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

The world needs to know the truth about Trump's health

 On the eve of America's 250th anniversary, it's truly sad to see that the country has sunk so low that it is being led by a cruel madman.  As a Canadian, I am terribly disappointed about how Trump has destroyed the friendly relationship between our two countries.  He has imposed tariffs which have hurt the Canadian economy and the economy of the United States.  He has insulted Canadians repeatedly and interfered with our sovereignty.  Whether Canadians like it or not, he seems determined to make Canada the 51st state.  But his territorial ambitions don't end there.  He also wants Greenland and Cuba, whether they like it or not.  

Let me be clear.  My quarrel is not with the American people.  My quarrel is with the Trump regime.  Americans and non-Americans alike deserve transparency.  We deserve to know the truth about the health of  a man who holds such power and control over others.  Enough of the lies.!  Come clean! That means you, Secretary of State Marco Rubio.  You were shown a video of Trump falling asleep right beside you.  Yet, you denied what we see with our own eyes over and over again.  When questioned in Congress, you lied.  You said you have never seen him fall asleep in pubic.  Remember, Mr. Secretary, that this is a man who once referred to you as "little Marco."  He would not hesitate to throw you under the bus if it suited his own purposes.

Rubio

Secretary Rubio, it is obvious that you have presidential aspirations.  You hope to become the Republican candidate for president in 2028.  To achieve your ambitions, you have sold your soul and you have forsaken the welfare of your own country.  The American people are suffering greatly, as is the whole world, due to the actions and the erratic behaviour of the authoritarian despot in the White House.  An unstable America is not good for humanity.

Trump has ruined the American economy and he has hurt the economies of other countries with his tariffs and his illegal and unnecessary war with Iran.  His war is costing American taxpayers a great deal of money and fueling inflation.  Yet Trump's billionaire friends (hello there Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg) don't care.  They're doing quite nicely, thank you very much.  So is Big Oil.  Meanwhile, Trump continually blabs about building his ballroom and his other vanity projects.  

Unfortunately, Donald Trump seems incapable of transparency.  He will never admit the truth about his physical and mental condition because he believes it will demonstrate weakness.  He only cares about loyalty to himself, not to the United States of America.  Will the Republican Party wake up and show some loyalty to the Republic?   Republicans, by doing Trump's bidding, you are enabling the decline of your country,  Please, somebody, shout that the emperor has no clothes.

- Joanne

Mental Health and the U.S. Presidency

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is widely believed to have suffered from periods of depression throughout his life.  Contemporary historians and mental health experts believe that Lincoln's "melancholy" would be categorized today as clinical depression.  Nevertheless, despite his personal hardships, Lincoln became one of the greatest American presidents and he preserved the union

Lincoln

Now, let's take a walk down memory lane to the 1972 U.S. presidential election.  The Democratic candidate that year was Senator George McGovern of South Dakota, a liberal who advocated for an immediate end to American involvement in Vietnam.  McGovern chose United States Senator Thomas Eagleton of Missouri as his vice presidential running mate.

A few weeks after the Democratic convention, on July 25, 1972, news reports revealed that Senator Eagleton had checked himself into hospital three times between 1960 and 1966 for clinical depression, receiving electroconvulsive therapy (shock treatment) twice.  He was later received a diagnosis of bipolar II.  

Eagleton acknowledged that the reports were true and McGovern stated that he would support Eagleton '1,000 per cent.  However, after consulting with prominent psychiatrists, including Eagleton's own doctors, McGovern was told that Eagleton's depression could possibly reoccur and endanger the country should he become acting president.  

At the time, a Time magazine poll found that 77% of the respondents said that "Eagleton's medical record would not affect their vote."  However, George McGovern feared that the media's constant reference to "shock treatment' would detract from his campaign.  On August 1, 1972, only 19 days after his nomination, Thomas Eagleton withdrew his candidacy, at McGovern's request.  He was replaced by Sargent Shriver, former U.S. ambassador to France, and former (founding director) of the Peace Corps. and the Office of Economic Opportunity.

McGovern

Eagleton

In the presidential election of November 7, 1972, Republican candidate Richard Nixon and his running mate, Spiro Agnew, won a landslide victory over the McGovern/Shriver ticket.  Then came the Watergate Scandal culminating in Nixon's 1974 resignation.  The Vietnam War finally ended in 1975.  As for Thomas Eagleton, he won reelection to the Senate in 1974 and 1980.  He declined to seek a fourth term in 1986.  He died in 2007 at the age of 77.

Now, fast forward to 2026 and the current occupant of the White House.  Donald Trump is not mentally or physically fit to hold the office of president.  Lincoln and Eagleton may have suffered from depression, but they did not behave like madmen.  They did not threaten their enemies and rant and rave.  They did not behave like authoritarians.  They did not encourage an insurrection to overthrow an elected government.  

Donald Trump is a very unstable man.  He is probably the most dangerous person in the world.  He should not be anywhere near the nuclear code.  If there is a nuclear disaster, all of Trump's sycophants and his billionaire supporters will be complicit.  They are unwilling to say that the emperor wears no clothes. 

- Joanne

Summer reading sugggestion

Those lazy, hazy days of summer are almost upon us.  Are you looking for some books to read while relaxing at the cottage or on the beach?  If so, I would like to suggest my latest novel The Roving Reporter: Scanning the Globe in the 1990.  It is the sequel to my previous book The Missing Reporter.  If you are interested, check out my author's web page,  Just click on the link below.

Joanne Madden – Author

You can also google joannemadden.ca to reach my author's webpage.  The books are available on Indigo and Amazon.

The Roving Reporter: Spanning the Globe in the 1990s is the sequel to my second novel, The Missing Reporter. It chronicles the further adventures of Sandra McKay, a spirited journalist from Prince Edward Island. The novel takes place from 1990 to 1997, just before the Millennium and the digital age. After being abducted by ruthless mob boss, Bruno Rossi, Sandra travels to France to recover from her ordeal and to visit her cousin, Dennis Casey, a man with a secret. Dennis' friend offers Sandra a job as a foreign correspondent based in London. She travels around the globe, accompanied by Colin Purcell, a crusty English photographer. During her seven years as a world reporter, Sandra covers major stories in Britain, France, Italy, South Africa, Japan, Hong Kong. Mexico and Australia. Meanwhile, she finds herself targeted by the mob.

The Missing Reporter is a story of intrigue and suspense, set in 1989.  What happened to TV crime reporter Sandra McKay?  Why did she suddenly vanish after starting a new job.  Is her disappearance linked to the death of prominent dental surgeon Lawrence Somerville, whose brother works for a mob boss?  Intrepid private detective Norm Trapper in on the case and he is looking for answers.

I hope you enjoy the books and I thank you for your support.  By the way, I have started working on the third and final novel of my "reporter trilogy."

- Joanne

Vocabulary Quiz: Words that begin with the Letter "M"

 Number 16 Vocabulary Quiz #11

Test your knowledge of words that begin with the letter "M."  (Note: All definitions have been taken from the Merriam- Webster Dictionary).  Ready! Set! Go!

1.  Metrology

A.  The study of maps

B.  The study of measurements and weights

C.  The study of metrics

D.  The study of urban sprawl

E.  The study of particular weather patterns

2.  Misanthrope

A.  An unhappy person

B.  An angry person

C.  One who dislikes humankind

D.  One who is extremely cruel

E.  One who has many enemies

3.  Miscegenation

A.  A mixture of races, especially marriage, sexual relations or reproduction between a white person and a member of another race

B.  Migration of a specific ethnic or racial group

C.  Forbidding of marriage or reproduction of people of different races

D.  Friendship between people of different races

E.  None of the above

4.  Manumission 

A.  The buying and selling of slaves

B.  The disciplining of slaves

C.  The capture of a fugitive slave

D.  A secret gathering of slaves for the purpose of escaping

E.  Freeing from slavery

5.  Misandry

A.  Male stereotypes

B.  Dislike of, contempt or, or ingrained prejudice against men

C.  Male solidarity

D.  Male chauvinism

E.   A list of male attributes

6.  Mellifluous

A.  Sweet tasting

B.   Distasteful, sour

C.  Sorrowful, sad, doleful

D.  (Of a voice or words) sweet or musical to hear

E.  Artificially honey-flavoured

7.  Melancholy

A.  A short temper

B.  A carefree feeling

C.  State of sadness or depression

D.  Homesickness

E.   Illness

8.  Marauder

A.   A plunderer, a raider

B.    A landowner

C.   An explorer

D.   A liar

E.   A rodeo rider

9.  Marzipan

A.  A chocolate topping with hazelnuts

B.  A strawberry gelato

C.  A creamy banana dessert

D.  A sweet yellow or white paste of ground almonds, sugar and egg whites.

E.  A caramel topping with ground almonds

10.  Megalomaniac

A.  A person who is insane

B.  A serial killer

C.  A compulsive cheater

D.  One who speaks incessantly

E.  A person who is obsessed with their own power

ANSWERS

1.  B

Metrology (noun): the science of weights and measures or of measurement; a system of weights and measures

2.  C

Misanthrope (noun): A person who dislikes human kind and avoids human society.

3. A

Miscegenation (noun): a mixture of races especially: marriage, cohabitation, or sexual intercourse between a white person and a member of another race

4.  E

Manumission (noun): The act or process of manumitting, especially formal emancipation from slavery

5.  B

Misandry (noun): A hatred of men

6.  D

Mellifluous (adjective): Having a smooth rich flow; filled with something (such as honey) that sweetens

7.  C

Melancholy (noun):  A state of sadness or depression of spirits; dejection

8.  A

Marauder (noun):  One who roams from place to place making attacks and raids in search of plunder

9.  D

 Marzipan (noun): A confection of crushed almonds paste, sugar, and egg whites that is often shaped into various forms

10. E

Megalomaniac (noun):  One who suffers from a delusional mental illness that is marked by feelings of personal omnipotence and grandeur

- Joanne

Why I am cheering for the Montreal Canadiens to win the Stanley Cup this year

I live in Toronto and I have been a Leafs fan all my life, although I was thoroughly disappointed by the team's 2025-2026 season.  To be frank, it was a complete and utter disaster.  I hope the situation will greatly improve now that the Blue and White have a new general manager and are about to hire a new coach.  The Leafs were also fortunate to win the draft lottery and will have the first pick of the new crop of NHL players.  Next season has to be better.  It couldn't be much worse.

The last time the Leafs won the Cup, way back in 1967, they defeated the Montreal Canadiens.  So, why do I find myself cheering for the Habs, who were the Leafs' greatest rivals for years.  The answer is simple.  It's about time that Lord Stanley's Jug came home to Canada.  It's been 33 years since a Canadian-based team has won the Cup.  That would be the Montreal Canadiens in 1993, which coincidentally is the same year Gary Bettman became commissioner of the National Hockey League.  Frankly, I am tired of sun-belt teams in Florida and California and Las Vegas winning hockey's greatest trophy.  The Tampa Bay Lightning captured the championship in 2020 and 2021.  The Las Vegas Golden Knight won in 2023 and the Florida Panthers won in 2024 and 2025.  See what I mean.

Hockey has a great history and an outstanding tradition in Montreal.  It really matters.  I watched how enthusiastic the city's fans were for their team.  They were really rocking (By the way, I felt bad for the Buffalo Sabres, but I wanted Montreal to win more).  You won't see Montreal's excitement in Florida or North Carolina.  It's not just that they are American.  Places such as Minnesota, Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago, Boston and New York, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Colorado also have a hockey history., and they actually have winters.  However, hockey has Canadian roots.  In fact, the inaugural Stanley Cup Championship took place on March 22, 1894.  It was a contest between the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association. (MAAA) and the Ottawa Hockey Club, also called the Ottawa Generals.  The game was part of a tournament designated as the Dominion Hockey Challenge by Lord Stanley, the Governor General of Canada.  Montreal defeated Ottawa by a score of 3-1, marking the first time the Stanley Cup was officially awarded.

The Montreal Canadiens have won 24 Stanley Cups.  I want them to win their 25th.  Bring it home, Habs!  Someday, maybe the Leafs.

- Joanne

Will this be a lost season for the Blue Jays?

The 2026 season is on the line for the Toronto Blue Jays.  If they don't pick it up soon, they won't be in contention for a playoff spot.  Yes, I know it's only early May, but the Jays have a lot of ground to make up.  As I write this, they are 9.5 games behind the AL East Division leaders, the New York Yankees.  Only the woeful Boston Red Sox have a worse record.  

It seems like the Jays are at the tipping point.  They need to have a winning streak soon.  The injuries haven't helped, especially the one to catcher Alejandro Kirk, but good teams can overcome injuries. The Jays seem mediocre at the moment.

The magic of last season, doesn't seem to be there right now.  The bats have gone cold.  Vladdy is hitting well, but not for power.  He only has 2 home runs so far, but his batting average is an impressive .319.  He has 43 hits and 16 RBI.

Some of this is not unexpected.  It's almost impossible to replicate what happened last season,  However, GM Ross Atkins failed to make up for the loss of Bo Bichette's production.  Anthony Santaner struggled last season and couldn't be counted on to surge this season.  As it turned out, he underwent surgery and will be out for months.

The season isn't lost yet, but time is running out.  If the Jays' hitting drought doesn't end soon, I'm afraid they won't be in contention.  They've lost that winning feeling and they need to get it back before it's too late.

- Joanne

Greed and climate change

"The world’s top 100 oil and gas companies banked more than $30m every hour in unearned profit in the first month of the US-Israeli war in Iran, according to exclusive analysis for the Guardian. Saudi Aramco, Gazprom and ExxonMobil are among the biggest beneficiaries of the bonanza, meaning key opponents of climate action continue to prosper."

- The Guardian

Big Oil has made Big Money from the American war against Iran.  An analysis, published by The Guardian on April 15. 2026, found Russia and major fossil fuel firms are poised to make an extra $234 billion by the end of 2026, if the price of oil remains in the $100 range.

 

Earth Day has come and gone in 2026.  As usual, initiatives were taken to clean up neighbourhoods.  Lip service was paid to environmental concerns.  However, now that April 22nd is over, many will forget about clean and water pollution.  They will concentrate on paying their household expenses.

It seems as if environmental concerns have been put on the backburner by many.  Few politicians, outside of green party candidates, have been making climate change a central issue in their election campaigns.  In the 2024 U.S. election, Kamala Harris made little mention of the environment. Too many Americans agreed with Trump that climate change is a hoax and his promises to revive the fossil fuel industry.

It is understandable that people are greatly concerned about kitchen table issues such as inflation, jobs, pensions, the price of gas etc.  Many feel that they have to choose between the economy and the environment.  This is flawed thinking.  The economy and the environment are not separate entities.  Clean air results in better health and fewer respiratory diseases, which in turn lowers health costs.  Green jobs can create employment and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.  Reliance on oil gives an upper hand to oil-producing countries that have unacceptable human rights records.

Climate change has resulted in wild fires and hurricanes. It has resulted to untold damage to people and to property.  It has caused the extinction of many animal species.  What kind of a future will we leave to future generations, if any future at all?

Sadly, in January of 2025, four of Canada's biggest banks abandoned the UN-backed Net Zero Banking Alliance, whose goal is to accelerate climate institutions.  I am calling out those banks because they may think they have gotten away with it.  They may think Canadians haven't noticed.  I urge Canadians to take note of the fact that BMO, TD Bank Group and CIBC have confirmed that they have withdrawn their membership in Net Zero Banking.  Shame on them!  They followed the example of the six largest banks in the United States. which withdrew from the Alliance ahead of the presidential inauguration of notorious climate change denier Donald Trump. 

in 2021, Canada's prime minister, Mark Carney, was the UN special envoy for climate action.  On stage at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, Carney proclaimed, "Right here, right now is where finance draws the line.  That's when 160 financial institutions signed onto a climate finance super-group known as the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ).  The future prime minister described it as a watershed moment for energy transition.

When Carney became a politician and leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, his fervour for the environment seemed to have dissipated.  During the federal election campaign of 2025, the carbon tax was a major issue.  The Conservatives, who are supposed to conserve, strongly criticized the carbon tax.  It had become highly unpopular with Canadian voters, so unpopular that Carney promised to scrap it if the Liberals won the election.  The truth is that they might have been voted out of power if the carbon tax had been retained.

When the Liberals won a minority government on April 28, 2025, the first action Carney took was to scrap the carbon tax.  Until recently, he hasn't focused much on the environment.  However, on Tuesday, March 31, the prime minister announced $3.8 billion in funding to protect nature.  There will be new conservation sites in James Bay and Manitoba as the government intends to create national parks and marine reserves.  The government is also seeking private sector investment to fund its conservation strategy,  During his press conference in Wakefield, Quebec, Carney stated that creating conservation areas is ambitious and requires a great deal of funding.  "We can't do it with public money alone," he emphasized.

On April 21 (the day before Earth Day), Prime Minister announced a Strategy to Protect Nature.  His strategy is dependent on private investment and alternative money.  The plan is to credit non-governmental efforts to conserve lands.  But will businesses and investors put private funding into conservation?  Canadians had better hope so because Canada has only four years remaining to achieve its goal of protecting 30 per cent of its lands and waters by 2030.  Only 14 per cent of Canada is presently protected.

90-year-old environmental champion, Dr. David Suzuki told the CBC that it may be too late for humanity to escape the ravages of climate change, but he's not giving up the fight.  He believes the future of the movement is through the actins of local communities.

- Joanne