TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Leadership has a moral dimension that power does not. Power is manipulative. It is the exploitation of other people's motives in order to realize the power holder's objectives. The real leader relates to the genuine wants and needs and aspirations of his followeres rather that manipulating them for his own ends."
- James McGregor Burns
From "Leadership"
I've been thinking about that quote and about leaders. It seems to me we have a definite lack of political leadership in Canada today - at least in the realm of politics. I'm not saying we don't have any hard working and dedicated politcians. I'm merely saying that I can't think of any living Canadian politican who greatly inspires me. I can't think of any Canadian politician today who will go down in history as a great Canadian. Where are the Macdonalds and Lauriers and Pearsons? Where have you gone Nellie McClung, Pierre Trudreau and Tommy Douglas? One may not have always agreed with them, but at least they showed leadership. They made Canadians think and reflect and debate. Our current crop of political leaders appears to be too busy sniping at each other and putting partisanship before the good of the country.
Fortunately, outside of politics, we do have some leadership. We have Canadians such as Craig Kielburger and David Suzuki who are inspiring, who are displaying leadership. I would like to seem someone fill the political vacuum.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
On this day in 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in the state of Washington. This is the 30th anniversary of that disaster in which 57 people lost their lives and thousands of animals died. Now we have a volcano in Iceland that is causing havoc by disrupting air travel.
SPORTS
Well, the Montreal Canadiens were beaten badly in the first game of their series with the Philadelphia Flyers. They have a chance to redeem themselves tonight, but they are going to have to play much better if they want to keep their dream alive.
I'm pleased that the Chicageo Blackhawks defeated the San Jose Sharks in the first gamee of that series.
The Blue Jays' winning streak came to an end yesterday with a loss to the Minnesota Twins. I've got to say, the Twins looked good. Former Blue Jay Orlando(Ol Dog) Hudson came back to haunt his old team. Hudson played really well and British Columbia native Justin Marneau hit two home runs. The bad news for the Jays is that Travis Snider is injured and on the 15-day DL. He was starting to play really well too. I hope this isn't a bad set back for the 22-year-old native of the Seattle area.
- Joanne
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Time heals griefs and quarrels for we change and are no longer the same persons. Neither the offender nor the offended are any more themselves."
- Blaise Pascal
I hope you are enjoying the weekend ... and as you are well aware, next weekend is a long one in Canada.
On a personal note, this is quite a time for me. Friday was my last day at my long-time job as a researcher at a newspaper ibrary. I took a voluntary buyout and I am moving on. It's a big change and a new life.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays have won the first two games of their series against the Texas Rangers. Way to go! Ricky Romero pitched a great game yesterday. He's looking like a real gem. I was also impressed by Casey Jansen on Friday. By the way, I was at at the dome on Friday night. It wasn't exactly the greatest night for pitchers. However, it was a fun game. Unfortunately, at least from my pespective, the roof was open. Now, don't get me wrong. I much prefer watching baseball in the open air - when the weather is warm enough. I would not want a dome stadium that did not have a retractable roof. Friday night, howeever, was just too cool and windy to open the roof. I realize you can't please all the fans, but I think thay made the wrong call on Friday. It may have been fine to open it during the afternoon, but the strong wind made it quite chilly once the sun went down.
So, we are down to the third round of the NHL playoffs. The stage is set. Montreal plays Philadelphia and Chicago takes on San Jose. I do not like the Philadelphia Flyers because I was never a fan of the Broad Steet Bullies. Furthermore, I always associate Bobby Clarke with the Flyers. He was such a dirty player. I remember Clarke's infamous slash on Russian superstar Valeri Kharlamov during the 1972 Canada-Soviet summit series. In 2002, during the 30th anniversary of the super series, Paul Henderson, the hero of the series, criticized Clarke. Henderson described Clarke's slash, which broke Kharlamov's ankle, as "the lowpoint of the series". Bobby Clarke became upset with him and asked him why he didn't say something about it 30 years ago. That's a valid question, but it is beside the point. The point is that Paul was right on the money in his assessment of Bobby Clarke's slash of Kharlamov, and he remained firm in that assessment. Although Henderson said that the last thing he wanted to do was to trash Clarke, hs emphasized that he stood by his opinion "that, in terms of sportsmanship, I don't think there's any place for it then and I don't think there is any place for it there."
As for the San Jose Sharks, I have nothing against them. It's just that San Jose is not exactly a hockey mad city. I want the Stanley Cup to go to a city where hockey matters. That's why I would like to see a Montreal - Chicago final.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Time heals griefs and quarrels for we change and are no longer the same persons. Neither the offender nor the offended are any more themselves."
- Blaise Pascal
I hope you are enjoying the weekend ... and as you are well aware, next weekend is a long one in Canada.
On a personal note, this is quite a time for me. Friday was my last day at my long-time job as a researcher at a newspaper ibrary. I took a voluntary buyout and I am moving on. It's a big change and a new life.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays have won the first two games of their series against the Texas Rangers. Way to go! Ricky Romero pitched a great game yesterday. He's looking like a real gem. I was also impressed by Casey Jansen on Friday. By the way, I was at at the dome on Friday night. It wasn't exactly the greatest night for pitchers. However, it was a fun game. Unfortunately, at least from my pespective, the roof was open. Now, don't get me wrong. I much prefer watching baseball in the open air - when the weather is warm enough. I would not want a dome stadium that did not have a retractable roof. Friday night, howeever, was just too cool and windy to open the roof. I realize you can't please all the fans, but I think thay made the wrong call on Friday. It may have been fine to open it during the afternoon, but the strong wind made it quite chilly once the sun went down.
So, we are down to the third round of the NHL playoffs. The stage is set. Montreal plays Philadelphia and Chicago takes on San Jose. I do not like the Philadelphia Flyers because I was never a fan of the Broad Steet Bullies. Furthermore, I always associate Bobby Clarke with the Flyers. He was such a dirty player. I remember Clarke's infamous slash on Russian superstar Valeri Kharlamov during the 1972 Canada-Soviet summit series. In 2002, during the 30th anniversary of the super series, Paul Henderson, the hero of the series, criticized Clarke. Henderson described Clarke's slash, which broke Kharlamov's ankle, as "the lowpoint of the series". Bobby Clarke became upset with him and asked him why he didn't say something about it 30 years ago. That's a valid question, but it is beside the point. The point is that Paul was right on the money in his assessment of Bobby Clarke's slash of Kharlamov, and he remained firm in that assessment. Although Henderson said that the last thing he wanted to do was to trash Clarke, hs emphasized that he stood by his opinion "that, in terms of sportsmanship, I don't think there's any place for it then and I don't think there is any place for it there."
As for the San Jose Sharks, I have nothing against them. It's just that San Jose is not exactly a hockey mad city. I want the Stanley Cup to go to a city where hockey matters. That's why I would like to see a Montreal - Chicago final.
- Joanne
Friday, May 14, 2010
FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body; it calls attention to an unhealthy state of mind."
- Winston Churchill
RANT OF THE DAY
Montreal hockey fans are passionate about their team. The vast majority of them are just having a good time, enjoying some very intriguing and exciting playoff hockey. Unfortunately, there is an element of hooliganism in the city of Montreal. There are some yahoos who are hijacking a terrific run by Les Canadiens. These hooligans are besmudging the reputation of a great Canadian city. They don't really care if the Montreal Canadiens win or lose. It is clear that they are using these playoffs as a convenient excuse to loot and vandalize. I sympathize with hardworking small business owners who have seen their stores looted and their shop windows broken. To think that this occurred after the Habs won a series. I shudder to think what will happen if they loose a series or the seventh game of the Stanley Cup final. How disgraceful!
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body; it calls attention to an unhealthy state of mind."
- Winston Churchill
RANT OF THE DAY
Montreal hockey fans are passionate about their team. The vast majority of them are just having a good time, enjoying some very intriguing and exciting playoff hockey. Unfortunately, there is an element of hooliganism in the city of Montreal. There are some yahoos who are hijacking a terrific run by Les Canadiens. These hooligans are besmudging the reputation of a great Canadian city. They don't really care if the Montreal Canadiens win or lose. It is clear that they are using these playoffs as a convenient excuse to loot and vandalize. I sympathize with hardworking small business owners who have seen their stores looted and their shop windows broken. To think that this occurred after the Habs won a series. I shudder to think what will happen if they loose a series or the seventh game of the Stanley Cup final. How disgraceful!
- Joanne
Thursday, May 13, 2010
THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it."
- Joseph Joubert
FOCUS ON HISTORY
On this day in 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot and wounded by an assailant in St. Peter's Square.
SPORTS
Yesterday was a much better sports day for me. The Blue Jays finally won a game against those Boston Red Sox. The Montreal Canadiens were the victors in their series with Pittsburgh Penguins and will go on to the third round of the playoffs. 20,000 people filled the Bell Centre to watch the game on big screens. There is no doubt that hockey matters in Canada's second biggest city. I'd like to see a Stanley Cup showdown between Montreal and the Chicago Blackhawks, two of the so-called "orignial six".
There should be 3 more NHL teams in Canada. It's a crying shame that Winnipeg and Quebec City don't have teams. I'm hoping that eventually that the Phoenix Coyotes return to Winnipeg. Quebec City should also have a team. Bring back the Nordiques. There is the population and the market for another team in Ontario too. However, because of objections from the Leafs and the Sabres, the NHL will probably return to Winnipeg or Quebec City before a new one starts up in Ontario. Unfortunately, the NHL already has too many teams - but would the Florida Panthers really be missed?
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it."
- Joseph Joubert
FOCUS ON HISTORY
On this day in 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot and wounded by an assailant in St. Peter's Square.
SPORTS
Yesterday was a much better sports day for me. The Blue Jays finally won a game against those Boston Red Sox. The Montreal Canadiens were the victors in their series with Pittsburgh Penguins and will go on to the third round of the playoffs. 20,000 people filled the Bell Centre to watch the game on big screens. There is no doubt that hockey matters in Canada's second biggest city. I'd like to see a Stanley Cup showdown between Montreal and the Chicago Blackhawks, two of the so-called "orignial six".
There should be 3 more NHL teams in Canada. It's a crying shame that Winnipeg and Quebec City don't have teams. I'm hoping that eventually that the Phoenix Coyotes return to Winnipeg. Quebec City should also have a team. Bring back the Nordiques. There is the population and the market for another team in Ontario too. However, because of objections from the Leafs and the Sabres, the NHL will probably return to Winnipeg or Quebec City before a new one starts up in Ontario. Unfortunately, the NHL already has too many teams - but would the Florida Panthers really be missed?
- Joanne
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
1870: Manitoba joins Confederation
WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"If one tells the truth, one is sure, sooner or later, to be found out."
- Oscar Wilde
FOCUS ON CANADA
On this day in 1870 (140 years ago), Manitoba became Canada's fifth province. So congratulations to all Manitobans from a dyed-in-the-wool Torontonian. See, we Torontonians aren't so bad. Give us a break. I even want an NHL team to return to Winnipeg.
I would also like to say that although I have never visited Manitoba, I plan to get there eventually. My goal is to visit all ten provinces and the North. I have already been to eight provinces. The two remaining are Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
And this Torontonian would like to thank the province of Manitoba for giving us The Guess Who and Winnie the Pooh.
SPORTS
Last night was a bad sports night for me. The Blue Jays lost badly to the dreaded Boston Red Sox. They did not play well at all. Then, Roberto and the Vancouver Canucks lost to the Chicago Black Hawks.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"If one tells the truth, one is sure, sooner or later, to be found out."
- Oscar Wilde
FOCUS ON CANADA
On this day in 1870 (140 years ago), Manitoba became Canada's fifth province. So congratulations to all Manitobans from a dyed-in-the-wool Torontonian. See, we Torontonians aren't so bad. Give us a break. I even want an NHL team to return to Winnipeg.
I would also like to say that although I have never visited Manitoba, I plan to get there eventually. My goal is to visit all ten provinces and the North. I have already been to eight provinces. The two remaining are Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
And this Torontonian would like to thank the province of Manitoba for giving us The Guess Who and Winnie the Pooh.
SPORTS
Last night was a bad sports night for me. The Blue Jays lost badly to the dreaded Boston Red Sox. They did not play well at all. Then, Roberto and the Vancouver Canucks lost to the Chicago Black Hawks.
- Joanne
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
National Bird for Canada
TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Happiness is a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly may alight upon you."
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
FOCUS ON CANADA
There is a debate right now regarding the choice of a national bird for Canada. Actually, I'm surprised that we don't already have one. Nevertheless, I have decided to weigh into the debate. I think our national bird should be the loon. The loon is hauntingly beautiful and it suits the character of this country. It already appears on our one dollar coin. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has suggested the red-tailed hawk, a bird of prey. The national bird of Canada should not be a predator. The loon is my choice.
SPORTS
How about those Habs? There is joy in Montreal. Les Canadiens have taken Sid the Kid and his Pittsburgh Penguins to a seventh game. These Stanley Cup finals are the most interesting and exciting in years.
My Blue Jays lost to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway last night. The Jays haven't beaten the Red Sox yet this year. That has got to change.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Happiness is a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly may alight upon you."
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
FOCUS ON CANADA
There is a debate right now regarding the choice of a national bird for Canada. Actually, I'm surprised that we don't already have one. Nevertheless, I have decided to weigh into the debate. I think our national bird should be the loon. The loon is hauntingly beautiful and it suits the character of this country. It already appears on our one dollar coin. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has suggested the red-tailed hawk, a bird of prey. The national bird of Canada should not be a predator. The loon is my choice.
SPORTS
How about those Habs? There is joy in Montreal. Les Canadiens have taken Sid the Kid and his Pittsburgh Penguins to a seventh game. These Stanley Cup finals are the most interesting and exciting in years.
My Blue Jays lost to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway last night. The Jays haven't beaten the Red Sox yet this year. That has got to change.
- Joanne
Monday, May 10, 2010
Vernal Bay
MONDAY, MAY 10, 2010 - I hope you had a good weekend. Here in Toronto, it has been cold and rainy. However, we are into the merry month of May and it is spring in the Northern Hemisphere. That is why I am going to share a poem I wrote with you. It is very apprpriate for this time of year.
Vernal Bay
We stroll about in the midst of May
Gazing at sailboats in Vernal Bay
Watching them easily glide and sway
In the gusty winds, this fledgling day
Gaggles of geese flock over the bay
Children, they dauntlessly romp away
With joy and mirth, they eagerly play
This Saturday morn, in the month of May
And a tree stands high right near the bay
Where nests the brood of a dour blue jay
Flapping its wings and squawking away
As we stare transfixed this fledgling day
Riding along in the sun’s bright ray
On winding roads, we pedal away
Through many a twisted path we stray
Then stop for a rest along the way
Raising our eyes far above the fray
We watch a kite as it coasts away
Smoothly it lands right by the bay
A large checkered kite of red and gray
It’s warm by now and almost midday
We find a spot in the shade to stay
Spreading our cloth and a silver tray
We then partake of a hearty buffet
Arise, sweet Lazarus, to life we say
As we sip red wine and drink to May
No matter our fate in life’s bouquet
Our journey begins at Vernal Bay
- Joanne Madden
SPORTS
Hey, fellow Blue Jays fans, our team came back in the nineth inning yesterday to defeat the Chicago White Sox. That homer by Fred Lewis did the trick.
The Vancouver Canucks won too. Congratulations to Roberto Luongo, my favourite goalie in the NHL.
- Joanne
Vernal Bay
We stroll about in the midst of May
Gazing at sailboats in Vernal Bay
Watching them easily glide and sway
In the gusty winds, this fledgling day
Gaggles of geese flock over the bay
Children, they dauntlessly romp away
With joy and mirth, they eagerly play
This Saturday morn, in the month of May
And a tree stands high right near the bay
Where nests the brood of a dour blue jay
Flapping its wings and squawking away
As we stare transfixed this fledgling day
Riding along in the sun’s bright ray
On winding roads, we pedal away
Through many a twisted path we stray
Then stop for a rest along the way
Raising our eyes far above the fray
We watch a kite as it coasts away
Smoothly it lands right by the bay
A large checkered kite of red and gray
It’s warm by now and almost midday
We find a spot in the shade to stay
Spreading our cloth and a silver tray
We then partake of a hearty buffet
Arise, sweet Lazarus, to life we say
As we sip red wine and drink to May
No matter our fate in life’s bouquet
Our journey begins at Vernal Bay
- Joanne Madden
SPORTS
Hey, fellow Blue Jays fans, our team came back in the nineth inning yesterday to defeat the Chicago White Sox. That homer by Fred Lewis did the trick.
The Vancouver Canucks won too. Congratulations to Roberto Luongo, my favourite goalie in the NHL.
- Joanne
Sunday, May 9, 2010
SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2010 - A Happy Mother's Day to all mothers today, especialy to my own mother - Frances Lima.
Today is the birtday of one of my favourite musicians. Billy Joel was born this day in 1949. Happy Birthday Piano Man.
My beloved Blue Jays lost to the Chicago White Sox last night, breaking a five-game winning streak. The 2010 Jays are a young and upcoming team. I just wish more people would show up at the dome. There are too many fair-weather fans in Toronto. There are also too many people who merely follow the trends. If it's trendy to be seen at a Jays game, you'll seen them there. My friends, these are not true fans. Some of them used the 1994 strike as an excuse to abandon the Jays. That was 1994 - get over it.
Note : If the Jays want to attract more fans, they might consider lowering the cost of concessions. The prices for snacks at the dome are ridiculously expensive. It's highway robbery, pure and simple.
The NHL playoffs are quite interesting this year. Although Montreal lost yesterday, I can't believe the Habs have gone this far. Obviously, Obviously, if they defeat Pittsburgh, it would be a tremendous upset. It would shake things up and break everything wide open.
- Joanne
Today is the birtday of one of my favourite musicians. Billy Joel was born this day in 1949. Happy Birthday Piano Man.
My beloved Blue Jays lost to the Chicago White Sox last night, breaking a five-game winning streak. The 2010 Jays are a young and upcoming team. I just wish more people would show up at the dome. There are too many fair-weather fans in Toronto. There are also too many people who merely follow the trends. If it's trendy to be seen at a Jays game, you'll seen them there. My friends, these are not true fans. Some of them used the 1994 strike as an excuse to abandon the Jays. That was 1994 - get over it.
Note : If the Jays want to attract more fans, they might consider lowering the cost of concessions. The prices for snacks at the dome are ridiculously expensive. It's highway robbery, pure and simple.
The NHL playoffs are quite interesting this year. Although Montreal lost yesterday, I can't believe the Habs have gone this far. Obviously, Obviously, if they defeat Pittsburgh, it would be a tremendous upset. It would shake things up and break everything wide open.
- Joanne
Saturday, May 8, 2010
About Number 16 - First blog entry
Number 16 is a brand new blog. It is a work in progress. My name is Joanne Madden and I am from Toronto, Canada. I have many interests and in the days to come, I hope to share them with you. For starters :
* I enjoy trivia and quotations.
* I enjoy sports, espeically baseball and hockey. I am a Toronto Blue Jays fan.
That`s all for today. More to come in the days to come.
- Joanne
* I enjoy trivia and quotations.
* I enjoy sports, espeically baseball and hockey. I am a Toronto Blue Jays fan.
That`s all for today. More to come in the days to come.
- Joanne
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