Photos of Cherry Blossoms in High Park, Toronto

On Saturday, May 12, I visited a very busy High Park here in Toronto.  It was filled with people of all ages and backgrounds.  They were just enjoying the cherry blossoms and snapping photos.  In the past few years, this has become quite a popular event in Toronto.  Here some more photos.

- Joanne

Spring of discontent for Toronto sports fans

For Toronto sports fans, this has been the spring of our discontent.  Everything looked so promising for the Maple Leafs and the Raptors as their 2018 seasons drew to a close.  The city was flushed with excitement and a sense of anticipation.  Even if the Leafs and Raptors failed to win their respective league championships, we had hopes that they would go deep into the playoffs.  Our optimism was not just fuelled by wishful thinking.  There was solid evidence that both teams were poised for some degree of playoff success.  After all, the Raptors won 59 games this year and finished first in the Eastern Conference of the NBA.  They set franchise records for most wins in a season.  As for the Leafs, they also had a fruitful season, finishing third in the NHL's Atlantic Division with 49 wins and 26 losses. They are loaded with young talent such as Auston Mattthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander.

So what went so horribly wrong?  Well, both teams failed to step up in the playoffs.  Their best players did not come through when it really counted.  They didn't pull together.  They weren't hungry enough.  There's no way to candy coat it.  In their first two games against the Boston Bruins, the Leafs looked overmatched and unprepared.  Boston played with confidence and poise. The Leafs, on the hand, didn't resemble the same team that won 49 games during the regular season.  Where were Auston Matthews and William Nylanders?  A team's top players are supposed to shine in the playoffs.   Boston's big line of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak completely dominated the Blue and White.  In addition, Leaf goaltender Frederik Aandersen was far from outstanding.  Freddie was not so steady.  The red-headed Dane has certainly played better, but it was not all his fault.  The Leafs' defence was not exactly stellar and Jake Gardiner. had a painful Game 7.  Gardiner he took the loss hard, declaring that he "didn't show up" and that he "let a lot of people down."

Jake Gardiner

The Maple Leafs lacked leadership and discipline in their series against the Bruins.  They didn't have their eyes on the prize.  Otherwise, Nazem Kadri would have been able to control himself instead of incurring a needless three-game suspension.  Kadri's suspension cost the Leafs dearly.  The Boston series clearly exposed Toronto's weaknesses, especially their defensive flaws.  The Leafs just weren't ready.  At least they gained some playoff experience - the hard way.  Looking ahead to next season, they have chosen a 32-year-old whiz kid named Kyle Dubas as their new General Manager.  They should also has a team captain in plac by then.  We will see what happens.

As for the Toronto Raptors, I honestly expected much more from them than from the Leafs.  They played so impressively during the regular season and it seemed as if their time had finally come.  The first playoff round ended well for the Raps.  They defeated the Washington Wizards in six games.  However, for the third season in a row, they were spooked by the Cleveland Cavaliers and King LeBron James.  James completely unnerved the Raptors.  They didn't know how to deal with him..  He psyched them out.  He toyed with them.  He humiliated them.  It was difficult for Toronto fans to watch.

What happened to DeMar DeRozan?  Although healthy, he was benched for the final 14 minutes of the Raptors' 105-103 defeat in Game 3 against Cleveland.  DeRozan is an all-star.  He's no LeBron, but he's the Raptors' best player.  Something is terribly wrong when your best player is so ineffective that he isn't utilized in the closing minutes of a crucial playoff game.

Coach Dwane Casey paid the price for the Raptors' poor performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs.  He was fired soon after, despite the 59 wins and receiving the Coach of the Year Award from the NBA Coaches Association.  As sports fans know, it often happens that way.  The players can't all be fired, so the coach becomes the fall guy.  I'm not saying that Casey doesn't bear any responsibility for the Cleveland debacle.  No one player or coach should shoulder all the blame.  That fiasco was a team effort and Casey deserved better.

Dwane Casey

So, it's the middle of May and the Toronto Maple Leafs have gone another year without winning the Stanley Cup.  That's 51 years and counting.  The Las Vegas Golden Knights, in their first year of contention, are still alive in the playoffs.  If they defeat the Winnipeg Jets, they will earn a berth in the Stanley Cup Final.  It's hard to believe that Vegas has gotten so far in their initial season.  I admit that I am biased and that I would prefer Winnipeg to win.  However, I don't want to underestimate the Knights.  They have certainly exceeded expectations.  Yet, even if they weren't playing Winnipeg, I couldn't bring myself to cheer for them to win Lord Stanley's Jug.  It doesn't feel right.  It doesn't feel as if this new franchise has paid its dues yet.  The Golden Knights' success is  rather galling to Leaf fans who have waited patiently for so many years and to all the NHL teams who have never won the Cup.  Still, if they manage to win it, they will be the legitimate victors.


- Joanne

The Business of E-Sports

Here is an infographic about the business of sports.  It contains facts and statistics about electronic sports or organized competitions between professional gamers.  It provides information about the growth of e-sport revenue growth, the highest earning esports gaming countries.  sports clubs with the most esport players and the top esport players and tournaments.  I hope this infographic entertaining and informative.

- Joanne


MonEy by Moneypod.

After 51 years without winning the Stanley Cup, what's next for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Today marks a rather significant anniversary for the Toronto Maple Leafs and their legion of fans.  In many ways, it is a dubious anniversary because it is a reminder of the franchise's many years of futility.  For it was on this day, May 2nd, back in 1967, that the Blue and White last hoisted the Stanley Cup.  That was 51 years ago - more than half a century.  Of course, there were only six teams then, so it wasn't as difficult to win Lord Stanley's Jug.  There wasn't a gruelling two month marathon of playoff hockey (the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup on June 11th last season).  In 1967, the Leafs were an older team, so they wouldn't have survived the endurance test that the NHL's premier championship has become.  Their goaltender, the legendary Johnny Bower, was 42 years old.  Their other goalie, Terry Sawchuk, was 37.  Their captain, George Armstrong, was 36.

Technology has changed in leaps and bounds since the Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens in that long ago Stanley Cup Final, as have social mores and fashion.  Younger hockey fans may find it hard to fathom a world without cell phones and the Internet, but colour television was a novelty in 1967 and people watched the Stanley Cup finals on small black and white TVs.  There were no advertisements along the boards of the arena or on the ice.  Players didn't wear helmets, most goalies didn't wear masks and there were no bearded 6 foot, 5 inch behemoths.  The people in the crowd were not dressed in the home team's sweater.  Many were all dressed up in suits and dresses.

When the Maple Leafs last won the Stanley Cup, Canadians were celebrating Centennial Year. We were basking in the glow of Expo 67 in Montreal, which opened its gates on April 27, 1967, just days before days before the Leafs' Stanley won the Stanley Cup.  Pierre Elliott Trudeau was planning his run for the leadership of the Liberal Party and his eventual replacement of Lester Pearson as Prime Minister of Canada.  "Trudeaumania" was soon to sweep our land.

Flash forward 51 years.  The son of Pierre Trudeau is the current Prime Minister of Canada.  There are 31 teams in the National Hockey League, including such hockey hotbeds as Nashville, Tennessee and Phoenix Arizona.  The latest franchise to join the league is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.  As of this writing, no Canadian-based team has won the Stanley Cup for 25 years, since Montreal won it in 1993.

Toronto fans have been patient through the horrible years when Harold Ballard owned the team and through many mediocre and sub par seasons.  In 1993, with Doug Gilmore leading the way, the Leafs almost made it to the Stanley Cup final, only to be thwarted by Wayne Gretzky and the Los Angeles Kings.  The dream of a Toronto-Montreal match-up was put to rest. 

The Leafs haven't been as close to winning the Holy Grail of Hockey since then.  However, fate smiled upon them when they won first choice in the lottery draft and were able to sign the talented Auston Matthews.  Matthews is surrounded by some other skilled young players such as Mitch Marner and William Nylander.  I believe the team is headed in the right direction.  Unfortunately, this year,they just weren't ready.  Here's what they need:

1.  More playoff experience:  One of the reasons Boston defeated the Leafs in the first round of this year's playoffs is that they have much more playoff experience.  Compared to the Bruins, the Leafs lacked poise and confidence.

2.  A stronger defence:  Defence is the Leafs' weak spot. Jake Gardner certainly looked bad in the Game 7 loss to Boston, but he should not have to shoulder all the blame.  For example, Freddie Andersen didn't play his best in the seventh game either.  He didn't rise to the occasion.  The Leafs were awful in the first two games in Boston.  However, they did improve greatly in the rest of the series.  Still, their star young player, Auston Matthews and William Nylander did not shine at all.  Although Mattthews had 27 shots on goal in seven games, he finished the series with just one goal in Game 3 and one assist in Game 5.  As for Nylander, he only had four points (one goal and three assists).

3.  A team captain.  The leadership of a captain is very important.  The Maple Leafs were probably too hasty in making Dion Phaneuf their captain, but now they are overdue to choose a captain.  It's hard to imagine a team winning the Stanley Cup without a captain.  Many think it's a matter of time before Auston Matthews wears the "C" on his uniform.  Perhaps, he's the one, but I think all of the Leaf players should have a say in who has the honour of being captain.  They have a good idea of who has the right leadership qualities and whose right for the job.  It should be put to a vote among the players.

4.  More discipline.  A Stanley Cup-winning team is disciplined and focused.  The Leafs took too many unnecessary penalties in their series against Boston.  Nazim Kadri, in particular, must exercise control.  He was no help to his team while he was suspended for three games

Whom do I want to win the Stanley Cup this year?  The Winnipeg Jets, of course, and not just because they are a Canadian-based team.  A victory would mean a lot to the city of Winnipeg.  Yet, I wonder if the situation were reversed and the Toronto Maple Leafs were still in the running for the Cup,  how many fans in Winnipeg or other parts of Canada, could bring themselves to cheer for the Leafs?  Anyway, good look to the Jets. as long as they're not playing the Toronto Maple Leafs.  I hope to see some celebrating in the 'Peg this year and maybe a parade along Yonge Street in the near future.



- Joanne

Solar Energy: A Global Overview of the Rise of Rooftop Energy Storage

The demand for renewable energy sources is increasing every year due to climate change.  The  Rooftop solar energy storage is available, affordable and on the rise.  The following infographic will provide charts and statistics tracing its growth around the world.  It highlights the trends in solar energy and how attitudes, how global attitudes are changing and which countries are leading the way.  I hope you find it informative and useful.  

- Joanne


The Rise of Rooftop Energy Storage by Roof Stores.

Reflections on Earth Day 2018

If I had to name the most serious threat to the survival of humanity, my answer would be climate change.  In second place, would be nuclear devastation.  Some people shrug and say they are sick and tired of hearing the preaching of "tree huggers."

Here is my reply:

There is no choice.  It is time to sound the alarms and they should be blaring!  We need to shout our message from the mountain tops!  Like ancient Rome, the Earth is burning and like Emperor Nero, too many our leaders are fiddling.  How can environmentalists let up when there is such a crisis?  Scientist the world over, especially Canada's Dr. David Suzuki, have been warning us of the dangers.  They are united in the same cause as religious leaders such as Pope Francis, who has pointed out clearly that climate change is a moral issue. (Who says that science and religion can't find common ground?).

At the moment, one of the most powerful leaders in the world refuses to to do anything about the environmental crisis.  The current American president and his Republican cohorts are more beholden to oil companies than to human beings.  They are  more interested in protecting the wealth of the fossil fuel industry than in protecting the health and welfare of ordinary Americans.  President Trump has pulled the United States out of the Paris climate change agreement and has encouraged the revival of dirty coal mines, despite the fact that these mines cause sickness, disease and pollution.  Of course, people need jobs.  They have to put food on the table.  However, there are alternatives to reviving a dead fossil fuel industry.  Why should American workers regress to a time when their livelihood threatened their health?

Anti-environmentalists would have youo believe that we have to make a choice between jobs and the environment.  However, it doesn't have to be an either/or proposition.  There are alternatives.  It is possible to create jobs while protecting the environment.  Employees can be retrained or work at "green jobs."  Not only than, but do we really want people to work in mines and destroy their health.

Thank goodness that Jerry Brown, the current Governor of California, recognizes the dangers of climate change and pollution and wants to do something about it.  He has leverage, too, because California boasts the world's sixth largest economy, Governor Brown wants to work with the Canadian province of Ontario, where I live.  Unfortunately, there is a clear and present problem on the horizon.  The people of Ontario are scheduled to go to the polls on June 7, 2018 and Doug Ford, leader of the Progressive (italics mine) Conservative Party of Ontario,  is poised to  become the next premier of the province.  Ford is a right-wing populist.  Like Trump, he is a climate change denier and he plans to repeal Ontario's cap-and-trade system, which imposes a limit (cap) on industrial emissions and permits companies to buy (trade) credits that allow them to exceed that limit.  By the way, this is not a tax because the price is not paid directly buy taxpayers.  If Ford's party wins the election, as expected, it will be a terrible blow to environmentalism in Canada's most populous province.

Unfortunately, right-wing populists have been making strides.  There could not be a worse time in history for the rise of right-wing climate change deniers.  We sol-called "tree huggers" must counter them before it is too late.


The Earth is what we all have in common.

Wendell Berry (1934- ), American poet and novelist.
From The Unsettling of America [1977]


Whatever our age, our gender, our race or ethnic background, our social and economic status, we all inhabit the same planet.  We all have a stake in the protection of the Earth.  As a farmer and environmental activist, Wndell Berry makes the case that we all have an interest in the future of our common home.


We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.

- Native American proverb

There was classic public service announcement (PSA) from years ago.  It showed an Indigenous man with a tear in his eye after seeing the environmental devastation caused by litter.  That PSA was poignant and extremely effective.  It should be shown again to an new generation.  If only non-natives respected the earth like the aboriginal people, we would would have clean air and clean water.  We would be healthier and happier.

Here are two things you can for the environment on Earth Day and every day.

* Don't use plastic water bottles.

*  Don't forget the three Rs - Recycle, Reuse and Reduce

Note to Smokers                                                 

Please don't throw your cigarette butts on the ground.  Cigarette butts remain on the ground for for years, leaking toxic chemicals into the environment. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, cigarettes contain almost 4,000 chemicals,  About 50 of them are carcinogenic.  Here is a list of some of those chemicals: arsenic, acetone, ammonia, lead, formaldehyde etc.  Carelessly discarded cigarette butts contaminate our water supply.  They harm humans and animal life.

- Joanne

An Open Letter to John Tory, Mayor of Toronto

 

This is the first in a series of open letters to Mayor John Tory regarding the serious issues facing the city of Toronto. until this fall's municipal election.

Dear Sir,

You are widely expected to win re-election as Toronto's mayor in the municipal election scheduled for Monday, October 22, 2018.  At the moment, there are few obstacles on your path to re-election.  Doug Ford has left the race and is now the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, although I don't know what's "progressive" about the party under his leadership.

Registration of candidates for the office of mayor will officially open on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.  Unless a popular candidate with strong credentials decides to enter the race, you might as well be acclaimed for a second term.  This would not be a good situation for the city of Toronto and it would not be a good situation for you, Mr. Mayor.  For the sake of democracy, you need to be opposed by a capable opponent.  You need to really defend your record in order to be worthy of a second term.  This election should not be a cakewalk for you.

There are many issues in this city that ought to be addressed.  I fear that if you do not have a strong challenger, these issues will not come to the forefront.  If Torontonians are resigned to your re-election, they will be apathetic and voter turnout will be extremely low.  The fact is that turnout for municipal elections is already traditionally low and will be even lower if voters are not engaged in a competitive campaign.  "Tory is going to win anyway, so why should I bother voting." they will say. What a shame that would be!  As you well know, Mr Mayor, municipal issues are closest to home and they affect people the most in their everyday lives.

This 2018 election will decide Toronto's future for the next four years.  It will be sad if people regard it as such a snoozefest that they don't even consider the problems facing our city.  Mr. Tory, I realize that you have no control over who decides to become a candidate for the office of Mayor of the City of Toronto.  However, no matter who runs against you in the coming election, there are many pressing issues that will not magically disappear and must be dealt with carefully.

I have lived in Toronto my entire life and I am concerned about my city.  Here are the the three issues I consider of paramount importance.  There are countless other issues, but these need to be highlighted.because they require the most attention.

* Homelessness, poverty and addiction:  In my view, this is by far the most pressing problem facing Toronto.  On April 12, 2018, the Toronto Star published a piece about a report by the city's medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen De Villa.  Dr. De Villa stated that "Homelessness remains a significant issue in Toronto, affecting some of the city's most vulnerable residents."  She exhorted local hospital to join efforts to track homeless deaths.  De Villa's report revealed a shocking statistic: 100 homeless people died across the city in 2017.  How accurate is that number?  Well, it is based on the city's first year of collecting death data on the homeless.  Dr. De Villa said that although Toronto's continued effort to collect homeless data is among the most comprehensive in the country, hospital participation is needed for more accuracy.  Still, the number is reasonably accurate and it is alarming.

Beggars and homeless people are scattered all over this city.  They are ubiquitous.  They can be seen both downtown and in the suburbs.  They are ensconced on sidewalks and on the steps of subway stations. They are outdoors in the bitter cold, in the searing heat and in all kinds of inclement weather.  They can be found in food courts and in front of shops and theatres.  They remind us that all is not well in Toronto and that there is a lack of affordable housing and services for the mentally ill and the addicted.

The degree of homelessness and poverty in Toronto is unconscionable and unacceptable.  It is truly a disgrace for the largest city in a resource-rich country such as Canada to have so many people without shelter.

* The environment, health and cleanliness:  In 1987, English actor and writer Peter Ustinov described Toronto as "New York run by the Swiss."  By that, he meant that Toronto was a clean and efficient big city.  I regret to say that Ustinov description no longer applies.  This town could be so much cleaner.  I see food containers and toxic cigarette butts everywhere.  There is much too  much litter on our streets and inside and outside our subway stations.  You can bet tourists notice. Visitors are always impressed by a clean city.

* Transportation:  I believe in public transportation.  I travel by TTC almost every day.  Unfortunately, however, the system is deeply flawed.  It is not reliable and dependable.  There are far too many delays and service suspensions.  I realize that some delays are unavoidable, but TTC.  Commuters do not feel confident that they will arrive for their appointments on time.  In addition, almost every weekend, some portion of the subway is closed for repairs.  Why weren't improvements made years ago?  Why wasn't the York University subway built years ago?  Our leaders have been penny-wise and pound foolish.and it certainly takes along time to get anything done in this city.

The desperately needed downtown relief line is a case in point.  There is so much overcrowding at Bloor and Yonge and Bloor and St. George that someone may be crushed to death or seriously injured some day.  Do we need a tragedy to occur for some action to be taken?  The City of Toronto has proposed building such a line, in one form or another,since 1910 - that's 108 years ago!  The UrbanToronto.ca website displays a map that appeared in the Evening Telegram on November 25, 1911,  It outlines a streetcar subway along Queen Street and future connections along Pape Avenue.  There has been some progress recently.  For example, last month the TTC's board of directors awarded a contract for designing the tunnels of the Relief Line South.  Still, the project has been moving at a snail's pace.

Don't even get me started on the renovations to Union Station.  They keep taking longer and longer to complete and costs are escalating.

Then there is the debate over the controversial Scarborough subway extension.  Mr. Tory, I respectfully disagree with your stand on the Scarborough extension.  The proposed one-stop subway is not worth the expense to taxpayers.  Its cost may exceed a whopping $3.35 billion and I have little doubt that it will.  We don't know the updated cost yet, but as you confirmed to reporters, we may have the answer by September.  Does the anticipated ridership really warrant that kind of grandiose expenditure?  I think not.  The money can be put to better use for the residents of Scarborough.

Despite its problems, Toronto is a vibrant city with much to offer.  It is my home.  That's why I want it to be even better.


Yours sincerely,

Joanne Madden

Montreal Sculpture: The Illuminated Crowd

  

On March 27th of this year, I attended an exhibition game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the St. Louis Cardinals at Montreal's Olympic Stadium.  The next day, while strolling along McGill College Esplanade, I came across a sculpture that immediately intrigued me.  It is located in front of the 20-storey Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP) Paribus Canada office complex.

The name of the sculpture is The Illuminated Crowd and I was not surprised to learn that it is one of the most photographed sculptures in Montreal.  This thought-provoking and controversial work was created by Raymond Mason in 1985.  Mason was a native of Birmingham, England who immigrated to France in 1946,  He lived in Paris until his death in 2010.  In 1980, The Louis Dreyfus Property Group approached him with the idea of designing a sculpture for the future plaza at 1981 avenue McGill College.  The artist was already working on The Illuminated Crowd and he chose a revised version of the theme for the Montreal setting.

From September to November 1985, prior to being shipped to Canada,, the sculpture was exhibited at the National Museum of Modern Art at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.  It depicts a crowd of 65 people of various ages and racial backgrounds.and it illustrates a rather dark side of humanity.  The crowd is gathered tightly together.  The figures in the first row look off into the distance.  Behind them, however, the mood worsens.  It gradually deteriorates as the people display a gamut of emotions including fear, hatred, lust, sadness and sheer terror.

The Illuminated Crowd is ochre in colour against the background of the blue BNP building.  It is a large sculpture - 8.6 metres long by 3.2 metres wide.  Its depiction of a mob of humanity is disturbing and provocative.  That is why it is such a fascinating work of art.

At the base of the sculpture, there is a plaque with the following words:

"A crowd has gathered, facing the light, an illumination brought about by fire, an event, an ideology - or an ideal.  The strong light casts shadows, and as the light moves toward the back and diminishes, the mood degenerates; rowdiness, disorder and violence occur, showing the fragile nature of man.  Illumination, hope, involvement, hilarity, irritation, fear, illness, violence,  murder and death - the flow of man's emotion through space."

- Joanne

Photo of Laurel and Hardy dolls at Granite Brewery and Restaurant

Some family members and I recently had lunch at the Granite Brewery and Restaurant in Toronto (245 Eglinton Ave. East.)  It was a cold, drizzly March day and we enjoyed sitting near the restaurant's cozy fireplace.  We had to leave at a certain time and we appreciated the prompt service.

As we were leaving, something caught my eye.  I noticed a table with Laurel and Hardy dolls playing chess. I just had to take a photo and I would like to share it with you.    I hope you find it amusing, as I did.

- Joanne

Easter: Marry Magdalene: Her image from the Bible and Renaissance art to Jesus Christ Superstar and The Da Vinci Code

Today is Easter Sunday and I would like to share some quotations with you.  This will be followed by a profile of Mary Magdalene.


Tomb, thou shall not hold Him longer;
Death is strong, but Life is stronger;
Stronger than the dark, the light;
Stronger than the wrong, the right . . .

- Phillips Brooks
From An Easter Carol



Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!

- Thomas Blackburn
From An Easter Hymn

IN SEARCH OF MARY MAGDALENE: Was she a fallen woman who became a devoted follower of Christ?

   

In many ways, Mary Magdalene is elusive and mysterious.  She is not clearly identified in Scripture and very little is known about her life other than what appears in the New Testament and later Gospels which are not included in the Bible.  One source of confusion is the number of women called "Mary" in the Gospels ("Mary" is derived from the Hebrew name "Miryam" or "Miriam").

It is usually assumed that "Mary Magdalene" means "Mary from Magdala."  Although no specific location of Mary's birthplace is mentioned in the Bible, many Christian academics believe she came from a place the Talmud calls Magdala Nunayya ("Magdala of the fishes"), on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.  She is thought to be of Jewish descent, and all four canonical Gospels present her as a follower of Jesus who travelled with him and his disciples.

According to the Gospels of Luke (8:1-3) and Mark (16:9), Jesus cleansed her of "seven demons."

Then followed a time in which he went on journeying from one city or village to another, preaching and spreading the good news of God's Kingdom.  With him were the twelve apostles and certain women, whom he had freed from evil spurts and from sicknesses, Mary, who is called Magdalen, who had seven devils cast our of her, and Joanna, the wife of Chusa, Harod's steward and Susanna, and many others, who ministered to him with the means they had.

Luke 8:1-3


But he had risen again, at dawn on the first day of the week, and showed himself first of all to Mary Magdalen, the woman out of whom he had cast out seven devils.  She went and gave the news to those who had been of his company, where they mourned and wept; and they, when they were told that he was alive and that she had seen him, could not believe it.

Mark 16:9-11 


Mary Magdalene has been characterized as a repentant sinner largely as the result of a homily delivered by Pope Gregory 1 in 591.  Gregory lauded Mary for her devotion to Christ, but referred to her as the unnamed female sinner with perfume in Luke's Gospel (7:36-50) and as Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus.  The pope also made reference to Jesus cleansing Mary of the "seven demons," which he associated with the seven deadly sins, which include not only lust but pride and greed as well.

Centuries later, Jacques Lefèvre d'Étaples, a French theologian and humanist, challenged this version of Mary Magdalene.  In Da Maria Magdalena et triduo Chriisti disceptatio (1517), Lefèvre argued against the conflation of Mary the sister of Lazarus, Mary Magdalene and the anonymous penitent sinner who anointed Christ's feet in Luke's gospel.  He contended that they were different people and received much condemnation from French theologians.  However, in 1969 the General Roman Calendar put an end to the dispute about the composite Mary when it identified different dates for Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany and the anonymous sinner.

Jacques Lefèvre d'Étaples

It is a myth that Mary Magdalene was a penitent prostitute, even though that image of her has persisted in Western tradition and theology.  Mary has long been portrayed as a fallen woman who repented,  Western medieval and Renaissance art pictured her in extravagant clothing or dressed immodestly in contrast to other women of the era.  Some paintings even depicted her nude, discreetly covered by long, blond hair, especially the works of Italian artist Titian (1488-1576).

This image of Mary has continued into more modern times. From the 18th century on, institutes that cared for prostitutes were called "Magdalenes."  In the 1970 rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar (music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Tim Rice), there is a song entitled "I Don't Know How to Love Him.," sung by Mary Magdalene.  Here are the lyrics:

"He's a man. He's just a man.
"And I've had so many men before, in very many ways he's just one more."

It  has also been theorized that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married.  In Dan Brown's bestselling 2003 novel, The Da Vinci Code, it is discovered that "The Church, in order to defend itself against the Magdalene's power, perpetuated her image as a whore and buried Christ's marriage to her, thereby defusing any potential claims that Christ had a surviving bloodline and was a mortal prophet."

According to Dorothy Ann Lee, Professor of New Testament, Trinity College, University of Divinity in Australia, "nowhere in the Gospels is Mary Magdalene associated either overtly of covertly with sexuality."  Although she is described as having had seven demons in Luke's Gospel, this description does not mean she was a prostitute.  This description, argues Professor Lee, does not refer to "unfettered sexuality."

In her 2018 essay in The Conversation, Lee states that exorcisms are common in the first three Gospels.  "Those suffering from demonic possession,," she writes, "are never described as sinful but rather are victims of external evils."  Today we would refer to them as illnesses such as epilepsy or mental illness. In other words, Lee concludes, "Magdalene has been the victim of a serious illness and Jesus has healed her."

What we do know is that the canonical Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John clearly place Mary at the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Christ.  However, as Professor Lee points out, "the gospel references don't describe her personality, history or character."  There are very few direct quotes from her, nor any description of her temperament.

In the New Testament, there is no doubt as to Mary's devotion to Christ.  According to the Gospel of John (20:1), it was Mary Magdalene who came to the tomb of Jesus early Sunday morning and discovered that the stone was removed.  It was she to whom Jesus first appeared after his death.  Despite Mary's image in art and literature, there is no solid evidence in the Gospels (or anywhere else) that she was a prostitute or a repentant sinner.  We do know for certain that she was a dedicated and beloved disciple of Jesus.


- Joanne

Faces of Currency Quiz

Here is a pop quiz that tests your knowledge of world currencies.  I hope you find it entertaining and challenging.  It was created by Moneypod, a trading style of Noveau Finance Ltd.  So, put on your thinking caps and good luck.  Note:  The British term "notes" is used instead of "bills."

- Joanne

The truth and 'fake news"

Peter Mansbridge

In this age of the Internet and "fake news," the truth is often unseen, unheard and unbelieved.  That's why I was so heartened by the words of Peter Mansbridge at the Canadian Screen Awards on March 11, 2018.  (For non-Canadians: Mansbridge is the retired chief correspondent for CBC News and anchor of The National, CBC's flagship nightly newscast.  He held that position from 1988 to 2017).  His stirring speech was inspiring.  He said things that needed to be said.  He was clear and unequivocal. 

In an era when the President of the United States has called the press the "enemy of the people," journalists need to be defended more than ever.  They are not perfect, but democracy cannot exist without a free press.

Those who support Donald Trump's views on the media should experience what it is like to live in a country where there is only state-controlled media and all news is censored.  They should live in a place where news reporters behave like robots and trained seals.  

Peter Mansbridge's words need to be read..  That's why I have posted them on by website.  See below.


- Joanne


Most of the challenges that we journalists face are not news - budget cuts, changing technologies, new platforms and the constant pressure of the 24-hour news cycle.  But journalism is under threat in a way that we haven't witnessed before  The very principle that we stand for is under attack.  Truth. Truth is under attack from those who've decided to label hard-working professional journalist who tell real stories as fake.  

Nothing is more sacred in our industry than the truth.  You cannot argue with the truth, no matter how hard you try.  So, finding it, speaking it, sharing it, is all that matters.  And we need to be prepared to risk everything to do that because power unchallenged too often becomes power abused.  So, we need to fight.  We need to fight injustice with facts and we need to battle bullies wit facts.  Not for ourselves.  We don't do this for ourselves.  We do this because we believe that when people are armed with the truth, they can make better decisions for themselves, for their communities and for the world.  The truth is what matters.  The truth is all that matters.


- Peter Mansbridge

The Problem with "LY" Adverbs

In essence, adverbs describe or modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs.  There are several types of adverbs, which I have listed below.  A great many adverbs, especially "adverbs of manner," end in "ly."  These include words such as "quickly," "happily," and "shyly."  The trend in modern speech is to drop the "ly."  I will address this matter after the list of adverb types,

KINDS OF ADVERBS

ADVERBS OF TIME describe when a particular event happened or for how long.

Examples (When)

We have heard this story before.
They haven't spoken to each other lately.
We always eat lunch together.

Example (How long)

I waited for you all day.




ADVERBS OF FREQUENCY show how often a particular event occurs.

Examples:

You often forget to say thank you.
I have only met him once in my life.
They never visit their aunt.




ADVERBS OF PLACE describe where a particular event happened.

Examples:

My sister is out.
He stood there for a while.
I looked up at the sky.




ADVERBS OF MANNER describe how or in what manner something happened.  Adverbs of manner consist of almost adverbs which are derived from adjectives and end in "ly."

Examples:

The baby slept quietly.
He ate hungrily.
My father works hard.




ADVERBS OF DEGREE OR QUANTITY describe how much, in what degree or to what extent something happened.

Examples: 

It is very cold today.
She seems rather upset.
You are quite correct.



ADVERBS OF AFFIRMATION AND NEGATION show whether or not something is valid.

Examples:

You are definitely wrong.
Surely you can do better than this.
We do not recognize him.



ADVERBS OF REASON show an indication of a reason or purpose for an occurrence.

Examples:

He therefore was unable to go to work today.
Thus we had to cancel the dinner party.

THE PROBLEM WITH "LY" ADVERBS 

Have you noticed how frequently English speakers are dropping the  "ly" in adverbs?.  You hear it all the time, "dress smart" instead of "dress smartly"  or "act natural" instead of "act naturally."

FLAT ADVERBS

These are also"flat adverbs" or adverbs that assume the form of related adjectives.  "Flat adverbs do not end in "ly.'  Some examples of flat adverbs are "fast," and "high: and "hard."  One does not say "drove fastly." "jumped highly"or "worked hardly."

List of some flat adverbs

bad	fast	right
bright	hard	safe
cheap	high	sharp
clear	late	slow
easy	loud	sure

Sometimes "flat adverbs" are considered preferable as in "take it easy" and "sleep tight."  According to Merriam-Webster, flat adverbs used to be a lot more common than they are now.  In the 18th century, however, grammarians determined that adverbs should end in "ly."  Those grammarians are responsible, says Merriam-Webster, "for the sad lack of flat adverbs today."

So, you don't have to end all your adverbs in "ly."  That doesn't mean, however, that you should abandon the "ly" at leisure, even though that is becoming more and more prevalent among English speakers.

The Russian-American linguist Anatoly Liberman has described the adverb as "an endangered species in Modern English."  In an August 8, 2007 piece in his blog, "The Oxford Etymologist," Liberman writes that over the past millennium, English has discarded most of its "ancient endings."  The distinction between adverbs and adjectives , he says, is blurring and adjectives are replacing adverbs.  We often hear people say "she dances beautiful" rather than "she dances beautifully."  The adverb "easily" has become "easy" as in "he passed the test easy" rather than "he passed the test easily."

Anatoly Libman

One glaring example of this trend in speech is the preponderance of "real happy" rather than "really happy" or "real quiet" and "real quick" rather than "really quietly" or "really quickly."  It is not correct to say "She dresses real smartly" because the adverb "really" modifies the adverb "smartly."  The word "real" is an adjective.  It should modify a noun.

I must admit that I have a bias against dropping the "ly" on "really."  Phrases such as "real fast" and "real smart" grate on my ears.  They just don't sound good and they are grammatically incorrect.  I realize that language is fluid.  The way we speak is constantly evolving.  There isn't much I  can do about it.   However, that doesn't mean I have to like all of the changes.


- Joanne

Daylight Saving Time: Florida wants it all year round

I have long been an advocate for year-round Daylight Saving Time. I've written about the subject before and I think it's an idea whose time has come.  Statistics have shown that changing the clock results in more car accidents and heart attacks.  Furthermore, combining early darkness with colder autumn weather makes little sense.  The lack of daylight is depressing for many, especially for people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  That is why I am pleased that the Florida Senate has passed a bill to maintain Daylight Saving Time all year round.

On Tuesday, March 6, 2018, 33 members of the state Senate approved the "Sunshine Protection Act." There were only two dissenters. (the House passed it 103-11 on February 14). Three Florida Republicans - Senator Greg Steuve and State Representatives Heather Fitzhagen and Jeanettte Núñez - sponsored the legislation.  According to the New York Times, the trio said they supported all-year Daylight Saving Time because it would benefit the economy, improve public safety and advance mental health.

Keep in mind that this is not yet a done deal.  There are still some hurdles to jump. The bill still has to get the green light from Florida Governor Rick Scott.  Then, an act of Congress is needed because the federal government controls time zones and daylight saving time dates.

However, if all to those obstacles are overcome, the people of Florida will not have to change their clocks again.  Florida will join two other states, Hawaii and most of Arizona, as two places that are exempt from the Uniform Time Act of 1966 (Here in Canada, most of the province of Saskatchewan observes Central Standard Time year-round).

The Sunshine State is headed in the right direction with its Daylight Savings Time legislation.  I hope it receives final approval and that other American states and Canadian provinces follow suit.  As I set my clocks to Daylight Saving Time today, my wish will be that I won't have to do so in the future.


Note: To read my previous post on Daylight Saving Time, click on the link below.

http://www.joanne16.com/2015/11/should-we-have-daylight-saving-time-all.html

- Joanne

How to Become a Self-Publisher

Here's an infographic on self-publishing for authors who want their work to be noticed.  It provides advice, guidance and information for budding writers.  I hope you find it useful and interesting.  It may even help you launch your writing career.

- Joanne


How to Become a Self-Publisher by Moneypod.

Oscars Quiz 2018

The 90th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2018 and will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.  In preparation for the big night, why not challenge yourself and try Number 16's eighth annual Oscars quiz.  There are 10 questions.  Good luck!

NUMBER 16 OSCARS QUIZ 2018


1. The Shape of Water received 13 Oscar nominations this year.  However, that is not the record.  What is the record for most Academy Award nominations for a film?

A.  Gone with the Wind (1939), Titanic (1997) and La La Land  (2016) all received 14 nominations.

B.   Gone with the Wind received 15 nominations.

C.  All About Eve, Titanic and La La Land all received 14 nominations.

D.  The Sound of Music (1965) received 14 nominations.

E.  The Wizard of Oz (1939) , All About Eve and Titanic all received 14 novminations.



2.  Who was the first Black male to be nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role?

A.  Morgan Freeman

B.  Paul Winfield

C.  Dexter Gordon

D.  Sydney Poitier

E.  James Earl Jones



3.  Who was the second Black male to win an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role?

A,  Morgan Freeman

B.  Denzel Washington

C.  Laurence Fishburne

D.  Will Smith

E.   Jamie Foxx



4.  Did Cary Grant win an Oscar for any of his roles?

A.  No, Cary Grant never won an Oscar.

B..  Yes, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for North By Northwest (1959).

C.  Yes, he won an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in The Philadelphia Story (1940).

D.  Yes, he won for Best Actor for his role in Penny Serenade (1941).


E.  Yes, he won the Best Actor Oscar for None but the Lonely Heart (1944).



5.  Sally Hawkins has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance as a mute woman in the film The Shape of Water.  Thus, she did not speak a single word in the entire move.  If she wins, she will be the fourth person and the third woman to win an Academy Award for portraying a mute.  Who was the first person to win an Academy Award for playing a mute?

A.  Katharine Hepburn

B.  Shirley Jones

C.  Audrey Hepburn

D.  Joan Fontaine

E.  Jane Wyman



6.  Julie Andrews has been nominated three times for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.  She has one win to her credit.  For which film did she receive her Oscar?

A.  Mary Poppins

B.  Victor/Victoria

C.  The Sound of Music

D.  Hawaii

E.  Star!



7.  Meryl Streep has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance as Washington Post publisher Katherine Graham in The Post.  She has won three Oscars, but how many times has she been nominated?

A.  15 times

B.  27 times

C.  21 times

D.  18 times

E.  13 times



8.  If Meryl Streep wins for The Post, she will tie the record for the most acting awards, with four Oscars.  Whose record will she tie?

A.  Sally Field

B.  Bette Davis

C.  Tom Hanks

D.  Spencer Tracy

E.  Katharrine Hepburn



9.  When Katharine Hepburn won her Oscar for The Lion in Winter, she tied with another actress.  Who shared the win with Katharine Hepburn?

A.  Julie Christie

B.  Barbra Streisand

C.  Jane Fonda

D.  Faye Dunaway

E.  Vanessa Redgrave



10.  Who has won the most Academy Awards for directing.

A.  William Wyler

B.  Frank Capra

C.  Steven Spielberg

D.  John Ford

E.  Francis Ford Coppola




ANSWERS

1.  C

All about Eve, Titanic and La La Land all received 14 Oscar nominations.


2.  D.

Sydney Poitier in The Defiant Ones

In 1958, Sydney Poitier was the first African-American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance as Noah Cullen in The Defiant Ones.  In 1963, Poitier became the first Black male to win an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance as Homer Smith in Lilies of the Field.

James Earl Jones received a Best Actor in a Leading Role Oscar nomination in 1970 for his role as Jack Jefferson in The Great White Hope.  In 1972, Paul Winfield was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance as Nathan Lee Morgan in Sounder.  In 1986, Dexter Gordon was nominated for his role as Dale Turner for his role in Round Midnight.

With his win for Lilies of Field, Sydney Poiter became only the second African-American to win an Academy Award.  The first Black to win an Oscar was Hattie McDaniel.  She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1939 for her performance in Gone with the Wind.


3. B.

Denzel Washington in Training Day

Demzel Washington was the second Black male to win an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.  He won an Oscar in 2001 for his performance in Training Day.

Laurence Fishbourne was nominated for What's Love Got to Do with It in 1993.  Morgan Freeman was nominated for Driving Miss Daisy in 1994.  Will Smith was nominated for Ali in 2001 and Jamie Fox won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Ray in 2004.


4. A

Although he will always be remembered for his wit and charm, Cary Grant never won an Oscar.  However, he was nominated twice for Best Actor, for Penny Serenade and None but the Lonely Heart.  After he retired, he received an Academy Honorary Award in 1969.


5.  E

At the 1949 Oscars, Jane Wyman won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Belinda McDonald, a deaf/mute rape victim in Johnny Belinda (1948).  Wyman, the first wife of President Ronald Reagan, died in 2007.  She is also known for her portrayal of a wealthy winery owner on the TV series Falcon Crest.

Jane Wyman in Johnny Belinda

Jane Wyman and Ronald Reagan divorced in 1949, the same year Wyman received her Oscar. for Best Actress in Leading Role for Johnny Belinda.  Reagan reportedly quipped to a friend, "Maybe I should name "Johnny Belinda" as a co-respondent."

Sir John Mill won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance as the "village idiot" in Ryan's Daughter (1970) and Holly Hunter won the Best Actress Oscar for her role as the mute Ada McGrath in The Piano (1993).


6.  A.

Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins

In 1965, Julie Andrews received the Academy Award for Best Actress in Leading Role for her performance in the 1964 Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins.  Andrews was again nominated in 1966 for her role in 1965's The Sound of Music.  However, Julie Christie won for her performance in the film Darling.  In 1983, Julie Andrews was nominated for her role in the 1982 film Victor/Victoria, but the Oscar went to Meryl Streep for Sophie's Choice.  

7.  C

Meryl Streep has received a record 21 Academy Award nominations for her acting performances.  She has won three times.  She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Kramer vs. Kramer (1979).  She won for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Sophie's Choice (1982) and The Iron Lady (2011).


8.  E

The great Katharine Hepburn won four Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performances in Morning Glory (1933), Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967), The Lion in Winter  (1968) and On Golden Pond (1981).


9.  B

Streisand with Oscar for Funny Girl in 1969

At the 1969 Academy Awards ceremony, Katharine Hepburn, 61, shared the Best Actress Oscar with Barbra Streisand.  Streisand won for her performance as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl (1968).  Hepburn and Streisand both received 3,030 votes.  It was the first exact tie in a principal Oscar category.  It was also the first and only (so far) tie for Best Actress or any female acting category.

The 26-year-old Streisand, clad in a sequined bell-bottomed pant suit cooed "Hello, gorgeous!" upon receiving her golden statuette.


10.  D

John Ford

John Ford won four Best Director Oscars  - for The Informer (1935), The Grapes of Wrath (1940). How Green Was My Valley (1941) and the The Quiet Man (1052).  Ford also received an Oscar nomination for Stagecoach (1939).  Frank Capra and William Wyler both won three Best Director Oscars, Capra for It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), You Can't Take it With You (1938) and Wyler for Mrs. Miniver (1942), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), Ben-Hur (1959).  Francis Ford Coppola received the Best Director Oscar for The Godfather Part II (1974).  Steven Spielberg has two Best Director Academy Awards to his credit - for Schindler's List (1993) and Saving Private Ryan (1998).
.


- Joanne