WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2010
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.
- Charles Dickens
From "A Tale of Two Cities"
These opening words from A Tale of Two Cities repreent Dickens at his finest. This is one of my favourite passages in English literature and I have reflected uppon these words countless times. It is appropriate to share them with you on this June day because Charles Dickens, the great English author of the Victorian Age, died on this date in 1870. He was 58 years old. The characters he created are unforgettable - Scrooge, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist etc. Charles Dickens lives on in his literary creeations and he should also be remembered as a great advocate for social justice.
SPORTS
My Blue Jays were trounced 9-0 by the Tampa Bay Rays last night. That Tampa Bay team really has the Jays number. We didn't win very many games against them when they were a struggling expansion team and we certainly aren't having an easy time with them now that they are a good team. It remainds of the problems the Jays used to have with the Milwaukee Brewers.
- Joanne
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"No home should ever be on any hill or on anything. It should be of the hill, belonging to it, so hill and house could live together each the happier for the other."
- Frank Lloyd Wright
"An Autobiography" {1932}
Frank Lloyd Wright, the great American architect and designer, was born in Wisconsin on this day in 1867. One of his masterpieces is the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
RANT OF THE DAY
Taxpayers are going to have to fork out 1 billion dollars to pay the security bill for the G20 Summit in Toronto. As far as I am concerned, this is outrageous and obscene. With all the technology available today, there has to be a better way for politicians to exchange ideas. Yes, I know we can't risk any harm coming to a world leaders. Yes, I realize that in a post-9/11 world, the cost of security is high. Yes, I am aware that leaders must meet and discuss matters. But why must they meet in the centre of a big city and dine on gourmet food while they make plans to cut deficits and downsize? All that money could be put to far better use - how about health care and education? How about programs for youth or programs to alleviate poverty? You can sure feed a lot of hungry people with 1 billion dollars. Instead, the lives of Toronto's citizens are going to be disrupted and the city is going to be at risk for terrorism and vandalism. It's not worth it.
Another stunning waste of taxpayer's money was the Mulroney inquiry. A May 31, 2010 article from Torstar News Service says that "a two-year inquiry into Brian Mulroney’s dealings with German-Canadian arms lobbyist Karlheinz Schreiber has concluded that the former prime minister acted in an “inappropriate” way when he accepted large amounts of cash from Schreiber . . . Estimates of the cost of the inquiry have reached $16 million—including $1.8 million for Mulroney's lawyers."
Why did we have to spend all those millions to conclude that the former prime minister behaved inappropriately? We already knew that. One more thing. If Mr. Mulroney were a man of honour, he would return to taxpayers the settlement he won in in his $50-million defamation lawsuit against the Canadian government. In 1997, Mulroney settled that lawsuit out of court for $2.1 million. That $2.1 million could also be used for health care and education.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays had an off-day yesterday. They start a series with Tampa Bay today.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"No home should ever be on any hill or on anything. It should be of the hill, belonging to it, so hill and house could live together each the happier for the other."
- Frank Lloyd Wright
"An Autobiography" {1932}
Frank Lloyd Wright, the great American architect and designer, was born in Wisconsin on this day in 1867. One of his masterpieces is the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
RANT OF THE DAY
Taxpayers are going to have to fork out 1 billion dollars to pay the security bill for the G20 Summit in Toronto. As far as I am concerned, this is outrageous and obscene. With all the technology available today, there has to be a better way for politicians to exchange ideas. Yes, I know we can't risk any harm coming to a world leaders. Yes, I realize that in a post-9/11 world, the cost of security is high. Yes, I am aware that leaders must meet and discuss matters. But why must they meet in the centre of a big city and dine on gourmet food while they make plans to cut deficits and downsize? All that money could be put to far better use - how about health care and education? How about programs for youth or programs to alleviate poverty? You can sure feed a lot of hungry people with 1 billion dollars. Instead, the lives of Toronto's citizens are going to be disrupted and the city is going to be at risk for terrorism and vandalism. It's not worth it.
Another stunning waste of taxpayer's money was the Mulroney inquiry. A May 31, 2010 article from Torstar News Service says that "a two-year inquiry into Brian Mulroney’s dealings with German-Canadian arms lobbyist Karlheinz Schreiber has concluded that the former prime minister acted in an “inappropriate” way when he accepted large amounts of cash from Schreiber . . . Estimates of the cost of the inquiry have reached $16 million—including $1.8 million for Mulroney's lawyers."
Why did we have to spend all those millions to conclude that the former prime minister behaved inappropriately? We already knew that. One more thing. If Mr. Mulroney were a man of honour, he would return to taxpayers the settlement he won in in his $50-million defamation lawsuit against the Canadian government. In 1997, Mulroney settled that lawsuit out of court for $2.1 million. That $2.1 million could also be used for health care and education.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays had an off-day yesterday. They start a series with Tampa Bay today.
- Joanne
Monday, June 7, 2010
1968: What a Year!
MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2010
Hello Sixteeners. This is the story of how I became an incorrigible and unrepentant newspaper junkie. It all started back in 1968 when I was an impressionable Grade 6 student. Every day a bundle of papers arrived at my school in suburban Toronto. Our teacher, a genial woman with a hearty laugh, advised us to keep a scrapbook of current events. She continually encouraged us to clip items of interest. For the first time, I learned about the purpose of an editorial page and all the various aspects of a newspaper. I listened intently and with wide-eyed fascination. At the age of 11, I was hopelessly and irreversibly hooked. It was the beginning of my life-long addiction to newspapers.
Each day I carefully perused the daily journal. Ah yes, 1968. What a year it was! Pierre Trudeau captivated a nation and I watched it happen. There were countless pictures of our flamboyant new prime minister. The man with the Roman haircut was everywhere and Canadians couldn't get enough of him. We took notice as he demonstrated his athletic prowess by swimming and diving effortlessly. We couldn't help grinning when we viewed photos of our bachelor PM smiling shyly as women handed him roses and planted kisses on his cheek. He just oozed charisma and we started to believe that we had our own John F. Kennedy of the north.
Ah, yes, 1968. It was the Age of Aquarius. Flower power and youthful protests were the order of the day. There were student riots in Paris. It was also an Olympic year and skier Nancy Greene was our Canadian sweetheart, our hero. I carefully cut out articles about her gold medal victory in Grenoble, France and as the days passed, I filled my scrapbook.
In April of that year, the news became very solemn. South of the border, Martin Luther King was assassinated and there were race riots. Our class silently watched his funeral on a little black and white television. I noticed Bobby and Ethel Kennedy in the funeral procession, never dreaming that Bobby would be assassinated next. In August, the promise of the "Prague Spring" was shattered as Soviet tanks entered the city. As the year ended, we marvelled as Apollo 8 circled the moon.
Although many years have passed since 1968, I haven't changed a whit - at least as far as newspapers are concerned. I still delight in reading them and I have even developed my own system for doing so. Unless there is some momentous front page story, it is my custom to read the comics first. Then I focus on other matters such as international news, politics and sports. Long ago, I discovered that after a chuckle or two, stories about war, disaster and tragedy are much easier to swallow.
In addition to being a newspaper enthusiast, I am also a pack rat. I have several momentos from my early school days, including my kindergarten report card and my Grade 5 autograph book. For some reason, however, I neglected to save my Grade 6 scrapbook. That scrapbook exists only in my memory, but it has had a lasting effect on me.
I'll always be an unabashed newspaper reader because for me, being a witness to history is both enthralling and intoxicating. That is why my Grade 6 experiences left an indelible mark on my psyche. Although I did not grow up to be a news editor, I did eventually become a researcher at a newspaper library. As for my Grade 6 teacher, she took a maternity leave and the last time I saw her she was wheeling her baby in a grocery store. If I could speak to her today, I`d thank her for inspiring me.
SPORTS
The Chicago Blackhawks won convincingly last night in the fifth game of the Stanley Cup finals. Now I hope they can finish the job in the next game.
- Joanne
Hello Sixteeners. This is the story of how I became an incorrigible and unrepentant newspaper junkie. It all started back in 1968 when I was an impressionable Grade 6 student. Every day a bundle of papers arrived at my school in suburban Toronto. Our teacher, a genial woman with a hearty laugh, advised us to keep a scrapbook of current events. She continually encouraged us to clip items of interest. For the first time, I learned about the purpose of an editorial page and all the various aspects of a newspaper. I listened intently and with wide-eyed fascination. At the age of 11, I was hopelessly and irreversibly hooked. It was the beginning of my life-long addiction to newspapers.
Each day I carefully perused the daily journal. Ah yes, 1968. What a year it was! Pierre Trudeau captivated a nation and I watched it happen. There were countless pictures of our flamboyant new prime minister. The man with the Roman haircut was everywhere and Canadians couldn't get enough of him. We took notice as he demonstrated his athletic prowess by swimming and diving effortlessly. We couldn't help grinning when we viewed photos of our bachelor PM smiling shyly as women handed him roses and planted kisses on his cheek. He just oozed charisma and we started to believe that we had our own John F. Kennedy of the north.
Ah, yes, 1968. It was the Age of Aquarius. Flower power and youthful protests were the order of the day. There were student riots in Paris. It was also an Olympic year and skier Nancy Greene was our Canadian sweetheart, our hero. I carefully cut out articles about her gold medal victory in Grenoble, France and as the days passed, I filled my scrapbook.
In April of that year, the news became very solemn. South of the border, Martin Luther King was assassinated and there were race riots. Our class silently watched his funeral on a little black and white television. I noticed Bobby and Ethel Kennedy in the funeral procession, never dreaming that Bobby would be assassinated next. In August, the promise of the "Prague Spring" was shattered as Soviet tanks entered the city. As the year ended, we marvelled as Apollo 8 circled the moon.
Although many years have passed since 1968, I haven't changed a whit - at least as far as newspapers are concerned. I still delight in reading them and I have even developed my own system for doing so. Unless there is some momentous front page story, it is my custom to read the comics first. Then I focus on other matters such as international news, politics and sports. Long ago, I discovered that after a chuckle or two, stories about war, disaster and tragedy are much easier to swallow.
In addition to being a newspaper enthusiast, I am also a pack rat. I have several momentos from my early school days, including my kindergarten report card and my Grade 5 autograph book. For some reason, however, I neglected to save my Grade 6 scrapbook. That scrapbook exists only in my memory, but it has had a lasting effect on me.
I'll always be an unabashed newspaper reader because for me, being a witness to history is both enthralling and intoxicating. That is why my Grade 6 experiences left an indelible mark on my psyche. Although I did not grow up to be a news editor, I did eventually become a researcher at a newspaper library. As for my Grade 6 teacher, she took a maternity leave and the last time I saw her she was wheeling her baby in a grocery store. If I could speak to her today, I`d thank her for inspiring me.
SPORTS
The Chicago Blackhawks won convincingly last night in the fifth game of the Stanley Cup finals. Now I hope they can finish the job in the next game.
- Joanne
Sunday, June 6, 2010
SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2010
Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up over the hill,
With Abraham, Martin and John
- From the song "Abraham, Martin and John"
Lyrics by Marvin Gaye
On this day in 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy died after being gunned down by an assassin in a Los Angeles hotel. He had just won the California primary and was on his way to becoming the Democratic candidate for president of the United States. The final words of his victory speech still ring in my ears . . . "Now it's on to Chicago - and let's win there!"
Bobby, of course, never made it to Chicago for the Democratic Convention. His party chose Senator Hubert H. Humphrey of Minnesota as its presidential nominee. Humphrey went on to lose the 1968 election to one Richard Milhous Nixon.
I know it's hypothetical, but I can't help wondering what would have happened if Robert Kennedy hadn't been assassinated. He probably would have won the presidency and Richard Nixon would never have reached the White House. There never would have been a Watergate scandal. Yes, I realize that this is all moot and purely academic, but sometimes a person can't help wondering . . . Sometimes it's very amusing and highly enlightening to ask "what if" questions.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
Today is the 66th anniversary of D-Day. the Allied invasion of Europe. On this day in 1944, Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy. Codenamed Operation Overlord, it was the largest invasion force in military history.
SPORTS
Well, the Blue Jays took two out of three games from the New York Yankees. Of course I would have preferred a sweep of the Pinstripes, but two out of three isn't bad at all. I was at the game on Friday night and it was great to see a bigger crowd at the dome. There's more energy and excitement. Jose Bautista was sensational as he blasted two more homers. I don't know how long he can keep this up, but I'm really impressed. If the seasoned ended today, he would deserve to be the American League's MVP. He leads the league with 18 home runs. However, the season doesn't end today. I just hope Bautista continues to play well.
Yesterday, the Blue Jays defeated the Yanks 3-2 in a 14-inning marathon. This afternoon, in the final game of the series, they were defeated by a score of 4-2. They were winning 2-0 until the bullpen came into the game. It was unfortunate for Brandon Morrow because he pitched a really good game and didn't get a win. That's baseball!
Chicago and Philadelphia go at it again tonight in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Philly appears to have the momentum, but I hope a return to the Madhouse on Madison will help the Blackhawks.
- Joanne
Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up over the hill,
With Abraham, Martin and John
- From the song "Abraham, Martin and John"
Lyrics by Marvin Gaye
On this day in 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy died after being gunned down by an assassin in a Los Angeles hotel. He had just won the California primary and was on his way to becoming the Democratic candidate for president of the United States. The final words of his victory speech still ring in my ears . . . "Now it's on to Chicago - and let's win there!"
Bobby, of course, never made it to Chicago for the Democratic Convention. His party chose Senator Hubert H. Humphrey of Minnesota as its presidential nominee. Humphrey went on to lose the 1968 election to one Richard Milhous Nixon.
I know it's hypothetical, but I can't help wondering what would have happened if Robert Kennedy hadn't been assassinated. He probably would have won the presidency and Richard Nixon would never have reached the White House. There never would have been a Watergate scandal. Yes, I realize that this is all moot and purely academic, but sometimes a person can't help wondering . . . Sometimes it's very amusing and highly enlightening to ask "what if" questions.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
Today is the 66th anniversary of D-Day. the Allied invasion of Europe. On this day in 1944, Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy. Codenamed Operation Overlord, it was the largest invasion force in military history.
SPORTS
Well, the Blue Jays took two out of three games from the New York Yankees. Of course I would have preferred a sweep of the Pinstripes, but two out of three isn't bad at all. I was at the game on Friday night and it was great to see a bigger crowd at the dome. There's more energy and excitement. Jose Bautista was sensational as he blasted two more homers. I don't know how long he can keep this up, but I'm really impressed. If the seasoned ended today, he would deserve to be the American League's MVP. He leads the league with 18 home runs. However, the season doesn't end today. I just hope Bautista continues to play well.
Yesterday, the Blue Jays defeated the Yanks 3-2 in a 14-inning marathon. This afternoon, in the final game of the series, they were defeated by a score of 4-2. They were winning 2-0 until the bullpen came into the game. It was unfortunate for Brandon Morrow because he pitched a really good game and didn't get a win. That's baseball!
Chicago and Philadelphia go at it again tonight in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Philly appears to have the momentum, but I hope a return to the Madhouse on Madison will help the Blackhawks.
- Joanne
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Why I Support Strict Gun Control
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"When a person excels at something, he should do something else in which he is a novice because that brings him down to earth."
- George Bernard Shaw
ON GUN CONTROL
Here's what's on my mind today, Sixteeners. A 52-year-old taxi driver named Derrick Bird went on a rampage in Cumbria, England yesterday. He killed 12 people, including his own twin brother, before turning the gun on himself. There was speculation that the rampage was sparked by a family feud, but Bird's nieces denied that this was the case. Although Bird was convicted of theft in the 1990s, he was allowed to obtain a shotgun licence in 1995 and a firearms licence for a rifle in 2007. Why? When one is convicted of robbery or a violent crime, one should not be pemitted to own firearms.
Whenever an incident such as this occurs, it underlines the need for the strictist gun control laws possible. An individual convicted of theft should not have been allowed to obtain a shotgun licence or firearms licence.
My views will not make me popular with people in rural areas. They will not endear me to the National Firearms Association of Canada or the powerful National Rifle Association in the United States. I can't pretend to be what I am not. I do not live in a rural area. Although I am neither a hunter nor a farmer, it is not my intention to cavalierly dismiss their concerns. What I do not understand is why responsible gun owners feel so threatened by laws designed to protect society from deranged individuals. Nobody is stopping them from hunting or target shooting. It may be an inconvenience for them to register their guns or to undergo detailed backgound checks, but such measures are well worth the time and the cost. Too many guns find their way into the hands of unbalanced and mentally ill individuals such as Marc Lepine, the man who killed 14 women at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal or the young man who went on a murderous romp at Virginia Tech.
It is true that Britain has some pretty strict gun control laws, but they are obviously not strict enough to stop the Derrick Birds of this world. British Prime Minister David Cameron vowed to do do everything he could to prevent a repeat of the Cumbrian tragedy. However, the prime minister cautioned against “knee-jerk” demands for tougher gun laws - saying that “you can’t legislate to stop a switch flicking in someone’s head”. No, you can't, Mr. Cameron, but there are psychiatric evaluations and other obvious signals that an individual is unbalanced - or as in Derrick Bird's case, there are records that show that an induividual has been convicted of theft.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost to Tampa Bay yesterday. Shaun Marcum pitched eight strong innings, but lost control in the 9th inning. Jason Frasor, who came on in relief, performed poorly. Tampa Bay looks really good. They are for real.
The Stanley Cup finals continued yesterday with the series moving to Phiadelphia. The Flyers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks still lead the series 2 games to 1. The contest is more interesting now, but I maintain that Chicago will win.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"When a person excels at something, he should do something else in which he is a novice because that brings him down to earth."
- George Bernard Shaw
ON GUN CONTROL
Here's what's on my mind today, Sixteeners. A 52-year-old taxi driver named Derrick Bird went on a rampage in Cumbria, England yesterday. He killed 12 people, including his own twin brother, before turning the gun on himself. There was speculation that the rampage was sparked by a family feud, but Bird's nieces denied that this was the case. Although Bird was convicted of theft in the 1990s, he was allowed to obtain a shotgun licence in 1995 and a firearms licence for a rifle in 2007. Why? When one is convicted of robbery or a violent crime, one should not be pemitted to own firearms.
Whenever an incident such as this occurs, it underlines the need for the strictist gun control laws possible. An individual convicted of theft should not have been allowed to obtain a shotgun licence or firearms licence.
My views will not make me popular with people in rural areas. They will not endear me to the National Firearms Association of Canada or the powerful National Rifle Association in the United States. I can't pretend to be what I am not. I do not live in a rural area. Although I am neither a hunter nor a farmer, it is not my intention to cavalierly dismiss their concerns. What I do not understand is why responsible gun owners feel so threatened by laws designed to protect society from deranged individuals. Nobody is stopping them from hunting or target shooting. It may be an inconvenience for them to register their guns or to undergo detailed backgound checks, but such measures are well worth the time and the cost. Too many guns find their way into the hands of unbalanced and mentally ill individuals such as Marc Lepine, the man who killed 14 women at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal or the young man who went on a murderous romp at Virginia Tech.
It is true that Britain has some pretty strict gun control laws, but they are obviously not strict enough to stop the Derrick Birds of this world. British Prime Minister David Cameron vowed to do do everything he could to prevent a repeat of the Cumbrian tragedy. However, the prime minister cautioned against “knee-jerk” demands for tougher gun laws - saying that “you can’t legislate to stop a switch flicking in someone’s head”. No, you can't, Mr. Cameron, but there are psychiatric evaluations and other obvious signals that an individual is unbalanced - or as in Derrick Bird's case, there are records that show that an induividual has been convicted of theft.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost to Tampa Bay yesterday. Shaun Marcum pitched eight strong innings, but lost control in the 9th inning. Jason Frasor, who came on in relief, performed poorly. Tampa Bay looks really good. They are for real.
The Stanley Cup finals continued yesterday with the series moving to Phiadelphia. The Flyers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks still lead the series 2 games to 1. The contest is more interesting now, but I maintain that Chicago will win.
- Joanne
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Lou Gehrig's speech
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
“Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.”
- Lou Gehrig
From his farewell speech at Yankee Stadium, July 4, 1939
For the full text of Gehrig's speech, click on the link below.
http://www.focusonals.com/louspeech.htm
On this day in 1941 Yankee great Lou Gehrig died at the age of 37 of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disase. New York's magnificent first baseman was called the "The Iron Horse" because he was so durable. He played in 2,130 consecutive games. His streak of consecutive games began on June 2 1925 (yes, June 2, eight-five years ago) when he filled in for Wally Pipp who sat out a game. According to a popular story, Pipp didn't play that day because he had a migraine headache and Yankee manager Miller Huggins inserted young Lou Gehrig into the lineup. Recent evidence, however, suggests the story is a fabrication. For whatever reason, Wally Pipp did not play that day and his career was effectively derailed. After the 1925 season, the Yankees sold him to the Cincinnati Reds for a $7,500 waiver price. Wally Pipp died in 1965.
To watch a video about Lour Gehrig's speech at Yankee Stadium, click on the link below.
http://video.sbrforum.com/video-4844-lou-gehrig-speech.html
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JERRY MATHERS!
Jerry Mathers, better known as the Beaver, was born on this day in 1948. Golly, Beav, I can't believe you are 62 years old. I still visualize you as a little boy wearing a baseball cap. By the way, whatever happened to that creepy Eddie Haskell?
Now that we're on the subject of Leave It To Beaver, I'd just like to mention that the show ran from October 4, 1957 until September 12, 1963. It's appropriate that it went off the air just prior the assassination of JFK and before the Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan's show. Can you imagine Leave It To Beaver in the hippie era of the later 1960s? I just can't see June Cleaver performing her domestic duties in a mini-skirt. Can you? Nah! I don't think so. June was more suited to her pearls and prim dresses. In one episode, however, she actually wore slacks when the family went on an outdoor vacation.
SPORTS
Not to take anything away from the Tampa Bay Rays, but the Blue Jays lost a game they should have won last night. Brian Tallet pitched a good 6 2/3 innings. The Jays seemed to have the game in control until the disastrous 7th inning. The bullpen was shaky, particularly Jason Frasor. Nevertheless, when closer Kevin Gregg came to the mound in the 9th inning, the Jays still had the game within their grasp. They were leading 5-3. Gregg, however, completely lost his control, physically and mentally. He walked one batter after another. By the time the Jays came up in the bottom of the 9th, the score was 7-5 in favour of Tampa Bay. The Jays didn't quit. They came up with one more run. It wasn't enough and they lost by a score of 7-6.
- Joanne
“Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.”
- Lou Gehrig
From his farewell speech at Yankee Stadium, July 4, 1939
For the full text of Gehrig's speech, click on the link below.
http://www.focusonals.com/louspeech.htm
On this day in 1941 Yankee great Lou Gehrig died at the age of 37 of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disase. New York's magnificent first baseman was called the "The Iron Horse" because he was so durable. He played in 2,130 consecutive games. His streak of consecutive games began on June 2 1925 (yes, June 2, eight-five years ago) when he filled in for Wally Pipp who sat out a game. According to a popular story, Pipp didn't play that day because he had a migraine headache and Yankee manager Miller Huggins inserted young Lou Gehrig into the lineup. Recent evidence, however, suggests the story is a fabrication. For whatever reason, Wally Pipp did not play that day and his career was effectively derailed. After the 1925 season, the Yankees sold him to the Cincinnati Reds for a $7,500 waiver price. Wally Pipp died in 1965.
To watch a video about Lour Gehrig's speech at Yankee Stadium, click on the link below.
http://video.sbrforum.com/video-4844-lou-gehrig-speech.html
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JERRY MATHERS!
Jerry Mathers, better known as the Beaver, was born on this day in 1948. Golly, Beav, I can't believe you are 62 years old. I still visualize you as a little boy wearing a baseball cap. By the way, whatever happened to that creepy Eddie Haskell?
Now that we're on the subject of Leave It To Beaver, I'd just like to mention that the show ran from October 4, 1957 until September 12, 1963. It's appropriate that it went off the air just prior the assassination of JFK and before the Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan's show. Can you imagine Leave It To Beaver in the hippie era of the later 1960s? I just can't see June Cleaver performing her domestic duties in a mini-skirt. Can you? Nah! I don't think so. June was more suited to her pearls and prim dresses. In one episode, however, she actually wore slacks when the family went on an outdoor vacation.
SPORTS
Not to take anything away from the Tampa Bay Rays, but the Blue Jays lost a game they should have won last night. Brian Tallet pitched a good 6 2/3 innings. The Jays seemed to have the game in control until the disastrous 7th inning. The bullpen was shaky, particularly Jason Frasor. Nevertheless, when closer Kevin Gregg came to the mound in the 9th inning, the Jays still had the game within their grasp. They were leading 5-3. Gregg, however, completely lost his control, physically and mentally. He walked one batter after another. By the time the Jays came up in the bottom of the 9th, the score was 7-5 in favour of Tampa Bay. The Jays didn't quit. They came up with one more run. It wasn't enough and they lost by a score of 7-6.
- Joanne
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
John Masefield and Sea-Fever
TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2010
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face and a gray dawn breaking.
- John Masefield
From "Sea-Fever"
The English poet John Masefield was was born on this day in 1878. Masefield was appointed the 15th poet laureate of the United Kingdom in 1930, a position which he held until his death in 1967. Let's welcome the month of June with thoughts of the sea. I have always liked ships and boats and water. Sea-Fever is one of my favourite poems because it expresses such a sense of longing and nostalgia. Even if you suffer from sea sickness, you can still related to it because it is so poignant.
SPORTS
The Chicago Blackhawks took control of the Stanley Cup final by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers last night. The Hawks lead the series 2-0 and look to be the better team. It's certainly not over yet, but I think Chicago will take home Lord Stanley's Cup.
After sweeping the feckless Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays are now facing the Tampa Bay Rays. The time has come for them to compete with the cream of the American League East. It won't be easy, but they are off to a great start. They defeated Tampa Bay by a score 0f 3-2 last night at the dome.
- Joanne
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face and a gray dawn breaking.
- John Masefield
From "Sea-Fever"
The English poet John Masefield was was born on this day in 1878. Masefield was appointed the 15th poet laureate of the United Kingdom in 1930, a position which he held until his death in 1967. Let's welcome the month of June with thoughts of the sea. I have always liked ships and boats and water. Sea-Fever is one of my favourite poems because it expresses such a sense of longing and nostalgia. Even if you suffer from sea sickness, you can still related to it because it is so poignant.
SPORTS
The Chicago Blackhawks took control of the Stanley Cup final by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers last night. The Hawks lead the series 2-0 and look to be the better team. It's certainly not over yet, but I think Chicago will take home Lord Stanley's Cup.
After sweeping the feckless Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays are now facing the Tampa Bay Rays. The time has come for them to compete with the cream of the American League East. It won't be easy, but they are off to a great start. They defeated Tampa Bay by a score 0f 3-2 last night at the dome.
- Joanne
Monday, May 31, 2010
MONDAY, MAY 31, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money."
- Cree Proverb
I've never liked the expression "tree hugger." There's a negative connotation to it and it can be used in a derogatory fashion. People don't come right our and say it, but what they really mean when they are referring to "tree huggers" is that those who express a great concern for the environment are flakey and out in left field. One of the things I've always admired about aboriginals is their great respect for nature and their love of the land. If that's being a tree hugger, then count me in. As Joni Mitchell once sang, "You don't know what you got till it's gone."
SPORTS
The Blue Jays won again yesterday over Baltimore, and the brooms were out. With their 6-1 victory, the Jays swept the series. I know Baltimore is a struggling team, but a W is a W. These are the games that have to be won. Congratulations to Ricky Romero for pitching a complete game and also to Jose Bautistia. Bautista is on fire! He hit his league-leading 16th home run of the year.
Roy Halladay pitched a perfect game on Saturday. Good for Doc and what a great pitcher he is! To bad he didn't accomplish that feat in a Jays uniform. As all dedicated Blue Jay fans know, no Blue Jay pitcher has ever thrown a perfect game. Dave Stieb pitched a no-hitter in September of 1990 and he is the only pitcher in Jays history to do so.
Chicago won the first game of the Stanley Cup finals and I am pleased about that.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money."
- Cree Proverb
I've never liked the expression "tree hugger." There's a negative connotation to it and it can be used in a derogatory fashion. People don't come right our and say it, but what they really mean when they are referring to "tree huggers" is that those who express a great concern for the environment are flakey and out in left field. One of the things I've always admired about aboriginals is their great respect for nature and their love of the land. If that's being a tree hugger, then count me in. As Joni Mitchell once sang, "You don't know what you got till it's gone."
SPORTS
The Blue Jays won again yesterday over Baltimore, and the brooms were out. With their 6-1 victory, the Jays swept the series. I know Baltimore is a struggling team, but a W is a W. These are the games that have to be won. Congratulations to Ricky Romero for pitching a complete game and also to Jose Bautistia. Bautista is on fire! He hit his league-leading 16th home run of the year.
Roy Halladay pitched a perfect game on Saturday. Good for Doc and what a great pitcher he is! To bad he didn't accomplish that feat in a Jays uniform. As all dedicated Blue Jay fans know, no Blue Jay pitcher has ever thrown a perfect game. Dave Stieb pitched a no-hitter in September of 1990 and he is the only pitcher in Jays history to do so.
Chicago won the first game of the Stanley Cup finals and I am pleased about that.
- Joanne
Saturday, May 29, 2010
SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2010
Hello Sixteeners. This will be my final correspondence from Quebec City as I am going home tomorrow. I will be spending much of Sunday on a train. However, before I leave this beautiful city, I would like to mention another of my favourite places here. It is a bistro, a wine and cheese bar. It's called Le Pape Georges and it's located in the Quartier Petit Champlain.
On this day in 1917, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. It's hard to believe that if he were alive today, JFK would be 93 years old. File that under TIME FLIES.
Three big names in the entertainment world passed away this week. Art Linkletter died at 97 years of age. A native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Linkletter was a classy guy and had a great rapport with cbildren. His was the gentle humour of a more innocent era in television. Gary Coleman suffered a brain hemorrhage and died at only 42 years old, another victim of what I call the Child Star Syndrome. Actor Dennis Hopper succumbed to prostate cancer. He was 74. Here's a bit of trivia about Dennis Hopper: In 1964, five years before Easy Rider, he appeared in an episode of Petticoat Junction. The episode was entitled "Bobby Jo and the Beatnik" and Hopper played the beatnik. Rest In Peace Art, Gary and Dennis.
On a lighter note, I see that singer Willie Nelson has shorn his trademark long locks. Looking good, Willie. It was time for a change in hairstyle.
SPORTS
My Blue Jays just keep rolling along. They won the second game of their series against the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 5-2 today. Brett Cecil pitched a good game. The only disappoinment was the attendance at the dome. - just over 16,000. That is not great for a Saturday afternoon game. Come on fans! Come on out and support your team!
The Stanley Cup finals begin tonight in Chicago. Regular readers of Number 16 know that I'm cheering for the Blackhawks over Philly.
- Joanne
Hello Sixteeners. This will be my final correspondence from Quebec City as I am going home tomorrow. I will be spending much of Sunday on a train. However, before I leave this beautiful city, I would like to mention another of my favourite places here. It is a bistro, a wine and cheese bar. It's called Le Pape Georges and it's located in the Quartier Petit Champlain.
On this day in 1917, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. It's hard to believe that if he were alive today, JFK would be 93 years old. File that under TIME FLIES.
Three big names in the entertainment world passed away this week. Art Linkletter died at 97 years of age. A native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Linkletter was a classy guy and had a great rapport with cbildren. His was the gentle humour of a more innocent era in television. Gary Coleman suffered a brain hemorrhage and died at only 42 years old, another victim of what I call the Child Star Syndrome. Actor Dennis Hopper succumbed to prostate cancer. He was 74. Here's a bit of trivia about Dennis Hopper: In 1964, five years before Easy Rider, he appeared in an episode of Petticoat Junction. The episode was entitled "Bobby Jo and the Beatnik" and Hopper played the beatnik. Rest In Peace Art, Gary and Dennis.
On a lighter note, I see that singer Willie Nelson has shorn his trademark long locks. Looking good, Willie. It was time for a change in hairstyle.
SPORTS
My Blue Jays just keep rolling along. They won the second game of their series against the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 5-2 today. Brett Cecil pitched a good game. The only disappoinment was the attendance at the dome. - just over 16,000. That is not great for a Saturday afternoon game. Come on fans! Come on out and support your team!
The Stanley Cup finals begin tonight in Chicago. Regular readers of Number 16 know that I'm cheering for the Blackhawks over Philly.
- Joanne
Friday, May 28, 2010
Visit to Grosse-Ile
FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2010
Bonjour from Quebec City
Well, Sixteeners, today I took a boat ride to Grosse-Ile. That's the place where the Irish immigrants landed when they came to Canada during the potato famine. There was a terrible tragedy in 1847 when so many died of typhus on Grosse-Ile. They are buried on the island and there is a huge Celtic cross to honour them. It was erected in 1909 and it is the largest Celtic cross outside of Ireland. There is also a memorial wall that lists the names of the dead. If you are in the Quebec City area, I recommend that you visit Grosse-Ile. It's even more poignant if you are of Irish ancestry. I am not of Irish ancestry, but my husband is. His great-great grandfather Matthew Madden died in Toronto in 1912, but so far we have been unable to trace his parents. We do not know the name of the town or city they came from in Ireland. Nor do we know if they died at sea or on Grosse-Ile.
On this day in 1934, the Dionne quintuplets were born in Callander, Ontario, near the village of Corbeil. A Depression-weary public was intrigued by these five little girls. Sadly, only two of the sisters survive today - Annette and Cecile.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays snapped a losing streak by defeating the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 5-0. They are back on track.
- Joanne
Bonjour from Quebec City
Well, Sixteeners, today I took a boat ride to Grosse-Ile. That's the place where the Irish immigrants landed when they came to Canada during the potato famine. There was a terrible tragedy in 1847 when so many died of typhus on Grosse-Ile. They are buried on the island and there is a huge Celtic cross to honour them. It was erected in 1909 and it is the largest Celtic cross outside of Ireland. There is also a memorial wall that lists the names of the dead. If you are in the Quebec City area, I recommend that you visit Grosse-Ile. It's even more poignant if you are of Irish ancestry. I am not of Irish ancestry, but my husband is. His great-great grandfather Matthew Madden died in Toronto in 1912, but so far we have been unable to trace his parents. We do not know the name of the town or city they came from in Ireland. Nor do we know if they died at sea or on Grosse-Ile.
On this day in 1934, the Dionne quintuplets were born in Callander, Ontario, near the village of Corbeil. A Depression-weary public was intrigued by these five little girls. Sadly, only two of the sisters survive today - Annette and Cecile.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays snapped a losing streak by defeating the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 5-0. They are back on track.
- Joanne
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
More from Quebec City
WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2010
Hello again from Quebec City
It's been unusually hot and humid in the Quebec capital. We had thunderstorms last night. Yesterday my husband and I lunched at one of our favourite restaurants here. It's located in the heart of Old Quebec and it's called Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens. I ordered tortiere and it was a real treat for me because I never eat tortiere back home in Ontario. There is a great museum in Quebec City called Musee de la civilisation where we saw a fascinating exhibit on the development of human thought, language and the brain. The name of the exhibit is "Copyright humain." Today we plan to have a picnic lunch on the historic Plains of Abraham.
Several giants in the entertainment world were born on May 26th. James Arness of Gunsmoke fame was born on this day in 1923. John Wayne was born Marion Morrison on May 26, 1907 in rural Iowa. Singer Peggy Lee was born Norma Egstrom in Jamestown, North Dakota on May 26, 1920. Al Jolson claimed to be born on May 26, 1886, but produced no documentation to verify this claim. Jolson was born Asa Yoelson in the Lithuanian region of Imperial Russia. On May 26, 1912, Canadian-born Jay Silverheels, the man who played the Lone Ranger's sidekick Tonto, came into this world . His birth name was Harold J. Smith and he was a Mohawk who was born on the Six Nations Reservation in Brantford, Ontario.
SPORTS
My Blue Jays didn't do well last night in Anaheim. They lost 8-3 to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Boy oh boy! What a long-winded, awkward name for a team! Why don't they just call themselves the LA Angels or the Anaheim Angels? It must be for marketing purposes that they include both LA and Anaheim in the their name. Whatever they're called, they clobbered us last night. Ricky Romero just didn't have it. What a disappointment for him because he's from LA and his family and friends were in attendance.
Well, Habs fans, have you recovered yet? If it's any consolation, I can tell you it could be worse. YBoyou could be a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Remember that Les canadiens performed far better than expected and they defeated two powerhouses in Washington and Pittsburgh. I know! I know! It wasn't as sweet as winning the Stanley Cup, but you have to admit it was a great ride. Now I just hope Chicago defeats Philly
- Joanne
t
Hello again from Quebec City
It's been unusually hot and humid in the Quebec capital. We had thunderstorms last night. Yesterday my husband and I lunched at one of our favourite restaurants here. It's located in the heart of Old Quebec and it's called Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens. I ordered tortiere and it was a real treat for me because I never eat tortiere back home in Ontario. There is a great museum in Quebec City called Musee de la civilisation where we saw a fascinating exhibit on the development of human thought, language and the brain. The name of the exhibit is "Copyright humain." Today we plan to have a picnic lunch on the historic Plains of Abraham.
Several giants in the entertainment world were born on May 26th. James Arness of Gunsmoke fame was born on this day in 1923. John Wayne was born Marion Morrison on May 26, 1907 in rural Iowa. Singer Peggy Lee was born Norma Egstrom in Jamestown, North Dakota on May 26, 1920. Al Jolson claimed to be born on May 26, 1886, but produced no documentation to verify this claim. Jolson was born Asa Yoelson in the Lithuanian region of Imperial Russia. On May 26, 1912, Canadian-born Jay Silverheels, the man who played the Lone Ranger's sidekick Tonto, came into this world . His birth name was Harold J. Smith and he was a Mohawk who was born on the Six Nations Reservation in Brantford, Ontario.
SPORTS
My Blue Jays didn't do well last night in Anaheim. They lost 8-3 to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Boy oh boy! What a long-winded, awkward name for a team! Why don't they just call themselves the LA Angels or the Anaheim Angels? It must be for marketing purposes that they include both LA and Anaheim in the their name. Whatever they're called, they clobbered us last night. Ricky Romero just didn't have it. What a disappointment for him because he's from LA and his family and friends were in attendance.
Well, Habs fans, have you recovered yet? If it's any consolation, I can tell you it could be worse. YBoyou could be a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Remember that Les canadiens performed far better than expected and they defeated two powerhouses in Washington and Pittsburgh. I know! I know! It wasn't as sweet as winning the Stanley Cup, but you have to admit it was a great ride. Now I just hope Chicago defeats Philly
- Joanne
t
Monday, May 24, 2010
Happy Victoria Day
MONDAY, MAY 24, 2010
Queen Victoria was born on this day in 1819. Her full name was Alexandrina Victoria. It's a good thing she went by the name Victoria. Queen Alexandrina just doesn't have the same ring too it, does it?
Bonjour Sixteeners. I am writing this from beautiful Quebec City. As I wrote in my last posting, I will be here for a week. It is sunny and warm here. Who could ask for anything more?
SPORTS
The Jays won yesteday, and what a slugfest it was! They overpowered Arizona by a score of 12-4. As pleased as I am with the Blue Jays so far this season, I'm even more impressed with the Tampa Bay Rays. If they keep this up, they are going to be extremely difficult to beat in the AL East.
The Montreal Canadiens face elimination tonight It's certainly going to be interesting. Can they do it? I think it's unlikely. They are behind 3 games to 1, but stranger things have happened. I wouldn't bet on it though. However, I really hope I'm wrong. As I've mentioned before, I would like to see a Montreal-Chicago final. Chicago seems to be a team on a mission. I have to say that those Hawks seem very hungry. My head says they will win it all.
- Joanne
Queen Victoria was born on this day in 1819. Her full name was Alexandrina Victoria. It's a good thing she went by the name Victoria. Queen Alexandrina just doesn't have the same ring too it, does it?
Bonjour Sixteeners. I am writing this from beautiful Quebec City. As I wrote in my last posting, I will be here for a week. It is sunny and warm here. Who could ask for anything more?
SPORTS
The Jays won yesteday, and what a slugfest it was! They overpowered Arizona by a score of 12-4. As pleased as I am with the Blue Jays so far this season, I'm even more impressed with the Tampa Bay Rays. If they keep this up, they are going to be extremely difficult to beat in the AL East.
The Montreal Canadiens face elimination tonight It's certainly going to be interesting. Can they do it? I think it's unlikely. They are behind 3 games to 1, but stranger things have happened. I wouldn't bet on it though. However, I really hope I'm wrong. As I've mentioned before, I would like to see a Montreal-Chicago final. Chicago seems to be a team on a mission. I have to say that those Hawks seem very hungry. My head says they will win it all.
- Joanne
Sunday, May 23, 2010
SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind."
- William Blake
From "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell"
This is a long weekend in Canada and I hope you are all enjoying it. I'm off to Quebec City tomorrow to visit relatives. Take note, you Sixteeners out there in cyberspace, I'll be in la ville de Quebec for almost a week and will be updating Number 16 from there. I'm really looking forward to it. Quebec City is a jewel of a city beacuse it's so picturesque and so historic. It is truly the most European city in North America, and the most romantic. I wish I could speak French with proficiency. Truth be told, I struggle with the language. I try my best though.
SPORTS
Yesterday was definitely a bad sports day for me. The Jays lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Why can't they win against National League Teams? Manager Cito Gaston has made it abundantly clear that he dislikes interleague baseball. Cito doesn't want to see his pitchers at bat or running the bases and fears they will be injured. He can't be blamed for feeling that way, but the fact is that interleague play is a realty. The Jays have to deal with it and adjust to it. They're poor record against the NL is holding them back and hurting their changes of campeting in post-season play.
In yrsterday's game, starting pitcher Dana Eveland struggled again and had to be taken out of the game early. Eveland has been struggling lately. Something's got to give with the starting rotation.
The Montreal Canadiens played a disappointing game yesterday. They are now down 3 games to 1 to the Philadelphia Flyers and chances for a Montreal-Chicago final are looking more and more remote. It's going to be extremely difficult for the Habs to dig themselves out of the hole they're in. It's not impossible, but highly improbable. The fat lady is starting to move in on them.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind."
- William Blake
From "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell"
This is a long weekend in Canada and I hope you are all enjoying it. I'm off to Quebec City tomorrow to visit relatives. Take note, you Sixteeners out there in cyberspace, I'll be in la ville de Quebec for almost a week and will be updating Number 16 from there. I'm really looking forward to it. Quebec City is a jewel of a city beacuse it's so picturesque and so historic. It is truly the most European city in North America, and the most romantic. I wish I could speak French with proficiency. Truth be told, I struggle with the language. I try my best though.
SPORTS
Yesterday was definitely a bad sports day for me. The Jays lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Why can't they win against National League Teams? Manager Cito Gaston has made it abundantly clear that he dislikes interleague baseball. Cito doesn't want to see his pitchers at bat or running the bases and fears they will be injured. He can't be blamed for feeling that way, but the fact is that interleague play is a realty. The Jays have to deal with it and adjust to it. They're poor record against the NL is holding them back and hurting their changes of campeting in post-season play.
In yrsterday's game, starting pitcher Dana Eveland struggled again and had to be taken out of the game early. Eveland has been struggling lately. Something's got to give with the starting rotation.
The Montreal Canadiens played a disappointing game yesterday. They are now down 3 games to 1 to the Philadelphia Flyers and chances for a Montreal-Chicago final are looking more and more remote. It's going to be extremely difficult for the Habs to dig themselves out of the hole they're in. It's not impossible, but highly improbable. The fat lady is starting to move in on them.
- Joanne
Friday, May 21, 2010
Some Events in the Year 1927
FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2010
On this day in 1927, Charles Lindbergh touched down in Paris after completing the world's first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. 1927 was quite a year in many ways, and it was a stellar year for the Bambino. Baseball fans know that Babe Ruth smashed his 60th home run that year. Boxing fans know that the famous "long count" heavyweight championship fight between Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey took place in Chicago on September 22, 1927. Movie buffs know that the first full-length talking film, "The Jazz Singer", starring Al Jolson, premiered in New York City in October of 1927. "The Jazz Singer" ushered in a new era in film history and spelled the beginning of the end for silent films.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost the second game of their series with Seattle. Now they head to Phoenix for a series with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Well, the fat lady hasn't yet sung for the Montreal Canadiens. She'll have to retreat a little to the background because the Habs defeated the Philadelphia Flyers decisively in the third game of their series. Montreal is still behind 2 games to 1, but things are starting to get really interesting . . .
- Joanne
On this day in 1927, Charles Lindbergh touched down in Paris after completing the world's first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. 1927 was quite a year in many ways, and it was a stellar year for the Bambino. Baseball fans know that Babe Ruth smashed his 60th home run that year. Boxing fans know that the famous "long count" heavyweight championship fight between Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey took place in Chicago on September 22, 1927. Movie buffs know that the first full-length talking film, "The Jazz Singer", starring Al Jolson, premiered in New York City in October of 1927. "The Jazz Singer" ushered in a new era in film history and spelled the beginning of the end for silent films.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost the second game of their series with Seattle. Now they head to Phoenix for a series with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Well, the fat lady hasn't yet sung for the Montreal Canadiens. She'll have to retreat a little to the background because the Habs defeated the Philadelphia Flyers decisively in the third game of their series. Montreal is still behind 2 games to 1, but things are starting to get really interesting . . .
- Joanne
Thursday, May 20, 2010
John Stuart Mill and free speech
THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2010
"If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if had the power, would be justified in sliencing mankind."
John Stuart Mill
From "On Liberty"
`
Today is the birth anniversary of the great British philosopher John Stuart Mill, a passionate advocate of free speech. Mill was born in London, England on this day in 1806. He was the eldest son of the Scottish philosopher James Mill.
John Stuart Mill wrote "The Subjection of Women" in which he likens the legal status of women to the status of slaves and makes a case for equality in marriage and under the law. That was radical thinking for a male living in the 19th century. I must say that Mr. Mill was certainly a man ahead of his time.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
Today marks a very significant date in Canadian history. This is the 30th anniversary of the first Quebec referendum. I'll never forget the passions and emotions of that campaign. As a staunch federalist, I remember how worried I was about the situation as I awaited the results on that memorable day in 1980.
SPORTS
Hey, my Blue Jays are on a roll. They are on the road and they won the first game of their series against the Seattle Mariners. The Seattle Mariners aren't exactly a homerun hitting machine, but a W is a W.
Les Canadiens contine their series with the Philadelphia Flyers tonight. They play their first game of the series at home in Montreal. They are behind the proverbial eight ball, down 2-0 in the series. If they don't win tonight, they'll see the fat lady approaching and she'll be preparing to sing.
- Joanne
"If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if had the power, would be justified in sliencing mankind."
John Stuart Mill
From "On Liberty"
`
Today is the birth anniversary of the great British philosopher John Stuart Mill, a passionate advocate of free speech. Mill was born in London, England on this day in 1806. He was the eldest son of the Scottish philosopher James Mill.
John Stuart Mill wrote "The Subjection of Women" in which he likens the legal status of women to the status of slaves and makes a case for equality in marriage and under the law. That was radical thinking for a male living in the 19th century. I must say that Mr. Mill was certainly a man ahead of his time.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
Today marks a very significant date in Canadian history. This is the 30th anniversary of the first Quebec referendum. I'll never forget the passions and emotions of that campaign. As a staunch federalist, I remember how worried I was about the situation as I awaited the results on that memorable day in 1980.
SPORTS
Hey, my Blue Jays are on a roll. They are on the road and they won the first game of their series against the Seattle Mariners. The Seattle Mariners aren't exactly a homerun hitting machine, but a W is a W.
Les Canadiens contine their series with the Philadelphia Flyers tonight. They play their first game of the series at home in Montreal. They are behind the proverbial eight ball, down 2-0 in the series. If they don't win tonight, they'll see the fat lady approaching and she'll be preparing to sing.
- Joanne
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Jackie, JFK and Marilyn Monroe
MAY 19, 2010
On this day in 1994, former U.S. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died of lymphoma at the age of 64. Here are my reflections on Jackie and her years as First Lady.
If John F. Kennedy was the King Arthur of the Camelot White House, then Jackie was its Queen Guinevere. Of course, like the legend of King Arthur, the Camelot White House was also a myth. It was such a beautiful myth that it was sad to see the bubble burst. Jackie was young, glamourous and sophisticated. Only 31-years-old when she became First Lady, she set the fashion trends of her day. She wore sensational gowns and her trademark pillbox hats. When she accompanied JFK on a visit to Paris, she thoroughly charmed the French with her swan-like gracefulness and poise. Her husband even joked about how she had upstaged him there.
Women of the 1960s admired Jackie and they tried to imitate her. After all, she wore beautiful hairstyles and she was married to a handsome, charasmatic man who just happened to be president of the United States. For that one brief, shining moment, it appeared as if Camelot had come to America. Jackie seemed to have it all -until that dreadful day in Dallas. Most people didnt know that the so-called Camelot of the Kennedys had come crashing down long before the tragic events of November 22, 1963.
In this digital age of journalism, it's hard to believe JFK's ties to the Mafia and his infidelities were kept a secret at the time. There must have been some agreement among the press to keep quiet about the president's escapades. It is inconceivable that the media were oblivious to the goings-on behind the scenes.
One thing I will say about Jackie, she was not a blabbermouth. She never wrote a tell-all book. She never appeared on talk shows to reveal the private details of her years in the White House. Nor did she tell tales about the Onassis family.
Here's the final irony. On this day in 1962, Marilyn Monroe delivered her famous rendition of "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" at a celebration of JFK's 45th birthday in New York. Yes, Jackie died on the same date - May 19th.
At the president's Madison Square Garden birthday party, actor Peter Lawford, JFK's brother-in-law at the time, introduced Marilyn to those in attendance , as "the late Marilyn Monroe." Lawford obviously meant "late" as in tardy, but Marilyn was found dead in August of 1962. How eerie!
To view a a video of Marilyn's rendition of Happy Birthday, Mr. President, click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4SLSlSmW74
SPORTS
The Blue Jays are hot. They defeated Minnesota handily in the second game of their two-game series. They start a road trip now.
There is no joy in Montreal. The Habs lost again to Philadelphia. Montreal did not even score a goal and the final score was 3-0. The Canadiens have not yet put the puck in the net in this series.
- Joanne
On this day in 1994, former U.S. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died of lymphoma at the age of 64. Here are my reflections on Jackie and her years as First Lady.
If John F. Kennedy was the King Arthur of the Camelot White House, then Jackie was its Queen Guinevere. Of course, like the legend of King Arthur, the Camelot White House was also a myth. It was such a beautiful myth that it was sad to see the bubble burst. Jackie was young, glamourous and sophisticated. Only 31-years-old when she became First Lady, she set the fashion trends of her day. She wore sensational gowns and her trademark pillbox hats. When she accompanied JFK on a visit to Paris, she thoroughly charmed the French with her swan-like gracefulness and poise. Her husband even joked about how she had upstaged him there.
Women of the 1960s admired Jackie and they tried to imitate her. After all, she wore beautiful hairstyles and she was married to a handsome, charasmatic man who just happened to be president of the United States. For that one brief, shining moment, it appeared as if Camelot had come to America. Jackie seemed to have it all -until that dreadful day in Dallas. Most people didnt know that the so-called Camelot of the Kennedys had come crashing down long before the tragic events of November 22, 1963.
In this digital age of journalism, it's hard to believe JFK's ties to the Mafia and his infidelities were kept a secret at the time. There must have been some agreement among the press to keep quiet about the president's escapades. It is inconceivable that the media were oblivious to the goings-on behind the scenes.
One thing I will say about Jackie, she was not a blabbermouth. She never wrote a tell-all book. She never appeared on talk shows to reveal the private details of her years in the White House. Nor did she tell tales about the Onassis family.
Here's the final irony. On this day in 1962, Marilyn Monroe delivered her famous rendition of "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" at a celebration of JFK's 45th birthday in New York. Yes, Jackie died on the same date - May 19th.
At the president's Madison Square Garden birthday party, actor Peter Lawford, JFK's brother-in-law at the time, introduced Marilyn to those in attendance , as "the late Marilyn Monroe." Lawford obviously meant "late" as in tardy, but Marilyn was found dead in August of 1962. How eerie!
To view a a video of Marilyn's rendition of Happy Birthday, Mr. President, click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4SLSlSmW74
SPORTS
The Blue Jays are hot. They defeated Minnesota handily in the second game of their two-game series. They start a road trip now.
There is no joy in Montreal. The Habs lost again to Philadelphia. Montreal did not even score a goal and the final score was 3-0. The Canadiens have not yet put the puck in the net in this series.
- Joanne
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
On Leadership
TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Leadership has a moral dimension that power does not. Power is manipulative. It is the exploitation of other people's motives in order to realize the power holder's objectives. The real leader relates to the genuine wants and needs and aspirations of his followeres rather that manipulating them for his own ends."
- James McGregor Burns
From "Leadership"
I've been thinking about that quote and about leaders. It seems to me we have a definite lack of political leadership in Canada today - at least in the realm of politics. I'm not saying we don't have any hard working and dedicated politcians. I'm merely saying that I can't think of any living Canadian politican who greatly inspires me. I can't think of any Canadian politician today who will go down in history as a great Canadian. Where are the Macdonalds and Lauriers and Pearsons? Where have you gone Nellie McClung, Pierre Trudreau and Tommy Douglas? One may not have always agreed with them, but at least they showed leadership. They made Canadians think and reflect and debate. Our current crop of political leaders appears to be too busy sniping at each other and putting partisanship before the good of the country.
Fortunately, outside of politics, we do have some leadership. We have Canadians such as Craig Kielburger and David Suzuki who are inspiring, who are displaying leadership. I would like to seem someone fill the political vacuum.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
On this day in 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in the state of Washington. This is the 30th anniversary of that disaster in which 57 people lost their lives and thousands of animals died. Now we have a volcano in Iceland that is causing havoc by disrupting air travel.
SPORTS
Well, the Montreal Canadiens were beaten badly in the first game of their series with the Philadelphia Flyers. They have a chance to redeem themselves tonight, but they are going to have to play much better if they want to keep their dream alive.
I'm pleased that the Chicageo Blackhawks defeated the San Jose Sharks in the first gamee of that series.
The Blue Jays' winning streak came to an end yesterday with a loss to the Minnesota Twins. I've got to say, the Twins looked good. Former Blue Jay Orlando(Ol Dog) Hudson came back to haunt his old team. Hudson played really well and British Columbia native Justin Marneau hit two home runs. The bad news for the Jays is that Travis Snider is injured and on the 15-day DL. He was starting to play really well too. I hope this isn't a bad set back for the 22-year-old native of the Seattle area.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Leadership has a moral dimension that power does not. Power is manipulative. It is the exploitation of other people's motives in order to realize the power holder's objectives. The real leader relates to the genuine wants and needs and aspirations of his followeres rather that manipulating them for his own ends."
- James McGregor Burns
From "Leadership"
I've been thinking about that quote and about leaders. It seems to me we have a definite lack of political leadership in Canada today - at least in the realm of politics. I'm not saying we don't have any hard working and dedicated politcians. I'm merely saying that I can't think of any living Canadian politican who greatly inspires me. I can't think of any Canadian politician today who will go down in history as a great Canadian. Where are the Macdonalds and Lauriers and Pearsons? Where have you gone Nellie McClung, Pierre Trudreau and Tommy Douglas? One may not have always agreed with them, but at least they showed leadership. They made Canadians think and reflect and debate. Our current crop of political leaders appears to be too busy sniping at each other and putting partisanship before the good of the country.
Fortunately, outside of politics, we do have some leadership. We have Canadians such as Craig Kielburger and David Suzuki who are inspiring, who are displaying leadership. I would like to seem someone fill the political vacuum.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
On this day in 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in the state of Washington. This is the 30th anniversary of that disaster in which 57 people lost their lives and thousands of animals died. Now we have a volcano in Iceland that is causing havoc by disrupting air travel.
SPORTS
Well, the Montreal Canadiens were beaten badly in the first game of their series with the Philadelphia Flyers. They have a chance to redeem themselves tonight, but they are going to have to play much better if they want to keep their dream alive.
I'm pleased that the Chicageo Blackhawks defeated the San Jose Sharks in the first gamee of that series.
The Blue Jays' winning streak came to an end yesterday with a loss to the Minnesota Twins. I've got to say, the Twins looked good. Former Blue Jay Orlando(Ol Dog) Hudson came back to haunt his old team. Hudson played really well and British Columbia native Justin Marneau hit two home runs. The bad news for the Jays is that Travis Snider is injured and on the 15-day DL. He was starting to play really well too. I hope this isn't a bad set back for the 22-year-old native of the Seattle area.
- Joanne
Sunday, May 16, 2010
SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Time heals griefs and quarrels for we change and are no longer the same persons. Neither the offender nor the offended are any more themselves."
- Blaise Pascal
I hope you are enjoying the weekend ... and as you are well aware, next weekend is a long one in Canada.
On a personal note, this is quite a time for me. Friday was my last day at my long-time job as a researcher at a newspaper ibrary. I took a voluntary buyout and I am moving on. It's a big change and a new life.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays have won the first two games of their series against the Texas Rangers. Way to go! Ricky Romero pitched a great game yesterday. He's looking like a real gem. I was also impressed by Casey Jansen on Friday. By the way, I was at at the dome on Friday night. It wasn't exactly the greatest night for pitchers. However, it was a fun game. Unfortunately, at least from my pespective, the roof was open. Now, don't get me wrong. I much prefer watching baseball in the open air - when the weather is warm enough. I would not want a dome stadium that did not have a retractable roof. Friday night, howeever, was just too cool and windy to open the roof. I realize you can't please all the fans, but I think thay made the wrong call on Friday. It may have been fine to open it during the afternoon, but the strong wind made it quite chilly once the sun went down.
So, we are down to the third round of the NHL playoffs. The stage is set. Montreal plays Philadelphia and Chicago takes on San Jose. I do not like the Philadelphia Flyers because I was never a fan of the Broad Steet Bullies. Furthermore, I always associate Bobby Clarke with the Flyers. He was such a dirty player. I remember Clarke's infamous slash on Russian superstar Valeri Kharlamov during the 1972 Canada-Soviet summit series. In 2002, during the 30th anniversary of the super series, Paul Henderson, the hero of the series, criticized Clarke. Henderson described Clarke's slash, which broke Kharlamov's ankle, as "the lowpoint of the series". Bobby Clarke became upset with him and asked him why he didn't say something about it 30 years ago. That's a valid question, but it is beside the point. The point is that Paul was right on the money in his assessment of Bobby Clarke's slash of Kharlamov, and he remained firm in that assessment. Although Henderson said that the last thing he wanted to do was to trash Clarke, hs emphasized that he stood by his opinion "that, in terms of sportsmanship, I don't think there's any place for it then and I don't think there is any place for it there."
As for the San Jose Sharks, I have nothing against them. It's just that San Jose is not exactly a hockey mad city. I want the Stanley Cup to go to a city where hockey matters. That's why I would like to see a Montreal - Chicago final.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Time heals griefs and quarrels for we change and are no longer the same persons. Neither the offender nor the offended are any more themselves."
- Blaise Pascal
I hope you are enjoying the weekend ... and as you are well aware, next weekend is a long one in Canada.
On a personal note, this is quite a time for me. Friday was my last day at my long-time job as a researcher at a newspaper ibrary. I took a voluntary buyout and I am moving on. It's a big change and a new life.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays have won the first two games of their series against the Texas Rangers. Way to go! Ricky Romero pitched a great game yesterday. He's looking like a real gem. I was also impressed by Casey Jansen on Friday. By the way, I was at at the dome on Friday night. It wasn't exactly the greatest night for pitchers. However, it was a fun game. Unfortunately, at least from my pespective, the roof was open. Now, don't get me wrong. I much prefer watching baseball in the open air - when the weather is warm enough. I would not want a dome stadium that did not have a retractable roof. Friday night, howeever, was just too cool and windy to open the roof. I realize you can't please all the fans, but I think thay made the wrong call on Friday. It may have been fine to open it during the afternoon, but the strong wind made it quite chilly once the sun went down.
So, we are down to the third round of the NHL playoffs. The stage is set. Montreal plays Philadelphia and Chicago takes on San Jose. I do not like the Philadelphia Flyers because I was never a fan of the Broad Steet Bullies. Furthermore, I always associate Bobby Clarke with the Flyers. He was such a dirty player. I remember Clarke's infamous slash on Russian superstar Valeri Kharlamov during the 1972 Canada-Soviet summit series. In 2002, during the 30th anniversary of the super series, Paul Henderson, the hero of the series, criticized Clarke. Henderson described Clarke's slash, which broke Kharlamov's ankle, as "the lowpoint of the series". Bobby Clarke became upset with him and asked him why he didn't say something about it 30 years ago. That's a valid question, but it is beside the point. The point is that Paul was right on the money in his assessment of Bobby Clarke's slash of Kharlamov, and he remained firm in that assessment. Although Henderson said that the last thing he wanted to do was to trash Clarke, hs emphasized that he stood by his opinion "that, in terms of sportsmanship, I don't think there's any place for it then and I don't think there is any place for it there."
As for the San Jose Sharks, I have nothing against them. It's just that San Jose is not exactly a hockey mad city. I want the Stanley Cup to go to a city where hockey matters. That's why I would like to see a Montreal - Chicago final.
- Joanne
Friday, May 14, 2010
FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body; it calls attention to an unhealthy state of mind."
- Winston Churchill
RANT OF THE DAY
Montreal hockey fans are passionate about their team. The vast majority of them are just having a good time, enjoying some very intriguing and exciting playoff hockey. Unfortunately, there is an element of hooliganism in the city of Montreal. There are some yahoos who are hijacking a terrific run by Les Canadiens. These hooligans are besmudging the reputation of a great Canadian city. They don't really care if the Montreal Canadiens win or lose. It is clear that they are using these playoffs as a convenient excuse to loot and vandalize. I sympathize with hardworking small business owners who have seen their stores looted and their shop windows broken. To think that this occurred after the Habs won a series. I shudder to think what will happen if they loose a series or the seventh game of the Stanley Cup final. How disgraceful!
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body; it calls attention to an unhealthy state of mind."
- Winston Churchill
RANT OF THE DAY
Montreal hockey fans are passionate about their team. The vast majority of them are just having a good time, enjoying some very intriguing and exciting playoff hockey. Unfortunately, there is an element of hooliganism in the city of Montreal. There are some yahoos who are hijacking a terrific run by Les Canadiens. These hooligans are besmudging the reputation of a great Canadian city. They don't really care if the Montreal Canadiens win or lose. It is clear that they are using these playoffs as a convenient excuse to loot and vandalize. I sympathize with hardworking small business owners who have seen their stores looted and their shop windows broken. To think that this occurred after the Habs won a series. I shudder to think what will happen if they loose a series or the seventh game of the Stanley Cup final. How disgraceful!
- Joanne
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
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