FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2010
My birthday is today, July 16th. That is one of the many reasons why I am so partial to the number sixteen. On this July 16th, I hearby present a list to you of some renowned persons who share my birthday.
St. Clare of Assisi was born on this day in 1194. In Italian, her name is “Santa Chiara.” She was born and died at Assisi and was a follower and protégé of St. Francis. On February 17, 1958, the Vatican designated her as the patron saint of television. There is a story that St. Clare was ill and bed-ridden one Christmas Eve in 1252. She was disappointed that she was not well enough to attend Mass in the new Basilica of St. Francis in town, but had a vision of the Mass, both hearing and seeing it from several miles away. It is for this reason she was pronounced the patron saint of television. Clare is also the patron saint of sore eyes. In 1996, while on a tour of Italy, I visited the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi.
The great dancer and actress, Ginger Rogers was born on this day in 1911. She’ll always be remembered as the legendary Fred Astaire’s dancing partner, although she was an accomplished actress in her own right. Together they were magical and I sometimes imagine what it must have been like to glide so effortlessly and graciously with Astaire. Ginger Rogers was born Virginia McMath in Independence Missouri. She died in at her home in Rancho Mirage, California on April 25, 1995 at the age of 83.
Movie and television actress Barbara Stanwyck was born on July 16, 1907 in Brooklyn, New York. Her birth name was Ruby Stevens. Fans of the Big Valley (1965-1969) will remember her primarily for her role as Victoria Barkley, the matriarch of that television western. However, she had a long and successful film career and was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Although she never won an Oscar, Stanwyck received four Academy Award nominations, the first for 1937’s Stella Dallas. Her film career ended in 1964 and she moved on to an Emmy-winning television career. Barabara Stanwyck retired in 1986 after appearing on the primetime television soaps Dynasty and The Colbys. She died on January 20, 1990 in Santa Monica, California at the age of 82.
Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the Christian Science movement, was born on July 16th, 1821 in Bow, New Hampshire. She spent much of her life in ill health. Her health improved dramatically after she became a patient of the New England healer Phineas Pankhurst Quimby in 1862. Dr. Quimby and his "medicine-free" healing techniques influenced her greatly. Her health quickly improved and she discovered a sense of comfort and well-being. In 1875, Mary Baker Eddy published a book called "Science and Health” in which was set forth a philosophy of Christian faith and spiritual healing. She formed the Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston in 1879, a church that often faced controversy for its beliefs and techniques. In 1908, at the age of 87, Mrs. Eddy founded the Christian Science Monitor, a well-respected and successful newspaper. She died on December 3, 1910 at her home in Newton. Massachusetts. In 1995, Mary Baker Eddy was elected to the National Women's Hall of Fame as the only American woman to found a worldwide religion.
Baseball’s "Shoeless" Joe Jackson was born Joseph Jefferson Jackson in Brandon Mills, South Carolina on July 16, 1887. According to his official web site, he received the nickname “Shoeless” after playing a minor league game in his stockings. A new pair of spikes had caused him to have blisters on his feet. As a member of the Chicago White Sox, Jackson became embroiled in baseball’s infamous “Black Sox” scandal. In 1920, the left fielder was suspended from playing baseball after allegations that he was involved in the throwing of the 1919 World Series. The following year, a jury acquitted Shoeless Joe of conspiring to fix the World Series. Despite the court’s decision, Jackson and seven other Chicago players were banned from baseball for life. Shoeless Joe cannot be inducted into the baseball's Hall of Fame unless and until he is reinstated by Major League Baseball. Joe's supporters point out that he had a .375 batting average and recorded 12 hits in the 1919 World Series. His detractors counter that he failed to hit in the clutch during that series. Although the debate rages on all these years later, Jackson's hitting ability has never been disputed. Shoeless Joe Jackson died in Greenville, South Carolina on December 5, 1951 at the age of 64. He is sometimes reported to appear in Iowa cornfields (just kidding about that).
Orville Redenbacher of popcorn fame was born on the 16th of July in 1907 on a farm near Brazil, Indiana. In 1951, he purchased the George F. Chester and Son dent seed corn plant with partner Charlie Bowmannear Valparaiso, Indiana, and experimented with tens of thousands of hybrid strands of popcorn before achieving success. In 1970, he marketed Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popping Corn. Renenbacher sold the company to Hunt-Wesson Foods, a division of Norton Simon, Inc., in 1976. On September 19, 1995, he suffered a heart attack and drowned while in the whirlpool tub of his condominium in Coronado, California. The popcorn king was 88 years old.
Happy Birthday to all those born on July 16th.
- Joanne
Friday, July 16, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Bastille Day and all things French
WEDSNESDAY, JULY 14, 2010
Today is Bastille Day, he national holiday of France. On this day, the French commemorate the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1759 and the beginning of the French Revolution. For your edification and enjoyment, here are a few quotations about France and the French.
"How can anyone govern a nation that has 240 different kinds of cheese?"
- Charles de Gaulle, former French president, 1962
"Everything ends this way in France - everything. Weddings, christenings, duels, burials, swindlings, diplomatic affairs - everything is a pretext for a good dinner."
- Jean Anouilh
"Paris is the city in which one loves to live. Sometimes I think this is because it is the only city in the world where you can step out of a railway station—the Gare D’Orsay—and see, simultaneously, the chief enchantments: the Seine with its bridges and bookstalls, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Tuileries Gardens, the Place de la Concorde, the beginning of the Champs Elysees—nearly everything except the Luxembourg Gardens and the Palais Royal. But what other city offers as much as you leave a train?"
- Margaret Anderson
SPORTS
The National League won its first All-Star game since 1996. The NL defeated the American League by a scre of 3-1 in Anaheim. I am more of an American Leaguer as I follow the Blue Jays. However, it's about time the National League won the ALL-Star game.
Today is Bastille Day, he national holiday of France. On this day, the French commemorate the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1759 and the beginning of the French Revolution. For your edification and enjoyment, here are a few quotations about France and the French.
"How can anyone govern a nation that has 240 different kinds of cheese?"
- Charles de Gaulle, former French president, 1962
"Everything ends this way in France - everything. Weddings, christenings, duels, burials, swindlings, diplomatic affairs - everything is a pretext for a good dinner."
- Jean Anouilh
"Paris is the city in which one loves to live. Sometimes I think this is because it is the only city in the world where you can step out of a railway station—the Gare D’Orsay—and see, simultaneously, the chief enchantments: the Seine with its bridges and bookstalls, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Tuileries Gardens, the Place de la Concorde, the beginning of the Champs Elysees—nearly everything except the Luxembourg Gardens and the Palais Royal. But what other city offers as much as you leave a train?"
- Margaret Anderson
SPORTS
The National League won its first All-Star game since 1996. The NL defeated the American League by a scre of 3-1 in Anaheim. I am more of an American Leaguer as I follow the Blue Jays. However, it's about time the National League won the ALL-Star game.
Monday, July 12, 2010
MONDAY, JULY 12, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Public opinion is a weak tyrant compared with our own private opinion. What a man thinks of himself, that is which determines or rather, indicates , his fate."
- Henry David Thoroeau
From "Walden"
Henry David Thoreau, the great writer, naturalist and philospher, was born in Concord, Massachusetts on this day in 1817.
WITTY DEFINITIONS
As promised in my blog of July 9th, here are some more witty definitions.
Sneeze: Much achoo about nothing.
- Oscar Brinkman
Plumber: Drain surgeon
- Merry Browne
Eraser: A corrector's item.
- From Boys' Life
Hypochondriac: A person who loves sham pain.
Apology: The pause that redresses
- Bert Murray
I can't resist wit. If you would like to contribute any witty definitions to Number 16, please send them to me. I will publish them in this space.
SPORTS
Congratulations to Spain for winning the FIFA World Cup. Congratulations to South Africa for proving that such an event could be held successfully on the African continent.
The Blue Jays lost the final game of their series with Boston yesterday by a score of 3-2. Unfortunately, they head to the All-Star break on a losing note. Sigh.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Public opinion is a weak tyrant compared with our own private opinion. What a man thinks of himself, that is which determines or rather, indicates , his fate."
- Henry David Thoroeau
From "Walden"
Henry David Thoreau, the great writer, naturalist and philospher, was born in Concord, Massachusetts on this day in 1817.
WITTY DEFINITIONS
As promised in my blog of July 9th, here are some more witty definitions.
Sneeze: Much achoo about nothing.
- Oscar Brinkman
Plumber: Drain surgeon
- Merry Browne
Eraser: A corrector's item.
- From Boys' Life
Hypochondriac: A person who loves sham pain.
Apology: The pause that redresses
- Bert Murray
I can't resist wit. If you would like to contribute any witty definitions to Number 16, please send them to me. I will publish them in this space.
SPORTS
Congratulations to Spain for winning the FIFA World Cup. Congratulations to South Africa for proving that such an event could be held successfully on the African continent.
The Blue Jays lost the final game of their series with Boston yesterday by a score of 3-2. Unfortunately, they head to the All-Star break on a losing note. Sigh.
- Joanne
Sunday, July 11, 2010
John Quincy Adams : The president and his "foreign" wife
SUNDAY, JULY 11, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced."
- Aldous Huxley
From "Ends and Means"
FOCUS ON HISTORY
John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, was born on this day in 1767. Adams was born in in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts. He was the eldest son of John Adams, the second president of the United States. They were the only father and son combination to hold the office of president until George W. Bush and his father equalled the accomplishment in 2001.
John Quincy Adams was a career diplomat. He was a well-travelled man of the world who spoke French fluently. While on a mission abroad, he was charmed by London-born Louisa Catherine Johnson, the daughter of an American diplomat and his English wife. Louisa’s father, Joshua Johnson of Maryland, served as United States consul in London.
The futre president married Louisa in 1797, the same year that his father became president. They had four children, one of whom died in infancy. By the time she became First Lady, Louisa suffered from health problems and was not fit to undertake the social duties expected of her.
It is interesting to note that Louisa Catherine Adams remains the only American First Lady born outside the United States. Political enemies sometimes referred to her as being English.
If John Kerry had won the presidency in 2004, his wife would have become only the second foreign-born First Lady of the U.S. Teresa Heinz Kerry was born to Portuguese parents in Mozambique.
LANGUAGE CORNER
Why do we still say "dial a number" when telephones haven`t had dials for years? In fact, the majority of young people have never even seen a rotary phone, except on television or in a photograph. I guess we still say "dial" for lack of a better word. What else can we say? We can't say ``push button`` a phone. If anyone out there has any ideas, let me know. I`d be happy to publish your thoughts on my blog. I won`t use your name if you don`t want me to. So, what do you think, Sixteeners? I`m quite stumped on this one.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost the first game of their series with the Boston Red Sox by a score of 14-3. They were clobbered and it was not pretty. I attended that game, and for a Blue Jays fan, it was an unmitigated disaster. There were many Red Sox fans in attendance. I have to say that Red Sox fans are very loyal and follow their team around to different cities. Yesterday, the Jays redeemed themselves and won by a score of 9-5.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced."
- Aldous Huxley
From "Ends and Means"
FOCUS ON HISTORY
John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, was born on this day in 1767. Adams was born in in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts. He was the eldest son of John Adams, the second president of the United States. They were the only father and son combination to hold the office of president until George W. Bush and his father equalled the accomplishment in 2001.
John Quincy Adams was a career diplomat. He was a well-travelled man of the world who spoke French fluently. While on a mission abroad, he was charmed by London-born Louisa Catherine Johnson, the daughter of an American diplomat and his English wife. Louisa’s father, Joshua Johnson of Maryland, served as United States consul in London.
The futre president married Louisa in 1797, the same year that his father became president. They had four children, one of whom died in infancy. By the time she became First Lady, Louisa suffered from health problems and was not fit to undertake the social duties expected of her.
It is interesting to note that Louisa Catherine Adams remains the only American First Lady born outside the United States. Political enemies sometimes referred to her as being English.
If John Kerry had won the presidency in 2004, his wife would have become only the second foreign-born First Lady of the U.S. Teresa Heinz Kerry was born to Portuguese parents in Mozambique.
LANGUAGE CORNER
Why do we still say "dial a number" when telephones haven`t had dials for years? In fact, the majority of young people have never even seen a rotary phone, except on television or in a photograph. I guess we still say "dial" for lack of a better word. What else can we say? We can't say ``push button`` a phone. If anyone out there has any ideas, let me know. I`d be happy to publish your thoughts on my blog. I won`t use your name if you don`t want me to. So, what do you think, Sixteeners? I`m quite stumped on this one.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost the first game of their series with the Boston Red Sox by a score of 14-3. They were clobbered and it was not pretty. I attended that game, and for a Blue Jays fan, it was an unmitigated disaster. There were many Red Sox fans in attendance. I have to say that Red Sox fans are very loyal and follow their team around to different cities. Yesterday, the Jays redeemed themselves and won by a score of 9-5.
- Joanne
Friday, July 9, 2010
Witty Definitions
FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2010
Here are some witty definitions for you on a July day.
A hypocondriac is one whose claims to being an invalid are invalid.
- Frank Tyger
Global peace: The world coming to a mend.
- Merry Browne
Paralyze: A couple of fibs.
- Buck Tracy
Bankrupt corporation: Red Inc.
- Buck Tracy
I hope you enjoyed these witty definitions. I promise to share more of them with you soon.
RANT OF THE DAY
As someone who has worked in a library for many years, a column in yesterday’s Toronto Star caught my attention. It really hit home for me and I feel compelled to comment on it.
The column was written by James Travers and it laments the Harper government’s decision to no longer make mandatory the long form of Canada’s census. I strongly agree that the government has made a foolish and short-sighted decision. I am astounded at such pettiness and lack of awareness.
Approximately 20% of the population receives the mandatory long form of the census. I happen to be quite familiar with the long version as I was required to fill it out in 2006 and in 2001. It is a bit time-consuming and tedious, but the effort is well worth it. When one considers the usefulness of demographic information, there is no doubt that the benefits far outweigh the drudgery of answering about 50 census questions.
As Travers puts it, ``Conservatives are pandering to the fringe conspiratorial notion that big government is prying too deeply into private lives.`` When I filled out the long-form census, I never felt that my privacy was being invaded and that Big Brother was watching me. I realized that I was contributing to a self-portrait of my country.
James Travers is right on the money with his criticism of what he calls the ``dumbing down``of Canada. Any librarian will tell you how valuable and how necessary census material is to researchers, journalists, students and countless others. Nothing else provides such a vital and accurate snapshot of our country. As Travers points out, that snapshot will be distorted and incomplete without the long version.
Thank you, Jim Travers, for exposing this travesty. Canada and its people deserve better.
SPORTS
What a circus surrounding LeBron James' departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers! He's off to Miami to play with former Toronto Raptor Chris Bosh. Good riddance to both of them!
I'm cheering for the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup. No, I don't have any Dutch blood, but I want the Orange to win because of their warm relationship with Canadians.
The Blue Jays won their series with the Minnesota Twins last night in magnificent fashion. They defeated the twins by a score of 8-1 and slammed 5 solo homo runs. The Jays are the major league leaders in homers. I am inpressed with the ability of this team to hit the long ball. Unfortunately, the Jays have been hampered by their inability to hit for average. Their batting averages are pitifully low. They need to hit some more singles in addition to homers. When the home runs go dry, the Jays are in trouble, as was evident in their recent series in Cleveland. They did not hit one home run in that nightmare of a series and they lost all four games.
The Jays begin a new series against the Boston Red Sox and I will be at the dome tonight to cheer them on.
- Joanne
Here are some witty definitions for you on a July day.
A hypocondriac is one whose claims to being an invalid are invalid.
- Frank Tyger
Global peace: The world coming to a mend.
- Merry Browne
Paralyze: A couple of fibs.
- Buck Tracy
Bankrupt corporation: Red Inc.
- Buck Tracy
I hope you enjoyed these witty definitions. I promise to share more of them with you soon.
RANT OF THE DAY
As someone who has worked in a library for many years, a column in yesterday’s Toronto Star caught my attention. It really hit home for me and I feel compelled to comment on it.
The column was written by James Travers and it laments the Harper government’s decision to no longer make mandatory the long form of Canada’s census. I strongly agree that the government has made a foolish and short-sighted decision. I am astounded at such pettiness and lack of awareness.
Approximately 20% of the population receives the mandatory long form of the census. I happen to be quite familiar with the long version as I was required to fill it out in 2006 and in 2001. It is a bit time-consuming and tedious, but the effort is well worth it. When one considers the usefulness of demographic information, there is no doubt that the benefits far outweigh the drudgery of answering about 50 census questions.
As Travers puts it, ``Conservatives are pandering to the fringe conspiratorial notion that big government is prying too deeply into private lives.`` When I filled out the long-form census, I never felt that my privacy was being invaded and that Big Brother was watching me. I realized that I was contributing to a self-portrait of my country.
James Travers is right on the money with his criticism of what he calls the ``dumbing down``of Canada. Any librarian will tell you how valuable and how necessary census material is to researchers, journalists, students and countless others. Nothing else provides such a vital and accurate snapshot of our country. As Travers points out, that snapshot will be distorted and incomplete without the long version.
Thank you, Jim Travers, for exposing this travesty. Canada and its people deserve better.
SPORTS
What a circus surrounding LeBron James' departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers! He's off to Miami to play with former Toronto Raptor Chris Bosh. Good riddance to both of them!
I'm cheering for the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup. No, I don't have any Dutch blood, but I want the Orange to win because of their warm relationship with Canadians.
The Blue Jays won their series with the Minnesota Twins last night in magnificent fashion. They defeated the twins by a score of 8-1 and slammed 5 solo homo runs. The Jays are the major league leaders in homers. I am inpressed with the ability of this team to hit the long ball. Unfortunately, the Jays have been hampered by their inability to hit for average. Their batting averages are pitifully low. They need to hit some more singles in addition to homers. When the home runs go dry, the Jays are in trouble, as was evident in their recent series in Cleveland. They did not hit one home run in that nightmare of a series and they lost all four games.
The Jays begin a new series against the Boston Red Sox and I will be at the dome tonight to cheer them on.
- Joanne
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Ringo, The Beatles and Ray Sonin
WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2010
On this day in 1940, Richard Starkey was born in Liverpool, England. He’s better known as Ringo Starr, the drummer for the Beatles. It’s noteworthy that Ringo, the eldest of the Fab Four, is the first to reach the age of 70. John Lennon was born on October 9, 1940, about three months after Ringo. If John were still alive, he too would be turning 70 this year.
I remember when the Beatles first arrived on the scene. I came home from school one day and my father presented my siblings and me with a copy of "Twist and Shout." I played that album over and over and I collected black and white Beatle cards.
It is interesting that a Toronto radio announcer was the first to play the music of the Beatles in North America. His name was Ray Sonin and he had a program on CFRB 1010 called "Calling All Britons." English-born Ray was the first to play the Beatles, the Dave Clark Five and Petula Clark to North American audiences
SPORTS
Bob Probert died on Monday at the age of 45. He battled his demons and had problems with drugs and alcohol. I notice that the media describe him as “Tough guy, Bob Probert” or "Enforcer Bob Probert" or the “NHL’s heavyweight champion.” These are all eupehemisms for "goon" - although Bob Probert was a goon with some hockey skill.
There is no doubt in my mind that the media are complicit in supporting the old boy's network and perpetuating the myth that Don Cherry's precious "code" is necessary. I am absolutely sick and tired of television networks replaying hockey fights ad nauseum.
It's not just the media. It's the players themselves and the National Hockey League. The code is sacred to them. Woe to any player who would dare speak up and say that "enforcers" are not necessary! I wish that even one player would have the courage to do so. It would be difficult, however, because that player would become a paraiah, shunned and ridiculed by the other players. Such a player would also have to defy the The NHL Players' Association The Players' Association would not be pleased if hockey fights became a thing of the past. Goons with few discernible hockey skills would find themselves unemployed.
Hockey fans should never forget the death of Don Sanderson of the Whitby Dunlops in January of 2009. The 21-year-old died 20 days after banging his head on the ice during a hockey fight. His helmet fell off during the skirmish and Sanderson lapsed into a coma after his head hit the ice. Many questioned the regulations surrounding helmets and fighting. They skirted around the real issue. They were afraid to question whether that fight was really necessary at all. A young man with a promising future lost his life. For what?
Some will scoff at my opinion, especially since it is coming from a woman. That doesn't bother me. All I know is the best hockey occurs in the playoffs and in the international tournaments, when fighting is not a factor. I reject tha notion that fighting is an integral part of the game and I firmly believe the NHL could put a stop to it - if it wanted to. Obviously, it don't want to because Gary Bettman and company have the misguided belief that fighting helps to sell hockey in the United States.
The sad and undeniable truth is that the NHL does not feel confident enough in the sport itself to attract fans. The quality of regular season hockey has been greatly diluted by far too may games and far too many teams.
By the way, I do not stand up and pay attention when there is a hockey fight. I remain seated and I just roll my eyes and sigh with annoyance.
- Joanne
On this day in 1940, Richard Starkey was born in Liverpool, England. He’s better known as Ringo Starr, the drummer for the Beatles. It’s noteworthy that Ringo, the eldest of the Fab Four, is the first to reach the age of 70. John Lennon was born on October 9, 1940, about three months after Ringo. If John were still alive, he too would be turning 70 this year.
I remember when the Beatles first arrived on the scene. I came home from school one day and my father presented my siblings and me with a copy of "Twist and Shout." I played that album over and over and I collected black and white Beatle cards.
It is interesting that a Toronto radio announcer was the first to play the music of the Beatles in North America. His name was Ray Sonin and he had a program on CFRB 1010 called "Calling All Britons." English-born Ray was the first to play the Beatles, the Dave Clark Five and Petula Clark to North American audiences
SPORTS
Bob Probert died on Monday at the age of 45. He battled his demons and had problems with drugs and alcohol. I notice that the media describe him as “Tough guy, Bob Probert” or "Enforcer Bob Probert" or the “NHL’s heavyweight champion.” These are all eupehemisms for "goon" - although Bob Probert was a goon with some hockey skill.
There is no doubt in my mind that the media are complicit in supporting the old boy's network and perpetuating the myth that Don Cherry's precious "code" is necessary. I am absolutely sick and tired of television networks replaying hockey fights ad nauseum.
It's not just the media. It's the players themselves and the National Hockey League. The code is sacred to them. Woe to any player who would dare speak up and say that "enforcers" are not necessary! I wish that even one player would have the courage to do so. It would be difficult, however, because that player would become a paraiah, shunned and ridiculed by the other players. Such a player would also have to defy the The NHL Players' Association The Players' Association would not be pleased if hockey fights became a thing of the past. Goons with few discernible hockey skills would find themselves unemployed.
Hockey fans should never forget the death of Don Sanderson of the Whitby Dunlops in January of 2009. The 21-year-old died 20 days after banging his head on the ice during a hockey fight. His helmet fell off during the skirmish and Sanderson lapsed into a coma after his head hit the ice. Many questioned the regulations surrounding helmets and fighting. They skirted around the real issue. They were afraid to question whether that fight was really necessary at all. A young man with a promising future lost his life. For what?
Some will scoff at my opinion, especially since it is coming from a woman. That doesn't bother me. All I know is the best hockey occurs in the playoffs and in the international tournaments, when fighting is not a factor. I reject tha notion that fighting is an integral part of the game and I firmly believe the NHL could put a stop to it - if it wanted to. Obviously, it don't want to because Gary Bettman and company have the misguided belief that fighting helps to sell hockey in the United States.
The sad and undeniable truth is that the NHL does not feel confident enough in the sport itself to attract fans. The quality of regular season hockey has been greatly diluted by far too may games and far too many teams.
By the way, I do not stand up and pay attention when there is a hockey fight. I remain seated and I just roll my eyes and sigh with annoyance.
- Joanne
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I consider a human soul without education like marble in the quarry, which shows none of its inherent beauties till the skill of the polisher fetches out the colours, makes the surface shine, and discovers every ornamental cloud, spot, and vein that runs through the body of it.”
- Joseph Addison (The Spectator, No. 215, Nov. 5, 1711)
Hey Sixteeners, I’m back in Toronto and we are in the midst of heat wave in this city. Due to the weather, there was a power outage yesterday. Although it is very hot and humid, the record temperature has not been broken. Toronto recorded its highest recorded temperature in July of 1936. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, a peak of 41.1° C was recorded in Toronto on the 10th of July, 1936.
“The 1936 heat wave killed 780 Canadians - 376 males and 404 females, most of whom were elderly and infants. A year earlier there were only 42 heat-related deaths. In July 1936, there were another 400 indirect casualties including several drownings. Ontario had the greatest - number of deaths - nearly 600 persons - and in Toronto over 225 succumbed to the heat. Heat-related deaths in Manitoba exceeded 70.”
- From the Canadian Encyclopedia
LEFTOVERS FROM MY VISIT TO CLEVELAND
Not surprisingly, there was little interest in the World Cup in Cleveland. There were no flags on cars as in Toronto. It’s not multicultural and has a much smaller population than Toronto. As I have already mentioned, Cleveland does not have a subway and public transit is not great. The car rules there. Downtown Cleveland looked clean to me. I did not notice much litter on the streets.
On our return from Cleveland, we stopped at Niagara-on-the-Lake, the most beautiful and delightful small town in Ontario. The Shaw Festival was in full swing and we attended a play at my favourite theatre there - The Courthouse. The Courthouse is the smallest of the three theatres at Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the most intimate. We saw "The Cherry Orchard" by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. I enjoyed it immensely.
SPORTS
Major league baseball’s first All-Star game took place on this day in 1933 at Comiskey Park in Chicago. The American League All-Stars won the game by a score of 4-2 before a crowd of 47,595. The time of the game was 2 hours and 5 minutes. Babe Ruth played right field for the American League and Lou Gehrig played first base.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I consider a human soul without education like marble in the quarry, which shows none of its inherent beauties till the skill of the polisher fetches out the colours, makes the surface shine, and discovers every ornamental cloud, spot, and vein that runs through the body of it.”
- Joseph Addison (The Spectator, No. 215, Nov. 5, 1711)
Hey Sixteeners, I’m back in Toronto and we are in the midst of heat wave in this city. Due to the weather, there was a power outage yesterday. Although it is very hot and humid, the record temperature has not been broken. Toronto recorded its highest recorded temperature in July of 1936. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, a peak of 41.1° C was recorded in Toronto on the 10th of July, 1936.
“The 1936 heat wave killed 780 Canadians - 376 males and 404 females, most of whom were elderly and infants. A year earlier there were only 42 heat-related deaths. In July 1936, there were another 400 indirect casualties including several drownings. Ontario had the greatest - number of deaths - nearly 600 persons - and in Toronto over 225 succumbed to the heat. Heat-related deaths in Manitoba exceeded 70.”
- From the Canadian Encyclopedia
LEFTOVERS FROM MY VISIT TO CLEVELAND
Not surprisingly, there was little interest in the World Cup in Cleveland. There were no flags on cars as in Toronto. It’s not multicultural and has a much smaller population than Toronto. As I have already mentioned, Cleveland does not have a subway and public transit is not great. The car rules there. Downtown Cleveland looked clean to me. I did not notice much litter on the streets.
On our return from Cleveland, we stopped at Niagara-on-the-Lake, the most beautiful and delightful small town in Ontario. The Shaw Festival was in full swing and we attended a play at my favourite theatre there - The Courthouse. The Courthouse is the smallest of the three theatres at Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the most intimate. We saw "The Cherry Orchard" by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. I enjoyed it immensely.
SPORTS
Major league baseball’s first All-Star game took place on this day in 1933 at Comiskey Park in Chicago. The American League All-Stars won the game by a score of 4-2 before a crowd of 47,595. The time of the game was 2 hours and 5 minutes. Babe Ruth played right field for the American League and Lou Gehrig played first base.
- Joanne
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Canada Day in Cleveland
THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2010
Happy Canada Day from a proud Canadian. Today is our country's 143rd birthday and for the first time in my life I am spending it outside our borders. I am here in Cleveland enjoying myself, but my heart is and always will be in the Land of the Maple Leaf.
In 1775, Samuel Johnson famously described patriotism the last refuge of a scoundrel. Johnson never put those words into context, but I would like to do so. I would amend Johnson's statement. I would say that unbridled or excessive patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. By that, I mean the "my country right or wrong" brand of patriotism. That type of patriotism leads to warmongering and jingoism. As far as I am concerned, true patriotism is not jingoism. That is the mentality of the Archie Bunkers of this world.
As much as I love Canada, I do not think it is perfect. I do not think it is above criticism and that it has no blemishes on its record. No country can live up to that standard. That is why I firmly believe it is the act of a patriot to speak up when one is of the conviction that one's courtry or government is wrong.
In an imperfect world, Canada is a beacon of hope. My wish on this Canada Day is for Canada to live up to its promise and its potential.
SOME NOTES FROM CLEVELAND
It's a beautiful sunny day here on the shores of Lake Erie. We went to the baseball game at Progressive Field and the Jays lost by a score of 6-1. They were swept by Cleveland and they did not even hit one home run in the series. What a tale of woe! They have now lost five games in a row and their record is a mediocre 40-40 - that's .500 baseball and it's not good enough.
There is a big movement here to keep Ohio-born LeBron James in Cleveland. People are standing on street corners carrying signs and wearing black t-shirts reading "home" and "family" etc. They really want King James to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers. At the ballpark today. fans were chanting, "Stay LeBron." Alas, I do not think they will succeed in keeping him anymore than the Raptors will succeed in keeping Chris Bosh.
There were more Jays fans at the ballpark today. The attendance today was the highest in the 4-game series - about 16,800.
- Joanne
Happy Canada Day from a proud Canadian. Today is our country's 143rd birthday and for the first time in my life I am spending it outside our borders. I am here in Cleveland enjoying myself, but my heart is and always will be in the Land of the Maple Leaf.
In 1775, Samuel Johnson famously described patriotism the last refuge of a scoundrel. Johnson never put those words into context, but I would like to do so. I would amend Johnson's statement. I would say that unbridled or excessive patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. By that, I mean the "my country right or wrong" brand of patriotism. That type of patriotism leads to warmongering and jingoism. As far as I am concerned, true patriotism is not jingoism. That is the mentality of the Archie Bunkers of this world.
As much as I love Canada, I do not think it is perfect. I do not think it is above criticism and that it has no blemishes on its record. No country can live up to that standard. That is why I firmly believe it is the act of a patriot to speak up when one is of the conviction that one's courtry or government is wrong.
In an imperfect world, Canada is a beacon of hope. My wish on this Canada Day is for Canada to live up to its promise and its potential.
SOME NOTES FROM CLEVELAND
It's a beautiful sunny day here on the shores of Lake Erie. We went to the baseball game at Progressive Field and the Jays lost by a score of 6-1. They were swept by Cleveland and they did not even hit one home run in the series. What a tale of woe! They have now lost five games in a row and their record is a mediocre 40-40 - that's .500 baseball and it's not good enough.
There is a big movement here to keep Ohio-born LeBron James in Cleveland. People are standing on street corners carrying signs and wearing black t-shirts reading "home" and "family" etc. They really want King James to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers. At the ballpark today. fans were chanting, "Stay LeBron." Alas, I do not think they will succeed in keeping him anymore than the Raptors will succeed in keeping Chris Bosh.
There were more Jays fans at the ballpark today. The attendance today was the highest in the 4-game series - about 16,800.
- Joanne
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Cleveland, Alan Freed and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2010
Hello again from Cleveland where I spent most of the day in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I have got to say that this pyramid-shaped glass building is a marvelous showcase. It's relatively new as it opened in 1995. If you are a music fan and happen to be in the area, this is a must-see.
Cleveland proclaims itself at the birth place of rock and roll. The first rock concert took place in this city. It was organized by famed disc jockey Alan Freed, the man who coined the term "rock and roll." The concert was called the Moondog Coronation Ball and it was held at the Cleveland Arena on March 21, 1952. Freed moved to New York City in 1954 and began broadcasting there on 1010 WINS AM. In 1959he was at the centre of a payola scandal. He was fired by his New York radio station and eventually pleaded guilty to 29 counts of commercial bribery. He received a $300 fine and 6 months suspended sentence. Alan Freed died a penniless alcoholic in Palm Springs, California in 1965. He was only 43 years old.
Freed's legacy lives on in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with its seven floors of exhibition space and numerous exhibits, interactive listening stations and films. There are displays of the stage clothes and guitars of many performers. The featured attraction at the hall right now is a fabulous exhibit on the life of Bruce Springsteen. It is called From Asbury Park to the Promised Land. For fans of the Boss, this is a real treat. There is also a great exhibit on the history of Motown that I enjoyed very much.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is conveniently located in downtown Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie. It is in close proximity to the Great Lakes Science Center, Burke Lakefront Airport and Cleveland Browns Stadium, home of the NFL's Cleveland Browns. We were able to walk to it easily from our hotel. Cleveland does not have a subway system but it has light rapid transit.
- Joanne
Hello again from Cleveland where I spent most of the day in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I have got to say that this pyramid-shaped glass building is a marvelous showcase. It's relatively new as it opened in 1995. If you are a music fan and happen to be in the area, this is a must-see.
Cleveland proclaims itself at the birth place of rock and roll. The first rock concert took place in this city. It was organized by famed disc jockey Alan Freed, the man who coined the term "rock and roll." The concert was called the Moondog Coronation Ball and it was held at the Cleveland Arena on March 21, 1952. Freed moved to New York City in 1954 and began broadcasting there on 1010 WINS AM. In 1959he was at the centre of a payola scandal. He was fired by his New York radio station and eventually pleaded guilty to 29 counts of commercial bribery. He received a $300 fine and 6 months suspended sentence. Alan Freed died a penniless alcoholic in Palm Springs, California in 1965. He was only 43 years old.
Freed's legacy lives on in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with its seven floors of exhibition space and numerous exhibits, interactive listening stations and films. There are displays of the stage clothes and guitars of many performers. The featured attraction at the hall right now is a fabulous exhibit on the life of Bruce Springsteen. It is called From Asbury Park to the Promised Land. For fans of the Boss, this is a real treat. There is also a great exhibit on the history of Motown that I enjoyed very much.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is conveniently located in downtown Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie. It is in close proximity to the Great Lakes Science Center, Burke Lakefront Airport and Cleveland Browns Stadium, home of the NFL's Cleveland Browns. We were able to walk to it easily from our hotel. Cleveland does not have a subway system but it has light rapid transit.
- Joanne
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Greetings from Cleveland, Ohio: All about the Buckeye State
TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Greetings from Cleveland, Ohio. This is my first visit to Cleveland and to the great state of Ohio. Ohio is known as the Buckeye State. A buckeye is a type of nut and the state has many buckeye trees. The nickname is forever linked to the 1840 presidential election campaign of William Henry Harrison. Harrison was a Virginia-born Ohioan. His opponents dubbed him "the log cabin candidate." In response, Harrison's supporters designed his campaign emblem as a log cabin made of buckeye timbers with a string of buckeyes adorning its walls. Harrison's campaigners also walked with buckeye canes in parades. By the way, William Henry Harrison won the election and became the 9th president of the United States.
I attended a game at Progressive Field tonight between the Blue Jays and Cleveland. Unfortunately, the Jays were defeated by a score of 5-4. I was quite impressed by the ballpark. Despite the beautiful ballpark, attendance was low. Cleveland's team has been struggling this year. They are in last place in the American League Central Division and have had injuries to key players such as Grady Sizemore. They seem to be headed in the right direction as they have won 3 games straight. We spotted a few Jays fans in the stands.
We are going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tomorrow. There is a special exhibit on Motown. I'm really looking forward to it.
Note to a reader:
In 1863, John D. Rockefeller started a Cleveland, Ohio oil refining firm which was incorporated as the Standard Oil Company in 1870 I just had to look it up. It's the library researcher in me.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Greetings from Cleveland, Ohio. This is my first visit to Cleveland and to the great state of Ohio. Ohio is known as the Buckeye State. A buckeye is a type of nut and the state has many buckeye trees. The nickname is forever linked to the 1840 presidential election campaign of William Henry Harrison. Harrison was a Virginia-born Ohioan. His opponents dubbed him "the log cabin candidate." In response, Harrison's supporters designed his campaign emblem as a log cabin made of buckeye timbers with a string of buckeyes adorning its walls. Harrison's campaigners also walked with buckeye canes in parades. By the way, William Henry Harrison won the election and became the 9th president of the United States.
I attended a game at Progressive Field tonight between the Blue Jays and Cleveland. Unfortunately, the Jays were defeated by a score of 5-4. I was quite impressed by the ballpark. Despite the beautiful ballpark, attendance was low. Cleveland's team has been struggling this year. They are in last place in the American League Central Division and have had injuries to key players such as Grady Sizemore. They seem to be headed in the right direction as they have won 3 games straight. We spotted a few Jays fans in the stands.
We are going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tomorrow. There is a special exhibit on Motown. I'm really looking forward to it.
Note to a reader:
In 1863, John D. Rockefeller started a Cleveland, Ohio oil refining firm which was incorporated as the Standard Oil Company in 1870 I just had to look it up. It's the library researcher in me.
- Joanne
Saturday, June 26, 2010
SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2010
I am preparing to go to Cleveland, Ohio for a few days. My husband and I will be driving there. We are planning to spend a night in Erie, Pennsylvania and then it's on to Cleveland. I have never been to Cleveland before and I am looking forward to seeing the city. We have purchased tickets for two baseball games because the Blue Jays are going to be in town. We'll also pay a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next Wednesday. On the way home, we'll make a stop at picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
We hit the road on Monday. So, Sixteeners, I'll be reporting to you from the USA.
- Joanne
I am preparing to go to Cleveland, Ohio for a few days. My husband and I will be driving there. We are planning to spend a night in Erie, Pennsylvania and then it's on to Cleveland. I have never been to Cleveland before and I am looking forward to seeing the city. We have purchased tickets for two baseball games because the Blue Jays are going to be in town. We'll also pay a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next Wednesday. On the way home, we'll make a stop at picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
We hit the road on Monday. So, Sixteeners, I'll be reporting to you from the USA.
- Joanne
Friday, June 25, 2010
Earthquake in Ontario
FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2010
Well, Sixteeners, I experienced an earthquake for the first time on Wednesday afternoon. I was sitting at my computer when I felt some shaking and vibrating. For a moment I was frightened. I thought something was wrong with me. An earthquake never occurred to me because they are so rare in the Toronto area. When I turned on the television, I learned that there had been a magnitude 5.0 quake which originated about 65 kilometres northeast of Ottawa in Quebec and could be felt across Southwestern Ontario.
Canada was the recipient of some ribbing from comedian Stephen Colbert. He said that even our earthquakes are bland. I chuckled a bit, but I have to say, Stephen, if that's bland, I'll take it. I can do without the "excitement" of a more severe earthquake, thank you very much. By the way, in a future blog posting, I will address the perception that Canada is bland and that Canadian history is boring.
One year ago today, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop died. Yes, he was weird and he was extremely troubled. As the years passed, he became more and more eccentric and his behaviour incresingly bizarre. I always thought that he was a ticking time bomb just waiting to be detonated. On the Larry King Live program yesterday, Joan Rivers dismissed Jackson as a pedophile and a druggie. She also claimed that the moonwalk was no big deal, that anyone could walk backwards. As always, the truth is much more complicated than that. There are far more shades of grey.
It is not my place to judge Michael Jackson as a human being. If the allegations of pedophilia are true, he was certainly one sick individual and a criminal. Some would say it is naive to believe he did not pay off the parents of the children involved.
Michael Jackson was a man of immense talent and a magnificent entertainer. He was also the victim of celebrity and an emotionally unhealthy upbringing. It's sad and truly stomach-churning to think that a man who was deprived of a true childhood became a victimiizer of children himself. In the end, I can only say that Michael Jackson was a man blessed with an extraordinary talent whose half century of life was rife with tragedy and ended tragically. He was a person who was never confortable with himself and never seemed to like himself. Although he received an enormous amount of praise and adulation aa a performer, he never appeared to be satisified or content. His wealth and fame seemed to bring him a great deal of misery. It certainly led him to a premature death.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
This is the anniversary of Custer's Last Stand. On this day in 1876, the United States military suffered a humiliating defeat. 134 years age, the Battle of Little Bighorn took place on the plains of southeastern Montana (present-day South Dakota). George Armstrong Custer and his men of the 7th Cavalry fell to ignonimous defeat when they attecked and battled Lakota Sioux warriors. The Battle of Little Bighorn claimed over 200 soldiers, including Custer himself. as several thousand warriors led by Sitting Bull fought for their land near what's now Crow Agency, Mont. The conflict was the result The U.S. government attempt to drive the natives off their land after gold was disovered in the Black Hills of what was then Montana.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays salvaged a game in their series against the St. Louis Cardinals yesterday. They blanked the Card 5-0. Brandon Morrow was the starting pitcher for the Jays and delivered eight scoreless innings. I've got to say I'm really impressed with him and the other members of the rotation. As much as I like Roy Halladay, I think it's for the best that he's gone to the Philadelphia Phillies. Speaking of Roy, the Jays play in Philly tonight and Doc is starting for Philly. They are playing under American League rules because the game was originaally scheduled for Toronto - until the G20 Summit circus changed all that.
Italy and France are both eliminated from the FIFA World Cup. They have a lot of explainin' to do back home.
- Joanne
Well, Sixteeners, I experienced an earthquake for the first time on Wednesday afternoon. I was sitting at my computer when I felt some shaking and vibrating. For a moment I was frightened. I thought something was wrong with me. An earthquake never occurred to me because they are so rare in the Toronto area. When I turned on the television, I learned that there had been a magnitude 5.0 quake which originated about 65 kilometres northeast of Ottawa in Quebec and could be felt across Southwestern Ontario.
Canada was the recipient of some ribbing from comedian Stephen Colbert. He said that even our earthquakes are bland. I chuckled a bit, but I have to say, Stephen, if that's bland, I'll take it. I can do without the "excitement" of a more severe earthquake, thank you very much. By the way, in a future blog posting, I will address the perception that Canada is bland and that Canadian history is boring.
One year ago today, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop died. Yes, he was weird and he was extremely troubled. As the years passed, he became more and more eccentric and his behaviour incresingly bizarre. I always thought that he was a ticking time bomb just waiting to be detonated. On the Larry King Live program yesterday, Joan Rivers dismissed Jackson as a pedophile and a druggie. She also claimed that the moonwalk was no big deal, that anyone could walk backwards. As always, the truth is much more complicated than that. There are far more shades of grey.
It is not my place to judge Michael Jackson as a human being. If the allegations of pedophilia are true, he was certainly one sick individual and a criminal. Some would say it is naive to believe he did not pay off the parents of the children involved.
Michael Jackson was a man of immense talent and a magnificent entertainer. He was also the victim of celebrity and an emotionally unhealthy upbringing. It's sad and truly stomach-churning to think that a man who was deprived of a true childhood became a victimiizer of children himself. In the end, I can only say that Michael Jackson was a man blessed with an extraordinary talent whose half century of life was rife with tragedy and ended tragically. He was a person who was never confortable with himself and never seemed to like himself. Although he received an enormous amount of praise and adulation aa a performer, he never appeared to be satisified or content. His wealth and fame seemed to bring him a great deal of misery. It certainly led him to a premature death.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
This is the anniversary of Custer's Last Stand. On this day in 1876, the United States military suffered a humiliating defeat. 134 years age, the Battle of Little Bighorn took place on the plains of southeastern Montana (present-day South Dakota). George Armstrong Custer and his men of the 7th Cavalry fell to ignonimous defeat when they attecked and battled Lakota Sioux warriors. The Battle of Little Bighorn claimed over 200 soldiers, including Custer himself. as several thousand warriors led by Sitting Bull fought for their land near what's now Crow Agency, Mont. The conflict was the result The U.S. government attempt to drive the natives off their land after gold was disovered in the Black Hills of what was then Montana.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays salvaged a game in their series against the St. Louis Cardinals yesterday. They blanked the Card 5-0. Brandon Morrow was the starting pitcher for the Jays and delivered eight scoreless innings. I've got to say I'm really impressed with him and the other members of the rotation. As much as I like Roy Halladay, I think it's for the best that he's gone to the Philadelphia Phillies. Speaking of Roy, the Jays play in Philly tonight and Doc is starting for Philly. They are playing under American League rules because the game was originaally scheduled for Toronto - until the G20 Summit circus changed all that.
Italy and France are both eliminated from the FIFA World Cup. They have a lot of explainin' to do back home.
- Joanne
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Air India Bombing and Vijaya Thampi
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Yes: I am a dreamer. For a dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."
— Oscar Wilde (The Critic as Artist)
That's one for all you dreamers on a summer day in June. I believe it's a good thing to be a dreamer - as long as one doesn't become too obsessed and nreasonable. I alo believe there is a correlation between dreaming and creativity. So, yes, I am proud to count myself among the dreamers of this world. I am definitely with Oscar Wilde on that one. After all, the witty Mr. Wilde was one of the world's most creative playwrights.
THE AIR INDIA BOMBING AND VIJAYA THAMPI
Today is a sober anniversary for Canadians. This is the 25th anniversary of the Air India bombing, the worst terrorist attack in Canadian history and the deadliest case of aviation terrorism until the 9/11 attacks in the United States in 2001. On June 23, 1985, an airplane operating on the Montréal-London-Delhi-Bombay route. — a Boeing 747 - was blown up by a bomb while in Irish airspace and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. The attack was orchestrated by Sikh extremists and all 329 people aboard Air India Flight 182 were killed, 280 of whom were Canadian. A quarter of a century later, their family and friends still mourn them and feel the pain of loss.
It always hits home when you can put a face to the victims of a disaster. One of the victims of Air India Flight 182 worked at my place of employment. Her name was Vijaya Thampi and she was a Toronto Star employee. She worked in the Human Resources Dept. and I worked in the library, but I recall speaking to her briefly. I remember her as a very pleasant woman.and I will not forget her. I'll be thinking about her today and all the other innocent victims of that doomed Air India flight.
SPORTS
I attended the Blue Jays game at the dome last night. The Jays began their series with the St. Louis Cardinals. They lost by a score of 9-4 even though Jose Bautista hit 2 home runs. Bautista now leads the major leagues in home runs with 20. Brett Cecil was the starting pitcher for the Jays and it was not one of his better performances. Aaron Hill and Adam Lind continue to strggle. This is very worrisome since they are the number 2 and 3 hitters in the batting order. Jarrett Hoffpauir, the new third basman for the Jays, made his debut last night and chalked up his first hit in a Blue Jays uniform.
The area around Union Station, the harbourfront and the dome resembles an armed camp due to that infernal G20 Summit. There are police and fences everywhere.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Yes: I am a dreamer. For a dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."
— Oscar Wilde (The Critic as Artist)
That's one for all you dreamers on a summer day in June. I believe it's a good thing to be a dreamer - as long as one doesn't become too obsessed and nreasonable. I alo believe there is a correlation between dreaming and creativity. So, yes, I am proud to count myself among the dreamers of this world. I am definitely with Oscar Wilde on that one. After all, the witty Mr. Wilde was one of the world's most creative playwrights.
THE AIR INDIA BOMBING AND VIJAYA THAMPI
Today is a sober anniversary for Canadians. This is the 25th anniversary of the Air India bombing, the worst terrorist attack in Canadian history and the deadliest case of aviation terrorism until the 9/11 attacks in the United States in 2001. On June 23, 1985, an airplane operating on the Montréal-London-Delhi-Bombay route. — a Boeing 747 - was blown up by a bomb while in Irish airspace and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. The attack was orchestrated by Sikh extremists and all 329 people aboard Air India Flight 182 were killed, 280 of whom were Canadian. A quarter of a century later, their family and friends still mourn them and feel the pain of loss.
It always hits home when you can put a face to the victims of a disaster. One of the victims of Air India Flight 182 worked at my place of employment. Her name was Vijaya Thampi and she was a Toronto Star employee. She worked in the Human Resources Dept. and I worked in the library, but I recall speaking to her briefly. I remember her as a very pleasant woman.and I will not forget her. I'll be thinking about her today and all the other innocent victims of that doomed Air India flight.
SPORTS
I attended the Blue Jays game at the dome last night. The Jays began their series with the St. Louis Cardinals. They lost by a score of 9-4 even though Jose Bautista hit 2 home runs. Bautista now leads the major leagues in home runs with 20. Brett Cecil was the starting pitcher for the Jays and it was not one of his better performances. Aaron Hill and Adam Lind continue to strggle. This is very worrisome since they are the number 2 and 3 hitters in the batting order. Jarrett Hoffpauir, the new third basman for the Jays, made his debut last night and chalked up his first hit in a Blue Jays uniform.
The area around Union Station, the harbourfront and the dome resembles an armed camp due to that infernal G20 Summit. There are police and fences everywhere.
- Joanne
Monday, June 21, 2010
The First Day of Summer
MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010
Today is the first day of summer, the day when we are blessed with the longest peiod of daylight in the evening. It is the summer solstice and a bittersweet day for me. Here's why. I enjoy daylight in the evening. In fact, I revel in it. However, after today, the sun will set earlier. There's something sad about that even though longer days will return after December 21st. So I am going to savour every moment of the long, lazy summer evenings. I hope you do too.
Here is a poem with a summer theme that I wrote.
Summer Night
You came to me on a soft summer night
When the air was sultry and serene
I took your hand as we walked in the light
Of a garden ripe and lushly green
And we drank of sweet jasmine in the air
We gazed on blossoms and bumblebees
I saw the moonlight shine ujpon your hair
As you sat beneath the cherry trees
Then we took a path to the lily pond
Stepping on stones and brittle branches
And there we quietly sealed our bond
With gilded dreams and winsome glances.
- Joanne Madden
Today marks a significant day in the history of women in Canada. For it was on this day in 1957 that Ellen Louks Fairclough was sworn in as Canada's first woman Cabinet Minister. She became Secretary of State in the minority government of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.
After the Diefenbaker sweep in the electon of 1958, Fairclough was promoted to a post of considerable difficulty and more responsiblity - Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. At that time the position included responsibility for the Royal Canadian Mint, the National Film Board, the National Gallery and the Public Archives/National Library. Indian Affairs was also under Ellen Fairclough's jurisdiction. In 1960, she introduced the historic legislation allowing Status Indians the right to vote in federal elections, a significant breakthrough for Aborignianl Canadians.
Born in Hamilton Ontario in 1905, Ellen Fairclough was first elected as a federal MP in 1950. During the course of her political career, she was elected to the House of Commons five times - more than any other woman during she 1950s and 1960s. It is also notable that Ellen Fairclough was the first female Acting Prime Minister of Canada. After her defeat in the election in 1963, she returned to her roots in Hamilton.
Fairclough was an advocate of equal pay for equal work for women. In 1975, she was named "Woman of the Year" by the Province of Ontario. In 1995, Ellen Fairclough became a Companion of the Order of Canada. At a time when men thorouhly dominated the Canadian political scene, Ellen Fairclough was a pioneer and a trailblazer. She lived a long and fruitful life and died on November 13, 2004 at the age of 99.
Britain's Prince William turns 28 years old today. His father, Prince Charles, will turn 62 on November 14th. Queen Elizabeth II is 84 years old, the eldest monarch in British history. If the Queen lives until the age of 101, as her mother did, Charles will ascend to the throne at the age of 79. It is interesting to note that Henry VIII was a mere lad of 17 when he became king. Henry died at age 55.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays have today off. They begin a series with the St. Louis Cardinals tomorrow.
Blue Jays third baseman Edwin Encarnación was sent down to the minors.
Today is the first day of summer, the day when we are blessed with the longest peiod of daylight in the evening. It is the summer solstice and a bittersweet day for me. Here's why. I enjoy daylight in the evening. In fact, I revel in it. However, after today, the sun will set earlier. There's something sad about that even though longer days will return after December 21st. So I am going to savour every moment of the long, lazy summer evenings. I hope you do too.
Here is a poem with a summer theme that I wrote.
Summer Night
You came to me on a soft summer night
When the air was sultry and serene
I took your hand as we walked in the light
Of a garden ripe and lushly green
And we drank of sweet jasmine in the air
We gazed on blossoms and bumblebees
I saw the moonlight shine ujpon your hair
As you sat beneath the cherry trees
Then we took a path to the lily pond
Stepping on stones and brittle branches
And there we quietly sealed our bond
With gilded dreams and winsome glances.
- Joanne Madden
Today marks a significant day in the history of women in Canada. For it was on this day in 1957 that Ellen Louks Fairclough was sworn in as Canada's first woman Cabinet Minister. She became Secretary of State in the minority government of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.
After the Diefenbaker sweep in the electon of 1958, Fairclough was promoted to a post of considerable difficulty and more responsiblity - Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. At that time the position included responsibility for the Royal Canadian Mint, the National Film Board, the National Gallery and the Public Archives/National Library. Indian Affairs was also under Ellen Fairclough's jurisdiction. In 1960, she introduced the historic legislation allowing Status Indians the right to vote in federal elections, a significant breakthrough for Aborignianl Canadians.
Born in Hamilton Ontario in 1905, Ellen Fairclough was first elected as a federal MP in 1950. During the course of her political career, she was elected to the House of Commons five times - more than any other woman during she 1950s and 1960s. It is also notable that Ellen Fairclough was the first female Acting Prime Minister of Canada. After her defeat in the election in 1963, she returned to her roots in Hamilton.
Fairclough was an advocate of equal pay for equal work for women. In 1975, she was named "Woman of the Year" by the Province of Ontario. In 1995, Ellen Fairclough became a Companion of the Order of Canada. At a time when men thorouhly dominated the Canadian political scene, Ellen Fairclough was a pioneer and a trailblazer. She lived a long and fruitful life and died on November 13, 2004 at the age of 99.
Britain's Prince William turns 28 years old today. His father, Prince Charles, will turn 62 on November 14th. Queen Elizabeth II is 84 years old, the eldest monarch in British history. If the Queen lives until the age of 101, as her mother did, Charles will ascend to the throne at the age of 79. It is interesting to note that Henry VIII was a mere lad of 17 when he became king. Henry died at age 55.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays have today off. They begin a series with the St. Louis Cardinals tomorrow.
Blue Jays third baseman Edwin Encarnación was sent down to the minors.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
To become a father is not hard,
To be a father is, however.
- William Busch
From "Julchen" {1877}
It certainly isn't easy to be a father. So many fathers are unsung heroes. They are undervalued and underapprciated. That is why on this Father's Day, I salute fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, especially my own father, Sam Lima. They deserve recognition and appreciation - not just on Father's Day but every day of the year.
A happy birthday to Canada's songbird, Anne Murray. Anne was born in Springhill, Nova Scotia on this day in 1945.
On this day in 1948, The Ed Sullivan Show made its debut on CBS. It was originally called Toast of the Town. The first telecast of Ed's show was produced on a budget of $1,375. The performers on that first Sullivan show included Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Martin and Lewis split the $200 they received for their performance.
The Ed Sullivan Show ran until 1971. Through the years, so many great artists appeared on that show and so many families gathered around the television on Sunday nights to watch Ed's program. But how show do you explain the success of The Ed Sullian Show in the age of Simon Cowell and American Idol? Here's what The Complete Directory To Prime Time Network TV Shows 1946 - Present says about the Ed Sullivan Show.
"If sny program in the history of American television could be called an institution , it would probably be The Ed Sullivan Show. Every Sunday night for more than two decades this homely newspaper columnist with peculiar diction and awkward gestures brought an incredible variety of entertainment into American homes. No pandering to the lowest common denominator here - there was grand opera and the latest rock stars, classical ballet and leggy Broadway showgirls, slapstick comedy and recitations from great dramatic writings, often justaposed on a single telecast. Viewers loved it."
Would Ed's formula work today? It probably wouldn't because times have changed too much.
SPORTS
Yesterday the Blue Jays won their second game in a row against the San Francisco Giants. I attended the first game of the series on Friday night at the dome. Edwin Encarnación was the hero. In my blog of June 17th, I was highly critical of Encarnación's play. I ought to criticize him more often.
Congratulations to Dion Phaneuf for chosen as the new captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. It's about time the Leafs had a captain. Good luck Dion - you'll need it.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
To become a father is not hard,
To be a father is, however.
- William Busch
From "Julchen" {1877}
It certainly isn't easy to be a father. So many fathers are unsung heroes. They are undervalued and underapprciated. That is why on this Father's Day, I salute fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, especially my own father, Sam Lima. They deserve recognition and appreciation - not just on Father's Day but every day of the year.
A happy birthday to Canada's songbird, Anne Murray. Anne was born in Springhill, Nova Scotia on this day in 1945.
On this day in 1948, The Ed Sullivan Show made its debut on CBS. It was originally called Toast of the Town. The first telecast of Ed's show was produced on a budget of $1,375. The performers on that first Sullivan show included Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Martin and Lewis split the $200 they received for their performance.
The Ed Sullivan Show ran until 1971. Through the years, so many great artists appeared on that show and so many families gathered around the television on Sunday nights to watch Ed's program. But how show do you explain the success of The Ed Sullian Show in the age of Simon Cowell and American Idol? Here's what The Complete Directory To Prime Time Network TV Shows 1946 - Present says about the Ed Sullivan Show.
"If sny program in the history of American television could be called an institution , it would probably be The Ed Sullivan Show. Every Sunday night for more than two decades this homely newspaper columnist with peculiar diction and awkward gestures brought an incredible variety of entertainment into American homes. No pandering to the lowest common denominator here - there was grand opera and the latest rock stars, classical ballet and leggy Broadway showgirls, slapstick comedy and recitations from great dramatic writings, often justaposed on a single telecast. Viewers loved it."
Would Ed's formula work today? It probably wouldn't because times have changed too much.
SPORTS
Yesterday the Blue Jays won their second game in a row against the San Francisco Giants. I attended the first game of the series on Friday night at the dome. Edwin Encarnación was the hero. In my blog of June 17th, I was highly critical of Encarnación's play. I ought to criticize him more often.
Congratulations to Dion Phaneuf for chosen as the new captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. It's about time the Leafs had a captain. Good luck Dion - you'll need it.
- Joanne
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Open Letter to Michael Ignatieff
SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2010
An open letter to Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, the Leader of the Official Opposition, and the Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Dear Mr. Ignatieff:
These are difficult times for you. No one has to remind you that the polls do not appear favourable to you and your party. Frankly, the Liberal Party seems to be in disarray and your leadership is in jeopardy. I’m sure you are quite aware of the problems you face, but I doubt that you really know why you are not connecting with the public. These are blunt words, but they need to be said.
Who am I to be telling you this? Well, I am one of your constituents and I am one of those voters you seek to attract. Yes, you are my Member of Parliament and I am a resident of your riding – Etobicoke-Lakeshore. You would do well to pay close attention to the grass roots of your constituency.
I have never spoken to you. During the election campaign of 2006, you paid a visit to my place of residence. I was at work, so I did not get an opportunity to converse with you. However, you spoke with my husband. When I asked him his impression of you, he told me you were very erudite and well spoken. He also told me that your manner and appearance reminded him of U.S. Senator John Kerry, defeated Democratic candidate for the presidency of the United States.
The comparison between you and Senator Kerry is quite interesting. Kerry hails from Massachusetts and you served as Director of the Carr Centre for Human Rights at Harvard University. During the American election of 2004, John Kerry challenged the incumbent president, George W. Bush, and we all know the result. Bush won a second term in office because Kerry did not draw enough distinction between himself and the Republican candidate. He failed to clearly define his policies and how they would differentiate from those of George W. Bush. At times, he tried to be Bush Lite, even appearing in hunting gear to in an attempt curry favour with the powerful National Rifle Association.
American voters did not want Bush Lite. They determined that that was all the Democrats had to offer and they rejected it. They chose Classic Bush instead. The Kerry-Bush election parallels what is happening in Canada. The polls indicate that Prime Minister Stephen Harper is not wildly popular. Many voters are hungry for change and hungry for leadership. There are many Canadians who disagree with the Conservative government’s policies on health care, the environment and gun control. You would gain support, especially in Quebec, if you would strongly articulate their concerns.
Publicly funded health care in Canada is under siege. I have not heard you strongly defend it? Why are you not championing that cause? Why are you not travelling across this great land and shouting to the rooftops that Canadians value public health care and that a Liberal government will do everything in its power to preserve and protect it?
Canada’s record on the environment is an embarrassment. I have heard you praise Alberta’s oil industry, but where are your strong words on the environment? Yes, I realize you are trying to improve Liberal fortunes in Western Canada, but does it have to be at the expense of the environment? Perhaps you are wary of speaking up strongly on the environment due to the experience of your predecessor, Stephane Dion - but are you doing any better in the polls than he did?
Then there is the issue of gun control. The Conservative government is attempting to abolish the gun long-gun registry and it wishes to weaken gun control laws. You have come out in support of the registry, but you have not made it a prominent issue. Why not?
Mr. Ignatieff, your academic achievements are impressive, but they will not win the hearts and minds of Canadians. Given the choice, voters will always choose Classic Harper over Harper Lite. If you do not wish to suffer John Kerry’s fate, offer Canadians a clear alternative. Offer them the Real Thing.
Sincerely,
Joanne Madden
An open letter to Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, the Leader of the Official Opposition, and the Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Dear Mr. Ignatieff:
These are difficult times for you. No one has to remind you that the polls do not appear favourable to you and your party. Frankly, the Liberal Party seems to be in disarray and your leadership is in jeopardy. I’m sure you are quite aware of the problems you face, but I doubt that you really know why you are not connecting with the public. These are blunt words, but they need to be said.
Who am I to be telling you this? Well, I am one of your constituents and I am one of those voters you seek to attract. Yes, you are my Member of Parliament and I am a resident of your riding – Etobicoke-Lakeshore. You would do well to pay close attention to the grass roots of your constituency.
I have never spoken to you. During the election campaign of 2006, you paid a visit to my place of residence. I was at work, so I did not get an opportunity to converse with you. However, you spoke with my husband. When I asked him his impression of you, he told me you were very erudite and well spoken. He also told me that your manner and appearance reminded him of U.S. Senator John Kerry, defeated Democratic candidate for the presidency of the United States.
The comparison between you and Senator Kerry is quite interesting. Kerry hails from Massachusetts and you served as Director of the Carr Centre for Human Rights at Harvard University. During the American election of 2004, John Kerry challenged the incumbent president, George W. Bush, and we all know the result. Bush won a second term in office because Kerry did not draw enough distinction between himself and the Republican candidate. He failed to clearly define his policies and how they would differentiate from those of George W. Bush. At times, he tried to be Bush Lite, even appearing in hunting gear to in an attempt curry favour with the powerful National Rifle Association.
American voters did not want Bush Lite. They determined that that was all the Democrats had to offer and they rejected it. They chose Classic Bush instead. The Kerry-Bush election parallels what is happening in Canada. The polls indicate that Prime Minister Stephen Harper is not wildly popular. Many voters are hungry for change and hungry for leadership. There are many Canadians who disagree with the Conservative government’s policies on health care, the environment and gun control. You would gain support, especially in Quebec, if you would strongly articulate their concerns.
Publicly funded health care in Canada is under siege. I have not heard you strongly defend it? Why are you not championing that cause? Why are you not travelling across this great land and shouting to the rooftops that Canadians value public health care and that a Liberal government will do everything in its power to preserve and protect it?
Canada’s record on the environment is an embarrassment. I have heard you praise Alberta’s oil industry, but where are your strong words on the environment? Yes, I realize you are trying to improve Liberal fortunes in Western Canada, but does it have to be at the expense of the environment? Perhaps you are wary of speaking up strongly on the environment due to the experience of your predecessor, Stephane Dion - but are you doing any better in the polls than he did?
Then there is the issue of gun control. The Conservative government is attempting to abolish the gun long-gun registry and it wishes to weaken gun control laws. You have come out in support of the registry, but you have not made it a prominent issue. Why not?
Mr. Ignatieff, your academic achievements are impressive, but they will not win the hearts and minds of Canadians. Given the choice, voters will always choose Classic Harper over Harper Lite. If you do not wish to suffer John Kerry’s fate, offer Canadians a clear alternative. Offer them the Real Thing.
Sincerely,
Joanne Madden
Thursday, June 17, 2010
THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2010
Precaution
I never dared be radical when young
For fear it would make me conservative when old.
- Robert Frost {1936}
This poem by Robert Frost is short, but does it ever have impact! It plays with the nottion that it is normal and necessary for youth to rebel and that when we age we always become more conservative in our thinking and behaviour.
LANGUAGE CORNER
Today's topic is redundancies.
We use redundancies in our speech all the time. Here are some common examples:
1. honest truth
Well, if the truth isn't honest, then what is it?
2. tuition fee
Tuition is a fee, so why do we need to say "fee"?
3. forewarn
Why is that word even necessary? One always warn someone beforehand, not after the fact. Wouldn't "warn" suffice?
4. bare naked
Hey, I think most people know this is a redundancy. They just like saying it. That's why a certain Canadian band chose it as part of their name.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
On this day in 1239, King Edward I of England was born. Edward had two nicknames. He was called "Longshanks" because of his long arms and legs, He was tall for aman of his time, over 6 feet. His second nickname was "Hammer of the Scots" because of his ongoing determination to battle Scotland.
Edward I conquered Wales and made his son the first Prince of Wales. He is also notorious for doing something absolutely egregious to the minds of most 21st century persons. In 1290, Edward I issued an edict expelling all Jews from England. The edict lasted for the duration of the Middle Ages and was not formally overturned until the year 1656.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays finally won a series from a National League team as they defeated the San Diego Padres yesterday by a score of 7-1. They finish their 9-game road trip with a mediocre 3-6 record.
Edwin Encarnación does not look good at third base for the Jays. The team desperately needs an upgrade at third. I'm sure General Manager Alex Anthopoulos is quite aware of the situation and will act accordingly.
- Joanne
Precaution
I never dared be radical when young
For fear it would make me conservative when old.
- Robert Frost {1936}
This poem by Robert Frost is short, but does it ever have impact! It plays with the nottion that it is normal and necessary for youth to rebel and that when we age we always become more conservative in our thinking and behaviour.
LANGUAGE CORNER
Today's topic is redundancies.
We use redundancies in our speech all the time. Here are some common examples:
1. honest truth
Well, if the truth isn't honest, then what is it?
2. tuition fee
Tuition is a fee, so why do we need to say "fee"?
3. forewarn
Why is that word even necessary? One always warn someone beforehand, not after the fact. Wouldn't "warn" suffice?
4. bare naked
Hey, I think most people know this is a redundancy. They just like saying it. That's why a certain Canadian band chose it as part of their name.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
On this day in 1239, King Edward I of England was born. Edward had two nicknames. He was called "Longshanks" because of his long arms and legs, He was tall for aman of his time, over 6 feet. His second nickname was "Hammer of the Scots" because of his ongoing determination to battle Scotland.
Edward I conquered Wales and made his son the first Prince of Wales. He is also notorious for doing something absolutely egregious to the minds of most 21st century persons. In 1290, Edward I issued an edict expelling all Jews from England. The edict lasted for the duration of the Middle Ages and was not formally overturned until the year 1656.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays finally won a series from a National League team as they defeated the San Diego Padres yesterday by a score of 7-1. They finish their 9-game road trip with a mediocre 3-6 record.
Edwin Encarnación does not look good at third base for the Jays. The team desperately needs an upgrade at third. I'm sure General Manager Alex Anthopoulos is quite aware of the situation and will act accordingly.
- Joanne
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Valentina Tereshkova: The First Woman in Space
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2010
How many North Americans remember the first woman in space? How many know her name? Not very many, I'd venture to say. Well, she was a Russian, a Soviet cosmonaut and an ardent communist. Perhaps that is why she's not exactly a household name in this part of the world.
The first female in space was Valentina Tereshkova and she flew on the Vostok 6 mission which was launched on June 16, 1963 - forty-seven years ago today. Tereshkova was neither an acclaimed scientist nor an academic. She was an ordinary Russian woman, a textile mill worker whose passion was parachuting. In fact, she became an expert civilian parachutist. Valentina Tereshkova is 73 years old now and is revered in her Russian homeland.
It's interesting to note that the Americans did not send a female astronaut into space until twenty years later when Dr. Sally K. Ride became the first American woman to achieve that goal. Ride, a physicist from California, was lauched into space on June 18, 1983 aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.
Canada sent its first female astronaut into space on January 22, 1992. Roberta Bondar spent eight days in space conducting various experiments and photographing the earth's surface. Dr. Bondar was a crew member of the Space Shuttle Discovery and the first neurologist in space.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"When I think about those nights in Montreal
I get the sweetest thoughts of you and me"
- Gino Vannelli
From the song "I Just Wanna Stop"
I really like that song. It energizes me.
Gino Vannelli was born in Montreal, Quebec (where else?) on this day in 1952. He turns 58-years-old today.
SPORTS
After winning the first game of their series against the San Diego Padres on Monday , the Blue Jays lost badly to the Padres last night. Their woes against National League teams continue.
Sports Illustrated chose baseball's latest pitching sensation to grace the cover of its latest edition. Stephen Strasburg, the rookie pitcher for the Washington Nationals is hyped on the magazine's cover as a "national treasure." I have nothing against young Strasburg. He may be the second coming of Cy Young and he may be in the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown someday. But the operative word is "someday." The story that should have made the cover of SI was the Stanley Cup victory of the Chicago Blackhawks after 49 years. That was a definite achievement and it was histories. To those who say I'm biased because I'm a Canadian puckhead, this is my reply. I am a staunch baseball fan, as regular readers of Number 16 will attest. Sory, Sports Illustrated, but this time you made the wrong choice.
- Joanne
How many North Americans remember the first woman in space? How many know her name? Not very many, I'd venture to say. Well, she was a Russian, a Soviet cosmonaut and an ardent communist. Perhaps that is why she's not exactly a household name in this part of the world.
The first female in space was Valentina Tereshkova and she flew on the Vostok 6 mission which was launched on June 16, 1963 - forty-seven years ago today. Tereshkova was neither an acclaimed scientist nor an academic. She was an ordinary Russian woman, a textile mill worker whose passion was parachuting. In fact, she became an expert civilian parachutist. Valentina Tereshkova is 73 years old now and is revered in her Russian homeland.
It's interesting to note that the Americans did not send a female astronaut into space until twenty years later when Dr. Sally K. Ride became the first American woman to achieve that goal. Ride, a physicist from California, was lauched into space on June 18, 1983 aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.
Canada sent its first female astronaut into space on January 22, 1992. Roberta Bondar spent eight days in space conducting various experiments and photographing the earth's surface. Dr. Bondar was a crew member of the Space Shuttle Discovery and the first neurologist in space.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"When I think about those nights in Montreal
I get the sweetest thoughts of you and me"
- Gino Vannelli
From the song "I Just Wanna Stop"
I really like that song. It energizes me.
Gino Vannelli was born in Montreal, Quebec (where else?) on this day in 1952. He turns 58-years-old today.
SPORTS
After winning the first game of their series against the San Diego Padres on Monday , the Blue Jays lost badly to the Padres last night. Their woes against National League teams continue.
Sports Illustrated chose baseball's latest pitching sensation to grace the cover of its latest edition. Stephen Strasburg, the rookie pitcher for the Washington Nationals is hyped on the magazine's cover as a "national treasure." I have nothing against young Strasburg. He may be the second coming of Cy Young and he may be in the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown someday. But the operative word is "someday." The story that should have made the cover of SI was the Stanley Cup victory of the Chicago Blackhawks after 49 years. That was a definite achievement and it was histories. To those who say I'm biased because I'm a Canadian puckhead, this is my reply. I am a staunch baseball fan, as regular readers of Number 16 will attest. Sory, Sports Illustrated, but this time you made the wrong choice.
- Joanne
Monday, June 14, 2010
Paris, the City of Light
MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2010
"Paris sera toujours Paris!"
Paris will always be Paris!
I first listened to that old Maurice Chevalier song during a high school history class and I have never forgotten it. It comes to mind because on this day in 1940, German troops entered Paris during World War II. Seventy years ago, there were Nazis marching through the streets of the City of Light and carrying swastika banners. To a teenager, seventy years may seem like an eternity and 1940 may seem like the Dark Ages. However, in the scheme of human history, seventy years is not a long time. Such is the irony of war that today Germany and France enjoy cordial relations and they are both members of the European Union.
When I toured Paris in the summer of 2004, it was very difficult to imagine that the evil of Nazism had once infested one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. Not quite three years had passed since 9/11 when I visted the Eiffel Tower for the first time. Yet, I was still a bit stunned to witness young soldiers with machine guns guarding the Paris landmark. Having lived in Toronto all my life, I had never before seen soldiers with machine guns. In 1940, no one could have envisioned that in 2001 there would be a terrorist attack on some twin towers in New York City. As the French say, "Plus ca change . . .
SPORTS
Well, the Blue Jays lost all their games in Denver. They were swept by the Colorado Rockies and they leave the Mile High City on a low note. Sigh. Why can't they win against National League teams? Until they improve their record against the NL, they will not be serious contenders. Like it or not, interleague play is a reality and not likely to cease anytime soon.
- Joanne
"Paris sera toujours Paris!"
Paris will always be Paris!
I first listened to that old Maurice Chevalier song during a high school history class and I have never forgotten it. It comes to mind because on this day in 1940, German troops entered Paris during World War II. Seventy years ago, there were Nazis marching through the streets of the City of Light and carrying swastika banners. To a teenager, seventy years may seem like an eternity and 1940 may seem like the Dark Ages. However, in the scheme of human history, seventy years is not a long time. Such is the irony of war that today Germany and France enjoy cordial relations and they are both members of the European Union.
When I toured Paris in the summer of 2004, it was very difficult to imagine that the evil of Nazism had once infested one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. Not quite three years had passed since 9/11 when I visted the Eiffel Tower for the first time. Yet, I was still a bit stunned to witness young soldiers with machine guns guarding the Paris landmark. Having lived in Toronto all my life, I had never before seen soldiers with machine guns. In 1940, no one could have envisioned that in 2001 there would be a terrorist attack on some twin towers in New York City. As the French say, "Plus ca change . . .
SPORTS
Well, the Blue Jays lost all their games in Denver. They were swept by the Colorado Rockies and they leave the Mile High City on a low note. Sigh. Why can't they win against National League teams? Until they improve their record against the NL, they will not be serious contenders. Like it or not, interleague play is a reality and not likely to cease anytime soon.
- Joanne
Friday, June 11, 2010
Vince Lombardi and winning
FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2010
"Winning isn't everything - but wanting to win is."
- Vince Lombardi
Yes, Sixteeners, you read that correctly. The late great football coach Vince Lombardi did not say "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing." His words have been commonly misquoted. If you read the two quotes carefully, there is a big difference between what Lombardi actually said and what has been attributed to him. Lombardi obviously believed that the desire to win is everything.
Vincent Thomas Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers, was born in Brooklyn, New York on this day in 1913.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays were able to salvage one game in their series with the Tampa Bay Rays. They won by a score of 3-1 last night. Brett Cecil pitched a good game. The Jays were really drubbed in the first two games. They were outscored by an embarrassing total of 19-1 in those two games.
The FIFA World Cup begins in South Africa. The sport that we in North America call soccer, has also been called "the beautiful game." Congratulations to South Africa. I hope the tournament is a spectacular celebration of the game.
I'm disappointed there will not be a team there wearing the maple leaf emblem. The first and only time Canada qualified for the World Cup was in 1986 when it was held in Mexico. Pity we haven't qualified since then . . .
- Joanne
"Winning isn't everything - but wanting to win is."
- Vince Lombardi
Yes, Sixteeners, you read that correctly. The late great football coach Vince Lombardi did not say "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing." His words have been commonly misquoted. If you read the two quotes carefully, there is a big difference between what Lombardi actually said and what has been attributed to him. Lombardi obviously believed that the desire to win is everything.
Vincent Thomas Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers, was born in Brooklyn, New York on this day in 1913.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays were able to salvage one game in their series with the Tampa Bay Rays. They won by a score of 3-1 last night. Brett Cecil pitched a good game. The Jays were really drubbed in the first two games. They were outscored by an embarrassing total of 19-1 in those two games.
The FIFA World Cup begins in South Africa. The sport that we in North America call soccer, has also been called "the beautiful game." Congratulations to South Africa. I hope the tournament is a spectacular celebration of the game.
I'm disappointed there will not be a team there wearing the maple leaf emblem. The first and only time Canada qualified for the World Cup was in 1986 when it was held in Mexico. Pity we haven't qualified since then . . .
- Joanne
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Judy Garland poem
THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2010
On this day in 1922, a baby girl was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota by the name of Frances Ethel Gumm. You know her better as Judy Garland, the great singer/actress. As successful and talented as Judy was, her life was sad and tragic in many ways. She died on June 22, 1969 in London, England of an accidental overdose of barbituates. She had recently celebrated her 47th birthday.
I want to share with you a very melancholy poem written by Judy that appears in Judy Garland: A Biography by Anne Edwards.
An Illusion
How strange when an illusion dies
It's as though you've lost a child
Whom you've cherished and protected
Against the wilds of the storms and hurts
In this frightening world.
Your child is dead.
An hyterical frenzy possesses you
Your precious, virtuous dram has been taken,
Torn from you defensive, guarding breast.
Next a morose loneliness`descends
You're a pitiful stumbling creature
Lost in the woods of despair.
Suddenly you see a light.
You straighten, and walk with steady footsteps into the sun
Time has done her work.
Your dream is gone - yes -
And you light a candle in your heart
In a remembrance of something never to be recovered,
But deep in your soul, in its embryonic state,
another illusion is maturing
Waiting to grow strong and radiant
Only to be crushed and join the other.
- Judy Garland
Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks for winning the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1961 - 49 years ago. The last time the Hawks won hockey's most coveted trophy, John Diefenbaker was Prime Minister of Canada and JFK was President of the U.S. Wayne Gretzky was born in January of 1961, so Number 99 was a mere babe-in-arms when the Hawks last sipped from Lord Stanley's Cup. A certain Barack Obama was also born in 1961 in Hawaii. President Obama made his debut in August of '61, so he was nestled comfortably in his mother's womb when the Hawks last won the Cup.
The Chicago Blackhawks will pay a visit to President Obama at the White House. It is widely known that the president is not a hockey fan. He much prefers baseball and basketball, which isn't surprising since he spent his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia. However, Obama has lived much of his adult life in Chicago. His favourite baseball team is the Chicago White Sox and he is married to a Chicagoan. First Lady Michelle Obama was born in and grew up on the South Side of Chicago For many years, the Obamas made their home in the Windy City and will mostly likely return there after the president serves his time in office.
President Obama has had ample opportunity to attend a Chicago Blackhawks game or a Washington Capitols game. To my knowledge, he hasn't. When he was interviewed by the CBC's Peter Mansbridge, he told Mansbridge that he had never been to a hockey game. The interest is obviously not there. Hey, I wonder if Barack Obama has ever skated on ice.
- Joanne
On this day in 1922, a baby girl was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota by the name of Frances Ethel Gumm. You know her better as Judy Garland, the great singer/actress. As successful and talented as Judy was, her life was sad and tragic in many ways. She died on June 22, 1969 in London, England of an accidental overdose of barbituates. She had recently celebrated her 47th birthday.
I want to share with you a very melancholy poem written by Judy that appears in Judy Garland: A Biography by Anne Edwards.
An Illusion
How strange when an illusion dies
It's as though you've lost a child
Whom you've cherished and protected
Against the wilds of the storms and hurts
In this frightening world.
Your child is dead.
An hyterical frenzy possesses you
Your precious, virtuous dram has been taken,
Torn from you defensive, guarding breast.
Next a morose loneliness`descends
You're a pitiful stumbling creature
Lost in the woods of despair.
Suddenly you see a light.
You straighten, and walk with steady footsteps into the sun
Time has done her work.
Your dream is gone - yes -
And you light a candle in your heart
In a remembrance of something never to be recovered,
But deep in your soul, in its embryonic state,
another illusion is maturing
Waiting to grow strong and radiant
Only to be crushed and join the other.
- Judy Garland
Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks for winning the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1961 - 49 years ago. The last time the Hawks won hockey's most coveted trophy, John Diefenbaker was Prime Minister of Canada and JFK was President of the U.S. Wayne Gretzky was born in January of 1961, so Number 99 was a mere babe-in-arms when the Hawks last sipped from Lord Stanley's Cup. A certain Barack Obama was also born in 1961 in Hawaii. President Obama made his debut in August of '61, so he was nestled comfortably in his mother's womb when the Hawks last won the Cup.
The Chicago Blackhawks will pay a visit to President Obama at the White House. It is widely known that the president is not a hockey fan. He much prefers baseball and basketball, which isn't surprising since he spent his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia. However, Obama has lived much of his adult life in Chicago. His favourite baseball team is the Chicago White Sox and he is married to a Chicagoan. First Lady Michelle Obama was born in and grew up on the South Side of Chicago For many years, the Obamas made their home in the Windy City and will mostly likely return there after the president serves his time in office.
President Obama has had ample opportunity to attend a Chicago Blackhawks game or a Washington Capitols game. To my knowledge, he hasn't. When he was interviewed by the CBC's Peter Mansbridge, he told Mansbridge that he had never been to a hockey game. The interest is obviously not there. Hey, I wonder if Barack Obama has ever skated on ice.
- Joanne
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
On Charles Dickens and Quote from A Tale of Two Cities
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2010
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.
- Charles Dickens
From "A Tale of Two Cities"
These opening words from A Tale of Two Cities repreent Dickens at his finest. This is one of my favourite passages in English literature and I have reflected uppon these words countless times. It is appropriate to share them with you on this June day because Charles Dickens, the great English author of the Victorian Age, died on this date in 1870. He was 58 years old. The characters he created are unforgettable - Scrooge, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist etc. Charles Dickens lives on in his literary creeations and he should also be remembered as a great advocate for social justice.
SPORTS
My Blue Jays were trounced 9-0 by the Tampa Bay Rays last night. That Tampa Bay team really has the Jays number. We didn't win very many games against them when they were a struggling expansion team and we certainly aren't having an easy time with them now that they are a good team. It remainds of the problems the Jays used to have with the Milwaukee Brewers.
- Joanne
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.
- Charles Dickens
From "A Tale of Two Cities"
These opening words from A Tale of Two Cities repreent Dickens at his finest. This is one of my favourite passages in English literature and I have reflected uppon these words countless times. It is appropriate to share them with you on this June day because Charles Dickens, the great English author of the Victorian Age, died on this date in 1870. He was 58 years old. The characters he created are unforgettable - Scrooge, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist etc. Charles Dickens lives on in his literary creeations and he should also be remembered as a great advocate for social justice.
SPORTS
My Blue Jays were trounced 9-0 by the Tampa Bay Rays last night. That Tampa Bay team really has the Jays number. We didn't win very many games against them when they were a struggling expansion team and we certainly aren't having an easy time with them now that they are a good team. It remainds of the problems the Jays used to have with the Milwaukee Brewers.
- Joanne
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"No home should ever be on any hill or on anything. It should be of the hill, belonging to it, so hill and house could live together each the happier for the other."
- Frank Lloyd Wright
"An Autobiography" {1932}
Frank Lloyd Wright, the great American architect and designer, was born in Wisconsin on this day in 1867. One of his masterpieces is the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
RANT OF THE DAY
Taxpayers are going to have to fork out 1 billion dollars to pay the security bill for the G20 Summit in Toronto. As far as I am concerned, this is outrageous and obscene. With all the technology available today, there has to be a better way for politicians to exchange ideas. Yes, I know we can't risk any harm coming to a world leaders. Yes, I realize that in a post-9/11 world, the cost of security is high. Yes, I am aware that leaders must meet and discuss matters. But why must they meet in the centre of a big city and dine on gourmet food while they make plans to cut deficits and downsize? All that money could be put to far better use - how about health care and education? How about programs for youth or programs to alleviate poverty? You can sure feed a lot of hungry people with 1 billion dollars. Instead, the lives of Toronto's citizens are going to be disrupted and the city is going to be at risk for terrorism and vandalism. It's not worth it.
Another stunning waste of taxpayer's money was the Mulroney inquiry. A May 31, 2010 article from Torstar News Service says that "a two-year inquiry into Brian Mulroney’s dealings with German-Canadian arms lobbyist Karlheinz Schreiber has concluded that the former prime minister acted in an “inappropriate” way when he accepted large amounts of cash from Schreiber . . . Estimates of the cost of the inquiry have reached $16 million—including $1.8 million for Mulroney's lawyers."
Why did we have to spend all those millions to conclude that the former prime minister behaved inappropriately? We already knew that. One more thing. If Mr. Mulroney were a man of honour, he would return to taxpayers the settlement he won in in his $50-million defamation lawsuit against the Canadian government. In 1997, Mulroney settled that lawsuit out of court for $2.1 million. That $2.1 million could also be used for health care and education.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays had an off-day yesterday. They start a series with Tampa Bay today.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"No home should ever be on any hill or on anything. It should be of the hill, belonging to it, so hill and house could live together each the happier for the other."
- Frank Lloyd Wright
"An Autobiography" {1932}
Frank Lloyd Wright, the great American architect and designer, was born in Wisconsin on this day in 1867. One of his masterpieces is the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
RANT OF THE DAY
Taxpayers are going to have to fork out 1 billion dollars to pay the security bill for the G20 Summit in Toronto. As far as I am concerned, this is outrageous and obscene. With all the technology available today, there has to be a better way for politicians to exchange ideas. Yes, I know we can't risk any harm coming to a world leaders. Yes, I realize that in a post-9/11 world, the cost of security is high. Yes, I am aware that leaders must meet and discuss matters. But why must they meet in the centre of a big city and dine on gourmet food while they make plans to cut deficits and downsize? All that money could be put to far better use - how about health care and education? How about programs for youth or programs to alleviate poverty? You can sure feed a lot of hungry people with 1 billion dollars. Instead, the lives of Toronto's citizens are going to be disrupted and the city is going to be at risk for terrorism and vandalism. It's not worth it.
Another stunning waste of taxpayer's money was the Mulroney inquiry. A May 31, 2010 article from Torstar News Service says that "a two-year inquiry into Brian Mulroney’s dealings with German-Canadian arms lobbyist Karlheinz Schreiber has concluded that the former prime minister acted in an “inappropriate” way when he accepted large amounts of cash from Schreiber . . . Estimates of the cost of the inquiry have reached $16 million—including $1.8 million for Mulroney's lawyers."
Why did we have to spend all those millions to conclude that the former prime minister behaved inappropriately? We already knew that. One more thing. If Mr. Mulroney were a man of honour, he would return to taxpayers the settlement he won in in his $50-million defamation lawsuit against the Canadian government. In 1997, Mulroney settled that lawsuit out of court for $2.1 million. That $2.1 million could also be used for health care and education.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays had an off-day yesterday. They start a series with Tampa Bay today.
- Joanne
Monday, June 7, 2010
1968: What a Year!
MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2010
Hello Sixteeners. This is the story of how I became an incorrigible and unrepentant newspaper junkie. It all started back in 1968 when I was an impressionable Grade 6 student. Every day a bundle of papers arrived at my school in suburban Toronto. Our teacher, a genial woman with a hearty laugh, advised us to keep a scrapbook of current events. She continually encouraged us to clip items of interest. For the first time, I learned about the purpose of an editorial page and all the various aspects of a newspaper. I listened intently and with wide-eyed fascination. At the age of 11, I was hopelessly and irreversibly hooked. It was the beginning of my life-long addiction to newspapers.
Each day I carefully perused the daily journal. Ah yes, 1968. What a year it was! Pierre Trudeau captivated a nation and I watched it happen. There were countless pictures of our flamboyant new prime minister. The man with the Roman haircut was everywhere and Canadians couldn't get enough of him. We took notice as he demonstrated his athletic prowess by swimming and diving effortlessly. We couldn't help grinning when we viewed photos of our bachelor PM smiling shyly as women handed him roses and planted kisses on his cheek. He just oozed charisma and we started to believe that we had our own John F. Kennedy of the north.
Ah, yes, 1968. It was the Age of Aquarius. Flower power and youthful protests were the order of the day. There were student riots in Paris. It was also an Olympic year and skier Nancy Greene was our Canadian sweetheart, our hero. I carefully cut out articles about her gold medal victory in Grenoble, France and as the days passed, I filled my scrapbook.
In April of that year, the news became very solemn. South of the border, Martin Luther King was assassinated and there were race riots. Our class silently watched his funeral on a little black and white television. I noticed Bobby and Ethel Kennedy in the funeral procession, never dreaming that Bobby would be assassinated next. In August, the promise of the "Prague Spring" was shattered as Soviet tanks entered the city. As the year ended, we marvelled as Apollo 8 circled the moon.
Although many years have passed since 1968, I haven't changed a whit - at least as far as newspapers are concerned. I still delight in reading them and I have even developed my own system for doing so. Unless there is some momentous front page story, it is my custom to read the comics first. Then I focus on other matters such as international news, politics and sports. Long ago, I discovered that after a chuckle or two, stories about war, disaster and tragedy are much easier to swallow.
In addition to being a newspaper enthusiast, I am also a pack rat. I have several momentos from my early school days, including my kindergarten report card and my Grade 5 autograph book. For some reason, however, I neglected to save my Grade 6 scrapbook. That scrapbook exists only in my memory, but it has had a lasting effect on me.
I'll always be an unabashed newspaper reader because for me, being a witness to history is both enthralling and intoxicating. That is why my Grade 6 experiences left an indelible mark on my psyche. Although I did not grow up to be a news editor, I did eventually become a researcher at a newspaper library. As for my Grade 6 teacher, she took a maternity leave and the last time I saw her she was wheeling her baby in a grocery store. If I could speak to her today, I`d thank her for inspiring me.
SPORTS
The Chicago Blackhawks won convincingly last night in the fifth game of the Stanley Cup finals. Now I hope they can finish the job in the next game.
- Joanne
Hello Sixteeners. This is the story of how I became an incorrigible and unrepentant newspaper junkie. It all started back in 1968 when I was an impressionable Grade 6 student. Every day a bundle of papers arrived at my school in suburban Toronto. Our teacher, a genial woman with a hearty laugh, advised us to keep a scrapbook of current events. She continually encouraged us to clip items of interest. For the first time, I learned about the purpose of an editorial page and all the various aspects of a newspaper. I listened intently and with wide-eyed fascination. At the age of 11, I was hopelessly and irreversibly hooked. It was the beginning of my life-long addiction to newspapers.
Each day I carefully perused the daily journal. Ah yes, 1968. What a year it was! Pierre Trudeau captivated a nation and I watched it happen. There were countless pictures of our flamboyant new prime minister. The man with the Roman haircut was everywhere and Canadians couldn't get enough of him. We took notice as he demonstrated his athletic prowess by swimming and diving effortlessly. We couldn't help grinning when we viewed photos of our bachelor PM smiling shyly as women handed him roses and planted kisses on his cheek. He just oozed charisma and we started to believe that we had our own John F. Kennedy of the north.
Ah, yes, 1968. It was the Age of Aquarius. Flower power and youthful protests were the order of the day. There were student riots in Paris. It was also an Olympic year and skier Nancy Greene was our Canadian sweetheart, our hero. I carefully cut out articles about her gold medal victory in Grenoble, France and as the days passed, I filled my scrapbook.
In April of that year, the news became very solemn. South of the border, Martin Luther King was assassinated and there were race riots. Our class silently watched his funeral on a little black and white television. I noticed Bobby and Ethel Kennedy in the funeral procession, never dreaming that Bobby would be assassinated next. In August, the promise of the "Prague Spring" was shattered as Soviet tanks entered the city. As the year ended, we marvelled as Apollo 8 circled the moon.
Although many years have passed since 1968, I haven't changed a whit - at least as far as newspapers are concerned. I still delight in reading them and I have even developed my own system for doing so. Unless there is some momentous front page story, it is my custom to read the comics first. Then I focus on other matters such as international news, politics and sports. Long ago, I discovered that after a chuckle or two, stories about war, disaster and tragedy are much easier to swallow.
In addition to being a newspaper enthusiast, I am also a pack rat. I have several momentos from my early school days, including my kindergarten report card and my Grade 5 autograph book. For some reason, however, I neglected to save my Grade 6 scrapbook. That scrapbook exists only in my memory, but it has had a lasting effect on me.
I'll always be an unabashed newspaper reader because for me, being a witness to history is both enthralling and intoxicating. That is why my Grade 6 experiences left an indelible mark on my psyche. Although I did not grow up to be a news editor, I did eventually become a researcher at a newspaper library. As for my Grade 6 teacher, she took a maternity leave and the last time I saw her she was wheeling her baby in a grocery store. If I could speak to her today, I`d thank her for inspiring me.
SPORTS
The Chicago Blackhawks won convincingly last night in the fifth game of the Stanley Cup finals. Now I hope they can finish the job in the next game.
- Joanne
Sunday, June 6, 2010
SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2010
Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up over the hill,
With Abraham, Martin and John
- From the song "Abraham, Martin and John"
Lyrics by Marvin Gaye
On this day in 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy died after being gunned down by an assassin in a Los Angeles hotel. He had just won the California primary and was on his way to becoming the Democratic candidate for president of the United States. The final words of his victory speech still ring in my ears . . . "Now it's on to Chicago - and let's win there!"
Bobby, of course, never made it to Chicago for the Democratic Convention. His party chose Senator Hubert H. Humphrey of Minnesota as its presidential nominee. Humphrey went on to lose the 1968 election to one Richard Milhous Nixon.
I know it's hypothetical, but I can't help wondering what would have happened if Robert Kennedy hadn't been assassinated. He probably would have won the presidency and Richard Nixon would never have reached the White House. There never would have been a Watergate scandal. Yes, I realize that this is all moot and purely academic, but sometimes a person can't help wondering . . . Sometimes it's very amusing and highly enlightening to ask "what if" questions.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
Today is the 66th anniversary of D-Day. the Allied invasion of Europe. On this day in 1944, Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy. Codenamed Operation Overlord, it was the largest invasion force in military history.
SPORTS
Well, the Blue Jays took two out of three games from the New York Yankees. Of course I would have preferred a sweep of the Pinstripes, but two out of three isn't bad at all. I was at the game on Friday night and it was great to see a bigger crowd at the dome. There's more energy and excitement. Jose Bautista was sensational as he blasted two more homers. I don't know how long he can keep this up, but I'm really impressed. If the seasoned ended today, he would deserve to be the American League's MVP. He leads the league with 18 home runs. However, the season doesn't end today. I just hope Bautista continues to play well.
Yesterday, the Blue Jays defeated the Yanks 3-2 in a 14-inning marathon. This afternoon, in the final game of the series, they were defeated by a score of 4-2. They were winning 2-0 until the bullpen came into the game. It was unfortunate for Brandon Morrow because he pitched a really good game and didn't get a win. That's baseball!
Chicago and Philadelphia go at it again tonight in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Philly appears to have the momentum, but I hope a return to the Madhouse on Madison will help the Blackhawks.
- Joanne
Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up over the hill,
With Abraham, Martin and John
- From the song "Abraham, Martin and John"
Lyrics by Marvin Gaye
On this day in 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy died after being gunned down by an assassin in a Los Angeles hotel. He had just won the California primary and was on his way to becoming the Democratic candidate for president of the United States. The final words of his victory speech still ring in my ears . . . "Now it's on to Chicago - and let's win there!"
Bobby, of course, never made it to Chicago for the Democratic Convention. His party chose Senator Hubert H. Humphrey of Minnesota as its presidential nominee. Humphrey went on to lose the 1968 election to one Richard Milhous Nixon.
I know it's hypothetical, but I can't help wondering what would have happened if Robert Kennedy hadn't been assassinated. He probably would have won the presidency and Richard Nixon would never have reached the White House. There never would have been a Watergate scandal. Yes, I realize that this is all moot and purely academic, but sometimes a person can't help wondering . . . Sometimes it's very amusing and highly enlightening to ask "what if" questions.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
Today is the 66th anniversary of D-Day. the Allied invasion of Europe. On this day in 1944, Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy. Codenamed Operation Overlord, it was the largest invasion force in military history.
SPORTS
Well, the Blue Jays took two out of three games from the New York Yankees. Of course I would have preferred a sweep of the Pinstripes, but two out of three isn't bad at all. I was at the game on Friday night and it was great to see a bigger crowd at the dome. There's more energy and excitement. Jose Bautista was sensational as he blasted two more homers. I don't know how long he can keep this up, but I'm really impressed. If the seasoned ended today, he would deserve to be the American League's MVP. He leads the league with 18 home runs. However, the season doesn't end today. I just hope Bautista continues to play well.
Yesterday, the Blue Jays defeated the Yanks 3-2 in a 14-inning marathon. This afternoon, in the final game of the series, they were defeated by a score of 4-2. They were winning 2-0 until the bullpen came into the game. It was unfortunate for Brandon Morrow because he pitched a really good game and didn't get a win. That's baseball!
Chicago and Philadelphia go at it again tonight in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Philly appears to have the momentum, but I hope a return to the Madhouse on Madison will help the Blackhawks.
- Joanne
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Why I Support Strict Gun Control
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"When a person excels at something, he should do something else in which he is a novice because that brings him down to earth."
- George Bernard Shaw
ON GUN CONTROL
Here's what's on my mind today, Sixteeners. A 52-year-old taxi driver named Derrick Bird went on a rampage in Cumbria, England yesterday. He killed 12 people, including his own twin brother, before turning the gun on himself. There was speculation that the rampage was sparked by a family feud, but Bird's nieces denied that this was the case. Although Bird was convicted of theft in the 1990s, he was allowed to obtain a shotgun licence in 1995 and a firearms licence for a rifle in 2007. Why? When one is convicted of robbery or a violent crime, one should not be pemitted to own firearms.
Whenever an incident such as this occurs, it underlines the need for the strictist gun control laws possible. An individual convicted of theft should not have been allowed to obtain a shotgun licence or firearms licence.
My views will not make me popular with people in rural areas. They will not endear me to the National Firearms Association of Canada or the powerful National Rifle Association in the United States. I can't pretend to be what I am not. I do not live in a rural area. Although I am neither a hunter nor a farmer, it is not my intention to cavalierly dismiss their concerns. What I do not understand is why responsible gun owners feel so threatened by laws designed to protect society from deranged individuals. Nobody is stopping them from hunting or target shooting. It may be an inconvenience for them to register their guns or to undergo detailed backgound checks, but such measures are well worth the time and the cost. Too many guns find their way into the hands of unbalanced and mentally ill individuals such as Marc Lepine, the man who killed 14 women at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal or the young man who went on a murderous romp at Virginia Tech.
It is true that Britain has some pretty strict gun control laws, but they are obviously not strict enough to stop the Derrick Birds of this world. British Prime Minister David Cameron vowed to do do everything he could to prevent a repeat of the Cumbrian tragedy. However, the prime minister cautioned against “knee-jerk” demands for tougher gun laws - saying that “you can’t legislate to stop a switch flicking in someone’s head”. No, you can't, Mr. Cameron, but there are psychiatric evaluations and other obvious signals that an individual is unbalanced - or as in Derrick Bird's case, there are records that show that an induividual has been convicted of theft.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost to Tampa Bay yesterday. Shaun Marcum pitched eight strong innings, but lost control in the 9th inning. Jason Frasor, who came on in relief, performed poorly. Tampa Bay looks really good. They are for real.
The Stanley Cup finals continued yesterday with the series moving to Phiadelphia. The Flyers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks still lead the series 2 games to 1. The contest is more interesting now, but I maintain that Chicago will win.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"When a person excels at something, he should do something else in which he is a novice because that brings him down to earth."
- George Bernard Shaw
ON GUN CONTROL
Here's what's on my mind today, Sixteeners. A 52-year-old taxi driver named Derrick Bird went on a rampage in Cumbria, England yesterday. He killed 12 people, including his own twin brother, before turning the gun on himself. There was speculation that the rampage was sparked by a family feud, but Bird's nieces denied that this was the case. Although Bird was convicted of theft in the 1990s, he was allowed to obtain a shotgun licence in 1995 and a firearms licence for a rifle in 2007. Why? When one is convicted of robbery or a violent crime, one should not be pemitted to own firearms.
Whenever an incident such as this occurs, it underlines the need for the strictist gun control laws possible. An individual convicted of theft should not have been allowed to obtain a shotgun licence or firearms licence.
My views will not make me popular with people in rural areas. They will not endear me to the National Firearms Association of Canada or the powerful National Rifle Association in the United States. I can't pretend to be what I am not. I do not live in a rural area. Although I am neither a hunter nor a farmer, it is not my intention to cavalierly dismiss their concerns. What I do not understand is why responsible gun owners feel so threatened by laws designed to protect society from deranged individuals. Nobody is stopping them from hunting or target shooting. It may be an inconvenience for them to register their guns or to undergo detailed backgound checks, but such measures are well worth the time and the cost. Too many guns find their way into the hands of unbalanced and mentally ill individuals such as Marc Lepine, the man who killed 14 women at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal or the young man who went on a murderous romp at Virginia Tech.
It is true that Britain has some pretty strict gun control laws, but they are obviously not strict enough to stop the Derrick Birds of this world. British Prime Minister David Cameron vowed to do do everything he could to prevent a repeat of the Cumbrian tragedy. However, the prime minister cautioned against “knee-jerk” demands for tougher gun laws - saying that “you can’t legislate to stop a switch flicking in someone’s head”. No, you can't, Mr. Cameron, but there are psychiatric evaluations and other obvious signals that an individual is unbalanced - or as in Derrick Bird's case, there are records that show that an induividual has been convicted of theft.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost to Tampa Bay yesterday. Shaun Marcum pitched eight strong innings, but lost control in the 9th inning. Jason Frasor, who came on in relief, performed poorly. Tampa Bay looks really good. They are for real.
The Stanley Cup finals continued yesterday with the series moving to Phiadelphia. The Flyers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks still lead the series 2 games to 1. The contest is more interesting now, but I maintain that Chicago will win.
- Joanne
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Lou Gehrig's speech
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
“Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.”
- Lou Gehrig
From his farewell speech at Yankee Stadium, July 4, 1939
For the full text of Gehrig's speech, click on the link below.
http://www.focusonals.com/louspeech.htm
On this day in 1941 Yankee great Lou Gehrig died at the age of 37 of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disase. New York's magnificent first baseman was called the "The Iron Horse" because he was so durable. He played in 2,130 consecutive games. His streak of consecutive games began on June 2 1925 (yes, June 2, eight-five years ago) when he filled in for Wally Pipp who sat out a game. According to a popular story, Pipp didn't play that day because he had a migraine headache and Yankee manager Miller Huggins inserted young Lou Gehrig into the lineup. Recent evidence, however, suggests the story is a fabrication. For whatever reason, Wally Pipp did not play that day and his career was effectively derailed. After the 1925 season, the Yankees sold him to the Cincinnati Reds for a $7,500 waiver price. Wally Pipp died in 1965.
To watch a video about Lour Gehrig's speech at Yankee Stadium, click on the link below.
http://video.sbrforum.com/video-4844-lou-gehrig-speech.html
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JERRY MATHERS!
Jerry Mathers, better known as the Beaver, was born on this day in 1948. Golly, Beav, I can't believe you are 62 years old. I still visualize you as a little boy wearing a baseball cap. By the way, whatever happened to that creepy Eddie Haskell?
Now that we're on the subject of Leave It To Beaver, I'd just like to mention that the show ran from October 4, 1957 until September 12, 1963. It's appropriate that it went off the air just prior the assassination of JFK and before the Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan's show. Can you imagine Leave It To Beaver in the hippie era of the later 1960s? I just can't see June Cleaver performing her domestic duties in a mini-skirt. Can you? Nah! I don't think so. June was more suited to her pearls and prim dresses. In one episode, however, she actually wore slacks when the family went on an outdoor vacation.
SPORTS
Not to take anything away from the Tampa Bay Rays, but the Blue Jays lost a game they should have won last night. Brian Tallet pitched a good 6 2/3 innings. The Jays seemed to have the game in control until the disastrous 7th inning. The bullpen was shaky, particularly Jason Frasor. Nevertheless, when closer Kevin Gregg came to the mound in the 9th inning, the Jays still had the game within their grasp. They were leading 5-3. Gregg, however, completely lost his control, physically and mentally. He walked one batter after another. By the time the Jays came up in the bottom of the 9th, the score was 7-5 in favour of Tampa Bay. The Jays didn't quit. They came up with one more run. It wasn't enough and they lost by a score of 7-6.
- Joanne
“Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.”
- Lou Gehrig
From his farewell speech at Yankee Stadium, July 4, 1939
For the full text of Gehrig's speech, click on the link below.
http://www.focusonals.com/louspeech.htm
On this day in 1941 Yankee great Lou Gehrig died at the age of 37 of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disase. New York's magnificent first baseman was called the "The Iron Horse" because he was so durable. He played in 2,130 consecutive games. His streak of consecutive games began on June 2 1925 (yes, June 2, eight-five years ago) when he filled in for Wally Pipp who sat out a game. According to a popular story, Pipp didn't play that day because he had a migraine headache and Yankee manager Miller Huggins inserted young Lou Gehrig into the lineup. Recent evidence, however, suggests the story is a fabrication. For whatever reason, Wally Pipp did not play that day and his career was effectively derailed. After the 1925 season, the Yankees sold him to the Cincinnati Reds for a $7,500 waiver price. Wally Pipp died in 1965.
To watch a video about Lour Gehrig's speech at Yankee Stadium, click on the link below.
http://video.sbrforum.com/video-4844-lou-gehrig-speech.html
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JERRY MATHERS!
Jerry Mathers, better known as the Beaver, was born on this day in 1948. Golly, Beav, I can't believe you are 62 years old. I still visualize you as a little boy wearing a baseball cap. By the way, whatever happened to that creepy Eddie Haskell?
Now that we're on the subject of Leave It To Beaver, I'd just like to mention that the show ran from October 4, 1957 until September 12, 1963. It's appropriate that it went off the air just prior the assassination of JFK and before the Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan's show. Can you imagine Leave It To Beaver in the hippie era of the later 1960s? I just can't see June Cleaver performing her domestic duties in a mini-skirt. Can you? Nah! I don't think so. June was more suited to her pearls and prim dresses. In one episode, however, she actually wore slacks when the family went on an outdoor vacation.
SPORTS
Not to take anything away from the Tampa Bay Rays, but the Blue Jays lost a game they should have won last night. Brian Tallet pitched a good 6 2/3 innings. The Jays seemed to have the game in control until the disastrous 7th inning. The bullpen was shaky, particularly Jason Frasor. Nevertheless, when closer Kevin Gregg came to the mound in the 9th inning, the Jays still had the game within their grasp. They were leading 5-3. Gregg, however, completely lost his control, physically and mentally. He walked one batter after another. By the time the Jays came up in the bottom of the 9th, the score was 7-5 in favour of Tampa Bay. The Jays didn't quit. They came up with one more run. It wasn't enough and they lost by a score of 7-6.
- Joanne
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
John Masefield and Sea-Fever
TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2010
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face and a gray dawn breaking.
- John Masefield
From "Sea-Fever"
The English poet John Masefield was was born on this day in 1878. Masefield was appointed the 15th poet laureate of the United Kingdom in 1930, a position which he held until his death in 1967. Let's welcome the month of June with thoughts of the sea. I have always liked ships and boats and water. Sea-Fever is one of my favourite poems because it expresses such a sense of longing and nostalgia. Even if you suffer from sea sickness, you can still related to it because it is so poignant.
SPORTS
The Chicago Blackhawks took control of the Stanley Cup final by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers last night. The Hawks lead the series 2-0 and look to be the better team. It's certainly not over yet, but I think Chicago will take home Lord Stanley's Cup.
After sweeping the feckless Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays are now facing the Tampa Bay Rays. The time has come for them to compete with the cream of the American League East. It won't be easy, but they are off to a great start. They defeated Tampa Bay by a score 0f 3-2 last night at the dome.
- Joanne
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face and a gray dawn breaking.
- John Masefield
From "Sea-Fever"
The English poet John Masefield was was born on this day in 1878. Masefield was appointed the 15th poet laureate of the United Kingdom in 1930, a position which he held until his death in 1967. Let's welcome the month of June with thoughts of the sea. I have always liked ships and boats and water. Sea-Fever is one of my favourite poems because it expresses such a sense of longing and nostalgia. Even if you suffer from sea sickness, you can still related to it because it is so poignant.
SPORTS
The Chicago Blackhawks took control of the Stanley Cup final by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers last night. The Hawks lead the series 2-0 and look to be the better team. It's certainly not over yet, but I think Chicago will take home Lord Stanley's Cup.
After sweeping the feckless Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays are now facing the Tampa Bay Rays. The time has come for them to compete with the cream of the American League East. It won't be easy, but they are off to a great start. They defeated Tampa Bay by a score 0f 3-2 last night at the dome.
- Joanne
Monday, May 31, 2010
MONDAY, MAY 31, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money."
- Cree Proverb
I've never liked the expression "tree hugger." There's a negative connotation to it and it can be used in a derogatory fashion. People don't come right our and say it, but what they really mean when they are referring to "tree huggers" is that those who express a great concern for the environment are flakey and out in left field. One of the things I've always admired about aboriginals is their great respect for nature and their love of the land. If that's being a tree hugger, then count me in. As Joni Mitchell once sang, "You don't know what you got till it's gone."
SPORTS
The Blue Jays won again yesterday over Baltimore, and the brooms were out. With their 6-1 victory, the Jays swept the series. I know Baltimore is a struggling team, but a W is a W. These are the games that have to be won. Congratulations to Ricky Romero for pitching a complete game and also to Jose Bautistia. Bautista is on fire! He hit his league-leading 16th home run of the year.
Roy Halladay pitched a perfect game on Saturday. Good for Doc and what a great pitcher he is! To bad he didn't accomplish that feat in a Jays uniform. As all dedicated Blue Jay fans know, no Blue Jay pitcher has ever thrown a perfect game. Dave Stieb pitched a no-hitter in September of 1990 and he is the only pitcher in Jays history to do so.
Chicago won the first game of the Stanley Cup finals and I am pleased about that.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money."
- Cree Proverb
I've never liked the expression "tree hugger." There's a negative connotation to it and it can be used in a derogatory fashion. People don't come right our and say it, but what they really mean when they are referring to "tree huggers" is that those who express a great concern for the environment are flakey and out in left field. One of the things I've always admired about aboriginals is their great respect for nature and their love of the land. If that's being a tree hugger, then count me in. As Joni Mitchell once sang, "You don't know what you got till it's gone."
SPORTS
The Blue Jays won again yesterday over Baltimore, and the brooms were out. With their 6-1 victory, the Jays swept the series. I know Baltimore is a struggling team, but a W is a W. These are the games that have to be won. Congratulations to Ricky Romero for pitching a complete game and also to Jose Bautistia. Bautista is on fire! He hit his league-leading 16th home run of the year.
Roy Halladay pitched a perfect game on Saturday. Good for Doc and what a great pitcher he is! To bad he didn't accomplish that feat in a Jays uniform. As all dedicated Blue Jay fans know, no Blue Jay pitcher has ever thrown a perfect game. Dave Stieb pitched a no-hitter in September of 1990 and he is the only pitcher in Jays history to do so.
Chicago won the first game of the Stanley Cup finals and I am pleased about that.
- Joanne
Saturday, May 29, 2010
SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2010
Hello Sixteeners. This will be my final correspondence from Quebec City as I am going home tomorrow. I will be spending much of Sunday on a train. However, before I leave this beautiful city, I would like to mention another of my favourite places here. It is a bistro, a wine and cheese bar. It's called Le Pape Georges and it's located in the Quartier Petit Champlain.
On this day in 1917, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. It's hard to believe that if he were alive today, JFK would be 93 years old. File that under TIME FLIES.
Three big names in the entertainment world passed away this week. Art Linkletter died at 97 years of age. A native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Linkletter was a classy guy and had a great rapport with cbildren. His was the gentle humour of a more innocent era in television. Gary Coleman suffered a brain hemorrhage and died at only 42 years old, another victim of what I call the Child Star Syndrome. Actor Dennis Hopper succumbed to prostate cancer. He was 74. Here's a bit of trivia about Dennis Hopper: In 1964, five years before Easy Rider, he appeared in an episode of Petticoat Junction. The episode was entitled "Bobby Jo and the Beatnik" and Hopper played the beatnik. Rest In Peace Art, Gary and Dennis.
On a lighter note, I see that singer Willie Nelson has shorn his trademark long locks. Looking good, Willie. It was time for a change in hairstyle.
SPORTS
My Blue Jays just keep rolling along. They won the second game of their series against the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 5-2 today. Brett Cecil pitched a good game. The only disappoinment was the attendance at the dome. - just over 16,000. That is not great for a Saturday afternoon game. Come on fans! Come on out and support your team!
The Stanley Cup finals begin tonight in Chicago. Regular readers of Number 16 know that I'm cheering for the Blackhawks over Philly.
- Joanne
Hello Sixteeners. This will be my final correspondence from Quebec City as I am going home tomorrow. I will be spending much of Sunday on a train. However, before I leave this beautiful city, I would like to mention another of my favourite places here. It is a bistro, a wine and cheese bar. It's called Le Pape Georges and it's located in the Quartier Petit Champlain.
On this day in 1917, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. It's hard to believe that if he were alive today, JFK would be 93 years old. File that under TIME FLIES.
Three big names in the entertainment world passed away this week. Art Linkletter died at 97 years of age. A native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Linkletter was a classy guy and had a great rapport with cbildren. His was the gentle humour of a more innocent era in television. Gary Coleman suffered a brain hemorrhage and died at only 42 years old, another victim of what I call the Child Star Syndrome. Actor Dennis Hopper succumbed to prostate cancer. He was 74. Here's a bit of trivia about Dennis Hopper: In 1964, five years before Easy Rider, he appeared in an episode of Petticoat Junction. The episode was entitled "Bobby Jo and the Beatnik" and Hopper played the beatnik. Rest In Peace Art, Gary and Dennis.
On a lighter note, I see that singer Willie Nelson has shorn his trademark long locks. Looking good, Willie. It was time for a change in hairstyle.
SPORTS
My Blue Jays just keep rolling along. They won the second game of their series against the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 5-2 today. Brett Cecil pitched a good game. The only disappoinment was the attendance at the dome. - just over 16,000. That is not great for a Saturday afternoon game. Come on fans! Come on out and support your team!
The Stanley Cup finals begin tonight in Chicago. Regular readers of Number 16 know that I'm cheering for the Blackhawks over Philly.
- Joanne
Friday, May 28, 2010
Visit to Grosse-Ile
FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2010
Bonjour from Quebec City
Well, Sixteeners, today I took a boat ride to Grosse-Ile. That's the place where the Irish immigrants landed when they came to Canada during the potato famine. There was a terrible tragedy in 1847 when so many died of typhus on Grosse-Ile. They are buried on the island and there is a huge Celtic cross to honour them. It was erected in 1909 and it is the largest Celtic cross outside of Ireland. There is also a memorial wall that lists the names of the dead. If you are in the Quebec City area, I recommend that you visit Grosse-Ile. It's even more poignant if you are of Irish ancestry. I am not of Irish ancestry, but my husband is. His great-great grandfather Matthew Madden died in Toronto in 1912, but so far we have been unable to trace his parents. We do not know the name of the town or city they came from in Ireland. Nor do we know if they died at sea or on Grosse-Ile.
On this day in 1934, the Dionne quintuplets were born in Callander, Ontario, near the village of Corbeil. A Depression-weary public was intrigued by these five little girls. Sadly, only two of the sisters survive today - Annette and Cecile.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays snapped a losing streak by defeating the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 5-0. They are back on track.
- Joanne
Bonjour from Quebec City
Well, Sixteeners, today I took a boat ride to Grosse-Ile. That's the place where the Irish immigrants landed when they came to Canada during the potato famine. There was a terrible tragedy in 1847 when so many died of typhus on Grosse-Ile. They are buried on the island and there is a huge Celtic cross to honour them. It was erected in 1909 and it is the largest Celtic cross outside of Ireland. There is also a memorial wall that lists the names of the dead. If you are in the Quebec City area, I recommend that you visit Grosse-Ile. It's even more poignant if you are of Irish ancestry. I am not of Irish ancestry, but my husband is. His great-great grandfather Matthew Madden died in Toronto in 1912, but so far we have been unable to trace his parents. We do not know the name of the town or city they came from in Ireland. Nor do we know if they died at sea or on Grosse-Ile.
On this day in 1934, the Dionne quintuplets were born in Callander, Ontario, near the village of Corbeil. A Depression-weary public was intrigued by these five little girls. Sadly, only two of the sisters survive today - Annette and Cecile.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays snapped a losing streak by defeating the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 5-0. They are back on track.
- Joanne
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
More from Quebec City
WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2010
Hello again from Quebec City
It's been unusually hot and humid in the Quebec capital. We had thunderstorms last night. Yesterday my husband and I lunched at one of our favourite restaurants here. It's located in the heart of Old Quebec and it's called Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens. I ordered tortiere and it was a real treat for me because I never eat tortiere back home in Ontario. There is a great museum in Quebec City called Musee de la civilisation where we saw a fascinating exhibit on the development of human thought, language and the brain. The name of the exhibit is "Copyright humain." Today we plan to have a picnic lunch on the historic Plains of Abraham.
Several giants in the entertainment world were born on May 26th. James Arness of Gunsmoke fame was born on this day in 1923. John Wayne was born Marion Morrison on May 26, 1907 in rural Iowa. Singer Peggy Lee was born Norma Egstrom in Jamestown, North Dakota on May 26, 1920. Al Jolson claimed to be born on May 26, 1886, but produced no documentation to verify this claim. Jolson was born Asa Yoelson in the Lithuanian region of Imperial Russia. On May 26, 1912, Canadian-born Jay Silverheels, the man who played the Lone Ranger's sidekick Tonto, came into this world . His birth name was Harold J. Smith and he was a Mohawk who was born on the Six Nations Reservation in Brantford, Ontario.
SPORTS
My Blue Jays didn't do well last night in Anaheim. They lost 8-3 to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Boy oh boy! What a long-winded, awkward name for a team! Why don't they just call themselves the LA Angels or the Anaheim Angels? It must be for marketing purposes that they include both LA and Anaheim in the their name. Whatever they're called, they clobbered us last night. Ricky Romero just didn't have it. What a disappointment for him because he's from LA and his family and friends were in attendance.
Well, Habs fans, have you recovered yet? If it's any consolation, I can tell you it could be worse. YBoyou could be a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Remember that Les canadiens performed far better than expected and they defeated two powerhouses in Washington and Pittsburgh. I know! I know! It wasn't as sweet as winning the Stanley Cup, but you have to admit it was a great ride. Now I just hope Chicago defeats Philly
- Joanne
t
Hello again from Quebec City
It's been unusually hot and humid in the Quebec capital. We had thunderstorms last night. Yesterday my husband and I lunched at one of our favourite restaurants here. It's located in the heart of Old Quebec and it's called Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens. I ordered tortiere and it was a real treat for me because I never eat tortiere back home in Ontario. There is a great museum in Quebec City called Musee de la civilisation where we saw a fascinating exhibit on the development of human thought, language and the brain. The name of the exhibit is "Copyright humain." Today we plan to have a picnic lunch on the historic Plains of Abraham.
Several giants in the entertainment world were born on May 26th. James Arness of Gunsmoke fame was born on this day in 1923. John Wayne was born Marion Morrison on May 26, 1907 in rural Iowa. Singer Peggy Lee was born Norma Egstrom in Jamestown, North Dakota on May 26, 1920. Al Jolson claimed to be born on May 26, 1886, but produced no documentation to verify this claim. Jolson was born Asa Yoelson in the Lithuanian region of Imperial Russia. On May 26, 1912, Canadian-born Jay Silverheels, the man who played the Lone Ranger's sidekick Tonto, came into this world . His birth name was Harold J. Smith and he was a Mohawk who was born on the Six Nations Reservation in Brantford, Ontario.
SPORTS
My Blue Jays didn't do well last night in Anaheim. They lost 8-3 to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Boy oh boy! What a long-winded, awkward name for a team! Why don't they just call themselves the LA Angels or the Anaheim Angels? It must be for marketing purposes that they include both LA and Anaheim in the their name. Whatever they're called, they clobbered us last night. Ricky Romero just didn't have it. What a disappointment for him because he's from LA and his family and friends were in attendance.
Well, Habs fans, have you recovered yet? If it's any consolation, I can tell you it could be worse. YBoyou could be a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Remember that Les canadiens performed far better than expected and they defeated two powerhouses in Washington and Pittsburgh. I know! I know! It wasn't as sweet as winning the Stanley Cup, but you have to admit it was a great ride. Now I just hope Chicago defeats Philly
- Joanne
t
Monday, May 24, 2010
Happy Victoria Day
MONDAY, MAY 24, 2010
Queen Victoria was born on this day in 1819. Her full name was Alexandrina Victoria. It's a good thing she went by the name Victoria. Queen Alexandrina just doesn't have the same ring too it, does it?
Bonjour Sixteeners. I am writing this from beautiful Quebec City. As I wrote in my last posting, I will be here for a week. It is sunny and warm here. Who could ask for anything more?
SPORTS
The Jays won yesteday, and what a slugfest it was! They overpowered Arizona by a score of 12-4. As pleased as I am with the Blue Jays so far this season, I'm even more impressed with the Tampa Bay Rays. If they keep this up, they are going to be extremely difficult to beat in the AL East.
The Montreal Canadiens face elimination tonight It's certainly going to be interesting. Can they do it? I think it's unlikely. They are behind 3 games to 1, but stranger things have happened. I wouldn't bet on it though. However, I really hope I'm wrong. As I've mentioned before, I would like to see a Montreal-Chicago final. Chicago seems to be a team on a mission. I have to say that those Hawks seem very hungry. My head says they will win it all.
- Joanne
Queen Victoria was born on this day in 1819. Her full name was Alexandrina Victoria. It's a good thing she went by the name Victoria. Queen Alexandrina just doesn't have the same ring too it, does it?
Bonjour Sixteeners. I am writing this from beautiful Quebec City. As I wrote in my last posting, I will be here for a week. It is sunny and warm here. Who could ask for anything more?
SPORTS
The Jays won yesteday, and what a slugfest it was! They overpowered Arizona by a score of 12-4. As pleased as I am with the Blue Jays so far this season, I'm even more impressed with the Tampa Bay Rays. If they keep this up, they are going to be extremely difficult to beat in the AL East.
The Montreal Canadiens face elimination tonight It's certainly going to be interesting. Can they do it? I think it's unlikely. They are behind 3 games to 1, but stranger things have happened. I wouldn't bet on it though. However, I really hope I'm wrong. As I've mentioned before, I would like to see a Montreal-Chicago final. Chicago seems to be a team on a mission. I have to say that those Hawks seem very hungry. My head says they will win it all.
- Joanne
Sunday, May 23, 2010
SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind."
- William Blake
From "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell"
This is a long weekend in Canada and I hope you are all enjoying it. I'm off to Quebec City tomorrow to visit relatives. Take note, you Sixteeners out there in cyberspace, I'll be in la ville de Quebec for almost a week and will be updating Number 16 from there. I'm really looking forward to it. Quebec City is a jewel of a city beacuse it's so picturesque and so historic. It is truly the most European city in North America, and the most romantic. I wish I could speak French with proficiency. Truth be told, I struggle with the language. I try my best though.
SPORTS
Yesterday was definitely a bad sports day for me. The Jays lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Why can't they win against National League Teams? Manager Cito Gaston has made it abundantly clear that he dislikes interleague baseball. Cito doesn't want to see his pitchers at bat or running the bases and fears they will be injured. He can't be blamed for feeling that way, but the fact is that interleague play is a realty. The Jays have to deal with it and adjust to it. They're poor record against the NL is holding them back and hurting their changes of campeting in post-season play.
In yrsterday's game, starting pitcher Dana Eveland struggled again and had to be taken out of the game early. Eveland has been struggling lately. Something's got to give with the starting rotation.
The Montreal Canadiens played a disappointing game yesterday. They are now down 3 games to 1 to the Philadelphia Flyers and chances for a Montreal-Chicago final are looking more and more remote. It's going to be extremely difficult for the Habs to dig themselves out of the hole they're in. It's not impossible, but highly improbable. The fat lady is starting to move in on them.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind."
- William Blake
From "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell"
This is a long weekend in Canada and I hope you are all enjoying it. I'm off to Quebec City tomorrow to visit relatives. Take note, you Sixteeners out there in cyberspace, I'll be in la ville de Quebec for almost a week and will be updating Number 16 from there. I'm really looking forward to it. Quebec City is a jewel of a city beacuse it's so picturesque and so historic. It is truly the most European city in North America, and the most romantic. I wish I could speak French with proficiency. Truth be told, I struggle with the language. I try my best though.
SPORTS
Yesterday was definitely a bad sports day for me. The Jays lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Why can't they win against National League Teams? Manager Cito Gaston has made it abundantly clear that he dislikes interleague baseball. Cito doesn't want to see his pitchers at bat or running the bases and fears they will be injured. He can't be blamed for feeling that way, but the fact is that interleague play is a realty. The Jays have to deal with it and adjust to it. They're poor record against the NL is holding them back and hurting their changes of campeting in post-season play.
In yrsterday's game, starting pitcher Dana Eveland struggled again and had to be taken out of the game early. Eveland has been struggling lately. Something's got to give with the starting rotation.
The Montreal Canadiens played a disappointing game yesterday. They are now down 3 games to 1 to the Philadelphia Flyers and chances for a Montreal-Chicago final are looking more and more remote. It's going to be extremely difficult for the Habs to dig themselves out of the hole they're in. It's not impossible, but highly improbable. The fat lady is starting to move in on them.
- Joanne
Friday, May 21, 2010
Some Events in the Year 1927
FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2010
On this day in 1927, Charles Lindbergh touched down in Paris after completing the world's first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. 1927 was quite a year in many ways, and it was a stellar year for the Bambino. Baseball fans know that Babe Ruth smashed his 60th home run that year. Boxing fans know that the famous "long count" heavyweight championship fight between Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey took place in Chicago on September 22, 1927. Movie buffs know that the first full-length talking film, "The Jazz Singer", starring Al Jolson, premiered in New York City in October of 1927. "The Jazz Singer" ushered in a new era in film history and spelled the beginning of the end for silent films.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost the second game of their series with Seattle. Now they head to Phoenix for a series with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Well, the fat lady hasn't yet sung for the Montreal Canadiens. She'll have to retreat a little to the background because the Habs defeated the Philadelphia Flyers decisively in the third game of their series. Montreal is still behind 2 games to 1, but things are starting to get really interesting . . .
- Joanne
On this day in 1927, Charles Lindbergh touched down in Paris after completing the world's first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. 1927 was quite a year in many ways, and it was a stellar year for the Bambino. Baseball fans know that Babe Ruth smashed his 60th home run that year. Boxing fans know that the famous "long count" heavyweight championship fight between Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey took place in Chicago on September 22, 1927. Movie buffs know that the first full-length talking film, "The Jazz Singer", starring Al Jolson, premiered in New York City in October of 1927. "The Jazz Singer" ushered in a new era in film history and spelled the beginning of the end for silent films.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost the second game of their series with Seattle. Now they head to Phoenix for a series with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Well, the fat lady hasn't yet sung for the Montreal Canadiens. She'll have to retreat a little to the background because the Habs defeated the Philadelphia Flyers decisively in the third game of their series. Montreal is still behind 2 games to 1, but things are starting to get really interesting . . .
- Joanne
Thursday, May 20, 2010
John Stuart Mill and free speech
THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2010
"If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if had the power, would be justified in sliencing mankind."
John Stuart Mill
From "On Liberty"
`
Today is the birth anniversary of the great British philosopher John Stuart Mill, a passionate advocate of free speech. Mill was born in London, England on this day in 1806. He was the eldest son of the Scottish philosopher James Mill.
John Stuart Mill wrote "The Subjection of Women" in which he likens the legal status of women to the status of slaves and makes a case for equality in marriage and under the law. That was radical thinking for a male living in the 19th century. I must say that Mr. Mill was certainly a man ahead of his time.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
Today marks a very significant date in Canadian history. This is the 30th anniversary of the first Quebec referendum. I'll never forget the passions and emotions of that campaign. As a staunch federalist, I remember how worried I was about the situation as I awaited the results on that memorable day in 1980.
SPORTS
Hey, my Blue Jays are on a roll. They are on the road and they won the first game of their series against the Seattle Mariners. The Seattle Mariners aren't exactly a homerun hitting machine, but a W is a W.
Les Canadiens contine their series with the Philadelphia Flyers tonight. They play their first game of the series at home in Montreal. They are behind the proverbial eight ball, down 2-0 in the series. If they don't win tonight, they'll see the fat lady approaching and she'll be preparing to sing.
- Joanne
"If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if had the power, would be justified in sliencing mankind."
John Stuart Mill
From "On Liberty"
`
Today is the birth anniversary of the great British philosopher John Stuart Mill, a passionate advocate of free speech. Mill was born in London, England on this day in 1806. He was the eldest son of the Scottish philosopher James Mill.
John Stuart Mill wrote "The Subjection of Women" in which he likens the legal status of women to the status of slaves and makes a case for equality in marriage and under the law. That was radical thinking for a male living in the 19th century. I must say that Mr. Mill was certainly a man ahead of his time.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
Today marks a very significant date in Canadian history. This is the 30th anniversary of the first Quebec referendum. I'll never forget the passions and emotions of that campaign. As a staunch federalist, I remember how worried I was about the situation as I awaited the results on that memorable day in 1980.
SPORTS
Hey, my Blue Jays are on a roll. They are on the road and they won the first game of their series against the Seattle Mariners. The Seattle Mariners aren't exactly a homerun hitting machine, but a W is a W.
Les Canadiens contine their series with the Philadelphia Flyers tonight. They play their first game of the series at home in Montreal. They are behind the proverbial eight ball, down 2-0 in the series. If they don't win tonight, they'll see the fat lady approaching and she'll be preparing to sing.
- Joanne
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Jackie, JFK and Marilyn Monroe
MAY 19, 2010
On this day in 1994, former U.S. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died of lymphoma at the age of 64. Here are my reflections on Jackie and her years as First Lady.
If John F. Kennedy was the King Arthur of the Camelot White House, then Jackie was its Queen Guinevere. Of course, like the legend of King Arthur, the Camelot White House was also a myth. It was such a beautiful myth that it was sad to see the bubble burst. Jackie was young, glamourous and sophisticated. Only 31-years-old when she became First Lady, she set the fashion trends of her day. She wore sensational gowns and her trademark pillbox hats. When she accompanied JFK on a visit to Paris, she thoroughly charmed the French with her swan-like gracefulness and poise. Her husband even joked about how she had upstaged him there.
Women of the 1960s admired Jackie and they tried to imitate her. After all, she wore beautiful hairstyles and she was married to a handsome, charasmatic man who just happened to be president of the United States. For that one brief, shining moment, it appeared as if Camelot had come to America. Jackie seemed to have it all -until that dreadful day in Dallas. Most people didnt know that the so-called Camelot of the Kennedys had come crashing down long before the tragic events of November 22, 1963.
In this digital age of journalism, it's hard to believe JFK's ties to the Mafia and his infidelities were kept a secret at the time. There must have been some agreement among the press to keep quiet about the president's escapades. It is inconceivable that the media were oblivious to the goings-on behind the scenes.
One thing I will say about Jackie, she was not a blabbermouth. She never wrote a tell-all book. She never appeared on talk shows to reveal the private details of her years in the White House. Nor did she tell tales about the Onassis family.
Here's the final irony. On this day in 1962, Marilyn Monroe delivered her famous rendition of "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" at a celebration of JFK's 45th birthday in New York. Yes, Jackie died on the same date - May 19th.
At the president's Madison Square Garden birthday party, actor Peter Lawford, JFK's brother-in-law at the time, introduced Marilyn to those in attendance , as "the late Marilyn Monroe." Lawford obviously meant "late" as in tardy, but Marilyn was found dead in August of 1962. How eerie!
To view a a video of Marilyn's rendition of Happy Birthday, Mr. President, click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4SLSlSmW74
SPORTS
The Blue Jays are hot. They defeated Minnesota handily in the second game of their two-game series. They start a road trip now.
There is no joy in Montreal. The Habs lost again to Philadelphia. Montreal did not even score a goal and the final score was 3-0. The Canadiens have not yet put the puck in the net in this series.
- Joanne
On this day in 1994, former U.S. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died of lymphoma at the age of 64. Here are my reflections on Jackie and her years as First Lady.
If John F. Kennedy was the King Arthur of the Camelot White House, then Jackie was its Queen Guinevere. Of course, like the legend of King Arthur, the Camelot White House was also a myth. It was such a beautiful myth that it was sad to see the bubble burst. Jackie was young, glamourous and sophisticated. Only 31-years-old when she became First Lady, she set the fashion trends of her day. She wore sensational gowns and her trademark pillbox hats. When she accompanied JFK on a visit to Paris, she thoroughly charmed the French with her swan-like gracefulness and poise. Her husband even joked about how she had upstaged him there.
Women of the 1960s admired Jackie and they tried to imitate her. After all, she wore beautiful hairstyles and she was married to a handsome, charasmatic man who just happened to be president of the United States. For that one brief, shining moment, it appeared as if Camelot had come to America. Jackie seemed to have it all -until that dreadful day in Dallas. Most people didnt know that the so-called Camelot of the Kennedys had come crashing down long before the tragic events of November 22, 1963.
In this digital age of journalism, it's hard to believe JFK's ties to the Mafia and his infidelities were kept a secret at the time. There must have been some agreement among the press to keep quiet about the president's escapades. It is inconceivable that the media were oblivious to the goings-on behind the scenes.
One thing I will say about Jackie, she was not a blabbermouth. She never wrote a tell-all book. She never appeared on talk shows to reveal the private details of her years in the White House. Nor did she tell tales about the Onassis family.
Here's the final irony. On this day in 1962, Marilyn Monroe delivered her famous rendition of "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" at a celebration of JFK's 45th birthday in New York. Yes, Jackie died on the same date - May 19th.
At the president's Madison Square Garden birthday party, actor Peter Lawford, JFK's brother-in-law at the time, introduced Marilyn to those in attendance , as "the late Marilyn Monroe." Lawford obviously meant "late" as in tardy, but Marilyn was found dead in August of 1962. How eerie!
To view a a video of Marilyn's rendition of Happy Birthday, Mr. President, click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4SLSlSmW74
SPORTS
The Blue Jays are hot. They defeated Minnesota handily in the second game of their two-game series. They start a road trip now.
There is no joy in Montreal. The Habs lost again to Philadelphia. Montreal did not even score a goal and the final score was 3-0. The Canadiens have not yet put the puck in the net in this series.
- Joanne
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
On Leadership
TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Leadership has a moral dimension that power does not. Power is manipulative. It is the exploitation of other people's motives in order to realize the power holder's objectives. The real leader relates to the genuine wants and needs and aspirations of his followeres rather that manipulating them for his own ends."
- James McGregor Burns
From "Leadership"
I've been thinking about that quote and about leaders. It seems to me we have a definite lack of political leadership in Canada today - at least in the realm of politics. I'm not saying we don't have any hard working and dedicated politcians. I'm merely saying that I can't think of any living Canadian politican who greatly inspires me. I can't think of any Canadian politician today who will go down in history as a great Canadian. Where are the Macdonalds and Lauriers and Pearsons? Where have you gone Nellie McClung, Pierre Trudreau and Tommy Douglas? One may not have always agreed with them, but at least they showed leadership. They made Canadians think and reflect and debate. Our current crop of political leaders appears to be too busy sniping at each other and putting partisanship before the good of the country.
Fortunately, outside of politics, we do have some leadership. We have Canadians such as Craig Kielburger and David Suzuki who are inspiring, who are displaying leadership. I would like to seem someone fill the political vacuum.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
On this day in 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in the state of Washington. This is the 30th anniversary of that disaster in which 57 people lost their lives and thousands of animals died. Now we have a volcano in Iceland that is causing havoc by disrupting air travel.
SPORTS
Well, the Montreal Canadiens were beaten badly in the first game of their series with the Philadelphia Flyers. They have a chance to redeem themselves tonight, but they are going to have to play much better if they want to keep their dream alive.
I'm pleased that the Chicageo Blackhawks defeated the San Jose Sharks in the first gamee of that series.
The Blue Jays' winning streak came to an end yesterday with a loss to the Minnesota Twins. I've got to say, the Twins looked good. Former Blue Jay Orlando(Ol Dog) Hudson came back to haunt his old team. Hudson played really well and British Columbia native Justin Marneau hit two home runs. The bad news for the Jays is that Travis Snider is injured and on the 15-day DL. He was starting to play really well too. I hope this isn't a bad set back for the 22-year-old native of the Seattle area.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Leadership has a moral dimension that power does not. Power is manipulative. It is the exploitation of other people's motives in order to realize the power holder's objectives. The real leader relates to the genuine wants and needs and aspirations of his followeres rather that manipulating them for his own ends."
- James McGregor Burns
From "Leadership"
I've been thinking about that quote and about leaders. It seems to me we have a definite lack of political leadership in Canada today - at least in the realm of politics. I'm not saying we don't have any hard working and dedicated politcians. I'm merely saying that I can't think of any living Canadian politican who greatly inspires me. I can't think of any Canadian politician today who will go down in history as a great Canadian. Where are the Macdonalds and Lauriers and Pearsons? Where have you gone Nellie McClung, Pierre Trudreau and Tommy Douglas? One may not have always agreed with them, but at least they showed leadership. They made Canadians think and reflect and debate. Our current crop of political leaders appears to be too busy sniping at each other and putting partisanship before the good of the country.
Fortunately, outside of politics, we do have some leadership. We have Canadians such as Craig Kielburger and David Suzuki who are inspiring, who are displaying leadership. I would like to seem someone fill the political vacuum.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
On this day in 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in the state of Washington. This is the 30th anniversary of that disaster in which 57 people lost their lives and thousands of animals died. Now we have a volcano in Iceland that is causing havoc by disrupting air travel.
SPORTS
Well, the Montreal Canadiens were beaten badly in the first game of their series with the Philadelphia Flyers. They have a chance to redeem themselves tonight, but they are going to have to play much better if they want to keep their dream alive.
I'm pleased that the Chicageo Blackhawks defeated the San Jose Sharks in the first gamee of that series.
The Blue Jays' winning streak came to an end yesterday with a loss to the Minnesota Twins. I've got to say, the Twins looked good. Former Blue Jay Orlando(Ol Dog) Hudson came back to haunt his old team. Hudson played really well and British Columbia native Justin Marneau hit two home runs. The bad news for the Jays is that Travis Snider is injured and on the 15-day DL. He was starting to play really well too. I hope this isn't a bad set back for the 22-year-old native of the Seattle area.
- Joanne
Sunday, May 16, 2010
SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Time heals griefs and quarrels for we change and are no longer the same persons. Neither the offender nor the offended are any more themselves."
- Blaise Pascal
I hope you are enjoying the weekend ... and as you are well aware, next weekend is a long one in Canada.
On a personal note, this is quite a time for me. Friday was my last day at my long-time job as a researcher at a newspaper ibrary. I took a voluntary buyout and I am moving on. It's a big change and a new life.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays have won the first two games of their series against the Texas Rangers. Way to go! Ricky Romero pitched a great game yesterday. He's looking like a real gem. I was also impressed by Casey Jansen on Friday. By the way, I was at at the dome on Friday night. It wasn't exactly the greatest night for pitchers. However, it was a fun game. Unfortunately, at least from my pespective, the roof was open. Now, don't get me wrong. I much prefer watching baseball in the open air - when the weather is warm enough. I would not want a dome stadium that did not have a retractable roof. Friday night, howeever, was just too cool and windy to open the roof. I realize you can't please all the fans, but I think thay made the wrong call on Friday. It may have been fine to open it during the afternoon, but the strong wind made it quite chilly once the sun went down.
So, we are down to the third round of the NHL playoffs. The stage is set. Montreal plays Philadelphia and Chicago takes on San Jose. I do not like the Philadelphia Flyers because I was never a fan of the Broad Steet Bullies. Furthermore, I always associate Bobby Clarke with the Flyers. He was such a dirty player. I remember Clarke's infamous slash on Russian superstar Valeri Kharlamov during the 1972 Canada-Soviet summit series. In 2002, during the 30th anniversary of the super series, Paul Henderson, the hero of the series, criticized Clarke. Henderson described Clarke's slash, which broke Kharlamov's ankle, as "the lowpoint of the series". Bobby Clarke became upset with him and asked him why he didn't say something about it 30 years ago. That's a valid question, but it is beside the point. The point is that Paul was right on the money in his assessment of Bobby Clarke's slash of Kharlamov, and he remained firm in that assessment. Although Henderson said that the last thing he wanted to do was to trash Clarke, hs emphasized that he stood by his opinion "that, in terms of sportsmanship, I don't think there's any place for it then and I don't think there is any place for it there."
As for the San Jose Sharks, I have nothing against them. It's just that San Jose is not exactly a hockey mad city. I want the Stanley Cup to go to a city where hockey matters. That's why I would like to see a Montreal - Chicago final.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Time heals griefs and quarrels for we change and are no longer the same persons. Neither the offender nor the offended are any more themselves."
- Blaise Pascal
I hope you are enjoying the weekend ... and as you are well aware, next weekend is a long one in Canada.
On a personal note, this is quite a time for me. Friday was my last day at my long-time job as a researcher at a newspaper ibrary. I took a voluntary buyout and I am moving on. It's a big change and a new life.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays have won the first two games of their series against the Texas Rangers. Way to go! Ricky Romero pitched a great game yesterday. He's looking like a real gem. I was also impressed by Casey Jansen on Friday. By the way, I was at at the dome on Friday night. It wasn't exactly the greatest night for pitchers. However, it was a fun game. Unfortunately, at least from my pespective, the roof was open. Now, don't get me wrong. I much prefer watching baseball in the open air - when the weather is warm enough. I would not want a dome stadium that did not have a retractable roof. Friday night, howeever, was just too cool and windy to open the roof. I realize you can't please all the fans, but I think thay made the wrong call on Friday. It may have been fine to open it during the afternoon, but the strong wind made it quite chilly once the sun went down.
So, we are down to the third round of the NHL playoffs. The stage is set. Montreal plays Philadelphia and Chicago takes on San Jose. I do not like the Philadelphia Flyers because I was never a fan of the Broad Steet Bullies. Furthermore, I always associate Bobby Clarke with the Flyers. He was such a dirty player. I remember Clarke's infamous slash on Russian superstar Valeri Kharlamov during the 1972 Canada-Soviet summit series. In 2002, during the 30th anniversary of the super series, Paul Henderson, the hero of the series, criticized Clarke. Henderson described Clarke's slash, which broke Kharlamov's ankle, as "the lowpoint of the series". Bobby Clarke became upset with him and asked him why he didn't say something about it 30 years ago. That's a valid question, but it is beside the point. The point is that Paul was right on the money in his assessment of Bobby Clarke's slash of Kharlamov, and he remained firm in that assessment. Although Henderson said that the last thing he wanted to do was to trash Clarke, hs emphasized that he stood by his opinion "that, in terms of sportsmanship, I don't think there's any place for it then and I don't think there is any place for it there."
As for the San Jose Sharks, I have nothing against them. It's just that San Jose is not exactly a hockey mad city. I want the Stanley Cup to go to a city where hockey matters. That's why I would like to see a Montreal - Chicago final.
- Joanne
Friday, May 14, 2010
FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body; it calls attention to an unhealthy state of mind."
- Winston Churchill
RANT OF THE DAY
Montreal hockey fans are passionate about their team. The vast majority of them are just having a good time, enjoying some very intriguing and exciting playoff hockey. Unfortunately, there is an element of hooliganism in the city of Montreal. There are some yahoos who are hijacking a terrific run by Les Canadiens. These hooligans are besmudging the reputation of a great Canadian city. They don't really care if the Montreal Canadiens win or lose. It is clear that they are using these playoffs as a convenient excuse to loot and vandalize. I sympathize with hardworking small business owners who have seen their stores looted and their shop windows broken. To think that this occurred after the Habs won a series. I shudder to think what will happen if they loose a series or the seventh game of the Stanley Cup final. How disgraceful!
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body; it calls attention to an unhealthy state of mind."
- Winston Churchill
RANT OF THE DAY
Montreal hockey fans are passionate about their team. The vast majority of them are just having a good time, enjoying some very intriguing and exciting playoff hockey. Unfortunately, there is an element of hooliganism in the city of Montreal. There are some yahoos who are hijacking a terrific run by Les Canadiens. These hooligans are besmudging the reputation of a great Canadian city. They don't really care if the Montreal Canadiens win or lose. It is clear that they are using these playoffs as a convenient excuse to loot and vandalize. I sympathize with hardworking small business owners who have seen their stores looted and their shop windows broken. To think that this occurred after the Habs won a series. I shudder to think what will happen if they loose a series or the seventh game of the Stanley Cup final. How disgraceful!
- Joanne
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