SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Impress upon children the truth that the exercise of the elective franchise is a social duty of as solemn a nature as man can be called to perform; that a man may not innocently trifle with his vote; that every elector is a trustee as well for others as himself and that every measure he supports has an important bearing on the interests of others as well as on his own.

- Daniel Webster
From The Works of Daniel Webster (Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1853), Vol. II, p. 108


Exactly one month from today, on October 25th, there will be municipal elections in the province of Ontario. Here in the City of Toronto, we are going to elect a mayor to lead the 2.5 million people who live in Canada’s most populous city. Voter turnout for municipal elections is notoriously low. Yet these elections affect our daily lives significantly. Our municipal leaders make decisions on such matters as property taxes, public transportation and garbage pick-up. So, why the apathy? I suppose these issues aren’t too exiting to some people. Nevertheless, they are bread and butter issues and they are important.

I have to admit that I am not particularly impressed by any of the major candidates for mayor of our fair metropolis. In fact, I am extremely disappointed with the choices.  However, I do not consider that a valid excuse for not voting. Neither do I consider other excuses valid, particularly the ones about not having the time to read up about the candidates or to become informed about the issues. For something that affects our lives so strongly, we should be able to find the time to educate ourselves about the candidates in our area. It is our civic duty.

I urge every eligible voter to exercise your franchise. If you don’t bother to vote, don’t bother to complain about poor government. Our municipal elections used to be held every two years. Now they are held every four years. That means we can’t vote a disastrous mayor out of office until he or she has done four years worth of damage to this city. Please keep that in mind if you have not yet decided whether you are going to vote on October 25th.

NOTE:  If this blog entry persuades even one person to inform themselves and vote, I will be absolutely delighted.  If iit's someone between the ages of 18 and 30, I will be even more delighted.


SPORTS

Congratulations to home run king Jose Bautista. He hit his 50th home run of the season on Wednesday. He is only the 26th player in major league baseball to achieve that feat. His home run made the difference as the Blue Jays edged the Seattle Mariners 1-0. There was another milestone in that game. Ichiro of the Mariners reached the 200-hit mark for the 10th consecutive season. Last night, the Jayss defeated the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 6-4 and Jose belted two more homers to bring his total to 52. Wow!

I also have to congratulate former Blue Jay Roy Halladay for earning his 20th win of the season.  Is there is a more intense competor than Doc Halladay?  I don't think so.  The man is dedicated to his craft.  He will probably win the National League Cy Young Award for this season.


They are quite excited about the Argos in Moncton, New Brunswick. Yes, Atlantic football fans are going wild for the Toronto Argonauts who will be the home team in a CFL game there on Sunday against the Edmonton Eskimos. The city hopes to have a football team in the league someday. Wouldn’t a team in Martiimes be great? It would be fantastic see the Canadian Football League go coast to coast.

- Joanne

Harvest Moon

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

Come a little bit closer
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin'
We could dream this night away.

But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night.

Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon.

From the song Harvest Moon
- Lyrics by Neil Young

To see a video of Neil singing Harvest Moon, click the following link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADUC4l6t3Bk

I am a moon watcher. The different phases of the moon have always fascinated me and right now I am in the midst of lunar madness. This is the time of the harvest moon, the best full moon of the year. It is the full moon closest to September 21st and the autumn equinox. Last night, I went to the boardwalk at Sunnyside to take a look. It’s a great spot for moon gazing because it’s by the lake and there is a wonderful view of Toronto’s skyline there. The show should be even better tonight. It happens only once a year. Don’t miss it.

Here is a photo I took of the full moon last night at Sunnyside.

By the way, if you scroll down my web page, you will see various items including one that keeps you up to date with the different phases of the moon. Check it out.


RIDDLE ME THIS

Name a place where love means nothing.

ANSWER : A tennis court


SPORTS

The Blue Jays were defeated yesterday by the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners won by a score of 6-3. Kyle Drabek was the starting pitcher for the Jays and had difficulty throwing strikes. He’s still looking for his first major league win and needs some seasoning. The Mariners have a week offence but they managed to hit two home runs off Drabek.

The Toronto Maple Leafs won their second preseason game against the Ottawa Senators by a score of 4-1 at the Air Canada Centre. The Leafs lost their first exhibition game to these same Senators on Tuesday. It was a 5-1- loss and they were booed off the ice at the ACC. I’ll be writing more about the Leafs in future blog entries. For now, suffice to say, I am not a fan of the Brian Burke/Ron Wilson/Don Cherry style of hockey.

- Joanne

Tribute to Irving Berlin

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2010

Irving Berlin has no place in American music. He is American music.

- Songwriter Jerome Kern (as quoted in The Story of Irving Berlin, Alexander Woollcott's 1925 biography of Irving Berlin)          


ON THIS DAY

The great composer Irving Berlin died on September 22, 1989 at the ripe old age of 101. Berlin was born Israel Isidore Baline in Russia in 1888. There is some confusion as to his actual birth date because the Julian calendar was still in use in czarist Russia, but he celebrated his birthday on May 11. There is also confusion surrounding Irving Berlin’s place of birth. According to most sources, he was born in Mogilev, Russia (now Belarus). Other sources contend that he was born in Tyumen in Sibera.

In 1893, the young Israel and his family immigrated to New York City where he was to launch an exceptional career as Irving Berlin. This son of a Jewish cantor wrote the music and lyrics for White Christmas and Easter Parade. He also composed the patriotic anthem God Bless America and such enduring songs as There’s No Business Like Show Business, Alexander’s Ragtime Band and Blue Skies. A prolific songwriter, he wrote the scores for many Broadway shows including Annie Get Your Gun. He also composed the music for several Hollywood films including White Christmas and Holiday Inn.

To watch a video of Irving Berlin singing God Bless America on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1968, click on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x4uRUQF9bo&feature=related


ORIGINAL NAMES OF FAMOUS PEOPLE

Michael J. Fox was born Michael Andrew Fox.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s original name was William Jefferson Blythe III,

Actor Tom Cruise was born Thomas Cruise Mapother IV

The late crooner Dean Martin came into this world as Dino Paul Crocetti

Madonna’s real name is Madonna. Although she just doesn’t use her last name, she was born Madonna Louise Ciccone. I remember once overhearing a man saying to his companion, “You don’t think Madonna is her real name, do you? I felt like shouting out, “Yes it is.” I held my tongue, though.


RIDDLE ME THIS

Why did the elephant quit his job?

Answer: Because he was working for peanuts


SPORTS

The Blue Jays defeated the Seattle Mariners by a score of 5-3 at the dome yesterday. The Jays crushed three home runs on their way to victory. Vernon Wells, Edwin Encarnacion and Travis Snider hit the homers. Jose Bautista did not get one, so we are still awaiting his 50th of the season.

- Joanne

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2010

Well, Sixteeners, how was your weekend? I attended two movies at the Toronto Film Festival on Saturday and I enjoyed them immensely. The first one was West is West. It is the story of Sajid, a young teen in the 1970s who resides in England. Sajid is taunted and bullied because his father is an immigrant from rural Pakistan. It turns out that Sajid’s father has abandoned a wife and daughters in his Pakistani village and has taken a second wife in England. Sajid’s father, known as George Khan in his adopted country, decides to take his troubled son for a visit to his village in the Punjab. That visit changes the lives of both father and son with results that are both comic and poignant.

I met Leslee Udwin, the producer of West is West. She answered questions and was very personable. She seemed quite proud of her film and told us she had devoted four years of her life to it. I haven’t yet seen the prequel, East is East, but I intend to. A third film in the series may be in the works. Leslee Udwin stated in a Reuters interview that "In my head and heart, there have always been three films. Whether and when we actually make a third one I cannot tell you, though the writer and I have started discussing the prospect. It will, like West is West have to grow organically and in its own time out of a passion to tell a further story.” At Saturday’s screening of West is West, some people even offered prospective names for a third film to Leslee.

I also saw the Bruce Springsteen documentary, The Promise: The Making of Darkness On The Edge of Town. I gained some insight into how the Boss operates. His perfectionism and his intensity are astounding. The film is a must for Springsteen fans.

TIFF just seems to be getting better and better. I have yet to see a film at the Bell Lightbox Theatre. Esteemed movie critic Roger Ebert was in town for the festival and he is very fond of the Bell Lightbox. He described it as “one swell place to see a move.” He said that he can see someone like himself “retiring to a condo in the TIFF Bell Lighthouse and just going to the movies.”

Ebert, however, did not shy away from criticism of our fair city. He expressed his distaste for the large number of chain stores in Toronto. He said that they "descend into living neighbourhoods and suck the blood from their busy streets." Amen to that. I couldn’t agree more.

Yesterday was just a beautiful September day here in Toronto. I watched a tennis match in the sunshine at York University. Canada’s Frank Danecvic competed against a Dominican opponent as part of a preliminary to the Davis Cup. It was a one-sided affair and Dancevic won easily.


RIDDLE ME THIS

Why couldn’t the sailor play cards?

ANSWER : Because someone was sitting on the deck


SPORTS

The Toronto Argonauts earned a much-needed win yesterday. They defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers by a score of 17-13.

The Blue Jays were trounced by a score of 6-0 in the final game of their series with the Boston Red Sox The Jays, however, won the series 2 games to 1. Jose Bautista hasn’t hit his 50th homer of the season yet. It will happen soon, I hope.

- Joanne

John Diefenbaker's Vision

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2010

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Where there is no vision, the people perish.

          Proverbs 29:18


John George Diefenbaker, Canada’s 13th prime minister, was born on this day in 1895, exactly 115 years ago. Diefenbaker’s birthplace was Neustadt, Ontario. His family moved to the Northwest Territories in 1903 and then to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1910. He eventually settled in Prince Albert and became known as “the man from Prince Albert”.  His last name is German and he described himself as "the first prime minister of this country of neither altogether English or French origin."

I don’t agree with everything Diefenbaker said. I certainly don’t like everything about him. However, the man was a leader and he had a vision. He is responsible for several achievements that Canadians should never take for granted. That is why I wish to pay tribute to him today.

An ardent civil libertarian, John Diefenbaker gave Canada a Bill of Rights in 1960. Thanks to him, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Bill of Rights this year. Diefenbaker also appointed the first woman federal cabinet minister in Canadian history (Ellen Fairclough in 1957).

John Diefenbaker was prime minister from June 22, 1957 until the defeat of his government in the electon of 1963.  It was he who granted the federal franchise to Canada's native peoples.  As a a tireless advocate for increased public awareness of Canada’s Arctic, .it was he who proposed a "Northern Vision" for this country and called for a bold strategy to develop the natural resources of the Far North.  A man with a strong sense of social justice, it was also Diefenbaker who played a significant role in the 1961 anti apartheid statement that let to South Africa’s withdrawal from the Commonwealth.

John George Diefenbaker revered and respected parliament. He served as a member of the House of Commons until his death in Ottawa on August 16, 1979 at the age of 83.  As prime minister, he never put ideology over the interests of Canada (take note, Stephen Harper). Diefenbaker was a conservative, but he was not by any means a neoconservative. A defence lawyer for many years in Saskatchewan, Diefenbaker opposed capital punishment. To hear him speak about capital punishment the Stephen Truscott case, click the link below.

http://archives.cbc.ca/society/crime_justice/clips/3339/

In a previous blog entry (see May 18, 2010), I lamented the lack of leadership in Canada. As I stated then, I can’t think of one single Canadian politician who strongly inspires me. That, my friends, is a sad state of affairs.

Here’s to you, Dief. We could sure use you in the House of Commons today.


ON THIS DAY

Can it really be 40 years since the death of Jimi Hendrix? Yes, it can. Hendrix died on this day in 1970. He died at the Samarkand Hotel in the Notting Hill area of London, England. He was only 27 years of age at the time of his death and many consider him to be the greatest electric guitarist in rock and roll history. Click below to view a video of the news broadcast of Hendrix’s death.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcG7KoOI744


SPORTS

The Blue Jays managed to win the first game of their series against the Boston Red Sox last night at Fenway Park by a score of 11-9. Although the Jays had 17 hits in the game, they were still in danger of losing it. They almost let a 10-2 lead slip away from them.

Congratulations to slugger Jose Bautista for breaking a Blue Jays club record. He hit his 48th home run of the season last night to surpass George Bell’s 47 homers. It’s too bad Bautista broke his record in Boston and not at home in Toronto. Most of the crowd at Fenway had no idea of the significance of that home run, including the fan who retrieved it. Next stop for Jose – 50 homers.

- Joanne

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance. The poet’s, the writer’s duty is to write about these things.  It is his privilege to help man endure by lifting his heart, by reminding him of the courage and honour and hope and pride and compassion and pity and sacrifice which have been the glory of his past.

        - William Faulkner 
          Speech of Acceptance, 1949 Nobel Prize for Literature
          Nobel Banquet at the City Hall in Stockholm, Sweden
          December 10, 1950  


To hear the sound of William Faulkner's voice accepting the Nobel Prize for Literature, click the following link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxM0C7zjoAc


FOCUS ON HISTORY

Today is Constitution Day in the United States.  It was on this day that the Constitution of the United States was adopted by the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention of 1787. Constitutional talk makes some Canadians squirm or yawn with boredom. It’s a very touchy subject in this county, especially with regard to Quebec.

Our American cousins revere and respect their constitution - almost too rigidly. Some regard it as being written in stone and it is extremely difficult to amend. 1787 was 283 years ago and some aspects of the American constitution reflect the sensibilities of a newly independent country in the late 18th century. I am referring to such items as the Second Amendment which is glorified by opponents of gun control.

It is true that there have been 27 amendments to the U.S. constitution – including the Nineteenth Amendment (ratified in 1920) which gave American women the right to vote. However, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) failed to pass. It was intended to guarantee that under any federal, state, or local law, equal rights could not be denied women. I also believe that the U.S. constitution is behind the times in that it denies the presidency to those not born in the United States.

Most North Americans would agree that freedoms should be cherished and not taken for granted. Yet, one never understands this fully until those rights and freedoms are lost. When I visited China in the summer of 2008, I watched censored news reports delivered by human robots. I felt really fortunate to be able to return to Canada and watch our newscasts.


RIDDLE ME THIS

Why did the pony have difficulty singing?

Answer: Because he was a little hoarse


SPORTS

The Blue Jays had the day off today. Toronto begins a series with the Boston Red Sox today. It should be interesting because Boston need to win in order to challenge the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay. I hope Tampa Bay wins it all.

Yesterday, the Jays lost the final game of their series with the vastly improved Baltimore Orioles. The O’s won by a score of 3-1 and swept the series. The good news is that Kyle Drabek pitched well in his major league debut and Jose Bautista blasted his 47th home run of the year. Bautista tied fellow Dominican George Bell for the most home runs in a season by a Toronto Blue Jay. Congratulations Jose and I will be following very closely as you try to hit as many homes as you can before your dream season comes to an end.

I see that Roy Halladay had his 19th win for the Philadelphia Phillies. It looks as if Doc is going to have a 20 wins this season, maybe more.

- Joanne

What's in a Name? Orignial Names of Famous People

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.

- William Shakespeare
  From Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

Those words are spoken by Juliet in the famous balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet.  I have to disagree somewhat with Juliet’s opinion on the importance of names. Although names are not the be-all and end-all, they have great significance in a person’s life. Your name is an integral part of your identity. In a very real sense, your name defines you. You hear it spoken to you all the time.

The subject of names has always fascinated me. I always enjoy hearing the story behind someone’s name – if there is one. I usually ask expectant mothers if they have chosen a name for their baby. I always advise them not to pick an obviously trendy name. It can be difficult to determine, but certain names never seem to go out of vogue.

I was called Josephine after my paternal grandmother whose name was Giuseppina. The name on my birth certificate reads “Josephine Ann”. Joanne is simply a combination of Josephine and Ann. For some unknown reason my second name is spelled without an “e” on my birth certificate.  My mother, however,  taught me to spell it with the “e.".  Since reading Anne of Green Gables, I have always preferred Anne with the “e”.

Nobody calls me Josephine, but that is my legal name and I have to use it on my passport and on my Ontario Health Card.

Note : Today I am introducing a new feature on my blog. It will appear from time to time and will provide the original names of well known people, living and dead. Here is the first instalment.


ORIGINAL NAMES OF FAMOUS PEOPLE

Bob Hope was born Leslie Townes Hope.

Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxhe Bojaxhiu.

Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States, was born Leslie Lynch King, Jr.

Actor Tony Curtis was originally named Bernard Schwartz.


LANGUAGE CORNER

Word of the Day

Ophidiophobia – An abnormal fear of snakes


RIDDLE ME THIS

Why did the chicken cross the playground?

ANSWER : To get to the other slide


SPORTS

Last night was not a good night for the Toronto Blue Jays. The Baltimore Orioles trounced the Jays 11-3 in the second of their three-game set at Camden Yards. This is definitely not the same Baltimore team that Jays have dominated all season.

- Joanne

The Deaths of Princess Grace and William McKinley

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010


QUOTE OF THE DAY

Speech is civilization itself. The word, even the most contradictory word, preserves contact – it is silence which isolates.

- Thomas Mann
 From The Magic Mountain, Chapter 6


ON THIS DAY

On September 14, 1982, Princess Grace of Monaco died at the age of 52 due to injuries she sustained when her automobile crashed near Monte Carlo. Her daughter, Princess Stephanie, who was also in the vehicle, survived the accident.

Born Grace Patricia Kelly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she became an Academy Award-winning movie star. The list of her leading men includes Carey Grant, Gary Cooper, William Holden and Bing Crosby. In 1954, she won the Best Actress Oscar for The Country Girl.

Grace Kelly relinquished her Hollywood career and married Prince Rainier III of Monaco on April 19, 1956. To watch a video of Grace Kelly being presented with her Oscar for The Country Girl, click the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsE1P9-nZOk


FOCUS ON HISTORY

William McKinley, 25th president of the United States, died September 14, 1901, eight days after being shot by an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz. The assassination took place while President McKinley was attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. McKinley was shaking hands with the public at a reception held at the Temple of Music. When Czolgosz went up to the president, he shot him twice with a weapon he had concealed in a handkerchief. McKinley was the third American president to be assassinated after Abraham Lincoln in 1865 and James A. Garfield in 1881. John F. Kennedy became the fourth in 1963.


RIDDLE ME THIS

Unlike the force of gravity, what come up and never comes down?

ANSWER : Your age

Note : If you have a riddle, please send it to me and I would be happy to publish it in the Riddle Me This segment of my blog entry.


SPORTS

The Blue Jays won the final game of their series against Tampa Bay at home on Sunday. A two-run walk-off home run by Adam Lind gave the Jays a 5-5 victory over the Rays. However, they were defeated 4-3 last night by the Baltimore Orioles before a sparse crowd at Camden Yards in Baltimore. In the 11th inning, reliever Brian Tallet surrendered the winning RBI. The Orioles have improved immensely since Buck Showalter took over as manager of the club.

Well, at least Jays fans can look forward to the major league debut of pitcher Kyle Drabek on Wednesday. Drabek, the son of Cy Young winner Doug Drabek, was acquired by the Jays in the Roy Halladay deal.

- Joanne

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2010

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is in full swing right now. I have to say I am very proud that such a fine film festival is taking place in my city. Since its inception in 1976, this festival has grown into one of the most prestigious and respected in the world.

I have tickets for two TIFF films next weekend. Since I am a Bruce Springsteen fan, I am going to see The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town. The second film I am going to view is West is West, a coming-of age story about a 15-year-old boy named Sajid. It is the sequel to East is East.

I am a film buff and I intend to write more on movies in future entries in my blog.


ON THIS DAY

On September 12, 1953, Senator John F. Kennedy, 36, of Massachusetts married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, 24. The wedding took place at St. Mary’s Church in Newport, Rhode Island. According to the JFK Presidential Library and Museum, twelve hundred people were invited to the wedding reception at Hammersmith Farm, where Jackie had spent many summers with her family.

To view a video of the wedding, click the following link.

http://www.mayomo.com/38538-the-wedding-of-jacqueline-john-f-kennedy


It is interesting to note that Sir Winston Churchill married Clementine Ogilvy Hozier on September 12, 1908 at St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey in London. (Since it stands between Westminster Abbey and the British Houses of Parliament, St. Margaret’s is commonly referred to as "the parish church of the House of Commons").

Hmmm . . . .John F. Kennedy and Churchill had the same wedding anniversary, albeit the Kennedys were married 45 years after the Churchills.


SPORTS

Yesterday was a bad day for Toronto sports teams. The Blue Jays were pounded by the Tampa Bay Rays. The final score was Tampa Bay 13, Blue Jays 1. Toronto starter Ricky Romero had a bad outing. Romero (12-9) allowed six runs, three hits and three walks in four innings.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Argonauts lost to the B.C. Lions in Vancouver. The score was 36-16 for the Lions.

- Joanne

Reflections on 9/11

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2010

Certain dates will be etched forever in the annals of history. September 11, 2001 is one of them. Today marks the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. What happened that day shook the Western World to its very foundations. It was a colossal event that changed our lives irrevocably. We were fraught with emotion, saddened, overwhelmed and frightened. Almost everyone has a story to tell about what they were doing when they heard the news of the collapse of the twin towers in New York City.  Here is mine.

On that fateful Tuesday morning in September of 2001, I turned on the television to view the morning news before leaving for my job at the library of the Toronto Star, Canada's largest newpaper.  There were endless replays of a plane crashing into one of the towers of the World Trade Center. I switched channels to find out as much information as I could. Some newscasters speculated that it might have been an accident – until the second tower was hit too!  I also learned that there had been an attack on the Pentagon. That really unsettled me! What was going on, I asked myself? Was it the beginning of World War III? The end of the world? Armageddon? By that time, I had to depart for work.

As I stepped outside, I couldn’t help but notice that there wasn’t a cloud in the clear, blue sky. It was a perfect day weather-wise, so calm and temperate. Yet, I realized that something horrifying and earth shattering was occurring in Manhattan and in other locales in the United States. I knew there was going to be pandemonium when I arrived at work. The newsroom and the library would be in quite a state!

When I reached my workplace, everyone was standing around the television, anxiously watching replay after replay of the towers falling down. Reporters were searching for road maps, trying to find a way to get to New York in the midst of all the horror, fear and confusion. It is quite an experience to be around a newsroom during an event of such great historical magnitude.

The passage of nine years has brought some perspective to that day. Many heartbreaking stories have been told. We have heard the testimonies of courage and heroism in the midst of such death and tragedy. Almost 3,000 people lost their lives, including 24 Canadians, in the 9/11 attacks. A twenty-fifth Canadian, Felicia Dunn-Jones, died five months later of a lung condition linked to her exposure to toxic dust during the collapse of the World Trade Center.

Canadians in Gander, Newfoundland played a special role in assisting travellers who were stranded at airports during the time of the terrorist attacks. They took strangers into their homes and provided them with food, shelter and down-home Newfoundland hospitality. Lasting friendships were made during that terrible time.

Here we are, nine years later. The United States is finally pulling out of Iraq. Osama bin Laden remains at large. Travelling through airports is still a major headache due to all the security. Canadians are required to carry passports to travel south of the border and we can’t smile in our passport photos. Resilient New Yorkers have survived and picked themselves up in the manner of Londoners after the Battle of Britain. The area where the World Trade Centre once stood is finally being rebuilt and revitalized.

My hope is that in our zeal to combat terrorism, we do not assume the mentality of the terrorists. I am relieved that Terry Jones, the pastor of an obscure church in Florida has called off his revolting plan to burn copies of the Qur’an. Such tactics as book burning and the  torturing of prisoners by waterboarding are not the way to fight the extremism of militant Islamic fundamentalism.

SPORTS

The Blue Jays lost a heartbreaker last night to the Tampa Bay Rays by a score of 9-8. The Jays rallied in the fourth inning to overcome an 8-1 deficit and tie the game. A throwing error by shortstop Yunel Escobar cost them the game. The good news is that Jose Bautista hit two home runs and he now has 46 homers this season.

I see that former Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay won his 18th game of the season yesterday. Roy and his Philadelphia Phillies lead the National League East and have an excellent chance to be in the playoffs.. Halladay (18-10) became the Phillies' top winner since John Denny posted 19 during his Cy Young season in 1983. Congratulations, Doc, on your success! We miss you.

- Joanne

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2010

For more than two years now, I have been associated with an organization called Toronto ALPHA (Association for Learning and Preserving the History of World War II in Asia). In 2008, I went on a study tour to China and South Korea with this group. They promote human rights, reconciliation between China and Japan and the study of the history of World War II in Asia. This organization was founded by the highly respected Dr. Joseph Wong.

From Oct. 1, 2010 until October 3, 2010, Toronto ALPHA will be holding an international conference for educators on the history of World War II in Asia. It is called Forgotten Voices, Living History. The conference will be held at the University of Toronto, OISE. I urge teachers, students and anyone with an interest in history and human rights to attend. Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada will be the keynote speaker. For more information click this link.

http://www.torontoalphaconference.org/


ROSH HASHANAH

Rosh Hashanah or the Jewish New Year began at sundown yesterday and will continue until tomorrow, September 10.  It is a celebration of the beginning of the Hebrew calendar year 5771.  Although I am not of the Jewish faith, I have a great affinity for the Jewish people and I wish all my Jewish friends and readers a very Happy Rosh Hashanah.


LANGUAGE CORNER

Rosh Hashanah is a Hebrew term meaning literally "head of the year".


VOTE TOM CHEEK INTO THE COOPERSTOWN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME

The late Tom Cheek, radio broadcaster of the Toronto Blue Jays, deserves to be in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Tom died of cancer in 2005, but he will always be remembered in Canada, and especially in Toronto. You can vote for Tom Cheek to win the Ford C. Frick Award at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2246270913
I strongly encourage you to do so.

SPORTS

The Blue Jays had their September call-ups in the line-up yesterday and were soundly beaten 8-1 by the Texas Rangers. Fewer than 11,000 fans attended the game.

My admiration for Jose Bautista as an athlete and a team leader keeps on growing. The man is one smart baseball player and the Jays are fortunate to have him. On Tuesday, he stole third base on an intentional walk. Has anyone ever seen that done before? If so, let me know.

If Bautista were playing on a contending team, he would certainly have to be considered for most valuable player in the American League. I can’t think of any player more valuable to the Jays this year. At this point, I have another question for you. Do you think the MVP should play on a contending team? If you have any thoughts on that subject, I’d like you to contact me.

Brickbats to Rogers Communications for the Sportsnet 1 debacle.  You can make all the excuses you want, but the truth is you have disappointed and angered many loyal Blue Jay fans. - especially seniors who look forward to watching the Jays on television.  That is no way to treat them.  Why was the Tampa Bay game being shown last night when OUR Toronto Blue Jays were playing at the same time?

- Joanne

The Assassination of Huey Long

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2010


QUOTES OF THE DAY

Advice is seldom welcome; and those who want it most always like it least.

- Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield
  From Letters (January 29, 1748)

Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments giver lustre, and many more people see than weigh

- Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield
  From Letters (May 8, 1750)


ON THIS DAY

On September 8, 1935, Huey P. Long, the flamboyant United States Senator from Louisiana and former governor of the state, was assassinated. He was shot and mortally wounded at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge. He died two days later at the age of 42. Long, nicknamed “The Kingfish” after a character on the Amos ‘n’ Andy radio program, was a provocative politician and a populist. His motto was "Every man a king, but no one wears a crown." Nominally a Democrat, he disagreed with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s approach to the problems of the Great Depression. In 1934, he founded a radical political movement called the Share Our Wealth Society.

Huey Long was a charismatic man and some accused him of being a demagogue. He was known for his speeches and his rhetoric. To listen to him speak, click on the following link.

http://www.learnoutloud.com/Audio-Books/Politics/Political-Figures/Huey-Long-Speeches/24114?gclid=CKykv66C96MCFcHY5wodAl-O1g


RIDDLE ME THIS

Why was the stadium so cool?

Answer : Because there were thousands of fans.


SPORTS

The Blue Jays won again yesterday. They defeated the Texas Rangers by a score of 8-5 in the second game of their series at the dome in Toronto. Starting pitcher Shaun Marcum earned his twelfth win of the season. The crowd at the dome was the second smallest this year.

- Joanne

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2010


NOTICE TO READERS OF NUMBER 16

I have some news for you today.  Number 16 has its own website now.  You can access my blog by typing the following web address http://www.joanne16.com/.  Please bookmark it on your computer.

I would like to thank all my readers for their support and interest since I began this blog in May.  I appreciate your interest and continue to seek your input.  I invite you to check out a few features I have added to my new website.  You will find a daily health tip, a calendar and some beautiful travel photos.


BACK TO SCHOOL

It's back to school today for many of us.  My niece is starting high school and by nephew is a first-year university student.  I wish them, and all students and teachers, the best of luck in the new school year.


FOCUS ON HISTORY

Queen Elizabeth I of England was born on September 7, 1533, 477 years ago today. The daughter of the legendary Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, she ruled from 1558 until her death in 1603 at the age of 69. She was only the second female to rule England.  Her half-sister, Mary I (the infamous “Bloody Mary”), had that distinction – unless you count Lady Jane Grey, the ``nine-day wonder`` who was queen regnant for nine days in 1553 and was forced to resign. The unfortunate Lady Jane was executed in 1554.

Elizabeth I ruled for over 44 years. She never married and left no direct heir. At her death, the Tudor dynasty came to an end. She was succeeded by the Scottish King James VI who became James I of England. James was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, grand-niece of Henry VIII and thus, Elizabeth’s cousin. During her lifetime, Elizabeth never came face to face with Mary, Queen of Scots. However, she did everything in her power to prevent the Catholic Mary from ascending to the throne of England. Elizabeth placed Mary under house arrest for 19 years. In 1587, The Queen of Scots was beheaded for plotting against Elizabeth and Elizabeth signed the death warrant for the execution. In an ironic twist of fate, Mary`s Protestant son, James came to the throne upon the childless Elizabeth`s death.


FILMS

I saw the movie Inception starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page yesterday.  It has been in theatres for a while, but I havenèt gotten around to seeing it until now.  I quite enjoyed the film, although I have to say it is one of  the most complex movies I have ever seen.  You really have to concentrate because it is so complicated.  If you have not seen it yet, I suggest that you do not watch it if you are feeling tired or you are not in the mood to concentrate.  The visuals are impressive and I think it should receive an Oscar nomination for best visual effects.  Inception may not appeal to all tastes, but I recommend it.


SPORTS

The Toronto Argonauts lost the annual Labour Day Classic to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats yesterday before a sold-out Ivor Wynne Stadium crowd of 30,319.  Hamilton defeated the Argos by a score of 28-13.  The Tabbies won because the Argos made some costly errors.  Although I wish the outcome had been different yesterday, the rivalry between the Argos and Tiger-Cats is a great one.  Through the years, I have only attended one Labour Day Classic at Ivor Wynne.  That was the 2004 game that ended in a 30-30 tie in overtime.

Unlike the Argos, the Blue Jays  recorded a win yesterday.  They defeated the Texas Rangers by a score of 7-2 in the first game of a home series.  Ricky Romero pitched seven solid innings.

- Joanne

Labour Day musings

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010


QUOTE OF THE DAY

In order that people may be happy in their work, these three things are needed: They must be fit for it. They must not do too much of it. And they must have a sense of success in it.

- John Ruskin
From Pre-Raphaelitism {1851}

Today is Labour Day and it is appropriate to think about the dignity of labour and the meaning of work. We live in a time when many people can’t even take into consideration whether they are happy in their jobs. They have no choice. They have to put food on the table and keep up with their mortgage payments. They feel fortunate just to be employed, and thus, job satisfaction is not a primary consideration for them.

In an ideal world, this would not be the case. However, we do not live in a Utopian society and many people toil at menial and non-fulfilling jobs just to pay the bills. The recession that began in 2008 affected almost everyone to some degree. It was cruel and savage. Much of the world is still struggling to recover from that devastating blow. Unemployment is still high in the United States and Canada.

For all the suffering and pain caused by the recession, the finger must be pointed directly at Wall Street. I will not mince words here. Greed and selfishness caused the recession. However, I want to be clear. I am not opposed to capitalism per se. I am opposed to unfettered capitalism. I am opposed to capitalism without regulation and without boundaries. An absolute free market does not produce a just society.

Today I would like to pay homage to all those who labour. Today is a day to celebrate the dignity of the working person. I would also like to offer words of comfort for those who lost their jobs during the Great Recession and remain unemployed. It isn’t easy to be laid off, especially at an older age.

Although I am not militant, I firmly believe we need unions to fight for decent wages and pensions for everyone. We need unions to keep management from taking advantage of labour. The optimal situation, however, is for labour and management to work together for their mutual benefit.

I wish everyone a Happy Labour Day.


SPORTS

Aaron Hill led the Blue Jays to their 70th victory of the season yesterday.  The Jays defeated the New York Yankees by a score of 7-3.  Hill socked his 22nd homer and drove in three runs.

- Joanne

On success, failure and the Ford Edsel

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2010


QUOTE OF THE DAY

Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable.

- Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel
As quoted in Believing in Ourselves (1992) by Armand Eisen, p. 15

This quote by the late French fashion designer "Coco" Chanel lead us into today's topic - failure. 


ON THIS DAY

On September 4, 1957, the Ford Motor Company introduced a new car – the Edsel. It was named after Edsel Ford, Henry Ford’s son who died of cancer in 1943 at the age of 49.  Only three years later, the Edsel was discontinued due to slow sales. The car was a costly and unpopular flop. It was considered to be ugly, over-hyped and expensive.  The name “Edsel” became synonymous with failure.

I am not knowledgeable about automobiles and I don’t even have a driver’s licence. Yet, I have always been interested in the Edsel. When I worked at the Toronto Star Library, I looked at archival photographs of the Edsel there. I can’t really explain the fascination. Perhaps it’s just curiosity about why this car was such a monumental lead balloon.

Ironically, the much reviled Edsel has had some degree of vindication. It is now a rare collector’s item and worth quite a sizable amount of money. About six years ago, I spotted an Edsel in a parking lot in Goderich, Ontario. It was in pristine condition.

Note: Did you know there is an independent online magazine called Failure? Failure Magazine is described as featuring “thought-provoking analysis of failures (and successes)” in business, arts etc.

Click on the following two links.  The first link will show you an ad for an Edsel and several photographs of the exterior and interior of the 1958 Edsel Citation. The second link will show you an ad for a 1958 Edsel.

http://theinvisibleagent.wordpress.com/2010/04/14/1958-edsel-citation/

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9qE0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=a6wFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3980,6887623&dq=1958+edsel&hl=en


LANGUAGE CORNER

“Edsel’ is derived from an Old German word meaning “noble”. It had a small degree of popularity as a boy’s name in the late 1920s. After the failure of Ford’s car, the name virtually disappeared. When was the last time you met someone called Edsel?


SPORTS

In keeping with the subject of failure, the Blue Jays failed to win against he New York Yankees.  They lost 7-3 in the Bronx.  Brandon Morrow pitched his final game of the season.  He finished on a low note after pitching so well all season.  It hasn't been easy for him because he has had to battle diabetes. 

- Joanne

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010

Today is the first day of September and for many the summer seems to be drawing to a close. Officially it is not over until September 21st and I can tell you that I plan to bask in every remaining second of the season.  Here in Toronto, we are certainly experiencing hot and humid weather as we head into the Labour Day weekend..

LANGUAGE CORNER

In my blog entry for August 30th, I provided you with a little challenge. I told you that to my knowledge, there are only four words in the English language that end in “dous” and that one of them is “tremendous”. Were you able to think of the other three?  If not, as promised, here is the list of words that end in “dous”.

1. horrendous

2. stupendous

3. hazardous

4. tremendous

If you can come up with any more, please email me and let me know or comment below this entry.


ON THIS DAY

On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland setting off World War II in Europe.  In August of 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union had signed a 10-year nonaggression pact.  This German-Soviet Pact, is also known as the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact after the two foreign ministers who negotiated the agreement.  The signatories of the agreement promised not to attack each other and this allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention.


SPORTS

Last night the Toronto Blue Jays trounced the Tampa Bay Rays by a score by a score of 13-5. Slugger Jose Bautista hit home run Number 43. It will be fascinating to see what his final tally of homers for the season will be. I will certainly be following.


I see that pitcher Brandon Morrow will have one more start for the season and then he will rest his arm. I applaud the Jays for choosing to do that. They are not in a pennant race this year and too many young pitchers are becoming worn out too soon. A prime example is Stephen Strasburg of the Washington Nationals.

Columnist Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star estimates that the Blue Jays are set to contend in 2012. All I know is that the Jays are on the way up. They have the aura of a team on the rise about them. When they do challenge, I will not have to jump back on the bandwagon because I have never jumped off.


ON THIS DAY IN SPORTS

On September 1, 1990 the Toronto Argonauts defeated the B.C. Lions 68-43, a combined score of 111 - the highest scoring game in Canadian Football League history.


- Joanne

Ted Williams, the Splendid Splinter

MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2010

Hey Sixteeners, I have a little challenge for you today. Check out the Language Corner below.


LANGUAGE CORNER

To my knowledge, there are four words in the English language that end in “dous". One of those words is “tremendous". Do you know the other three? I will publish the answer in my next blog entry.


BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

Baseball great Ted Williams was born on this day, 92 years ago. The “Splendid Splinter” was born in San Diego, California on August 30, 1918. It is interesting to note that his team, the Boston Red Sox, won the World Series the same year as his birth, particularly since they failed to win another World Series until 2004.

Ted Williams enjoyed a lengthy career. He played for the Boston Red Sox from 1939-42 and from 1946-60. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy. The magical 1941 season was a special one for Williams and it was one for the ages for baseball fans everywhere. That year, Ted finished the season with a batting average of .406 and Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio of the New York Yankees thrilled fans with a 56-game hitting streak. The accomplishments of those two players live on. Ted Williams is the last major leaguer to have batted .400 or more and no player has equalled DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak.

Ted Williams ended his playing career with a bang, literally and figuratively. He hit a home run in his last at-bat at Boston’s Fenway Park. He died in July 5, 2002 at the age of 83.

Click the link below to watch Ted Williams’ appearance on the old game show What’s My Line? in 1954.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UxjbBFtS50

SPORTS

Yesterday was Dave Stieb day at the dome as the Blue Jays celebrated the 20th anniversary of Stieb’s no-hitter against Cleveland on September 2, 1990. Unfortunately, the Jays lost 10-4 to split a four-game series with the Detroit Tigers.

Stieb looked well and fit. I noticed the moustache is gone.

- Joanne

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2010


QUOTES OF THE DAY

We are never deceived; we deceive ourselves.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
From Spruche in Prosa

There is strong shadow where there is much light.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
From Gotz von Berlichingen (1773)


Today I have presented you with two quotes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The great German author, playwright and poet was born on August 28, 1749.


ON THIS DAY

It was on this day in 1963 that Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his immortal “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.  during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.  Forty-seven years have passed since Dr. King made that speech.  It ranks with Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" and John F. Kennedy's inauguration address as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, orations in American history. 

President Barack Obama, a keen student of Lincoln's political strategies, also delivered a speech at the Lincoln Memorial on January 18, 2009, two days before his inauguration.  Obama was just a two-year-old toddler when King spoke so eloquently and masterfully about his dream.

BIRTHDAYS

Singer Shania Twain was born on August 28, 1965 in Windsor, Ontario. She shares the same birthday with Paul Martin, the 21st Prime Minister of Canada from 2003 to 2006. Martin was also born in Windsor, Ontario on August 28, 1938.

Actor Charles Boyer was born on August 28, 1899 in Figeac, Lot, Midi-Pyrénées, France. The romantic Frenchman’s most famous film role was opposite Ingrid Bergman in the 1944 suspense/thriller Gaslight. Boyer died in Phoenix, Arizona on August 26, 1978, two days before his 79th birthday.


SPORTS

It’s good to see the Detroit Tigers in town. The Jays and the Tigers had a tremendous rivalry before Detroit moved out of the American League East. I’ll never forget the 1987 pennant race between those two teams. It was heartbreaking for fans of the Jays but it certainly was exciting. I also recall how one reporter at the Toronto Star wore a Tigers cap in the news room just to create a stir.

The Blue Jays won the second game of their home series against the Detroit Tigers. The Jays prevailed in extra innings. Aaron Hill’ hit a RBI single in the 11th inning and the Jays won by a score of 3-2. Jose Bautista hit another home run in the game. That’s 42 and counting.

- Joanne

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010

QUOTE OF THE DAY

If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees.

- Kahlil Gibran
From Sand and Foam (1926)

ON THIS DAY

Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, was born in a farmhouse near Stonewall, Texas on this day in 1908. Although LBJ became mired in the unpopular Vietnam War, he can be credited with some impressive achievements. He had a vision of making America a “Great Society” and it was he who put his signature to the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The war in Vietnam led to Johnson’s political downfall and his decision not to seek re-election to the presidency in 1968. The earthy Texan died on January 22, 1973. He was 64 years old.


SPORTS

Ricky Romero had a poor start yesterday as the Jays were beaten at the dome by the Detroit Tigers.  The final score was 7-1.  The good news is that Jose Bautista hit his league-leading 41st home run.

- Joanne

SPACE ALIENS AND LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010

The subject of space aliens has been in the news of late. This month, a scientist in the United States declared that proof of extraterrestrials could come within 25 years. Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute in Mountain View, California, said, “I actually think the chances that we’ll find ET are pretty good.” He told the young people in the audience at a SETI convention that there was a “really good chance you’re going to see this happen.”

I have several questions for Mr. Shostak. What is we find a creature that is nothing like ET? What if this extraterrestrial life is hostile to us? What if it is too weird for us to understand? What if its intelligence is so far above ours that we can’t relate to it or communicate with it at all? Then what?

Here’s another item I came across. There were reports of an unidentified flying object hovering over Cultus Lake in Chilliwack, British Columbia on the night of Tuesday, August 17th. A Vancouver radio station, The Fox 99.3, broke the story. During the following morning’s Open Phones segment on The Fox with host Jeff O’Neil, a man called to say that his girlfriend noticed some lights flooding the pitch-black sky over the lake. The radio show also received a text from 'Wally' in Chilliwack, saying he also saw the lights on that Tuesday night.

For human beings, the existence of intelligent life on other planet is both an intriguing and frightening proposition. When we think of extraterrestrial beings, we conjure up images of bald little green people with flying saucers or we visualize a friendly, benevolent creature such as ET. We tend to anthropomorphize space aliens. On television and in films, we portray them as quasi-human beings. They have mouths and eyes and they walk upright. In some Hollywood movies or in cartoons, they even speak English and ask us to take them to our leader. They understand us when we tell them to “phone home.”

Humans tend to portray extraterrestrials as either very menacing or very cute. Without a frame of reference, we have to use our imaginations. When something is beyond the scope of our comprehension, we tend to conceptualize it in human terms. Yet, if we are not alone in the universe, if there are beings on other planets, it seems doubtful to me that they would resemble us at all. They may be radically and entirely different from human beings in every shape and form. Their character and their external appearance may be beyond human comprehension and who knows how they would communicate with each other and with other species. I’m not sure I’d ever want to meet an extraterrestrial. Still, there is still a certain fascination about the idea.

NOTE : On the right side of this blog page, you will notice a poll asking your opinion on the existence of intelligent life on other planets. I invite you to express your opinion and let me know what you think. Just click on your mouse. I have to say I would vote “Maybe. It’s a possibility.”


SPORTS

The Blue Jays were clobbered by the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium last night.  The score was 11-5.  Starting pitcher Mark Rzepczynski had a bad night.  He just didn't have it.

- Joanne

The Internet and False Information

TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2010

There is a week left in the month of August.  Before it draws to a close, I'd like to share with you some quirky trivia about August 2010.  Take a look at your calendar.  August of 2010 has 5 SUNDAYS, 5 MONDAYS and 5 TUESDAYS, all in the same month.  I'd like to point out that there is some incorrect information circulating on the Internet that this occurs every 823 years.  That simply is not true.  It's not such a rare occurrence.  In fact, the next time we get five Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays in August will be August 2021.  Your intrepid researcher has checked and double checked.  If you want to see for yourself, look at the perpetual calendar for the year 2021.  Just click on the following link.
http://www.accuracyproject.org/2010calendar.html

I want all you Sixteeners to know that I will continue my battle against false or misleading information on the Internet.  This is a reminder that inaccurate information does not just appear on one particular site on the web.   Don't believe something just because it appears on hundreds of Internet sites.


FOCUS ON HISTORY

On this day in 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted. The Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum (near modern day Naples) were destroyed. These flourishing towns were buried in ashes and never rebuilt. Thousands died.  I visited the ruins of Pompeii in 1996 and was struck by the expressions on the faces of the mummified victims.


SPORTS

The Blue Jays are back in the win column again.  The defeated the Yankees at the Bronx Zoo last night by a score of 3-2.  It's great to win those games by one run, especially against the Yanks.  The best news of all is that Jose Bautista hit his 39th and 40th home runs of the season.  This guy is having a season to remember.

- Joanne

Photos of Presque Ile State Park in Pennsylvania

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2010

I'm back from Erie, Pennsylvania.  On Friday, I took a water taxi to Presque Ilse State Park.  It is quite picturesque as there is a wooded area and a beach there. The park is located on a sandy peninsula that juts into Lake Erie.

I did some shopping at Macy's on Saturday afternoon.  Saturday evening was cool  and rainy.  We went to the ractrack/casino in Erie.  It is called Presque Ilse Downs.  On our return home on Sunday, we had a very easy time crossing over the border.  The customs officer just asked everyone on the bus to hold up their passports.  Then he inquired if anyone in our group wasn't Canadian.  Finally, he wanted to know if anyone was carrrying an illegal weapon.  That was it.


Here are some photos from Presque Isle Park.

SPORTS

To my absolute delight, the Blue Jays trounced the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Saturday night.  The lopsided score was 16-2 in favour of the Jays.  Did  I crow about that one.  You bet I dud.  By the way, Jose Bautista hit his 38th home run.  Saturday It wasn't a perfect night for Toronto teams.  The Argos lost to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats by a score of 16-12.

On Sunday, the Jays lost 5-0 to the Red Sox.  The game was delayed twice due to the rainy weather in Beantown.

- Joanne

More Greetings from Erie Pennsylvania

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2010

Greetings again from Erie, Pennsylvania.  Here is a picture of the boat we went on yesterday for a luncheon buffet.  It is called "Victorian Princess."  I have also included photos taken from the boat.

- Joanne

Hello from Erie, Pennsylvania

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2010

Hello from Erie, Pennsylvania. I am here with a thoroughbred racing fan club. There was a welcome party for us at the hotel last night and we are going on a boat ride this afternoon. The temperature here is comfortable 20-25 degrees Celsius.

We arrived by bus yesterday afternoon in time for a late lunch at the Cracker Barrel, a nostalgic country style restaurant/store. It has all kinds of trinkets and games and toys from the past.

Pennsylvania is known as the "Keystone State." It has great historical importance to Americans because it is the birthplace of American independence and the United States Constitution. Its origin goes back to 1681 when King Charles II of England granted William Penn, a Quaker, a large area of land that includes modern Pennsylvania . Penn and his fellow Quakers sought to escape religious persecution by moving to the New World. In exchange for the land, they were required to send the English king two beaver pelts a year. That was a pretty good deal for Penn, don’t you think?

One explanation as to how Pennsylvania acquired the moniker "Keystone State" is its geographic location. It is located right in the centre of the original thirteen colonies of the United States.


LANGUAGE CORNER

The name "Pennsylvania" was specified in the land charter given to William Penn by Charles II. The Latin word "Sylvania," meaning "woodlands," was added to Penn's name. Therefore, Pennsylvania means "Penn's forest" or "Penn's woods."


SPORTS

The Blue Jays lost to the Oakland Athletics yesterday afternoon by a score of 5-4. They rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth inning but it wasn't enough. They have a day off today and they head to Boston where they play a series with the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

- Joanne

By the time we got to Woodstock

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2010

By the time we got to Woodstock
We were half a million strong
And everywhere was a song
And a celebration

And I dreamed I saw the bomber death planes
Riding shotgun in the sky
Turning into butterflies
Above our nation.

From WoodstockLyrics by Joni Mitchell


On this day in 1969, the Woodstock music festival was in full swing and the Age of Aquarius had reached its apex. The festival was billed as "An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music.” It was held at Max Yasgur's dairy farm near the hamlet of White Lake in the town of Bethel, New York, from August 15 to August 18, 1969. Bethel is 69 km (43 miles) southwest of the town of Woodstock, New York.

During this somewhat rainy August weekend, Yasgur’s 600-acre farm became a hippie’s paradise and a rock and roll heaven. Thirty-two acts performed outdoors and entertained 500,000 concert-goers. The Woodstock festival was one of the defining events of the 1960s and Rolling Stone listed it as one of the "50 Moments That Changed the History of Rock and Roll."

Joni Mitchell's song "Woodstock" commemorated the event and became a major hit for Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young. Whatever happened to Max Yasgur? Well, In 1971 Yasgur sold his farm and moved to Florida. A year and a half later, on February 9, 1973, he died there of a heart attack at the age of 53.

Forty-one years have passed since Woodstock and I was reminded of this fact by a Six Chix cartoon that I read this past weekend. In the comic, two bespectacled older women are standing on the site of Yasgur’s farm. One of the women looks at a sign and informs the other woman that this year’s Woodstock Reunion will be held on Facebook. The other woman replies, “Bummer.”


SPORTS

The Blue Jays keep rolling along. Last night, they defeated the Oakland A's and Shaun Marcum pitched a gem of a game. He had a one-hitter. Jose Bautista hit his 37th home run, but he didn't slug it over the fence. It was an inside-the-park homer.


NOTE : Tomorrow I will head to Erie Pennsylvania where I will stay until Sunday. I'll report to you from there.

- Joanne

The Dog Days of Summer and Elvis Presley's Concerts in Canada in 1957

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010


THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER AND SIRIUS

How are you enjoying these “dog days” of summer? For me, however, they are truly the “dog days” of August because I associate the expression with the month of August rather than July.

Webster’s dictionary defines “dog days” as

1 : the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere

2 : a period of stagnation or inactivity

What is the origin of the term “dog days?” The answer lies in the stars, dear Sixteeners. It’s a celestial matter involving the brightest star in the night sky - Sirius of the constellation Canis Major (the big dog). The ancient Romans believed that the earth received heat from Siruis. In the summer, Sirius, the “dog star,” rises and sets with the sun. The ancients thought that its heat, in tandem with the heat of the sun, was responsible for a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They called this period of time, (20 days before and after the conjunction of Sirius with the sun) the “dog days” after the “dog star.”

The Old Farmer's Almanac lists the traditional timing of the "dog days" as the 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11, coinciding with the rising of Sirius at sunrise. The 1552 edition of the Book of Common Prayer cites "Dog Daies" beginning on July 6 and ending on August. 17. The Romans extended their "dog days" further into August and I'm with the Romans on that.


ON THIS DAY

The Death of Elvis Presley

On this day in 1977, Elvis Presley was found dead at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee. The "King of Rock and Roll" was only 42 years old. Not long before his death, I recall my cousins mentioning to me that Elvis hadn’t looked very well lately, that he seemed bloated in his most recent photos. On the day Elvis passed away, I went bowling with another cousin and I remember listening to Elvis music on the radio on the way to the bowling alley.

Elvis' Concerts in Canada

Here’s some Elvis trivia. In 1957, Elvis Presley performed in three Canadian cities. On April 2, he did two shows at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. The next day, April 3, 1957, he did another two shows in Ottawa. On August 31, Elvis put on a concert in Vancouver. These five concerts in Canada were the only ones he performed outside of the United States.

Graceland's origins

The Graceland property was originally established as a farm during the American Civil War by Memphis newspaper owner and publisher Stephen C. Toof. Toof named it after his daughter, Grace. Elvis Presley purchased the property in March of 1957 for $102,500.


The Anniversary of Babe Ruth's Death

Baseball legend George Herman “Babe” Ruth died in New York City of cancer on August 16, 1948. The Bambino was 53 years old. And no, I don’t remember the day Babe Ruth died (ha ha). The Babe was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 6, 1895.


SPORTS

It wasn’t a bad sports weekend for Toronto fans. The Toronto Argonauts defeated the Montreal Alouettes decisively by a score of 37-22. The Argos are now tied for first place with the Als in the CFL East.

In Anaheim, the Angels romped over the Toronto Blue Jays by a score of 7-2 on Saturday. However, the Jays came back to beat the Halos 4-1 yesterday. Ricky Romero was the starter and he pitched seven solid innings to lead the Jays to victory in the finale of the three-game series. Speaking of Romero, the Jays have him locked up for the future. He accepted a five-year, $30.1 million deal with the team.

I’m not as big a tennis fan as I am of hockey, baseball and football. However, I was hoping that Roger Federer would defeat Andy Murray in the Rogers Cup here in Toronto. It was not to be. The Swiss master lost to the dour Scot.

- Joanne

Fear, Superstition and the Number 13

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.

- Bertrand Russell
An Outline of Intellectual Rubbish (1950)

How superstitious are you? I ask this question because today is Friday, August 13th. It is a day associated with the lore of black cats and broken mirrors, a day that superstitious people absolutely dread. We like to think of ourselves as enlightened and knowledgeable. Yet many of us carry good luck charms and many buildings do not have a thirteenth floor. According to London’s Daily Mirror, more than 60 million people worldwide claim to be affected by a fear of Friday the 13th and some will refuse to drive or go to their jobs on that day.

Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky? One theory finds its roots in the Christian Bible. There were 13 people at the Last Supper and Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus, is considered to be the thirteenth guest. Jesus was then crucified on a Friday. Another theory is that the phobia originated when King Philip IV of France arrested and tortured the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307.

The sports world is rife with superstition. Here are a few examples. As a pitcher gets closer to pitching a no-hitter or a perfect game, some fans and broadcasters are reluctant to mention the possibility for fear of jinxing the pitcher. Former baseball manager Sparky Anderson would never step on the white lines when he walked onto the field. Relatively few professional athletes have worn the number 13, although that has changed somewhat in recent years.

Here is a short list of some well known pro athletes who did not shun the number 13.

* Basketball Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain wore number 13.

* The great NFL quarterback Dan Marino sported number 13 on his Miami Dolphins uniform.

* Former Toronto Maple Leaf captain Mats Sundin wasn’t afraid to wear 13 on his hockey sweater.

* New York Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez has number 13 on his pinstriped jersey.


Only one bad incident has occurred in my life on Friday the 13th. On Friday, August 13, 2004, I stood across from my husband as he was robbed of his wallet and passport on a subway escalator in Barcelona, Spain.


LANGUAGE CORNER

Fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia. The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia.


There are a couple of notable birth anniversaries today:

Acclaimed film director Alfred Hitchcock was born in London, England on this day in 1899. I am a big fan of Hitchcock’s films. Leave it to the “Master of Suspense” to be born on the 13th.

Cuban leader Fidel Castro was born on this day in 1926. Castro turns 84 years old today.


SPORTS

The Blue Jays won the last game of their series against the troublesome Boston Red Sox. They defeated the Red Sox by a score of 6-5 and Jose Bautista socked his league-leading 36th homer. The Jays rallied for four runs in the ninth inning to overcome a 5-2 Red Sox lead. Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon blew his first save ever against the Blue Jays.

- Joanne

Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2010

Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety: other women cloy
The appetites they feed: but she makes hungry
Where most she satisfies; for vilest things
Become themselves in her: that the holy priests
Bless her when she is riggish.

- William Shakespeare
From Antony and Cleopatra

I wonder how the historical Cleopatra measured up to Shakespeare's vision of an endlessly fascinating woman, a woman of great allure. The romantic in me likes to think the real Cleopatra was an ageless woman of "infinite variety." We know that Mark Antony was certainly enthralled by this "Queen of the Nile." We also know that on this day in 30 B.C., Cleopatra VII Philopator took her own life.

"Cleopatra" is Greek for "father's glory," and her full name, "Cleopatra Thea Philopator," means "the Goddess Cleopatra, Beloved of Her Father." Cleopatra VII was co-ruler of Egypt with her father Ptolemy XII Auletes, her brother/husband Ptolemy XIV, and later her son Caesarion (by Julius Caesar). After the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 B.C., Cleopatra formed an alliance with Mark Antony.

In 30 B.C., Antony and Cleopatra faced military defeat at the hands of Octavian (Antony's rival and Julius Caesar's legal heir) whose forces were poised to invade Egypt. As Octavian approached Alexandria, Antony's armies deserted to the enemy and a distraught Antony and Cleopatra both committed suicide. According to legend, Cleopatra used an asp to kill herself. The New World Encyclopedia says that the term "asp" actually pertains to a variety of poisonous snakes, but in the case of Cleopatra, it "refers to the Egyptian Cobra, which was sometimes used to execute criminals."

Cleopatra's son by Julius Caesar, Caesarion, was killed by Octavian. The three children of Cleopatra and Antony were spared and returnd to Rome where they were raised by Antony's wife, Octavia. Mark Antoy's rival, Octavian, later became known as Caesar Augustus, the first ruler of the Roman Empire. The month of August is named after him.

It is also noteworthy that Cleopatra was a rare female ruler in a thoroughly male-dominated world. In fact, I can't think of another woman who held such a position of power and influence in ancient history. Can you?


SPORTS

The Blue Jays certainly have had their problems with the Boston Red Sox this season. They were thumped yesterday by a score of 10-1 in their second game of a series with the Red Sox here in T.O. It was a game that starting pitcher Shaun Marcum would like to forget. For that matter, so would I.

- Joanne

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2010

NOTE TO SIXTEENERS

Regular readers will notice that Number 16 has been redesigned. I have tried to give it a fresh look and more vitality. My hope is that you find the new design bright, lively, and above all, easy on the eye. Number 16 has also introduced a new feature. I will be polling you on various topics and on your preferences. The first poll appears on the right side of your screen and its subject is musical taste. As always, your feedback is most welcome and strongly encouraged. I would also like to point out that this blog now has a search box. If you are wondering what I have written on any topic, you can find out easily.


LANGUAGE CORNER

Are there some words and expressions that especially annoy you? Do you cringe when you hear them? Would you like them banished from the English language? You're not alone. Here are a few words and expressions that annoy me. They are used far too often and as fillers in speech.

"Like I said" is an expression I would banish. In addition to being used far too often, especially by athletes, it is incorrect. The correct expression is "As I said."

A word I would banish is "hopefully" - but only when it is used in place of "I hope." Unfortunately, I will never get my wish. It has entered the language and some people use it incessantly and in every second sentence. "Hopefully" is an adjective and should only be used to mean "with hope" (e.g. I looked at him hopefully as he handed me the results of my test). Yes, language is constantly evolving, but there should be boundaries and limitations or else words lose their meaning.

If there are any words or expressions that annoy you, write me about it and I will publish your thoughts on my blog.


SPORTS

The Blue Jays began began a series with the Boston Red Sox last night. They lost by a score of 7-5. Starting pitcher Ricky Romero was not at his best, but he left the game when the score was tied 5-5. Reliever Shawn Camp could not hold back the Red Sox. When closer Jonathan Papelbon stepped on to the mound, it was game over. He is a fantastic closer. His performance made me more convinced than ever that the Jays should really focus on acquiring a good closer. They need to find the type of closer that they could send confidently to the mound in a playoff series. Kevin Gregg does not fit that description.

There's quite a fiasco going on in Hamilton over the location of the new stadium. Bob Young, owner of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats is threatening to move the team to Quebec City. Hamilton's mayor, Fred Eisenberger, and its city council favour a downtown east harbour site, a much more central location than Tiger-Cats and their owner prefer.

I agree with the mayor. I favour a downtown or central location for large sports facilities. The alternative usually results in urban sprawl. A downtown stadium can revitalize the city's core.

As for a team in Queabec City, I hope it happens some day. The Canadian Football League needs another team in the East Division - but not at the expense of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Tiger-Cats belong in Hamilton.

- Joanne

The Gretzky Trade

MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2010

"Never, though, has there been a sports transaction of this magnitude. The Great Gretzky, 27, is just at the peak of his almighty powers. Handshakes all around and the Los Angeles Kings are made a championship contender in the National Hockey League, complete with a personality who'll give them a high profile in a metropolis of celebrities and star-worshippers. The Oilers, in return, get playing talent that'll keep them strong for years to come, plus (and this was critical) a staggering sum of money."

- Jim Proudfoot
Toronto Star, August 10, 1988


My former colleague at the Star, the late Jim Proudfoot, wrote those words about one of the most unforgettable days in Canadian sports history. For many Canadians, it was one of the saddest. It certainly was a day of broken hearts in Edmonton.

On August 9, 1988, the Edmonton Oilers traded superstar Wayne Gretzky, Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski to the Los Angeles Kings in return for a rising American star named Jimmy Carson, Martin Gélinas, three first round draft picks and an enourmous amount of money. Peter Pocklington, the cash-strapped owner of the Oilers received $15 million (U.S.) in the deal. Many disgruntled Edmonton fans considered it blood money. Pocklington and Gretzky's new American bride Janet Jones were cast in the role of villains in this sporting drama.

With tears welling in his eyes, The Great One bid farewell to the city of Edmonton at a press conference. I'll never forget how he looked that day. His locks were bleached blond and he was wearing a striped shirt. This Canadian hockey icon, this native of Brantford, Ontario, was already transforming himself into a California surfer.

Twenty-one years have passed since that fateful day. Wayne Gretzky certainly succeeded in making hockey trendy in L.A. during his time there. Although he spent many years playing in Los Angeles, he never brought a Stanley Cup to the city. After twenty seasons in the NHL, Number 99 finished his career in a New York Rangers' uniform. He retired as a player in 1999 (how appropriate) and has kept active in the game until recently. Gretzky, now 49 years old, was Executive Director for the champion Canadian national men's hockey team during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 2000, he became part-owner of the Phoenix Coyotes franchise of the NHL and later spent several frustrating years coaching that struggling team.

The Edmonton Oilers, after winning four Stanley Cups during the Gretzky era, won a fifth with Mark Messier as captain in 1990. Last season the Oilers finished at the bottom of the NHL standings. However, their future looks more promising since they obtained Calgary-native Taylor Hall as their first round draft pick. The star of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League is expected to be a good one.


MORE SPORTS

How about those Blue Jays! What a memorable weeked it was for Toronto's baseball franchise! On Saturday, they went on a home run rampage and defeated the Tampa Bay Rays by a score of 17-11. The Jays slammed 8 home runs, but the talk of the town was rookie catcher J.P. Arencibia. In his major league debut, Arencibia homered on the first pitch delivered to him. He then went 4-5 in the game, adding another home run and two doubles.

Yesterday, young Brandon Morrow pitched a gem of a game and almost had himself a no-hitter. He lost the no-hitter in the 9th inning, but the Jays went on to a 1-0 victory. Morrow posted 17 strikeouts in the game. The only fly in the ointment waa Vernon Wells' injury during a spectacular catch. In his valiant attempt to preserve the no-hitter for Morrow, Wells dislocated his toe.


SPECIAL NOTE

My niece turns 14 years old today. Happy birthday, Victoria!

- Joanne

Lewis Carroll, words and Sarah Palin

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less."

- Lewis Carroll
Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, Chapter 6


LANGUAGE CORNER

Sarah Palin coined a word recently. At least, she claims that she coined the word "refudiate." The truth is she confused the word "refute" with "repudiate" and ended up with "refudiate." The former Alaska governor asserts that the English language is always evolving and changing. She certainly won’t get any argument from me on that. Language is fluid and it does constantly change. I fully agree that neologisms are a necessary and inevitable part of the evolution of language. However, "refudiate" is one non-word I can do without. It will never enjoy popular usage. I don’t anticipate anyone other than Sarah Palin using that word.

While we are on the subject of neologisms, allow me to mention a delightful word that was coined by Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Carroll was a master of linguistic wit and he coined the word "chortle," a combination of "chuckle" and "snort." The word "chortle" appears in Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, the sequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It has entered the English language and can be found in dictionaries. Sarah Palin, you’re no Lewis Carroll.


SPORTS

Last night was a great night for Toronto sports fans. The Blue Jays defeated Tampa Bay at the dome by a score of 2-1. Brett Cecil pitched seven innings and only allowed four hits.

The Argos defeated Edmonton by a score of 29-28 for their fourth victory of the season. Given that they only had three wins last season, that's progress.

- Joanne

The Horror of Hiroshima

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2010

Today marks a sombre day in the annals of human history. On August 6, 1945, an atom bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. For the first time, a nuclear weapon was used to wage war. Three days later, on August 9, a second atom bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki, Japan.

Apologists for the use of nuclear force against Japan argue that it ended the war sooner and that more lives would have been lost if Japan had been invaded by land. Dissenters counter that the war had already been won and that Japan was prepared to surrender. Some dissenters even argue that the military-industrial complex of the United States was determined to use the atomic bomb at some point because of the large amount of money spent on its development.

In defence of his decision to use a nuclear weapon on Japan, President Harry Truman stated, “We faced half a million casualties trying to take Japan by land. It was either that or the atom bomb, and I didn’t hesitate a minute, and I’ve never lost any sleep over it since.” I find Truman’s words difficult to believe. He must have done some tossing and turning in his sleep. It's not that I doubt Harry Truman's conviction that he made the correct choice. It's just that he was faced with such a heart-wrenching decision and he knew that innocent human lives would be lost. I have to question how anyone with a conscience could make such a momentous decision so easily and remain so unfazed by it.

Sixty-five years have passed since the atom bomb was unleashed on humanity. Whether one agrees with Harry Truman’s decision or not, it is indisputable that a terrible force was unleashed on that August day so many years ago. The United States remains the only country to have used the atom bomb as a weapon of war. The atomic bomb has never been used since. Nevertheless, a genie was let out of a bottle that day. The world has never been the same since. Once can only hope and pray that it never happens again.


SPORTS

The Blue Jays had a day off yesterday. On Wednesday, they lost the final game of their series at Yankee Stadium to the Bronx Bombers. The score was 5-1. A-Rod hit his 600th home room. It had to come sometime, but it's too bad it happened during a game with the Jays. Tonight the Blue Jays begin a new series against the Tampa Bay Rays at the dome. I still prefer to call it "SkyDome" rather than its bland, corporate moniker - Rogers Centre. If they had to use the Rogers name, at least they could have named the stadium "Rogers Field" or "Rogers Dome." "Rogers Centre" sounds like the name of a shopping mall or a hockey arena. Wait a minute! That's not too far off the mark. It is a shopping centre for Rogers products.

The Toronto Argonauts play Edmonton tonight in the Alberta capital. The Argos need to recover from their loss in Montreal and get back on track. Coach Jim Barker is intent on defending the play of quarterback Cleo Lemon. Okay, Jim, but he had better get that offence going soon. One more thing, Jim. It's not the smartest move to knock the media so overtly and so strongly.

- Joanne