I always relish a visit to the Centennial Park Conservatory in Etobicoke, Ontario (in the west end of Toronto). At this time of year, I especially appreciate its Christmas theme. Here is a second batch of photos of the greenhouse that I took two days ago. I hope you enjoy them. I hope they delight you.
- Joanne
I always relish a visit to the Centennial Park Conservatory in Etobicoke, Ontario (in the west end of Toronto). At this time of year, I especially appreciate its Christmas theme. Here are some photos of the greenhouse that I took two days ago. I hope you enjoy them. I hope they delight you.
- Joanne
Note: I have posted a separate second batch of photos from the Centennial Park Conservatory.
Joy to the world and peace to people on earth! Christmas sends a message of hope in world full of war and turmoil. It is a shining light in the darkest of days, Sadly, innocent women and children have always suffered the most due to poverty, strife, and social injustice. However, amid all the Yuletide celebrations, many people take time to remember the marginalized in our society. Many people are doing their best to fight climate change and its devastating effects. I take heart from this.
In 2024, Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, begins on December 25th and ends on January 2nd, 2025. So, Jews and Christians will be celebrating at the shining of the light at the same time this year. That is a very good thing. Christians have much in common with their brothers and sisters of the Jewish faith, as well as adherents of other faiths.
Unfortunately, due to extremism, terrorism and conflict in the Middle East, incidents of Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are on the rise. This is intolerable in a civil society. Jews, Christians and Muslims are all "Children of Abraham." The desecration of synagogues and mosques must be strongly condemned. Houses of God must be respected.
In previous Christmas postings, I have discussed the restoration of the venerable Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris. On December 8, 2024, the ancient cathedral reopened five years after it was severely damaged by a devastating fire on April 15, 2019.
Remember the poor and the lonely, not just on Christmas Day, but always. Remember those whom society has rejected. There will be justice because "the first shall be last and the last shall be first."
A very Merry Christmas to all who celebrate the season, and a Happy Hanukkah to all the Jewish faithful.
Take care,
Joanne
Time magazine should change its "Person of the Year" to "Newsmaker of the Year" Here's why. First, some background. Time's tradition of selecting a "Man of the Year" began privately in 1927, when the magazine's editors chose to focus on aviator Charles Lindbergh as the most prominent news story of that year. Lindbergh, who made the first nonstop trans-Atlantic airplane flight, was selected, partially to compensate for Time's embarrassment at not having him on its cover after his historic transatlantic flight. The issue depicting Lucky Lindy as "Man of the Year was published in early 1928.
Below is the first Time "Man of the Year" issue with Charles Lindbergh on the cover.
In 1936. Wallis Simpson became the first "Woman of the Year," after the British monarch, King Edward VIII, gave up the throne to marry the twice-divorced American. In 1999, Time finally recognized women by changing the name of its "Man of the Year" to "Person of the Year." However,
It must be stressed that the "Person of the Year" designation was never intend to be an award or an honour. In 1998, Walter Isaaaon, then editor of Time, wrote that the person of the year title recognized the individual "who most affected the news and our lives, for good or ill, and embodied what was important the year, for better or for worse." Nevertheless,, "Person of the Year" certainly sounds like a prestigious honour.
It must be remembered that Adolf Hitler was selected as Time's "Man of the Year" in 1938. Joseph Stalin was chosen twice, in 1939 and 1942. Vladimir Putin was named "Person of the Year" in 2007.
Another reason the title should be changed to "Newsmaker of the Year" is that a person has not always been given the designation. In 1982, for example, "The Computer" was named "Machine of the Year."
Sometimes an organization or a specific group has been named. In 1956, the American Fighting Man was chosen. In 1966, Time named "The Inheritor" as "Man of the Year." The cover story story specifically mentioned a few young adults, but it was meant to focus on the under-25 Baby Boom generation.
In 2005, 'The Good Samaritan" was designated "Person of the Year." In the cover story, Bill and Melinda Gates and U2's Bono were noted for their philanthropy.
In 2006, Time named "You" the "Person of the Year." It was intended to refer to anyone who uploads information on internet sites and social media. Some critics accused this choice as being gimmicky. as well as self-promotional.
The title "Person of the Year" is confusing and ambiguous. It sounds like an accolade. It has a positive connotation. It seems to indicate approval. If that's not what Time intends, the current editors should be more clear about what many consider to be an award. The magazine's choice for 2024 was Donald Trump (He was also chosen in 2016.}. Trump has most definitely "affected the news and our lives." Therefore, he is certainly qualified to be "Newsmaker of the Year." However, he is far too controversial to be honoured as "Person of the Year." Yes, to some Trump is a hero. To others, however, he is a menace. An honour should be given to someone who has unequivocally contributed to the betterment of humanity and to society.
END NOTE
* Since Time's "Man of the Year" began in 1927, every sitting American president has been named. to the title, with the exceptions of Calvin Coolidge, in office at the time of the first issue, Herbert Hoover, Coolidge's successor, and Gerald Ford, who became president in 1974 after Nixon's resignation. Ford was never elected to the office. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the only person to be chosen three times, in 1931, 1934 and 1942.
* In 1999, Albert Einstein was chosen "Person of the Century."
- Joanne
Sports fans are the lifeblood of professional sports, and yet they are taken for granted. Oh sure, teams play lip service to the fans. They have fan appreciation days at the end of the season and somebody wins a car paid for by a sponsor. The truth is, however, that nobody really represents the interests of the ordinary sports fan. It's becoming more and more difficult to attend a game for everyday fans, With sky-high ticket prices and the outrageous cost of refreshments, the cost of attending a professional sports event is becoming less and less affordable with each passing day.
It turns out that ordinary sports fans are also being asked to dole out more money to watch sports on television. More and more games are now only available on streaming services. That is the trend. and it is pure, unadulterated greed on the part of owners, players and agents. No professional athlete would dare suggest ticket prices are too high or that athletes make too much money. He or she would be spurned for spouting such heresy.
Major League Baseball used to be one of the most affordable professional sports. Sadly, those days are long gone. Juan Soto has just signed a 15-year contact with the New York Mets for $765 million U.S. On December 11, 2023, Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani signed a ten-year $700 million U.S. contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. I'm not saying they shouldn't be paid well, but those are obscene amounts of money in a world where there is so much need. It won't be long before a professional player signs the first billion dollar contract.
I know! I know! I get it! Sports is a business. But shouldn't tit be about be more than? I'm not saying that players and owners and agents shouldn't make money. I'm just saying that more consideration should be given to the welfare of the fane and the integrity of the games. Why should attending a game be out of reach financially for so many people?
- Joanne
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| JFK |
"Geography has made us neighbours. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies."
- John F. Kennedy on the relationship between Canada and the United States, in the Canadian House of Commons, May 17, 1961
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| Trump |
- Donald Trump, Truth Social, December 10, 2024
John F. Kennedy knew who his friends and allies were. Donald Trump shows nothing but contempt for America's northern neighbour. The disrespect that he shows Canada's prime minister is appalling. It is absolutely disgraceful. It seems that Trump is friendlier and more respectful to dictators such as Putin and Kim Jung-Un than the leader of a democratic country like Canada. Has Trump ever mocked a dictator?
I would dearly like to ignore Donald Trump. Unfortunately, he is going to be in our faces for another four years or more (if he suspends elections). At any rate, Trump seems hellbent on imposing a 25-per-cent tariff on all products coming to the United States from Canada and Mexico. This will have a devasting affect on the economies of America's closest neighbours that could upend North American trade and supply chains.
It is possible that Trump's real goal is a 5 per cent or 10 per cent tariff. This may just be a ploy so that when he eventually reduces the 25 per cent, Canada and Mexico will be relieved and grateful that he is softening his position, that he is willing to compromise. It could all be trickery and deception.
Trump wrote his post about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after Trudeau declared that Canada is prepared to respond to Trump's tariff threat. By the way, I must comment on the name of the platform where Trump posts his ravings. It is called Truth Social, which sounds like something out of George Orwell's 1984. I've learned that anything called "truth" is usually propaganda. "Pravda" was the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union "Pravda" means truth.
Trudeau isn't the only leader who spoke of retaliation against the tariffs. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that her government would retaliate if Trump followed through with his 25 per cent across-the board tariff. She claimed that retaliation by Mexico could kill 400,000 U.S. jobs and drive up prices for American consumers. During a press conference, Sheinbaum said, "If there are U.S. tariffs, Mexico would also raise tariffs."
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| Trudeau |
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| Sheinbaum |
Trump's protective tariffs will lead to a trade war in which nobody wins. Do we never learn from history. In 1927, the League of Nations' World Economic Conference met in Geneva, Switzerland. The League concluded its final report with the words "that the time has come to put an end to tariffs, and to move in the opposite direction." However, many of the delegates' did not move in the opposite direction. They paid debts and reparations by imposing tariffs on goods. In 1928, France was the first to do so by passing a new tariff and quota system.
In 1930, Herbert Hoover signed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which raised import duties. Smoot-Hawley was designed to protect American businesses and farmers. Instead, it added considerable strain to the economic climate of the Great Depression. It backfired and worsened the misery of the Depression.
Archie Bunker was wrong when he sang "Mister, we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again." The United States could really use a man like FDR again. Instead of FDR and Eleanor, America has Donald and Melania. Sad!
- Joanne
Dale Carngie (1888-1955) was an American lecturer, author and teacher of courses in self-improvement. He is well known for his 1936 bestseller How to Win Friends and Influence People, which remains popular today. Another of his notable works, although not as prominent as How to Win Friends and Influence People is How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, published in 1948. I think How to Stop Worrying and Star Living is even more relevant to the times in which we are living. People seem more stressed and unhappy since the pandemic. There is so much ill will. That is why I have highlighted Carnegie's book on Number 16.
- Joanne
10 Lessons From Dale Carnegie's timeless classic, "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living":
1. The Futility of Worry: The book emphasizes the pointlessness of worry. Worrying doesn't change the past or predict the future, it simply steals your joy from the present moment. Carnegie encourages you to focus your energy on what you can control – your thoughts, actions, and reactions.
2. Living in the "Now": The book highlights the importance of living in the present moment. Instead of dwelling on the past or fretting about the future, cultivate the habit of focusing on the task at hand and enjoying the simple pleasures of everyday life.
3. The "Eight Words" That Can Change Your Life: Carnegie introduces a powerful formula: "Ask yourself if it is the worst that can possibly happen. Then prepare to accept it. Then calmly proceed to improve on the worst." By mentally preparing for the worst-case scenario, you can significantly reduce your anxiety and approach challenges with greater composure.
4. The High Cost of Getting Even: Holding onto grudges and seeking revenge only fuels negativity and hinders your emotional well-being. The book encourages forgiveness and letting go of past hurts to create space for peace and happiness.
5. Would You Take a Million Dollars for What You Have?: Carnegie suggests a gratitude exercise. Consider all the good things in your life, even the small ones. Shift your focus from what you lack to the blessings you already possess, fostering a sense of contentment and appreciation.
6. The "Busy Cure" for Worry: Idleness allows your mind to wander and dwell on negative thoughts. The book emphasizes the power of keeping yourself busy with productive activities that leave little room for worry.
7. Decision: The Antidote to Indecision: Indecision breeds anxiety. The book encourages you to make decisions, even if they're not perfect. Taking action, even if it leads to a course correction later, is better than staying paralyzed by indecision.
8. Cooperation, Not Competition: Comparing yourself to others is a recipe for misery. Focus on your own journey and celebrate your personal growth. The book promotes cooperation and collaboration over competition, fostering a more positive and supportive environment.
9. The Power of Positive Self-Talk: Your inner critic can be your worst enemy. The book highlights the importance of replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Focus on your strengths and capabilities to boost your confidence and self-esteem.
10. Get Enough Sleep!: Chronic fatigue can exacerbate worry. The book emphasizes the importance of getting enough quality sleep for optimal mental and emotional well-being. A well-rested mind is better equipped to handle challenges and navigate stressful situations.
Shame on you, America! What has happened to you? How could you endanger yourself and the rest of the world by electing such a man as Donald Trump? How could over 70 million of you vote for a convicted felon, a racist, a misogynist, a con artist, a conspiracy theorist, an admirer of dictators, a climate change denier, a bully, a cheater, an insurrectionist, a man who has been found civilly guilty of sexual assault, a man who spews hatred and violence, a pathological liar, an autocrat, a malignant narcissist and a blasphemer. There is plenty of evidence that Trump is all those things and more. How can any of that be overlooked?
Doesn't character mean anything anymore? Have so many of you been so brainwashed by Fox News, extreme right wing propaganda and false information on social media that you don't know right from wrong? What's the matter with you? Have so many of you lost your moral compass? Do you really think Trump is better for the economy than Kamala Harris? How? By giving tax breaks to billionaires? By imposing large tariffs on goods from my country, Canada? By starting a trade war with Canada and Mexico, a trade war that nobody will win, and will cause more inflation.
To be fair, millions of Americans didn't vote for Trump, and find his views abhorrent. Gerrymandering also helped the MAGA cause. That is why I do not want to disparage those Americans who are just as disappointed as I am in the outcome of the election. However, many more men voted for Trump than women. Are American men so insecure that they admire Trump's bullying and his false bravado? Inside, where it counts, Trump is weak. It's all a show. He reminds me of the Wizard of Oz.
Wasn't America built on the foundation of the rule of law? Isn't Lady Justice supposed to be blindfolded? Then why is Donald Trump allowed to flout the law? Why is he permitted to behave as if he is above the law? Why do so many make a visit to his Mar-a-lago Palace, bow down before the Dear Leader and kiss his ring? Why do so many show loyalty to a man who would throw them under a bus at the drop of a hat, a man who is only loyal to himself?
The tragedy is that America has lost out on a great opportunity to renew itself after a devastating pandemic. Kamala Harris offered a brighter future. She offered hope and optimism. Unfortunately, American voters turned her down. They chose the felon over the prosecutor. As a result, the United States and the rest of humanity will have to endure four more years of Donald Trump's chaos.
Trump spurns America's traditional allies in North America and Europe. Instead, he aligns himself with brutal dictators like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-Un. He promises to levy a 25 per cent tariff on goods from Canada, and from Mexico. Do Americans not realize how the tariffs will likely increase their own food costs? Do they not know what happened when Herbert Hoover imposed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930? Several countries responded with retaliatory tariffs and trade plummeted. The Great Depression deepened.
Sadly, the whole world will suffer the consequences of Trump's return to the White House. He isn't even officially president yet, but he is already acting as if he holds office. Excuse me, but Joe Biden is president of the United States until noon on January 20, 2025.
- Joanne
Do you want to relax by the fireplace with some hot chocolate and a good book? Are you looking for some holiday reading this Christmas season? May I suggest The Missing Reporter, a novel written by yours truly.
For all the information you need, just click on this link to my author's page.
The Missing Reporter is a novel of intrigue and mystery set in 1989. What really happened to TV crime reporter Sandra McKay? Why did she suddenly vanish after starting a new job?
Is her disappearance linked to the death of prominent dental surgeon Lawrence Somerville, whose brother works for a mob boss? Intrepid private detective Norm Trapper is on the case and he is looking for the answers.
Your support is much appreciated. I am currently writing my third novel, a sequel to The Missing Reporter. Its working title is The World Reporter.
Thank you,
Joanne
There is no sign that the Jays have improved their hitting. In fact, Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of the team, and GM Ross Atkins, do not seem to regard power hitting as a great priority. When asked about his adding a legitimate run-scoring threat to his lineup during the off-season, Atkins replied, "Power is the low-hanging fruit. I don't think in today's game, you also have to be cognizant of strikeouts whenever you do (add a power bat.)"
The long ball may not be everything, Mr. Atkins, but how did the Blue Jays do last season without much power hitting? They really missed Teoscar Hernandez and Lourdes Guriel Jr. They scored just 671 runs in 2024, their lowest output since 1997. Meanwhile, Teoscar hit 33 home runs in 2024, with a batting average of .272, 99 RBI and an OPS of .840. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit 18 home runs in 2024, with a .279 batting average, 75 RBI and an OPS of .757. Hernandez helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the this year's World Series.
One of the worst mistakes the Jays' management has ever made is trading away catcher Gabriel Moreno for Daulton Varsho. Moreno is only 24, and he has the potential to be a generational player. Now that Danny Jansen has gone to the Boston Red Sox, the Jays could really use Moreno to catch along with Alejandro Kirk. Mark Shapiro does not regret trading Moreno and claims that it was a good trade. "You can't evaluate a trade in the short term, you've got to give it four or five years to understand whether a trade was effective or not," according Shapiro.
No doubt Dsulton Varsho is a superb defensive outfielder. However, his hitting is merely mediocre. His batting average was only .214 in 2024. Moreover, Varsho is 28 years old, four years older than Moreno. The Blue Jays lacked the offence to go far in the playoffs in 2023, and they lacked the offence compete in the regular season in 2024.
To make matters worse, the Jays could lose Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to free agency. They don't seem too adamant about keeping him. Unless things change greatly, 2025 will be another lost season for the Toronto Blue Jays. Rogers seems satisfied with Shapiro and Atkins. Otherwise, the duo would be gone by now. If fans don't show up, and the seats are empty at the dome, Rogers may decide to make changes. The bottom line is that Shapiro and Atkins have to go.
- Joanne
Many people around the world are scratching their heads. They can't believe it. American voters have rejected Kamala Harris' message of hope and optimism. They have elected as their president a man who behaves in a manor that is absolutely disgusting and obscene. Still, over 78 million Americans voted for Donald Trump. Over 78 million Americans voted for a convicted felon, a racist, a misogynist, a climate change denier, a conspiracy theorist, and an authoritarian, Oh yes, he's also civilly guilty of sexual assault. I shudder to think that's who you really are, America.
Never forget January 6, 2021, a shameful day that will live in infamy, just like Pearl Harbor Day and September 11, 2001. Trump encouraged an unruly mob of white supremacists to attack the Capitol in Washington, D.C., causing death and mayhem. He regards the January 6th mob as "patriots," and he intends to pardon them.
On November 5, 2024, Trump did not win a landslide victory. He did not receive an overwhelming mandate, though, of course, he will always claim that he did. This was not Johnson versus Goldwater in 1964 or Nixon versus McGovern in 1972. According to the latest stats from Reuters (November 20), Trump won 49.9 per cent of the popular vote (76,807,906), while Kamala Harris won 48.3 per cent.(74.250,975). Trump received 312 Electoral College votes, while Harris received 226. Yes, Trump won the election, but it was by no means a landslide.
Honestly, I didn't see this disaster coming. Now that I've had some time to reflect, I can better understand what happened, and why. Here are some points that I would like to make.
* American voters received false information from social media. They falsely blamed Joe Biden and the Democrats for the inflation that he didn't cause. It is not Joe's fault. Inflation is a problem all over the world, and it was worsened by the pandemic.
Trump cannot evade justice forever. He is not invincible and he will eventually face the long arm of the law. This too shall pass. Someday Trump will be a consigned to the annals of history.
- Joanne
The Toronto Argonauts won the Grey Cup yesterday, but I didn't hear any horns honking. I didn't notice much celebrating. Too bad, because the Argos are a winning team. They have won two of the last three Grey Cups. The Maple Leafs have not won the Stanley Cup since 1967 - 57 long years ago. In recent years, they have been getting knocked out of the playoffs early.
The cost of attending a Leaf game is exorbitant. and it will continue to rise. It is beyond the grasp of many families.
Winning the Stanley Cup is a grind. The NHL is fueled by pure greed. There are two many teams and too many games. The post season drags on until the end of June.
The Toronto Blue Jays won back-backWorld Series in 1992 and 1993 - over 30 years ago. In 2022 and 2023, they failed to win a post season series.. In 2024, they finished last in their division, the American League East. What are the odds of the Jays winning the World Series or even making the playoff in 2025? I am a fan, but I have to be honest. Zilch. The team just isn't good enough and there are too many question marks. Meanwhile, the cost of Blue Jays tickets continues to rise.
Yesterday, the 111th Grey Cup took place in Vancouver. It was steeped in Canadian tradition. Where else can you see members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police present the venerable trophy to the champions of Canadian football?
The CFL doesn't have the glitz and the glamour of the NFL and the Super Bowl. It is certainly more homey and more community oriented. Grey Cup games are still reasonably affordable, unlike the cost of a Super Bowl ticket.
Unfortunately, the CFL is underappreciated in this country, especially in Toronto. Some NFL fans take delight in maligning the CFL. It's their business if they greatly prefer the NFL, but they should keep in mind that the CFL brings much enjoyment to many people. It shouldn't be denigrated.
Congratulations and thank you Toronto Argos for bringing a championship to our city. Thank you for making my Sunday brighter. The Grey Cup tradition will continue next year in Winnipeg.
- Joanne
