament in 1966 in England, but Brazil was eliminated in the group stage after he suffered injuries.  

9.  A

Italy won the World Cup in both 1934 and 1938, becoming the first country to win it two times consecutively.  The Italians achieved that feat by defeating Hungary 4-2 in 1938.  It is interesting to note that the 1934 tournament was held in Italy.  Benito Mussolini was eager to use the World Cup to promote fascism.  Defending champion Uruguay boycotted the 1934 and 1938 tournaments because only four European teams had accepted their invitation to the 1930 tournament.  Due to the decision to host a second consecutive World Cup in Europe, many teams from the Americas chose not to participate in the competition or withdrew.

To date, the only other country to have won two consecutive World Cups is Brazil, with victories in 1958 and 1962, defeating Czechoslovakia both times.

10.  D

Egypt became the first African nation to compete in the World Cup in the 1934 tournament held in Italy.  The Egyptians qualified for the finals but were eliminated in the first round after a 4-2 loss to Hungary.  To date, the highest ranked finish for an African team is 4th place in 2022 by Morocco.

- Joanne

Ontario taxpayers are footing the bill for Ford's "Protect Ontario" ads.

Doug Ford's "Protect Ontario" ads are everywhere.  If you live in this province, you can't escape them on television and on the radio.  The ads are highly political and partisan.  They are paid for by the government of Ontario, but they are definitely not government ads.  They do not provide useful information to the people of Ontario.  They are campaign ads.  They reflect the policies of Doug Ford and his Progressive? Conservative government.  

Why should Ontario taxpayers pay for Ford propaganda?  Of course, the Ford government has a right to publicize its platform and its policies, but not at the expense of hardworking taxpayers.  The PC Party of Ontario should pay for those ads.  If the premier wants to promote his agenda, let his party pay for it.  Aren't conservatives the ones who scream and shout about respecting taxpayer's money?  Aren't they the ones who constantly chatter about stopping the gravy train?  The money spent on those ubiquitous ads could be spent on health and education.  

I resent the "Protect Ontario" advertising blitz.  At a time when working people are forced to use food banks because they can't make ends meet, they are a waste of money.  It's truly disgraceful.  So is the money Ford is wasting on moving the Ontario Science Centre.  A much wiser choice would have been to renovate the old Science Centre and keep it at the same Don Mills location.  As for Ford taking control of the Billy Bishop Airport, the people of Toronto should have a say in the matter.  Do we really need for pollution and noise surrounding the island airport?  Do we want it to become as busy and loud as Pearson airport?

- Joanne

Artificial intelligence: Should we put the brakes on AI?

                                         
Artificial intelligence is here to stay.  It has benefits, especially in the medical field.  However, before we proceed full speed ahead, isn't it about time to step back and take stock.  Although AI has some great assets, it also poses some very real dangers.  

Pope Leo X1V warned us of those dangers in his recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity).  Leo provided his perspective on the worldwide debate on artificial intelligence.  The pontiff implored us to "safeguard our humanity."  He acknowledged that although "a valuable tool," this technology will never possess a soul.  "We must avoid the misconception of equating this type of 'intelligence' with that of human beings," he wrote.  "So-called artificial intelligences do not possess a body, do not feel joy or pain, do not mature through relationships and do not know from within what love, work, friendship or responsibility mean."

Leo XIV

Our common humanity must always take precedence over any technology.  Think about all the greatest works of art, literature and music.  Reflect upon the finest of human achievements.  Did Shakespeare use AI to write his plays and sonnets?  Did Leonardo da Vinci require AI to paint the Mona Lisa?  Dud Beethoven, Bach and Mozart compose their music with the aid of AI?  Could AI create the statue of David or paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?  Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, published in 1818, dealt with the consequences of scientific overreach.  We know how that monster was created.

Of course, high tech moguls such as trillionaire Elon Musk tout AI as the be-all and end-all.  Musk envisions an automated future in which work will be optional due to AI and millions of robots replacing many jobs.  He has stated that by 2030, AI will surpass human intelligence.

Musk

It seems we are headed to such a world now, but are people any happier, more fulfilled?  Are they more connected?  Is there more of a sense of community.  I find Musk's vision of the future quite scary because it doesn't take into account our basic humanity.  If Musk really wants to make a difference, he could single-handedly end hunger.  According to UN estimates, ending hunger by 2030 would cost $93 billion a year.  That would be chump change for Musk and well under one per cent of the $21.9 trillion spent on military budgets over the past decade, according to the United Nations.  

By the way, Musk spent at least $277 million backing Trump and the Republicans in the 2024 election, according to documents filed by the U.S. Federal Election Commission.  He was likely the largest single doner of the election, mostly through his personal super PAC. America PAC.  

After Trump won the election, Musk became head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).  The richest man in the world did Trump's bidding by cruelly making cuts that hurt ordinary Americans.  He even posed for cameras with a chainsaw, emphasizing is willingness to perform Trump's cost-cutting.  

Pope Leo and Elon Musk do not share the same values regarding technology and AI,  This is not a blanket condemnation of artificial intelligence.  It is only to advocate that artificial intelligence be used wisely and intelligently.  What a monumental tragedy it would be if humanity lost control over itself, if human beings became subservient to technology and machines!  Are we destined to serve robots, as Elon Musk suggests?

- Joanne

What childeren have learned from Trump

Do you really want your children to emulate Trump?  Are those the qualities of a decent human being?

- Joanne